June 6th, 2008 | by Andy | published in Bushcraft, Environment, Outdoor Living, Survival Skills
I just listened to an interview with Norm Kidder, VP of a non-profit that teaches primitive technologies (as in stone tools, adzes, bows and arrows. etc). He discusses why primitive tool-making still has a place in our modern world. The highlight, though, comes when he points out the problem with the ‘leave no trace’ ethic.
The […]
May 7th, 2008 | by Andy | published in Survival Skills
Here’s a good technique for splitting wood if all you have is a knife. Still, I wouldn’t try it with a Leatherman…
via Uncooped.
April 15th, 2008 | by Andy | published in Outdoor Living, Survival Skills
Are you burning for outdoor adventures, but gosh, just don’t feel like outrunning avalanches or BASE jumping from 300-foot cliffs? If you love hiking, paddling and portaging and think it would be even more fun with an added competitive edge, then it’s time you tried Adventure Racing.
Wild Adventure Race is one of several Minnesota organizers […]
March 10th, 2008 | by Andy | published in Resources, Survival Skills
While not 100% failsafe, here’s one way to find north using only a stick and the sun, should you ever lose your compass. Anyone out there in UpNorthica ever had to use this method in a pinch?
February 28th, 2008 | by Andy | published in Camping, Canoeing, Outdoor Living, Survival Skills
From the Land of 10,000 Lochs, I give you The Bushcraft Boyz. Equipped with minimal gear, mad skills (and the occasional shot of malt,) these young Scots exemplify a simple message: Bushcrafting is Fun. And they do so, sans the “expert outdoorsman” egotism that one often tires of seeing. City slickers, take heed! Watching the […]
February 25th, 2008 | by Andy | published in Outdoor Living, Survival Skills
It’s impressive to see him assemble this tool with the ease of preparing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Despite all the din of ’survival’ shows and celebs nowadays, Kochanski has quietly remained one of the true masters of bushcraft over the years. Watch and learn.
February 1st, 2008 | by Andy | published in Camping, Survival Skills
As you’ll learn in this, ahem, instructional video, survival in a winter camp is *all* about timing. It’s knowing when to pick up tinders for a fire, knowing when to build a shelter…and most importantly, knowing when your girlfriend/cameraman is ‘all done’. This video just kills me.
NOTE: Skip the first full minute of slides, to […]
January 30th, 2008 | by Andy | published in Camping, Outdoor Living, Survival Skills
A North Carolina man (that is to say, not a Minnesotan) hones his survival skills by attempting a friction fire with various conifer woods. In the dead of winter, while neglecting to bring gloves. You know, fer fun!
Jabs aside, it is interesting and well-documented. It’s a blessing that our modern times have allowed ’survival skills’ […]