Rule of three's

[TFin04]

I make a point to practice at least one skill when I am outdoors.

I recently drafted a document that lists the 'rule of 3s' and how I can accomplish them.

Within each item, I've divided it up between gear and skills. For example:

Human can survive 3 hours exposed to the elements

GEAR:

Poncho/Tarp
Knife
Paracord
Fire Steel
Bow Drill

SKILLS:

Making stakes
Making natural shelter
Building fire via fire steel
Building fire via bow drill

My idea is that if I carry the gear listed, and have mastered the skills as well, I will have at least three options to avoid succumbing to the elements.

I work down the list until I have three pieces of gear and three skill sets to accomplish each task. Anybody do something similar?

Tomorrow is fuzz stick practice (I've been lazy and using cotton balls), and bow drill practice. I have a sheet drawn up and hope to cross off every item within a few months.

 

[HighDesertWalker]

I think practicing basic skills regularly is a great idea. Practice makes perfect and builds confidence. :thumbup:

 

[TFin04]

I think I will refine my list a bit more and keep you guys updated with my progress. I hope to cross off two items tomorrow.

 

[Rockywolf]

Sounds awesome. Care to share the list and make it a "learn as you go" type of thing? We could share our results, both successes and failures, learning from each other.

 

[sicily02]

That sounds really good. Way to go.

 

[dougo83]

This is really a cool idea. What I like to do, that was kinda brought on by Brian's what-if threads (which we need more of IMHO), is to take the gear I normally carry and then try to come up with substitutes for it. For example:

Tent Stakes--->sticks and a knife

I know that is a very remedial example, but I think everyone will get the idea.


PeACE
Dougo

 

[TFin04]

This is really a cool idea. What I like to do, that was kinda brought on by Brian's what-if threads (which we need more of IMHO), is to take the gear I normally carry and then try to come up with substitutes for it. For example:

Tent Stakes--->sticks and a knife

I know that is a very remedial example, but I think everyone will get the idea.


PeACE
Dougo

Tent stakes also make a great pot stand for your soup can, canteen cup, or cook pot if you carry one. Build a little fire under it (or your stove, if you carry one) and place your pot on top.

 

[TFin04]

Sounds awesome. Care to share the list and make it a "learn as you go" type of thing? We could share our results, both successes and failures, learning from each other.

I am updating it this morning then I will be posting it.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

Good list.
I'd can the bow drill for a Bic or matchcase.
I wouldn't ditch the tarp (Which I think is one of the things you plan to eliminate), because even making natural shelter, it's far easier to use something already wind/water proof as part of the shelter.

If we're talking about really surviving and not just learning alternate skill sets.

 

[TFin04]

Here's what I have so far. Not sure if it will show up properly, I'm just copy/pasting from word:

RULE OF THREE’S
Goal: Three ways to solve each problem

Human body can survive 3 minutes without air

GEAR:
N/A

SKILLS:
Breathe!

Human body can survive 3 hours exposed to the elements

GEAR:
Poncho
Knife
Paracord
Fire Steel
Bic Lighter

SKILLS:
Building natural shelters
Making fire
-Fire Steel
-Bow Drill
-Lighter

Human body can survive 3 days without (clean) water

GEAR:
Canteen
Ziplock Bag
Water Bladder
Canteen Cup
Water Filter
Purification tablets

SKILLS:
Making fire (to boil water)
Using filter properly

Human Body can survive 3 days without food

GEAR:
Fishing Kit
Frog Gig
Snare Material
Firearm

SKILLS:
Fishing
Gigging / cleaning frogs
Making traps/snares
-Figure 4
-Arapuca
-Spring Snare

GETTING OUT!

GEAR:
Compass
Maps
Whistle
Mirror

SKILLS:
Land Nav
Signaling

 

[TFin04]

I'm off today to practice fuzz stick and bow drill methods of making fire. I'm working down the list in order of priority. I'd say I'm "very comfortable" with half of this list, "capable" of about 1/4th of it, and can't do another 1/4th of it. I will be moving down in order of importance until it is complete. I'll edit the list as I accomplish them.

 

[Rockywolf]

Thanks for posting the list! I am going to start practicing it too.

 

[TFin04]

I went out today and didn't get nearly as much accomplished as I wanted to. Wet wood everywhere, nothing real good for making traps and I just wasn't in the mood. I'll keep at it, though.