Essential Bushcraft

Ray wrote a great book here for beginners and seasoned vets. The thing I like best about it is that he covers. standard and different ways to approach the different topics of the book. A lot of these I was unaware of, and I can't wait to get out and try them. The book is a little dated in some of the gear he recommends, but that doesn't mean that it is not useful. I like the recommendations he has for boots. He talks about the jungle environment and makes the point that the Military Jungle boots that were used largely in Vietnam are a great boot for using in wet/dry climates. (Got to pick up a pair of the Military's) I have a pair of Blackhawks but I remember the U.S. issue were tough boots. Just one of the many different points I picked up. This is a great book to have in your library.

I have been studying, practicing, and teaching wilderness survival techniques for over forty years and own a collection of over two hundred survival guidebooks. Essential Bushcraft is, IMO, the best I have ever read. Many such books appear to be written by authors who simply rehash information from other survival books. Ray Mears clearly writes from extensive personal experience and study. I know of no other survival writer who discusses the difference between a sip well and a gypsy well or how to safely prevent a bow saw from skipping by inserting one's arm through the bow when starting a cut. These are obscure but valuable techniques known only by experts who dedicate years of their lives to learning and practicing their subject. Whether or not Ray Mears has written "The Best" wilderness survival book is surely a matter for debate, but, as far as I am concerned, anyone wishing to write a better survival guide than this has a herculean task ahead of them.

I really like Ray Mears, and his knowledge of bushcraft is remarkable, it's easy to tell that he's done his homework. My only problem was that I ordered the book on the 10th of December, and received it on the 24th. I'm sorry, but I can't believe that even if sent via pony, and rider, that it takes that long to get anywhere in the U.S. If you can't send it out right away, let the customer know, but don't say that you've sent it, and say that it's been sent out, if it hasn't.

Excellent detail, with helpful pictures and descriptions.

I have to say this book has more pictures and examples than any bush craft book I've purchased to date. Essential bushcraft is a nice size to take in the field and is loaded with pictures. Ray Mears got it right . I recommend this book and think its title says it all Essential Bushcraft.......

WATERPROOF BOOK! FULL COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS! COVERS EVERY TOPIC ON BUSHCRAFT IMAGINABLE! IF YOU CAN OWN ANY SINGLE ONE BUSHCRAFT BOOK, IT'S GOTTA BE THIS ONE. I think i paid like $14 for this including shipping. Unbelievable. It covers many many ways to: (and full color illustrations!) find water build fires build shelter cordage edible foods crafts knots keeping warm in winter WOW, so impressed with this book. I really didn't expect it... His show is great, but this book is even better. It's like all the material from the tv shows in one book. BUY THIS BOOK

Ray's book is simple, easy to understand solid knowledge that everyone should know. This should be taught in schools to our children, yes it's that good/important. I would have liked a bit more detail on items that Ray personally uses but overall you can't go wrong with this book.

I'm just getting into Survival and Bushcraft and the likes. I bought this book in hopes to further my knowledge. I would rate this book 5 stars but CAUTION TO BUYER!: this book is for those who have a knowledge of the wilderness. This book is more Very Basic skills. Good book but DOES NOT explain a lot about HOW. I would recomend using your money for his videos. He is a very smart man about this. Book: Okay. Videos: Great. Shipping came 3 days sooner then the estimated date. Happy about that.

Every Item in my rucksack has earned its place. Apart from the occasional jaffa cake based snack treat, what I carry is functional and good, reliable, quality. This book has a place of honour in my pack. Want to learn to disembowel a big arsed Bear? Buy something else. Want a practical guide to Bushcraft? Buy this book.

Autant d'infos dans un livre de cette taille avec un bon esprit et de la précision c'est vraiment un tour de force. De plus le livre est magnifiquement illustré. Bref un rapport qualité/prix imbattable. Une référence en anglais sur le sujet du Bushcraft. Bravo à l'auteur.

Lots of great info

I've read this book like an adventure novel: simple and clear style, full of detailed photos, written by one of the real worldwide expert of wildlife. Page by Page you can really improve your skills and learn the philosophy of bushcraft. If you want to follow the Wild, i suggest this book. Its dimensions are perfect for backpack, take it with you!

Nachdem man ja den Eindruck bekommen hat, Bushcraft bestehe aus "kochen im Wald", zeigt dieses Buch, dass es doch um mehr geht. Ray Mears erklärt in dem Buch die typischen Bushcraft- / Survivalthemen wie Bekleidung, Werkzeuge, Wasser, Feuer, Unterkunft, wie man Materialien aus der Natur verwendet, Notnahrung sowie allgemeine Outdoor-Tipps. Das Buch ist in der Originalausgabe 2003 erschienen, als der Begriff Bushcraft im deutschsprachigen Raum so gut wie unbekannt war und noch nicht so inflationär für das 1.000.000 "Kochen-im-Wald"-Video verwendet wurde..... Ray Mears zeigt hier die Themen auf, welche zum Bushcraften gehören und führt in diese Themen ein. Damit gibt er eine Basis zum loslegen und außerdem Anreize, welche Themen man z.B. durchs praktische üben usw. vertiefen kann. Was dieses Buch von vielen typischen "Survival-Büchern" unterscheidet ist die tolle Bebilderung. Das Buch enthält zahlreiche Farbfotos aus allen möglichen Umgebungen und veranschaulicht das beschriebene so wirklich gut. Oftmals findet man ja in "Survival-Manuals" eher Bleistiftskizzen, wie z.B. bei Canterbury, welche auch ausreichen, aber lange nicht so hochwertig sind. Klare Empfehlung.