Page 63 - American Survival Guide - October 2017

COMFORT IS ANOTHER REALM
ALTOGETHER AND, TOO OFTEN, OUT-
DOORSMEN THINK COMFORT ITEMS THE 4
IN THEIR KIT ARE MORE IMPORTANT “Ws” OF
THAN THE ABSOLUTE NECESSITIES.
THE WILD

I’m not trying to rewrite the book here, but another “C” could be communication, as
in signaling people with a whistle or signal mirror, for example. The important thing is
to know how and when to use these items on a regular basis—not only when they are No matter whether you are in survival
needed and night is approaching. mode, camping, backpacking or bushcrafting
for the day, mind the important four Ws
when selecting a camp:
SHELTER
In a small kit, whether it’s homemade or store bought, the hardest thing to accomplish is Water: Be as close to water as possible
shelter. This is considered “cover” in the book of Cs. The most basic and compact cover a person without being prey to the night creatures.
could have is a refl ective Mylar space blanket (thermal heat sheet), which is a little larger than Wood: A good supply of wood is needed for
a deck of playing cards when it’s packed. This is also the most di cult to set up, because the heat, cooking and signaling.
slightest breeze can have you chasing the refl ective “kite” around in the wilderness. Wind: Wind direction can ruin your night
Erecting this shelter is one skill you should learn and practice—for your own sake and with a face full of smoke if it is not observed.
Widow-makers: These are dead
‹ The author overhanging trees or large branches that
has regularly
camped could crash down on you, causing harm.
with this kit,
adding a water
reservoir to it
along the way.

‹ Randall’s
Adventure
& Training
pouches are
available in two
colors and can
be purchased perhaps to help another. Try setting one
either with kit up by yourself in a lean-to shape. There are
contents or
empty. no grommets in these compact shelters, so
use small, smooth stones, acorns or coins.
Alternatively, cut the ends off a green branch
to put the item in the corners and bind them
with cordage to make tie-off points. This will be
secure, but not bomb proof.
If you have two trees to tie off to and plenty
of cordage, you are ahead of the game, but
practice setting this shelter up “free standing”—
that is, without trees or terrain features to tie
off to. Cut and set small, dry or green branches,
waist high, as the tie off points, much like a
backpacker would use trekking poles. Set them
up first. Then pull your Mylar sheet back tight

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