Top 5 Survival Shovels While Camping
A true survivalist knows that a survival shovel can save the day when outdoors. If you are in the market for one, here is a compilation of the best five you can get your hands on. RELATED: Winter Survival Kit: The Prepper’s Guide To Winter Survival The 5 Best Survival Shovels in the Market Right Now […]
Summer Means It’s Time to Go Camping Again
Summer is here, which means people all over the United States are heading outside again.
This is especially good news for people who were cooped up indoors for so long due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Camping, hiking, fishing… you name it – it’s a great way to spend your time over the next several months.
That said, camping comes with inherent risks that you need to be aware of.
Fire
Camping and fire go hand in hand. Fire not only provides heat for cooking and protection from wild animals – but is the perfect place for memorable conversations. It can also create problems if not done properly.
Before you even start gathering wood, ensure the area where you are camping is not under a fire restriction ban. You don’t want to be responsible for thousands of acres of destruction due to an out-of-control forest fire.
- Ensure the area where you plan to build your fire is clear of dry brush and deadfall, both around and above.
- Dig a fire pit at last one foot deep and ideally surround the perimeter with rocks. Again, this is to mitigate/control the fire from moving away from the intended location.
- Don’t overfeed your fire. Less is more when you build a campfire. You can always add more fuel, but be conservative.
- Never leave your campfire without thoroughly extinguishing it with water and smothering it with dirt. If possible, wait an additional 30 minutes – called reflash watch.
Water Filtration
If you plan to drink from an outdoor water source (river, stream, lake), you need to make sure you are consuming “safe” water. That means no bacteria and particulates that can ruin your week.
I have personally dealt with giardia on two occasions and it is not fun.
The first time my doctor failed to properly diagnose (didn’t request a gram stain lab) and he was convinced I had leukemia. And to be honest, I felt like I was dying.
Nope, it was giardia and after a week of the antibiotic Metronidazole (Flagyl), I felt like a million bucks.
There are several ways to make water safe to drink:
- Boil it for at least five minutes.
- Use a filtration pump – make sure it removes microorganisms (giardia).
- Use a filtration straw – again, make sure it removes microorganisms.
- Take purification tablets, which are my personal preference due to their small size and weight. Get the 2-stage type. The first tablet kills the bacteria and the second tablet removes the taste of the first. This entire process takes only 30 minutes.
- Use a UV water filtration (SteriPEN) device. It takes only a few minutes. Just remember one of my favorite sayings: “If it takes a battery, it’s gonna crap out exactly when you need it.” Pack extras.
Flash Flooding
With severe summer weather in full swing, you need to consider the possibility that a nearby water source could turn into a deadly wall of water traveling at an incredible speed.
Take this into consideration when you choose your campsite. Better to be on higher ground and walk to the water source than risk getting swept away by it. Get at least a three-day weather forecast and always keep an eye on the sky.
In the summer of 1976, Colorado’s Big Thompson Canyon had a flash flood due to a severe thunderstorm higher up in the canyon. Twelve inches of rain fell in less than four hours. The victims, including 143 dead, had seen little or no rain when the flood rushed down the canyon in a wall 20 feet high.
Rule #1: Climb to safety whether on foot or in your car (get out), get moving and CLIMB!
If you find yourself swept up by these rushing waters, position yourself so you are on your back with your feet in front of you. If you hit rocks, your feet will absorb the impact much better than your head would. Then swim to the nearest shore.
Enjoy the great outdoors this summer. Just be prepared for the life-threatening situations that can present themselves.
Be a survivor… not a statistic,
Cade Courtley
Former Navy SEAL / 4Patriots Contributor
What Terrain to Choose for Camping and Survival
Subsistence, regardless of the situation, relies heavily on terrain. Outside the comforts of an urban setting, choosing the right location is a matter of life and death. This article will reveal some of the secrets on how to pick the best camping spot for survival. RELATED: 5 Crucial Stealth Camping Tips Picking the Best Terrain […]
List of Best Hikes in the U.S. for Your 2021
Knowing the best hikes in the U.S. is the best way to ensure you have fun on your hiking trip. Besides knowing the trails near you, you also learn the hiking difficulty of each to match your experience. Check out this roundup on the most popular hiking trails. 11 Best Hikes in the U.S. That […]
Must-Try Campfire Fish Recipes For Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Tired of eating the same food at the campground over and over again? Try cooking fish over your bonfire – it’s easier to cook but is equally satisfying (even more when it’s fresh). RELATED: A Complete Guide To Campfire Cooking Must-Try Campfire Fish Recipes For Your Next Outdoor Adventure Most of all, it gives you a […]
5 Common Weeds You Can Eat For Emergency Nourishment
Most people live normal lives, expecting little change, and preparing for even less, not expecting the food to run out. However, disasters do happen, and store shelves are often cleared in short order. Little do most know, however, that there are weeds you can eat, and they are often found right in or around the […]
11 Tips to Help You Camp in the Rain
A downpour can be a bummer during a camping trip. However, with these informed tips on camping in the rain, you will not have to pack up and leave yet. RELATED: Camping Essentials For A Fun And Safe Camping Trip 11 Sure-Fire Tips for Camping in the Rain 1. Layer Up A well-layered system of the […]
How to Choose A Sleeping Bag
How to choose a sleeping bag? It is not that hard. All you need is to understand the basics in picking the right one for you. And yes, this article will be your guide. RELATED: Best Sleeping Bags for Hiking, Camping, and Backpacking 5 No-nonsense Sleeping Bag Selection Tips 1. Do Your Research Before going […]
7 Camping Light Ideas For Your Next Trip
If you’re going on a camping trip, one of the most important things to bring is your camping light. While flashlights do just fine, there are other, more creative camping light ideas you can try for your next trip. RELATED: Survival Life’s Camping Checklist for 2021 Camping Light Ideas | Unleash Your Creativity in the Dark […]
Summer in the Woods: How to Keep Cool While Hunting
Summer hunting and you are Elmer Fudd. But it doesn’t always have to be that way. It could also be fun if you’ll just chill the fuss down. Not like Bugs Bunny’s bald rifle-totting nemesis, you can be the Fonzie of hunting. Cool as ice, steady as God’s dice. Keep your calm and your mind […]
