
If you’re eager to sharpen your survival skills and prepare for any situation, dive into our guide, “Top 5 Survival Training Books to Read Right Now.” This carefully curated list offers a mix of foundational knowledge and advanced techniques, perfect for both beginners and seasoned preppers. Each book provides practical advice, detailed illustrations, and real-life scenarios to help you master the art of staying safe and self-reliant. Whether you’re interested in wilderness survival, urban preparedness, or tactical thinking, you’ll find invaluable insights in these essential reads. Get ready to elevate your survival game and gain confidence in your ability to handle any challenge. Have you ever wondered what it really takes to survive in the wild, or just manage through an unforeseen emergency situation? There’s something incredibly empowering about being prepared for any twist that life might throw your way. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a prepper, or just curious about survival skills, reading the right books can enhance your knowledge significantly.
In this article, we’re diving into the top 5 survival training books you should read right now. From fundamental survival techniques to advanced strategies, these books cover a wide range of topics designed to strengthen your survival skills and your self-reliance. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. “The SAS Survival Handbook” by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman
John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman is a former SAS (Special Air Service) soldier, and he brings a wealth of experience to these pages. This book is a comprehensive guide filled with survival strategies used by elite soldiers, and now you can learn them too.
Why This Book?
You’ll love “The SAS Survival Handbook” because it encompasses every possible survival scenario: from harsh environments and natural disasters to more common problems like car breakdowns or getting lost during a hike.
What You’ll Learn
- Basic Survival Concepts: This book starts from scratch, making it ideal if you’re a beginner. You’ll learn how to find water, make a fire, build a shelter, and more.
- Advanced Techniques: If you already possess some survival skills, “The SAS Survival Handbook” delves into advanced techniques like signaling for help, first aid, and navigation.
- Mental Preparedness: An often overlooked aspect of survival, mental preparation can make or break you in an emergency. Wiseman covers how to stay calm and focused when things go wrong.
Table: Quick Book Overview
Section | Topics Covered |
---|---|
Basic Survival | Water, Fire, Shelter, Food |
Advanced | Navigation, First-Aid, Signaling |
Psychology | Mental Preparedness and Mindset |
2. “98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive” by Cody Lundin
Cody Lundin’s whimsical yet informative guide is a must-read for anyone serious about survival training. Unlike other more stoic manuals, Lundin brings a bit of humor and practicality to survival tactics.
Why This Book?
Lundin’s approach is as entertaining as it is bone-chillingly real. His first-person accounts bring authenticity, making you feel like you’re learning from a friend rather than reading a textbook.
What You’ll Learn
- Mind Over Matter: Lundin emphasizes the importance of mindset in a survival situation. If you believe you can survive, you’re already halfway there.
- Practical Skills: From building a rudimentary shelter to starting a fire without matches, everything is explained in straightforward language.
- Medical Emergency Tips: The book includes practical advice on dealing with medical emergencies, making you better prepared for any scenario.
Table: Quick Book Overview
Section | Topics Covered |
---|---|
Mental Fitness | Mindset and Psychological Tactics |
Survival Skills | Fire, Shelter, Water, Food |
Medical Emergency | First Aid, Treating Injuries |
3. “Bushcraft 101” by Dave Canterbury
Dave Canterbury brings his experience as a survival instructor to your hands with “Bushcraft 101.” Whether you’re an amateur or a seasoned survivalist, this book offers a well-rounded education on bushcraft and survival skills.
Why This Book?
Canterbury’s methodical approach ensures that you can easily find what you’re looking for. The structured format is ideal if you prefer a step-by-step guide.
What You’ll Learn
- Gear Essentials: Understand the basic tools and gear you should always have on hand.
- Shelter Building: Discover various techniques and materials for building effective shelters.
- Food and Water Sourcing: Detailed instructions on finding and purifying water as well as foraging and hunting for food.
Table: Quick Book Overview
Section | Topics Covered |
---|---|
Gear | Must-have Tools and Gear |
Shelter | Building Various Types of Shelters |
Food & Water | Foraging, Hunting, Water Purification |
4. “When All Hell Breaks Loose” by Cody Lundin
Yes, Cody Lundin makes the list again, but for good reason. “When All Hell Breaks Loose” focuses on urban survival, a different beast from wilderness survival.
Why This Book?
Urban environments pose particular challenges during disasters or emergencies. This book brings you strategies specifically designed for surviving in a city when things go wrong.
What You’ll Learn
- Urban Survival Tactics: Techniques that are specifically tailored for navigating and surviving in an urban setting.
- Community and Social Aspects: Understanding the importance of community and how to leverage it during a crisis.
- Self-Sustenance: Techniques for purifying water, growing your own food, and securing your home.
Table: Quick Book Overview
Section | Topics Covered |
---|---|
Urban Tactics | Navigation, Resource Location |
Community & Social | Community Management, Collaboration |
Self-Sustenance | Home Security, Food/Water Survival |
5. “The Ultimate Survival Manual” by Rich Johnson
Rich Johnson’s “The Ultimate Survival Manual” is a hefty volume that covers almost every imaginable scenario. It’s packed with 333 skills that could be essential for your survival.
Why This Book?
This book is an ultimate guide for those who love details. Each of the 333 skills is clearly explained and categorized for easy access.
What You’ll Learn
- Emergency Preparedness: A strong focus on preparing before an emergency arises.
- Survival Hacks: A wide range of tips and tricks that can give you an edge in a critical situation.
- Comprehensive Coverage: From wilderness to urban survival, this book has it all.
Table: Quick Book Overview
Section | Topics Covered |
---|---|
Emergency Prep | Prepping Before Disaster |
Wilderness Skills | Shelter, Water, Fire, Food |
Urban Survival | Navigation, Community, Resourcefulness |
Conclusion
Reading is an invaluable way to gain knowledge, and in the world of survival training, it can be a game-changer. Each of these books brings a unique flavor and depth to the topic of survival, making them essential additions to your library.
Taking the time to read through these guides will equip you with the skills and confidence needed to face any emergency that comes your way. So, grab a book, settle down, and start learning how to become self-reliant and prepared for whatever might come next. Happy reading, and stay safe out there!