Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival (Bushcraft Survival Skills Series)

Awesome book full of useful info

Rarely do reviews of products but I’m a big fan of Dave Canterbury. I grew up hunting and camping but I’ve recently taken a dive into the art of bushcraft. Now I’m looking to expand my knowledge and hone my skills into mastery. This book is very easy to read and comprehend as it feels more conversational than lectured. I’m excited to finish this one and move on to advanced bushcraft.

First off all the negative reviews on here I feel are people who either did not honestly read the book or didn't understand the material and how or what Dave Canterbury teaches. First the context of the book, it's about the basics of bushcraft literally for someone who is brand new to the world of bushcraft. It covers the usual recommend gear and tools (packs, 5 C's, different style and grinds of knives, saws, and axes) plus why. Goes over safety and considerations of said tools to etc. Basic skills in catagoeries such as shelters, fire craft, how to find a location for camp considerations for said site, how to navigate the terrian, a few trees (four season resources) and the basics on trapping. Second does this book cover everything in one go. No absolutely not and I didn't expect it to. Why people would assume it does or would is beyond me. Other they had unrealistic expectations. I would love for someone to write a book that covers everything in very fine detail. But let's be honest that would be a hudge undertaking for said author. Also the book itself would be enormous. I do like how the book is laid out basically going from how to prepare for your trek to implementing said trek. AT A BASIC SKILL LEVEL. Like the book is intended to be this the title "Bushcraft 101" not something like "ultimate guide to bushcraft" which don't get me started in those books. I like this book along with the next addition Advanced bushcraft that does cover more in better detail. But could you take either of these books and go out to either your own or state property and train with the knowledge in these books yes, you absolutely can. It just takes a little effort or your end.

I have been involved in Scouting for a few years, and purchased this book to learn more outdoors skills to teach to my boy scouts. I learned some new skills, and some of the skills I already knew. If you are looking for a good resource to increase your outdoor survival knowledge, this is a great place to start. I will be keeping this and using it as a resource in the future. I purchased his Advance Bushcraft book, and will be starting that book soon. My only suggestion would be to have more pictures and diagrams, as some of the skills are explained in written form. Having more diagrams would be more beneficial to the novice outdoorsman. Look for a supplement book that has more pictures and diagrams, and that will help even more. Great resource!!

Most books about survival and outdoor skills don’t become “bestsellers”. But somehow Bushcraft 101 made it onto the 2014 New York Times list of Best Selling Sports Books. Why was that? In our opinion this book was popular because it’s a good, basic beginner bushcraft/wilderness survival book that can also be enjoyed by an experienced outdoors person because of the author’s credentials, writing style and content. Written by Dave Canterbury, known to many people as one of the original two survivalists on the TV show “Dual Survival,” where he was teamed with Cody Lundin (Dave was the one that wore shoes), the book focuses on Dave’s view of bushcraft; a view that means taking advantage of what nature makes available to you and using a minimum of gear to survive and thrive in the natural world, carrying “the knowledge and skills needed to create items straight from the landscape”. The main way that Dave’s book differs from the first two books on our favorites list is due to his focus on the skills necessary to thrive in the woods – not just the skills essential to surviving in the wild in an emergency. Because of this much of the book is based on Canterbury’s “Five Cs of Survivability” – items chosen since they are extremely hard to make in the wild and directly impact controlling your body’s core temperature. Dave’s Five Cs are: 1) Cutting Tools – to manufacture needed items and process food 2) Covering Elements – to create a microclimate of protection from the elements 3) Combustion Devices – for creating the fires needed not only to preserve and cook food, but also to make medicines and provide needed warmth 4) Containers – to carry water over distances or to protect collected food sources 5) Cordages – for bindings and lashings The book also shows how Dave has a “systems” mindset (e.g. never carry anything unless it can perform multiple functions). The book has sections on: Gearing Up Your Pack Tools Rope, Cordage, Webbings, and Knots Containers and Cooking Tools Coverage Combustion In The Bush Setting Up Camp Navigating Terrain Trees: the Four-Season Resource Trapping and Processing Game Appendices Conserving and Utilizing resources Wild Edibles and Medicinal Plants Bush Recipes Glossary Dave’s detailed section on Tools is especially helpful for people new to camping. We also like Dave’s “Four Ws” relating to setting up a camp – Wood, Water, Wind and Widowmakers. Having 256 pages, measuring 5½ x ¾ x 8½ inches and weighing ~10 ounces this is probably a book that you learn from but do not take on the trail with you. Although shorter than all of our other recommended books, Bushcraft 101 is not intended to be all encompassing – since it is only intended to cover the “20 percent of bushcraft that is of the most value”.

Take along with you while hiking,camping and your adventures.

As was written in the book also - 90% of the time you are in the bush, you are using basic skills. Master the basics and all the rest will be easy. Quality read - especially if you are starting out. Watching long videos online often with repeating topics can cost a lot of time. And still you could come short in important skills. Good book to carry - small and light. If need be.

Nice for beginner

It gives you the base on how to start with bushcraft and survival

Cool book,I’m going to learn a lot of useful things reading about it