SAS Survival Guide Handbook (Collins Gem) Reviews

• Outstanding! The most comprehensive survival info. available

  
  By A2QUH0NRWPLEYJ on 1999-11-16
  The British Special Air Service (SAS) is an elite military unit trained for long range patrols,sabatoge and covert operations far behind enemy lines. The U.S. Navy SEAL teams are trained on principles developed by the SAS nearly fifty years ago. SAS troops are deployed to some of the most remote regions on the planet and for this reason, must be experts in outdoor survival. John Wiseman is a former SAS survival instructor, so you can rest assured that you are receiving the best available information. The techniques desribed in this book are simple, functional and extremely clever, all hallmarks of SAS operations. The section on traps and snares is spectacular! All drawings are clear and easy to understand and the book is organized into specific geographic regions according to climate(i.e. deserts, jungles, etc.). I have spent most of my professional career in the woods (I'm a biologist by trade)and I use the information in this book on a daily basis, including training fellow employees in the basics of land navigation, improvised direction finding, and basic "woodsmanship". Additionally, I apply the SAS mindset to daily problem solving and find that it serves me well. The book comes in two sizes and I can highly recommend the pocket sized version for your pack or field bag. I can not say enough good things about this book. I have over fifty survival books in my personal library and this is the one I use as my bible. I can also highly recommend the SAS Escape,Evasion and Survival Manual by Barry Davies. It contains the same high quality info. as this book plus some additional goodies!
  
  

• Common sense information that you might actually use!

  
  By AVN34Z95PDKIF on 2002-10-07
  The first time I read this book, was as a teen. I "borrowed" the copy belonging to my brother, and have never been without a copy since then.

  The information contained within is aimed at surviving in the most extreme conditions. Granted, not many of us will be stranded in the North Pole - but if we were, we'd know not to eat a polar bear's liver, because the amount of vitamin A contained therein is toxic!
  More usable information includes:

  - Beautiful, accurate pictures of edible and poisonous plants
  - How-to advice on setting up temporary camps
  - Basic first aid and medical care
  - How to survive a nuclear attack, war conditions, fire/ice/extreme weather conditions
  - A virtually complete instruction on how to set up different traps to catch your food,
  And other amazing pieces of information simply too numerous to list.

  All in all, there are probably more professional, intensive survival guides - but this is by far one of the more approachable, with common sense advice that we can use even in a non-survival situation.
  
  

• Terrific pocket guide

  
  By A31PK8GRU941BY on 2007-01-17
  My husband and I wanted a little guide for our house and cars, so we'd be better prepared in case of disaster. We were hoping for something that would help in just about any situation: plane crash, getting stuck in the car in a blizzard, a natural disaster that cut off power and access to our house, and so on. This book meets that requirement beautifully. The SAS Guide (as opposed to the regular SAS Handbook) is a pocket-sized book, so it easily fits in the glovebox, and it's surprisingly complete for such a small book. I'm also grateful that it's completely free of any weird political agenda. It's just straightup information without even the slightest hint of a paranoid subtext. I'm thrilled with the purchase, and I'll buy more copies for other people in my family.
  
  

• A DISAPPOINTMENT!

  
  By on 1999-12-15
  When I first found out about a book written by a SAS-specialist,Iwas thrilled;this must be the state-of-the-art,The legendary SAS!After reading the chapters of special interest-hunting,firelighting etc.,I came away baffled:for instance,the information on building archery equipment is not only incompetent but downright useless-the false generalisations and misconceptions are too numerous to mention here.The same applies to the text on firelighting- I wonder if the SAS-let alone you-could survive on this !The attempt to squeeze "survival anywhere on the planet"into a single volume is in vain.I ur ge you NOT to depend on this book for survival-it might kill you.I really hoped I could have written a more positive review...
  
  

• Comprehensive!

  
  By on 1999-09-30
  I am a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, and if there is one book that I would consult on all of my survival issues, this is it. It does, however, deal with some issues that most people probably don't need to know, such as long-term living, but more does not hurt. I would reccommend this book to anyone interested in the subject. As a final thought, the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California, uses this book as one of their references in teaching their elite survival courses for U.S. Special Forces!
  
  
• Great!
  By A1F4FQ9W559U2S on 2007-09-20
  I love survival and have a ton of survival references. I have both the "Survival Handbook" and the "Survival Guide", by Lofty. The Handbook is by far the best reference I have found. Most other survival books are just knock-offs of old Army survival manuals. The Guide is an abreviated version of the Handbook. The Guide is an excellent size to carry with your survival kit. Most of what is cut out of the Guide is foundation to make for easier reading and is not very noticable unless you actually compare each book side-by-side. There are a few exceptions. To save space, some of the pictures of useful plants that are in the Handbook are missing from the Guide.
  Overall, a solid buy!
  
  
• The best there is
  By on 2001-08-30
  This is the best survival manual I have ever read, and I collect survival manuals. This book is the bible, its scope,detail, and practicality is unmatched. I've had this book for years and I still find myself going back to it for techniques to practice. If you are only going to read one survival manual this should be it.
  
  
• a marines eye view
  By AIBWDKWM8PFQA on 2000-04-11
  this book is exellent, it covers a wide range of topics including fire making campcraft and trapping. it explains each subject in great detail without becoming to complicated. it also has the best flora and fauna guide i have yet seen in a survival book. the book also covers survival at sea, desert survival and has a comprehensive kit guide. in short i recommend any body considering buying a book of this type to buy this one you won`t be dissapointed
  
  
• good illustrations
  By ARJ5GF8NPENAS on 2002-02-11
  This book is one of four indispensable basic, general texts on the subject of survival that anyone interested in the subject should have for reference. The others are Janowsky and Janowsky, the US Army FM 21-76, US Air Force Reg 64-4. My version is the 1986 Survive Safely Anywhere: The SAS Survival Manual. The most important characteristic of a really useful book on this subject is not just the kind and quantity of information available, but the real usefulness and authenticity of the information. Wiseman's book has that, and it's greatest asset beyond that sine qua non is the generally excellent quality of illustration. It covers much of the same ground as other texts, expands nicely on some areas, and has some discussion that is generally not discussed in other books. It has quite a bit in the areas of camp craft/improvised equipment, plants, first aid, and natural disasters. The bit on vehicle operation is not the same old information, and benefits from military experience such as that of SAS Mobility Troop. This book, with the other three, is a superb general reference and a starting point for further investigations for those interested in the subject.
  
  
• S.A.S Surrvival Handbook
  By on 2000-02-25
  Ihave found this book very helpfull on various camping and backpacking trips around England.The instructions are very clear and easy to follow with some partiularly good illustrations.Dont let other peoples negative reveiws put you off buying this book,you never know it may save your life one day.Keep practicing the skills you have learned.REMBER the 5 Ps.PROPER PREPARATION PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE.
  
  
• Survivor's Bible
  By on 1999-11-20
  I'd like to think that after reading this book I can have a shot at surviving in the wilderness.

  Sometimes I think how I would behave in different situations, what would I do, what plans I would devise, etc. Maybe it's just me, it's what I am, a thinker by nature, but it is interesting to go out of your way in say " What would I do if this happened". One day I tried to imagine what would happen if I had a car accident out in the country, with no access to phones or any other appliance or provision. I though of what I should do, but nothing came to mind. I was terrified, after all, a situation as that is not too uncommon. So I searched around and found this book. I can surely say that even if I won't quite fare incredibly well in the Great Outside all by myself, this book will at least be what I should thank for giving me a chance to survive.
  
  

• The Best Of
  By A21CYI1S9R15FX on 2007-03-19
  I have read a few books on survival and this is the best one I have found up to this point. I have even read the U. S. Army's handbook and this is better.
  I purchased the full size book first and then ordered this version so I could pack it easy in my backpack or day pack. The Gem version has all the same information the full size book has. I was going to purchase some survival cards to pack, but have purchased the GEM size book after finding out it was available through a survival seminar I attended with the Boy Scouts.
  
  
• Peace of mind is worth 5 stars!
  By ABTXVIP8EBHCT on 2007-06-20
  When I bought the SAS Survival Guide, I was looking for a book that would help me gain some knowledge about what to do in certain survival situations along with some interesting tidbits. I initially was upset when I saw the size of the guide (my fault, no one else's) but I eventually came to realize that the size of the guide was perfect for what I needed it for.
  
  So what's to like about this book? There's a TON of great information in this book. The major topics are:
  
  Essentials
  Climate & Terrain
  Food
  Camp Craft
  Reading the Signs
  On the Move
  Survival at Sea
  Rescue
  Health
  Disaster Strategies
  
  There's a wealth of information in between these topics. I'll admit that I bought this book because I'm a nervous wreck when it comes to traveling and I thought this would be a good book to bring along in case something bad happens. For the peace of mind, this book is invaluable.
  
  And what's not to like? Like I said, if you want a book that's bigger, be sure to read the dimensions and get the bigger size. Other than that, the book is great.
  
  Adults, this is a good book to own simply for the peace of mind. In case something happens (god forbid) where you need to know information about not only basic survival skills, but more complex things like what foods are safe to eat, where the best place is to build a shelter, and how to find safe, drinkable water, it's great to have this book on hand. You can't beat the price!
  
  
• It educates our mind on survival!
  By A2MVQ1CB1B31FI on 2000-03-07
  For an amateur like me, this book is already a very comprehensive volume: too many to learn them all. Yet, I find the book very helpful and will literally save our life in most cases, even if we only learn few skills in each chapter. I think the most important feature of this book is that it educates: it stimulates our creative minds in utilizing any available opportunity and materials to save our life. Once we grab the basic ideas of each techniques, we can apply them creatively in every situation to save our life.
  
  
• Good book
  By on 2000-06-06
  All together a pretty good book. The book gives you a lot of useful information and is well organized. Discusses knot tying, trapping, ways to obtain drinking water, building shelters and starting fires. Covers various climates and terrain. A good basic guide but I'm still searching for something a little more detailed.
  
  
• The Best of All
  By A3V6UY2RLDZZDT on 2001-05-19
  Yes its true this is the finest survival book i have ever read. It was worth ever cent I paid for it and more. If u buy just one survival book make it this one. It covers a variety of situations, and it does it in a forward, easy to read, and no none sense way. I read this book just for the joy of it. A fine fine book.Thanks much
  
  
• Awesome Reference!
  By AH5UAN7TZP8TM on 2003-05-03
  I teach hunter education for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and base many parts of my lecture dealing with survival on parts of this book. I find it to the point, with great illustrations and directions. I recommend it to anyone with an interest in the outdoors.
  
  
• Good things come in small packages
  By A2UENUO4XYAEB6 on 2006-07-29
  The Collins Gem edition of this survival manual is a perfect size for packing along. Kids also gravitate to it for the same reason - it is really, really cute. It is also available in a standard book-sized edition, which is easier to read and study at your leisure, but not nearly as nice to pack. The small print may prove difficult to read in low light situations, but of course, after you've boned up on your survival skills, you'll be prepared to light a fire for warmth and light to read by.
  
  
• Gary - SAS Survival Guide
  By A1Y1BGQMMSYQLP on 2007-11-22
  I like the book; it has VERY useful, detailed, information for anyone in a "survival" situation. However, it is 385 pages in a quite small book (approx 1"x3"x5"), and printed in VERY small font. The book size makes makes it nicely packable. BUT, if you are over 40 you'll definitely need glasses or a magnifier to read it.
  
  
• Don't leave home without it.
  By on 1999-11-09
  My Gem Collins mini book has been all over the world with me, from Tasmania, to Yellowknife as well as Croatia and points in between. I even drag it out camping, and use it to study up on edible stuff;an essential, lightweight piece of kit.
  
  
• A Must Have!
  By A1XT50WF3BCI12 on 2005-11-08
  Most everyone I know involved in Wilderness Survival has this book. I reference it many times and have read it cover to cover several times. I always seem to find something new. This book is easy to use as a reference and has more than adequate detail for beginners to advanced practitioners. Loaded with illustrations and pictures. Definitely a must have in your library!
  
  
• Buy a few and give them to your friends!
  By A11PXV9CBXMPYY on 2006-06-29
  You really don't have to have a 'need' for this book to find it entertaining. If you're the curious type, this has everything, from how to maim someone using only your own eyelash to how to trap, skin and cook an aardvark to more than enough reasons why you don't want to go outside, ever.
  
  Actually, it has very useful first aid information and every page has something interesting - I take public transportation to and from work and no matter how long the trip takes I always have emergency reading material in my bag.
  
  If you are the type who has 'bathroom books,' this is a worthy addition to your collection as well.
  
  
• EVERY ONE SHOULD OWN THIS.
  By AV6FO4YZMFEBI on 2007-08-17
  I recently moved back to Oregon after being away for 20 years or so and am now very passionate about hiking and nature.While I am not by any means a risk taking hiker I wanted to feel more secure in my surroundings.
  This is a great LITTLE book that is easily carried in a backpack and it is packed with all sorts of useful information on outdoor survival.When you read about people that die because they got stuck in the snow it's a wake up call that you should know what to "just in case". May I also reccomend that parents should buy their children WILLY WHITEFEATHER'S OUTDOOR SURVIVAL BOOK and THE RIVER BOOK they are both excellent books for teaching children outdoor survival skills. The outdoors shouldn't be a scary place and there is no reason for people to die because they are lost or stranded after all the wilderness was our ancestors home!
  
  
• you can survive anything now
  By on 2000-01-14
  well to say the least it's great there is everything from surviving a nuke to artic living i've bought 5 copys and i plan to give them to ANYONE i know this book makes me feel like i could take on the world it's nothing like any onther survival book you've read it's just the best
  
  
• Great production
  By A2Q9GVRU25FRE8 on 1998-04-05
  This book is very meticulously and professionally organized, with a visually appealing and iconographic layout. Superb drawings and illustrations, and authoritative guidelines and instructions make for a pleasurable and informative read.
  
  
• There is at least one factual error.
  By on 1998-06-16
  The following information, published in this volume, is incorrect :

  On page 279, regarding gamma radiation, the text states :

  Gamma rays are highly penetrating. They travel much slower than alpha particles and beta rays...

  In fact, gamma rays are a form of EM radiation, and therefore travel at light speed, much, much faster than the speeds of alpha or beta rays, each of which consist of sub-atomic particles.

  Remember, one flash - and you're ash!
  
  

• The Best of All
  By A3V6UY2RLDZZDT on 2001-05-19
  Yes its true this is the finest survival book i have ever read. It was worth ever cent I paid for it and more. If u buy just one survival book make it this one. It covers a variety of situations, and it does it in a forward, easy to read, and no none sense way. I read this book just for the joy of it. A fine fine book.Thanks much
  
  
• Excellent!
  By AEQ8Y917JFY57 on 2001-07-15
  Amazing book! This book is quality, you will not get a better survival book than this! Survival techniques given by the best fighting force in the world - The English SAS!
  
  
• Excellent
  By A3BUOG248DYMTQ on 2006-12-21
  I was telling my brother about this book I've had over a year now and felt a review written here would benefit others as well.
  
  The little practical things Wiseman advises may not seem important now, but sure will come in handy if necessary.
  
  How to tell direction with a wristwatch and the sun; Not walking a straight direction back to an abandoned vehicle, but going north or south of it and then doubling back. How to distill water in any kind of land, sea situation. They don't call him Wiseman for nothing.
  
  
• SAS review
  By A3OX03J4L82Y8S on 2007-02-24
  I bought this book for a class..I thought it was the full size edition but it was the pocket size and all the readings were on different pages so it was pretty much useless...other than that it's pretty good.
  
  

• SAS Survival Handbook: How to Survive in the Wild, in Any Climate, on Land or at Sea
• US Army Survival Manual: FM 21-76
• When All Hell Breaks Loose
• Crisis Preparedness Handbook: A Complete Guide to Home Storage and Physical Survival
• SAS Urban Survival Handbook