A wilderness survival first-aid kit is very different from the kit you keep at home.  Add these five items so that you’re better prepared for wilderness emergencies. The items aren’t expensive and don’t take up much space, so there is no excuse for not having them with you. Being trained and prepared for wilderness injuries is crucial to survival. Continue reading “Build a Wilderness Survival First Aid Kit” »

In honor of the snowfall and chilly temperatures, we ranked our top 5 pieces of essential winter gear. We’re in the the holiday spirit, and we want you to stay warm and dry out there. Before you head out into the winter wilderness make sure you have all of the necessary gear.  Surviving the winter temperatures requires a whole different set of equipment. Anyone from backpackers to preppers to weekend warriors should love this stuff!

Item #5  Backpack with an Avalanche Airbag
Unsteady snow and unpredictable weather can cause avalanches. When buried under the snow, every second counts. If you’re spending a lot of time skiing in the snowy mountains, try out a backpack equipped with an avalanche air bag. These backpacks are perfectly functional, but they also inflate to protect the neck and head during an avalanche. The extra room that a deployed air bag can provide in an avalanche can help you survive. These bags can be repacked and refilled after it’s used.

Item #4 Backpacker’s Coffee and Tea Maker
You’ll need it in the backcountry too, not just the office. Anyone in cold temperatures for long periods of time needs warm liquids and a little pick-me-up. A backpacker’s coffee maker is the perfect piece of gear. They are lightweight, compact, and can be re-used over and over again. You can find coffeemakers in drip or press models. A French press style maker is totally portable and delivers are nice strong brew. A drip style maker can hold the coffee grounds perched above your cup and is great at keeping grounds from the hot joe. Many models work just as well for loose-leaf or bagged tea.

Item #3 Battery Powered Heated Gloves
Gloves that are waterproof and heated are going to go a long way for survival. They are also great for winter sports like ice climbing and snowshoeing. You’re going to need them when the temps drop. Different settings are available, so on a low setting these gloves could last up to 8 hours. When you’re purchasing heated gloves make sure they heat the whole hand, not just the fingers. Rechargeable batteries are available and some models offer the option of charging with a USB hook-up.

Item #2 Four Season Tent
Shelter can’t be overlooked when it comes to survival in the winter weather. A four season tent is just that, shelter that has you covered in all four seasons. These tents often have reinforced walls and extra strudy zippers to keep out anything that Old Man Winter can dish out. A four season tent can fit up to four people or more, including their gear. There are a variety of styles available, but all are created to withstand lots of wet and wind and snow. Look for models that will be easy to set up in whipping winds or while wearing gloves.

And the top ranked winter survival gear is…

Item #1  Backcountry Snowshoes
For the money, snowshoes are a practical and safe winter survival item. Anyone can use them and they don’t require any death defying trips down steep mountains. When it comes to winter survival, snowshoes are essential. Anyone can travel multiple miles each day with a good pair of snowshoes no matter what the weather throws at them. There is a huge variety of styles and price levels. For surviving those long trail backcountry trips, look for sturdier types of snowshoes that can support your weight plus a pack.

These pieces of winter survival gear will really be nice to have when the winter winds bring snow and ice. Stay dry, stay warm, and most importantly, have fun out there.

Throwing knives are often overlooked as a tool for survival. Just like any other weapon, it takes time and practice to perfect. Using throwing knives successfully requires concentration and excellent technique. There are a few blade types to test out and a few throwing styles that can fit various levels of skills. If you’re looking to buy a set of knives, there are several types to consider. For the price, a good set of throwing knives can end up being an indispensable asset to have.

Reasons to Carry Throwing Knives
Few weapons can boast as much history as throwing knives. Our ancestors relied on thrown blades for personal protection as well as hunting. They are simple, quiet, and never need to be reloaded. When planning for survival situations, weapons that are reliable and quiet are great options. If the situation continues to get worse, throwing knives will only need to be sharpened and you’ll never need to buy ammunition.

Throwing knives are also very light and small. If you’ll need to travel a good distance on foot, this will be essential. For the most part, you’ll find knives no more than around 12-13 inches in length and 13 ounces or so. Survival situations will require you to move quickly and maybe over long distances. In these cases, weight is incredibly important. You don’t want to rely on something that requires constant maintenance or many parts that you might have to replace. Throwing knives can be essential items to keep on hand.

Knives are quiet and do not draw any attention to themselves. If there are multiple threats or prey, you’ll be able to handle each one without alerting the others. They are the best weapon for stealth. Believe it or not, throwing knives aren’t just for ninjas and martial arts types. Small game and personal threats can be stopped in their tracks with an accurately handled knife.

Look for These Features When You’re Buying Throwing Knives
You can throw any knife and hope that it hits the target, but throwing knives are usually built just for one purpose. Would you try to strike out a batter with a basketball? If you want to achieve excellent results, you need to use well-designed throwing knives. There are tactical throwing knives that can be used for general purposes as well as throwing.

These types of knives are streamlined in design and very light to carry. Basically, you’ll find throwing knives built blade-heavy, handle-heavy, or balanced. The heaviest part of a knife should be thrown first, so if the knife is blade-heavy it will be held in your hand. This technique is best for beginners. A balanced throwing knife is thrown either blade or handle first, so it is more versatile depending on what your needs will be.

Handles of throwing knives can vary in style. Some cord wrapped options provide a good solid grip. Handles of the slim knives are often bare to streamline the throw and maintain a good balance as the knife makes its rotation through the air.

How to Practice with your New Throwing Knives
The best method for starting your knife throwing practice is the Hammer Throw. Grip the handle of the knife as you would a hammer, but with your thumb kept along the edge instead of wrapped around the handle. Bring your hand up to about ear level with your elbow level to your knife grip. Be sure to throw the knife straight ahead and keep your follow-through a clean line and not across your body.

Set up a sturdy target that can handle plenty of knife strikes. Make sure that it’s out of the way since your throws might take some time to perfect. Start by standing  8-10 feet away and throw at a 4 inch bullseye. To perfect your technique, vary your distances and pay attention to the number of rotations it takes the blade to make contact.

Throwing knives are the perfect addition to any survivalist’s arsenal. It takes time a practice to master the technique, but the benefits are many. They don’t take up much room and are light to carry. Knife care and maintenance doesn’t require much time or money. Keep a set of throwing knives available and practice your grip and throw. You never know when they just might save your life.

The right survival tool can be the difference between life and death. Crisis situations demand a tool that is both versatile and reliable. You might have to be on the move for miles or to be hunkered down in a shelter for several days. Hatchets and tomahawks are survival tools that should be on your packing list.

What is the Difference Between a Hatchet and a Tomahawk?
A casual observer may see hatchets and tomahawks as being the same tool. A more intensive search reveals that this is not the case. Both tools are unique in their own ways, and each are worth investigating. Both hatchets and tomahawks can serve very useful roles in your survival arsenal.

  • Hatchets serve as dependable and sturdy camp tools. They should be on hand at any campsite and backpacking journey. Building a suitable fire for warmth and protection is made much easier with a hatchet. Larger pieces of firewood can be made much more manageable with a hatchet, not to mention the creation of effective kindling.
  • Those larger logs and branches can also be wrangled more easily for constructing a shelter in an emergency situation. Many hatchets come equipped with a flat poll (back) that serves as a hammer head opposite of the cutting edge.
  • In hunting situations, the short blade is maneuverable for dressing  game, as well as sturdy for breaking apart bones.
  • Look for a hatchet with full tang construction, or with the steel head and handle made as one continuous piece. Full tang construction increases the strength and durability of this useful tool. Ranging from around 1 or 2 pounds and 16 to 24 inches, a hatchet can fit in easily with gear and be very light to carry over distances.

The Aggressive and Dynamic Tomahawk
The image of a Native American wielding a tomahawk for hand-to-hand combat or throwing is part of many popular films and stories. The tomahawk has been used in many combat situations since, but the role hasn’t changed much over time.

  • The tactical tomahawk gained popularity as a combat tool in various military campaigns, the Vietnam War most notably. The small size and lightweight construction makes it effective for personal protection. The aggressive design of a tomahawk clearly conveys its ultimate purpose.
  • A tomahawk also meets additional needs like breaching doors and windows for dynamic entry and for opening crates. A smaller cutting edge is available, and a spike end is often the option opposite of the edge. This spike can host a few options like a serrated edge or a crowbar end, depending on the intended use of the tool.
  • The more streamlined handle and grip may decrease construction utility but in turn makes for a much lighter tool that is packable and, lest we forget, throwable. Yes, while not the best combat technique, throwing a tomahawk can be an option in crisis scenarios.

A well-constructed and reliable hatchet or tomahawk should be part of your emergency preparedness items. Its size and versatility are undeniable, and the usefulness of each tool will reveal itself in a survival situations. Use hatchets for keeping a safe and warm camp. Use the tactical tomahawk for personal safety and a situation that demands strength and aggression.

The winter season brings challenges for travel as well as weather that can wreak havoc. There are survival strategies that are unique to the ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. Ice storms can cause power outages that can last for days, traveling on roadways is a hazardous gamble, and unpredictable weather patterns require quick responses.

With all of the chaos that winter can bring, you can’t be over-prepared for emergency survival. Holidays mean that many people do lots of traveling in their cars and trucks. The nasty weather also means that many people choose to drive to places in their communities where they would normally walk or bike in more pleasant weather. Your car is the first place to equip when it comes to preparing for winter survival.

Items You Can’t Live Without
First things first, you’ll need to have a shovel in your car. Removing snow and ice from under wheels can be a crucial first step in removing your car from a precarious situation. Models of foldable shovels are out there to save space in your car, so there’s no excuse. After you’ve done your best to dig out of the snow, you’ll need a few blankets or sleeping bags on hand to stay warm. Running your vehicle too much not only uses up valuable gas, but can be hazardous if your exhaust is trapped in the snow as well. Be sure you can stay warm and still only run your car’s heat for maybe ten minutes per hour.

Staying warm requires body energy and heat, and that doesn’t happen without water and food. Good snacks to consider are items that aren’t perishable and will stay in your car for the winter without spoiling. Candy bars and protein energy bars are compact sources of quick energy that will be useful. Having clean water on hand is an undeniable need for winter survival.

Stay Alive with These Strategies
As you drive, keep your approximate location in mind. Note road signs you pass and know what direction you’re headed. If a call to 911 or to family needs to be made, it will help a lot to be able to give them your location. Don’t drive blind, know where you are at all times or at least how you there.

Along the same lines, if you’re headed out on the road in the winter be sure to let someone know where you’re going and about what route you’ll be taking. If someone hasn’t heard from you in a while or has been expecting you and you haven’t shown up, they’ll know when you left and may be able to find you on your route.

When you’re stranded in the car and waiting for help to arrive, keep in mind your warmth and safety. Avoid exerting yourself too much if you’re trying to dig your car out or walking for help. Winter weather is unpredictable and you don’t want to get caught too far from your vehicle. Take frequent breaks if you are trying to dig out or repair your car to prevent too much sweat or dehydration.

Keep these strategies in mind when you travel this winter and increase your odds of arriving at those holiday parties safe and warm. Preparing doesn’t require too much effort and can have big payoffs in case of a winter emergency.

Your car can be many things: a safe haven from the rain during a storm, your own concert hall when you’re driving by yourself, and what gets you from point A to B. We spend a lot of time in our cars. Unfortunately, that means there’s a lot that can go wrong while we’re in them. Some emergencies you may experience in a vehicle might seem obvious: getting stranded in the snow, an unexpected breakdown, or an accident. But, there are many other events that can either force you into utilizing your vehicle for shelter or disrupt your trip while you’re already driving.

Natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods mean that you and your family might need to evacuate your home. But, what happens if that disaster strikes while you’re driving? Will you have what you need to survive? In the event of an emergency, you may find yourself having to rely on your vehicle for more than just transportation, and that’s why you should be prepared to deal with any situation that may occur.

Prepare Your Vehicle

First things first: make sure that your car is always well maintained and fueled up. In an emergency, you need to trust that your vehicle will get you where you need to go without failing mechanically. Also, keep in mind that in a disaster situation that necessitates evacuation, fuel will quickly become scarce and stopping to gas up takes precious time you could be using to get to safety. Imagine that half a tank is your new empty and never let the level get below that. Get familiar with basic auto repairs and always keep a tool kit in your car. Check your spare tire to make sure it’s properly inflated and learn how to use the jack to change a flat if needed.

Other items you should include:

  • Your vehicle’s repair manual
  • Jumper cables
  • Battery charger
  • Fix-a-flat or other tire sealant
  • Extra motor oil
  • Gas can
  • Flares or a reflective triangle
  • Ice scraper
  • Work gloves

 

Items Essential For Your Comfort and Survival

Even in the best conditions, car rides can be uncomfortable. During an emergency, you never know how long you’ll be in your vehicle or what conditions you may face outside. While you could bring along everything but the kitchen sink, you should include items you absolutely must have in your car no matter the circumstances.

Tailor your list as needed, but here are a few things that you should keep in your car at all times to ensure your comfort and survival:

  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight and spare batteries
  • High calorie, portable food (MRE’s, protein bars, etc.)
  • Wool blanket
  • Survival knife
  • Drinking water
  • Matches or other fire starter
  • Spare clothes
  • Duct tape
  • Note pad and pen
  • Folding shovel
  • Backpack to carry everything above if you have to leave your vehicle

 

Your Preparedness Matters

No matter what gear or tools you have, the most important aspect is your own mental preparedness. Staying calm and knowing what to do during an emergency can be the deciding factor in your survival. Take the time to study essential skills and learn about different types of emergencies. Get started today at Shadow Fox.

 

A survival knife should be on hand when a situation calls for a survival tool that is versatile, reliable, and deadly. Their simple design and quiet effectiveness make them an indispensible item in any emergency situation. They don’t require ammunition, they can serve a variety of purposes, and they are a self-defense weapon perfect for close combat needs.

Check Out These Extra Features
Survival knives are probably best known for having a variety of features that allow them to be used for quite a few different purposes. Check out the handle of this type of knife for some unique features.

  • You can spot a survival knife by its hollow handle. These types of handles are used to hold a small survival kit made up of any combination of fire strikers, fishing line, hook, a needle and thread, or matches and striking paper. Any of these can be a critical element in a survival situation. Give each of the contents a through trial run and practice using them so that you are familiar with them when the need arises.
  • On some models of survival knife, you will find the handle wrapped in cord that can be useful in several types of emergency scenarios: tying down belongings, stringing up food bags, combat situations, and wilderness first-aid just to name a few.
  • At the end of most survival knife models you will also find a compass built in. The benefits of having a compass accessible are obvious, given that the knife carrier is knowledgeable on how to best use it. Take your compass out for orienteering practice runs to get familiar with it. Keep in mind your direction and location in relation to important landmarks so that you can use the compass if lost or disoriented.

The Heart of a Survival Knife is the Blade
The larger sized survival knife brings a heft and length that makes it more reliable for tasks that a smaller pocketknife couldn’t handle.

  • The survival knife you should be carrying on you should be equipped with a sawback blade. It makes your knife capable of making larger branches into purposeful firewood or materials for constructing a shelter.
  • The knife’s usefulness in food preparation and preparing animal kills pretty much goes without saying. Just be sure to keep in mind that, just as with any crucial tool, a survival knife requires near constant cleaning.
  • Be sure your survival knife is full tang. This means that the blade extends down into the handle in one single, solid piece. A full tang survival knife will be stronger, more durable, and endlessly reliable.
  • When used for self-defense, a survival knife can really prove its worth. You’ll spot a quality survival knife when it has a sharp pointed tip. When considering blade design, this is an essential element for survival. A sharp pointed tip increases the knife’s ability to defend in a combat situation or for hunting.

You should be carrying a survival knife because it is an essential tool in situations that require you to complete a variety of tasks. You may not be able to carry much with you or may need to move quietly and a knife serves excellently. Crack open the handle for more supplies that can keep you fed, warm and dry, and headed in the right direction. The survival knife is a dependable and versatile emergency tool.