Survival/Camping Skills

msg

Any of you guys real outdoorsmen?
I never really learned any of that kind of stuff when I was a kid. I think it's a little late for me to join the Scouts, but I think I'd still like to learn how to fight bears and avoid punji traps on some camping/hiking trips. you know, basic survival and camping skills.

What do you think about this Creek Stewart character? He does that Fat Guys in the Woods show on The Weather Channel.

Any of you Indiana guys been on the show?!?

MrBuhl

I'd guess I grew with more basic survival skills than most. Lots of hunting, fishing, camping, and I've done a lot of back country hiking, mountain climbing and camping in my younger days.

I think Les Stroud is one of the best on TV, less staged stuff, and he's a true survival expert. Horace Kephart is a great author on the subject, Ray Mears, Mors Kochanski, all recognized greats. Honestly, it's very hard to beat the good old Boyscout Manual for simple how-to survival/camping stuff!

If you really have an interest, check out this site, they've a lot of work at home "certifications" that are actually helpful and can teach you something (hafting an axe, starting fire, building shelter, etc etc)

http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/cmps_index.phphttp://bushcraftusa.com/forum/cmps_index.php

Here's a link for a free pdf download of very well recognized set of bushcraft/survival books.

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/content.php?r=164-10-Bushcraft-Books

msg

man, good info here, thanks!
I enjoy outdoor activities and pretty handy with tools and stuff, but just never really had any opportunities to learn any of these kinds of skills. thanks for the links.

MrBuhl

Absolutely - my pleasure. I've got another book downstairs I'll go get the name of, more of a record of a man's journey as you read it, but also ends up as a how-to, one of my favorite reads on the subject - old school 1900's era woodcraft!

gudnoyez

Just so happens I have the ultimate manual on my stand next to the lazy boy Pretty much an outdoorsman or outdoorswoman Bible good interesting read, I highly recommend it. I also am an avid Hunter, Fisherman, Camper, Mountainbiker, love the outdoors.

I keep this book with me pretty much wherever I go on an adventure, I got my Grandson the same one. It's a good manual to have around.

MrBuhl

^^ These ^^ are great if you already have even a minimal skill set - good recommendation!

That other book is Camping and Woodcraft - George Washington Sears. It reads like a novel, but lots of good old school bushcraft tips in it too. Plus I think he's an amusing writer in a very dry sense.

The biggest thing, is to have fun out there!

chumlie

I like a nice fire every now and again. As long as a comfy bed is close by. Guess I'm getting old.

steveinaz

Lesson I learned long ago, the "Rule of 3's"

- You can die from exposure in 3hrs
- You can die of thirst in 3 days
- You can die of hunger in 3 weeks

This helps you prioritize if stuck in the woods. Shelter/fire; Water; Food; in that order. Bev & I are big into camping, survival stuff, and preparedness. I'm a firm believer in "better to have and not need, then need and not have."

tonyb

steveinaz wrote: »

Lesson I learned long ago, the "Rule of 3's"

- You can die from exposure in 3hrs
- You can die of thirst in 3 days
- You can die of hunger in 3 weeks
."

Learned that lesson too....which is why nowadays my idea of camping is staying at a vineyard.

Jimbo18

I grew up hunting and fishing and spent a lot of time in the woods which surrounded our very small Penna. town. But the only real survival training I got was when I went to outdoor, water and arctic survival training camps in the AF.

They taught stuff like reading a topographical map and using a lensatic compass, making fire without matches, how to make snares and where to place them, how to build a shelter in the woods and in arctic conditions with just parachute materials plus a knife and a hatchet, how to find water in dry creek beds, how to check for what might be edible, how to repair a hole in a life raft, etc.

I would hate to put those skills to the test anymore though. At 21 it was a lot different prospect that at 62.

motorhead43026

I am north of 60 and can still gut a deer with just my teeth.

oldrocker

I've always enjoyed the outdoors, except the mosquitoes. I volunteer with the Scout's from time to time. A relative of mine is a Scout Ranger that runs a camp here in Indiana and I have learned so many tips and tricks just watching how they do things.

As far as the overnight "sleep outside" in the winter, not doing that one...

Msabot1

Three things that are indespenable when in the bush...A good quality sharp knife..a magnifying glass...and some good thread and needle...

pumpkinman

Did a lot of camp outs when the boy was in Scouts. Loved it but now I'm only into Hotels. LOL

George Grand

Punji traps? Where is it you plan on camping?

msg

Baltimore.

pumpkinman

msg wrote: »

Baltimore.

Baltimore !!!!!!

You will need survival stills