Survival and Bushcraft Books

[sideways]

Getting back to civilization is pretty high up on the list of survival priorities. That's why I always recommend some sort of emergency locator beacon when confronted with the one survival item challenge.

Getting found could mean staying put... or it could mean making a desperate attempt at self rescue. It's a judgement call made based on how likely you are to be found in time for it to matter.

 

[pinecraft]

The op is asking for books on survival, INEXPERIENCED. He tells someone where he is going. If he gets lost he stays put and visible. Any other advice to an inexperienced woodscrafter is dangerous. Deadly, and irresponsible. Bear grill cheese led than trout crap. 99% Call a forest ranger they will tell you the same. If your climbing everest, or cave spelunking, chances are you know what you are doing and don't need internet survival advice. Stay put stay alive get found. 99% are just lost and scared.

 

[RustyHammer]

(Knife related

Here is a link - only because I am interested in the knives that they used. There a lot of legal and professional swirl going on with a couple of the dudes and I am not about to kick over that pot of hot coals. Anyway .. links to the knives, etc. used on the show:

http://morethanjustsurviving.com/dual-survival-knife/

 

[Thomas Linton]

"Stay put" may be very good advice, especially if lost. It may also not be the best strategy for every wilderness survival situation.

What if you need water and the water is elsewhere?

What if you need a fire and wood is elsewhere?

Need to signal but under dense cover?

What if you didn't leave word? Foolish, but not too late to do the smart things - whatever they are.

Say you set out with a group for a two week trek and on day three, one member breaks an ankle - compound fracture - protruding bones and bleeding. You will be missed in eleven days, at which point, a search will begin along your two week route (if you left word as you should have). That could be fatally tough on the injured member of the group. Or you can send part of the party - four if possible - back along the trail to get help.

MEXICO, Maine - Two 15-year-old Rhode Island boys will return from their winter vacation with a story to tell after spending a night in below-zero temperatures when their snowmobile got stuck in the woods in Maine.
Ty Howard-Gotto and his friend Jonah May, both of North Smithfield, had tried unsuccessfully to start a fire late Monday when May saw a shooting star, made a wish and suggested they continue walking. Then they found a shed that might have saved their lives, Howard-Gotto said Tuesday after they were found unharmed.
They used plywood and gasoline from the boarded-up structure to start a fire to warm up, then spent part of the evening wrapped in tarps and resting in a golf cart inside the structure, he said.
The temperature dipped to 9 degrees below zero in the region, and the wind made it feel like 25 below. At first daylight, they began walking again and were picked up at 10 a.m. Tuesday by a passer-by, wardens said.
Wardens launched a search after the pair failed to arrive at a camp owned by Howard-Gotto's grandfather Monday night in Andover.

A Nevada woman who was lost in the Sierra Nevada mountains for nearly a week is recovering after she was rescued by her own brother Wednesday, but her boyfriend, who left her to try and find help, was found dead. . . . Lane's doctors told Fox40.com Clifton left the car to try and find help, but never returned. Lane then wrapped herself in blankets and headed out on her own, trying to reach a road.
She slept in hollowed-out trees and ate snow and tomatoes to survive. Eventually, she discovered Clifton's body. Meanwhile, KTVU reports, the woman's family refused to give up looking for her after authorities ended their search. Lane's brother headed out into the wilderness to search for her, and eventually found her walking alongside the highway. [i.e., she found the road[

The boy hiked back up the canyon to a place where the walls opened up so searchers could find him. He placed his sleeping bag out in the open to be more noticeable. He was not injured in the incident and has was transported to Flagstaff where he was reunited with his parents.

Rowallan Camp.. 1998. 5 students, 2 teachers, bushwhacking in forest. Severe weather, very high winds. Tree snapped at base fatally injuring 1 student 1 teacher. Remaining teacher injured, students went for help.

He was moaning; I could see an arm moving," Wallace said. "We knew it was very bad. It was a miracle that he was even going to be alive."

The group knew that their one chance for saving Stewart was to have emergency personnel perform a backcountry rescue. The trio decided that Wallace and Lang would climb to the top of the mountain and use Wallace's cell phone to call for help. While they went for help, Guilfoyle would make his way down to Stewart and care for him.

Wallace said he had called his wife from Nippletop's peak in the past, but this time he didn't get a signal. When the phone failed, the men hiked 7.5 miles to their car in a parking lot close to the trailhead on the AuSable Club's property in St. Huberts. The pair then drove to Keene Valley, where they called 911 at about 8 p.m. The call was transferred to the state Department of Environmental Conservation's dispatch center in Ray Brook. Soon after, Wallace and Lang met up with Forest Ranger Rob Praczkajlo at the Noonmark Diner in Keene Valley.

 

[pinecraft]

I just realized you don't know what stay put, set up camp means. I stopped reading your examples at saw a shooting star made a wish, anything after that had to be nonsense. Anyone who is inexperienced please set up and stay put, its not good TV but its how you live. Thomas Linton, points and counterpoints don't negate rule 1 in all lost in the fill in the blank situations stay put, set up shop.

 

[upnorth]

SAS Survival Guide is a must for any book collection.

I have the tiny pocket version and consider it superior overall to my other books, including Stroud, Kochanski, regional flora/fauna references etc.

 

[gadgetgeek]

pinecraft, Steady down there before this goes badly for someone.

As to the debate that's sprung up here. Generally we keep things pretty even here, everyone has a voice, but getting snarky when you've only been here a bit is a good way to get on a lot of ignore lists. there's no need for it. Yes, in general stopping and thinking, getting visible and making a plan are the first thing everyone should do. But you also have to know when to adapt, improvise, and make a new plan. More skills gives you more options. Reading lets you know of things that you wouldn't otherwise be exposed to, and therefore, reading a few books gives you at least a little of the info you'd need to start making new decisions, and what other skills you'd be interested in learning. So yes you are right, until you are not. There are no hard rules to survival, besides staying alive. Lets keep the perspective. Besides, lets not treat essentialsplus like he's an idiot. He's looking for help and info, don't assume novice means stupid.

I'm sure you'll have lots of good info and experience to share, but for the moment try to frame your argument in a constructive way, instead of snark, and try to be helpful. W&C is there if you want to be silly.

Original question was which books are worth buying, those questions have been answered, and I'll throw in my .02, buy a couple from different authors, and see how they come at the same problems. That will give you some of the starting points to then look into which skills you think you should really practice, and you can do further research from there. Then get a local plant guide-book, there is lots of good info, or at least research starting points. I like Survive by Les, he talks about the psychology of being in these situations, and I found some useful info in there. Yep, he's made some mistakes, some for TV and some just happen, but he doesn't hide them, and I appreciate that I can learn from them. SAS is good, and there are others. Variety is the spice of life. Like I said, read a few, figure out the mindset each comes from, and use that as a jumping off point for further study.

 

[JasonECornu]

You know he has 'arrived" because there is a Wayne Fears line of knives - over-touted but not for space aliens.



Survival is doing what you need to do to survive. Maybe you stay put and maybe not. That depends on what the situation dictates. No one can tell you in advance with any certainty.

You may not be lost at all, just stranded or seriously impeded for some reason OR suddenly at risk due to some situation such as a storm, fire, or heart attack.

Not sure about the "space aliens" but I've enjoyed his books. No different then any of the other outdoor gurus. Since I spent my childhood learning about the outdoors from my grandad, books have always just been reference material.

 

[AmericanAsApple3.14]

I really appreciate all the information and input. It's good food for thought - the books and the other advice. I certainly have a lot to learn....

 

[Thomas Linton]

Not sure about the "space aliens" but I've enjoyed his books. No different then any of the other outdoor gurus. Since I spent my childhood learning about the outdoors from my grandad, books have always just been reference material.

Sorry. I was trying to be brief when going OT.

I meant his design is practical and conventional, not outlandish. 1095. 60/40 saber clip point. Plastic handle

"Over-touted" since not as advertised: "All three are made of 1095 cutlery steel, tempered to Rc 54-56. This steel makes a blade that sharpens easily and takes an edge like a razor, but usually requires a fair amount of resharpening. However, these hold their edges like Grim Death itself."

So relatively soft but holds an edge like it was relatively hard. The usual magic often seen in "ultimate" knives made of Unobtanium. But at least the MSRP is/was "only" $159.95 (much cheaper in the real world).

It has not made a big impact on the market, and it may be discontinued. The maker, Pro Tool, says "This category does not contain any products at this time."

 

[B34NS]

I just realized you don't know what stay put, set up camp means. I stopped reading your examples at saw a shooting star made a wish, anything after that had to be nonsense. Anyone who is inexperienced please set up and stay put, its not good TV but its how you live. Thomas Linton, points and counterpoints don't negate rule 1 in all lost in the fill in the blank situations stay put, set up shop.

Not every problem is a nail. One size fits all solution doesn't work for every situation. Not every environment will comply.

I'd suggest you read Amy Racina's story. If she would have stayed put, as you suggested, she would have died.

Not an SAS guide or bushcraft book, but relates to this thread and survival. Angels in the Wilderness it's a great read what more is required in order to survive.

 

[pinecraft]

pinecraft, Steady down there before this goes badly for someone.

As to the debate that's sprung up here. Generally we keep things pretty even here, everyone has a voice, but getting snarky when you've only been here a bit is a good way to get on a lot of ignore lists. there's no need for it. Yes, in general stopping and thinking, getting visible and making a plan are the first thing everyone should do. But you also have to know when to adapt, improvise, and make a new plan. More skills gives you more options. Reading lets you know of things that you wouldn't otherwise be exposed to, and therefore, reading a few books gives you at least a little of the info you'd need to start making new decisions, and what other skills you'd be interested in learning. So yes you are right, until you are not. There are no hard rules to survival, besides staying alive. Lets keep the perspective. Besides, lets not treat essentialsplus like he's an idiot. He's looking for help and info, don't assume novice means stupid.

I'm sure you'll have lots of good info and experience to share, but for the moment try to frame your argument in a constructive way, instead of snark, and try to be helpful. W&C is there if you want to be silly.

Original question was which books are worth buying, those questions have been answered, and I'll throw in my .02, buy a couple from different authors, and see how they come at the same problems. That will give you some of the starting points to then look into which skills you think you should really practice, and you can do further research from there. Then get a local plant guide-book, there is lots of good info, or at least research starting points. I like Survive by Les, he talks about the psychology of being in these situations, and I found some useful info in there. Yep, he's made some mistakes, some for TV and some just happen, but he doesn't hide them, and I appreciate that I can learn from them. SAS is good, and there are others. Variety is the spice of life. Like I said, read a few, figure out the mindset each comes from, and use that as a jumping off point for further study.

I am being helpful. As I already said, he is asking for books, going off the basis he is inexperienced the only responsible "advice" he should be given is to stay put, stay visible. You have no idea what his skills are or not. If he is completely inexperienced he should take baby steps into the wild. Of all the great adventures, had to trek out or die stories you hear, and spread here are not the norm. The reality is wardens and volunteers end up finding tired hungry injured "newbs" after a day or two. Bad advice watched to meany"survival " shows. One size does not fit all, but if a new to the "outdoors" has lost his way, he will only make it worse by striking out. Stay put means set up shelter, evaluate, and stay visible. Take time, larger and larger circles away from camp indicating directions until you find a remembered landmark. Stories of getting lucky do not help. Unless specified someone asking for help should be considered inexperienced and correctly informed. A relatively adult human doesn't need to be told they are going to die if they don't act they will know. I will be as snarkey as I like. Advice given by the forest ninjas here goes against forest service, warden, and all search and rescue guidelines. You should take the responsibility to not mislead new outdoorsman. Once they get a little experience go nuts. Next time a 12 year old is lost in the woods wandering in circles, it may be the result of internet nonsense.

 

[DOC-CANADA]

I am being helpful. As I already said, he is asking for books, going off the basis he is inexperienced the only responsible "advice" he should be given is to stay put, stay visible. You have no idea what his skills are or not. If he is completely inexperienced he should take baby steps into the wild. Of all the great adventures, had to trek out or die stories you hear, and spread here are not the norm. The reality is wardens and volunteers end up finding tired hungry injured "newbs" after a day or two. Bad advice watched to meany"survival " shows. One size does not fit all, but if a new to the "outdoors" has lost his way, he will only make it worse by striking out. Stay put means set up shelter, evaluate, and stay visible. Take time, larger and larger circles away from camp indicating directions until you find a remembered landmark. Stories of getting lucky do not help. Unless specified someone asking for help should be considered inexperienced and correctly informed. A relatively adult human doesn't need to be told they are going to die if they don't act they will know. I will be as snarkey as I like. Advice given by the forest ninjas here goes against forest service, warden, and all search and rescue guidelines. You should take the responsibility to not mislead new outdoorsman. Once they get a little experience go nuts. Next time a 12 year old is lost in the woods wandering in circles, it may be the result of internet nonsense.

Then why don't you take it somewhere else.

 

[JasonECornu]

Sorry. I was trying to be brief when going OT.

I meant his design is practical and conventional, not outlandish. 1095. 60/40 saber clip point. Plastic handle

"Over-touted" since not as advertised: "All three are made of 1095 cutlery steel, tempered to Rc 54-56. This steel makes a blade that sharpens easily and takes an edge like a razor, but usually requires a fair amount of resharpening. However, these hold their edges like Grim Death itself."

So relatively soft but holds an edge like it was relatively hard. The usual magic often seen in "ultimate" knives made of Unobtanium. But at least the MSRP is/was "only" $159.95 (much cheaper in the real world).

It has not made a big impact on the market, and it may be discontinued. The maker, Pro Tool, says "This category does not contain any products at this time."

Not a bad looking knife. I would certainly take it over the Gerber/Grylls and Camillus/Stroud abortions. Does seem a little pricey for a piece of 1095, but then so does esee.

I definitely wouldn't forgo my Mora Bushcraft Black for it.

 

[B34NS]

I am being helpful. As I already said, he is asking for books, going off the basis he is inexperienced the only responsible "advice" he should be given is to stay put, stay visible. You have no idea what his skills are or not. If he is completely inexperienced he should take baby steps into the wild. Of all the great adventures, had to trek out or die stories you hear, and spread here are not the norm. The reality is wardens and volunteers end up finding tired hungry injured "newbs" after a day or two. Bad advice watched to meany"survival " shows. One size does not fit all, but if a new to the "outdoors" has lost his way, he will only make it worse by striking out. Stay put means set up shelter, evaluate, and stay visible. Take time, larger and larger circles away from camp indicating directions until you find a remembered landmark. Stories of getting lucky do not help. Unless specified someone asking for help should be considered inexperienced and correctly informed. A relatively adult human doesn't need to be told they are going to die if they don't act they will know. I will be as snarkey as I like. Advice given by the forest ninjas here goes against forest service, warden, and all search and rescue guidelines. You should take the responsibility to not mislead new outdoorsman. Once they get a little experience go nuts. Next time a 12 year old is lost in the woods wandering in circles, it may be the result of internet nonsense.

Have some non-forest ninja books to suggest instead?

 

[JasonECornu]

Personally I don't see the harm in reading a book. I don't think anyone here said buy book "X" and you will be a survival expert.
I started going out in the woods with my grandfather when I was 5 and have been doing it ever since. I am now creeping up on 43. With all those years of experience I still have a nice little personal library of books on the outdoors.
Just saying the more education and reference material you have, the better.

And for the record, while staying put is the best thing to do if you get lost, filing a "flight plan" with someone responsible is the first and most important step before heading out into the back country.

 

[pinecraft]

Have some non-forest ninja books to suggest instead?

Yes, but none of them have survival in the title. Books on specific skills. Edibles. First aid.map reading. Books specific to the area you are going. And the all important resource, the local fish and game\warden service.
To post 36, you are correct a flight plan is first.

 

[gadgetgeek]

Both the SAS survival manual and Survive stress that your first move should almost always be to stay put. Stay with the car, stay at the campsite, stay at the trail intersection. But they also stress that this is not always the case, and that once you have stopped and evaluated your situation, movement may be called for. I don't see how that's going to get someone in trouble in and of itself. At the end of the day if you read the books and take in the thought process, then you are better off than a person with two or three "hard" rules they feel they have to apply to their situation no matter what. We could easily post hundreds of stories of people being found because they stayed while their companions who walked died. But what does that prove? The only truth is that every situation is going to be different, and needs to be evaluated. That's exactly what has been said. Books are the easiest way to get the most info, and be the best way to cover theory, which is what we want here. I trust most people to consider that just reading a book isn't enough, but that it is a starting point.

Also, snark and helpfulness are on opposite ends of a spectrum. A lot of the members here have english as a second language, sarcasm does not translate well over text. If anyone is leading a 12 year old astray its the "rebel who's too smart to need a book" not someone who suggests reading and research.

 

[Thomas Linton]

Speaking of the SAS, "Lofty" Wiseman, who wrote the first SAS book, has an acronym for survival skills: PLAN. The "N" is for navigation.

To travel or stay put is one of the great dilemmas any survivor must face. The factors governing any decision should be based on where you are, your chances of survival if you stay put, where you intend moving to and the related hazards in getting there. Without communications it is difficult to assess whether there will be a rescue attempt, and even if there is, it would be presumptive to believe that they will locate you. Additionally, having the physical and mental ability, plus the resources to travel and reach a given point accurately is also a major factor.

The SAS Guide to Desert Survival, Skyhorse Publishing, 2013.

 

[JasonECornu]

I will concede that while staying put is the best plan, if rescue is not imminent then the rule of 2 comes into play. If I have no water source then I'm moving on.
Considering the efficiency of modern SAR most people that fIle a flight plan are found within 36 hours. So one can only conclude that a person that improperly plans is going to find themselves in that type of situation.