The best camping/survival book

Barrabas

Barrabas

Joined
Feb 8, 2005
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If you could have one Survival book with you in your pack or vest what would it be? :confused:
 
Barrabas said:
If you could have one Survival book with you in your pack or vest what would it be? :confused:
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The Gem published pocket size version of John Wiseman's SAS Survival Manual.

Small, light and packed full of info!
 
The Last Confederate said:
The Gem published pocket size version of John Wiseman's SAS Survival Manual.

Small, light and packed full of info!
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It's what I keep handy.Amazing the amount of info in a compact book.
 
TOMBSTONE said:
It's what I keep handy.Amazing the amount of info in a compact book.
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Yeah, of all the books on the subject I have, that's the one that stays in the B.O.B. in my car. That and a book one edible wild plants that has really good high quality color photos for identification.
 
There are so too many great books, it's hard to pick just one. But Cody Lundin's and Larry Olsen are at the top of my list.
 
Mine would be the good ol' "US Army Survival Manual" , if I could take two the other might be "David's Tool Kit" :D
 
I think Cody Lundins 98.6 Degrees is the best one around. If you run a search there was a pretty lengthy thread on the subject not to long ago w/ lots of great suggestions.
 
Lobo103 said:
I think Cody Lundins 98.6 Degrees is the best one around. If you run a search there was a pretty lengthy thread on the subject not to long ago w/ lots of great suggestions.
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AMEN! It cuts through all the BS and focuses on the basics.
Gene
 
Thanks again for the info. Looks like I should have a good variety of reading to start with.

I have an old Boyscouts manual, that has been my best help to date.
These materials you have listed will sure help.
 
the "gem sized" sas is great for a bag, but i personally think "bushcraft" by mors kochanski is the best all around survival book that i have come across.
 
Barrabas said:
I have an old Boyscouts manual,
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The Boy Scout Manual is a GREAT book. You should also get a copy of the Boy Scout Fieldbook, which as a general outdoor skills and knowledge book, you'd be hard pressed to beat. Best thing is, these can be picked up for next to nothing in used bookstores and on ebay.
 
Mors Kochanski's Bushcraft is an excellent book. Bradford Angiers' How to Stay Alive in the Woods is also a great one.
 
Bushcraft by Mors Kochanski or
Survival: A Manual That Could Save Your Life by Chris & Gretchen Granowsky

Both of these are predominantly meant for cold and/or wooded environments!
 
I really like Cody Lundin's book, but think it would be of limited value on my person. Great value in planning and thinking before the caca hits the fan though. Perhaps the pocket sized SAS in my bag.
 
Like others, I think the small SAS Survival Guide is it. Sure, some topics don't apply to my landlocked state (i.e. survival at sea) but there is a ton of good basic campcraft info (snares/trapping) and if nothing else, reading it will take your mind off being lost! I wrap mine in a ziploc bag and keep it in my survival vest. I've heard they make a weather resistant "flick book" survival guide by the same author but have not seen it.
 
Not as small as the Collins Gem version but is made to fit in a Rucksack easy and the outside has a plastic covering to make it water proof. Also it has been updated with more up to date info.

Rickj
 
It all depends on the way that you may have prepared.

If you are on your own and travelling through the wilderness then the first
priority would be High Quality photo guides of edible plants and herbs.

And if you might "hole up" then BTP's "surviving Doomsday" will tell you how
much alternative power it will take to supply your home as well as how much
food you may have to store up.
 
The Last Confederate said:
... edible wild plants that has really good high quality color photos for identification.
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Yeah, trying to use a book on shelter construction, traps, etc. is a horrible practice. Much of what you read can appear very simple, but unless you have done it with a wide variety of tools it can be frustrating and time consuming. Practice before hand.

The only thing reference wise would be information that you don't care to memorize like the plants, magnetic north from true north depending on where you are, etc. . Basic first aid is another thing you better not be looking up, the responces should be near automatic.

Davenport has a great series of books, both on survival and wilderness living, in general and then another for specific enviroments in more detail.


-Cliff
 
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