Survival Tips – Ten Life-savers

Author: Steve Gillman

1. Read Or Watch Survival Stories

If you have read many true wilderness survival stories, you know that many people who probably shouldn’t have survived did so because they refused to give up. Attitude matters, and to get the right attitude, you need to be able to truly believe that you will find a way to survive. Knowing what people have faced and overcome before makes this easier. If you are with others in a survival situation, you should even tell those stories to them, so they can see that survival is possible and even likely.

2. Tell Others Where You Are

This is something that has to be done before you have a survival situation, which means before you head off into the woods. And if you decide to take a new route, you may want to leave a note where it can be found, just in case.

3. Know Your Priorities

Protection from the elements and water to drink are usually at the top of the list of priorities in a survival situation. However, every situation will be unique. Think carefully about what is most important and urgent. For example, searching for food is a waste of time if a cold night is coming and you have no shelter. Do the important things first.

4. Learn First Aid

If you don’t take the time to learn a few basics of medical first aid, at least carry a small booklet that outlines basic procedures. You can find these in many first aid kits.

5. Be Aware Of Possible Shelters

If you are possibly facing a survival situation (not sure if you are lost, for example), start looking around for what kinds of shelters are available. Are there piles of dry leaves you can crawl under to stay warm? Are there caves or overhanging trees that can protect you from the rain or snow?

6. Always Plan Ahead

This may be one of the more important survival tips. Don’t wait for problems and then start looking for a solution. Before you get thirsty you should be looking around for sources of water. Before the rain comes, you should be thinking about how to stay dry. With sufficient foresight, getting lost in the wilderness for a few extra days should be nothing more than an inconvenience. Don’t let it become an emergency.

7. Always Have Fire Starters

Anytime you will be in the wilderness overnight or longer, have at least two ways to start a fire. These can be matches and a magnesium fire starter, or a lighter and the magnifying glass on your compass. Being able to start a fire can save you from the biggest killer in the wilds – hypothermia. A fire also provides comfort and better sleep, both of which can keep you motivated to do the right things.

8. Learn What Is Edible

Food is not usually a priority in a wilderness survival situation. Water, shelter and getting found are more important. Psychologically, however, you will be less stressed and more willing to face the situation if you know a few plants and animals that you can eat. Try eating some cattails or wild rose hips on your next hike.

9. Learn How To Navigate

Even if you have lost your backpack, with the maps and compass, you should know how to determine the cardinal directions. That way, if you know that there is a road to the north, for example, you will know which way to go. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, of course, but there are other ways to determine direction. Why not learn a couple of them?

10. Know How To Stay Warm

Learning a few tricks about staying warm can save you life. Since hypothermia is the number one killer of people in wilderness survival situations, this may be the most important of these survival tips. Stay dry and think of ways to insulate yourself when it is cold. Stuffing a jacket full of dry grass or leaves or cattail fluff could save your life.

Be Safe and Enjoy The Outdoors

Author: James E Mizzell

Anyone participating in any outdoor activity should always be aware of the risks and dangers involved in order to stay safe and return to their everyday life unscathed. There is an enormous quantity of information written on safety and it would be really easy to get swamped with info overload. We need to break this vast storehouse of knowledge down into something we can use. If we start with the sun and weather related dangers we can wrap up a lot of the most common dangers immediately. Sunburn is by far the most common danger anyone faces going outdoors and it is also the easiest to defend against. Simply lather on the sunscreen(SF30 or more) and repeat frequently. You will still tan. Slowly and safely. No sunburn. This is called common sense, but in my experience it’s not at all common. The weather can change quickly in all parts of this world and if you are playing in a part of it you are unfamiliar with, seek local knowledge. Some areas are plagued with tornadoes, others with flash floods, and others with severe lightning. Some have the bad fortune of experiencing all of the above. Ask anyone living in the area about the warning signs and best procedures when said events strike.   Animals, large and small can ruin any outing. The really, really small ones are easily repelled with a liberal application of “Deet”. No “Deet” or equivalent for snakes though. Knowledge and acute awareness are your best weapons against the slithery creatures. Don’t walk around in the woods barefooted. Common sense again, right? Other creatures such as raccoons , squirrels, etc can be a genuine hazard due to their propensity for rabies. The most common critter around campgrounds these days is the skunk. He won’t kill you, but you’ll smell worse than death. Once again seek local knowledge about which critters to look out for. Be aware that most places have their version of snipe hunting or “Bigfoot” or some such folklore. It makes good conversation, but you really want info on the more mundane things that go bump in the woods. I don’t have a lot to say about the larger beasts. Anyone that is going to try to be a bears best buddy is not going to read or heed anything I put on these pages.   The terrain you’re playing on is just laying there, but if you get careless it will really “whup yer butt”. Never go walking in strange territory alone. Another rule of staying safe applies whether you are in the city or remote mountains. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings! Loose rocks can roll out from under a carelessly placed foot. Rotten wood can collapse under your weight. Dead limbs fall out of trees, and things are not always what they seem. In the southern coastal areas of these Uniteds the ground can actually disappear from under your feet. Bogs can suck you into the nether regions or grasp your feet so firmly that you can stand right there and starve.   Now get out there and have some fun!

Wilderness Survival Gear: a Prerequisite to a Great Outdoor Adventure

Author: Adam Thompson

Many people are avid outdoor fanatic. If you belong to this type of people then you are aware of the thrill and excitement of wilderness trekking. Whether you participate in hiking, boating, camping, fishing, hunting, or some other activity, though, you need to make sure you bring the right equipment along. Going in the wilderness without wilderness survival gear may turn out to be more of a forgettable adventure than a fun adventure.   No matter what activity you are engaged in, there are a few important tools which you should not overlook. Firstly, you should not forget to bring a quality first aid kit with you. You never know what injuries you or a companion could sustain miles away from medical assistance. So include in your baggage bandages, antiseptics, braces and other important first aid materials. Secondly, bringing a quality knife in your wilderness adventure is a priority. A knife can serve several key purposes. Among other things, it can cut firewood, remove clothing from an injury, and help clear a path through the woods. For wilderness survival gear, one good option is a knife and hatchet combo. These tools are very handy, with the knife fitting into the hatchet’s handle, and can be easily holstered to your gear. Given these two items, you can respond better to precarious situations along the way.   Aside from these two necessities, other vital wilderness survival gear includes signaling devices, like flares and markers, that can help rescuers find you should you need help. A quality compass, by brands like Brunton and BCB, proves to be an indispensable tool when you are lost and need a guide for an alternate direction. Finally, for long-term outings, extra food and water rations are a must have. This includes water purification tools to ascertain potable water in the wilderness.   Ultimately, the best way to ensure you have the wilderness survival gear necessary to stay safe when enjoying the outdoors is to create a survival kit. You have the option to buy the items individually or take as one packaged set. Just be sure that the kit is complete with all the necessary components for your journey. The best wilderness survival gear kits will have items to keep you warm, healthy, and well-fed while signaling for help to arrive.

Outdoor First Aid Kits

Author: Eric Holm

Does your family enjoy spending time in the great outdoors? Outdoor first aid kits are essential for families that love the great outdoors. Whether your family enjoys a day at the lake, hiking through the woods, or participating in sports, a first aid kit should be a part of the preparations. Outdoor activities can provide hours of fun for your family, but it is always best to keep in mind that no matter where you are, accidents can happen. A basic, outdoor, or camping first aid kit should include assorted bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, scissors, antibiotic ointment, and over-the-counter pain reliever.

Outdoor kits should include insect sting pads, an instant cold pack and heat compress, sunscreen, emergency thermal blanket, ace bandages, athletic tape, aloe vera gel, calamine lotion, and hydrocortisone cream. For hiking or camping, it is essential to have a three-day supply of water and food. Food should be non-perishable and easy to prepare. It should also be easy to carry in a backpack. The following foods are great for outdoors: peanut butter, crackers, energy bars and granola bars, and trail mix. Another essential item is hard candies. Hard candies quench thirst and can help to save your water supply.

Families that spend a lot of time in the outdoors are usally prepared for lots of fun. It is also important to be prepared for accidents. Common accidents that happen outdoors include cuts, falls, insect bites, and getting lost. It is always best to be prepared for emergencies whether you are in the home, in the vehicle, or enjoying the great outdoors. Before you leave, you should ensure that each member of the family is familiar with the contents of your kit and understands how to use each item.

Whether you camp, hike, or play sports, your outdoor first aid kits should be an essential part of your preparations. Accidents happen when you least expect them whether you are playing a simple game of volleyball, hiking through the mountains, or hunting for big game. The most intelligent and responsible thing you can do for your family is to go prepared and this includes getting the right kit that contains the essential items to meet any emergency situation. Please note that many outdoor or camping kits include special items that may not be needed in the home. We suggest keeping a good outdoor or camping kit in your car and also a general purpose kit in your home. Be prepared, not scared!

Summer Skin Care

Author: Deidra Garcia

Sunlight has been clinically tested to improve moods and increase your body’s vitamin D production and endorphin release. But while everyone wants a glowing tan, the sun can also seriously damage your skin if you don’t take precautions. Here’s some simple guidelines for capturing that perfect tan and not frying your skin.

The most important factor when picking a sunscreen is to get one that has an SPF of 15 or higher and broad-spectrum protection. This means your skin will be protected from both UVA and UVB rays.
Chemical-free physical sunblocks that contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide reflect harmful rays without reacting with the skin. This means they don’t cause allergic reactions and don’t sting the eyes if they run due to swimming or sweating.
Regularly exfoliating your skin removes the outer layer of dead cells and allows you to achieve a more even tan. However, this also causes your skin to burn more easily, so don’t scrub yourself right before tanning.
Lips can chap as easily from sunburn as from exposure to cold and dry air, so make sure to use a lip protection with an SPF of 15 or higher.
Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before you go out into the sun to allow the skin time to absorb it. After a half an hour outside, it should be applied again for maximum protection. Most sunscreens only last about two hours, so make sure to apply it regularly, especially if swimming or sweating heavily. Even “waterproof” brands lose their potency after an hour in the water.
Sand and water can reflect up to 90% of the sun’s rays, so give your skin extra protection when at the beach. A stronger SPF is also recommended for higher altitudes, since the air is thinner and sun exposure more intense.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to sensitive areas like the tops of your feet, backs of your ears and neck, and areas of the scalp and hairline if your hair is thin or thinning.

Cast Iron Skillets…. Their Back in Style! and Very Collectible

Author: Diane Palmer

With all the latest gadgets on the market today, it is amazing that the cast iron skillet has survived the test of time.  Nothing seems to last as long in the kitchen as that old iron skillet.

Cast Iron cookware is a heat conductor, which means it heats evenly and consistently, it is affordable and will last a lifetime or two!  It is the old fashioned way to cook “fat free”

A cast iron skillet can go from stove to oven, and you don’t need any special utensils to cook with it (unlike teflon style pans) they don’t warp, and they clean up well.

All our grandmothers had cast iron skillets and stove top griddles.  They were quite often passed down to the next generation.  You simply cleaned them with soap and water, or a stiff brush and then “seasoned” them to prevent rusting etc, .

How to season:

Seasoning is when you add a protective layer to your cast iron skillet, or cookware, to prevent rusting and to provide a non stick surface for cooking.  Once seasons properly, a cast iron skillet will last for generations.

Seasoning is a three step process, you need to clean the skillet or pan and then apply a layer of animal fat or vegetable oil, and then heat the cookware to bond the fat to the metal.

If you have an older pan, then it has naturally become seasoned over time from years of cooking, and you simple have to clean with soap and water.

You could buy a new one, but why not check the local flea markets, second hand stores and the internet?..  These are great places to start, and cast iron skillets have become collectables, as they are a part of history and have stood the test of time.

Some people are actually making a business of buying and selling old cookware, such as the trusty cast iron skillets and griddles, and therefore are a good investment.  You can’t break them or wear them out,  they are heavy and have been known to make a good weapon in a pinch!

Your Outdoor Camping Equipment – Tips To Take Care Of It

Author: Abhishek Agarwal

While buying camping equipment, don’t squeeze on costs. You might land up with a nasty surprise during your camp. Some of the things that can happen, is that there might not be enough space, or if it is raining, rain is coming in, or at night the moisture on the floors seeps in and makes every one uncomfortable. The pleasure of camping out erased by such small things. Therefore focus on getting a relatively more expensive one, and instead of planning for just 4, plan for a 5 seater. Always buy one with more room than is necessary at the moment.

One of the worst parts of returning from a trip is to clean the equipment that was used. Clothes, shoes, cutlery, kitchen aids, camping tarpaulins, pegs, zips, the air sleeping bags, the boots, the stores you took with you and so on.

It is tough on everyone, but there is no other way, except to take care: remember always that the equipment you have bought is expensive, and even more expensive to buy a substitute.

So get to it, and start putting things back in order.

After you return from your camping trip, make sure that you layout the camping out in the sun for some time; if there are some dirty areas, clean them with a good soft detergent, and put them out to dry. Otherwise, the equipment will stink, and rot will set in. And that would put paid to your expensive equipment.

Check the sleeping bags, and after them inside out, leave them out in the sun for them to dry quickly. Check the holding ropes of the tent. Replace those require replacement. Don’t scringe on small expenses in replacing them.

If the floor sheet is not in good shape, clean it properly and lay it out to dry completely.

Check out all the equiment: portable stove, grill, cutlery and crockery. Even your sleeping bags. Clean each one of them thoroughly and then pack them in proper cartons.

Wash clean and after drying them, put away those extra equipment such as hiking boots and other survival equipment.

By following the above steps you would be able to maintain your expensive camping equipment in good condition for a long time. Otherwise, your investment will go down the drain.

The next time you go out again you will thank yourself that you did the maintenance that was required by cleaning, drying, and keeping your camping equipment in good order. No seepages, no wet grounds, stoves in good working order, clean and good looking hiking boots that don’t require attention will be the bonuses for you.

The better look after the equipment, the more it will last.

Preparing For Your Fishing Trip

Author: MIKE SELVON

Fishing takes more planning than you may think. To be successful, you need to have proper equipment but you don’t want to take a lot of extras with you either. This could hinder your success because your pack might be too heavy to be able to be effective.

Consequently, if you don’t have enough supplies, you could have less success than you would have if you were properly prepared. Careful planning and packing is an ideal way to get the most out of your next fishing trip.

Of course you’ll want to make sure you have your fishing poles and all of your fishing tackle.  Do a quick check and make sure that your tackle box is stocked with everything you’ll need to catch the fish you’re going after.

Everything should be where you left it, but you never know when someone might have borrowed your favorite lure, or you forgot about that mishap on the last trip that caused you to lose some of your most valuable and trusted fishing tackle.

You should also look at your reels and see how much line is left on the spool.  Not only does a lack of line limit how far a fish can run with the line once hooked, but a shortage of line actually affects how far you can cast.  If you notice that your line is becoming discolored, it may be getting brittle, which may cause it to snap easier or for the knot to untie itself.

It is also important to ensure that you have the proper line on your poles before you go fishing.  Line weight can affect what lures you can use, as well as if certain fish, like trout, can see your line and become spooked.

There are other fishing related items you should make sure you have with you before you go fishing.  Needle nose pliers can help immensely when getting fish off the line, especially if the hook is in the back of their mouth.  Since many fish have size restrictions, you will also need something to measure them with, and if it’s a big one, a scale and a camera.

If you plan on keeping your fish, you will need a stringer or something else to hold on to them, and something to put them in until you get home.  Many people prefer to clean fish before heading home, which necessitates a fillet knife, and whatever else you need to clean your target fish.

For anglers who take their boat fishing, there’s a whole other list of things to check before you hit the water.  Although some individuals have ignored its use at different times, it’s a good idea to make sure you have the plug in your boat before you back down the ramp.

Another thing that can put a kink in your plans is a flat tire on your boat trailer.  There have also been many fishing trips salvaged because a wise angler made sure to check the gas tanks and made sure the batteries had a full charge.

Packing something to eat while you’re on your fishing trip is essential. Staying out on the boat in the middle of the lake doesn’t offer many options in the way of food. If you bring your lunch, you can add to the time you spend fishing for your favorite species. With all of the proper supplies, you are sure to be successful in most of your fishing trip ventures.

Fishing Trips – The Best Way To Relax

Author: Abhishek Agarwal

You have probably been introduced to fishing by your parents, uncles or grandparents and decided that this is the sport that you want to spend your free time advancing. However, if you have not been on a single fishing adventure as yet and would like to try your hand at it any time is right to get started. Fishing is a leisurely sport and requires a lot of patience, and a good knowledge of the habits of the fish you are after. You could fish for species as small as the palm of your hand or you could go after the monsters of the deep.  The latter requires skill, guts and a stomach for the high seas and sun heat.

Many of us have had the advantage of being introduced the sport of fishing by our dads, or grand dads. This way we have been handed down the secrets of the sport and do not have to grope in the dark or do our own research. Few of us have had the pleasure of being accompanied on a fishing trip by our moms. A fishing trip with the family is something that any one would remember for a lifetime and pass down the memories. Fishing is an acknowledged way for parents to bond with their children and with nature as well. Many Americans make it a point to go on fishing trips at least twice in a year.

Most Americans are so mad about the sport of fishing that they go on long, expensive fishing tours around the world and return with trophies they have mounted for their walls. There are fishing resorts that can only be reached by helicopter or planes that can land on water. These resorts are sought after and one needs to reserve their accommodation well in advance to avoid any disappointment. The accommodation at these fishing camps can range from a simple tent to a log cabin with all the modern amenities such as running hot water and housekeeping.

You decide how much you want to invest in the sport of fishing. You could get yourself a backpack complete with tent and sleeping gear and set off with your fishing rod to the lake side or river banks, pitch your tent and enjoy a good fishing trip that could last for a couple of days. Or you could plan a longer more distant fishing expedition if your budget allows it. There are fishing companies that will charter their fishing boats for a fishing trip on the high seas. These charter companies give your fishing trip the works, complete with a luxury cabin, fishing guide and fishing gear if you need it. These fishing trips are designed to go after the bigger game in the deep sea and can be an experience of a lifetime.

Don’t Forget Your Camping Cooking Equipment

Author: Arjun Singhe

Some people like to go camping while completely roughing it. The bulk of their outdoor camping equipment is a tent and maybe a sleeping bag. Beyond that, they don’t want to bother with the luxuries of modern living. They want to enjoy nature as primitively as possible. Then there are those who like to enjoy nature while also enjoying a few of the modern luxuries that make lying out underneath the stars completely enjoyable. These types of people are usually never without their camping cooking equipment. Camping cooking equipment will allow you to cook what you need, when you need it. That way, you’ll never get bored with the same foods and you’ll be able to enjoy a wider variety of food while also enjoying nature.    The Types Of Equipment    When it comes to camping cooking equipment, there are many varieties. There are propane grills, portable stoves, portable ovens, stakes to put over fires, there are pots and pans, eating utensils, thermoses, canteens, plates and bowls and much, much more. If you can afford it, having all that camping cooking equipment will make camping very easy. If you’re hungry, simply slap some meat on the grill and soon you’ll be feasting in luxury. If you’re thirst, put some coffee on the stove and soon you’ll be able to enjoy a hot cup of Joe under the stars. However, you also have to realize that all that equipment is very heavy. So you’ll want to think about how you’re getting to your camping spot before you load up on all of this camping cooking equipment.    Carrying The Equipment    There are many ways to get to your camping spot. Some like to drive there. They just park their car and unload right there on that spot. They’ll usually use the power source in their car to power some of their camping cooking equipment. Then there are those who like to hike to their camping spot. For these people, it’s not a good idea to have too much camping cooking equipment because then you’ll have to carry it for such a long distance.    Having camping cooking equipment is a great idea and it can make camping so much more enjoyable, provided that you don’t want to completely rough it, but you have to consider how you’ll be getting to your camping spot and how much money you want to spend before you stock up on too much equipment for your camping trip.