survival books

Elizabeth Huffman
14 min readSep 5, 2024
Survival-Books-1

When the unexpected happens, it's crucial to be prepared. Whether you're an urban dweller or a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, having the right information at your fingertips can make a world of difference. In this roundup, we're diving into the top Survival Books to help you navigate life's trickiest situations with confidence. Get ready to be armed with knowledge that could save your life!

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Reviews

The Ultimate Disaster Prep Guide: Survival Strategies in Any Scenario [Book]

The Ultimate Disaster Prep Guide: Survival Strategies in Any Scenario [Book] | Image

Dive into the comprehensive guide for preppers, "The New Prepper's Survival Bible: Protect Your Family in Any Disaster Scenario. " Written by Maxwell S. , this 15-in-1 resource is a must-have for anyone seeking to enhance their family's survival skills. With insights on life-saving strategies, home defense, food preservation, water filtration, off-grid living, and more, this book truly encapsulates the essence of preparedness.

Published by Independently Published, this paperback book is just over a pound in weight and stands tall at 0.4 inches by 8.5 inches by 11 inches, making it easy to carry for those on the go. Although it may not be returnable, its valuable content makes it worth holding onto.

So, gear up and get ready to conquer any crisis with this invaluable addition to your library.

Master the Art of Survival with SAS Guide

Master the Art of Survival with SAS Guide | Image

This diminutive guidebook is a lifesaver for those who find themselves in less-than-ideal circumstances. With its comprehensive array of survival techniques, the SAS Survival Handbook covers topics ranging from creating a camp and finding sustenance in the wild to ensuring safety in urban environments and dealing with disasters.

Though the size is convenient for carrying around, it does require a magnifying glass for those with less-than-perfect eyesight. Overall, this book could become an indispensable resource for any person eager to learn how to thrive in any environment.

The Ultimate Guide to Survival Techniques: 14 Essential Techniques for Home Defense, First Aid, and Self-Sufficiency

The Ultimate Guide to Survival Techniques: 14 Essential Techniques for Home Defense, First Aid, and Self-Sufficiency | Image

The New Prepper's Survival Bible: 14 in 1 is the ultimate survival guide for those seeking to become self-sufficient in times of disaster. This comprehensive book collection covers a variety of topics, from home defense and first aid to off-the-grid living and stockpiling. It's perfect for anyone looking to prepare for unexpected risks and ensure their family's safety during catastrophic events.

Each book in the collection is specially curated to provide users with practical advice and strategies for everyday needs, as well as critical situations. The guide offers valuable insights into food preservation, water purification, and essential survival skills, among others. Its informative and engaging style will undoubtedly come in handy for both experienced preppers and newcomers to the world of survival.

Essential Survival Guide for Any Emergency by Popular Mechanics

Essential Survival Guide for Any Emergency by Popular Mechanics | Image

Prepare for the unexpected with the Popular Mechanics Essential Survival Guide, the only book you need in any emergency. This comprehensive guide offers lifesaving advice on how to handle critical decisions during dangerous situations, ensuring both your survival and thriving in any disaster.

With 224 pages in a paperback format, the guide provides expert tips on purifying water, starting cars, escaping floods, and more. It also includes crucial information on must-have equipment and accounts of dramatic real-life survival stories.

As a bestselling book with a 4.3-star rating and 6 reviews, the Essential Survival Guide is a must-have manual for anyone who wants to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. Whether you're looking to protect your family or navigate the aftermath of a disaster, this guide to survival will be your trusted go-to resource.

The Lost Ways: Mastering Emergency Survival Strategies [Book]

The Lost Ways: Mastering Emergency Survival Strategies [Book] | Image

The Lost Ways is like having a secret survival kit right at your fingertips. It gives you practical insights on how to cook food in various ways, from the simplest to the most sophisticated, in times of crisis. The author goes into great detail about different strategies of survival, including how to maintain a steady supply of food and water, how to keep your loved ones safe, and even how to communicate with them.

One of the highlights of the book is its comprehensive discussion on Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) strikes. It provides a detailed guide on how to prepare, should an EMP event occur. You'll also find instructions on making a Faraday Cage to protect your electronic devices.

While it's filled with valuable information, it might not be for everyone. Some might find it a bit too technical, making it hard to fully grasp the concepts. However, if you're willing to put in the effort, you will be rewarded with a wealth of practical knowledge on how to handle emergencies. The Lost Ways is truly a treasure trove of survival strategies.

NO GRID Survival: Mastering Self-Sufficiency with Essential Projects

NO GRID Survival: Mastering Self-Sufficiency with Essential Projects | Image

Living in an unpredictable world, we all want to feel self-sufficient and prepared for whatever challenges may come our way. That's where "No Grid Survival Projects" comes in. This book is filled with 70 essential and practical ideas that can help protect your family in times of crisis, such as long-term blackouts or natural disasters.

From learning how to generate your own electricity using solar panels, to crafting DIY traps and natural remedies for keeping intruders at bay, this book covers it all. The author provides detailed instructions with clear illustrations to help you along the way. Plus, the projects are not only useful, but also enjoyable to accomplish.

What makes "No Grid Survival Projects" stand out is the range of topics it covers, making it suitable for readers seeking self-sufficiency in various aspects of life. And the best part? You don't have to rely solely on your electronic device for instructions; you can still enjoy the benefits of a physical book filled with invaluable advice on how to live off the grid in style.

Reviewing this book has given me a newfound appreciation for the importance of being prepared. With its comprehensive projects and accessible language, "No Grid Survival Projects" truly is a must-read for anyone seeking a more self-sufficient way of life.

The Ultimate Survival Skills Handbook

The Ultimate Survival Skills Handbook | Image

The Ultimate Survival Manual is a comprehensive guide for prepping and surviving almost every possible disaster. I found this book quite useful in my everyday life, even though I haven't faced any life-threatening situation yet.

The authors offer insights from various perspectives, which is a refreshing change. One aspect I loved was the practical tips on home protection.

I also appreciated the detailed information on navigation and animal encounters. In terms of downsides, I found that the book could be a bit repetitive at times, and some chapters felt a bit overwritten.

Nevertheless, The Ultimate Survival Manual is a book I can't recommend enough for anyone looking to stay prepared.

Survival Hacks: Mastering the Art of Wilderness Survival

Survival Hacks: Mastering the Art of Wilderness Survival | Image

Survival Hacks is a comprehensive guide that takes you on a journey through transforming everyday items into life-saving tools. Survival expert Creek Stewart shares his collection of practical, easy-to-follow tips, walking you through the process of turning simple objects like soda tabs and plant leaves into essential survival tools.

This guide covers everything from small hacks using sticks and rope to create tables to larger tasks, such as constructing emergency shelters from trash bags or purifying dirty water using a plastic bottle and the sun. With Survival Hacks, you'll always have the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in any survival situation and make the most out of your everyday carry kits.

Survival Theory: Essential Preparedness for Unforeseen Disasters

Survival Theory: Essential Preparedness for Unforeseen Disasters | Image

Survival Theory: A Preparedness Guide is a comprehensive book that tackles the often-overlooked reality of massive starvation and societal unrest. It serves as a practical guide for developing a plan to protect your family during emergencies.

The author, Hollerman, shares his extensive knowledge and expertise on various preparedness topics, including Bug Out Bags, self-defense tools, livestock, and long-term food storage. The paperback edition, published in 2016, boasts 268 pages and is an essential read for anyone concerned about their family's safety during uncertain times.

National Geographic Complete Survival Manual: Essential Tips for Hazardous Environments

National Geographic Complete Survival Manual: Essential Tips for Hazardous Environments | Image

I've had the chance to use the National Geographic Complete Survival Manual, and I must say, it's been an invaluable resource in preparing for various survival scenarios. This book isn't just for those outdoor enthusiasts; it's for anyone who wants to be prepared for unexpected situations.

The highlights of this book are numerous, but I found the firsthand advice from National Geographic experts and the experts in emergency preparedness to be particularly helpful. The guide is well-organized and covers survival in six of the world's most hazardous environments, as well as how to weather eight different natural disasters.

It also offers practical tips and expert knowledge, complemented by detailed, custom-drawn illustrations, making it easy to follow the step-by-step instructions. Furthermore, the addition of ten National Geographic explorers' near-death stories adds a personal touch to the book.

However, there's room for improvement. Some users comment that the book is geared more towards beginners and might not offer enough advanced tips for seasoned survivalists. Additionally, a few have noted that the book is a bit pricey. Despite these minor drawbacks, the National Geographic Complete Survival Manual is an excellent companion for anyone looking to stay informed and prepared for any emergency.

Ultimate Survival Medicine Guide: Disaster Preparedness Handbook

Ultimate Survival Medicine Guide: Disaster Preparedness Handbook | Image

Embark on a comprehensive guide to emergency preparedness with The Ultimate Survival Medicine Guide by Dr. Joe Alton and Amy Alton ARNP. This exceptional book equips readers with vital knowledge and practical skills to manage injuries and illnesses, without the assistance of modern medical professionals, in the face of any disaster.

The authors, renowned medical preparedness experts, present their insights and real-world experiences, using plain language, to address numerous medical conditions associated with disaster and epidemic situations. They also provide valuable guidance on medical supplies needed to become a vital asset for your family and community, as well as alternative and natural strategies when prescription medications are unavailable.

Discover a wide array of topics, including appendicitis and its symptoms, urinary tract infections, mosquito-borne illnesses, anaphylaxis, animal bites, snake bites, head injuries, and more. Filled with concise information and illustrated with easy-to-follow instructions, this book serves as an invaluable resource for maintaining the health of your family and loved ones during challenging times.

Unlike other medical books that might send you to the doctor or hospital in an emergency, The Ultimate Survival Medicine Guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge to handle medical emergencies when conventional medical assistance is scarce. Prepare for the unexpected and take control of your family's health in times of crisis.

SAS Survival Handbook: Complete Guide to Wilderness Survival

SAS Survival Handbook: Complete Guide to Wilderness Survival | Image

The SAS Survival Handbook is an essential guide to survival in any climate, offering practical tips and real strategies for facing emergencies. With a strong focus on adaptation and self-reliance, this book covers essential topics from accidents and escape procedures to identifying edible plants and creating fire. Illustrated throughout with clear and understandable line art and diagrams, the SAS Survival Handbook is an invaluable resource for those seeking to prepare themselves for any unforeseen circumstances. Highly recommended for preppers, adventurers, and anyone looking to build their survival skills.

Jim Cobb's Prepper's Long-Term Survival Guide [Paperback]

Jim Cobb’s Prepper’s Long-Term Survival Guide [Paperback] | Image

"Prepper's Long-Term Survival Guide" by Jim Cobb offers practical advice and techniques for people to prepare and survive long-term crises, such as pandemic or grid failures. Covering essential topics like water collection, food storage, shelter, security, and medical care in the absence of modern conveniences, this comprehensive guide is perfect for those looking to learn and implement long-term survival skills.

Buyer's Guide

Survival books are a vital resource for anyone seeking knowledge on how to navigate and survive in various situations, such as wilderness emergencies, natural disasters, and even unexpected urban scenarios. This comprehensive buyer's guide will provide you with essential information on the features, considerations, and advice for choosing the right survival book for your needs.

Types of Survival Books

There are several categories of survival books tailored to different scenarios, making it crucial to choose the one that best suits your needs. Common types of survival books include wilderness survival, disaster survival, urban survival, and survival literature. Each type of survival book focuses on a specific scenario, offering strategies, techniques, and advice to help you navigate challenging situations and emerge prepared.

Authorship and Expertise

Look for books authored by experienced individuals with a proven track record of survival skills and knowledge. Their personal experiences and research can provide valuable insights and guidance in various survival situations. Expertise in the specific field, such as wilderness first aid, emergency preparedness, or search and rescue, further enhances the credibility and reliability of a survival book.

Content Focus and Organization

A well-structured survival book should provide an organized and easy-to-follow layout, allowing readers to quickly gain access to essential information. Content focus should be on practical skills and hands-on techniques for survival, rather than theoretical concepts. Seek books with clear illustrations, step-by-step instructions, and effective summaries that help reinforce essential points.

Up-to-Date and Relevant Information

In the rapidly changing landscape of survival knowledge, it is crucial to choose a book with up-to-date information that remains relevant in real-world situations. Look for survivor accounts, hands-on lessons from real-world incidents, and updated advice on navigating the challenges you may face. Staying informed about new techniques and strategies is essential to maximize your chances of survival.

FAQ

What are the benefits of having a survival book?

A good survival book offers a wealth of knowledge and strategies for people who want to be prepared for various survival situations. It can help you develop necessary skills such as starting a fire, finding shelter, and purifying water. These books often contain checklists, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions, making them invaluable resources during emergencies.

Moreover, survival books cover a range of scenarios, including wilderness survival, emergency medical care, and urban survival. By reading and practicing the techniques outlined in these books, you can increase your chances of staying safe and healthy in unexpected situations, ultimately giving you peace of mind.

What is the best survival book for beginners?

There are several reliable choices for beginners looking to get into survival books. "The Ultimate Situational Survival Guide" by Michael T. Reynolds and David J. Hoffman is a comprehensive guide that covers various survival topics in an easy-to-understand manner. Another excellent option is "The Complete Book of Survival" by M. T. McEnery, which provides practical information on building a shelter, finding food, and signaling for help.

Additionally, consider reading "How to Survive Anything: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know to Survive Anywhere" by David Sneed. This book provides essential survival advice for wilderness, urban, and aquatic environments, making it a versatile choice for beginners. Remember to pick the book that best suits your needs, interests, and the specific scenarios you want to prepare for.

What sets survival books apart from other disaster preparedness or first aid books?

Survival books generally focus on teaching the reader how to live off the land and adapt to various situations, while disaster preparedness or first aid books focus on providing supplies and strategies for emergencies. Survival books are more comprehensive, covering a wide range of situations and scenarios, such as wilderness survival, urban survival, and aquatic survival. These books often include practical advice and step-by-step instructions for building shelter, finding food, starting a fire, and more.

Disaster preparedness and first aid books, on the other hand, often focus on stocking up on essential supplies and learning basic first aid techniques. They may not cover the same range of survival skills as a survival book but may contain valuable information on creating an emergency kit and responding to medical emergencies.

How should I choose between print and digital survival books?

Both print and digital books have their advantages when it comes to survival guides. Print books are generally easier to read, especially in areas with limited visibility or poor light conditions. They can be more durable and less prone to electronic failure than digital devices. For these reasons, many survival enthusiasts still prefer print books.

However, digital books offer several advantages, including portability, ease of search, and access to updated content. With a digital device, you can carry multiple books and easily access information, without adding weight to your backpack. Moreover, digital books can be updated with new information, ensuring you have the most accurate and up-to-date survival strategies. Ultimately, your choice depends on your personal preferences, needs, and circumstances.

What are some tips for effectively using a survival book?

To get the most out of your survival book, follow these tips:

  1. Start by reading the introduction and table of contents to get an overview of the book's contents and structure. 2) Identify the sections that are relevant to the specific scenarios you want to be prepared for and focus on those areas. 3) Practice the techniques and skills outlined in the book, so you develop the necessary muscle memory and adapt to the situations described. 4) Keep your survival book in a waterproof, durable case, and store it in a safe, accessible location where it can be easily retrieved during emergencies.

To enhance your learning experience, consider pairing your survival book with hands-on training, such as taking a survival course or participating in outdoor activities. This will help you develop a deeper understanding of the material and improve your survival skills in real-world situations. Finally, remember that the knowledge in these books is invaluable, and by investing time and effort in learning the skills, you can significantly increase your chances of survival in the face of adversity.

How often should I review my survival books?

It's a good idea to review your survival books periodically to ensure the information is still accurate and relevant. As new techniques, technologies, or regulations are introduced, it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field of survival. Review your books at least once a year to keep the knowledge fresh in your mind and ensure they are as useful as possible when you need them most.

Additionally, you may want to consider re-visiting the books after each time you practice the skills in the field. This can help reinforce the concepts you've learned and identify any areas where you might need additional practice or study. By staying current with your survival knowledge, you can become a more confident and effective survivalist, ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way.

As an Amazon Associate, I receive compensation through qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

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