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Going Off The Grid: The How-To Book Of Simple Living And Happiness
UPDATED 2021 EDITION Is city life fencing you in? Break free of the daily grind with off-the-grid solutions for a simpler, stress-free tomorrow. Are you overworked and overcrowded? Do you dream of dropping off the radar? Do you crave the peace of mind that only nature can provide? Fitness and military intelligence expert Gary Collins has helped thousands of people roam free with firsthand advice shared on his popular website. And now he’s here to help you reclaim your independence.
Going Off the The How-To Book of Simple Living and Happiness contains step-by-step instructions for creating your self-sustaining refuge in the untamed wild or the blacktop jungle. Through Collins� methods, you’ll identify and purge unnecessary stressors from your everyday life. You’ll also learn the basics of off-the-grid living from home construction to energy alternatives, from sewage disposal to internet access.
In Going Off the Grid, you’ll to downsize your current living conditions for a clutter-free futureTechniques for simplifying your hectic schedule so you can enjoy life’s simple pleasuresHow to find the ideal off-the-grid property that will meet your every needCommon types of building techniques and materials for high energy efficiency and insulationFun and informative stories detailing Collins� off-the-grid nomadic lifestyle and much, much more!Going Off the Grid is your must-have handbook for living outside the city limits. If you like DIY guides, practical expert advice, and bucking societal expectations, then you’ll love Gary Collins� roadmap to a liberating lifestyle.
Buy Going Off the Grid to plan your escape into a new world of possibilities today!
Going Off the The How-To Book of Simple Living and Happiness contains step-by-step instructions for creating your self-sustaining refuge in the untamed wild or the blacktop jungle. Through Collins� methods, you’ll identify and purge unnecessary stressors from your everyday life. You’ll also learn the basics of off-the-grid living from home construction to energy alternatives, from sewage disposal to internet access.
In Going Off the Grid, you’ll to downsize your current living conditions for a clutter-free futureTechniques for simplifying your hectic schedule so you can enjoy life’s simple pleasuresHow to find the ideal off-the-grid property that will meet your every needCommon types of building techniques and materials for high energy efficiency and insulationFun and informative stories detailing Collins� off-the-grid nomadic lifestyle and much, much more!Going Off the Grid is your must-have handbook for living outside the city limits. If you like DIY guides, practical expert advice, and bucking societal expectations, then you’ll love Gary Collins� roadmap to a liberating lifestyle.
Buy Going Off the Grid to plan your escape into a new world of possibilities today!
- GenresNonfictionAudiobook
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2017
775 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
About the author
Gary Collins
11books37followersGary Collins has a very interesting and unique background that includes military intelligence, Special Agent for the U.S. State Department Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Collins� background and expert knowledge brings a much-needed perspective to today’s areas of simple living, health, nutrition, entrepreneurship, self-help and being more self-reliant. He holds an AS degree in Exercise Science, BS in Criminal Justice, and MS in Forensic Science.
Gary was raised in the High Desert at the basin of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in a rural part of California. He now lives off-the-grid part of the year in a remote area of NE Washington State, and the other part of year exploring in his travel trailer with his trusty black lab Barney.
He enjoyed, and considers himself lucky to have grown up in a very small town experiencing fishing, hunting, and anything outdoors from a very young age. He has been involved in organized sports, nutrition, and fitness for almost four decades. He is also an active follower and teacher of what he calls “life simplification.� He often says:
“Today we’re bombarded by too much stress, not enough time for personal fulfillment, and failing to take care of our health� there has to be a better way!�
In addition to being a best selling author, he has taught at the University College level, consulted and trained college level athletes, and been interviewed for his expertise on various subjects by CBS Sports, Coast to Coast AM, The RT Network, and FOX News to name a few.
His website , and The Simple Life book series (his total lifestyle reboot), blows the lid off of conventional life and wellness expectations, and is considered essential for every person seeking a simpler, and happier life.
Gary was raised in the High Desert at the basin of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in a rural part of California. He now lives off-the-grid part of the year in a remote area of NE Washington State, and the other part of year exploring in his travel trailer with his trusty black lab Barney.
He enjoyed, and considers himself lucky to have grown up in a very small town experiencing fishing, hunting, and anything outdoors from a very young age. He has been involved in organized sports, nutrition, and fitness for almost four decades. He is also an active follower and teacher of what he calls “life simplification.� He often says:
“Today we’re bombarded by too much stress, not enough time for personal fulfillment, and failing to take care of our health� there has to be a better way!�
In addition to being a best selling author, he has taught at the University College level, consulted and trained college level athletes, and been interviewed for his expertise on various subjects by CBS Sports, Coast to Coast AM, The RT Network, and FOX News to name a few.
His website , and The Simple Life book series (his total lifestyle reboot), blows the lid off of conventional life and wellness expectations, and is considered essential for every person seeking a simpler, and happier life.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 11, 2018
I think it you are SERIOUS about semi-off grid living, this might be a good tool. For the casual reader, it's stuffy and technical and not all that interesting.
February 9, 2021
1 star for being a talentless HACK wannabe troll who can't understand the English language, amazon/goodreads rating system, and who when gets a review {which is rare} gets to trolling and wanting to act superior because was in the service, supposedly, BUT SO WAS I SO KISS MY BAM ATTITUDE SPARKY. I have seen way too many wrong assumptions in your so called book, that seem merely a complete mishmash of incomplete and wrong so called research from reddit or wherever , such as tiny houses costing 75000 and wrong assumptions about vegans to completely overlooking or ignoring proven and newer and environmentally better ways. There was nothing that could not be found elsewhere, and so much better actually researched and known about, which you ever so obviously nin NOT do,
Is city life fencing you in? Break free of the daily grind with off-the-grid solutions for a simpler, stress-free tomorrow. Are you overworked and overcrowded? Do you dream of dropping off the radar? Do you crave the peace of mind that only nature can provide? Fitness and military intelligence expert Gary Collins has helped thousands of people roam free with firsthand advice shared on his popular website. And now he’s here to help you reclaim your independence. Going Off the Grid: The How-To Book of Simple Living and Happiness contains step-by-step instructions for creating your self-sustaining refuge in the untamed wild or the blacktop jungle. Through Collins� methods, you’ll identify and purge unnecessary stressors from your everyday life. You’ll also learn the basics of off-the-grid living from home construction to energy alternatives, from sewage disposal to internet access. How to downsize your current living conditions for a clutter-free future Techniques for simplifying your hectic schedule so you can enjoy life’s simple pleasures How to find the ideal off-the-grid property that will meet your every need Common types of building techniques and materials for high energy efficiency and insulation Fun and informative stories detailing Collins� off-the-grid nomadic lifestyle and much, much more!
Is city life fencing you in? Break free of the daily grind with off-the-grid solutions for a simpler, stress-free tomorrow. Are you overworked and overcrowded? Do you dream of dropping off the radar? Do you crave the peace of mind that only nature can provide? Fitness and military intelligence expert Gary Collins has helped thousands of people roam free with firsthand advice shared on his popular website. And now he’s here to help you reclaim your independence. Going Off the Grid: The How-To Book of Simple Living and Happiness contains step-by-step instructions for creating your self-sustaining refuge in the untamed wild or the blacktop jungle. Through Collins� methods, you’ll identify and purge unnecessary stressors from your everyday life. You’ll also learn the basics of off-the-grid living from home construction to energy alternatives, from sewage disposal to internet access. How to downsize your current living conditions for a clutter-free future Techniques for simplifying your hectic schedule so you can enjoy life’s simple pleasures How to find the ideal off-the-grid property that will meet your every need Common types of building techniques and materials for high energy efficiency and insulation Fun and informative stories detailing Collins� off-the-grid nomadic lifestyle and much, much more!
May 20, 2018
GOING OFF THE GRID is a well-organized book outlining concrete steps a person needs to take in order to simplify life. The author, Gary Collins, discusses different types of off-grid living and narrows his version down to a modern, comfortable off-grid lifestyle. Unlike back-to-earth manuals, he does not gloss over the life change such a shift entails. Instead, he discusses the pro’s and con’s of off-grid living, the philosophy behind a simplified lifestyle, and advice about what to expect along the way, including combating the initial discomfort and challenge of change.
Collins does not philosophize about the potential of off-grid living without injecting his own experiences and research into his subject. And yes, his research is one of the great strengths of his book. In fact, Collins stresses to readers the importance of, not only being patient but doing lots of individualized research, before making an off-grid lifestyle change. He also advocates finding good local realtors to help with land searches, and to look below the surface of how things appear when searching. While he is a realist, he also advocates looking for the positive in possibilities.
This book is broken down into bite-sized sections that help readers learn what it takes to live off-grid. For instance, there is a section on how to find a good contractor, what to expect when getting a home permitted, alternative sources of energy including solar, geothermal, hydro and wind-powered houses, and alternative home security systems.
Collins is honest about the energy-demanding appliances that will have to be forfeited, and he is direct about the creative financing it will take to pay for an off-grid home. But in the end, his main premise in writing this book is what he says in his own words: “Nevertheless, returning to the true spirit of what America stands for—independence, personal freedom, and making your way in the world through your own efforts—can be one of the most rewarding journeys you will ever make �
Collins does not philosophize about the potential of off-grid living without injecting his own experiences and research into his subject. And yes, his research is one of the great strengths of his book. In fact, Collins stresses to readers the importance of, not only being patient but doing lots of individualized research, before making an off-grid lifestyle change. He also advocates finding good local realtors to help with land searches, and to look below the surface of how things appear when searching. While he is a realist, he also advocates looking for the positive in possibilities.
This book is broken down into bite-sized sections that help readers learn what it takes to live off-grid. For instance, there is a section on how to find a good contractor, what to expect when getting a home permitted, alternative sources of energy including solar, geothermal, hydro and wind-powered houses, and alternative home security systems.
Collins is honest about the energy-demanding appliances that will have to be forfeited, and he is direct about the creative financing it will take to pay for an off-grid home. But in the end, his main premise in writing this book is what he says in his own words: “Nevertheless, returning to the true spirit of what America stands for—independence, personal freedom, and making your way in the world through your own efforts—can be one of the most rewarding journeys you will ever make �
January 14, 2018
I'm new to this type of lifestyle, so I'm wondering around aimlessly trying to get it figured out. This was a great book for to understand what it takes to build a house and live off the grid.
April 10, 2018
Going Off the Grid: The How-to Book of Simple Living and Happiness by Gary Collins, MS is an intelligent self-help book for those who are thinking about, in the process of, or even just curious about living comfortably and autonomously. As Collins begins he makes it clear that there are many different ways to define what living "off the grid" means, and that his experience, while comprehensive in its application, isn't a sole and singular perception. What Collins delivers is a virtual encyclopedia of all things off the grid, covering every conceivable prerequisite to development, cost, planning, consideration, and resources for turning the dream of living autonomously into a reality.
Going into this book I was unsure of what to expect. This is partly due to my narrow understanding of what living off the grid meant (which, frankly, had been thus far limited to what I'd seen in "prepper" shows), and partly due to my only real foray into the wilderness being an Alaskan cruise taken last summer. Not exactly roughing it, I know. Going Off the Grid by Gary Collins changed all of that. His straightforward and natural narrative allowed me to see something that was not only attainable, but that also sounded really, really nice. If you have any interest in living autonomously at all, even if it isn't a full time existence, I believe this all-inclusive guidebook would be a gem of a manual to help in every step of the way. There is nothing that Collins doesn't cover and his experience can save you from the pitfalls and expense that are often the true cost of living simply.
Review written for Readers' Favorite.
Going into this book I was unsure of what to expect. This is partly due to my narrow understanding of what living off the grid meant (which, frankly, had been thus far limited to what I'd seen in "prepper" shows), and partly due to my only real foray into the wilderness being an Alaskan cruise taken last summer. Not exactly roughing it, I know. Going Off the Grid by Gary Collins changed all of that. His straightforward and natural narrative allowed me to see something that was not only attainable, but that also sounded really, really nice. If you have any interest in living autonomously at all, even if it isn't a full time existence, I believe this all-inclusive guidebook would be a gem of a manual to help in every step of the way. There is nothing that Collins doesn't cover and his experience can save you from the pitfalls and expense that are often the true cost of living simply.
Review written for Readers' Favorite.
September 19, 2018
If you’re serious about staying on subject, I’d suggest a book written by someone that reflects more professionalism in their writing.
This guide has some good information in it but is mostly littered with the author’s political stances, his pessimistic personal opinions (that have NOTHING to do with off-grid living), and worst of all� his insistence on referring to himself in the third person. Yikes...
This guide has some good information in it but is mostly littered with the author’s political stances, his pessimistic personal opinions (that have NOTHING to do with off-grid living), and worst of all� his insistence on referring to himself in the third person. Yikes...
December 25, 2018
Ok, my husband and I live off grid. Like, we ACTUALLY. LIVE. OFF. GRID. ALL. THE. TIME. This author? Part time off gridder. Totally lost all credibility and completely lost interest as soon as we found out... which we learned from Google and not the first couple pages of the book. People, DO. NOT. TAKE. ADVICE. From people who do not live the lifestyle they promote 100% of the time. Could not take him seriously. 0 stars if I could.
February 20, 2018
A beginners guide to what to do...and what NOT to do
Gary Collins did a great job of introducing several topics with basic and general overviews of each of those topics. Several times I was like...But now what! And in his Gary style, he address those questions with different resources and websites to gain more in site.
Gary Collins did a great job of introducing several topics with basic and general overviews of each of those topics. Several times I was like...But now what! And in his Gary style, he address those questions with different resources and websites to gain more in site.
February 3, 2022
Tiện có dịp đón Tết một mình, trong lúc lang thang trên mạng tìm chính xác các thiết b� cho một cuộc sống xanh trong tưởng tượng của mình, mình kiếm được cuốn này. Thời gian trước, tác gi� � một căn nhà rất rộng, chi phí duy trì lên tới 3500 đô một tháng, mà thấy thừa thãi. Tác gi� muốn một cuộc sống đơn giản hơn, tiêu dùng ít hơn. Trong cuốn sách, tác gi� từng chia s� trải nghiệm trước đó: sống độc thân, cùng hai con chó, trong căn h� 157 m2, và hàng đêm thường mất ng� đ� nghĩ cách duy trì chi phí của nó. Tác gi� từng th� những cách khác nhau như đi thuê nhà, sống � những cabin bé, nhưng rồi cách r� nhất như tác gi� là sống off-the-grid. Nghĩa gốc của off-the-grid là cuộc sống ngắt kết nối khỏi lưới điện chung, nhưng rồi có th� rộng hơn là các tiện ích công như nước sạch, gas, đường dẫn thải. Cuốn này mô t� sơ qua các bước đ� thay đổi lối sống, đ� xây dựng một ngôi nhà off-the-grid, và v� những trải nghiệm và bài học khi tìm kiếm địa điểm, tìm kiếm thông tin, làm việc với con người trong quá trình xây dựng lên căn nhà hiệu qu�, tiết kiệm như ý muốn.
May 10, 2020
This book gives a comprehensive overview of aspects to plan for and do's and don'ts for those who desire to live (semi) off-the-grid. The chapters about energy, sewage and security were very informative!
As an added bonus, I really enjoyed Mr.Collins' writing style and sense of humor :)
As an added bonus, I really enjoyed Mr.Collins' writing style and sense of humor :)
April 25, 2021
Informative
I disagreed with quite a bit of what the author had to share, primarily when it comes to tiny homes. Still, it was an informative read. Would recommend.
I disagreed with quite a bit of what the author had to share, primarily when it comes to tiny homes. Still, it was an informative read. Would recommend.
April 21, 2019
Your brain will be filled with applicable, practical information
I learnt more from this publication than I have in months of personal research! THANK YOU, GARY! I think the most staggering part of my reading was how deeply I undervalued security from day one. I'm grateful for this succinct, direct format and have gleaned a great deal from it.
I learnt more from this publication than I have in months of personal research! THANK YOU, GARY! I think the most staggering part of my reading was how deeply I undervalued security from day one. I'm grateful for this succinct, direct format and have gleaned a great deal from it.
June 18, 2017
Great resource.
Really great resource for getting started in planning for off grid living! Walks through all of the back s pics really plainly and helps with a foundation to plan from
Really great resource for getting started in planning for off grid living! Walks through all of the back s pics really plainly and helps with a foundation to plan from
May 21, 2018
Outline For Off Grid Home Project
This is a good resource to start an off-grid home project. Mr. Collins used his own personal experiences sharing his insights and mistakes (so that the reader doesn’t have to make them). This book breaks down the off-grid process in a realistic manner. An off-grid home is not a small project. It can take 1-5... years to complete. Having cash on hand and being seriously committed is one of the best methods to being successful. Also, doing meticulous research and being patient will also ensure that expectations are met. Usually, the goal of an off-grid lifestyle is the self-reliance and independence. However, these can also be acquired in other ways without the challenges of a complete off-grid home. I recommend reading this book and learning to rid your life of excess and to find ways on how to simplify your life. These days everyone has to do everything and are busy all the time. By simply freeing your schedule, learning simple skills such as cooking, healthy-living, and by reassessing your finances peace may come. Focusing on how to live as simply as comfortable is the forefront to the off-grid lifestyle. Reassess your lifestyle and practice off-gridding before going off-grid. It could save you on a project that could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
This is a good resource to start an off-grid home project. Mr. Collins used his own personal experiences sharing his insights and mistakes (so that the reader doesn’t have to make them). This book breaks down the off-grid process in a realistic manner. An off-grid home is not a small project. It can take 1-5... years to complete. Having cash on hand and being seriously committed is one of the best methods to being successful. Also, doing meticulous research and being patient will also ensure that expectations are met. Usually, the goal of an off-grid lifestyle is the self-reliance and independence. However, these can also be acquired in other ways without the challenges of a complete off-grid home. I recommend reading this book and learning to rid your life of excess and to find ways on how to simplify your life. These days everyone has to do everything and are busy all the time. By simply freeing your schedule, learning simple skills such as cooking, healthy-living, and by reassessing your finances peace may come. Focusing on how to live as simply as comfortable is the forefront to the off-grid lifestyle. Reassess your lifestyle and practice off-gridding before going off-grid. It could save you on a project that could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
December 11, 2018
Good Starting Point
This is a great place to start for considering some off grid situations. While this information does not apply to all persons looking to transition to off-grid living, the author is well aware of this and makes it clear that this is based in his experiences and beliefs.
I found some of the author’s considerations to be useful, some of these things I have not thought about. None of the information is very in depth, but that’s what makes this a good place to start considering your options. I enjoy that author shared a wealth of resources at the end of the book. You can make what you want of the information contained in those resources.
The only issue I had is the tone of the book at times. (The author is really fond of doing this!) Just a personal annoyance, doesn’t change the content of the information provided.
This is a great place to start for considering some off grid situations. While this information does not apply to all persons looking to transition to off-grid living, the author is well aware of this and makes it clear that this is based in his experiences and beliefs.
I found some of the author’s considerations to be useful, some of these things I have not thought about. None of the information is very in depth, but that’s what makes this a good place to start considering your options. I enjoy that author shared a wealth of resources at the end of the book. You can make what you want of the information contained in those resources.
The only issue I had is the tone of the book at times. (The author is really fond of doing this!) Just a personal annoyance, doesn’t change the content of the information provided.
May 14, 2019
Gary Collins has created his own off the grid house in Eastern Washington. This book is organized into sections such as buying land, water, energy, energy storage, human waste, security, etc. He documents his own journey and offers advice on things he wished he had considered, what worked well, and what didn't go as planned. He seems to have some bitterness towards contractors in general, and is pretty opinionated about what options he prefers. Overall, a decent introduction to off-grid living. I would have liked to seen diagrams, or seen pictures of his home and property during the build.
October 19, 2024
I was hoping for some interesting information coupled with some cautionary tales. What I got was a 1 hour and 20 minute diatribe, dripping with arrogance and white privilege, before a single useful fact was uttered. Nevertheless I trudged along, searching for the diamonds in the rough. In the end, my perseverance didn't pay off. I get the feeling this book was written as a quick money grab or to fulfill a contract the author wasn't particularly interested in anymore.
June 14, 2020
I am giving this book four stars, because I think if you are really interested in a full-on, off grid living dream, then this is a great place to start. It helps you to think about a lot of things you might overlook, that would end up costing you quite a bit of money. I thought it was interesting, and well written, and would be a resource I would go to for sure if we pursued this lifestyle. With that being said, it provides very little information for the person who wants to implement an off-grid living style into their suburban or metro environment. I really expected more of a cross-over in the information and more expounding on the style of living, versus a nuts and bolts approach of do's and don'ts. It was not what I expected and it really didn't give me the tangible information I was looking for, but I still see the quality of the book and would recommend it to someone who is ready to go completely off-grid. I was really wanting more ideas that I could implement into my current living situation, so I will be looking further for other resources.
June 22, 2025
I definitely purchased this book thinking it was more homesteading-based, and almost didn’t read it after the intro explaining it wasn’t (my bad, haha). However, I’m really glad I read it! Gary’s expertise is extremely helpful, and I appreciate his explanations for several different types of “off the grid� living. Finally, I found it comforting how much he pushed doing things by the book/up to code � I’m guessing that isn’t especially common for off grid lifestyles, but it was beneficial to me! Quick little read and very informative.
March 4, 2018
Alright for an overview
This is a nice intro to the idea of off grid living. It touches on the basic requirements you will need depending on how off you want to go. The author draws on his own personal experience with his on going project and the pitfalls he encountered. This however is not an in depth technical manual and more like an instructual memoir
This is a nice intro to the idea of off grid living. It touches on the basic requirements you will need depending on how off you want to go. The author draws on his own personal experience with his on going project and the pitfalls he encountered. This however is not an in depth technical manual and more like an instructual memoir
January 8, 2020
A very good and informative book written very well from experience. Great recommendations. I bought this book because I heard Gary interviewed on Coast to Coast. It was one of those shows you wish would go on longer cuz Gary is very informative and has a lot to say. Says it well. Not the usual info you already know. But good information you need! His book is the same.
June 6, 2019
Very useful. Helped me decide to stay in town. :D
January 15, 2020
It was great
Me and my spouse really enjoyed it and took a lot of great info from it
...thanks Mr Collins
Must read for anyone wanting a change in the way they live
Me and my spouse really enjoyed it and took a lot of great info from it
...thanks Mr Collins
Must read for anyone wanting a change in the way they live
November 16, 2021
Honest, detailed, and helpful. Recommended.
July 22, 2022
Very interesting, it had lots of ideas I would like to learn more about.
March 26, 2023
Good advice but too much of the author's cringe opinions seep in.
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