Bushcraft: A Field Guide to Surviving the Wilderness (Volume 7) (Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia, 7)

This is a great intro to bushcraft. I recommend flipping through at home and finding a couple things you want to learn, read about it, and then go out and practice them (rather than hauling the book around with you). Some of the stuff in here I'll never do, but many are practical. Highly recommend.

This is a good book for beginners that teaches you strategies for acquiring woof/water/shelter etc. in the event that you're lost outdoors somewhere, and also ways to get yourself un-lost from there. Woudl make a good gift for a scout or anyone with an outdoorsy personality.

This provides a good comprehensive overview of the many aspects of bushcraft. Some of it is very practical and applicable to all forms of camping and backpacking. Some of it, like how to build a coracle or skin a rabbit, is likely only applicable only if you run into serious problems. It is all very informative and useful information. The only major shortcoming of this book is the same that all other books of this type have: of necessity most sections give an excellent overview, but you can't always dive too deep into the subject. In fact, most sections of this book could probably warrant a book of their own.This isn’t a book you’ll want to take backpacking--it’s not a large book, but it’s still larger and heavier than what you’ll want to pack. So the best use of this book is to periodically re-read sections of it to keep them in mind. As with any skill, while it’s nice to read about it over and over to really understand and become skilled you need to practice. So if you’re serious about bushcraft you should take the time to practice some of the things in the book so you can draw on those skills and not have to learn them when you need them.

I have always enjoyed hiking, backpacking, and camping. I have been lucky enough to experience nature in our family’s many visits to various national and state parks as well as nature areas closer to home.What I probably enjoy the most is to follow the longer trails, or going off trail, in the backcountry, and would chose to camp away from the crowds. Solitude and existing with nature is a part of the experience for me. That said it is best to know about the environment and how to deal with unforeseen circumstances you might encounter, and know how to use what’s around you to improve your situation.This book is an excellent resource to read before your first foray into the wilderness as it explains and illustrates (through very clear test and drawings) basic skills and how to survive there if necessary. It’s a great resource guide and small enough to fit in your backpack. I think of it like the car manual I keep in my glove box.It covers how to prep, what to carry, how to find your way when you’re lost, first aid, how to make fires, read weather signals, where and how to make simple shelters – how to make basic tools and much more. It is both a very good guide to learning basic camping skills as well as a survival guide – it is packed with clear, concise, well-organized and useful information.I have read many books on this subject I think this is definitely one of the best, whether you’re just starting out or as a reference guide if you’re more experienced.I enjoyed the book immensely and plan to refer to it often.Thanks for reading my review

This is what you will find in this small, but thick book (roughly 8"x6"1"):Chapter 1: TOOLS & GEARtent types, sleeping bags and pads, clothing, footwear, stoves, cookware, knives, axes & hatchets, saws, flashlights & lanterns, cordage & binding, preparing a survival kit, how to packChapter 2: WATERhow to find water, how to produce water, how to collect water, carrying water, making water safe to drinkChapter 3: FOODmeal planning, pre-trip preparations, keeping food safe, cooking food, hunting and gathering, how to hunt by hand, how to hunt with a spear, trapping, how to catch a fish, preparing caught foodChapter 4: FIREpreparing a fire, how to lay a fire, how to light a fire, how to keep a fire going, how to chop firewood, using a fire for warmth, using a fire for signalingChapter 5: SHELTEREthics of camping, where to camp, survival shelters, creating a latrine, creating a kitchen area, breaking campChapter 6; FINDING YOUR WAYplanning your trip, how to navigate, using a compass, maintaining a course in the field, what to do if you're lost, dealing with different terrain, winter travelChapter 7: USEFUL SKILLShow to hold a knife safely, basic knife cutting techniques, how to fell a tree, how to sharpen a knife, how to use axes and hatchets safely, how to make useful tools, how to make camp more comfortable, using birch bark, how to make a rope, knots, reading the weatherChapter 8: TRAVELING BY BOAToptions for boatbuilding, boat propulsion, how to load a boatChapter 9: HAZARDSdealing with animals, recognizing poisonous plants, natural disastersChapter 10: FIRST AIDillness and injuries, first aid kitGlossary, Index, CreditsKnow what info you would like to have at your disposal. Not every book can have all the information you will ever need. Not even military manuals. I have a wide assortment of resources, and I try to practice when I can (though I have been lax). When it comes to this book, I say Go for it! I'm impressed. Solid info. Take a look at the chapter headings, and then take a look at the info I provided just below. Each phrase is a topic covered- usually a page or two each. Not super in depth, but the info is easy to read, easy to follow, and has simple illustrations.This type of information is right up my ally, I prefer to have knowledge and skills for self reliance rather than completely rely on someone else. I dont want to be clueless. That being said, I dont know everything, and I have forgotten a lot (use it or lose it). I have BOB, GHB, and other assortment of supplies and kits. I'm in my 40s and have been keen on learning this stuff since my teens (and have used many skills and supplies since for various scenarios). While I have read all the books, watched all the shows & videos, have been in situations that warrant the need for some of these skills, it is amazing how quickly, easily the skills are forgotten. So for that, I recommend adding books to your library, add them to your emergency supplies (dont rely on digital anything!), and take a glance at them ever so often.So what to choose? what is "best"? Well, in the world of gear, books, and other resources, the best ones are the ones that you know how to use and can really learn from. That is subjective-- to keep on looking, reading until something just sticks. Everyone will have their own version of whats best, so if you are in learning phase (or are a seasoned pro and open to learning new, or different ways) then gobble up all that you can. I think this book has solid, easy to follow information. It leans more basic, but if you have the basics down you are already well ahead. This is a thoughtfully put together book. Non pretentious. I like the simple layout, the helpful illustrations, and the overall organization. Does it have everything? no, but it has plenty to offer. I would feel comfortable buying this for someone, and I am very pleased to add this to my home library. I think it is done well enough that even if you have no prior experience with these skills, the information is straight forward and easy to follow. If you are more ambitious, any of these chapters could make for a good fun weekend of honing some skills.Anyone would do with additional books on First Aid, and more locally relevant information such as maps and books on edible plants, medicinal plants, and plants to stay away from.I'm giving this 5 stars not because it has all the information anyone will ever need to survive in the wilderness, but because it is user friendly, well organized, easy to understand, has a thoughtful, functional, practical approach to a lot of topics that will indeed come up not just on a camping trip but also if you find yourself in a scenario that unfortunately warrants it. Pages are cardstock, so this should hold up to a lot of handling.