Essential Bushcraft

I have been studying, practicing, and teaching wilderness survival techniques for over forty years and own a collection of over two hundred survival guidebooks. Essential Bushcraft is, IMO, the best I have ever read. Many such books appear to be written by authors who simply rehash information from other survival books. Ray Mears clearly writes from extensive personal experience and study. I know of no other survival writer who discusses the difference between a sip well and a gypsy well or how to safely prevent a bow saw from skipping by inserting one's arm through the bow when starting a cut. These are obscure but valuable techniques known only by experts who dedicate years of their lives to learning and practicing their subject. Whether or not Ray Mears has written "The Best" wilderness survival book is surely a matter for debate, but, as far as I am concerned, anyone wishing to write a better survival guide than this has a herculean task ahead of them.

Good primer for someone new to the hobby. After 20+ years recreating in the outdoors there was not much surprising knowledge in here. Most of this can be found in other manuals, especially FM21-76 (which actually has more in other categories). Overall, I think it is an important fundamentals book to have in the outdoor section of a home library.

just the best "survival" book I have ever seen. Practical, experienced with a wide variety of cultural exposure. Does not brag, not extreme, just does what needs to be done. Highly recommended

Of the dozen or so books I have on this topic, this one has been the best. The information is well presented. The pictures are full color and great quality. There's a lot of outdoor sense here. No bushcraft/woodcraft/camping/survival library should be without it.

I searched for this book and was lucky enough to find it used and in VERY excellent condition. This seller is awesome, and the book even more so. Ray Mears is the one you would want to be stranded with in any (yes, I said any) situation. He trains the SAS - he hangs out in the Arctic, he chills in the desert. And here is a book described just a little of his vast outdoor knowledge. Get this if you can.

WATERPROOF BOOK! FULL COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS! COVERS EVERY TOPIC ON BUSHCRAFT IMAGINABLE!IF YOU CAN OWN ANY SINGLE ONE BUSHCRAFT BOOK, IT'S GOTTA BE THIS ONE. I think i paid like $14 for this including shipping. Unbelievable.It covers many many ways to: (and full color illustrations!)find waterbuild firesbuild sheltercordageedible foodscraftsknotskeeping warm in winterWOW, so impressed with this book. I really didn't expect it... His show is great, but this book is even better. It's like all the material from the tv shows in one book.BUY THIS BOOK

this is an amazing book if your just starting your journey into bushcraft or even if you want to learn some new skills as a more seasoned outdoorsmen

good background information

I love this book, a nice book to pick up now and then to have a flick through whilst enjoying a cup of tea to refresh up on your knowledge of bush craft.From a well known well respected outdoor and bushcraft expert Ray mears.There are a few good bushcraft books out there and I have read a good few of them and I have to say this is my favourite so far.The layout is good and clear, glossy pages with lots of good photographs of shelter building, edible wild food like berries and mushrooms.Some good drawings and instructions on different knots and how to extract water from the ground etc.This book covers everything you need to know about bushcraft and vital tips and techniques on surviving in the wild.Good lists and recommendations on the gear, tools, knives and equipment you will need, it's in a good order too which I like.I bought this pre owned for a really low price and it arrived as good as new, I am very pleased with it and it will remain a part of my outdoor book collection for many years to come now.If your looking for a good bushcraft book then I'd recommend this one.

This book is well written with plenty of info the average reader will never need, but it's interesting stuff. The chapters most UK readers will be interested are full of useful information with plenty of pictures. It's a Ray Mears TV series in print. Glad I bought this and I'd happily recommend it.

For anyone who is starting to get into the outdoors and camping, this book is a near essential.It covers greatly all kinds of shelters, tools and their uses and many more, with a general guideline on what you will need to enjoy yourself comfortably outdoors

I gave this to my 14 year old Nephew who loves everything in nature and interested in making his own tools, eating wild food etc. He's not a big reader so I hoped that I'd made the right decision to buy it for him. He was engrossed from the moment he opened it and has since thanked me again and is telling us what he's learnt from it. I had a quick scan before I wrapped it and just really practical, useful info and techniques if you love spending time outside with minimum modern kit.

I sometimes rate people by how much use they'd be if you were marooned on a deserted island with them. Well I'd have Ray with me any time if I wanted to stay alive. This book informs, encourages and above all else offers a feeling of security in that if you have it with you, you stand a chance in the great outdoors. I watch him on TV and have a few of his books. They're clearly and concisely written and don't patronise you if you're a survival dummy. Essential reading.