Jaroslav Pavlíček's handbook contains knowledge proven many times in practice, collected over more than fifty years. It should serve groups that prepare expeditions to problematic places on Earth and choose harsher conditions voluntarily, as well as castaways who get into harsh nature unintentionally, against their will.

A person in harsh nature brings essential information, the knowledge of which can decide on survival. The book has been translated into English, German and Chinese and has sold over one hundred thousand copies.