101 bits of bushcraft or wilderness wisdom

DWK2 said:
What would be best for the moisturizing layer?

Thanks,

DancesWithKnives
Click to expand...

DWK,

Any moisturizing lotion, such as hand lotion.

I like the St. Ive's the best, but we have the generic half gallon pumps from COSTCO at my house most times.

Maybe one of the ladies will chime in....
 
This is a huge one in a survival-type situation: F Mother Nature...paraphrased from Survive B yLes Stroud. Basically, if your life is on the line, don't worry about the planet, it has been here for millions of years and will do fine. That means if you find an old tire and have to burn it to get your ass rescued, do it...don't worry about the environmental consequences.

Other tips I have picked up:

1. Check your gear BEFORE you ever set foot in the woods. I had a potential bad experience with a compass a few weeks back.

2. Know your plants.

3. A rain fly from a tent makes a great tarp in a bind. I usually carry that when I do short overnighters.

4. Never underestimate the power of bug nets.

5. Flea collars around your ankles keep chiggers and ticks away.

6. Liquid soap on a cotton ball is a more sanitary way to get a tick out. Just rub it on for about 15-20 seconds and the little bastard will back out.

7. Take note cards and a pen. I write my emergency contact info on one, use one or so for writing down gear if it needs replenished, and a few for taking notes/leaving messages if I need rescued.

8. Your most important sense in the woods is hearing. Water, animals, rescuers, etc. Even if you can't see it you might be able to hear it.

9. MOSS DOES NOT GROW ON THE NORTH SIDE OF OAK TREES!!!

10. Always leave a plan with someone. I usually leave one at home, one with a friend, and one in my truck.


PeACE
 
For cold nights, fill your water bottle with hot water and put it in the foot of your sleeping bag.
 
-Tear lengthwise and wrap several layers of duct tape around your flashlights. Comes in handy all the time.

-For wilderness fishing carry a very tough mesh bag to fill with rocks and use as an anchor. Simply empty before portages.

-Especially for the bow paddler in a canoe: Knees getting sore rubbing againts the rails? Cut a length of foam pipe insulation lengthwise, slip it over the gunnels, tape 'em on and enjoy a little comfort. (I love this trick. Light enough to pack in, and completely eases the sore knees.)
 
An elder once told me -

"I never had a favourite snowmobile, but I did have a favourite dog".

What he meant was, the dog doesn't break down, and you can't eat the snow machine.
 
dougo83 said:
This is a huge one in a survival-type situation: F Mother Nature...paraphrased from Survive B yLes Stroud. Basically, if your life is on the line, don't worry about the planet, it has been here for millions of years and will do fine. That means if you find an old tire and have to burn it to get your ass rescued, do it...don't worry about the environmental consequences.
Click to expand...

The old bushcraft versus survival debate perhaps:jerkit: If my life was on the line I would burn that old tire.That is if one of Ray Mears disciples hadn't clear it up for me;)
 
When you set a tarp, put a loop of shock cord through the eyelets/loops before you attach your anchor lines. Wind shock will be better absorbed and your tarp will likely last longer.

DancesWithKnives
 
Good advice. And collect about 4 times as much as you initially THINK you will need.;)

DancesWithKnives
 
be able to laugh at yourself, and surround yourself with people who you can laugh at. Nothing ruins a camp like a bad feud
 
Be very picky about who you hike with. Longtime buddies are great, but sometime someone will bring along a real knucklehead (girlfriend, new buddy, whatever) and life on the trail can become a real chore (they don't have good raingear, no fuel for their stove etc). It's amazing how, with all that space out there, how important it is to get along with your trail companions.
 
The most important tools you have are your MIND and your BODY

The wealth of information from the good people of this forum can help expand your knowledge

I strongly believe that the best way to condition for outside endeavors is a solid strength training program.

Get your deadlift up to 300 or 400 lb and then tell me you are not more useful in general in the bush. This is something, genetically, that almost any man is capable of, given the right commitment level.
 
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