Is This A Good Survival Shelter?

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Making a proper survival shelter

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In the featured picture a lean-to survival shelter has been constructed in a survival training class apparently in Europe. I am making some assumptions here, but this picture is one of many showing accomplishments of the class. Over the years I have seen hundreds of pictures of survival training shelters – that are worthless. If you are going to hack down natural resources to make a shelter at least make the shelter, a shelter. I’m not at all against using natural materials, but don’t waste them for a photo op. If harvesting live materials for practice, I like to gather from a wide area so I am only doing a light pruning here and there. In a real situation you would not want to waste calories and would take whatever is closest.

Let’s examine the picture as an example to cover the subject of building a proper shelter. Here is a list of my comments of the survival shelter as shown.

  • The roof angle is only 30° – 45° while 60° is more of a minimum slope for a natural roof
  • Thatching on the roof is useless, you can see through it all over. Perhaps it’s for shade only? Probably not for at least two reasons, 1) the forest seems plenty thick to provide shade on its own, 2) notice the woodpile on the left is covered with a tarp to protect from the rain.
  • The woodpile would likely be dry while the people would be soaked in a rain. They’re all smiles now, how about that 1 am thunderstorm?
  • The leaves of the thatching are hanging down meaning that any water will follow the branch and leaf stem then on down to the tip where it will drip onto the occupants below.
  • The shelter does not appear to be deep enough if those pictured are to be protected. Feet seem to be at the bottom of the roof and the front edge is little if any farther out than their heads.
  • Back packs are outside the shelter unprotected.
  • If a storm were during the day and/or were extended in duration the shallow roof height means the only option they have is to lay down all the time. Making meals, writing in a journal, or doing other tasks would be very difficult without being able to at least sit up comfortably.

This shelter would be marginal even with a tarp as a cover over the woodwork frame as the roof is too low and the roof slope should really be greater. Many times people assume a shelter is only for sleeping in, while we all know that it rains in the daytime as well as at night. A proper shelter should provide protection, comfort, and ability of occupants to perform many tasks including meal preparation.

To create the proper survival shelter – Before doing anything, determine the purposes of the shelter, the needs the shelter must provide.

  • Determine the primary purpose of the shelter
  • List the needs the shelter must provide
  • Decide how large the shelter must be for the number of people and gear
  • Will the shelter need to be used for meal preparation?
  • Orient the shelter to protect against storm direction
  • Make sure to set up bedding so that there is enough comfort for a full night’s sleep

These are just a few points to consider in sheltering. I have seen so many wholly inadequate shelters built, all with happy smiling faces of the builders, unknowing the discomfort that awaits them should a storm arise.

Of course the easiest way to shelter is if you have a tarp like our PST or PSTL (Personal Survival Tarp), or even our PSS/PSSL Poncho (Personal Survival Shelter) set up, or some kind of tent. These are quick, easy and effective. However even with these conveniences the shelter must be set up correctly.

Until next time this is Perry Peacock, “Simplifying Survival”

 

Are we needlessly living our lives in fear?

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He who is afraid of a thing gives it power over him.– Moorish Proverb1-IMG_2392

One of the things I am most tired of is everyone’s fears. It seems unreasonable with the knowledge and blessings of our age that fear should so permeate our world.

A few years ago I did a video on disinfecting water using a process that was developed by the Swiss, which was designed to be cheap and to work very well. They have saved tens of thousands of lives with the process called SODIS, which is an acronym for Solar Disinfection. The very poor in third world countries use the system easily. It uses PET plastic bottles that are filled with infected water and laid in the sun for 6 hours. The UV rays from the sun cause a disinfecting process to make the water safe, preventing one of the greatest killers in the world, diarrhea, and many other things.

In spite of all that success over decades there is a constant questioning about how dangerous plastic is. The little trace chemicals that supposedly leach out and kill you. It makes me sick because it’s not just about plastic, everywhere you look these days the same type of fear exists. Some miniscule killer is lurking everywhere and in everything. We’ll be lucky to make it to the end of the day.

Certainly some fears are justified, obvious hazards, but since the war on cancer started with such things as artificial sweeteners, we have started to look at ever smaller traces of things and we fear them.

We constantly see the terrible warnings, “don’t drink bottled water that’s been in a hot car, it gave so and so cancer.” Don’t eat eggs, don’t eat fat, don’t eat cheese, don’t eat bacon, don’t eat anything not organically grown, don’t eat snow, wear a bike helmet, don’t drink raw milk.”

When I was growing up the big fears were impending nuclear war with Russia and the possible annihilation of everything on earth, another was the coming ice age and how it would crush our world, there was also the push for “Zero Population Growth” as certainly the earth could not support more than a billion people. I have lived my whole life and none of these has yet to be a problem.

Now I well know that there will be some difficulties in life, that is the nature of things, but most of what we fear never materializes. We should be preparing against the likely things, loss of job, health problems, etc., but if we live our whole lives based on some fear, perhaps we may miss some of the most wonderful things we could imagine.

We should not just live for today and not be prepared, our ancestors learned to use the summers to lay up stores for the winter months. For many of them the winter months were spent getting ready for the warmer months. Everything was based on looking forward to the future, making plans, having hope. I fear we are far too consumed these days in looking toward impending disaster, much of which may never happen to us. Certainly there will be some tough times, that has always been the case, and depending on religious views many have an apocalyptic outlook for the future; however, even in that, though very hard times are forecast, a glorious ending is also part of that apocalyptic period, should we not look with hope on getting through the trouble and focus on the grand and glorious ending? We really should be people full of hope for the future.

My former father-in-law many years ago died at home and the autopsy showed a perfect heart and vessels, they said he had the heart of a twenty year old, and yet nearly every day of his life eggs and a big serving of bacon was his breakfast, he never exercised, but worked hard at this job and in his garden.

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PET plastic that most of the water bottles in the world are made out of is simply one of the safest containers there is; though it would be pointless, you could grind it up into powder and eat it with no harm. In our society we have come to believe that anything oil based is cancerous and vile. We could not live our lives in this day without plastics, they are one of the great miracles of our time, plastics make our lives safer, and more comfortable at less expense than anything in the history of the world. If you’ve been to the hospital there is not a procedure done that does not involve plastics of some kind. Although many people deride plastics as polluting, the truth of the matter is they are some of the most recyclable things there ever was, and much of what is made out of them is far less polluting than what they replace. We need to look at the positive in our lives and not the constant negative droning.

Recently I was camping alone out on the desert, when I had a heart problem and could have died. There was no one else out there, I was hours from any cell service. I kept on blacking out. Finally I got in my truck and looked south over the green springtime meadows, the juniper and pine forests around me and off in the distance the snow covered mountain peaks, and I thought, wow what a beautiful place to die, if that’s what is going to happen. I got out my iPhone and with voice memo dictated my last words of hope and comfort to my wife, my kids and other family and friends. I was at peace. I decided to say a short little prayer and thanked God for a wonderful life with the best of friends and family and for all the beauties my eyes have beheld. I concluded saying, “if this is the end, it has been great, and if not, help me to get out of here and to help.”

Well I made it out cautiously and carefully. Doctors have tested me every which way they can and found not a thing wrong in my heart. The doctor did say it would be best if I lost some weight. The last few years have been busy, too busy really and though I’ve been very active, I haven’t got the regular exercise I really should. So I’ve been riding my bike about 20 miles a day and I feel better for it, plus it’s outside so what could be better. I am excited each morning to get out on my ride, it is so refreshing and invigorating, what a wonderful way to start the day. I look at that incident with my heart as a positive thing, a little nudge to make a small change to my life that will make it better, it has been a blessing to me.

People have been saying to me such things as, “I’ll bet you’ll never go out on a trek alone again,” or something else about restricting my life. On the contrary, I am planning bigger and better things and more solitary treks and adventures, I am hopeful for the future and excited for the prospects!

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I hope we can all be both prepared for life, and be able to live life without fear. Always have something in your mind out there you want to do and be planning to do it, it makes each day an adventure. Let’s live practical and hopeful lives. Have fun in being prepared, not dreadful. Remember HOPE is what the future is all about.

Until next time this is Perry Peacock, “Simplifying Survival”

 

Dehydration – How to Maintain Energy with Water Management

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“In my personal experience, drinking water seemed to reduce hunger pangs to the point where they were hardly noticeable.” – M Kochanski 1-IMG_3166 It is important not just to drink enough water to keep out of dehydration danger, but to drink enough for proper body function. In my new Audio Program on Dehydration I discuss the benefits of having plenty of water in the body. We find that having ample water in body systems not only reduces or eliminates fatigue, but also seems to help provide plenty of energy to perform work, even without food. As soon as we have less water in our systems than we should, body function is compromised, the ability to accomplish tasks decreases, all this well in advance of actual dehydration. At only 10% low on water reserves, the body’s ability to do work may be decreased by 25%. Effects of Dehydration • Fatigue1-IMG_2130• Hyperthermia (core temperature too hot)• Hypothermia (core temperature too cold) • Headache • Constipation • Lack of coordination – poor motor skills • Inability to analyze and think properly • Pain and other discomfort • Frostbite   You can’t rely on thirst to accurately trigger the desire to drink. At times it may not turn on till too late, thirst may also be alleviated too quickly by sips of water when the need is actually much greater than that. In the effort to drink sufficient water it may be difficult to do when drinking cold water. Hot water is much easier to assimilate and may be utilized by the body more quickly. Each day a person should drink enough water to expel about a quart of urine each day. By drinking plenty of water a person may realize the ability to have more than twice the energy they would otherwise have, without needing to consume food for energy. Everything in your situation is benefited by your body having plenty of water in it. Cold weather does not diminish the need for water. Cold winter air is usually very dry, consequently with each breath you take you are depleting the moisture in your body. It is a Myth that you cannot eat snow to put water into your body, I detail how to properly eat snow to successfully add to your water reserves. Done correctly there is not risk of damage to lips and mouth, nor a danger of bringing on hypothermia, to the contrary by delaying getting water the risk is substantially increased. Ideally a person hiking or doing a fair amount of work may take in a cup of water every 15 minutes for maximum fatigue resistance. For all the information on the subject listen to our audio cast – Hydration for Increased Energy Until next time this is Perry Peacock, “Simplifying Survival”

Social-The Indispensable Element in Survival

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The Social element in survival is indispensableZach, Shauna, Jeff, Sara, Jen, Rebekah, Jake, Jon

Let’s face it hardly anyone talks about it, I suppose it’s not so exciting as fire, or shelter, not as dramatic as stalking or setting a trap line for food. It does not generally involve fun gear, so a person can’t become a gearhead collecting a new knife each week. There is not shown the passion exhibited by those who practice the medical side of things. The Social Element has been one of Six Pillars in my mind that are essential to survival for a long, long time now.

Some of these sentiments were expressed by Dude McLean, of Dirttime, in a blog post last year, where he mentioned that many people’s game plan for the day everything goes haywire is not realistic, he mentions things such as, it’s not likely a person is really going to bug out and leave family and friends behind. (link at bottom)

For as long as I can remember I have read and collected survival stories from books, movies, newspapers, and various articles and stories. From these alone it becomes apparent the value of “Social” or society. There are very few accounts from survivors, those who nearly tasted death, but what the thought of family or friends was not the turning point in having the determination to press on at all costs and live.

We are in fact social creatures, and there are not many of us that can last long in solitude. In my treks and much of my camping I go solo. It is time to think to try new things, a time to train myself, but many are the thoughts during these experiences, “I can’t wait to tell so and so about this.” Although I do learn much when I’m out, I’m always excited to get back to tell others what I learned or about some interesting experience.

What value is whatever we do unless we can share it with someone? Certainly it is good for us to know many things and to have good skills, but where is the significance of anything that is kept within ourselves? Happiness comes when we interact with each other. There is no greater satisfaction than when we can help someone else.

Of what value is it to press forward through inexpressible pain or impossible odds just to go sit on a rock by ourselves? When a person arrives at that point that they have exhausted all energy, and dealt with injury to the farthest degree, and to fully understand that it is not likely that they will live. How does this person summon strength when all has been used? Typically the only way that person is able to dig any deeper is the connection with a loved one, this is where the drive to go on when there is no other hope comes from. I have observed stories of many whose body temperature was too low to be alive and yet they are, of those emaciated souls who look like the walking dead, yet they are still alive, of those whose sudden strength enabled them to do that which they could never dream of, of those who endured not just days, but weeks, months, even years of excruciating torment and difficulty, for what? For the hope of reuniting with those they are close to.

Why carry a whistle, a signal mirror, a GPS, a compass, or a phone if you do not care about ever entering back into society?

Other important parts of the Social Element are the synergy of the group, accomplishing with two or more that which one could never do alone. Society allows for specialization where skills and knowledge of the members can be drawn upon to improve life for all. My grandfather grew up in the Western desert regions, his family among others who combined efforts to establish communities. Digging canals and building dams for crop irrigation. They would organize community activities that would help bring them closer together and to lift each other’s spirits.

Most of us when we are away due to whatever circumstance, look forward to the day when we can return to our homes, our neighborhoods, to our families and our friends. Social desires are the driving force that compel us to do the impossible, to survive, to live, to help others.1-IMG_3166

Link to Dude McLean Blog

Until next time this is Perry Peacock, “Simplifying Survival”

Knowledge is Itself Power

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Knowledge itself is powerVintage still life with old spectacles on desk set against books

-Bacon
In the consideration of the ability to survive, I divide the whole into the following triad; Knowledge, Skills, and Gear.
Defining the Terms
  1. Knowledge is a suitable foundation to begin, for without it, can anything else be accomplished?
  2. Skills are the action part of things, primarily being motor skills and the ability to create what is imagined based on knowledge
  3. Gear is considered to be both items that are purposely carried or designated to be tools supporting survival and are not limited to commercially produced products, but also that which can be made of native materials
One of my favorite movies is “The Edge” a tale of a wealthy man who was a lover of books and learning who was sought to be taken advantage of by others. In a survival situation he would seem to be an unlikely survivor, but his positive nature and extensive knowledge came to his aid.
The brain is an incredible organ, so complex and powerful that we scarcely understand it. One thing that is known is that with certain stimulus events decades old can be recalled with remarkable clarity. We should fill our minds with good information, some of which may come to mind when needed at a critical time. Information stored in the brain can be accessed any time, whereas a book or video may not always be available. Scientists are aware that the more we use our minds in learning the better able we are to learn and remember those things. If a habit of reading, of good study on the subjects related to survival and being prepared is followed we will certainly be much better equipped to call on that stored knowledge to assist in many difficult circumstances.
Knowledge comes before Skills since the mind must know the subject or action before we can start training the body to perform the task. I should point out that just knowing something does not indicate that we can do something at will with efficient skill. There is much to be said at some other time about skill development.
In the oft mentioned acronym “STOP” meaning Stop, Think, Observe, Plan, knowledge plays a key role. When conditions are assessed assets are determined and it is determined what safeguards should be placed and a plan made to extricate oneself from the situation at hand. Knowledge is the window on the world of possibilities, and comes into play in calculating what types of shelter to construct, where to encamp, how to obtain rescue, etc. When executing the STOP procedure the mind is called upon to sort through all the information stored that matches the needs and resources demanded by current circumstances. A person who has studied extensively is suddenly overwhelmed with possibilities, which are then weighed and the best solutions selected.
Where does knowledge come from?
  • Reading, study (active)
  • Video, visual (passive)
  • Classes, schooling, training (interactive)
  • Experience (e gives the test first, the lesson afterward)
  • Innate sense (part of a being, perhaps inherited)
  • The Senses (sight, smell, sound, touch, conversation)
Stories to illustrate use of knowledge (books listed in Perry’s Bookshelf)
  • Island of the Lost, Joan Druett – shows past knowledge as indispensible in adapting available resources to current conditions
  • Perry starting fire in the dark – having used the FSK hundreds of times visual ability was not absolutely necessary
  • Adrift: 76 Days Lost at Sea – knowing sea currents, how equipment works, fish, medical, handyman, navigation and sea charts
  • Jim Bridger, J Cecil Alder – Bridger had an amazing ability to navigate, remembering with incredible detail, features, trails, etc. He was so good that he could even construct what certain areas he had never been to were like, based on his knowledge of the surrounding areas.
  • Rowing to Latitude, Jill Fredston – Jill had the ultimate knowledge of rowing in all conditions, her studying of the areas she went into for climate, features, bears, etc. saved her life many times.
  • Endurance, Frank Worsley – Shackelton not only used information known about Antarctica and it’s surroundings, the weather, navigation, features, animal life, etc. but during the 18 month odyssey, made a point of keeping books, journals and even musical instruments when they had to scale back on items to take on the journey across the ice after the ship was crushed in the ice.
  • Emergency Deer Hunt camp, Perry – stranded by a surprise storm, past learning of shelter and a knowledge of the principals of fire starting helped to save lives.
  • Hey I’m Alive, Helen Klayben – These poor survivors had little knowledge, but they knew a few basic things. They survived for 46 days in the winter in the Yukon with temperatures down to -40F

Many more details are in our Audio Program – Knowledge is Power

Until next time this is Perry Peacock, “Simplifying Survival”

 

Winter Trip with no tent, fire or stove

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Winter Trip with no Tent, Fire or StoveIMG_1850

On a winter night in late January, I lay in my homemade sleeping bag, the temperature nearing -40°F, the stars seemed exceptionally bright, until the full moon showed up, and it was almost too blinding to look at in the crystal clear night sky. I was sleeping in my favorite way for winter camping, on the snow with no tent, no roof over my head. My protection from the wind when it arose was a piece of 6 mil clear plastic about 8’ x 8’ which I had folded in half lengthwise and sealed the bottom and one side with an iron to make a tube with a closed bottom end. When the wind wasn’t bad I would often slide out the top a bit to gaze around.

One time I used the above set up along with mukluks, a coat, mittens, a hat and insulated pants all of which I made myself, on a trek into the Uintah Mountains in the winter just a week after four feet of new snow fell. I went for almost a week and never lit a fire and did not ever use a stove. I waded through streams that were still running, fell in once. Never used a tent, an igloo or snow cave. My clothing was so well insulated that many times I would stand in my snowshoes throw off my backpack and just fall back into the snow and sleep for a few hours.

Freest style of camping there is1081401-R1-E010

One of the nice things about camping like that, is you never have to make camp, camp is you. When it was bright at night I often snow shoed through much of the night. Whenever I needed a rest I would just take one. No tent to set up, no fire to make, no stove to run. It is the freest style of camping there is.

The main concept was that my clothing was my shelter most of the time, I used the sleeping bag system only when I planned to sleep for 8 hours or so. The thing I was looking to do was emulate the animals, the deer and the elk, to be able to just be out in the weather and be fine with nothing else. I see so many people out these days frightfully unprepared. They ride the snow machine or ATV, with little protective clothing and they are OK unless they get stuck or break down, but hey, when does that ever happen?

We are coming into fall and winter now. Already snows have fallen and are still there in the mountains. Whatever you do for shelter, remember that clothing is part of your shelter and can even be all your shelter if you want it to be so. Much of the time we coop ourselves up in tents or caves or igloos when in reality we don’t need all that. These days normally the closest I come to a tent is a tarp set up. Don’t get me wrong it is a lot of fun constructing various shelters and using them, getting really cozy and all, but I find it fun also to go the other way around and be in the open as much as possible.

Shelter is likely in the short term the most important element of survival. Everyone talks like crazy about fire, mostly because it’s the most fun thing to do. Lack of shelter can kill a person faster than any of the other elements, as fast as a few minutes in some cases. Don’t scrimp or shortchange yourself on shelter. You don’t need to spend a ton of money, just be sure what you have protects you. We’ll talk in more detail about it in upcoming blogs as the season progresses.

Here’s a short list of tips for shelterIMG_0506

  • Footwear – insulated well, breathable if below 20°F, waterproof if warmer
  • Headwear – covers the head well, wind resistant, over ears and the neck
  • Mittens – if you really want warm hands ditch the gloves and use mittens
  • Legwear – long underwear or insulated pants. Make sure there is breathability, especially if snowshoeing. Legs that zip open can be nice for when it gets too warm
  • Corewear – a coat of some sort to protect your body furnace, the core. Able to seal around neck to retain rising heat when it is really cold
  • A tarp like our PST can be nice to give a roof or quick wall if needed, can be a ground cloth too, or a door. If things get really rough combine with an emergency blanket to make a really warm Super Shelter
  • A poncho like our PSS is great as it can double as a tarp, or it can be worn to keep wind from driving through you. You can make a one person Super Shelter with it as well

So start thinking about the colder weather ahead and plan out the gear you need to be safe. Practice with variations of gear set ups before embarking on any major trip.

Until next time this is Perry Peacock, “Simplifying Survival”

Rainy Fall Trekking

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It was a midweek afternoon, my wife Shauna was driving me up a canyon to the top, and the sky was mostly clouded. As we followed the winding road up the canyon, I looked at the steep rocky canyon walls, very rugged in contrast to the lush forest growth along the sides of the road, pines, quakies, chokecherries, maples and oaks, deep green grasses covered the ground.

Soon the canyon began to widen at the flats to expose beautiful green meadows seemingly fenced in by thick forests of the white barked Quaking Aspen. A few minutes later we reached the top, another half mile or so and we reached my departure point. We rehearsed my planned route on the map I left for Shauna and agreed on a schedule for pickup time and location in three days.

Getting out of the car I put my backpack on, a light mist was falling and Shauna suggested I put on my Poncho (PSS), I told her I would when it started to rain. After an embrace and kiss goodbye I stepped onto the trail and headed north.

At first it was an open meadow which soon turned to gorgeous quakie forest groves. Upon entering I stopped for a moment to video an intro to my “Eight Lakes Solo Trek.” Resuming my hike along the stony trail I met up with a bow hunter who was on his way to a tree stand. He was hoping to be able to get an elk. We talked a bit and I told him my plans. When we got to the Rock Springs trail we parted and wished each other well.

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The trail took me across many meadows and through forests. I followed it up and up till I was about to come to what looked like a ridge. Suddenly a flash, the ground shook and the skies opened up almost all at once. In less than a minute the trail had become a river. I had jumped under a thick chokecherry bush about 15 feet tall and just as wide for shelter while I got into my pack to get out my poncho. The bush only offered momentary relief as the heavy rains quickly penetrated the branches and leaves. In the shelter pouch on my Rocket Pack I grabbed the first thing to put over me, sadly it was not my poncho, but my tarp. I recalled that I had made a last minute swap in the tarp I would take and just put it on top rather than taking out the poncho. Now I was a bit aggravated at myself, I could have the poncho on now and be more comfortable than trying to position and secure the tarp to the Chokecherry bush, which seemed a bit hopeless at this point in the storm with the winds and rains whipping around. Had I listened to Shauna and put on or at least got out my poncho at departure time, I would be much more comfortable now.

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With the sharp lightning’s I was afraid to crest the ridge until things settled down, so I sat out the storm a bit longer. I used my camera tripod as a support pole for my tarp then I was able to retrieve my poncho and get it on, then put away my tarp. Lightning subsided and I put on my pack and made a dash for the ridge. As I topped it I found a plateau of sorts, an area void of trees for a distance. I had scarcely got out there when the lightning and storm resumed. Being the only thing above ground level now, I hastened across the area to the nearest forest. I kept hiking and in a while the storm ceased for the night.

At camp I got my tarp (PST) out and set it up as a canopy, then took off my poncho (PSS) and converted it into a cozy hammock.  I had a little supper and turned in for the night.

In the morning I cut some thin dry curls from under the bark of a dead quakie, putting these in my Firebox NANO Ultralite Stove I soon had a fire going in it and heated some water for a hot drink, then hard boiled some eggs to eat on the trail. I encountered a little rain off and on during the day and camped out at Dry Lake for the night.

On the final day of my trek I got to the destination early so I got some Cattail shoots and added them to my other meal items and had a real feast. About an hour before my pick up time I headed up to the top of the ridge to a campsite along the road to await Shauna’s arrival. Just as I got there a severe storm came up, I put on my poncho and pulled the rain cover over my Rocket Pack. I sat at a table there to wait out the storm.

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I had brought a goodly number of Cattail Leaves with me that I planned on making into braids. I decided to a test of myself. I braided them through the storm, which lasted more than an hour and a half when my ride pulled up. I braided through wind, heavy rain, fast dropping temperatures, and pea sized hail. The hail was the worst to get through, as my hands chilled they became sensitive to the stinging impact of the icy hail on them. My fingers did not work quite so well.

Looking back now I can see clearly in the braided Cattail leaves the times the hail came, neatness disappeared and in some cases it hardly even looked like braid any longer.

Conclusions – The trek was purposely planned in the hopes for a higher altitude rainy adventure and I was not disappointed in any way, some flooding had even occurred. Fire in rainy weather requires a little more patience, but is not any less possible than any other time. Trekking in the rain also means wet pants below the knees and taking on a good bit of mud. I found much comfort at night in taking off my damp clothes and hanging them up under the tarp to dry somewhat, and crawling into my foam lined blanket and settling into the hammock, I slept soundly as ever. With the chilling effect of the rain on hands in particular, simple tasks become a little more challenging, but again patience is the key, it’s all very doable. I loved the trek so much, the rainy fall weather and leaves starting to change made for a “garden of Eden” type scenic trip and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.

That’s my report, watch for the video on our YouTube channel soon. Until next time, this is Perry Peacock, “Simplifying Survival”

Gear – What is it good for?

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Gear what is it good for?1-IMG_2418

Well on the schedule for today our blog subject is Gear. When I was putting together ideas of what to blog about on the subject, for some crazy reason it popped in my head like this, “Gear, what is it good for?” to the tune of Edwin Starr’s song of 1969 “War” so I went with it. I also thought of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in the movie “Rush Hour” and the humorous version they did (links at bottom). See how my brain works, its nuts, but it does cause me to have an interesting life! FYI I was not into the anti-war thing either, just rather fight to win and get it done!!! Anyway what does all this chatter have to do with gear?

If you have followed me for very long you know that in most things I commonly ask something like, “what’s the purpose,” or “why do I need this?” This should be the starting point, how else would you even know what gear you need, until you understand what you need it for?

What do we classify as gear?1-967_3941-002

  • Metal hardware such as knives, axes, saws, flashlight, guns, fire starters, stoves and cook ware
  • Fabric goods such as poncho, jacket, gloves, hat, pants, even shoes or boots
  • Other soft items such as tents, hammocks and tarps
  • Natural items like flint, bow drill, arrow or spear, bark, fibers, structure poles and stone metate

Essentially gear is an extension or aid to the body. One of the great blessings of the human race is our ability to create and craft all kinds of things that enable us to do much more than we could do with just our hands and feet alone, additionally we enable ourselves with shelters and clothing to live and thrive in areas that would be impossible without.

Today if you were to ask people to name a piece of gear they would likely say a knife. Many folks call themselves “gear nuts” or “gear heads” as they have become addicted to acquiring all their paycheck will allow in various, knives, guns, flashlights, bracelets, etc. What we buy however, is only a portion of the gear we may actually need or use at times. If a fishing pole and tackle are considered gear, then certainly a spear, a fish hook made of bird bone, or a fish trap made of willows and twine are also gear.Volcanic Metate and Mano Stones

Many years ago at a weeklong family camp on the north slope of the Uintah Mountains on the Utah/Wyoming border, I spent many hours pecking out a fine grained stone hammer head. I formed a groove around it and got a nice willow of the proper size, wrapped it around the hammer head and lashed it tightly. It served me very well, that being a piece of gear I made myself in the woods. On another occasion I made a small weaving loom and made mats for all the families in our group, perhaps that is more equipment than gear, but all the same it is a tool intended to make life easier.

In the companion website we are working on setting up that will be all training info, we use our normal template for learning survival. There are Six Elements of Survival; shelter, fire, water, medical, food, and social/rescue. Each of these has three parts; knowledge, skills, and gear. So we just talked briefly about gear and what it is. Take shelter for example, we study and obtain knowledge about shelter, what, why, how, etc. This gives us a foundation of ideas to work off of.  Next is skills, which is the talent, and dexterity to do many things, make cordage, strip bark, tie knots, cut wood, etc. This enables us to use the knowledge we have to actually make or do something. Lastly the gear, as we have seen in this blog it is both what we bring with us, and what we can create, to help us be comfortable and safe or get rescued.

Just for fun here are the links for “War” and “Rush Hour”

Edwin Starr, “War” the music video

 Clip of the song “War” from “Rush Hour”

 Until next time this is Perry Peacock, “Simplifying Survival”

Rattlesnake Tips

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On a recent Trek I ran into a rattlesnake…almost1-IMG_2673-001

As a result I did a short video on our YouTube channel as a reminder check it out here

Snake Bites

According to the CDC, about 8,000 snake bites occur in the United States each year. Even a bite from a so-called “harmless” snake can cause infection or allergic reaction in some people. For maximum safety, treat all snake bites as if they were venomous and get to a hospital emergency room as quickly as possible, especially if you are unsure of the exact type of snake responsible for the bite. With the correct treatment (or antivenin), severe illness and/or death can be prevented. (Antivenin, also called antivenom, is an antitoxin specific to the venom of a particular animal or insect).

People who frequent wilderness areas, camp, hike, picnic, or live in snake-inhabited areas should be aware of the potential dangers posed by venomous snakes. These people should:

  • Know how to identify venomous snakes.
  • Have access to transportation and medical assistance in case of emergency.
  • Be aware that snakes are more active during warmer months.

What snakes are venomous?

The most common venomous snake bites are caused by the following snakes:

  • Pit vipers–rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth (water moccasin) snakes
  • Coral snakes

Rattlesnake bites cause most of the venomous bites in the US. Coral snakes and imported exotic snakes cause a much smaller number of snake bites.

What are the symptoms of venomous bites?

The following are the most common symptoms of venomous snake bites. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently, and some may not have symptoms for a period of time. In addition, different snakes have different types of venom, so the symptoms may differ. Symptoms may include:

  • Bloody wound discharge
  • Fang marks in the skin and swelling at the site of the bite
  • Severe localized pain
  • Discoloration, such as redness and bruising
  • Enlarged lymph nodes in the area affected
  • Diarrhea
  • Burning
  • Convulsions
  • Fainting
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Blurred vision
  • Excessive sweating
  • Fever
  • Increased thirst
  • Loss of muscle coordination
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Numbness and tingling, especially in the mouth
  • Rapid pulse
  • Altered mental state
  • Shock
  • Paralysis
  • Breathing difficulties

The symptoms of a venomous snake bite may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Treatment for snake bites:

Call for emergency assistance immediately if someone has been bitten by a snake. Responding quickly in this type of emergency is crucial. While waiting for emergency assistance:

  • Wash the bite with soap and water.
  • Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart.
  • Cover the area with a clean, cool compress or a moist dressing to minimize swelling and discomfort.
  • Monitor breathing and heart rate.
  • Remove all rings, watches, and constrictive clothing, in case of swelling.
  • Note the time of the bite so that it can be reported to an emergency room physician if needed.
  • If possible, try to remember to draw a circle around the affected area and mark the time of the bite and the initial reaction. If you are able, redraw the circle around the site of injury marking the progression of time.
  • It is helpful to remember what the snake looks like, its size, and the type of snake if you know it, in order to inform the emergency room staff.
  • Do not apply a tourniquet.
  • Do not attempt to suck the venom out.

Preventing snake bites:

Some bites, such as those inflicted when you accidentally step on a snake in the woods, are nearly impossible to prevent. However, there are precautions that can reduce your chances of being bitten by a snake, including the following:

  • Leave snakes alone. Many people are bitten because they try to kill a snake or get too close to it.
  • Stay out of tall grass unless you wear thick leather boots and remain on hiking paths as much as possible.
  • Keep hands and feet out of areas you cannot see. Do not pick up rocks or firewood unless you are out of a snake’s striking distance.
  • Be cautious and alert when climbing rocks.

Above information courtesy of University of Utah Health Care

Until next time enjoy your time outside and be safe, Perry Peacock for “Simplifying Survival”

My Bookshelf added to Our Website

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Vintage still life with old spectacles on desk set against books

Hey we just added “Perry’s Reading List“ to our website, you will see it under “Wilderness Training”

I learned to read at a young age and all my life I have enjoyed reading books. I rarely read any fiction, it’s usually history, religion, survival, survival stories, or some kind of science, also all sorts of books on preparedness.  When I read a book, one with a story, I let myself escape into it and I become part of the story. There is hardly a day that goes by that I don’t read  some book or another, or several. The cool thing to me is Kindle on my phone, if I am at the doctor’s office, or sitting waiting anywhere, I am commonly reading. A lot of times I get a Kindle version of a book first and if I really like it I’ll buy a hard copy. What I like to do is to read a book and then go try out the skills or knowledge I have read about, it’s a fun way to learn.

From my Bookshelf here are a few favorites

Outdoor Survival Skills

  • Larry Dean Olson
  • Possibly the first survival skills book I ever read. Larry writes from a great deal of actual experience in learning himself and in training others. He takes you back to starting with nothing and making it all from there. Foraging for food, primitive hunting skills. Everyone should read this book.

 

Island of the Lost: Shipwrecked at the end of the world

  • Joan Druett
  • What these guys went through is incredible, possibly the best survival story I have ever read!! A bonus is that the book also tells a companion survival story on the same island at virtually the same time with vastly different results. The combination of these two stories demonstrates how vastly different an outcome can be in the same type of circumstances. This book is invaluable to anyone interested in learning to survive. Not so much the details of how to start a fire per se, but the more important thing, the mental how to.

Bushcraft

  • Richard Graves
  • Serious guide to survival, many concepts not generally taught elsewhere. Book favors survival in the southern hemisphere. Cooking ideas you’ve never heard before. Dangerous trap set ups

Sufferings in Africa

  • Captain James Riley
  • Story of shipwreck of North Africa coast, slavery and rescue, era about 1815. The things Capt Riley went through are unbelievable, it is hard to imagine a person could go through all that he did.

98.6 The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive

  • Cody Lundin
  • Excellent guide on how to keep your body’s core temperature on track. Survival taught here is all about core temperature. Cody details much of how the body works and how to use this to your advantage. All the other so called survival stuff is worthless if core temp cannot be maintained.

Bushcraft

  • Mors Kochanski
  • Mors was asked to do a book on survival in the Northern Boreal Forests of Canada that would be like Richard Graves book of the same name. Mors does just that. He is meticulous in his detail of just how to do things and teaching what is truly important and what is not. If you read any survival book at all, you must read this one, it is essential.

OK someone stop me please!! I love so many of the books on the list that soon I will just have them all listed here in this blog, haha. Anyway please check out the list and see what books you may like, click the link and in most cases it takes you to Amazon for more info or to get your own copy. I will add books to the bottom of the list as I complete them, so check back every so often.

Go to Perry’s Bookshelf here

Until next time, I’ll be reading more books, this is Perry Peacock for “Simplifying Survival”

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