Ever wondered what it takes to truly master the art of wilderness survival?
This image is property of Amazon.com.
The Basics of “Advanced Bushcraft: An Expert Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival”
What is This Book About?
“Advanced Bushcraft: An Expert Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival (Bushcraft Survival Skills Series) Paperback – August 1, 2015” is a comprehensive guide designed for those who have a keen interest in mastering the essentials of wilderness survival. Written by the expert David Canterbury, this book is aimed at taking your bushcraft skills to the next level. Whether you want to survive in the wild, or you’re just curious about wilderness skills, this book has got you covered.
Who is David Canterbury?
David Canterbury is not a new name in the world of wilderness survival. He’s a seasoned survivalist, instructor, and New York Times bestselling author. David brings years of experience and expertise into this guide, making it highly reliable and informative.
What Will You Learn?
This book covers a wide gamut of topics that span across various aspects of bushcraft. You’ll be diving into practical skills, survival tactics, and foundational knowledge that will help you become more self-reliant in the wild.
| Topic | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Shelter Building | Detailed techniques for different types of shelters |
| Fire Craft | Methods to create and sustain fire |
| Tools and Techniques | Essential tools and how to use them |
| Water Procurement | Finding and purifying water in the wilderness |
| Food Foraging | Identifying and sourcing edible plants and animals |
| Navigation | Techniques to navigate without modern tools |
Key Features
Comprehensive and Detailed
David Canterbury doesn’t just skim over topics. The sections are well-laid out and go into the nitty-gritty of each subject. For instance, the chapter on fire-making delves into various methods, including friction fire techniques and using flint and steel.
Practical Skills
This book is big on practicality. You get step-by-step instructions, which makes it easier to practice these skills on your own. It’s practical, hands-on, and designed to be useful even when you’re out in the field with the book in hand.
Illustrations and Photographs
The book includes numerous illustrations and photographs that help to clarify instructions. Visual aids are crucial for understanding complex tasks like knot-tying, shelter-building, and identifying plants.
Historical Insights
David doesn’t just focus on the modern-day application of these skills. There are also historical perspectives that give you a deeper understanding of traditional methods used by indigenous people around the world. This makes it not just an educational read but also a fascinating one.
Deep Dive into Core Topics
Shelter Building
Building a robust and reliable shelter is crucial to surviving in the wild. In this guide, you will discover multiple types of shelters, from the basic lean-to to more complex designs like debris huts. Each shelter type is explained with details on materials needed and construction methods.
Fire Craft
Creating fire is one of the most important skills you will learn. The book covers various fire-starting methods, such as the bow drill, hand drill, and using fire starters like magnifying glasses. Fire-making skills can be the difference between life and death, and David makes sure to cover it thoroughly.
Tools and Techniques
Having the right tools and knowing how to use them can dramatically enhance your survival capabilities. This section provides insights into the essential tools you’ll need, including knives, saws, and axes. Tips on maintaining these tools are also provided, which is vital for long-term survival.
Water Procurement
Water is non-negotiable for survival. Learn techniques to identify water sources and methods to purify water, such as boiling, chemical treatments, and filtration systems. The book also provides tips on how to conserve water in case of scarcity.
Food Foraging
In this section, you will get acquainted with identifying edible plants and hunting game. Detailed descriptions and pictures help you differentiate between safe and hazardous food sources. The book also covers the basics of setting traps and snares to catch small animals.
Navigation
Getting lost in the wilderness can be a nightmare, but not if you know how to navigate. Learn about various techniques to find your way, including reading natural signs, understanding maps, and using a compass. These skills ensure you can always find your way back to safety.
Practical Applications
Real-life Scenarios
The book includes numerous real-life scenarios to apply what you’ve learned. These case studies help you understand the context in which these skills can be used, making the learning process more immersive and practical.
Tips and Tricks
David Canterbury shares various survival hacks that could make life easier in the wilderness. From making a makeshift fishing rod to creating an emergency whistle, these tips and tricks are life-savers.
Skill Reinforcement
At the end of many chapters, you’ll find exercises and tasks designed to reinforce the skills you’ve just learned. These sections are excellent for hands-on practice and critical if you’re genuinely serious about mastering bushcraft.
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Comparison to Other Books
How Does It Stack Up?
There are many books out there on wilderness survival, but “Advanced Bushcraft” stands out for several reasons. It goes beyond mere survival and aims to make you thrive in the wilderness. It’s more detailed and practical compared to basic guides like “SAS Survival Guide” by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman.
| Feature | Advanced Bushcraft | SAS Survival Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Author Expertise | High and specialized | High but more general |
| Level of Detail | Very detailed | General overview |
| Practical Exercises | Yes | Limited |
| Illustrations/Photos | Abundant | Moderate |
| Historical Insights | Included | Basic |
The Final Verdict
Why Should You Get This Book?
“Advanced Bushcraft: An Expert Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival” is more than just a book; it’s a manual for those who wish to master the wilderness. David Canterbury’s expertise, combined with the book’s practical approach, makes it an invaluable resource for everyone from beginners to seasoned survivalists.
Room for Improvement?
While the book is quite comprehensive, newcomers might find it a bit overwhelming. Some sections could have been simplified to make it more accessible. Also, a few more modern survival techniques like GPS use could add valuable insights.
Conclusion
If you have a passion for wilderness survival or simply want to be prepared for life’s unexpected twists, this book is a must-have. From building shelters to foraging for food, “Advanced Bushcraft” equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to not only survive but thrive in the wild. So why wait? Take the first step towards becoming a wilderness expert today!
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
