The Happy Camper: An Essential Guide to Life Outdoors - Softcover

His down-to-earth advice, honest stories about conquering fears in the outdoors and laid-back philosophy make Callan's book a pleasant read.--Trent Edwards"Calgary Herald" (04/28/2005) A great resource for campers, from beginners planning a basic campsite experience to the seasoned camper planning a week-long wilderness trek.--Rob Mody"Kingston This Week" (05/31/2005) For camp-friendly recipes and menu-planning ideas, surf the Internet ... or buy a camping book like [this one].-- (05/18/2007) Covers everything from how to de-skunk your dog to choosing the right clothing for your trip... humorous yet informative.-- (05/01/2006) It's subtitle... is absolutely accurate, and this is a "must" purchase for every Scout troop's and Venturer company's resource library.-- (02/01/2006) Comprehensive, easy-to-read introduction to camping skills... displays the assurance and economy of a true woodsman, and applies humor as well.-- (06/05/2005) Packed with helpful information, personal anecdotes and amusing photographs.--Lexington Herald-Leader (05/29/2005) Clear, explanatory writing and authoritative advice... ecologically conscious camping how-to.-- (05/28/2005) A compendium of absolutely everything... covers all the bases!... You will find plenty in The Happy Camper to help make your wilderness experience, safer, 'greener' and more enjoyable.-- (06/01/2005) I enthusiastically recommend The Happy Camper as a must-have reference for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.--Bushwhacker Wilderness Adventure (10/24/2005) All the unwritten rules and advice about enjoying Canada's wild spaces into one packable volume... Highly entertaining outdoor guide.-- (08/01/2005) A great all-around guide by a top camping expert for campers of any skill level. Lots of color photos and accessible tips (how to pick a camping spot, stake a tent, build a fire, etc.) recommend it as well as its sequel, Wilderness Pleasures.-- (05/01/2009) This book boasts that it's the essential guide to life outdoors and it does not fall short of these claims. The 300 pages are packed with information for making your camping experience the best possible. Easy to use and broken down into useful chapters it's filled with everything you've always wanted to know about camping, like how to be a green camper, choosing the perfect campsite, camp cooking, using maps, survival skills, and much more. Plus there's a whole chapter devoted to camping with kids that includes practical info on how to camp with your family's younger members.-- (06/01/2010) An excellent choice for the camping enthusiast... tips and insights for many possible situations.-- (12/08/2005)

Great outdoor advice. The Happy Camper is a comprehensive, heavily illustrated, highly entertaining compendium of basic wilderness instruction and well-tested campsite advice. One of North America's top canoeing and outdoors experts, Kevin Callan explains how to get the most from your camping experience -- no matter where you pitch your tent, what you forgot to pack or what the weather. Step-by-step, the book shows: How to plan a trip for a day or even a few weeks How to pack only what is needed How to beat the bugs, stake a tent, build a fire, ward off unwanted wildlife, paddle a canoe and much more. Other crucial topics include: Choosing the perfect campsite Using maps and compasses Camp cooking Camping with dogs and kids Bruises, blisters and Band-Aids Canoe and kayak camping Wilderness photography Cold-weather camping.