Survival in the wilderness is an art that has been passed down through generations. With modern conveniences, these skills may seem less crucial, but for adventurers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts, knowing how to survive in the wild is essential. Fortunately, there are numerous books that dive deep into the world of wilderness survival, providing practical advice, life-saving tips, and essential survival skills.

In this article, we’ll explore the best wilderness survival books, covering topics such as bushcraft, navigation, shelter building, food foraging, and more. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a beginner looking to hone your survival skills, these books offer invaluable wisdom for thriving in nature.

1. Bushcraft 101 by Dave Canterbury

Best for: Learning the fundamentals of bushcraft and wilderness survival

Dave Canterbury’s Bushcraft 101 is a comprehensive guide for those looking to master outdoor survival. The book teaches you everything from how to choose the right tools to building shelters, gathering food, and making fire. Canterbury draws from his years of experience in the field to provide clear and easy-to-understand tips. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced outdoorsman, this book will serve as an essential guide to surviving in the wilderness.

2. SAS Survival Handbook by John 'Lofty' Wiseman

Best for: Military-grade survival tactics

This bestselling handbook was written by John 'Lofty' Wiseman, a former SAS soldier with decades of survival experience. The SAS Survival Handbook covers every aspect of survival in any environment, from extreme cold to desert conditions. It provides advice on building shelter, securing water, making traps, and more. Wiseman's experience in the military gives the book a no-nonsense approach to surviving in dire situations, making it a must-read for those serious about wilderness survival.

3. The Survival Handbook by Colin Towell

Best for: Comprehensive survival techniques

This is an all-encompassing guide for anyone serious about learning survival skills. Colin Towell, a former survival instructor, covers everything from basic first aid to extreme weather survival. The book is highly visual, with step-by-step illustrations that make complex techniques easy to follow. The Survival Handbook is ideal for anyone looking for practical, hands-on survival skills that they can apply in the wilderness.

4. 98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive by Cody Lundin

Best for: Learning practical survival strategies with a sense of humor

Cody Lundin's 98.6 Degrees offers a fun and engaging take on survival that sets it apart from more serious manuals. Lundin focuses on the importance of maintaining core body temperature in a survival situation, providing practical advice with a humorous twist. From understanding body signals to foraging for food, Lundin's relaxed writing style makes survival seem less intimidating while still providing crucial advice.

5. How to Stay Alive in the Woods by Bradford Angier

Best for: Long-term wilderness survival

Originally published in 1956, Bradford Angier’s How to Stay Alive in the Woods has become a classic survival book. The timeless advice focuses on long-term survival strategies, making it essential for those planning extended trips into the wild. Angier covers everything from building shelters to hunting, gathering, and navigation. His straightforward, no-frills style has made this book a must-read for generations of survival enthusiasts.

6. Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why by Laurence Gonzales

Best for: Understanding the psychological aspect of survival

Deep Survival takes a unique approach to wilderness survival by focusing on the psychology behind it. Laurence Gonzales analyzes real-life survival stories to explore why some people survive extreme situations while others don’t. The book covers everything from mental toughness to the decision-making process in life-threatening situations. If you’re interested in the mental and emotional side of survival, Deep Survival offers fascinating insights that go beyond physical skills.

7. Essential Bushcraft by Ray Mears

Best for: Bushcraft enthusiasts looking for hands-on techniques

Ray Mears is a well-known expert in the field of bushcraft and wilderness survival, and Essential Bushcraft is one of his most popular works. The book provides in-depth instructions on skills such as fire-making, foraging for food, and using survival tools. Mears’ vast knowledge of bushcraft, combined with his ability to teach complex skills in a simple way, makes this book essential for anyone looking to master wilderness survival.

8. Survive! by Les Stroud

Best for: Realistic survival situations

Les Stroud, the star of the TV show Survivorman, takes readers on a realistic journey through survival in various environments. Survive! covers everything from psychological readiness to physical preparedness for surviving in the wilderness. Stroud’s writing is based on his own experiences in real-life survival situations, providing readers with practical advice on how to deal with the unexpected. The book is perfect for those who want survival advice grounded in real-world experience.

Top Books on Wilderness Survival

Mastering wilderness survival requires a combination of knowledge, skill, and mental fortitude. These top books on wilderness survival provide the guidance needed to develop essential skills, from bushcraft and fire-making to foraging and navigation. Whether you’re planning a long hike, a camping trip, or want to be prepared for the unexpected, these reads will equip you with the tools necessary to thrive in the wild. Start reading, learn the skills, and head out into the wilderness with confidence.

Explore your favorite book at your own online bookstore.

Happy Reading!