Starting your prepping journey can feel overwhelming, but the right books can make all the difference. Whether you’re learning survival skills, building a bug-out bag, or developing the right mindset, these books are perfect for beginners. Here are our top picks for new preppers, all available in our Survival Library.
1. The SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition
📖 By John “Lofty” Wiseman
This classic guide is a must-have for any prepper. Covering everything from building shelters to finding food and water, it’s a comprehensive resource for survival in any environment. (Read our full review or buy now)
🔗 Related Article: How to Build a Survival Shelter in the Wild
2. 98.6 Degrees – The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive
📖 By Cody Lundin
Cody Lundin’s no-nonsense approach to survival focuses on the basics: staying warm, hydrated, and calm. It’s a great starting point for understanding what truly matters in a crisis. (Read our full review or buy now)
🔗 Related Article: [Ultimate Guide to Bushcraft & Survival Skills]
3. The Prepper’s Pocket Guide
📖 By Bernie Carr
This compact guide is perfect for beginners. It covers essential prepping topics like water storage, food preservation, and emergency planning in an easy-to-digest format. (Read our full review or buy now)
🔗 Related Article: What to Include in Your First Bug-Out Bag
4. Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills
📖 By Abigail Gehring
If you’re interested in self-sufficiency, this book is a treasure trove of traditional skills like gardening, canning, and DIY projects. It’s ideal for homesteaders and urban preppers alike. (Read our full review or buy now)
🔗 Related Article: [The Best Homesteading Books for Self-Sufficiency]
5. The Survival Medicine Handbook
📖 By Joseph Alton and Amy Alton
Medical knowledge is critical in a survival scenario. This book teaches you how to handle injuries, illnesses, and emergencies when professional help isn’t available. (Read our full review or buy now)
🔗 Related Article: Building a Comprehensive First Aid Kit (FAK)
6. Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why
📖 By Laurence Gonzales
Survival isn’t just about skills—it’s also about mindset. This book explores the psychology of survival through real-life stories and scientific research. (Read our full review or buy now)
🔗 Related Article: How to Manage Stress During an Emergency
7. The Encyclopedia of Country Living
📖 By Carla Emery
A timeless resource for anyone interested in self-reliance, this book covers everything from growing food to raising animals and preserving harvests. (Read our full review or buy now)
🔗 Related Article: [The Ultimate Guide to Homesteading Skills]
8. The Ultimate Survival Manual (Outdoor Life Extreme Edition)
📖 By Rich Johnson
Packed with practical tips and step-by-step instructions, this book is perfect for beginners. It covers urban and wilderness survival, making it a versatile addition to your library. (Read our full review or buy now)
🔗 Related Article: [Survival Tools You Need to Pack in Your Bug-Out Bag]
9. The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence
📖 By Gavin de Becker
Prepping isn’t just about physical survival—it’s also about staying safe. This book teaches you how to recognize and respond to danger, making it a valuable read for new preppers. (Read our full review or buy now)
🔗 Related Article: How to Build a Prepper’s Mindset
10. Where There Is No Doctor
📖 By David Werner
This practical guide is essential for anyone preparing for long-term emergencies. It covers basic healthcare, disease prevention, and treatment in resource-limited settings. (Read our full review or buy now)
🔗 Related Article: CPR and Basic First Aid: What Every Prepper Should Know
Bonus Recommendations
If you’re looking to expand your collection, consider these beginner-friendly books (links to buy on Amazon):
- “The Prepper’s Blueprint” by Tess Pennington: A step-by-step guide to building a comprehensive preparedness plan.
- “Bushcraft 101” by Dave Canterbury: A great introduction to wilderness survival skills.
- “The Modern Survival Manual” by Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre: Focused on urban survival and real-world scenarios.
Final Thoughts
These books are the perfect starting point for any new prepper. Whether you’re learning survival skills, building a bug-out bag, or developing the right mindset, these resources will set you on the path to preparedness.
🔙 Return to Prepping 101 for more beginner-friendly guides.
📚 Explore our Survival Library for in-depth resources on preparedness.
