Are you fascinated by the idea of surviving in the wild? Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a survivalist, or simply curious about wilderness survival, there’s a book on wilderness survival out there for you. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best wilderness survival books that will not only entertain you but also provide valuable insights and techniques for thriving in the great outdoors. From gripping true stories of survival against all odds to practical guides on building shelters and finding food, these wilderness survival books are essential reading for anyone interested in the art of staying alive in the wild.
Contents
- 1 20 Best Wilderness Survival Books
- 2 The Survival Handbook
- 3 Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why
- 4 Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival
- 5 The SAS Survival Handbook
- 6 Wilderness Survival: Living Off the Land with the Clothes on Your Back and the Knife on Your Belt
- 7 98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive
- 8 The Ultimate Survival Manual
- 9 Survive!: Essential Skills and Tactics to Get You Out of Anywhere – Alive
- 10 The Natural Navigator: The Rediscovered Art of Letting Nature Be Your Guide
- 11 The Complete Walker IV
- 12 The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs: Use Outdoor Clues to Find Your Way, Predict the Weather, Locate Water, Track Animals—and Other Forgotten Skills
- 13 The Outward Bound Wilderness First-Aid Handbook
- 14 The Survival Medicine Handbook
- 15 The Essential Wilderness Navigator: How to Find Your Way in the Great Outdoors
- 16 The Forager’s Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants
- 17 The Trapper’s Bible: The Most Complete Guide on Trapping and Hunting Tips Ever
- 18 The Ultimate Guide to Wilderness Living: Surviving with Nothing But Your Bare Hands and What You Find in the Woods
- 19 Hatchet
- 20 Into the Wild
- 21 Wilderness Survival Handbook
- 22 Final Thoughts on Best Wilderness Survival Books
- 23
20 Best Wilderness Survival Books
The Survival Handbook
by Colin Towell
The Survival Handbook by Colin Towell is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to improve their knowledge of wilderness survival. This book covers a wide range of essential skills and techniques, including building shelters, finding food and water, navigating, and dealing with emergency situations. With its clear and practical advice, this wilderness survival book is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone interested in learning how to thrive in the wild. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced adventurer, there’s something in this book about wilderness survival for everyone. The Survival Handbook is an invaluable resource that will help you feel more confident and prepared for any outdoor adventure. So, if you’re looking for a reliable and informative guide to wilderness survival, this is the book for you!
Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why
by Laurence Gonzales
Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why by Laurence Gonzales is a captivating exploration of survival psychology and the human response to life-threatening situations. This gripping book on wilderness survival delves into real-life stories of individuals who have faced extreme challenges in the wilderness and examines the factors that determined their survival or demise. Gonzales skillfully weaves together scientific research, personal accounts, and survival tactics to shed light on the complex interplay of human behavior, decision-making, and resilience in the face of adversity.
With a compelling narrative and insightful analysis, this book about wilderness survival offers valuable lessons and practical wisdom for anyone venturing into the great outdoors. Gonzales’s engaging storytelling and thought-provoking insights make Deep Survival a must-read for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and anyone interested in the psychology of survival. Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or simply curious about the human capacity for survival, this wilderness survival book is sure to both inform and enthrall.
Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival
by Dave Canterbury
Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury is a comprehensive and practical guide for anyone interested in the art of surviving in the great outdoors. This wilderness survival book covers essential skills and techniques for thriving in nature, including building shelters, finding food and water, and navigating using natural resources. Canterbury’s expertise as a wilderness survival expert shines through as he provides clear and detailed instructions, making this book an invaluable resource for both beginners and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.
Readers can expect to learn how to make fire without matches, craft tools from natural materials, and identify edible plants. Canterbury’s engaging writing style and wealth of knowledge make this wilderness survival book not only educational but also an enjoyable read. Whether you’re an avid camper, hiker, or simply someone who wants to be prepared for any outdoor adventure, Bushcraft 101 is a must-have guide for mastering the art of wilderness survival.
The SAS Survival Handbook
by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman
The SAS Survival Handbook by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman is an essential guide for anyone looking to master the art of surviving in the wild. This comprehensive book on wilderness survival covers a wide range of topics, from building shelters and finding food to navigating through the wilderness and dealing with emergencies. With detailed illustrations and practical advice, this book about wilderness survival equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to survive in the harshest of environments. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a seasoned adventurer, or simply someone looking to be prepared for any situation, this wilderness survival book is a must-have for your collection. Get ready to unleash your inner survivalist with The SAS Survival Handbook!
Wilderness Survival: Living Off the Land with the Clothes on Your Back and the Knife on Your Belt
by Mark Elbroch
Wilderness Survival: Living Off the Land with the Clothes on Your Back and the Knife on Your Belt by Mark Elbroch is an essential guide for anyone interested in outdoor adventures. This comprehensive book on wilderness survival teaches readers how to thrive in the wild with minimal gear and resources. With clear and practical instructions, Elbroch covers a wide range of topics, including finding and purifying water, building shelter, making fire, and foraging for food.
Readers will learn valuable wilderness skills such as tracking animals, identifying edible plants, and navigating through the natural environment. Elbroch’s expertise as a wildlife biologist and experienced outdoorsman shines through in this wilderness survival book, as he shares his knowledge and insights to help readers confidently tackle any outdoor challenge.
Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a beginner looking to expand your wilderness survival skills, this book about wilderness survival is a must-have resource for anyone who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors.
98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive
by Cody Lundin
98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive by Cody Lundin is a must-read for anyone interested in staying safe in the great outdoors. Lundin, a renowned survival expert, offers a no-nonsense guide to staying alive in the wilderness. The book covers essential skills such as building shelter, finding water, and starting fires, as well as providing crucial information on first aid and navigation. Lundin’s straightforward and humorous writing style makes the book both informative and entertaining, making it an enjoyable read for anyone interested in wilderness survival.
Throughout the book, Lundin emphasizes the importance of staying calm and using your wits to overcome challenging situations. He also provides valuable tips on how to stay warm and dry, find food, and signal for help in case of an emergency. Whether you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast or a novice camper, 98.6 Degrees is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to brush up on their survival skills.
The Ultimate Survival Manual
by Rich Johnson
The Ultimate Survival Manual is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to master the art of surviving in the great outdoors. Written by Rich Johnson, this book on wilderness survival covers a wide range of essential skills, from building a shelter and finding food to navigating through the wilderness and dealing with emergency situations.
With its practical advice and easy-to-follow instructions, this wilderness survival book is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone who wants to be prepared for unexpected challenges in nature. The Ultimate Survival Manual is packed with useful tips, real-life survival stories, and expert advice, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and seasoned adventurers.
Whether you’re planning a camping trip or simply want to be more self-reliant in the wilderness, this book about wilderness survival has everything you need to thrive in the great outdoors. Pick up your copy and start mastering the skills of wilderness survival today!
Survive!: Essential Skills and Tactics to Get You Out of Anywhere – Alive
by Les Stroud
Survive!: Essential Skills and Tactics to Get You Out of Anywhere – Alive by Les Stroud is a comprehensive book on wilderness survival that offers practical advice for anyone venturing into the great outdoors. Les Stroud, known as the “Survivorman” for his popular television series, draws on his extensive experience to provide readers with essential skills and tactics for staying alive in any environment.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including building shelters, finding food and water, navigating without a compass, and dealing with medical emergencies. Stroud’s no-nonsense approach and real-life anecdotes make this book about wilderness survival both informative and engaging.
Whether you’re an experienced outdoors enthusiast or a novice hiker, Survive! is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their wilderness survival skills. With its practical advice and expert guidance, this wilderness survival book is a must-read for anyone who wants to be prepared for the unexpected challenges of nature.
by Tristan Gooley
The Natural Navigator by Tristan Gooley is a fascinating book about wilderness survival that delves into the lost art of using nature to find your way. Gooley takes readers on a journey through the natural world, teaching them how to interpret clues from the environment in order to navigate without the need for modern technology. From reading the stars and clouds to understanding the behavior of animals and plants, the book offers a wealth of knowledge on how to let nature be your guide. Gooley’s writing is both informative and engaging, making it an essential read for anyone interested in outdoor exploration and wilderness survival.
The Complete Walker IV
by Colin Fletcher
The Complete Walker IV by Colin Fletcher is a renowned book on wilderness survival that has been hailed as a classic since its first publication. This comprehensive guide is a must-have for anyone who loves the great outdoors and is looking to enhance their skills and knowledge of wilderness survival. In this latest edition, Fletcher shares his wealth of experience and expertise, providing valuable insights on everything from essential gear and equipment to navigation and outdoor ethics. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a novice explorer, this book about wilderness survival offers practical advice and tips that will help you navigate the wilderness with confidence and preparedness. With its engaging writing style and thorough coverage of all aspects of outdoor living, The Complete Walker IV is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to embark on adventures in the wild.
The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs: Use Outdoor Clues to Find Your Way, Predict the Weather, Locate Water, Track Animals—and Other Forgotten Skills
by Tristan Gooley
The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs by Tristan Gooley is a fascinating book about wilderness survival that delves into the forgotten skills of understanding and interpreting the natural world. Gooley, an experienced outdoorsman, shares his expertise on how to use outdoor clues to navigate, predict the weather, find water, track animals, and more. Through engaging storytelling and practical tips, he teaches readers how to read the signs that nature provides, allowing them to develop a deeper connection with the environment and enhance their wilderness survival skills.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious about the world around you, this book on wilderness survival is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to rely on their natural instincts and observational abilities. With beautiful illustrations and insightful explanations, The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs is a must-read for those who seek to sharpen their outdoor knowledge and become more attuned to the wonders of the natural world.
The Outward Bound Wilderness First-Aid Handbook
by Jeffrey Isaac
The Outward Bound Wilderness First-Aid Handbook by Jeffrey Isaac is a comprehensive and practical guide for anyone venturing into the great outdoors. This book on wilderness survival covers essential first-aid techniques and strategies for dealing with medical emergencies in remote and challenging environments. Isaac draws on his extensive experience as a wilderness first-aid instructor to provide clear and concise instructions for assessing and treating a wide range of injuries and illnesses that may occur during outdoor adventures.
Readers will learn how to manage everything from minor cuts and sprains to more serious conditions such as hypothermia and dehydration. The book also includes valuable information on preparing for outdoor excursions, creating a first-aid kit, and understanding the unique challenges of providing medical care in wilderness settings. Whether you are an experienced outdoor enthusiast or a novice hiker, this wilderness survival book is an indispensable resource for staying safe and prepared in the great outdoors.
The Survival Medicine Handbook
by Joseph Alton
The Survival Medicine Handbook by Joseph Alton is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to learn about medical care in austere settings. This book on wilderness survival is packed with valuable information on how to handle medical emergencies when help is not readily available. With detailed explanations and illustrations, Alton covers a wide range of topics including wound care, infectious diseases, and even childbirth in a survival scenario. The book about wilderness survival also includes instructions on how to improvise medical supplies and tools using everyday items, making it an essential resource for outdoor enthusiasts, preppers, and anyone interested in being prepared for unexpected emergencies. Whether you’re an experienced survivalist or a novice camper, this wilderness survival book is a must-have for your library, as it provides practical advice that could make all the difference in a life-or-death situation.
by David Seidman
The Essential Wilderness Navigator by David Seidman is a comprehensive guidebook for anyone venturing into the great outdoors. This wilderness survival book equips readers with the essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate through nature’s uncharted territories. Seidman covers a wide range of topics, including map reading, compass use, GPS technology, and natural navigation techniques. Whether you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast or a novice hiker, this book about wilderness survival is an invaluable resource for staying safe and confident while exploring the wild.
The Forager’s Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants
by Samuel Thayer
The Forager’s Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants by Samuel Thayer is a comprehensive book about wilderness survival that is perfect for anyone interested in foraging for food in the great outdoors. Thayer’s expertise and passion for wild edible plants shine through as he provides detailed information on how to identify, harvest, and prepare a wide variety of plants for consumption.
Thayer’s writing is engaging and accessible, making it easy for both beginners and experienced foragers to understand and apply the knowledge he shares. The book is filled with beautiful illustrations and photographs that aid in the identification of plants, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to expand their foraging skills.
Whether you are a hiker, camper, or simply someone interested in sustainable living, The Forager’s Harvest is a must-have wilderness survival book that will inspire you to connect with nature in a new and exciting way.
The Trapper’s Bible: The Most Complete Guide on Trapping and Hunting Tips Ever
by Eustace Hazard Livingston
The Trapper’s Bible by Eustace Hazard Livingston is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in trapping, hunting, and wilderness survival. This book is a treasure trove of knowledge, offering detailed instructions on trap setting, animal tracking, and hunting techniques. Livingston’s expertise and passion for the outdoors shine through in this well-organized and informative guide. Whether you’re a seasoned trapper or a novice outdoorsman, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their skills in the wild.
Readers will find a wealth of information on different types of traps, baiting techniques, and animal behavior, making it an essential read for anyone interested in honing their wilderness survival skills. With its practical advice and insightful tips, The Trapper’s Bible is a must-have for anyone looking to become more proficient in the art of trapping and hunting. Whether you’re an avid outdoors enthusiast or just starting out, this book is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to improve their skills in the wild.
The Ultimate Guide to Wilderness Living: Surviving with Nothing But Your Bare Hands and What You Find in the Woods
by John McPherson
The Ultimate Guide to Wilderness Living: Surviving with Nothing But Your Bare Hands and What You Find in the Woods by John McPherson is a comprehensive book on wilderness survival that provides essential knowledge and skills for anyone venturing into the great outdoors. McPherson’s book is a treasure trove of practical tips, detailed illustrations, and step-by-step instructions for surviving in the wilderness with minimal resources.
Readers will learn how to build shelters, find food and water, make fire without matches, navigate using natural landmarks, and even craft tools and weapons from materials found in the wild. McPherson’s writing style is clear and engaging, making complex survival techniques accessible to novice adventurers and seasoned outdoorsmen alike.
Whether you’re a hiker, camper, or just someone who wants to be prepared for any outdoor emergency, this wilderness survival book is an indispensable guide that could mean the difference between life and death in a wilderness survival situation. With McPherson’s expertise as a wilderness survival instructor, this book is a must-have for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Hatchet
by Gary Paulsen
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is a riveting wilderness survival book that follows the story of Brian Robeson, a thirteen-year-old boy who is stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. Armed with only a hatchet, Brian must use all his wits and instincts to survive in the harsh and unforgiving environment.
Readers are taken on a breathtaking journey as Brian faces numerous challenges, from finding food and shelter to battling dangerous wildlife. Through Paulsen’s vivid and immersive writing, readers are transported into the heart of the wilderness, experiencing the raw beauty and danger of nature alongside Brian.
This wilderness survival book is a gripping tale of resilience, resourcefulness, and the indomitable human spirit. It is a captivating and inspiring read that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, rooting for Brian as he fights for survival against all odds. Hatchet is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers of all ages with its powerful portrayal of the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Into the Wild
by Jon Krakauer
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer is a captivating true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandons his conventional life to live off the grid in the Alaskan wilderness. The book delves into McCandless’s journey, from his college graduation to his ultimate demise in the unforgiving wild. Krakauer skillfully weaves McCandless’s story with his own experiences as a mountaineer, offering insight into the allure of the wilderness and the complexities of human nature.
Rich with adventure and self-discovery, Into the Wild is a poignant exploration of the human spirit and the allure of the natural world. It’s a compelling read for anyone who is interested in the allure of the great outdoors and the complexities of human nature. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a riveting true story, Into the Wild is a must-read wilderness survival book that will leave you deeply moved and contemplative.
Wilderness Survival Handbook
by Michael Pewtherer
The Wilderness Survival Handbook by Michael Pewtherer is an essential guide for anyone venturing into the great outdoors. This book on wilderness survival is packed with practical tips and expert advice on how to thrive in the wilderness. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a novice camper, this book about wilderness survival equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to stay safe and secure in the wild.
Pewtherer’s writing style is clear and concise, making it easy for readers to understand and apply the information provided. From building a shelter to foraging for food, this wilderness survival book covers all the essential aspects of surviving in the wild. The author’s expertise and passion for the outdoors shine through in every page, making this book a must-have for anyone who loves adventure and the great outdoors.
With its practical advice and valuable insights, the Wilderness Survival Handbook is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to enhance their wilderness survival skills and knowledge.
Final Thoughts on Best Wilderness Survival Books
Exploring the great outdoors can be an exhilarating experience, but it’s important to be prepared for any situation. The ’20 best books about Wilderness Survival‘ are an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their survival skills and knowledge. From essential survival techniques to real-life stories of resilience and determination, these books offer a wealth of information that can help adventurers navigate and conquer the challenges of the wilderness. Whether you’re an experienced outdoors enthusiast or a novice explorer, these books are a must-have addition to your reading list.
Which book about Wilderness Survival is best?
The best book on Wilderness Survival can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:
- The Survival Handbook by Colin Towell,
- Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why by Laurence Gonzales,
- Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury.
Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.
What are the best books to learn about Wilderness Survival?
For those looking to learn about Wilderness Survival, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:
- The Survival Handbook by Colin Towell,
- Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why by Laurence Gonzales,
- Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury,
- The SAS Survival Handbook by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman,
- Wilderness Survival: Living Off the Land with the Clothes on Your Back and the Knife on Your Belt by Mark Elbroch,
- 98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive by Cody Lundin,
- The Ultimate Survival Manual by Rich Johnson,
- Survive!: Essential Skills and Tactics to Get You Out of Anywhere – Alive by Les Stroud,
- The Natural Navigator: The Rediscovered Art of Letting Nature Be Your Guide by Tristan Gooley,
- The Complete Walker IV by Colin Fletcher
These books offer a range of perspectives on Wilderness Survival, covering various aspects and approaches to the subject.
What are the best books about Wilderness Survival?
The best books about Wilderness Survival are:
- The Survival Handbook by Colin Towell,
- Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why by Laurence Gonzales,
- The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs: Use Outdoor Clues to Find Your Way, Predict the Weather, Locate Water, Track Animals—and Other Forgotten Skills by Tristan Gooley,
- The Outward Bound Wilderness First-Aid Handbook by Jeffrey Isaac,
- Survive!: Essential Skills and Tactics to Get You Out of Anywhere – Alive by Les Stroud,
- 98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive by Cody Lundin.
Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books about Wilderness Survival are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.
What are the best Wilderness Survival books of all time?
Choosing the best Wilderness Survival books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but five titles that are often celebrated include
- The Survival Handbook by Colin Towell,
- Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why by Laurence Gonzales,
- Wilderness Survival: Living Off the Land with the Clothes on Your Back and the Knife on Your Belt by Mark Elbroch,
- Survive!: Essential Skills and Tactics to Get You Out of Anywhere – Alive by Les Stroud,
- and The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs: Use Outdoor Clues to Find Your Way, Predict the Weather, Locate Water, Track Animals—and Other Forgotten Skills by Tristan Gooley.
Each of these books has made a significant impact in the field of Wilderness Survival and continues to be influential today.