Hey there, fellow preppers! As a 25-year prepper veteran, I can’t stress enough the importance of knowledge and information when it comes to survival. In today’s world, we rely heavily on digital technology, but what if the grid goes down, and you can’t access the internet?
That’s where a well-stocked survival library comes into play. In this down-to-earth guide, I’ll share my top recommendations for essential books and resources to help you stay informed and prepared in any situation. So, let’s get started!
The Basics: Fundamental Books Every Prepper Should Own
When building your survival library, it’s essential to start with the basics. These books will provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to build upon as you continue your prepping journey.
- SAS Survival Handbook by John “Lofty” Wiseman: Written by a former SAS soldier, this book is a comprehensive guide to surviving any situation, from natural disasters to hostile environments. It covers essential skills such as shelter building, fire starting, and navigation.
- The Prepper’s Pocket Guide by Bernie Carr: This compact, easy-to-read guide offers practical tips and advice for prepping on a budget. It covers everything from food storage to DIY projects that can help you become more self-sufficient.
- Emergency Food Storage & Survival Handbook by Peggy Layton: A must-have for every prepper, this book covers essential topics such as long-term food storage, canning, and preserving. It also includes valuable information on water purification and emergency cooking methods.
- Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury: This bestselling guide teaches the art of bushcraft – the skill of living in the wild using only natural resources. It covers essential techniques such as firecraft, trapping, and wood carving.
Advanced Skills: Books for the Experienced Prepper
Once you’ve got the basics covered, it’s time to expand your knowledge and skills with more advanced resources. These books dive deeper into specific topics and can help you become a more versatile and self-reliant prepper.
- The Forager’s Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants by Samuel Thayer: This comprehensive guide teaches you how to safely identify, harvest, and prepare wild edible plants. It’s an invaluable resource for those looking to supplement their food storage with nutritious, natural options.
- The Backyard Homestead by Carleen Madigan: This book offers a wealth of information on turning your backyard into a self-sufficient homestead. From gardening and livestock to food preservation and energy production, it covers a wide range of topics for those looking to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
- The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse by Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre: Drawing on his personal experiences during the economic collapse in Argentina, Aguirre offers valuable insights and advice for surviving in a world where money, resources, and infrastructure are scarce.
- The Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering, and Cooking Wild Game by Steven Rinella: A comprehensive resource for hunters, this book covers everything from selecting the right gear to field dressing and cooking your game. It’s a valuable addition to any prepper’s library.
Medical Knowledge: Books on Health and First Aid
In a crisis situation, access to medical care may be limited or nonexistent. Having a solid understanding of health and first aid can be a lifesaver. These books will help you build your medical knowledge and skills.
- The Survival Medicine Handbook by Joseph Alton, MD and Amy Alton, ARNP: This comprehensive guide covers essential medical skills and knowledge for preppers, including how to treat injuries and illnesses when professional help isn’t available. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone looking to become more self-sufficient in a crisis.
- Where There Is No Doctor by David Werner: Often referred to as the “bible of medical self-sufficiency,” this book is a must-have for every prepper’s library. It provides practical advice for diagnosing and treating common health problems in remote or disaster-stricken areas.
- Herbal Medicine: Natural Remedies by Anne Kennedy: This guide to herbal medicine is an excellent resource for those looking to use natural remedies for common ailments. It covers the basics of herbal medicine, including how to grow, harvest, and prepare herbs for medicinal use.
Reference Books and Resources
Finally, it’s essential to have a collection of reference books and resources on hand. These can help you quickly find information and guidance when you need it most.
- The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery: This comprehensive guide covers everything from gardening and livestock to food preservation and natural remedies. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone looking to become more self-sufficient and better prepared for emergencies.
- The Prepper’s Water Survival Guide by Daisy Luther: Water is essential for survival, and this book provides crucial information on finding, storing, and purifying water in a crisis situation.
- The Foxfire Book Series by Eliot Wigginton: This series of books is a treasure trove of information on traditional skills and self-sufficient living, with topics ranging from blacksmithing to beekeeping.
- The U.S. Army Survival Manual (FM 21-76): This military-issued survival manual covers a wide range of topics, including shelter construction, food procurement, and first aid. It’s a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their survival skills.
Building a well-rounded survival library is a critical step in becoming a more informed and prepared prepper.
By gathering essential books and resources on a wide range of topics, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever challenges come your way.
Remember, knowledge is power, and when it comes to survival, the more you know, the better off you’ll be. So, start building your library today and keep learning, my fellow preppers!