Best Books On Bushcraft of 2023
Lisa May 29, 2023 5:48 AM
Bushcraft refers to the knowledge and skills necessary for surviving and thriving in the wilderness. The topics covered in books on bushcraft range from basic survival techniques to advanced wilderness skills. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman or a novice, there are numerous excellent bushcraft books that can help you improve your skills and knowledge. This article will provide a purchasing guide for bushcraft books and answer frequently asked questions on the subject.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: The Bushcraft Boxed Set
- Best Budget: The Bushcraft Handbooks
- Best Value: The Ultimate Bushcraft Survival Manual
- Editor's Choise: Forest Life: Practical Meditations on Canoeing
- Ana Castillo Reviews Score10.0
Ana Castillo Reviews Score is a ranking system developed by Ana Castillo. Ana Castillo score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandN/A
- Prime
- Ana Castillo Reviews Score9.6
Ana Castillo Reviews Score is a ranking system developed by Ana Castillo. Ana Castillo score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandAdams Media
- Prime
- Ana Castillo Reviews Score9.6
Ana Castillo Reviews Score is a ranking system developed by Ana Castillo. Ana Castillo score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandAdams Media
- Prime
- Ana Castillo Reviews Score9.6
Ana Castillo Reviews Score is a ranking system developed by Ana Castillo. Ana Castillo score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandBlack Dog & Leventhal
- Prime
- Ana Castillo Reviews Score9.6
Ana Castillo Reviews Score is a ranking system developed by Ana Castillo. Ana Castillo score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandN/A
- Prime
- Ana Castillo Reviews Score9.4
Ana Castillo Reviews Score is a ranking system developed by Ana Castillo. Ana Castillo score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandAdams Media
- Prime
- Ana Castillo Reviews Score9.4
Ana Castillo Reviews Score is a ranking system developed by Ana Castillo. Ana Castillo score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandN/A
- Prime
- Ana Castillo Reviews Score9.4
Ana Castillo Reviews Score is a ranking system developed by Ana Castillo. Ana Castillo score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandWeldon Owen
- Prime
- Ana Castillo Reviews Score9.4
Ana Castillo Reviews Score is a ranking system developed by Ana Castillo. Ana Castillo score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandWeldon Owen
- Prime
- Ana Castillo Reviews Score8.4
Ana Castillo Reviews Score is a ranking system developed by Ana Castillo. Ana Castillo score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandCreatespace Independent Publishing Platform
- Prime
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
#1: "The Bushcraft Survival Bible for Kids" by Thomas B. Woolery
Specs:
- Title: The Bushcraft Survival Bible for Kids: [5 in 1] The Ultimate Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival and Micro Adventures for the Little Ones
- Author: Thomas B. Woolery
- Paperback: 280 pages
- Publisher: Independently published (February 13, 2023)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1803293327
- ISBN-13: 978-1803293321
What we like:
- "The Bushcraft Survival Bible for Kids" is an impressive field guide for children who enjoy outdoor exploration and adventure. The author, Thomas B. Woolery, has done a fantastic job of presenting a vast array of survival skills and techniques in an engaging and straightforward manner. The book covers topics such as shelter construction, food and water gathering, firemaking, and navigation, among others. The photographs and illustrations enhance the book's appeal and make the information more approachable for young readers. We also appreciate the emphasis on safety throughout the book, which provides clear warnings and tips for avoiding dangerous situations in the wilderness.
What we don't like:
- Some of the information in "The Bushcraft Survival Bible for Kids" may be too advanced for younger readers. In addition, the book does not provide a great deal of guidance on how to implement the skills and techniques. For children to fully grasp the concepts, parents or guardians may need to supplement the book with additional resources or hands-on training.
Our Verdict:
"The Bushcraft Survival Bible for Kids" is an excellent resource for young explorers and their families. The author has done an outstanding job presenting a wealth of information in an engaging and approachable manner. Although some of the information may be a bit advanced for younger readers, this book provides an excellent foundation for youngsters interested in wilderness survival and microadventures. We strongly endorse it.
#2: "The Bushcraft Boxed Set: Bushcraft 101; Advanced Bushcraft; The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping, Gathering, & Cooking in the Wild; Bushcraft First Aid"
Specs:
- Title: The Bushcraft Boxed Set: Bushcraft 101; Advanced Bushcraft; The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping, Gathering, & Cooking in the Wild; Bushcraft First Aid
- Author: Dave Canterbury
- Paperback: 1024 pages
- Publisher: Adams Media; Boxed Set edition (October 1, 2019)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1507206690
- ISBN-13: 978-1507206698
What we like:
- The "Bushcraft Boxed Set" is a collection of four books by Dave Canterbury covering all aspects of bushcraft and wilderness survival. The first book, "Bushcraft 101," is an excellent introduction to basic survival skills, such as shelter construction, fire starting, and food gathering. "Advanced Bushcraft" covers more complex techniques, such as trapping and tracking. "The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping, Gathering, and Cooking in the Wild" is an outstanding resource for anyone interested in hunting and gathering food in the wilderness. In conclusion, "Bushcraft First Aid" provides useful information on how to respond to medical emergencies in the wilderness. The books are well-written and organized, with clear instructions and useful photographs and illustrations.
What we don't like:
- Beginners may find "The Bushcraft Boxed Set" to be overly complicated. Some readers may find it challenging to assimilate all of the information contained in the four books. In addition, the books primarily focus on wilderness survival in North America, so readers in other parts of the world may not find all of the information applicable to their location.
Our Verdict:
The Bushcraft Boxed Set is an exceptional resource for anyone interested in wilderness survival and bushcraft. This collection of four books covers a broad range of subjects and provides valuable instruction on everything from basic survival skills to advanced techniques. Those who are willing to put in the time and effort to study the material will find the set to be a valuable resource, despite the fact that some readers may find the volume's amount of information overwhelming. We strongly endorse it.
#3: "Bushcraft Illustrated: A Visual Guide" by Dave Canterbury
Specs:
- Title: Bushcraft Illustrated: A Visual Guide
- Author: Dave Canterbury
- Hardcover: 256 pages
- Publisher: Adams Media; Illustrated edition (May 7, 2019)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1507209029
- ISBN-13: 978-1507209026
What we like:
- This book is an exquisitely illustrated guide to bushcraft and wilderness survival. The book covers a variety of topics, such as shelter construction, fire starting, water collection, and more. The excellent illustrations make the information easy to comprehend and follow. The author, Dave Canterbury, is a well-known expert in bushcraft and survival, and his expertise is evident in the writing's clarity and conciseness. Each chapter covers a distinct subject and builds on the information presented in previous chapters.
What we don't like:
- For more experienced bushcraft enthusiasts, "Bushcraft Illustrated" may lack sufficient detail. While the book covers a broad range of topics, some readers may find the information to be too elementary for their purposes. In addition, the book focuses primarily on bushcraft in North America, so readers in other regions of the world may not find all the information applicable to their region.
Our Verdict:
Overall, "Bushcraft Illustrated" is an excellent resource for bushcraft and wilderness survival enthusiasts. The book is beautifully illustrated and well-written, providing clear and concise instructions on a variety of subjects. This book is an excellent introduction to the world of bushcraft for novices, though it may not provide enough detail for more advanced enthusiasts. We strongly endorse it.
#4: "Forest Life: Practical Meditations on Canoeing, Fishing, Hunting, and Bushcraft (Classic Outdoors)"
Specs:
- Title: Forest Life: Practical Meditations on Canoeing, Fishing, Hunting, and Bushcraft
- Author: George Washington Sears
- Paperback: 224 pages
- Publisher: Skyhorse; Reprint edition (August 4, 2020)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1510750508
- ISBN-13: 978-1510750505
What we like:
- "Forest Life" is a classic on wilderness living and bushcraft written under the pen name "Nessmuk" by George Washington Sears. The book is a collection of essays on a variety of subjects, including canoeing, fishing, hunting, and bushcraft. With vivid descriptions of the natural world and the author's experiences in it, the writing is exquisitely crafted. The book also includes instructions on how to build a shelter and start a fire, among other outdoor skills.
What we don't like:
- It is possible that "Forest Life" is less relevant to modern readers than it was when it was first published in the late 1800s. Some of the information and recommendations contained in the book may be obsolete or no longer relevant. Furthermore, the book may be less comprehensive than other contemporary guides to wilderness survival and bushcraft.
Our Verdict:
Overall, "Forest Life" is a historically significant and beautifully written book on wilderness living and bushcraft. Even though some of the information and advice may be out of date, the book is still a pleasure to read and offers valuable insights into the natural world and the joys of outdoor living. We recommend it to anyone interested in the history of wilderness survival and bushcraft. For practical advice on contemporary bushcraft, readers may wish to consult more recent works.
#5: "Out on the Land: Bushcraft Skills from the Northern Forest" by Ray Mears and Lars Fält
Specs:
- Title: Out on the Land: Bushcraft Skills from the Northern Forest
- Authors: Ray Mears and Lars Fält
- Format: Kindle Edition
- Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton (April 6, 2017)
- Language: English
- ASIN: B01LLSN89A
- Print Length: 256 pages
What we like:
- "Out on the Land" is a comprehensive guide to bushcraft and survival in the wilderness, focusing on the Northern Forest region. The authors, Ray Mears and Lars Falt, are renowned bushcraft experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the book. The writing is clear and concise, with practical advice and step-by-step instructions on a variety of topics, such as shelter construction, fire starting, food gathering, and more. Additionally, the book contains stunning photographs and illustrations that enhance the reading experience.
What we don't like:
- Outside of the Northern Forest region, "Out on the Land" might not be as applicable to readers. Some of the book's information and recommendations may not be applicable in other environments, and readers in other parts of the world may find the book less useful. In addition, the book may be too detailed for novices and may overwhelm readers with too much information.
Our Verdict:
Overall, "Out on the Land" is an outstanding resource for anyone interested in bushcraft and wilderness survival, especially in the Northern Forest region. The authors' expertise and clear writing make this book a pleasure to read, and the practical advice and step-by-step instructions make it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their outdoor skills. Although it may not be as applicable to readers outside the Northern Forest region, we still recommend it to anyone interested in bushcraft and wilderness living.
- Author: Look for books written by experienced bushcrafters or experts in the field.
- Content: Consider the level of detail and breadth of knowledge covered in the book. Some books may focus on specific skills or techniques, while others provide a more comprehensive overview of bushcraft.
- Illustrations: Look for books with clear and detailed illustrations or photographs, as these can be extremely helpful when learning new skills.
- Reviews: Read reviews from other readers to get an idea of the quality and usefulness of the book.
What exactly is bushcraft?
Bushcraft consists of the knowledge and skills necessary to survive and thrive in the wilderness, such as fire-making, shelter-building, and food gathering.
What are the most important bushcraft skills?
Fire-making, shelter-building, water purification, navigation, and food foraging are essential bushcraft skills.
Are there any risks associated with bushcraft?
Yes, there are risks associated with practicing bushcraft, especially for inexperienced or unprepared individuals. Before entering the wilderness, it is crucial to possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and equipment.
Can bushcraft be learned from a book?
While books can be an excellent resource for learning bushcraft, it is important to keep in mind that many skills can only be mastered through practice. It is wise to supplement reading with outdoor experience and training.
What are some popular books on wilderness survival?
"Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival" by Dave Canterbury, "The SAS Survival Handbook" by John "Lofty" Wiseman, and "Advanced Bushcraft: An Expert Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival" by Dave Canterbury are popular books on bushcraft.
Anyone seeking to improve their wilderness survival skills and knowledge can benefit greatly from reading books on bushcraft. It is essential to consider the author, content, illustrations, and reviews when purchasing a book on bushcraft. With the right book, it is possible to acquire wilderness survival skills and techniques.