If you are a novice camper and need a camping bible- pick up Camping For Dummies! It is your guide to EVERYTHING for camping! Michael Hodgson goes over everything from tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags to booking your trip and knowing about weather and safety. You can’t read this in one sitting- or two or three- you should use it as a reference guide. There is a lot of common knowledge but I’m sure you will find some helpful hints!