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If only this book had come along a few years ago. It is as close to a complete guide to the outdoors as this reviewer has seen and will certainly help campers, hikers, and others people with a predilection for the outdoor life. McDougall, a writer for Field & Stream and other magazines, has produced a book that is equal parts gear review, tips for experts, reference book, overview for beginners, and anecdotes that read like campfire stories. The book isn't overly attractive, but the layout and drawings are well done and helpful to the reader. The author's writing style is conversational and fun to read, and while his expertise is obvious from the beginning, McDougall patiently explains the hazards and attractions of outdoor exploration. The book has only two drawbacks: first, "almanac" is not a very good description of what the book contains. Although it does discuss a wide variety of outdoor topics, it is closer to a guidebook than a true almanac. Second, the excellent sections on gear would have been more user-friendly had product information been put in table format. Recommended for all libraries.AJeff Grossman, Milwaukee Area Technical Coll. Lib. Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.