The 7 Best Outdoor Survival Books For Preppers And Survivalists

Knowledge is power. And sure, these days, you can easily Google all the information you need to know. (Maybe you found this article while searching for recommendations.) But nothing beats a good old-fashioned book. We've listed the best outdoor survival books in this article for kinds of readers and types of situations so that when disaster strikes, you're more than ready. From family guides to food survival handbooks, this list has what you're looking for.
Comparison Chart

SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition
Like it says on the cover, this is the ultimate guide to survival, no matter the place or conditions. The “SAS Survival Handbook” is written to set you up with the basics and how to apply them in every possible survival scenario. It’s one of the best books about outdoor survival for hikers, campers, preppers, and all sorts of adventurers.

The Disaster Survival Handbook
Do you know the fundamentals of prepping? If you don’t or even if you think you do, you should grab a copy of “The Disaster Survival Handbook: A Disaster Survival Guide for Man-Made and Natural Disasters.” This focuses on the basics of prepping, including the aftermath of a disaster.

Family Survival Guide
A family that preps together, sticks (and survives) together. You want to make sure that everybody in the family, parents, and kids are ready to fulfill their roles when there's a disaster. This is why it is one of "Family Survival Guide: The Best Ways for Families to Prepare, Train, Pack, and Survive Everything Paperback," one of the best books on outdoor survival.
The Practical Survival Guide for Kids
Kids need survivalist knowledge, too! Growing up, we’ve all worried about getting lost on the way home or going down the wrong path while camping. However, with “The Practical Survival Guide for Kids: A Basic How to Survive and be Prepared in the Wilderness," any kid will feel sure and brave about having fun outdoors no matter what happens.
A Detailed Review of the 7 Best Outdoor Survival Books
SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere

Like it says on the cover, this is the ultimate guide to survival, no matter the place or conditions. The “SAS Survival Handbook” is written to set you up with the basics and how to apply them in every possible survival scenario. It’s one of the best books about outdoor survival for hikers, campers, preppers, and all sorts of adventurers.
Product Highlights
Written by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman, a former survival instructor for Britain’s Special Air Service, the handbook has strategies for camping, fear management, and coping with any type of disaster. The third edition of “The SAS Survival Handbook” now covers topics such as urban survival and terrorism.
The Good
The guides and strategies in this book are thorough and provide step-by-step instructions. The revised third edition, in particular, has been updated to reflect the latest in survival knowledge and technology. From constructing appropriate shelter to preparing food to learning wilderness medicine, "The SAS Survival Handbook" has it all.
The Bad
With such a wide range of topics, the book can be considered too broad for readers who are looking to study only one or two specific topics. For more experienced survivalists, this book can seem too basic with its step-by-step guides.
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Emergency Food Storage & Survival Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Family Safe in a Crisis

Food security is one of the biggest challenges when surviving any disaster. Contaminated foods, disrupted supply lines, ruined farms – these are just some of the reasons why you should pick up “Emergency Food Storage & Survival Handbook.”
Product Highlights
Author Peggy Layton, a home economist who studied food science and nutrition, wrote this book with the family in mind. Just thinking about how to feed yourself in times of crisis can be stressful, but feeding two or nine presents its challenges. The handbook has a step-by-step program for planning, purchasing, preparing, and other food-related emergencies.
The Good
The handbook is detailed and concise when it comes to ensuring the health and survival of a family. Additionally, it includes how to create a first-aid kit, car kit, and a 72-hour emergency kit. Strategies also cover power, bedding, fuel, and medical needs.
The Bad
This handbook is all about food, family, and home survival, so if you're looking for something that involves camping or outdoor strategies, keep on reading this article for other handbooks. More advanced survivalists may also find this book lacking if they want a guide on eating while in the wilderness.
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The Disaster Survival Handbook: A Disaster Survival Guide for Man-Made and Natural Disasters

Do you know the fundamentals of prepping? If you don’t or even if you think you do, you should grab a copy of “The Disaster Survival Handbook: A Disaster Survival Guide for Man-Made and Natural Disasters.” This focuses on the basics of prepping, including the aftermath of a disaster.
Product Highlights
The author, Sam Fury, has a military background, so he knows about preparing for human-made and natural disasters. In this no-nonsense handbook, he writes how you can survive situations such as nuclear attacks, a volcanic eruption, or a plane crash.
The Good
The Disaster Survival Handbook outlines the fundamentals of prepping, like how to stockpile, put together a bugout bags, and placing extra security measures. For preppers, this is one of the best outdoor survival guide books you can own.
The Bad
For preppers thirsty for knowledge, it might feel like a short read. Meanwhile, beginners are probably going to miss some details.
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Family Survival Guide: The Best Ways for Families to Prepare, Train, Pack, and Survive Everything

A family that preps together, sticks (and survives) together. You want to make sure that everybody in the family, parents, and kids are ready to fulfill their roles when there's a disaster. This is why it is one of "Family Survival Guide: The Best Ways for Families to Prepare, Train, Pack, and Survive Everything Paperback," one of the best books on outdoor survival.
Product Highlights
This survival guide is written by husband and wife team Mykel Hawke and Ruth England Hawke, both veteran adventurers who have appeared on the Discovery Channel show “Man, Woman, Wild." They wrote this guide for your family to survive the outdoors during a disaster.
The Good
Topics are straightforward to follow and cover all the basics and more. You and your family will learn how to find and handle water, construct shelters, pack a bug out bag, build a fire, and more essentials. With the Hawkes’ expertise and focus on family, you can be sure you and your loved ones are in good hands.
The Bad
Since this book says it covers everything, then it might be too broad for some readers. Also, preppers and survivalists looking for information on solo survival may not need this in their library.
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The Practical Survival Guide for Kids: A Basic How to Survive and be Prepared in the Wilderness
Kids need survivalist knowledge, too! Growing up, we’ve all worried about getting lost on the way home or going down the wrong path while camping. However, with “The Practical Survival Guide for Kids: A Basic How to Survive and be Prepared in the Wilderness," any kid will feel sure and brave about having fun outdoors no matter what happens.
Product Highlights
Written by Weise Weasel, this survival guide is a fun, easy read for kids that still provides serious knowledge. Children will learn how to signal for help when lost, deal with animals, treat injuries, use a map or a compass, and even build a shelter.
The Good
The information found in this guidebook is detailed, but can still keep any child interested. Even adults who are curious about the idea of outdoor survival can gain knowledge from this book. You can make it a fun learning experience by reading together with your child.
The Bad
Since this book is targeted for kids, experienced survivalists and preppers won't find this very useful. Kids enjoy illustrations, and this book does not have a lot of those.
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The Boys' Book of Survival: How to Survive Anything, Anywhere
Any boy should be prepared to help himself and others in a scary situation. This is why “The Boys' Book of Survival: How to Survive Anything, Anywhere” would make a fantastic gift for a young man, you know.
Product Highlights
Don't be fooled by the novelty look of this book. It does say you'll learn how to survive a zombie invasion and a school dance, but there are genuine, practical tips in this book. The reader will learn how to treat a snake bite, make a map, build a ladder, and more.
The Good
The casual and fun tone of the book will keep any boy of any age interested. They can have a good laugh about surviving shopping trips with their mom, but they will discover priceless life lessons along the way. It’s also a great way to get a kid to be curious about the outdoor survivalist life.
The Bad
Serious types may think reading about zombie attacks is a waste of time. The book is an old-style paperback and can get damaged easily.
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Prepper's Long-Term Survival Guide: Food, Shelter, Security, Off-the-Grid Power and More Life-Saving Strategies for Self-Sufficient Living
One of the best books for outdoor survival we have included is “Prepper's Long-Term Survival Guide" because it's for only the most serious preppers, survivalists, and adventurers. This book will help you survive a pandemic, long-term crisis, and other disasters.
Product Highlights
This survival guide is written by Jim Cobb, a veteran prepper and experienced in security management. He shares his knowledge on how to survive when returning to normal life can take months or even years. From first aid to community fortification, this book covers it all.
The Good
The author understands the prepper mindset and will help you sharpen your skills. The book is detailed with step-by-step guides for every kind of scary situation. The book is all about the long term as well, so if you wonder how you could rebuild your life after a disaster, this guide will tell you how.
The Bad
Veteran preppers will probably think this step-by-step guide is not for them. And, for beginners who are visual learners, there are not many illustrations inside.
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Conclusion
We hope this article on the best outdoor survival books has helped you figure out what kind of book you need. The first step to keeping yourself prepared is to learn. We cannot always rely on online information to always be there for us in case of emergencies, so collecting the best outdoor survival books will certainly keep you feeling secure. Grab those copies today and share the knowledge with your fellow survivalists and preppers. Get more tips on survival guides.