Backwoods Survival Guide (Issue 35)

Welcome to Backwoods Survival Guide 35! Summer is wrapping up and fall will be here before we know it. I have to say that I’m looking forward to the cooler weather. One of the best things about fall camping is cooking and eating outdoors, and our Gear Guide that starts on page 98 has several cookware items I’ll be checking out myself. As usual, our contributors really delivered with their stories for this issue. Dr. Joe Alton has a great piece on how to properly treat burn injuries. Angeline Hawkes shows us how to properly use dehydrated foods as well as how to protect our woodpile from all manner of problems. Amy Grisak takes us step by step in building a cold frame. Craig Caudill shows us how to track…

But your ideal campsite may be far from the safe haven you initially thought. Unbeknownst to you, there could be hidden dangers all around you taking many forms, and these could very well end your enjoyable outdoor time in an instant. Here, we’ll dig deep to uncover these possible perils, show you how to detect them and direct you to safer alternatives. DEADLY SHADE In spring and summer, the sun can be blistering and relentless, making you seek out even the slightest amount of shade for some temporary comfort. With this mindset, many people may opt to set up camp under the protection of large trees, using their leaf-filled branches to create a natural barrier from the sun. In theory, this is a logical course of action. In reality, not…

Don’t just buy the first tent off the shelf or the one on sale at a great price when you’re shopping on your favorite outdoor gear website. Follow these must-consider categories to make an informed shelter choice. × Size and Interior Capacity You want enough space to comfortably fit people and gear, but not too much to become cumbersome when carried or a hassle to set up. The best rule of thumb is to choose a tent just slightly larger than your needs. × Ease of Set-Up Some are a breeze to set up, while others seem to take a Ph.D. in architectural engineering to erect. If you get irritated easily and just want to settle in quickly for the night, then opt for the simple-step versions. You may pay…

The consequences can be horrific, including infection and scarring. Knowing how to evaluate and treat burns is an important skill for the backwoods medic on or off the road. Any disaster that robs you of electricity increases your chances of getting a burn. In these cases, it’s likely you’ll have to cook food over a fire of your own making. Starting and maintaining a campfire is something very few do on a regular basis. As such, the off-grid medic can expect to be confronted with burn injuries at one point or another. CAUSES OF BURNS Most burns are the result of contact with something very hot. Wildfires come to mind, but heat-related injuries can also be caused by exposure to sources other than flames. They include: × Scalds due to…

Burn prevention focuses on ensuring a safe environment. Key strategies include maintaining a safe cooking area, practicing proper hot liquid and electrical safety, and being aware of open flames and chemicals. In the Home × Turn cookware handles inward on stoves to prevent spills. × Never leave cooking items unattended. × Create a “child-free” area around the stove while cooking. × Keep flammable materials away from heat sources. × Set water heater temperature to 120 F or lower to prevent scalding. × Supervise children closely during bath time. × Replace electrical cords that are frayed or damaged. × Cover electrical outlets to prevent accidental contact. × Test smoke alarms and change batteries regularly. × Store chemicals and cleaning supplies out of reach of children. In the Great Outdoors × Use…

They gathered information about animals, the weather and each other simply by observing what was left behind. But tracking goes deeper than identifying a hoofprint or a claw mark. It’s about interpreting the ever-evolving story nature is telling us in real time. In this article, we’ll focus on one of the most practical and rewarding tracking skills: how to follow deer sign before, during and after the hunt. This is the art of real-time tracking, how to move through the woods with awareness, adapt when sign goes cold—and read more than just prints. FOUR RULES OF TRACKING No matter what, or who, you are tracking, these four rules apply. They form the foundation of every good tracker’s discipline. 1. Never Force a Track to Appear It’s easy to look at…