Life getting a bit mundane? Get happy with The Happy Campers (The Happy Campers - Kat Heyes)

Member Name: Siuz

Product:	The Happy Campers - Kat Heyes
Date:	22/08/08 (61 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Well written, informative guide, great photos

Disadvantages: None at all - this is a fab book

According to various websites and newspapers, camping has increased in popularity over recent years. Perhaps it's to do with the credit crunch (aargh!), the exposure to camping at festivals or just that 'it's in fashion' (just like tartan)...

I started camping earlier this year, and, like anything new that I pursue, I research! Quite sad, I know. I can spend days and weeks on forums, looking through books...

Since reading up on stuff about the leisure activity that is camping, I have found out that there are two distinct breeds of campers that sit at the opposite ends of the camping spectrum: the hardcore super efficient and brave any weather camper (a la Ray Mears) and then there is the other type... the glamper. The glamper is the camper that loves a more luxurious camping experience. You can imagine what the former type of camper thinks of the latter type...

However, I have since discovered a third type... the happy camper.

The happy camper has a bible: The Happy Campers. This book is by Tess Carr and Kat Heyes and has been a faithful companion this summer. I love this book. Why? Basically, it encapsulates everything that I love about the camping experience. Let me start my explanation by talking about the front cover. This features a photo of the two authors Tess and Kat in relaxed camping mode, chilling out under canvas in lovely countryside. The words at the bottom of the cover read:

CAMPING - FUN - LIFE - FIRE - FOOD - LOVE

Well, that says it all really...

For the hardcore campers, the above might sound a bit frivolous. I guess they might ask where SURVIVAL is!

With over 280-odd pages, despite being littered with many gorgeous, inspirational photos and images throughout, this is not a vacuous, glossy coffee table book. I found it to be a really informative read. The book covers:

1. Before you go
I have referred to this section every single time before I load the car before heading off. Why? It's got really useful checklists for main essentials, main kitchen essentials and extras. There's also a festival checklist and one for kids camping too.

In addition, there's info on why, where and when of camping as well as info on practicalities.

2. setting up camp
This covers various aspects of setting up camp including pitching your tent, laying out your tent, laying out your site, health and safety, keeping clean, and so on.

3. Food glorious food
Recipes and tips/hints.

4. Play
For the big kid in us all, this has 46 pages on HAVING FUN.

5. Wild world
This covers nature, the weather and even nature's remedies.

6. Food for the soul

For me, there's something really inspirational about being in natural surroundings... it's good for the soul. This is what this section is about... about sunsets, campfire magic, shooting stars and sleeping on the beach etc. Oh, and camping yoga. All stuff that's 'food for the soul'. (Admittedly, I haven't done any of this yet, I have to say though...although I do now know about it!.)

This book is well written and such a useful guide for both the novice and the camper that's been before (when I went camping last weekend with two other couples, OH and I were the most prepared - *beams a bit too smugly*)

The first time I read it, I was so inspired. And I couldn't wait for my first camping trip! You too will also want to experience the same sort of camping as described in the book. Okay, so it's a tad 'lifestyle', but hey, I don't think there's anything wrong with that. It's a great looking book, that's for sure, but the pretty pics kinda belie the usefulness and level of info in here. I have read and reread this book.

So, hardcore camper or softie glamper? Nah, I'm neither. I'm a happy camper. I like double duvets and campfires. But don't mind insects (too much), and love getting my wellies muddy.

It's £14.99 and the ISBN is 978-0-7475-8666-1. It's published by Bloomsbury.

Incidently, I also have a couple of the cool camping books which have also been very accurate on their recommendations (I will review these separately).

Despite the gushing, I'm NOT in any way connected with the publishers or authors, or whatever. I just really rate this practical yet lush book. A definite 5 big stars out of 5.

Summary: Read this book!