Allen & Mike's Really Cool Backpackin' Book

by Allen O'Bannon, Mike Clelland (Illustrator)

Allen & Mike's Really Cool Backpackin Book by Allen O'Bannon and Mike Clelland is a hilarious & informative book on the art of backpacking. Both NOLS instructors, the authors play off each other to make readers laugh & learn at the same time. Beginning backpackers will cherish the advice, experts are guaranteed to learn a few new tricks.

Genres: Nonfiction, Outdoors, Reference, Travel, Nature, Adventure, Wilderness

168 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2001

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Allen does a good job of not getting bogged down in details, but also in covering all the "need to know" stuff. The illustrations by Mike are funny and informative. Also has helpful resources in the back to give you places to go for further information on many of the topics he covers. He does not get into light backpacking a whole lot, so I would recommend this book as merely a starting point on that topic.

I appreciate one thread that runs through the book: "style". Style shows a backpacker to be either respectful of others and the environment, or the reverse. I winced a few times as I read, and am motivated to do better on future trips!

[Chatharina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many tips that are invaluable for rookies and veteran back-packers. Reading this book made me want to go camping, it also helped me realize why some trips were more fun than others.

[Kevin L. McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Common sense approach to backpacking

A great and very informative read. Provides a good base of understanding for your upcoming adventures.
However, as I’m never going to backpack so light as to not take a chair I’ll just have to accept Alan’s disappointment for that. 😀

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great intro to backpacking book except that it’s not only a beginner book. There’s a bunch I skipped because of more advanced content. Otherwise it gave some good information for first time backpackers.

[Natalie Cano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my textbook for my Basic Skills (Rec Management) class at BYU Idaho and it was really a fun and engaging read! Lots of good info. I highly recommend.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for my backpacking class. Really helpful and good information.

[Wendy Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small book is cram-packed with information! But it does a great job not overwhelming the reader, and Mike Clelland's ridiculous illustrations help keep the reading fun.

[Myles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information. Some facts I already knew but some tips and tricks for even experienced campers.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. My friend got it for me as a gift in middle school and I still use it to this day when I go backpacking.

[Emma Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the fun writing style and illustrations in this book!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for any beginner to the world of backpacking. There were a lot of tips in this book that I had learned through hard fought experience, and the illustrations were absolutely adorable.

This is not a book for anyone with one or two trips under their belt, except maybe to check out from the library. Certainly not to buy. You likely already know all that is inside the book, already.

This is also not a book for anyone who religiously reads Whiteblaze (dot net) as everything contained in this book can be found there. The book does separate the wheat from the chaff as Whiteblaze is filled with chaff, but with a little effort you can get everything that this book contains.

That said, it was a fun read.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has some really insightful ways to get prepared for your hike. Day hikes or long term. Great information on gear and what works best in what environment. Great stories about how they learned the hard way, and some funny illustrations! One of my more helpful books. I learned how to pack light, and also stay warm and dry. Proper shoes and socks, and it all makes a huge difference when your out there and your not going to civilation for a week! I hope you enjoy this is this is also a part of your lifestyle.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this for a class. The information is good, but I really can't stand the pictures in it. Perhaps it should have been titled "Allen and Mike's Really Horribly Illustrated Backpackin' Book". That would have made more sense--to me, anyway.

[Laura Sheffield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of these books give the same information, but this one stands above the rest because it has more information and it's presentation is far more entertaining, along with illustrations that drive the points home in a memorable way!

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really helpful as I needed to brush-up on some skills to direct a wilderness camp. Perfect read for those looking for some humor on the subject. Thorough and I LOVED the illustrations!

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

Funny. Full of facts and tips for not being a beater in the woods.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

very helpful and funny

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introductory lessons in backpacking with delightful cartoons to keep you interested. Written with the lay-person in mind, it's a quick and informative read.

[Andria · Rating 5 out of 5]

love the cartoons!! makes it fun and easy to read (and learn).

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

good reference book. the illustrations were wonderful!

[Maryanne]

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[Timo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for newbie hikers and backpackers and some good stuff for those with more experience as well.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oddles of information. A great reference book for many years to come. Already bought the Lighten Up and Ultralight for further insight.
Awesome illustrations too!