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Surviving Alone
Alone in the wilds of British Columbia, cut off from family and friends, uncertain of how long he may be able to make it, Clay Hayes battles starvation, predators, and the unforgiving shores of Chilko Lake in a struggle for survival—and half a million dollars. This harsh and vast landscape of spruce and pine, rock and glacier wouldn’t be an easy place to survive and he knew it. With winter fast approaching and grizzlies nearby, things needed to be done — quickly – a cabin, nets, snares, food. In this firsthand account, Clay recalls his wilderness experiences, from being stalked by a mountain lion and charged by a grizzly bear to building a cabin and shooting the most important shot of his life with his hand-made longbow. This account takes us into the past as well, from a sandy-haired boy building forts and setting snares in the piney woods of north Florida to the seasoned outdoorsman tracking elk through the rugged western mountains. It gives us an insight into a life that uniquely prepared the author for this challenge. For those interested in the physical aspects of solitary wilderness survival, there’s plenty of fodder, but the physical side is only half the battle. Isolation and starvation can play with your mind as well. Often we can be our own worst enemy.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2022
134 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 13, 2023
If you've seen Clay's season of Alone, you will love this behind the scenes peek into his time on Chilko Lake. Clay was a favorite on the show because of his wilderness skills, poetic musings, and calm demeanor. His memoir gives details on all of these characteristics and more.
March 11, 2025
Clay schrijft over zijn ervaringen tijdens de reality show 'Alone', waarin ik inspiratie haal uit hoe hij zijn mindset weet om te buigen als hij koud, nat, hongerig en verveeld is. Zijn liefde voor de natuur is groot: "To say that someone is a good woodsman is to say they have a good understanding of how the natural world around them works. He or she understands the change of seasons, the plants and animals, and how they all work together. But not just the mechanism, they are aware of its movements."
Aangenaam om te lezen, en de bijgaande schetsjes van zijn hut, de dieren die hij ontmoet en de sporen die hij vind ik een hele charmante toevoeging.
Aangenaam om te lezen, en de bijgaande schetsjes van zijn hut, de dieren die hij ontmoet en de sporen die hij vind ik een hele charmante toevoeging.
July 20, 2022
Highly Recommend!!!!
I have followed Clay since his time on Alone. If you want to get the feel of what it is to survive and win on Alone read this book. And more important reading this book will show you the quality of the man and his love for his family. This book is the real deal on how to face life. Again five stars out of five stars. Highly recommend!!!
I have followed Clay since his time on Alone. If you want to get the feel of what it is to survive and win on Alone read this book. And more important reading this book will show you the quality of the man and his love for his family. This book is the real deal on how to face life. Again five stars out of five stars. Highly recommend!!!
May 22, 2022
Great book
It is nice to read a no non sense account of the mind as required to survive in a wildness setting.
It is nice to read a no non sense account of the mind as required to survive in a wildness setting.
January 2, 2023
Fantastic. It’s one of the best adventure and nature books I’ve ever read.
June 8, 2023
Read in one single sitting!
I love adventure stories and am often out in the wilds of my home here in Kenya, East Africa. This is a beautifully written story that adds much to the Alone season. Clay's writing had kindled in me the need to go back and watch the entire season over again.
I can't recommend this book enough.
I love adventure stories and am often out in the wilds of my home here in Kenya, East Africa. This is a beautifully written story that adds much to the Alone season. Clay's writing had kindled in me the need to go back and watch the entire season over again.
I can't recommend this book enough.
February 17, 2023
Remarkable
Clay shares his story and his heart. And both are the real deal, which is so rare today. I’m 64YO and this is one of the best books I’ve ever read. Trust me …it’s worth your time.
Clay shares his story and his heart. And both are the real deal, which is so rare today. I’m 64YO and this is one of the best books I’ve ever read. Trust me …it’s worth your time.
June 21, 2022
Great book
Amazing. Incredible mental strength and an outlook we should all learn and strive for. Highly recommended for everyone who needs an eye opener.
Amazing. Incredible mental strength and an outlook we should all learn and strive for. Highly recommended for everyone who needs an eye opener.
November 8, 2025
Super cool book! And that’s totally not-biased even though I’m related to Clay, lol.
I found this such an interesting read. I’m somewhat of a city-slicker, and so I don’t have much experience with the, as Clay puts it, “uncaring” wilderness. It was so interesting reading about how someone’s natural curiosity has brought them to a completely different path in life as my curiosity has brought me. Absolutely inspiring stuff, and makes me so happy for his kids to have that kind of mentor in their life. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’m going to end up on Alone - but I think I’ve been convinced to try pine mushrooms (but I HAVE NOT been convinced to try chitterlings at the next family reunion).
Some of my favorite parts were the mountain lion that Clay, for some reason, decided was food (?!), hunting deer in the burned out forest, the curious bear, and hearing about my family from another perspective. It’s a beautiful story how he ties in life with how he ended up on this game show. Very cool stuff, especially from the psychological side. I hear all the time that this kind of isolation is mentally draining, but I read about someone’s experience this first hand is something special.
And, of course, the inclusions of Clay’s family being so supportive, even in a moment as intense as a life-threatening ovarian cancer scare, are so sweet they brought a tear to my eye. I’m proud to be related to you and your clan brother🤜🤛
Also, I think the illustrations add a lot! Being able to visualize stuff for someone like me is helpful.
I do have some minor typographical corrections:
p 83: Boar -> bear
p 117: out -> our
p 126: google -> Google
Recommended for those who have watched Alone and want a first hand account (I seriously can’t imagine it getting better than this) or those who are generally curious about surviving in British Columbia or other remote areas.
I found this such an interesting read. I’m somewhat of a city-slicker, and so I don’t have much experience with the, as Clay puts it, “uncaring” wilderness. It was so interesting reading about how someone’s natural curiosity has brought them to a completely different path in life as my curiosity has brought me. Absolutely inspiring stuff, and makes me so happy for his kids to have that kind of mentor in their life. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’m going to end up on Alone - but I think I’ve been convinced to try pine mushrooms (but I HAVE NOT been convinced to try chitterlings at the next family reunion).
Some of my favorite parts were the mountain lion that Clay, for some reason, decided was food (?!), hunting deer in the burned out forest, the curious bear, and hearing about my family from another perspective. It’s a beautiful story how he ties in life with how he ended up on this game show. Very cool stuff, especially from the psychological side. I hear all the time that this kind of isolation is mentally draining, but I read about someone’s experience this first hand is something special.
And, of course, the inclusions of Clay’s family being so supportive, even in a moment as intense as a life-threatening ovarian cancer scare, are so sweet they brought a tear to my eye. I’m proud to be related to you and your clan brother🤜🤛
Also, I think the illustrations add a lot! Being able to visualize stuff for someone like me is helpful.
I do have some minor typographical corrections:
p 83: Boar -> bear
p 117: out -> our
p 126: google -> Google
Recommended for those who have watched Alone and want a first hand account (I seriously can’t imagine it getting better than this) or those who are generally curious about surviving in British Columbia or other remote areas.
August 3, 2023
Went through this short book within a day. Being a long time fan of the TV series, and also a big fan of the author, the winner two seasons ago, I highly recommend it to all who love the show.
Hayes is a man after my own heart, being a self described woodsman and an ecologist by profession. He had the good fortune of growing up in the wild backwoods of Florida, given free reign to explore, trap and hunt animals, build stuff from scratch with materials at hand. As a result, his way of life and natural resourcefulness and creativity put him in good stead to win at this survival reality contest. From his book one gets a much more detailed account of his experience than from TV obviously, and he imparted not just the physical skills and ingenuity required, but the mental fortitude as well and how he prepared for the isolation and overcame the suffering with sheer mind over matter.
I loved his naturalist's approach to the competition, demonstrating his deep knowledge of all the flora and fauna of the area and how they all interconnect. Hayes' connection with and passion for the outdoors shines throughout his account, with his description of taking down that deer by still-hunting with a simple wood bow from the ground making for sublime reading.
There was one error I came across, the inclusion of racoons in the Mustelid family of weasels and martens - they are Procyonids. Thought it rather odd coming from a wildlife biologist with years of experience and training. Anyhow it did not detract from my perfect rating of the book, one written from the bottom of the heart and very touching and inspiring indeed.
Hayes is a man after my own heart, being a self described woodsman and an ecologist by profession. He had the good fortune of growing up in the wild backwoods of Florida, given free reign to explore, trap and hunt animals, build stuff from scratch with materials at hand. As a result, his way of life and natural resourcefulness and creativity put him in good stead to win at this survival reality contest. From his book one gets a much more detailed account of his experience than from TV obviously, and he imparted not just the physical skills and ingenuity required, but the mental fortitude as well and how he prepared for the isolation and overcame the suffering with sheer mind over matter.
I loved his naturalist's approach to the competition, demonstrating his deep knowledge of all the flora and fauna of the area and how they all interconnect. Hayes' connection with and passion for the outdoors shines throughout his account, with his description of taking down that deer by still-hunting with a simple wood bow from the ground making for sublime reading.
There was one error I came across, the inclusion of racoons in the Mustelid family of weasels and martens - they are Procyonids. Thought it rather odd coming from a wildlife biologist with years of experience and training. Anyhow it did not detract from my perfect rating of the book, one written from the bottom of the heart and very touching and inspiring indeed.
May 20, 2025
I read the book after discovering and enjoying one of the author's YouTube Videos. "Surviving Alone" is a bit of a journal of Hayes' experience of quite literally surviving alone in the wilderness of BC, Canada. It is an attempt to balance reporting what he does with his thinking and feeling. I found it mostly an enjoyable read. As might be expected, occasionally his thinking was either hard to follow or seemed off-topic. One particular example was his rambling analysis of the differences between his two sons (who are not with him, obviously). He explains that his alone time provided an opportunity to consider many things, including his own values. That's an interesting aspect of "surviving alone," but it didn't feel well-organized or presented. The result is more of an overall approach that doesn't measure up as a "how-to" guide, but certainly is interesting and thought-provoking.
August 3, 2023
Alone is one of my favorite shows, and Clay was one of my favorite contestants. I was so happy when he won!
The biggest takeaway is that the editors definitely dictate the show. I’m kind of astonished by what they chose and what they left out. There is almost an inaccurate impression of how the contestant is fairing based on Clay’s book. I’ve always assumed we we’re getting accurate portrayals, and I realize there’s TONS of footage to sort, but the surprises in this book were really thought provoking.
Among survivalists, being ALONE seems to be the worst part. Humans are social beings. But I’m not resilient at all, and admire those who are and love following along.
The biggest takeaway is that the editors definitely dictate the show. I’m kind of astonished by what they chose and what they left out. There is almost an inaccurate impression of how the contestant is fairing based on Clay’s book. I’ve always assumed we we’re getting accurate portrayals, and I realize there’s TONS of footage to sort, but the surprises in this book were really thought provoking.
Among survivalists, being ALONE seems to be the worst part. Humans are social beings. But I’m not resilient at all, and admire those who are and love following along.
November 17, 2025
It was an okay read. I usually enjoy books about survival and being off the grid. I was a little disheartened when I found out it was for a TV show, Alone.
Not that it made it any easier for him; it just felt a bit flat to me. I don’t know why, but the writing was good for a book that was mostly his personal reflections on his family and his attitude as a husband and father. It just seemed weird.
I was interested that he had his own bow and arrows, shot a deer, and processed and ate it himself. It wasn't as bad as I thought.
Clay, don't take it personally if you're reading this—your book was good, just not really great.
Not that it made it any easier for him; it just felt a bit flat to me. I don’t know why, but the writing was good for a book that was mostly his personal reflections on his family and his attitude as a husband and father. It just seemed weird.
I was interested that he had his own bow and arrows, shot a deer, and processed and ate it himself. It wasn't as bad as I thought.
Clay, don't take it personally if you're reading this—your book was good, just not really great.
June 8, 2022
An insider's look into Alone (Reality show) which the author won on Season 8. Sometimes philosophical, sometime more prosaic, Claye Hayes tells of his experience and how he managed to persist to the end, and win, despite the challenges.
I initially thought it was a 4 stars for me because as the author says, expressing his feelings is not his major forte and I had hoped for a more emotional account but the prologue kicked it up to 5, it was so good and satisfying.
I initially thought it was a 4 stars for me because as the author says, expressing his feelings is not his major forte and I had hoped for a more emotional account but the prologue kicked it up to 5, it was so good and satisfying.
June 4, 2024
I loved it!!
I love the show Alone. This personal, in depth account of his time on Chilko lake is excellent reading for those like me who just can't get enough of the show. It's also a great read for anyone interested in wilderness survival, as Clay Hayes is one class act on the subject. An enjoyable, engaging read from beginning to end, I couldn't put it down. Thanks for writing this Mr. Hayyes, I enjoyed it immensely!!
I love the show Alone. This personal, in depth account of his time on Chilko lake is excellent reading for those like me who just can't get enough of the show. It's also a great read for anyone interested in wilderness survival, as Clay Hayes is one class act on the subject. An enjoyable, engaging read from beginning to end, I couldn't put it down. Thanks for writing this Mr. Hayyes, I enjoyed it immensely!!
February 26, 2023
I didn't know about the reality show(?) Alone, in which several people are dropped in the wilderness trying to survive with only 10 items at their disposal. I hadn't heard of Clay Hayes either but he did a wonderful job trying to survive and telling us about it in a book. A struggle for life and sanity.
June 25, 2023
Absolutely loved this book!! Well written by a lifelong outdoorsman whose appreciation of the natural world ranges from a scientist to a hunter to a naturalist to a philosopher to a parent. I very much hope Mr Hayes will continue writing about his experiences in the outdoors - because of his unusually broad background, he belongs in a seat at every table.
August 15, 2023
Great book
Easy to read and to understand the most important points which Clay tries to explain and how he got to them. It's more of a personal journey and things he learned about himself rather than just technical stuff about the show ..but all in just the right balance. Highly recommended reading to anyone interested in outdoor, self-growth, surviving alone...
Easy to read and to understand the most important points which Clay tries to explain and how he got to them. It's more of a personal journey and things he learned about himself rather than just technical stuff about the show ..but all in just the right balance. Highly recommended reading to anyone interested in outdoor, self-growth, surviving alone...
December 6, 2023
I've followed Clay on YouTube for years. Seeing him on Alone was like watching a masterclass on survival techniques. This book is a masterclass on the philosophy behind survival. His patient, stoic nature, and his appreciation for the natural world and the people he loves is the beating heart of this book. I loved every minute of reading it. I hope he writes more.
August 1, 2024
More than Alone.
Clay reveals himself as a writer of great depth and a reader of great literature. His personal reflections and growth are every bit as important as his recounting of his hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife encounters. His breadth of knowledge, both practical and scientific, is very impressive. Highly recommend this book.
Clay reveals himself as a writer of great depth and a reader of great literature. His personal reflections and growth are every bit as important as his recounting of his hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife encounters. His breadth of knowledge, both practical and scientific, is very impressive. Highly recommend this book.
December 17, 2024
Excellent book
Fascinating story of what it takes to survive alone for weeks in the wilderness. Life lessons for all on the importance of remaining positive and understanding what you can and can’t control and that mental toughness is more important than knowledge in so many situations
Fascinating story of what it takes to survive alone for weeks in the wilderness. Life lessons for all on the importance of remaining positive and understanding what you can and can’t control and that mental toughness is more important than knowledge in so many situations
February 28, 2025
Unwavering faith
I was so impressed with the authors resolve to look beyond his despair and loneliness. I think very few people, me included, would not have had that level of determination to look beyond his circumstance and to remember who he was and what he could accomplish. Absolutely amazing.
I was so impressed with the authors resolve to look beyond his despair and loneliness. I think very few people, me included, would not have had that level of determination to look beyond his circumstance and to remember who he was and what he could accomplish. Absolutely amazing.
August 5, 2022
a faraway friend
I have never met Clay but feel like he is my friend. Having watch the show and now reading this book I see a wonderful new friend. I have recommended this book to every outdoor friend and a acquaintance that I know.
I have never met Clay but feel like he is my friend. Having watch the show and now reading this book I see a wonderful new friend. I have recommended this book to every outdoor friend and a acquaintance that I know.
February 10, 2023
Read this as you watch Season 8
Lots of interesting background you don't get from the show. What the author was thinking and feeling. How his prior life prepared him for the challenge. Reading the book I could vividly imagine the setting from what I saw on the show.
Lots of interesting background you don't get from the show. What the author was thinking and feeling. How his prior life prepared him for the challenge. Reading the book I could vividly imagine the setting from what I saw on the show.
October 7, 2023
Amazing
Clay blended two aspects of his Alone journey beautifully. He wrote of the inward, emotive, philosophical and spiritual experience that the journey evoked. But he was also wrote about the intellectual, scientific, grounded biological world he lived about in. It is very special when a person can blend the emotive aspects with a grounded intellectual aspect. Amazing.
Clay blended two aspects of his Alone journey beautifully. He wrote of the inward, emotive, philosophical and spiritual experience that the journey evoked. But he was also wrote about the intellectual, scientific, grounded biological world he lived about in. It is very special when a person can blend the emotive aspects with a grounded intellectual aspect. Amazing.
November 16, 2023
Great story! Unlike others that have read this book, I had never watched any of his YouTube videos, Alone, etc. previously but I look forward to more of Hayes content and writing. This was a buddy read with my husband while he’s deployed :)
February 19, 2024
True grit!
I have watched every episode of Alone . To read about the experience of one of the winners in his own words was extremely insightful. Congratulations to Clay, he earned every penny of the prize money.
I have watched every episode of Alone . To read about the experience of one of the winners in his own words was extremely insightful. Congratulations to Clay, he earned every penny of the prize money.
March 4, 2024
Wilderness man that I can understand
Clay Hayes’ book on his winning wilderness adventure for Alone is interesting, genuine, and readable. I could picture myself there with him searching for food, building his hut and storage, and thinking deep thoughts.
Clay Hayes’ book on his winning wilderness adventure for Alone is interesting, genuine, and readable. I could picture myself there with him searching for food, building his hut and storage, and thinking deep thoughts.
April 6, 2024
A heart string puller, had me on the edge of my seat
The ending
The feelings
The reflecting, superb.
I am in awe of the sacrifices, and it gave me a much better perspective of nature and it's impact on our livelihood.
The ending
The feelings
The reflecting, superb.
I am in awe of the sacrifices, and it gave me a much better perspective of nature and it's impact on our livelihood.
July 10, 2024
Really good perspective, we could all use a bit more of it. I even put this book on my 11 year old son's kindle....I hope he reads it and takes something away from it. Maybe even a hunting or trapping technique!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews