Show Notes
I begin this week
with the Wilderness Gathering, Cable Ties
the Unsung Life Savers,
Water Purification, Blizzard Survival 20% Discount Offer, The Survival Spear,
support these companies, Shelters, Survival Kit
Preparation, Ribz 30%
Discount Offer, Crossing rivers, Building a
Survival Shelter,
Campfire Tips, What is Fire, Wilderness121’s 10% Discount Offer, Survival
Eating, Survival Food Guide, Basic
Survival Skills We MUST Have,
More Companies to Support, Survival Napping, The Survival
Staff, Campfire Breakfast,
Basic
Wilderness Survival Skills,
Further Companies to Support, Owl Eyes:
A Core Awareness Skill, The Best Meal Of The Day, Basic and
Simple Cooking Methods, Bug-in or Bug-Out, Packing your BOB, You’re
Survival Kit.
THE WILDERNESS GATHERING 2014 14th to the 17th August
The Wilderness Gathering has over the years become a firm date in the diaries of those who enjoy bushcraft, nature and wilderness survival skills. The previous ten years have seen this event grow from a small event in one field with some traders and schools sharing bushcraft skills and knowledge to a festival of wilderness living skills encompassing bushcraft/survival and woodland crafts.
The show has grown into an event with something for all the family with stories and music by the campfire in the evenings and skills workshops and activities throughout the three whole days of the festival.
The Wilderness Gathering has without a doubt become the premier family event for all those interested in bush crafts and the great outdoors.
The show has bushcraft clubs for all age groups of children to get involved in plus more activities for all including den building and wilderness skills classes for all.
There are hands on demonstrations of game preparation, knife sharpening, basha boat building, bowmaking, greenwood working, archery and axe throwing and primitive fire lighting to name just a few. There are talks on survival phycology, classes on falconry and wilderness survival fishing. All of these skills are there for everybody and anybody to participate in.
You can probably pick up information on nearly all the skills needed to live in the wilderness and prosper at The Wilderness Gathering.
There is a wealth of good quality trade stands that are carefully selected to be in theme for the show selling everything from custom knives to tipis and outdoor clothing to primitive tools. The organisers have even laid on a free service bring and buy stall where you can bring along your used and unwanted kit and they’ll sell it for you.
There are local scout and explorer group’s onsite promoting the World Wide Scouting Movement as well helping out with some of the classes and site logistics.
The catering is within the theme of the event with venison and game featuring on the menus plus organic cakes and drinks. The woodland and open field camping facilities (with hot showers) giving you the option to visit for the whole weekend or just to attend as a day visitor.
Check out www.wildernessgathering.co.uk or call
0845 8387062 you really won’t regret it.
The Wilderness Gathering has over the years become a firm date in the diaries of those who enjoy bushcraft, nature and wilderness survival skills. The previous ten years have seen this event grow from a small event in one field with some traders and schools sharing bushcraft skills and knowledge to a festival of wilderness living skills encompassing bushcraft/survival and woodland crafts.
The show has grown into an event with something for all the family with stories and music by the campfire in the evenings and skills workshops and activities throughout the three whole days of the festival.
The Wilderness Gathering has without a doubt become the premier family event for all those interested in bush crafts and the great outdoors.
The show has bushcraft clubs for all age groups of children to get involved in plus more activities for all including den building and wilderness skills classes for all.
There are hands on demonstrations of game preparation, knife sharpening, basha boat building, bowmaking, greenwood working, archery and axe throwing and primitive fire lighting to name just a few. There are talks on survival phycology, classes on falconry and wilderness survival fishing. All of these skills are there for everybody and anybody to participate in.
You can probably pick up information on nearly all the skills needed to live in the wilderness and prosper at The Wilderness Gathering.
There is a wealth of good quality trade stands that are carefully selected to be in theme for the show selling everything from custom knives to tipis and outdoor clothing to primitive tools. The organisers have even laid on a free service bring and buy stall where you can bring along your used and unwanted kit and they’ll sell it for you.
There are local scout and explorer group’s onsite promoting the World Wide Scouting Movement as well helping out with some of the classes and site logistics.
The catering is within the theme of the event with venison and game featuring on the menus plus organic cakes and drinks. The woodland and open field camping facilities (with hot showers) giving you the option to visit for the whole weekend or just to attend as a day visitor.
Check out www.wildernessgathering.co.uk or call
0845 8387062 you really won’t regret it.
Have you ever tried
to build a shelter with frozen fingers?
Have you ever tried to use natural cordage with frozen fingers?
Have you ever tried to attach anything to your back pack?
Have you ever tried to secure a broken limb without any cordage?
Have you ever tried to tie something to a tree branch without cordage?
Have you ever tried to assemble a trap without cordage?
The answer probably is a certain no.
But if you had to then how would you actually do it?
My survival tip is to use cable ties, simple.
So when building a shelter use the cable ties to initially hold it together then you can fix it properly with paracord or natural cordage.
Have you ever tried to use natural cordage with frozen fingers?
Have you ever tried to attach anything to your back pack?
Have you ever tried to secure a broken limb without any cordage?
Have you ever tried to tie something to a tree branch without cordage?
Have you ever tried to assemble a trap without cordage?
The answer probably is a certain no.
But if you had to then how would you actually do it?
My survival tip is to use cable ties, simple.
So when building a shelter use the cable ties to initially hold it together then you can fix it properly with paracord or natural cordage.
Now that I have
convinced you to consider all sources of water as contaminated until treated
Well I hope I have, I would like to suggest the best way to make water safe to
drink. Once again I am sure to be stirring up a hornet’s nest of dissent on
this subject but I stand by what I write as proven beyond doubt. Try to release
any preconceived notions you may have as you read what follows.
The miracle of modern advertising would have you believe that the portable water filters on the market today will remove nearly all pathogens and disease causing organisms from water. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The fact is, studies have conclusively shown water filters vary a great deal in the types and amount of organisms they are able to filter. And that is when the water filters are functioning properly and users correctly operate and maintain them. A tall order indeed, especially in the field during adverse conditions.
Would you drink water from a filter that is removing only 85% of water borne disease organisms? Chances are the water filter you use isn’t even doing that well.
Various chemicals used to treat water also lack the ability to destroy 100% of disease causing organisms in water.
The manufacturers of chemicals and water filters don’t want you to know what the best way to make water safe to drink really is. That’s because it’s simple, inexpensive to operate, and they cannot sell it.
The fact is, the best way to make water safe for consumption will destroy or render inert 100% of disease causing organisms. What’s more, this process is readily available and nearly fool proof. It has been successfully used for centuries and remains hands down the best method of all: boiling.
The age old question has always been “how long does the Water Need to boil”?
Well here is my answer, water does do not even have to reach the boiling point (about 212° F or 100° C at sea level) to be rendered safe to drink; Once the water temperature reaches 185° F (85° C) nearly all disease causing organisms have been destroyed.
And the only reason you typically get water up to the boiling point is you probably do not have a “thermometer” handy to measure the water temperature and I would suggest that boiling is “proof positive” the water is hot enough to make it safe to drink.
You can also throw out the myth that you must boil water longer at higher elevations. The boiling point of water even on Mount Everest is still high enough to destroy all disease causing organisms even before the water has started to boil.
So to finish you must consider water from any source as contaminated with disease causing organisms.
By far the best way to treat water is by boiling it.
You only have to bring the water to a boil. Don’t waste fuel; there is no need to boil water for 10-minutes, 5-minutes, or even 1-minute. Once it is boiling all disease causing organisms have been destroyed or rendered inert some time earlier.
The miracle of modern advertising would have you believe that the portable water filters on the market today will remove nearly all pathogens and disease causing organisms from water. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The fact is, studies have conclusively shown water filters vary a great deal in the types and amount of organisms they are able to filter. And that is when the water filters are functioning properly and users correctly operate and maintain them. A tall order indeed, especially in the field during adverse conditions.
Would you drink water from a filter that is removing only 85% of water borne disease organisms? Chances are the water filter you use isn’t even doing that well.
Various chemicals used to treat water also lack the ability to destroy 100% of disease causing organisms in water.
The manufacturers of chemicals and water filters don’t want you to know what the best way to make water safe to drink really is. That’s because it’s simple, inexpensive to operate, and they cannot sell it.
The fact is, the best way to make water safe for consumption will destroy or render inert 100% of disease causing organisms. What’s more, this process is readily available and nearly fool proof. It has been successfully used for centuries and remains hands down the best method of all: boiling.
The age old question has always been “how long does the Water Need to boil”?
Well here is my answer, water does do not even have to reach the boiling point (about 212° F or 100° C at sea level) to be rendered safe to drink; Once the water temperature reaches 185° F (85° C) nearly all disease causing organisms have been destroyed.
And the only reason you typically get water up to the boiling point is you probably do not have a “thermometer” handy to measure the water temperature and I would suggest that boiling is “proof positive” the water is hot enough to make it safe to drink.
You can also throw out the myth that you must boil water longer at higher elevations. The boiling point of water even on Mount Everest is still high enough to destroy all disease causing organisms even before the water has started to boil.
So to finish you must consider water from any source as contaminated with disease causing organisms.
By far the best way to treat water is by boiling it.
You only have to bring the water to a boil. Don’t waste fuel; there is no need to boil water for 10-minutes, 5-minutes, or even 1-minute. Once it is boiling all disease causing organisms have been destroyed or rendered inert some time earlier.
Blizzard Survival 20% Discount Offer
Blizzard Survival .com have a fantastic offer for you the
listener they are offering a 20%
discount on all goods bought from them at www.blizzardsurvival.com
The Ultimate in
Lightweight Thermal Protection.
The Blizzard Survival Brand incorporating Reflexcell™
material has become the new standard wherever thermal performance in a
lightweight compact package is essential - for military use, casualty care,
emergency preparedness, disaster relief, personal survival, outdoor
activities...and more.
Reflexcell™ products are totally unique: weight-for-weight
far warmer than goose down, yet 100% weatherproof, tough, ultra-portable and
re-usable.
Life-saving technology has never been so affordable.
All you have to do to get a 20% discount is enter the code
“PREPPER” at the checkout, it is that simple. Thank you Blizzard Survival.com
When it comes to a
survival situation, having a useful weapon is a necessity.
However, an easily obtained weapon is not always readily available.
That said though if one uses their wits about them they can fashion an effective survival spear from many different materials.
One of the first types of survival spears that can be relatively easy to make is the wood tipped spear.
To make this spear, you simply need a straight piece of wood and a knife. You then take the knife and sharpen one end of the straight wooden piece into a spear point.
To strengthen this weapon, you can fire harden the tip of it.
In order to fire harden the tip of it, you will need to place the tip of the spear into the fire and let the tip begin to burn. As soon as the tip begins to burn, you remove the spear from the fire and extinguish the burning end of the spear.
At this point, you then use your knife to scrape any charred wood from the tip of the spear. The spear is now finished and the tip has been fire hardened to make a sharp and durable weapon.
Another type of survival spear that can easily be produced is the rock or glass tipped spear. To make this type of spear, you simply need a straight piece of wood, a knife, a sharp piece of rock or glass, and a length of some kind of cordage.
With these materials, you first split one end of the straight wooden piece down the centre of the shaft for a length of about 2 inches. Then you place the blunt end of the sharp piece of rock or glass into this split.
Make sure to position the sharp side of the rock or glass to the outside so that the tip of the spear will be sharp. Next use the cordage to tightly tie the split back together. Once this is done, the spear should be finished.
It is a good idea to make sure that the tip of the spear is firmly locked into position. If there is any slack in the spearhead, then you should tie the cordage tighter around the split in the wooden piece until the spearhead cannot move. Once this is accomplished, the spear is completed.
The final type of survival spear that can be easily produced is the metal tipped spear. This type of spear requires you to have a sharp piece of metal or a few straight sharp metal pieces, like bike spokes.
Then you will also need a knife, some form of cordage, and a straight wooden piece.
Once these materials are in hand, you can begin making your spear. To make this type of spear, you need to either split the wood down the middle in the case of a single metal spear point, or you will need to sharpen the wood piece to a tip in the case of using several sharp narrow metal pieces.
Then use the cordage to secure the single metal point into the wooden split, if this is the type of spear point you are working with.
If you are working with multiple narrow metal points, then you will use the cordage to secure these pieces to the outside of the spear around the sharpened wooden tip.
Once this is done the spear will be finished. Of the three types of spears mentioned here for survival, this is the most durable and useful.
A metal tipped spear cannot only be useful for hunting game, but it can also be used for fishing and defending yourself against threats.
Overall, the knowledge gained from making your own survival spear will serve you well, should you ever be in a survival situation. It will allow you to quickly and easily make a weapon that can help you to procure food and to defend against threats.
In the end, the skill and know-how gained from building your own survival spear could one day save your life.
However, an easily obtained weapon is not always readily available.
That said though if one uses their wits about them they can fashion an effective survival spear from many different materials.
One of the first types of survival spears that can be relatively easy to make is the wood tipped spear.
To make this spear, you simply need a straight piece of wood and a knife. You then take the knife and sharpen one end of the straight wooden piece into a spear point.
To strengthen this weapon, you can fire harden the tip of it.
In order to fire harden the tip of it, you will need to place the tip of the spear into the fire and let the tip begin to burn. As soon as the tip begins to burn, you remove the spear from the fire and extinguish the burning end of the spear.
At this point, you then use your knife to scrape any charred wood from the tip of the spear. The spear is now finished and the tip has been fire hardened to make a sharp and durable weapon.
Another type of survival spear that can easily be produced is the rock or glass tipped spear. To make this type of spear, you simply need a straight piece of wood, a knife, a sharp piece of rock or glass, and a length of some kind of cordage.
With these materials, you first split one end of the straight wooden piece down the centre of the shaft for a length of about 2 inches. Then you place the blunt end of the sharp piece of rock or glass into this split.
Make sure to position the sharp side of the rock or glass to the outside so that the tip of the spear will be sharp. Next use the cordage to tightly tie the split back together. Once this is done, the spear should be finished.
It is a good idea to make sure that the tip of the spear is firmly locked into position. If there is any slack in the spearhead, then you should tie the cordage tighter around the split in the wooden piece until the spearhead cannot move. Once this is accomplished, the spear is completed.
The final type of survival spear that can be easily produced is the metal tipped spear. This type of spear requires you to have a sharp piece of metal or a few straight sharp metal pieces, like bike spokes.
Then you will also need a knife, some form of cordage, and a straight wooden piece.
Once these materials are in hand, you can begin making your spear. To make this type of spear, you need to either split the wood down the middle in the case of a single metal spear point, or you will need to sharpen the wood piece to a tip in the case of using several sharp narrow metal pieces.
Then use the cordage to secure the single metal point into the wooden split, if this is the type of spear point you are working with.
If you are working with multiple narrow metal points, then you will use the cordage to secure these pieces to the outside of the spear around the sharpened wooden tip.
Once this is done the spear will be finished. Of the three types of spears mentioned here for survival, this is the most durable and useful.
A metal tipped spear cannot only be useful for hunting game, but it can also be used for fishing and defending yourself against threats.
Overall, the knowledge gained from making your own survival spear will serve you well, should you ever be in a survival situation. It will allow you to quickly and easily make a weapon that can help you to procure food and to defend against threats.
In the end, the skill and know-how gained from building your own survival spear could one day save your life.
If you are looking
for some new kit then please Support these Companies
The following
companies have supported this station and I will support them they are:
You will never need to boil water again
For I-shields UV Protection
For top quality 550 Paracord
For Survival Knives and Survival Kits
For the Nano Striker fire starter
For tasty MX3 Meals
The Lifesaver bottle
For the Knot Bone Lacelock
For the Wild and Edible Nutrition E Book
Browning Night Seeker Cap Light RGB
Multi lite Multi-tool
For the Ghillie Kettle
For the Blackbird SK-5 or his handmade leather sheaths http://www.hedgehogleatherworks.com
For the Farside Outdoor Meals
The Survivor knife
For the Chris Caine companion survival tool
Day Ration Pack
Vango Storm Shelter 400
myFC PowerTrekk
It runs on water, it really does
The Paper Shower
The Life Straw
Purinize is a 100% all-natural solution of concentrated
mineral salts and purified water.
Is a solar powered
phone charger really useful in the UK?
Recharge via mains
usb, PC, Car usb and in addition, Solar
Hold charge for
months, even when in a pocket
Any direct sunlight
will trickle charge the battery.
Get more charges per
given capacity and very useful in an emergency
Now understanding
how to create effective wilderness survival shelters is one of the most
important outdoor skills.
From keeping you protected from the elements to providing a place to rest, wilderness shelters serve a key role in survival situations. Not only do they provide for physical needs, but also help create a sense of home in the wilderness.
Though each season and environment presents its own challenges, there are several universal principles for creating effective wilderness survival shelters, the most important aspect of making wilderness shelters is choosing a good location.
A good location is one that 1) provides easy access to ample building materials such as dead sticks, leaves, and grasses; and is 2) away from major hazards such falling branches, pooling water, and insect nests.
You also want a location that has a large enough flat area to allow you to lie down and sleep comfortably.
Quite often a common mistake when building wilderness survival shelters is to build them too large. Not only does it take more materials, effort, and time to construct, but often ends up being cold due to the amount of space on the inside.
Effective wilderness shelters are often small on the inside - just large enough to fit your body to conserve body heat.
All shelters need to be constructed with safety in mind. Large strong branches can provide the initial framework for many types of survival shelters. Typically, branches used for frame work should be strong enough to easily support the weight of an adult. This is especially important for lean-to and debris style shelters.
Whether you are in a hot and sunny environment or a cold and wet forest, insulation and cover is important to keep you protected from the outside elements. Leaves, grasses, small sticks, ferns, and pine needles are types of debris that can be used for insulation.
Be sure to layer large amounts of debris on your shelter. Also, don’t forget to use debris to create a thick mattress on the inside of your shelter to insulate you from the cold ground, I would say it needs to be at least 18 inches deep.
Bark or soil can be added on the top and sides of your shelter to create a barrier from cold wind and rain.
In cool and cold environments the primary shelter concern is staying warm to avoid hypothermia.
With wilderness survival shelters, there are typically two choices for a heat source: your own body heat or heat from a fire.
Wilderness shelters that rely on your own body heat as the primary heat source (such as a debris hut), need to be small on the inside and have lots of extra insulating debris (imagine your mummy sleeping bag with ten times as much insulation).
If you plan to use a fire on the inside of your shelter as a heat source, carefully plan how it will be tended all night, be sure to collect a full night’s worth of firewood before dark, and be extra careful not to burn down your shelter!
The type of shelter you choose depends on many factors including what materials are available, environmental conditions, choice of heat source, and whether it will be a personal or group shelter.
So plan what type of shelter you want to use, bring a hammock and a sheet, build a lean to against a dry stone wall or between two trees, build whatever design you like but remember our typical summer weather and make it water and windproof.
From keeping you protected from the elements to providing a place to rest, wilderness shelters serve a key role in survival situations. Not only do they provide for physical needs, but also help create a sense of home in the wilderness.
Though each season and environment presents its own challenges, there are several universal principles for creating effective wilderness survival shelters, the most important aspect of making wilderness shelters is choosing a good location.
A good location is one that 1) provides easy access to ample building materials such as dead sticks, leaves, and grasses; and is 2) away from major hazards such falling branches, pooling water, and insect nests.
You also want a location that has a large enough flat area to allow you to lie down and sleep comfortably.
Quite often a common mistake when building wilderness survival shelters is to build them too large. Not only does it take more materials, effort, and time to construct, but often ends up being cold due to the amount of space on the inside.
Effective wilderness shelters are often small on the inside - just large enough to fit your body to conserve body heat.
All shelters need to be constructed with safety in mind. Large strong branches can provide the initial framework for many types of survival shelters. Typically, branches used for frame work should be strong enough to easily support the weight of an adult. This is especially important for lean-to and debris style shelters.
Whether you are in a hot and sunny environment or a cold and wet forest, insulation and cover is important to keep you protected from the outside elements. Leaves, grasses, small sticks, ferns, and pine needles are types of debris that can be used for insulation.
Be sure to layer large amounts of debris on your shelter. Also, don’t forget to use debris to create a thick mattress on the inside of your shelter to insulate you from the cold ground, I would say it needs to be at least 18 inches deep.
Bark or soil can be added on the top and sides of your shelter to create a barrier from cold wind and rain.
In cool and cold environments the primary shelter concern is staying warm to avoid hypothermia.
With wilderness survival shelters, there are typically two choices for a heat source: your own body heat or heat from a fire.
Wilderness shelters that rely on your own body heat as the primary heat source (such as a debris hut), need to be small on the inside and have lots of extra insulating debris (imagine your mummy sleeping bag with ten times as much insulation).
If you plan to use a fire on the inside of your shelter as a heat source, carefully plan how it will be tended all night, be sure to collect a full night’s worth of firewood before dark, and be extra careful not to burn down your shelter!
The type of shelter you choose depends on many factors including what materials are available, environmental conditions, choice of heat source, and whether it will be a personal or group shelter.
So plan what type of shelter you want to use, bring a hammock and a sheet, build a lean to against a dry stone wall or between two trees, build whatever design you like but remember our typical summer weather and make it water and windproof.
The best way to
survive a disaster or emergency situation is to be prepared for it. People have
known this for years; it’s the reason our society has storm cellars and fire
extinguishers.
Outdoor enthusiasts, however, face a more challenging obstacle when trying to prepare for an unfortunate camping, hiking, hunting, or fishing emergency.
Outdoor enthusiasts, however, face a more challenging obstacle when trying to prepare for an unfortunate camping, hiking, hunting, or fishing emergency.
Or preppers and
survivalists training for a SHTF event out in the woods, or even Bugging Out
for real.
The sheer number of different types of disasters that can happen to an even seasoned outdoor enthusiast makes it especially hard to prepare essential tools and supplies before leaving on an adventure.
You might think did I forget something? Do I have too much of one item? Not enough? Putting together a survival kit for you can be frustrating, time-consuming, and costly. Luckily, many outdoor supply companies carry pre-assembled survival kits, or can at least help you put yours together.
But first, you’ll want to understand the specific types of dangers your outdoor activity presents and the best ways to protect yourself against them.
Different outdoor activities present different physical challenges to enthusiasts. These different challenges require different types of survival kits.
The camping or hiking enthusiast will most likely be more concerned with reliable navigation tools, such as maps and compasses, and making sure he or she has plenty of provisions.
The hunter, however, might be more concerned with his or her protection against potentially dangerous animals, while those who fish will obviously want to bring plenty of dry clothes.
It’s important not to get too caught up in the niche of your specific outdoor activity, however. Just because the main point of your trip may be camping doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring along a hunting knife or fishhooks.
The prepper and survivalist must plan for all these eventualities while either training or seeking a covert life style.
Another important aspect of your adventure to consider when deciding on a survival kit is the climate and terrain of where your outdoor activity is taking place. Different weather extremes can cause problems for outdoor enthusiasts, even on a single trip.
Hikers traveling through the cool lowland lakes area can still experience heat exhaustion, especially in the summer, just as desert campers can easily freeze at night despite the daytime heat.
Get a professional opinion of what you should include in your survival kit if you are unfamiliar with the climate and weather patterns of the area you’re exploring.
Of course, there are basic items that are essential to any survival kit, no matter what your outdoor activity of choice. The most important components of a survival kit are ones that satisfy the following needs: protection against the elements, or, shelter; first aid or medical supplies; food, water, or the tools needed to procure them; ways to signal rescuers; and finally, tools to help guide outdoor enthusiasts back to familiar territory.
The duration of your outdoor adventure will determine how thoroughly you should pack your survival kit, but here are a few essentials.
The best way to keep warm and protect your from the elements is by packing lightweight, water-resistant clothing and blankets. Reflective aluminium blankets help retain body heat and act as signals to rescuers.
Waterproof ponchos are an effective way to stay dry in wet climates, as well as being lightweight and easy to pack.
Mosquito nets are another easy-to-pack, effective protection method against nasty elements.
You will probably want to start a fire, so include in your survival kit tools that will help you do so. Waterproof matches and lighters are easy and convenient, but if you happen to be in an outdoor setting for long you run the risk of running out of matches or fuel for your lighter.
Do-it-yourself tools, such as fire steel, can help provide you with warmth longer and with greater reliability.
Making sure you keep your physical body healthy is essential for outdoor enthusiasts.
Any good survival kit will include first aid supplies meant to treat a wide variety of health problems or accidents.
Bandages, sterile pads, gauze, and disinfectant are crucial if you happen to experience a flesh wound while aspirin, antacids, and allergy medication will help with internal afflictions.
Other first-aid items you will want to include are insect repellent, lip-balm, sunscreen, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, and a large supply of any prescription medication you take.
Food and water are essential safety kit items but are unfortunately difficult to pack in bulk. It is recommended to have at least three gallons of water – a three to six day supply – on hand for any outdoor trip, unless you plan to filter your drinking water un-route.
Ready-to-eat or canned foods are great but take up a lot of space in a kit. High-energy foods, such as chocolate, nuts, and dehydrated fruits, are a better bet; they are more compact and are easier to ration, making them last longer.
Multi-vitamins are also a good idea; in an emergency situation you may not be getting all the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.
Finally, you will want to pack items that will help search-and-rescue workers find you more easily. Lightweight LED flashlights and lanterns are perfect. They have long battery lives and can be spotted from quite far away.
Flares are attention-grabbing, yes, but are single-use and carry the risk of starting an unwanted fire. A good compass can help you find your way back to more familiar areas or, at the very least, get you comfortable with the terrain you’re currently in.
Many outdoor supply companies sell multipurpose tools that have miniature compasses built in.
these are very handy reduce the number of items you have to carry in your survival kit.
There may be, of course, other items you deem essential to your specific outdoor adventure.
While it is important to be prepared, you don’t want to over pack and weigh yourself down unnecessarily.
Survival kits should be helpful, not burdensome. Wherever your enthusiasm lies – camping, hiking, hunting, fishing – a well-packed, well-prepared survival kit will add peace of mind to your adventure, even if you never have to use it.
The sheer number of different types of disasters that can happen to an even seasoned outdoor enthusiast makes it especially hard to prepare essential tools and supplies before leaving on an adventure.
You might think did I forget something? Do I have too much of one item? Not enough? Putting together a survival kit for you can be frustrating, time-consuming, and costly. Luckily, many outdoor supply companies carry pre-assembled survival kits, or can at least help you put yours together.
But first, you’ll want to understand the specific types of dangers your outdoor activity presents and the best ways to protect yourself against them.
Different outdoor activities present different physical challenges to enthusiasts. These different challenges require different types of survival kits.
The camping or hiking enthusiast will most likely be more concerned with reliable navigation tools, such as maps and compasses, and making sure he or she has plenty of provisions.
The hunter, however, might be more concerned with his or her protection against potentially dangerous animals, while those who fish will obviously want to bring plenty of dry clothes.
It’s important not to get too caught up in the niche of your specific outdoor activity, however. Just because the main point of your trip may be camping doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring along a hunting knife or fishhooks.
The prepper and survivalist must plan for all these eventualities while either training or seeking a covert life style.
Another important aspect of your adventure to consider when deciding on a survival kit is the climate and terrain of where your outdoor activity is taking place. Different weather extremes can cause problems for outdoor enthusiasts, even on a single trip.
Hikers traveling through the cool lowland lakes area can still experience heat exhaustion, especially in the summer, just as desert campers can easily freeze at night despite the daytime heat.
Get a professional opinion of what you should include in your survival kit if you are unfamiliar with the climate and weather patterns of the area you’re exploring.
Of course, there are basic items that are essential to any survival kit, no matter what your outdoor activity of choice. The most important components of a survival kit are ones that satisfy the following needs: protection against the elements, or, shelter; first aid or medical supplies; food, water, or the tools needed to procure them; ways to signal rescuers; and finally, tools to help guide outdoor enthusiasts back to familiar territory.
The duration of your outdoor adventure will determine how thoroughly you should pack your survival kit, but here are a few essentials.
The best way to keep warm and protect your from the elements is by packing lightweight, water-resistant clothing and blankets. Reflective aluminium blankets help retain body heat and act as signals to rescuers.
Waterproof ponchos are an effective way to stay dry in wet climates, as well as being lightweight and easy to pack.
Mosquito nets are another easy-to-pack, effective protection method against nasty elements.
You will probably want to start a fire, so include in your survival kit tools that will help you do so. Waterproof matches and lighters are easy and convenient, but if you happen to be in an outdoor setting for long you run the risk of running out of matches or fuel for your lighter.
Do-it-yourself tools, such as fire steel, can help provide you with warmth longer and with greater reliability.
Making sure you keep your physical body healthy is essential for outdoor enthusiasts.
Any good survival kit will include first aid supplies meant to treat a wide variety of health problems or accidents.
Bandages, sterile pads, gauze, and disinfectant are crucial if you happen to experience a flesh wound while aspirin, antacids, and allergy medication will help with internal afflictions.
Other first-aid items you will want to include are insect repellent, lip-balm, sunscreen, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, and a large supply of any prescription medication you take.
Food and water are essential safety kit items but are unfortunately difficult to pack in bulk. It is recommended to have at least three gallons of water – a three to six day supply – on hand for any outdoor trip, unless you plan to filter your drinking water un-route.
Ready-to-eat or canned foods are great but take up a lot of space in a kit. High-energy foods, such as chocolate, nuts, and dehydrated fruits, are a better bet; they are more compact and are easier to ration, making them last longer.
Multi-vitamins are also a good idea; in an emergency situation you may not be getting all the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.
Finally, you will want to pack items that will help search-and-rescue workers find you more easily. Lightweight LED flashlights and lanterns are perfect. They have long battery lives and can be spotted from quite far away.
Flares are attention-grabbing, yes, but are single-use and carry the risk of starting an unwanted fire. A good compass can help you find your way back to more familiar areas or, at the very least, get you comfortable with the terrain you’re currently in.
Many outdoor supply companies sell multipurpose tools that have miniature compasses built in.
these are very handy reduce the number of items you have to carry in your survival kit.
There may be, of course, other items you deem essential to your specific outdoor adventure.
While it is important to be prepared, you don’t want to over pack and weigh yourself down unnecessarily.
Survival kits should be helpful, not burdensome. Wherever your enthusiasm lies – camping, hiking, hunting, fishing – a well-packed, well-prepared survival kit will add peace of mind to your adventure, even if you never have to use it.
30% DISCOUNT FROM RIBZ
A front pack is a pack or bag that allows for access of
equipment from the persons chest. Front packs first and foremost allow for easy
access of gear without the removal of any equipment.
In many adventure outdoor activities it can be critical to
the sport to have the ability to reach essential gear fast without the removal
of a backpack. Simplicity is the foremost purpose of the front pack but there
are many additional benefits as well.
Weight distribution and balance is a key element in the
utility of the front pack. Shifting weight forward in situations when carrying
heavy loads can be critical to the comfort and balance of an individual.
Backpacking is a sport where in many situations it is
critical to both minimize and maximize the contents of your load for a longer
or lighter duration of stay. The ability to move small amounts of weight to the
frontal region significantly reduces overall stress on a person’s shoulders and
back.
Moving a small amount of heavy equipment forward to a front
pack can allow for an individual to either maximize or minimize the overall
load contained in a backpack.
In all there are unlimited uses for the front pack. Front
packs are the best compliment to any outdoorsman’s gear when accessibility,
functionality, mobility and simplicity are required. From horseback riding,
long distance biking, motorcycling and kayaking. All sports where fast and easy
access of gear is essential, a front pack is your best solution and as you can
imagine it is going down a storm within the prepping and survivalist community.
RIBZ VIP TEAM DISCONT
Here's your code for 30% off all RIBZ Your summer code is
"TRAILBLAZE" and can be used in the coupon section within the Store. http://www.ribzwear.com/store/ Have a Great Summer!
The beauty of a
mountain stream flowing through a forest can be the highlight of a hike.
But knowing how to cross a river is a critical survival skill.
The fact is that crossing rivers, especially when they’re running high, is among the riskier things you can do on the trail. Rocks and logs may offer a bridge to the opposite bank.
But they’re often wet or covered with algae and mosses. That can lead to slips and falls, and, therefore, any number of things that you really don’t want to experience: head injuries, broken bones, and the chance to get swept downstream.
The rate of runoff in streams and rivers is highly variable. In years of light snowfall and hot spring days, streams may run at low-to-moderate levels by early summer.
However, in years with heavy and late-season snows, rivers can run so high that trails, even ones with actual bridges, remain impassable well into summer.
Two points to remember: Don't take any unnecessary risks. And don't push anyone past their skill and confidence level. You're only as capable as the weakest hiker in your group.
Before You Leave
Check on conditions. Identify your destination or route.
Carry a staff.
They can help you assess water depth and rate of runoff, then provide additional stability when you do cross a stream. If you don’t have a staff, find a pair of sturdy branches that you can use instead.
Wear shorts or convertible pants. Long pants will increase drag in the stream and can be uncomfortable to hike in once they’re soaked.
Pack hiking sandals or gym shoes. If a stream is shallow enough to cross, it’s often easier to walk through the water instead of trying to boulder hop on slippery rocks. With spare shoes or hiking sandals, you can keep your hiking boots dry.
But don’t cross barefoot or use flip-flops because the current can easily sweep them off your feet.
Get out early. Cooler overnight and morning temperatures mean that the volume of snowmelt is lower early in the day, which means that streams will flow more slowly. Thunderstorms are also more common in afternoon and make currents more treacherous.
At the Crossing
assess the situation. The actual point where your route meets a river may not be the best place to get to the other side. Scout the river (ideally from an elevated perspective) or look both up- and downstream for alternatives.
If you can't identify a safe crossing location, then don’t take the risk and turn around. Wishful thinking has no place in this decision, so be conservative and assume the worst. Invariably, streams are faster and deeper than they appear.
Straight. Wide. Shallow. That’s what you’re looking for when identifying a place to cross.
Watch out for debris. If the river is carrying a lot of debris, such as branches and small logs, it’s not a good idea to cross.
The debris is an indication that stream flows are high. And objects flowing downstream can create a serious hazard if they strike you as you’re crossing.
Look for braided channels. The crossing may be wider where a river breaks into separate channels. But the current's intensity will be dissipated and there may also be small islands or gravel bars where you can take a break and plot your next steps.
Test the current. Toss a branch and watch how swiftly it moves downstream. That will give you a better sense of the direction of the main current and how fast it’s moving.
Don’t cross where flows are much above your knees. Even comparatively shallow water can knock you off balance and carry you downstream if it’s flowing rapidly enough. The only time to wade through deeper water is when you locate a flat pool with little or no current.
Loosen your pack before crossing. Undo your waist belt and let out the shoulder straps so that it's easier to remove. If you fall in and your pack gets soaked, it can drag you down or get snagged. You might lose your pack but consider the alternative.
Look for low and open exit points on the opposite bank. Once you reach the other side, you’ll want to be able to get out of the stream as quickly as possible. A scramble up a steep bank could lead to a slip that puts you right back into the stream.
Crossing the Stream
Face Upstream and Shuffle Sideways. Slide your feet along the bottom while facing the river. Angle yourself diagonally to the flow and move in a slightly downstream direction toward the opposite bank.
Always maintain two points of contact with the bottom. Use your staff to steady yourself as you shift your feet. The more contact you have with the bottom, the more stable you'll be.
There’s strength in numbers. Crossing with a partner or with a group of people creates additional stability. Link arms and coordinate your movements.
But knowing how to cross a river is a critical survival skill.
The fact is that crossing rivers, especially when they’re running high, is among the riskier things you can do on the trail. Rocks and logs may offer a bridge to the opposite bank.
But they’re often wet or covered with algae and mosses. That can lead to slips and falls, and, therefore, any number of things that you really don’t want to experience: head injuries, broken bones, and the chance to get swept downstream.
The rate of runoff in streams and rivers is highly variable. In years of light snowfall and hot spring days, streams may run at low-to-moderate levels by early summer.
However, in years with heavy and late-season snows, rivers can run so high that trails, even ones with actual bridges, remain impassable well into summer.
Two points to remember: Don't take any unnecessary risks. And don't push anyone past their skill and confidence level. You're only as capable as the weakest hiker in your group.
Before You Leave
Check on conditions. Identify your destination or route.
Carry a staff.
They can help you assess water depth and rate of runoff, then provide additional stability when you do cross a stream. If you don’t have a staff, find a pair of sturdy branches that you can use instead.
Wear shorts or convertible pants. Long pants will increase drag in the stream and can be uncomfortable to hike in once they’re soaked.
Pack hiking sandals or gym shoes. If a stream is shallow enough to cross, it’s often easier to walk through the water instead of trying to boulder hop on slippery rocks. With spare shoes or hiking sandals, you can keep your hiking boots dry.
But don’t cross barefoot or use flip-flops because the current can easily sweep them off your feet.
Get out early. Cooler overnight and morning temperatures mean that the volume of snowmelt is lower early in the day, which means that streams will flow more slowly. Thunderstorms are also more common in afternoon and make currents more treacherous.
At the Crossing
assess the situation. The actual point where your route meets a river may not be the best place to get to the other side. Scout the river (ideally from an elevated perspective) or look both up- and downstream for alternatives.
If you can't identify a safe crossing location, then don’t take the risk and turn around. Wishful thinking has no place in this decision, so be conservative and assume the worst. Invariably, streams are faster and deeper than they appear.
Straight. Wide. Shallow. That’s what you’re looking for when identifying a place to cross.
Watch out for debris. If the river is carrying a lot of debris, such as branches and small logs, it’s not a good idea to cross.
The debris is an indication that stream flows are high. And objects flowing downstream can create a serious hazard if they strike you as you’re crossing.
Look for braided channels. The crossing may be wider where a river breaks into separate channels. But the current's intensity will be dissipated and there may also be small islands or gravel bars where you can take a break and plot your next steps.
Test the current. Toss a branch and watch how swiftly it moves downstream. That will give you a better sense of the direction of the main current and how fast it’s moving.
Don’t cross where flows are much above your knees. Even comparatively shallow water can knock you off balance and carry you downstream if it’s flowing rapidly enough. The only time to wade through deeper water is when you locate a flat pool with little or no current.
Loosen your pack before crossing. Undo your waist belt and let out the shoulder straps so that it's easier to remove. If you fall in and your pack gets soaked, it can drag you down or get snagged. You might lose your pack but consider the alternative.
Look for low and open exit points on the opposite bank. Once you reach the other side, you’ll want to be able to get out of the stream as quickly as possible. A scramble up a steep bank could lead to a slip that puts you right back into the stream.
Crossing the Stream
Face Upstream and Shuffle Sideways. Slide your feet along the bottom while facing the river. Angle yourself diagonally to the flow and move in a slightly downstream direction toward the opposite bank.
Always maintain two points of contact with the bottom. Use your staff to steady yourself as you shift your feet. The more contact you have with the bottom, the more stable you'll be.
There’s strength in numbers. Crossing with a partner or with a group of people creates additional stability. Link arms and coordinate your movements.
Knowing how to build a survival shelter can save your life.
While lack of food can kill you in 3 weeks, and a lack of water kill you in three days, exposure can kill in a matter of a few hours!
Regardless of what type of outdoor survival situation you find yourself in, you may need to build a shelter until a more permanent solution can be found.
Lean-to shelters are the easiest to build and can be constructed from almost any material. A blanket or tarp suspended on one end and weighted down on the other is considered a lean-to.
Wood supported by any upright is also a lean-to. All of these will provide some protection from wind, sun, rain, snow and all can be made with items that can be found or carried in a survival backpack.
Conical structures will also provide emergency shelter and while they are a bit more difficult to create can be made from items easily located.
Branches, sticks, lumber and pipe are all materials that can be used to construct a conical shelter. Arrange your support material in a circular motion. Starting with two poles on each side, prop them up so that they help support each other.
Add two more on the opposite side.
Working on a north/south and east/west grid, create a circle of supports. As you fill in the gaps on each directional side you will find that the structure becomes more stable.
Choose one area to leave open for your entryway. You can place a few branches or sticks sideways at this area weaving them into the outer supports to reduce the height of this opening.
You can close up this opening with a blanket, backpack or rubbish bag once you are inside.
When the basic shell has been constructed you can cover this conical structure with smaller branches, cloth such as blankets, curtains, carpet and so forth. Leaves and grass also work as a covering.
If your structure is constructed in an area where there is no danger of escaping natural gas or propane you may build a small pit fire inside. There will be a natural centre hole in conical shelters that will allow the smoke to rise and escape from inside.
A tipi structure is also an option for some. Taller supports are tied together at the top forming an inverted ice cream cone shape. Around these poles, fabric such as sheets or blankets, carpet or plastic is placed.
Again if this structure is in an area where no danger of escaping natural gas or propane is present, a small pit fire for warmth and cooking may be placed inside.
Tents and other types of pre-made shelters are useful as well.
Many modern tents are small, lightweight and some are designed for very cold temperatures. While these modern shelters have specific types of stoves and heating equipment that must be used they can be a valuable shelter option for some.
Canvas was once the fabric of choice for many temporary outdoor structures. Unfortunately, it is heavy and is a poor choice today for the survival backpack. However, it is possible to pack one of those lightweight silver tarps in a backpack and then have it available.
Drape it over a pole lodged between two trees, so that each end touches the ground. Anchor the ends with rocks and logs and close one end with branches, twigs and leaves.
Providing shelter during an emergency is as important as water and food will be.
Before you find yourself in an emergency situation you need to practice making a survival shelter. Having the supplies for an emergency without having the skills to use them is like not having the supplies in the first place.
Be prepared. Practice your skills before you need them.
While lack of food can kill you in 3 weeks, and a lack of water kill you in three days, exposure can kill in a matter of a few hours!
Regardless of what type of outdoor survival situation you find yourself in, you may need to build a shelter until a more permanent solution can be found.
Lean-to shelters are the easiest to build and can be constructed from almost any material. A blanket or tarp suspended on one end and weighted down on the other is considered a lean-to.
Wood supported by any upright is also a lean-to. All of these will provide some protection from wind, sun, rain, snow and all can be made with items that can be found or carried in a survival backpack.
Conical structures will also provide emergency shelter and while they are a bit more difficult to create can be made from items easily located.
Branches, sticks, lumber and pipe are all materials that can be used to construct a conical shelter. Arrange your support material in a circular motion. Starting with two poles on each side, prop them up so that they help support each other.
Add two more on the opposite side.
Working on a north/south and east/west grid, create a circle of supports. As you fill in the gaps on each directional side you will find that the structure becomes more stable.
Choose one area to leave open for your entryway. You can place a few branches or sticks sideways at this area weaving them into the outer supports to reduce the height of this opening.
You can close up this opening with a blanket, backpack or rubbish bag once you are inside.
When the basic shell has been constructed you can cover this conical structure with smaller branches, cloth such as blankets, curtains, carpet and so forth. Leaves and grass also work as a covering.
If your structure is constructed in an area where there is no danger of escaping natural gas or propane you may build a small pit fire inside. There will be a natural centre hole in conical shelters that will allow the smoke to rise and escape from inside.
A tipi structure is also an option for some. Taller supports are tied together at the top forming an inverted ice cream cone shape. Around these poles, fabric such as sheets or blankets, carpet or plastic is placed.
Again if this structure is in an area where no danger of escaping natural gas or propane is present, a small pit fire for warmth and cooking may be placed inside.
Tents and other types of pre-made shelters are useful as well.
Many modern tents are small, lightweight and some are designed for very cold temperatures. While these modern shelters have specific types of stoves and heating equipment that must be used they can be a valuable shelter option for some.
Canvas was once the fabric of choice for many temporary outdoor structures. Unfortunately, it is heavy and is a poor choice today for the survival backpack. However, it is possible to pack one of those lightweight silver tarps in a backpack and then have it available.
Drape it over a pole lodged between two trees, so that each end touches the ground. Anchor the ends with rocks and logs and close one end with branches, twigs and leaves.
Providing shelter during an emergency is as important as water and food will be.
Before you find yourself in an emergency situation you need to practice making a survival shelter. Having the supplies for an emergency without having the skills to use them is like not having the supplies in the first place.
Be prepared. Practice your skills before you need them.
The days are long, you are out in the wilderness, and the
night sky sparkles.
With that in mind, here are some tips for building a campfire!
Use dry firewood as freshly cut wood contains up to 50 per cent moisture. If steam bubbles and hisses on the fire, it’s wet or green—plus, it will make more campfire smoke, which burns your eyes. Prepare a good supply of “fuel.”
When collecting your fuel choose dry leaves, pine needles, grasses, wood shavings, rolled paper balls kindling dry, dead twigs, chopped firewood (thicker than 3 inches in diameter)
Now start your fire with the tinder and kindling—which provides surface area without a lot of weight to get a fire going; logs are too much weight in the beginning.
For an average fire, I suggest two “hats” worth of kindling and tinder. Once you’re in the process of fire-making, you don’t want to run out of fuel!
With that in mind, here are some tips for building a campfire!
Use dry firewood as freshly cut wood contains up to 50 per cent moisture. If steam bubbles and hisses on the fire, it’s wet or green—plus, it will make more campfire smoke, which burns your eyes. Prepare a good supply of “fuel.”
When collecting your fuel choose dry leaves, pine needles, grasses, wood shavings, rolled paper balls kindling dry, dead twigs, chopped firewood (thicker than 3 inches in diameter)
Now start your fire with the tinder and kindling—which provides surface area without a lot of weight to get a fire going; logs are too much weight in the beginning.
For an average fire, I suggest two “hats” worth of kindling and tinder. Once you’re in the process of fire-making, you don’t want to run out of fuel!
I have to believe
that one of the first things a creature did once it climbed out of the
primordial ooze was to seek warmth.
I can certainly relate to that quest at the end of a long survival exercise. Despite the fact that proper clothing should provide its wearer with adequate warmth, there is still something about the glow and radiant heat of a good campfire that all the right garments can never provide, it just feels natural to me.
Like bubbling stew, any fire can give you feelings of warmth. However, knowing how different fires direct and produce differing amounts of heat can help you make the best fire for different circumstances.
The "science" of a fire is based on three elements: fuel, oxygen and heat.
The fuel is the material that will start and then keep the fire burning. In order to burn it must have oxygen.
The oxygen combines with the gases emitted from the fuel as it is consumed - that gas is released by heat applied to the fuel.
Eventually the fuel is consumed, the energy is released in light and heat and the process is sustained by adding more fuel or re-initiated when a fire is needed again.
The key to any good fire is a quick start, sometimes with only one or two chances to do so. Good tinder - small dry shavings or strands or globs or drippings of quickly combustible material used to start a fire - is critical.
I can certainly relate to that quest at the end of a long survival exercise. Despite the fact that proper clothing should provide its wearer with adequate warmth, there is still something about the glow and radiant heat of a good campfire that all the right garments can never provide, it just feels natural to me.
Like bubbling stew, any fire can give you feelings of warmth. However, knowing how different fires direct and produce differing amounts of heat can help you make the best fire for different circumstances.
The "science" of a fire is based on three elements: fuel, oxygen and heat.
The fuel is the material that will start and then keep the fire burning. In order to burn it must have oxygen.
The oxygen combines with the gases emitted from the fuel as it is consumed - that gas is released by heat applied to the fuel.
Eventually the fuel is consumed, the energy is released in light and heat and the process is sustained by adding more fuel or re-initiated when a fire is needed again.
The key to any good fire is a quick start, sometimes with only one or two chances to do so. Good tinder - small dry shavings or strands or globs or drippings of quickly combustible material used to start a fire - is critical.
Wilderness121’s 10% discount
The new supplier of Purificup to the UK is Wilderness121 and
they really mean business, having spoken to the director Rob Williams he has
agreed to offer you dear listener a 10% discount just by putting the letters
UKPRN into the code box it is that simple.
Now pop along to www.wilderness121.co.uk
and check out their great range of survival related products.
Your First Course
Insects are the most abundant life form on earth and, except during winter, are
the first foods anyone should turn to for sustenance upon becoming lost or
stranded.
Not only can bugs be found in large quantities, but they are highly nutritious, being rich in fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
The main caveat is that people who suffer from shellfish allergies should avoid them.
Grasshoppers are easy to pick off grass stems at dawn, when the nip in the air has caused them to go into torpor. Crickets, beetles, and grubs can be found under rocks.
Other good places to search include behind loose bark, in decaying stumps, and inside seed pods. Earth mounds often betray insect activity underneath.
For sorting through loose soil and rotted wood, it helps to use a digging stick. Another excellent tool for insect collection is a seine, which you can jury-rig by tying your shirt or handkerchief between two poles.
Use it to catch active bugs such as flying grasshoppers, or in a stream for aquatic insects.
Whatever your pleasure, you have your choice from more than 1,400 edible insects to choose from. If you're from the United States, Europe or Canada, you may think that eating a bug is something reserved for bets, dares and reality TV shows.
The rest of the world has a different perspective. All over Asia, Africa, Australia, Central and South America, people eat insects.
Stranded in the wilderness for days, your stomach audibly groans from hunger. Foraging on plants or berries isn't an option because you don't know what's safe to eat. Instead, you hunt.
Drawing on your dwindling energy, you manage to kill a rabbit. Now, the only thing that matters is getting that sustenance into your body fast. Building a fire and cooking could take more than an hour, so you contemplate eating it raw.
What's the harm?
Not so fast. Sure -- in the wilderness, some normal rules of civilization don't apply.
But when it comes to meat, you need heat.
If you want to maximize your chance of survival, I recommend cooking all wild game and freshwater fish because of the threat of bacteria or parasites.
Bacteria thrive and multiply between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (4 and 60 degrees Celsius). That's why you should cook meat until the internal temperature measures at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius) to effectively break down the bacteria cells and prevent them from reproducing.
You're probably thinking:
If that's true, then how have Eskimos and other indigenous groups survived eating raw fish meat over the years? And what about eating raw fish in dishes such as sushi?
The difference is the salt water and the temperature of the meat.
Saltwater fish are safer to eat raw because the water actually helps to kill parasites and bacteria.
The salt in the water creates a hypertonic solution, where a higher concentration of salt exists outside of the bacteria cells than inside those cells.
To correct that imbalance, the bacteria cells release their water content through osmosis. When they lose that water, they shrivel up and die. In addition, when Eskimos eat raw whale and seal meat fresh, it hasn't had time to breed more bacteria.
Cold temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) also stop bacteria reproduction. Sushi-grade fish, called sashimi, that people commonly eat raw has been frozen before use to help destroy any remaining bacteria.
In case of any lingering invaders, food safety guides do recommend heating all saltwater fish to more than 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius).
Food is not just a source of energy and sustenance, but a comfort item as well.
When you are hungry, morale goes down and chances of survival dwindle. There will be several opportunities to find food after the supermarkets close you just need to know where to look and what tools to have.
The first thing you need to know is that meat will only take you only so far. If you read Meriwether Lewis’s journals from their Finding Food after TEOTWAWKI exploration; the men still felt hungry although they were eating several pounds of meat per day.
You can eat 10 rabbits a day and still “starve” as rabbit lacks everything except protein for your body’s survival.
Look if I have a choice of eating “normal” food then I will by planning to do so. I intend to bug-in and therefore I will not need to eat the above, well the bugs anyway.
Hunting and fishing are a different matter altogether, I enjoy doing them and I have learned how to deal with what I shoot or catch in getting it ready to eat.
You too must plan as to what you and your family will eat. I suggest the more people who decide that they will bug-out, the more that I think will end up eating bugs.
Simply put if you have prepped enough food and supplies for you and your family for a long term SHTF situation then, if bugging out, how will you transport this food and supplies to your bug-out location?
I do not think that you will be able to do it, OK you can reader, but I do not think that everyone can.
Have you thought, no, let me put it another way, have you actually loaded up the kids, the pets, the survival kit, weapons, ammo, clothing, shelter, water, food and everything else you have bought for your families survival and driven anywhere,
NO, I thought not.
And there my fellow preppers is the problem, and if you have not practiced doing it how the hell will you manage when SHTF?
Not only can bugs be found in large quantities, but they are highly nutritious, being rich in fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
The main caveat is that people who suffer from shellfish allergies should avoid them.
Grasshoppers are easy to pick off grass stems at dawn, when the nip in the air has caused them to go into torpor. Crickets, beetles, and grubs can be found under rocks.
Other good places to search include behind loose bark, in decaying stumps, and inside seed pods. Earth mounds often betray insect activity underneath.
For sorting through loose soil and rotted wood, it helps to use a digging stick. Another excellent tool for insect collection is a seine, which you can jury-rig by tying your shirt or handkerchief between two poles.
Use it to catch active bugs such as flying grasshoppers, or in a stream for aquatic insects.
Whatever your pleasure, you have your choice from more than 1,400 edible insects to choose from. If you're from the United States, Europe or Canada, you may think that eating a bug is something reserved for bets, dares and reality TV shows.
The rest of the world has a different perspective. All over Asia, Africa, Australia, Central and South America, people eat insects.
Stranded in the wilderness for days, your stomach audibly groans from hunger. Foraging on plants or berries isn't an option because you don't know what's safe to eat. Instead, you hunt.
Drawing on your dwindling energy, you manage to kill a rabbit. Now, the only thing that matters is getting that sustenance into your body fast. Building a fire and cooking could take more than an hour, so you contemplate eating it raw.
What's the harm?
Not so fast. Sure -- in the wilderness, some normal rules of civilization don't apply.
But when it comes to meat, you need heat.
If you want to maximize your chance of survival, I recommend cooking all wild game and freshwater fish because of the threat of bacteria or parasites.
Bacteria thrive and multiply between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (4 and 60 degrees Celsius). That's why you should cook meat until the internal temperature measures at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius) to effectively break down the bacteria cells and prevent them from reproducing.
You're probably thinking:
If that's true, then how have Eskimos and other indigenous groups survived eating raw fish meat over the years? And what about eating raw fish in dishes such as sushi?
The difference is the salt water and the temperature of the meat.
Saltwater fish are safer to eat raw because the water actually helps to kill parasites and bacteria.
The salt in the water creates a hypertonic solution, where a higher concentration of salt exists outside of the bacteria cells than inside those cells.
To correct that imbalance, the bacteria cells release their water content through osmosis. When they lose that water, they shrivel up and die. In addition, when Eskimos eat raw whale and seal meat fresh, it hasn't had time to breed more bacteria.
Cold temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) also stop bacteria reproduction. Sushi-grade fish, called sashimi, that people commonly eat raw has been frozen before use to help destroy any remaining bacteria.
In case of any lingering invaders, food safety guides do recommend heating all saltwater fish to more than 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius).
Food is not just a source of energy and sustenance, but a comfort item as well.
When you are hungry, morale goes down and chances of survival dwindle. There will be several opportunities to find food after the supermarkets close you just need to know where to look and what tools to have.
The first thing you need to know is that meat will only take you only so far. If you read Meriwether Lewis’s journals from their Finding Food after TEOTWAWKI exploration; the men still felt hungry although they were eating several pounds of meat per day.
You can eat 10 rabbits a day and still “starve” as rabbit lacks everything except protein for your body’s survival.
Look if I have a choice of eating “normal” food then I will by planning to do so. I intend to bug-in and therefore I will not need to eat the above, well the bugs anyway.
Hunting and fishing are a different matter altogether, I enjoy doing them and I have learned how to deal with what I shoot or catch in getting it ready to eat.
You too must plan as to what you and your family will eat. I suggest the more people who decide that they will bug-out, the more that I think will end up eating bugs.
Simply put if you have prepped enough food and supplies for you and your family for a long term SHTF situation then, if bugging out, how will you transport this food and supplies to your bug-out location?
I do not think that you will be able to do it, OK you can reader, but I do not think that everyone can.
Have you thought, no, let me put it another way, have you actually loaded up the kids, the pets, the survival kit, weapons, ammo, clothing, shelter, water, food and everything else you have bought for your families survival and driven anywhere,
NO, I thought not.
And there my fellow preppers is the problem, and if you have not practiced doing it how the hell will you manage when SHTF?
Now thanks to the
Managing Director Paul listeners visiting Field Leisure - The
Bushcraft & Wilderness Store
at http://www.fieldleisure.co.uk/
can get 10% OFF by entering the code UKPRN at the checkout now Paul guarantees
next day delivery all over the UK and fast European and US delivery and that is
reassuring and refreshing too
To make your own
preparedness plan, start by compiling a survival food list including the type
and quantity of food items to have on hand.
Emergency survival food has come a long way since the cold war era. And it's no longer limited to canned goods and military style meals-ready-to-eat (MRE's) either.
Having a plentiful store of food for long-term needs within your home makes you better prepared for: income loss, economic crisis, civil unrest, flu pandemic, hurricane, loss of power, interruption in the food supply, terrorist attack or any other situation in which buying food from usual sources becomes untenable.
Prepare a food storage area in your home, using a large closet or small basement room if available, and begin stocking it today. The area should be clean, dry, free of pests, and cool with low humidity.
Sturdy shelving allows you to organize what you have and makes room for more items. Never store foods in a garage or attic, as these areas of the home typically see very high temperatures in the summer.
When it comes to survival food, you can't be too prepared.
Obtain quality items, such as freeze dried food and dehydrated items, while it's still easy and relatively inexpensive. You never know when your life will depend on this foresight.
Survival Foods Guide
Freeze dried, dehydrated, canned and other survival foods there are a variety of food storage and preservation methods that make good survival food stashes.
One of the best choices for quality, long-lasting, nutritious and palatable survival foods is freeze dried foods, often stored in sealed cans and foil pouches.
The foods are lightweight, making them great choices for camping and hiking as well as long-term food storage for survival.
Bulk grains, such as wheat, oats, rice, and corn are an essential element to any home food storage. You just rotate the grains and use them in your regular cooking and baking every week.
If you decide to add bulk grains to your survival food list, be sure to store them properly in sealed food quality containers, such as plastic buckets with tight-fitting lids and oxygen absorbers.
You'll need a grain mill, which you can buy online
dehydrated foods, though they have a shorter shelf life than freeze dried, are also a good choice for home food storage. Beef jerky, and dried fruits and vegetables add variety to the diet and can be used as treats.
They are also fairly inexpensive, and should be rotated, used and replaced throughout the year. After all, the goal is to store what you eat and eat what you store.
Canned goods are another good addition, as long as they are rotated and used and replaced throughout the year.
Water is essential and should be your top priority on your survival food list.
A source of fresh water, such as a well outfitted with a hand pump in case of emergency, is obviously ideal. But for most people, Water Filters, Purifiers and Storage containers will be necessary to ensure clean water in case of a power outage or other long-term emergency.
For those with celiac disease, gluten free freeze dried foods are one of the best ways to prepare for unknown emergencies with foods that will be edible and not cause digestive problems.
In addition to freeze dried options, there are many "regular" foods, from rice pasta to steel cut oats to dried fruit that are without gluten and non-perishable so that they store well.
Since you never know when disaster may strike, building your food storage with a variety of dry goods, freeze dried entrees and other food items are a physical insurance policy against many emergencies and catastrophes.
Emergency survival food has come a long way since the cold war era. And it's no longer limited to canned goods and military style meals-ready-to-eat (MRE's) either.
Having a plentiful store of food for long-term needs within your home makes you better prepared for: income loss, economic crisis, civil unrest, flu pandemic, hurricane, loss of power, interruption in the food supply, terrorist attack or any other situation in which buying food from usual sources becomes untenable.
Prepare a food storage area in your home, using a large closet or small basement room if available, and begin stocking it today. The area should be clean, dry, free of pests, and cool with low humidity.
Sturdy shelving allows you to organize what you have and makes room for more items. Never store foods in a garage or attic, as these areas of the home typically see very high temperatures in the summer.
When it comes to survival food, you can't be too prepared.
Obtain quality items, such as freeze dried food and dehydrated items, while it's still easy and relatively inexpensive. You never know when your life will depend on this foresight.
Survival Foods Guide
Freeze dried, dehydrated, canned and other survival foods there are a variety of food storage and preservation methods that make good survival food stashes.
One of the best choices for quality, long-lasting, nutritious and palatable survival foods is freeze dried foods, often stored in sealed cans and foil pouches.
The foods are lightweight, making them great choices for camping and hiking as well as long-term food storage for survival.
Bulk grains, such as wheat, oats, rice, and corn are an essential element to any home food storage. You just rotate the grains and use them in your regular cooking and baking every week.
If you decide to add bulk grains to your survival food list, be sure to store them properly in sealed food quality containers, such as plastic buckets with tight-fitting lids and oxygen absorbers.
You'll need a grain mill, which you can buy online
dehydrated foods, though they have a shorter shelf life than freeze dried, are also a good choice for home food storage. Beef jerky, and dried fruits and vegetables add variety to the diet and can be used as treats.
They are also fairly inexpensive, and should be rotated, used and replaced throughout the year. After all, the goal is to store what you eat and eat what you store.
Canned goods are another good addition, as long as they are rotated and used and replaced throughout the year.
Water is essential and should be your top priority on your survival food list.
A source of fresh water, such as a well outfitted with a hand pump in case of emergency, is obviously ideal. But for most people, Water Filters, Purifiers and Storage containers will be necessary to ensure clean water in case of a power outage or other long-term emergency.
For those with celiac disease, gluten free freeze dried foods are one of the best ways to prepare for unknown emergencies with foods that will be edible and not cause digestive problems.
In addition to freeze dried options, there are many "regular" foods, from rice pasta to steel cut oats to dried fruit that are without gluten and non-perishable so that they store well.
Since you never know when disaster may strike, building your food storage with a variety of dry goods, freeze dried entrees and other food items are a physical insurance policy against many emergencies and catastrophes.
Peter at buggrub
is not only sponsoring the competition on my website he is also offering a 10%
discount on all his products. So have you got the gonads, can you walk the
walk, dare you, I dear you to buy some buggrub and then eat it, go on I dare
you. Peter’s website is www.buggrub.com
In our outdoor
activities, we must learn to bring the clothing and gear we need, to make good
plans, and do our best to manage any risks. But now and then, something
unexpected happens. When things go wrong, the skills of wilderness survival can
help make everything right again.
As preppers and survivalists we should be able to how that we know first aid for and how to prevent injuries or illnesses that could occur in backcountry settings, including hypothermia, heat reactions, frostbite, dehydration, blisters, insect Sting and tick bites.
From memory, we should be able to list the seven priorities for survival in a backcountry or wilderness location.
In a group we must discuss ways to avoid panic and maintain a high level of morale when lost, and explain why this is important.
We should be able to describe the steps we would take to survive in the following conditions:
Cold and snowy
Wet (forest)
Hot and dry (desert)
Windy (mountains or plains)
Water (ocean, lake, or river)
We should be able to put together a personal survival kit and explain how each item in it could be useful.
As preppers and survivalists we should be able to how that we know first aid for and how to prevent injuries or illnesses that could occur in backcountry settings, including hypothermia, heat reactions, frostbite, dehydration, blisters, insect Sting and tick bites.
From memory, we should be able to list the seven priorities for survival in a backcountry or wilderness location.
In a group we must discuss ways to avoid panic and maintain a high level of morale when lost, and explain why this is important.
We should be able to describe the steps we would take to survive in the following conditions:
Cold and snowy
Wet (forest)
Hot and dry (desert)
Windy (mountains or plains)
Water (ocean, lake, or river)
We should be able to put together a personal survival kit and explain how each item in it could be useful.
Using three
different methods (other than matches), build and light three fires.
Do the following:
Show five different ways to attract attention when lost.
Demonstrate how to use a signal mirror.
Do the following:
Show five different ways to attract attention when lost.
Demonstrate how to use a signal mirror.
Describe from memory
five ground-to-air signals and say what they mean.
Improvise a natural shelter. For the purpose of this demonstration, use techniques that have little negative impact on the environment. Spend a night in your shelter.
Improvise a natural shelter. For the purpose of this demonstration, use techniques that have little negative impact on the environment. Spend a night in your shelter.
Demonstrate three
ways to treat water found in the outdoors to prepare it for drinking.
Show that you know the proper clothing to wear in your area on an overnight in extremely hot weather and in extremely cold weather.
Show that you know the proper clothing to wear in your area on an overnight in extremely hot weather and in extremely cold weather.
Here are some more
companies to support
72 hour survival pack
Blizzard Survival jacket
Survival Ration Packs
SOL Complete Survival Kit and SOL Bivy Bag
The answer to rough ground sleeping
For all your military equipment needs
NEW MRE’s
The Fire Piston
Great tasty MRE’s
The 95 Puukko Survival Knife
Gold Standard Whey Protein isolates which are 90% pure
protein by weight
The RIBZ Front Pack
The LuminAID
Your own water purification system
Nut, gluten- and milk-free foods for nearly a decade here.
The Survival Slingshot
As expert survivors
we often think in terms of taking action in order to survive.
For example we have our bug-out bags pre-packed and are ready to go, so that we may walk or drive many miles with enough supplies to get us there.
Survivors know how to build a fire in many different ways under a variety of adverse conditions. Survivors can obtain drinkable water and forage edible foods from a plethora of sources.
As survival experts we can defend ourselves and our property to the best of our ability.
And that is just the beginning. When the going gets tough the experienced wilderness and urban survivor springs into action, taking adversity head on.
But not always. A wise old friend of mine once told me, “Sometimes the best thing you can do - is do nothing!”
When the going gets tough sometimes the best thing to do is to take a long nap. During very bad weather or social unrest it is often not wise to continue on with your plans.
Rather than flail about in wind and storm or risk altercation during social unrest, simply go to sleep and wait it out! You will save your energy, reduce the risk of injury, and get a good rest besides.
Sometimes the best thing you can do- is do nothing!
This strategy has been employed by experienced wilderness survivors such as the northern Native Americans during foul winter weather, arctic explorers, and high mountain expeditions like those on Mount Everest and K2.
Even the very squirrels and other animals, natures experienced survival instructors, will hunker down during the worst of conditions. They simply curl up in their dens and go to sleep.
During a survival situation of any kind, the ability to sleep warm, dry, and comfortable is very important and can mean the difference between health and the ability to take action during waking hours or possibly not making it out alive.
If you have the proper survival gear and knowledge, your outdoor sleep system can get you through the most trying of times with little expenditure of precious energy or exposure to danger.
For example we have our bug-out bags pre-packed and are ready to go, so that we may walk or drive many miles with enough supplies to get us there.
Survivors know how to build a fire in many different ways under a variety of adverse conditions. Survivors can obtain drinkable water and forage edible foods from a plethora of sources.
As survival experts we can defend ourselves and our property to the best of our ability.
And that is just the beginning. When the going gets tough the experienced wilderness and urban survivor springs into action, taking adversity head on.
But not always. A wise old friend of mine once told me, “Sometimes the best thing you can do - is do nothing!”
When the going gets tough sometimes the best thing to do is to take a long nap. During very bad weather or social unrest it is often not wise to continue on with your plans.
Rather than flail about in wind and storm or risk altercation during social unrest, simply go to sleep and wait it out! You will save your energy, reduce the risk of injury, and get a good rest besides.
Sometimes the best thing you can do- is do nothing!
This strategy has been employed by experienced wilderness survivors such as the northern Native Americans during foul winter weather, arctic explorers, and high mountain expeditions like those on Mount Everest and K2.
Even the very squirrels and other animals, natures experienced survival instructors, will hunker down during the worst of conditions. They simply curl up in their dens and go to sleep.
During a survival situation of any kind, the ability to sleep warm, dry, and comfortable is very important and can mean the difference between health and the ability to take action during waking hours or possibly not making it out alive.
If you have the proper survival gear and knowledge, your outdoor sleep system can get you through the most trying of times with little expenditure of precious energy or exposure to danger.
Nigel at www.hunters-knives.co.uk has offered
you dear listener 10% on all his products simply by using the code PREP10.
Just walk into the
woods empty handed and you'll soon encounter the first tool.
A knife takes a little more evolution to create, but there's always a stick at hand. Even a crude broken branch has loads of potential uses, from brushing aside the webs of spiders to keeping enemies at a distance.
Ever since humans learned to walk upright they've compensated for the loss of those two other feet with sticks.
Go onto a modern hiking trail today, however, and the staff is a rare item. People are almost embarrassed to carry them.
Is it a sign of weakness? a mark of age? a fashion miss statement? Unless it's a high tech trekking pole, the staff has fallen out of favour.
Historically, stick weapons are the mainstay of cultures where people travel isolated and wild pathways yet do not wish to present a threatening appearance.
If you want a fundamental level of defensive ability without looking like a paranoid invader, the staff is the perfect choice.
Although we think of today's world, especially here in the UK, as tame and civilized, the reality we face in the wilderness isn't so different from that of older and tougher days.
Animals of all kinds share the world with us and get cranky about it, and you can't trust everyone you meet on the trail. A good poking stick can preserve the peace without causing serious injury.
In recent times society's reaction to any form of animal violence has been to eliminate both species and ecosystem. I think we've grown beyond that, but not far beyond that. In modern instances of predation against humans, the individual animals pay the price--as well as any suspect animals who just happen to be in the area.
Our fellow beasts are intelligent as well as cautious--if they test one of us, and learn that we are pointy and belligerent, they probably will not try us out again.
That's good for everybody. The guy with the stick is not dangerous to the balance; the guy without one is.
Luckily, I have seldom had any reason to apply this aspect of the art of Stick. The most common encounters I've had are with cows and the loose dogs who probably already had a low opinion of humans.
The only potentially deadly confrontation in my collection was with a grumpy young bull who showed up in a bad mood as I was trying to cross his field. No real carnivores have ever attacked me, and they probably won't. I carry a big stick.
The hiking staff is much more than a self-defence device tool. It will be used most often for very ordinary things like keeping your footing. I can think of any number of reasons to have one.
To part underbrush on a trail, to take some weight and balance before you shift from this boulder to that ledge, to prop yourself against a current on a swift water crossing--the needs and the uses are endless.
Yes, you could make a staff on the spot, when you happen to need one--no, if you choose that last minute response, you won't have anything dependable.
A good staff will save your life. A rotten branch won't.
A knife takes a little more evolution to create, but there's always a stick at hand. Even a crude broken branch has loads of potential uses, from brushing aside the webs of spiders to keeping enemies at a distance.
Ever since humans learned to walk upright they've compensated for the loss of those two other feet with sticks.
Go onto a modern hiking trail today, however, and the staff is a rare item. People are almost embarrassed to carry them.
Is it a sign of weakness? a mark of age? a fashion miss statement? Unless it's a high tech trekking pole, the staff has fallen out of favour.
Historically, stick weapons are the mainstay of cultures where people travel isolated and wild pathways yet do not wish to present a threatening appearance.
If you want a fundamental level of defensive ability without looking like a paranoid invader, the staff is the perfect choice.
Although we think of today's world, especially here in the UK, as tame and civilized, the reality we face in the wilderness isn't so different from that of older and tougher days.
Animals of all kinds share the world with us and get cranky about it, and you can't trust everyone you meet on the trail. A good poking stick can preserve the peace without causing serious injury.
In recent times society's reaction to any form of animal violence has been to eliminate both species and ecosystem. I think we've grown beyond that, but not far beyond that. In modern instances of predation against humans, the individual animals pay the price--as well as any suspect animals who just happen to be in the area.
Our fellow beasts are intelligent as well as cautious--if they test one of us, and learn that we are pointy and belligerent, they probably will not try us out again.
That's good for everybody. The guy with the stick is not dangerous to the balance; the guy without one is.
Luckily, I have seldom had any reason to apply this aspect of the art of Stick. The most common encounters I've had are with cows and the loose dogs who probably already had a low opinion of humans.
The only potentially deadly confrontation in my collection was with a grumpy young bull who showed up in a bad mood as I was trying to cross his field. No real carnivores have ever attacked me, and they probably won't. I carry a big stick.
The hiking staff is much more than a self-defence device tool. It will be used most often for very ordinary things like keeping your footing. I can think of any number of reasons to have one.
To part underbrush on a trail, to take some weight and balance before you shift from this boulder to that ledge, to prop yourself against a current on a swift water crossing--the needs and the uses are endless.
Yes, you could make a staff on the spot, when you happen to need one--no, if you choose that last minute response, you won't have anything dependable.
A good staff will save your life. A rotten branch won't.
For most, the
average work-week morning is downright dreadful. You wake up still bleary-eyed
and exhausted. After knocking back some coffee as quickly as you can, it’s time
for the struggle to get the kids up and moving.
The rest of your whirlwind morning is spent trying to get them ready for school, while simultaneously attempting to get at least half-put together for work.
At the campsite, mornings couldn’t be more different. The sun is shining softly through the trees, the birds are chirping gleefully, and you couldn’t be more awake or refreshed; somehow, even the old-fashioned percolated coffee tastes better.
With ample time to start your day, you might even have time to cook up a tasty campsite breakfast for everyone.
The following breakfast recipes are a satisfying way to start the day, and easy enough to make that they won’t get frustrating or take all morning.
With them, you’ll be cracking the eggs, flipping the pancakes, and frying up the bacon to create a breakfast very much worth devouring – and remembering.
All-in-One Breakfast
3 sausage links (or other)
3 eggs
Half a potato
1/4 cup shredded cheese 3 tablespoons milk
Cook sausage and cut into small pieces, cut the potato into small pieces and cook in sausage drippings. Drain. Beat eggs and milk together and add to potatoes. When almost cooked, add sausage and cheese. Ready when cheese is melted.
Serving : 1
Bacon & Egg in a Paper Bag
3 thick slices of bacon
1 egg
1 paper lunch bag
1 stick
Place bacon in the bottom of the bag, covering the bottom. Crack egg and put in bag on top of the bacon. Fold top of bag down securely. Poke a hole through the top of the bag for the stick.
Hold over the hot coals till cooked.
The rest of your whirlwind morning is spent trying to get them ready for school, while simultaneously attempting to get at least half-put together for work.
At the campsite, mornings couldn’t be more different. The sun is shining softly through the trees, the birds are chirping gleefully, and you couldn’t be more awake or refreshed; somehow, even the old-fashioned percolated coffee tastes better.
With ample time to start your day, you might even have time to cook up a tasty campsite breakfast for everyone.
The following breakfast recipes are a satisfying way to start the day, and easy enough to make that they won’t get frustrating or take all morning.
With them, you’ll be cracking the eggs, flipping the pancakes, and frying up the bacon to create a breakfast very much worth devouring – and remembering.
All-in-One Breakfast
3 sausage links (or other)
3 eggs
Half a potato
1/4 cup shredded cheese 3 tablespoons milk
Cook sausage and cut into small pieces, cut the potato into small pieces and cook in sausage drippings. Drain. Beat eggs and milk together and add to potatoes. When almost cooked, add sausage and cheese. Ready when cheese is melted.
Serving : 1
Bacon & Egg in a Paper Bag
3 thick slices of bacon
1 egg
1 paper lunch bag
1 stick
Place bacon in the bottom of the bag, covering the bottom. Crack egg and put in bag on top of the bacon. Fold top of bag down securely. Poke a hole through the top of the bag for the stick.
Hold over the hot coals till cooked.
Fear – For anyone
faced with a wilderness emergency survival situation, fear is a normal
reaction. Unless an emergency situation has been anticipated, fear is generally
followed by panic then pain, cold, thirst, hunger, fatigue, boredom and
loneliness. It is extremely important to calmly assess the situation and not
allow these seven enemies to interfere with your survival.
Pain – Pain may often be ignored in a panic situation. Remember to deal with injuries immediately before they become even more serious.
Cold – Cold lowers the ability to think, numbing the body and reducing the will to survive. Never allow yourself to stop moving or to fall asleep unless adequately sheltered.
Thirst – Dehydration is a common enemy in an emergency situation and must not be ignored. It can dull your mind, causing you to overlook important survival information.
Hunger – Hunger is dangerous but seldom deadly. It may reduce your ability to think logically and increase your susceptibility to the effects of cold, pain and fear.
Fatigue – Fatigue is unavoidable in any situation so it is best to keep in mind that it can and will lower your mental ability. Remember that in an emergency situation this is often the bodies way of escaping a difficult situation.
Boredom & Loneliness – These enemies are quite often unanticipated and may lower the mind’s ability to deal with the situation.
Building a fire is the most important task when dealing with survival in the wilderness. Be sure to build yours in a sandy or rocky area or near a supply of sand and water as to avoid forest fires. The most common mistakes made by those attempting to build a fire are: choosing poor tinder, failing to shield precious matches from the wind and smothering the flames with too large pieces of fuel. The four most important factors when starting a fire are spark – tinder – fuel – oxygen.
1. Waterproof, strike-anywhere matches are your best bet. Matches may be water-proofed by dipping them in nail polish. Store your matches in a waterproof container.
2. A cigarette lighter is also a good way to produce a spark, with or without fuel.
3. The flint and steel method is one of the oldest and most reliable methods in fire starting. Aim the sparks at a pile of dry tinder to produce a fire.
4. The electric spark produced from a battery will ignite a gasoline dampened rag.
5. Remove half of the powder from a bullet and pour it into the tinder. Next place a rag in the cartridge case of the gun and fire. The rag should ignite and then may be placed into the tinder.
6. Allow the sun’s rays to pass through a magnifying glass onto the tinder.
Dry grass, paper or cloth lint, gasoline-soaked rags and dry bark are all forms of tinder. Place your tinder in a small pile resembling a tepee with the driest pieces at the bottom. Use a fire starter or strip of pitch if it is available.
Before building your shelter be sure that the surrounding area provides the materials needed to build a good fire, a good water source and shelter from the wind. It is important to keep in mind that smaller pieces of kindling such as, twigs, bark, shavings and gasoline, are necessary when trying to ignite larger pieces of fuel.
Gather fuel before attempting to start your fire. Obviously dry wood burns better and wet or pitchy wood will create more smoke. Dense, dry wood will burn slow and hot. A well ventilated fire will burn best.
Wilderness shelters may include:
1. Natural shelters such as caves and overhanging cliffs. When exploring a possible shelter tie a piece of string to the outer mouth of the cave to ensure you will be able to find your way out. Keep in mind that these caves may already be occupied. If you do use a cave for shelter, build your fire near its mouth to prevent animals from entering.
2. Enlarge the natural pit under a fallen tree and line it with bark or tree boughs.
3. Near a rocky coastal area, build a rock shelter in the shape of a U, covering the roof with driftwood and a tarp or even seaweed for protection.
4. A lean-to made with poles or fallen trees and a covering of plastic, boughs, thick grasses or bark is effective to shelter you from wind, rain and snow.
5. A wigwam may be constructed using three long poles. Tie the tops of the poles together and upright them in an appropriate spot. Cover the sides with a tarp, boughs, raingear or other suitable materials. Build a fire in the centre of the wigwam, making a draft channel in the wall and a small hole in the top to allow smoke to escape.
6. If you find yourself in open terrain, a snow cave will provide good shelter. Find a drift and burrow a tunnel into the side for about 60 cm (24 in) then build your chamber. The entrance of the tunnel should lead to the lowest level of you chamber where the cooking and storage of equipment will be. A minimum of two ventilating holes are necessary, preferably one in the roof and one in the door.
Clothing must provide warmth and offer protection from the elements. Layers of light, natural fibers are best. Hats are a must, as they offer protection from both the heat and cold. Water proof outer layers are necessary.
Equipment must be easily manageable and promote survival in any situation. Items to carry in your pockets may include a fire starter, waterproof matches and/or lighter, a pocket knife, goggles, compass, small first-aid kit and some sort of trail food.
Items for your survival kit should be packed in a waterproof container that can double as a cooking pot and water receptacle and be attached to your belt.
In addition to a survival kit, a good, comfortable backpack is mandatory. Loads of about 18 kg (40 lb.) are average. Items to include are; flashlight, extra jacket, socks and mittens, a pocket saw, gas camp stove, first aid kit, emergency food, and a tent and fly.
CHECK LIST
Useful items to include on your trek are:
1. A map and compass.
2. A large, bright plastic bag will be useful as a shelter, signalling device or in lieu of raingear.
3. A flashlight with extra batteries.
4. Extra water and food.
5. Extra clothing such as raingear, a toque and gloves, a sweater and pants.
6. Sun protection such as sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and long sleeved clothing.
7. A sharp pocket knife.
8. Waterproof matches, a lighter and/or a flint.
9. Candles and fire starter.
10. A first aid kit.
11. A whistle, flares, a tarp.
Before going into the wilderness check weather forecasts and local any hazards that could cause you problem.
Pain – Pain may often be ignored in a panic situation. Remember to deal with injuries immediately before they become even more serious.
Cold – Cold lowers the ability to think, numbing the body and reducing the will to survive. Never allow yourself to stop moving or to fall asleep unless adequately sheltered.
Thirst – Dehydration is a common enemy in an emergency situation and must not be ignored. It can dull your mind, causing you to overlook important survival information.
Hunger – Hunger is dangerous but seldom deadly. It may reduce your ability to think logically and increase your susceptibility to the effects of cold, pain and fear.
Fatigue – Fatigue is unavoidable in any situation so it is best to keep in mind that it can and will lower your mental ability. Remember that in an emergency situation this is often the bodies way of escaping a difficult situation.
Boredom & Loneliness – These enemies are quite often unanticipated and may lower the mind’s ability to deal with the situation.
Building a fire is the most important task when dealing with survival in the wilderness. Be sure to build yours in a sandy or rocky area or near a supply of sand and water as to avoid forest fires. The most common mistakes made by those attempting to build a fire are: choosing poor tinder, failing to shield precious matches from the wind and smothering the flames with too large pieces of fuel. The four most important factors when starting a fire are spark – tinder – fuel – oxygen.
1. Waterproof, strike-anywhere matches are your best bet. Matches may be water-proofed by dipping them in nail polish. Store your matches in a waterproof container.
2. A cigarette lighter is also a good way to produce a spark, with or without fuel.
3. The flint and steel method is one of the oldest and most reliable methods in fire starting. Aim the sparks at a pile of dry tinder to produce a fire.
4. The electric spark produced from a battery will ignite a gasoline dampened rag.
5. Remove half of the powder from a bullet and pour it into the tinder. Next place a rag in the cartridge case of the gun and fire. The rag should ignite and then may be placed into the tinder.
6. Allow the sun’s rays to pass through a magnifying glass onto the tinder.
Dry grass, paper or cloth lint, gasoline-soaked rags and dry bark are all forms of tinder. Place your tinder in a small pile resembling a tepee with the driest pieces at the bottom. Use a fire starter or strip of pitch if it is available.
Before building your shelter be sure that the surrounding area provides the materials needed to build a good fire, a good water source and shelter from the wind. It is important to keep in mind that smaller pieces of kindling such as, twigs, bark, shavings and gasoline, are necessary when trying to ignite larger pieces of fuel.
Gather fuel before attempting to start your fire. Obviously dry wood burns better and wet or pitchy wood will create more smoke. Dense, dry wood will burn slow and hot. A well ventilated fire will burn best.
Wilderness shelters may include:
1. Natural shelters such as caves and overhanging cliffs. When exploring a possible shelter tie a piece of string to the outer mouth of the cave to ensure you will be able to find your way out. Keep in mind that these caves may already be occupied. If you do use a cave for shelter, build your fire near its mouth to prevent animals from entering.
2. Enlarge the natural pit under a fallen tree and line it with bark or tree boughs.
3. Near a rocky coastal area, build a rock shelter in the shape of a U, covering the roof with driftwood and a tarp or even seaweed for protection.
4. A lean-to made with poles or fallen trees and a covering of plastic, boughs, thick grasses or bark is effective to shelter you from wind, rain and snow.
5. A wigwam may be constructed using three long poles. Tie the tops of the poles together and upright them in an appropriate spot. Cover the sides with a tarp, boughs, raingear or other suitable materials. Build a fire in the centre of the wigwam, making a draft channel in the wall and a small hole in the top to allow smoke to escape.
6. If you find yourself in open terrain, a snow cave will provide good shelter. Find a drift and burrow a tunnel into the side for about 60 cm (24 in) then build your chamber. The entrance of the tunnel should lead to the lowest level of you chamber where the cooking and storage of equipment will be. A minimum of two ventilating holes are necessary, preferably one in the roof and one in the door.
Clothing must provide warmth and offer protection from the elements. Layers of light, natural fibers are best. Hats are a must, as they offer protection from both the heat and cold. Water proof outer layers are necessary.
Equipment must be easily manageable and promote survival in any situation. Items to carry in your pockets may include a fire starter, waterproof matches and/or lighter, a pocket knife, goggles, compass, small first-aid kit and some sort of trail food.
Items for your survival kit should be packed in a waterproof container that can double as a cooking pot and water receptacle and be attached to your belt.
In addition to a survival kit, a good, comfortable backpack is mandatory. Loads of about 18 kg (40 lb.) are average. Items to include are; flashlight, extra jacket, socks and mittens, a pocket saw, gas camp stove, first aid kit, emergency food, and a tent and fly.
CHECK LIST
Useful items to include on your trek are:
1. A map and compass.
2. A large, bright plastic bag will be useful as a shelter, signalling device or in lieu of raingear.
3. A flashlight with extra batteries.
4. Extra water and food.
5. Extra clothing such as raingear, a toque and gloves, a sweater and pants.
6. Sun protection such as sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and long sleeved clothing.
7. A sharp pocket knife.
8. Waterproof matches, a lighter and/or a flint.
9. Candles and fire starter.
10. A first aid kit.
11. A whistle, flares, a tarp.
Before going into the wilderness check weather forecasts and local any hazards that could cause you problem.
Failing to Prepare is preparing to Fail
Further Companies to
Support
Uses natural fuel
EDC steel tools
Highlander Trojan Hydration Pack – Multicam
CUDEMAN HEAVY DUTY OLIVE WOOD BUSHCRAFT KNIFE - 111L
Alum Crystal and natural spa products
Tool logic Survival 11 Credit Card
BackHawk Web duty Belt
Guppie Multi=tool
Go Survival Pack
Beautiful Handmade Catapults
1 Person BASIC Backpack Survival Kit, the back pack that
does it all
DD Hammock –The ultimate in Travel Hammocks
Elzetta ZFL-M60 Tactical Weapon-Grade LED Torch
Ultimate Adventurer Survival Kit everything in one kit
Adjustable Knife Lanyard Review
Handmade knives by James D. Sanders
Mini alarm Device with an Ultra bright White LED
Lightload towels
The LUCI light
Fire Dragon Gel
TBS Boar Folding
Pocket Knife
Live Fire Emergency Fire Starter
THE ultimate Emergency Survival Fishing Kit
Gerber Mini Remix -
Drop Point, Fine Edge
The Mule Light
The BodyGard is the
Rolls-Royce of keychain emergency tools. Its two essential (and life-saving)
tools are its seat belt cutter and door glass breaker.
The BodyGard also includes a sonic alarm (to attract attention and ward-off a would-be attacker), LED flashlight, and distress flasher (a bright red flashing light).
The BodyGard is compact and smartly attaches to your keychain so it's within reach during an emergency. You owe it to yourself and to your family to carry a BodyGard.
The BodyGard also includes a sonic alarm (to attract attention and ward-off a would-be attacker), LED flashlight, and distress flasher (a bright red flashing light).
The BodyGard is compact and smartly attaches to your keychain so it's within reach during an emergency. You owe it to yourself and to your family to carry a BodyGard.
The powermonkey
explorer is not just for adventure travellers.
Compatible with the majority of smartphones including iPhone and
BlackBerry, mobile phones, iPods, MP3 / MP4, PDAs and portable games consoles,
the powermonkey explorer is a portable charger for your 5V devices - giving you
96 hours of standby on your mobile, 40 hours on your iPod, 5 hours on your
games console, 48 hours on your PDA and 6 hours on MP3/MP4 players.
Owl Eyes: A
Core Awareness Skill
Picture an owl
perched on a tree branch 25ft above the ground. Sitting there motionless with
its owl eyes in a fixed gaze. The “form” we are gaining from the “owl” is that
of wide peripheral vision. Stillness yields motion for the owl. When the owl
holds perfect stillness, all motion is very evident.
The bird language practitioner or tracker gains from this by practicing the same kind of stillness and wide-angle vision as demonstrated by the owl. To utilize this best, owl eyes should be applied in combination with Fox Walking, and other moving forms, and is exceptional practice at the quiet sit.
Owls have developed eyes so big and so powerful that they have actually outgrown their eye sockets and are “frozen” in place.
Imagine that you are an owl. Look straight ahead and imagine that your eyeballs are stuck in your eye sockets and cannot move.
Now, look straight ahead toward wherever your body is facing. Pick a spot directly across from you that you can train your eyes on without moving. Hold that spot in the centre of your vision as your focal point. If your eyes wander off, bring them back to your focal point again. Always return to that one spot.
While staring at that spot and without moving your eyeballs, notice that you can also see part of the ground or floor between you and that spot.
And without moving your eyeballs you can see part of the sky or ceiling between you and that spot. You can see the ground, the sky, and that spot all at the same time using your peripheral vision. This is owl eyes.
Build on this peripheral vision now by adding to your awareness the farthest thing you can see to the left and the farthest thing you can see to the right, all without moving your eyeballs. You can see these five things at once: your focal point, the ground, the sky, the extreme left, and the extreme right.
How to improve/Practice- from an early age most of us have mostly utilized a narrow field vision. Reading words on a page, for instance, mandates a tunnelling of our vision.
Therefore, the rods and cones within the retina allowing owl eyes to work have not been physically exercised. Most likely you will repeatedly slip back into a more focused vision.
Therefore a conscious effort to practice owl eyes is crucial for integrating this technique into your routines. Through practice you will watch your field of vision literally expand to encompass a larger area.
The bird language practitioner or tracker gains from this by practicing the same kind of stillness and wide-angle vision as demonstrated by the owl. To utilize this best, owl eyes should be applied in combination with Fox Walking, and other moving forms, and is exceptional practice at the quiet sit.
Owls have developed eyes so big and so powerful that they have actually outgrown their eye sockets and are “frozen” in place.
Imagine that you are an owl. Look straight ahead and imagine that your eyeballs are stuck in your eye sockets and cannot move.
Now, look straight ahead toward wherever your body is facing. Pick a spot directly across from you that you can train your eyes on without moving. Hold that spot in the centre of your vision as your focal point. If your eyes wander off, bring them back to your focal point again. Always return to that one spot.
While staring at that spot and without moving your eyeballs, notice that you can also see part of the ground or floor between you and that spot.
And without moving your eyeballs you can see part of the sky or ceiling between you and that spot. You can see the ground, the sky, and that spot all at the same time using your peripheral vision. This is owl eyes.
Build on this peripheral vision now by adding to your awareness the farthest thing you can see to the left and the farthest thing you can see to the right, all without moving your eyeballs. You can see these five things at once: your focal point, the ground, the sky, the extreme left, and the extreme right.
How to improve/Practice- from an early age most of us have mostly utilized a narrow field vision. Reading words on a page, for instance, mandates a tunnelling of our vision.
Therefore, the rods and cones within the retina allowing owl eyes to work have not been physically exercised. Most likely you will repeatedly slip back into a more focused vision.
Therefore a conscious effort to practice owl eyes is crucial for integrating this technique into your routines. Through practice you will watch your field of vision literally expand to encompass a larger area.
The Best Meal
of the Day
Breakfast is
considered the most important meal of the day.
This is especially true for backpackers, survivalists and preppers on exercise. A healthy breakfast is responsible for replacing the glucose stores depleted each night and for providing the body with the nutrients it needs for jump-starting the day.
The consequences of skipping breakfast -- a drop in blood sugar levels, fatigue, poor concentration, irritability and lethargy -- can manifest themselves throughout the day, making hiking a miserable experience.
Energy Requirements
Backpackers commonly burn anywhere from 3,000 and 6,000 calories a day and have to consume between 2 and 3 lbs. of energy-dense food each day to meet their energy requirements.
Breakfasts are typically a backpacker's biggest meal, accounting for 25 per cent of the day's required calories and nutrients.
A healthy breakfast that contains a balanced ratio of protein, fats and complex carbohydrates can provide a backpacker with the energy needed for a successful hike without the blood sugar crash that accompanies the consumption of simple sugars.
Along with complex carbohydrates, fats are the preferred fuel for muscles. Calorie- and nutrient-dense, fats are typically a lightweight, trail-friendly food that provides the body with a reliable source for long-term energy.
Fats are typically found in oils, nuts, avocados, fish, meats, butter and cheese. Roughly 35 to 40 per cent of the calories in a backpacker's breakfast should come from fat.
Fats are especially important for backpackers on long, strenuous treks or those in colder climates.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates refer to the starches found in the whole grains, cereals, fruits and vegetables that contain glucose. As the body's main source of energy, glucose provides an immediate supply of energy that replenishes glucose stores and jump-starts the body.
An important component of a backpacker's diet, roughly 50 per cent of a breakfast's calories should come from complex carbohydrates. As the brain's sole source of energy, glucose is also important for maintaining mental focus and boosting mood.
When combined with fibre, complex carbohydrates can help stabilize the body's blood glucose levels and prevent fatigue and hypoglycaemia during a morning hike.
Protein
while complex carbohydrates provide the body with an immediate source of energy, protein provides the body with longer-lasting energy stores. Since proteins take longer to digest then carbohydrates, they can stop hunger throughout the morning and provide the body with a sustained energy source.
However, since proteins are not as energy-dense as fats or carbohydrates, they should only make up 10 to 15 per cent of a trail breakfast.
Protein sources like dried eggs, peanut butter, fish, beans, nut, legumes, whole grains and meats are healthy, trail-friendly protein choices.
Weight and Bulk
it is not uncommon for the majority of a pack's weight and bulk to be food. However, unlike fresh ingredients, dehydrated, freeze-dried and powdered foods do not spoil and can cut down on weight and bulk.
When planning a trail breakfast, it is important to consider weight, preparation and energy requirements.
Granola and oatmeal with nuts, seeds or dried fruit are common trail-friendly breakfasts since they are calorie-and nutrient-dense, easy to pack, and quick to cook.
Breakfast and cereal bars can also be a good source of energy, unless they are contain large amounts of refined carbohydrates.
This is especially true for backpackers, survivalists and preppers on exercise. A healthy breakfast is responsible for replacing the glucose stores depleted each night and for providing the body with the nutrients it needs for jump-starting the day.
The consequences of skipping breakfast -- a drop in blood sugar levels, fatigue, poor concentration, irritability and lethargy -- can manifest themselves throughout the day, making hiking a miserable experience.
Energy Requirements
Backpackers commonly burn anywhere from 3,000 and 6,000 calories a day and have to consume between 2 and 3 lbs. of energy-dense food each day to meet their energy requirements.
Breakfasts are typically a backpacker's biggest meal, accounting for 25 per cent of the day's required calories and nutrients.
A healthy breakfast that contains a balanced ratio of protein, fats and complex carbohydrates can provide a backpacker with the energy needed for a successful hike without the blood sugar crash that accompanies the consumption of simple sugars.
Along with complex carbohydrates, fats are the preferred fuel for muscles. Calorie- and nutrient-dense, fats are typically a lightweight, trail-friendly food that provides the body with a reliable source for long-term energy.
Fats are typically found in oils, nuts, avocados, fish, meats, butter and cheese. Roughly 35 to 40 per cent of the calories in a backpacker's breakfast should come from fat.
Fats are especially important for backpackers on long, strenuous treks or those in colder climates.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates refer to the starches found in the whole grains, cereals, fruits and vegetables that contain glucose. As the body's main source of energy, glucose provides an immediate supply of energy that replenishes glucose stores and jump-starts the body.
An important component of a backpacker's diet, roughly 50 per cent of a breakfast's calories should come from complex carbohydrates. As the brain's sole source of energy, glucose is also important for maintaining mental focus and boosting mood.
When combined with fibre, complex carbohydrates can help stabilize the body's blood glucose levels and prevent fatigue and hypoglycaemia during a morning hike.
Protein
while complex carbohydrates provide the body with an immediate source of energy, protein provides the body with longer-lasting energy stores. Since proteins take longer to digest then carbohydrates, they can stop hunger throughout the morning and provide the body with a sustained energy source.
However, since proteins are not as energy-dense as fats or carbohydrates, they should only make up 10 to 15 per cent of a trail breakfast.
Protein sources like dried eggs, peanut butter, fish, beans, nut, legumes, whole grains and meats are healthy, trail-friendly protein choices.
Weight and Bulk
it is not uncommon for the majority of a pack's weight and bulk to be food. However, unlike fresh ingredients, dehydrated, freeze-dried and powdered foods do not spoil and can cut down on weight and bulk.
When planning a trail breakfast, it is important to consider weight, preparation and energy requirements.
Granola and oatmeal with nuts, seeds or dried fruit are common trail-friendly breakfasts since they are calorie-and nutrient-dense, easy to pack, and quick to cook.
Breakfast and cereal bars can also be a good source of energy, unless they are contain large amounts of refined carbohydrates.
Egg in an Orange
Cut an orange in half. Scoop out the flesh inside and eat it – be careful not to cut through the skin!
Now crack an egg into the skin and place on the embers of the fire until the egg is cooked.
Onion eggs
Cut the onion in half after removing the outer skin. Remove internal contents except for the remaining three outer layers. Break egg into shell and place on embers. When cooked eat the onion container
as well as its contents after removing the outer scorched layer.
Spud Egg
Cut the top off a potato of and scoop a hole in the middle. Crack the egg into the hole, put the top
back in place and secure with small wooden pegs. Bake until the potato is cooked.
To make spud-eggs, cut potato across short axis, hollow out both halves, break egg into it, and replace top and spike in place with sharpened match stick, bake in embers for about 15 minutes.
Potato
Perhaps the easiest to cook in the woods. Take a potato and place it in the embers of the fire. When it is cooked, after about 25 - 30 mins. Slice open the skin and place a piece of cheese or butter on top.
Backwoods Mince
you can cook mincemeat inside all sorts of vegetable containers: orange peels, hollowed-out
potatoes, onions, gem squash, butternut, or even cabbage leaves.
Kebab
Use a green stick to spear slices of bacon, mushrooms, sausage, carrot, tomato, peppers, and
pieces of pork. Support the skewer over glowing embers turning occasionally. Eat when the meat is
crisp and golden brown.
Alternate thin slices of apple, bacon, potato, spiked on a thin green stick and roasted slowly over
hardwoods. (Potato generally takes longest to cook).
Cut any type of meat into cubes, place onto a long peeled green stick add onion, mushrooms,
pepper, pineapple etc. to taste, cook till ready turning frequently
Use the same method as above using fruits add a syrup sauce before eating
Cabbage hot dogs
Lay sliced onion on a cabbage leaf, add a sausage or two and place more onions on top. Wrap up
the cabbage leaf tightly and secure with a number of small green sticks. Place in embers for about 7
to 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
Cut an orange in half. Scoop out the flesh inside and eat it – be careful not to cut through the skin!
Now crack an egg into the skin and place on the embers of the fire until the egg is cooked.
Onion eggs
Cut the onion in half after removing the outer skin. Remove internal contents except for the remaining three outer layers. Break egg into shell and place on embers. When cooked eat the onion container
as well as its contents after removing the outer scorched layer.
Spud Egg
Cut the top off a potato of and scoop a hole in the middle. Crack the egg into the hole, put the top
back in place and secure with small wooden pegs. Bake until the potato is cooked.
To make spud-eggs, cut potato across short axis, hollow out both halves, break egg into it, and replace top and spike in place with sharpened match stick, bake in embers for about 15 minutes.
Potato
Perhaps the easiest to cook in the woods. Take a potato and place it in the embers of the fire. When it is cooked, after about 25 - 30 mins. Slice open the skin and place a piece of cheese or butter on top.
Backwoods Mince
you can cook mincemeat inside all sorts of vegetable containers: orange peels, hollowed-out
potatoes, onions, gem squash, butternut, or even cabbage leaves.
Kebab
Use a green stick to spear slices of bacon, mushrooms, sausage, carrot, tomato, peppers, and
pieces of pork. Support the skewer over glowing embers turning occasionally. Eat when the meat is
crisp and golden brown.
Alternate thin slices of apple, bacon, potato, spiked on a thin green stick and roasted slowly over
hardwoods. (Potato generally takes longest to cook).
Cut any type of meat into cubes, place onto a long peeled green stick add onion, mushrooms,
pepper, pineapple etc. to taste, cook till ready turning frequently
Use the same method as above using fruits add a syrup sauce before eating
Cabbage hot dogs
Lay sliced onion on a cabbage leaf, add a sausage or two and place more onions on top. Wrap up
the cabbage leaf tightly and secure with a number of small green sticks. Place in embers for about 7
to 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
Bug-in or
Bug-Out?
One survival option
I have considered over the last year is planning to bug out in my boat.
Within the survival prepping community there are two major camps, the bug-out doctrine and the bug-out doctrine.
Needless to say each has many variations and are highly tailor able to personal needs and available options.
I think for many families the bug-in doctrine is preferable, for solo young men probably the bug out.
Being a young lad in the 80’s with minimal financial resources, I was mostly prone to bug out prepping, with the focus largely on skills (as I had a lack of gear or resources to acquire gear).
Now as an old git l, I face the prospect of seeing my family exist in a growing police state, one where what my children eat, are taught, and medicated would be controlled by the state.
For many of us who see the writing on the wall and are desperate to secure a viable future for our family, there is a perception that any survival prep would be woefully inadequate to sustain a family.
Of course, the perception of an insurmountable barrier to providing for your family is merely that, a perception in my opinion.
Within the survival prepping community there are two major camps, the bug-out doctrine and the bug-out doctrine.
Needless to say each has many variations and are highly tailor able to personal needs and available options.
I think for many families the bug-in doctrine is preferable, for solo young men probably the bug out.
Being a young lad in the 80’s with minimal financial resources, I was mostly prone to bug out prepping, with the focus largely on skills (as I had a lack of gear or resources to acquire gear).
Now as an old git l, I face the prospect of seeing my family exist in a growing police state, one where what my children eat, are taught, and medicated would be controlled by the state.
For many of us who see the writing on the wall and are desperate to secure a viable future for our family, there is a perception that any survival prep would be woefully inadequate to sustain a family.
Of course, the perception of an insurmountable barrier to providing for your family is merely that, a perception in my opinion.
There are a few
types of Bug-Out bags out there; I generally put them into 2 categories... They
each serve a specific purpose.
The Get Home Bag is usually stored in a vehicle or at work. It is used to give you the essentials you would need to get back to your home in case of emergency while you are away.
The Bug out Bag is used to get from wherever you are to your pre-planned Bug-Out location or other location of relative safety.
If you are going to bug out by car, you have a lot more choice in equipment and gear selection as you have much more room to pack gear. However you must also plan for the worst case scenario, which would be having to hump your gear on your back.
Pack only essentials! I am here to tell you that every ounce counts, and saving even 1 pound worth of gear that you don't have to drag along with you will make your life much better.
Be careful and deliberate in your gear selection, don't sacrifice light weight for something that isn't durable. Remember that what you have is it-Make sure you buy quality gear that will serve you for the long-haul. You probably won't be able to replace any of it soon.
The Get Home Bag is usually stored in a vehicle or at work. It is used to give you the essentials you would need to get back to your home in case of emergency while you are away.
The Bug out Bag is used to get from wherever you are to your pre-planned Bug-Out location or other location of relative safety.
If you are going to bug out by car, you have a lot more choice in equipment and gear selection as you have much more room to pack gear. However you must also plan for the worst case scenario, which would be having to hump your gear on your back.
Pack only essentials! I am here to tell you that every ounce counts, and saving even 1 pound worth of gear that you don't have to drag along with you will make your life much better.
Be careful and deliberate in your gear selection, don't sacrifice light weight for something that isn't durable. Remember that what you have is it-Make sure you buy quality gear that will serve you for the long-haul. You probably won't be able to replace any of it soon.
Making a Survival
Kit is essential for people who live in areas that are prone to natural
disasters.
The majority of these disasters are earthquake, flooding, hurricane, bush fires, tsunamis, etc. A bug out bag is not only necessary for all households but for sportsmen as well.
There are times, that survival skills equates to life or death and this determines the well-being of a person during emergencies. Making a survival kit does not only equate to the preparation of some items to survive a catastrophe being trained to use the actual survival kit items is also necessary.
There are survivalist who refute the usefulness of making a survival kit. This is due to the fact that people who make them do not really have the actual hands on experience with the items.
In this regard, we may say that these survivalist are correct. What will be the use of these materials if a person does not qualify or know how to use them?
Throughout this article I will not only discuss how important the making a survival kit is but how the 10 most important items are to be used. Scenarios such as being lost in a wood can turn out into an ugly situation, however if you have your urban survival kit things can be steered into a more positive experience.
There was a story of a 93 year old woman who survived a devastating snow storm. She remained inside her house for 5 days. When rescue arrived, she was asked if she wanted to evacuate, she refused evacuation and asked for fire wood instead.
She survived eating canned foods and was able to warm herself by burning fire wood she does not have knowledge of making a survival kit. Using her common sense and being prepared at all times helped her through.
A survival story does not have to be grand, laced with several horrific incidents however not all stories have a happy ending but being equipped with the correct tools and knowledge may ensure safety.
Steps in making a survival kit
1. Making a survival kit requires a list of the most important things to include in your very own kit. Create a list of the things you may need once a disaster or emergency occurs.
2. Pick a container big enough to contain all of the items in your list. The container should be easy to carry around and have a room for all the items that you may need.
3. Gather your materials the most important are the things that will aid you once you are on the run or looking for an evacuation centre where food and other necessities are present. We will break down the materials that you may need while you are looking for a suitable temporary shelter.
4. Water – When making a survival kit make sure that all persons in the household are accounted for. One gallon of water is suffice for a person for one day. Your kit must contain supplies that will last for 3 days or 72 hours.
5. Food – When a tragedy strikes expect that food will be scarce. When making a survival kit, make sure to include food that has a long shelf life, a good source of energy and no cooking is necessary
6. Clothing – Warmth is important, pack clothes that are warm and comfortable for movement.
7. Making a survival kit is not complete without the items that will allow you to know what is going on around you. Prepare a battery operated transistor radio with fresh batteries. Also include whistles, flares and matches.
8. Include a first aid kit in your survival kit, medical supplies such as over-the-counter medicines, special medical equipment if someone in the household needs it. Although some medical apparatus is heavy and may slow you down find an alternative for it if possible. If there are infants, make sure that the supplies they need are also included in your kit.
Making a survival kit is not easy, but it will prove to be useful in the future.
The logic behind in making a survival kit
Making a survival kit may prove to be useless if the person who has it does not know how to use the items included in it.
Train yourself on how to use and operate items that are included in your kit. Read manuals ahead of time to ensure that the emergency arrives you are well prepared.
Making a survival kit requires patience and dedication, you do not have to have all the materials right away, however you will have to complete it as soon as you can. In doing so, you are well prepared and ready for an emergency.
If a certain situation arrives and you are unsure of what to do, ensure that you think clearly and assess the situation. Your survival kit items are your life line during emergencies.
Making a survival kit does not ensure your safety however it increases your survival rate dramatically.
The majority of these disasters are earthquake, flooding, hurricane, bush fires, tsunamis, etc. A bug out bag is not only necessary for all households but for sportsmen as well.
There are times, that survival skills equates to life or death and this determines the well-being of a person during emergencies. Making a survival kit does not only equate to the preparation of some items to survive a catastrophe being trained to use the actual survival kit items is also necessary.
There are survivalist who refute the usefulness of making a survival kit. This is due to the fact that people who make them do not really have the actual hands on experience with the items.
In this regard, we may say that these survivalist are correct. What will be the use of these materials if a person does not qualify or know how to use them?
Throughout this article I will not only discuss how important the making a survival kit is but how the 10 most important items are to be used. Scenarios such as being lost in a wood can turn out into an ugly situation, however if you have your urban survival kit things can be steered into a more positive experience.
There was a story of a 93 year old woman who survived a devastating snow storm. She remained inside her house for 5 days. When rescue arrived, she was asked if she wanted to evacuate, she refused evacuation and asked for fire wood instead.
She survived eating canned foods and was able to warm herself by burning fire wood she does not have knowledge of making a survival kit. Using her common sense and being prepared at all times helped her through.
A survival story does not have to be grand, laced with several horrific incidents however not all stories have a happy ending but being equipped with the correct tools and knowledge may ensure safety.
Steps in making a survival kit
1. Making a survival kit requires a list of the most important things to include in your very own kit. Create a list of the things you may need once a disaster or emergency occurs.
2. Pick a container big enough to contain all of the items in your list. The container should be easy to carry around and have a room for all the items that you may need.
3. Gather your materials the most important are the things that will aid you once you are on the run or looking for an evacuation centre where food and other necessities are present. We will break down the materials that you may need while you are looking for a suitable temporary shelter.
4. Water – When making a survival kit make sure that all persons in the household are accounted for. One gallon of water is suffice for a person for one day. Your kit must contain supplies that will last for 3 days or 72 hours.
5. Food – When a tragedy strikes expect that food will be scarce. When making a survival kit, make sure to include food that has a long shelf life, a good source of energy and no cooking is necessary
6. Clothing – Warmth is important, pack clothes that are warm and comfortable for movement.
7. Making a survival kit is not complete without the items that will allow you to know what is going on around you. Prepare a battery operated transistor radio with fresh batteries. Also include whistles, flares and matches.
8. Include a first aid kit in your survival kit, medical supplies such as over-the-counter medicines, special medical equipment if someone in the household needs it. Although some medical apparatus is heavy and may slow you down find an alternative for it if possible. If there are infants, make sure that the supplies they need are also included in your kit.
Making a survival kit is not easy, but it will prove to be useful in the future.
The logic behind in making a survival kit
Making a survival kit may prove to be useless if the person who has it does not know how to use the items included in it.
Train yourself on how to use and operate items that are included in your kit. Read manuals ahead of time to ensure that the emergency arrives you are well prepared.
Making a survival kit requires patience and dedication, you do not have to have all the materials right away, however you will have to complete it as soon as you can. In doing so, you are well prepared and ready for an emergency.
If a certain situation arrives and you are unsure of what to do, ensure that you think clearly and assess the situation. Your survival kit items are your life line during emergencies.
Making a survival kit does not ensure your safety however it increases your survival rate dramatically.
No comments:
Post a Comment