essential wilderness survival reading

13 Best Wilderness Survival Books Every Outdoor Enthusiast Should Read

For the best wilderness survival books, consider these essentials: "Wilderness Long-Term Survival Guide" for detailed hacks, "Bushcraft 101" for mastering essential skills, and "The MeatEater Guide" for practical tips. Explore "Survival Hacks" for innovative solutions and "Wilderness Adventure Camp" for kids. Plus, "SAS Survival Handbook" offers a wealth of survival wisdom. Don't forget the "Wilderness Survival Pocket Guide" for quick, durable advice. When choosing, focus on clarity, author expertise, and hands-on tips. These books cater to all skill levels and enhance your preparedness. Explore these resources to boost your wilderness survival skills!

What You Will Learn Here

  • Consider author expertise for practical wilderness survival knowledge.
  • Evaluate real-world applicability and clarity of survival techniques.
  • Look for a balance between basic and advanced wilderness skills.
  • Prioritize books with structured content for easy learning and reference.
  • Opt for guides with actionable tips suitable for various skill levels.

Wilderness Long-Term Survival Guide

expert advice for survival

For outdoor enthusiasts seeking all-encompassing wilderness survival guidance, the 'Wilderness Long-Term Survival Guide' is a must-have resource packed with practical skills and invaluable insights. This all-inclusive book covers basic knowledge essential for surviving in the wild, providing step-by-step instructions and ingenious survival hacks to enhance your outdoor experience.

With clear and concise information, the guide exceeds expectations by offering well-explained skills and useful visuals that cater to the whole family. You'll find yourself immersed in practical information that's easy to understand, thanks to the quality paper and color pictures included in the book.

Whether you're building a shelter while hiking or just looking to gain great info for your next adventure, this book, admired by many for its informative content based on the author's experience, is a valuable asset that you'll always want to have on hand.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels seeking comprehensive wilderness survival guidance.

Pros:

  • Great ideas for wilderness survival
  • Well-explained important skills
  • Suitable for the whole family

Cons:

  • None mentioned in the provided text

Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to Wilderness Survival

guide to wilderness survival

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking practical wilderness survival skills, 'Bushcraft 101' by Dave Canterbury offers a thorough guide to mastering essential techniques in the wild. Canterbury's emphasis on bushcraft skills beyond mere survival sets this book apart. The structured layout covers tools, shelter, cooking, fires, ropes, and exploring terrain, making it easy to find information quickly.

Canterbury introduces the 'Five Cs of Survivability' – Cutting Tools, Covering Elements, Combustion Devices, Containers, and Cordages – emphasizing multi-functional tools and systems thinking. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced outdoors person, this book provides valuable tips on gearing up, setting up camp, trapping game, and more.

With clear writing, practical advice, and Canterbury's expertise from 'Dual Survival,' 'Bushcraft 101' is a must-read for anyone interested in bushcraft or basic camping skills.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts and campers seeking comprehensive wilderness survival techniques beyond basic skills.

Pros:

  • Detailed and organized content covering a wide range of survival topics.
  • Emphasis on practical skills and utilizing nature's resources efficiently.
  • Suitable for beginners to experienced outdoors people, providing valuable tips and knowledge.

Cons:

  • Some readers may find the tone a bit formal.

The MeatEater Guide to Wilderness Skills and Survival

wilderness skills and survival

With detailed illustrations and step-by-step instructions, this survival guide is a valuable resource for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to enhance their wilderness skills. Whether you're a beginner venturing into the backcountry for the first time or an experienced individual looking to expand your knowledge, 'The MeatEater Guide to Wilderness Skills and Survival' offers practical tips for survival in various environments.

From learning basic needs in different settings to mastering bushcraft skills, this book provides valuable information to help you navigate the wilderness with confidence. With its accessible content and insightful guidance, this guide is recommended for anyone interested in honing their wilderness skills and preparedness.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts seeking to enhance their wilderness skills and survival knowledge.

Pros:

  • Detailed illustrations and step-by-step instructions for practical learning.
  • Suitable for beginners and experienced individuals looking to expand their outdoor skills.
  • Valuable tips for survival in various environments and mastering bushcraft.

Cons:

  • Some readers may find the book lacking clear illustrations.

The Essential Skills of Wilderness Survival Guide

wilderness survival skills guide

If you're an outdoor enthusiast seeking practical wilderness survival skills, Jason Knight's guide is your go-to resource. Knight's wilderness survival guide covers fundamental survival concepts, practical skills, and shelter building techniques essential for your outdoor adventures.

Emphasizing the importance of real-world experience, the book provides a clear and concise approach to coping with basic survival needs in various scenarios. Readers appreciate the logical layout, easy-to-follow instructions, and helpful photos included in the guide.

Knight's expertise in wilderness skills shines through the well-structured content and troubleshooting sections, making it a trustworthy source for individuals of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned outdoor enthusiast, Knight's guide offers valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your wilderness survival skills effectively.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts and campers seeking practical wilderness survival skills.

Pros:

  • Clear and concise approach to coping with basic survival needs.
  • Logical layout and easy-to-follow instructions.
  • Well-structured content and troubleshooting sections showcasing expert knowledge.

Cons:

  • May not provide in-depth or advanced survival techniques.

Survival Hacks: Everyday Items for Wilderness Survival

wilderness survival with household items

For outdoor enthusiasts seeking practical and innovative wilderness survival solutions, 'Survival Hacks: Over 200 Ways to Use Everyday Items for Wilderness Survival' by Creek Stewart offers a valuable resource to enhance your preparedness and self-sufficiency.

This practical guide is divided into chapters covering essential survival areas like shelter, water, fire, and food, presenting over 200 hacks using everyday items for wilderness survival. With simple and inexpensive solutions, the book aims to improve your chances of survival and quality of life in challenging situations.

Recommended for preppers looking to enhance their bug-out bags and wilderness survivalists wanting to make their treks easier, this book provides diverse and innovative hacks that can be easily prepared at home. Embrace the practicality and usefulness of these tips to level up your survival skills and be better prepared for any situation.

Best For: Wilderness survivalists and preppers seeking practical and innovative solutions to enhance their preparedness and self-sufficiency.

Pros:

  • Offers over 200 hacks using everyday items for wilderness survival.
  • Diverse and innovative tips to improve survival skills.
  • Valuable resource for enhancing bug-out bags and long-term survival strategies.

Cons:

  • Some hacks may require specific everyday items not readily available to everyone.

The Long-Term Wilderness Survival Bible: Ultimate Survival Guide

comprehensive wilderness survival manual

The Long-Term Wilderness Survival Bible: Ultimate Survival Guide is an essential resource for outdoor enthusiasts seeking practical tips on sustainable survival in nature. This book emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting nature for long-term wilderness survival.

It provides valuable information on identifying edible plants, natural remedies, and sustaining life in harmony with the environment. You'll learn essential survival skills such as building shelters, purifying water, hunting, trapping, and fishing.

The author also covers hygiene, first aid, and preparing for survival situations. While some readers find the content basic, the detailed information on survival tactics and techniques makes it a valuable resource for preppers and those interested in honing their survival skills.

Consider using this book as a reference for emergency preparedness and survival scenarios.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts and preppers looking to enhance their survival skills and knowledge in sustainable wilderness survival.

Pros:

  • Detailed information on essential survival skills and techniques.
  • Emphasis on understanding and respecting nature for survival.
  • Valuable tips on identifying edible plants, natural remedies, and sustaining life in harmony with the environment.

Cons:

  • Some readers may find the content basic and lacking in practical guidance for long-term survival.

SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition

comprehensive guide for survival

A valuable resource for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists, the SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition, equips individuals with essential skills and knowledge for tackling wilderness challenges. Authored by John 'Lofty' Wiseman, a former SAS soldier, this all-encompassing guide published by HarperCollins Publishers in 2014 emphasizes vital survival skills such as fire building, shelter construction, and food procurement.

The book underscores three key principles for survival: Will to Live, Knowledge, and Kit, stressing the significance of preparation and quick decision-making during emergencies. Covering a range of essential items like food, water, clothing, and medical supplies, this handbook also explores strategies for minimizing risks and adapting skills to different environments.

With insights on health, rescue techniques, and mental preparedness, the SAS Survival Handbook is lauded for its practical advice and real-life case studies.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists seeking comprehensive guidance on essential survival skills and strategies.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive content covering a wide range of survival skills and knowledge.
  • Emphasis on mental preparedness and practical advice for challenging scenarios.
  • Real-life case studies and detailed illustrations enhance understanding and application of survival techniques.

Cons:

  • Some readers may find the font size small and illustrations lacking color.

The Bushcraft Boxed Set: Bushcraft Survival Skills Series

comprehensive bushcraft skills guide

Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts interested in exploring bushcraft skills, the Bushcraft Boxed Set offers an extensive and beginner-friendly introduction to wilderness survival techniques. This set includes four well-written books covering a range of essential bushcraft skills such as trapping, gathering, cooking, and first aid.

The content is thorough, easy to understand, and supported by helpful visuals. Priced at $40.99, this set is considered a valuable investment providing more than its cost in knowledge and practical advice.

Authored by bushcraft expert Dave Canterbury, these books are praised for their practicality and suitability for beginners. While some readers wished for more detailed information, the set is highly recommended for building confidence in outdoor settings, making it a worthwhile addition to any survival enthusiast's library.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts and beginners in bushcraft looking for a comprehensive introduction to survival skills.

Pros:

  • Well-written and informative content covering essential bushcraft skills.
  • Affordable price for the value and quality of the set.
  • Practical and beginner-friendly resource for building confidence in outdoor settings.

Cons:

  • Some readers desired more detailed information in certain areas.

Wilderness Survival Guide for Kids

outdoor adventures for children

Ideal for young outdoor adventurers seeking practical survival skills, this wilderness survival guide for kids offers essential techniques for thriving in various environments. Authored by a retired US Marine, the book covers important skills like starting a fire, building shelter, and purifying water, emphasizing preparedness for emergencies in both wilderness and urban settings.

Parents appreciate its focus on safety, while children find the content engaging, fostering a passion for outdoor exploration. Striking a balance between urban and wilderness survival, the guide equips kids with the necessary knowledge for diverse scenarios.

Despite some feedback requesting more illustrations, the book's clear presentation and easy language make it a valuable resource for teaching self-reliance and confidence. Overall, it's well-received for its informative content, making it a practical tool for instilling preparedness and awareness in young readers.

Best For: Outdoor-loving kids and parents looking to learn essential survival skills together.

Pros:

  • Practical survival techniques suitable for various environments.
  • Engaging content that sparks interest in outdoor adventures.
  • Equips children with skills for both wilderness and urban survival scenarios.

Cons:

  • Some feedback suggests a desire for more illustrations.

Bushcraft First Aid: A Field Guide to Wilderness Emergency Care (Bushcraft Survival Skills Series)

wilderness first aid manual

For outdoor enthusiasts seeking essential wilderness first aid knowledge, 'Bushcraft First Aid: A Field Guide to Wilderness Emergency Care' by Dave Canterbury is an invaluable resource offering thorough guidance and real-life scenarios. This book covers a wide array of topics vital for handling emergencies in the wild, including medical advice, plant identification for medicinal purposes, and essential survival tactics.

Dave Canterbury's expertise in bushcraft and survival skills, coupled with the input of medical professional Jason Hunt, guarantees that the content is both credible and practical. Readers appreciate the clear writing style and the inclusion of detailed first aid lists for different scenarios, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

With its emphasis on relevant wilderness first aid techniques, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their preparedness and safety in outdoor environments.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts and preppers seeking comprehensive wilderness first aid knowledge and practical survival skills.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive coverage of wilderness first aid, plant identification, and survival tactics.
  • Clear and concise writing style with real-life scenarios and practical tips.
  • Expertise of author Dave Canterbury and medical professional Jason Hunt adds credibility and valuable insights.

Cons:

  • Some readers suggest additional details could enhance certain sections.

Wilderness Adventure Camp: Essential Outdoor Survival Skills for Kids

outdoor survival skills camp

Looking to equip your young adventurers with essential outdoor survival skills? Wilderness Adventure Camp offers a valuable resource for teaching kids how to thrive in the wilderness.

With clear guidance and engaging content, this book is perfect for instilling important survival techniques in children. The step-by-step instructions and photographs make learning wilderness activities fun and educational for both kids and adults.

Camp instructors will find this book ideal for teaching outdoor survival skills, while families can enjoy exploring the outdoors together with the help of this family-friendly resource.

Whether your child is a beginner camper or an outdoor enthusiast, Wilderness Adventure Camp provides a versatile learning tool that covers various survival skills and activities, making it a great gift for kids interested in outdoor adventures.

Best For: Families seeking a comprehensive guide to teaching outdoor survival skills to kids.

Pros:

  • Clear guidance and engaging content for both kids and adults.
  • Step-by-step instructions and helpful photographs for learning wilderness activities.
  • Versatile learning tool covering a wide range of survival skills and outdoor settings.

Cons:

  • May not provide advanced techniques for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

Thrive: Long-Term Wilderness Survival Guide

wilderness survival skills guide

When looking for practical wilderness survival advice compact enough to carry in your bag, 'Thrive: Long-Term Wilderness Survival Guide' stands out as a valuable resource for outdoor enthusiasts. This book offers real survival advice in a concise and practical format, making it ideal for quick reference in the wild.

It covers essential information on wilderness survival, camping, and bushcraft, making it a thorough guide for various outdoor situations. The author's expertise, proven by winning the TV show ALONE, adds credibility to the content provided.

Readers, especially beginners, appreciate the solid and updated information presented in the book. From nutritional tables to shelter-building guides and wildlife tracking tips, 'Thrive' offers a wealth of knowledge to enhance your wilderness survival skills.

Whether you're a novice or experienced outdoor enthusiast, this guide comes highly recommended for its practical and well-researched content.

Best For: Those seeking practical and updated wilderness survival advice in a compact and easily accessible format.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive content covering wilderness survival, camping, and bushcraft.
  • Author's credibility demonstrated by winning the TV show ALONE adds value to the advice given.
  • Useful information such as nutritional tables, shelter-building guides, and wildlife tracking tips enhance outdoor skills.

Cons:

  • May not provide advanced survival techniques for experienced wilderness survivalists.

Wilderness Survival Pocket Guide: How to Stay Alive in the Wilderness

survival in the wild

With its waterproof and durable design, the Wilderness Survival Pocket Guide is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable and compact resource for essential survival skills. This indispensable and invaluable product fits well in your bugout bag, making it ideal for hiking, outdoor adventures, and learning vital survival techniques.

The large pamphlet, covered in plastic for added protection, is well-made and waterproof, ensuring it can withstand the elements. Despite being somewhat pricey, its convenient size and coverage of basic outdoor and survival requirements make it a suitable addition to your rucksack or prep kit.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced outdoor enthusiast, this pocket guide provides clear guidance and practical advice to help you stay alive in the wilderness.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts and hikers looking for a compact and reliable survival guide.

Pros:

  • Indispensable and invaluable product.
  • Fits well in bugout bags.
  • Ideal for learning vital survival techniques.

Cons:

  • Somewhat pricey.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Wilderness Survival Books

choosing survival books wisely

When selecting wilderness survival books, consider criteria like relevance to your environment and level of expertise.

The author's background and experience are essential for reliable information.

Look for books with practical content, easy-to-follow organization, and helpful illustrations to enhance your learning experience.

Criteria for Selection

When selecting wilderness survival books for your outdoor adventures, prioritizing key factors is crucial. Consider the author's expertise in wilderness survival as an important factor. Look for books that cover a wide range of survival skills such as shelter building, food sourcing, and navigation.

It's vital to check the practicality and real-world applicability of the survival techniques discussed in the book. Evaluate the clarity and organization of the content to guarantee easy understanding and quick reference in emergency situations. Seek books that strike a balance between basic survival knowledge and advanced wilderness skills for thorough learning.

Author Expertise Importance

Prioritize author expertise when selecting wilderness survival books to guarantee credibility and reliability in the information provided. Experienced authors with backgrounds in bushcraft, wilderness living, or survival training bring practical knowledge and real-world insights to their books.

Look for authors who've undergone survival challenges, won competitions, or have a history of teaching survival skills. Authors with relevant qualifications, certifications, or experiences in outdoor survival enhance the quality and effectiveness of the survival tips shared.

Author expertise influences the depth of information, the practicality of the advice given, and the overall trustworthiness of the wilderness survival book. By choosing books authored by experts in the field, you confirm that you're learning from individuals who've the hands-on experience and knowledge to help you thrive in the wilderness.

Practicality in Content

Consider the practicality of the content in wilderness survival books by evaluating the usefulness and applicability of the information in real-life outdoor scenarios. A practical book should provide step-by-step instructions, clear explanations, and actionable tips for survival skills.

Look for essential knowledge on shelter building, water purification, fire starting, navigation, and first aid in wilderness settings. Practical content is relevant for various skill levels, catering to beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The focus should be on teaching tangible skills that are easily understood and implemented in emergency situations. When choosing a wilderness survival book, prioritize practicality to confirm you gain valuable insights that can be effectively utilized in the wild, enhancing your preparedness for any outdoor adventure.

User-Friendly Organization

Search for wilderness survival books that showcase a clear and structured organization to help you easily access important information during emergency situations. A user-friendly layout with chapters, sections, and subheadings guarantees quick reference when time is of the essence.

Look for bullet points, lists, or tables that summarize key points concisely for efficient learning. Visual aids like diagrams, illustrations, and color pictures can enhance your understanding and retention of essential survival techniques.

Additionally, books with indexes, glossaries, or appendices can be valuable tools for quickly locating specific topics or terms. Prioritizing a well-organized book won't only make it easier for you to navigate but also increase your preparedness and effectiveness in wilderness survival scenarios.

Illustration and Visuals

When selecting wilderness survival books, focus on the quality of illustrations and visuals to enhance your understanding of essential outdoor skills and techniques. Quality illustrations provide clear demonstrations of skills like shelter building and fire starting. Visual aids make it easier to grasp complex concepts, knots, and tool uses.

Detailed diagrams and pictures in survival guides improve comprehension of techniques and gear setups. Visual representations of plant identification, animal tracks, and terrain navigation assist in practical scenarios. Opting for books with high-quality illustrations contributes to a more engaging and effective learning experience for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.

Make sure the visuals are detailed and informative to help you master the necessary skills for wilderness survival.

Relevance to Environment

Considering the environment you'll be exploring, make sure the wilderness survival book you choose aligns with the specific skills and techniques needed for your outdoor endeavors. Look for books that address the challenges and conditions you might encounter in your intended wilderness setting.

Check if the book provides information on local flora, fauna, weather patterns, and terrain relevant to your location. Confirm the book offers practical advice and strategies tailored to the ecosystems and climates you're likely to face.

Choose a wilderness survival guide that aligns with the environmental factors and potential hazards you may encounter during outdoor adventures. It's essential to have a resource that equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the specific wilderness environment you plan to explore.

Target Audience Suitability

In order to pick the most appropriate wilderness survival book, take into account the target audience's age group or expertise level. Consider if the book is tailored for kids, beginners, or experienced outdoors enthusiasts. Look for titles that cater to specific interests like bushcraft, wilderness adventures, or long-term survival.

Assess whether the book's content aligns with the reader's goals, be it learning basic survival skills, advanced techniques, or specific wilderness activities. Check for practical and applicable information that meets the reader's needs and expectations.

Evaluate if the book covers a broad range of survival topics or focuses on specific aspects of wilderness survival, depending on the reader's preferences and requirements. By considering these factors, you can select a wilderness survival book that best suits your needs and interests.

Conclusion

To sum up, these wilderness survival books offer essential knowledge and skills for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or experienced adventurer, these resources provide valuable information on how to thrive in the wilderness.

By incorporating the tips and techniques from these books into your outdoor excursions, you can increase your preparedness and confidence in any survival situation.

Stay safe, stay informed, and happy exploring!