Category Archives: Survival

Swedish FireSteel 2.0

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Light My Fire FireSteel 2.0 – Scout Model

The newest FireSteel from LMF is a welcome improvement over the previous model in terms of design. Although I preferred the ability to grasp the old all metal scraper as dictated by my own dexterity, the bulb heads on the new versions are relatively ergonomic. The only other difference is the addition of a built-in whistle on the scraper. Perhaps not a loud as a Fox 40, it’s still quite effective in its own right. If you are a minimalist, this new feature eliminates the need to carry a solitary whistle.

In a survival situation, this is a wonderful feature to have. If you lost your main whistle, or relied on this one alone, a whistle is by far more effective than shouting in terms of sound and effort.

As usual, the LMF FireSteel comes in a multitude of colors to suit any taste.

Cost: About CDN $13

Made in Sweden

www.lightmyfire.se

Fox 40 Micro Whistle: Relied upon by NATO Forces, U.S. Army, S.O.L.A.S., American Red Cross, U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard

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The Fox 40 Micro whistle is true to the Fox 40 tradition of innovative design and engineering excellence. Its ergonomic design has no pressure points, making it compact and easy to store. Easily attach it to life jackets, backpacks or clothing. Wet or dry, depend on Fox 40 for safety and durability.

International Whistle Code:

One Blast: “Where are you?”

Two Blasts: “Come to me.”

Three Blasts: “I need help.”

If you hear any of these signals, respond with one blast. Each blast should last 3 seconds.

– Fox 40

Fox 40 Micro Pealess Safety Whistle (comes in a wide range of colours)

www.fox40world.com

Cost: Around CDN $5.00

A whistle is an essential piece of survival kit. You should always have one with you – on your keychain, backpack, or as a zipper pull – the Fox 40 Micro is so slender there’s really no excuse not to have one.

In a survival situation, a whistle allows you to draw attention to yourself with minimal effort. Using a whistle is far more effective and louder than shouting. A passive feature of the Fox 40 (and other plastic whistles as well) is that it’s made of plastic – so you don’t have to worry about your lips freezing to it in sub-zero temperatures vs. a metal one. A whistle also comes in handy in urban survival situations as well. Scaring off an attacker, drawing attention to a car accident, trapped in a disaster (manmade or natural), calling your dog, last minute referee to your kid’s soccer game…

Survival Crisis

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Survival is a mental game. It has long been said that survival is 90% mental and 10% physical (albeit a very difficult 10%…usually made up of thirst, hunger, stress, weakness, pain etc.) In a survival situation it is extremely important to remain calm and keep thinking about the next step – one step of many which will hopefully lead to self-rescue or being rescued. Although a survival situation could be thought of as a crisis, consider the Chinese character for CRISIS – It is the combination of the words Danger & Opportunity.

MSR Titan Cup

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On its own or paired with the Titan Kettle, this ultra light, ultra tough titanium cup is an essential piece of outdoor kit. Rugged folding wire handles collapse nicely around the cup for easy storage. In a survival situation, a metal cup gives you the ability to cook food (albeit in small portions…if you have anything to cook at all) and more importantly – boil your water! In a crunch, toss a few stones in it and you have an improvised bear bell to alert bears of your presence. The MSR Titan Cup is simple and totally functional.

Volume 13.5 cu. in / 0.4 liters
Weight 1.9 oz / 54 g
Country of Origin Made in Thailand

Cost: Around CDN $40.

Although it might seem a bit expensive for a simple metal cup – this one should last you a lifetime. Remember: Quality…Not Quantity.

http://cascadedesigns.com/en/msr/cookware/cookware-accessories/titan-cup/product

Survival Tasks vs. Daylight

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In a survival situation, don’t necessarily worry about how long things will take. Provided you’ve stabilized your situation, you’ll most likely have plenty of idle time. Instead, try to think about how much daylight you have, and in that context, if you have enough “daylight time” to accomplish any tasks you need to complete before the sun goes down. Pay attention to the weather too – it will often determine what you can or cannot do in terms of tasks. Remember – prioritize and be organized. Conserve your energy and be efficient. Take your time. Do it right – do it once.

2012 Winter Survival Course

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Winter Survival & Bushcraft Course At FortWhyte Alive

February 19, 2012  SOLD OUT!

9:00am – 5:00pm
Maple Leaf Survival will give you an opportunity to learn basic cold weather survival concepts and techniques, which are essential to being prepared while enjoying the great outdoors during winter months.

The course will cover the following topics:

Winter shelter building, finding & treating water, fire starting with a bow drill, winter food, *knife & axe skills, primitive navigation, basic rescue fundamentals, and what your essential survival kit should look like. This full day course is hands-on and will leave you feeling confident to tackle winter adventures.

Course includes a hot lunch and snacks provided by the Buffalo Stone Café.

Participants must be at least 12 years of age. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Participants will receive a voucher for 20% off Trail Dreams purchases and receive a code for 10% off BushcraftCanada.com purchases.

*Course equipment supplied by BushcraftCanada.com

Register at (204) 989-8355
Fee: $60 each or register with a friend and pay just $100 for both
Note: Course must be paid in full prior to course date

SOLD OUT

2011 Fall Wilderness Survival & Bushcraft Workshop

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Sunday, October 23rd, 2011 10:00 am to 5:30 pm

 Course Description:

Celebrate the opening of Trail Dreams and the natural world by attending the Wilderness Survival & Bushcraft course, hosted by Trail Dreams and Maple Leaf Survival. This indoor/outdoor clinic will give you an opportunity to learn basic survival concepts and techniques, essential to being prepared while enjoying the world outdoors.

The course will cover the following topics:

1. Shelter

2. Water

3. Fire

4. Food

A.            Knife Skills*

B.            Navigation & Rescue

C.            Essential Kit

Course fee and what it will include:

Cost:            $75/person (Lunch and snacks included)

o      Minimum age requirement 12 years old. Participants under 18 must be

accompanied by an adult.

Participants will receive a voucher for 20% off Trail Dream purchases.

Participants will receive a code for 15% off BushcraftCanada.com purchases.

*Course equipment supplied by BushcraftCanada.com

Course Location and Contact Information:

Trail Dreams Clothing & Gear

(204) 415-1892 12-1500 Dakota Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R2N 3Y7 Canada

www.trail-dreams.ca