Elsewhere, Mears establishes some basic principles about equipment--with brief guides to the right sort of knives, axes, rucksacks etc--and runs through his own kit for the various climates of the world. But be warned, it's doubtful whether this information will do more than arm you with the ability to make semi-informed choices in the shop. Will this book prepare you for the world's wildernesses? Yes and no. It is an entertaining, informative introduction to the survival mindset which will have even the sofa-bound thirsting for adventure, but aside from the solid core knowledge--which regular wanderers will find pitched at roughly intermediate level--the region-specific practical information looks sketchy.

"Knowledge is invisible and weighs not at all", Mears suggests. This large-format glossy hardback book, however, packed with illustrations and colour photographs, is not designed to be a field guide. Travellers looking to pack knowledge in their rucksacks would be better served by either the Collins Gem SAS Survival Guide or Mears' own paperback Outdoor Survival Handbook, which contains much of the same basic information. These shortcomings aside, it's undeniable that something magical happens when you tap into a survival expert's ways of thinking about food, water, shelter and healthcare (feet first)--and Bushcraft is an intriguing blend of life-over-death practicality and pared-down philosophy that will shine a new light on most readers' urbanised, consumption-driven lifestyles. --Alex Hankin

But this is a big hardback book - more of a coffee table edition than a survival manual. You would be hard pressed to take this one out into the wilds. You might need a good memory to carry some of the ideas outlined into the woods.

But it will give you a greater apprecaition of what can be done out there, and you could probably learn enough to impress friends with off the cuff remarks like 'you can use the joo-joo bush to build a house for four' or 'the Nngati tribe of Polyponesia use shells like that as hair grips'.

Or you could just just sit back, enjoy the pictures, and dream yourself away into the wilderness.


An excellent reference book.   December 30, 2003
 12 out of 14 found this review helpful

I found virtually all of the essential information included here in Ray Mears' more recent release "Essential Bushcraft"which has to be my favourite of all his "survival" books.

The more recent presentation is by comparison a far more compact handbook and notably suitable as a companion on any expedition/trip.

Although Ray Mears here again reveals an absolutely enormous wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of survival and bushcraft, this particular book is quite hefty and more useful as a reference only.

For those wishing to carry a reference book into the field, the more recent "Essential Bushcraft" is far more suitable. Despite not being "pocket-sized" it does not take up much space.

As with most Ray Mears "survival" books, by clear step-by-by instructions the reader is led through a plethora of subjects including how to construct a shelter from the elements at virtually any time of the year in a wide variety of circumstances/environments.

The book also covers sections which deal with the many uses and natures of cordage, the use of knots, a wide diversity of cutting tools (and how they should be used correctly), first aid & personal hygiene together with a list of the essential items to be included within a survival outfit.

An entire section of this handbook is devoted to the importance of water and the dangers of dehydration. Instruction is provided in how to locate water sources & how to access and use them. Emphasis also being given in relation to the collection and purification of water.

Another section is devoted to "living off the land" which includes instruction on "foraging" and how to differentiate between food that is edible and that which is poisonous. Also included is a section allocated to fire and how to make fire by improvising with the use of unlikely raw materials.

In each and every section clear photographs are supplied to assist the reader. This is indeed another essential volume from Ray Mears for anyone interested in the outdoor life, and not just for survival purposes. A basic knowledge would do none of us any harm and this book meets this need and those who require much more. Another excellent purchase.


Fantastic!   April 24, 2003
 5 out of 7 found this review helpful

This book accompanies Mears' television series spectacullarly well, as it's just so interesting! It's certainly given me lots of new ideas, and useful advice on equipment. It's also enjoyable to read, and we gain a bit of an insight into what makes Ray tick, and some of his experiences as well. This makes "Bushcraft" a more personal book than titles by Lofty Wiseman and Barry Davies: the brilliant photography certainly adds to this as well. If you enjoyed the televisions series, and enjoy the outdoor life, this book is hard to beat.


Well worth the read   April 2, 2003
 4 out of 6 found this review helpful

Having done a couple of Ray's courses' the book comes across in the same informantive manner of his personal instruction, along with his sense of humour. All the information you would ever need from a walk in the woods to an expedition is there for you. I've used what i've learnt from both the books and the courses many times, and it's far better than you would get from any other book, especially the SAS macho type books. As the old saying goes, "Anyone can rough it." Why should you?