Looking to boost your survival skills? Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just want to be prepared for any situation, our guide, “Top 5 Resources for Learning Survival Skills,” has got you covered. This friendly roundup introduces you to the best books, online courses, and expert advice to help you master essential techniques. From building a shelter to finding food and staying safe, these resources will equip you with the knowledge you need to handle whatever comes your way. Dive in and start your journey to becoming a survival pro today! Have you ever wondered what you would do if you found yourself stranded in the wilderness with no immediate help in sight? Learning survival skills isn’t just for thrill-seekers or preppers; it can be an essential life skill that can make all the difference in emergency situations. Whether you love hiking, camping, or simply want to be prepared, understanding the basics of survival can be a lifesaver. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 resources for learning survival skills. From books and online courses to YouTube channels, there’s something here for everyone who wants to enhance their survival knowledge.
Table of Contents
1. Books: The Foundational Guide
Reading books on survival skills offers depth and detail that you often can’t find elsewhere. Here are some must-reads to get you started.
Bushcraft 101 by Dave Canterbury
This comprehensive guide by a former military instructor covers everything from the basics of wilderness survival to advanced techniques. You’ll find information on building shelters, making tools, and sourcing food and water. The detailed illustrations make it easy to follow along.
SAS Survival Handbook by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman
Penned by a former SAS soldier, this book is a go-to manual for both novices and experts. Covering survival situations from the wilderness to urban environments, it provides practical advice on all aspects of survival including navigation, first aid, and emergency signaling.
The Survival Medicine Handbook by Joseph Alton and Amy Alton
If you’re looking to focus more on medical readiness, this book is invaluable. Written by a medical doctor and a nurse, it provides extensive information on how to handle medical emergencies when professional help isn’t available.
| Book Title | Author | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Bushcraft 101 | Dave Canterbury | Wilderness survival techniques |
| SAS Survival Handbook | John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman | Multienvironment survival skills |
| The Survival Medicine Handbook | Joseph and Amy Alton | Emergency medical care |
2. Online Courses: Structured Learning
Nowadays, you can learn almost anything online, and survival skills are no exception. Online courses offer structured and interactive learning environments, which can be beneficial for those who prefer guided learning.
Survival Instructor Courses by Sigma 3 Survival School
Sigma 3 offers a wide range of survival courses that cater to different skill levels. These courses include both in-person training and online resources. Topics covered range from basic survival skills to advanced wilderness scenarios.
Primitive Technology Courses by The Human Path
The Human Path provides various online and in-person courses that focus on primitive skills such as fire-making, shelter-building, and foraging. Their detailed curriculum helps you understand the core techniques and principles behind each skill.
Online Wilderness Survival Courses by Alderleaf Wilderness College
Alderleaf Wilderness College offers an extensive online program that focuses on wilderness skills. Their courses cover a broad spectrum of topics including tracking, wild edible plants, and wilderness navigation.
| Course Provider | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Sigma 3 Survival School | Comprehensive skill range |
| The Human Path | Focus on primitive technologies |
| Alderleaf Wilderness College | Broad spectrum of wilderness skills |
3. YouTube Channels: Visual Learning
For those who prefer visual learning, YouTube channels can be a goldmine of information. You can see techniques demonstrated in real-time, which can be particularly helpful for tricky or complex skills.
Primitive Technology
This is one of the most popular YouTube channels for learning primitive survival skills. The creator demonstrates how to build ancient tools, shelters, and make fire all from scratch, using only natural materials found in the wild. The lack of commentary makes it universally understandable.
Joe Robinet
Joe Robinet’s channel is an excellent resource for anyone interested in bushcraft and wilderness living. His videos are engaging, detailed, and cover topics like solo camping, gear reviews, and survival tricks.
TA Outdoors
This YouTube channel is great for both beginners and advanced survivalists. TA Outdoors covers a variety of survival skills including bushcraft, camping, and outdoor cooking. The step-by-step guides make learning enjoyable and straightforward.
| YouTube Channel | Main Focus |
|---|---|
| Primitive Technology | Ancient tools, shelters, fire-making |
| Joe Robinet | Bushcraft, solo camping, gear reviews |
| TA Outdoors | Wide range of survival skills |
4. Local Workshops and Classes: Hands-On Experience
Books, online courses, and YouTube channels are fantastic, but nothing can replace hands-on experience. Taking part in local workshops and classes allows you to practice skills in a controlled environment under the guidance of experts.
REI Classes and Workshops
REI offers a wide range of workshops and classes focusing on outdoor skills. From basic camping to advanced wilderness survival, you’ll find classes that suit your level and interest. Plus, it’s a great way to meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Outdoor Leadership School by NOLS
NOLS offers immersive courses that range from a week-long to several months. Their courses cover everything from wilderness medicine to mountaineering. NOLS emphasizes experiential learning, ensuring that you gain real-world skills.
Tracker School by Tom Brown Jr.
For those seriously committed to learning survival skills, the Tracker School offers intensive courses in tracking, wilderness survival, and nature awareness. Tom Brown Jr. is a renowned expert in the field, and his school provides a holistic approach to survival training.
| Workshop/Class Provider | Specialty |
|---|---|
| REI | Wide range of outdoor skills |
| NOLS | Immersive, experiential learning |
| Tracker School | Intensive tracking and survival |
5. Survival Communities and Forums: Peer Support
Sometimes, the best resources are other people who share your interests. Joining a survival community or forum allows you to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from others who have been in various survival situations.
Bushcraft USA Forums
This is one of the most comprehensive forums for anyone interested in bushcraft and survival skills. You can find threads on almost any topic related to survival, and the community is very supportive and knowledgeable.
Reddit’s r/Survival
Reddit’s r/Survival is another excellent online community focused on survival skills. The forum includes everything from gear recommendations to survival stories and practical advice. It’s an easy way to connect with like-minded individuals.
Survivalist Boards
This forum offers sections dedicated to all aspects of survival including wilderness survival, urban survival, and prepping. The users range from novices to experts, providing a wide range of perspectives and insights.
| Community/Forum | Unique Feature |
|---|---|
| Bushcraft USA | Comprehensive and supportive bushcraft resource |
| r/Survival | Active community with diverse topics |
| Survivalist Boards | Wide-ranging discussions from wilderness to urban survival |
Final Thoughts
Learning survival skills is an enriching and potentially lifesaving endeavor. Whether you prefer the rich detail of a book, the structured approach of an online course, the visual aid of a YouTube video, the hands-on experience of a workshop, or the camaraderie of a community forum, there’s a resource out there that suits your learning style.
Remember, the best time to learn survival skills is before you need them. So, dive into these resources, start practicing, and feel more prepared for whatever nature throws your way!
