Nature can supply everything that is essential to survival but the secret isn't just availability. The secret to survival is knowing what you need, where to look for it and how to use it to your advantage. Keeping this in mind the following material has been specifically designed and organized to answer these questions and supply as many helpful hints as possible about surviving within a wide variety of extreme situations.
DIRECTION
1. Keeping on course: The great
frontier has all but disappeared in America. To find your way
out of most forests these days, a person only has to walk a few
miles in any one direction. The problem is that a few miles can
turn into several days of travel if the course chosen isn't a
straight one.
Tip 1 To avoid any delay in self-rescue simply pick an
object in the distance and walk to it. As you approach this object
choose another directly in line with the first. By following this
simple yet effect formula you can't help but travel in a straight
line.
2. Using your watch as a compass: There are three requirements
for this process to work. First your watch must have an hour hand.
Second the watch must be set to the correct local time and third
the sun must be shining bright enough to cast a shadow.
Step 1. Next to the watch place a thin object (Pine needle or
twig) capable of spreading a narrow shadow across its surface.
Step 2. Line up the watch so that the shadow crosses over the
center of the 12 O'clock symbol.
Step 3. Calculate the half way point between the 12 O'clock symbol
and the hour hand. This is True North. To find True South simply
line up the hour hand with the shadow, and find the half way point
between it and 12 O'clock.
Tip #3 comes from one of our visitors
(Thanks: Neo 05/25/2000)
3. Using a pin or needle as a compass: In order for any survival expedition to be successful, you must have the right materials. To use a needle as a compass, you must have a silk or other type of polarizing cloth. This is all you will be needing (aside from the pin of course!)
a) Rub the needle on the cloth in one direction (it doesn't matter either up or down. It must be rubbed in a dragging motion IN ONE DIRECTION ONLY!!!
b) Place the now magnetized/polarized
needle on a leaf or other such floatable material in a small motionless
pool of water. The side of the needle that was dragged across
the silk will point North. And that's how it's done!
4. The Moss theory: Due to moisture content and sunlight,
moss generally grows on the North side of trees. This of course
isn't very dependable because of the various climate conditions
but it could be a good collaborator to other methods of telling
direction.
5. Celestial navigation: The North star, Northern lights
and the suns movements are the oldest means of navigation in the
world. Northern lights: Simply scan the night sky and watch
for strange cloud type objects moving in the sky just above the
horizon. These are the Northern lights. After finding them simply
make note of their direction by lining up two land marks in a
straight line with the movements of these lights. Rising and
Setting sun: The sun rises in the East and sets in the West.
6. Know where was that spot again? Triangulation
is simple when using a compass. When your standing in a spot you
would like to come back to, take out your compass and face directly
toward one of the four main directions North, South, East or West.
Now simply move to your left 45 degrees and line up a landmark
(remember it), then turn back to where you started and move 45
degrees to the right and line up another landmark. This quick
triangulation will get you back to this position within a few
feet every time. (Just remember your land marks and original direction
chosen, then its a simple task of just realigning them). Comment?
SHELTER
1. The junk pile: The simplest and most versatile shelter
is the debris hut. To make a debris hut simply find dry debris
and gather it into a large pile. Be sure to pick your location
for the hut carefully. Trees offer excellent coverage from rain
and snow but make certain the spot you choose isn't in a low-lying
area where water can run or collect. Debris huts have been found
very effective in even sub zero temperatures. The secret is to
keep your body as separated from the ground as possible. Thick
heavily needled branches from the balsam, spruce or fur trees
work best. Dry moss is also a very good insulator, be sure to
pile it up between your body and the ground.
Framed junk pile: If time is permitting your debris hut can be
made more effective with a few simple changes. Find a small flat
clearing 8 ft X 8 ft. Then find a straight stick with a Y shape.
The bottom or center line of the Y should be from 4 1/2 to 5 ft
high. Bury the end of the Y shaped stick in the ground so that
it looks like this (Y). Now find a long straight 8 ft stick and
place one end into the nook of the Y shaped stick and the other
end into the ground forming a leanto. Now gather and lean straight
sticks against the long 8 ft one forming ribs for your structure,
leave around 6 inches between each rib. You are making a shell
for your body, make sure the opening is not facing the wind. Now
line the inside of the structure with your choice of ground cover
balsam, spruce or dry moss. Then standing out side of the structure
simple sprinkle dry debris through the ribs of the structure until
it is completely full and over flowing when this is done you should
not see any of the main body of the structure. Now place light
branches or sticks over the top of the loose debris to keep it
in place. That's it!! Now dig and wiggle your way into
the center of the structure dragging debris in after you completely
sealing you into the center of the debris.
2. Almost an igloo: You want simple, this shelter is it.
Start off by gathering snow into a big mound, the trick is to
keep packing it down as much as you can with every scoop. Keep
piling it up and packing it down until it is several feet high
(4-6ft) and several feet wide (7-10ft if shelter is for more than
one person increase width by 3 ft). When the mound is ready, start
digging at the bottom center of the mound opposite direction of
the wind. Tunnel out a cavern leaving a bench on the far side
approximately 1 ft higher than the entrance and long enough to
lay down on. Poke a hole 4 inches in diameter through the top.
Make sure this hole is just right of the center over the lower
chamber and is the highest point of the cavern. Directly under
this hole you can build a small fire just to the right of the
entrance. Line the bottom of the bench with debris (branches,
moss). Cover the entrance tunnel with branches allowing space
so air can pass through. Adjust the ventilation holes as needed
to control the smoke direction. Yes it will be smoky so keep the
fire small or use heated rocks or a thick layer of hot coals.
I will try to include drawings soon. Please write me for further
details. Comment?
3. Don't be afraid to lean on me:
The leanto is easy to assemble
and is very effective in the right position. If properly placed
a leanto is an excellent source for reflecting the heat of your
fire down onto your body while simotaneously keeping you dry from
rain or snow.
FIRE
1. What's flammable?:
Dryer lint is one of the best. I always carry a little
plastic bag full when I hike. Dryer lint will ignite with any
spark, flame or reflected light. (You can't find anything lighter
or easier to pack but please check a piece before you venture
out, a lot of modern clothing are fire retardant and wont burn
well.)
Birch bark will spark even when wet. Be sure to fray the
edges when it is wet so air can circulate around each tiny piece.
Collect lots of this material because it will burn quickly. The
Indians and early settlers used birch for everything from canoes,
shelters, medicines to paper. (The bright white birch is the easiest
of all barks to recognize.)
Evergreen Twigs are an excellent choice in starting a fire.
Most of these twigs are nicely protected from the elements because
they are generally found on the underside of branches at the bottom
of the evergreen. (These brown twigs will generally ignite even
when moist).
2. What type of fire to use:
If Warmth is what your after, longer is better. An elongated
fire will heat a larger space of air at one time than a concentrated
circular fire. If you want to keep your whole body warm when your
sleeping, spread the fire out in a line at least one foot longer
than your body. (TIP) For maximum effect, build a reflecting
wall and place your bed at its base so that the heat will pass
over you than bounce back at your body. Logs or a dirt mound will
work great if they are angled correctly. Comment?
Surface Cooking Fires or Pit
Fires are great for cooking or keeping a low profile. (TIP)
The dryer the wood the less smoke it will generate, in other words
no green wood or other materials.
3. Some Reflections on making fire:
Fire out of ice! Don't have a magnifying glass, make one out
of ice by simply holding it and shaping it between your hot palms.
Remember to shape it fatter in the center and thinner on the edges.
Find a nice clear piece of ice like from a lake or puddle and
you're in business. (Take your time and watch for signs of frostbite)
A set of eyeglasses or a watch's crystal
can also be used as a magnifying glass. In fact any piece of broken
glass can be angled properly to start a fire.
4. Rubbing two sticks together:
Certain types of wood work best for this
type of fire starting. The Rod (drill) should be made of either
willow, cotton wood, fir, balsam, elm, cypress or basswood to
get the best results.
5. Sleeping with fire: Why sleep on the cold ground when
you can warm it up a little.
Step 1. Excavate a section of soil around six inches deep and
as long and as wide as your body.
Step 2. Gather all the hot coals from your fire and lay them in
the bottom of your excavation.
Step 3. Fill in the hole and place your bed on top. The hot coals
will heat up the soil and keep you toasty until morning. (Caution:
If the coals aren't buried deep enough you will find out what
a roasted Hawaiian pig feels like, also certain soils can be flammable.)
(Visitors Tip 6-5-03):
I have found that it's easier to pack some old towels and wrap
hot rocks from around the fire, a rock the size
of your fist will last about 4 hours.(Be real selective about
the rocks you use - Don't get any from a stream, if they have
trapped water they
will explode!!!) You don't want it red hot but that is were the
towel comes in to play if it's hotter then comfortable to the
touch. This
works well if you place the hot stones by your kidneys. (This
is also good if you have the military canteens/cup/cover - you
fill them w/
boiling water and same kind of deal- just make sure you seal them
good, water burns are no fun). The hot water deal doesn't last
as long if it's really cold out. I've
slept out in about 30 to minus 15 in Pa. The hot rock trick was
a life saver. Thank you Rob. I found some cool stuff on your site
Mike F. (Thanks again Mike its enthusiasts like you that make
Outlandish Outdoor Activities so much more interesting and comfortable.
Comment?
WATER
Signs Of Water Depravation: 1. Headaches 2. Tight skin 3. Dark colored urine.
Water Purity: A single drop of impure water can be enough to make a person so ill that they can't care for themselves.
1. Boiling: The duration of boiling can very depending on altitude and what type of impurities are present. A good rule of thumb is to keep the water in a rolling boil for five minutes. This is still the most effective way to avoid sickness from impure water while in the wilderness or during power loss.
2. Purification Tablets: A single drop of impure water can have a devastating effect on the human body, especially when the hope of medical attention is days or even weeks away. For this reason the utmost caution must be taken when using any type of water purification tablets. Be sure to read, understand, and follow the instructions given with each set of purifiers.
TIP: To ensure that every drop of water has been exposed to the purifying properties of the tablets; the water container's lid should be loosened to allow the water to spill out over the threads/exit point of the water container. Another caution to make note of is that some people can have a severe allergic reaction to iodine, a leading ingredient in most purification tablets. All Tablets have an expiration date! Over time these tablets will lose their effectiveness, so be careful and replace them when needed. Comment?
Filtering Water: Always look for a moving source of water where bacteria is less likely.When filtering water, it's recommended that you use a filter equal to or smaller than one micron. This will minimize your risk of infecting yourself with any pests that may live in the water such as the Giardia Bug. (I've gotten very ill from this bug during a canoe trip. See my first aid page for more information about this bug.)
3. Finding Water: Lots of filters today are made of the
natural substance (Charcoal) so why not use natural ways to filter
your water? When near a source of surface water dig a hole around
4-5 feet away from it. Water will start to fill your hole. Keep
digging a few more inches then let it sit undisturbed for 20 minutes
or until the dirt has settled out of the the water. Soak up the
top layer of water within your hole with some clothing and squeeze
into your mouth or container. CAUTION this water can still
be impure so if possible boil it. You can keep placing hot rocks
into your water until it boils.
1. Acorns: Bitter but is a good source of food. Boiling the acorns several times then smashing them into a rough powder is supposed to lessen the bitter taste.
2. Grass: Fresh grass can be eaten. Watch animals to see what types they choose the key word here is FRESH.
3. Mushrooms: Stay away unless you are positive of its type, most mushrooms have a poisonous cousin that looks just like it. Morells are pointy brains and are ok to eat but their short fat brainy cousin will make you sick.
4. Plants:
BEARS
Grizzlies, Brown, and especially Black bears can be found in almost
all large forested areas. Never feed or approach a bear. Bears
are much more intelligent than we humans give them credit for.
If you feed a bear just once it can change its whole outlook on
where to find food.
1. Avoidance:
In Alaska it's illegal to approach a bear within a 1/4 mile. Bears
may charge if startled or surprised. If you find yourself in a
limited view area like trails or heavily forested campsites be
sure to:
TIP 1 Make lots of noise when walking. Sing, shout, whistle
or wear bells on your shoes. Christmas Jingle Bells work great
and should be worn if hiking in small parties within areas like
Denali National park in Alaska, or any other locations where there
are large concentrations of bears. Jingle bells only are effective
in quiet areas. If hiking along a noisy stream you should be very
cautious. Yelling (Hey Bear) was effective for us while hiking
in Alaska.
TIP 2 Double wrap all food and spices in plastic to lessen
food smells. If you do a lot of camping in bear country you should
invest in a bear container.
TIP 3 Never eat or cook within or around your tent (At
least 50 feet). Bears have figured out that campfires mean food.
In heavily populated areas be sure to cook your food using a propane
type stove. If you are aware of a problem bear in the area (especially
Grizzlies and Brown bears) you should change your clothes that
you cooked in and hang them with your food. When Backpacking in
Alaska we were told to place our tent 100 Yards up wind from where
we cooked our food. We were also instructed to move our actual
food stores 100 yards away from where we cooked the food. This
separated and reduced the amount of smells permeating any one
area. If you can picture a 100 yard triangle with the tent as
the top point (up wind) and the cooking area and food storage
areas as the base points then you will understand how each of
our camps were set up.
TIP 4
Always hang your food and any articles that have come in contact
with it. Bears can climb trees but know when a branch is unsafe
to traverse.
Step 1 Seal all food in double wrapped plastic.
Step 2 Find a tree that is at least 50 feet from your tent with
a long thin branch just strong enough to hold the weight of your
food (1-1 1/2" thick). This branch should hang around 12-15
feet from the ground.
Step 3 Locate a small rock and place it inside a sock. Tie the
end of a 50' rope to the sock.(You should always carry a 50' to
75' length of strong and very lightweight rope. You will find
it indispensable for things like fixing your pack, tying down
your tent, dragging game, and making first aid splints and clothes
lines.)
Step 4 Now simply throw this contraption over the fore mentioned
branch. The rope should hang a good 6' from the trunk and any
surrounding branches.
Step 5 Tie the food bags or pack to the end of the rope and pull
it up until it hangs 3 to 4 feet under the branch.
Step 6 Find a near by tree and tie the end of the rope with the
sock to it. (If possible tie this around 6 to 8 feet from the
ground.)
NOTE: This process doesn't guarantee your food will be
there in the morning. I have seen bears chew threw branches so
that the rope falls. I have also heard of bears locating the tied
off rope and pulling it so that the pack flips off its perch.
If you plan on spending a long period in the woods be sure to
carry extra emergency food or buy a Bear Resistant Food Container.
Avoid foods that are spicy or smoked.
TIP 5 When confronted by a bear you should never run! If
your not noticed simply reroute your course. If a bear notices
you, raise your hands above your head and move them slowly from
side to side while speaking in soft tones, then back off slowly.
(If the bear rears up onto its hind legs he is only trying to
get a better look at you.) Do not panic or make jerky motions.
According to the Denali Park web site, bears may make bluff charges
sometimes coming within only 10 feet or so before veering off.
Bears can run several times faster than humans so stand your ground
and do not attempt at any time to take off your pack. (If the
bear attacks it will protect your back.)
TIP 6 If you are touched by a bear lay-down and play dead.
Step 1 Curl your legs to your chest.
Step 2 Lace your hands behind your neck to protect it.
Step 3 Keep your elbows up around your ears and face.
Never try to fight or resist a Grizzly no matter what happens.
(They will retaliate!)
If a black bear will not stop harassing you it is possible to
fight back but be sure to be as ferocious as possible.
