I like his clear and concise writing style and his basic approach to survival in the various global climates. I urge all those who explore the wilderness to pick up his books. All of them.


My Two Cents   December 30, 2002
 12 out of 22 found this review helpful

This book provides alot of useful information, however I believe the author assumes a bit much as to what,if any, materials you would have on hand if your were lost. Alot of the information provided in the book on how to construct animal snares, shelters, etc requires that you have rope, and a tool to cut notches/wood. I think it would have been good to provide some info on how to make rope and tools for example. The other problem I had with this book is that some of the survival tips mentioned had many steps involved in the directions given, unless you had this book with you out in the woods or a photographic memory, your never going to remember half of the steps, especially if your lost, hurt, hungry.


I highly recommend this book!   December 27, 2002
 8 out of 11 found this review helpful

I agree with all those who found this book to be a great educational tool. It is direct and to the point! It covers all aspects of survival in a logical process giving multiple examples of how one might meet their needs. In addition, it helps the reader to develop their survival eyes and improvising skills. For those looking to learn survival skills and the theory behind the process, I highly recommend this book!


The How-To Bible of Survival   December 14, 2002
 22 out of 23 found this review helpful

For those of you who take the time to read Gregory Davenport's book you'll find it covers all aspects of survival (not backpacking). The book focuses on the survival skills needed to stay alive should your outing turn bad. It is clear, concise, and covers each task in a step-by-step format.

The post stating the book lacks detail and fails to give alternatives (using the lean-to example) is misleading. I went back and read the passage the reviewer refered to. Here is what I found,

"A lean to is most often used in the warm temperate and snow environments.
1. Find two trees about 7 feet apart with forked branches 4 to 5 feet high on the trunk.
2. Break away any other branches that pose a safety threat or interfere with the construction of your lean-to.
3. Place a ridge pole (a fallen tree that is approximately 10 feet long and the diameter of your wrist) into the forked branches. Note: If unable to find two trees with forked branches, lash the ridge pole to the trees."
4. Lay several support poles......."

While it is true he doesn't cover lashing here (should he cover it everywhere that it is referred to?) it is covered at the end of the book in Appendix A (lashing and knots). The lean-to is just one of many natural shelters describe in this well thought out book. Others alternatives include, tree pit, A-frame, platform bed, hobo shelter, snow cave, and snow A-frame. In addition, he gives step by step instruction on how to build four various tarp shelters. When you read this book you'll find Davenport's attention to detail doesn't just stop with the steps needed to meet your survival needs, he also covers safety concerns related to each task.

Wilderness Survival covers clothing, shelter, fire, signaling, water and food procurement, navigation, and health issues better than any book out there. I have almost every survival book there is and none match the detailed step-by-step approach seen here. If you want a book on how to camp, buy a book on camping. If you want a book that teaches you the next step--survival--this is the one.