Just got the SAS Survival Guide

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Jul 15, 2005
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The Collinsgem pocket edition. Man what a wealth of information and all in such a compact size that fits in a cargo pants pocket no problem. This has to be a must have for everyone who visits this forum.
 
I concur. This little book got rated highly in a review of several survival manuals I wrote up a couple years ago. Cody Lundin's tome "98.6 Degrees: the art of keeping your ass alive" hadn't come out yet at the time I wrote it, which is why it's not reviewed. However, if you get a chance to read Lundin's book, do so because there is good info in it. Just be forewarned, he is pretty full of himself. ;)

Amazon.com has what looks to be the SAS guide for about $8 USD. However, the cover is different than the little red cover one I got years ago from Brigade Quartermaster. Makes me wonder if Amazon's is a condensed version of the pocket GEM edition. :confused:
 
Wal-Mart.com also has the Collins Gem SAS guide; I've never been able to find it in brick-and-mortar Wal-Marts, sadly. I bought two from the online Wal-Mart, and I like them a lot. I agree: great equipment for mid-sized survival kits, or to keep in each car (as I do). Just one little complaint: it has been clumsily cut down from the full-size, full-text version, so, if you read it closely, you'll find a few things missing (like, text that references pictures that aren't there in the CG edition)--but, all in all, worth the price, and the tiny amount of weight.

Oh: the binding on one of mine was pretty poor, and the paper block came away from the cover. I glued it back in, and have had no trouble since. Just be advised that you may want to do this, too.
 
Very excellent book. I have the full size version. I saw the Collins Gem small version at Borders once, but did not pick it up at the time.
 
I'll say the SAS Survival Guide Gem version has been a favorite of mine since I first became interested in furthering my outdoor adventures. The Gem version was one of the first books on the topic that I ever purchased, and to this day remains one of the best, in my opinion. It is a perfect packable size, and can be thrown in with even some of the smaller kits. I just ordered a few more copies from Amazon to keep in packs and give away to buddies I camp with.

If you don't already have it, I'll recommend adding the SAS Survival Handbook, also by Wiseman, to your book collection. It has all the same info as the Gem version, with the addition of more details and topics.
 
I like this version. It is the complete book.

Have one in all my bags, and got them for the nephews.

sas-flick001.jpg




Here is a pic with a Space Pen for size comparison.

sas-flick002.jpg
 
I keep a copy of the Collins Gem SAS guide with my "Survival Tin" (details in the book), with a signal mirror and space blanket, wrapped all together with 550.

It's a little bit of bulk in your cargo pant pocket but, it provides me a large amount of comfort when I head into the outback. Also when I'm in camp, it's a great read and gives you a starting point for things to try out.
 
I like this version. It is the complete book.

Have one in all my bags, and got them for the nephews.

sas-flick001.jpg




Here is a pic with a Space Pen for size comparison.

sas-flick002.jpg


That flip-book version is out of print, and very collectable. Be sure and hang on to them, they are pretty valuable.
 
A guys who sets up at local shows sells them for $5...:cool:

Haven't seen any at the last few, but he mixes up his table wares...
 
A guys who sets up at local shows sells them for $5...:cool:

Haven't seen any at the last few, but he mixes up his table wares...

That's pretty neat! I'd love to be able to get in touch with him and buy one. I've looked on ebay, and all over with no luck. If you have any contact info on him at all, I would be very appreciative. Thanks very much.
 
Yesterday, I picked up the small CollinsGem version at the local Books A Million for $8. They had 4 or 5 copies on the shelf. The also a larger size version, I think also CollinsGem, but I wanted the small size to stash in a pack, etc. I think the larger book was $20; are the contents different or just the size?
 
That's pretty neat! I'd love to be able to get in touch with him and buy one. I've looked on ebay, and all over with no luck. If you have any contact info on him at all, I would be very appreciative. Thanks very much.

Look on ebay and type SAS survival there are plenty for sale.
I am reading it at the moment.
A day or so ago there was one for 3.95 US
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/COLLINS-GEM-...ryZ50397QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem
Plenty on their now at about $5 bucks US
Cheers
 
Tombstone - thanks very much! I sure do appreciate the link! I ordered two this evening. :thumbup:

Danno4017 and cmc - thank you both for the links. That pocket guide is nice. I do have one of those already. The one I did not have is the flick book version. I do appreciate you passing on the info. I went ahead and ordered another one of the Collins editions. It will make a nice gift. :)

Thanks everyone for all your help. :D Have a great weekend!
 
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