Tag: outdoor skills

Making a Mini Fire-Trench

January 12, 2017 / pioneerbushcraft@gmail.com

By Sean Fagan

A small trench under a camp-fire can really give you a fire-lighting edge, especially when it's cold & damp (Photo: Sean Fagan)..

Why making a Fire-Trench will give you a Fire-Lighting Edge...

Often I make a small trench under my campfire so as to raise the campfire above damp, cold ground and to improve oxygen flow.

It can really make a difference with fire-lighting success.

Learn how to make a simple fire-trench, when to use them and other more common variations of fire trenches.

How to make a Walking Staff

July 6, 2016 / pioneerbushcraft@gmail.com

By Sean Fagan

Measuring up...about to cut a willow branch to the correct length for a walking staff (Photo: Sean Fagan).

I've used walking staffs for years and rate them very highly.

I consider a walking staff to be a surprisingly versatile outdoor aid for bushcrafters, hikers and pretty much anybody that likes walking in nature.

With experience, a good staff can be easily and quickly made from any suitable tree branch in as little as 5-10 minutes.

Learn why a walking staff is useful for the outdoors - and how to make a great walking staff in 3 easy steps...

Tracking: The Browse Line

February 23, 2016 / pioneerbushcraft@gmail.com

By Sean Fagan

Fallow deer browse line on ivy (Photo: Sean Fagan).

An often overlooked tracking feature is the BROWSE LINE.

Herbivorous mammals will often browse deciduous tree leaves - especially in spring when the tree leaves are at their most palatable & nutritious (This is certainly the case throughout the temperate lands of Ireland & Britain).

Learn why browse lines are an important tracking sign and well worth getting to know...

Bushcraft Safety: Hypothermia

March 24, 2015 / pioneerbushcraft@gmail.com

By Sean Fagan

Learn about the Hypothermic Incapacity Test (Photo: Sean Fagan).

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Learn a Simple Method to Detect and Prevent Hypothermia

One of the most serious outdoor risks is hypothermia.

Hypothermia can sneak up on its victim, unannounced. The victim may not even notice its symptoms until too late.

With hypothermia, prevention is certainly better then cure.

One way to be vigilant to the risk of hypothermia - is to test for a loss of manual dexterity.

After all, if an individual is alone while outdoors and potentially slipping into a hypothermic state - then the ability to use their hands could be crucial for reversing the symptoms of hypothermia.