Desert Survival Skillsby David Alloway

University of Texas Press, 2000

5¾″ × 9″ softcover. 249 pages.

The late David Alloway was an interpretive naturalist at Big Bend Ranch State Park for ten years, and was renowned as the foremost expert on survival in the Chihuauhuan Desert.

His students included air force and customs pilots, scouts, Outward Bound, and the general public. We are fortunate he left this book as a legacy.

In simple friendly language, enlivened with humor and stories, Alloway provides practical, comprehensive information for short-term and long-term survival in North America's deserts. Includes instructions on survival kits, shelters, desert hazards, and first aid.

This is the best book we can recommend for your visit here.

$24.95

Vasque Sundowner Hiking Boots for Men and Women

This light-weight, durable, dependable boot has a reputation for comfort and old school style, which may explain why it’s as common in the grocery store as on the trail. Great for hiking, backpacking, and light mountaineering. This Gore-Tex lined boot is completely waterproof and requires very little break-in time.

Upper: 2.4 Waterproof Smoothout Leather Insole: Bimodal 2 Midsole: Medium Density Rubber

Outsole: Vasque Classic Lining: 3-bar Knit Gore-Tex Nylon Footbed: Dual Density EVA Padded Collar; Waterproof

Available in three colors:

Brown Black Burgundy
Available in Men’s sizes 7–15, 8–13 wide Weight: 3 lbs. 6 oz.	Available in Women’s sizes 5–11 Weight: 2 lbs. 12 oz.
$170.00	$170.00

TORTUGA Kohte Patrol Tent

The Khote has its roots in the nomadic tents used by the people of the Lapland region. It was popularized in the late 1920s by Eberhard Koebel, an almost mythical figure in the German scouting movement who is remembered today as “Tusk.”

The Kohte is a brilliant design for use in the Big Bend on several counts.

Its ground-hugging 5.3 ft. square profile performs well in high winds. Its two-piece notched wooden roof cross and poles provide structural stability. The Kohte’s open top allows smoke from an indoor fire to escape, and its rain cap provides a dry yet well-ventilated interior.

The Kohte’s distinctive black cotton material echoes the tents of desert people in North Africa and Central Asia, and provides deep shade and a cooler interior than most other tents. Unlike synthetic-fabric tents that will last only a few years, with proper care the 100% cotton Kohte will last for more than 20 years.

Its four panels and raincap can be backpacked by separate members of a camping party and, with practice, assembled in 15 minutes at the next encampment.

In addition to the classic model, three groundstrip options are available that can function as sidewalls. The Kohte sleeps four to six.

$1,295.00

AKUBRA “Bushman” Hat

The Akubra Company of Australia has been making some of the finest fur felt hats in the world since 1874.

We have brought Akubras to West Texas because they are designed for the same rugged conditions as we have here. They’re durable, shower proof, and provide excellent protection from the sun. Plus, Akubras are very reasonably priced.

If you have ever heard the Texas expression “Big hat, no cattle,” you will thank us for not selling you an American cowboy hat. West Texans, especially, don’t cotton to phonies. Akubra hats are just different enough the local ranch hands won’t laugh.

3.25″ brim 5.5″ crown, lined Open crown Riibbon band Nullabor tan (dark beige)

They may even ask, “Where’d ya buy it?”

TORTUGA Kohte Patrol Tents

Basic Kohte Components

• 4 Kohte panels, black cotton with no ground strip (8.3′ overall tent height)
• 1 Kohte raincap, 47″ square black cotton
• 6 Lengths of 0.15″ diameter black nylon rope, each 14′ long
• 2 Lengths of 0.15″ diameter black nylon rope, each 20′ long
• 1 Kohte roof cross, wood, 2 pieces each 3.3′ long
• 2 Center poles, 14′ long, of at least 2.5″ diameter
• 1 Mallet
• 1 Pulley
• 8 Steel pegs, 12″ long
• 1 Instruction sheets for tent set-up and maintenance

$1,295.00 complete

Select options

Basic Kohte components listed above $1,295.00 with 7.9" ground strip/sidewall (9.0' overall tent height)—add $25 $1,320.00 with 17.7" ground strip/sidewall (9.3' overall height)—add $50 $1,345.00 with 27.6" ground strip/sidewall (10.6' overall height)—add $75 $1,370.00

Note: Shipping will be calculated and billed separately.