https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/blog.php?296-Sarge47 A public discussion forum on wilderness surivival, primitive technology, and disaster preparedness. en Tue, 21 Jul 2026 22:06:49 GMT vBulletin 60 https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/blog.php?296-Sarge47 https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?1832-About-bugging-out Sun, 11 Jan 2015 01:04:23 GMT There's always a lot on this site about "BOBs," bugging out, and bag contents. Books have been written about them and what to take. Many times these books seem to focus on young, single, strong males that have nobody else tnd are able to shoulder their huge, heavy bag, grab their rifle, and head off into the wilderness, if'n they have any nearby, like Dan'l Boone or somebody.

Little is said about families with young children, families with elderly folks, elderly folks by themselves, or perhaps people with infirmaries. What about a bed-bound person, or somebody who can't walk very far or very much? What if they're in a wheel chair?

Awhile back I was watching a story on the weather channel about the time the hurricane hit the Texas coast. One family in particular, with several infants, waited until the last minute to try get out. Unfortunately it seemed like everybody else in the city thought the same way. The interstate was packed and nobody was moving. The family was getting nervous as they were still in the storm area. So, they logically decided, as most of us might, to turn off onto a secondary road...which was also jam packed! They were't going anywhere. So they turned around and headed back home. They made it back quickly as there was no traffic in the lanes heading back to the city.

Here's my point, do you plan for those times when you might have to evacuate more people than yourself? Have you put together family emergency manuals for all family members that can use them? Do you have a BOV to take you to your BOL? How is it equipped? How fast can you get everything and everybody on board and head for safety...and how soon will you leave. If you are given two hours to leave how long do you realistically expect to be on your way?

Former member Wareagle69 posted this way back in 2007, when the forum was in it's infancy. It's still valid today:

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...lute-must-read

Something to think about. ]]> Sarge47 https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?1832-About-bugging-out https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?428-A-book-review-of-quot-Stay-Alive-Survival-Skills-You-Need!-quot-by-John-D-McCann Mon, 04 Feb 2013 03:02:20 GMT Recently John McCann became a member of this forum. He is the author of the well known book, "Build the Perfect Survival Kit." This book is jam packed with good info on instructing those who desire to know how to make their own SK! John ranges from "ultra small kits" to a full-size Backpack and shows you the items that can go into each and every one, based upon size, need and budget. The photos are black and white, but very well done none the less. Every newcomer to the world of survival kits should have a copy of this book.

John's 2nd book links to the 1st by continuing on and explaining how to acquire and use the skills you need to survive in the wilderness! I was totally blown away by all the info contained in this book.

One point, however, this book is intended to teach newcomers and the inexperienced, not the seasoned veteran, although I like reading through it for all the info it contains.

On this forum we get a continuing number of members who are seeking knowledge on just the very things contained in this book! Given the fact that John's teaching parallels my own learning in many areas I felt a strong kinship with the contents and author as well. For example, I've often said that the most important piece of survival gear is the survival item that you always have, your mind. I've always endorsed the S.T.O.P. system, read chapter 2! Want more info on building your own SK and what to put in it? Read chapter 3! How often do we hear those brand new to the woods and survival ask that age-old question: "What kind of survival knife should I get? Chapter 4 breaks it down by 1st starting out with an exploded view of a "survival knife" and talks about the "anatomy" of such!

It's all here; shelter making, signalling, food and water acquisition, Map and compass, and so on. What's more it's printed on a nice grade of paper, has beautiful color photos, and is laid out in a great, organized manner, allowing the reader to immediately go to any topic that they desire to study.

By adding this book to John's 1st book you will have great reference material for building a survival kit as well as learning the skills needed to use it! I would also add Creek Stewart's book on building your own BOB and Cody's book: "98.6 Degrees..." and you have a very good set-up!

For more info on John's books, as well as some equipment that won't "break the bank," including knives, check out his web-site at:


http://bepreparedtosurvive.com/index.html

Until next time, Sarge47. :detective: ]]> Sarge47 https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?428-A-book-review-of-quot-Stay-Alive-Survival-Skills-You-Need!-quot-by-John-D-McCann https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?427-USMC-Force-Recon-Survival-Kit Sat, 19 Jan 2013 02:24:55 GMT I received my USMC F.R. S.K. today and was debating weather to go ahead and open it up or just leave it in it's tough, original packaging until I needed it. Logic swayed me as I figured that if I waited what would I do if the items were broken or missing, so I went ahead and opened it. The following is my review of the items:

Side A: Shelter and Food Gathering Side:

Fishing Kit, Emergency 4220-00-244-0764: Well made with everything you might need to catch fish or even small game or birds in an emergency situation. Since the military has to assume that many soldiers may never have caught a fish in their life, and that "one size must fit all," They've even included a small booklet of instructions.

Saw, Finger Ring 5110-00-70-6896: This is packed with the fishing kit and is a really cool item! Much stronger than the civilian models you might find at the store as well!

Survival Blanket 7210-00-935-6666: Similar to the mylar blankets found elsewhere, but it appears to be a bit stronger.

Plastic Bag, Zip-Lock 8105-00-837-7755: Yes it is!

Candle, Votive 9925-00-202-4417: For light, fire-starting, etc. It's very small so I added another regular-sized candle to the package.

Snare Wire 9525-00-59-63498: A nice size hank of brass snare wire.


Side B: Escape and Evasion (E & E) Side:

Fire Starter, Magnesium 4240-01-160-561: Made by Doan, the best type of mag block on the market and the supplier of them to the military.

Knife, Pocket 5110-00-162-2205: This little baby is sharp! It's also as tough as a Duece and a half! These were originally believed by many soldiers to be made out of anti-magnetic steel, and therefore able to deactivate magnetic land mines, but that's not true! You just have to wonder how many soldiers found that out the hard way!

Signalling Mirror 6350-00-105-1252: Yes, it's a Star-Flash mirror, but a lot better than it's civilian counter-parts! The reflective surface is made out of tempered glass, not plastic, therefore impervious, mostly, to scratching! It's also heavier than the civilian model. I had read that the mirror did not come with a lanyard, but this one did!

Compass, Smoke Chaser 6605-00-553-87-95: The reason they called the Brunton Compass the "Smoke-Chaser," was because it was initially issued to Forest Rangers that would also work as fire-fighters! This is a very professional compass, albeit it's low cost assembly. It points to North super-fast, no matter which way it's pointed, and also came with a lanyard, though I'd read that, like the mirror, it didn't come with one.

Plastic Bag, Zip-Lock 8105-00-837-7756: The 2nd zip-lock bag wasn't in there. However I have a ton of these around the house so adding one was no problem!

Whistle, Extreme Cold 8465-01-278-6982: A rugged, plastic, 2-tone whistle.

Water Bag, Drinking 8466-00-634-4499: I love this item! It's a lot tougher than a condom or a water balloon, and even has a fastener to close it up after filling it as well as an attachment on the side to fasten it to your belt or something.

Matches, Waterproof 9920-01-191-3434: These came wrapped in plastic, I didn't open them up so as to preserve them better. They're advertised to even burn underwater!

Over all the components look as new as if they just came off the shelf! They're all top-quality and I may be buying up more of these for the family! I've already ordered 3 more of the water bags that were listed separately! If you're ever considering buying a "ready-made" SK, this one is top-notch! ]]> Sarge47 https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?427-USMC-Force-Recon-Survival-Kit https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?426-10-definitions-for-Noobs Thu, 10 Jan 2013 21:46:54 GMT Oft-times we get members here that are completely new to the terms used for Wilderness Survival, so this may help.

1.) SK stands for "Survival Kit." These range in size from microscopic to gargantuan and any where in between. It has been rumored that a very small kit that can fit inside a thimble has the power to save you from a Force 5 Hurricane such as Katrina or Sandy! The components to the miniature survival kit are quite small, You will probably lose this before you ever lose your pack! The compass in these small kits sometimes requires a good cleaning before using as bits of Crackerjacks will often adhere to their surface! Razor blades are usually substituted for knives in these tiny kits so, in a pinch, you might able to shave in the woods.

2.) SAK stands for "Swiss Army Knife," usually the Victorinox models for some unknown reason. These knives are reputed to be the actual knife used by Officers in the Swiss Army! With over 30 different models to choose from how could that be wrong? These knives range in size like the SK, going from a two bladed model, to one that's so big you'd need a fork-lift to move it!

3.) 550 cord. This is the actual cord used as shroud lines in a parachute. WSF members have claimed that this stuff is so strong that you can tie one end of it to a fully loaded Semi-Tractor-Trailer, place the other end in your teeth, and pull that sucker up a 15 degree grade! WSF members are also known to be notorious liars! Real parachute cord has seven strands in the center of a nylon hollow cord that are, themselves, made up of two or three inner strands. If you strip out the 7 braided strands from the hollow center of a 50' hank of parachute cord, then un-braiding those 7 strands, you'll have a nice mess on your living room floor!

4.) SK stands for "Survival Knife." This is a magical, mystical bladed instrument usually found stuck in a large stone that only the most qualified survivalist is able to pull out! Members that come on here, new to the world of survival lust after these things really bad! Based on the Rambo Movies, some believe the hollow-handled survival knife, used by Sylvester Stallone in "First Blood," to hold many life-saving gadgets, including, but not limited to a Humvee! Some of the more adventurous types actually believe that they only need their SK and the clothes on their back and they can then go anywhere Bear Grylls can! Hmmm, considering where Bear Grylls usually goes, that's probably not to far off the mark!

5.) BOB stands for "Bug-out bag," not to be confused with something Crashdive 123 might use in his exterminating business, but rather, something to hold all of your life's possessions in case you have to flee to the woods, only to rub elbows with all of your neighbors who also have THEIR BOBs. Make sure you use a Sharpie and have your name printed on your bag in bold letters so as to keep it from getting mixed up with the rest of them!

6.) BOV stands for Bug-out Vehicle, that's what you load everything up in to leave your home. These range in models from a small, foreign car, to a full size tractor trailer. Remember to also store plenty of fuel as the gas stations will, in all likelihood be completely out of gas!

7.) BOL stands for "Bug-out location." That's where you want to go when you bug-out. Remember that in a true TEOTWAWKI Others will probably also know your destination so have plenty of firearms and ammo on hand to defend your turf!

8.) "Bugging In." That's what we old farts do, we stay at home. After your gone we loot your homes at leisure, stealing anything that ain't tied down and has any value!

9.) "Canoe Accident." A common accident that happens to WSF members who are stupid enough to load up all of their firearms and try to navigate a large body of water. The firearms then are unable to be found so we're all SOL!(Your daddy can tell you what that means.) Ironically, for a bunch of really sharp survival types, we all seemed to have made that mistake!

10) "Hong." A weapon of mass destruction used to blind the unprepared! If your new to the forum and don't know what a hong is ask Rick or Sarge and they will enlighten you! ]]> Sarge47 https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?426-10-definitions-for-Noobs https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?424-Ron-Hood-s-Videos-review Tue, 25 Dec 2012 21:33:44 GMT I ordered 7 of the Ron Hood Videos as follows:

1.) Woodsmaster DVD's : Vol 2 - Shelters and Priority

2.) Woodsmaster DVD's : Vol 3 - Survival Kits

3.) Woodsmaster DVD's : Vol 10 - Survival Camping

4.) Woodsmaster DVD's : Vol 11 - Solo: Quest for Survival

5.) Woodsmaster DVD's : Vol 14 - Crafts for the Field

6.) Woodsmaster DVD's : Vol 15 - Sticks, Stoves and Stitches

7.) Woodsmaster DVD's : Vol 21 - Hoods in the Woods - Camping Basics

Note that the 1st four are related directly to survival, the next two are "how-to's" on making stuff, and the last one is on camping and backpacking.

I am not going to go through each video but will review each "group" instead.

1st, the "survival" group. Unlike some survival instructors Ron Hood could hardly ever be considered a "minimalist!" He would always carry whatever he felt was necessary to use in the North Idaho woods where he practices his craft.

Also, unlike some who only recommend expensive clothing and survival items, Ron also gives information on those who's budget does not afford them that luxury. Here you can learn many helpful things like making a belt from 550 cord utilizing an easy "stitch" that doesn't require lengthy, difficult braiding. Ron not only carried a very small survival kit, but a "maxi-kit" that was much bigger than many might imagine. His idea of shelter utilizes both knowledge and inexpensive items that anyone can easily acquire. While Ron always liked expensive, custom made knives, he also tells you about less costly ones. One of his favorite small folders was the Victorinox "Rucksack" SAK. Learn how to pack the right gear properly and how to save space at the same time!

The next two DVDs teach you how to easily make an alcohol stove from a single soda can, moccasins using Buffalo hide for the soles and pliable deer hide for the uppers. A quick way to do the "fire stick" method of making a fire is also included. Want to use Kydex for knife sheaths and firearm holsters? Learn how Ron made "cowboy coffee? Learn what insect repellent is the only one you should really use in the outdoors? Learn a recipe for bannock? Then watch the videos!

Finally we come to my favorite, the last one which talks at length about the proper equipment for camping and backpacking and how to find them! Then how well they hold up in the field! Learn why the Karafu Navigator TiPi justifies it's expensive price tag! Ever wonder how to purify several gallons of water at once from a lake for use by a large group? It's on here! No, I'm not going to ruin this by "spilling" the info, that's what you pay for, so go for it, you won't be disappointed! ]]> Sarge47 https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?424-Ron-Hood-s-Videos-review https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?423-Review-of-the-“RANGER-RICK-DIGEST-”-vols-I-IX Sun, 23 Dec 2012 17:25:50 GMT *_Summary:_* I would like to see this material up-dated for relevancy to the current military, organized, and printed in a more... Summary:
I would like to see this material up-dated for relevancy to the current military, organized, and printed in a more “reader-friendly” font. If anyone is interested in purchasing these digests, the good news is that US Calvary has knocked the price down from $5.50 per digest to $.88 each! I visited A.R.R.’s Survival website and was amused to see that, like me, he doesn’t think that much of the Ritter survival kits and goes on to explain why: http://www.survivaloutdoorskills.com..._kits_tips.htm
Then he promotes his “SOS” line of survival kits. IMHO, I call them a line of “POS” survival kits. They include the stupid wire saw, the top of a bic lighter, that will not work when wet, and many other teeny, tiny things. I advise any reading this who’s considering getting a survival kit, to make their own, using quality components; that’s what every Survival author worth their salt recommends!

The final note to the digests is that I rate them 7 stars. There is a lot of useful info there. Why not 10? It loses a star for the font. It loses one for the lack of organization, and loses one for the personal garbage that A.R.R. drug into them. Take care and happy trails! ]]> Sarge47 https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?423-Review-of-the-“RANGER-RICK-DIGEST-”-vols-I-IX https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?369-Learning-the-Basics-II-Hiking-Part-3 Sat, 11 Jun 2011 13:38:21 GMT Let's look for a moment at equipment for a simple fair weather day hike. In Scouting a newcomer to the troop is called a "Tenderfoot." That term dates back to the frontier days and refers to someone completely new to the wild outdoors at that time. If you are new to all of this, then you are a "Tenderfoot," and hopefully not a "Numpty." A "Numpty" is someone who refuses to learn, thinking they already know everything about the outdoors, survival, rocket science...you name it. People like that are a danger to both themselves and to those thay get involved with; avoid them at all costs! One good way to find out if you are talking to an experienced hiker is to ask them about their equipment. One of their 1st priorities should be "1st aid;" A "Numpty's" 1st priority will usually be some sort of large knife, usually big enough to gut an elephant. Ask anybody that wants to team up with you if they have their "10 essentials" kit. Every experienced hiker carries one even for the easiest hike. If they don't know what you're talking about, or don't carry one, run, don't walk away from that idiot! You can learn more about the 10 essentials at anyone of these sites: http://www.google.com/search?q=10+es...ient=firefox-a We'll be talking more about this in depth in the next installment. For now, study the list and decide what you'll carry yours in; a large fanny pack? Or perhaps a simple, small, backpack; the choice is yours. (...to be continued...) ]]> Sarge47 https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?369-Learning-the-Basics-II-Hiking-Part-3 https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?368-Learning-the-Basics-II-Hiking-Part-2 Sat, 11 Jun 2011 03:12:33 GMT (Caveat: The following list & information is geared towards traveling on foot in the mid-West during the warm months of the year.)

Even a simple day hike requires much preparation. Rule #1, never leave home without ALL of the equipment, knowledge, and clothing that you will require; remember, this isn't some "half-azzed" game or the latest "extreme sport!" Survival is "Life or Death!" Even a simple day hike can turn deadly if you don't take the proper precautions. It starts with your clothes. You'll need comfortable clothes like:

1.) Cargo pants
2.) T-shirt
3.) Long-sleeve outer shirt,
4.) Rain jacket or poncho ,
5.) 2 pair of cushion-sole socks
6.) Good fitting, well-broken-in pair of hiking boots
7.) A good "trail" hat
8.) Several bandanas.

Along with clothing the most important piece of gear you'll carry is your 1st aid kit, along with the knowledge of how to use it. One of the items inside of it will be foot powder. Stay tuned, more to come! ]]> Sarge47 https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?368-Learning-the-Basics-II-Hiking-Part-2 https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?365-Learning-the-Basics-II-Hiking-Part-1 Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:15:35 GMT I started posting this on a thread on the forum page, however it quickly went way beyond what my original intent, which was to encourage those new to... I started posting this on a thread on the forum page, however it quickly went way beyond what my original intent, which was to encourage those new to the outdoors to get out & learn to enjoy and love it! So I've deleted the thread & am starting several series of blogs here on Hiking, Camping, & fishing; starting with Hiking. The following post was my 1st post on that thread, more will follow.

Hiking, your 1st step into the wild!

So you're new at this whole "outdoors thing" and want to start getting into the woods/outdoors but you're not sure how to start. In another thread I talked about getting involved with a Boy Scout troop. Look for one that's not afraid to camp, hike & fish. If that's not possible then you might try to find a group or club of hikers. I also recommend a good, easy to understand book that teaches about the outdoors. You only need one...one GOOD one. I like the 1984 “Fieldbook: Boy Scouts of America.” This is the book that I based my 6 part blog about learning survival on. It's easy to understand as it was written for young boys as well as adult leaders. You don't need a whole library of survival books cluttering up your abode, all teaching basically the same thing. Just one good one to start, and one that teaches you regarding your geographic location. You want to learn about outdoor skills, this is a good place to start. If at all possible find a like-minded person and "hit the trail" with them. Find some easy, one day, beginner trails, in your area. Get a hold of a map of where you'll be walking, then talk to somebody who knows the area, like a Park Ranger. Pack a "Ruck," (a small backpack,) put in the essentials that you've read about, wear the right clothes & shoes, & brush up on your 1st aid knowledge that you've learned,..right? Always leave a plan with someone ou know & trust that tells them when to go for help if you're not back by a certain time.! Hike regularly, keep a journal & describe everything that you learn. Review it frequently. List things that you wished you had at the time, take them along on the next one. As you get used to hiking, gradually increase the level of difficulty of the trails your hiking. At some point you'll need to learn the next step: Camping, then you can start looking into "over-night hiking" & you'll have the time of your life. :nod:

This blog will lead the person brand-new to the outdoors down the trail to their 1st Solo, over-night hike. and also give you the resources you can use to take it to the next level...full-blown Backpacking. Enjoy

(...to be continued.)
]]> Sarge47 https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?365-Learning-the-Basics-II-Hiking-Part-1 https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?323-Learning-the-basics-part-6 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 19:17:33 GMT *_VI.YOUR SURVIVAL GEAR._* * If you’ve read the forum at length you’ve had to notice the big interest in survival gear. With all the advances... VI.YOUR SURVIVAL GEAR.
If you’ve read the forum at length you’ve had to notice the big interest in survival gear. With all the advances in technology today there is a newer version of essential gear being advertised all the time. Newer steels for knives, fancier electronics in GPS equipment just to name a couple.

This being said there is something about making your own gear. Some members have gotten into knife making, making both hand and bow fire-drill sets, & flint knapping, just to name a few. Both of my older Field-books have chapters on making your own gear.

There are many lists of Survival gear/kits out there; some minimal, others quite lengthy. There is no “one size fits all” list or kit. During deer season you can go into the Wally-World sporting goods dept. & pick up a small survival book by J. Wayne Fears. It has a short list of survival gear that one should carry into the outdoors on any venture. Experienced Backpackers usually always carry a “10 Essentials” kit.

In chapter 12 there is also a short list, although it doesn’t list the newer, better gear that we know about today. I’ve also listed some things that I think should always be included. My additions and notes will be in red.

Before I start, however, I want to point out something. ANY type of gear is better than none. For example, an empty soda bottle is not as good as a professionally made water bottle obviously, but it’s better than none at all. Don’t make the mistake of overlooking a needed item found on the ground simply because it isn’t as good of quality that a store-bought item is. If you’re short on cash, & today who isn’t, you can always make or find something suitable.
So here’s the list, starting out with just the 12 items listed in the book:

1. Rescue blanket. (Just about every survival book I’ve read and every survival kit I’ve seen advocate the little mylar blanket that, when folded, are aout the size of a deck of cards. These are usually considered disposable as once you’ve used them you can’t fold them back very well. They are also pretty flimsy and are grommetless. I prefer the “Sportman’s Blanket; it’s heavier and has grommets in the corners, allowing it to be uses as a tarp/shelter as well.)
2. 50 feet of nylon cord. (If your budget permits, buy 550 Parachute Cord; it has many uses and is much stronger than regular nylon cord.)
3. Hard candy, chocolate, meat bar(Jerky, Slim Jim’s, etc. can also be used.)
4. Matches, Metal Match, and 0000 steel wool. (Magnifying glass, Magnesium block with striker, “Strike Force” fire starter also work well. A 9 volt battery goes well with the steel wool, but extreme care in using them is a must!)
5. Candle/fire starters.
6. Plastic (Flat,pea-less type.) whistle.
7. Small, glass, signal mirror. (Plastic mirrors, such as the Starflash work just as well.)
8. Pen light with spare batteries. (Both Mini-Mag Lights & Head lamps, work equally as well.)
9. Small, sharp, pocket knife. (Many prefer the Swiss Army Knife made be either Victorinox or Wenger.)
10. Metal cup or plastic water bottle. (Or both.)
11. Water purification tablets.(Water filter, 2% Iodine, pot to boil water in.)
12. Clear, plastic sheet or emergency shelter. (Tube tent, Bivy Bag, etc.)

Now for the items I feel are also nessasary:

13. 4 4-ply 55 gallon trash bags.
14. Small pack
15. Compass, map, & the knowledge on using them.
16. Sunglasses
17. 1st Aid Kit. (A small one for each member of your group and one larger one for the leader; plus Red-Cross classes for everybody.)
18. Duct tape.
19. Fishing kit.
20. Snare wire.
21. Pen & small notebook.
22. Bandanas.
23. Book, cards, or something to relieve boredom. A small Survival book is nice.
24. I’ve saved the best for last, as it’s for “adults only.” A fixed-blade knife; I suggest a Mora knife, but you decide which one to carry.

Well, this ends the series of blog posts; & if you’re new to the area of Wilderness Survival then I hope it’s encouraged you to do your homework. Of course, one you’ve exhausted the whole book used here, you’re not done, and you’ve just started. There are more books to read and, for your next one, I strongly suggest “98.6: The Art of Keeping You’re A$$ Alive!” by Cody Lundin. Remember this; however, any survival book should be germane to your geographic location. It doesn’t do you any good to read on how to survive in Greenland if your going to be in Arizona. So long and stay safe! :thumbup:


Sarge47. ]]> Sarge47 https://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/entry.php?323-Learning-the-basics-part-6