When it comes to preparing for a blackout, most people think about stocking up on batteries, flashlights, and maybe even non-perishable food. However, a blackout generator kit can be a real game-changer, ensuring that essential appliances and electronics remain powered. While assembling a DIY generator kit may seem straightforward—just grab a generator and some extension …
Pathfinder Basic Survival Class Food Recommendations
I’m going to be attending a Pathfinder Basic Survival Class soon so I’ve been searching far and wide to find food optimal for the task. While there are no restrictions on food items you can bring, I’ve learned there are some criteria to follow for the best possible experience. UPDATE: After gleaning some valuable feedback …
Budget Bushcraft: Wool Blankets for the Common Man
If you’ve shopped around for wool blankets you’ll know they generally don’t come cheap. I searched high and low, reading many social posts and watching many videos. The general consensus tends to be one of these options; “buy cheap wool moving blankets from Harbor Freight”, “score at Goodwill”, or “save your pennies for a nice …
Budget Bushcraft: Knives for the Common Man
Here’s a rundown of several bushcraft-worthy knives that won’t break the bank. I gathered this list during my own exploration for a few high-value bushcraft and survival knives. Take a look and let me know if I missed any meritable budget bushcraft blades. If you have experiences with any of the knives on the list …
Pathfinder Basic Survival Class Gear List
In this article I’m going to run down all the gear I’m planning on taking to my Pathfinder Basic class in 2020. For those who don’t know, Pathfinder Basic is a 72-hour survival immersion class where students, with limited equipment, are expected to learn and demonstrate a range of survival skills. These foundational skills are …
Using a Shadow Board Compass (Viking Sun Compass)
A shadow board is a non-magnetic compass that uses the sun as it’s principal way to determine direction. This discovery is believed to have originated with the Vikings of the eleventh-century and though isn’t practiced today it’s still a valid method. While it’s not as precise as a quality magnetic compass it has proven to …
Free Explorer’s Journal: A Foraging, Exploring, Hiking Logbook
Have you ever desired to document your adventures for future reflection, but were unable to accomplish the task? I know that feeling too well. Though I aspire to keep a journal of my adventures, I havent been able to do so. So I set out to change that – I created a simple logbook page so I can …
The Prepper’s Library Series: Medical Books for the Prepared
If the SHFT tomorrow, would you have all of the skills necessary to survive long term? I seriously doubt anyone does, but a well-curated reference library could be the difference between life and death for you or a loved one. Important skills should be practiced, but there are only so many hours in a day. …
Should You Baton Your Knife? (Pros & Cons)
Yes, No, and Maybe – Batoning, if you don’t know, is the technique of driving a blade through wood by repeatedly striking the back of the tool with a wooden baton. Yes, Baton Away! Made to baton – Some knives are made to baton. Froes and Japanese Natas are knives designed to be batoned. These …
Night Navigation Without a Compass (Northern Hemisphere)
Have you ever wondered how you might navigate at night without a compass? Or perhaps the compass you have is damaged or can’t be seen in low-light conditions. I will outline 3 methods of night navigation that can help out. Just like in many aspects of survival, there is no “one size fits all” solution, so it’s …
Wild Edible and Medicinal Plant Harvest Calendar for Ohio
In an effort to expand the knowledge of wild plants for edible and medicinal uses, I will be recording when I find useful plant parts in season here in NE Ohio. I will be updating harvest times with better accuracy as I’m able to gather my data. My primary goal here is to record seasonal availability, …
ALONE: The Best 10 Item Kit?
Alone season 5 (Mongolia) premieres June 14th, 2018. So naturally, it got me thinking about the 10 individual items I would take on Alone. I’ve had many discussions with like-minded folks around the items and after much deliberation, I came to a consensus. I will outline the 10 best items to have on Alone and …
DIY Ranger Beads (Pace Counting Beads)
Ranger beads are a set of 14 beads used to calculate the distance traveled between 2 points. They can greatly improve your travel accuracy when used in conjunction with a map. This useful navigation tool that can be used to create a map of coordinates when no map is available.
ALONE: Survival Gear List and Prohibited Items
Here is the list of items each Alone contestant is given, the master list from which they can choose their 10 individual items and the list of prohibited gear items. [Last updated for Season 4] Standard gear includes clothing, protective gear, safety equipment, camera gear, and some survival gear. Individual gear includes shelter, bedding, cooking, hygiene, …
Budget Bushcraft: Gear for the Common Man
Whether you are new to bushcraft, on a tight budget, or just a gear junkie this list of proven budget-friendly gear is worth checking out. These are honest recommendations from my own experiences. Many of these items remain in my bushcraft and survival kits today. I will continue to update this list as I come …