The strongest survival bushcraft knots that reliably hold under load are the Figure-8 knot (retaining 75-85% rope strength), Alpine Butterfly (70-80% strength), Bowline (60-75% strength), and Double Fisherman’s knot (65-75% strength). For load-bearing applications, avoid the Square knot, Clove hitch (unless under constant tension), and Sheet bend, as these retain only 45-60% of rope strength…
Survival bushcraft knots are used in six main areas in the bush: shelter construction (securing tarps and ridgelines), food protection (hanging bear bags), building camp structures (tripods and frames using lashing), gear management (securing equipment to packs), emergency situations (rescue loops and climbing aids), and tool enhancement (improving grip on knife and axe handles). The…
Store survival camping recipes and leftovers using bear-resistant containers, coolers with ice, vacuum-sealed bags, airtight plastic containers, or by hanging food 12 feet high and 6 feet from tree trunks. Keep food separate from sleeping areas (at least 70-100 feet away), consume perishables within 2 hours at room temperature or use ice to maintain temperatures…
The survival camping recipes requiring minimal gear are foil packet meals (needing only aluminum foil and a heat source), no-cook cold-soak meals (requiring just a container and cold water), one-pot meals (needing a single pot or pan), and hobo dinners cooked directly on coals. These methods work with basic ingredients like dehydrated foods, canned goods,…
Easy survival camping recipes are simple one-pot or minimal-equipment meals that use shelf-stable ingredients, require little preparation, and can be cooked over a campfire, portable stove, or with improvised methods. The easiest options include foil packet meals, one-pot pasta dishes, chili, breakfast scrambles, and no-cook foods like wraps and trail mix. These recipes prioritize convenience,…
If you’re building or outfitting a shelter—whether for emergencies, wildfires, or off-grid living—the right insulation can make all the difference in a fire. The top fire-resistant options boil down to these: mineral wool (also called rockwool or stone wool) stands out as the gold standard for its non-combustible nature and ability to handle temperatures over…
Installing insulation in your home—whether it’s a cozy cabin in the woods or a family house in the suburbs—can feel like a big project, but breaking it down makes it straightforward. If you’re tackling this yourself, here’s the exact rundown to get it right from the start. These core steps cover the essentials for most…
The best shelter insulation materials depend on your specific needs, but the top performers are spray foam insulation (R-6 to R-6.5 per inch), vacuum insulated panels (R-25 to R-50 per inch), polyisocyanurate rigid boards (R-5.5 to R-6.5 per inch), and mineral wool (R-4 per inch). For survival and emergency shelters, natural materials like dry leaves,…
When you’re out in the fields—whether harvesting crops under the sun or pitching a tent deep in the woods—staying clean isn’t just about comfort. It’s about keeping yourself and those around you healthy. The essentials of field sanitation outdoors boil down to five core pillars: reliable access to potable drinking water, well-maintained toilet facilities, dedicated…
If you’re out in the backcountry—whether on a multi-day hike, a remote camping trip, or just a quick overnight—handling human waste right keeps everyone healthy, protects the land, and avoids turning your adventure into a nightmare for the next group. Here’s the straight scoop: These basics follow Leave No Trace principles and keep the wild…