The Commando Survival Manual
The Commando Survival Manual: The Practical Guide To Mastering Outdoor Skills And Staying Alive Against The Odds; Hugh McManners; 1994, ISBN 0-86288-278-8.
This book was one of Robert’s favourites when growing up. It briefly covers all aspects of surviving outside. This includes equipment selection, environmental conditions and impact on the body. Behaviours which can not only keep you alive, but allow you to thrive in the outdoors.
Reasons to read:
This is a colourful book that makes fantastic use of diagrams and pictures to get points across.
Good information regarding concepts applied in many different applications shows versatility.
All major environment types covered, and the types of thinking you need to adventure when in them.
Things to watch out for:
Some of the specifics, especially around equipment, are now a little out of date.
Some of the concepts are a little thin on the ground, but can be a good jumping off point for further research.
Would we recommend this book?
If you want a little retro outdoor book, which has all the major concepts for how to go on a successful expedition, then this is easy to access useful information. Much of the information is still relevant and helpful. If we are going anywhere new Robert uses this book as a quick memory jogger for the types of things we may want to consider when planning.
