I also have the SAS books in the full size and the pocket one. If you want the Army one, I have it as a Word document. I just uploaded it to my page if anyone wants a copy: FM 21-76 US Army Survival Manual-Abridged

The only book that I can honestly recommend has already been mentioned. It is:

"98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your [censored] Alive" by Cody Lundin

The reason is, the Army Guide and the SAS Guide all have almost too much information in them.

There is a big difference being prepared to survive a "Modern Day Survial" situation and learning/practicing "Primative Living and Bushcraft." Cody's book helps you understand the difference between the two, and prepares you for a modern day survival scenario.

Here are a couple examples. All the other books guaranteed, tell you how to build a solar still and how to make traps. In a modern day survival situation lasting on average 72 hours or less, do you really need food? Most people could go a couple weeks without food, and more likely more depending on conditions. Are you sure want to start your learning focused on building traps?

Same goes for the solar still. Cody claims that he teaches building a still in his survival classes, but with a different spin. He has the document how much effort, and how much sweat and time they put into it, and the compare that to the amount of water collected from it. His claim is that you would have been better off being lazy in the shade because you wasted more than you gain in that situation. Just some things to think about.

I am not putting down any of the other books. I am just saying that I believe most people should try to focus their efforts on the most probable situation. Once you gain confidence in your ability to survive a modern day situation of being "lost" then by all means, work on bushcraft. Build traps, and spend hours on shelters and learn how to make a spoon.

Just my 2 cents, so take it for what it is worth <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Brian

Make a spoon? doesn't everyone carry a titanium spork with them?

98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your [censored] Alive by Cody Lundin is a great book. It is full of good, straight forward information that will help keep you alive and be found is a short(72 hrs.) survival situation. However, it lacks in specifics on things like fire and shelter building, finding water, and other important skills. It focuses more on the kit and how to use it. These skills, while they may be second nature to some, are not mastered by all. The SAS guide will teach you these skills and show you how to apply them in the field. This is why I recommend it as your first or only survival book. You don't have to stop there, you can buy and read as many books as you want, I have about a dozen in my collection. However reading is not enough alone, you have to practice and keep up on these skills also. Just my opinion.

sounds interesting. might check that one out.

I would. Its a great straight forward book. It full of some great info, it just lacks in the basics. But, Mr. Lundin tells you this in the book and recommends you learn some skills to go along with the book.

Hey Terry,

I am agreeing with you 100%, but just not explaining myself well. What I really meant to say is that a book like Cody Lundin's will get you in the right mindset for what is important to learn first. The SAS guide is a great source for then learning those things. But there are also so many other things in it, it could cause you to loose focus on what you should be doing.

I still don't think I am explaining myself well, but I am agreeing with you <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Brian

Brian, I am agreeing with you too, wasn't trying to argue. Just wanted to point out that if you need to learn the basics the SAS guide is probably a better choice.

98.6 degrees is an awesome book. I really liked how he explains the different ways your body loses heat. Conduction, convection, radiation, evaporation, and respiration.If you apply this knowledge to your shelter building and how you dress, you can almost eliminate the need for fire in most situations.

Well I ordered the SAS survival guide and the companion SAS tracker guide...so when I get good at my survival techniques I can track that bear down and kill it with my Scrap Yard Hook! (Thats if it will ever get here!) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

Update: Knife enroute! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Wow coolshot you are no sissy, some say, "Grab Life by the Horns."
I say, "Grab Life by the Res-C!"

It’s easier to make chopsticks. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Although, you can't eat soup with them... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Cool, you won't be disappointed. Did you get the normal version or the condensed one?