The ability to build a fire is an important wilderness survival skill. Fires serve several purposes: They can be used for cooking and purifying water, as a source of warmth and as a means of signaling potential rescuers. Plus, a fire can do wonders for boosting the morale of a hiker who is lost or otherwise stranded in the wilderness. In deference to Murphy'… read more
Safety must always be the paramount consideration on backcountry hiking trips, followed closely by comfort. Planning for both safety and comfort begins long before a hiker arrives at the trailhead. The process starts with knowing what to needs to go in your pack and, of equal importance, what ought to stay at home. Once the actual hike begins individuals nee… read more
Using fire starters helps get your campfire ready for cooking much more quickly than starting the fire from scratch. Fire starters also cut down on the amount of tinder you need to collect and are especially useful in areas where you must bring in your own firewood. A firebag is a self-contained package of quick, hot-burning materials for starting your cook… read more
The worst case scenario has happened. You are lost in a wilderness area, the victim of an accident or caught in a natural disaster. You have read the articles on survival and have an idea of what to do, but do you have the basic, essential tools to help you survive. This is where a survival kit comes into play. A kit should contain basic elements to help you… read more
Coleman lanterns burn propane fuel through a cloth mantle treated with metallic compounds that burn brightly when ignited. Though durable under normal use, Coleman lantern mantles will need to be replaced occasionally. Lanterns for camping and emergency use will often see hard duty, and mantles will break if treated roughly. The good news is that replacement… read more
Ask someone about their skiing tips for a great backcountry trip, and you are likely to hear about locations and also special starting spots for some excellent powder. Lost in translation are the skiing tips that could quite possibly s… read more
Camping is a wonderful way to extend your visit to natural places. Camping on snow can take it to a whole different level. One the safest and best ways to practice snow camping is to do so in your own backyard. In the field is not the… read more
Most people who become the subjects of search and rescue started out on a short day hike. They probably never imaginedg they would become lost and in a survival situation. Any time you head out to the woods, you need to be prepared for… read more
Life is full of ups and downs but most of us have never experienced a situation where poor choices could threaten our lives. Survivalists know that the time to prepare for a crisis is before it happens, not when you're in it. They're a… read more
The wilderness can be a dangerous place if you're not properly prepared. Weather forecasts can change and terrain can be unpredictable. When this happens, it forces the outdoor adventurer to improvise on the fly, and sometimes this can… read more
You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
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