Tell Me About Wilderness Survival Skills

I know I've seen a couple survival enthusiasts here, so come on, let's discuss the subject. This is more of a discussion topic than a Tell Me About topic, I guess, as I know quite a bit about the subject in question already, but this seemed the best place to put it, as one can never learn too much.


So, to get us started, what can you tell me about friction fire-starting? That's something I really need to work on. Right now, I carry a lighter and a firesteel, but knowing how to start a fire through friction alone is valuable knowledge, and I'm lacking in this area.


Also, what does your PSK (personal survival kit) consist of? I"m still compiling mine, and though I know the basics, and obviously some of it depends on the region you'll be in, I'm curious as to what others use.



Thanks!

Pick up some books by Tom Brown. He's a wonderful survivalist.

I just felt the need to mention a pocket-sized book I bought a number of years ago called the SAS survival guide.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/SAS-Survival.../dp/0004723023

Have you read it MOS?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RooJ

I just felt the need to mention a pocket-sized book I bought a number of years ago called the SAS survival guide.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/SAS-Survival.../dp/0004723023

Have you read it MOS?

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I have that one and the one from the US Army and the SAS one is absolutely amazing. Good to keep in your car just in case. The Army one's ok I guess but alot smaller and with less info (it is easier to carry around though).

Gwendolyn, will do! I actually stopped by the Tom Brown table at this year's Blade Show, they had some nice knives there. Not sure if Tom himself was there or not, as they were packing up when I was there.


RooJ, I keep meaning to pick that up, actually. From everything I hear, it's a great compact repository of info. I've got an Air Force manual, and I think an Army one, but I really need that SAS one.

On Army Camp we were told what should be in a survival kit.

A firesteel
Waterproof matches
A condom (can hold two litres of water)
A tampon (great for use as tinder)
A wiresaw
Fishing line and hooks
Water purification tablets
A mirror
A knife
A candle

I can't remember anything else. Could someone tell me correct fire-lighting techniques? I have a fire steel but can't get it to light a fire. I can't even do it with matches and a lighter. My friend and I have tried everything to get a fire going but we can't. Any tips?

Goldney, I'll post a few links for you on firestarting later tonight, I don't have time right now. Firesteels are tricky, but once you get the hang of it it's easy enough. The most important thing is building your fire correctly, and having the right tinder, and enough of it. Anyway, I'll update this post in a few hours, gotta go for now.

[Edit:] Okay, here we go; I found a few really good links on fire-starting. Wildwood Survival - Fire, Wildwood Survival - Fire from a Coke can (thought this one looked interesting, and I remember the Mythbusters episode that featured this) Another good fire starting tips page, and this one which explains very well the basic components of a well-built fire: Survival firebuilding skills.


Hope that helps you, goldney.