6 Tips for Navigating With A Map And Compass: A Beginner’s Guide

navigating with a map and compass featured image showing a group of boy scouts with map opened and taking a compass bearing.

Using a map and compass is a vital skill for anyone enjoying the outdoors. In this guide, I explain basic techniques to read maps, use a compass, and keep your course when exploring unfamiliar areas. Learning these steps not only builds your confidence but also ensures you can navigate when technology isn’t available. QUICK LOOK: … Read more

5 Basic Survival Skills For The DIY Outdoorsman

Survival Skills for the DIY Outdoorsman featured image showing man in camouflage wading up to his chest in water holding a knife between his teeth.

I stumbled upon early on that developing survival skills transforms the way I experience the outdoors. For the DIY outdoorsman, learning survival techniques means being prepared for unexpected challenges. In this article, I share my insights on essential survival skills, practical equipment, and planning strategies to help you feel more confident when spending time in … Read more

Understanding Basic Survival Psychology

Basic Survival Psychology feature image showing a man in the woods trying to start a fire.

I have spent a considerable amount of time studying the human mind, and I find that understanding the basics of survival psychology can change the way we view our own behaviors and decisions. Survival psychology is about recognizing the innate drive that every human possesses to protect themselves from harm and to find ways to … Read more

Techniques for Fire Starting In The Wilderness

Starting a fire in the wilderness featured image with camper building a fire and getting it started in the outdoors.

I have long found the challenge of fire starting in the wilderness both exciting and educational. There is a rich history behind traditional methods and modern solutions. In this article, I explain several techniques that I have learned over time, along with practical tips to boost your confidence when lighting a fire in nature. Fire … Read more

7 Tips for Building Emergency Shelters For Survival

Emergency shelters for survival featured image showing a shelter built from logs and limbs.

Building emergency shelters for survival is a practical skill that can help you stay safe during unexpected situations. I have spent time studying various techniques and experimenting in different conditions to learn what works best. In this article I provide an overview of shelter types, practical steps, challenges, and advanced methods to create effective shelters … Read more

6 Foraging Tips for Finding Food In The Wild

Foraging for food in the wild featured image showing three baskets of wild edibles gathered while foraging in the wild.

Foraging for wild food can be both an enjoyable and educational experience. I have found that gathering edible plants and fungi from nature offers a direct connection to the environment and a chance to learn about the local ecosystem. In my experience, understanding how to forage responsibly and safely is essential for anyone who wants … Read more

5 Methods of Purifying Water In The Outdoors

purifying water in the outdoors featured image with image of hand holding a cup and dipping water out of a stream.

Purifying water in the outdoors is a skill that has grown in importance for me over the years. I have spent many days hiking, camping, and exploring remote areas, and I’ve learned that having safe drinking water can make all the difference. QUICK LOOK: Water Purification in the Outdoors In this article, I share my … Read more

4 Tips for Navigating Without A Compass or GPS

Navigating in the wilderness without a compass features an image of a lady hiker standing on a hillside and looking at the forest and mountains ahead of her.

I have often found the art of navigating your way without a compass to be an engaging and useful skill. When I first studied natural techniques for finding your way, I was surprised at how much information the environment can provide. Relying on the sun, stars, and landmarks gives me the ability to figure out … Read more

DIY First Aid Kits For Outdoor Emergencies

Wilderness First Aid Kits with an image showing a lady hiker bandaging the leg of a male hiker companion.

DIY first aid kits for outdoor emergencies serve as a practical and uplifting solution for anyone who loves spending time in nature. I believe that being prepared with a well-stocked kit increases confidence and can help manage emergencies effectively. This article outlines how to design and build a reliable DIY first aid kit that is … Read more

8 Methods of Signaling For Help In The Wilderness

How to signal for help in the wilderness featured image that shows two people standing next to their tent in the snowy woods and waving a signal flare.

I have spent a considerable amount of time in the wilderness, and I understand the value of being prepared for emergencies. Signaling for help when you are far from civilization is both a skill and a priority. I want to share what I have learned about using the universal distress signal rule and other methods … Read more