As outdoor survivalists, we are used to an inherent sense of danger simply based on what the hobby (or lifestyle, depending on your level of commitment) is. However, there are a few things that could leave you in far more danger than you need to be in, and they are completely preventable with just a
Source: These 5 Outdoor Survival Missteps Could Leave You Dead by Rick Sunderland via Ready Tribe - Don't Just Survive, Thrive!.
If you live in Minnesota and have more than a general interest in firearms, safety and outdoor survival methods, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Enforcement Volunteer Instructor Team could really use your expertise. As the courses you would teach are free of charge to the public, there’s no pay involved in signing
Source: Teach Firearms and Outdoor Survival in Minnesota by Rick Sunderland via Ready Tribe - Don't Just Survive, Thrive!.
A prepper comes from a need to survive. A prepper is someone who thinks that a disaster or catastrophic emergency may occur in a moments notice. Additionally, it may occur at some point during his or her lifetime. In response to this belief preppers make active preparations for the unknown. And how do they do it? By
Source: Beef Jerky Recipe by Gregg Hammon via Ready Tribe - Don't Just Survive, Thrive!.
In this article we will look at how you can choose the best hydration pack (many people call these Camelbak, regardless of the brand). Many people don’t see the need for a hydration pack — a regular backpack and a water bottle has been cutting it for years, so why fix it if it ain’t
Source: The 101 on Hydration Packs – My Review of CamelBak by Jeffrey Webb via Ready Tribe - Don't Just Survive, Thrive!.
While some winter campers drive to cabins equipped with all the comforts of home, others haul their gear on snowmobiles or backpack into the wilderness. The snow offers a peaceful beauty of a pristine winter wonderland free from crowds. You can experience the serene countryside as the snow glistens in the moonlight. Whether you plan to take a day trip or an extended excursion into the backcountry during your expedition, you must be prepared for the cold weather. The trip will be rewarding and safe with some advance planning and the right equipment.
Because winter camping trips feature different challenges than those occurring during warm weather, you need to be prepared for shorter days and extreme weather conditions. Before you leave, you need to have a plan and let someone know where you will be and when you will return. Study the maps of the area, plan your routes and check the weather forecast. Ensure that you know how and where to contact emergency services in the event that you need assistance. Verify that you have packed all required winter clothing and camping equipment.
A basic rule of winter camping is to stay warm and dry in order to prevent serious cold weather health issues, such as frostbite and hypothermia. Depending upon the conditions, you must also cover exposed skin as well as your head and neck to prevent heat loss. The best technique is to dress in layers. This will enable you to add or remove clothing as necessary to maintain a comfortable body temperature even when you stop moving. When you take a break, add a layer of clothing. It is better to conserve warmth than to have your body use its vital reserves to warm up again. Avoid cotton clothing. The fabric is difficult to dry when it gets wet. Dark colors are preferable because they absorb the sun’s warmth.
In addition to dressing properly, the right equipment will make the trip more enjoyable. It will protect you from the elements and provide a reasonably good night sleep.
The shelter should be an insulated four-season tent with a solid fabric enclosure that can withstand strong winds and snow. A double-walled design provides additional insulation. A small tent has less empty air space and is easier to heat. Use a ground cloth to prevent moisture from wicking up into the tent. In addition to providing warmth, a candle lantern can help reduce condensation. Hang the candle properly so that it is not a fire hazard.
Use new lithium batteries in your headlamps, flashlights, communication equipment and emergency devices. Lithium batteries perform better in colder temperatures than NiMh and alkaline batteries. They last longer and have a flat decay curve.
Make sure that there is enough daylight left when you stop for the day. The location should be sheltered from the wind, have a source of water nearby and be free from possible avalanches and falling trees. Landmarks will help you find the campsite in the dark. Determine where the sun will rise. A sunny spot will help you to warm up quicker and dry your gear faster. Start a fire before laying out your gear. You can use waterproof matches or a lighter to ignite dryer lint. Another option is to use a magnesium fire starter and natural kindling. If there is snow on the ground, pack it down before setting up the tent. This will reveal and help you avoid hidden objects like sharp rocks and sticks, which can damage the floor of the tent.
Because of the need to stay hydrated, you may have to urinate frequently. Rather than completely disrobe or undo a sleeping bag, consider using a well-marked bottle for urination. Ensure that it has a different color, label and material than your water bottles. A distinctive texture will make it readily identifiable at the night. If the ground is too hard for catholes, you can also burn your waste and toilet paper. Another option is to haul it out using sanitary kits that include a bag neutralizer.
While most people prefer warmer weather, cold weather camping can also be an enjoyable activity as there are fewer insects. It may also offer more solitude. With some advance planning, you will have the right gear to stay safe, warm and dry.
Source: Cold Weather Camping Tips by Jacob Mueller via Ready Tribe - Don't Just Survive, Thrive!.
While recreational activities might not seem to have as much utility as knowing how to make a stove out of a can, they will end up having a beneficial impact to your family’s survivability in all kinds of situations.
Things you can do with the family to build endurance and agility include taking walks, going hiking, playing basketball and bicycling. For hand-eye coordination and speed, all manner of racket sports (i.e. tennis, badminton, racquetball, etc) offer great exercise and the whole family can participate. When it comes to building strength, you’re not going to find anything better than simply lifting weights, though talking the whole family into doing curls and bench presses might be a tough sell.
This article discusses many different recreational activities and why these recreational activities would help prepper families to be better prepared for possible emergencies in the future. Because there are so many suggested activities, preppers can use trial and error to find those activities that their family members like.
Walking is an activity that some or all of the family members might want to do either alone or together. From walking in city parks, this activity could lead to country hiking. All of these activities will improve the aerobic endurance and stamina of family members. Short walks even are appropriate for most seniors. Continue Reading this Article
Source: Fun Physical Activities Also Help to Prep the Whole Family by Rick Sunderland via Ready Tribe - Don't Just Survive, Thrive!.
1. Butterfly Strips
If you have a small laceration that you can’t close with a normal band-aid, cut a few small strips of duct tape and use them to pull across the wound to help keep it closed. Apply a small strip down the center and you have a nice butterfly bandage.
2. A Bad Ass Spear
Tape your survival knife to a branch or limb so you can throw it at animals, fish or zombies.
img source: www.wideopenspaces.com
3. Handcuffs
You never know when you might need to detain a prisoner in the woods. Duct tape can make for a great set of improvised handcuffs if you’re ever in a pinch.
img source: q985online.com
4. Repair Your Shoes or Boots
If you ever get a hole in your shoes or hiking boots while out in the wilderness, you’ll need to get it fixed up fast to keep water and debris from getting to your feet. Wrap duct tape around the damaged area several times and you’re good to go.
image source:http://s83.photobucket.com/user/aaronanddelania
5. Splint A Broken Leg
You can easily immobilize a broken or sprained appendage by using rigid splint materials such as straight branches, a 2×4 plus some padding and, you guessed it, duct tape.
source: www.survivalistguide.org
6 . Prevent Windows From Shattering During Storms
You may not have a set of storm shutters to save your windows in a nasty storm, but you can place duct tape on the glass to prevent it from shattering. This will keep the occupants safe from flying shards of glass.
source: www.engexp.com
7. Reseal Food Containers
If your food storage containers are damaged or need to be sealed, apply duct tape to close them up and keep weather & critters out and your food fresh.
8. Sling Shot
Find a suitable piece of wood and elastic band. Duct tape the band to the wood. Find some rocks and you’re ready to kill small varmints or defend yourself if necessary.
source: artmama.blogspot.com
9. Makeshift Tourniquet
A tourniquet is essential to stop massive bleeding. Make several wraps about 3-4 inches above the laceration to stop the hemorrhaging.
source: http://remote.adhost-temp.com/
10. Fix A Leaky Tent
If you’re serious about camping, your tent is going to take a beating, no matter how good the quality. Fix those holes and leaks with some duct tape patches and you’re back in the game and staying dry. You can also repair a leaking tarp shelter with duct tape.
source: www.creativechaosblog.com
Tip: There’s a lot of crappy brands of duct tape out there. When your life is on the line, make sure you have the best. This is the only duct tape I will ever use.
Source: 10 Survival Things You Can Make With Duct Tape by Roger Steele via Ready Tribe - Don't Just Survive, Thrive!.
