Allen & Mike's Really Cool Backpackin' Book: Traveling & Camping Skills For A Wilderness Environment (Allen & Mike's Series) Paperback – April 1, 2001

I bought this as recommended by another book Mike illustratedabout light weight backpacking. This book gives excellent advice on what gear you need for backpacking, and it doesn’t go to extremes on reducing pack weight, but it helps you know the difference between needs and wants in the back country. I am looking at ultralight packing because I take too much stuff out. You know, I need this in case or I should have a spare just in case. This quest for lighter weight is helping me enjoy being out more, staying safe as I go lighter.This book also has great advice on dealing with terrain such as Boulder fields, scree, etc. River and stream crossing are covered well, something many others do not address or only give cursory treatment. Leave No Trace principles are addressed without being preachy.All in all, I find this book to be entertaining and educational. Highly recommend!

An excellent read for those who have considered backpacking, but are not sure where to start. It is also a great reference for people like me that have no backpacked in a long time.When I started backpacking, I put my traditional canoe camping gear in a big pile, and then bought a backpack big enough to carry it all. It weighed over 60 pounds with food and water for an overnighter. I wish I had read this book first, It would have saved me from becoming a pack mule and dreading the long walks weighted down like a Sherpa.Excellent read, funny and well illustrated.

This is a very entertaining book, due to humor and covering the outdoor basics. The author does a good job of explaining items to pack and their value to backpacking. Great illustrations by Mike Clelland, (comical and gets the point across). It is an easy read and has useful things to go back and check again. The only draw back to this book is some of the illustrations are hard to see on my Kindle. I used the zoom feature and made it thru. Overall a good book!

I received this book yesterday, and read the whole book by dinner time! The author, and illustrator know how to give you the information needed without the side effect of sleepiness.I'm new to backpacking, and haven't camped for about 15 years. When I did camp it was in the west coast deserts, or redwoods. I'm now in the hot and humid Georgia terrain. I was pleased to find information on all types of trips from desert to ice, and everything in between. Also there is a resource page for any information that would go beyond what they wanted to cover.I even enjoyed reading information I already knew. But most of all, I enjoyed finding a bunch of information that I didn't know.This book is a great resource for the beginning backpacker.

Not new at backpacking, I've been doing it over 50 years. First, not everyone is an Ultra Light Weight backpacker. I live in Alaska so I have a lot of gear- avalanche shovel, 4 season tent, -20 sleeping bag, foam self inflating matt, medical gear, toilet kit, extra underwear and long johns, baby wipes, food, folding stove. I have a pack (Mystery Ranch Glacier 60 liter) that weighs 6 and a half pound empty and dry. I may carry about 50 pounds of equipment. I weigh 140 pounds and I'm 60 years old. The reason I mention age is older folks need a warmer sleep system, especially when its -20 to -60 F. I also bring an emergency tarp for the tent floor. The co-writer of the book wrote his own Ultra Light Book, so if you are into that, its a good read. Anyway, this book has something everyone can use. Its lightweight and light hearted and pretty much timeless.

I got this book as part of a college class 10+ years ago and I decided to get it to read again and share with my nephews who are going on their first backpacking trip this coming summer. The cartoons are hilarious and the advice is thorough and sound. The book keeps you engaged because it's so fun. It's a great resource for anyone new or experienced.

I had to read this book for class and loved it. It’s great if you are new to backpacking and need a good foundation. Teaches you what you need to know and makes it fun with illustrations. Great buy

I love this book. It only takes a few hours to read and basically summarizes everything you need to know. Most backpacking books are way too wordy. This book is illustrated, fun and gives you the information is digestible chunks, rather that wasting your time. Partner this book with Lighten Up by Don Ladigin and Mike Clelland (same illustrator). Honestly, unless you love to read or really need in depth knowledge on the subject, these books are all you need to read about backpacking.

This is a fantastic book if you are either a kid or an adult who wants to have a great checklist for campng/hiking. If you are a beginner to intermediate in experience (and probably several things for an experienced hiker to pick up aswell) There are plenty of tips and "oh, now that's a good idea" or "I always wanted to know that." parts to this book's instruction. The illustrations are very well done, and in a practical 'gets it' manner that is also humorous and detailed instruction. You won't be disappointed.

Una gozada!! Qué lejos de esos pretenciosos y aburridos manuales!!

The writing style helps make this a very pleasant read and the illustrations are entertaining. Most aspects of hiking and camping are covered and it will give the beginner a good idea where to start, as well as more experienced hikers some tips on making their hiking more enjoyable.

I love this book. Yes, the illustrations are lovely and very entertaining; but that's not the reason. The reason is that the book has the right attitude towards backpacking because it tries to keep things simple. If there is a simple solution that not only works but is cheap as well, then why not choose it? Do we really need all the stuff the outdoor industry promotes with insane amounts of money? I don't think so, and neither do Allen and Mike. Backbacking is about enjoying nature with as little equipment as possible and without leaving a trace. And this is what you learn from this book.

Guide for a good outdoor adventure.Tips and nice pictures to explain details and ideas.This book is must be followed by: Ultralight backpacking tips.