Survival School

Status
Not open for further replies.
P

Polishrifleman

Member
Joined
Apr 19, 2005
Messages
864
Location
Puget Sound, Washington
Not sure if this is the right venue, so let me know if not.

What I am looking for is a weekend/weeklong warrior school or program to help with outdoor survival (specifically geared to Eastern slope of Cascades or similar environment (high desert would be the best description I could come up with)). This is probably where I will get lost hurt etc.. so plants, animals, and bugs are the main reason for the locational slant. Fire starting, water collection and shelter are musts but from preliminary research these are interchangable with location just easier in some places.

Travel is not out of the question but not preferred. The main reason behind this is to learn better judgement and tactics to survive for lets say 7 days, not to become a self sufficient mountain man.

Thanks ahead of time for the input. :)
 
Sure, I'll let it run here and see what happens.

Hunt up a Boy Scout troop. Their handbook is loaded with good info. Try a used-book store.

Lotta stuff via Google: Water purifiers, for instance.

A "two-man" tent is almost big enough for on person. :) External frame works fine.

First Aid kit: I went to my doc for prescriptions for Valium and Darvon. He wanted to know why I wanted them. "So if I take you hunting and you fall and break a leg, I don't want to listen to you scream for the two hours it takes to get to the pavement." That's the fastest I ever saw anybody write.

Carry more than just one disposable butane cigarette lighter. Maybe even a 4-0z plastic bottle of diesel. Less volatile than other Scout Water, but smelly. But, sure makes fire-starting easier.

In desert country, water is the big deal. Water is heavy. Drink all you can stand before you leave camp. Easier to carry it inside than outside.

If you're gonna do a lot of hiking, high-carbo diet for a few days ahead of leaving for the hike is a Good Thing. And, on the trail, carbo for breakfast is Good.

Closed-cell foam pad for under your bedroll. Inflatable pillow.

In the dry, I like Russell BirdHunter boots, or RedWing "Twenty Mile". Lightweight. Wet, I dunno, really. My desert is dry. Mostly. :)

Maybe some sort of folding saw. And I've found that the scissors of a Swiss Army pocketknife are Great. Some sort of nylon cord, like parachute cord.

That's a start. You didn't say if you're soloing cross-country or working from a vehicle as a base camp. I used to go to the back country in my VW bus. Nowadays, a camper shell on a pickup. That makes having ample gear a piece of cake.

Art
 
Agree with Art on everything.

Russell BirdBoots are Great . LLBean rubber soles for semi -wet to wetter. Vietnam era Jungle Boots if going to be in and out of water ( canoeing, portaging).

Silk Socks,or the new polypro first -then the heavier socks. Wicks moisture from skin, absorbed into heavier sock . That wet and sticky is what causes blisters. If packing - take extra socks. 3 pair of Silk/ heavy will allow you to wash and dry. ( hang off pack) . You go in with more - use for starting fires.

Liquid Skin, Moleskin are your friends. Electrical tape is better for mending - body parts or equipment.

Needles and thread , mends skin , tarps, socks...
Coaches Whistle - sound carries further.

Foil - for cooking critters, holding water, making a cup ( you did dig a hole and place the tarp such to catch water ,dew, rain? ) ..., reflects heat to bake...and with slits makes great sun/ snow glasses.

Iodine - for water.

If'n mosquitos are out - forget Bug dope they drink that stuff. Do NOT wear the color blue, attracts them too. Eat Garlic, use the fire, and smear mud and dirt to keep away. [ IMO anyway from Canada to FL]

Knives, small ones with scissors will be used most.

Fishing Line small hooks, sticks make bobbers , overturned rocks the bait. Use the extra socks to protect hand in conjunction with the gloves you brought.

Tea lights starts fires...one can heat and cook if'n wet .

Old GI Canteen with the cup - the metal ones. Hard to find...with a spoon the basic mess kit. If have room and weight is NOT a factor - the old metal GI mess kit, there you can store more stuff besides utensils.

Small boxes of Raisans, and pure chocolate ( the old GI Chocolata from C rations was best..)

Compass, learn to use ,bring a spare. Notebook and pencils - no shame in writing what turns you made and the ones to get back.

If'n going alone ( or not) leave an imprint of boot(s) prints with The Folks running this thing, a Ranger, or Rescue team..

I'm sure I have more to add, I'll allow someone else to share.

Oh - Panic is not good. Stop, look and listen.
Once the heart rate settles, the brain thinks better.
You are NOT Lost - You are right there.
Keep moving is what gets folks lost.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top