10 Survival Books That Could End Up Saving Your Life

In today’s unpredictable world, being prepared for emergencies and survival situations is more important than ever. From natural disasters to wilderness adventures gone awry, having the right knowledge can mean the difference between life and death. That’s where survival books come in handy.

The best survival books offer practical tips, expert advice, and essential skills that could potentially save your life in challenging circumstances. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a prepper, or simply someone who wants to be ready for anything, these books can provide valuable information. They cover topics ranging from basic survival techniques to advanced strategies for thriving in harsh environments.

1) SAS Survival Handbook

The SAS Survival Handbook is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists alike. John “Lofty” Wiseman, a former member of the British Special Air Service, wrote this book. It is packed with practical advice and techniques.

It covers a wide range of survival scenarios, from basic campcraft to handling extreme situations. The handbook teaches readers how to find food and water, build shelter, and navigate in the wilderness.

The handbook is known for its comprehensive approach. It doesn’t just focus on wilderness survival but also includes urban survival tips and strategies for dealing with natural disasters.

The SAS Survival Handbook has been updated several times since its initial publication. The latest edition includes new information on urban survival and terrorism, making it relevant for modern readers.

Readers appreciate the clear illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions. The book’s waterproof pages are a clever touch, ensuring it can withstand harsh conditions.

Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsperson or a novice camper, this handbook offers valuable insights. It’s no wonder it’s been a bestseller for years and continues to be a go-to resource for survival enthusiasts.

2) Bushcraft 101

Dave Canterbury’s Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts. This bestseller covers essential survival skills based on the 5 Cs of Survivability: cutting tools, covering, combustion devices, containers, and cordages.

Canterbury draws from his extensive experience as a survivalist expert to provide practical advice for backcountry trips. The book teaches readers how to make the most of their time outdoors, focusing on crucial wilderness survival techniques.

Readers will learn how to select and use the right tools for various situations. They’ll also discover techniques for creating shelter, starting fires, and finding water in the wild.

The guide emphasizes the importance of being prepared and self-reliant in nature. It also offers valuable insights into foraging, tracking, and navigating without modern technology.

Bushcraft 101 is perfect for both novice campers and seasoned outdoorsmen. Its clear instructions and helpful illustrations make complex survival concepts easy to understand and apply in real-world scenarios.

3) The Survival Medicine Handbook

The Survival Medicine Handbook is an essential guide for those preparing for scenarios where professional medical help isn’t available. Joe Alton, MD, and Amy Alton wrote this book, which goes beyond basic first aid.

It covers a wide range of medical issues that may arise in disaster situations. The handbook assumes readers will need to act as the primary medical resource for an extended period.

The book is written in plain English, making complex medical concepts accessible to the average person. It includes over 300 topics and 300 illustrations, covering everything from wound care to childbirth in austere conditions.

Unlike standard first aid books, this guide focuses on long-term survival scenarios. It teaches readers how to handle medical emergencies when hospitals and doctors are inaccessible.

The authors have won multiple Book Excellence Awards in the medical category. Their expertise shines through in the practical, easy-to-follow advice provided throughout the book.

For anyone serious about emergency preparedness, The Survival Medicine Handbook is a valuable resource. It equips readers with the knowledge to handle medical crises in challenging circumstances.

4) How to Stay Alive in the Woods

“How to Stay Alive in the Woods” by Bradford Angier is a comprehensive guide to wilderness survival. This book covers essential skills for staying safe in remote outdoor environments.

Angier’s work focuses on four key areas: sustenance, warmth, orientation, and safety. It provides practical advice on finding food and water in the wild.

The book teaches readers how to build shelters and start fires using natural materials. These skills are crucial for maintaining body heat in harsh conditions.

Navigation techniques are also covered, helping readers avoid getting lost. The author explains how to use the sun, stars, and natural landmarks for orientation.

Safety tips include avoiding dangerous plants and animals, as well as basic first aid. Angier’s straightforward writing style makes complex survival concepts easy to understand.

Packed with illustrations, this book serves as both a learning tool and a field guide. Its compact size allows for easy carrying on outdoor adventures.

“How to Stay Alive in the Woods” is suitable for both beginners and experienced outdoors enthusiasts. It offers valuable knowledge that could prove lifesaving in emergency situations.

5) 98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your A** Alive

Cody Lundin’s survival guide takes a unique approach to wilderness survival. The book focuses on maintaining body temperature as the key to staying alive in challenging outdoor situations.

Lundin delivers practical advice with a dose of humor, making the information both engaging and memorable. He emphasizes the importance of creating an effective modern-day survival kit using simple, easy-to-find items.

The book covers essential topics like faster hydration techniques and helping rescuers find you. It also delves into the components of a survival kit, stressing the equation: you + the tool + the environment = your life.

Readers appreciate Lundin’s no-nonsense approach and the clear illustrations that accompany his instructions. The book has gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts and even search and rescue teams.

While some readers note a few minor gripes, many find the book’s focus on prevention and preparation particularly valuable. This aspect sets it apart from other survival guides that may overlook these crucial steps.

6) When All H*** Breaks Loose

Cody Lundin’s survival guide “When All Hell Breaks Loose” offers practical advice for urban and suburban residents facing disaster scenarios. The book covers essential survival skills and psychological preparation for emergencies.

Lundin focuses on empowering readers to handle survival situations before they occur. He provides comprehensive information on various topics, including water purification, food storage, and basic first aid.

The author’s approach is both informative and entertaining. He uses humor to keep readers engaged while delivering crucial survival knowledge.

At 450 pages, this book is a thorough resource for those seeking to enhance their preparedness. It covers a wide range of scenarios, from natural disasters to man-made emergencies.

Lundin’s expertise shines through as he shares insights on survival psychology. He emphasizes the importance of mental resilience in addition to physical preparedness.

This book is suitable for both beginners and those with some survival experience. Its casual tone makes complex concepts accessible to a broad audience.

7) Deep Survival

Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why by Laurence Gonzales delves into the psychology of survival. This book explores real-life survival stories and analyzes why some people overcome extreme situations while others don’t.

Gonzales examines the mental and emotional aspects of survival, going beyond just physical skills. He discusses how the brain functions under stress and how this impacts decision-making in life-threatening scenarios.

The book provides valuable insights into human behavior during crises. It covers topics like risk assessment, situational awareness, and adaptability – all crucial for survival.

Readers will learn about the common traits of survivors and how to develop a survival mindset. The author’s engaging storytelling makes complex concepts easy to grasp and remember.

While not a traditional survival manual, Deep Survival offers lessons applicable to various dangerous situations. It’s a thought-provoking read that can enhance one’s chances of survival by improving mental preparedness.

8) Outdoor Life: The Ultimate Survival Manual

The Ultimate Survival Manual by Outdoor Life is a comprehensive guide packed with essential skills for surviving various scenarios. This book covers 333 crucial skills that could potentially save lives in emergency situations.

Survival expert Rich Johnson wrote the manual, drawing from his extensive experience as a former special forces soldier, EMT, and volunteer firefighter. It provides practical tips and real-life survival stories to help readers prepare for unexpected challenges.

The book addresses a wide range of survival scenarios, from natural disasters to man-made emergencies. It offers step-by-step instructions on vital techniques such as building shelters, finding food and water, and navigating unfamiliar terrain.

One of the manual’s strengths is its focus on modern-day survival skills. It covers contemporary threats and provides up-to-date strategies for dealing with them effectively.

The Ultimate Survival Manual is designed for durability, featuring a wipe-clean flexicover with metallic corner-guards. This makes it suitable for both indoor reference and outdoor use during actual survival situations.

9) Prepper’s Long-Term Survival Guide

Jim Cobb’s Prepper’s Long-Term Survival Guide is a comprehensive resource for those preparing for extended emergencies. It covers essential topics like food storage, shelter, and off-grid living.

The book helps readers think beyond short-term disasters and plan for prolonged survival scenarios. Cobb offers practical advice on creating sustainable food sources and securing clean water supplies.

He also addresses often-overlooked aspects of long-term survival, such as maintaining personal hygiene and preserving mental health during extended crises. The guide provides tips on building community networks and developing crucial skills for a post-disaster world.

Readers will find information on alternative power sources and how to protect their families from various threats. The book’s straightforward approach makes complex survival concepts accessible to beginners and experienced preppers alike.

With its focus on long-term preparedness, this guide stands out from other survival books. It encourages readers to develop a well-rounded strategy for facing extended emergencies with confidence.

10) Build the Perfect Bug Out Bag

Creek Stewart’s “Build the Perfect Bug Out Bag” is a must-read for anyone serious about emergency preparedness. This book provides a comprehensive guide to creating a 72-hour disaster survival kit.

Stewart breaks down the essentials needed for independent survival, including water, food, shelter, and protection. He offers detailed instructions on gathering necessary items and packing them efficiently.

The book emphasizes the importance of a heavy-duty backpack with two straps as the foundation for a bug-out bag. It also covers how to choose the right supplies for various emergency scenarios.

Readers will learn how to assemble a kit that’s tailored to their specific needs and environment. Stewart includes tips on water purification, food storage, and essential survival tools.

The book goes beyond just listing items. It teaches readers how to use their bug-out bag effectively in emergency situations. Stewart’s expertise in survival skills shines through in his practical advice and easy-to-follow instructions.