Hot Survival Training Posts
How To: How the Headrest in Your Vehicle Can Potentially Save Your Life One Day
If you ever find yourself in a car that's submerged under water, your first instinct should be to try and open either the window or the door in the first few seconds of touching water. Unfortunately, if you wait any longer than that, the lopsided ambient water pressure subjected to the car will make it impossible to open the car door, and the now ubiquitous power windows will likely short out. Sure, you could wait until the pressure has equalized on both sides of the car, but this usually hap...
How To: Make a fire with an empty lighter
For the technique in this how-to video, you need: smoking papers, receipt or any thin paper and a hard surface like a cd case or book and a piece of paper on top for friction. If your lighter runs out of gas you can still start a fire with these items from your pocket. Watch this video survival training tutorial and learn how to start a fire with an empty lighter. Make a fire with an empty lighter.
How To: Make a survival fishing float bobber from a plastic soda straw
Okay, so you're fishing and you forget the basic essentials… you're fishing pole and your bobber. How are you going to catch a fish with just some fishing line? The answer? Plastic straw.
How To: Heat Your Home in an Emergency Without Gas Using Flower Pots & Candles
Not having power can make everyday tasks really difficult if you're unprepared. You have to find new ways to do things like cook dinner and charge your devices, and if it happens during the winter, you also have to figure out how to heat your home.
How To: Tie a perfect round crown sinnet
In this handy knot-tying tutorial from JD of Tying It All Together, we learn how to tie a round crown sinnet. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started tying round crown knots yourself, watch this video guide.
How To: Tie the "Asheley's flower knot" flower knot variation
In this how-to video from the TyingItAllTogether Channel, learn how to tie Clifford W. Ashley's flower knot. Ashley is the author and illustrator of a book he wrote about tying various types knots, including ones that he created himself. In his book, Ashley shows how to tie this knot, but does not show in his illustrations how to actually hold and tie the knot in one's hand. This video tutorial seeks to clarify those steps. You will need to begin with a piece of rope folding it in half to eff...
How To: Make an alcohol stove out of a can
Learn how to make an alcohol stove out of a can with help from this tutorial. The alcohol stove is a really great option for lightweight backpackers and easy to put together by using this video as your guide! Get prepared for any survival situation by adding this task to your resume!
How To: Light a fire using the flint and steel method
Andrew Price of Dyad Bushcraft demonstrates how to light a fire using a flint and a piece of steel. He also demonstrates how to make charcoal clothe and shows you how to use the modern version of flint and steel.
How To: Make a paracord using a knitting spool
This short video shows how to get started with 550 paracord and a 3 peg/nail knitting spool made from a wooden napkin ring and 3 nails. This just show you how to start. Follow these steps: After the initial wrapping of the nails with the paracord at the bottom of the nail, you take the working end to the next nail above the cord that's wrapped around it, use a hook of some type to lift the lower cord up and over the top cord and the nail. Continue from one nail to the next, up and over with t...
How To: Tie an eye splice loop into the end of a rope
An eye splice is the best way to create a permanent loop on the end of a multi-strand rope. Whether you need an eye splice loop to hold a hammock up in your backyard or need one for your nautical voyages, this survival training video will teach you step by step how to tie one.
How To: Make your own compass
Matt Preye shows you how to make your own emergency compass. Here are two ways of making your own compass: If you have a sewing needle and a magnet you can magnetize the needle by running it down the magnet a few times. Find some stagnant water and set a leaf in it. Now set the pin down on the leaf, and the leaf will swing just like a compass. If you don't have anything other than the sun, you can do the following: Put a stick in the ground and then add more sticks at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm and ...
How To: Make natural long burning torches in the forest
In this tutorial, we learn how to make natural long burning torches in the forest. First, use a dead tree limb and rip off all the bark that is on it. Next, gather up the bark from the tree and tie it together with wire you carry with you. Also, gather up a dead stick and connect this to the dead bark as well. Use a multi-tool to cut the wire if you are in a hurry. Once finished, light the bark on fire and you will have a natural torch that will burn in the forest! Be sure to use a dead tree ...
How To: Boil water without pots or pans
This video illustrate how to boil water without pots or pans. Here are the following steps:Step 1: You need fire, water and any plastic container with lid.Step 2: Now take water and fill it in the bottle so that there is no air present in the bottle.Step 3: Now put on the fire and put the seal bottle on fire with a distance of around 12 inch.Step 4: Now let the heat warm up the bottle and be careful while handling the bottle.Step 5: After the water has heated up, bubbles will appear in the bo...
How To: Use water vines to get water in the wild
This video tutorial will show you how to use water vines to get water in the wild, if you fancy yourself the next Bear Grylls. There are different kinds of vines and not all vines are made equally. If you open them up they all contain water. Some vines produce bitter water and some are sweet.
How To: Purify muddy river water
In this video, we learn how to purify muddy river water. First, take a bucket of dirty river water straight from the river. This will be in a 2-5 gallon bucket. Now, add 1 packet of water Purifier per every 2 gallons. Stir this in for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Once the powder has been in the water for a full 5 minutes, it will purify the water and the dirt will all go to the bottom of the bucket! This is being used in Haiti where an earthquake destroyed the homes of many people who now ...
How To: Complete an orienteering course as a Boy Scout
As a Boy Scout, when the First Class rank is attained, a scout has learned all the basic camping and outdoors skills of a scout. He can fend for himself in the wild, lead others on a hike or campout, set up a camp site, plan and properly prepare meals, and provide first aid for most situations he may encounter. A First Class scout is prepared.
How To: Start a fire with quartz
Making a fire is important in order to stay warm and more importantly stay alive. In this video tutorial you'll find out how to use a quartz, old file, and the back end of your knife to help start a fire. And again, remember that fire can be dangerous and cause major damage to not only you but to the environment. So be careful!
How To: Apply bandages to sprained ankles as a Boy Scout
As a Boy Scout, when the First Class rank is attained, a scout has learned all the basic camping and outdoors skills of a scout. He can fend for himself in the wild, lead others on a hike or campout, set up a camp site, plan and properly prepare meals, and provide first aid for most situations he may encounter. A First Class scout is prepared.
How To: Use dandelion tinder to make a fire
Need to make a survival fire, but don't have any matches and your lighter is out of fluid. Fear not, this how-to video can help. An empty flintwheel lighter can save the day when you need a fire. Dandelion seed puffs can be the perfect tinder for your spark. Watch this video tutorial to see how it works & learn a great survival tip.
How To: Orient a map and use a compass as a Boy Scout
Second Class Boy Scouts work on building their outdoor survival and camping skills. Compass work, nature observation, camp tools, and swimming are areas where new skills are mastered and demonstrated. A second class scout, having completed all the requirements, should be able to lead a hike, care for his own equipment, set up a campsite, and perform basic first aid.
How To: Tie a paracord storage sinnet
In this video, we learn how to tie a paracord storage sinnet. First, coil up the paracord and then form a bight with the working part at the top of the coils. Next, create a loop from the bight and pull the loose part underneath this and pull it underneath the loop you created. Now, tighten the new loop up and then take the loose part and place it underneath to create a new loop. Push this through the other loop, then tighten with the loose end. This is a very difficult knot to do and is not ...
How To: Remove Maggots from Your Eyeball
While maggots living in human eyeballs isn't necessarily a problem in the states, it could happen to you one day if a fly decides your warm eyeball is a suitable place for its larvae. If this rare event should happen, before you start gouging your eyeball out, remember this trick from National Geographic explorer and engineer Albert Lin and everything will be okay.
How To: Assemble a compact survival kit to carry on a belt or in a backpack
In a survival situation, the four most important things for you to find are shelter, fire, water, and food, in that order. This video will show you how to pack a compact survival kit that can be carried on your belt or in your backpack and contains everything you need to acquire those four things more easily.
How To: Tie the 11x7 turks head knot
Learn how to tie the 11x7 Turks Head knot with this knot tying instructional video. Here are the knot tying directions:
How To: Tie a quick clove hitch knot
While the clove hitch is not a particularly secure knot, it's useful in situations when the knot requires a little bit of give. The steps to tying this knot are demonstrated in this how-to video, and are shown at a fast pace so you can see how quick and easy it is to do. Watch this video knot-tying tutorial and learn how to tie a clove hitch knot quickly.
How To: Get a pattern for a wool blanket shirt
In order to pattern a wool blanket shirt, you'll need a blanket, scissors, a needle, and thread.
How To: Use fire thong method in the woods
Brush up on your survival skills with help from this video conducted by the Maine Primitive Skills School. In this video, learn how to start a fire in the woods practicing the fire thong friction fire method using rattan wood.
How To: Tie the trucker's hitch Boy Scouts knot
Learn how to tie the Boy Scouts trucker's hitch knot. The Trucker's Hitch (Lorry Knot in the UK and parts of Canada) allows the scout (or sailor or whatever) to easily tighten a rope, yet easily untie the knot. Its most common use is for tying loads (thus the trucker moniker) such as a canoe to a cartop, a tarp to trailer or any application where a very tight rope is needed. It provides the advantages of a block and tackle, without the heavy hardware.
How To: Tie the West Country Whipping Knot
Learn how to tie the West Country Whipping Knot! This animated knot tying tutorial is the best you'll find. With this knot tying how to, you can tie the West Country Whipping Knot fast or slow, or pause it at every step along the way. Learn to tie knots for your next outdoor trip. Tie the West Country Whipping Knot.
How To: Tie a double fisherman's knot or double overhand knot
The double fishermen's knot, as demonstrated in this how-to video, is a safe knot to secure to separate lengths of rope together, forming high-strength loops of cord. This makes it useful in rock-climbing and in search and rescue, especially as a backup for other knots. Check out this video survival training tutorial and learn how to tie a double fisherman's knot or double overhand knot.
How To: Make a wilderness shelter out of USGI poncho
The USGI poncho is a vital part of nearly every US soldiers gear, and can be used for more than just protecting you from the rain as clothing. It can also be fashioned into a shelter for wilderness camping, and this video will teach you how to do it.
How To: Construct and set up an Asian trail spring trap
When you're surviving in the wild there's no running to 7-11 to grab some snacks. It's all up to you. This excellent instructional video teaches you how to build and set an Asian trail spring trap. Primarily, this trap would be used for medium sides animals as they make their way along a forest trail. The trap requires a heavy object near the trail (ideally a rock, or fallen log), a length of fine, strong cordage, a 4ft piece of sapling and several small branches for this device's triggering ...
How To: Make a Hobo Stove
In every wilderness adventure, there needs to be some form of stove, even if it's only a fire. To prepare and heat canned or caught food, the stove is a must! In this two-part video tutorial, learn how to build your very own hobo stove with the help of a few tools: A number 10 tin can, knife, 2 tent sticks, a church key can opener, and a coat hanger.
How To: Identify and treat a 'hurry case' as a Boy Scout
Second Class Boy Scouts work on building their outdoor survival and camping skills. Compass work, nature observation, camp tools, and swimming are areas where new skills are mastered and demonstrated. A second class scout, having completed all the requirements, should be able to lead a hike, care for his own equipment, set up a campsite, and perform basic first aid.
How To: Save someone from a burning building as a Boy Scout
As a Boy Scout, when the First Class rank is attained, a scout has learned all the basic camping and outdoors skills of a scout. He can fend for himself in the wild, lead others on a hike or campout, set up a camp site, plan and properly prepare meals, and provide first aid for most situations he may encounter. A First Class scout is prepared.
How To: Make a stove for survival training out of a soda can
In 2 minutes you can make a stove from household materials that you probably already have. Learn this great survival trick by watching this how-to video. You will need rubbing alcohol, a soda can, a sharp knife, and a food tin. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to build a survival stove out of an aluminum can.
How To: Make fire with flint & steel using tinder fungus
Using materials collected on Bois Blanc Island, Michigan you can create a fire quickly with the flint and steel method. Tinder fungus is common in North American woods.
How To: Tie knots to hang an easy hammock
This how-to video demonstrates the easiest way to make a hammock. Simple, easy and safe, with no sewing required, make a hammock anytime in a pinch. All you need is fabric, rope, and the knot-tying skills from this instructional video. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to make an easy hammock.
How To: Start a fire with the "fire saw" friction method
This video illustrate us how to start a fire with the "fire saw" friction method. Here are the following steps:
How To: Identify tinder fungus for fire starting
This is a short video showing what tinder fungus is, what to look for, and how it is used. Tinder fungus is nice to have because it does not combust quickly, but rather smolder for a long time.