To make a basic survival chair from logs in the wild, gather four sturdy logs (about 3-4 inches thick and 2-3 feet long for legs and back), natural cordage like vines or paracord if available, and a flat log or branch for the seat. Drive two angled stakes into the ground near a tree for…
You’ve just brought down a deer after days of tracking, or maybe you stumbled on a fresh carcass while foraging. The meat feeds you for now, but those bones? Don’t toss them aside. In a pinch, animal bones become your workshop, churning out tools that could keep you alive longer than you’d think. Here’s the…
To Staying Safe from Bears While Camping: Picture this: You’re deep in the woods, the fire’s crackling low, and the stars are punching through the canopy like tiny spotlights. That’s the magic of camping—until you hear heavy footsteps rustling nearby. Your heart skips. Is it just a deer? Or something bigger? Bears aren’t out to…
To make a bow drill for fire starting, gather these key parts: a curved bow stick (about 2 feet long), sturdy cordage for the bowstring, a straight spindle (8-10 inches long), a flat fireboard (12 inches long, 2-4 inches wide), and a handhold block. Carve a V-notch in the fireboard near the edge, drill starter…
Eating wild plants can turn a peaceful hike into a nightmare. The main dangers include poisoning from toxic look-alikes, severe allergic reactions, bacterial or chemical contamination, and digestive upset from improper preparation. These risks stem from misidentification, polluted environments, and the fact that even edible plants can harm if eaten in excess or raw. While…
Step-by-Step Guide to Mirror Signaling To signal for rescue with a mirror, follow these exact steps: This technique can beam a signal up to 50 miles on a clear day. Practice it now, while the stakes are low. Picture this: You’re miles from the nearest trailhead, your phone’s dead, and the sun beats down like…
When you’re out in the wilderness, whether on a multi-day hike, a hunting trip, or caught in an unexpected survival scenario, the best way to store food boils down to three core principles: prevent spoilage by removing moisture and oxygen, protect against wildlife and pests, and use natural environmental features like cold streams or elevation…
Building a fire pit safely starts with picking a spot at least 10-15 feet from your house, trees, or anything flammable—check local codes first to avoid fines. Dig a 6-inch-deep hole for the base, fill it with 4 inches of gravel for drainage, and stack heat-resistant blocks or stones around a metal ring liner, staggering…
To make a basic survival spear from wood, select a straight hardwood sapling 5-6 feet long and 1-1.5 inches thick, trim branches and bark, carve a sharp point on one end using a knife, and harden the tip by rotating it over low campfire flames for 5-10 minutes until it darkens slightly. This creates a…
For most hikes, the best way to carry water is with a hydration bladder in your backpack paired with one or two lightweight water bottles for easy access and extra capacity. This combo keeps your hands free, distributes weight evenly, and lets you sip steadily while monitoring levels visually—perfect for trails from short strolls to…