What Do I Need To Survive in the Wild?

[Rick]

It’s a question we receive all the time on the forum. Generally, the person asking the question wants to do it with as little gear as possible. If you are reading this sticky then there’s a good chance you’ve been directed here because you just asked the same question.


I suppose it’s a romantic notion to think you can survive in the wilderness with few tools. A lot have tried. Most have failed. Some have died doing it. So let’s think about survival as a life style. That is, after all, why you are here. No one would consider computer programming as a lifestyle with no training or experience and they would never consider becoming a stock broker with no training or experience yet folks seem quick to place their safety and their life at risk with neither training nor experience. The reason they are willing to do that is they don’t understand the risks inherent in being in the wilderness with few tools (yes, experience and knowledge are tools). When that happens, they often give up and go home dejected and disappointed or, as is often the case, they put the lives of Search and Rescue folks in peril trying to save them.

I should also point out that no one "practices their survival skills" unless they are in a strictly supervisored environment. No one should intentionally place themselves in an environment where survival skills are required. If you do you need to understand that the opposite of success is a SAR rescue, severe injury or death. Do you really want those options on the table? You can practice camping, hiking, wilderness skills, first aid and/or navigation but you should never think you can test your "survival skills".

That aside, let’s start by having you answer a few simple questions.

1. How much knowledge do you have? You should know how to perform the following tasks in all kinds of environments.

1a. How to build expedient shelters.
1b. Create fire with no tools or tools you create yourself in the wilderness.
1c. Know where to find water and how to purify it.
1d. Basic land navigation.
1e. Basic psychology of survival.
1f. Basic first aid.
1g. Be able to identify plants in your area. Both poisonous and edible.
1h. Understand weather signs.
1i. Basics of trapping and snaring.
1j. How to build expedient tools and weapons.
1k. Basics of signaling.
1l. How to prioritize needs.

2. How much experience do you have? You should be proficient at the items listed above. You will be called upon to deal with each of the items on the list at one time or another. Some of them frequently if not daily and your ability to handle them may determine if you live or die.

3. What do you know about the geography of the area you intend to survive in? You should know and understand the location you intend to call home. You will need to know the flora and the fauna. You’ll need to understand the climate and terrain. You will need to know where the closest town or settlements are located just in case and you will need to know how to resupply yourself. You’ll need to know if the land is government owned, tribal owned or privately owned. You’ll need to know the laws governing each. Being arrested for trespass your third day out is probably going to be depressing.

4. What items do you need to take with you? It is better to have gear and not need it than to need it and not have it. Those are not my words but the words of EXPERIENCED outdoors men and women. If you do not know what items are appropriate for you then you have neither the knowledge nor the experience to attempt what it is you want to do.

So how do you gain the knowledge and the experience? There are many roads you can take to arrive at the same place. Joining this forum is certainly a step in the right direction. There is an abundance of information to be found within the threads of the forum. There is also an abundance of information seasoned members are willing to share. Try searching for the answer to your question by using the Search tool at the top of the page. You’ll be surprised how much information has already been covered and the chances are very good you’ll find your answer. If you don’t find the answer then feel free to ask.

Read. There are a myriad of books on survival, camping and hiking. There is a sticky on the forum that lists a variety of excellent books. You can visit it at:

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=5483

Read the stickies under each of the headings. They discuss things like the best knife, multi-use items, saws and axes and a whole lot more.

Practice, practice and more practice. If you have no experience then begin by picking one item at a time from the list in number 1 above. Research as much information as you can about it and begin practicing even if you have to do so in your own back yard. Learning how to make a fire bow or fire plough, for example, can be done quite easily at home.

Find a mentor. Someone that has outdoor experience is a treasure beyond words. Their experience is often location or region specific, which is something that will be hard to find in any book. You can find a mentor by joining a group; hiking, camping, reenacting, Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts or your local Community Emergency Response Team. There are any number of group activities that are occurring in your area. You just need to investigate what is available and participate. I’m sure you’ll find opportunities within those groups or individuals that will be interested in helping you.

Take a class. Survival and first aid classes are offered through private, civic and charitable organizations. Find one close to you and see what they have to offer. And don’t overlook local colleges and universities or parks programs.

Just Do It. Go to a local, state or federal park and camp out for a week-end. Start by car camping. That way if you have forgotten something important you are not putting your life at risk. Test out things you’ve tried, like fire starting, following local rules and regulations, or course. Make a list of things you needed but didn’t have and things you had but didn’t need. Each time you go out you can adjust your gear accordingly.

Finally, no one on the forum wants to dowse your dreams or desires. There are folks on here that do exactly what you seek to do. At the same time, we don’t want you to wander off and wind up another statistic. Instead, we want you armed with the knowledge and tools that you need to survive in the wilderness. And forget the notion that you can live off the land. It is not a sustainable life style. Everyone requires some basic staples to remain safe and healthy and to enjoy the lifestyle they have chosen.

If it is truly something you want to do then it is worthy of your best time and talents. And remember, you are investing in yourself. Aren’t you worth that much?

[Ken]

Good post. No, not good, EXCELLENT POST! :thumbup:

[doren]

Great post. This has been a long time coming.

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

all i really need out there is adequet clothing, and a flint stick to make fires easy. every thing else is available in the woods , no need to carry. even staring a fire isnt too hard most times, but a ferrosium stick and some cotton charr cloth makes life so much easier.

[mountain mama]

yeah, but erunkiswldrnssurvival, you have experience under your belt, not everyone does.

[amy headrick]

You really don't want me to respond, do you?

[amy headrick]

This is the most important thing:
1e. Basic psychology of survival.

And what is it? Keeping your wits about you. Your head is the most important thing when it comes to survival!

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

material from the woods. Natures shopping mall! there is a sedge in new england they call it osage, it has the same insulating properties that feather down has, pine sap is a perfect stove fuel. black ants eat tunnels in twigs, and i use them to make fish hooks small enough to catch adolesent brim and other very small fish. that equipment i dont need to carry from home. i rely on nature for my tools,careful choosing of sizes makes a difference. i use snail shells to hunt snail eating birds. i use what my prey wants and that helps me alot.

[Sourdough]

all i really need out there is adequet clothing, and a flint stick to make fires easy. every thing else is available in the woods , no need to carry. even staring a fire isnt too hard most times, but a ferrosium stick and some cotton charr cloth makes life so much easier.


Yea, let me deposit you on to 27' of snow, at -57* below, and see how long you make it.

[amy headrick]

I like the new picture, hopeak. . .I'll pass on the 57 below. 57 above with rain was bad enough. . .

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

This is the most important thing:
1e. Basic psychology of survival.

And what is it? Keeping your wits about you. Your head is the most important thing when it comes to survival!

that is so true, a survival situation can be an aventure. its all in how you consider your plan, and that plan starts with your wilderness skills.i spend a lot of time learning how to process the more inedible foods to improve my nutritional intake in those areas where food is scarce. i gives me confidence that i will be ok.

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

that would be harsh,those conditions would require a differnt approach. you said right.that would make burning oil important. and i would also use heated stones to extend the oil. those places would be tough to survive

[Alpine_Sapper]

Yea, let me deposit you on to 27' of snow, at -57* below, and see how long you make it.

You wouldn't be able to leave. I'd be hanging onto the skids crying and babbling something incoherent about "we all gonna die!"

[Sourdough]

Darn, I can't seem to get a good fight here, so I'll do my 6 miles early today, back in a bit.

[amy headrick]

No fighting for me.. .i just bought a hot pink sexy as hell sundress. Not in the mood for fighting. . .

[amy headrick]

Trying to find my digital camera. . .BRB

[amy headrick]

By the way, Jason Montana. Where in Montana do you live? I love that state. Well, half of it anyway. . .

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

i have found rocks in boston that originated at yellowstone. i guess they got hurled by the supermassive volcano eruption about 6000,000 years ago.

[crashdive123]

....or glacial activity placed them there.

[Rick]

Does anyone mind if I delete back to the original post for the new folks?

[Alpine_Sapper]

Does anyone mind if I delete back to the original post for the new folks?


What? :confused::confused::confused:

[Rick]

I just meant there a two pages of OFF TOPIC :offtopic:posts that won't help Survival John hit the wilderness with his knew Rambo knife.

[crashdive123]

I don't mind. I have the ability to go off topic in any thread. I suppose I can spare this one.

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

my plan starts with protection from exposure,a duvet is easy to put togather. build it right its your bed, its your umbrella,and an over coat.to stay dry and warm. even in summer the nite time temps can be cool enough for discomfort. food (unless buried under snow) normaly isnt hard to find.plants,insects,fish and other meat,gives a wide range of choices.by roasting and grinding some of the woody plants like 3rd year Daucus carrota i get food from an otherwise inedible plant.sugar from pine tree root bark is another little known food that i use.

[Alpine_Sapper]

Sure. Feel free.

[Sarge47]

I think the problem was that Rick covered everything in his initial post & didn't leave anything out! That's gotta be the smallest, yet most comprehensive, book on record! It's all there, now he would like some elaboration & I agree, so what can we add? So Amy says to put a "hot, pink, sexy sundress" into the mix! Hmmmm.....:innocent:

[Ken]

It's all there, now he would like some elaboration & I agree, so what can we add? So Amy says to put a "hot, pink, sexy sundress" into the mix! Hmmmm.....:innocent:

Pig. :sneaky2:

[Rick]

I gotta agree, Ken. If I'm gonna try to survive in the wild and had my choice of knife or hot pink sundress, I'm goin' with the sundress. But, hey, that's just me.

[vthompson]

Rick, I tip my hat to you, that was an EXCELLENT post. You nailed it.

[Rick]

Well, we've had sooooo many folks come on here asking the same question. I guess it's intuitive to us but if you don't have any experience then it probably does seem like the thing to do. So I thought if I put a sticky together then maybe we could just point them in that direction. Hopefully, it will answer some questions and point them toward the sticky. I'd really like to hear some feedback from Hopeak, Nativedude, Klkak, Wildwoman or some of the rest of you that homestead in the wilderness. Do I need to add anything?

[amy headrick]

my bad. I'll keep my mouth shut. for now.

[crashdive123]

my bad. I'll keep my mouth shut. for now.

No need for that. Remember, these are folks coming here for advice on what to bring,study, do while out in the wilderness. I'm sure if you had asked ahead of time, your experience and actions would not have been at the forefront of peoples advice to you on how to survive. Well, except for the remaining calm part.

[amy headrick]

Crash, you flatter me. okay, the pink dress is cotten, I wouldn't wear it into the woods. Staying calm is the best advice EVER. As Douglas Adams said: "Don't Panic." Best advice there is. Oh and if you are alone in bear country, make whatever noise you can. If it means singing, sing. If it means telling yourself jokes, go for it. If it means talking like dr. suess, kill yourself.

[jrock24]

Thanks Rick. I am going out into the forest this weekend with my son so I will be testing my skills. First up is shelter, which where I am going should not be to hard, then the real test will be fire starting with sticks. That shold keep me busy for the weekend..

[trax]

jrock, wilderness survival tip. If you bust your hump getting a shelter built BE SURE that you don't start it on fire when you get the fire going, cuz ...you know...that'd suck..lol

[Rick]

But it would serve as a great abject lesson to your son.

[jrock24]

Ha, thanks for the tip Trax.

[trax]

Ha, thanks for the tip Trax.

We're here to serve (salutes promptly)

[crashdive123]

Besides JRock - it would be really bad form for your son to see you crying after you burned the shelter down.

[trax]

Besides JRock - it would be really bad form for your son to see you crying after you burned the shelter down.

yep, exactly that.

[amy headrick]

Okay, so rip some leaves noy much energy

[jrock24]

I would just say smoke got into my eyes.

[Gray Wolf]

Rick, good post. I think (IMHO) you need to add a few more basics, ie;
1b, add, in wet or dry weather, or in a few feet of snow.
1d, add, learn how to navigate by day and night, w/o a compass (the one you have may break.)
1g, add, medicinal plants. and charcoal.
1i, add, learning how to properly dress and skin what you've caught So you don't poison or ruin the meat. Might be wise to add brain tanning the pelt or hide.
ADD to list:
1m, Learn how to make cordage in your area.
1n, Understanding animal behavior for that area.
1o, Understanding the inportance of taking care of your feet, in any weather condition. Not doing so, can cost you your life.
1p, learn the areas animals, insects and reptiles that can cause you harm, and the treatment there-of.
1q, learn the areas best and worst places to set up camp. (Again might save your life.)

There's more, but I feel "these" are part of nessary basics to survive.
Again Rick, this was just to help with the newbies, that many of us take for granted.

[Rick]

I think you just added it.:thumbup1:

[DrWELLth]

Like others I appreciate your presentation ...

To add to the list - upon returning -->

Clean and store usable equipment correctly

Prep the kit/gear for the next adventure ....

and

Document what you learned in your wilderness survival guide (dang!, paperwork))smiles

[amy headrick]

Some just everday survival. . .I know I haven't posted in a few weeks. . .but look, really your instincts are the key. I split my finger open the other day. ..and knowing what I know from my days in the woods has helped me more than any doctor would or could ever. I for went stitches, even though recommended (okay my typinng still sucks), but left the ER after 4 hours. We prepare, but experience is the key. Not sure where I am going other then 1) trust your instincts and 2) learn from you experience (i.e. here I know I have to let the cut heal a little, then let it open from some sort of wetness -- hopefully something good and it will heal). Try not to over think it.

[swampmouse]

Good common sense, practice, and a true desire to stay alive. Lastly, Fear. I have talked to many people that were put into a survival situation and seems fear tends to keep them alive and one feller it kept his two sons alive as well.

Learn the skills, read the books, buy the equipment, learn the crafts but mostly use the ole brain.

[Carl Rotebrink]

could this be used as a check list of some sort?

[crashdive123]

Sorry Carl, I'm not sure I understand what you are asking. Do you mean this thread? If so, don't limit yourself. Use whatever information you can gather, no matter what the source. Having the information is good. What you choose to do with it is the key that can unlock doors that lead to new adventures.

[Carl Rotebrink]

i think you understood me right :) thanks

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Ok for the 'Puter whiz's - Does this mean I can copy and paste on something like "Wordpad" or whatever? Talking about Rick's and Lone wolfs Post, The meat of the thread... no offense anyone. I enjoy the friendly banter too it shows positive attitude a neccessity in survival, but that's the "dessert".

[Rick]

I'll take this step by step for those that don't even know how to cut and paste.

1. Pick the post or portion of the post you want to capture.
2. Place your cursor to the left of where you want to start capturing the information.
3. Click the left mouse button and hold it down.
4. Drag the mouse to the end of the information you want to capture.
5. Make certain all of the information you want to capture has been highlighted in blue. That's the color the forum uses to highlight. Then release the mouse button.

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q348/safe_zone/capture.jpg

6. Right click your mouse button. A drop down menu will open up.

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q348/safe_zone/capture1.jpg

7. Select Copy from the options.

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q348/safe_zone/capture2.jpg

8. Open any word processor you want. MS Word, Wordpad, Notepad or any other word processing program you use.

9. Place your cursor in the word processor, right click on the document and the drop down box will open again. This time, click on Paste and the information should be pasted into your document.

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q348/safe_zone/capture3.jpg

That's it! You just transferred the information from the forum to your word processor!

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Ok this next might be a Question for Ken-- Is this Legal? I don't want to do any copyright infringement or such as that. Just want a good concise checklist.

[Ken]

Ok this next might be a Question for Ken-- Is this Legal? I don't want to do any copyright infringement or such as that. Just want a good concise checklist.

Weeeeeeeeellllllllllll, there's the "Fair Use Doctrine" to consider. There's no commercial benefit, it's for educational and/or PARODY purposes........

We're probably okay here.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Thanks for the Clarification Ken. I just want something to use as a study outline and checklist. Maybe as a guide on testing when my boys get old enough to start learning.

[Ken]

http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Thanks Ken. I think it covers it and I think I'm in the clear with my purpose/intent. Although I think I could argue that Knowledge of any kind is a benefit and a "gain". uh oh there I go playing "Outhouse Lawyer" again!!:) Again Thanks.
Or I could argue the other side and say it is for research. Man you have a tough job!! Forget all the other stuff you have to learn!!!

[Giospro]

Any Knowledge on survival in good knowledge - Good Post

[crashdive123]

Any Knowledge on survival in good knowledge - Good Post

Hey Shipmate - how about sailing on over to the Introduction section and tell us about yourself. Thanks. http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14

[HanoverDan]

I do believe the original post is OK. It stresses the things all of us know is important. There was one thing missing at least in my perusal and that is the proximity to water.You and I know well that a little while without it and the psychology isn't worth a bumpkis.
Psychology first, sure, water second, but without proper clothing and shelter you could be dead in minutes at -57. Consider the source of your instruction to go with where you are going and where you might end up.
Practice and patience with yourself and those you take with you.

Practice Practice and ask questions of whom you can.

Respect
Daniel

[HanoverDan]

Another acrinum to remember just for survival:
S-size up the situation
U-undew haste makes waste
R-remember where you are
V-vanquish fear and panic
I-improvise
V-verry your route and movement (Military only)
A-always remember who you are
L- Live

Respect
Daniel

[HanoverDan]

I do believe the original post is OK. It stresses the things all of us know is important. There was one thing missing at least in my perusal and that is the proximity to water.You and I know well that a little while without it and the psychology isn't worth a bumpkis.
Psychology first, sure, water second, but without proper clothing and shelter you could be dead in minutes at -57. Consider the source of your instruction to go with where you are going and where you might end up.
Practice and patience with yourself and those you take with you.

Practice Practice and ask questions of whom you can.

Respect
Daniel

[Rick]

Water is Item 1c.

[billdawg]

No fighting for me.. .i just bought a hot pink sexy as hell sundress. Not in the mood for fighting. . .

After reading that, me neither,:thumbup:

[maker_of_fire]

Start with all basic tools and food. Each time you go out try to replace one with what mother nature gives you.Somethings are to find it may take a long time to replace a knife or axe ,fire starter,shelter,food but ones you do the feeling will be great be honest with yourself if you want it bad enough you will have it

[BearBirch]

I like your post.

Even though I believe we all have a survivor within ourselves. If we strip the
human teachings our being is already a survivor. But since most of us has the
doctrine of society and state deep in our belly we live in self doubt and disillusion of the world around us.

Even though I dont wish to be a statistic I usually dont plan my trips out into the wild. But I do take responsibility for my actions witch means that I must realize that I could not come back. And for that to be real I try to trust my gut when I leave the house. And that I believe to be the most important thing to have with you when taking to the wild.

Thanks for a great post.

[themoondancer811]

Wow, what an excellent and informative thread! Thanks! :)

[Alaska Grandma]

This is a really great thread!

Grandma Lori

[hman765]

just be resoursul and cunning and try to think before you act if possible use what you know to live

[Rick]

How about being resourceful and stopping by our Introduction section and tell us a bit about yourself? (That was cunning, wasn't it?)

[SurvivalMom5]

Another great (and fun) thread! Boy I need to hang out here more.

[Rick]

Well, if you hang anything out just make sure it's PG-13. You might also hang out over at our Introduction section and tell us some great (and fun) things about you.

[Richard68]

Wow, things you learn, you thought you knew, but had no clue. thanks for this thread was really an eye opener.

[Woodmaster750]

I'll just say this, the main tool to SURVIVAL is your mined. You say I can't, you won't. Say you can you will...

[hyq42]

Excellent post. All I would add is Practice, Practice, Practice. You should go to a local camping area and simply practice building a shelter, identifying plants and starting a fire. Reading a book about making a fire is easy...going out there and doing it is a whole other thing.

[Rick]

You read the OP didn't you. Fess up.

[Wolfman]

Great thread buddy. Will give me somewhere to start!

Wolf

[artichowl]

All I need is a good hunting knife and a couple rubber bands wouldn't hurt either. I can use the knife to make a spear to fish and make a spark to create fire. I can use it to kill and skin an animal. I can also mark the trees so I don't get lost. The rubber bands would help make my new favorite weapon, a slingshot. Everything else is sitting in the woods.

[BENESSE]

Now this is what I've been waiting for. Let the games begin! (firing off an imaginary gun)

[kyratshooter]

I will not comment on post #78 even though I am lauging so hard it hurts.

Same for #74. We had humanoids surviving in the wilderness when their brains were the size of lemons and Einstein would often get lost on his way to work. Never underestimate the importance of instinct and dumb luck.

[tank]

Never, Never go into the wilderness with out a gun depending what area you are in if it should be a heavy caliber or not. A good knife, a compass, and several different ways to make fire. With fire you can have drinkable water by boiling maybe something to carry water in.
40 years ago I would go into the woods with these things and able to stay for atleast 2 days.
These 4 thing are a must for a limited survival time.
Tank

[EarthRocks]

Thanks for this great post! Lets me know where I stand with my gear and how much EXPERIENCE I need to obtain before trying to do it all at once. Or when my life depends on it.

[newzealandsurvival]

Never, Never go into the wilderness with out a gun depending what area you are in if it should be a heavy caliber or not. A good knife, a compass, and several different ways to make fire. With fire you can have drinkable water by boiling maybe something to carry water in.
40 years ago I would go into the woods with these things and able to stay for atleast 2 days.
These 4 thing are a must for a limited survival time.
Tank

I strongly agree with that statement, but I'm a hunter so for me, going out in the bush without a gun is not a sensible thing at all, I always go out alone and my rifle is my best friend followed by my knife, I have stayed out on farms many times without a rifle to gain trapping experience when I was in my late teens.

[lucznik]

Never, Never go into the wilderness with out a gun... A good knife, a compass, and several different ways to make fire... maybe something to carry water in.
40 years ago I would go into the woods with these things and able to stay for at least 2 days.

You could stay for 2 WHOLE days? That's amazing.

Truthfully, I don't normally go into the woods without a gun either but, when I lived in Utah they had (have?) a law that forbid the carrying of a firearm during archery season so; I had to leave the guns or not go. I left the guns. I still survived.

[Wildthang]

Well there is nothing that will replace being able to survive without anything but a knife, but when I go out, I always take my backpack with everything I need to survive for several days up to several weeks. I do practice all of the skills of doing without, but if I can go totally prepared, that's the way to fly.
Skills are invaluable, and having your supplies is even better! I very much like being dry, comfortable and having a full stomach!

[Rick]

nothing that will replace being able to survive without anything but a knife

Yes there is......

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q348/safe_zone/essentials-1.jpg

[grizzlyadam]

"And forget the notion that you can live off the land. It is not a sustainable life style. Everyone requires some basic staples to remain safe and healthy and to enjoy the lifestyle they have chosen."

Like your post. It is wise to make people aware that survival in the wilderness is not to be taken lightly as it can be very dangerous prepared or unprepared. But I must say, people living off the land even by themselves, was quite popular from 1810 to the 1880's in the rockies. They we're called mountain men. They we're trappers and explorers who first opened up trails which we're later widened for wagons moving across the mountains to the far east for colonization.

I say if men could live off the land before modern conveniences we're available, men can adapt and revert back to their predecessors way of life just as easy. Or rather than EASY, with alot of preparation and knowledge. A little intelligence along with that will give you the experience as you need it.

Just a thought.

[Rick]

Perhaps you should investigate those mountain men just a bit more. You'll find they did rendezvous a few times a year where they would be able to acquire their staples. Sugar, salt, flour, spices and grains weren't items they could find in the wild unless they were lucky enough to know the location of a salt lick. But the rest came to them from the eastern markets and much of that (spices and sugar) from the Bahamas, India, England and France.

[crashdive123]

"And forget the notion that you can live off the land. It is not a sustainable life style. Everyone requires some basic staples to remain safe and healthy and to enjoy the lifestyle they have chosen."

Like your post. It is wise to make people aware that survival in the wilderness is not to be taken lightly as it can be very dangerous prepared or unprepared. But I must say, people living off the land even by themselves, was quite popular from 1810 to the 1880's in the rockies. They we're called mountain men. They we're trappers and explorers who first opened up trails which we're later widened for wagons moving across the mountains to the far east for colonization.

I say if men could live off the land before modern conveniences we're available, men can adapt and revert back to their predecessors way of life just as easy. Or rather than EASY, with alot of preparation and knowledge. A little intelligence along with that will give you the experience as you need it.

Just a thought.

Not sure what your age is, but you may want to hurry. Life expectancy of an 1810 mountain man was probably mid 30's. Some of those modern conveniences like access to medical care and food have certainly helped many live a bit longer.

[hunter63]

[QUOTE=grizzlyadam;331301]"And forget the notion that you can live off the land. It is not a sustainable life style. Everyone requires some basic staples to remain safe and healthy and to enjoy the lifestyle they have chosen."

Like your post. It is wise to make people aware that survival in the wilderness is not to be taken lightly as it can be very dangerous prepared or unprepared. But I must say, people living off the land even by themselves, was quite popular from 1810 to the 1880's in the rockies. They we're called mountain men. They we're trappers and explorers who first opened up trails which we're later widened for wagons moving across the mountains to the far east for colonization.

I say if men could live off the land before modern conveniences we're available, men can adapt and revert back to their predecessors way of life just as easy. Or rather than EASY, with alot of preparation and knowledge. A little intelligence along with that will give you the experience as you need it.

Just a thought.[/QUOTE

Sounds like you really know your stuff concerning mountain men.......

If your reference to mountain men is watching Jeremiah Johnson eating rabbits, in the movie......you really need to do a lot more research.
All carried staples, and many belonged to a 'company" that supplied basics foods and supplies, carried around by pack animals, carts and boats.
And returned to civilization to sell their hides and re-supply.

Mountain men went to the mountains to trap animals that they skinned and sold pelts (hides).
They didn't spend that much time surviving they were working at their trade, trapping and hunting....It was a job.

[oldtrap59]

This is an interesting thread that I have never taken the time to check out. Got to say first that the OP was good. After that some of the gibberish was just that. Not sure if some of it was just bragging or was written by a fool. Going to the true wilderness with just a knife and surviving for long is a dream or alot of dumb luck. As Hunter said, those mountainmen were the kings of being prepared. They didn't want to spend their time fighting for their lives. They were there to make their living. As we all know or should anyway, the motto of one of first survival groups I belonged to is "be prepared." I think that includes mind, body and equipment. If your short on any of those good luck.

Oldtrap

[RockyRaccoon]

Sure it would be possible to live off the land... but you'd need a few years to establish a farm, get your crops going, raise chickens, goats, etc. have about a half dozen kids to help out with the labor, spend a few seasons hunting and trapping to build up your food stores, not to mention building all the structures you'd need to live in, store food, house animals from the elements, then thats if youre lucky and don't get a disease, injury, or killed by a wild animal, a hunting accident, or your wife who would go crazy couped up all day grinding flour and churning milk.....

Anywho.... going off the grid is something we have all dreamed about, but the feasibility is just not there.

[grizzlyadam]

Hunter63 Thanks for the extra info, admittedly my knowledge on mountain men is rather bleak. I do also realize that I need to do more research, otherwise I'd be gone already in a heartbeat. You and others like rockyraccoon, my folks, sister, and many others I've mentioned my idea to, may think I'm nuts, but, I assure you this saying goes for anything in life; "where there's a will there's a way". I over the past couple years have been doing alot of reading, thinking, planning, researching, and I have found ways of solving the following problems/needs;
1.water
2.meat (fishing, hunting)
3.vegetation (a wide variety of edibles will negate the need for salt licks, essential minerals and vitamins are within' different plants)
4.fruit (vitamin C so you don't get the scurvy)
5.shelter (in different steps towards more permanant lodging)
6.fire
7.metallurgy (smelting ores to obtain metal and obviously blacksmithing) incl. pots, pans, cutlery, plates, bowls
8.ceramics (storage containers for winter)
9.first aid (which I've taken courses on)
10.alchoholic beverages (for a taste of sanity)
11.weapon-making and tools(from stone-age to iron age)
12.flour, yeast, and bread (right to a real risen loaf)
13.laxatives for constipation (also in reverse order lol)
14.tobacco replacement
15.cordage
16.winter indoor heating system
17.winter warm shower system
18.meat and vegetation winter storage
19.cement for masonry


I'm sure I'm leaving some things I already know out, but there are a few things I know there are solutions to that I just haven't properly studied yet like;
plants for medicinal uses, curing pelts, and making paper (or parchment) to document my experience and findings as I have an interest in science. I also realize that before I am ready for this journey other questions may arise and that's why I joined this forum to see what else might come up.

I am also compiling all my research into a book that I will have one copy published for my own use and reference, just in case I forget any of the many useful things I have learned. (it will be waterproof, it will be my bible, it will be all I take with me)

If I have left anything of importance that I may need to know out please feel free to inform me, any knowledge or even ideas of where to take my research would be much appreciated.
Thanks.

[crashdive123]

I think the most important thing you are leaving out is doing, or as a friend of mine would say "boots in the field". Theory is great. Reading is great. Making lists and volumes of reference material are great. Getting out and doing is where your real learning takes place. Theory to practice is an expression I learned long, long ago. It's where all of the reading is put to use - and put to use before it is needed to survive.

I really do wish you well in your quest, but hope you go about it in such a manner that will give you success.

[grizzlyadam]

Oh for sure, I agree 100%. One page in my bible will be a pre-journey checklist of not all, but at least the most vital keypoints. I may leave out some of the wild edibles and only include the ones which have unique uses, similarities to other non-edibles, poison and toxic plants, and key medicinal plants.

[RockyRaccoon]

grizzlyadam I didn't mean to sound like I doubt you. I have also been considering a life off the grid in depth. Just was pokin fun.

Anywho on a more serious note theres an awesome book you should check out if you haven't already. It has everything.... and I mean EVERYTHING you'll need.

http://whentechfails.com/

[grizzlyadam]

No offense taken Rocky. That's why I'm here, for all that great eye opening constructive criticism and advice I may be able to take from the forums from people who may have experience in things I don't ;) And thanks for th reference! I'll definately check that out!

[Wildthang]

Always have something to navigate by, a compass, and a GPS if possible. And remember, lost is not a place!

[nobody]

For me the most important thing is a shelter for long term use. I plan on a place in the national forest. I've found the hardest thing is to have a concealed shelter. Hunters are famous for destroying anything they find in the woods. I built a small log cabin where I figured it couldn't be found, well it was found, and after ransacking it they burned it to the ground. I was lucky and say it, found em, and burned their vehicle to the ground.
My point is when things go wrong, soon, a person needs a bug out shelter stocked with food and stuff that is concealed so you don't have to fight to keep it.
I'm seriously considering an underground shelter that can't be recognised from above ground. Here in AZ we had a forest fire a year or so ago that destroyed about 90 % of our forest. Hiding a shelter is not really tough. I already have everything else I need, I just need a place near a tiny spring to hide everything.

[1stimestar]

So, you were squatting and burned someone's vehicle to the ground?

[crashdive123]

For me the most important thing is a shelter for long term use. I plan on a place in the national forest. I've found the hardest thing is to have a concealed shelter. Hunters are famous for destroying anything they find in the woods. I built a small log cabin where I figured it couldn't be found, well it was found, and after ransacking it they burned it to the ground. I was lucky and say it, found em, and burned their vehicle to the ground.
My point is when things go wrong, soon, a person needs a bug out shelter stocked with food and stuff that is concealed so you don't have to fight to keep it.
I'm seriously considering an underground shelter that can't be recognised from above ground. Here in AZ we had a forest fire a year or so ago that destroyed about 90 % of our forest. Hiding a shelter is not really tough. I already have everything else I need, I just need a place near a tiny spring to hide everything.

Good luck with that.

[BENESSE]

At first I thought "nobody" was another clueless kid, but his profile indicates (surprise!) a 63yr. old man.
(Apologies to all the clueless kids) I've often wondered how one gets to that age and thinks the way he does.

[Rick]

DOH! Another one. I don't appreciate people squatting and destroying MY NATIONAL FOREST. And you actually burned their car? Because you believed they had violated you for squatting on public land? Yeah, right. Hunters.....gotta love 'em. Now where's my Prozac.....

[hunter63]

May your states DNR find you and prosecute you to the full extent of the law.

[finallyME]

Now all we need to do is find the news story of a burned up car on NF land, report to the cops that someone confessed to doing the arson, give them the IP address......It shouldn't take too long.

[Wildthang]

Wow, we sure get some doozy's on here:confused:

[Rick]

Hey! Maybe that's what started the forest fire in Gila NF. I did read that Cibola NF still has car arson fire restrictions on because of the danger so he must have been in Gila.

[intothenew]

Introspection today:

Potomac Highlands, as beautiful as it gets. I haven't been everywhere, but I've seen a lot on this Big Blue Marble. The Potomac Highlands still rate way up there, maybe it's because it's close to home.

Hunting camp, in particular Deer Hunting Camp. We hunted this same spot for nearly fifteen years, 12-15 of us, childhood/school friends. We assumed, wrongfully, that we were in National Forest. A saddle on a high ridge. Did I say HIGH, the saddle kept us out of the wind somewhat during bunk hours. NF access to a dead end, hiking trail continued. This was before the days of MVUM, we were blissfully naive.

I was in camp at noon on Thanksgiving this particular day, alone. Had I tagged out?, was I simply taking a down day?, I don't know. Why I was outside at this particular moment, I don't know. Cleaning the breakfast dishes?(that as well as cooking breakfast is relegated to a killer), the call of nature? I just can't recall, but a voice hailed "Hello in the camp!". I responded, "The coffee's hot, come and have a cup".

To make a long story short, he was in fact the land owner. This was the tenth year that we had used this spot to camp. He had a narrow band of property that crossed that saddle, and we had set up there every year. We hunted inside the NF marked boundaries, and he knew that. He had observed us every year, and said nothing. Turns out, he and Green Jeans had visited our camp first year, checked us out, found us worthy, and followed up every year thereafter. We didn't leave so much as a gum wrapper or cigarette butt behind, without knowing the "eyes" were on us. We stayed the NF rules, fourteen days and out every year. He stopped because he seen someone outside, it was brutally cold, and he had waited ten years to talk to one of us. After a wonderful conversation I was invited to Thanksgiving dinner, and told the fourteen day rule didn't apply anymore. We could stay the full length of hunting season if we desired.

That was one of the best cups of coffee I have ever had, I surely made that pot.

[Stiffy]

For me the most important thing is a shelter for long term use. I plan on a place in the national forest. I've found the hardest thing is to have a concealed shelter. Hunters are famous for destroying anything they find in the woods. I built a small log cabin where I figured it couldn't be found, well it was found, and after ransacking it they burned it to the ground. I was lucky and say it, found em, and burned their vehicle to the ground..


Just a thought . . . revenge does not improve your chances of survival. Much better to accept the consequences of your lack of common sense and move on. In other words, learn from your mistakes.

By the way, you say hunters are famous for destroying what they find? I've hunted for many years, my family has hunted, I've known many friends who have hunted, I've never known any hunter to act in a manner that you claim to be "famous" for hunters.

[kyratshooter]

For me the most important thing is a shelter for long term use. I plan on a place in the national forest. I've found the hardest thing is to have a concealed shelter. Hunters are famous for destroying anything they find in the woods. I built a small log cabin where I figured it couldn't be found, well it was found, and after ransacking it they burned it to the ground. I was lucky and say it, found em, and burned their vehicle to the ground.
My point is when things go wrong, soon, a person needs a bug out shelter stocked with food and stuff that is concealed so you don't have to fight to keep it.
I'm seriously considering an underground shelter that can't be recognised from above ground. Here in AZ we had a forest fire a year or so ago that destroyed about 90 % of our forest. Hiding a shelter is not really tough. I already have everything else I need, I just need a place near a tiny spring to hide everything.


OK, so the National Forest Rangers tear down an illigal shack (which is their job) so you burn the first vehicle you come across????

This sounds amazingly like some other posts we have endured of late. Sort of a signature insane line of thought. Might there be an individual getting banned repeatedly and running to the library and re-regestering under multiple names?

[gryffynklm]

Like KRat said, Out here in Monongahela National Forest squatters are not welcome.

[den den]

Hi to all I am a newbe and I am trying to learn about all the skills I will need in surviving unexpected situation. I do not want to live off the grid just get by in case of emergency. I am wanting to learn plants that can be used for medical needs and for eatible plants and water purification. Any advise would be appreciated.

[crashdive123]

Hi to all I am a newbe and I am trying to learn about all the skills I will need in surviving unexpected situation. I do not want to live off the grid just get by in case of emergency. I am wanting to learn plants that can be used for medical needs and for eatible plants and water purification. Any advise would be appreciated.

Best place to start is the Introduction section and telling us a little about yourself, then look through the topics that cover what you are looking for. Join in the conversations or ask specific questions any time.

[jfeatherjohn]

The Natl Forest is going to be an impotant resource in times of trouble. I doubt serously that those of us who have spent alot of time there would do anything to harm it, now or then.
Burning a car? With the fire danger we have had state-wide? Building a cabin on USFS ground?
Folks, this is, in fact, the West, but it just isn't that "western".
This kinda stuff scares the heck out of me, and that could affect my behavior negatively.

[survivalken]

I am new to the survival community and I am too looking for what I need to survive in a survival situation. To me one of the best survival tools you can have is Survival Training at a good school.

[crashdive123]

I guess your survival school didn't teach you how to survive a forum. Spam is not appreciated. Your link has been removed.

[Rick]

A guy that's new to survival running a survival school. You should have left that link up. That would have been interesting to see what kind of stuff he had.

Katana for bear hunting? Three easy moves to drop that Bruin. December 1-7
Survival First Aid. Managing Cuts and Contusions. December 8, 9 and 10.

[kyratshooter]

You mean we missed the schedule of activities?

Crap!

Another inside joke I am not in on.

[Rick]

Don't you have a raccoon in the back yard that needs tending to?

[BENESSE]

Don't you have a raccoon in the back yard that needs tending to?

That's why he missed the schedule of activities.

[Soicanlive]

MUCH NEEDED THREAD. Wish I could favorite it for future reading.

[gryffynklm]

Go to Tread tools in the green stripe above your post. Click it and select subscribe to this thread. Every time someone posts you will be alerted. You can also print from the tools.

[Rick]

It's also a sticky so it will always be at the top of the General Survival Discussion sub forum.

[senna]

for 2 days, you should not need anything, unless it is cold. then you need adequate clothing, and perhaps shelter, depending upon temp, rain, and wind. Fire is often not much help at keeping you warm, if you lack shielding for it (and you) from the rain and wind, or lack walls to reflect the fire's heat, and so on.

[Rick]

Yeah, well, better to have it and not need than to need it and not have it. I just made that up.

[welderguy]

Yeah, well, better to have it and not need than to need it and not have it. I just made that up.

WOW thats a great saying mind if I borrow that!

[Rick]

Yeah, sure. I've got lots.

[welderguy]

for 2 days, you should not need anything, unless it is cold. then you need adequate clothing, and perhaps shelter, depending upon temp, rain, and wind. Fire is often not much help at keeping you warm, if you lack shielding for it (and you) from the rain and wind, or lack walls to reflect the fire's heat, and so on.

actually if your skills are up to par you wouldn't need anything for any length of time. the show naked and afraid is 21 days with NOTHING at all.

[Rick]

Foul!! Not true. He gets a naked woman. I wouldn't last 20 minutes. But, hey, that's just me.

[welderguy]

foul!! Not true. He gets a naked woman. I wouldn't last 20 minutes. But, hey, that's just me.

hahahahaha!!!

[senna]

not true. They each get to bring one item. I've watched 4 of those shows. One couple failed utterly. 2 of the other three required medical intervention to prevent death, within 2 weeks of their start. One time, the foolish man didn't make sandals right away, in a place full of thorns. In the next one, the woman foolishly ate inadequatly cooked turtle flesh. If you "think" that that show or the people chosen for it are good guides to action, you are badly deluded. And NONE of them have been dropped off anyplace where it was cold. It it was sub freezing, not 1 of the 4 couples would have survived 2 days, and they'd have been hurting badly in just a very few hours.

[welderguy]

not true. They each get to bring one item. I've watched 4 of those shows. One couple failed utterly. 2 of the other three required medical intervention to prevent death, within 2 weeks of their start. One time, the foolish man didn't make sandals right away, in a place full of thorns. In the next one, the woman foolishly ate inadequatly cooked turtle flesh. If you "think" that that show or the people chosen for it are good guides to action, you are badly deluded. And NONE of them have been dropped off anyplace where it was cold. It it was sub freezing, not 1 of the 4 couples would have survived 2 days, and they'd have been hurting badly in just a very few hours.

You are correct, they do get one item. And I agree that some of there actions are foolish. and in any freezing temps you wouldn't last but hours with no clothing , shelter or fire .

[Kat]

So the foothills of a mountain's rain forest wouldn't be suitable in a national park with no individuals for miles around, but plenty of game since it's a national park?

[Kat]

that would be harsh,those conditions would require a differnt approach. you said right.that would make burning oil important. and i would also use heated stones to extend the oil. those places would be tough to survive

Would burning oil and heating stones to extend oil not cause smoke?

[Kat]

i have found rocks in boston that originated at yellowstone. i guess they got hurled by the supermassive volcano eruption about 6000,000 years ago.

And when that occurs, and it will, kiss our collective bums bah-bye. It'll wipe out the majority of the U.S. Then the rest of the U.S. by the clouds making their rounds, revolving Earth. Probably an ELE.

[Rick]

Actually, the fallout would not wipe out the majority of the U.S. It might or might not be and end of life experience based on the amount of ejecta and it's effect on the atmosphere. Certainly wouldn't be a good day for a walk through Yellowstone, that's for sure. Here's a map of ash fall from previous eruptions.

http://www.earthmountainview.com/yellowstone/YellowstoneFalloutAshBed.gif (http://www.earthmountainview.com/yellowstone/YellowstoneFalloutAshBed.gif)

As well as a list of previous super volcano events.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supervolcano

[Lil K]

I'm bumping an old post, but it's certainly a Sticky for a reason. Excellent post Rick, this was the post I anticipated for when I first saw it.

[swenlet]

Notice that they never leave them anywhere COLD? :-) notice that most of them FAIL the test (or get real bad sick after "succeeding"? And they get to bring one item each. Which is 2 things, not "nothing".

[swenlet]

Just cause you start with no clothing or shelter, does not mean that you can't have some, really quickly. They get to bring a machete and a lighter, if they have sense enough to choose such items. So they could have a fire in a matter of a very few minutes, then several fires, keeping them warm all around, while they venture outside of the fire ring often, to gather grasses, etc, to make clothing, or other items to make shelter.

[MItygrr]

Excellently put! I have practically lived in the forests of Northern Michigan since, well let's just say a few decades and leave it at that. I've changed, the landscapes changed, the micro climates changed. Things I used back then, although they are still staples for me, are sometimes not enough. For example, I am diabetic now, so insulin is a necessity, even without food, execise, stressors and fatigue can raise or lower my glucose levels and kill me any where from a few hours to a few months. So I take a pen, my micro tester and a spare needle. Never know. So, first aide is in the top of my list. I've learned lots of ways to gather water, believe it or not, gardening. Just recently, however, learned a neat little trick about making several types of filters. Although I've always headed out with basics; baggies, lighter/matches, first aide, and usually a reference guide (morale and reference), I have discovered what was "good enough" yesterday may not be enough today. Yea I can survive a few nights with a good knife and an altoids kit, but with a belt and a few more items, I can feel safer. Knowledge is the best thing ever! Taking game in a snare, although rewarding, can be a bit tricky if you want eat it afterward without knowing how to clean it or prepare it. I've eaten things I thought were pretty tasty, but wouldn't have if I had a choice (skunk). Most recently I took up deer hunting again, after a few years of idiots shooting at me (sound hunters are a menace!). Area is new to me, so I take a few more supplies. I occasionally get teased, but I always walk out! I get turned around on occasion, but when I do, I stop, take seat, see what I have, and breathe. PANIC kills! I then get my bearings, proceed as if it didn't happen. Thankfully, I've never gotten "truly" lost. But, I know what I have with me, where I want to be, find where I am, and continue on my "adventure". Knowledge, and remaining calm is the best thing. Basic equipment with practical use, can in most instances get you through. Don't take chances! Take precautions! Ask questions, learn, study, and practice.

[Lamewolf]

Simple - "knowlege" !

[Atehequa]

I would have to include good health and physical fitness. There's a fellow at work who goes on about wilderness survival, but the poor guy is at least 150lbs overweight and can't walk 50 yards without getting winded. I really don't see people with serious medical conditions lasting all that long in the wilds either.

Way out in the wilds on foot one tends to discover just how small and insignificant he or she really is.

[ninjasurvivor]

Knowing your own limitations. What is difficult for me may be very easy for you, and vice versa. A man recently died in the wild trying to climb up a cliff to rescue his dog...barefoot. Only overconfidence would lead you to attempt such a foolish endeavor.

A firm grasp of you physical and mental limitations, cross-checked with your environmental conditions, will paint the picture of your survival scenario. If that is askew, then you'll assume you are entering a survivable situation when in fact you are approaching your own undoing.

[Survival Guru]

You can find good survival kits at website removed. They're not designed for long-term, permanently moving into the wilderness survival, but as far as quality wilderness survival kits this is the place to get them.

[Survival Guru]

For most, that can be a misnomer especially in harsh conditions. Rule of threes- as a rule of thumb one can die after 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food. The Shelter part is key and generally under rated. With wet clothes or storm conditions hypothermia can set in, and if you don't have a way to get out of the elements things can get bad very quickly.

[hunter63]

Hunter63 saying Hey and Welcome.
That site wouldn't happen to be yours now would it?....as that would be considered spam.

There is an intro section.
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?14-Introductions

[kyratshooter]

I thought we once had a filter that would not allow one to post a link to a site so they could sell something for at least ten minutes after they had registered !!!

Here lately everyone that signs on is trying to sell snake oil on their first post.

[crashdive123]

That filter thing is hit or miss sometimes.

I'm thinking our latest spammer picked the wrong screen name since he couldn't figure out how to survive until his third post.

[Canoetripper]

I'm thinking our latest spammer picked the wrong screen name since he couldn't figure out how to survive until his third post.

LOL

Crash that was funny that one should be in joke of the day buddy.....................................

[hunter63]

Tried to be nice......guess that didn't work.
The word "Guru"......makes me nervous,........like I have to go tinkle, or some thing.

[randyt]

Sometimes I think a good dose of luck is needed. Take Ishi for example, he had all the knowledge needed for his terrain but in the end he was found starving. I'm not sure if he was starving for companionship or food though.

[hunter63]

I still think Ishi was shot by an irate husband.......Just a feeling.....

Oops wrong guy......I was think about Otzi

[randyt]

He may have been but he died of tuberculosis LOL.

[Tokwan]

Having the best survival knowledge and also the best survival tools will still not guarantee you will be able to survive. The skills, knowledge and tools are meant to help you so that you have a better chance of surviving...There are still elements that can kill you.

[hunter63]

Sometimes I think a good dose of luck is needed. Take Ishi for example, he had all the knowledge needed for his terrain but in the end he was found starving. I'm not sure if he was starving for companionship or food though.

OK, OK, you are talking about the last surviving member found starving in California........Gottcha.

I though you meant Otzi, The ice man.

[randyt]

OK, OK, you are talking about the last surviving member found starving in California........Gottcha.

I though you meant Otzi, The ice man.

I thought maybe my memory was playing tricks on me again LOL.

[onegoodfella00]

I live in Phoenix AZ and I don't agree with the easy society has turned out. I have plans but like I gotta talk to people that also have experience. I have a very generous amount of experience on living in a couple of different landscapes of wilderness. So like I just need some feedback

[randyt]

Post a intro and get started

[onegoodfella00]

What?......

[onegoodfella00]

Come on guys

[hunter63]

Come on guys

Hunter63 saying Hey and Welcome......What Randyt is suggesting is stop over at the intro section and post an intro....or just a bit about your self and location.

That way when you ask a question or post a comment we all have an idea what your reference is.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?14-Introductions

As this is an old thread dealing with what is needed to survive in the wilderness.....and has gotten off track a few times...(happens) may then you can post your own thread and discuss what you want.

[onegoodfella00]

What I'm talking about is like I know what I need to survive. I just need to talk about maybe experiences people have of extreme camping haha

[hunter63]

How old are you?

So have you gone camping?

What is your idea of extreme camping?

Did you read all 9 pages?

[Tokwan]

Yep..I agree with the team here. It doesn't take much..Just introduce yourself and tell about yourself. You might (maybe we have missed it) tell us about your experiences first so that we know if we are able to help you. I am 54 years old, from Malaysia. When I introduced myself, I was welcomed and that gave me a good feeling that the folks here have accepted me. They know how much experience I have and from there, are able to help me. I need all the help and advices I can get as I do solo camping.
Go ahead, just introduce yourself, you will see the difference.
Rgds,
Tokwan

[kyratshooter]

And Tokwan can see into the future,

It's already tomorrow where he lives!

[Tokwan]

Hahahaha..Kyrat. and by the way Onegoodfella, I can only advise you to fill up the part about yourself, telling us your experiences and background. If we do not know your capability and experience, we wouldn't know where to start to give you tips. Like me, I am still learning everyday, even though I live on the other side of the world, the folks here have been generous enough to me..I really appreciate them that I plan to visit the good ol' US of A again once I have save enough..and this time just to meet some of the people here.
Kyratshoter has indicated that he will fund my lodging and food when I am there...hehe...ain't that right Kyeratshooter...

[onegoodfella00]

Well like I don't know what you want haha. If you guys know what Anasazi is it is a survival camp. Was in that for 12 weeks and it was pretty insane. But like that was a couple years ago. Since then I have gone camping for over 2 weeks at a time with no tent or food or anything really except a kabar knife and rope. I know my edibles pretty well I can build a sustainable shelter that can withstand most seasons and terrains. It's just like when I talk to people about like the **** that I want to do they call me stupid haha so like I just need support

[Tokwan]

Well, I have done what I can....its up to you. I leave this to the admins.

[onegoodfella00]

Why is this hard?

[Tokwan]

o' ohhhhh......

http://www.anasazi.org/

Recognized internationally for its caring and effective approach, ANASAZI Foundation is a non-profit (501c3) intervention resource that helps to restore and strengthen parent-child relationships.
ANASAZI's licensed and Joint Commission-accredited, outdoor behavioral healthcare services are ideal for adolescents (12-17) and young adults (18+) struggling with lack of motivation, defiance, mild mood disorders, drug and alcohol experimentation, internet addiction, entitlement issues, and other self-defeating behaviors. We offer six-week wilderness-based, residential treatment programs rooted in the belief that all young people—regardless of their struggles or at-risk choices—possess an inherent "seed of greatness." This idea permeates our philosophy and our evidence-based therapeutic approach, which addresses the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of a child's life.
- See more at: http://www.anasazi.org/#sthash.irIG8GYx.dpuf

[onegoodfella00]

Well when you say it like that. Dude it was different a while ago I aint no pansee.

[Tokwan]

Now that is why it is necessary for you to tell..so that we know the background and can offer what you need, rather than someone snooping your back door.

[onegoodfella00]

Yeah I guess. But like what do you think? About society and like the way **** turned out

[Tokwan]

Go an introduce yourself first. You then can open a new thread and we can talk about what you want to,.

[crashdive123]

You guys have been feeding trolls while I was sleeping haven't you?

[Tokwan]

You were sleeping?

[crashdive123]

You were sleeping?

Lets just say I was otherwise occupied.:innocent:

[hunter63]

Naps,...... aren't really sleeping.....right?

[Tokwan]

That depends on the individuals understanding of what closing your eyes and losing all sense of the world means to any individual...what does dozing off mean to you?

[Enigma]

Foul!! Not true. He gets a naked woman. I wouldn't last 20 minutes. But, hey, that's just me.
20 minutes? man, I wish I could last that long. :-)

[LostMyDirections]

I've thankfully never been in that situation where I was lost in the wild.

But, be sure to pack plenty of water, food and bear spray..

[hunter63]

They have a lots of bears in Texas?


(That's a joke)

[Wildthang]

They have a lots of bears in Texas?


(That's a joke)

They have a large population of Gummy Bears:smartass:

[kyratshooter]

I am sure we are about to be told that they have bigger bears, and more of them, in Texas than any place in the world.

I can't imagine that gummy bear reference sliding by unnoticed by he who knows all.

[Rick]

I can't imagine that gummy bear reference sliding by unnoticed by he who knows all

Oh what the heck. I'll let it slide by...but just this once.

[crashdive123]

Well, since Rick is letting it slide by.....I suppose I will too (he who knows almost all).

[Batch]

Well, since Rick is letting it slide by.....I suppose I will too (he who knows almost all).

Yeah, but what if I told you that I KNEW that both of you would let it slide. Hmmm?

[Rick]

I knew you were going to post that. I just knew it!

[hunter63]

Yeah, but what if I told you that I KNEW that both of you would let it slide. Hmmm?

Yeah, but what if I told y'all that I KNEW, That YOU KNEW, that all, y'all would let it slide.....
But as this is a bare discussion,(get it bare....) I thinking that the last vote still hasn't been heard or counted.

[crashdive123]

Yeah, but what if I told you that I KNEW that both of you would let it slide. Hmmm?


I knew you were going to post that. I just knew it!


Yeah, but what if I told y'all that I KNEW, That YOU KNEW, that all, y'all would let it slide.....
But as this is a bare discussion,(get it bare....) I thinking that the last vote still hasn't been heard or counted.

I almost knew that.

[Wildthang]

Those Texan G bears are hard to hunt! They are small and hard to hit, so they just grab them and eat them!

[primitiveskills]

Luckily I've been working on this since I was little. If not, I would have been too old to pull off solo survival for more than a month and certainly not north of the mid-Atlantic States. There is a progression of skills that allow one to wean themselves off of big box dependency, but it takes years and a network of mentors in plants, tracking, awareness, hunting, trapping, fishing, storing meat, making bows, arrows, pottery, etc. Don't get me wrong, it is a blast, but it is also a journey. At my age now, I'm glad for the network of skilled practitioners helping in gathering and processing the wild rice, acorns, and meat to get through the winter here in Maine. I would start with all the gear to provide for comfortable shelter, water, fire, and food, and slowly work one of those elements at a time until you can get it off the landscape. Be sure to also bring a buddy. Technology is good, but a far distant second to seasonal awareness, skills, and community. By hybridizing the best of our modern tech and materials along with our ancestral know how and community, re-integration into a more sustainable model of living with the landscape, while hard work, is certainly an honorable and rewarding thing to strive for. -Much Respect.

[davgonz90]

Great post. Personally, I'd much rather choose knowledge over any fancy piece of survival equipment. Knowledge will feed and keep you safe indefinitely. Fancy tools will only take you so far.

[crashdive123]

Great post as in all 192 of them?

[survival-skills]

Awsome post! Personally I think learning new skills is a great hobby to do with family and friends. And if you use that time to teach others, you get much better at it.

[Grizz123]

Great post as in all 192 of them?

and it only took 7 years

[crashdive123]

Zactly.........

[kyratshooter]

Have you guys let another formerly banned member in under a new name?

[WalkingTree]

Great post. Personally, I'd much rather choose knowledge over any fancy piece of survival equipment. Knowledge will feed and keep you safe indefinitely. Fancy tools will only take you so far.
Yes. Indeed. That right there.

[Antonyraison]

That depends,
Being prepared is a great thing and if you can have an emergency kit in your car or other on you and you get stranded great :)
as for what is in that kit, that can fall into the main things that you need to cover to survive out there,
also generally you dont ever really want to stay Out there too long you generally want to get rescued or find your way out.
The most important things you want to cover in kits are:
* cutting tool (knife/axe/saw)
*cordage (550 paracord/bank line)
*container (something to hold water and to boil it.)
*cover (shelter unless you can build a shelter)
*combustion device (ferro rod/lighter,etc)

The main things I would take that could get me by for 3-5 days:
1. fixed blade knife
2.water bottle Stainless steel
3. Ferro rod
4. Paracord woven up as my sling for the water bottle.
the rest you can make or find easily. c

[Rick]

Your main things will be fully dependent upon the environment you are in. Your choices might do well in a woodland environment assuming your have the knowledge to make use of them.

[Antonyraison]

Indeed, our environment is quiet different from most,
Mostly African Bushveld, and wood land environments,etc.
We don't have snow or extreme cold temperature..
the only concerns we do have can be wild life (depending)
The most dangerous being hippos (if you near some coastal areas)

[hunter63]

.............
The most dangerous being hippos (if you near some coastal areas)

not gonna do it..........

[Rick]

Only in America would a comment about coastal hippos conjure up bikini glad women. Okay, only in the Western Hemisphere would a comment.....

Seriously though, Coastal hippos is a comment that could be around for a long time. You know, coastal hippos, the animal, not the women. (chuckle).

[hunter63]

Well,..... whale watching in big on west coast Mexican beaches........just saying.

[kyratshooter]

The first thing that flashed into my mind when I read todays' posts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PenjyqNYLIk

[crashdive123]

Sure glad it wasn't https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F000UK_kUq4

[hunter63]

Noooooooooo........I didn't bring up the Hippos......Aaaaaaaaa........

[DSJohnson]

Sure glad it wasn't https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F000UK_kUq4

Crash, and with all the love I can muster........I am so mad at you...that stupid song will be bouncing around my empty skull all dang night....Green anaconda...Green Anaconda

[crashdive123]

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Forum%20Fun/OneEye.gif (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/crashdive123/media/Forum%20Fun/OneEye.gif.html)

[Antonyraison]

they have an appetite for foreign men ;) :P hahahah....

[hunter63]

So do the whales on the Mexican beaches.....Just saying....

[Wildthang]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti4sqG85FU4

[WalkingTree]

Ok....um....what?

[hunter63]

Ok....um....what?

Gets brought up every once is awhile....actually in reference to our friend "Blade" a banned member.....fits in to the snakes comments.
Blade recommended the you let a large snake start eating you and then stab him is the head as a way to survive.....

Can't find the thread at the moment.

[Rick]

Blade..."Killing what I eat". What a hoot. Here's his thread.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?21486-Anaconda-attack

[hunter63]

Blade..."Killing what I eat". What a hoot. Here's his thread.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?21486-Anaconda-attack

Thanks Rick....That thread should a Sticky......
So WT.......Many references will turn up as it was great entertainment at the time....and thanks to Rick...you can enjoy it as well....
I just read the whole thing again.....still funny as all get out.

[WalkingTree]

hahahaha...oh my goodness...yea, as all git out. The shorthand of "LOL" is real here. I did. Out loud. A little bit and a few times.

And I gotta get that crap outa my head. "I'm a snake...I'm a snake...I'm a snake". Over and over. I wanted to see a shovel swing in from off screen and shut that stupid snake up. And then the shovel held up to the camera so you could see printed on it "I'm a shovel".

[hunter63]

hahahaha...oh my goodness...yea, as all git out. The shorthand of "LOL" is real here. I did. Out loud. A little bit and a few times.

And I gotta get that crap outa my head. "I'm a snake...I'm a snake...I'm a snake". Over and over. I wanted to see a shovel swing in from off screen and shut that stupid snake up. And then the shovel held up to the camera so you could see printed on it "I'm a shovel".

When a OP post is called BS on post #3.......You know it it's gonna go sideways quick....was kinda fun....Though....

[WalkingTree]

Able to outrun or not, why wait so long before shanking his arse? I be stabbing and stabbing right out the gate. Off the chain yo.

I'm a snake...I'm a snake...I'm a snake...

[tundrabadger]

Blade's legend lives on.

[Ozark_Bran]

Great read sir!

[outdoorfan]

Wow, really great post... thank you. I've been primitive camping for a long time and went camping alone for the first time at the age of 12... BUT I've still not had to reallllly survive out there on my own for an indeterminate amount of time. I've got a lot to learn and feel pretty intimidated. This helps!

[jayd]

I"ve been at it all my life, and I'd need a rifle, a lot of traps, non-hybrid seeds, a lot of netting, a lot of hooks and line, and a lot of rations to get me thru til I could jerk a lot of meat and gather a lot of nuts, berries, rhisomes, seeds, etc, and get the crops producing. Greens, with rare exceptions, just dont provide much in the way of sustenance. There has to be a lot of them, in a small area, for you to get back more calories than you burn while harvesting and processing them.

[LowKey]

All that sounds "lazy"

people are just lazy. Too lazy to do the research and find OUT how third worlders survive

[steve-rawls]

Building a fire without tools is one thing. Purifying water without any tools is where it gets really tricky.

[steve-rawls]

Building a fire without tools is one thing. Purifying water without any tools is where it gets really tricky.

It is possible though.

[hunter63]

It is possible though.

Do tell......
Hunter63 saying Hey and Welcome....From Wisconsin.

[kyratshooter]

Instigator, yep that was the word I was looking for, instigator.

[jackson seroulo]

Hello, i just want to share with you all this store , they give a good tool for free , i just get mines today . NOTHING TO SEE HERE FOLKS. MOVE ALONG. JUST ANOTHER SPAMMER.

[Antonyraison]

It is possible though.

Best bet with out tools is to boil water with hot rocks, either in a hollowed out Log, or in a rock crevasse, or failing all that in your hat.

[Steven1919]

Great info. You nailed it

[ironhand]

I'm new here, so I might as well make a splash.......

1. How much knowledge do you have? You should know how to perform the following tasks in all kinds of environments. - Uh, common sense should be #1

1a. How to build expedient shelters.
1b. Create fire with no tools or tools you create yourself in the wilderness.
1c. Know where to find water and how to purify it.
1d. Basic land navigation.
1e. Basic psychology of survival.
1f. Basic first aid.
1g. Be able to identify plants in your area. Both poisonous and edible.
1h. Understand weather signs.
1i. Basics of trapping and snaring.
1j. How to build expedient tools and weapons.
1k. Basics of signaling.
1l. How to prioritize needs.

I guess the intent here is to return to civilization..... yuck. THE #1 skill set needed is to assess your situation. Winter/Cold climate needs fire first, Desert needs water, etc. Shelter is always near the top of the list for numerous reasons including shade. Digging and indian well will be your best source of clean water except in the desert. Rain water should be gathered and cherished. ALWAYS have the mentality that you own it. :mellow:

[Rick]

Welcome home. I'm guessing you didn't actually read the thread. Like the very first post? :whistling:

[Alan R McDaniel Jr]

Maybe this is that thing, you know, where someone is just like you but in an alternate universe....

Alan

[ironhand]

Welcome home. I'm guessing you didn't actually read the thread. Like the very first post? :whistling:

Oh golly geeze, I thought I did. Did I miss something? :knight:

[Rick]

Better than being an alternate me in this universe I guess.

[ironhand]

Rick, aside from the normal hunting/fishing, fire skills, what do you think would be an extremely valuable skill to have in the wild?

[Antonyraison]

I can make it by with just a knife if I have to.
skills are valuable as is knowledge...
but given choice full 10cs kit and some rations!!

[Rick]

The purpose of the post was to address all those folks that come on here wanting to venture out into the wild with nothing. No kit, no skills. We used to get one or two a week. Fortunately, that craze has slowed down a bit. I hesitate to say it has died off but maybe it...they...did. All the things listed in the first post are required to some extent if you wish to venture out into the wild and live with nothing but your wits. As to an extremely valuable skill, that is pretty much dependent upon the environment you are in and is certainly open to argument.

[ironhand]

The purpose of the post was to address all those folks that come on here wanting to venture out into the wild with nothing. No kit, no skills.

I didn't get that message somehow. The no skills part especially.

In places like Cambodia, the kids there do that a lot. Probably because they can eat better. I'll stand behind my "common sense" response. In most cases that I've seen, common sense means DON'T DO IT! :lol:

The skill set answer I was looking for was pottery.

It really bothers me that today's bushcrafters and survivalists have so little insight into ancient ways and how their ancestors did things. Maybe because I'm old, I get it....... :rockon:

[Rick]

Oh, well, there you. Pottery ranks right there. You can always tell where pottery ranks high because it's usually a different color green from the surrounding foliage...if you know what I mean.

[StrangeStanley]

I like to go to the woods with minimal equipment, so matches and a knife is enough for me :yes:

[kyratshooter]

You are not 70 years old, are you?

Contrary to popular myth as you get older you really do want to do more things in the outdoors,

You want to eat.

You want to lay down in some degree of comfort and really sleep.

You want something between yourself and the bad weather that abounds outside the 4 walls and roof you call home.

I have been to the woods with only a knife and matches. Sorry, but that usually sucks as much as it sounds.

Can I do it? And since I can do it and have done it there is not much for me to prove to myself or anyone else. Suffering to make a point has generally lost its appeal and other people doing it just sort of makes us laugh a little.

I have done it many times. But if it lasts too long, usually past lunch time, or the weather is not good there is this nagging thought that always lives in the back of my head.

".....Humm, now remind me why I am here when I have a perfectly good house?...."

[Rick]

That knife and matches sounds just great until you need toilet paper. Lambs ear is nice but ain't toilet paper.

[Alan R McDaniel Jr]

You are not 70 years old, are you?

Contrary to popular myth as you get older you really do want to do more things in the outdoors,

You want to eat.

You want to lay down in some degree of comfort and really sleep.

You want something between yourself and the bad weather that abounds outside the 4 walls and roof you call home.

I have been to the woods with only a knife and matches. Sorry, but that usually sucks as much as it sounds.

Can I do it? And since I can do it and have done it there is not much for me to prove to myself or anyone else. Suffering to make a point has generally lost its appeal and other people doing it just sort of makes us laugh a little.

I have done it many times. But if it lasts too long, usually past lunch time, or the weather is not good there is this nagging thought that always lives in the back of my head.

".....Humm, now remind me why I am here when I have a perfectly good house?...."

This sums it up for me too. I have a very well organized storage room full of camping gear. I really don't mind the camping. It's all the work getting ready, setting up, tearing down, cleaning up. I'd need to camp for two weeks to make it worth while. I can't even remember two weeks ago right now. Into the woods with only a knife? Sounds like being unprepared to me.

Alan

[kyratshooter]

When My wife and I married, 15 years ago, we had enough camping gear and tentage to shelter and equip more than 50 people.

That was all primitive reenactment gear and did not count the modern stuff or the 28 foot RV.

Then we bought more!

I can stretch fire irons out along a fire pit 25 feet long and have cooked a whole deer on a spit occasionally.

It is still out there in the trailer. I need to go through all of it, sort it out and sell it off.

I don't need more than 8 or 10 tents anyway and all that cast iron is making the floor in the shed sag!

[Antonyraison]

The purpose of the post was to address all those folks that come on here wanting to venture out into the wild with nothing. No kit, no skills. We used to get one or two a week. Fortunately, that craze has slowed down a bit. I hesitate to say it has died off but maybe it...they...did. All the things listed in the first post are required to some extent if you wish to venture out into the wild and live with nothing but your wits. As to an extremely valuable skill, that is pretty much dependent upon the environment you are in and is certainly open to argument.


I would never recommend going out to spend a few days out in the bush with out Skills and some form of kit.. ( I think that people romanticize over the ideas and influences seen with things like Bear grylls going in with only a knife, but dont realize how set up those shows are)
I get it some of the time people taking the mickey at some of my videos cause sometimes I actually have kit (minimal kit that is) I guess some people expect me to go in the bush with absolutely nothing and make it.. well I suppose I could If I really really had to but I have a lot of skill and a lot of experience (especially in southern Africa)
But thus far the least amount of gear I took out into bush is basically
a knife some paracord, and a water bottle.

WHAT one needs in the would to survive well maybe a different answer to each person (if they actually have developed their own skills and fitted gear to compliment their own strengths and weaknesses and Areas given)

But really imo New comers often have a bit of a dunning-Kruger effect going on.. they think they know but they might not really know..
I would start off with a good 10c's kit and use that many outings then tweak the items in there to fit yourself well.. Maybe some people can do with a 5c's kit and that's just fine...
But saying all this the kits are useless unless you know how to use it and also do some Studying and lots of practicing..

[kyratshooter]

Sad thing but the only people I know of that just jump into a real survival situation feet first, on purpose, with no prep to training, seem to be English. "I nave never been camping, hiking, never even walked the dog in the park, but I want to get into this survival thing, where can I go to survive?"

Most other people work their way into the minimal gear thing a little at a time and have some outdoor experience before they go out. We do it for recreation.

Yep, that is what we do. It is a "sport" just like being in the X games. You train, you practice, you go out and push your limits and do things others do not, but it is not SURVIVAL. You did all of it on purpose no matter how much or how little gear you take.

Then there are the people that get into situations of life or death struggle without intention. They may have some outdoor training or they may have none, but in either case they never intended to be SURVIVING in the first place. That was not their intent and they do not consider it a sport.

Very few of us "in the sport" die.

Often those placed in real survival situations do just that, they die.

I feel some sadness and a good deal of pity for those that die due to unintentional situations. Sometimes I wonder what they were thinking, why they did what they did, and why they had not even the most basic skills. But they never intended the incident that killed them to occur, never thought it was possible.

Is that naive? Possibly it is. But we live in an age when not many people get into their vehicle for the drive to work and expect to be lost in the wilderness, desert, or mountains before we reach our destination. Those of us that do prepare for such things are pidgin holed as a little bit weird.

That is why we have many sections/sub-forums here, dividing the categories of homesteading, disaster preparedness, woodcraft and wilderness survival.

Part of it is to deal with the unexpected, part is to deal with sport or lifestyle choices we have made.

But all of us that have been here for any length of time have some kind of bell that goes off in our heads that makes us scream out at newbies, "This could kill you! You are going to die!" when we hear some of their off the wall crazy @$$ plans.

[Desert Rat!]

A knife and matches, that's my kit when moving from one room to the next.:wheelchair: