Top Prepper Books Every Survivalist Should Read
Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Why Reading is Essential for Preppers
- 3 1. The Survival Medicine Handbook by Joseph Alton and Amy Alton
- 4 2. The Prepper’s Blueprint by Tess Pennington
- 5 3. How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It by James Wesley Rawles
- 6 4. One Second After by William R. Forstchen
- 7 5. When All Hell Breaks Loose by Cody Lundin
- 8 6. The SAS Survival Handbook by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman
- 9 7. Bushcraft 101 by Dave Canterbury
- 10 8. The Disaster Preparedness Handbook by Arthur T. Bradley
- 11 Conclusion
Introduction
Let’s be honest: prepping is a journey, and no one has all the answers right away. The good news? A lot of people have been on this journey before you, and they’ve written some pretty incredible books to help along the way. If you’re serious about getting prepared, whether for a natural disaster, economic collapse, or just learning how to live more self-sufficiently, then it’s time to hit the books (literally). In this post, I’ll share the top prepper books every survivalist should read. These are the ones that will not only teach you the essential skills but also keep you thinking about how to improve your readiness game. Let’s dive in!
Why Reading is Essential for Preppers
Look, prepping isn’t just about stockpiling food or learning how to build a fire (though those things are super important too). It’s about building a mindset—one that’s focused on adaptability, problem-solving, and continuous learning. Books are one of the best ways to gain knowledge from experts who’ve spent years refining their techniques. And guess what? They’ve made mistakes so that you don’t have to! Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned prepper looking to sharpen your skills, there’s a book for you.
Plus, in a world where misinformation runs rampant online, turning to tried-and-true books can be a lifesaver—literally. Many of the authors you’ll read have lived through real emergencies or have spent their lives studying how to survive in tough situations. So why not learn from the best?
1. The Survival Medicine Handbook by Joseph Alton and Amy Alton
You can’t talk about prepping without addressing medical preparedness. If hospitals are overwhelmed or you’re far from medical help, what would you do? That’s where The Survival Medicine Handbook comes in. Written by Joseph and Amy Alton, this book gives you a practical guide on how to handle medical issues when doctors and nurses aren’t available.
The Altons walk you through everything from treating minor injuries to managing infections and even dealing with major traumas. It’s a must-read for anyone serious about self-reliance because, let’s face it, medical emergencies can happen anytime.
Pro tip: Pair this book with a solid first aid kit. If you’re unsure what to pack in your kit, check out our article on What to Include in a Prepper’s First Aid Kit for all the essentials.
2. The Prepper’s Blueprint by Tess Pennington
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide that covers pretty much every aspect of prepping, Tess Pennington’s The Prepper’s Blueprint is a must-have. Tess is a well-known name in the prepper community, and this book is like her prepping Bible. It covers everything from food storage and water purification to self-defense and survival skills.
What I love about The Prepper’s Blueprint is how it’s laid out in a logical, step-by-step fashion. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been prepping for years, you can follow along at your own pace and build a solid plan. She also addresses the mental aspect of preparedness, which often gets overlooked. Let’s face it, staying calm and collected in a crisis can be harder than learning how to purify water.
3. How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It by James Wesley Rawles
This book is a prepping classic. If you’re serious about survival, How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It by James Wesley Rawles is one of those must-reads. It covers everything you need to know about thriving after society collapses—yes, thriving, not just surviving.
Rawles offers practical advice on everything from food storage and medical needs to alternative energy and communications. His approach is a bit more intense and thorough than some other prepping books, but that’s what makes it great. Whether you’re prepping for a full-blown apocalypse or just want to be ready for life’s curveballs, this book has something for you.
4. One Second After by William R. Forstchen
Okay, so this one is fiction, but hear me out. One Second After by William R. Forstchen is an eye-opening novel that gives you a realistic look at what might happen if the power grid goes down due to an EMP (electromagnetic pulse). It’s not just a gripping story—it also gets you thinking about what you’d do if everything suddenly stopped working. No electricity, no running water, no communication. Scary, right?
Forstchen’s novel is often recommended by preppers because it brings the reality of disaster home in a way that nonfiction sometimes can’t. After reading this, you’ll likely start thinking about your preparedness in a whole new light. It’s great for both beginners and seasoned preppers who want a fresh perspective on why they’re doing what they’re doing.
5. When All Hell Breaks Loose by Cody Lundin
Cody Lundin is a survival instructor who knows his stuff, and in When All Hell Breaks Loose, he breaks down survival strategies in a way that’s easy to understand and apply. What’s awesome about this book is that it’s not just about the technical skills (though it covers plenty of those). It also talks about the mental and emotional side of surviving when things go south.
Lundin’s writing style is fun, engaging, and even humorous at times, which makes the book a really enjoyable read despite the serious subject matter. He covers everything from making fire and securing water to dealing with sanitation in a crisis—yes, that means pooping in a bucket, folks. It’s practical, straightforward, and something you’ll refer back to again and again.
6. The SAS Survival Handbook by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman
You can’t compile a list of must-read prepper books without including The SAS Survival Handbook by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman. This book is one of the most comprehensive survival guides out there, written by a former SAS (Special Air Service) soldier who has been there, done that.
It covers everything from surviving in the wilderness to urban survival situations. Whether you’re in the middle of a forest, desert, or your own city, Wiseman gives you the skills to survive. The book includes a ton of illustrations and diagrams, making it easy to follow along, even if you’re not an experienced outdoorsperson.
7. Bushcraft 101 by Dave Canterbury
For those interested in wilderness survival, Bushcraft 101 by Dave Canterbury is a goldmine. Canterbury teaches you how to survive using only the natural resources around you, focusing on the fundamentals of bushcraft. If you’re into camping, hiking, or you just want to be able to survive in the wilderness if you had to, this book is essential.
What’s great about Canterbury’s approach is that it’s super practical. He doesn’t overload you with unnecessary details—he focuses on what works. From building shelters to finding food in the wild, this book will boost your outdoor survival skills and make you feel more confident in nature.
8. The Disaster Preparedness Handbook by Arthur T. Bradley
Last but certainly not least is The Disaster Preparedness Handbook by Arthur T. Bradley. This book is a no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point guide that covers all types of disasters, from hurricanes and earthquakes to nuclear fallout. What sets it apart from other books is how comprehensive it is. Bradley breaks down each type of disaster and gives you actionable steps for preparing and surviving.
This book is especially useful if you live in an area prone to natural disasters. Bradley’s insights will help you stay ahead of the curve and prepare for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Plus, he covers the basics really well, making it a great book for beginners.
Conclusion
There you have it—eight prepper books that should definitely be on your reading list. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned survivalist, these books cover everything from basic prepping strategies to advanced survival skills. Remember, the key to successful prepping is continuous learning. So pick up one (or all) of these books, and start leveling up your prepping game today.
And if you want more tips on survival strategies, check out How to Stay Prepared for Natural Disasters for advice on getting ready for whatever may come.