Build the Perfect Survival Kit (Paperback)

~ John D. McCann (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

An emergency can arise 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, trunk, small plane, backpack, and more.

-Each kit is described with a list of components, a picture of the finished product, and a discussion of each component and its value -Gives instructions on how to use each component -Not just for hardcore outdoorsmen--this is valuable information for anyone who drives a car, walks in the woods, etc.

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: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #12,179 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #3 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Hiking & Camping > Walking
  #18 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Survival Skills
  #18 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Hiking & Camping > Instructional

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 65 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

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 abundence of survival techniques in this book, but I don't think that was 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. This guy 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 completely ridiculous, 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.

28 of 30 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

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.

26 of 28 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)

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.