My Outdoor Life Paperback – Illustrated, July 29, 2014

Ray Mears is one of my favorite people. Getting an insight into his personal life is rare as he self admittedly doesn't like talking about himself.This books gives that insight, and so so much more.Granted if you've seen his 'World of Survival' series, you'll be familiar with a few chapters in this book. He does share some behind the scenes moments which add some entertainment and value to the book.Ray seems very genuine as a T.V. presenter and in turn seems genuine and humble in his book also.It usually takes me a week to read a book like this, reading a few hours a day, but I finished this book in one day, it was that good.His writing style is just like his personality on T.V., very informative, intelligent,humble, intriguing,articulate and witty.His experiences abroad bring a wealth of knowledge and insight and it is revealed in this book.

Ray Mears is a special individual whose enthusiasm for nature is infectious! He is a caring human being who is one of the great stewards of the planet earth. This book is well worth reading to learn more about his life.

I enjoyed reading about how and why Ray got to be one of the best bushcraft and outdoor specialists in the world. Some of the chapters, like his first walking trip in Africa and tracking Raoul Moat were very good, others were less than spellbinding, especially if you are already familiar with his TV series'. Still, it was an enjoyable read, overall, and interesting to learn more background about him and his work.

I have watched and enjoyed Ray Mears' TV programmes for many years, so I took the chance to know more about the man in front of the camera. His story is informative and personal as he details his life - learning and teaching about woodlore, living in traditional societies, finding and losing and finding love, nearly losing his life. It was a fascinating read about someone who is normally reluctant to be the subject of the discussion.

Did it seem as an infomercial at times? Sure, but I was OK with that. Ray has had quite a few experiences professionally and personally. I like biographies and this one was interesting. The most interesting part of the book for me was Ray sharing his trip across Africa. That sounded like a high pucker factor trip for sure. Thanks for sharing your story Ray.

Outstanding read by my personal favorite outdoorsman. Would recommend this bio to anyone interested in knowing how Mr, Ray Mears grew up learning & discovering his passion for the outdoors & all the resources it can provide.

First of all, I love Ray Mears. But, this book is not well written. Parts of it seem disjointed, parts seem dictated, others seem out of place. That said, I do love Ray (maybe not his writing though).

Really like this guy - no nonsense breezy style but with enough information to keep you interested. Made me go out and research and find out more about bushcraft - definitely not soppy but you feel the sadness in some parts.

Interesting and workman like would in my opinion best describe this autobiography - with one exception, the chapter where Ray Mears describes the loss of his first wife to breast cancer. It was still straight forward in presentation but had at it's heart a deep honesty and all the more powerful for it.What is most certain is that Ray Mears has and remains driven by his passion for the outdoors and the skills needed to live in it. He is an out doors man of the old school and like many I didn't realise the depth of his passion and knowledge having only seen him on the TV.He is much more than that it seems and the stuff he does on camera is a small extension of his lifestyle which is entirely focused on the wilds and what it takes to be a success there.I also like the fact that he is not all fluffy and air headed about it. Ray is no tree hugger in the modern vernacular. He is most certainly more of the type of man who traversed continents using all the tools and land at his disposal to survive. As Mears points out most TV nature presenters in areas where there are dangerous animals around have behind the camera a number of armed people to keep them safe whilst presenting a face that suggests otherwise. Ray prefers to have the gun himself in front of the camera and be open and honest about it.There were parts where I felt he was being slightly egotistical but I suspect that is simply because he is very competent at what he does and avoids false modesty.Overall a highly interesting book that is both engaging and informative.

I was looking forward to reading this book as I have been a fan of Ray Mears ever since he began his TV series. It's a shame but I have to say I gave up on this book about one quarter of the way in, something I rarely do. The prose was dull and unexciting, the book was written in the way of a school report or essay with little charm. There was also a sense of Ray saying fairly frequently that he did it his way with a feeling that there was only one way to do things and that was the way he did it - end of story. Can't recommend it, only given it 2 stars for the factual information which may be new to some readers.

If you follow Ray Mears TV shows, public talks, Bush craft. You need to read this book to understand some of where the understanding and passion comes from, some of the inner workings of the man.This book at times made me think about things I've done, should have done. And missed. learning the little things that make the difference is really important and the why.How with the blink of an eye the world you live in can get turned completely upside down and you can't see it coming. Its what you do next is important. Great read, sad at times, eventful, thoughtful. and re-readable.

This is a wonderful work, often insightful and occasionally very moving. This book reveals the man I have admired for many years to be as well spoken and thoughtful as he appears on the screen. As I read this book I could hear the words in Ray's gentle voice in my head and to be honest this just made the book all the more enjoyable.He is a humble man, he does not brag or boast as some in this field do, but instead he writes with candour about how he learned the skills he loves, how he continues evolve those skills and how he values the sharing of those skills. This was a book that was hard to put down and all too soon I was at the end. The only thing I did not enjoy quite so much was the picture quality of the photos when they were transferred to Kindle format, they lost some of their detail in black and white.However, this work just conforms what I already thought, Ray Mears is a gentle lovely man and this book is well worth a read.

Ray Mears is not a literary academician with the gift for imagery of the likes of Robert Macfarlane but they both share a love of Wild Places (one difference being that you are more likely to survive longer in the bush with Ray!). This account does start a little hesitatingly but soon immerses you in the fascinating life Ray has had so far. His writing is honest and straightforward (probably like the man himself), yet at times is powerful and emotional, reinforcing the fact that it is a true, unaided Autobiography. Some reviewers hint at an immodesty in his writing but if you have done extraordinary things in your life why hide and deny them? If you approach this book with no preconceptions you will enjoy this book immensely and emerge with true respect for a this quiet, gifted man.