SAS Survival Handbook

grease-man

grease-man

Joined
Apr 9, 2006
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Just got my copy of it today and read the first 40 pages already. I was debating on what my second "survival" book should be, (my first was "Deep Survival") so I opted for this one since it covered a wider array of topics than some. I thumbed through the rest of the book and I was amazed at how much it covers! I think this one's a keeper! :D

Anyone have suggestions on a third book to follow these two? Thanks. -Matt-
 
Bushcraft (Graves and Kochanski's)

What ever happened to stickying that list? We had 'em all together, and the thread floated away.
 
While not the best book, I recommend the US Army Survival Guide. The reason I recommend it is because you can get it free as a PDF online. Its about 230 pages. I just printed this out and went to Staples and got it bound. Now I have a free book (minus the binding costs of about $4).
 
grease-man said:
Just got my copy of it today and read the first 40 pages already. I was debating on what my second "survival" book should be, (my first was "Deep Survival") so I opted for this one since it covered a wider array of topics than some. I thumbed through the rest of the book and I was amazed at how much it covers! I think this one's a keeper! :D

Anyone have suggestions on a third book to follow these two? Thanks. -Matt-
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Try this U.S.Army survival manual new version
http://www.equipped.org/fm3-0570.htm
older version
http://outdoors-magazine.com/spip.php?page=rubrique&id_rubrique=25
 
One of my favorites is Mors Kochanski's Bushcraft. You won't find much in terms of military-type survival skills but you will learn a great deal of valuable woodcraft information and camping skills.

As a word of caution, always make sure to cross reference skills and facts in at least 3 books to make sure it is true. I can find the bow drill drawn incorrectly in many books and often pictures are recycled or simply copied from book to book. Your best bet is to get the book, try the skill in a controlled setting and try to find someone to demonstrate it first hand. There is a big difference to survival knowledge to survival practice.
 
I just started reading Cody Lundin's newest book, "When All Hell Breaks Loose". I'm about a quarter of the way through it, so far I'm favorably impressed. I liked "98.6" as well.
 
I've read on here that "Bushcraft" is more geared toward the northern regions; is 98.6 geared toward a specific region, or does that cover more ground? The only reason I ask is that I had heard somewhere that Mr. Lundin's area of expertise is more of the desert environment.

k estela, great idea on cross referencing between books. I'll have to pay closer attention.

Kiahs... I'll have to try some search options and see if I can find it again. I lost my print out of it a long time ago.
 
the lofty sas is a good book
I cut sctions of useless info out and its about half the size it was before
stuff like what to pack and what is a good field knife is just worthless when your already out in the field
 
The SAS guide is a good book, with interesting approach on some subjects, but it covers too many subject so don't expect a too detailed approched.

I hear that that John Wiseman guy has made a DVD. From first reviews it is quite like the book: a lot of stuff covered but not very didactical.
 
Believe it or not the U.S. Army survival manual has some great info. The newer version even has color pictures of some edible plants. Decent book to add to anyones bushcraft library.
 
Camping and Woodcraft by Horace Kephart
It's regional to some degree, and dated as well. But it is chock full of old school woods wisdom and practices that still hold water today.
 
'Outdoor Survival Skills' by Larry Dean Olson has been in my little library for over fifteen years and I find myself consulting it still. Not a bad little book, and it even got an endorsement from Robert Redford! :)

Between the SAS book and this one, I have more than enough info to keep in mind, when it comes to rescue advice, shelter and fire building.

However, as for regional considerations, I also have a number of books designed to teach the reader about local flora and fauna. These books are probably the best, as they tell you what you can and can't eat in your area, and what traditional inhabitants of this area used various plant parts for, ie; weaving, medicine etc.

I have to admit that reading a book, and practicing what I've read are very different things, and that much of what I've read leaves my brain without practicing them;).
 
Lorien said:
'Outdoor Survival Skills' by Larry Dean Olson has been in my little library for over fifteen years and I find myself consulting it still. Not a bad little book, and it even got an endorsement from Robert Redford! :)

Between the SAS book and this one, I have more than enough info to keep in mind, when it comes to rescue advice, shelter and fire building.

However, as for regional considerations, I also have a number of books designed to teach the reader about local flora and fauna. These books are probably the best, as they tell you what you can and can't eat in your area, and what traditional inhabitants of this area used various plant parts for, ie; weaving, medicine etc.

I have to admit that reading a book, and practicing what I've read are very different things, and that much of what I've read leaves my brain without practicing them;).
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Yes there is the practical application too! I'm looking forward to that, but I have quite a bit more learning to do before I can practice some of this stuff. I thought fire would be an appropriate place to start at very soon. Thanks for all the fine suggestions guys! -Matt-
 
Read Mors Kochanski's Bushcraft or his two pocket survival books if you live in or near the Northern Forest. If not Cody Lundin's 98.6 Degrees is your best bet.

Happy Reading

Bruce Zawalsky
Chief Instructor
Boreal Wilderness Institute
boreal.net
 
I have read every survival book that I can get my hands on, But the most usefull information came from the local library. I studied all the books that they had on our local Indian tribes. I learned how they lived, what they ate, and how they used local plants and herbs. There was a wealth of knowledge there.
 
johnny reb said:
I have read every survival book that I can get my hands on, But the most usefull information came from the local library. I studied all the books that they had on our local Indian tribes. I learned how they lived, what they ate, and how they used local plants and herbs. There was a wealth of knowledge there.
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I agree Jonny Reb, the most useful information for someone is that of local knowledge, regionally specific; instead of filling one's head with useless trivia. If one is not in a desert region and does not plan to travel there, or say the tropics/jungle, then I see no use in 'studying' that material other than interest. Books can be decieving as to the info they provide, like K Estela mentioned, I always cross reference at least 3 reference materials before I even go afield with the 'knowledge' to practice.:thumbup:
 
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how to stay alive in the woods is a great book,if you find a copy I would suggest buying it,Excellent and full of info.
 
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