Essential Bushcraft [Paperback]

The title says it all really, this book contains ESSENTIAL bushcraft skills. This is a condensed version of his larger book 'Bushcraft' and as it was released after the first one, it actually has more upto date photographs and some new information.
It is very nicely presented with a hard-wearing paperback cover, 240 glossy FULL colour pages with loads of really helpfull information.

It has the following chapters:

OUTFIT
CUTTING TOOLS
WATER
FIRE
SHELTER
CORDAGE
HITTING THE TRAIL

LIVING FROM THE LAND.

As you can see, everything you need to get out there and stay alive! There are loads of 'survival' and 'bushcraft' books, and this book will not tell you how to deliver a baby or give an emergency cesarean like the SAS survival book, however this isn't its aim. Ray Mears has succeeded in delivering a well-thought out and VERY informative book on how to live in the wild whilst causing as little disturbance to the natural habitat as possible. Invaluble reading!

This has to be my favourite of all the Ray Mears "survival" books which is provided as a compact handbook suitable as a companion on any expedition/trip. Ray Mears again reveals an enormous wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of survival and bushcraft.

With clear step-by-by instructions the reader is led through a plethora of subjects including how to construct a shelter from the elements at virtually any time of the year in a wide variety of circumstances/environments. The book also covers sections which deal with the many uses and natures of cordage, the use of knots, a wide diversity of cutting tools (and how they should be used correctly), first aid & personal hygiene together with a list of the essential items to be included within a survival outfit.

An entire section of this handbook is devoted to the importance of water and the dangers of dehydration. Instruction is provided in how to locate water sources & how to access and use them. Emphasis also being given in relation to the collection and purification of water.

Another section is devoted to "living off the land" which includes instruction on "foraging" and how to differentiate between food that is edible and that which is poisonous. Also included is a section allocated to fire and how to make fire by improvising with the use of unlikely raw materials.

In each and every section clear photographs are supplied to assist the reader. This is indeed another essential volume from Ray Mears for anyone interested in the outdoor life, and not just for survival purposes. A basic knowledge would do none of us any harm and this book meets this need and those who require much more. Another excellent purchase.

Essential Bushcraft was recommended to me and now I recommend it to you. Full of clear and concise information that will leave you excited about your next trip so you can try some of your new skills out.
Not as good as Lofty Wiseman's book in my opinion but an excellent companion to it and Ray Mears benefits from being more accessible than Mr. Wiseman. Well he is on the telly everyday so you can see him do the things from his books.
Lots of great colour shots and clear diagrams that bring everything into focus. Wish I had read this before buying my latest tent. Couldn't decide between two models, chose one and now Ray recommends the other.
Well worth the shelf space and reading time of every outdoorsman.

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