Hot Survival Training Posts
How To: Build a shelter in the forest
Watch this video tutorial to learn how to build a shelter in the forest. If you get stuck in the woods, you'll need to know how to protect yourself from the elements.
How To: Build an emergency igloo with snow
Temperatures plummet... a shelter, an igloo, can be built out of nothing but snow. It has to be the right kind of snow, cut from a well packed snow drift. The best snow is laid down in one single storm, it's hard and compact.
How To: Make fire with just steel wool and a battery
This video tutorial will show you a detailed way to make fire with steel wool and a battery. This is a great way to start fires on camping trips or for emergency situations. Just makes sure you carry some steel wool and a 9V battery on you at all times, or maybe just in your rucksack or glove compartment box in your vehicle, just in case. You never know when you're going to have to start an emergency fire with steel wool and a 9-volt battery!
How To: Make a bottle cap burner for cooking
It's amazing how simple a stove can be, using simple things that you already have, but in this case, using a surprising fuel...
How To: Tie a useful square knot
The granddaddy of all knots... the square knot. Watch this ViewDo video tutorial to learn how to tie a square knot. This is a very useful knot. It's strong, sturdy, and ideal for joining ends of rope together.
How To: Convert any pack into an avalung avalanche safety pack
Before this ski season, I decided to add one more avalanche mitigation tool to my arsenal: the Avalung. This breathing device has been proven for several years to increase chances of survival if buried in an avalanche. To be effective, the Avalung must be worn over all clothing so that the intake and exhale portions are in contact with the snow. For most backcountry skiers, this can be a true pain. I already have a beacon strapped to my chest along with a pack, and if I'm patrolling, a radio ...
How To: Build an igloo by digging out snow shelters
Igloos and snow caves are two common types of snow shelters that provide an excellent blockade from harsh elements but are typically cramped. A digloo is the combination of the two that creates a large, comfortable refuge. Find out how to build one. Build an igloo by digging out snow shelters.
How To: Make a figure four deadfall trap
See how to make a figure four deadfall trap. This is a great survival trap that can be easily constructed (with practice) out of very basic materials that in most environments can be easily found. The trap can also be made with very limited, or primative tools.
How To: Make fires in the snow to survive
This five-part series of videos chronicles firemaking in cold and snowy conditions using backpacking equipment only. The series shows the scenery, adventure, survival philosophy, and gear observations.
How To: Build a self feeding fire for wilderness survival
This instructional video demonstrates a technique for building a fire structure that will burn continuously and does not require ANY managing. This is a great method to know if you need the heat from a fire while you are sleeping, but do not want to wake up repeatedly during the night to add more wood.
How To: Build a fire in wet conditions when in the wilderness
Learn how to find dry materials in wet conditions and successfully build a fire in a wilderness survival situation. This is a Two part video, be sure to click on Chapter Two for the entire wilderness tutorial.
How To: Make an cord eye splice for wilderness survival uses
Here is the technique for creating a strong sleek loop in a natural length of cordage... perfect for many wilderness survival applications. Learn how to survive in the wild. You never know when you'll be stranded on a desert island, lost in the deep woods, or be a contender for Survival, the TV show. This series of videos, by Hedgehog Leatherworks, brings you the basics in outdoor survival. Wilderness survival skills include fire starting, deadfall traps, primitive fishing, making jerky, rope...
How To: Make a figure four deadfall trap for wilderness skills
Learn how to make a Figure Four Deadfall trap- Wilderness Survival Skills, demonstrated by Paul Scheiter of Hedgehog Leatheworks. Learn how to survive in the wild. You never know when you'll be stranded on a desert island, lost in the deep woods, or be a contender for Survival, the TV show. This series of videos, by Hedgehog Leatherworks, brings you the basics in outdoor survival. Wilderness survival skills include fire starting, deadfall traps, primitive fishing, making jerky, rope & cordage...
How To: Uncoil a rope
How to properly uncoil a rope without having a tangled mess.
How To: Make a primitive fishing hook from wood or thorn
Learn how to make a primitive fishing hook / fishing gouge from completely natural materials in a wilderness survival situation. Learn how to survive in the wild. You never know when you'll be stranded on a desert island, lost in the deep woods, or be a contender for Survival, the TV show. This series of videos, by Hedgehog Leatherworks, brings you the basics in outdoor survival. Wilderness survival skills include fire starting, deadfall traps, primitive fishing, making jerky, rope & cordage ...
How To: Make a cordage basket when out in the wild
Learn how to make a primitive basket for wilderness survival using natural cordage. Learn how to survive in the wild. You never know when you'll be stranded on a desert island, lost in the deep woods, or be a contender for Survival, the TV show. This series of videos, by Hedgehog Leatherworks, brings you the basics in outdoor survival. Wilderness survival skills include fire starting, deadfall traps, primitive fishing, making jerky, rope & cordage skills, and more. For the outdoor enthusiasts...
How To: Construct an improved figure four deadfall trap
Learn how to construct an improved version of the figure four deadfall trap. Learn how to survive in the wild. You never know when you'll be stranded on a desert island, lost in the deep woods, or be a contender for Survival, the TV show. This series of videos, by Hedgehog Leatherworks, brings you the basics in outdoor survival. Wilderness survival skills include fire starting, deadfall traps, primitive fishing, making jerky, rope & cordage skills, and more. For the outdoor enthusiasts, enjoy...
How To: Make wilderness survival cordage
How to make rope, cordage, and twine from natural materials found in the wilderness. Learn how to survive in the wild. You never know when you'll be stranded on a desert island, lost in the deep woods, or be a contender for Survival, the TV show. This series of videos, by Hedgehog Leatherworks, brings you the basics in outdoor survival. Wilderness survival skills include fire starting, deadfall traps, primitive fishing, making jerky, rope & cordage skills, and more. For the outdoor enthusiast...
How To: Do the backpacker rope coil
How to coil a rope and wear it on your back. Learn how to survive in the wild. You never know when you'll be stranded on a desert island, lost in the deep woods, or be a contender for Survival, the TV show. This series of videos, by Hedgehog Leatherworks, brings you the basics in outdoor survival. Wilderness survival skills include fire starting, deadfall traps, primitive fishing, making jerky, rope & cordage skills, and more. For the outdoor enthusiasts, enjoy this video on backpacker rope c...
How To: Coil 550 parachute cord
Here is a technique for coiling parachute cord or any other thin rope / twine. Learn how to survive in the wild. You never know when you'll be stranded on a desert island, lost in the deep woods, or be a contender for Survival, the TV show. This series of videos, by Hedgehog Leatherworks, brings you the basics in outdoor survival. Wilderness survival skills include fire starting, deadfall traps, primitive fishing, making jerky, rope & cordage skills, and more. For the outdoor enthusiasts, enj...
How To: Do the Mountaineer Method for rope coiling
Here is an effective way to coil a long rope and use as an emergency method of transporting an injured person.
How To: Make a Figure 4 Deadfall for trapping wild animals
Mike demonstrates this basic trap: Figure 4 Deadfall. The Figure 4 deadfall is similar to a Paiute Deadfall. Whether you are venturing on a rugged camping trip, or simply want to brush on your outdoor survival skills, this video will come in handy. Learn how to make a figure 4 deadfall trap when out in the wild.
How To: Create a Paiute Deadfall for trapping animals
Paiute Deadfall is a useful trap that employs sticks, string, and a rock. Whether you are venturing on a rugged camping trip, or simply want to brush on your outdoor survival skills, this video will come in handy. Learn how to create a paiute deadfall when out in the wild.
How To: Make a snare for trapping in the wild
Whether you are venturing on a rugged camping trip, or simply want to brush on your outdoor survival skills, this video will come in handy. Learn how to make a snare for trapping animals when out in the wild. While this trap is illegal in some states, the skill can be useful to know in any desperate survival situation.
How To: Purify water when in the wild
Whether you are venturing on a rugged camping trip, or simply want to brush on your outdoor survival skills, this video will come in handy. Learn how to purify water when out in the wild. Mike uses various methods to purify water and drinks the end result.
How To: Build a shelter when out in the wild
Whether you are venturing on a rugged camping trip, or simply want to brush on your outdoor survival skills, this video will come in handy. Learn how to build a shelter when out in the wild. Mike builds a make-shift shelter with only what is immediately available to him.
How To: Escape from the trunk of a car
Kidnapped? Playing around? Well no matter why you have been trapped in the trunk of a car, you'll need to get out. Escaping new cars is easy as they come with a lever, but chances are if you're being captured the captors won't be using that kind of vehicle. So you will need to be more creative.
How To: Make char cloth to start emergency fires
Jason shows you in this video tutorial, how to make char cloth to start emergency fires. Making your own emergency fire-starting material could someday save your life! Making char cloth is an easy way to make an emergency fire starter with materials you already have lying around the house, for use in camping, backpacking, hiking, and survival in the wilderness.
Campfire Secrets: How to Start a Fire Using a Pencil, Jumper Cables, & Car Battery
What happens when you need to build a fire, but you forgot your matches and lighter? What if you don't know the fire-plow method, the bow and drill method, or even the flint and steel method (not that you would have flint, because you forgot your lighter)?
How To: Tie knots with the Boy Scouts
Knot tying is the one of the first steps in becoming a well rounded, successful Boy Scout. Who better to learn from than the Boy Scouts themselves? Follow along with this knot tying guide to learn how to tie several knots. Click on the right hand menu to learn the following knots:
How To: Sharpen an axe or knife with the Boy Scouts
You never know when you may need to sharpen an axe... and who better to learn from than the Boy Scouts? Brace the axe head on the ground between a log about 6" in diameter and two woooden pegs or tent stakes. Sharpen your axe with an 8-10 inch mill bastard file. Be sure to wear leather gloves. Make a knuckle guard out of leather, plywood, or an old inner tube. Place the file on the edge of the blade and push it into the bit. Lift the file as you draw back for each stroke. Turn the axe around ...
How To: Escape a car accident if sinking in deep water
It can happen in an instant: Your car ends up in the water, and it’s sinking fast. Here’s how to get out if you are in an unfortunate accident. You will need self composure and a glass breaking tool. Hardware stores sell tools specifically designed to break car windows in an emergency. Just remember to stay calm! Learn how to escape a car sinking in deep water if you are in a car accident.
How To: Make emergency snowshoes
Knowing how to build a makeshift pair of snowshoes can help you walk to safety if you get caught in deep snow. You will need tree branches, and string, cord or fabric strips. Fir branches work best for snowshoes; spruce, pine and willow are good, too.
How To: Start fires with bamboo Army style in Afghanistan
Operation fire-saw. The British Army use tips from Bushcraft & Survival Skills Magazine to boost morale in Afghanistan and to practise their firelighting skills using an article written by firelighting expert Dave Watson.
How To: Forage for wild edible plants
There are probably wild plants growing in your own backyard—or at least in a nearby public park—just waiting to become a free, tasty meal. Watch this video to make sure they’re actually edible. Survive in the wild with these plant identification tips.
How To: Pitch a tent for a campout as a Boy Scout
Tenderfoot is the first rank earned as a Boy Scout. The requirements of becoming a Tenderfoot provide basic skills to begin preparing the scout for higher adventure outings. Earning badges and receiving recognition can be very satisfying to boys. However, keep in mind that the badge is only a representation of a valuable set of skills that a scout has learned and demonstrated. The skills, wisdom, and experience gained through the activities of the scouting program are of much more value than ...
How To: Prepare and cook your patrol's meal as a Boy Scout
Tenderfoot is the first rank earned as a Boy Scout. The requirements of becoming a Tenderfoot provide basic skills to begin preparing the scout for higher adventure outings. Earning badges and receiving recognition can be very satisfying to boys. However, keep in mind that the badge is only a representation of a valuable set of skills that a scout has learned and demonstrated. The skills, wisdom, and experience gained through the activities of the scouting program are of much more value than ...
How To: Tie two half-hitches knots as a Boy Scout
Tenderfoot is the first rank earned as a Boy Scout. The requirements of becoming a Tenderfoot provide basic skills to begin preparing the scout for higher adventure outings. Earning badges and receiving recognition can be very satisfying to boys. However, keep in mind that the badge is only a representation of a valuable set of skills that a scout has learned and demonstrated. The skills, wisdom, and experience gained through the activities of the scouting program are of much more value than ...
How To: Display, raise, lower and fold the flag as a Boy Scout
Tenderfoot is the first rank earned as a Boy Scout. The requirements of becoming a Tenderfoot provide basic skills to begin preparing the scout for higher adventure outings. Earning badges and receiving recognition can be very satisfying to boys. However, keep in mind that the badge is only a representation of a valuable set of skills that a scout has learned and demonstrated. The skills, wisdom, and experience gained through the activities of the scouting program are of much more value than ...
How To: Identify local poisonous plants as a Boy Scout
Tenderfoot is the first rank earned as a Boy Scout. The requirements of becoming a Tenderfoot provide basic skills to begin preparing the scout for higher adventure outings. Earning badges and receiving recognition can be very satisfying to boys. However, keep in mind that the badge is only a representation of a valuable set of skills that a scout has learned and demonstrated. The skills, wisdom, and experience gained through the activities of the scouting program are of much more value than ...