Buying guide for Best survival books
From making it through apocalyptic doom to learning how to make questionable water safe to drink, survival books offer life-saving advice and tips for making the best of it when disasters strike.
Some are for beginner campers and offer “how-tos.” These include advice on how to protect food from wild animals, construct a shelter, and how to make a fire.
There are mid-level survival books that are more for the hardy, experienced survivalist. These books include chapters on finding food and fresh water in a wild habitat.
For the doomsday preppers, there are books that give advice on what would be needed in the event of an apocalypse. Dystopian survivors read about how to store non-perishable food for long periods of time, how to construct some sort of bunker, and what items are considered essential for survival.
Hardcover vs. paperback
In a survival situation, each format of book has its boons and its banes. A hardcover will protect the pages of the book better, and it will keep its integrity longer when stored in a pack. But on the other hand, a hardcover will also almost always take up more space in said pack, and will be heavier.
A paperback is much more pliant but lends itself to more wear and tear. There’s less inner page protection with a paperback, so oftentimes after hard use the front and back covers will tear off. There are some types of paperbacks, though, that have laminated covers. These offer more protection of the book while still maintaining its shape.
Also consider whether you will want to dog-ear pages in the book or write notes in the margins. Check for available note-taking space.
expert tip
Check to see what the intended audience is for the survival book. Some are geared towards beginners while others are geared towards more advanced survivalists.
BestReviews Book Expert
Severity of the survival scenario
As mentioned previously, it’s essential to understand just how severe the survival situation may be. Each book focuses on different scenarios linked to various survival situations.
For instance, if you are planning to go camping and need to know what kinds of plants are edible and what kinds of plants to avoid, you probably only need a broad or short-term tips and tricks kind of survival book, or one specifically designed for camping.
A medium-level book could include more difficult tactics, such as constructing shelter without a tent or with premade materials, or how to disinfect water so it’s drinkable. This is more for a hobby survivalist, who would go on a wilderness survival trip for fun. But it could still be used to educate yourself on how to survive in the wild if you are ever stranded or lost somewhere.
The highest level of survival would encompass long-term survival. This would be after a major natural disaster, after an apocalyptic event, or to be self-reliant for any number of reasons. These typically have in-depth information on how to survive long-term and what tools and supplies you need to do so. Chapters should include how to live sustainably and how to live “off-grid.”
Visual aids
Photo illustrations can be beneficial while reading. Different books use them in different ways. Some books use photos as the main source of explanation, and offer text instructions as captions. Others are mostly text and only use a photo when it’s necessary because the words themselves aren’t enough of an explanation.
Similarly, different readers prefer different photo uses in books. Page through each book before purchasing or view a digital version of the inside pages. That way you can tell what style the book is formatted in and how photos are used. You may need to refer to it quickly, so decide if you need visuals or prefer text-based instruction only.
Each survival book offers different options when it comes to art and illustrations. Some contain hand-drawn illustrations that give the impression of a true handwritten country guide. Others utilize real-life photographs to illustrate the text.
Expert Tip
Not every survival book will fit the needs of every reader. Some focus on backpacking while others feature urban crisis management. Read carefully before selecting a survival book to purchase.
BestReviews Book Expert
Survival guide prices
Price is linked to both the content of the book and the materials it’s made of (hardcover vs. paperback, glossy vs. matte). The price ranges from about $7 to $20.
Inexpensive
Easier and simpler survival books in a paperback format would be the most affordable at $7 to $12.
Expensive
A more specific, glossy-paged hardcover will be more expensive at $15 to $20, sometimes even more.
Tips
When purchasing a survival book it’s important to check many aspects of its format and creation. Read several tips before buying a survival book.
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Review book chapters; they will give insight to the contents.
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If looking for a specific topic, check the book’s index to see if it covers the topic.
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Read the author’s short biography, usually included on the inside or back cover. Check their credentials and whether or not they are credible.
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Remember what the book will be carried in. Will it fit appropriately and comfortably?
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Flip through the entire book. A once-over will show how much text there is versus how much space is filled by illustrations or photos.
FAQ
Q. Why can’t I just look online for the information?
A. While there may be relevant information online, there are several downfalls to just “Googling” it. For one, it’s difficult to know what is reliable information, and what is opinion or conjecture. When reading a book, there’s an author biography that lists the credentials and demonstrates their credibility. Second, phones and computers die. If you’re in a survival situation, there most likely won’t be a plug-in nearby to charge electronics. Having a hard copy allows you to always access the information, especially when it’s most needed.
Expert tip
While hardback books will withstand wear and tear over time, paperback books are much lighter and won’t feel as burdensome to carry around on a backpacking trip or in an emergency.
BestReviews Book Expert
Q. Why should I trust one author over another?
A. When purchasing a survival book, there’s some subjectivity involved. If you personally believe someone who has gone out and used their own tips in survival situations is more credible than someone with a degree, then that’s the author you should go with. Different authors have different backgrounds; it’s up to you to decide how you will use the information they give you.
Q. Why read a survival book at all?
A. Some may scoff at the chance of an apocalypse or a monsoon of a natural disaster, and neither one may ever happen. But becoming lost while driving or traveling, or being stranded by a broken down car, are much more common scenarios. Reading a survival book allows you to prepare for the unknown and the improbable. How does that saying go? “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” Reading a survival book can empower you with confidence in worst case scenarios.
