Blaze Your Adventure » survival hacks http://blazeyouradventure.com Adventure travel, Budget Travel, Camping, Hiking, and Backpacking Fri, 16 Oct 2015 18:30:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.41 Travel Hack Friday: How to Forage For Food http://blazeyouradventure.com/forage-for-food/ http://blazeyouradventure.com/forage-for-food/#comments Fri, 21 Aug 2015 08:17:52 +0000 http://blazeyouradventure.com/?p=6875 Forage For FoodAbove image courtesy of Jeff Kubina.  The image is of cattails which are super edible plants.  Stalks are like celery and the tuber can make flour and tasty pollen We’ve lost some instinctual skills over the centuries.  Air conditioned Superstores have made us complacent.  While the thought of having to forage for food is inconceivable …

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Above image courtesy of Jeff Kubina.  The image is of cattails which are super edible plants.  Stalks are like celery and the tuber can make flour and tasty pollen

We’ve lost some instinctual skills over the centuries.  Air conditioned Superstores have made us complacent.  While the thought of having to forage for food is inconceivable for most developed countries, it’s impossible to predict when you may find yourself naked, hungry and lost miles from the nearest Walmart.  And if you’re an avid traveler searching for the remotest corners of the world or a backcountry hiker, the possibility increases tenfold.

Preparation is key to survival. Knowing basic survival techniques, such as how to forage for food, can save your life. If you plan on hunting, don’t count on it. Predators, like Lions, only have a success rate of about 17 to 18 percent. Humans? Probably negligible without the guns, and duck calls.   Knowing how to forage for food is therefore, probably your best bet!

In a previous post, I showed you how to find water in the wild, and although water is the most critical factor to prolonging your survival rate, food is equally as important to maintain strength and reason.

But, although it may sound simple, foraging for food, particularly plants, isn’t without it’s own risks. Urban plants can be covered in pesticides and bacteria, whereas wild plants differ in toxicity levels ranging from discomfort to death.

Plan to Forage for Food? Know Basic Good Sense Rules:

  1. Avoid plant sources that are in potentially contaminated areas: along buildings, roads and private property. These areas may have been treated with pesticides or pollutants like exhaust emissions.
  2. Avoid plants in unclean, murky and still water as they may contain parasites.
  3. Avoid spoiled or rotten fruits because they may contain fungal toxins. Also look for evidence of worms or insects.
  4. Familiarize yourself with the indigenous plants, and be able to recognize them through positive identification.
  5. Avoid MUSHROOMS completely!
  6. If possible, boil, bake, roast and dry all unknown wild plants before ingesting
Forage For Food

Destroying Angel. Very poisonous mushroom often mistaken for edible lookalikes. Image courtesy of Ericsteinert at the German language Wikipedia

Characteristics of Poisonous Plants:

  1. Milky or cloudy secretions
  2. Almond like scent, typical of cyanide compounds (think apple seeds)
  3. Shiny leaves or has leaves in groups of three (think poison Ivy)
  4. White or yellow berries. Remember this catchy little tune: “White and yellow, kill a fellow. Purple and blue, good for you. Red, could be good, could be dead”
  5. Plants with umbrella-shaped flowers
  6. Plants with thorns, or fine hairs
  7. Plants with seeds inside a pod
  8. Plants that have a bitter or soapy taste
Forage For Food

Poisonous Snowberry. Image Courtesy of Anne Burgess

How to forage for food: The Universal Edibility Test

Many plants have edible and poisonous parts, along with poisonous close relatives that appear very similar. In the event you’re unsure if the plant is safe or not to eat, follow the below Universal Edibility Test:

Forage For Food

Poison Ivy. Notice the leaves in groupings of 3. Image Courtesy of Kbh3rd

Contact Test:

  1. Separate the plant into its parts (leaves, flowers, buds, roots, stem)
  2. Crush the part of the plant you plan to test
  3. Rub on the inside of your wrist and elbow for 15 minutes
  4. Wait 8 hours, and observe if it burns, or if any rash (redness, bumps etc) forms in those areas
  5. If no reaction forms, then move on to the next stage

Raw Taste Test:

  1. Don’t eat for at least 8 hours before starting the test (do this part in conjunction with the contact test)
  2. Take a moment and smell the plant part, paying extra attention to adverse smells, like rot and/or almond like scent
  3. Take the plant part you plan on eating and hold against your lip for at least 3 minutes.
  4. If no noticeable sensation occurs from step 3, place it on your tongue, and hold in your mouth for around 15 minutes.
  5. Once a minimum of 15 minutes has passed, chew and keep in your mouth for an additional 15 minutes without swallowing.
  6. After 15 minutes has passed, swallow. Wait an additional 8 hours. If you begin to feel nauseous, you’ll have to do your best to induce vomiting and get it out of your system
  7. If through any of the steps, 3 to 6, you notice a burning, tingling, numbing or an adverse reaction of any sort, spit it out, get rid of it and start again with a different piece of the plant.
  8. If don’t notice any adverse reaction manifesting through any of the steps, eat ¼ cup of the plant part and wait another 8 hours.
  9. If you’re still alive, have yourself a feast.

For each part of the plant you plan on eating it’s important to follow the exact same steps above. As an additional precaution, and if the means are available, boil all plant parts before eating.

To be clear, this is only a rudimentary forage for food guide, and should be complimented with some knowledge of the region you’re going to and its indigenous plants. It would be a massive undertaking to create a portable compendium with every known edible and poisonous plant in existence along with their locations, and so, we need to rely on broad good sense survival strategies like the Universal Edibility Test.  Although not foolproof, you’ll have a much better chance surviving with it, rather than without.

 

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]]> http://blazeyouradventure.com/forage-for-food/feed/ 0 Travel Hack Friday: How to Tie Knots That are Not Just Knots http://blazeyouradventure.com/travel-hack-friday-how-to-tie-knots-that-are-not-just-knots/ http://blazeyouradventure.com/travel-hack-friday-how-to-tie-knots-that-are-not-just-knots/#comments Fri, 03 Jul 2015 19:26:52 +0000 http://blazeyouradventure.com/?p=6406 how to tie knotsAbove image courtesy of Benjamin Balazs Hopefully you read last weeks post on basic knot tying techniques, and are now ready to graduate from grasshopper to master knotter! Admittedly, it’s hard to imagine when knowing how to tie knots will play a crucial role in your everyday life (unless you’re already a climber or fisherman), …

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Above image courtesy of Benjamin Balazs

Hopefully you read last weeks post on basic knot tying techniques, and are now ready to graduate from grasshopper to master knotter! Admittedly, it’s hard to imagine when knowing how to tie knots will play a crucial role in your everyday life (unless you’re already a climber or fisherman), but like many things, you never realize you need it, until you actually need it.

The below knots, with a few exceptions (Clove and Cow Hitch) are trusted by Arborist and Climbers alike and are used in everyday man suspension and load bearing applications. If tied correctly you’ll avoid splattering yourself along the rocks from a rapid one-way, uncontrolled descent.

Always be prepared.  Knowing these knots can and will save lives!

I selected a few that will serve most purposes and are good to add to your repertoire of climbing knots!

How To Tie Knots – Advanced

Anchor Hitch – You’ll notice this one is incredibly similar to the Half Hitch knot, but with an additional loop around the object. Incredibly strong knot as it’s historically used to attached a line to an anchor.

Alpine butterfly Loop (Lineman’s Loop) – Used to add a load point in the middle of a rope or as multiple fishing knots to add loops along a line. As long as the ends of the rope are securely fastened, you can confidently suspend weight on the loop.

Alpine Butterfly Bend: Sharing similarities to the Alpine Butterfly Loop, this knot is used to secure two separate lines together. A very strong and trusted knot that can withstand heavy load on each end, this knot works best if the two lines being attached are similar in size.

Blake’s Hitch: A strong “Slide and Grip” knot as long as the load is “below” the hitch itself. Pulling in any other direction may loosen the knot. This knot is used to ascend or descend along another line. Keep the hitch end long, and tie a stopper knot to make it more secure (not shown).

Clove Hitch - A very simple quick knot to learn. However, caution when using this knot as it does slip when used by itself. Make it more secure by combining with the anchor hitch or Two Half Hitches.

Cow Hitch – A reverse version of the Clove Hitch, the Cow Hitch shares the same weaknesses. Quick to secure load, it should never be used in life saving applications alone. Make it more secure by combining with the anchor hitch or Two Half Hitches.

Triple Fisherman’s Bend – Like the sheet bend, but far more secure. Trusted by Climbers and Fisherman, the Triple Fisherman’s Bend is the most reliable way to attach two separate lines together.   Under load, the knots, assuming it has been tied correctly, can lock so tightly that collapse is virtually impossible.

Munter Mule combination Hitch – A useful climbing knot to know if controlled descent of a human (rappelling) or the lowering of a heavy load is required. The “Munter” (step 3) is used for active descent or lowering, while the “Mule hitch” (Step 4 to 8) is for locking or suspension.

Triple Overhand Noose Knot – Similar in function to the Noose Knot but far more secure. The triple loops make this quick tightening knot lock down effectively making it incredibly impervious to collapse. Like the Noose Knot, it’s great for snaring animals or lassoing an unreachable point or object.

Power Cinch Knot – A very strong and popular knot for securing heavy loads, the Power Cinch, or Truckers knot, creates a pulley effect allowing the knot to be pulled exceptionally tight. Useful in strapping down objects.

Bowline: a strong non-slip knot while weighted, the loop can be used to fasten another Bowline or as a load attachment point.  For critical applications, the bowline should be further secured by combining other knots to the standing end (not loop end) i.e.: two half hitches, Double or Triple Fisherman’s bend.

Bringing along rope or paracord is only half the battle and applications for knowing rope knots are literally endless. When 200lbs of your weight is hanging 100 ft above ground, on a rope 1 cm in diameter, you’ll be thankful that you know how to tie knots.

Know these knots!

 

Special thanks to Animated Knots for curating and providing the incredible knot knowledge!

 

 

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]]> http://blazeyouradventure.com/travel-hack-friday-how-to-tie-knots-that-are-not-just-knots/feed/ 0 Travel Hack Friday: Know your Knot Tying http://blazeyouradventure.com/basic-knot-tying-skills/ http://blazeyouradventure.com/basic-knot-tying-skills/#comments Fri, 26 Jun 2015 16:48:09 +0000 http://blazeyouradventure.com/?p=6317 basic knot tyingThis weeks hack is not particularly exciting nor is it really a hack, but what it lacks in excitement, it makes up tenfold in its importance. After completing a series about paracord and its many uses, I realized that I forgot to mention the most important part; basic knot tying skills you need to know. …

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This weeks hack is not particularly exciting nor is it really a hack, but what it lacks in excitement, it makes up tenfold in its importance. After completing a series about paracord and its many uses, I realized that I forgot to mention the most important part; basic knot tying skills you need to know. Given the number of knots and their variations, I’m going to break this topic up into a few hacks.

Right now, you’re probably thinking, what’s the big deal about knot tying– over, under and yank tight. It sounds easy enough, as most of us have been tying knots in one form or another since we donned our first pair of shoes.  But techniques of knot tying increase in complexity as the applications become more demanding.

Rope and paracord is only as useful as its weakest link. Assuming the paracord is neither frayed nor defective, that weakest link will depend on how it’s knotted.   Whether 550lbs or 4000lbs, the ropes tensile strength becomes moot if it unravels, slips and the knot you tied ultimately collapses.

Another important reason to knowing knot tying is during situations where speed is critical.  In life saving applications, knowing how to tie a quick non-slip knot can be the difference between life and death.

With that being said, it only made sense to have a section on knot tying.

There are literally hundreds of types of knots and cramming your brain with all of them will be counterintuitive. You only need to know a few of the critical ones.

We’ll start with the basics knots first.

Basic knot tying skills you need to know:

If you were only able to learn 9 basic knots, it’s probably best to start off with the fundamentals below, because more advanced climbing, arborist and fishing knots will be based on these forms:

Overhand Knot

The most basic of knots using one rope end, the overhand knot is simple and quick. However it should never be used for life-saving applications or if you want to strap something down and keep it. Works well as a stopper to keep the rope from running through.

Figure 8 Knot

Another very basic knot using only one end of the rope, the Figure 8 knot, like the overhand knot, is great to use as a stopper to keep the rope end from slipping through a hole or something similar. Easily unraveled even under a heavy load.

Slip Knot

Again, only using one end of the rope, a slip knot is tied for the purpose of having a quick release even if tightened under a load. The idea is that by pulling along the release end, the knot will quickly collapse. Similar to the Quick Release Knot (Highwayman’s Hitch)

Noose Knot

Similar to the slip knot, the noose knot is a quick tightening knot that can be used to snare small animals. It can also be used to loop and tighten over a load (think lasso).

Double Half Hitch

The double half Hitch knot is similar to the overhand knot but is used to anchor to an object with the single end of a rope. By itself it’s not terribly secure, but by adding another half hitch (or more) will minimize the chance for slipping and secure it even further. Good for securing basic loads.

Half Knot      

The basics of this knot will be familiar as the start of lace tying. The beginning of the most basic knots using two rope ends, the half knot is quite simply, the crossing over and under of two ends of ropes. Useless by itself, but important as the first element of many knots.

Square Knot

An extension of the half knot, the square knot follows with an additional over and under. You can further secure this knot by adding a series of Half knots. Be careful though, this knot by itself is for very basic tying and not for critical life saving applications. It can slip and come undone.

Surgical Knot

A variation of the square knot. The surgical knot runs a few more sequences of a half knot before tying off into a square knot.

Sheet Bend

A good option to bind two separate ropes together and can be used for both ropes of different and equal sizes. If using two differing sizes, make sure the loop is created with the larger of the two ropes.

The above foundation knots are necessary to know and you’ll probably end up picking one or two of these as your go-to tie downs. However, for more critical situations like, climbing or life saving, do not depend on these knots alone. You’ll need more complex proven knots.

Be sure to read next weeks hack when we get into the more advanced climbing, arborist and fishing knots.

 

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]]> http://blazeyouradventure.com/basic-knot-tying-skills/feed/ 0 Travel Hack Friday: 27 Things to do With Paracord http://blazeyouradventure.com/travel-hack-friday-27-things-to-do-with-paracord/ http://blazeyouradventure.com/travel-hack-friday-27-things-to-do-with-paracord/#comments Fri, 22 May 2015 16:57:11 +0000 http://blazeyouradventure.com/?p=6073 things to do with paracordWelcome to Another Travel Hacks Friday. As part of a new series, every Friday, we will be introducing new travel hacks for outdoor and urban adventures. We will scour the web for the best and most practical hacks, as well as dig into our reserves and share our own awesome moments of ingenuity! Paracord is …

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Welcome to Another Travel Hacks Friday. As part of a new series, every Friday, we will be introducing new travel hacks for outdoor and urban adventures. We will scour the web for the best and most practical hacks, as well as dig into our reserves and share our own awesome moments of ingenuity!

Paracord is such an amazing and useful piece of gear, that in order to do it justice, I’m going to split this hack into 3 parts.

This is Part 3 of the Paracord series.  If you want to learn more about why paracord is so awesome, and you haven’t yet read part 1:  How to Make a Paracord Belt  and part 2: How to make a Paracord Bracelet

 

If you’re not yet convinced of the overall cool factor of paracord, and still need a bit of a nudge, I’ve put together a list of the many possible things to do with paracord. The list I’ve put together is not finite, as what you can do with it is limited to your imagination. Its versatility is due to its sheer strength and lightweight nature. Conventional ropes could do the trick, but thin gauge ropes just don’t have the strength, and thick gauge ropes are too damn heavy. Best of all, paracord is low profile and can be worn as a belt, a bracelet, and even a bandolier, saving on precious bag real estate while adding another layer of usability.

Related Posts:How to make a paracord belt
Related Posts: How to make a paracord Bracelet

Remember, it’s one of those things you never know you need until you actually need it. So don’t leave home without it!

So without further adieu, we finally get to the fun part.

27 things to do with Paracord:

  • Replace as shoelaces – Stronger and more durable than conventional shoelaces. Paracord shoelace is a convenient way to carry and use when and if needed
  • Replace a broken zipper pull
  • Use to hold up your pants – read this post on how to make a paracord belt
  • Use as a stylish enviable wrist decoration –read this post on how to make a paracord Bracelet
  • Fishing –separate the internal strands for fishing line.
  • Make a Whip – Indian Jones fans rejoice! The inherent strength and elasticity of paracord surprisingly makes a great whip. Some knowledge of braiding is necessary, but it can be done
  • Make a bola – tie stones to each end and you have yourself a bonafide bola. You’ll have to teach yourself how to use it though.
  • Make a Lasso
  • Tie, strap, hang or suspend
  • Clothes line
  • Tent lines
  • Hammock lines
  • Safety line to cross rivers and ravines
  • Use as friction saw – This is where paracord shoelaces come in handy. By dragging the cord back and forth you can cut through a number of objects, like zip ties.
  • Sew rips and tears in clothing – separate the internal strands into finer threads for spot fixes like sewing and tears
  • Sew and repair equipment – The internal strands can also be used to repair equipment
  • Towing and pulling - a single strand has 550lbs of tensile strength, doubling you get 1100, tripling 1650 and so on. With enough paracord, you can pull a whole mess of cumbersome things
  • Pull someone up
  • Lower yourself down or climb up – paracord is not climbing rope, but in emergencies it’ll still do the trick. Remember doubling, tripling and so on, can increase that tensile strength.
  • Perimeter trip wire – Tie some pots and pans, or anything that makes a lot of noise, and you got yourself a perimeter security. Lasers not included.
  • Leash for animals
  • Make a snare to trap animals
  • Dental floss –  separate the internal strands to scrape the meat out of them teeth
  • Sling – can be used as support if you’re arms broken
  • Splint – Tie up to sticks to support broken bones
  • Sew up a cut – although not ideal, in survival situations, the internal strands can be used as stitches.
  • Make a tourniquet

Surprisingly for all the uses of paracord, you can get paracord for pretty cheap online.

Here’s where I buy paracord

Amazon.com – you can buy pretty much any denomination of paracord, from 10’ to 1000’ spools.
REI – a little more expensive than the options at Amazon, but you know you’re getting the paracord 550

 

Hopefully I’ve persuaded you on the importance of having some paracord in your gear sets.  The list above is nowhere near definitive and what you can do with the stuff is truly limited to your ingenuity.

Do you think you have better ideas for paracord?

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