Books on Surviving In The Wilderness: 2024 Update of the Best Titles

Welcome to the ultimate guide to surviving in the wilderness! Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast or just someone who wants to be prepared for any situation, these 20 books on surviving in the wilderness are essential additions to your reading list. From practical survival tips to gripping real-life stories, these books cover everything you need to know about thriving in the great outdoors. So, grab your backpack and get ready to embark on a thrilling literary adventure with the best surviving in the wilderness books!

20 Best Books About Surviving In The Wilderness

The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping, Gathering, and Cooking in the Wild

by Dave Canterbury

The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping, Gathering, and Cooking in the Wild by Dave Canterbury is a comprehensive book on surviving in the wilderness. It provides essential knowledge and practical skills for anyone looking to thrive in the great outdoors. With detailed instructions and illustrations, the book covers various trapping techniques, foraging for food, and preparing meals using natural resources. Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or a novice adventurer, this book about surviving in the wilderness is an invaluable resource for learning how to live off the land. Canterbury’s expertise and passion for bushcraft shine through in this engaging and informative guide, making it a must-have for anyone interested in honing their wilderness survival skills.

Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why

by Laurence Gonzales

Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why by Laurence Gonzales is an enthralling book on surviving in the wilderness that explores the psychological and physical factors that determine one’s ability to survive in extreme situations. Gonzales draws on real-life stories of survival and disaster to uncover the traits and strategies that separate those who make it out alive from those who do not. Through gripping narratives and expert analysis, the book offers valuable insights into the mindset and decision-making processes of individuals facing life-threatening challenges, making it a compelling and enlightening read for anyone interested in the human capacity for resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity. Deep Survival is a captivating book about surviving in the wilderness that provides practical wisdom and profound lessons for anyone seeking to understand the mysteries of surviving in the wilderness.

The Survival Handbook: Essential Skills for Outdoor Adventure

by Colin Towell

The Survival Handbook: Essential Skills for Outdoor Adventure by Colin Towell is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to master the art of wilderness survival. This book is packed with essential information on how to thrive in the great outdoors, covering everything from building shelters and finding food to navigating using the stars and creating a fire without matches. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a beginner, this book provides invaluable knowledge and practical tips that could save your life in a survival situation. With stunning illustrations and clear, concise instructions, this is a must-have for anyone who enjoys spending time in the wilderness. If you’re looking for a book about surviving in the wilderness, look no further than The Survival Handbook.

Wilderness Survival: Living Off the Land with the Clothes on Your Back and the Knife on Your Belt

by Mark Elbroch

Wilderness Survival: Living Off the Land with the Clothes on Your Back and the Knife on Your Belt by Mark Elbroch is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to learn the art of self-reliance in the great outdoors. This practical and engaging book on surviving in the wilderness equips readers with the essential knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the wild with minimal equipment. With a focus on practical techniques and real-life scenarios, Elbroch provides valuable insights on everything from building shelter and finding food to navigating and staying safe in the wilderness. Packed with detailed illustrations and expert advice, this book about surviving in the wilderness is a must-have for anyone who loves the great outdoors and wants to enhance their survival skills. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a novice adventurer, Wilderness Survival is an invaluable resource for mastering the art of living off the land.

SAS Survival Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere

by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman

SAS Survival Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman is a comprehensive and essential book on surviving in the wilderness. Packed with practical tips, detailed illustrations, and expert advice, this book is a must-have for anyone venturing into the great outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a novice camper, this book about surviving in the wilderness covers everything from building shelters and finding food to navigating through rough terrain and handling medical emergencies. With its wealth of knowledge and easy-to-follow instructions, this surviving in the wilderness book is the ultimate resource for preparing yourself for any situation that may arise in the wild. Wiseman’s expertise and years of experience make this book an invaluable tool for anyone seeking to enhance their survival skills.

98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive

by Cody Lundin

98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive by Cody Lundin is a practical and engaging book on surviving in the wilderness. Lundin, a survival expert, shares valuable tips and techniques for staying alive in the wild, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a core body temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. With a blend of humor and practical advice, Lundin covers essential skills such as building shelter, finding water, and starting a fire without matches. He also provides valuable insights into the psychology of survival and how to stay calm and focused in emergency situations. 98.6 Degrees is a must-read for anyone interested in outdoor adventure or preparing for unexpected wilderness scenarios. Lundin’s no-nonsense approach and wealth of knowledge make this book about surviving in the wilderness an invaluable resource for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists alike.

The Complete Survival Shelters Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Life-saving Structures for Every Climate and Wilderness Situation

by Anthonio Akkermans

The Complete Survival Shelters Handbook is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to master the art of building life-saving structures in the wilderness. Written by Anthonio Akkermans, this book provides a step-by-step approach to constructing shelters suitable for every climate and wilderness situation. From basic lean-tos to more advanced snow caves, this book covers a wide range of shelter-building techniques essential for anyone venturing into the great outdoors. With detailed instructions and clear illustrations, readers will learn valuable skills for staying safe and comfortable in the wilderness. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a beginner looking to enhance your survival skills, this book is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to become proficient in the art of wilderness shelter-building. If you’re looking for a practical and informative book about surviving in the wilderness, The Complete Survival Shelters Handbook is a must-have addition to your library.

The Natural Navigator: The Rediscovered Art of Letting Nature Be Your Guide

by Tristan Gooley

The Natural Navigator by Tristan Gooley is a fascinating book on the art of navigating through nature without the use of modern technology. Gooley delves into the ancient techniques of using natural clues such as the sun, moon, stars, and even plants and animals to find direction. This captivating book encourages readers to tap into their natural instincts and observe the world around them in order to find their way. With its rich blend of science, history, and practical tips, The Natural Navigator is a valuable resource for anyone interested in honing their outdoor skills and reconnecting with the natural world. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a curious explorer, or simply someone who enjoys spending time in nature, this book about surviving in the wilderness will inspire you to embrace the ancient art of natural navigation.

The Forager’s Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants

by Samuel Thayer

The Forager’s Harvest by Samuel Thayer is a comprehensive guide to identifying, harvesting, and preparing edible wild plants. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in foraging for food in the wild. Thayer’s in-depth knowledge and passion for wild edibles shine through as he shares his expertise on finding and using a variety of plants. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced forager, this book provides valuable information on the best practices for sustainable foraging and the nutritional value of wild plants. With detailed descriptions, vibrant photographs, and practical tips, The Forager’s Harvest is an essential resource for anyone looking to connect with nature and expand their culinary horizons. This book is a valuable companion for anyone interested in learning about wild edibles and is a great addition to your library for anyone looking to learn more about surviving in the wilderness.

The Trapper’s Bible: The Most Complete Guide on Trapping and Hunting Tips Ever

by Eustace Hazard Livingston

The Trapper’s Bible is a comprehensive guide to the art of trapping and hunting, providing readers with a wealth of knowledge on surviving in the wilderness. Written by Eustace Hazard Livingston, this book offers valuable tips and techniques for trapping and hunting various types of game, as well as practical advice on surviving in the wild. From setting traps and snares to identifying animal tracks and behavior, this book covers all aspects of trapping and hunting. Whether you’re an experienced trapper or a novice outdoor enthusiast, The Trapper’s Bible is an essential resource for anyone looking to sharpen their wilderness survival skills. Packed with insightful information and practical wisdom, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in mastering the art of surviving in the wilderness.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Backpacking and Hiking

by Jason Stevenson

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Backpacking and Hiking by Jason Stevenson is the ultimate resource for outdoor enthusiasts. This comprehensive guide covers everything from choosing the right gear to navigating different terrains, making it a must-have for anyone interested in exploring the great outdoors. With detailed information on essential skills such as map reading, setting up camp, and dealing with wildlife, this book is an invaluable tool for those looking to embark on a hiking or backpacking adventure. Whether you’re a novice hiker or an experienced backpacker, this book will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle any trail. If you’re looking for a book about surviving in the wilderness, look no further than The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Backpacking and Hiking.

The Ultimate Guide to Wilderness Living: Surviving with Nothing But Your Bare Hands and What You Find in the Woods

by John McPherson

The Ultimate Guide to Wilderness Living by John McPherson is an essential book on surviving in the wilderness for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists. McPherson’s comprehensive guide provides invaluable information on how to thrive in the wild with minimal resources. With detailed instructions on building shelters, finding food and water, and navigating the terrain, this book about surviving in the wilderness equips readers with the knowledge and skills needed to conquer the great outdoors. McPherson emphasizes the importance of resourcefulness and adaptability, offering practical tips for making the most of natural materials and utilizing the environment to your advantage. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a novice explorer, this surviving in the wilderness book is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to test their limits and embrace the untamed beauty of nature.

The Essential Wilderness Navigator: How to Find Your Way in the Great Outdoors

by David Seidman

The Essential Wilderness Navigator: How to Find Your Way in the Great Outdoors by David Seidman is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to master the art of wilderness navigation. This comprehensive guide provides practical advice on using maps, compasses, and GPS devices, as well as essential survival skills for finding your way in the wilderness. With detailed illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions, this book is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone who loves adventure. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced outdoorsman, this book will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the great outdoors with ease. If you’re looking for a book about surviving in the wilderness, look no further than The Essential Wilderness Navigator.

Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival

by Dave Canterbury

Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury is a comprehensive book on surviving in the wilderness. It covers essential skills and techniques for thriving in the great outdoors, including building shelters, starting fires, finding food and water, and navigating through the wilderness. Canterbury’s extensive knowledge and experience make this book about surviving in the wilderness a valuable resource for both beginners and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. The detailed illustrations and step-by-step instructions make it easy to understand and apply the techniques in real-life situations. Whether you’re an avid camper, hiker, or just someone who wants to be prepared for any outdoor adventure, Bushcraft 101 is a must-have surviving in the wilderness book that will help you develop the skills needed to thrive in the wild.

Into the Wild

by Jon Krakauer

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer is a captivating non-fiction book about a young man’s quest for self-discovery and adventure in the wild. The book follows the journey of Chris McCandless, who leaves behind his comfortable life to explore the untamed wilderness of Alaska. As he braves the rugged terrain and harsh conditions, he encounters both the beauty and the dangers of the natural world. Krakauer expertly weaves together McCandless’s own writings, interviews with those who knew him, and his own experiences in the wilderness to create a compelling narrative. Through McCandless’s story, readers are compelled to contemplate the allure and challenges of living off the grid and the eternal quest for meaning and purpose. This book on surviving in the wilderness is a thought-provoking and inspiring read for anyone drawn to the call of the wild.

Hatchet

by Gary Paulsen

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is a captivating tale of a young boy’s struggle for survival in the wilderness. The story follows Brian Robeson, who finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. Armed with only a hatchet, Brian must use his wits and ingenuity to survive in the harsh and unforgiving environment. As he battles the elements and struggles to find food and shelter, Brian must also confront his own inner demons and find the strength to persevere. This gripping novel is a powerful exploration of the human spirit and the will to survive in the face of adversity. Hatchet is a must-read for anyone looking for an exhilarating adventure and a compelling story of resilience in the wild.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

by Cheryl Strayed

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail is a captivating memoir by Cheryl Strayed that chronicles her transformative journey of self-discovery and healing. After enduring a series of personal tragedies and hitting rock bottom, Strayed embarks on a solo 1,100-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. Through vivid and raw storytelling, she shares the physical and emotional challenges she faces, as well as the awe-inspiring beauty of the wilderness. This gripping narrative is a powerful testament to resilience, strength, and the indomitable human spirit. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration, adventure, and a deeper understanding of the human capacity for survival in the wild.

Desert Solitaire

by Edward Abbey

Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey is a captivating memoir that immerses readers in the rugged beauty of the American Southwest. Through vivid prose and sharp observations, Abbey recounts his experiences as a park ranger in the desolate landscapes of Utah’s Arches National Park. This book on surviving in the wilderness is a powerful meditation on the harsh yet breathtaking terrain, the solitude of the desert, and the delicate balance between human presence and the natural world. Abbey’s deep connection to the land and his musings on the importance of conservation make this book about surviving in the wilderness a timeless classic. With its raw and unapologetic portrayal of the desert, Desert Solitaire is a must-read for anyone seeking adventure, introspection, and a deeper understanding of the wild.

The Island of the Colorblind

by Oliver Sacks

The Island of the Colorblind by Oliver Sacks is a fascinating exploration of the island of Pingelap, where a high percentage of the population is colorblind. Sacks delves into the genetic factors behind this phenomenon and the unique way in which the colorblind islanders perceive the world. The book also takes readers on a journey to the Micronesian atoll of Rota, known for its high incidence of a neurological disorder called lytico-bodig disease. Sacks weaves together scientific inquiry, personal anecdotes, and the rich history of these islands to create an immersive and thought-provoking narrative. The Island of the Colorblind is a captivating blend of travelogue, scientific study, and cultural exploration, offering readers a unique perspective on the human experience and the resilience of the human spirit. If you’re interested in a book about surviving in the wilderness, this is one that will surely captivate your interest.

The Call of the Wild

by Jack London

The Call of the Wild by Jack London is a classic novel that tells the gripping story of Buck, a domesticated dog who is stolen from his home and thrown into the harsh and unforgiving wilderness of the Yukon. The novel follows Buck’s journey as he adapts to his new environment, facing the challenges of survival and embracing his primal instincts. This timeless tale explores themes of resilience, strength, and the primal nature of animals. It is a captivating book about surviving in the wilderness that delves into the primal instincts of both humans and animals, and the struggle for survival in the harsh and unforgiving wilderness. The Call of the Wild is a must-read for anyone who enjoys adventure stories and wants to explore the depths of the human-animal connection.

Conclusion

Exploring the great outdoors and testing your survival skills can be an exhilarating experience. The 20 best books about Surviving In The Wilderness provide a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for anyone looking to venture into the wild. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a novice hiker, these books offer valuable insights and techniques that could potentially save your life in a survival situation. From building shelters to finding food and navigating through rugged terrain, the information found in these books is invaluable. So, grab a copy, pack your gear, and embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature.

Which Surviving In The Wilderness book is best?

The best book on Surviving In The Wilderness can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:

  1. The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping, Gathering, and Cooking in the Wild by Dave Canterbury,
  2. Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why by Laurence Gonzales,
  3. The Survival Handbook: Essential Skills for Outdoor Adventure by Colin Towell.

Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.

What are the best books on Surviving In The Wilderness?