If you’re looking to get into prepping, give these books a read. This best prepping books list is based on reviews of survivalism enthusiasts.
Contents
Learning Wilderness Survival Skills
Becoming a prepper is easy. You simply need to get prepared – and you need to learn survival skills like the first aid treatment in case of emergencies.
But you first may want to do some research. There is a lot to consider when it comes to prepping. Resources, food supply, and medical training. Thousands of books have been written on the subject. Fiction and nonfiction prepper books explain the need for first aid, survivalism and the practical ways to pursue it.
Things You Learn from Survival Books
There’s something both intriguing and reassuring about survival books. They offer a wealth of knowledge on how to survive in almost any situation, from being stranded in the wilderness to dealing with a major disaster.
And while some of the tips may seem far-fetched, there’s no doubt that survival books can teach us a lot about practical disaster preparedness.
For example, many survival books contain detailed information on food storage and preservation. In the event of a power outage or other emergency, knowing how to properly store food can mean the difference between feast and famine.
Survival books can also teach us valuable skills like building a shelter, purifying water, and starting a fire. While we hope we never have to use these skills in real life, it’s always good to know that we have them in our back pocket.
Here are a few things that you will learn from survival books:
Self Defense
In today’s world, it’s important to have survival knowledge when hell breaks loose, and if you don’t know how to defend yourself, you might not make it through. Many books containing survival stories offer survival tips that could come in handy in a pinch.
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a survival situation is to put together a survival kit. Make sure it includes items like water, food, a first-aid kit, and a map. And of course, don’t forget to include a few self-defense items. A knife or pepper spray could be the difference between life and death.
Disaster Preparedness
When it comes to learning practical disaster preparedness, there’s no substitute for good old-fashioned survival books.
While the internet is full of helpful tips and tricks, there’s something to be said for having a physical book on hand when disaster strikes. After all, you can’t always rely on having access to electricity or the internet when a crisis occurs.
One of the most important things you can learn from a survival book is how to grow your own food. If you’re ever cut off from traditional sources of food, it’s vital to know how to cultivate and preserve your own sustenance.
You might also learn valuable skills like building a shelter, purifying water, and starting a fire. While it’s impossible to anticipate every possible scenario, having a survival book as a resource can give you the peace of mind that comes with being prepared.
Survival Gear
If you’re looking to learn about survival gear, the best place to start is with a survival book. There are plenty of modern survival manuals that can teach you everything you need to know about what to pack in your survival kit.
But if you’re looking for something a little more fun and engaging, you might want to check out some survival fiction books. These books can provide a complete guide to survival gear, as well as entertainment value.
Either way, reading up on survival gear is a great way to ensure that you’re prepared for anything.
Basic Skills for Country Living
There’s something both intriguing and spine-tingling about survival stories. Perhaps it’s the idea of being stranded in the middle of nowhere with only our wits to rely on. Or maybe it’s the thought of being faced with a challenge that pushes us to our limits. Either way, survival stories have a way of capturing our imaginations.
Interestingly, a survival book can actually teach us a lot about country living. Modern survival manuals are full of useful information on everything from building shelter to finding food and water.
And while fictional stories may not be based in reality, they often contain kernels of truth that can be applied to real-life situations. So if you’re looking to learn some basic skills for country living, survival books might just be the place to start.
Food Storage and Food Preservation
Having a survival guide on hand can be a lifesaver. Learning how to store food properly can help you make the most of your supplies, and prevent waste. And knowing how to preserve food can ensure that you have access to nutritious meals even in tough times.
Fortunately, many survival book explains everything you need to know about these topics. Many books offer specific guides on canning and dehydrating, there’s sure to be a book that will teach you self-sufficiency, emergency preparedness, and surviving a natural disaster.
Urban Survival
While some might scoff at the idea of learning survival skills from a book, the fact is that there are many excellent resources available for those who want to be prepared for anything.
And in today’s increasingly urban world, it pays to know how to take care of yourself in any environment. Any young adult should possess these skills. After all, you never know when you might find yourself stranded in a city with no power or running water.
Medicinal Plants and Medical Supplies
There are books on edible plants, how to build a shelter, how to find clean water, how to cook food, how to prepare for a nuclear war, and so on. But one genre that is often overlooked is medical books.
During World War II, many soldiers were cut off from traditional medical care and had to rely on their own knowledge of medicinal plants and medical supplies. As a result, a number of books were published that taught people how to identify and use various medicinal plants.
While some of this information is now out of date, it can still be useful in a pinch. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be glad you took the time to learn about medicinal plants and medical supplies from a survival book.
Camping Tips
If you’re interested in learning how to camp like a pro, there’s no better way than to pick up a guide. These books are packed with tips that will help you make the most of your time in the great outdoors.
For example, you’ll learn how to find the perfect spot for your tent, how to build a fire that will keep you warm all night, and how to purify water so that you can drink it safely.
You’ll also find helpful advice on what to do if you run into wildlife, how to navigate using a map and compass, and how to stay safe in all kinds of weather conditions.
In short, a survival guide is the perfect resource for anyone who wants to learn how to camp like a true adventurer. So next time you’re planning a trip into the wilderness, be sure to bring along a copy of your favorite survival guide.
Recognizing Survival Situations
When you’re in the wilderness, it’s important to be able to recognize a survival circumstance. After all, if you don’t know you’re in trouble, you can’t take steps to get out of it. Fortunately, there are some key signs that can indicate that you’re in a bad situation.
For starters, if you’re lost and don’t have a way to get back to civilization, that’s a big sign that you’re in trouble. If you’re running low on supplies or water, or if the weather is bad and you don’t have adequate shelter, those are also signs that you need to take action.
Of course, not every survival circumstance is as clear-cut as being lost in the woods. Sometimes, the signs can be more subtle. If you’re feeling exhausted or demoralized, for example, those can be indicative of a survival circumstance.
Paying attention to your feelings and emotions can help you to identify when things are starting to unravel and you need to take steps to improve your situation. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help you learn how to recognize a survival circumstance.
There are dozens of excellent books on the subject, many of which are packed with useful information and tips. There are also websites and online forums where experienced outdoorsmen and women can offer advice and guidance.
So if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out for help – it could mean the difference between life and death.
Surviving Off Grid Lifestyle
If you’re interested in learning how to live an off-grid lifestyle, one of the best places to start is with a prepper’s cookbook.
These books provide detailed instructions on how to grow and preserve food, generate power, and purify water. They also offer tips on how to build shelter, first-aid, and self-defense.
In short, a prepper’s cookbook is an essential guide for anyone interested in learning how to survive off the grid. And while there are many different titles to choose from, one of the best is The Prepper’s Cookbook by Daisy Luther.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from canning and pickling to bread-making and solar power. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, The Prepper’s Cookbook is sure to teach you something new about living off the grid.
Long Term Survival Skills
When it comes to learning long term survival skills, books can be a valuable resource. After all, they can provide detailed instructions and illustrations that can be difficult to find elsewhere. However, not all books are created equal.
When choosing a book to learn from, it is important to consider the author’s experience and expertise. In addition, you will want to make sure that the book covers the specific skills that you are interested in learning.
With so many options to choose from, finding the right book can feel daunting. However, taking the time to find a quality resource will be worth it in the end. By investing in a good survival book, you will be better prepared to face whatever challenges come your way.
Best Prepping Books for Wilderness Survival
Reading can open your world to new ideas and experiences with any genre. Reading a thrilling apocalyptic book started the journey for some. There are physical books that you can read and would teach you how to be prepared for anything that life throws at you.
For others, a need to be prepared drives them to absorb as much knowledge on survival skills as possible. Based on the positive reviews, here are five of the best survival books you should consider adding to your prepper library or survival library:
Best Prepping Books – Just in Case: How to Be Self-Sufficient When the Unexpected Happens by Kathy Harrison
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One of the best survival books about household preparedness. This modern survival manual is a great introductory prepping book, and it’s a must-have addition to your prepper library.
This book covers basic techniques such as packing an evacuation kit and rotating your food supply. Just in Case also details how to decide whether to shelter in place or bug out. This guide not only tells you what to prepare but why you should start prepping.
You don’t have to be a doomsday prepper to enjoy Just in Case. This nonfiction book is a practical guide for survival needs such as severe weather. It’s a must have addition to your prepper library.
SAS Survival Handbook by John “Lofty” Wiseman
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Wiseman, John 'Lofty' (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
When you’re done reading Just in Case, pick up SAS Survival Handbook by John “Lofty” Wiseman. This read takes you from the house to the wilderness.
With everything you need to know about surviving in the wild. The newest version also includes terrorism and urban wilderness survival methods.
The SAS Survival Handbook is the best resource for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy camping and hiking. Readers can learn about making camp, finding food in the wild, self-defense, and more.
Keep in mind that this is a handbook and meant to travel with you. Therefore, it is a small book with small print. But it’s easy to find the topic you’re interested in and easy to understand. We recommend everyone read at least some parts for basic survival needs.
Best Prepping Survival Books – The Ultimate Survival Medicine Handbook by Amy and Joseph Alton
- Alton MD, Joseph (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 700 Pages - 06/07/2016 (Publication Date) - Doom and Bloom, LLC (Publisher)
There is a condensed version of this called The Ultimate Survival Medicine Guide. The handbook is a 700-page essential guide to survival.
Both are medical survival books written for the average person to handle illnesses or injuries. Written by a husband and wife team who are medical professionals, the mission of these survival books is to give readers the ability to prepare for any unexpected event.
Other medical prepping survival books may cover the essentials of stabilizing and transporting a medical professional. However, this one understands that sometimes a hospital or doctor is not available and helps explain what to do in case of such.
The Prepper’s Pocket Guide: 101 Easy Things You Can do to Ready Your Home for Disaster by Bernie Carr
- Carr, Bernie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 216 Pages - 07/12/2011 (Publication Date) - Ulysses Press (Publisher)
If you are new to prepping, The Prepper’s Pocket Guide is another great beginner’s resource. This 224-page book gives readers quick and easy steps to prepare for any emergency.
Again, more than doomsday preppers will find value in this basic survival pocket guide. You never know when you will be snowed in or lose power for days on end. The Prepper’s Pocket Guide is a great book to read before catastrophe strikes.
DIY survival instructions include assembling a cheap emergency kit, packing a bug-out bag, and learning to cook without electricity.
Best Prepping Survival Books – The Prepper’s Water Survival Guide: Harvest, Treat, and Store Your Most Vital Resource by Daisy Luther
- Luther, Daisy (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 222 Pages - 04/13/2020 (Publication Date) - Ulysses Press (Publisher)
Did you know that you can only survive three days without water?! When it comes to wilderness survival elements, water is an essential resource. This is an “enjoyable read” for all preppers, whether you’re new to prepping or an expert.
The author, Daisy Luther, gives practical insight into water storage, one of the element’s crucial factors. Storing enough water for your family long-term is not practical because of its weight and size. In this guide, you will learn about finding, purifying, and storing water, all while avoiding contamination.
U.S. Air Force Survival Handbook by Jay McCullough
This survival handbook is a complete survival guide. The book focuses on the three essential elements of survival: shelter, water, and food. This ultimate guide offers concise instructions on how to find and purify water, build a shelter, and identify edible plants.
In addition, the book includes chapters on first aid, navigation, and survival in extreme environments. Whether you’re lost in the wilderness, the Air Force Survival Handbook will help you stay alive.
Who is Jay McCullough?
Jay McCullough is an army intelligence officer who has spent his career dealing with emergencies, both medical and natural.
He is the author of a survival guide, “The Jay McCullough Guide to Surviving Any Disaster,” which offers advice on everything from being stranded in the wilderness to surviving a terrorist attack.
In addition to offering practical tips, the book does a thorough job on providing step-by-step instructions on how to survive a disaster, medical emergencies, or even a nuclear war!
McCullough’s experience and expertise make him uniquely qualified to write about survival, and his book is sure to be useful for anyone who wants to be prepared for any eventuality.
Bushcraft Books of Dave Canterbury
Bush craft is a term popularized by British author and television personality Ray Mears, which refers to the skills and knowledge required to live in the wild.
The term has since been adopted by outdoor enthusiasts around the world, and there are now many different schools of thought when it comes to bush craft. One of the most well-known and respected bush craft experts is Dave Canterbury, who is the author of several popular books on the subject.
Canterbury’s first book, The Bush craft Field Guide to Survival in the Wild, is a comprehensive guide to all aspects of bush craft, from shelter-building and fire-making to foraging and tracking.
His second book, Bush craft 101, is a more beginner-friendly introduction to the subject, covering the basics of survival in the wilderness. Both books are filled with Canterbury’s trademark practical advice and instructions, making them essential reading for anyone interested in learning more about bush craft.
Canterbury’s books cover a wide range of topics, from how to build a shelter in the wilderness to how to find food and water. His books are very detailed and informative, and they are also very entertaining to read.
Best Prepping Books – AudioBooks
Reading survival books is one way to learn about prepping. There are also audiobooks for those who prefer this format. Audio survival books give preppers the ability to multi-task and learn while on the move. Here are five best prepper audio survival books:
One Second After by William R. Forstchen (Fiction)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Forstchen, William R. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Sometimes a nonfiction story will encourage a reader to become a prepper. One Second After is an example of a terrifying story that is entirely possible.
Set in North Carolina after America loses a technology war, the novel has quickly become a favorite among preppers of all ages. Even Congress members share this story and encourage every American to read it.
The run time is 13.5 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to get absorbed by this thrilling tale.
Pandemic: The Extinction Files by A.G. Riddle (Fiction)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Riddle, A.G. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Before anyone knew about COVID-19, Pandemic: The Extinction Files was published in 2017. Before 2020, this nonfiction story was a warning about what would happen if a deadly pathogen spread around the world. Listen to the audiobook today, and you may see some striking similarities.
Pandemic is an intense fictional novel that will keep you engaged for the entire 19-hour run time.
Prepper’s Survival Medicine Handbook by Timothy S. Morris
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Morris, Timothy S. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
This one is an excellent resource for preppers who want a quick medical tutorial for first aid and survival medicine techniques. This is perfect for people looking for survival books.
This audiobook is geared towards what to do after a catastrophe or national emergency when medical responders are overburdened or unavailable. It guides listeners on what emergency medicine to get. As well as which herbs can replace over-the-counter medicines, and essential wilderness survival medicine.
Prepper’s Survival Medicine Handbook is a quick listen with an audio run time of just over sixty minutes.
Hawke’s Green Beret Survival Manual by Mykel Hawke
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Hawke, Mykel (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
A well-known survivalist and Green Beret, Mykel Hawk, shares his experience and knowledge in this book. Hawk is also the founder of survival company Spec Ops Inc and has appeared on several survivalist TV shows. He is considered an expert in the field. This audiobook gives practical and applicable information on survival skills.
While the message is geared specifically towards wilderness survival, preppers can learn a lot in this 15.5-hour audiobook.
American Exit Strategy by Mark Goodwin (Fiction)
- Audible Audiobook
- Mark Goodwin (Author) - Kevin Pierce (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
This is one of the best ones. It’s a political thriller set in the near future with a financial meltdown threatening the US. It is the first in a three-part series, The Economic Collapse.
While it’s a work of fiction, preppers understand that sometimes fiction can become a reality. At just under eight hours long, this one is worth a listen. This is one of the must-read when it comes to survival books.
Preparing for When SHTF
Let’s face it: we all like to think that we’re prepared for anything, but the truth is that most of us are woefully unprepared for a true survival situation.
Whether it’s a global pandemic or a natural disaster, the odds of things going wrong are pretty high. That’s where survival books come in. From building a shelter to finding food and water, survival books offer valuable tips and insights that could one day mean the difference between life and death.
And while some might scoff at the idea of reading a survival book, the truth is that it could be the best investment you ever make. After all, as the saying goes, knowledge is power. And when hell breaks loose, you’ll want all the power you can get.
Maybe if you’ve learned as much as you can, you can even write your own book!