Best Outdoor Survival Guides to Pack for Your Next Trip

Outdoor Survival Guides: Even the most well-planned adventures can take unexpected turns. Whether you’re hiking deep into the backcountry, camping in remote forests, or backpacking across rugged terrain, having the right survival knowledge can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a major emergency. That’s why packing a reliable outdoor survival guide is just as important as bringing your Packsture all-weather jacket or durable trail pants.

In this article, we’ll share the best outdoor survival guides to include in your gear. These books cover essential wilderness skills—like fire-building, shelter construction, navigation, and first aid—and are perfect for both novice and experienced adventurers who want to be prepared for anything.

Why Carry Outdoor Survival Guides?

In the age of smartphones and GPS, it’s easy to assume you’re covered. But when batteries die or signals fail, a pocket-sized survival manual can be a lifesaver. Printed guides offer tangible, easy-to-reference information when you need it most—whether you’re building an emergency shelter in your Packsture fleece hoodie or identifying edible plants near your campsite.

Benefits of packing outdoor survival guides:

• Quick, reliable information without needing power or internet

• Essential for emergency situations and worst-case scenarios

• Boosts self-sufficiency and confidence in remote areas

• Complements your survival kit and protective gear

Best Outdoor Survival Guides for Your Next Adventure

Here’s a curated list of the most trusted and practical survival guides available today.

1. “SAS Survival Handbook” by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman

Best For: All-around survival in any climate

Written by a former SAS (Special Air Service) soldier, this book is a classic in the world of survival manuals. It covers everything from building shelters to navigating without a compass and includes information on surviving in desert, arctic, jungle, and mountain conditions.

Perfect Pairing: Slip it in your pack next to your Packsture insulated vest for quick access in all conditions.

2. “Bushcraft 101” by Dave Canterbury

Best For: Outdoor Survival Guides: Wilderness living and primitive skills!

Focusing on traditional survival techniques, Bushcraft 101 is a comprehensive guide to living off the land. Learn to build tools, make fire, and craft natural shelters using minimal gear—perfect for backcountry hikers who prefer a more self-reliant approach.

Best Read While: Practicing knots by the fire in your weather-resistant cargo pants.

3. “98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive” by Cody Lundin

Best For: Humor, realism, and extreme survival

Cody Lundin’s guide blends practical advice with a conversational, at times irreverent, tone. Focused on maintaining core body temperature in emergencies, it’s a must-read for understanding how quickly the environment can affect your health.

Use This Book When: Prepping your campsite in your Packsture thermal base layer during changing weather.

4. “The Ultimate Survival Manual” by Outdoor Life

Best For: Outdoor Survival Guides: Visual learners and quick references

This guide is packed with step-by-step illustrations and covers 333 key skills—from dealing with animal encounters to filtering water and signaling for rescue. It’s great for campers and backpackers who want a clear, fast reference.

Keep It Close To: Your Packsture hiking daypack for easy access in the field.

5. “The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs” by Tristan Gooley

Best For: Navigation without technology

This book focuses on understanding natural cues—like cloud patterns, tree growth, and animal behavior—to help you navigate without a map or GPS. It’s ideal for hikers who want to deepen their connection to the land.

Great For: Morning observation hikes in your sun-protective trail shirt.

6. “Survive!: Essential Skills and Tactics to Get You Out of Anywhere Alive” by Les Stroud

Best For: Outdoor Survival Guides: Fans of the Survivorman series

Written by the star of Survivorman, Les Stroud offers realistic advice drawn from his own survival experiences. This guide emphasizes mental resilience as much as practical know-how.

Read It While: Reflecting by the fire in your Packsture windproof shell after a long day on the trail.

What to Look for in a Great outdoor Survival Guides

Not all books are created equal. Here’s what to consider when choosing one for your next backpacking or camping trip:

• Portability: Choose a book that’s compact and fits easily in your pack

• Comprehensive Content: Look for books that cover a wide range of survival topics

• Durability: Waterproof or weather-resistant editions are ideal

• Illustrations: Step-by-step visuals help you learn faster in real-time situations

• Relevance: Pick a guide suited to the climate and terrain you’ll be in

Pack Smart. Be Prepared. Get The BEST Outdoor Survival Guides

Survival isn’t just about gear—it’s about knowledge. When paired with high-quality clothing and essentials, like your Packsture all-season layering system or breathable hiking apparel, a survival guide becomes a crucial part of your preparedness plan.

Don’t wait until something goes wrong to wish you had a manual. Choose the guide that fits your style, stash it in your pack, and hike with confidence—knowing you’ve got wisdom at your fingertips.

Adventure is thrilling because it carries a hint of the unknown. But with the right survival guide and proper outdoor gear, you can turn that uncertainty into confidence and control. Whether you’re crossing mountains, trekking deep into the woods, or simply camping off-grid, bringing along a trusted survival manual is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

So pack your essentials, zip up your Packsture trail-ready jacket, and make room in your backpack for knowledge that could one day save your life.

Gear Up with Packsture and your Outdoor Survival Guides

At Packsture, we believe preparedness starts with quality. From weatherproof outerwear to lightweight technical layers, our outdoor clothing is built for real-world performance in real-world conditions. No matter where the trail takes you, you’ll be ready—inside and out.

Stay safe. Stay smart. And keep exploring.