A long while back, close to when we originally started penning this blog, I published an article about the most popular/best selling survival books in existence. While I know there will be plenty of overlap (what kind of a survival book list wouldn’t make mention of popular bushcraft books?), I now think it’s important to break up that post into sub-topics, in case anyone wants to concentrate on studying up on a specific prepper/survivalist skill and master that before moving on to another.
The first article in this whole specialty skill education series is the top first aid books article I wrote up. No survivalist I’ve ever encountered has ever underestimated the incredible value of being well versed in as many first aid skills as physically possible. This second article concentrates on the most obvious, and likely most important skill a survivalist could ever have: bushcraft/wilderness survival education.
The US Army Survival Manual Survivalist Book – Amazon / eBay
While it may not be the easiest thing to teach yourself out of a book, I do feel like a lot of the basic concepts of wilderness survival and bushcraft are easier understood reading chapters that flesh out the topic. I think Cody Lundin’s 98.6 Degrees does a good job of this, but I’m biased because I haven’t read every book on this list, and I don’t know if some others do an even better job of giving you an overview of bushcraft goals and particulars.
Since they’re all on the topic of bushcraft, many of these books do overlap in terms of what they try to teach you, but I think every author has his own unique way of helping you grasp and remember bushcraft concepts, and obviously stresses different aspect of wilderness survival. I’ve written short synopsis of each book so you can hopefully determine for yourself whose style and concentration will match with what you want to concentrate on and how you prefer to learn.
The following order is the most accurate representation I could manage of bushcraft books by popularity, i.e. what has been sold and reviewed the most online. Obviously, it doesn’t matter how popular a book is if it’s not good, but it seems to me that eventually good books do rise to the top, especially in a field like this where a skill is being taught through a book, so that’s what I stuck with. I’ve included multiple books by the same author on many occasions, but I don’t think this is a bad thing, as if you’re comfortable with someone like Dave Canterbury or Mors Kochanski’s writing style and if a particular author helps you to learn best, I’d probably take that as a sign that their other books will also be of value to helping you learn. But that’s me.
Finally, before I start, if you have any recommendations, whether they’re other bushcraft books that didn’t make it to this list or whether they’re giving a thumbs up to something that did make it to this list, please leave a comment down below detailing it.
15 Most Popular & Bestselling Bushcraft Books
1. Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival
by Dave Canterbury
This book by Dave Canterbury concentrates on the 5 C’s of Survivability: 1. Cutting tools, 2. Coverings, 3. Combustion, 4. Containers, and 5. Cordage. It’s probably the most popular bushcraft book ever written, and my guess is it’s for good reason. While I still haven’t gotten my hands on this book, I have gotten my hands on #2; written by Canterbury’s TV partner on Dual Survival for two seasons…
2. 98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive
by Cody Lundin
I was enormously obsessed with Cody Lundin’s fire-making abilities when I watched Dual Survival back when it first aired, and not going to lie, I really dug his style of teaching bushcraft tips & tricks while he was on that show as well. Didn’t disappoint when it came to the book. Full of oh-so-many illustrations and scatterbrain type of information that bounces from one topic to the next – perfect for someone who hates feeling like they’re doing homework while learning bushcraft tips and techniques, as you feel more like you’re reading a storybook than a textbook. I daresay it’s the most engaging book I know on a sometimes incredibly dry topic to learn out of a book.
3. Advanced Bushcraft: An Expert Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival
by Dave Canterbury
Yes, Dave Canterbury makes it on the top 3 of this list twice. I’m not surprised for the reason I outlined before: if you know you like a writer’s style, and they’re particularly effective at helping you learn, another book on the same topic by the same author is almost certain to help you yet again. How’s this book different from Bushcraft 101? It takes you past the basics outlined in that first book into more advanced bushcrafter domain, talking about topics like how to make do in the wilderness without equipment, and use what’s in your environment to help you to thrive. Solid recommendation if you happened to buy and enjoy Bushcraft 101.
4. Bushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival
by Mors Kochanski
The top 4 books on this list are all authored by very famous bushcrafters; but that makes sense. You want to take your advice from those in the field you’ve seen prove themselves. Mors books goes over the basics of bushcrafting, including firemaking, wood chopping, tree felling, shelter creation, knife and axe safety measures, details about finding animals and plants that will help you survive, as well as outdoor cooking techniques, tool, rope, and basket making, and more.
5. Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties: The Classic Guide to Building Wilderness Shelters
by D.C. Beard
A book penned by one of the founders of the Boy Scouts of America, you know this book was penned by someone with years of field experience. Obviously, this book concentrates specifically on shelter-building, so if you’re on the lookout for more ideas when it comes to specifically that, this is probably your best bet.
6. Woodcraft and Camping
by George W. Sears
This book was originally published in 1884, and it truly stands the test of time. Don’t care much for modern equipment or bushcraft techniques? This is 100% one for you. Even if you are fond of new technology, it’s really fascinating finding out how expert bushcrafters did things over a century ago. Pretty remarkable how relevant this book still is today.
7. Basic Safe Travel and Boreal Survival Handbook
by Mors Kochanski
Meant to compliment his original book, if you like Mors Kochanski’s teaching style, this educational book is a no-brainer. From what I understand, this book is a compilation of articles about bushcraft and wilderness survival – so it might be even easier to digest and to keep on top of reading than most.
8. Survival Hacks: Over 200 Ways to Use Everyday Items for Wilderness Survival
by Creek Stewart
This book seems to be the equivalent of a 200+ Pin Pinterest board just on the topic of survival hacks. While it’s not the same format as most wilderness survival/bushcraft books, it’s definitely got its place since, as we all know, adaptability is likely the #1 most important aspect of survival. It’s important to make sure your brain can make the leaps it needs to when the time comes, and there’s no better way to get ideas than to have read or seen them before.
9. Wildwood Wisdom
by Ellsworth Jaeger
Yet another bushcraft book that’s withstood the test of time. This one was penned in 1945 and is still incredibly popular today. Apparently it’s also an incredibly accurate depiction of what life was like for those in the 1800s who were trying to live their lives in the wild. And so yet another one for those not particularly interested in modern gear, but more dated ways of living in the wilderness that aren’t modern gear dependent.
10. The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping, Gathering, and Cooking in the Wild
by Dave Canterbury
Dave Canterbury strikes again with this book specifically on trapping, gathering, and cooking while outdoors, just barely making it to three different positions in the top 10 bushcraft books. One last time, if you’re into his style of teaching, this book is a no-brainer.
11. The Book of Camping and Woodcraft: A Guidebook for Those who Travel in the Wilderness
by Horace Kephart
Originally published in 1906, this book’s foreward details it covers, “outfitting, making camps, dressing and keeping game and fish, camp cookery, forest travel, how to avoid getting lost, and what to do if one does get lost, living off the country, what the different species of trees are good for (from a camper s viewpoint), backwoods handicrafts in wood, bark, skins and other raw materials, the treatment of wounds and other injuries, and some other branches of woodcraft that may be of service when one is far from shops and from hired help.”
12. The Trapper’s Bible: The Most Complete Guide on Trapping and Hunting Tips Ever
by Eustace Hazard Livingston
Because hunting and trapping is a huge part of being able to sustain yourself for prolonged periods of time in the wilderness, this book is an excellent addition to this list. It may not be a difficult concept to grasp ,but it’s a topic that deserves to be fleshed out to say the least. This book is full of photos that will help in the learning and reference process considerably, and includes a variety of different hunting and trapping techniques.
13. Woodcraft
by Elmer Harry Kreps
Originally published in 1923, this book is another collection of bushcraft and outdoor related articles; so if you’re fond of shorter pieces that are put together in a collective whole, this and Mors Kochanski’s Basic Safe Travel and Boreal Survival Handbook are two for you.
14. How to Stay Alive in the Woods
by Bradford Angier
Another book that gives an overview on bushcraft and wilderness survival. Chapters are neatly organized by topic so reference becomes easy, and like so many other bushcraft books on this list, there are many excellent images to aid in understanding of concepts explained.
15. Bushcraft: The Ultimate Guide to Survival in the Wilderness
by Richard Graves
A one-stop shop for a bushcraft and wilderness survival overview. Yet again drilling in the concepts every survivalist knows they will need when trying to survive and thrive in the wilderness.
Your Opinion: Best Bushcraft Books?
Have any bushcraft books to recommend? Let me know what they are, whether or not they made it onto this list.
Is there an author on this list you’re particularly fond of? Do you find bushcraft books helpful or do you prefer to watch bushcraft related YouTube videos or take classes to learn?
If you’re into bushcraft books, do you prefer to have them as hard copies (paperbacks or hardcovers?) or do you prefer them all on an e-reader in one place? Or do you prefer a bit of each, maybe with the reference books in hard copy but the overall concept books on e-reader?
I personally find that anything I buy on e-readers never gets read and can’t get over my need for paper copies hang-up. But I know that Kindles and e-readers are so useful to have for being able to throw in a trunk or pack and carry with you if you ever need to reference things in-field. So I’m a bit torn. What do you think is the best option?
I have one of the Original Bush craft books from 1980 something. It’s a paper back it cost $6.99 back then still has the price tag and the store name on it.
It is in Excellent condition, I wouldn’t trade,sell or destroy this book.
“Great list of bushcraft books! ? I’ve read a few, and they’re super informative. I think each author brings a unique perspective to wilderness survival. Personally, I prefer hard copies for reference but e-readers are handy in the field. What’s your go-to bushcraft book? ? #SurvivalSkills”
Bery good article
though not technically a bushcraft or survival book, a must have for those who plan for the contingency of long term survival should the current systems we so heavily rely upon break down, is Five Acres and Independence by M G Kains, this is like a homesteader practical small farming guide with a great detail of knowledge for living off the land and profitably should the conditions be suitable to do so. sam eakin
Thanks for sharing Sam, I find homesteading books so interesting with regards to all the weird lil problems that crop up that you don’t think about. I remember reading about water access being easy whilst storage and movement proving the real challenge. Something worth thinking about!
Wow! This list is a great list, well-done sir!
I am just getting back into the subject of “Bushcraft/Survival”. I am a “Post Vietnam” vet and had extensive training using the Army’s Survival, Escape and evasion” manual. The subject seems to be a very popular one, reading this article and reading the reply and suggestions tells me I have a lot of catching up to do. I did buy the “David Canterbury” boxed set, and so far it is great. Thanks for everyone’s comments, tips, and tricks, salute!
Outdoor Survival Skills Larry Dean Olsen
Tom Brown’s Field Guide to Nature Observation and Tracking
by Tom Brown Jr.
Stalking the wild asparagus by Eull Gibbons
Excellent choices!
I find ‘Fire Making’ by Daniel Hume an incredible book. I’m surprised more has not been made of it yet but I think it’s one of those that’s bound to be super popular. It’s a great read and the author has really done his homework. I bought it for the instructional content but it’s also an amazing anthropological record of fire making skills that should be valued for a long time to come.
Good recommendation David!
Don’t forget Ray Mears. He has some good books.
Nothing but love for Ray Mears. Always liked his down to earth way of teaching.
There is no need to buy a copy of the book “Woodcraft” by Nessmuk. The book is long out of copyright, and several years ago, I created an ebook of the 1920 edition. You will find a free copy on my website (see link).
You will also find a book of poetry by Nessmuk. He only published these two books, although he was prolific in the outdoor magazines of the day.
BTW, the correct title is indeed just “Woodcraft”, not “Woodcraft and Camping”. That title was used on the Dover edition from the 1960’s. It was a very cut down version of the original. Amazon lists it at 128 pages.
The newer version of “Woodcraft and Camping” that you listed above is only 94 pages. I don’t know for sure, but considering the length and the title, I suspect that this edition is just a rehash of the Dover book, and is also missing substantial material.
Do everyone a favor and point them to my free ebook, which is based on the original. There is no advertising on my web page, and I don’t make a dime off of it. What is there is for all to freely enjoy.
Your comment is at the top & when we go through and update the links, I’ll make sure to add yours. Thanks for sharing with the community Joe!
a copy of the boy scout handbook. preferably one from the early eighties or older
Your list is based upon the basics which (I probably assume incorrectly) EVERY prepper who has been ‘at it’ should know by now. If you can’t start a fire without any tools (including flint and steel) you’re probably screwed. If you don’t already know how to construct a shelter that cannot be seen/noticed from ten feet away, you’re probably screwed. If you cannot quickly construct booby traps, pitfalls, pits, and death-dealing weapons from the materials at hand, you’re probably screwed. If you cannot make yourself invisible in ANY environment, you’re probably screwed. If you don’t know how to disguise your scent or make yourself invisible to heat-sensing devices, you’re screwed. Even former military persons who don’t practice such skills as I’ve mentioned, are likely screwed.
By screwed, I mean between two weeks and six months time you will likely become some desperate person’s (or bear’s) BBQ. Plus, whatever preparations you’ve made will soon become someone else’s.
Forget the cool knives, scopes, iPads or i-what-evers, your weaponry that needs reloading, or anything that requires electricity or electronics for operation, forget bug-out bags. FORGET books on these subjects. You’re gonna die before you can access the information. Or, consider the alternatives: a life of slavery in some FEMA camp if you’re healthy or slow death behind barbed wire if you’re sickly.
Whatever you have committed to memory AND have practiced over and over again is ALL you can rely upon. You will likely starve, too, if you haven’t practiced foraging and eating the weeds in your locale and learned to distinguish between the edible and the deadly plants. Much of what deer and birds eat will kill you. If you can’t live underground or inside a tree trunk you’ll soon be discovered. If you haven’t learned stealth tactics, you’ll be discovered and become someone’s meal.
Can I get a Amen! Ashes to ashes Dust to dust!
I had survival training in the Navy. A subject not thought to basic naval personnel For many years I taught Wilderness Survival to Boy Scouts. That included long backpacking hikes to camp sites. Though no longer associated with the scouting program, I am amazed today as to what has happened to our youth. Without a cell phone or IPad they seem completely lost. These books that you mention could help them learn a few skills. There won’t be any cell phones etc. to give them utube advice.
My favorite survival book is Outdoor Survival Skills by Larry Dean Olsen that I have had since the mid 1970’s.
The granddad of survival in the UK is Lofty Wiseman. His book SAS Survival has been the main stay of bushcraft knowledge and training in good old blity. There are other SAS survival books but make sure you get the lofty Wiseman one.
I personally have three survival/bushcraft books. The US Army Survival Guide reprinted in large paperback format and the National Geographic Surival Guide, along with a Edible Wild Trees and Plants guide. I have numerous e-books downloaded but worry about an EMP taking my tablet out, or an inability to recharge when needed even though I have portable solar and battery packs. I am partial to the ArmyvSurvival Guide in paper form as it gives me all the basics I will need.