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Build the Perfect Survival Kit
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 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.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
16 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 23, 2022
Instead of just doing my annual re-check of our families earthquake disaster kit, I thought I'd compare it with a professional's viewpoint. Although McCann doesn't include earthquakes (he's on the east coast), a good reference for anyone developing an at home, vehicle, or outdoor sporting survival kit. Personal size to larger multi-person size, much to consider and a reminder that bad things can happen to those who aren't prepared. Several nice appendices with checklists for various sizes of kits, a list of suppliers of items, and a reading list.
December 22, 2018
This book does its job well, as it focuses on one aspect of emergency preparedness: the work you must do before the emergency itself. By focusing on the tools needed for survival, it manages to cover all the scenarios that may occur in different geographical locales, as well as what solutions must be in place (or in your pocket) before you even decide to venture outside the safety of civilization. It serves as a useful reminder that unexpected problems can occur in everyday life too, and if they do, the author argues that both the individual and society as a whole benefit from the individual's emergency preparedness. For example, in case of a hurricane, or storm damage, the provisions, skills, knowledge and mindset listed in this book (that a well-prepared individual has accumulated ahead of time) will make the individual an asset to their community, as they can take some of the burden off the system that will be overloaded and take responsibility for themselves. It is equally true that a lost hiker with a good survival kit will be much easier to find, (having a signal mirror, whistle, etc, a Mylar blanket) than an unprepared one, and much more likely to survive, thus aiding the search party sent to find them. Many people will agree, for example, that having a medical kit is always a good idea, however, few of us actually put the time to have any medical supplies available to us both at work and at home; this book will encourage you to equip your workplace, home and vehicle with such overlooked basics and that alone can be of help in emergencies large and small.
March 21, 2024
While some of the gear recommendations are outdated, the basic information is solid.
March 10, 2014
This book is a must for pretty much everyone.
Even as a small child growing up in the bush, we had it drummed into us that you always carried a pocket knife and a box of matches with you at all times.
As I grew older I began to expand on this list. This book spells out what everyone should have with them when they leave urban environment, and head out into the countryside.
But before you start complaining that you can't carry a whole bunch of stuff with you, this book teaches you how to build a kit that will fit into a small lolly tin (half the thickness of a packet of cigarettes.
"Nonsense", I hear you reply. No, not nonsense. You can actually carry ALL the items you need for a short term survival situation, in one tiny tin. A tin small enough to fit in your pocket.
In all seriousness, I can't stress the importance of this book enough. It's not hard to read, and the items can be easily and cheaply purchased at your local camping or department store.
Even as a small child growing up in the bush, we had it drummed into us that you always carried a pocket knife and a box of matches with you at all times.
As I grew older I began to expand on this list. This book spells out what everyone should have with them when they leave urban environment, and head out into the countryside.
But before you start complaining that you can't carry a whole bunch of stuff with you, this book teaches you how to build a kit that will fit into a small lolly tin (half the thickness of a packet of cigarettes.
"Nonsense", I hear you reply. No, not nonsense. You can actually carry ALL the items you need for a short term survival situation, in one tiny tin. A tin small enough to fit in your pocket.
In all seriousness, I can't stress the importance of this book enough. It's not hard to read, and the items can be easily and cheaply purchased at your local camping or department store.
March 30, 2014
This is a "revised and expanded" version of the original. The main reason I rated this four stars is it really made me think. The market seems saturated with Survival Manuals and Guides; but the book focuses very tightly on the most basic components needed to get through most situations and how to organize them.
There are pretty exhaustive lists of different types of tools and supplies and how they might be used. McCann expects that you already now how to use the basics and it you don't he repeatedly recommends practice and training. The most important advice however is the put together something that you will always have with you. The most elaborate and complete Survival Kit will do you no good if its sitting on a shelf somewhere and not with you when you need it.
It is and handy guide with some good advice and most importantly it offers much food for thought.
There are pretty exhaustive lists of different types of tools and supplies and how they might be used. McCann expects that you already now how to use the basics and it you don't he repeatedly recommends practice and training. The most important advice however is the put together something that you will always have with you. The most elaborate and complete Survival Kit will do you no good if its sitting on a shelf somewhere and not with you when you need it.
It is and handy guide with some good advice and most importantly it offers much food for thought.
May 11, 2015
This is the first survival book I've ever read so I don't have anything to compare it to, but it seems very comprehensive and really made me stop and think about how unprepared I am for an emergency. I will definitely be putting together a few kits to have on hand (and this book goes very in-depth on the items you should have for a mini, small, medium, and large kit). I feel like everyone should read this book. I got this one from the library but I'm going to buy the actual book so I can keep it as a reference.
March 25, 2009
Very excited about this one. Most "survival guides" or outdoors books don't really get into the Kit itself, or just give a basic kit, this one has a kit for every situation, and goes in depth as to what and why certain items are necessary.
May 21, 2016
I was ready to ridicule the 'perfect' survival kit. After all Summer in Sahara is quite different from Winter in the Himalayas. I was wrong. And the book is quite complete without 'fit-all' solutions.
August 25, 2010
Great layout, good detail and an easy read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews