Survival Handbook: The Official U.S. Army Guide

By U.S. Department of the Army

Book Overview

Would you know what to do if you were stranded in the wilderness? No one knows more about survival than the U.S. Army. But you don't have to be a soldier to benefit from all the vital information its field guide has to offer. Campers, hikers, and anyone who loves the great outdoors will want to keep this civilian's version of the manual packed with their gear.Filled with clear illustrations and diagrams, it's the most authoritative guide to toughing it out on unfamiliar turf -- whether you're lost in the desert, the tropics, the arctic, or at sea. A wealth of life-saving information includes proven tactics for finding potable water, getting food from plants and wildlife, creating shelter, building a fire, using the sun and stars to establish directions, identifying poisonous snakes and insects, handling medical emergencies, and much more. An important addition to every home library, the Survival Handbook is a practical resource for protecting yourself and your family.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 048646184X
• ISBN13: 9780486461847
• Release Date: July 2008
• Publisher: Dover Publications, Incorporated
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.1" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Information galore

This book is, by far, the best book I have read for understanding and gaining knowledge for survival. Not only does it cover the basics of life, food, water, and shelter, but helps you understand the physcological stresses that can be even more important. Great Book! Luke Batten

SURVIVAL 101

This civilian version of the US Army's Survival Manual is an excellent resource for weekend- and dayhikers, but probably isn't what you're looking for if you want to camp/hike for long periods of time. The book covers the basics of gathering food, finding water, building a shelter, first aid, field medicine, and other survival skills, but lacks many valuable details. Its simple wisdom honestly reminds me of my old Bear Scout guidebooks. Again, this book is a priceless resource for weekend campers, but lacks the details necessary to really teach you survival skills. Serious campers: Take a look at the "real" military version (the FM 21-76) for the info you need!

Good info, a reference not a novel

This is a great quick reference or something to help you learn if you are with someone with a little experience. Being in the Army I found it very easy to follow and as a quick reference. But, a buddy of mine picked up one to learn some camping/hiking skills and found it hard to follow. There is a bit of lingo used and a lot of what is explained is done so in a quick to the point way. The diagrams can be a bit vague as well. This is not a "camping for dummies" sort of book. It is obvious that it was made for the Army, people with a background in the outdoors already. Anyone can learn something and if you are with someone who can explain some of the complexities you will get a lot out of the book.

For campers, hikers, travelers & more

Originally prepared and issued by the United States Department of the Army, the U.S. Army Survival Handbook is a definitive guide to survival in a variety of outdoors locations and circumstances, especially when one has access to few tools or personal gear. A standard issue survival manual for U.S. Special Operations Forces and air force pilots, the U.S. Army Survival Handbook is also a first-rate reference and highly recommended primer for campers, hikers, travelers, and anyone else who ventures into unknown territory. From avoiding and dealing with dangerous snakes, fish, and insects to direction finding to survival techniques for cold weather, open sea and seashores, desert, and more, U.S. Army Survival Handbook is a definitive resource that can (and should) be a part of every family and community reference library collection.