Free Survival Books and Manuals
If you’re looking to expand your knowledge on preparedness and emergency survival without spending any money, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find a list of many free downloads, featuring a wide range of survival books and manuals that are available in the public domain. Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or just starting out, this collection offers a wealth of information to help you prepare for any situation.
Many of these Survival PDFs Downloads are full-length books, covering topics from basic survival skills to advanced techniques in self-sufficiency. To make it easier for you to find exactly what you need, we’ve combined the best free survival books in one list.
Downloading any of these books is simple. Just right-click the file name and select “Save As” to add it to your personal library.
Top Free SHTF/Prepping & Self Sufficiency Survival PDFs Downloads
Ropes, Knots, Ladders, Lashings
Camping Life In The Woods & The Tricks Of Trapping
Basic Hunting; Passing On A Time Honored Tradition
A Beginner’s Guide to Wild Edible Plants
First Aid: Army First Aid Field Manual
Planning Your Garden By W.S. Rogers
Backyard Basics: Raising Chickens for Fresh Eggs
The Complete Outdoorsman’s Handbook
The Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting
Foraging
- A Mini Foraging Guide (WA)
- Northern Forest Foraging Guide (Ontario)
- Urban Foraging
- Colorado Forage Guide
- Shellfish Foraging Guide
- Forage Manual (AK)
- A Beginner’s Guide to Wild Edible Plants
- Wild Food School
- Mushrooms: From Forest to Plate
- Edible & Poisonous Mushrooms
Food Preservation
- Traditional Fermented Foods and Beverages for Improved Livelihoods
- Preservation of Food & Meat
- Solar Dehydrator
- Small-Scale Food Drying Technologies
- Preserving Food: Drying Fruits & Vegetables
- Fermenting Guide & Recipe Book
Knots
If there’s one invention that has significantly advanced human survival, it has to be the knot. The first knot was likely discovered by accident, but the second one was tied with purpose. During my years in scouting, I only mastered a handful of the thousands of knots that exist, but it’s essential to have at least a dozen in your mental survival toolkit. Whether it’s for fishing, crafting clothes, or scaling a cliff, every knot serves a purpose. Each knot you learn enhances your survival chances just a little more.
Pioneer Knots & Lashings | A lashing is a method of securing two or more items together, typically using rope, wire, or webbing, to create a rigid connection. While often associated with timber poles, lashings are also commonly used for cargo and constructing various structures. If you attempt to build a structure with an improper knot, like a granny knot, it will likely collapse. These specific knots and techniques are designed for constructing durable, long-lasting structures. With proper lashings, you can build lookout stands, bridges, shelters, and more, ensuring they remain stable over time
- Practical Knots & Lashings
- Knots, Splices, Attachments, and Ladders
- Knots, Splices, and Rope Work
- Essential Fishing Knots
- Handbook of Knots & Splices
- Encyclopedia of Knots
Sea Scout Knots | The Scouts have provided another invaluable guide on knots. Without knots, sailors wouldn’t have thrived—knots are essential for securing cargo, building rafts, attaching sails, and even rescuing someone from drowning. These same knots are just as useful on land, whether you’re camping, hiking, or in an emergency. The guide is easy to follow, as I’ve used it to teach Cub Scouts. Set a simple goal of learning one knot per month to steadily build your skills. Knots are critical for survival, both on and off the water!