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SAS Survival Guide Handbook (Collins Gem)x$7.99
  (92 reviews)
Best Price: $7.99
This is the definitive guide for all campers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers, including: - First aid and wilderness medicine
- Building shelter and making fire
- Hunting and trapping
- Pocket survival kit
- Disaster preparedness
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Customer Reviews
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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.
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!
Pocket survival guide
By A4NGRJ1GYFNDG on 2008-04-26
This book has a lot of helpful survival tips which hopefully you would never actually need, but it is interesting to read. If you like to spend a few days out "living off the land" this book can give you some help. I was a bit surprised by the small size of the book. This is a very small book which was not evident from the main listing. The dimensions are listed down in the details, but it will fit in a shirt pocket and has very fine print, so if you don't have perfect eye sight, a magnifier of some sort would be helpful. The US Army and Ranger survival manuals, also available through Amazon, are more along the lines of a larger size paperback book as far as page size goes.The SAS book will fit easily into a backpack pocket.
- 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!
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- The best there is
By on 2001-08-29
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.
- Awesome Reference!
By AH5UAN7TZP8TM on 2003-05-02
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.
- 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!
- The Best of All
By A3V6UY2RLDZZDT on 2001-05-18
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
- SAS mini
By AJ8NRRS7YA7KC on 2008-01-29
This is a GREAT survival book! I saw this at Barnes & Noble and loved it for the color pictures of plants/roots/flowers/etc. that are edible/poisonous/healing/etc. and for the helpful parts on different climates, conditions, and finding your bearings (directioning ability, not the little metal balls). I still might get the regular-sized version, but this is TRULY a (cargo) pocket-sized book. The print isn't too small at all. The pictures still show fine and helpful details. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON SOME OTHER BLACK AND WHITE, CHEAP PAPER BOOK! GET THIS ONE!!!
- Very complete reference.
By A2ZL6OCRU7Z1M on 2008-01-18
This book is very small, very descriptive, and incredibly comprehensive. It is not light reading, but WILL HELP YOU SURVIVE a worst-case situation. That's what's important.
- 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.
- Interesting and Detailed
By A39Y4Q11602O32 on 2006-06-24
The SAS handbook is a wealth of remarkably useful information and startlingly devised survival techniques. Survival, in the most literal sense, is something the ordinary person needn't worry about these days. However, exploring the ingenuity of mans survival skills can prove exciting and intriguing. This handbook addresses so much survival knowledge that I have read it through and through numerous times over the years, and I still seem to be surprised whenever I dust it off for a browse. Great book...
- Compact, comprehensive, interesting and useful.
By A21ZKZXGTPA8IH on 2008-08-11
I bring this with me every time I go camping. It is very compact, fairly light, and packed with tons of useful info. Much of the info is practical knowledge even if you're not in a survival situation. It is written clearly and well illustrated, and is fun to read. The book is also water resistant and very durable. I have noticed a lot of typos in the book, but I still consider it the best survival book I have seen, and I highly reccomend it. I also have the larger version, which is a little easier to read and contains a bit more info, but the smaller one is very comprehensive and has almost as much information.
- put it in yer pocket
By A1GWNH4ATU4PNR on 2008-07-09
put it in your pocket.it will fit.not comfortably ,but it will fit.better yet,put it in your fanny pack.wrapped in a ziploc bag.this is not the'be all,end all'of survival books.none is.in fact,i am going to make a recomendation that the publisher will love,though you may not.buy the larger text of this book.read it.over and over.along with your other books on the subject.you need a small library on any subject that interests you.why 2 copies? because reading the small volume will make it expand and loosen the binding(note to publisher..waterproof paper in the next edition).yes the text is small,but you have a magnifying glass in your kit(if not..read the bloody book again).also when out in the boonies...you have something to read.i know that sounds silly...but you arent always going to be chased by bears.even in a survival situation you will have 'down time'.use it.anouther 'extra' with this in your kit.you have something to burn(after you read it naturally).at this price and this size..there is no excuse not to have a copy in your kit.four stars..but it just missed five.happy camping.
- Wow! This book is tiny!
By A3C3Z46127UG6S on 2008-06-15
The product description clearly states the size of the product but I hadn't really paid attention to it. I just knew that this edition of the book is a smaller version, handy to keep in your backpack.
Backpack? Back pocket is more like it. It's about the size of a deck of cards. While that means there's no excuse not to take it with you, it also means that the type is awfully small. If you wear reading glasses be sure to pack a pair or two along with the book.
I would have preferred that they use larger pages and make the book thinner. But I can't really argue with the decision they made. Most people will probably prefer the fatter but smaller dimensions.
The book, by the way, is impressive. Wiseman is indeed a wise man who knows what he's talking about.
If you do buy this book I think you should seriously consider buying its bigger brother, SAS Survival Handbook: How to Survive in the Wild, in Any Climate, on Land or at Sea too. That way you'll have the best of both worlds. An easier to read edition for home, which will allow you to read and study it thoroughly and this very small, very portable version you just might want to take everywhere.
- The best Survival book I have seen.
By AY3DGDXUO5N00 on 2008-01-25
I have to say this is a great book, probably the best survival manual I have read.
Many survial books will tell stories to help fill up the pages but this book is pure survival knowledge. If you want a book that goes straight to the point of survival then this is that book.
This book is small just put it in a ziploc bag and it makes a perfect manual to carry with you. It's small, light and filled with tons of information.
- Excellent!
By AEQ8Y917JFY57 on 2001-07-14
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!
- The Best of All
By A3V6UY2RLDZZDT on 2001-05-18
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Good things come in small packages
By A2UENUO4XYAEB6 on 2006-07-28
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.
- Good buy
By AD23QENRSYCKZ on 2009-11-01
This is a good purchase for those who need a handy, accessible guide to survival. The British SAS is THE authority on survival in harsh environments, and the author gives us the advantage of their skills without having to sign up! I never thought to pay attention to dimension sizes when buying books, so I didn't really think the book would have such small dimensions (it's a little bit bigger than a pack of cigarettes), but I am glad it does, it makes it really handy to toss in to a backpack. The low price makes it a good idea to buy several, one for the car, one for the house and one for the backpack. This guide covers it all, from how to properly hunt, process, cook and store all sorts of game animals and edible plants, but helps you identify the stuff that will kill you or make you sick! It also covers the making of shelters and rafts, weapons for hunting, medical aid techniques, weather prediction...the list is just too big to fit in this review. This book is an essential guide for those who do serious backpacking / hiking / camping, or travel overseas to remote regions of the world.
- Excellent guide, small enough to keep multiple copies
By AOMKUI325W2TJ on 2009-09-22
As a survival guide, this is hard to beat. However, it is tiny in size and very small print. If you want to read it and learn from it, I recommend you buy the larger format edition by the same author - cover looks dark green with white letters. Get that one first. This is the tiny pocket edition, which fits in a small Ziploc sandwich bag :) I bought a couple, to keep in the car and when hiking and traveling.
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