These are in chronological order, oldest first.

Use a Camelback (like the Blowfish) as your Survival kit holder.  Big bladder of water, a large pocket and a smaller one with two net pockets and an outer net pocket.  It is very comfortable and you are not likely to take it off because it is too heavy.  There is no leaving your water!

M40 Response: Good point. Whereas I live in the Northeast, there tends to be ample water, but in deserted or dry areas, this is a great suggestion! Thanks!

First off, great site! I learned a whole lot of stuff just going through these pages. I was thinking it might be useful to add a page listing some common knots esp. for snares and securing a tent, etc.

M40 Response: If I had the time... I'm but one guy churning out pages, and it's not a job. I make no money doing this.

your site kicks some serious ass

M40 Response: I agree, but I'm probably biased.

"This is the best site about survival n stuff but you should add how to cook animals if u catch them thanks"

M40 Response: Per your request: SEE THIS PAGE

Awesome site. It is informative and funny. One suggestion is for the solar water filter. I see you already have one listed. These are great for purifying salt water - or other "dirty" water as well. If the person does not have the ability to dig; they can use sticks to prop up the outer edges of the tarp. This makes removing the water simple, while allowing the tarp to keep drying the ground. Oh, and don't forget snares for woodchucks, they're large, prevalent and ornery enough to be completely stupid. Thank you for your wonderful site.

M40 Response: No big prevalence of chucks in my parts, but thanks!

As this weekend proved, a nice campsite can turn into a muddy mess in a heartbeat if the rain persists even the higher ground can fill up with water, filling your fire pit and puddling around your shelter threatening to take your shelter.

M40 Response: A large tarp or parachute to cover your whole campsite can be a great piece of camping gear. I bring a surplus 30' diameter parachute on most of my camping trips. This is hung like a large canopy over my site. Site location is important as well. Pick a spot with good drainage, or one that is higher than the surrounding areas.

dear sir; really like your web site; simple, practical, straight to the point and abundant in information.  wondered if $130.00 investment in new battery operated water purifier at msrcorp.com would be a wise investment. sincerely, M40 omitted

M40 Response: It would be great... if batteries grew on trees!  Neat gizmo, but I'm not a fan of battery operated items for wilderness use. If someone invents one that is solar powered, then it would prove interesting. In the meanwhile, a hand-pumped model is what I would recommend.

"You have a very interesting and useful site.  I learned a lot from the modification of the kukri knife and the survival pack.  I had been wanting one of those survival knifes with the hollow handles and built in slingshots.  But, after looking at several sites including yours, I think I am just going to purchase a fixed blade knife (I don't need one as large as the kukri), maybe only a 4 inch blade, and will attempt to make a survival kit like yours to attach to the sheath.  Thanks for your good ideas.  Your written descriptions are quite clear and the photos just enhance the text.

Matt H (M40 Omitted Address)

M40 Response: I think you'll find that a 4" blade is severely lacking in chopping prowess. A big blade can do everything that a small blade can, but the opposite is definitely not the case!

Not a submission, suggestion, or advice as I believe you need none. Just wanted to thank you for letting people download the FM 21-76 Manual. I was looking to actually buy this today but then found your site when I was looking for Kukri information. Thanks also for that info, very valuable. -Matt (M40 Omitted Address)

M40 Response: Thanks for the kudos Matt, and thanks for writing!

"Altoids tins are great for personal survival kits the kit itself doesn't have to be expensive either with a little thought and basic materials around the house u can have a pretty decent kit. also since u put it together its easy to customize for ur environment

M40 Response: I've used them before. Try using metal polish on the inside to bring it to a near mirror shine for signaling. Thanks for the kudos, and thanks for writing!

ie im a driver and keep a couple of the more common fuses for my volvo 660 in my kit"

M40 Response: Good idea. Tools and common parts should always be carried in your car IF you have the knowledge to use them effectively.

"I have been doing much research on the subject of wilderness survival skills, as I live in Colorado Springs, and spend much time up in the mountains (even in the winter).  This is by far the most comprehensive and realistic site on the subject that I have found.  Thank You for that.  -  K. W."

M40 Response: Thanks for the kudos. I'm probably not the most comprehensive, but my goal is to be the most realistic and simplest resource on the net. There's quite a few in-depth sites out there, but the sheer volume of information scares folks away, and there's no focus on which skills are the simplest and/or most effective. I strive to present the easy to learn skills that really work, and to filter out the bullshit that seems to prevail elsewhere.

if you were those kind of people who feels that the wilderness is a disgusting place, wouldn't your first choice of food be vegetables instead of animals? Any tips on what kind of plants and sorts that can be eaten, in case there are no animals in that area to feed on.

M40 Response: Not sure where you're coming from there... but the answer is NO. I avoid most plants as many are poisonous, and many more contain little or no calories. Sure plants can be good for you in the long run (nutrition and all), but calories are the name of the game in a survival situation.  I avoid advising folks on plant life for these reasons, and for the fact that any page(s) on what plants are edible/inedible would quickly turn into an encyclopedia. People wouldn't read it, and it would be a colossal waste of time. Not everyone is an experienced botanist. My site is dedicated to being short and concise, and therefore easy to remember.

"Hi there!  EXTREMELY interesting and useful site, but I do have a question:  If the idea is to survive (let's say after a plane crash, for example), the problem is that the security people will not allow you on the plane carrying a personal Survival Pak - which obviously has to contain a gadget such as a 'Leatherman', etc.  How do you get around this obstacle?  M40 Omitted Address

M40 Response: First, if you have a downed plane, you have plenty of metal scrap, plastic, etc, all just waiting to be turned into machete's shelter, and other tools. This presumes that you'd even be in a survival situation in the first place. All modern jetliners have transponders and the like. Any crash situation, even in extremely remote areas, will have responders on the scene within hours at the most. I don't foresee these situations turning into extended wilderness survival situations. If it's a small non-commercial plane, then you don't have the security measures, and can thus bring along a kit. Thanks for the kudos, and thanks for writing!

look I'm a survivalist type myself I agree that in a survival situation use anything you can get your hands on. but when in practice learning and honing skills its better to use dead stuff. It works as good I know I've done it. I'm just saying that you ought to mention it that's all there, a use for everything living or dead.  -William

M40 Response: William, if you're practicing building a shelter, but will NEVER build a fire anywhere near it... sure... go ahead and use dead stuff. In a survival situation, use common sense and ANY materials that are available, dead or alive. Be very aware that dead materials are FLAMMABLE!

 Don't forget duct tape! Impromptu repairs of tents, tarps, clothing, shoes, you name it. You can roll a length of it into a replacement bootlace or cordage for other reasons. Form it into sheets to construct all sorts of things like pouches, etc. Roll newspaper into tubes of various diameters and lengths, then cover with layers of DT to create durable containers. It's cheap, easy, and the best creation of modern man.

M40 Response: I didn't forget the duct tape. Read more carefully, it's right there in my kit!  As for making pouches and containers out of it... I can think of better materials to use.

"I suggest trying out your techniques when you can afford to make a mistake, and then make adjustments accordingly. Practice that fire making, it's a lot of fun, and makes you more valuable should things become so bad in society that the ones with skill live and the ones without walk, or become food, it's an important skill. Have fun while you're practicing and it will be more peaceful if an emergency occurs, practice what you live live what you practice.

M40 Omitted Address

M40 Response: GREAT advice Sarg!  Practice makes perfect. If Katrina showed us anything, it's that the prepared survive.

i have been lookin all over the internet to find a website that is dedicated to survival methods and so far this is the best site out there. you keep things simple and easy to understand

M40 Response: That's the goal. Thanks for the kudos, and thanks for writing!

Thanks for posting a great site.  Much appreciated and very useful!

M40 Response: Thanks for the kudos, and thanks for writing!

"Hi, I run a survival school in Germany,( I'm English) a small but successful addition to the lighter inside an innertube on a keyring, is to sew the bottom of the innertube  so that you leave 1 1/2" - 2" sticking down, then carefully cut it into fine tassles or strands then nip one off to use as tinder when required, it gives you  instant access to tinder which is unaffected by moisture and lights every time,  every little helps, none of us have all the answers but if we share what we have then it makes us stronger together and able to spread the good word, I enjoy your site,- Regards - Tony L........

M40 Response: Thanks for the advice Tony. I'll give it a try.

"hey-

this is a great website i was trying to find a website to see what sorta stuff to put in my survival kit and you did that for me and a lot more. This website has all sorts of tips like how to find water or to hunt, fish, or just a general camping trip. Keep it up.

thanks-

Timmy L....

M40 Response: Thanks for the kudos, and thanks for writing!

Awesome site.  Your work on the curved knife interests me, especially since big knives are taboo nowadays.  I was taught to carry a small, sharp knife, and a folding saw.  What do you think?  Were you an Eagle Scout?  If you have a minute, send an email to M40 Omitted Address  Thanks!

M40 Response: A small knife is better than none at all, and the folding saw approach makes sense when you can't have a large bladed chopping tool.

"what about actual survival knives?...made for the lost survivor.

i just ordered the bushmaster b/c i like it. not b/c i plan on using it; but if i needed it, it would be extremely handy. have any knife suggestions? "

M40 Response: My only suggestion is to carry enough blade for the job at hand. Carry one that suits you. The khukri is too big/heavy for some folks, in which case, the ideal may be a short, light-bladed machete... to each their own.

"good web page mate

M40 Response: Thanks !

"for firestarting stuff, i take cedar and pine sawdust (enough to fill a bread pan), and drizzle lighter fluid until the sawdust is just a bit damp. i then take pinepitch, tallow and beeswax, melt it, and saturate the sawdust. when cool, it is a giant block, i cut it with a hot knife into 2" x 4" sticks and package each one with a vacuum sealer. To make a fire, i take a cube of this stuff, and my trusty knife, and i shave it over dry twigs and light it. instant firestarter and very hot. the wax/pitch & tallow melt all over the twigs and burn nicely, even in rain.

cheers,  -  Otto "BUSHMAN" Blum

M40 Response: Good advice for camping, but a bit bulky for most survival kits. I use mostly natural tinder, but for those who want a great firestarting media, try soaking cotton balls in vaseline (petroleum jelly). They light easily, and burn very hot for quite a while... long enough to ignite even damp materials.

Thank you for the good advise.  I will use these tips on my hunting trips in the back country of Oregon.  Mike.

M40 Response: Thanks for the kudos Mike, and thanks for writing!

when going backpacking, in my opinion, the most suitable hammock is the jungle hammock. It is light weight, long lasting, mosquito proof, and sometimes rain proof. They can be very cheap and very useful.

I did notice that you left out first aid. At present I am figuring out the best items to put in a first aid kit. Two items that have recently come out as good substitute first aid items are women's feminine napkins and tampons. If a hunting accident occurs and some one is shot then use the tampon. Insert it in the hole and it will swell up and cut of the blood flow. On top of that it is sterile. The same for a kotex. It is also sterile and makes a great field dressing for larger wounds. I will pack at least a few of tampons as they are small and at least 3 or 40 kotex with a small roll of ace bandage to hold it in place. I am still working on other ideas at present but nothing perfected. Ahh the glories of preplanning. It is still the best survival tool we have as long as common sense is used like you said.

M40 Response: I've used the jungle hammocks. Good way to stay dry and bug free. As for the medical kits, I have the sutures and general painkillers, anti-diarrhetics, and I've discussed several ways to improvise bandages, disinfectants, etc. If you need more, go ahead and pack it. I try to keep my kit SMALL.

good site. learned a lot.  thanks

M40 Response: Thanks for the kudos, and thanks for writing!

In cold environments, you can mold ice with the heat of your hands to form a convex lens, this can be used to start a fire, be careful not to drip water on your tinder though.   -Kevin S.....

M40 Response: I've seen this done, and it's interesting (in a junior high science class way). You could spend all day trying this and end up with nothing but frostbite. This is one of those "skills" that is shown on other survival sites as a viable wilderness survival tactic, but is nearly impossible. This type of BS advice is the reason I created my site. Not to knock you Kevin, I'm actually trying to inform you. Other sites show about a hundred ways to start fires... most of them virtually unworkable bullshit. I'll use a Bic, thanks!

If someone is stranded on some island or jungle or just anywhere with a good amount of living trees, & DONT have a water filter or purification tablets, then this is one way to get water... you need to have any kind of un-punctured plastic bag (preferably large). Find a nice, supple, healthy,& small tree branch/twig, tie the bag around it & wait. It will gather only a small amount of water, but it will most likely be clean & refreshing. When I say "tie the bag around it", I mean like a bag balloon over the twig. It will create a sort of greenhouse effect and collect the excess water.  "

M40 Response: Easier to do on a large scale, ie: wrap your plastic around large areas of foliage. This will collect more moisture. HOWEVER... if there is supple foliage to be had... there's probably water present somewhere nearby. I think I'd head downhill.

"if your eating habits come down to grasshoppers, locusts etc, the first thing you want to do before you eat them is take off their wings and hind legs. (they scratch your throat---I know from experience)."

M40 Response: Thanks for the advice... I think.

"L.ittle S.usie F.ought T.ommy's S.ister.............very pathetic, I know, but this saying is very helpful in survival situations.In other words: L. for LOOK,look to see if the plant is slimy or withered. S. for SMELL,crush up a little bit of the plant & if it smells like peaches or bitter almonds, throw it away. F. for feel,rub the plant very lightly under your arm(tender skin is most vulnerable to rashes)and if you feel any discomfort, swelling etc.,say bye,bye to it. T. for TASTE,put a small bit on lips, put a small bit in the corner of mouth, put a small bit on the tip of tongue, put a small bit under tongue, chew a small bit. if at any time any discomfort is experienced, the plant is no good. S. for SAMPLE, swallow a very small amount of plant and wait 5 hours.dont eat or drink anything during time.if nothing happens, LUNCHTIME!!!!!  PS in case u didn't notice, this is a PLANT eating test."

M40 Response: I avoid most plants, as many are poisonous, and many more contain little or no calories. Sure plants can be good for you in the long run (nutrition and all), but calories are the name of the game in a survival situation!  I avoid advising on plant life for these reasons, and for the fact that any page(s) on what plants are edible/inedible would quickly turn into an encyclopedia. People wouldn't read it, and it would be a colossal waste of time. My site is dedicated to being short and concise, and therefore easier to remember. Finally, food is the LEAST of your concerns!

"I love your site - it is well thought out- I made a knife survival kit from a BK-7-it goes everywhere with me-still I am intrigued by your Ghurka outfit-well done!

 M40 Omitted Address

M40 Response: Gotta love those Becker blades!  Thanks for writing and thanks for the kudos.

"Hi Im a 17 yr old male that lives in Canada and I was very interested in your site because sometime soon I hope to explore the land that I live around. It has been a dream of mine to try and live isolated from all civilization in the woods for a period of time just surviving on the land. Your site has been a big help and I hope that you add to it soon. Feel free to contact me at M40 Omitted Address and let me know if you have any more tips that I could use.

M40 Response: Thanks for writing, and thanks for the kudos... BUT, don't dream that "living off the land" is a warm, fuzzy or comfortable existence. It most definitely sucks. It's often times an itchy, cold and dirty experience and anyone who professes otherwise is typically selling something. My suggestion is to be a prepared camper. Prepared camping is enjoyable, and allows you to practice your survival skills for that time when you may not be so prepared. If my site teaches one thing, let's hope it's preparedness.

"Hi, I'm a sixty year old police officer (I worked in the "kick ass and take names" era, now referred to as dinosaurs.  When it comes to fighting crime and or evil I could offer a lot of advise based on experience.  The area you specialize in, I'm about as inexperienced as a person can be.  A good Cub Scout could teach me a lot.  That being said, people need to wake up and realize the terrorists are not our friends.  They don't want to sit around and discuss differences.  Their is nothing they would rather do than to SLOWLY torture American children, women and men.  After the last whimper of life come from our dying and soon decaying bodies is when their party begins.  People need to be prepared!  Don't be fooled that your only worry is the terrorist.  Your biggest worry is the guy down the street who hasn't prepared, see your family surviving nicely as his loved ones are slowly dying of starvation.  Guess where he coming to get food for his family?  He'll be hoping and praying you and your family voted against the RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS.  A reasonable person should be able to draw their own conclusions to this setting.  Learn how to survive anywhere at anytime, because when terror strikes it probably won't be when you are ready. The editor and the staff of this website should be very proud of the service they are doing for the community.  The emergency responders do a better job than most people will ever know or appreciate.  But remember, they have families too, and their going to take care of them. Respectfully, Bob                 GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!

M40 Response: Thanks for writing Bob. As a competitive shooter, I agree. As a survival tool, there's not much that beats a decent rifle. As we saw in hurricane Katrina, bad situations bring out the best in the best sorts of people, but they also bring out the worst in the worst of people. In any sort of disaster, be prepared to defend yourself, your family, and your supplies against those who WILL take them by force. Being prepared goes beyond food, water and batteries. It often means defense, escape routes and other contingency plans.

animals have excellent senses of smell. find a tree where a trail is nearby, place a small handfull of salt (preferably in your current container, only opened. climb the tree and spear/smack/or in any way kill all that comes your way.

M40 Response: This usually takes a while. Animals don't smell salt from any distance. Once they discover a salt deposit, they'll keep coming back from time to time, but there are better lures. Trapping is the better method, as you don't have to spend your time crouching in a tree waiting in hopes of thumping something.

"Dear friend,

I do enjoy your entire survival section pages very much and share the same common sense ideas about the content of a customised survival kit. Also, I admire your inspiring pages about the Gurkhas' KUKRI and respective modifications. Indeed I owe you the inspiration, which motivated me to include a kukri into my gear.

In order to share whatever idea probably useful, I would suggest a small tip: a hammock should be considered as a comfort-enhancing item in a camper/hiker 's kit. A hammock is of either "fish net" type or "tent fabric" type, and would be no burden in terms of weight and space. I would recommend the "tent fabric" type as it offers better protection against wind and insects. Whether you encounter a sudden rain or an all-night cat'n'dog pourdown, a hammock may become handy as a quick-to-install above-the-ground personal shelter together with a poncho roof (also quick-installable). All you need is two suitable trees and a humble skill of knot-making. The mammock can effectively protect you from wet, sometimes soaking, ground caused by rain and from night-hunting snakes, which might like to sneak into your tent. In a fine breezy afternoon, a nap after lunch on a hammock will just be perfect. Among its normal use, a hammock may serve as an emergency first-aid stretcher in case of severe injury. Of course, you can name several other uses with your good imagination.

I hope I contribute something as a suggestion. Thanks!

Casper

M40 Response: Thanks Casper. I agree that a hammock can be a fine piece of kit for hiking, camping, etc. I've never been able to sleep very well in one, so I haven't evaluated them,  but I see your points as to its versatility.

small wire saw??(for the people who dont have the advantage of a big knife :-))

For an experienced woodsman an "easy life" survival can consist of only a bic lighter, knife, 2 fishing hooks and some fishing line (80-150lb) and a garbage bag. If done correctly, you could live on these items with ease.

M40 Response: The small wire saw is okay... but definitely nothing great. The amount of time and energy required to actually cut any wood with these is prohibitive. It would be quicker to simply break branches!  As for your "easy life" kit.... I'm afraid you and I do not share the same opinion on what constitutes an "easy" life.  You can weather a storm in your garbage bag, but I'll take a shelter and survival blanket, thanks!

(by the way, my 9' x 12' sheet of plastic rolls up smaller than a garbage bag).

"RE:Survival Kit

Does not include (although mentioned) large polyhene bags (trash/dustbin bags) used for solar sills and trapping dew. It is also suggestable to include dry cotton wool held in a waterproof container, such as a small photographic film case. This can be used a tinder where it cannot be found or used."

M40 Response: As mentioned above, my 9' x 12' sheet of plastic rolls up smaller than a garbage bag. For those who need to carry good tinder, cotton balls soaked in vaseline seem to work best. They can be lit easily, burn like crazy, and stay lit in all kinds of weather conditions.

The logs you place in your fireplace to use as a fire starter (I think they are just sawdust and wax) cut off about a 1 inch thick piece.  Then cut the circle into fourths and place in a zip lock bag.  They light real easy and are compact.  Good enough to start a small fire.

M40 Response: See the cotton balls/vaseline approach above. I agree that your idea would work well, but in my opinion, it takes up too much space and weight.

Thanx for the well prepared advice.....You must have been in the military but whatever thanx for the military manual of survival skills......

M40 Omitted Address

....Again thanx for the free advice but you did know that you could make a million bucks selling your advice......So far we never got around to buying any of those expensive survival skill books and we don't know if those books are worth it or not....

M40 Response: I'm glad you like the pages. I'm not in this for money, but thanks for the vote of confidence. If I was selling stuff and filling my pages with popups, popdowns, and banner ads, how much confidence would you have that I was being honest in my advice rather than simply hocking products?

"Use a burst innertube from a bicycle in your survival pouch for starting a fire. Wrap it up and cut a small piece off, light with bic lighter to get your fire going. Very good when everything is soaking wet.

from Richard Bourne (Hull, England)"

M40 Response: Thanks for the advice Richard. I'll give it a try. I usually use natural tinder and flint/steel, but recommend the Bic lighter and vaseline cotton balls for those who are novice firestarters.

" In my survval kit I also have steel wool and a flashlight. All flashlights take about 3 volts and yesterday I succeeded in catching the steel wool on fire, by touching it to the batteries. Try it at home. By the way the old man that told me to use the mangrove leafs was a bum for about 2 years. He told me to always have extra pairs of socks because if it gets really cold you can use them for gloves. He also told me not to use garbage bags to keep in heat because When you take it off your legs will freeze from the sweat build up.

M40 Response: I've seen the flashlight battery thing done. Nice parlor trick, but a Bic lighter is easier. As for the garbage bag thing, VERY TRUE. I wouldn't recommend anything that can trap moisture in cold environments. Although the survival blankets can do this, they are not a bag, so air can move, and they don't tend to collect perspiration.

   I know a man that lived with a indian tribe but I don't know which one. He said the most amazing thing he had ever seen was how a boy passed into manhood and earned the feathers on his head. The elders and the boy left the camp and went into a field where he dug about a 4 foot deep hole. Then he took some animal hide and cut a hole in the middle of it and put his hand through. He then picked up a dead rabbit and got in the hole so that the hide covered him. then he put the rabbit through the hole in the hide and started wiggling it. Pretty soon after that a eagle spotted it and swooped down upon it, when it tried to take it away the boy yanked it into the hole with him. I dont know if the kid had a knife or not but that would be a rough fight. I guess you could use this eagle trap in a survival situation, but trie at own risk."

M40 Response: Thanks but NO THANKS! I don't see what this has to do with survival. Would you eat the eagle? I'd just eat the rabbit.

 I have a survival kit in a sardine can from www.whistlecreek.com and its water proof ,fits in your pocket, and has a lot of contents. I never knew it existed.

Thanks for the tips in helping me get my survival kit started. I would also include a roll of flouresent orange marking tape. I use this when I hunt in the fall to help me remember where I hung my stand. This can be used to leave a trail in case you need to circle back if you are lost, and possibly aid a rescue party in finding you.

M40 Response: Good advice. If you need extra help finding your way back out of woods, you can buy thumbtacks that have the same reflective material as street signs. I think they're called "cat's eyes" or something along those lines. You stick them in trees every 50 yards or so, so that when it gets dark, you can simply shine a flashlight, and they light up your trail like beacons in the night. These are also good for hunters who want to mark the way to their tree stand. It may be easy to find in the day, but try getting there before first light!

"Your site is excellent and your method of providing no nonsense advice is how sites should be done.  too often the websites are too preachy about respecting nature and protecting it.  when the purpose of the site is supposed to tell people how to survive being lost in nature.  i am 100% for protecting nature, the forest, animals and such but in a survival situation i am only worried about one thing... survival.  Anyway - your website is really well done, keep up the good work.  There arent too many that stick to the subject at hand... survival.

Jeremy

M40 Response: Thanks Jeremy. I try to keep my pages on the right side of sanity. You wouldn't believe the hate mail and threats I get for my trouble... the shrub cuddlers really hate it when I talk about chopping, killing and the like. They could give a shit when people die, but a tree... now that's worth saving, right?

"There's some good stuff here and well organised too. But I'm afraid the solar still is not one of them. I have tried these things out and found them to be fairly useless. Certainly they will not produce enough water to meet daily requirements(unless you have enough plastic to make a small farm of them - and the energy to dig the holes). Many survival schools have finally woken up to this and are now teaching accordingly, not before time. Having said that the one place they do seem to be effective is in the sea but I have only seen this on TV.

Kind Regds

Ross F

M40 Omitted Address

M40 Response: Hey Ross. Solar stills are good when the conditions are right. I'm not sure I'd try it in a desert, as there'd be little moisture to be had from the soil anyways. In other areas, they seem to work very well. When there's no standing water nearby, but the ground has some moisture, it can be a life saver. As for digging holes, I don't recommend it. It's easier to find a natural depression and work with it.

what is your take on fire starting pellets or fuel sticks for a survival kit?

I do have a suggestion. Get chlorophil pills at the drug store that are used for colostomy bags. Take them about 3 times a day for 3 months. I did it. Mosquitoes LOVE me. That chlorophyll must make me smell or taste like a plant and they did not bother me even down in Florida glades in sweaty summer heat. I told a deer hunter I know and he tried it and seems like the scent you leave on the wind must not smell human so does not spook the prey.  This has worked.  It also alters the odor of your sweat...it does not stink.  Course this requires planning ahead.  SB

M40 Response: I prefer the vaseline cotton balls for small, lightweight firestarters that light in all weather. As for the chlorophyll, you won't catch me eating that stuff. You can have at it, but don't get too much sun... you'll turn green!

"Dear friend,

I couldn't agree more with you that wilderness survival (or whatever kind of survival) is all about applying one's common sense to make use of proven knowledge and skills together with a well-prepared survival kit. Sadly enough, some Rambo type idiots just love polluting their minds and others' with their misguided missiles of advice. Hereunder is an article on misguiding info found in most well-known field manuals. I think you may find it interesting.

Sincerely,

Casper T

M40 Omitted Address

M40 Response: Hey Casper, thanks for the article. Interesting stuff, and quite true!

"FIRST COMMENT: I appreciated the information on your fire-starting page. You brought up a couple of new points for me. This is good. I particularly liked the Dakota fire pit. I will try to adapt that idea to a snowpit fire this winter, and see what happens.

I wondered, however, why you didn't mention white birch bark as a tinder source. This bark has an oily component in it which will light and burn even if it is dripping wet. Shredded and crumpled, it makes excellent tinder. In strips and sheets it will kindle larger branches, especially conifers, in short order. A small amount of magnesium shavings in the center of a good-sized sheet of white birch bark will enable you to start a fire quickly even in wet, snowy, or windy conditions. It can be peeled off a tree without even a knife in many cases. (And you can write a HELP message on it with your Space Pen, too, if you can figure out a way to deliver it, LOL....)

 M40 Comment: If I didn't mention it, I should have. Birch bark DOES burn well. My fire pages need some revamping, but I'm a lone webmaster with hundreds of pages I'd love to redo. Hopefully I get to it soon!

SECOND COMMENT: I read your comments on bug repellents. I agree most of the stuff on the market is worthless. I do not use DEET-based products personally, but I have seen them work for others. What I DO use is citronella oil, and I disagree with you on that one. I do a fair amount of brush cutting in the course of my work, and this always happens--naturally, dammit!--at the height of black-fly season. I obviously have and wear full-dress bug net when necessary, but it's a PITA and if I can get away with just the citronella spray, I will. (Nothing more fun than hawking out a big gob of spit only to remember a split second too late you're wearing your head net....)

The citronella oil works. It doesn't last very long (say about 20-30 minutes), especially if you're sweating a lot, but within a few seconds of spritzing my head, neck, and other exposed body parts with a liberal spray, the bugs back off to about two feet and hover in frustration.

 M40 Comment: I've seen studies that show that citronella has very little effectiveness, and that it's short lived. I'll take the DEET. I know it works well and for a long time.

THIRD COMMENT: You talked about duct tape in the survival kit. That's fine; the stuff is pretty good at sealing and patching holes in tarps, tents, whatever. And it's fairly strong. But it won't stick worth a gnat's fart to anything that is wet, and it's useless at minus 30. Which makes it a bit of a fair-weather friend, if you get my meaning. And who the hell gets in trouble in good weather?  A tape that WILL hold on wet, even snowy objects, is cloth HOCKEY TAPE. I have gotten XC skiers with a broken binding out of the bush more than once by taping their ski boot to the ski with hockey tape. It will also serve quite well as medical tape and is safer to use on skin because it is not impermeable, and will allow sweat to pass out and air to reach the skin. If you get a blister while hiking, wrap the toe or heel in hockey tape and keep on walking. I would not dream of heading out into the bush without a roll of the stuff in my kit.

 M40 Comment: Thanks, I have it and use it as grip tape for tools, but never thought of packing it in the kit.

Good site. I've bookmarked it and will check in from time to time. If you start a discussion board, I'll be interested in participating.

'Dinosaur'

Québec, Canada

(please do NOT publish my full name or my e-mail address on the web; it is for your use only if you wish to communicate with me. Thanks.)

M40 Response: I hope that's not too much info. Thanks for the kudos and the good observations!

Could use more on Winter Survival. Sure, there are snow shelters, but in many places of the upper Midwest (Northern Plains) snow and extreme cold don't necessarily go together, so forget digging down for a nice place to sleep above a cold sink. Most folks who get caught out in the open up here just plain die. Survival North Dakota would be a great series. But at least there's no bugs.

M40 Response: I haven't been out on any good Winter campouts lately. I tend to write only what I know from personal experience, and my winter camping days were done when I was younger. If I get out there soon, I'll add some content!

"Thank you for your current insight into survival tips and gear.

M40 Response: You're welcome, thanks for the kudos.

May I ask you to describe how you mastered the sheath to the khukuri. I am currently attempting this, but can not figure out the best way to cover it with canvas... glue? Staples? wood tacks? How did you do it?

Thanks

A California Survivor

M40 Response: I didn't know there were any California survivors left! Is it still legal to enter the woods in CA? What if you stepped on a bug or a plant?  Kidding aside... I do most of my sheaths in Kydex these days. The first Khukri I did was covered in heavy canvas I scavenged from an old military duffel bag. See this page for details: http://www.m4040.com/Knifemaking/SheathMod.htm

awesome site, lots of good stuff on here that is worth knowing, thanks alot for taking the time and the effort to put your knowledge on here for others to see.

M40 Response: Thanks for the kudos... that's what keeps me writing!

Hi my name is Brandon and i'm kinda new to the survival deal but a good method os rubbing a dryer sheet all over and it repels bug for a good long time and there extremely compact.

M40 Response: Brandon, I've never tried it, and really can't see myself testing this one... anyone know what chemicals are used on dryer sheets?

Can you give me more information on who you are as I have students that would like to use your web site as a resource for survival skills but they need to MLS the information. They need information about who you are, when you created your site and your background. Thanks

M40 Response: Email me directly with your contact info!

In regards to the mini LED flashlight. I'm not sure when you left the military, but the RED lens cover the Army was using for what would seem an eternity fell into disfavor due to it's HIGHER detectability in comparison to a BLUE lens cover.  I am no longer in the ARMY and reside in Germany the Police, Fire Department and Ambulances use a BLUE Signal Light that can be difficult to detect at times.  The German government has decided that ALL Police vehicles will be outfitted with RED Signal Light to include a different Signal Siren to increase their Visual and Audio detectable profile during emergencies and warranted usage.  Richard G:  M40 Omitted Address

M40 Response: I don't recommen d the red at all. I typically use white as it is the brightest and most efficient LED light made.

I love to use old film canisters, plastic, light, fill them with cotton, have matches, also a small flint and steel on a cord around the neck.  Fire is so important I always want to be able to make it.  The MRE makes a small packet that contains lots of fun stuff to have with and its very small TP ect that a guy can use in a snap.  Make sure the whole thing fits into something you can grab and run if you need to.  I put one in my plane always, if i go down, I most likely will have limited time to grab anything if I live to grab and I want to make sure I got what  need. 

M40 Response: I think I'd want more than the MRE Accessory packet if I went down in a plane. A car or plane kit can be quite comprehensive. Throw a good sized kit together in a 50 caliber ammo can (available at army/navy stores for about $5/ea). The can is air and water tight, and almost indestructible.

Replace two of your compasses with kitchen matches and paper towels, for fire and first aid

M40 Response: If you've read my site carefully, you know what I think of matches. Paper towels take up a lot of room, and are no better than a torn bit of tee shirt for bandaging, etc.

your goood at doing survival tips but have you ever tried to do one well if you never have try one and show one on here people might like to se one on the internet. are you going to try it or not are you going to

M40 Response: WTF ?!?!?!  Okay.. I are be too going to be web and show here too try one like see and.... ummm... LEARN ENGLISH!!!

On the subject of divining rods - I'd like to add a little story (whilst fully endorsing that they are not suitable as a survival tool).  My grandfather worked as a UK hedger and ditcher, which is all about traditional agricultural field drainage.  He regularly used divining rods to locate leaks or damp spots in the field.  As a skeptical scientist, I have long questioned why and how this worked for him and would like to advance a suggestion.  My grandfather was out in the fields from a very early age, he had a huge amount of knowledge in his brain relating to previous leaks, damp spots etc.  I suggest that his divining rods acted as a focus for his brain to retrieve and correlate all that information, rather than thinking about it directly.  Without all the information gathered by many years working in that specialised area, no divining rod is going to work.  If you think I am talking rubbish, so be it - I don't consider it all that different to any professional, who will be able to use 'intuition' as a short cut to inform choice in any business area.  This theory would also explain why it won't work for anyone, the rods do nothing, other than act as an information retrieval mechanism.

M40 Response: It would take a lot to convince me that divining rods are anything but a parlor trick. I've seen experiments done that utterly disprove that these are any better than straight chance.

Bring a hatchet it can just about make anything bows, arrows, fire, and food. well it can't make food but it can kill it.

M40 Response: I'll take a large knife over a hatchet, but to each his own... I WOULD like to see your hatchet hunting technique... that would be a feat!

"Want cheap, easy to use, RELIABLE, tinder?  Try slathering triple size 100% cotton balls with Vaseline petroleum jelly.  Don't force the jelly into the center of the cotton ball, just liberally coat the outside.  Use is simple, just pull open the cotton ball enough to expose the dry center and use your butane lighter or the sparks from a flint to ignite the cotton/jelly.  The cotton ball will burn for quite some time even in wind or wet conditions.   This is the best emergency tinder I've ever used.  I always carry 6 or 7 of these little jewels in a plastic 35mm film container that is sealed around the lid with bright orange electrical tape so it's easy to find if dropped in the field.  I like the magnesium block firestarters too but in my experience, in a true survival scenario where you may be cold, wet, and/or possibly injured, they take too much effort to use.  Imagine trying to use one of these blocks with a broken arm.  Much credit for this information should go to Cody Lundin, director of the Aboriginal Living Skills School in Prescott, Arizona.  If you haven't read his book:  98.6 DEGREES, The art of keeping YOUR ASS ALIVE!  I very highly recommend it.  Cody's book is the absolute best(and most entertaining) survival book I've ever read.  Anyone interested in his school should visit:  www.alssadventures.com  or send an email to:  M40 Omitted Address  I hope you and other readers find this suggestion useful.

Thanks for your time and attention.

Tino

Northglenn, CO"

M40 Response: Thanks Tino...No argument here!  I learned about the vaseline/cotton ball trick at the USAF survival school in upstate Washington. Works great! As for the book, I haven't read that one. Maybe I'll pick it up.

Can you post something about nets and their uses, or what kind of cordage to use on a trap?

M40 Response: As for how to use a net... you net stuff... fish, birds, etc.  As for the cordage type, it would really depend on the snare itself. Are you snaring birds, bears or something in between? Use enough rope for the task!

hey Im 14 years old and I love the outdoors. so I love your site it has everything one needs to know to survive in the wilderness. so if you could could you send me other tips and advice I could use?

chad

M40 Response: Chad, there's plenty of good books out there. I recommend downloading the US Army survival manual from this site first. That covers most of what I don't!

I was thinking something as simple as a little mirror...can be used for signaling. That helped us when we got lost. Or a whistle...

M40 Response: My kit contains a whistle. It also contains a HUGE mirror (the survival blanket).

"SSG Roman.

I have used "skin So Soft" It sucked! Or should I say was sucked. I always carry 100% liquid DEET. 

I was told that termites make good mosquito repellents. Can't always find mango trees but termites like ants are prevalent.

Ps. Love your site, and your spear selection.

Keep “KISS”ing

M40 Omitted Address

M40 Response: I've heard quite a few folks busting the "Skin-so-soft" myth. I use the DEET too and it works like nothing else. Not sure if I'd try the termite thing, though!

"I would suggest you educate your self ,instead of spreading biggottry.

 with out the Native People that helped the first pilgrims that first winter i doubt we would be in such a fix today,some would say we should have thrown them darn sick ,pale weaklings back into the sea......"

M40 Response: I would suggest YOU educate yourself in actual history instead of the politically correct shit you seem to be full of (a little spelling and grammar would help as well).

   The native people didn't help the pilgrims through the winter. That is a modern day rewrite of history, but is in no way grounded in factual findings or in the written journals of the first settlers. The pilgrims considered the local tribes to be "savages" and "sub-human". By the way, them "darn, sick, pale weaklings" kicked some ass in the few skirmishes they had with the locals. They built their village with walls and turrets to repel the attacks from those "peaceful" natives.

   As for surviving the winter, the local tribes lost just as many if not more of their tribe each winter than the pilgrims did. The first "Thanksgiving" was held without the natives present, as was the second, third, etc. It wasn't until a few years into their stay that the pilgrims had developed some modicum of trade with the natives, and at that time they began to occasionally allow them in for the odd meal.

   This occurrence of two civilizations colliding has happened thousands of times throughout history. As in EVERY SINGLE historical example, the people with the more advanced technology and culture WON. Get over it.

PS - This is simply fact, not bigotry. I have more blood in common with those local tribes than I do with those pilgrim settlers, but rather then claim victim status as you seem so apt to do, I simply accept history for what it is and move on.

Thanks for your site, I spend a lot of time either in or planning wilderness trips and you could say i'm a preparedness advocate to the extreme. Your items are most similar to mine than any site I have found so far and appreciate your good points, ie; water tabs for disinfecting wounds, using a cordless drill to wind up fishing line is just genius, previously I had used sample containers of dental floss which works great but is brutal winding up the string. Thanks again and I will post when I have more time in the winter.

M40 Response: Thanks for the kudos, and let me know if you've got any tips or tricks I may have missed.

I too have been interested in light stoves, but was weary of all the seams.  I found this one easy to make without glue or tape.  I used a knife and scissors to cut and pliers and a nail to punch/drill holes.

www.csun.edu/~mjurey/penny.html

or Google: penny alcohol stove

BTW thanks for having this informative page.

-Chuck

Denver, CO"

M40 Response: Thanks Chuck, I'll check it out.

great site love to get a pack of photos for your kit and stuff so i can see a detailed so i can use some of it in my kit  

thanks james

M40 Response: Thanks James. Not sure what photos I could provide that would detail it any better than it already is?

"I've made a tyvek tent and a Ray Jardine style tarp that worked really well and been surprisingly durable.  The noise issue is solved by wrinkling the heck out of it by hand, then putting it in a washing machine for about 10 minutes (no soap, cold water). Have a bucket ready to carry it outside to dry on a line.  This "tenderizes" the tyvek without significantly weakening it.

You can see it (though a "joke" picture), and my 2 lb 2-man tent at www.andersonclan.us

Best Regards,

Joe Anderson

M40 Response: Thanks Joe, I'll check it out.

"mechanic mike has nothing over this guy.

check out this site for a larger range of stoves!

http://www.minibulldesign.com/fs2.htm

tell me what you think  

"Check out this guy's alcohol stoves - the ones that don't need a primer disc look pretty sweet - i just ordered the atomic - i'll let ya know how it goes :-)

M40 Response: Thanks, I'll check it out.

" You haven't tride bug spray. What do people carry on hikes camping trips ec... BUG SPRAY! That stuff is so flameble it's sort of scary. I sware by the stuff. Ya ya gas is good but do you carry gas on hikes... I didn't think so. spray a small log with it and lite PRESTO fire. If your a moran you can spray it on tinder that you don't need. I have seen people spray tents to ward of bugs and that was the worst bad idia in the history of bad idias. God those people were neer the camp fire and all of us were siting on the far end of the fire. Somone poot on a knew log and a spark hit the tent. I swair that was the bigest fire I have ever seen.

                                                        Paddy"

M40 Response: Paddy... I'm pretty sure I HAVE tried bug spray. Yes, it's flammable, but it's also in a very large can. I prefer the very small containers of DEET repellent. As with any hiker, I'm not a fan of big or heavy items.

PS - You really should STOP INHALING THE BUG SPRAY!

"Ok Mechanic Mike might have copied a good design but this guy at www.minibulldesigns.com has PERFECTED it. So many options and no annoying EBAY. (No offense Mike). Oh and the alcohol lantern you wanted, he's done it. Check it out and tell me what you think.     http://www.minibulldesign.com/

Jason Detty

P.S.>Love the site never have I found such an extensive wealth of information in one spot. Thanks."

M40 Response: Thanks, I'll check it out, and thanks for the kudos!

"Dear M4040,

I just wanted to make a short statement on the Khukris on your page.  They really are sub par.  A guy on my forum etched one and only the first inch of the tip was hardened.  That is really bad for a chopping knife.  I think if you are willing to spend a little more you would really be impressed with the increased performance.  Check out Himalayan-Imports, or Khukuri House.  You can get Khukuri House on e-bay.  Don't do Windlass as they are only tip hardened also.

Andy

M40 Response: Gee Andy... sub-par, eh? Did the guy on your forum get the mil-spec version, or some crappy decorative tourist model? I've had that same khukri for about 20 years, and it's held up. The newer ones I purchased seem no different. Spring steel even if it hasn't been hardened to high Rockwell numbers is still very effective as a chopping tool. Do I want a high Rockwell number on a chopping tool? HELL NO. Will it chop through a boulder and then shave you? No. Will it hold a decent edge, and be easily resharpened? YUP.

PS - If I want to spend a hundred bucks on a Khukri, I'll take the Cold Steel version or a Becker Brute. The idea is a cheap but effective TOOL, not a work of art.

I have read that in areas of contaminated water you can tap tree sap {sycamore was mentioned} for safe water I'm not sure what type of contamination this would be safe for but it is a great idea. Years ago I read an article on fire pistons being use by tribes in New Zealand. This acording to the article was the only occourance of this type of device being used by primative man. Glad to hear someone telling the truth about surviving. I think most folks would stsrve on an escalator during a power outage. Great job!

M40 Response: Thanks for the kudos. Not sure if I'd want to recommend sap to folks. Too many ways to screw up, misidentify tree types, etc. Better to filter or boil the water than be sucking on trees in my book!

In severe cold weather using some "safe" type of oil or grease rubbed on your skin will offer some protection against the cold penetrating into you pores as fast. The natives of america used bear fat. The best tool you can have on any outing or emergency is a thinking brain. Keep it sharp and focused and it will get you through.

M40 Response: I've heard this about oils, but never heard what potential drawbacks to this... is there a doctor in the house???

Your comment on timbering I have to respond to. I live in southern North Carolina and all of our local hardwoods have been clearcut and replaced with pines which are worthless for much of anything but redbugs and fires. The land is pushed up and burned over destroying virtually all species of plant life except for briers and pines. I'm talking of tracts of land upwards of 500 acres. After two years of growth they are almost inpenatrable by foot. If you want to try to live on pinecones I guess it is a good thing.

M40 Response: That sort of sucks...  By that I mean that you should ask yourself whether you'd prefer a pine woods or a strip mall? I've been on plenty of logging areas. Most of these companies tend to plant a variety of species (to keep any disease from wiping out their whole stock). They also do it in irregular shaped planting areas, and over multiple planting times. In doing this, you'll see anything from fields to areas with lower level growth, to older growth mature forest. I can't speak for all of North Carolina, but from driving through your state, I'd say you don't have much to complain about. The whole damned state seemed absolutely full of pristine woodlands!

"Not a very brilliant idea thats interesting but pretty valid. Anyone who goes into the woods should always carry some type of survival gear. Currently i bear hunt in the coastal regions of north carolina and i usually carry a small 9 dollar fanny pack from walmart whenever i leave the truck. Contains the essentials for being lost a few hours, matches, vhf radio (specific to my hunting parties), and usually ammo, a glow stick (comes in real handy when you wonder into a swamp at night, doesnt start a forest fire), my gps that probably wouldnt find a signal if i was lost real good, a cheap little compass, string, and a otis tactical gun cleaning kit. Those are important to me but i suggest a individulized pack for others. I guess the real key to that is the fact they dont take up much space anywhere in a car and are pretty easy to wear in the woods even if your out sight seeing. i like your site mainly due to my interests in learning more about survival due to being lost a few times (nothing major) and am still processing what ive pretty much crammed into my brain. I had a FEW questions for you not bashing your site but more wondering if you would go into detail and maybe give me some good titles to research in my off year next year. Ex. on Question, Diameter of squirrel snare approximately? If you wouldnt mind to much, you can respond to me at M40 Omitted Address.

Also. In Response to your statement that said something like cut slash and bash, ontario knife machetes make a mean slasher and basher when sharpened correctly with a good diamond file

Thanks, Brandon"

M40 Response: Thanks Brandon. I'm not sure I could recommend any good reading for you. It really depends on your skillset. If I recommended a survival basics book, it may be beneath your skillsets (or an advanced book may leave out basics you could stand to brush up on.   As for the squirrel snare, I made the loops about 3 inches in diameter. You want the squirrel to try and push right through it. (Too big a loop and it may try to simply jump through).

As for the Ontario blades, I've always been a fan. Good, high-carbon blades at a very reasonable price!

"M40,

On divining for water. This technique does work, with coat hangers. It has nothing to do with voodoo. It is by magnetism. I was sceptical too, but I can also find pipes and power lines by using this method. Some people who have seen me do it indeed think that I am some evil conjuring warlock and against Jesus, but it is only natural forces at work.

M40 Response: Magnetism is easily measured by all manner of instruments, and this theory was easily debunked many years ago. Unless there's some "mystical" type of magnetism of which I'm unaware, then I'm still going to call this a parlor trick.

I am enjoying your site. It is refreshing not having to deal with all the paranoia and political nonsense that some survivalist seem to embrace. I have learned quite a bit.

Thanks!

Mohammed

M40 Response: Thanks Mo!

A very large safety pin. Beyond the use for clothing repair, it allows a sleeve of a jacket, coat, or shirt to work as a sling for a broken arm or dislocated shoulder. If you wear glasses, when you change out prescriptions, save the old pair and stick them in your kit. They won’t be perfect, but they can replace a broken or lost pair.

M40 Response: Thanks, any suggestions as for sourcing?

"Hey there,

Great site, I really enjoyed it, and it's also full of great tips...as an avid outdoorsman, I know and agree with a lot of the principles you brought up...just a suggestion, I was able to find a decent kukri for cheaper at a military surplus store, the site being www.colemans.com. Check them out, you may find some interesting stuff there!

PS: Your survival kit has some great items in it, too...that is something that I believe strongly in...being prepared, and having the right equipment for whatever task may come up. The web site above also carries a variety of items which may be used in one's survival kit. For example, they sell snare wire for cheap, which is also camouflaged in colour, and also smoke signals for easy signalling. I personally have an extensive survival kit, which I have contained inside of a .30 cal ammo box. These boxes are strong, durable, and most importantly, waterproof. They can also serve as a form of cooking pot, too, as they are metal. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me on my e-mail, M40 Omitted Address. Thanks a lot, and good work on the site!"

M40 Response: The only Khukri style blade I saw on their site was a $10 piece of shit. I saw this very blade in a store, and it is about 1/16" thick with a crappy plastic handle. I've seen the same blade on Ebay for about $5. Speaking of that, this Coleman's Surplus ( www.colemans.com  ) listed the US issue machete at $25... HARDLY a deal! These usually run in the $12 - $15 price range if you shop around. I think I would avoid shopping there!

"Tyvek as a camping/hiking/survival item? Why not? Tyvek is wonderful stuff in that it is cheap, lightweight, durable, waterproof, and breathable. It is essentially a "poor man's Gore-Tex". You can buy cheap coveralls (about $8) and other outer clothing, or buy it by the roll at your favorite building supplies outlet. By the roll, you can make cheap tarps, groundcloths, ponchos or even emergency bivy shelters. Granted, I would usually recommend a quality, purpose made poncho or rainsuit, but for emergency purposes in the trunk of your car this stuff is ideal. I will say that I wouldn't want to use it as a canopy for general camping as it gets a bit loud in the wind, but again for survival or emergency purposes, it's pretty good stuff. The best camping use is as a groundcloth. It is much cheaper than a nylon groundcloth, and also cleans up a lot easier.

M40 Response: For survival kit use, I'm afraid Tyvek doesn't pack quite small enough. It is about 5 mils thick (about the same as paper). Although this doesn't seem very thick at a glance, a ten by ten foot sheet will only pack down to about 6"L x 4" diameter roll, or a bit larger than a soda can. That's about the size of my entire survival kit!  For my survival kit, I use a 0.35 mil painter's tarp (that's 0.00035" thick or about one fifteenth the thickness of the Tyvek!). You can buy it in large rolls at most hardware stores in the paint section. I bought a roll that is 9 foot by 400 foot for about $15. I pack a nine foot by twelve foot sheet of this stuff into a roll about the size of your thumb! That's enough for both an emergency shelter AND an emergency poncho! What it lacks in durability, it sure makes up for in it's packability, and for a survival kit, small is the key factor. You do sacrifice the breathability factor, but it is just as waterproof."

"These are probably in the Army Survival Manual, but are important enough to bear repeating:

Mindset.  Keeping a positive mental attitude is essential.  "Dont Panic" is the #1 rule, for good reason.  Panic, do something foolish, and you will die.  When you get bored, your mind wanders, and it's easy to go into a negative spiral.  Keeping busy through physical (making something, checking snares and traps, looking for food and water) or mental activity (crossword puzzles, designing something in your mind) help prevent entry into the negative mental spiral.

M40 Response: TRUE

Rocks.  When using 'em near a fire, DO NOT USE RIVER ROCKS.  Water trapped inside can flash into steam when heated, causing the rock to explode.

M40 Response: Good advice

Fire reflectors.  If using an above ground fire near a shelter, add a reflector on the far side.  This increases the heat directed into the shelter.  If wood is used to build the reflector, green wood resists burning longer.  Using green wood in the reflector is also a good way to dry it out before feeding it to the fire. (Another myth to debunk?  Heavy smoke from a fire keeps bugs away?)

M40 Response: Good use for a mylar survival blanket!

Fire making.  Starting a fire can be really aggrevating, Another way to start one is by using embers from a previous fire.  Carry a live coal (or coals), packed in ash.  In an oxygen poor environment, embers remain hot for hours.  Note that this method is messy, and a bit cumbersome.  And slightly hazardous?

M40 Response: I've heard that wrapping them in green leaves works, but have never tried it. Another method is to put some sand in a can or other container, drop in a large coal(s), and then cover with more sand. The coal(s) should last quite some time.

Fishing:  Gill nets work really well in survival situations - highly efficient means of catching suitably sized fish.  They may also be illegal in some places, so do some research before using one.  Nets can also be used as snares, or to carry bulky, lightweight items (large masses of leaves for ground insulation come to mind).  Very time consuming to make, and somewhat bulky, so it might be a good project for those long nights when you're really lost and bored.

M40 Response: Anyone have a good source for these? I really don't care about it being illegal if the alternative is potential death!

String/rope.  550 Cord is great.  Problem is that you can only carry so much of it.  Another project for when you're really bored is making twine or rope from grass or other fiberous material.  By doing so, your limited supplies can be extended.

M40 Response: I can think of better things to spend my time doing... unless I had some VERY pressing need for cordage!

Water purification.  Boiling - a really good method.  Can be done in many ways.  Heating water in a metal container over a fire, or in a semi-permeable container (pant leg or paper bag).  Or by tossing heated rocks (or metal) into a container.  Heating water to a rolling boil for over one minute will kill most bacteria and spores.  The ones that don't die are hardy enough to survive most anything.  See http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/faq/emerg.html for more info on emergency water purification

M40 Response: Very true, but I've heard that boiling should be done for 10 minutes to ensure a 6 log kill (that's biospeak for killing ALL of the critters!). Anyone have any input on this?

"i agree on carrying a lighter instead of matches stuffed into a knife handle. i made a knife like this, and i still don't consider it "kit worthy". i have, however, learned something invaluable. taking three strike-anywhere matches and dipping them in hot wax is a great set of items to keep in one's wallet, purse, or anything else one carries around with  them is helpful. unfortunately, i found one has to take most of the wax off before hand, a tedious task.

M40 Response: I carry a fresnel lens magnifying glass in my wallet. Not much use at night, but it can easily start a fire during the day. It's also flexible, and thus will not break in your wallet!

as for water, look for moss. these plants are nonvascular, and therefore need to be close to water. if they're not near a body, dig down, 80% chance of spring. they are also a new water straw like the one you have, only a bit bulkier, but it purifies 185 gallons of water. i'm serious, it comes out early 2006. it only costs $3 and is one of the years best iventions, being in severeal magazines.

M40 Response: I suppose that's true for some varieties of moss... but which ones? I've seen moss in some pretty dry areas, and I'm NOT a fan of digging for water.

as per shelter, digging down around the roots of a large tree usually provides a small den. the follow up with your dugout tactics and there is a decent shelter, usuall sturdier than a hole."

M40 Response: Most of the large trees have moss on them... shelter? water?

For the Pepsi Can stove you mentioned you could just use one of the half size cans (the tiny ones) take off the top and drill some hole on the edges. Do this instead of getting 2 normal sized ones.

M40 Response: I've seen some on the links that some of the respondents have sent to this page, They look pretty compact, but I haven't tested one yet.

Thank You for all the useful info. I found this to be the best source for info that really matters. I salute you for your honest work as I too firmly beleive that all the info out there is mostly useless. I don't care about how to spear a wild boar, because it's not practical.   Thank You for the advice.  DSS

M40 Response: Thanks for the kudos

"You might want to also consider adding a tube of super glue to your survival kit. 

I recently used it with excellent results to close a deep cut on my finger. Apply direct pressure to the cut until the bleeding stops then squeeze a bead along the edges of the cut."

wrdrg

M40 Response: I've heard of people using it that way, but I think I'll stick with the sutures!

"Howdo,

I do a bit of construction, mostly large comercial sites.  I had a sub working for me, did a lot of utility work, and he had a comercial jeweled bearing devining rod.  He was quite jealous / mad that I had snuck it off his backhoe and found several branches of underground water lines that where leaking.  He like to keep it hid and make everyone think that only he could do it.  Most people can if they just relax and go with the flow, parden the pun.  Arrgggh, there be pirates.  Which leads to, divining rods being used on deserted islands to find the shallowest fresh water.  Yep, can do, seen it,done it, wont try to explicar it. 

MacPerry, USMC/USN EOD DIVER JUMPER WATER INSERT FREE FALL ETC ETC"

M40 Response: You can pretty much dig anywhere on a small island, and you'll hit water. Digging more than 50 feet from the shore will typically ensure that you'll have fresh water instead of salt. Soil makes a wonderful filter! For that matter, you can hit water in almost any spot you dig... if you're willing to do a LOT of digging. I've seen well drilling companies that use these rods... and then they charge you thousands of dollars for digging you a 500 foot deep well... in a town where the water table averages about 30 feet below mean ground level. Some trick.

I can't find a link on your site to ask you a question, so I'll try it here. First, have you found that the back edge on your first modified kukri gave any advantage?  And second, how did you attach the frog on the sheath and what kind of nylon material was used?  I would appreciate your response to these questions at M40 Omitted Address  Thanks for your time and keep up the good work!

M40 Response: The back edge is handy if you're using the khukri as a machete in heavy brush, tall grass, etc. It allows your backhand sweep to have some effect before your next primary stroke. Without it, you can use a figure 8 sweeping motion. As for the frog:  http://www.m4040.com/Knifemaking/SheathMod.htm

"I would like to congratulate you on a great site. Well done

Ken A

M40 Response: Thanks Ken!

"Re bic Lighter

Hi i live in the north and find Bic lighters can be very unperdictable un less warmed up. I have found them to leak at times 2 there for i would not use them in a surival Kit.

I personal cary a few in my clothing but put a water prove matches in my survival kit as well as a altertive fire starter.

-40 is not uncommon here. and nothing works bettter then deet.  

M40 Response: All true. As such, if you need a Bic to work, and it doesn't seem to want to light, stick it under your armpit for a minute or so, and it will work every time.

"WOW!!!  fantastic site!  I carry pretty much the same stuff you do for your Survival kit and i will being making some slight changes after reading your suggestions...

I do have an item in my kit that i think is of great use, a small piece of screen/netting.  I use it for capturing minnows/frogs/crawfish/grasshoppers for fishing and i also use it to help strain some of the bigger crap out any puddle i come across to get to the water.  It is one square foot and rolls up pretty small...  Again, Awesome site!

Garvin C

M40 Response: Garvin, thanks a bunch for the kudos and the suggestion. I'm actually looking at the gill netting suggestion someone sent in. From what I hear, these pack VERY small for a decent size net.

"Some tips for you

-Spicebush is a plant that contains citronella in it's leaves (the bug repelant stuff) if you camp near one of these, there will be less bugs, you can also put a few leaves behind your ears to keep bugs off your face.

-Jewel weed (water beads appear like jewels on the oily leaves) can comfort poison ivy, bug bites, stinging nettle, etc...

-Please, look into a Wilderness Education Asscoiation course.  It is necessary to know how to bulid survival shelters, and to practice building one is ok.  However practice should be done on private property.  Cutting down trees in most wilderness areas is illegal, and could carry large fines.  If everytime you go into the woods you hack shit up, it desrtoys the woods for everyone else.  You obviosly enjoy the woods to some degree, it would not be the same if you went, and every person that had been there had cut a trail and cut down trees to bulid a survival shelters.  There would be no woods left.  Please check into Leave No Trace Ethics.  Give conservation a chance.  Educate yourself before you make a decision.

M40 Omitted Address

M40 Response: I'm not a fan of citronella... it BARELY works. As for jewel weed, if someone can identify it, I'd hope they could identify the poison ivy in the first place! 

Finally, don't get your panties in a twist over a few bushes. I don't run around "hacking shit up" for no reason, and my site doesn't condone that. If your reading comprehension skills were somewhere North of "fucking idiot", you'd have seen that. My site is about SURVIVING, not feeling sorry for trees while freezing to death. Take your silly green agenda elsewhere.

I was told that placing a plastic bag over a green leafy tree or shrub branch and tightly sealing the end will net you up to 2.5 ounces of water per day. Is this true. I plan a test soon but wonder if you have ever heard of it. What plants or trees are the most productive? Charles G   M40 Omitted Address

M40 Response: 2.5 ounces is NOT very much... a Coke can holds 12 ounces. What size plastic bag are we talking?

i was once a electrician in the usn. one of the most usefull outdoor tricks i learned was to start a fire with dryier lent steel wool and a 9volt battery. place the lint under your dry leaves or whatever then touch the 9 volt battery to the steel wool shorting it out and instantly creating a red hot fire. brian.

M40 Response: Answered multiple times now... my fault for taking too long to post all this! (PS-thanks for writing Brian, nothing personal)

For sleeping in cold weather, changing into clothes to sleep in can be royal pain. this can be easily be solved by not taking off your coat and using a children's sleeping bag for your lower body after taking your boots off. Not only does this allow you to keep your warmth in cold weather it also allows you to use a smaller sleeping bag, saving space and energy using a larger one.

               The Apocalyptic Hamster

M40 Response: This can be VERY dangerous!  If you perspire during the night, you're screwed. Having dry clothes to change into in the morning can save your life. This advice is great for hunters and anyone else who needs added warmth while sitting in tree stands, etc.

hi,my name is larry,i am building a survival kit like you describe on your web site,in the picture showing the kit the pan that it is stored in,apears to be solid steel,but the only thing in the price range that you give is the heavy foil throw away tins,which would fold up if mashed.have you switched it to a more permanent or stronger type pan?thanks my e mail is M40 Omitted Address  hope to hear from you,i really like your site.larry b

M40 Response: Hey Larry, I bought the pans in my local grocery store. They are called "mini loaf pans" and are sold in sets of 3 or 4. I found this source for you (set of 4 for about $10): http://store.yahoo.com/peepersoptics/69440.html

If you use bricks on something to stop the wind. Mix dirt and clue tegether and you have a nice sticky sobstance. Put that on the cracks on the bricks to make it wind free!

M40 Response: I'm afraid I don't have a clue... or a sobstance for that matter.

if you live on a farm with really old trees and a stream. I suggest you burn out the tree. But in the winter in get moiste and it freezes shut. I wouldn't stay in an old tree over winter. You will get snowed and iced in.

M40 Response: I'm not sure, but this guy may have read "My Side of the Mountain" a few too many times.

your information is very good but 2 cents worth is why not use dead falls to get your food and why not use any star for navigation. keep up the good work

M40 Response:  Ummm... thanks... I think?!?

"Your stove is a great idea but remember, alcohol has half the heat of kerosine, and kerosine has half the heat of gasoline.  This means you would have to carry 4 times as much alcohol as gasoline for the same heat.  Of course, this type of stove would not burn gasoline very well. I love my MSR stove.

regards

Tim"

M40 Response: To each their own. My motto is, "If you're gonna carry it, feel free to pack it!". Unfortunately, I've used this motto while on vacation with an (ex) girlfriend!

i really enjoy your web site,i have built one of your survival kits,and i think it is great.while a youngster i was a cub scout,a boy scout and later spent 6 years in the air force.add to this i have been a career firefighter for 38+ years.i  study a lot of the information that is provided on the net about survival practices.i presently carry the becker brute with your survival kit.many of the people state in their tips that people like you and myself and many other people that carry and use a large fixed blade are the rambo types.then they recommend that people should carry a small fixed blade or folder as their survival tool,because it is safer?then they state that if you need to cut anything of size as in building a shelter,to take the small fixed blade or folder and use a wooden mallet to beat the spine of the knife and drive it thru whatever you need to cut,(they think this is safe?)i believe that the larger knife can normally do 95 percent of what the small can do and 100 percent of what the smaller knife cant do.some do suggest carrying both but not all.in a survival situation,why would anyone want to handycap them selves with a knife not designed to do the best job? i am with you a small tool usually cant do what the large tool can do easily and safely.some people recommend things based on what they like,not what is best or safest.keep up the good work,i hope to see more of your site in the future.larry in south carolina(deer country)

M40 Response: Thanks, and I agree. By the way, you get the award for the longest ever run-on sentence!

How many times will the alcohol stove last? Seems that since it's made of aluminum, the heat generated will degrade the strength of these over time.

M40 Response: Aluminum has a melting point higher than steel. It's very tough stuff, and I've used mine quite a few times.

A customer and my brother brought it to my attention that he found the link to my stoves from here. I wanted to thank you for the excellent write up, weblink and space on your website, it is well appreciated. I like your website, very informative, I am going to download the army survival manual while I am here. Thanks again, Mike Fiedler (ebay ID: mechanic_mike69)

M40 Response: Hey Mike, I have no problems recommending good products at good prices.

Hi, have a look at the Roy Robinson's cat stove here: http://wings.interfree.it/html/Cat.html

M40 Response: I saw this quite some time ago. I did some research and hacked up a few cans before just ordering one!

As of Jan 6, 2006 the water straw is NOT rated for purification of drinking water by the EPA, M40 Response: The EPA makes geologic time look like the wink of an eye. They make the RMV look quick...

Also a misquto head and hand net would be wonderful in a kit, they are small, and dont burn like fire if gotten in the eye. Fire ant sting eaze is good to have if sleeping/living in southern woods these days.It seams to be ammonia based.

Roger

M40 Response:  Thanks Roger, I think that some mosquito netting probably would be a good addition in some areas!

I rub some squirrel shit on my face and follow natures 1st law (harm none, take what nature freely gives, enjoy and spread the seed - sorry but having been refused from the Army (after generations of my family where in it) I feel almost religiously compeled to be better than it and having nature as your guide (instead of shooting the shit out of it - much more joyous) Yes I have lived wild for many years of my life and have even had a squirrel share me some of its nuts

M40 Response: Speaking of nuts....

"THANKS THANKS AND THANK YOU VERY FOR ALL THE NEEDED IDEAS TRICKS AND YEARS OF EARNED SKILLS YOUR FREELY OFFER , I KNOW HOW LONG YOU MUST HAVE SPENT ALSO SETING UP YOUR WEB SITE MY HAT IS OFF TO YOU YOU ARE A FINE EXAMPLE OF OF OUR MILITARY AND A TRUE AMERICAN

M40 Response: I'm humbled... thanks.

THANKS FOR SERVING AND SHARING I WISH THERE WERE MORE LIKE YOU MY FATHER WOULD FEEL THE SAME HE ALWAYS SPOKE OF MEN LIKE YOU HE WAS 17 WHEN RAN OFF TO A WAR WWII I ALSO WISH OUR  GUYS AND GIRLS HAD THE APPRECIATION THEY DESERVE I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PEOPLE TODAY BUT IT SEEMS THEY WANT TO KISS THE DIRTY ASS OF EVERY ENEMY WE HAVE AND DOWN EVERY GOOD PERSON , PLACE ,AND THING WE HAVE EVER STOOD FOR, THROWING OUT GOD AS A FINAL SLAP IN OUR FACE WE BOTH KNOW THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN THANKS FOR EVERYTHING

DR.ARNOLD MURRY IM SURE WOULD ALSO AGREE CHECK HIM OUT SOME TIME HE'S PRETTY DAMN TOUGH FOR WHO MOST WOULD EXPECT  EVERY AM SHEPHERDS CHAPEL PEACE FRIEND WARREN.A

M40 Response: Again Warren, I'm humbled and thank you for your kind compliments!

Do you make your Kydex shethes or buy them. And if you make them, could you please demonstrate how you do so? I'm not sure if it is asking too much, but could you also show pictures of how you do it, if you do at all? I am almost finished machining a Becker- Brute- type knife and I would very much like to know how to make a Kydex sheath. 

M40 Response: I make my Kydex sheaths. I have not made a page showing how, as there are several good pages out there showing what to do. Here's a couple great tutorials:

http://www.northcoastknives.com/northcoast_knives_tutorials_kydexsheath.htm

http://www.northcoastknives.com/northcoast_knives_tutorials_kydexsheath2.htm

a type of tinder i have used many times that is especially effective with sparks and burns long and hot to light kindling is char cloth. to make this simply (prior to camping)burn some 100%cotton cloth in a used cleaned out can of beans etc. once the cloth is completely black remove must be kept dry!!

Hey m4040 u should include flint for starting fires!

saaaaaaaf

M40 Response: As I've stated in previous responses, I prefer the vaseline/cottonballs for tinder. As for the flint, I have a large ferrocerium rod I carry on my keychain, and my survival kit has the magnesium bar which has the flint rod as well. I think I'm all set in the flint department!

"if you are lost and hungery find a walnut tree and crush the green husks and throw in too a creek! the husks remove o2 from the water! fish will flote up and now you can scoope them up. it takes about 1 hour too work! but it does work!

 latter the bushman

M40 Response: Well Latter... That's one I have not heard much about. Can anyone else out there back him up on this? I did a quick search, and there is a mention of it in the US Army manual, but it really doesn't specify just how much you would need. You may have to spend all day crushing husks, and it may be less energy to simply catch or net the fish. Also, if the creek has flowing water, it will probably NOT work, as it will continually dilute the poison. Again, if anyone else has FIRST HAND KNOWLEDGE of the effectiveness of this, I'd really like to hear it. (it's not that I don't trust Latter... it's just that I like to hear things from multiple sources before I start to believe... call me a skeptic!)

"a 10foot x10foot tarp from wal-mart woks well for shelter also it compacts too the size of a loaf of bread. its lite and no set up lay it out put your sleeping bag  on it and take 550 cord tie the holes to-gether pressto one instant shelter! no fuss no muss!

the bushman

M40 Response: My 9' x 12' tarp rolls to about the size of your thumb, and my whole survival kit would fit 3 times over in the space that a tarp takes up (and weighs about the same).

thank you thank you thank you...you saved my sorry butt.  major project for school, survival guide for dummies (on Green island Queensland) yep...thats all...just wanted to let you know that your site pretty much rocks.

M40 Response: Thank you, thank you, thank you... for the kudos!  ...how'd I do? Did I get an A?

If by any chance you have a soda can, cruched or not handy, (usually one on the ground somewhere) you can easily make a fish hook, barb & all with the litte opener part of the can.

M40 Response: The three rules of survival... Improvise, improvise, improvise!!!!

 i have one word campophenique stiching up that wound on the back of your hand wood have ben alot less painful a few drops wood have numed it right up and it is small and wood fit right in a survivle kit

matt

M40 Response: Thanks Matt. I'll look into it!

"Absolutely great web site. You put in a lot of work testing & then writting about your findings, making 3D drawings, or little animations, very cool ! So Kudos to you. Plus, you have given me many great ideas to implement in my kit.

M40 Response: Thanks for the thumbs up. Yup, it took some work, but it's paid off with about a half million hits a month. There's no money in it, but the satisfaction makes it worth the time.

I know I won't change your mind but if you can stand to read more on DIVINATION : I work as a civil engineering tech. We often need to survey for underwater pipes or wires. I use a metal detector (when the pipes have metal contents), ... One of my colegues used two cut up coat hanger and his succes rate & accuracy surpaces the metal detectors we typicaly use! (It doesn't work with me :-( but I've seen it often enough to know it works. The people I know who practice this can't explain it (they don't claim psychic powers either) they just know it works. Oh well! 

M40 Response: Again, this method is no better than chance. Show me ONE SINGLE STUDY that uses scientific method to prove this out. Many have tried, but every single study I've seen shows this to be bogus.

Regarding the surgical suture (Item 21), I would prefer tape and/or bandages, many people would be too squeamish to suture themselves or someone else. Oh and you link to Nitro-Pack.com doesn't work anymore

(is this the product :  http://www.nitro-pak.com/product_info.php?products_id=36 ? ) 

M40 Response: Yup, those'll do... sorry for any broken links. My site has a LOT of links, and it becomes quite a chore going through them.

Re ITEM 25 - "Small Rectangular Cooking Tin" find it and a lot of neat stuff for your kit at a Dollar Store (however beware of cheat crap - you don't want to bet your life on it)!

M40 Response: Here's a set of 4 for about $10: http://store.yahoo.com/peepersoptics/69440.html

The McNett Water purifying straw link needs to be replaced by this one :  http://www.nitro-pak.com/product_info.php?products_id=819

Great work !

Frank    M40 Omitted Address

M40 Response: Thanks for the updates. I'll fix some links (as soon as I finish all these responses!)

"The Alpha Tent"

http://www.alpharubicon.com/prepinfo/ponchotent.htm

Not my idea, but this is too good not to mention.

Great way to make a tent from a ponch - trees to tie off to not required."

M40 Response: Thanks for the link. I'll check it out when I have some time!

M4040,

its a pleasure reading your site. I'm getting alot out of it. Basically, for our Floridians, there are some other items needed. Number one would be sunblock. This might be obvious to some, but it should be in a Floridian's kit. Make it waterproof sunblock with at least #20 USP protection. Sunburns can kill you out here, thus the need for shelter, but even 2 hours of exposure midday can leave you in a week of pain. If you are sweating profusely, which is usually the case, reapply sunblock every two hours. Secondly, the vast majority of Florida, against popular belief, is WATER. The sucker is pure water. Even if the person is not hiking in or around swamps or lakes, the chances are very high that while taking a stroll through woods you will step a foot or so deep into undetected marshy boggy water. I cant advise towards having waterproof EVERYTHING, but waterproof boots are good. Also, one change of dry socks. Athletes foot isn't hard to come by in wet hikes. If your feet are getting too wet from perspiration, sit down and let them dry. (Spray with DEET!) For stepping in anything deeper than your ankle, i guess i would just advise a preventative DIVINING ROD. Haha. For the rainy season (july-september it rains just about every day), i would advise not going hiking. If you do though, your poncho idea would work along with watertight boots. Thirdly, you and Carl hit it on the head with mosquitos. Wear DEET and also long sleeves/pants. This is why its very hard to hike in the 97 degree, high-humidity, rains-at-4 o'clock Florida summer. I would advise not hiking/camping near the swamps at all (mosquitos, heat, humidity, your equipment constantly wet). But canoeing is tons of fun for that area. Anyway, there's my two cents. Thanks for the useful info.

Ben

Apopka, Florida

M40 Response: Thanks for the advice Ben. It sounds like you've done some hiking down there!

I say your site and noticed the cool little alcohol stove. I stumbled across a website that might be of intrest to you and the public at large. For a large selection for the DIY'ers out there check out Http://www.zenstoves.net

M40 Response: Thanks, I'll check it out!

"hi dude, is it possible to make the tracker knife in the movie the hunted ebay sells it for 300 dollars, what machine can i use to cut sprong steel in a basement.

tommy"

M40 Response: That tracker knife is essentially a piece of shit. If it weren't shown in a movie, there'd be nobody making them.

Hello

Excuse me for bad English, I live in Ukraine. I ask of your sanction to use of your materials and clauses for the publication on the Ukrainian sites on a survival.

Vitaly

 M40 Response: Vitaly... go for it. There's no reason why Ukrainians shouldn't benefit from survival info! Just credit me where appropriate.

Just as a suggestion/thought, but one thing that I rarely read about (though I have found in FM21-76, to a degree) is what do to AFTER catching/snaring an animal.  Granted, cooking is a good place to start, but many people are clueless (including myself, untill recently) about skinning/boning a mammal and removal/edibility of the internal organs.  The snares you have mentioned are great (in their simplicity and effectiveness), but without a next step, they leave you with a cute, fuzzy dead rabbit.

Just a thought,

Matt L.

M40 Response: A good idea... I'll try to add a page on skinning, gutting and the like in the near future.

"you don't need all that stuff. and ditch the big knife- for heaven's sake use a hatchet! and as for all your fancy gear, what if you don't have it? it is pretty bulky. good pocket knife (like a buck folding knife), some nylon twyne, and a manesium bar with striker. you should be set with that.

- kegs

 M40 Response: Okay McGyver. Didn't you forget the chewing gum and paper clip? Sounds like a comfortable night in the woods... I'll take my kit, thanks!

you can start a fire by touching steel wool to both ends of a d cell flash light battery. i didn't think it would work until i tried it.

"Excelent site , stayed up too late reading. Thanks. Will return and will use infomration.

Todd Hilton

 M40 Response: Thanks for the kudos. You're not the first to tell me about the flashlight trick, but stick to a Bic... it's a LOT easier!

Great site, thanks for all the information.

Another great tool that some of us prefer is a 12 inch carbon steal machete. It's great for chopping, cleaning game, digging or whatever you can come up with!

"After surfing many sites I found this one. Outstanding - shelter instructions I can visualize (thanks for your excellent graphics), no bullshit attitude towards survival situations. Even a version of "survival mythbusters!"

Thanks.

Rob K

 M40 Response: Thanks for the kudos. I agree with the machete advice, and I own one of the Ontario short machetes. I'll probably re-handle it soon, but it does it's job well.

"I know if I am ever in a survival situation without food for 3 days the cleaning of small game will not be as much of a hurdle as it may appear to be. I've read the survival manual and surfed other sites, most of which avoid the "gut spilling" aspects.

I am not squeamish about gutting something I have to eat to survive. But I am a little intimidated about how not to kill myself my tainting the game with feces, scent glands, etc. Nor do I know if any of these concerns really matter if you irrigate and cook well.

I think it would be a great addition to address this. As I said, I can probably figure out how to separate bad guts from meat. But no one out there seems to have pictures, etc. on how to approach it. I've seen sites that mention pinching-off the bladder, yadda...OK...so what if I don't? Can't I just wash the carcass and cook-the-shit out of it (not meant literally)?

Just a few paras on how to not poison oneself would be a nice section. BTW, I have no expectations that you have any obligation to add, modify, or delete anything on your site, or even answer my question. You make it clear this is your site.

Regards,

Rob K

 M40 Response: A good idea... I'll try to add a page on skinning, gutting and the like in the near future. I'll try to keep it as simple as possible. In the meantime, I can sum it up in one sentence. Cut the throat, then zip open the carcass like you were unzipping a coat, cut around the anus, and remove everything in between throat and anus. Okay... that was a run-on sentence, but you get the idea. Of course some of those entrails are okay to eat, but if you don't know which, stick to the meat. I'll spell it out in greater detail soon!

"Survival mythbuster?

I was watching Les Stroud on Survivorman the other night and he was in Canada; bear and moose country. One of the scenes talked about pissing around his camp to "mark his territory." He was very clear in saying he HAD NO IDEA if this myth was true or not, but he did it anyhow (hey, not difficult to do if you don't piss in the wind). Do you have any info on this.

Thanks,

Rob K

 M40 Response: Animals can typically smell humans (and especially our FOOD) from quite a ways off. I don't know whether adding human piss to the plethora of scents would deter them any more than anything else. Any animal that is not already afraid upon smelling a human will probably be unafraid of your piss as well. I suppose ringing your site may keep some animals from wandering in from upwind. A fire will keep almost any animal well away from your site.

As for Les Stroud, the "Survivorman",  he's an interesting character, but his survival priorities are WAY off base, and he teaches some dangerous stuff to an unsuspecting public.

"Hey man how's it going I just got back from a weekend campout we call winter fest 8 of us want out in the fridged PA weather this weekend 5 of them went home cold and bitchin and wining bunch of sissy it was 25-35 degrees during the day and 15 at night we built our own shelters fires and found our own food the only thing we shaired was the old bushmills I survived like the past 4 years in a small hole dug out of the ground and a bunch of sticks and leaves and what not it was big enough for three people to fit in comfertly and stayed very warm wit ha fire but i just though I'd drop ya'll a note think ahead stay calm and you'll make her  

                                              R. Starr

 M40 Response: Mr Starr... A hole full of sticks and leaves and three drunken guys may have SEEMED comfortable at the time. I would have been one of the "sissies" who went home. I would NOT recommend Bushmill's as part of anyone's survival kit! It may make you FEEL warm, but only puts you in danger of frostbite, hypothermia or worse.

A couple of suggestion, now that I have tried some of your ideas. Use a large nail thru a piece of drinking straw to wind the thread, fishing line, etc. onto. This will allow you to remove the nails without having to unwind the thread or fishing line. You don't take up any more space and have more utility by having the thread and line on their own "container".

 M40 Response: That would work.... nice idea! I'll have to see how this affects my cordless drill winding method.

I have cut the magnesium block in half lenthwise, leaving the hole for the keychain intact. A hack saw works fine being carful to go slowly to avoid getting the particles hot. I dressed the cut side with a file to leave a smooth edge like original and left the sparking rod intact. This leaves plenty of magnesium for firestarting, gave me some extra room in the box, and allows me to make another magnesium block fire starter if I want to get a separate sparking rod and attach it to the leftover material.

 M40 Response: Another good idea.

I have also attached a thin cardboard "cover" around the mini Bic lighter in the kit. This cover just barely comes above the striking wheel on the lighter, is a slip fit, and is intended to prevent accidental activation of the lighter during transport and handling. 

  M40 Response: Yet another good idea.

Hope this helps. Keep up the good work and thanx for all the good info.

Butch Dennis

Paramedic, Deputy, Survivalist.

 M40 Response: All great ideas... where has this guy been hiding?! I get more silly or downright stupid "ideas" emailed in from people. Most are just rehashed junk from other sites, and others are just weird (Inuit thimbles and other junk you could include if you wanted a 50 pound kit). I think this is a first for me... three great suggestions in one submission!  Thanks Butch!

"Camping in the Jungle...

     While hiking through the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica I slept in a hammock that I bought in San Jose for about ten bucks... It's easy to find some palms close to the beach to hang your hammock and the breeze is nice compared to sleeping in a tent.  Bugs?..  No problem... They make 30% Deet wipes now that work great... I used two wipes on my exposed skin and then tied each one to the rope that I used to hang my hammock... I didn't want any spiders or ants coming down the rope during the night... I slept great and wasn't bit at all...  OH yeah... and if you go into the jungle, take a machete and lots of extra water..."

M40 Response: Thanks for the advice. That sounds like fun except for the hammock part... I sleep like crap in a hammock. Never could get used to them!

Great site. Lots of good advice, thanks.

i agree that we should not care so much about the environment when it comes to life or death but make sure people know that when just camping, they should respect the environment because they are just visiting and have another environment, their home, that they can do whatever the heck they want with it.

 M40 Response: I hope that comes across on my site. In no way do I recommend destructive camping practices.

thank you for your tips on camping because i am only 14 and seem to have a lot to learn even though i have been going camping with only my younger sister and my older(15) cousins for 3 years now and i will keep checking back here to see what new info u add and see what  other things i can learn because i only skimed around this time. i do jave one question...in the Rugged & Heated shelter ..could u die from the carbon monoxide stuff if u don't have a vent for the fire but a large door?

M40 Response: You definitely want to plan for some way for the smoke to escape. If your shelter is filling with smoke, you really need to plan better. None of these shelters are going to be air tight... I don't know if it's even possible. You're typically using branches, leaves and debris. That said, if your smoke is escaping, there should be plenty of fresh air leaking in to feed the fire.

I have heard of people boiling water in a leaf.  I kind of think it's a load of crap, but haven't gotten around to trying it yet.  Technically it makes sense that the water should keep the leaf from burning, but I just wanted to hear what you had to say. Thanks.

M40 Response: This is one of the many things that sounds cool, and makes for an interesting science experiment... but has almost NO practical use. Does it work? Sure it works... the leaf will only burn down to the water line, but the water will keep the rest cool enough to stop it from burning further. Now what do you do... reach into the fire to get it? You have a flimsy leaf full to the tip-top with boiling water and no way to remove it from the fire. A leaf is no replacement for a cooking vessel. Make sure your kit provides a means of holding and boiling water!

Great ideas, I too am a kukri fan, saw your problems getting bits for survival kit, try this side of the pond - www.bcbinternational.com they are probably less caring about political correctness. 

M40 Response: Thanks, I'll check it out!

I agree with you regarding the lantern idea... Have you tried making one of these coke can stoves ?

I've found you can make a mini version from a couple of slimmer, RED BULL sized aluminium cans - the finished item will then fit neatly inside a standard drinks can with 4 large(30mm X 50mm) chambers cut out which can be lined with a tube of perforated Zinc (as used with filler for car body repairs)

This replaces the glass needed for wind protection.

Caution.  This item gets really hot and should be suspended on some wire on a forked green branch.

Give it a try..

SimonJon

M40 Response: I tried making one, but the links I give are to one that is made more professionally than the one I came up with. Maybe he'll make a RedBull version. I'll contact him and ask because this sounds like a good idea.

"First off thank you so much for all the information you offered it is priceless. I tried searching for your water purification straws and had no luck finding them. So I wanted to tell you about MSR miox. It is a water purification filter that runs on 2 3v lithium camera batteries and any type of salt, except salt water. This device filters the following (whole bunch of product specs removed by M40)

it is a bit expensive but I think it is worth it. Right now you can buy it on (Link removed by M40) for $110.00 this Kit includes: MIOX® Purifier, salt, batteries, safety-indicator strips, instruction booklet, quick-reference card, and storage sack. Hope you find this as helpful as I have.

Jen

M40 Response: Jen, these are interesting technology, BUT... you now have to carry around salt and batteries. You're better off with either water purification tablets or just a regular old filter. There's a whole bunch of different small and lightweight filters out there for campers and hikers. I would recommend checking them out.

"This is the BEST and MOST INFORMATIVE wilderness survival website I have ever been to. I do not know much about wilderness survival (as i'm only 15), but this website has tought me so much and I am now semi- confident I will be able to survive in the wilderness, just thanks to your website (and also your kit, of course).

                                                     -SN"

M40 Response: Practice, practice, practice! Knowledge is the most powerful tool in defeating nature, but it is followed closely by hands on practice. My advice is to go camping and practice each skill in turn using the materials in your kit. I've had people email me and claim that after reading my site, they were going to pack up a kit and wander into the woods... not a bright idea. You can accomplish more by practicing in your backyard than by sitting cold and hungry in the woods!

I've read that eating bananas will cause an odor that attracts insects. Many "trail mixes" contain dried banans, I avoid these hiking foods when in nature.

While hiking in the Cumberland Mountians, a friend and I built a shelter under a rock ledge which had a sandy floor. We dug a pit large enough for two sleeping bags to lay, making the pit about opne foot deep. Then we collected firewood and built a fire in the pit to create a good supply of coals/ashes. We then smothered the fire with sand dug from the pit, covering the coals with an inch or two of sand. Next, we collected Laurel branches, the only tree with leaves in late winter/early spring, and made an igloo over the pit. We dug out a fireplace at the foot of our pit and added stones for a hearth. This fireplace was just outside of our "laurel igloo" shelter and slightly recessed so the heat would be thrown into our sheltered area. Finally, we lined the pit with clear plastic and then leaves for padding and insulation, then laid another layer of plastic before laying sleeping bags into our shelter. The coals covered with sand radiated heat for many hours and the fireplace added its heat to the shelter. The shelter worked well for the night but was several hours work tp create. But we were young then and the work was enjoyed. These days I keep my hikes to day hikes and find a Holiday Inn Express for the nights, but in a pinch, I would do this again.

M40 Response: I've read a thousand things that supposedly repel bugs, attract bugs, etc etc. Most, if not all are either BS, or refer to one particular type of bug (there's LOTS of bugs that you want to repel). The only thing that keeps them ALL away is DEET. My advice is to eat all the banana's you want, but bring along some decent deep woods formula repellant with at least 50% DEET content.

As for the shelter, that sounds pretty cool... umm... warm! I am in a similar boat. I used to have time to do all kinds of fun outdoors hikes, shelters, fires, igloos, etc etc, but these days I spend too much time on business trips and working around my house and backyard (and on maintaining this website)... hardly the deep woods. These days I only get out a few times a year, and it always leaves me wanting more!

This may sound dumb to you but it does work just go out and try it.  I would just like to say that packing a few non spermicidal or lubed condoms in you survival kit may be a wise Idea.  Each Condom can hold approximately 1 liter of water and are packed very small.

Good day.

A Friendly Boy Scout

M40 Response: It's not a dumb idea, and I've seen this a hundred times. I agree that these can hold water... BUT... you're stuck hauling around a water balloon that can easily pop if dropped or scraped against anything. If you tie them closed, they're a pain in the ass to open again, and if you don't tie them, they'll blow all the water out the top. I prefer to pack one or more of the gallon size Ziploc freezer bags in my kit. They're a lot more durable and are easy to open and close. They take up more room, but are worth it. You can wrap the whole kit in one or more of these to keep it dry as well.

"how is it that you become a m40 associate as i would like to be one   -brian

M40 Response: Brian, the "M40 Associates" area is just a place I stick pictures and other odds and ends for family, friends, etc. There's no survival stuff there, so unless you want to wade through pictures of a 4 year old's birthday party or a Thanksgiving dinner, then you really don't want to be there!

Hello. I have been looking and experimenting and have some little traps and fire making skills that I find really neat and efective. To start here is a trap for fish (if you dont have a fishing pole) and a few other things to follow.( Warning : Maybe a bit lengthy)

         Fish Traps

Fish swim next to banks at night or move from deep holes into shallow water to feed. They can often be directed into traps from which they are unlikely to escape.

skill Funnel Trap

Make the walls of the funnel trap with piled-up stones or tightly spaced sticks driven solidly into the river or lakebed. Close the entrance to the trap, roil the water, then either spear the fish or net them with a seine made by tying a shirt or other cloth between two stout poles.

            Bird Traps

Birds can be much easier to trap than mammals and should be among your first targets for a meal.

skill Ojibwa Bird Pole

Set this trap in a large clearing where birds will naturally seek it out as a landing place.

Step One Sharpen both ends of a 6-foot pole and drill a small hole near one end. Drive the other end into the ground until it is secure.

Step Two Cut a 6-inch-long stick that will loosely fit into the hole. Tie a rock to a thin cord and pass the cord through the hole in the pole, then make a slip noose that drapes over the perch.

Step Three Tie an overhand knot in the cord in back of the slip noose and place the stick against the hole. Tension should hold it in position. When a bird flies down and perches, it will displace the stick, the rock will fall, and its feet will be caught as the loop quickly slides through the hole.

  Edible Plants

The most recognizable plant food sources are nuts and berries, but they can be scarce during fall, winter, and spring. Several of the more common food plants available in colder weather are shown here. Always keep one rule in mind: Never eat a plant you cannot positively identify. Poisonous species such as hemlock have killed those who mistook it for wild carrots or parsnips.

        Rock Tripe Lichen. This greenish-black lichen is found growing on rocks throughout the northern tier and was an important emergency food for Indians and explorers. Washington’s troops boiled and ate it during their harsh winter at Valley Forge. It is not only highly nutritious but also a stimulant for the immune system.

       Arrowleaf. Called the wapato or duck potato, arrowleaf grows in swampy areas. You can eat the golf ball–size root raw or cooked for better flavor. This humble plant food saved Lewis and Clark from starvation when they were unable to find game.

     Bark. The inner bark of several trees, including slippery elm, white birch, basswood (buds as well), white pine, and willow is barely palatable but nutritious. Indians resorted to bark when little game was available.

     Indian Cucumber. This species, found in dry climates, is characterized by its umbrella-like appearance. The white root is what you’re looking for.

Prairie Turnip Indians highly favored the thick roots of this Midwestern prairie plant.

     Jack-in-the-Pulpit. The root is edible, but it can make you extremely ill unless it’s cooked thoroughly.

      Calopogon. Found primarily in marshlands, this wild onion look-alike is milder in flavor.

Cattails The tuberous root of this common bulrush is starchy but palatable when cooked.

       Fire Plough (picture)

This produces its own tinder by pushing out particles of wood ahead of the friction.

Step One Cut a groove in the softwood fireboard, then plough or rub the tip of a slightly harder shaft up and down the groove. The friction will push out dusty particles of the fireboard, which will ignite as the temperature increases.

            skill 2. Quintze (picture)

Properly constructed, this poor man’s igloo can be body-heated to above freezing on a 20-below day, higher if you light a candle.

Step One: Build up snow to a depth of at least 8 inches and pack it down to make a floor.

Step Two: Heap loose snow onto the floor. Piling the snow over a backpack or mound of branches will let you create a hollow, which hastens the excavation process, but it isn’t necessary. Let the snow consolidate for an hour or more, until it is set up hard enough to form snowballs.

Step Three: Tunnel through the mound at opposite ends to dig out the center efficiently, fill in the unused entrance, and crawl inside to shape the interior. Ideally, the quintze should be narrow at the foot end, with a bed long enough to lie down on, and just tall enough at the head end for you to sit up. The walls and roof need to be at least a foot thick (check this with a stick).

Step Four: Poke out an air vent overhead and dig a well at the entrance for the cold air to settle into. Cut a snow block for a door. Glaze interior walls with a candle to prevent dripping.

Well I thinik I might stop at that but if you would like more e-mail me at M40 Omitted Address . And if you come to like any of these feel free to share ^_^ .

I also loved your sight and found the purifying water section to be great to know. I wouldnt have even to think to do that before drinking(how terrible, right?) Well thank you!

  Cat I

    16 female

    Pennsylvaina

  Thanks Again!

M40 Response: Cat, I wish I was still 16!  Impressive knowledge for a girl your age. How did you come to be interested in wilderness skillsets? As for the fishing skills, the traps are always the best idea, as you'll continue to take in fish with little or no effort. The bird traps are a neat idea, but Im not sure the build is worth the gain... need more info.

As for the plant info, I do not recommend eating plants in the wilderness unless you're an expert in these sorts of things, and have encyclopedic knowledge on what is and is not edible. For short term survival situations, food is your LAST priority. There's very little to be gained calorically from most plants, and many animals are so easy to catch or snare (insects, frogs, fish, squirrels, rabbits, etc). For your average person, the rules of edibility for animals are simple. ANY 6 legged insect is safe to eat. ANY fur bearing mammal is safe to eat. Birds are safe to eat. At least here in the Northern hemisphere, almost all freshwater fish are safe to eat. These rules are almost without exception, and therefore allow a broad range of food with very little to learn.

Feel free to write again... good stuff!

what do you do if you forget this stuff ?
M40 Response: ummm... die?  No, really... I think that part of any survival kit should be a printed "tip" sheet. You should tailor it to your own skill set, and be sure to include the things that you are likely to forget.

Thank you m4040. I began to be interested in survival because I would love to live that way. My mum says I was born in the wrong era. Iv only been researching for a week or so and those traps and other things i listed were found in magazines or websites and I would be happy to add more on the bird trap but I can't think of any thing else and I can't post a picture. I'm currently trying the squirrel trap and I will post my results. Well I hope to share more ^_^.
Thanks again!
Cat
M40 Response: Make sure you don't violate any laws... and if you do... don't get caught... and if you get caught... you didn't learn it here! Joking aside, most states have pretty strict laws regarding snaring and trapping, which makes it difficult or impractical to hone these skills.

i like the kukrie but i am partial to ka-bar...i just purchased a ka-bar camp knife called a cutlass..about 17 inches long and 1/4 inch thick blade...looking forward to using it this year on my hunting and camping trips...also like your site very very helpful and fun to try while hunting..lol..grzlybear250

M40 Response: Hey Grizzly, thanks for the kudos. As for the KaBar Cutlass, it's a nice blade as far as I can see. Good size and geometry, and, as always, I'm a fan of carbon steel, particularly when it has some thickness to it! I can only comment to that extent, as I have never had the chance to test one. If I ever do, I'll beat it up, then write it up. By the way, I've started a page rating a few of the larger blades out there. Most are khukri style, but i plan to write a lot more in the coming weeks and months. See: http://www.m4040.com/Knifemaking/BladeEvals.htm

what is your opinion on carry a tomahawk....they are light and can usually be carried in a belt loop or thru the belt itslef..

M40 Response: I submit that a large blade can do almost everything that a small blade can, but that the reverse is definitely not the case. Small blades simply cannot chop. Tomahawks, hatchets and the like are an exception to the rule in that they are typically decent chopping tools, but extremely poor substitutes for a knife. The edge geometry is usually not suited for a keen edge. If I see one that breaks that mold, I'll be happy to test it. In the meanwhile, I'll stick to large blades.

Since you don't have time to do a knot page then just throw in this link to send folks to. Good knots, easy directions and great large size photograph not graphic pictures to see. http://www.iland.net/~jbritton/index.html

M40 Response: Thanks for that! I just surfed around a bit, and the pages are well done and easy to follow. To be perfectly honest, this one wasn't a factor of how much time it would take. It was more the fact that I wouldn't be qualified to do a knots page. I can tie quite a few, and am pretty good with ropes and cord, but have ZERO idea what the various knots and techniques are called.

PS - If you're going to learn knots for wilderness survival use, learn to use slipknots. NEVER tie permanent or difficult to remove knots. Ropes and cordage become extremely valuable in any survival situation, and care should be taken to preserve what cord you have for reuse!

For the squirrel and Rabbit trap, you should tell how to tie the noose in order for it to tighten if the animal goes through it. Because i tried the knot you showed, and it doesn't tighten when the animal passes through it. Thanks alot for the great information

Sincerely, anonamous hunter

M40 Response: I'm sorry if the page (and picture) weren't clear... the "knot" I show is not a noose at all. It is a small keyring that allows the line to pass VERY easily through it without snagging. Take a closer look at the picture, and you'll see what I mean.  By the way, I've never been happy with that picture. I'll have to redo it with some better graphics when I get the chance. In the meantime, I've clarified it in the text description.

You made an intersting comment on starting a fire from lint in your pocket and cleaning your lint trap from your dryer because its so combustable. Your cleaning out lots of fire starts there. I have taken the dryer cleanings and placed them in a zipper bag to use in starting fires. Unfortanatly it was still holding moisture and did not work well I then peeled the cleaning from the trap and laid them in the a window seal for a day or so and bam almost as good a pine sap lighter. thanks for the page its good info

M40 Response: Thanks for the input. I suppose it depends on the dryer. The lint I've collected has always been quite dry, so I've never had to leave it out to dry, but yes, one should probably make sure before packing it in a waterproof container. Lint does work well for tinder, and so do the Vaseline soaked cotton balls. I think I'll try soaking the lint in Vaseline next. That should make for easier use. The lint/Vaseline combo would allow you to easily use as much or as little as you need for the conditions (dry, wet, cold, etc).

Hello, I enjoy you site. I was just searching the web one day and found your site. i am no expert on survival or anything to the sort. It is sort of a hobby of mine. i have been in the woods and wilderness of Pennsylvania most of my life before enlisting in the Air Force. I like the fact that you are straight forward in telling people that in a survival situation they are the first priority. I have done a little research and found that if a person is in a survival situation that all laws and all regulations including those about endangered species are nonexistent. They cannot hold a person accountable for killing a Bald Eagle if it kept you alive. I have done my fair share of getting lost before as well. I know what works well for me, but i am constantly looking for more knowledge on the subject. And looking through your site i have have learned a few more things. I hope to be able to communicate with you at some time, as there are probably other things i can learn from you. Like I said i am always looking to learn more about this subject. By the way this site is the most forward to the point site that i have found with the best knowledge and skills that are easily used. My email if you decide to contact me is EMAIL ADDRESS OMITTED BY M40 . I look forward to looking at your site again for any updates that you are working on or may put in. Sincerely SrA Anthony last Name Omitted by M40
M40 Response: Hey Anthony ... a fellow zoomie I see.    I was in rural Pennsylvania about a month ago on business, and I must say that's some mighty nice woods you grew up in!  Thanks for the kudos.

hey i got a good backpacking stove that is light and compact it also came with a lantern at the price of $90 for the combo. it runs off of isobutane canisters the boyscout troop loves it because of its weight of the light weight of the combo. it weighs about 10 oz. for both the lantern and stove. it can boil a liter of water in 3 minutes. i bought mine at sportsmens warehouse. the combo is called the raptor stove and lucy lantern combo by Brunton
M40 Response: Thanks for that. Looking it over, it seems to be a nice little combo. I'm not fond of isobutane as a rule due to its availability. You can't walk into your average town and pick up canisters of isobutane at the local supermarket or drugstore. That's why I like the little alcohol stoves... you can buy it just about anywhere. Multi-fuel devices are also nice choices (operate on gasoline, kerosene, alcohol, coleman fuel, etc.

hello, i think u should have a site on how to clean and cook the animals. but other than that, best survival site i have ever come to. p.s think u could e-mail me the link wen uget it.or if u no any other links about cleaning and cookin small animals..thanx....my email address is EMAIL ADDRESS OMITTED BY M40 ...thanx again..

M40 Response: It's in the works. I'm not sure when I'll be able to do it. Maybe the next time I zap a critter and have a camera with me, I will document it right! Thanks for the kudos!

A easy and safe way for beginner hikers/campers to select thier gear is to pack it all up, hike five miles out from thier front door, hike the five miles back and set up "camp" in thier back yard. This way they get to test the weight and usefullness of that "got to have item" from the safety of thier own back yard. The five mile out and back hike should show them how important weight is. Doing this regularly, including the round trip "back" from thier back yard will help get them into hiking shape as they learn thier gear. George {Way up in the Ozark mountains :o)} EMAIL ADDRESS OMITTED BY M40

M40 Response: Well put. I think backyard prep is a great suggestion. Most survival skills can be practiced in a backyard, and many others can be practiced with very little if any actual wilderness. It's the old "measure twice, cut once" maxim. Next time it's raining, windy or otherwise less than ideal conditions, there's no reason not to practice starting a fire. For those who haven't done it, it may be a lot tougher than you think!  Thanks for the advice George!

Hi... I love your site...Thanks for all the hard work you have put into it. I have read here different ways to "carry" a fire to a new location.... What do you think of having some punks (from fireworks) on hand to use for this purpose? Mike EMAIL ADDRESS OMITTED BY M40

M40 Response: I think that a Bic lighter takes up less space, and lets you "carry" fire anywhere you want! I've read about the various types of tinder that can be used to carry fire, but let's keep this real folks. Prepared individuals ALWAYS carry fire!

M40 Addendum: Jessie, I've done a bit of formatting to your submission to make it a bit easier to read.

hello my name is jesse and great site, ok ill keep it short this is my version of a homemade MRE here goes:

You'll Need: a clean coffee grinder, large bowl, plastic bags, customized protein powder, oats, water, unnatural peanut butter

Ingredients:

Protein Powder I suggest you get a custom mix from trueprotein.com a pre-made mix is here http://www.trueprotein.com/store/cu_order3.asp  (chocolate flavor, 5 pounds) which consists of 30% calcium caseinate, 20% milk protein isolate, 30% whole egg protein, 20% Flax powder, with aminogen's and a complete vitamin/mineral mix, whatever flavor you want

Oats, (can be found at almost any food center. I suggests a steel cut oats over old-fashioned oats, doesn't make much difference.

Peanut Butter any will do but it must be non organic meaning when you look at the back there will be hydrolated oils. Jif or Skippy will do fine, this is because you need the preservatives in the unnatural stuff, this is the only thing preventing your food from spoiling.

Water, as clean as possible

Cinnamon  (optional)

Procedure:

 - Grind up oats into a flour with the coffee grinder,

 - Into a bowl add 1 cup of the ground oats, 1 cup protein powder, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1 cup water (may need more), 1 TBS cinnamon (optional) and mix till it's a gooey paste (add water as needed),

 - Pack into plastic bags (as air tight as possible)

 - Put in the refrigerator for 1 day, and you're done.

This kind of MRE has great nutrients and will digest and breakdown slowly, meaning it will keep you full and fed for the longest time while keeping a very healthy nutrient base. Try it out, eat some and see how long it takes for you to be hungry again, 2 cups lasted me about 14-16 hours before I felt hungry. you could also add dried fruit or whatever to the mix if you wanted. (note: these wont last forever unless frozen so just make them a month or so before you go)

M40 Response: Thanks for that Jessie. This sounds like a great way to make your own lightweight trail snacks. The refrigeration would preclude these from being an emergency survival food, unless someone knows how to sterilize and seal these to prevent long-term deterioration (ie: could you vacuum pack these and then heat them to kill any bacteria? If so, what would the required time/temp be to provide a 100% kill?) If this is not feasible, are there ingredients that would make it last longer (ie: I've heard that honey acts as a preservative as it contains antibacterial agents. Would a good amount of honey in the mix prevent it from experiencing bacterial growth?)

Anyhow Jessie, thanks again for this... it's really got me thinking, and that's a factor that distinguishes the best feedback from the rest!

Your site really kicks ass! It's not your typical boy scout survival crap! It's actually useful. U forgot to mention about winter shelter tho. What do U do if it's 15 below and u got nothing! HELP PLEASE!

M40 Response: I haven't forgotten, I just haven't had the time to do it yet. This site isn't a team of folks putting in 40 hours a week cranking out pages and graphics... it's just me... and I have a day job. I add stuff when I have the time and energy to do it. Check back from time to time, and you may find some new stuff... especially when folks like you ask for it! By the way, thanks for the kudos!

Make tyvek quiet by washing it in a washing machine(I don't know how this effects the waterproof capability). This is what the military does to quiet tyvek maps that downed pilots use in enemy territory. Shane

M40 Response: Hey Shane. I've heard of this before, but have not tried it. I've never used Tyvek, but I hear that it is essentially a "poor man's Gore-Tex" It's a bit too heavy and bulky to carry in a survival kit, but I've heard it works great for ground tarps.

Hey!!! Just read every topic on your webpage about survival and I think that this is one of the best sites iv come across when it comes to serious survival. Even though im only 17, im always going back into the woods and trying new things that involve survival tactics and your ideas have gave me so much more to go on! *Mike*

M40 Response: Thanks for the kudos Mike. Practicing these skills is a good idea. If more folks did, there'd be less folks dying.

If you're looking for ways to start a fire then check out "FireSteel". It creates a shower of ultra hot sparks and it even works when it's wet.

M40 Response: "FireSteel" is essentially just a ferrocerium rod, and it's a bit high priced for what you get. I do have a ferrocerium rod, and it's about half inch diameter (13mm) by about 4 inches long. That's a lot of fires. It's got about 10 times as much mass as the "FireSteel" model, and it cost me about $15 at the USAF survival school. I now wish I bought more than one! Does anyone know of a good source for ferrocerium rods in bulk?

Great site, enjoyed it a lot. I learned a lot about survival here and think you are right about some of these nature lovers. Yet I still resepct mother nature and enjoy being out in her and think that there are areas that need to be set aside and preserved like our national parks. Thanks for a great site and keep up the good work.

M40 Response: Well, I think pretty much everyone who takes the time to come to this site enjoys being in the wilds, and if you're reading about survival, you afford nature some respect as well. As for setting aside preserves, it's all well and good until we're not allowed to go there. There are national parks where you're not allowed to leave marked trails for fear of people stepping on plants. Maybe they'll start arresting bears and deer for scraping up trees and stepping on stuff. There's a lot of irrational attitudes about nature these days, and I'm growing sick of it. Sorry if I'm off on a tangent and rambling... thanks for the compliments!

in the event that you can't bring a survival kit like on a airplane what should you do and tell people that they can't go nuts or they will die instead of going nut talk to a tree or somthing even though that really sounds nuts

M40 Response: Speaking of nuts....

i like how you added moving pictures and stuff because i HATE READING!!!!!! p.s. you should add a short web page on the basics of survival no complicated stuff just fire water shelter and food Thanks from A Moose!!!

M40 Response: Hey Moose, I thought that's what I had here! I try to keep it quick and simple. There are entire books on the subjects that I have covered in a few pages here. I don't know how much briefer I can make it!  Thanks for writing.

Have you ever went out for a day with no tent or food or water if you have was it a good expierienced

M40 Response: Well... I go out every day without a tent, food or water. Would I head into deep woods that way? Nope. Would it be a good experience? Nope. Survival isn't a pleasant experience. It is uncomfortable at best. Anyone who tells you different hasn't done it.

you know all that crap you said about mother nature well it reminds me of my wife HA HA LOL From A moose

M40 Response: Hey Moose, I was thinking about your wife when I wrote it! Kidding aside, most of my essays are tongue in cheek, but there's always a few crazies who can't take a joke.

Regarding your comment on the shelter building page 'beware of idiots', I do fully agree that when it comes to survival do whatever it takes, take WHATEVER you need from the wilderness to survive. BUT... I do also think it might be worth mentioning that for practice purposes where perhaps it would be a good idea to conserve and minimize the destruction of live plants. OR... when taking live trees, shrubs etc. try to take the weaker smaller ones that will be choked out eventually anyway. I am not a treehugger, but I do think advice like this can't hurt. Wes

M40 Response: Hey Wes, nobody's advocating the defoliation of forests to practice survival skills, but I have to say... there's NO shortage of trees. No matter what you've heard from the loony left, the fact remains that there are more trees in the US today than there were upon the arrival of Europeans to the Americas. PS - The nice thing about trees is that the ones you cut grow back!

thanks dood i learned all the stuff i needed to have for my report for school its also cool how you have all those projects that could keep me occoupied

M40 Response: Ummm... you're welcome... I think... did I get an "A"??

you should give tips for people who are lost ii the woods with nothing at all besides a knife or sometimes not even that. I am only fourteen but I am a survival expert and cuold live off the land with virtualy nothing besides using tools I can make and dug out traps to cachth rabbits and what not.

M40 Response: This site will hopefully make folks think about being prepared when they trek into the wilds. Even a true survival expert can die pretty quickly if they're in the woods unprepared and lost in poor weather. I'd rather stress preparedness than hardcore barebones survival. There are a few sites out there that may have what you're looking for. Google "primitive skills" and you'll find them. They'll teach one how to make stone tools and rub sticks together, but I'll take a knife and a bic lighter every time, thanks!

how about telling people to make bow and arrows strong enough to kill rabbits from a twenty feet distance at least. Shoe string should work with green hard wood.

M40 Response: You've obviously never owned a bow. A shoestring is definitely not going to be strong enough to make any kind of a decent bow. Making a good bow is a LOT of work, and an arrow that will actually fly straight? A practical nightmare. Even with 550 cord, I wouldn't attempt it in any kind of survival situation. You're better off sticking with the basics. Make things complicated, and you'll regret it every time.

I loved the site. i am a 4 year rotc cadet, an 8 year boyscout and a soon to be marine. I learned alot bout the site however i have one concurn. when building all of your shelters, i dont many people could chop down a hearty tree for his logs. so i wouldnt recomend dirt over your leaves. it might get a little heavy, given the logs you have. i, personally, have all ways used thorns, and smaller sticks over all the leaves... Just a suggestion. love the site though, good job.

M40 Response: First of all... THANK YOU. Not for the compliments, which are nice, but for serving your country. As for your suggestion, you're probably correct. Whereas I carry large blades, I tend to use live thick support poles for my shelters. For a quick shelter that may not have much support, one would have to be careful about how much weight you pile on top!

To m4040, Your site is very interesting and informative. The khukri knife transformation has certainly given me food for thought, I own three of them (two are authentic and the third is by Smith & Wesson- its stainless steel is not a problem in a coastal environment). Keep up the good work, Paul (Brisbane, Australia).

M40 Response: Thanks Paul! A khukri in the outback, eh? Must come in handy. Thanks for the compliments.

Wheres your picture, i betcha your one of those hot, rugged fellas ;) Great site,picked up alotta great info! smooches!

M40 Response: Wow... you bet correct... I WAS one of those, until my head swelled up from all your compliments!

You need more cool cursors i like the fire one.

M40 Response: Thanks.

this website is pretty cool could be better if all the links had things follow the mouse that would definataly be cooler

M40 Response: I'm sensing a trend here. I think it would get annoying if ALL the pages had the cursor trailers! Thanks for the input though.

You need to do some research before ranting about Native American culture, you bonehead. I am leaving your site now. If the bulk of your information is no better researched than this, I can do better elsewhere. Crawl down off the pulpit and read a book. Meet a few of the people of the race you disparige before yapping your fool mouth.

M40 Response:  Here we have a typical Liberal response to something that he's deemed "offensive". Never mind that I've said NOTHING that is inaccurate, and therefore nothing that should offend anyone. I haven't portrayed a single living person in a bad light. All I've done is question the inaccurate historical portrayals of tribal cultures upon the arrival of Europeans to the Americas. Rather than dispute even a single point I made, this guy has gone straight to name-calling. As for who needs to do some research... I'll leave that up to you, the readers.

As for meeting a few of the people I "disparige" (sic), I have met quite a few. You see, I am part Mic-Mac. My great grandmother was 100%. That doesn't mean that I feel like some sort of victim, or that I throw temper-tantrums when someone talks about ancient history. It definitely doesn't make me want to distort history to please hypersensitive jerks.

Some folks learn from history, and others rewrite it into pleasant fairytales. I choose to learn, and I'll continue "yapping" my "fool mouth".

If found in a situation wear you are under prepared(like me)and have no means of lighting a fire to cook food then take some bacherlours (or any kind )super noodles as you can eat these without cooking them all you do is sprinkle the powdered sauce on them and hey presto you have a big chunky crisp(or potato chip as you americans say) as the creator of this website stresses that food is not very important in a survival situation, well it actualy is in a cold situation. As a great man once said(ray mears) food is the wood to your boady's fire without it your boady can not produce heat.

M40 Response:  I have to disagree with you completely here. First of all, there are FAR better foods to take with you than noodle packs. These contain almost nothing of nutritive value. All you get are a few empty calories. If it's calories you're looking for, then there are much smaller things you can pack. If you have the kind of space in your survival kit to stow one of these noodle packs, then I would fill it with a half dozen energy bars! As far as covering the dry noodles with salt and monosodium glutamate (the powdered sauce) and eating them, I would say that you are begging for a severe case of dehydration.

It's true that cold situations force your body to burn more calories to stay warm, but hunger is still amongst the least of your worries. Your body will burn stored fat if you are not taking in food (not a bad thing for some). Even in the cold, you are using water for digestion, for processing calories, for removing waste, and for regulating body temperature. You may not feel as thirsty as you would in warmer climates, but you still need water. I would recommend heating up the water and drinking it hot to help keep your body warm.

As for what Ray Mears would do, I'll give you a direct quote from his book (Living off the Land), where he states, "In most survival episodes, shelter, water, fire and signaling must be attended to before food needs." 

In almost any survival situation I can imagine, shelter and water are MUCH higher priorities than food. I can't stress this enough. Even in the tropics, you may be able to do without the fire or shelter for a while, but they are still higher priorities than food. Even the skinniest folks among us can go for quite a few days without eating. Keep your priorities straight, and you'll stay alive!

I just got done visiting your web-site and enjoyed it very much.

I'd like to share with you and others who will read this the recipe for the BEST fire starters I've ever used.

Ingredients: Lots of cloths-dryer lint, paraffin wax block (find it in the canning isle at your local supermarket), wick material (you can find at any hobby store), and a fiber egg carton bottom (NO STYROFOAM!).

Line an old cookie sheet or equivalent with wax-paper and put the fiber egg carton bottom on it. Melt the wax in an old coffee can with the top squished in to make a funnel for pouring. The can will be hot, so use pliers to pick can up and pour. Pack the egg carton with the dryer lint (use twice as much as you think it will need, as it compresses quite a lot when you pour the wax on it), pour the wax on it and saturate both the lint and the carton. Press a short length of wick in the top with a toothpick. pour any remaining wax over the wicks. Let sit until hard, then cut into individual starters (it will cut easily with scissors).

These starters are absolutely waterproof and will start even the wettest of wood. Make sure you carry them in Zip-Lock bags until ready to use though as they will get wax on things if you don't. But you should give them a try. They're almost FREE and they will absolutely start a fire when you need one.

 - Christensen

M40 Response:  Thanks Christensen! These are probably a bit big for a survival kit, but would be great to pack for camping trips or any outdoor excursion. I've done something similar to make fire starters. I squish cotton balls into a small container, and then heat vaseline until it's liquid. This gets poured over the cotton balls to fill all the empty space. You can then pull out one cotton ball, fluff it up, and flip a spark at it to ignite it. They burn for quite a while, long enough to ignite wood anyways. Either way, I think I'm going to try your suggestion, and keep a few in my daypack from now on. Thanks for the kudos and the great suggestion!

hi, names bob here.. yeah uh there is a nifty little thing i like to keep in my camping gear, ya know for those hard times 4 and 5 weeks out. its called lotion, its really handy in the mornings ;)

M40 Response:  ummm ... ok Bob, I'll take your word for it.  I'm not even going to ask what you're doing with the lotion.

 kellie kettel 

M40 Response:  ???

Along with the firemaking section, can you make a part about the different ways to start a fire like flint and steel and the bow/drill method? That would be a great part to add on the site. 

M40 Response:  Good idea, but I'm no expert at many of these methods. I'm very handy with flint and steel, but I've never even tried the bow-drills or fire ploughs. I typically bring a couple lighters. It saves a lot of time and energy.

Awesome, Sweet-Awesome site. The only other source of decent, enjoyable (Kicks-Trash in terms of animations ;) and information) tips, tricks, and basics. The only comparable things to this site is Gene Wards: Survival Beyond the 10 Essentials DVD, and a couple of books. I don't own the DVD, but I watched it thru and thru at Sportsmans Warehouse. Although i'm only 14 (i know, i know Kudos from youngins' aren't liable) I am very impressed. I've always fantasized about roughing-it for a couple of days with limited tools. PS i really liked ur bit on the Ultimate Spears! ;) 

Same 14-year-old that said 'awesome, sweet awsome site... Gene Wards' comments. But i'd like to say (even though Mormon good boy) U kicked the dudes ass who was racking you about the Native American stuff. (i wouldn't be at all disapointed if this isn't posted, just wanted to congrad u on kicking a 'granola-brained Jackass's ass) PS like ur comments on MotherNature ;) ) 

M40 Response:  Ummm... thanks I think. Anyone know if "kicking trash" is a good thing or a bad thing? I'm pretty sure "sweet awesome" means good. I guess I'm not up on the latest slang these days. I have not seen the Gene Wards video. Anyone else seen this?

how did/do you sharpen the Khukri (spelling?) 

M40 Response:  See this page - http://www.m4040.com/Knifemaking/Shoptalk.htm

 I have found adding a small piece of rubber inner tube from a cycle to my kit helps to light fires when its tipping it down. the rubber can be cut into small strips and is no affected by any amount of moisture even if it gets totally soaked. this is then lighted by a lighter or other means, and can then be used to light the bigger fire, saving lighter gas.

P.S like your site, nice to the point D (UK) if your interested the uk bushcraft site can be found at www.bushcraftuk.com   

M40 Response:  Thanks, I just checked it out, and I have it bookmarked. There seem to be a good many interesting articles there. I'll try your inner tube trick next time I'm in the bush!

I love you web site and have bookmarked it, I will read it continuously. Love the Asshole section, thanks for your hard work and that.

Jeff M, Houston, TX.

M40 Response:  Thanks for the kudos Jeff. It's hard work, but if you folks keep writing, I'll keep adding pages!

M40 Response:  Hey Lozza, thanks for writing. You Aussies have a way with words...thanks for the laugh. Also, good point about lighters. As for the soda can and chocolate bar method... it's a unique science class kind of trick, but it takes a lot of work, some really direct sunlight, and a good amount of patience! My suggestion is to eat the chocolate, drink the soda, and then take the lighter from your well constructed survival kit and start a fire!  Again, thanks for writing Lozza!

Found your site while researching khukris. Years ago I used a mil-spec khuk as part of my woods kit and ended up with a small collection of them. They are VERY useful- you can even hammer with them. Your suggestion re the handle and wrapping with cord are right on- those who have used the khuk often find it useful to alter the grip a bit. I suggest a 4-5 inch hunting type knife as well as a pocketknife- the smaller blade can ride in a sub-sheath on the khuk sheath (I make my own of leather, the wood ones are too bulky). Paracord is modern "leather lace" and unlike leather it doesnt rot- I hate when a lace pops apart when I need it! The miniBic is a great idea- suggest putting in sealed pillbottle with cotton balls to keep from accidental loss of butane. If the flint on the lighter breaks, one is SOL! Great site, it has given me a lot to think about- not just khukris! My daughter and I were camping in Feb just south of Grand Canyon. We had basics but I ::forgot:: to load a large cutting tool- so guess who got to break a lot of sticks for the fire? I ordered some of the Khuks from Sarco, just to put one in each trunk and leave there. Sarco's khuks are a LOT cheaper than Atlanta Cutlery (the original importer). We'll see how they compare in use. Thanks for the site!

Dun, Southern Colorado

have you made a snare ?

M40 Response: I assume you ask this because of the crudeness of the graphics I show. The answer is, yes, I've made a snare. HOWEVER... you may notice the lack of good photos of snares on my site and on many other survival related sites. There's a VERY good reason for this. It's ILLEGAL !!! I will try to do better, but will have to find a way to illustrate the technique without creating an "illegal device".
 

Your site really kicks ass! It's not your typical boy scout survival crap! It's actually useful. U forgot to mention about winter shelter tho. What do U do if it's 15 below and u got nothing! HELP PLEASE!

M40 Response: Thanks for the kudos. As for winter shelters, I haven't gotten to that yet. I'll be adding more shelter pages soon. Check back on the New Pages section from time to time, and you'll probably see something along these lines in the near future!
 

Make tyvek quiet by washing it in a washing machine (I don't know how this effects the waterproof capability). This is what the military does to quiet tyvek maps that downed pilots use in enemy territory. Shane

M40 Response: Thanks Shane. I'll try that. Currently I only use it for ground sheets under tents when camping, so it doesn't make much noise.
 

Hey!!! Just read every topic on your webpage about survival and I think that this is one of the best sites iv come across when it comes to serious survival. Even though im only 17, im always going back into the woods and trying new things that involve survival tactics and your ideas have gave me so much more to go on! *Mike*

M40 Response: Hey Mike, thanks for the kudos, and check back often. I'll be adding some new stuff from time to time.
 

If you're looking for ways to start a fire then check out "FireSteel". It creates a shower of ultra hot sparks and it even works when it's wet.

M40 Response: "Firesteel" is essentially just a flint bar (a ferrocerium rod) with a steel insert to push against it. It is a costly little bugger as well. I'm currently looking for a cheap source for ferrocerium rods. I'll keep everyone posted when I find one.
 

if you have a spare flashlight you can make a fire. take the lens and the cap off and pull out the light bulb. then carefully break the bulb. be careful not to damage the filliment.then stick it in cotton with vasseline on the outside only. then attach the light bulb to the batteries in the light. this only works once. so use this as a last resort.

M40 Response: Last resort is right. NEVER break a working piece of gear, especially if there's any chance you may need it later! As for starting a fire this way, it is not easy. Can it be done? Sure. Would I recommend it? Hell no. This is one of those interesting science class methods that can work, like polishing the bottom of a coke can with chocolate to make a parabolic mirror, or forming a lens from ice. They are interesting trivia while sitting in one's living room, but using these methods in actual survival situations would be a gamble at best. I don't know how many times I can say this folks.... BRING A BIC!!!
 

Excellent site! Lots of great information presented clearly, concisely and frankly. Some corrections. The majority of the indians in N America did practice some kind of agriculture, even the Lakota had one band called the Mni Conjou which means planters by the water. The had few domesticated animals (eg. the dog) and hunted and fished for their meat and for means of efficiency used every bit of an animal for some purpose. They also, contrary to the granola "noble savage" disinformation used woods management techniques to make their hunting easier and more effective. One request, could you make the FM 21-76 US ARMY SURVIVAL MANUAL available as a PDF for those of us who can't use the MS Word reader?

M40 Response: Some corrections... a few tribes out of hundreds do not constitute a "majority". Most had zero agriculture, and the few that did planted very little. There weren't established towns that survived by agriculture (the way that almost the entire rest of the world at the time was living). There is some evidence that there were "domesticated" dogs that followed tribes, but I've never seen any evidence of livestock (eg: penned or herded food animals like the rest of the world at the time). There's another old myth that has arisen here. The claim that native Americans used "every bit of an animal". Upon the arrival of Europeans to the Americas, they observed and wrote of how the natives used a lot more of an animal than they did. The natives (necessarily) used lots of animal parts that the Europeans would have thrown away. Native Americans used the meat, some organs, the pelt, and sometimes a few bones to make needles and such. In most cases, they threw away about a third of each kill by weight (thus the domesticated dogs). By "woods management techniques", do you mean that they started forest fires to drive game towards them? Sure they claim that this was "woods management". Hell, some tribes are still doing it today. If you or I start a forest fire, it's arson. If a "Native American" does it, it's "woods management".

PS - I've had folks send me PDF versions, but I really have no idea where they came from, so I will not post them. I made the Word version, so I posted it. I assume there are other sources out there where one can download a pdf version.

By the way, I have to mention that I HATE PDF's. The PDF format is a TERRIBLE way to share information. A Word doc allows all of you readers to easily tailor the document to your needs, and make notes wherever you want. PDF's are not easily edited without expensive software from Adobe, so I will not use them. Adobe has a horrible product, and they should be ashamed of the price they ask for the editor. Stick with Word folks!
 

I Love your website. Please consider adding a section on building a survival kit that one would keep in a car trunk. (family oriented).

M40 Response: Although this is primarily a "wilderness" survival site, I'll think about it. There are quite a few sites out there that already show home and car kits. Do a web search on "disaster preparedness", and you'll find a wealth of info. Thanks for the kudos!
 

Back to the solar still: I've used these in the desert in conjunction w/barrel (and other) cactus. Splitting them in the area you're setting the still up in traps the moisture there and the sun pulls out the water for you. Not perfect, but using a natural depression means you don't use a whole lot of energy to get your water. Recycling your urine this way too adds to the moisture available.

M40 Response: Thanks for that. You are absolutely correct. ANY moisture bearing plants put in the still will give up their moisture to the still. Likewise if you put swamp water, seawater, urine, or any other water bearing substance under there, it will evaporate off the water and collect it in the container. The water that collects there is 100% pure (distilled) water. By the way, you don't want to drink distilled water for any long term duration. Distilled water will eventually deplete minerals from your body and cause you problems! In the short term thirst is your primary concern, but never use a still for any long term durations if you can help it!  PS - Your point about using a natural depression is absolutely correct. Always AVOID labor where you can. Conserving energy is a huge part of effective survival.
 

Im just joined the boy scouts of america and went on my first campout it was horrible and my surval kit dosent look that good either but i hope what you showed me will help me. im also a fan of your ghurka knifes they look awesome thz a lot ^-^

M40 Response: Keep at it. Camping gets easier as your preparedness increases. A campout in wet weather sucks if you don't have proper wet weather gear. If you have the right gear, it's perfectly enjoyable. Here's hoping you'll gear up and start enjoying the great outdoors!

PS - Thanks for the kudos on the Khukri!
 

i love your site im 17 and im makeing your kirke right now im allmost totaly done. Quick question did you sand down the handle? and thanks for showing how to cord wrap handles i used it on all my knifes.

M40 Response:  Yes, the handle was sanded down. For more on how and what tools were used, see this page - http://www.m4040.com/Knifemaking/Shoptalk.htm

m40, im looking for a normal sized fixed blade knife that is relible and not that expesive what would you suggest?

M40 Response: Well, I've made a few suggestions on my site. If you want something along the lines of a khukri, and you want to buy it off the shelf, then here's a page I put up to give you a steer in the right direction: http://www.m4040.com/Knifemaking/BladeEvals.htm
If khukri's are not your thing, then I recommend a machete, even a short one. Not to get repetitive, but a large blade can do pretty much everything a small blade will do, but the reverse is definitely not the case!
 

Im in high school and i love the outdoors. In fact i got in trouble when i cut down trees in my back yard and built a survival shelter then i started a fire with a magnifying glass i was content to just stay there but my mom yelled at me. Just thanking you for putting such a great survival site and some day hope to be a survival expert like you.

M40 Response: Tell your mom it's NOT MY FAULT... Just kidding, but try to stay out of trouble folks! Practicing outdoors skills is good, but be smart about it.
 

I can't believe how JEALOUS you are of Les Stroud. Is it because he has a T.V. show on survival and you are just another one of the THOUSANDS of websites on it? You claim he is a tree hugger and afraid to kill living things. I have seen him kill plenty of animals to eat. He always says you should ONLY kill if you are in a survival situation. Never once did he mention that one should hurt the enviorment. As far as the episode where he went into the jungle instead of walking the shore line...he said before he set foot in the jungle: "NORMALLY YOU WOULD JUST FOLLOW THE COAST LINE...BUT THIS IS A SURVIVAL SHOW." Funny you didn't mention that as you bashed him. Also, when he drank from the stream, he mentioned you should always boil the water first. Kinda like do as i say, not as i do. He is always rescued after 7 days, what does he care? He tells you what you should do in that situation. Lets look at his creditials compared to your own. I think i would trust him over a right wing nut internet site. Keep up the good work, half a million hits a month, nice. Wonder how many millions tune into survivorman a week?

M40 Response: I think I've run into a hardcore Survivorman fan here. Sorry to burst your bubble there pal, but Les is a showman, not a survival expert. He's also a bit of a drama queen. I'm not typically "jealous" when watching him, as I've been there fighting off hunger, cold and sleepless nights in the woods. When watching him, I'm actually thinking, "better him than me". As to "how many millions tune into survivorman a week", I guess it was "zero millions". You see, Survivorman has been cancelled from what I hear. I'm not gloating about it, I thought the show was entertaining and interesting. I merely had some issues with the way Mr. Stroud prioritized and presented information. I did my write-up from memory, so if I missed a few one-liners where Les essentially proclaimed "do as I say, not as I do" before doing extremely STUPID things, please forgive me. Can you really tell me that it would be a good thing if folks learned their survival skills only from this show? I think not.
 

Hi--I really liked your site and the information on field kukris and the awesome looking Becker Brute. I would like to pass on a web site to you that is ran by an ex-gurka army officer and it offers authentic kukris at great prices and even some modern ones that dont need a rework i.e.handles and sheath--the site is www.khukurihouseonline.com . Click new arrivals and check out the sirupate special (hunter). It has a non-traditional handle and sheath. I have a spec plus survival machete that I have used for over 10 years for bow hunting, camping, and even yard work. It's a 1/4 inch thick and it is a chopper! I even chopped a rail road tie in half with it! It doesn't have a tip like a knife but is rectangular which makes it an ok digger too. I also recommend a book called "The sas guide to survival" written by a former sas survival instructor named James "Lofty" Lofton I think. He recommends a parang in the book and it is really good reading in general. I have never used a parang or a kukri but am thinking of getting a kukri one day. Well thanks for a great site ---- bret from Michigan

M40 Response: Thanks for the info Bret! I think the spec plus series are a bargain for the asking prices. They are pretty rugged and hold an edge well. By the way, I looked at the sirupate that you spoke of:
http://www.khukurihouseonline.com/Content/Catalog/Browse/ProductPicture_1.php?PID=bd686fd640be98efaae0091fa301e613|5f4949
 

It looks like someone overseas has seen my site, eh? This blade seems to have a much nicer handle design than the standard khukris, but it's a good bit smaller than the military versions. It's definitely shorter, and they don't specify a thickness. Has anyone out there ordered one, and if so, is this a decent blade, or a decorative piece?
 

Hell yes hack and slash!

M40 Response: ummm... OK... as long as you're in the outdoors... not if you're hiding in someone's closet with an axe or something...
 

You are right about "survivorman", I saw alot of things you "don't" want to do in a survival situation. Half of the things, the survival "experts" on discovery channel have shown on TV, will get you "dead" in real life like floating down a river in 50 degree water -Daa!- or have they ever heard of a head hole fire for warmth, or when you have a "pot/can" collect and boil the grubs and/or fish (conserves oils), etc, just to name a few things. thx  - wb3bears

M40 Response: There are many things they don't show, and I won't fault them for that. There are a LOT of skills that I don't show in order to keep things simple for folks who are learning. There are many sites out there that discuss the more advanced stuff, as does the US military survival manual I offer for download. The only real issue I have with "Survivorman" is the fact that it is an entertainment show masquerading as an informative one.
 

Just want to say great site. Also Nitro-Pak doesn't seem to carry the water filter straw anymore. It can be purchased on Ebay at several different stores. Nitro-Pak does however offer a great item called Polar Pure. This product contains iodine crystals you can use to treat up to 2000 qts. of water. It sells for under 10 bucks and seems a good value. If however you wish to make one yourself all you have to do is find 4-8 grams of resublimed USP iodine crystals. Get yourself a 1 oz. bottle and put the crystals in it. Some people say use glass over plastic for the bottle. One good suggestion is to use a bakelite cap instead of a plastic one (so it won't break). When you want to use it fill the bottle with water, replace cap, and shake. Let it set for a few min.(if cold, warm solution by placing bottle under your armpit) then pour liquid ONLY into the water to be treated. This set up has many advantages, some are:

1.doesn't suffer from the shelf life problems of open iodine pills
2. takes up less space than a comparable amount of pills
3. iodine taste not as pronounced (you can add vitamin C tablets to treated water to remove taste).

There is also a canteen on Ebay that has a filter in the cap that will treat up to 200 gal. Thanks for all the info you offer. Rob H.

M40 Response: Thanks Rob. I've not tried resublimed USP iodine crystals, so I cannot speak to their effectiveness, but it sounds like a decent idea. Another way to avoid costly water purification pills is to simply bring a small vial of bleach. A little goes a long way. See this page:
http://www.m4040.com/Survival/Skills/Water/Water.htm
 

Hey Mike I found something really cool. If you go to bi mart and look in their camping section you should find a yellow tube that says "Fire Paste" buy it. Its one of the coolest things Bi Mart Has had in a while. Its a flammable gel that really helps if you're starting a camp fire etc. -Jeremy

M40 Response: Thanks Jeremy. I think I'd classify this in the "camping" category. It's a little large to carry in a survival kit, but handy for starting campfires and the like, especially in wet weather.

 

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