Reviews (2)

Detailed info for the prepared - or unprepared - adventurer
The best part about this survival guide is Davenport's descriptions of "improvised" items.Most people don't plan to be in a survival situation in freezing temperatures, and may not have the proper equipment.He teaches you how to use survival items you have purchased and may have with you (such as an avalanche beacon or a signal flare), but also what to do in a situtation in which you don't have what you need (improvising snowshoes, stick and shadow compass, etc).The section on constructing emergency shelters gave detailed instructions for many options depending on what resources are available - trees, ice, and/or deep snow.He even provides pictures as proof of his methods.The information on how to obtain food, especially berries, and how to navigate without a map or compass was also extremely helpful.The only disappointing thing for me in this book was the information on animals.Many of the descriptions seemed cut-and-pasted, with really no specific tips on how to avoid polar bear attacks versus brown bears versus pumas.
Very Cool Book
Anyone who works or plays in the winter should read this book.As an avid outdoor sportsman, I found it to be very comprehensive and well organized.The illustrations and photos are great.I intend on buying the other books in the series. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cold adaptation    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Outdoor Skills    4. Safety    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Wilderness survival    8. Winter Sports    9. Active outdoor pursuits   

Reviews (3)

Good information, Average to Bad Presentation
The information in this book is very good and I haven't seen to much of it repeated in other books. I personally learned a great deal from this book but I was disappointed by the presentation. As an adult the layout bothered me because the pages were very busy. Maybe this is what they wanted for children but I can see children easily missing information because it is scattered all over the page.Other than the layout I really liked the book and would recommend it to others.

Excellent Home School Resource!
Excellent Homeschool resourse for my Learning disabled Child on the Oregon Trail and Settlers. This is all visual, and Cause and effect is easy to understand in this titles' format. The great aspects of this book is the feelings of the native peoples along the way are taken into consideration, and also significatly the way this Path took its toil in the women of the movement westward. Very senstive! We used the PC game "Oregon Trail" ( latest edition) to introduce the subject, which excites them to want to know more once they get invested in the game, and this text explains for a 11-year old, pretty much all the other issues in a three-dimentional aspect that the PC game does not even touch. The PC game Oregon Trial rasied alot fo questions that this book answers fully. So glad I found this series! I used this for my 11-year oldwhom is learning disabled, but most children younger can also benefit from this text in addtion to regular school studies on the subject.

History of the American West for the budding MTV generation
This is a fabulous book.As a museum educator I am always on the look out for a children's book that will hold the kids interest and get them excitedabout history.This is the book!Read more

Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Frontier and pioneer life    5. History    6. History - United States/19th Century    7. Juvenile literature    8. West (U.S.)    9. Wilderness survival   

Subjects:  1. Adventure therapy    2. Feminist therapy    3. Psychiatry - General    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. Wilderness survival    7. Women's Studies - General    8. Women's studies   

Reviews (12)

An overview of the subject-NOT a manual
You'll notice thatother reviewers have described this book as a "good introduction" and I think that's probably an apt description. Yes, there are nice color photgraphs and drawings. The author's described background would indicate that he's qualified to comment at length on the subject. The editorial review states that the book is more international in scope, describing wilderness techniques in foreign lands. It's true that the book talks about survival on other continents, but I have to say that its treatment of those hostile (and likely even more unfamiliar to most of the book's readers)environments is more superficial than its treatment of general survival techniques. What this book does is give a very broad overview of the serious subject of survival. To be well learned and therefore genuinely useful, such techniques require in-depth, detailed study. This book, however,is sort of a coffee table book of survival. I am tempted to say that it is a survival book for people who might rather fantasize about wilderness ventures than actually go on them.I won't go so far as to say that it is a useless book; there is a fair bit of good information in it. But if I were to compile a list of survival books that I've read..which would number closer to 100 than 50...I would put this one near the bottom. It is most useful as a supplement to an established survival library. If you're looking for a good first book on survival I would recommend Wiseman's SAS Survival. I would also advise any novice contemplating a trip into remote areas to find a text dealing specifically with that environment, and to first getREAL experience with a seasoned group of outdoorsmen.

A Good Basic Wilderness Training Book
Gives the reader a good place to start. This book is loaded with illustrations and pictures giving a broad range of topics to the reader. I would suggest reading in more detail and study of Wilderness Survival/Training with other books before venturing out into the vast remote wilderness areas. I still find myself reviewing the book periodically. It is a keeper.

Save your money for a better book
Like hellcatty from Hong Kong, my version is also called a survival manual. While there is some information of use in the book, in most areas it is sadly lacking (although it has pretty pictures).For example, on page 63, it shows Mr. McManners doing a bow drill fire.I'd sure like to see him do it in person if this photo accurately portrays his technique.Unlesshe has arms like Lou Ferrigno, that top hand of his is going to be all over the place.Similarly, on the same page, his portrayal of hand drill fire making leaves a lot to be desired.He states that the hand drill fire technique 'only works effectively in hot climates, where the wood is really dry.'Read more

Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Outdoor Skills    4. Reference    5. Safety    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Survival skills    9. Wilderness survival    10. Sports & Recreation / Outdoor Skills   

Reviews (7)

Sorry.
I'm truly sorry about the two star rating as I found "Aboman" to be a character and a likable sort. However, the book isn't about the character and had the author left out the references and, please, also the photo's which really detracted from the seriousness of the issues it could have gotten 3 stars. Mr. Bigley's book attempts to cover both "contemporary" and "primitive" skills and, for me, misses the mark on both. I would liken this book to those by the McPherson's which also doesn't do the title justice. For survival & self-relience, and for my money, I'd rely on Survival by Janowsky.

More than just a "survival" manual.
Joe "Aboman" Bigley has compiled a complete resource for survival in almost all conditions. Many people associate the term "survival" with strictly wilderness related skills and in today's world that can lead to trouble. Today civil emergencies are a reality and Mr. Bigley comes to the front to address these situations. Covering subjects like understanding electricity and basic automobile repair this book brings home the fact that the key to survival, in all situations, is self-reliance. I have given this book as gift's to several family members and that is perhaps the most significant statement I can make as to how much I recommend this book.

Aboman didn't own a car
This book covers "civic emergencies, wilderness survival, home management, auto repair, food storage and health".I find it odd that the text has been listed under a wilderness survival heading. At only 144 pages its wilderness survival focus is too terse to be compared to books of this genre.Read more

Subjects:  1. Outdoor Skills    2. Self-reliance    3. Sports    4. Sports & Recreation    5. Survival skills    6. Wilderness survival   

Reviews (1)

GREAT BOOK FOR SURVIVORS!!!
If you are the survivor type -or if you wish to become one- this book is a must! Everything from snake bites, landing an airplane, fighting a dangerous bear, self defense, car accidents, train crashes, to surviving in the desert without food or water is covered in this great book. In addition, the book is very funny. That is not to say that everything in this book should be taken very seriously, but it's mostly for fun reading. Nevertheless, knowing some of the things in this book can never harm anyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Handbooks, manuals, etc    2. Natural Disasters    3. Outdoor Skills    4. Outdoor Survival Techniques    5. Personal & Practical Guides    6. Reference    7. Safety    8. Self-Help    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Survival skills    11. Wilderness survival    12. Sports & Recreation / General   

Reviews (1)

good solid book from a great series
This is not the most comprehensive book on the subject, but you may be more likely to read this very accessible and simple book than a 300 page volume. Helpful information the novice can understand for finding or building shelter against the elements, building fires with or without matches, signaling for rescue help, finding water and making it safe to drink, getting food from native vegetation, emergency ways to fish, hunting or trapping, and other useful material.
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Subjects:  1. Camping    2. Outdoor Skills    3. Outdoor Survival Techniques    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Wilderness survival    7. Health & Fitness / Safety    8. Outdoor survival skills    9. Personal & public health   

Reviews (5)

Valuable
This book, by the Janowsky's, is chock full of good advice. Unlike many of the genre there is much useful information given regarding being lost in the wilds. Additionally, often there is given more than one way of accomplishing a goal with the author's opinion as to the correct method. The diagrams, mostly, support the text, however, the photo's leave much to be desired. I would buy this book, in fact I did.

good, complete, concise and compact
I recently had cause to look this book over a second time, and I found it more impressive than before.It has a balanced presentation of all the essentials (fire, shelter, food and water procurement, signaling, travel, direction-finding, improvised equipment, plants, clothing, and first aid), and if the manual format lacks in literary style, it makes up for it with a concise but dense presentation of useful, real-world information, amply illustrated (no color photographs, however). Very Good
I found this book to be very good. Unlike some survival books, it covered all nessisary topic such as trapping, signaling, and especialy first-aid/wilderness medicine. Janowsky does a real good job of explaining all the subjects in just 200 pages.The book is writen around his survival and medical kits, which contents he list for you. The book is geared toward northern climates. I thought he could have gone into a little more detail on a few thing, but all in all a very good book. If you are going into the wilds of Alaska or Canada you sould read this book and Bushcraft by Mors Kolchansky. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. First Aid    2. General    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Outdoor life    5. Reference    6. Reference - General    7. Safety    8. Safety measures    9. Travel    10. Wilderness survival    11. Outdoor survival skills    12. Sports & Recreation / Outdoor Skills   

Reviews (3)

In response to others
I agree, the method of drawing lines on maps is egregiously flawed.For one, you must keep drawing lines on your map every year to change with declination.For every degree of error in calculating declination you can expext to miss your target by 1/60 of your distance travelled.Having said this, Fleming presents the material in an easy to understand format.She will help you to become a more confident backcountry traveller.Better to know what you are doing instead of drawing lines.

Pratical, easy to follow advice
Fleming's objective is to provide a way of using a map & compass that is easy to remember as well as being not intimidating, and she achieves these results remarkably well in her book Staying Found.I have been outin the woods backpacking off-trail and have been able to use thesetechniques successfully, not only "staying found" but alsonavigating to small hidden lakes.Carol in California is lucky - in MYarea, the declination is currently 19 degrees.Considering this valuedrifts back & forth, and that being even one degree off when you'retaking your compass bearing can get you seriously lost, I think I'll stickwith June's method rather than draw lines on my map that change from yearto year.

Easy to read and understand with one glaring flaw
I know why Fleming's readers stay found:after they set up their maps to take a bearing they are reluctant to move again.Read more

Subjects:  1. Navigation    2. Orienteering    3. Outdoor Skills    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Wilderness survival   

Subjects:  1. Emergency management    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Outdoor Skills    4. Safety    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Survival skills    8. Wilderness survival   

Reviews (8)

Roughin it up? Read this one first.
The book is very focused, informative and explained.
OUTDOOR SURVIVAL HANDBOOK
THIS BOOK IS EASY TO UNDERSTAND WHILE IT STILL GIVES YOU A LOT OF INFORMATION.
The Outdoor Survival Handbook by Raymod Mears
Alot of the same info.Which has already been written before in previous American books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Handbooks, manuals, etc    2. Outdoor Skills    3. Outdoor Survival Techniques    4. Safety    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Wilderness survival   

Reviews (9)

Reviews by Nan Kilar and Bobby Miller
The only reason I bought this book was that the money went to a Louis and Clark outpost along the L & C trail. Where along the trail, I can't say. All I remember was the lady there was nice and said this was an interesting book. A book written by a doctor--from a medical point of view--who was a Lewis and Clark fan. In this day and time, if you find someone who takes an interest in their job and customers, be nice to them. They are a rare breed indeed. All I'm going to say about the book is that it was a real find; it'll make a welcome addition to any library.

An exhilarating view!
To say that Dr. Peck has given light to another side of the journey of the Corp isn't enough; this is more than a fresh perspective.Or Perish in the Attempt earns its place among the great books about this journey of the Corp of Discovery.While reading this book the reader will feel the dust on the trail, the sweat from a day in the canoe, the fear of facing down a grizzly, and the curiosity as Lewis and Clark disperse liberal doses of "Thunderclappers."Dr. Peck has given us a well researched account of the Lewis and Clark expedition, and taught us crucial lessons in wilderness medicine at the beginning of the 19th century.I can't wait to go back to these dog-eared pages and retrace the steps again.Thank you for the well written book, thank you for the medical insights with the explanation that I can understand, and thank you for bringing these stories to light.

Or Perish in the Attempt
Just finished this book and found it fascinating.Being from and living in the Pacific Northwest puts another perspective on the Lewis & Clark journey.It was particularly interesting that the author shed light on early 19th century medicine through the Lewis & Clark journey.Peck made both subjects very interesting, and I felt used a unique and humanistic style of writing in doing so.In reading the book, you feel like you can really identify with those that made the journey, almost as if you're traveling on the journey with them.I highly recommend the book to anyone interested in U.S. History, Adventure and/or Medicine. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (1804-1806)    2. Backpacking injuries    3. Expeditions & Discoveries    4. First aid in illness and injur    5. First aid in illness and injury    6. History    7. History - General History    8. Lewis and Clark Expedition    9. Nature/Ecology    10. United States - 19th Century/Old West    11. Wilderness survival   

Reviews (1)

wilderness medical society practice guidelines
The information on each topic was well organized and levels of care were discussed. I also liked the fact that when there was a difference of opinion concerning treatments each was discussed. There were noillustrations and the book is not a text for teaching wilderness medicalcare. Even as a trained First Responder I found some of the discussionswere very tecnical and called for knowledge beyond the training of mostoutdoorsmen. It is not a guide for the beginner but rather for those withadvancedfirst aid or medical training. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Emergency Medicine    2. First aid in illness and injury    3. Health/Fitness    4. Medical / Nursing    5. Mountaineering injuries    6. Outdoor Survival Techniques    7. Reference    8. Wilderness survival    9. Accident & emergency medicine   

Subjects:  1. Baseball - General    2. Boating - General    3. Boats and boating    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Outdoor Skills    6. Safety measures    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Water Sports    10. Wilderness survival    11. Baseball    12. Boating   

Reviews (2)

Good Book....
At first I began reading these short stories and was laughing so hard my sides hurt and I was embarassing myself at work...I thought, "This is the best book I've read in a long time"....I knew I was going to give it 5 stars.... AJohnLong Addict's Biased Opinion
John Krakauer? Give me a bucket! This is as good as adventure story telling gets. Take it or leave it that simple. Somehow you have made it to this remote corner of the Amazon, to discover this gem. Buy this book, and you will be transported to unimagineable places and adventures. Among Long's books, the most recent and therefore the best. Unbelievably, ROCK JOCKS is out of print. Get LONG ON ADVENTURE while you can! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1953-    2. Adventure and adventurers    3. Essays & Travelogues    4. Long, John,    5. Mountaineering    6. Near-death experiences    7. Special Interest - Adventure    8. Travel    9. Travel - General    10. Wilderness survival    11. Long, John    12. Travel / Adventure   

Subjects:  1. Adventurers & Explorers    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. General    6. Historical - General    7. Prisoners    8. Survival after airplane accidents, shipwrecks, etc    9. Wilderness survival    10. History / General   

Reviews (3)

Strange but (Possibly) True Tales of Pioneer-Wannabes
In Cheating Death, Larry Kaniut offers a series of short, unconnected tales of potentially deadly accidents whose victims walk away, if not unscathed, at least alive to tempt death again some day. Most of the accidents deal with the "normal" string of minor disasters that those who have lived in Alaska are pretty used to: small airplane crashes, small boat sinkings, small raft flippings, and encounters with not-so-small blizzards and bears.Most of these situations sound like the inventions of uninspired adventure writers except to those who have indeed lived for a time in the state that calls itself The Last Frontier, for we know that such adventures are indeed real life. 18 True Survival Stories
This book is full of excellent stories of survival in the vast and varied wilderness of Alaska. What I enjoyed most about these stories was the sense of ordinary people up against the extraordinary forces of nature and circumstance. There's a personal flavor to some of the chapters. Almost as if you're hearing your neighbor telling a story about his cousin up in Petersburg. Is this the best written book in the world? No, but the true stories are pretty good.

It's an OK read, but not spectacular
This isn't a bad book, but there are better ones of this genre. Some of the stories are quite interesting; others, less so. Some could use more detail, more background research. According to the book, the author hastaken up writing full time. You could have fooled me. This book appears tobe written as a hobby, by someone who has occupational interests other thanwriting. But, some of the book is well documented, and overall the book isOK. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alaska    2. Literature - Classics / Criticism    3. Nature/Ecology    4. Outdoor Survival Techniques    5. Safety    6. Short Stories (Anthologies)    7. Survival (after airplane accidents, shipwrecks, etc.)    8. Wilderness survival   

Reviews (1)

Excellent stories of women adventurers.
This collection of essays from women adventurers is inspiring and exciting. Women in the wilderness have been ignored too long. Congratulations to Susan Fox Rogers for filling in this gap. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. American prose literature    3. Essays    4. General    5. Literary Criticism    6. Literary collections    7. Nature    8. Nature / Field Guide Books    9. Outdoor recreation for women    10. Sports    11. Wilderness survival    12. Women authors    13. Women's Studies - General    14. Other prose: from c 1900 -    15. Sports & Outdoor Recreation    16. Travel writing   

Reviews (1)

Best book if you plan to homestead in one place!
Ragnar knows what he's doing, he's lived this life for 20+ years.His book is heavily populated with all sorts of lessons-learned, these golden-nuggets are VERY valuable to anyone thinking of beginning such a lifestyle.This book will save you much time, grief, effort, and money, while putting you way-ahead of anyone choosing to blindly start trying to live like this through trial-n-error.He maximizes efficiency of everything; from what fuels to use to what animals to raise and why.Very well written with plenty of details, leaving you to question little ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Medical / Nursing    2. Survival skills    3. Urology    4. Wilderness survival   

Reviews (7)

Take stock of what has happened along your own walk!
Where most people go to resorts or on a cruise for time away from their everyday lives, Craig Childs and his close friend and traveling companion Dirk Vaughn walk the desolate deserts, canyons and chasms of the American West.
Let's talk about real survival
With all due respect (I find most of Craig's other books written with both elegance and restraint; amd his solo explorations acts of courage and surrender.), these two men went out for a month, with top-of-the-line gear, plenty of food (cached and otherwise) and, in fact, were in no real danger.A real survivor is a grandmother on food stamps, taking care of and loving five grand-kids, in a roach motel, with no vehicle and a greedy landlord.
A gem. Childs delivers another masterpiece.
I loved this book, which is a feast for the soul. The novel profiles an inner and outer journey of two men through the most intense enviornment. Beyond the physical endurance required to pass this route, the 2 men reflect on their past struggles with socitenty, family and personal demons.
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Subjects:  1. Childs, Craig Leland    2. Southwest, New    3. Deserts    4. Canyons    5. Wilderness survival    6. Description and travel    7. Travel    8. Special Interest - Adventure    9. Essays & Travelogues    10. Biography & Autobiography    11. Travelers