A quality shovel and saw are two of the most important tools for long-term survival, no matter the situation. Although you can certainly buy a shovel and saw separately, the Schrade Shovel Saw Combo combines these two essential survival tools into a single package. Not only is this two-in-one shovel/saw surprisingly versatile, but it`s remarkably …
In a survival situation, a tactical shovel can be one of the most important tools in your arsenal. With a shovel, you can dig a hole (for a latrine or whatever), use it as a weapon as a last resort, shovel your vehicle out of the snow, use it for trenching, or even use it …
The average American has been lulled to sleep by the undeniable consistency of the water tap. Our water system in America is absolutely incredible. At any time of the day, you can get near-limitless amounts of potable water delivered to your home by just turning a knob. It is a luxury that few of us …
Humans have come up with some incredible ways of building structures to live in. The sod house is one example. These home-building technologies are not just a thing of the past either. Recent technologies have been very effective like earthbag homes and even 3D printed houses! The American homesteader in the early 1800s would have …
A night around the fire is always special. We have been gathering around flickering flame for a LONG time. That is why people feel a certain way when the fire is crackling in the fireplace or at the campsite. In this age of technological distraction, fire has a unique way of still bringing us together. …
Despite what advanced survivalists might suggest, you should have more than a simple pocketknife on you when navigating a wilderness environment. The best bushcraft gear can help you create a makeshift shelter, stay well fed and hydrated, and even craft other helpful bushcraft tools! If you want to start your next survival adventure out on …
Our early hunter-gatherer ancestors were foraging their way out of Africa as far back as 2 million years ago! Foraging allowed our ancestors to both better understand the natural world they lived in but also to expand, travel, and learn how to survive in new lands. This is a skill that followed us all the …
Sleeping in the cold is terrible if you are unprepared. When you spend a night in the cold you struggle to stay warm by tossing, turning and trying to best cover up yourself in all the places where the cold might try to sneak in. I have had bad outings, hanging in a hammock where …
During the winter, snow can be an invaluable asset when it comes to protecting yourself from the cold. However, many people are at a loss as to how to build their own shelters using nothing but snow, and wind up freezing in the middle of nowhere because of it. Building a quinzee shelter during the …
A small campfire is usually enough to sustain a single group of campers. Traditional fire lays will get that job done. What happens, though, when you have a big party and the single campfire will not do. What if you would like to do some elaborate cooking without a Coleman stove? The long fire is …
The Algonquians were one of many American tribes that used the woods and the land to survive. The wickiup shelter was created, and the name coined, by this tribe. Their word for home-dwelling was “wikiyap” and it was this kind of teepee-style shelter. The skills and the knowledge of Native American tribes are something that …
There are lots of survival shelters that will serve you just perfectly in the spring, summer, or fall months. You can cut trees down and use fallen wood to build an effective shelter to protect yourself from the weather in a survival situation. However, what can you do if the world around you is covered …
The cold winter air was creeping into my sleeves and lingering around the back of my neck. With each exhalation, large clouds of condensation were visible in the night before me. There was no fire. There was no noise. I was sitting under a clear winter sky with the unfathomable silence of a cold night …
The woods and wild places are drawing people to them. A weekend in the woods can wash away the stain of florescent lighting and it can reset your circadian rhythm. It seems that most of us understand the damage that our hyper convenient, over digitized, and sedentary lifestyle is doing to us. More people are …
In the early stages of fire building, wind can be a downright nightmare to deal with. When a fire is established, wind can actually help the fire. It’s like blowing on a bed of coals only without air from your own lungs. In a survival situation, it’s important to know how to build a trench …