Allen & Mike's Really Cool Backpackin' Book: Traveling & Camping Skills For A Wilderness Environment (Allen & Mike's Series)

The author shares his substantial experience with the reader in a uniquely entertaining manner, and the illustrator complements the light-hearted style of the author with [occasionally] hilarious visuals. The character of this book will attract everyone in the household; even those without camping or backpacking experience will find it easy-to-read and interesting. For those already bitten by the 'outdoor bug', new insights presented by the author force us to reconsider our position on a variety of subjects. Unlike so many of its kind, this book is comprehensive without being obscure; no lessons on building water bucket baskets or how to skin and dry moose meat for the winter. This handbook addresses the basics of backpacking with enthusiasm, and it proves contagious for the reader.

I've read a gazillion backpacking books, and this one is the best. Far and away the best. I don't quite grasp how something so concise can be so thorough. But it is. And entertaining. And up to date.

I'm a Scoutmaster with a troop that wants adventure and backpacking is high on their list of things they wish to do. I picked up this book because I loved the illustrations (Mike Clelland learned to draw from reading MAD Magazine). I can't remember the last time I had a book that was so interesting that it compelled me read thru it every day for weeks. I'm using it as a teaching aid to help my scouts understand backpacking concepts ie. Loose the tent and use a tarp, Choosing types and quantities of food. And the scouts like the pictures. It's a great book for beginners young and old.

Profusely illustrated by Mike Clelland, Allen O'Bannon's Allen & Mike's Really Cool Backpackin' Book is a superbly presented guide for traveling and camping in a wilderness environment. All the relevant issues are covered including dressing and packing for the outdoors, choosing proper equipment; navigating with map and compass; setting up camp; dealing with wildlife; reading the weather; and basic backwoods hygiene. The informative text is enhanced with appendices on low-impact camping technics and an extensive gear checklist. Wether for a day-trip hike or an extended outdoors expedition, Allen & Mike's Really Cool Backpackin' Book is thoroughly "user friendly" and especially recommended for the novice camper and those new to the wilderness experience.

What can I say, this is just a fun book to read! Perfect for younger folks just learning to backpack and a quick and entertaining read for more experienced backpackers. This book is not a backpacking "bible" in that it just doesn't go in-depth on any topic, but it does cover all the basics like gear selection, trip preperation, trail skills, orienteering, weather reading, etc. Bottom line is that no other book in your backpacking library will be anything like this book so you should buy this. Its the one book you always be lending to all the new backpackers you meet, and you'll probably browse through it everytime you get it back! DISCLAIMER: Grumpy and humorless people stay away from this book!