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Advanced Bushcraft: An Expert Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival
Trek deeper into the wilderness with New York Times bestselling author Dave Canterbury!In this valuable guide, survivalist Dave Canterbury goes beyond bushcraft basics to teach you how to survive in the backcountry with little or no equipment. Using the foundation you learned in Bushcraft 101, Canterbury shows you how to completely immerse yourself in the wilderness with advanced bushcraft and woodcraft techniques. He covers crucial survival skills like tracking to help you get even closer to wildlife, crafting medicines from plants, and navigating without the use of a map or compass. He also offers ways to improvise and save money on bushcraft essentials like fire-starting tools and packs. With Canterbury's expert advice and guidance, you will learn how to forgo your equipment, make use of your surroundings, and truly enjoy the wilderness.Whether you're eager to learn more after your first real outdoor adventure or have been exploring the backcountry for years, Advanced Bushcraft will help you take your self-reliance and wilderness experience to the next level.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 3, 2015
859 people are currently reading
1273 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 21, 2017
If I could give it 2.5 stars, I would. It is decent for what it is but my main critique is for what it is *not.* It would be inaccurate to call this an "expert" field guide - more of a primer. There was an odd pattern not to illustrate some concepts (e.g. cloud formations, sewing section...) but then to have a whole spread on axe head types (with no description of their various functions/pros vs. cons), as well as metal codes and mineral hardness.
So - this is a better primer than a guide. It's good for generating ideas but not as a "how to." Think of it like the Wikipedia of survival guides. I'd recommend looking up the table of contents and pursing other resources for each section.
So - this is a better primer than a guide. It's good for generating ideas but not as a "how to." Think of it like the Wikipedia of survival guides. I'd recommend looking up the table of contents and pursing other resources for each section.
October 18, 2020
I cannot figure out who this book is for, other than perhaps those with money to burn on gimmicky books.
In 'Advanced Bushcraft,' a book I received as part of an ill-fated secret santa, Dave Canterbury sets out to "take [your] wilderness skills to the next level and prepare you for a lengthy stay in the wilderness." Written as part survival handbook, part homesteading guide, the book is full of seemingly practical advice about how one can survive and thrive in the remote wilderness.
So, what's the problem? Well, the book is certainly full of intriguing anecdotes (did you know that the bracken fern is apparently the most suited plant in the eastern woodlands to producing soap?), it's comedically useless when it comes to any actual knowledge. How should you use said fern to make soap? What recipe do you need to follow? What does it look like? I don't know, because Canterbury was ripping off towards anecdotes about latrine construction before actually explaining anything of value about soap production.
In a whiplash-inducing, massively superficial volume, we learn about how to build several types of looms (well, we don't get more than one picture, because apparently that would be too useful in imagining how these parts go together) but don't really find out how to get any raw supplies to use on said loom. There are instructions on how to set up a blacksmithing shop for reasons that seem to escape comprehension (unless, I suppose, you're trekking off into the wilderness for an extended stay.... but also to open a boutique metalworks business), but maybe the rationale will become obvious when you find the gourds on abandoned homesteads that Canterbury recommends using as cups. To be fair, the squirrel stew recipe certainly seems like an inventive way to use local ingredients, so long as your stocks of pre-packed bacon and cheddar cheese haven't since run dry. We don't get any meaningful guidance on how to ensure your meat preservation is food safe, but, fortunately, we do get some instructions of the specific clothing item (not just brand, but like specific jacket model within that brand) that Canterbury prefers.
If it didn't seem to be written so earnestly, I'd assume this was a trolling parody of the genre.
In 'Advanced Bushcraft,' a book I received as part of an ill-fated secret santa, Dave Canterbury sets out to "take [your] wilderness skills to the next level and prepare you for a lengthy stay in the wilderness." Written as part survival handbook, part homesteading guide, the book is full of seemingly practical advice about how one can survive and thrive in the remote wilderness.
So, what's the problem? Well, the book is certainly full of intriguing anecdotes (did you know that the bracken fern is apparently the most suited plant in the eastern woodlands to producing soap?), it's comedically useless when it comes to any actual knowledge. How should you use said fern to make soap? What recipe do you need to follow? What does it look like? I don't know, because Canterbury was ripping off towards anecdotes about latrine construction before actually explaining anything of value about soap production.
In a whiplash-inducing, massively superficial volume, we learn about how to build several types of looms (well, we don't get more than one picture, because apparently that would be too useful in imagining how these parts go together) but don't really find out how to get any raw supplies to use on said loom. There are instructions on how to set up a blacksmithing shop for reasons that seem to escape comprehension (unless, I suppose, you're trekking off into the wilderness for an extended stay.... but also to open a boutique metalworks business), but maybe the rationale will become obvious when you find the gourds on abandoned homesteads that Canterbury recommends using as cups. To be fair, the squirrel stew recipe certainly seems like an inventive way to use local ingredients, so long as your stocks of pre-packed bacon and cheddar cheese haven't since run dry. We don't get any meaningful guidance on how to ensure your meat preservation is food safe, but, fortunately, we do get some instructions of the specific clothing item (not just brand, but like specific jacket model within that brand) that Canterbury prefers.
If it didn't seem to be written so earnestly, I'd assume this was a trolling parody of the genre.
March 6, 2023
Similar to my review for the first book. Decent on detail, but light on illustrations that are relevant enough to make the descriptions accessible to be of any use on the fly. Also, there was a lot of filler sections that came about because it was something Dave was interested in at the time but isn't truly apart of bushcraft. Sorry Dave, I'm not packing an anvil into the backcountry.
On to the next in the series.
On to the next in the series.
May 29, 2019
Again, same as with Bushcraft 101, more illustrations would have been nice. A picture is worth a thousand words and all that... I have just recently found out that there is a "Bushcraft Illustrated" by the same author. Perhaps that is their effort to remedy the lack of illustrations in the first two books?
July 8, 2015
Expert Field Guide
This guide is what you need for wilderness self reliance. Dave's first book, Bushcraft 101 was for a 72 hour or a couple of weeks type scenario, this new book is one that if you were planning to stay out there for an extended time, you would take and practice the information in this book. This is a great read for anyone who wants to stay or visit the outdoors. Great book Dave.
This guide is what you need for wilderness self reliance. Dave's first book, Bushcraft 101 was for a 72 hour or a couple of weeks type scenario, this new book is one that if you were planning to stay out there for an extended time, you would take and practice the information in this book. This is a great read for anyone who wants to stay or visit the outdoors. Great book Dave.
August 15, 2020
Not quite as helpful as I hoped, but it gave me a good overview of the most important concepts of living in nature.
But there were weird focus points, a page full of pictures of axe heads, but no pictures of the important trees, plants, or camp sites...
Hoped for more pictures, and did not think of the americo-centric view of the writer. Shall look for a more Europe centered book.
But there were weird focus points, a page full of pictures of axe heads, but no pictures of the important trees, plants, or camp sites...
Hoped for more pictures, and did not think of the americo-centric view of the writer. Shall look for a more Europe centered book.
December 6, 2017
Meh. Basic info. Average writing. Virtually no illustrations, especially where it might be helpful. Lots of room for improvement.
January 9, 2022
Very informative book. Unfortunately, I only have a few of the base skills necessary to hone the skills mentioned in this book. Things like blacksmithing, basket weaving, making a bow and arrows, rope making, and making ceramics all from natural materials are currently beyond my capacity for accomplishment. I can currently make a fire using batteries and steel wool, magnifying glass, matches, and lighter. Based on this book I believe I can master making a birds' nest, and create fire using the bow and stick method, and the flint and steel method. Having a few pre-charcoaled patches of fabric in one's kit would go a long way towards success versus failure.
Skills I currently have,
1. Basic Fire making
2. propper seasoning of cast iron
3. basic carving
4. about six basic knots
a. Square Knot
b. Boline Knot
c. Double Bow Line Knot
d. Clove Hitch Knot
e. Eight Knot
f. Locking Knot
5. Figure Four Deadfall
6. Basic First Aid/Tactical Combat Casualty Care First Aid
7. Basic Map Reading
8. Identification of about 10 animals from hoof/feet/body prints
a. Bird
b. dog/coyote/fox/wolf
c. Bear
d. Raccoon
e. Skunk
f. Snake
g. Rabbit
h. Elk
i. Deer
j. Mountain Lion
9. Basic foraging
10. Some medicinal plants, how to use them, and when to harvest them
11. competent swimmer
13. Basic sewing
Things this book taught me that I can probably start using right away,
1. How to skin small animals
2. The value of tannins and how to collect them from natural resources
3. how to tan leather
4. how to make a stick compass
5. how to navigate by night using the LURD method and a forked stick
6. Making and using a throwing stick
7. Bow and drill method for fire
8. Making a maul
9. Making a spear
Things this book taught me that I believe I can master with a lot of practice,
1, Skinning large animals
2. Making moccasins, shirts, and rope
3. making ceramics with natural resources
Things this book teaches that I can master with lots of practice, but am not likely to fully grasp.
1. Blacksmithing
2. Making a bow
3. Fletching
4. Making a dugout canoe
5. Building a log cabin
There's a plethora of great information in this book, and it compliments his previous book very well. I am looking forward to trusting my life from the knowledge I have gleaned from this work, and the many hours of practicing I plan to do mastering some of these life-saving measures.
Skills I currently have,
1. Basic Fire making
2. propper seasoning of cast iron
3. basic carving
4. about six basic knots
a. Square Knot
b. Boline Knot
c. Double Bow Line Knot
d. Clove Hitch Knot
e. Eight Knot
f. Locking Knot
5. Figure Four Deadfall
6. Basic First Aid/Tactical Combat Casualty Care First Aid
7. Basic Map Reading
8. Identification of about 10 animals from hoof/feet/body prints
a. Bird
b. dog/coyote/fox/wolf
c. Bear
d. Raccoon
e. Skunk
f. Snake
g. Rabbit
h. Elk
i. Deer
j. Mountain Lion
9. Basic foraging
10. Some medicinal plants, how to use them, and when to harvest them
11. competent swimmer
13. Basic sewing
Things this book taught me that I can probably start using right away,
1. How to skin small animals
2. The value of tannins and how to collect them from natural resources
3. how to tan leather
4. how to make a stick compass
5. how to navigate by night using the LURD method and a forked stick
6. Making and using a throwing stick
7. Bow and drill method for fire
8. Making a maul
9. Making a spear
Things this book taught me that I believe I can master with a lot of practice,
1, Skinning large animals
2. Making moccasins, shirts, and rope
3. making ceramics with natural resources
Things this book teaches that I can master with lots of practice, but am not likely to fully grasp.
1. Blacksmithing
2. Making a bow
3. Fletching
4. Making a dugout canoe
5. Building a log cabin
There's a plethora of great information in this book, and it compliments his previous book very well. I am looking forward to trusting my life from the knowledge I have gleaned from this work, and the many hours of practicing I plan to do mastering some of these life-saving measures.
June 1, 2023
A great thanks to Mr. Canterbury for recording his expertise and experience in such a comprehensive, condensed volume. I enjoyed taking the lessons to the woodline and practicing what I could, and am eager to teach these skills to my children when they are old enough, supplemented by this book in the field.
Why only four stars: This book goes well with Canterbury's Bushcraft Illustrated. However, where that book provided detailed illustrations with sparse written information, this one provides dense written information often without sufficient illustrations. For example, in the section about trapping, the instructions for net weaving are completely unaccompanied, relying on the reader's imagination to fill in the gaps for a [difficult] skill that most have likely never even attempted. Furthermore, many of the illustrations that are present are unclear– I'm thinking of the Ojibwa trap in this case, which I stared at for ten minutes and still couldn't figure out. And where are the clouds? I was surprised not to find that chart after a whole two pages of reclaimed material codes for blacksmithing. In fact, encountering that confusion is when I started formulating this review.
Of course, I could (and do, and will) supplement the material with YouTube videos, but the whole point of picking up this book was to get my eyes off a damned screen.
Don't get me wrong; I checked this out from the local library, but I still intend to purchase it for a permanent addition to our shelves. It may not be the only bushcraft manual you'll ever need to read, but it is still packed with valuable resources and tidbits of expert advice that make it invaluable to the collection, especially when assembling a reference library for outdoor kids. Like my old Boy Scout manual, this was a pleasure to study, and I'll be practicing what I learned for as long as I can still feed mosquitos.
Why only four stars: This book goes well with Canterbury's Bushcraft Illustrated. However, where that book provided detailed illustrations with sparse written information, this one provides dense written information often without sufficient illustrations. For example, in the section about trapping, the instructions for net weaving are completely unaccompanied, relying on the reader's imagination to fill in the gaps for a [difficult] skill that most have likely never even attempted. Furthermore, many of the illustrations that are present are unclear– I'm thinking of the Ojibwa trap in this case, which I stared at for ten minutes and still couldn't figure out. And where are the clouds? I was surprised not to find that chart after a whole two pages of reclaimed material codes for blacksmithing. In fact, encountering that confusion is when I started formulating this review.
Of course, I could (and do, and will) supplement the material with YouTube videos, but the whole point of picking up this book was to get my eyes off a damned screen.
Don't get me wrong; I checked this out from the local library, but I still intend to purchase it for a permanent addition to our shelves. It may not be the only bushcraft manual you'll ever need to read, but it is still packed with valuable resources and tidbits of expert advice that make it invaluable to the collection, especially when assembling a reference library for outdoor kids. Like my old Boy Scout manual, this was a pleasure to study, and I'll be practicing what I learned for as long as I can still feed mosquitos.
February 21, 2021
I purchased this book because, by the size and construction, it appears to be more of a field guide rather than an instruction manual. I have plenty of tomes too big to carry into the bush with me. I thought this might be a handy field guide to have with me while out in the wilderness.
I wouldn't recommend this book for beginners as it would prove to be frustrating for the lack of detail and illustrations for what I would say is common knowledge for experienced woodmen/women—which is probably why it's titled Advanced Bushcraft.
While I found it an interesting read and learned some things, it certainly isn't the field guide I thought it might be. It was a bit strange to me what topics the author choose to illustrate or include elaborate charts, while other topics that could've benefitted from a simple drawing were blank—which is why I'm giving it four stars instead of five. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt in that perhaps he was given limited page count from the publisher and couldn't include all that he wanted. And there is the possibility that the publisher randomly cut illustrations without the author's input. That does happen, to control cost of print book production. For me it was still worth the cost for the information I did glean from the book.
I wouldn't recommend this book for beginners as it would prove to be frustrating for the lack of detail and illustrations for what I would say is common knowledge for experienced woodmen/women—which is probably why it's titled Advanced Bushcraft.
While I found it an interesting read and learned some things, it certainly isn't the field guide I thought it might be. It was a bit strange to me what topics the author choose to illustrate or include elaborate charts, while other topics that could've benefitted from a simple drawing were blank—which is why I'm giving it four stars instead of five. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt in that perhaps he was given limited page count from the publisher and couldn't include all that he wanted. And there is the possibility that the publisher randomly cut illustrations without the author's input. That does happen, to control cost of print book production. For me it was still worth the cost for the information I did glean from the book.
January 5, 2019
Much like the first book in this series, Advanced Bushcraft doesn't actually teach much bushcraft. Like the first book, it is much more a book that glosses over skills that are or may be useful, without actually teaching those skills. If you wanted to become a bushcraft expert, you could use these books as guides, but to actually learn the skills you will need to look elsewhere.
The way page space is divided between topics is also a bit of a head scratcher. The amount of ink dedicated to talking about weaving and looms is a bit mind boggling given the lack of ink dedicated to detailed instructions on, say, knot tying.
My old Boy Scout handbooks were far better bushcraft instructional tools than these two books.
The way page space is divided between topics is also a bit of a head scratcher. The amount of ink dedicated to talking about weaving and looms is a bit mind boggling given the lack of ink dedicated to detailed instructions on, say, knot tying.
My old Boy Scout handbooks were far better bushcraft instructional tools than these two books.
December 4, 2016
Ok, this book is seriously one of the best I have come across regarding bushcraft. If you are considering taking up bushcraft or just even backpack from time to time, I would recommend reading this book. The beginning is basic stuff, but then it covers so much info, from shelter to tools, to even what type of wood you should be using for each, woodworking, blacksmithing, food, trapping, knots, cloud charts, measurements are just some...yes, some of the topics covered in this book.
Awesome book!
Awesome book!
Read
October 4, 2018This is a good book if you want an overall view of first aid in wilderness settings or with low means or if you need a refresher.
What this is NOT, is a comprehensive guide to first aid or a clearly illustrated guide to follow, there are few illustrations, it barely gets into any details and while I can appreciate the art style I feel it would be better with photos.
There are better wilderness first aid books out there.
July 22, 2019
While the first book Bushcraft 101 felt rather good and packed with useful information, Advanced Bushcraft is not for all wilderness enthusiasts anymore. There are some great tips and info on more advanced techniques, however better part of the book is about methods and situations that you would have only if you would choose so not realistically in this day and age. A decent guide, but felt less consistent, more chaosy and less illustrated (meaningfully) than Bushcraft 101.
September 6, 2020
Decent book.
I think the topic here varies. What he terms "bushcraft" actually covers several different fields. Blacksmithing is not bushcraft although it is a related field. Not to mention the author doesn't live in the "bush". See origins of bushcraft for an explanation to that.
I think the topic here varies. What he terms "bushcraft" actually covers several different fields. Blacksmithing is not bushcraft although it is a related field. Not to mention the author doesn't live in the "bush". See origins of bushcraft for an explanation to that.
October 19, 2021
This book suffered from the same problems as Bushcraft 101, and some of the material was repurposed as well. What Canterbury decided to explain in detail and provided illustrations for seemed arbitrary. I think the main issue was this book attempted to combine wilderness survival with homesteading and primitive living while remaining a short field guide.
September 11, 2024
Loved it
I've had the original Bushcraft 101 in my library for quite a while now. I was interested in seeing what this advanced version had included. I was not disappointed. Tons of info and illustrations. Each chapter ends with tips and tricks. This book is a great addition to your library if you are into survival skills and bushcraft.
I've had the original Bushcraft 101 in my library for quite a while now. I was interested in seeing what this advanced version had included. I was not disappointed. Tons of info and illustrations. Each chapter ends with tips and tricks. This book is a great addition to your library if you are into survival skills and bushcraft.
June 21, 2018
Great read for the outdoors person
I grew up in the outdoors, hunting,fishing, camping, etc.. I’m no professional. This book is written in common language, providing common practices with common gear. I recommend the entire series.
I grew up in the outdoors, hunting,fishing, camping, etc.. I’m no professional. This book is written in common language, providing common practices with common gear. I recommend the entire series.
November 10, 2018
An exceptional writer's resource for anyone who writes about bad-ass, alpha men who can survive in the wilderness with just a knife and some duck tape. And judging by this book, you probably won't need the duck tape!
January 14, 2019
This is the squeal to the book Bush Craft 101 this book goes more in detail about all of the basic survival techniques and this book also goes into detail about simple techniques the author used to survive in the wilderness.
December 15, 2019
This is a great book to take out on the trail. The skills are certainly challenging; however, the writing is clear with easy-to-follow instructions. Of Dave Canterbury's books, this one is my favorite.
January 4, 2023
If you love spending time in the outdoors and working with your hands, this book is a must have! Bushcraft and woodcraft are skills to add to make your wilderness survival more sustainable. Or make your camp outing more interesting.
August 21, 2017
Good read
This was a good read. It was not as advanced as I was hoping for , but it was worth my time.
This was a good read. It was not as advanced as I was hoping for , but it was worth my time.
January 25, 2018
Great book!!
September 9, 2018
Average advice, some questionable stuff, but in suppose for inner-city folk this could be "advanced"
April 4, 2019
Too similar to the 1st book. Save yourself some money and don't buy this is you have the 1st book
January 17, 2020
Learned alot
Cool.
I found the info very informative and interesting.
Reading this book will have been an excellent experience for you.
Cool.
I found the info very informative and interesting.
Reading this book will have been an excellent experience for you.
Read
December 21, 2020Yeah
January 19, 2022
Not quite as "advanced" as one would think, but an important follow up read to Bushcraft 101 nonetheless.
February 22, 2017
great book
this book contains alot of detailed information for beginners and tricks for those who have been or are in the bush. takes into
consideration local resources book is easy to read and understand whether you want to learn a few things or live in the wilderness .
this book contains alot of detailed information for beginners and tricks for those who have been or are in the bush. takes into
consideration local resources book is easy to read and understand whether you want to learn a few things or live in the wilderness .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews