Which book would you use as a survival textbook?

peripatew

peripatew

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I'm thinking about getting a group of youth together (7th - 12th, male), and going through a survival book together. With the goal of a 2-3 night camping trip with some skills practicing/games. I'd like to make some kits as we go through it, at least an altoid kit for fun, but cover enough material to make a bigger kit. But, I don't want kits to be the main focus.

I'd like to do this for a year during school, with each week having a different focus.

I'm going to be going through some leadership stuff along side of this, as well as some other things.

Buuut, what book would you recommend? I don't know if I want everyone to have their own book, or if I pull a bunch of stuff together. I'm leaning towards a book for everyone, so they will have it as a resource. I don't want one that focuses just on survival kits, but that definitely includes it. So more Ray Mears than Bear Grillzzz. I saw Les's book today and thought it looked pretty good. ???

Thanks!

Thoughts? These kids will be all over the spectrum of skills, but I'm confident in making it work, especially when pulling in funny clips from man vs. Wild. :)
 
Hi Luke,

I suggest that you talk with Mac (Pict) about the material he uses. IIRC he teaches survival and uses the techniques to illustrate Biblical principals.

-- FLIX
 
I would not limit myself to one book but go both old and new school ,Kephart 's Camping and Woodcraft for old and Cody Lundens first book for new.
If limited to one book IMHO Camping and Wilderness Survival by Paul Tawrell is very comprehensive.
 
It depends on what you want to do. Practice SOME survival skills. Get a HUGE book like Koshansky's, Tom Brown's, or SAS Handbook.

If you want to talk about how to use a survival kit and survive for 3 days (the average amount of time it takes a person to be found) go with Lundin's book: 98 degrees - the Art of keeping your ass Alive". I think this later suggestion would be cool. Make a kit for you and for instruction and teach everyone how to use everything in the kit. That would go a LONG ways in teaching survival.

TF
 
98.6 Degrees has the additional benefit of being very reader friendly. Lundin uses illustrations and photographs throughout, and the tone is straightforward.

Another recommendation: Les Stroud's "Survive" also has a section on building a PSK, as well as on packing a larger 'complete survival kit'. But, those sections take up only a small portion of the book. The rest of it deals with shelter building, fire, food and water, natural hazards, first aid, improvising tools, and navigation. It's pitched at beginners, and it covers the basics pretty well while still providing some useful information for an intermediate audience.

Ultimately, Lundin's book is about the best there is when it comes to kit-based survival, but the goal of his text is to get you through (psychologically and physically) an 'average' short-term scenario. Stroud's book isn't as kit-intensive, but he pays a lot more attention to other aspects of survival.

Best of luck with the trip,

- Mike
 
For a group of youth I agree on 98.6. and you said survival problems and how to use stuff you have or may find. it ahs some humor and will fit with teens well I think Pat
 
Only problem with 98.6 for Eugene, Oregon, is that Lundin is really desert oriented (the man, not necessarily the book, though it does come through) - and unless you're headed out to Eastern Oregon with your kids, you're not dealing with desert.

Stroud's new book is good, and is "world" oriented.

Kochansky is oriented more for northern Canada and Alaska, which is about as close to western Oregon you're likely to get.

Kephart's book is great, though out of date. But it's a classic YOU at least should read.

If I was still living in Lebanon or Corvallis, I'd be glad to come down and lend you a hand! But living in L.A. now, it's a bit too long of a drive! :grumpy:
 
I agree with Grandpa's book assessment as it gels with what I've found having read all of those texts, and many more. I'd have all the kids read the book you'll use prior to going out. This way their recall should be pretty good as you go through some techniques. Otherwise they'll just be mimicking you without understanding the underlying principles; which may constitute deeper retention/learning depending upon a specific individual.

Bradford Angier's books are pretty thorough in knowledge base, and cover all the environments.
 
A few years back I listened to a couple on the radio named Stan & Holly Deyo. Their website is www.standeyo.com. Holly Deyo has written a great book on the subject of survival which deals with about every aspect of the subject.

The book is entitled "DARE TO PREPARE" by Holly Deyo. You can order the book directly off of their website. I've had mine for about 2 years now and it's about the most exhaustive book written on the subject I've read up to this point. The book is over 500 pages long and she said it was 18 years in the making. You all might want to check it out. JD
 
I'd go with Stroud's book. I picked it up and I really like it. Alot of the kids will know Les from his TV show which also might get them and keep them interested. Good photos and some funny anecdotes throughout the book should also keep kids interested.
 
Funny you should ask. I was at a Barnes & Nobel with the full intention of buying an SAS survival manual, when I came across Les Stroud's book, Survive! I thought it was well written, with lots of good advice. So far, it has made the most sense to me. He not only writes about what works, but discusses at length what doesn't work and why. I highly recommend it as an excellent addition to anyone's library.

And I think kids would really appreciate the format of the book and style of writing.
 
Depends if you want a survival book or bushcraft book.

I've only glanced at Survive! so i have no opinion on that one.

98.6 is a definite yes.

As for bushcraft books I would go with Essential Bushcraft from Ray Mears. Great info and alot of color photos, plus the pictures are from around the world from the different cultures he was working with from the Bushcraft tv series.
 
"The Complete Book of Outdoor Survival" by J. Wayne Fears is quite comprehensive, and its format is suitable for instruction. "The Pocket Survival Guide" by the same author is available at Wal-Marts in my area for $4.95, and is a nice little book in its own right.
 
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mkhop said:
If limited to one book IMHO Camping and Wilderness Survival by Paul Tawrell is very comprehensive.
Click to expand...

It is the most comprehensive I have ever seen including all the authors mentioned. The pure volume of info he makes available is astonishing.

His new version is even better but hard to find in stores.

Skam
 
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