New Urban Survival Site
Because survival is not always in the wilderness and because survival is a passion of mine and certain topics don't necessarily fit on this site, I decided to create a sister site called Urban-Survival-Skills.org
Here's the link: http://www.urban-survival-skills.org/
See you on the trail,
--Greg
1000+ Military Survival ManualsClick Here!
"Please notify me of any new posts"
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Igloo Building
What's An Igloo?
The igloo was developed by The Inuit Indians or Eskimos and was a semi-permanent shelter that was often built on the edge of the pack ice to shelter hunters for the hunting season (anywhere from 3 to 6 months out of the year). It was usually built with ice blocks using a saw. Therefore, it's not the most practical survival shelter and is the hardest to build and you definitely need packable or icy snow. With that said, whenever you talk snow shelters, everyone always wants to learn how to build an Igloo. And with a few tricks they can be built quite efficiently.
To build an Igloo, basically you cut blocks about 16 x16 inches by 8 inches thick and then spiral them up to form a dome. The biggest mistake I see is that people don't lean the blocks enough and can never close the top and wind up with an open-air mini coliseum. That's a whole lot of work, only to get to the end and not be able to finish. Now let's learn the tricks that can make this a lot easier and you can have success every time...
1. Step One
Just like the Quinzee you'll need to stomp out a circle about 6 foot wide (my pack is in the middle).
2. Step Two
Also for an igloo you will need a block mining area, so stomp out another area about the same size and square. Here's what the mining area will look like later after you start taking blocks out (I put a tree branch in and the saw to give some contrast).
3. Step Three
With your shovel, dig a hole in the center of your circle about waist high and cut your first block out. [NOTE: The trick here is to take blocks out of the center of the shelter, that way you are working down as you build up or working double time. You're multiplying your efforts and what normally takes five rows of blocks, you can do in three rows this way. A huge savings in time and effort.]
Now cut the first block. When it comes to cutting blocks a saw is easiest, but you can do it with a shovel and I've even seen people use a straight piece of plywood or even a stick.
4. Step Four
Set the first block on the edge of your circle, lean it in and cut it at a 45 degree angle from end to end.
Here's the cut and I laid my glove on the top of the cut to give some contrast.
5. Step Five
Now cut whole blocks out of the middle and set them around the circle perimeter for your first complete row. Again, make sure you lean the blocks in, I just can't emphasize this enough, the first row is the foundation and if you don't lean them in you will never close the top. There's always three points of contact, the bottom two corners and the top corner that touches the last block set. LEAN, LEAN, LEAN!
Remember that you must leave a bed and any other features you want as you cut blocks out. In this picture I'm leaving a bed and a shelf.
The first complete row of blocks! Notice that I'm already two rows high and I've only finished the first row. That's what taking the blocks out of the bottom does, now only three more rows to go. Start the next row up the ramp and around.
6. Step Six
Finish setting the next two rows. Keep them leaning in and when you're done taking blocks out of the inside cut a door and get the rest of the blocks from your mining area. Notice that it's only three rows high compared to the traditional five row igloo. Again, that's because you're building down (by taking blocks out of the center) while building up.
Here's the door cut out. Again make sure the top of the door is going to be a few inches below the bed for warmth. Also, I should probably mention my dog Jenna, she's not a bear just a black Lab that won't have any staying at home when there's adventure to be had in the outdoors. By the way the shelf in photo 3 of Step 5 was for her and the gear.
7. Step Seven
Now it's time for the final block or cap stone block and if you've leaned the blocks properly you should be able to bridge this gap, if not you'll know. You've probably broken your share of blocks by now, but the last one usually takes a few broken ones to get it right, so don't despair. Here's a look at the hole to fill.
By now you've probably figured out that building an igloo is a lot easier with two or more people. Especially when you try to set the last block, but I did build this one by myself, other than Jenna barking at me to hurry up. So you can do them solo but it's nicer with two.
8. Step Eight
Now chink or put snowballs in the big holes and then shovel some snow on the outside to fill all the little ones.
9. Step Nine
Punch a vent hole into the side about the size of a softball, at a 45 degree angle, halfway up the wall and not over your bed. Here's the inside view of the vent hole.
10. Conclusion
Igloo's are probably the hardest of the snow shelters to build, but also one of the most satisfying. Here's a picture of the finished product and my dog Jenna ready to climb in. I'm looking up a pretty steep slope but photos never show the angle very well, so I'm down below the shelter.
Here I am inside the igloo. You can see the outline of the blocks, make sure to smooth out any rough spots for dripping. There's also a lot of steam from working inside the shelter, it should settle when you slow down and it acclimatizes a little.
Here's a view from my bed at the doorway (remember from the past posts on snow shelter criteria to make sure the top of the door is lower than the bed area) also you can see part of the shelf where my pack is and Jenna will sleep, along with a little shelf for my water bottle and a candle for a little more warmth (again look at the former posts).
Final Thoughts
You can use a lot of things to cut blocks with such as a stick, snow shoe, board, shovel, etc... But a snow saw is sure handy. This is a picture of a homemade one that I used.
Now let's rap it up, starting with the most common mistakes when building Igloo's... Common Mistakes
- Not Enough Lean. Remember Lean, Lean, Lean. The most common mistake with Igloo's is not leaning the blocks in enough.
- Too Big. Remember, keep it small it requires less energy and it's easy to build.
- Jagged Ceiling. Smooth the ceiling to prevent drips.
- Doorway to High. Remember to keep the beds higher than the top of the doorway to trap in heat, also make sure the door is not on the windward side and round.
Remember, "repetition is the mother of skill" and after you build a few you'll be an old pro.
See you on the trail,
--Greg
1000+ Military Survival ManualsClick Here!
"Please notify me of any new posts"
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Knowledge Is Power
Knowledge Is Power
As I wrote in an earlier post, studies show that survival is 80% mental. If this is true then the most important thing you can have with a survival kit is your knowledge. The more knowledge you have the better. So to help with this I've included an incredible find that I think anyone would want:
The Most Complete Collection of Military Manuals Available ANYWHERE!
Over 1000+ Military Manuals all in PDF format.
You'll learn how to Survive any Situation, build a fire, purify water, the latest self defense tactics, police investigations, how to shoot a gun, how Navy Seals operate, Special forces tactics, how to build your own gun and ammunition, and THOUSANDS of other Survival Techniques! There's just too much to list!
TO GET YOUR COPIES
Click Here!
See you on the trail,
--Greg
"Please notify me of any new posts"
As I wrote in an earlier post, studies show that survival is 80% mental. If this is true then the most important thing you can have with a survival kit is your knowledge. The more knowledge you have the better. So to help with this I've included an incredible find that I think anyone would want:
The Most Complete Collection of Military Manuals Available ANYWHERE!
Over 1000+ Military Manuals all in PDF format.
You'll learn how to Survive any Situation, build a fire, purify water, the latest self defense tactics, police investigations, how to shoot a gun, how Navy Seals operate, Special forces tactics, how to build your own gun and ammunition, and THOUSANDS of other Survival Techniques! There's just too much to list!
TO GET YOUR COPIES
Click Here!
See you on the trail,
--Greg
"Please notify me of any new posts"
Monday, December 7, 2009
Tarp Shelters
Tarp Shelters
Tarp Shelters are the quickest and easiest way to make a shelter. Which means savings of energy and/or calories, which we all know are key factors in any survival situation. If you can carry one with you, you can't beat the convenience.
Now what's the key to these shelters? Well, you should still follow the shelter criteria principles, along with the bedding, etc... But as for the best style, the lean-to design seems to be the quickest and best.
So what do you need? Basically a standard blue tarp will work fine, but there are fancier styles like the ones with reflective material on them, tube styles, or even ponchos. Even a big trash bag will work. You should also have some twine or parachute cord and you're ready to go.
Knot tying is always a good skill to know for any outdoors person (I'll have to do a future post on it) and it sure makes tying them easier, but you can just about tie anything.
Here's a good picture of different variations from Brad Bradley.
Now, how you don't want to do it is like this one where it's all open and the wind can just blow right through the bottom and the sides. True it would stop the rain a little from above and beats nothing at all but let's learn how to do it better.
Now you can always combine the dubree hut with the tarp such as here in this photo, where you build a frame and then cover it with a tarp. But the point of a tarp is quick and easy, so why not make it easier? Besides, if you're going to build a dubree hut, you might as well finish it because they're way warmer with the insulating value that the roofing materials provide. Note: the botom is open on this one too.
So here's an example of a quick and easy one. A lean-to design with pine bows for a bed and a reflection fire to keep you warm. The key being a reflection fire, where the heat of the fire is reflected into the shelter. Because tarps have almost no insulating value, you almost always need a reflection fire to make them warm. All I did here was lay a few logs in a "V" in front of the shelter and built a fire in front of them. Man...was it warm. (I'll have to do a future post on reflection fires also)
Now for the the king of tarp shelters! Again the lean-to design, but with a few modifications. I built this one in the trees, with an over hanging of tarp, blocked on one side, and a reflection fire in front. The roof helps to trap the heat from the fire, along with the fact that you can only enter from one side. I also built it in the trees which creates a little micro climate. Wow this one was warm!
I told you trap shelters are simple and quick. Next time I need to write on reflection fires and then knots.
See you on the trail,
--Greg
1000+ Military Survival Manuals
Click Here!
"Please notify me of any new posts"
Tarp Shelters are the quickest and easiest way to make a shelter. Which means savings of energy and/or calories, which we all know are key factors in any survival situation. If you can carry one with you, you can't beat the convenience.
Now what's the key to these shelters? Well, you should still follow the shelter criteria principles, along with the bedding, etc... But as for the best style, the lean-to design seems to be the quickest and best.
So what do you need? Basically a standard blue tarp will work fine, but there are fancier styles like the ones with reflective material on them, tube styles, or even ponchos. Even a big trash bag will work. You should also have some twine or parachute cord and you're ready to go.
Knot tying is always a good skill to know for any outdoors person (I'll have to do a future post on it) and it sure makes tying them easier, but you can just about tie anything.
Here's a good picture of different variations from Brad Bradley.
Now, how you don't want to do it is like this one where it's all open and the wind can just blow right through the bottom and the sides. True it would stop the rain a little from above and beats nothing at all but let's learn how to do it better.
Now you can always combine the dubree hut with the tarp such as here in this photo, where you build a frame and then cover it with a tarp. But the point of a tarp is quick and easy, so why not make it easier? Besides, if you're going to build a dubree hut, you might as well finish it because they're way warmer with the insulating value that the roofing materials provide. Note: the botom is open on this one too.
So here's an example of a quick and easy one. A lean-to design with pine bows for a bed and a reflection fire to keep you warm. The key being a reflection fire, where the heat of the fire is reflected into the shelter. Because tarps have almost no insulating value, you almost always need a reflection fire to make them warm. All I did here was lay a few logs in a "V" in front of the shelter and built a fire in front of them. Man...was it warm. (I'll have to do a future post on reflection fires also)
Now for the the king of tarp shelters! Again the lean-to design, but with a few modifications. I built this one in the trees, with an over hanging of tarp, blocked on one side, and a reflection fire in front. The roof helps to trap the heat from the fire, along with the fact that you can only enter from one side. I also built it in the trees which creates a little micro climate. Wow this one was warm!
I told you trap shelters are simple and quick. Next time I need to write on reflection fires and then knots.
See you on the trail,
--Greg
1000+ Military Survival Manuals
Click Here!
"Please notify me of any new posts"
Friday, September 25, 2009
Do Your Research on Survival Sites Before You Head Out
If you are in a position where you are worrying about how you are going to survive, you are very unlikely to have Internet access and to be able to look for information on survival. As such, it is very important for you to be searching for survival sites online before you set out into a potentially dangerous situation. Always be prepared and conduct a lot of research so that you are best equipped for any eventuality.
To help you get ready, a number of qualified survival sites exist on the Internet. You will find a great deal of information, techniques and resources at your fingertips. If you are a true outdoorsman you know that this makes sense, but if you are planning a first time camping trip or expedition you should realize that something untoward may happen at any time. You may be unfortunate enough to be injured, restricting your movement or could come across sudden bad weather conditions.
The United States is a great place to live but it is prone to some major weather events and natural disasters from time to time. Almost everyone can be affected and the challenges include fire, floods, earthquakes, ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes. If you think about it, every single state can face one or other of these threats. As you never know when one may affect you, you too will need survival knowledge and should consult specialist survival sites for this information.
While it is true that the odds of being severely impacted by a natural disaster are somewhat low, if you are an avid outdoorsman, or like hiking or fishing or any kind of activity that takes you into the wilderness, you must research all the implications at survival sites online. Don't leave anything to chance.
When you are in a wilderness survival situation, immediately assess the situation by considering your physical safety first and foremost. If there is any chance that you will be in the area for the medium to long term, you need to find sources of food and water and start to construct shelter. Fire is your friend and you must be able to build one.
Survival sites online will be able to equip you with a kit containing vital elements to help you meet the challenges you will likely find in isolation. Your primary considerations are covered including warmth and shelter, a specialized first aid kit and appropriate signals such as a light or a whistle to attract people's attention.
From day to day we do live pampered lives and seldom have to dig deep to find that in built will to survive which we all have. When the chips are down, however, our common sense will really help us and to make sure that you prepare yourself with this knowledge before you set out on your trip, go to survival sites to read up on the variety of articles therein.
Do not underestimate the potential stresses and strains that a major expedition into the backcountry may bring. You should ensure that you are not only physically fit, but mentally able to cope if things go wrong. You won't be able to rely on cell phone towers or emergency rooms so be prepared to innovate.
To help you get ready, a number of qualified survival sites exist on the Internet. You will find a great deal of information, techniques and resources at your fingertips. If you are a true outdoorsman you know that this makes sense, but if you are planning a first time camping trip or expedition you should realize that something untoward may happen at any time. You may be unfortunate enough to be injured, restricting your movement or could come across sudden bad weather conditions.
The United States is a great place to live but it is prone to some major weather events and natural disasters from time to time. Almost everyone can be affected and the challenges include fire, floods, earthquakes, ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes. If you think about it, every single state can face one or other of these threats. As you never know when one may affect you, you too will need survival knowledge and should consult specialist survival sites for this information.
While it is true that the odds of being severely impacted by a natural disaster are somewhat low, if you are an avid outdoorsman, or like hiking or fishing or any kind of activity that takes you into the wilderness, you must research all the implications at survival sites online. Don't leave anything to chance.
When you are in a wilderness survival situation, immediately assess the situation by considering your physical safety first and foremost. If there is any chance that you will be in the area for the medium to long term, you need to find sources of food and water and start to construct shelter. Fire is your friend and you must be able to build one.
Survival sites online will be able to equip you with a kit containing vital elements to help you meet the challenges you will likely find in isolation. Your primary considerations are covered including warmth and shelter, a specialized first aid kit and appropriate signals such as a light or a whistle to attract people's attention.
From day to day we do live pampered lives and seldom have to dig deep to find that in built will to survive which we all have. When the chips are down, however, our common sense will really help us and to make sure that you prepare yourself with this knowledge before you set out on your trip, go to survival sites to read up on the variety of articles therein.
Do not underestimate the potential stresses and strains that a major expedition into the backcountry may bring. You should ensure that you are not only physically fit, but mentally able to cope if things go wrong. You won't be able to rely on cell phone towers or emergency rooms so be prepared to innovate.
About the Author:
Writer Steve Thibeault can provide you with a lot more information about the survival sites. Go to www.survival-gear.com for all your needs.
1000+ Military Survival Manuals
Click Here!
"Please notify me of any new posts"
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Call on Your Resources For Survival
If you like to get it away for a weekend, or if you are a hunter, an outdoorsmen or a trekker, for example you should never leave things to chance and make sure that you have all your skills available if something should go wrong. Whilst we never like to think that it could happen, you never know when you will need to draw on all your resources for survival if you get lost or stranded.
If you are unfortunate enough to find yourself lost or stranded in a remote place, one of the first things to remember is that you must not panic. You will need to control the thoughts that are racing through your head, remain calm and compile a list of the necessary resources for survival to help you out.
In an emergency situation, a wilderness shelter should be one of your first tasks when calculating resources for survival. Pick a great location in a safe position away from potential hazards. Consider the risk of flooding and look for an area that has building materials to make your task easier. Keep your shelter away from nasty crawling or flying insects.
Understand that when you're building a wilderness shelter you do not need to go overboard. Your own energy is one of the greatest resources for survival and you should make sure that you do not expend too much by building some kind of palatial shelter when all you need is something just large enough to fit your body.
Experts who have been in your situation -- getting lost and living to tell the tale, will always advise you to get as much cover and insulation as you can, wherever you are forced to stay. You will find that an inbuilt will to survive and common sense are your principal resources for survival in this situation. It doesn't matter if you are in a cold and wet environment or a hot one, you must protect yourself from outside elements. Prepare your survival shelter so that it is well insulated and you don't have to lie on a cold wet floor Prepare your bedding out of leaves and small branches.
In a really hostile environment, such as one where roaming animals at night could pose a danger, you will need to light a fire. For centuries now man has been relying on fire as one of his greatest resources for survival. Whilst lighting one used to be quite a task, these days don't forget to travel with your supply of fire sticks to get it going.
You may well be an experienced adventurer, but even so before you set out on any expedition remember to study and research all the resources for survival that are available on the web. Websites exist that are specifically made for the outdoors man and will provide a great source of information on outdoor survival so that you leave your home well prepared.
The construction of an adequate shelter will be your first job if you find that you are stranded and/or lost and realize that you must stay in place, possibly overnight, to either await rescue or to allow the bright light of day to help you plan your escape.
If you are unfortunate enough to find yourself lost or stranded in a remote place, one of the first things to remember is that you must not panic. You will need to control the thoughts that are racing through your head, remain calm and compile a list of the necessary resources for survival to help you out.
In an emergency situation, a wilderness shelter should be one of your first tasks when calculating resources for survival. Pick a great location in a safe position away from potential hazards. Consider the risk of flooding and look for an area that has building materials to make your task easier. Keep your shelter away from nasty crawling or flying insects.
Understand that when you're building a wilderness shelter you do not need to go overboard. Your own energy is one of the greatest resources for survival and you should make sure that you do not expend too much by building some kind of palatial shelter when all you need is something just large enough to fit your body.
Experts who have been in your situation -- getting lost and living to tell the tale, will always advise you to get as much cover and insulation as you can, wherever you are forced to stay. You will find that an inbuilt will to survive and common sense are your principal resources for survival in this situation. It doesn't matter if you are in a cold and wet environment or a hot one, you must protect yourself from outside elements. Prepare your survival shelter so that it is well insulated and you don't have to lie on a cold wet floor Prepare your bedding out of leaves and small branches.
In a really hostile environment, such as one where roaming animals at night could pose a danger, you will need to light a fire. For centuries now man has been relying on fire as one of his greatest resources for survival. Whilst lighting one used to be quite a task, these days don't forget to travel with your supply of fire sticks to get it going.
You may well be an experienced adventurer, but even so before you set out on any expedition remember to study and research all the resources for survival that are available on the web. Websites exist that are specifically made for the outdoors man and will provide a great source of information on outdoor survival so that you leave your home well prepared.
The construction of an adequate shelter will be your first job if you find that you are stranded and/or lost and realize that you must stay in place, possibly overnight, to either await rescue or to allow the bright light of day to help you plan your escape.
About the Author:
Writer Steve Thibeault will give you a lot more information about resources for survival. Refer to www.survival-gear.com for all your needs.
1000+ Military Survival Manuals
Click Here!
"Please notify me of any new posts"
Monday, September 21, 2009
5 Outdoor Survival Questions To Ask Your Fellow Wilderness Adventurers
It goes without saying there are more than 5 important survival skills to know and apply. Given the many outdoor-related television shows and YOU Tube videos available, everybody is offering up what they think is important for surviving the wilderness.
While all these presentations help, it is still the time you take to answer the following 5 questions that can make or break your level of preparation and prevention for your next adventure.
Therefore, can you answer these questions with a resounding YES? More important, can you prove the answer before you leave on your next adventure?
Remember it is one thing to learn about wilderness and outdoor survival skills; it is yet another to be conversant and practiced in the skills.
1) Can you build a shelter in less than an hour to minimize effort and conserve energy "for the seasonal activity?" Take into consideration the equipment you have available and the surroundings in which you find yourself. And you have to decide when is enough, enough? The balance of shelter versus effort needs your attention.
2) What does it mean to stay found if assistance is needed along the trip? Everyday, stories are heard and read where lost people kept moving and became ill/injured. Unless where you are is dangerous, stay in one place, stay found! Think through ways to alert rescuers from this base of operations. That is of course "your friends or family have set in motion your rescue if you do not report in according to plan.
3) What is the best signalling device for the location in which you are travelling should you need help immediately? The old stand by is blowing your whistle. However, what if you need to signal an aircraft? Of the various devices available take some time to learn which one or two would work best for your next adventure. Remember not all days are sunny, and help can arrive at night.
4) Can you start a fire within 30 minutes based on the conditions you will encounter along your trip? There are simple supplies you can bring with you to help. Check out how cotton balls, lint and petroleum jelly can be combined to sustain a flame upon which you build a fire. And be aware of the resources around you!
5) What is the best way to obtain clean water along your trip, if the water you are carrying was consumed? There are many ways in which to collect water. Break out your survival books and scan the ones linked to where you are going. Copy the ideas and carry them with you. And don't underestimate the importance of water. Considering the conditions and your effort you will need to replenish your body to keep you alert to what is happening within you and around you.
If you wavered in any way answering these questions and you are about to leave on your next adventure trip get yourself to the next available survival workshop and learn and practice, and practice and learn answers to these questions.
Prevention is Queen, Preparation is King!
While all these presentations help, it is still the time you take to answer the following 5 questions that can make or break your level of preparation and prevention for your next adventure.
Therefore, can you answer these questions with a resounding YES? More important, can you prove the answer before you leave on your next adventure?
Remember it is one thing to learn about wilderness and outdoor survival skills; it is yet another to be conversant and practiced in the skills.
1) Can you build a shelter in less than an hour to minimize effort and conserve energy "for the seasonal activity?" Take into consideration the equipment you have available and the surroundings in which you find yourself. And you have to decide when is enough, enough? The balance of shelter versus effort needs your attention.
2) What does it mean to stay found if assistance is needed along the trip? Everyday, stories are heard and read where lost people kept moving and became ill/injured. Unless where you are is dangerous, stay in one place, stay found! Think through ways to alert rescuers from this base of operations. That is of course "your friends or family have set in motion your rescue if you do not report in according to plan.
3) What is the best signalling device for the location in which you are travelling should you need help immediately? The old stand by is blowing your whistle. However, what if you need to signal an aircraft? Of the various devices available take some time to learn which one or two would work best for your next adventure. Remember not all days are sunny, and help can arrive at night.
4) Can you start a fire within 30 minutes based on the conditions you will encounter along your trip? There are simple supplies you can bring with you to help. Check out how cotton balls, lint and petroleum jelly can be combined to sustain a flame upon which you build a fire. And be aware of the resources around you!
5) What is the best way to obtain clean water along your trip, if the water you are carrying was consumed? There are many ways in which to collect water. Break out your survival books and scan the ones linked to where you are going. Copy the ideas and carry them with you. And don't underestimate the importance of water. Considering the conditions and your effort you will need to replenish your body to keep you alert to what is happening within you and around you.
If you wavered in any way answering these questions and you are about to leave on your next adventure trip get yourself to the next available survival workshop and learn and practice, and practice and learn answers to these questions.
Prevention is Queen, Preparation is King!
About the Author:
Stephen Hobbs (Dr WELLth), who has taught people in wilderness first aid and outdoor survival techniques, and how to create a personalized wilderness survival guide has written a free report on how not to do first aid and use survival techniques. For a limited time you can download a free copy by visiting his Surviving the Wilderness website.
1000+ Military Survival Manuals
Click Here!
"Please notify me of any new posts"
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