Average Customer Rating: (2 votes)

#One of the Better Survival Books (2009-01-02) This is one of the better books out there not because it s most comprehensive or the most accurate (I d quibble about some of his animal facts- especially on his show!), but because it s arguably from one of the most well-versed survival experts out there. Don t get me wrong, it s packed full of great information and will be in my pack anytime I go for more than a short hike in the local forest (where if I can t survive without it, I m in bad shape!). Les style is simple and down-to-earth, and his advice is easy to read and understand. I d give this book a four out of five for two reasons:1- There aren t enough practical examples for some techniques (e. g. , tying knots). I presume that Les assumes you will know this information, and that s not a bad idea for anyone interested in wilderness adventure. But if everyone was that well prepared anyhow, books like this wouldn t be so helpful!2- I was, in retrospect, a little disappointed that Les didn t spend more than a chapter on the most important factor in survival- mental. He admits it is the most important, and gives frequent examples, but it s a rare opportunity to hear from someone who has spent weeks alone in a dozen different places around the globe, who could potentially offer a ton of tips and tricks for how to mentally deal with isolation, injury, difficulty, fear, loneliness, etc. But those are two relatively minor criticisms. This is an excellent book for all levels of readers, and it makes a fabulous gift to any outdoors enthusiast (it was for me!).

#Learn to SURVIVE from the Survivorman ! (2008-12-30) From outdoor adventurer and Survivorman himself, Les Stroud. This book addresses the basic needs of surviving in the outdoors. Much like Stroud s television series, the book attempts to educate the reader on how to react to an emergency situation resulting in being lost or stranded in the wilderness. He covers topics on preparedness and planning, before delving into short-term and long-term solutions should you find yourself needing to keep safe and alive while waiting for rescue. Shelter, Fire, Water, Food, Emergency First Aid and more, all presented in a straight-forward easy to understand manner. Fan s of Les Stroud s adventure episodes from the frozen tundra of the Arctic to the plains of Africa and Amazon jungle and all points in between will enjoy this. He not only debunks some popular survival techniques, but presents his honest opinions of what works and what has failed in the past. Stroud refers to specific techniques that have been successfully used during the filming of his week-long survival episodes, quotes the teachers he s learned from along the way, and presents real-life case study scenarios to present the reader with usable options to plan their own survival. There is even a section on how to survive at home or in your vehicle should disaster strike. Checklists to create your own survival kits for various situations are included, as are blank pages that can be used as firestarting tinder !Les Stroud s style is instructional and conversational, and the book is a great read. Survival, like First-Aid can be a dry topic, but Survive! makes a great introduction to the subject.