20 Best Books On Bushcraft (2023 Update)

Trek deeper into the wilderness with new york times bestselling author dave canterbury! in this valuable guide, survivalist dave canterbury goes beyond bushcraft basics to teach you how to survive in the backcountry with little or no equipment. using the foundation you learned in bushcraft 101, canterbury shows you how to completely immerse yourself in the wilderness with advanced bushcraft and woodcraft techniques. he covers crucial survival skills like tracking to help you get even closer to wildlife, crafting medicines from plants, and navigating without the use of a map or compass. he also offers ways to improvise and save money on bushcraft essentials like fire-starting tools and packs. with canterbury's expert advice and guidance, you will learn how to forgo your equipment, make use of your surroundings, and truly enjoy the wilderness. whether you're eager to learn more after your first real outdoor adventure or have been exploring the backcountry for years, advanced bushcraft will help you take your self-reliance and wilderness experience to the next level.

"the bushcraft handbooks" were first published in australia in 1952. based on the author's wartime service in australia and new guinea teaching "junglecraft" to australian and american forces, they are distilled, concentrated old-time bushcraft knowledge, presented in a very easy to assimilate format. for those who remember them, the bushcraft handbooks are also a heavy hit of nostalgia. rather than publish all of the volumes under the one cover, the author originally chose to publish each aspect of bushcraft in its own individual handbook. his rationale was that the reader was more inclined to take a 50 page handbook with him into the wilds than a 400 page book. the former can be easily slipped into a pocket or daypack, while the latter cannot. the bushcraft handbooks are useless unless the reader practices the skills the books were designed to impart. the individual handbooks format was chosen to support that end. out of print for decades, and in keeping with the author's wishes, this series of bushcraft handbooks are reproduced as close to their original format as possible. the series comprises the following volumes: bush ropemaking, bush hutmaking, traps & snares, bush campcraft, time & direction, travel & gear, food & water in the bush, firemaking & lighting, trapping & tracks, knots & lashings. "the bushcraft handbooks" were first published in australia in 1952. based on the author's wartime service in australia and new guinea teaching "junglecraft" to australian and american forces, they are distilled, concentrated old-time bushcraft knowledge, presented in a very easy to assimilate format. for those who remember them, the bushcraft handbooks are also a heavy hit of nostalgia. rather than publish all of the volumes under the one cover, the author originally chose to publish each aspect of bushcraft in its own individual handbook. his rationale was that the reader was more inclined to take a 50 page handbook with him into the wilds than a 400 page book. the former can be easily slipped into a pocket or daypack, while the latter cannot. the bushcraft handbooks are useless unless the reader practices the skills the books were designed to impart. the individual handbooks format was chosen to support that end. out of print for decades, and in keeping with the author's wishes, this series of bushcraft handbooks are reproduced as close to their original format as possible. the series comprises the following volumes: bush ropemaking, bush hutmaking, traps & snares, bush campcraft, time & direction, travel & gear, food & water in the bush, firemaking & lighting, trapping & tracks, knots & lashings. from the introduction to "traps & snares" "the ability to pick up a couple of dead sticks from the ground, and with a sharp knife and a little know-how produce a practical and workable release for a snare or trap is a valuable exercise in improvisation and inventiveness. as far as is known this the first time a collection of improvised releases and with this snares and traps has ever been published. some of these are potential man-killers, developed by soldiers in jungle warfare to protect themselves. the knowledge of these possible man-killers must be treated with as much respect as a loaded firearm. they are included because they could be lifesavers for man stranded in hostile country."

Be ready for any emergency, at any time. could you survive in the wilderness on your own? from clothing recommendations to picking the best firestarter, expert survival instructor leon pantenburg shares his immense knowledge of bushcraft and survivalist skills so that anyone—backpackers, preppers, city dwellers, and more—can be ready for a possible emergency. in bushcraft survival, pantenburg delivers practical tips and anecdotes that cater to readers who are looking to improve their outdoor skills and prepare for every potential disaster. drawing from his personal experience as an avid outdoorsman and years as a journalist, pantenburg lays out easy-to-follow steps to prep for both short and long-term survival situations. as natural disasters become increasingly present and people continue to rely on reality television shows for survival tips, developing bushcraft abilities is becoming more and more important. in this thorough handbook, pantenburg covers a wide range of topics, including: developing a survival mindset – crafting survival kits – choosing clothing best suited to survival – picking materials and objects to help you survive – building a variety of shelters – deciding what survival tools you should pack and which you should leave at home – effectively make a fire using different techniques filled with time-tested techniques and first-hand experience, bushcraft survival is the ideal book for those who want to step up their hiking or camping game, as well as those who are searching for relevant advice on emergency preparedness.

What if you were dropped in the woods with little more than a knife, your wits, and the (hopefully warm) shirt on your back? could you survive? if you’d read this book, the answer is yes! survival! it’s one of our most primal fears, most basic needs. what do you do when everything is stripped away except your will to prevail? in this book, survival expert tim macwelch examines how native peoples around the world and throughout history have made their own shelter, weapons, tools, and more, and well as clever macguyver-esque ideas for using anything you might find in your pockets or pack. whether your goal is to test yourself against nature, be prepared for any catastrophe, or learn more about traditional ways of survival, this is the one book you need. packaged in a durable, wipe-clean flexicover with metallic corner-guards, this practical manual withstands heavy-duty use indoors and out. chapter one: bare necessities – the stuff you need to survive short term wilderness emergencies (72 hours to one week) the survival priorities (& why you need them) shelter, water, fire, food, first aid and signaling distress tools of the minimalist knife, axe and saw – use and care; clothing selection shelters pick a safe shelter location; how to build leaf huts, lean-tos, jungle platforms, thatched roof, log huts, wicki-ups, pit houses, and more (different homes for varied climates) water gathering and disinfection finding springs, boiling w/ hot rocks, rain and precipitation collection, water storage, primitive filters, water from plants fire tinder, kindling, fire lays, flint & steel, bow drill, hand drill, bamboo fire saw, fire plow, pump drill, and other friction methods signaling for help and self-rescue how to signal and communicate w/ old school techniques; how and when to fight your way out chapter two: finer things – skills and techniques to collect food, and live more comfortably in the wild (weeks to months) foraging for wild edible plants how to identify and use wild plant foods; recipes like our ancestors would have eaten trapping ways to catch game with new and old school, low-tech traps primitive fishing how to catch fish with thorns and other improvised tackle ancient weapons bow and arrow, spear, spear thrower, bola and sling, primitive forging of metal hunting skills and game processing; 10 things to never do on a hunt primitive tools how to make stone blades, knives, axes, stone drill bits, mallets and wedges for wood splitting, digging sticks hygiene keeping clean; natural toilet paper; soap from plants; diy latrine chapter three: long term living – the skills of our ancestors and the things you'd need for long term primitive living (years) food storage drying, smoking, food caches, freezing containers how to make several different basket styles; bark containers; wooden bowls; soapstone bowls and pots; primitive ceramics hides and furs diy buckskin, fur, rawhide and leather; making clothes and outerwear (moccasins, mittens, hats, etc.) primitive cooking cook in the coals; spits and skewers; green stick grill; rock for frying pan; stone ovens, steam pit, earth over (in-ground hearth system) tracking man tracking and animal tracking natural navigation how to find your way by using the stars, the landscape, the weather and many other methods wild medicine teas, compresses and poultices to help you heal

“practical and sized just right, for places where google can’t always be summoned. includes a guide to what’s edible for foragers and key illustrations, in addition to recipes.” —the washington post what to eat, where to find it, and how to cook it! renowned outdoors expert and new york times bestselling author dave canterbury provides you with all you need to know about packing, trapping, and preparing food for your treks and wilderness travels. whether you're headed out for a day hike or a weeklong expedition, you'll find everything you need to survive–and eat well–out in the wild. canterbury makes certain you're set by not only teaching you how to hunt and gather, but also giving you recipes to make while on the trail. complete with illustrations to accompany his instructions and a full-color photo guide of plants to forage and those to avoid, this is the go-to reference to keep in your pack. with it, you'll be prepared to set off on your trip and enjoy living off the land.

“an appealing coffee table book.” —the wall street journal from dave canterbury—wilderness expert, new york times bestselling author, and youtube sensation—comes a fully illustrated guide to everything you need to know to hone your bushcraft, or wilderness survival skills, from types of shelter, to useful tools, to edible plants—and much more! before you venture into the wilderness, learn exactly what you need to bring and what you need to know with this ultimate outdoor reference guide, by survivalist expert dave canterbury. filled with more than 300 illustrations, bushcraft illustrated showcases the necessary tools and skills for an awesome outdoor adventure, including such as: packs: learn the different types and how to craft and pack your own. cordage: essential knot knowledge for outdoor survival. firecraft: how to start a fire with a variety of materials. trapping: tips for catching small game. plants: a catalog of edible plants to forage. …and much more! with its many helpful illustrations and detailed, easy-to-follow instructions, this illustrated bushcraft guide is a must-have for the seasoned outdoor lover and adventure novice alike!

Learn everything you need to know to survive in the great outdoors! how cool would it be to know how to build a fire, build your own shelter, find your food (and cook it too), and survive almost any environment? now you can learn all the basic bushcraft skills from expert survivalist dan wowak. you’ll learn how to build the perfect fire, how to build all types of shelters, how to navigate your way through all types of terrain, how to forage for food, how to identify all types of plants and animals, and how to live the bushcraft way of life. and the best thing of all? you’ll have an absolute blast doing it!

Expert bushcrafters teach you the ancient skill sets our forebears used to survive and thrive in the wild—complete with step-by-step illustrations and easy-to-follow diagrams. bushcraft is the revival of skills widely known and practiced for centuries that use the resources found in the natural environment to survive. although traditional bushcraft is mainly about wilderness survival, its focus on using the tools that already surround us can be applied to urban or suburban settings to serve as a practice for self-sufficiency and decreasing your footprint on earth. learn these basic bushcraft survival skills and more:foraging – tools (knives, axes, rope, etc.) trapping and hunting game – water purification – shelter building – fire building

Learn everything you need to know about outdoor survival so you can make it through any situation from top bushcraft expert and new york times bestselling author dave canterbury.for years, dave canterbury has been teaching outdoor enthusiasts how to survive in the wild, and truly enjoy the experience. the bushcraft essentials field guide distills these teachings into the key takeaways campers and hikers need to know when they’re out in the woods. how to start a fire. where to build your shelter. what to put in your pack. dave’s advice is now right at your fingertips in the most accessible bushcraft title to date. you can quickly flip and find answers to pressing questions about wilderness survival. from first aid to navigation to setting up camp, it’s all provided in this small, portable book that’s perfect whether you’re on a day-hike, overnight, or multi-day trek. the bushcraft essentials field guide is what you need to know when you need to know it and exactly what you need for your next outdoor adventure.

The foundation of all survival skills is “feeder” mind-set“feeder” mind-set means being in control of a situation, proactive rather than reactive. it is an optimistic outlook that reframes any situation as a learning experience. kevin estela teaches survival skills from this feeder-based perspective, which is what separates his teaching style from other wilderness instructors. kevin has written the quintessential guide for an outdoor enthusiast’s “bucket list” of skills—how to make a fire, build a shelter, gather food, find water, use a knife correctly and make cordage. these skills will keep you safe and better prepare you to deal with emergencies in the field, when you’ll need the additional skills of signaling and communication, navigation and crisis first aid taught in this book. each chapter concludes with more advanced techniques to build your skills in various challenging situations, with tips that even seasoned survival enthusiasts haven’t thought of. 101 skills you need to survive in the woods is not a onetime read but a lifetime reference you will turn to over and over again. it will become the first thing you pack for any adventure and just might save your— or someone else’s—life. kevin estela, a bushcraft and survival expert, is an avid world traveler and martial arts instructor.

The pocket outdoor survival guide provides the essential knowledge that hikers, campers, canoeists, hunters, anglers, and anyone who spends time in the outdoors needs to deal with short-term survival situations. this handy guidebook will give you the knowledge to make it through any outdoor adventure, planned or unplanned. discover everything you need to know about: – trip planning- survival kits- search and rescue – coping with bad weather- emergency signaling- shelter- sleeping warm- fire – dealing with insects- safe drinking water- food- avoiding hypothermia- countering fear- and more! don't be caught without a copy of j. wayne fears's the pocket outdoor survival guide on your next outdoor adventure!

Take on the toughest challenges that nature can throw at you with the ultimate visual guide to camping, wilderness, and outdoor survival skills.written by colin towell, an ex-sas combat survival instructor, the survival handbook is bursting with survival tips, manual skills, camping essentials, and advice on how to improvise, survive, and get found – on land or at sea.combining proven, no-nonsense military survival skills with ingenious bushcraft techniques, specially commissioned illustrations, and accessible step-by-step instructions show you how to survive in the wild. learn how to plan your expedition, how to make a fire, and how to build a shelter and everything you need to know about wild food and natural dangers. revel in inspirational real-life survival stories and be prepared for every outdoor situation. from survival basics, such as finding water and catching fish, to extreme survival situations including being adrift at sea or lost in the jungle, the survival handbook will steer you through life’s toughest adventures in the world’s harshest climates.whether you are preparing for a camping trip or going further afield, the survival handbook is a perfect guide to the great outdoors in a handy size to pack.

Always be prepared: essential tips and tricks for keeping safe in the outdoors with survive.whether you’re going for a leisurely hike or setting off into the wilderness, there is nothing more important than being properly prepared. being knowledgeable about survival techniques can be the difference between having fun outside and an emergency rescue. survive provides essential tips and tricks for anyone who spends time outdoors so that they will know how to recognize potential emergencies, apply basic first aid, build fires and shelter, identify poisonous plants, and more—all in the name of being able to survive in any conditions should an emergency arrive. from fishers and hunters to hikers and cyclists, this guide is perfect for anyone in your life who enjoys the great outdoors so they can keep the time they spend in nature fun by staying safe!

Longtime wilderness educator mors kochanski has dedicated his life to learning and teaching about the lore of the forest. with clear instructions, extensive use of diagrams and a color photo supplement, this comprehensive reference includes all the practical skills and knowledge essential for you to survive and enjoy the wilderness: * lighting and maintaining a fire * chopping wood and felling a tree * creating a shelter and keeping warm * safe use of the axe and bush knife * plants and animals important for survival * food, water and outdoor cooking * wilderness first aid. * this bestseller should be required reading for hikers, campers, hunters, foresters, backwoods adventurers, scouts, youth groups–anyone with a passion for the outdoors.

Beyond survival have you ever wondered whether you could survive in the wild, with nothing but a knife and the clothes on your back? this book will tell you how, but that's only the beginning. in this practical, hands-on guide, survival expert tim macwelch shows you how to build fires, make shelter, find food, craft tools, and more, using little or no modern technology. traditional wisdom the skills in this book have been used for thousands of years by people all around the globe. live off the land learn how to carve a snow cave, build a mud oven, disinfect water, keep tarantulas out of your hammock, and hundreds of other bushcraft essentials. for over 110 years, outdoor life magazine has brought the best in hunting, fishing, and wilderness survival expertise to millions of avid sportsmen and nature enthusiasts, as well as expanding their coverage to include insider tips on urban survival and disaster preparedness. this book reflects the best of both in one indispensable package. book jacket.

Bushcraft 101 a field guide to the art of wilderness survival a new york times bestseller in sports and travel! the ultimate resource for experiencing the backcountry! written by survivalist expert dave canterbury, bushcraft 101 gets you ready for your next backcountry trip with advice on making the most of your time outdoors. based on the 5cs of survivability–cutting tools, covering, combustion devices, containers, and cordages–this valuable guide offers only the most important survival skills to help you craft resources from your surroundings and truly experience the beauty and thrill of the wilderness. inside, you'll also discover detailed information on: choosing the right items for your kit. manufacturing needed tools and supplies. collecting and cooking food. protecting yourself from the elements. with canterbury's guidance, you'll not only prepare yourself for any climate and situation, you'll also learn how to use the art of bushcraft to reconnect with nature in ways you've never imagined.

Former special forces operator and instructor, joshua enyart, provides essential skills and a step-by-step wilderness survival strategy in his debut bushcraft book, surviving the wild. a bushcraft bible and field guide. if you found yourself suddenly thrust into the wild without any modern conveniences like electricity, running water, wi-fi, or google-would you know what to do? in a pandemic induced post-apocalypse, do you know what your first priority should be? if your caving, camping, or hiking adventure goes haywire, how would you ensure your survival? written by a former army ranger and green beret, this survival book provides crucial information alongside a logical, systems-based approach to survival and preparedness. navigation, tools, first aid, and other survival strategies for the outdoors. consider this your essential survival guidebook to making it in the wild. with it you'll learn how to outmaneuver immediate threats, find shelter and nutrition, and navigate to where you want to go. part first aid book, part survival handbook, surviving the wild contains chapters of information on making the most of minimal supplies, finding safe water, and above all-survival!

Former special forces operator and instructor, joshua enyart, provides essential skills and a step-by-step wilderness survival strategy in his debut bushcraft book, surviving the wild. a bushcraft bible and field guide. if you found yourself suddenly thrust into the wild without any modern conveniences like electricity, running water, wi-fi, or google-would you know what to do? in a pandemic induced post-apocalypse, do you know what your first priority should be? if your caving, camping, or hiking adventure goes haywire, how would you ensure your survival? written by a former army ranger and green beret, this survival book provides crucial information alongside a logical, systems-based approach to survival and preparedness. navigation, tools, first aid, and other survival strategies for the outdoors. consider this your essential survival guidebook to making it in the wild. with it you'll learn how to outmaneuver immediate threats, find shelter and nutrition, and navigate to where you want to go. part first aid book, part survival handbook, surviving the wild contains chapters of information on making the most of minimal supplies, finding safe water, and above all-survival!

There are so many people who have perished in the australian bush, from the early explorers to the present, who might have survived had they had the necessary survival skills. australian bushcraft explains how to make use of natural materials for both survival and pleasure. it describes many of the skills used by primitive man, and adds to these skills necessary for survival today. australian bushcraft is as relevant today as it was when it was first published, for those who, by choice or misadventure find themselves thrown on their resources for survival in australia' vast wilderness areas.

There are so many people who have perished in the australian bush, from the early explorers to the present, who might have survived had they had the necessary survival skills. australian bushcraft explains how to make use of natural materials for both survival and pleasure. it describes many of the skills used by primitive man, and adds to these skills necessary for survival today. australian bushcraft is as relevant today as it was when it was first published, for those who, by choice or misadventure find themselves thrown on their resources for survival in australia' vast wilderness areas.