<p>Praise for the first edition:<br><b><i>A great all-around guide by a top camping expert for campers of any skill level. Lots of color photos and accessible tips ... recommend it as well as its sequel, wilderness Pleasures.</i><br>-- Library Journal<br></p><p><i>Comprehensive, easy-to-read introduction to camping skills... displays the assurance and economy of a true woodsman, and applies humor as well.</i><br>-- San Francisco Chronicle<br></p><p><i>Its subtitle... is absolutely accurate.... This is a 'must' purchase for every Scout troop's and Venturer company's resource library.</i><br>-- The Leader <i>(Scouts Canada)</i></b></p><p><b><i>The Happy Camper</i></b> is the essential guide to the great outdoors. Every page is packed with information on how to enjoy camping as the adventure it can be rather than a bug-infested endurance test. Kevin Callan, one of North America's top canoeing and outdoors experts, explains how to get the most from a camping trip no matter the location, the weather and the company.</p><p>Kevin Callan has an enthusiasm for wilderness camping that experienced campers can relate to and novice campers will find contagious. In <b><i>The Happy Camper</i></b> he combines decades of wilderness experience with his trademark humor to create a comprehensive, heavily illustrated and highly entertaining compendium of basic wilderness instruction and campsite advice.</p><p>The book shows step by step:</p><ul><li>How to plan a trip for a day or even a few weeks</li><li>How to pack only what is needed</li><li>How to beat the bugs, stake a tent, build a fire, ward off unwanted wildlife, paddle a canoe and much more. </li></ul><p>Other crucial topics include:</p><ul><li>Choosing the perfect campsite</li><li>Using maps and compasses</li><li>Camp cooking</li><li>Camping with dogs and kids</li><li>Bruises, blisters and Band-Aids</li><li>Canoe and kayak camping</li><li>Wilderness photography</li><li>Cold-weather camping. </li></ul><p><b>Kevin Callan</b> is his own camping school and <b><i>The Happy Camper</i></b> is the textbook. It's essential to planning a camping trip and a must for the backpack.</p>