Customer Reviews

SAS Essential Survival (SAS Survival)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

SAS Desert Survival. The title has a definite attraction, but after reading it, I have to say that I was less than impressed. Water collection is one of the most essential concerns of any desert survivor, yet there isn't much here at all on the subject of locating ground water sources or planning water consumption in desert survival conditions. What there was included the usual over-optimistic advice on things like solar stills and transpiration bags, with certain curious 'tips' such as getting drinkable water from the sap of birch trees (in the desert?).

The section on map navigation isn't detailed enough to be of any real use to anyone (nor does it contain much on using compass or GPS in desert terrain). Nor is there much about common desert dangers such as sandstorms, snakes, heat illness, hypo-natremia, etc. What there is includes a lot of regurgitated advice from other SAS books on animal traps and fishing, not very applicable to arid desert. I can't recommend this book for anyone attempting an education in desert survival skills.

I do not believe anyone will be disappointed with any of the Survival books, that Mr. Davies writes. No nonsense! The advice
is simple and put forward in terms anyone would be able to
understand. How to live on little, when your life is in peril. This book is worthy of any survival bookshelf, unless one were
a native to the jungle regions, or already a master at jungle survival.

If you are going into the woods, or the "Sandbox" this book is an excellent preparation and handbook. The author outlines essentials for survival and rescue. My favorite topics included: instructions on how to assemble and use a survival kit. The only things I might add to his list of handy multitask items would be Honey, in little portion packs you can swipe from the coffee shop as it is not only an excellent concentrated food source, but it has antibiotic properties as well to protect against infection. Honey has also been used since ancient times topically as an ointment for wounds and burns for the same reason; and it provides an air tight flexible seal over the wound plus it's sticky and will help to hold a dry dressing in place. Sugar packets are useful both for energy and to stop bleeding from wounds. Just sprinkle the sugar into the wound, and apply pressure. Baking Soda is another item I might consider taking for it's multipurpose uses. For dehydration it can be added with salt to water to maintain electrolyte balance, for hygiene it can be used to wash the skin, clothing, eating utensils, and to brush your teeth. For wet rashes and bug bites it can be applied as a poultice or paste to the injured area and it helps to draw out the poison or stinger if present. It also helps relieve the itch. Baking Soda can also be taken in water to relive an upset stomach.
Another favorite topic were the chapters on medical care and finding things to use as medicine. I'm in the medical field so I'm into that kind of stuff. I liked it so well, I sent one to my Dad who is going up to the boundary waters this spring (The Essential Survival Guide) and this one (Desert Survival) to my son in law who's over there right now. They both have much info that is applicable in any setting but the special editions also have additional info for specific climates.
I say it's short and sweet because it is just the bare facts. Instructions on how to survive and be rescued: what you need to do and how to do it. I felt it was realistic in it's explanations. The book is small, thin and narrow but sturdily constructed so it is a guide that will stand up to some abuse; a practical hand book.

I bought this book awhile back along with others in the SAS survival series. As a desert survival book it's merely OK; there are a lot better books on desert survival out there. The SAS book has little or no first aid information, and the sections on navigation and desert hazards like sandstorms, snakes, etc. aren't detailed enough to be of much use. A much better book on this subject would be something like The Ultimate Desert Handbook by Mark Johnson which is much more comprehensive and detailed, with more useful illustrations.

Nothing needs to be said about this book it's the bible where survival is concerned. Written by a legend that still visits Hereford. Delta Force soldiers who are visitors here are taught with what's in this book.
A 65 year old thats done it, seen it, been it.