tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33096165019414594042012-01-02T12:33:07.548-05:00Practical wilderness skills based on native, traditional, and modern approaches, including lightweight backpacking. <br><br> "There is no reason why a person cannot live comfortably in the Northern Forests with a few simple, well-chosen possessions...." -Mors KochanskiAndyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06326600378771177825noreply@blogger.comBlogger91100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309616501941459404.post-81310514625503201262011-12-21T12:01:00.000-05:002011-12-21T12:01:54.476-05:00

I use a tent, sometimes double wall, sometimes fly-only. The only factor affecting my sleep system is temperature. I'm considering making a silnylon jacket and pants to use as vapor barrier clothing instead of using the emergency bivy for this. This would allow me to wear clothing as extra insulation, but would add 5-10 oz and also remove the minimal heat reflection of the emergency bivy.

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06326600378771177825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309616501941459404.post-25871976993069684922011-08-10T10:46:00.003-04:002011-08-10T10:54:21.318-04:00

I'm considering a Steripen water purifier which uses ultraviolet (UV) light to render the genetic material of pathogenic viruses, bacteria, and protozoa incapable of reproduction, and therefore harmless. Right now I use chlorine tablets or filter or just drink water untreated and unfiltered. Photo by SteriPEN A few disadvantages of filters which might not be obvious: They weigh more than

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06326600378771177825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309616501941459404.post-58797676834172141162010-12-05T04:58:00.013-05:002011-01-22T15:23:35.296-05:00

Here's the footwear I use when the temperature is below 20 F (-6.7 C):Tingley rubber overboots, model 1400, height: 10 inches, cost: $21. Simply buy the size recommended by Tingley as if you were putting them on over your shoes. Gaiters to keep snow out of the boot, duct tape or old wool socks with the foot cut out are an alternative option NEOS 10 mm thick insole for non-compressible insulation

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06326600378771177825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309616501941459404.post-13751189677084458392010-06-12T14:29:00.001-04:002010-06-12T14:30:33.661-04:00

There are complexities about chemical treatment times which depend on water conditions, such as temperature, suspended inorganic matter, and organic matter. Cryptosporidium and Giardia are the most likely contaminant in wilderness areas of the US, but bacteria and viruses can make cause more serious and chronic illness. When I really had to, I treated cool water with a double does of Aquamira

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06326600378771177825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309616501941459404.post-25537533143418392422009-11-28T11:46:00.001-05:002009-11-28T12:06:18.806-05:00

I have a 2 man hex dome tent with 3 fiberglass poles which stunk so bad it was only fit for a pet skunk! It's about 25 years old. I thought I'd try to restore it and get some use out of it since all I have is large, heavy family camping tents. (I use a tarp for my solo trips.) I've hand/tub washed it in bleach, then vinegar, then baking soda with laundry detergent. That seems to have removed

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06326600378771177825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309616501941459404.post-24183452896876449002009-11-27T12:08:00.001-05:002009-11-27T12:09:22.113-05:00

Fitness is critical in wilderness living. Modern conveniences give us the dangerous luxury of getting into a state where we are no longer capable of sustaining our own life without them. We become just like a zoo animal adapted only to life in our artificial cage. The sad irony of this is that true freedom then becomes a threat to our survival.

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06326600378771177825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309616501941459404.post-44741474415033711402009-03-20T01:34:00.006-04:002009-03-20T01:59:22.009-04:00

A hammock with a tarp and bug net is my preferred wilderness shelter. It almost seems too luxurious, but weighs less than many backpacking tents. It has significant advantages over sleeping on the ground:No extra padding is needed underneath for comfort. (Insulation is still needed underneath for warmth.)No wet ground to worry about in the rain.I can make camp anywhere there are two trees spaced

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06326600378771177825noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309616501941459404.post-6837955452040359502008-12-25T20:57:00.011-05:002008-12-28T14:13:46.599-05:00

Much literature on building a survival kit consists of endless lists of what you should have in such a kit. These lists are found in books for those venturing out on their first hike, to books written for those with extensive wilderness experience. These Ten Essentials and similar lists are taken as the outdoor equivalent of the Ten Commandments: bring these items, and you can commit no wrong

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06326600378771177825noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3309616501941459404.post-49726323093044577492008-12-14T02:57:00.013-05:002008-12-28T14:23:46.152-05:00

A reliable and usable knife is the essential bushcraft tool. Selecting a bushcraft knife is simple and cheap: Get a Mora knife with a carbon steel or laminated steel blade. Ideal features of a bushcraft knife listed by Kochanski in Bushcraft include:fixed blade (not folding)carbon steel (or laminated carbon steel) bladeno guard (it interferes with some grips)palm width in length (around 4 inches)

Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06326600378771177825noreply@blogger.com8