Hot Survival Training Posts
How To: Make a monsoon shelter
Finding yourself lost in the desert is not good news. Especially if you are without food, water, or even shelter. So in this three part video tutorial, you'll find out how to take care of one of your problems: shelter. Find out what it takes to make a monsoon shelter in order to survive in the desert.
How To: Make an arrow and tent pole bow
There's nothing like the great outdoors. The fresh air, the seperation from today's society, and being in a quiet relaxing environment. So in this two part tutorial, for all you nature lovers, find out what it takes to make an arrow and a tent pole bow. Enjoy!
How To: Start a fire using a can and a chocolate bar
If you are stuck in the wild and run out of matches, dip into your food supply and start a fire that way. This handy tutorial will show you how to stay warm with nothing but a can and a chocolate bar.
How To: Suture a wound in an emergency
This two part tutorial will teach you exactly how to close a wound like a doctor would. This is a good skill to master for emergency situations where medical help may not be immediately available. Watch this video for step by step instructions on how to suture.
How To: Survive a bite from a cottonmouth snake
Watch this video to learn how to survive a bite from a North-American Cottonmouth snake. If you are ever bitten by a cottonmouth snake, also known as a water moccasin, you would want to follow these steps: 1. Call for emergency assistance. 2. Don't suck out the venom. 3. Don't cover the snake bite. 4. Don't apply a tourniquet or any pressure to the bite. 5. Treat the person for shock. Give them water and make them sit down. 6. When help arrives, get the snake bite victim to the hospital immed...
How To: Survive in a Falling Elevator
The tragedy of a falling elevator is not unheard of. This could happen to you at any time, and you will most likely not be expecting it. Who would step into an elevator if they had an idea it might plummet to the ground? The best thing you can do is be prepared. First you want to stay calm. Next you want to lie, belly down, on the elevator floor with your hands behind your head. Make sure you do not panic. This is crucial in times of crisis. When all is over, you'll notice that you're still a...
How To: Start a fire with char cloth
This video shows the viewer how to start a fire using char cloth and a fire steel. Char cloth is a fabric which burns/smolders very slowly. This makes it very useful for starting fires. The video suggests gathering dried grass. The smoldering chard cloth should then be placed in the middle of the grass. Blowing gently on the char cloth will increase the oxygen reaching the flame so will increase the chances of success. Waving the bundle of straw should also help. Remember to always wear glove...
How To: Construct a door for a debris hut
If you ever get lost in the wilderness, with no shelter you'll be happy that you watched this video beforehand. From Maine Primitive Skills School instructor Mike Douglas shows how to build a door to a shelter made out of debris as well as troubleshoots common problems. Don't lose to the wilderness... beat it with your own survival skills!
How To: Start a fire using flint and birch bark
If you're camping or stuck out in the middle of nowhere, chances are, you could be faced with dark and freezing cold nights. Learn how to make a simple camp fire out of flint and birch bark. This is for in case you do not have a lighter on you at any given time. To start the fire, you're going to need some bark from a birch bark tree. You're also going to need a flint and a paper napkin as well. After you've gathered the proper materials, just look for a barren spot on the ground, place your ...
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: Make a teepee from an inexpensive tarp
Ever wanted to build a backyard teepee? Here's your chance! In this two-part tutorial, learn how to contruct an inexpensive teepee out of a tarp. Easy to set-up, this teepee is roomy and fun to play in no matter what age you are! If in the wilderness, use this teepee for reliable shelter from cold or warm weather.
How To: Survive an attack in the street
The video describes an easy way to survive an attack from someone in the street. When the assailant grabs your, your first reaction should be to guard against their initial blow. Then, punch them in the groin, grab them around there neck in a sleeper hold type move using your arm to wrap around the back of their head and/or neck. Proceed to knee them hard either in the stomach or groin, and then simply push them off of you presumably giving you enough time to run and escape.
How To: Start a fire using a hand drill
This video explains how to start a fire without matches through the use of a hand drill. To start the fire, the process consists of the use of a straight stick or weed such as goldenrod to be used as a hand drill. Hold the stick between both hands while holding it against a piece of wood which has a notch along the side. Press the hand drill stick against the wood near the notch and proceed to roll the stick between both hands. This action will result in the production of heated ash which wil...
How To: Survive a zombie apocalypse
Worried about a zombie apocalypse? Of course you are, we all are! This tongue in cheek video divulges the steps you'll need to take should zombies begin roaming the earth. Using clips from horror movies, this video shows you the right way to hide from zombies and even explains who you can trust. Learn what weapons work on zombies and how to cripple them and most importantly, destroy their brain! Nobody wants to get bitten by a zombie, learn how to escape, travel and even how to recognize if o...
How To: Survive a knife attack from behind
This video details how to survive a knife threat from behind. When threatened from behind with a knife, do not attempt to move the body first, this will result in the attacker maintaining the capability to thrust the knife into the body. When threatened, place arms out and low in a submissive position, this is to be followed by moving the left arm backward in a sweeping motion to push aside the arm which is holding the knife. Once the arm is moved, turn the body and bring the elbow up into an...
How To: Use a compass with no problems
David Wilcox and Caitlyn Szyska demonstrate how to use a compass without a problem. Parts of a compass include the ring, the orienteering arrow, magnetic needle, direction of travel arrow and declination scale. First, hold the compass out in front of you, making sure you hold it level. Move your whole body and point the direction of travel arrow to the object that you want to reach. Move the ring until the magnetic needle is lined up with the orienteering arrow pointing north. Once they are l...
How To: Easily use a clock as a compass
This how to video explains how to use a clock as a compass if needed. To start, simply place a clock on a flat surface and place a match in the very center of the clock so that the shadow of the match is even with the hour dial. North will be located at the midpoint between the 12 on the clock and wherever the shadow of the match is cast. The video then shows an example of the application by using a piece of paper and a pin. The narrator shows how the user can go about finding where north is ...
How To: Use a compass and map to navigate
This video is a step by step guide to navigating using a compass and map. The clip shows a field trip with the instructor showing youngsters how to navigate their way round the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland. The compass has to be held firmly to the map so that the north can be seen. The compass can then be placed against the chest and you swivel round until the line on the wheel and the line on the outer disc line up. The grid lines on the compass must run parallel to the gridlines on the map....
How To: Use a map and compass tutorial
Without good navigational skills, your expedition could lead to failure or result in a dangerous situation. Try to use a laminated map which is better in wet conditions. 1:25,000 scale maps provide the greatest detail. One grid square equals 1 kilometer. Use map keys for reference. Don't mistake boundary walls for footpaths. A compass points to magnetic north and the top of the planet is called true north. Magnetic north is constantly moving and its position relative to true north is differen...
How To: Keep warm sleeping in the forest
You know your going to have to sleep outside and you don’t know how to stave off the chill of the night. With the right equipment, some layering techniques and a full belly you be sure to get a good nights sleep even if it’s cold out.
How To: Read a map and use a compass
Watch as "4-H Forestry Facts" shows you how to survive in a forest or any other environment using a map and a compass. When holding a compass the needle will always point to the direction of north because of the poles of the Earth and the magnetic pull of the compass. After knowing which direction is North you can then figure out what direction is South, East and West. Then looking at the map you can see where it is you need to go. Watch the rest of the video to learn all the tricks and never...
How To: Tie a Rorschach knot
If you have ever wondered how to create a Rorschach knot, this tutorial will show you how to do it in no time. A Rorschach knot is indicative to the blotchy silhouette of Rorschach inkblots, which are primarily used during psychological evaluations. A subject's perception of inkblots are recorded using these. This video is going to be walking you through the process of tying your Rorschach knot, as well as the ways in which it needs to be adjusted while being tied. You will also learn a bit m...
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: Tie a rising sun knot
In this beautifully crafted video by Tiat presents the keyhole weave method of tying the rising sun. Grab about a yard of smooth decorative twine and you are ready to follow along. You will end up tying both the double coin and the ring of coin knots to make create the rising sun. But, fear not, the demonstration is clear and simple to follow.
How To: Cook under a tarp in rain
This is a video about shelter cooking. We are shown how people who are hammock camping in the rain are able to cook under their tarp. This is important because you have to have some way to cook under your shelter when it rains, and there's no way you can have a fire under there without getting smoked out. It makes life easier if you can set up a stove inside your shelter to cook on. We are shown two ways to do this, and both systems work well. One way is to use an alcohol stove. You can make ...
How To: Create an Ojibwa bird trap
The Pathfinder School offers bird enthusiasts this video tutorial that shows how to construct an Ojibwa Bird Trap. Using a series of sticks, anyone can learn how to create this bird trap, which works when a bird's weight triggers a snare. Learn the tips and techniques of what works and what doesn't in terms of materials to create a successful Ojibwa bird trap. The tutorial will explain what size sticks you need and how the trap should be constructed to successfully catch a bird.
How To: Build a fire in the snow
What to do if you're lost & freezing in Antarctica? Build a fire to keep warm! Yes, fires can be built successfully in cold and wet conditions with the right tools & preparation. In this eight-part series of short videos, Fitclimb survival instructor Ali teaches how to build a fire in the snow in 15 minutes. You can build this fire with just two tools: a knife and a metal match (magnesium stick). In part one, Ali talks about site preparation and how to choose and prepare the right site for a ...
How To: Start a fire with your cellphone
Ever wanted to know how to make a fire with your cell phone? All you need is a cell phone, a brillo pad, and material for tinder. First take the battery out of your phone and find the positive and negative contacts on the bottom of it. Next tear off a chunk of the brillo pad, roll it up until you have a twisted piece about an inch long. Bend the steel wool over and touch an end to the positive and the other end to the negative contacts on the battery. That causes the steel wool to smolder--no...
How To: Tie a diamond ring knot
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to tie the Diamond Knot. The diamond knot (or knife lanyard knot) is used as a decoration and joining knot in a cord with a loop. The Diamond Ring Knot is the fusion of an Overhand Knot and a tying technique called circling. The video contains a visual demonstration that allows viewers to have an example and easily follow along. This video will benefit those viewers who enjoy tying rope and to use knots to decorate.
How To: Create a spring spear trap
Kruder, from The Pathfinder's school, teaches you how to make a spring spear trap with almost all natural materials. This is a very dangerous trap so be warned and be very careful if you practice this. By using any springy tree (he uses a Maple), and a toggle tied to another tree, you can make a trip wire for any sized animal. Add a spear to make it more effective. You'll learn everything from the materials to construction in this video.
How To: Create a grip with paracord
When is a knot not a knot? When it's a grip. The knot outlined in this video isn't a knot per se but a way to wrap objects to increase their grip and also to store extra paracord. Specifically, this video demonstrates how to County Comm Micro Widgy Bar, which is a miniature pry bar. It’s made from hardened D9 steel and is around 3? in overall length.
How To: Use an ice lens to make fire
A classic demonstration on how to make a fire using Ice lens. Get a good block of ice from creek or pond. Cut and shave it to make a small square block. Shape it into a small ball about 2-3 inch in diameter. From a round shape, lightly shape it into a lens shape using the heat of Your fingers or tongue. Follow these instructions and You'll be able to make fire from lens.
How To: Tie the spinal sinnet
Quick easy steps to create a spinal spinnet by TyingItAllTogether. Using a good length of thick cord, create a small loop. Put one end of the cord on top of the other, bringing the top cord over and around the bottom cord and slipping a bit of the cord into the loop, creating another small loop. Pull on the bottom cord until the first loop closes into a knot. Slide the end of the cord into the new loop and pull on the cord to close the loop, creating a new loop. Twist the new loop and again b...
How To: Start a fire with a single match
This how-to video is about how to start a fire with a single match stick by Shannon Davis. This video is really helpful especially for those who are going for trucking. If we get struck in the middle of nowhere and if we are in a situation to spend the whole night in the forest definitely this video is very helpful. Before we begin to start a fire we need to gather wooden sticks of different sizes varying from tiny tender straws to hard wooden sticks having thickness of our wrist. First we ne...
How To: Tie a Turk's Head knot
There are many different types of knots and each has its own purposes. This video of "Knot of the Week" features the Turk's Head knot. The video explains and demonstrates each step in tying this knot. This knot is generally used to tie around an object of cylinder shape, but it can be deformed for other shapes. By the end of this video, if the viewers follow the instructions correctly, they should be able to tie their very own Turk's Head knot.
How To: Set a racoon snare
You will need a snare made of aircraft cable. Snares are relatively inexpensive. Remember that most likely you will only get one catch out of a cable as they kink when an animal is caught.
How To: Tie a guitar bar knot
This video from TyingItAllTogether, brings us yet another tutorial explaining how to create a unique type of knot, called the "guitar bar". This knot is so named for it's similarities to the neck and fret board of a guitar. To make this knot, you'll need several feet of rope. For every inch in length of the guitar bar, you will need an extra foot of rope. So 12 inches = 12 extra feet of rope to spare, to make this creation.
How To: Pitch a tent in the wild
From BackpackerMagazine comes a video tutorial about an essential skill: how to pitch a tent in the wild. The video takes us from scouting out an appropriate location for the tent, to actually erecting the structure. This is an invaluable skill while camping alone, but is also useful when with a group of fellow campers. The video also shows you how to properly anchor the tent to the ground, which is essential in a windy environment. Everyone should learn how to pitch a tent.
How To: Build and use an Osage bow
This five part video series brought to you by Pathfinder School shows you how to build and use the Osage bow. Step by step, from properly picking a piece of Osage wood, which is also known as Hedge Apple. You'll need an axe to trim your limps, so make sure your careful when taking on the task of building your own bow. This is a great video to watch when preparing for your camping or hiking trip. It's a very instructional and easy to follow video to make sure your properly prepared.
How To: Tie a bloody knuckle knot
A bloody knuckle knot is the result of a row of half hitches fused with a blood knot--this video teaches you how to tie one. Make two loops with your rope then loop them over your thumb. Take the tail of the rope and keep making loops and adding them to the others on your thumb, to produce a row of loops. When you have five loops, slide them off your thumb, take the end of the rope and pass it through the loops. Pull out the slack but do not tighten, then take the other tail and pass it throu...