Learn essential survival skills including shelter building, fire lighting, navigation, first aid, outdoor safety and practical skills to survive in the wilderness.
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Tinder is designed to catch fire easily, which also means it can ignite very quickly and unexpectedly. Only practise fire lighting where fires are permitted and under appropriate supervision. Keep flammable materials away from unintended sources of ignition and always have a safe way to extinguish a fire. Never collect or burn…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Fire can be useful outdoors, but it can also cause serious burns, wildfires and environmental damage. Only light fires where they are permitted and where it is safe to do so. Follow local rules, campsite instructions and any fire restrictions. Keep fires small and controlled, have suitable means of extinguishing them available,…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST A compass bearing is a useful navigation tool, but a bearing on its own doesn’t tell you exactly where you are. When navigating outdoors, use a suitable map and compass together, consider the terrain and weather, and regularly check that your route still makes sense. Don’t deliberately practise navigation by getting lost….
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Natural navigation can be useful, but it shouldn’t be treated as a replacement for a map, compass, GPS or other appropriate navigation equipment. Natural signs can be difficult to interpret and weather, season, location and local conditions can all affect them. When heading outdoors, especially into unfamiliar or remote areas, carry suitable…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Survival skills are designed to help you manage unexpected situations, not encourage unnecessary risk. The best survival strategy is to avoid getting into trouble in the first place through good planning, appropriate equipment and sensible decision-making. If you’re lost, injured or facing a genuine emergency, contact the appropriate emergency services as soon…
⚠️ SAFETY FIRST Bushcraft involves real-world outdoor skills, including fire lighting, knife use, shelter building, cooking and working with natural materials. These activities can involve genuine risks. Learn skills progressively, use appropriate equipment, follow local rules and get suitable instruction or supervision where needed. Bushcraft is about understanding and respecting the outdoors — not taking…
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. What Counts as Severe Bleeding? Most cuts aren’t life-threatening. Severe bleeding is different. A wound may be particularly serious if: Severe blood loss can lead to shock and can…
Why Learn Basic Knots? You don’t need to become an expert sailor or climber to benefit from knowing a few knots. A handful of useful knots can help with: Knots are particularly useful because they allow you to join, secure, tension and adjust cordage without needing complicated equipment. Unlike a tent, a tarp usually doesn’t…
What Is a Tarp Shelter? A tarp shelter is a simple temporary shelter made using a waterproof or water-resistant sheet of material. Tarps are popular with: They’re lightweight, versatile and can be configured in several different ways. Unlike a tent, a tarp usually doesn’t have a built-in floor or enclosed walls. Instead, you use cordage,…
Why Storm Safety Matters Storms are one of those hazards that can change an outdoor situation very quickly. A walk that started in sunshine can become cold, wet and windy. A campsite that seemed perfectly safe can suddenly be surrounded by falling branches. A stream that was easy to cross can become dangerously fast after…
