Best Bushcraft Books for Beginners: Top Picks in 2023

Bushcraft is the art of wilderness survival skills, and it involves using the natural resources around you to thrive in the great outdoors. One of the most critical components of bushcraft is knowledge, and having access to the right information can make all the difference in a survival situation. That’s where bushcraft books come in – they provide a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help you navigate the wilderness and make the most of your surroundings.

When it comes to choosing the best bushcraft books, there are several key factors to consider. The first is the author’s level of expertise and experience in the field of bushcraft. The second is the depth and breadth of the information provided, from basic survival skills to more advanced techniques. Finally, the book’s accessibility and readability are also essential, as it should be easy to understand and follow, even for beginners.

We spent countless hours researching and testing ten of the best bushcraft books on the market to identify the ones that provide the most comprehensive and practical information for all levels of bushcraft enthusiasts.

Best Bushcraft Books

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking to improve your survival skills, bushcraft books are a great resource to have. These books cover everything from building shelters, starting fires, finding food and water, and navigating through the wilderness. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best bushcraft books available on Amazon to help you become a master of the great outdoors.

Bushcraft First Aid: A Field Guide to Wilderness Emergency Care

If you are someone who loves to explore the wilderness, then Bushcraft First Aid: A Field Guide to Wilderness Emergency Care is a must-have book in your collection.

Pros

• Provides practical and valuable information for wilderness emergency care
• Written by experts with extensive experience in the field
• Easy-to-understand instructions with clear illustrations

Cons

• Some herbal remedies may not be appropriate for certain regions
• Only covers basic first aid techniques
• Not a substitute for professional medical care

This book is an excellent guide for anyone who wants to learn how to handle medical emergencies in the wilderness. The authors, Dave Canterbury and Jason A. Hunt, are both experienced wilderness experts who have put together a comprehensive guide to help you deal with any medical situation that may arise while exploring the great outdoors.

The book covers a range of topics, including assessing injuries, wound care, splinting, and dealing with environmental emergencies. The instructions are easy to follow, and the illustrations are clear and concise. The book also includes useful tips on how to improvise medical equipment using natural resources.

One drawback of the book is that some of the herbal remedies suggested may not be appropriate for certain regions. Additionally, the book only covers basic first aid techniques and is not a substitute for professional medical care.

Overall, Bushcraft First Aid: A Field Guide to Wilderness Emergency Care is an excellent resource for anyone who loves to explore the wilderness. It provides practical and valuable information that can help you deal with medical emergencies in the great outdoors.

Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to wilderness survival, Bushcraft 101 is a great choice.

Pros

• Clear and concise instructions
• Covers a wide range of topics
• Easy to understand for beginners

Cons

• Some information may be US-centric
• Limited diagrams and illustrations
• May not be suitable for more advanced survivalists

This book covers a variety of topics, from finding and purifying water to building a shelter and starting a fire. The instructions are clear and concise, making it easy to understand for beginners.

One potential downside is that some of the information may be US-centric, which may not be useful for readers in other parts of the world. Additionally, while the book does include some diagrams and illustrations, they are somewhat limited in scope.

Overall, Bushcraft 101 is a great resource for anyone interested in wilderness survival. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced survivalist, this book has something to offer.

Bushcraft Kid: Survive in the Wild and Have Fun Doing It!

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly bushcraft book for kids or adults, Bushcraft Kid: Survive in the Wild and Have Fun Doing It! is a great option.

Pros

• Easy to follow instructions and diagrams
• Suitable for both kids and adults
• Includes practical tips and projects to enhance your skills in the woods

Cons

• Some of the information might be too basic for experienced bushcraft enthusiasts
• Not as comprehensive as some other bushcraft books
• Might not be suitable for those looking for more advanced techniques

In this book, author Dan Wowak provides detailed instructions on various bushcraft skills, including fire starting, shelter building, and foraging for food. The book is well-organized and easy to follow, with plenty of diagrams and photographs to help illustrate the techniques.

One of the things that sets Bushcraft Kid apart from other bushcraft books is that it’s specifically geared towards kids. However, the information is presented in a way that’s suitable for both kids and adults, so it’s a great option for families who want to learn bushcraft skills together.

Overall, if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly bushcraft book that’s suitable for both kids and adults, Bushcraft Kid: Survive in the Wild and Have Fun Doing It! is a great choice.

Hook, Line and Supper: New Techniques and Master Recipes for Everything Caught in Lakes, Rivers, Streams and Sea

If you’re looking to elevate your wild game cooking skills, Hook, Line and Supper is a must-have cookbook.

Pros

• Offers new techniques and master recipes for cooking everything caught in lakes, rivers, streams, and the sea
• Well-researched recipes that are easy to follow and taste fantastic
• Beautifully illustrated with amazing photographs and illustrations that walk even a novice chef through the cooking process

Cons

• Some recipes may require ingredients that are difficult to find
• Not all recipes may appeal to everyone’s taste
• May be too advanced for beginners

Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or a novice cook, Hook, Line and Supper is an excellent resource for anyone looking to cook delicious meals with fresh-caught fish. The book is full of well-researched recipes that are easy to follow, and the amazing photographs and illustrations make it easy for even a novice chef to understand the cooking process.

One of the best things about this cookbook is the range of recipes it offers. From classic fish dishes like fish and chips and fish tacos to more adventurous recipes like ceviche and squid ink pasta with clams, there’s something for everyone. The book also includes recipes for cooking shellfish, crustaceans, and even seaweed.

The recipes in Hook, Line and Supper are well-researched and tested, and the author’s passion for wild game cooking shines through in every recipe. The book is also beautifully illustrated with amazing photographs and illustrations that walk even a novice chef through what might otherwise be considered a daunting process.

While some of the recipes may require ingredients that are difficult to find, and not all recipes may appeal to everyone’s taste, Hook, Line and Supper is an excellent addition to any wild game cook’s library.

The 10 Bushcraft Books

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to bushcraft, The 10 Bushcraft Books is a great option.

Pros

• Provides a wealth of information on different aspects of bushcraft
• Written in a clear and concise manner
• Offers practical advice that can be applied in real-world situations

Cons

• Some of the information is outdated
• The language may be difficult for non-native English speakers to understand
• Some readers may find the book to be repetitive

This book covers a wide range of topics, including shelter building, fire starting, food and water procurement, and navigation. It also includes information on different types of knots, traps, and snares.

One of the strengths of this book is its focus on practicality. The author provides detailed instructions on how to perform various tasks, and the information is presented in a clear and concise manner. The book is also well-organized, making it easy to find the information you need.

One potential downside of the book is that some of the information is outdated. For example, the author recommends using certain types of equipment that may no longer be available. Additionally, some readers may find the language to be difficult to understand, particularly if English is not their first language.

Overall, The 10 Bushcraft Books is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about bushcraft. While it may not be perfect, it offers a wealth of information that can be applied in real-world situations.

Herbal Medic: A Green Beret’s Guide to Emergency Medical Preparedness and Natural First Aid

If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to emergency medical preparedness and natural first aid, then Herbal Medic: A Green Beret’s Guide is the perfect book for you.

Pros

• The book is written by Sam Coffman, a former Green Beret Medic, who has over 10 years of military experience.
• The author has studied botany, bioregional medicine, and has practical experience in emergency situations.
• The book covers a wide range of topics including herbal medicine, conventional medicine, and practical first aid techniques.

Cons

• The book is quite lengthy and may be overwhelming for beginners.
• Some of the information may be too technical for readers who are not familiar with medical terminology.
• The book is primarily focused on natural remedies and may not be suitable for readers who prefer conventional medicine.

In this book, Sam Coffman provides readers with a wealth of information on how to handle medical emergencies in the wild. The book covers a wide range of topics including how to identify and use medicinal plants, how to make herbal remedies, and how to perform basic first aid techniques. The author also provides practical advice on how to handle more serious medical emergencies such as broken bones, snake bites, and hypothermia.

One of the things that I really liked about this book is that the author provides practical advice based on his own experience as a Green Beret Medic. The book is filled with real-world examples and practical tips that readers can use in emergency situations. The author also provides detailed information on how to make herbal remedies, including step-by-step instructions and illustrations.

Overall, I would highly recommend Herbal Medic: A Green Beret’s Guide to anyone who is interested in emergency medical preparedness and natural first aid. The book is well-written, informative, and provides readers with a wealth of practical advice and information.

Lost on Purpose: The Adventures of a 21st Century Mountain Man

If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure story that takes you on a journey through the rugged mountains of the United States, then Lost on Purpose: The Adventures of a 21st Century Mountain Man is the book for you.

Pros

• The author’s writing style is easy to read and engaging, making it difficult to put the book down.
• The book is filled with practical tips and advice for surviving in the wilderness, making it a great resource for anyone interested in bushcraft.
• The story is based on real-life experiences, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative.

Cons

• Some readers may find the author’s sense of humor a bit too dry or sarcastic for their taste.
• The book is relatively short, and some readers may feel that the story ends too abruptly.
• The author’s focus on his personal journey may not be of interest to readers who are primarily looking for a guide to bushcraft.

In Lost on Purpose, author Patrick Taylor takes readers on a journey through the mountains of the United States, sharing his experiences and insights into the world of bushcraft. Along the way, he encounters a variety of challenges and obstacles, from harsh weather conditions to encounters with wild animals.

Despite these challenges, Taylor’s writing remains upbeat and engaging, and his practical advice is sure to be of interest to anyone looking to improve their wilderness survival skills. Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or a novice looking to learn more about bushcraft, Lost on Purpose is a great read that is sure to inspire and entertain.

SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere

The SAS Survival Handbook is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to survive in any environment.

Pros

• Detailed information on a variety of survival skills
• Written by an ex-SAS survival instructor
• Includes real-world examples

Cons

• Some information may not be relevant to all survival situations
• Can be overwhelming for beginners
• Large and heavy for carrying in a backpack

This book covers a wide range of topics, including basic survival skills, first aid, navigation, and more. The author, John “Lofty” Wiseman, is an ex-SAS survival instructor, so you can trust that the information is coming from someone with real-world experience.

One of the best things about this book is that it includes real-world examples of survival situations and how people have successfully navigated them. This makes the information more relatable and easier to understand.

However, some of the information may not be relevant to all survival situations. For example, if you’re not planning on traveling in the desert, the section on desert survival may not be as useful to you. Additionally, the book can be overwhelming for beginners, as there is so much information to take in.

Finally, the book is quite large and heavy, so it may not be the best option for carrying in a backpack. However, if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to survival, the SAS Survival Handbook is definitely worth considering.

Bushcraft

If you’re looking to learn outdoor skills and wilderness survival, the Bushcraft book by Mors Kochanski is a great resource to have on hand.

Pros

• Easy-to-understand language and diagrams
• Covers a wide range of topics, from shelter-building to fire-starting to foraging for food
• Written by an experienced and knowledgeable author

Cons

• Some readers may find the information to be too basic or not detailed enough
• The book focuses primarily on forests with lots of hardwoods, so it may not be as useful for those in other environments
• The author assumes some prior knowledge, so complete beginners may struggle with certain concepts

In this book, Kochanski covers everything from basic survival skills to more advanced techniques for living off the land. The language is clear and easy to understand, and the diagrams are helpful for visual learners.

One of the standout features of this book is its comprehensive coverage of a wide range of topics. Whether you’re looking to build a shelter, start a fire, or find food in the wild, you’re sure to find useful information in this book.

However, some readers may find that the book is not detailed enough for their needs. Additionally, the focus on forests with lots of hardwoods may limit its usefulness for those in other environments. Finally, the author assumes some prior knowledge, so complete beginners may struggle with certain concepts.

Overall, if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to bushcraft and wilderness survival, the Bushcraft book by Mors Kochanski is a solid choice.

The Bushcraft Boxed Set: Bushcraft 101; Advanced Bushcraft; The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping, Gathering, & Cooking in the Wild; Bushcraft First Aid

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to bushcraft, The Bushcraft Boxed Set is a great option.

Pros

• Contains four books in one set, providing a wealth of information on different aspects of bushcraft.
• Written by experienced experts in the field, ensuring accurate and reliable information.
• Covers a wide range of topics, from basic survival skills to more advanced techniques.

Cons

• The set is quite heavy, which may not be ideal for those looking to travel light.
• Some readers may find some of the information to be too basic, depending on their level of experience.
• The set is quite expensive, which may not be ideal for those on a tight budget.

The Bushcraft Boxed Set is a comprehensive guide to bushcraft, covering a wide range of topics. The set includes four books, each written by experts in the field, ensuring that the information is accurate and reliable. The books cover everything from basic survival skills to more advanced techniques, making it a great resource for anyone looking to improve their bushcraft skills.

One of the main benefits of this set is that it contains four books in one, providing a wealth of information in a single package. This makes it a great option for those who are looking for a comprehensive guide to bushcraft. Additionally, the books are written in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, making them accessible to readers of all skill levels.

However, there are some downsides to this set. Firstly, it is quite heavy, which may not be ideal for those looking to travel light. Additionally, some readers may find some of the information to be too basic, depending on their level of experience. Finally, the set is quite expensive, which may not be ideal for those on a tight budget.

Overall, if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to bushcraft, The Bushcraft Boxed Set is a great option. It contains a wealth of information, is written by experts in the field, and covers a wide range of topics. However, it may not be the best option for those looking to travel light or on a tight budget.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best bushcraft book, there are a few key features to look for. Here are some things to consider when making your selection:

Topic

First and foremost, consider the topic of the book. There are many different areas of bushcraft, so it’s important to choose a book that covers the topics you’re most interested in. For example, if you’re interested in wilderness survival, look for a book that covers topics like shelter-building, fire-starting, and foraging.

Author

The author of the book is also an important consideration. Look for an author who has experience and expertise in the area of bushcraft you’re interested in. Do some research on the author to learn about their background and credentials.

Writing Style

The writing style of the book is also important. Look for a book that is well-written and easy to understand. The best bushcraft books are written in a clear, concise style that is accessible to readers of all levels of experience.

Format

Consider the format of the book as well. Some bushcraft books are designed to be used as field guides, with waterproof pages and durable bindings. Others are more traditional books that are better suited for reading at home. Consider how you plan to use the book and choose a format that will work best for you.

Reviews

Finally, read reviews of the book before making your purchase. Look for reviews from other bushcraft enthusiasts to get an idea of how useful and informative the book is. Keep in mind that not all reviews are created equal, so look for reviews from reputable sources.