Build the Perfect Survival Kit [Paperback]

John D. McCann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 5, 2005

An emergency can arise at anytime. Now everyone from the average commuter to the risk-taking sportsman can benefit from these just-in-case kits that may just save a life. Build the Perfect Survival Kit offers a number of kits, from very basic pocket-sized ones with just the essentials to elaborate ones designed for weeks of surviving in the wilderness. The book advocates careful advance planning and building a personalized kit specifically tailored to each outing or possible emergency that may be encountered. Readers will learn about the eight categories of gear: Fire and Light, Signaling, Water and Food, Shelter and Protection, Knives and Tools, Multi-purpose Items and Miscellaneous Items, and what to pack into a kit for their pocket, glove box, four-wheeler, car boot, backpack and more.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John D. McCann has an extensive background in wilderness survival and travel safety and security.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications (April 5, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873499670
• ISBN-13: 978-0873499675
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 5.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,502 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #43 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Survival Skills

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

99 of 107 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's in the name., October 6, 2006

By 

Gary "Photographer, Musician, Writer, Fusion ... (Parts Unknown) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Build the Perfect Survival Kit (Paperback)

The phrase Survival Kit is in the title of this book, and that is exactly what is presented. Survival techniques are not the focus of this book, but assembling survival kits for various situations. In that regard, this book is extremely thorough giving many examples of assembling survival kits for just about every scenario be it personal, vehicle, boat, etc. He also provides many examples of the different survival tools available and where you can obtain these tools. There aren't an abundance of survival techniques in this book, but that was not the author's goal. It's also a pretty dry read and when the author reveals what he carries with him at all times, I thought he was joking. He carries on 3 keychains something like 2 micro flashlights, 2 knives, a multitool, metal aspirin container, fire tinder in another aspirin container, and about 4 different tools for fire starting. And, that's just what I remember off the top of my head. He carries this stuff around all the time. While I find that overkill, the kits and all the tool recommendation make this book rate high for what it is. A guide to assembling survival kits. For actual techniqes, I'd go with another book. ***Added 1/25/12*** The author has a new book out called Stay Alive! which is an A-Z book on survival. Check it out.

43 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Practical Advice For Building Your Survival Kit, January 23, 2008

By 

Michael Chesbro (Rainier, Washington USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Build the Perfect Survival Kit (Paperback)

One of the most common questions asked by people interested in survival is: what should I put in my survival kit?

"Build the Perfect Survival Kit" answers that question in great detail. Learn how to build everything from small pocket-size kits, to large vehicle kits.

After explaining the basics of personal survival kits, you will learn about items to add to your survival kit for:
Fire and Light
Signaling
Navigation
Water and Food
Shelter and Protection
Knives and Tools
Medical
Multi-purpose components
Miscellaneous components

You will then read about how to select proper containers for your survival kit and how to assemble kits of various sizes, for multiple purposes.

The book also contains appendices listing additional training and reading resources, as well as a comprehensive list of companies offering survival kit items for sale.

Development of survival kits is discussed in detail, and there are several photographs that add to the quality of the instruction offered by this book.

This is not a `survival skills' manual, but as one would expect from the title, "Build the Perfect Survival Kit", a manual on building the kits that allow you to have an easier time employing the survival skills you have learned elsewhere.

For anyone interested in survival, "Build the Perfect Survival Kit" is a must read book.

37 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A well written, unique book, December 26, 2005

By 

Birkebeiner "Leo" (PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Build the Perfect Survival Kit (Paperback)

A good book for anyone interested in putting together a kit for those times when life throws you a curve ball. It is well written and makes you think. While Mr. McCann does provide exstensive lists and gear reviews, the book is more about understanding how to put a kit together and figuring out what works for you. If you are allready famailar with the idea of building kits, you wont find anything earth shattering, however the book is still worth getting.