Learning Survival from Books

Learning Survival from Books: 6 Best Books to Start

Learning Survival from BooksAre you making your first steps in the world of survivalism? If so, learning survival from books in the very beginning makes a lot of sense.

Books are essential to proper training.  The knowledge within them can guide your personal experiences and prevent mistakes.

Nothing beats practical experience with a good instructor, but that is not available to everyone.

Needless to say, survival books are not created equal. To learn from the best, you may want to consider a few of these titles.

The Prepper’s Long-Term Survival Guide

The list starts with the Prepper’s Long-Term Survival Guide. The book tops many charts in relevant forums and discussion boards. Published in 2014, this book is written by Jim Cobb – a trainer for a disaster preparedness company.

Cobb has long written articles about survival, disaster preparedness and budget-friendly preparation.

This book focuses predominantly on long-term survival in emergency situations. It doesn’t focus too much on surviving in nature.  Rather it addresses scenarios of chaos and turmoil (something that we could be facing in the near future?).

The book has a big number of positive reader reviews and most focus on the practical and actionable tips.

Cobb’s guide includes chapters on food, water, medicine and personal hygiene, security, tools and even how to survive the boredom that could be linked to living in a bunker for a prolonged period of time.

Wilderness Survival

 If you are specifically interested in wilderness survival, you will definitely fancy the second edition of Wilderness Survival by Gregory J. Davenport.

As the name suggests, this book will teach you how to make the best of your circumstances whenever you’re stranded in nature.

People who love the outdoor have to prepare for all kinds of extraordinary circumstances and the book provides a lot of valuable information.

The book is the result of the work and the experience of a former USAF survival instructor.

Davenport is also an escape specialist and a top survival expert worldwide.

Thus, learning from the best is possible with this title.

Some of the most important topics covered in Wilderness Survival include:

  • How to sustain health in the wilderness
  • Medical kits, gear and other essentials for survival
  • Personal protection
  • Sustenance
  • How to return home

The Survival Handbook

The name of this book by Collin Towell says it all. The Survival Handbook also comes with a pretty impressive cover design.  Not the most important characteristic of the book but certainly one that catches the eye.

Collin Towell is a prolific writer that specializes in the survival genre.

He’s published a number of books on the topic, including Essential Survival Skills, The Survival Handbook in Association with the Royal Marines Commandos and the Survival Handbook: Endurance Essentials for the Great Outdoors.

As the name suggests, the book offers a comprehensive look on everything pertaining to survival.

It doesn’t focus on one specific scenario as some of the previous entries in the list. Another great aspect of this publication is that it features a wide array of detailed illustrations that provide additional information on top of the text.

98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive

With such a cool title, 98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive by Cody Lundin deserves inclusion in the list.

A few of the essential topics that the book focuses on include the following:

  • Different survival situations and how they start
  • Survival psychology
  • Overcoming fear
  • Adaptation
  • Surviving in the outdoors
  • Your first line of defense
  • How to come in contact with rescuers
  • Survival kits

As you can see, the book discusses both actionable tips and somewhat philosophical aspects of staying alive. If you are interested in a comprehensive look at survival that’s delivered with a nice sense of humor, the book will be the right option for you.

98.6 Degrees is based on the experience and knowledge of Cody Lundin – the finder of Aboriginal Living Skills School. Another fun fact you may want to know is that Lundin is the only person in Arizona to hold a license for catching fish with his hands.

US Army Survival Manual

When learning, it’s a good idea to learn from the best.

Army personnel are professionally trained to survive all kinds of situations, which is why you may want to take a look at the US Army Survival Manual by the Department of Defense.

The US Army has training for survival in all kinds of climates and under any circumstances.

All of the information in this book has been field-tested, which adds to the practical application points of the publication.

The book features both step-by-step instructions and illustrations to ensure outdoor survival in any scenario.

There are actionable suggestions for hikers, hunters, athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who could face potentially dangerous situations.

Field Guide to North American Edible Plants

The final entry in the list is a slightly more specialized publication that can prove to be very beneficial for survival enthusiasts.

Field Guide to North American Edible Plants by Thomas Elias covers more than 200 edible plant species and there are detailed illustrations to make the identification of each easier. There is also information about the distribution of the species, their seasonality, the ways to harvest and to prepare each one.

This book isn’t the most imaginative survival guide out there but it can prove to be life-saving. Some wild plants are potently toxic and they can lead to serious issues. Thus, consuming plants to stay alive isn’t something simple or safe. The book is an ideal read for hikers and other individuals who like to spend a lot of time in nature.

 

 

From the Owner of this Website:

The Prepper’s Guide to Foraging is not a plant identification guide in the traditional sense. It is instead a guide to using plants to supplement other means of food production and subsistence living. Author David Nash believes that there is not enough land available for to support a large-scale return to the hunter-gatherer lifestyle in the event of a large-scale disaster, but that botanical knowledge does provide an edge to the well prepared.

This book advocates the acquisition of knowledge to allow its reader to safely identify, harvest, and use common North American plants. Wild plants can provide shelter, material, medicine, and food to help the reader extend stored food as well as to create items that may be otherwise unavailable during a crisis.

 

Top 20 Survival Skills a Kid Should Know

Top 20 Survival Skills a Kid Should Know

 

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By nature, a child likes to play around, do things on their own, sometimes lousy and even think they are old enough. Because all children are different, they exhibit different types of capabilities and skills. Remember, children have great individual variations of temperament, development and behavior.Every prepper plans and strategize for disasters but an often neglected aspect of prepping is training for children.

Help your growing child understand what is expected of him or her as they grow, with a little help from you as dear parents.

Since knowledge takes time to develop, so we need to start teaching them as soon as possible, and that is now.

Check out this article on the Top 20 Survival Skills a Kid Should Know to see what skills you should be teaching your kiddos.

Know how to make a fire.

Top 20 Survival Skills a Kid Should KnowYour child needs to know how to make a fire. You must be care to locate fire in a place where the wind wouldn’t blow directly on it, also, it works well in a large boulder. You need to have matches during camping and make sure your kid knows how to keep it safely under your control.

Know how to cook on a fire.

This survival skill is great to teach while you are on a camping trip. Help your kids how to cook on a fire and determine when food is ready to eat. You will need tinder, kindling, and logs.

Know to eat healthy and stay fit.

Your kids should know what foods are healthy to eat and how to stay in good shape. Explain the importance of having a healthy system and what it brings to you. If you are not in good shape, you will have a hard time surviving in a difficult situation.

Know how to handle and use a knife.

Every child should be shown how to hold and carry a knife for their own safety in everyday tasks around the house.

If an emergency occurs, a knife could be the only tool they will have available to help them survive until help arrives. Your child could learn using knife in cutting branches for shelter but also for hunting, if necessary, and to catch fish as well.

Know to find water and see if it’s safe to drink.

Help your child learn to locate water sources, and how to purify and clean the water, that is by using filters and boiling. Your child must know how to find water that is safe to drink.

In case your home has a deep well, you may continue to drink water from it and should be taught how to draw water from that well in case the electric is out. If your home does not have a well, then they need to search for bottled water.

Know basic first aid.

Every child should learn basic first aid and should know to treat wound or injury then tie a sling. Your child needs to be shown where your first aid supplies are stored and how to treat minor wound or injury. They also need to learn how to differentiate minor injuries from ones that require the attention of a doctor.

In case your child is alone, being able to cover and mend a cut or wound could save their life.

Know basic sewing.

Basic sewing should be taught to kids so they can patch clothing or any kind of garments when necessary. Mending clothes or any fabric and even make things like bags or scrap quilts are good advantage you can get when you know basic sewing.

Know basic self-defense.

Self-defense is another vital survival skill everyone should know, and that includes the kiddos. This is a skill your child needs to know to stay safe.

You can teach your child how to get away if someone grabs them. Instead of pulling away, tell your child to push towards the other person. Because of this, it could actually cause a person to lose its balance, then, will let go of your child as they would fall.

You don’t need to teach them any fancy skills – they need to know basic skills. Teach them to always follow their gut instincts. This could save your child’s life in a survival situation.

Know how to find or build shelter.

Your child needs to know how to find shelter away from home. Let them know the importance of a shelter in a survival situation and how to find a shelter when needed. under their clothes or use as a blanket.

Know how to read a map and compass.

Top 20 Survival Skills a Kid Should KnowA lost child is a scared child, and usually their first instinct is to begin searching for their family.

Teaching the kids reading a map is like making a lesson into a treasure hunt.

You may draw up a map marking the location of the treasure and then help them understand the directions.

Know where your family and friends live.

Your child needs to know where family and friends are to find a safe place especially if your child is in trouble. They need to know how to get to those safe homes.

Know what to do when they get lost.

A child if lost will sure feel uneasy and terrified. Wherever your child is lost; in a grocery store, on a hiking trip or along the street, the instruction is the same. In case your child realizes they lose their way, condition their mind to stop, sit as soon they are in this situation. No matter how scared they might be, assure them that you are searching for them.

Know how to grow garden.

Every child must need to understand how to plant a seed and harvest it. Teaching kids to grow their own food gives them knowledge and power. Encourage your child to learn and appreciate how to grow food.

Know what to do in bad weather.

Your child needs to know what to do when a bad weather is coming regardless he or she is both at home and away.  Does your child know what to do if he or she is home alone and a bad storm is coming?

Always plan on them being alone so that they can be independently safe, with this, they will not be dependent, they could count on themselves. Remind them to go to a basement and to stay away from windows.

Know how to swim.

Unfortunately, drowning is the third most common form of accidental death in children, so learning to swim really is an essential life skill. Swimming is one of the few skills that once learned is rarely forgotten. And, this is fun too for kiddos.

Know to raise and care for animals.

Teaching your kids, the responsibility of having a pet is very important and it is another great lesson to them. If you do not have room for livestock, consider keeping a few chickens or rabbits for your kids to care for.

Know basic woodworking.

If your kids could learn basic carpentry that will be a bonus.  If they can work well with woods or logs, then they can learn building almost everything. And, if possible, you can teach your kids to safely use tools like axe or hatchet in doing basic woodwork.

Know to Fish.

Fishing is easy to learn, easy to teach and doesn’t have to involve lots of expensive equipment. This can be a good bonding with the whole family especially on a vacation.

Know how to answer the door when they are home alone.

The best way is either not to answer or open the door. When the door is opened and closed with kids in and out, it leaves those in the home vulnerable to someone who is watching the home. Train your kid to be keen in keeping the windows locked, your blinds and curtains always closed.

Know how to climb a tree.

Top 20 Survival Skills a Kid Should KnowThis is part of the dangerous things you should let your kids do, as long as they are under your control.

Teach them how to climb safely which is really important, tell them when to stop climbing and when it is dangerous.

This skill can be useful because it eliminates a potential accident risk.

Final Say

One of the most important of parental goals is to make them independent and autonomous while they’re still young as soon as possible. As crises or emergencies arise, their survival training and real determination will decide if you get to ever tuck them in bed again.

When crisis strikes, knowing as many survival skills as possible may it’s a life and death situation for your children. You don’t have to be aggressive or scary about it, but you should teach your kids how to take care of themselves as they grow.

The sooner the children become self-sufficient, the greater their chance of surviving in any type of collapse. Make a game out of teaching survival skills and have fun with your child. You never know when your child may need to take care of himself/herself for a few days.

It’s your call.

Winter Survival Skills

Top 6 Winter Survival Skills May Make The Difference Between Life And Death

An individual without any home will find it really challenging to lead a life without any struggle. Moreover, during the wintertime, it becomes really troublesome to spend the night on the streets.

The situation can become even worse if it is required to spend several nights outdoors in wintertime. It would be a real life or death scenario. Especially since he will not have any resources at his disposal.

Fortunately, there are several methods which can be adopted in order to survive these situations.

In the subsequent paragraphs, we mention 6 essential winter survival skills.

Beef up your insulation

When you are trapped in the extreme cold weather, make it a point to enhance the insulation value of the clothing that you are wearing. Try to make some loose balls by crumpling up some type of paper materials and stuff them inside your garments. You can put them inside your trousers, your shirt or even down your sleeves.

Besides this, try not to sleep on the bare ground. Cardboard is a fantastic insulator.  You can try to stack up several layers of this material to sleep on.

Lastly, you can even prepare a makeshift sleeping bag by stuffing a big trash bag with any insulating material that is available. In this way, you can protect yourself from the bitter cold as well as the wind.

Prepare a warm shelter

Winter Survival SkillsThis particular survival skill is crucial for almost any situation.  Most particularly in winter conditions. It is imperative for you to keep yourself warm and dry during winter.  Therefore it is advisable to spend time in building a shelter. Try to construct the shelter in a flat place protected from the wind and falling snow.

These trees will also offer the natural resources for preparing your winter shelter. It would be better if your shelter has a natural covering like the boughs of a tree. You may dig around the tree’s trunk below the lowest boughs.  This will get you protection from the wind and snow by the branches which are spread above. In that case, you will receive extra protection from the snow walls and it might also be ideal for you to make a fire.

Use snow goggles

Winter Survival SkillsAlthough the majority of us use sunglasses during summer, there is a possibility for us to get blinded by the ice and the snow during winter which can reflect the sun’s rays back to the eyes. In case you do not have any goggles with you, make it a point to learn how to prepare them by yourself from natural resources.

You can prepare goggles easily from birch bark. This material is ideal for snow goggles since it is possible to remove them from the trunk of a tree in sheets.

Although it might appear to be rather simple, these goggles will definitely offer protection to your eyes during the daytime.

Make a pair of snowshoes

Winter Survival SkillsIt is advisable to choose the best winter boots while you are stranded outside in cold weather conditions. While you are putting on a pair of snowshoes, your weight will be distributed over a larger area and this will prevent your feet from sinking completely into the snow. You perhaps realize how exhausting it is to walk through a forest during winter months without any snow shoes.

These types of shoes will definitely save you plenty of energy and time. In case you do not have any snowshoes available to you, try to make one by yourself. It is possible to make such types of shoes with the help of boughs which are tied together and then lashed onto your feet. It will take much more time and effort to prepare other types of traditional snowshoes.

You have to find out a long and flexible stick which can be bent and tied at the end and following this you need to crisscross the inside of the snowshoe with some more sticks or vines.

Remain active

Winter Survival SkillsIt is advisable to stay active so that your heart rate remains normal and also there is a proper circulation of blood within your system.

However, take care not to overexert yourself. In case you perspire excessively, the moisture will be responsible for sapping the warmth away from you.

Consequently, try to perform your activities at a moderate pace whether you are preparing a shelter or even hiking. You may remove your clothing layers to maintain your temperature which will help you to keep warm and not hot. Also, you must take a breather at regular intervals so that your energy is not completely burnt out.

Keep your mind clear

Finally, you must try to keep your mind free from all anxieties and tensions since this can distort your thoughts and also prevent you from making proper survival decisions. In case you feel lonely and monotonous, it will be very difficult for you to survive in these types of challenging conditions.

Outdoor Survival Skills

What is the Best time to go Fishing?
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Many people might want to know what exact situation dictates or demands outdoor survival skills. Well, to my opinion, I think that first and foremost the way to approach death is asking what the definition of emergency is. Knowing that an emergency is an unplanned event that requires immediate action. However, it will be safe to say that an outdoor survival situation will come under the heading of an event that is unplanned that calls for an immediate action and skills.

Also, the preparation beforehand with training and gear are the things that will make the situation turn out for better or for the worst to the participants.  I think we live in a society that is so busy and we have all being there. You have weekend plans with your family, friends and loved ones to go hiking or camping. Life it’s been busy, and something comes up- its Friday night, and you are going to leave the next day morning for outdoors, and then you try to rush up and get your stuff and get going. Always remember that the woods and mountains do not move and they will always be there whenever you wish to visit. Do not go out there unprepared. Going to such places as wilderness, there is a risk, and the only safe guard against it is proper prior preparation which can prevent poor performance.

One thing that anyone who is going outdoors: in the woods or under the water and so on should know is that he or she is going out in the Wild’s world. The person is meant to see and encounter things that are uncommon: wild animals, other dangerous insects, and plants that he or she do not see out in the cities or at home. So, the person always has to know that and treat it with a little beat of respect.

Follow the rules below if you are planning for an outdoor tour for the first time and uncertain of what the situation out there might be.

  1. Do not go unprepared. Try to never go unprepared visiting the outdoors. Do your due diligence before venturing the wild. Presently, we live in a world of technologies, and we can equip ourselves with the necessary technology. For example Google earth and TerraServer. So before going backpacking, mountain climbing, bicycling, fishing, hunting, deep diving, hiking, camping, and any other place you wish to go, you can get online and get the area view of the particular field you want to visit.
  2. Do not rely on someone else. Imagine if you are going on a trip with someone that is more experienced in the field or someone has invited you, it’s always easy to have that kind of vacation mindset – what goes along for a ride? Grab the water bottle and hit the trail. But if the unexpected does happen, it is essential that you are able to take the situation into your own hands and get on and track your way out of the wild. So do your homework before venturing into the wild.
  3. Relying on technology. The modern technology is great, but it can also get us killed. There is a GPS on almost every phone now and different kinds of electronics that if in the wild, you can look through them and they take you back to the point from where you came in. Think also about it the other way: what if the batteries drop dead or the electronics drop in the water? That can tremendously hurt, and if care is not taken, some people in such situation might not make it out. So try to study a paper map and have it with you if possible.
  4. Learn how to use a compass and also learn how to read a map. It is important to go to a local community college, or a local hiking or backpacking clubs or organization and gets a little seminar or workshop just to get a basic understanding of how to use the gadgets can be a life saver for anyone.
  5. This last one is known as the do or die plan. This is having looked on google earth map, having had a framework. You need to determine before you go out there that, if you go west, there is a highway, if you go south, there is a river, and if you go downstream, there is always a fishing camp. You have to get your mind prepared before you leave home that if everything else fails, that you have a direction and a bearing that is going to walk you out of danger to safety. And you are sure you know how to find that bearing after learning how to use your map and compass. Sometimes the compass can break. So it is vital to know how to read from where the sun rises and where it sets. You have to learn how to read shadows. All of these things are part of what will help anyone to survive a do or die situation outdoors.

Conclusion:

Before taking part in an outdoor activity such as hunting, camping, hiking, underwater diving and even bicycling, you have to make sure that you have the proper gears and that you have taken appropriate instruction classes on outdoors survival skills. Having binoculars or a spotting scope can also be a necessity when it comes to looking through an unfamiliar movement within the woods or around the field where you are located.

Author Bio

My name is Max. I am a hunter and an outdoor freak. I enjoy cooking, especially wild game recipes. I also like writing and sharing my outdoor experiences through blogging. If I am not writing or cooking; you will definitely find me outdoors hunting, fishing, hiking or camping. You can connect me on Facebook or take a grasp on my website at perfectriflescope.com

Top 10 Survival Skills Your Child Should Know Right Now

Top 10 Survival Skills Your Child Should Know Right Now
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Every individual needs to be able to take care of his or herself, including children. They may not be adults yet, and they may have fewer responsibilities than most of us, but they do need to learn how to survive in this cruel world, especially when outdoors. Hence, in this post, we’ll be rounding up the top survival skills your child should know.

It is every parent’s responsibility to teach their kids various skills they can use throughout their lives. In this modern world of ready-to-eat food and high-tech gadgets made for utmost convenience, the art of survival skills fade as majority of us rarely use them.

However, the greatest thing about survival skills is that no one can predict when and where to use them.

Apparently, it’s better to know how to execute a certain necessary skill, such as starting a fire with wet wood, in case of an emergency than to be stuck without any knowledge.

So without further ado, here’s a list of the top survival skills every kid should learn.

Top 10 Survival Skills Your Child Should Know Right Now

1. Finding Safe Drinking Water

Finding safe drinking water is a crucial skill since the human body can live without food for several days, but not without water. It is, therefore, necessary for every kid to know how to locate water sources and how to purify them.

First off, if the potable water you consume in your home is sourced from a deep well or faucet, you might want to teach your kids how to continue drawing water from them if electricity’s out.

When outdoors, make sure your child brings a bottle of water at all times. Otherwise, the safest water sources outdoors are springs, streams, ice, and snow. Lakes, ponds, and creeks are unsafe, no matter how clear they can be. Next, show them the proper way of testing spring water and other water sources to make them safe for drinking.

Water can be boiled, filtered, or treated with chemicals such as iodine to rid it of bacteria and viruses.

2.  Basic First Aid

Every child and adult should learn basic first aid. First aid is beneficial during emergency situations. It could be a life saver, especially if your child is alone and injured.

Your kid needs to be shown where the first aid supplies can be found, emergency numbers to call, as well as some basic skills such as treating minor wounds, burns, and tying a sling.

This animated video below will teach your kids how to do basic first aid in case of accidents.

 

3. Building Fire

Building fire is an essential outdoor skill.

Teach kids how to gather wood, light matches, keep the fire under control, cook with it, and most importantly, kill it when not in use to prevent forest fires.

You might want to go as far as teaching children how to start a fire with wet wood as an advanced survival skill.

 

 

4. How to forage

Differentiating poisonous plants and shrubs from non-poisonous ones is a great skill to possess. You can teach your kids this lesson by simply taking them on nature walks and pointing out which are edible or poisonous as you go along.

Since it may be hard for kids to keep track of so much information, encourage them to keep a journal with pictures and names of each plant for future reference.

Start with non-poisonous and edible plants first then move on to those with dangerous look-alikes such as nettle, berries, watercress, dandelions, and cattails.

5. How to find or build shelter in the wilderness

Kids should acknowledge the importance of a shelter in a survival situation and how to find one when needed.

You can teach them how to find the right spot to position a tent, areas to avoid, and creating makeshift shelters if you don’t have a tent with you.

This skill is one of the most fun things to learn, especially building makeshift shelters. You can teach them how to use fallen trees, dry leaves, and other outdoor objects to stimulate their resourcefulness.

6. Self-defense

Children can protect themselves through acquiring self-defense skills. Enrolling them in a self-defense class can benefit him or her in many ways.

They can learn self-discipline, feel more confident, and be able to defend themselves against attackers and potentially dangerous situations.

For the meantime, you can refer to the video below for basic self-defense techniques for kids.

 

7. Handling a knife

The mere thought of sharp objects scares children away. Knives have become a taboo subject among the youngsters because of its possible dangers, but these tools are also present in our daily lives; that’s why children need to know how to use it safely.

The more aware and knowledgeable they become about knives, the less likely they are to experiment with it. Children should be taught how to hold a knife, walk with a knife, cutting objects with knives, and storing them properly.

8. How to swim

Sadly, drowning is one of the most common forms of accidents faced by children outdoors. Children do love the water, and it’s inevitable to keep them away from it. Hence, the only way to make sure they’re safe while enjoying the waters is to teach them how to swim and float.

Don’t know how to swim yourself? Let little Emma help you!

 

9. How to fish

Fishing is fun. It’s a good form of bonding for parents and kids. It’s easy to learn, and it’s not complicated at all – it doesn’t involve lots of expensive equipment.

Furthermore, kids can appreciate the outdoors more if they know how to fish because of the free food. Teach your children how to fish in 10 simple steps from this article.

10. Reading a map, compass, and GPS

Maps, compasses, and GPS devices let children know where they are and help them find their way in case they get lost.

GPS systems can let you know your location instantly, but if you run out of battery, compass and maps are your only options for navigation.

Not only will reading these tools provide children with information on their whereabouts, but they also help in enriching kids’ spatial thinking by making them visualize objects in relation with one another.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Children should be taught survival skills early on so they can be prepared anytime, especially during a zombie apocalypse. Kidding! So, there you have it — the top 10 survival skills that are extremely helpful for children and for adults too. Know that those 10 bullets are just the tip of the iceberg as there are about a hundred or so skills you can learn from the outdoors.

Hey, camper! Did you find this post useful? Have you learned a lot? Do you know other survival tips or tricks? Let us know in the comments section below. Don’t forget to share this post. Cheers!