Small, but thorough Survival Book for hiking bag...

J_Curd

J_Curd

Joined
Jul 26, 2006
Messages
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I'm looking for a book that has the basics, but specifically some info on wild edibles, knots, and basic medical techniques.

I figure best case scenario, its reading material if you are hunkered down, and worst case it might help with something I dont know or cant remember under stress.

Any "standard" for such a book?
 
J,
This is a little odd but, I got a little journal and copied things from my bushcraft library into it. I divided it up into categories (ie edible plants, land nav, etc) and take it with me everytime I go the woods. It takes some time but it's worth it and plus it helps you remember things when you have to write them down.
As far as regular books, Angier has one called how to stay alive in the woods, you can get it in small paperback form.
Later,
Iz
 
Just a suggestion, but it may not be wise to rely on a do-all book when it comes to wild edibles. Just MHO, of course.

Doc
 
There is a tiny pocket version of the SAS survival book out there. Don't remember who publishes it.
 
hi-
try to find "the australian urban survival handbook" John Wiseman
he's also written one entitled the "sas survival handbook"
Its got everything- for instance did you know that polar bears liver contains toxic levels of vitamin A?
also interesting how many common domestic house plants are highly poisonous.
 
I think the journal is a great idea, that way you can take portions of several books that you find important and put them all in one place. Also, depending on your location, it may be difficult to find a book written specifically for where you are in regards to edible plants.
 
Stormstaff said:
This one in the pocket version I think you're looking for.
Click to expand...

The little SAS Survival Guide is the best one I've found so far. That's what's in my pack. :thumbup:

If there's a better "packable" book out there, I'd love to know about it!
 
trentu said:
There is a tiny pocket version of the SAS survival book out there. Don't remember who publishes it.
Click to expand...

Great little book. I carry this in my psk on longer trips for useful tips and just for some reading around the fire. It is only about 2.5 inches on its longest side and covers a lot of material. I got a copy of it on ebay for about $4.
 
bindlestitch said:
J,
This is a little odd but, I got a little journal and copied things from my bushcraft library into it. I divided it up into categories (ie edible plants, land nav, etc) and take it with me everytime I go the woods. It takes some time but it's worth it and plus it helps you remember things when you have to write them down.
As far as regular books, Angier has one called how to stay alive in the woods, you can get it in small paperback form.
Later,
Iz
Click to expand...

That is exactly what I'm doing right now. I picked up one of the 3.5x5 rite-in-the-rain notbeooks, put some orange duct tape on it so I can find it when I drop it, and am putting tips, tricks, diagrams and such in it, also divided in sections. I figure this is good for two things, I have read the info then at least regurgitated it by writing it down, second I have it in a smaller notebook that I can carry, and have room to draw maps, write down timelines and such when I am out in the woods.

I've been reading Less Stroud's book and have found lots of good info to put in my little book so far.

I'll second this idea.

Charlie
 
I'd second the vote for the mini SAS guide, I have the full size version and it's a great book.
Being realistic, most survival scenario's last up to 3 days, by which time you are found either dead or alive, so it is unlikely that you are going to need info on wild edibles or die from not being able to tie a riggers bend.
Knowledge of first aid could be a major asset as could be the the ability to make a fire ,build a shelter, signal for help and navigate.
 
I carry the Collins Gems version of the SAS Survival Guide, which is overkill, but small and compact. It covers survival around the world, plants around the world, survival at sea, first aid, etc. I would love to find small waterproof guides for specific regions around the world or specific environments (desert vs. sea/tropical vs. northern woods vs. jungle vs. what-have-you. This, along with a basic first aid guide and an area specific plant ID guide and you would be set. When I'm in the Sierras or Rockies I don't need to know about survival at sea or edible plants of Malaysia, although it does make interesting reading.

I definitely would go with the notebook idea. The Rite In the Rain ring notebooks allow you to change out papers as needed or to update info, but they're bulkier than the regular notebooks. I'm just starting to do this myself.

Didn't someone on here talk about putting together some printable guides that you can download onto Rite In the Rain paper and put into your kits? Did that idea die in it's infancy? Someone (who is less lazy than me) should take that idea and run with it. Once you get the info together you can sell it for cheap and make a tidy profit. You won't get rich, but it'll fund a few new knife purchases!
 
I have the SAS Survival Flickbook in mine and I love it.
It covers a lot of info and its printed on plastic type "pages" that are waterproof. Too bad they've been out of print for a while. Check ebay and amazon for a used copy, well worth it.
 
It's not small, but I highly recommend Les Stroud's book, Survive! This book is so well written, I'd make room for it.
 
If you're not looking to write up a journal, the pocket sized SAS Survival Book by Lofty Wiseman is great... very small, you really could squeeze it into just about any pack, and it covers a wealth of information. I have two copies, one lying around the house and one permanently in my overnight pack. Great buy.
 
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