Sep 28, Outdoor Survival Training

by Filip Tkaczyk

What are the keys to successful outdoor survival training? There are a variety of methods you can use tolearn more about outdoor survival. Hereare some great ways to gain more knowledge and experience.

Hitting the Books

Using books as a resource can be helpful. We are lucky to have many wonderful books out there to use as a source of knowledge on wilderness survival.

Cody Lundin's book 98.6 Degrees is a good book that introduces the basic physical and psychological challenges presented by a survival situation. His focus is on using your knowledge and the assistance of modern tools to get yourself out of potentially life-threatening situations. Lundin is based in the southwest of the USA and is most known for his role in the television series "Dual Survival".

Ray Mears' book The Outdoor Survival Handbook is an excellent resource which focuses on utilizing both modern and primitive survival skills and tools. The book is laid out according to what survival skills are needed during each season. The book is laid out very visually, containing many great illustrations and is somewhat less text than many other survival guides. Mears is a well-known bush-craft expert based out of England. He has traveled to various locations throughout the world to learn survival techniques from Native peoples.

Michael Pewtherer's book Wilderness Survival Handbook is another excellent read, focused on primitive skills for both short-term survival and long-term comfort. Pewtherer makes these skills accessible and straightforward excellent descriptions interspersed with both photos and illustrations. He writes from personal experience and includes sections that mention common mistakes to avoid with a variety of skills. Pewtherer is based in the northeast USA.

The challenge of using books is that theyare only static words and images to learn from. A series of drawings or photos of how to set up a deadfall trap, start afriction fire, or build a shelter is enough for some. Meanwhile, it leaves others confused andfeeling defeated. No matter how usefulyou find a book, it is very difficult to read and attempt to learn a new skillat the same time!

Instructional Videos

If made properly, instructional videos can both inspire andeducate. One advantage is that you don’t have to try and read a book at thesame time as you try to actually do a skill. Another advantage is you may be able to watch a skill demonstrated fromstart to finish, as well as listen to someone describe it at the same timewhich utilizes more than one of your senses and allows better memoryretention.

Thomas J. Elpel's "The Art of Nothing Wilderness Survival Video Series" are great resources to check out. Elpel shares his knowledge in the skills through recording his experiences living off the land for several days in different locations. He demonstrates that these skills are accessible and can be done by anyone who is willing to learn. The videos are interspersed with humor and lessons on how to improve certain skills.

Ron Hood's survival video series are additional great resources for outdoor survival training. Hood's approach includes both modern and primitive survival skills. His personal focus is no-nonsense, practical and based somewhat in his military background. He is a well-known and well-loved bush-craft expert.

The challenge with any videos - even the excellent ones mentioned here - is that if you struggle and have a questionnot addressed on the video, there is no live person to support you or to answeryour query.

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