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25 Comments

  2. My top six skills would include trapping but none of the other skills you listed. Having said that your article made me think about the value of some of those skills you mention. My list is still different from yours, I value potable water as the most important item with shelter, fire and food next.

  3. Thank you, Jonathan Gardner! An excellent article filled with great ideas and food for thought. A few points to add to the conversation and in follow up…

    1) Many artists are creative and resourceful thinkers who produce in working studios. In those environments, artists often work with the technical limits and applications of materials. There is more science within the production of sophisticated art than many realize. It is not a surprise to find an artist reading the SB, and in fact, there are probably quite a few artists among us. It might be a surprise, at least to some, that not all artists are politically liberal.

    2) The distinction between priorities and skills was also important, and these are both key to any survival plan. In our own strategic planning, we work on these in parallel. Using the example of rope making from Jonathan’s article, we would suggest that preppers acquire various kinds of tying materials (from rope to thread) in addition to the raw materials necessary to create these kinds of resources. It’s very similar to the idea of having both shelf-stable stored food (an immediately accessible resource in a time of crisis), and the ability to grow or hunt food (a longer term more sustainable and renewable resource).

    3) Materials and technique specifics are important. Among Jonathan’s examples is clay pottery which is an excellent choice. It’s ancient and relatively low-tech, and can be reproduced with resources relatively accessible in most environments. In fact, this is a great topic to study, and about which to collect reference texts and technical resources. Among the important aspects of this is the ability to create forms specific to uses that might be needed over time (and may not be covered by other supplies in place).

    4) In addition to the ability to create clay forms, we would encourage everyone to have items that are sturdy (or unbreakable) such as stainless steel meal trays, cups, tea kettles, etc. Also items that are low-tech such as solar ovens.

    Again, our thanks to the writer. We look forward to the thoughts of other readers as well!

    Remain steady. Be safe. Stay well everyone!

  4. Whether it is a bow drill or another method, knowing how to start a fire in all conditions is, I believe, the numero uno most important skill. Fire provides us with so much. One could argue that because it can keep us alive in the cold, dry our clothes if they are wet, purify water, cook food, and provide psychological comfort, it is more important than shelter. From the age of 4, first thing we always did when camping is collect wood, and learned how build and start a fire. Even today, when the tinder fails to ignite, it is a humbling experience. Why? Because instinctively I know that without it, we may not survive. Those blessed with lots of experience outdoors know this.

    All aspiring survivalists should spend time camping 1950’s style, out in the open. It will literally, over night, reveal what our strengths and weakness are, even if we have done it a thousand times before. Skills are perishable. The essential skill that is most import to an individual, is the one they have not mastered. Be it the ability to start fire when tinder and kindling is wet, or erect a shelter that can withstand the wind and rain. Get those two skills mastered, and we will likely survive anything.

    1. “Whether it is a bow drill or another method, knowing how to start a fire in all conditions is, I believe, the numero uno most important skill.”

      Having spent a lot of time in the wilderness, I totally agree with Tunnel Rabbit. And the “psychological comfort” mentioned is probably the biggest benefit in a survival situation. If you can’t build a fire with one match, you still have a lot to learn about building fires. I always had the best success building a “log cabin” pyramid with my firewood with the tinder and kindling in the middle so there is no weight on them, letting the flames lick up through the larger stuff. Practice making your wood stove and fireplace fires with a single match.

      “All aspiring survivalists should spend time camping 1950’s style, out in the open.”

      Wait, you mean there are other ways to camp?? I’ve never used a tent, just a lightweight groundcloth under my sleeping bag. If it rains, I get under it. Sleeping in a tent you miss all the stars, meteors, bats flying overhead, the dying campfire making the shadows dance on the trees around your camp, etc. No, I’ve never been attacked by anything.

      If you are lost, the light and smoke from your fire are going to be the biggest help for the search parties to locate you. When they arrive, tell them to have a seat on a log, the fish is just about done and the cattail roots are choice this time of year. 🙂

    2. Thanks for reading and responding to my article!

      I definitely agree fire is the first priority. If you are caught in the wild with no equipment, is there a easier way to make fire than with a fire drill?
      I put cordage as the #1 skill, because I’m not sure how to make fire successfully without without it.

  5. Trapping.

    Depending on where we are, the opportunities and techniques for collecting food will vary a great deal. We’ll need food within 3 days before the body goes into starvation mode. At that point our metabolism slows considerably and our minds become focused on obtaining food at the expense of other considerations. In the Midwest where small game abounds, trapping is the most efficient, yet it can still be disappointing. You’ll need no less than 10 traps to get a small meal per day. Maybe. Those more skilled will do better. Here in Montana, trapping near a water source is possible as well, yet not as productive as fishing. If a fishing net is used in a creek, the odd of success is much greater still. And if we have a firearm and are in valley and near water, the odds of getting a deer are the highest. It does not take much to kill a deer. Here is where an ultra light .22 rifle, such as an AR-7 that weighs 2.5 pounds would be priceless, but fishing gear weighs the least. Teach a man how to fish in Montana, and he’ll likely survive.

    1. A .22 rifle can really come in handy in a wide variety of situations including the one you mention. For those reading this blog that don’t have one I would recommend that you get one. I like to use .22 CB Longs for exterminating striped gophers. I have a long bull barreled Remington target rifle with a good high powered 1” scope and it sure comes in handy as a “pesticator”. Gophers, woodchucks, skunks and sometimes much larger pests all get thinned out with this rifle. For those that have never heard of a CB Long before it’s just a .22 Long Rifle shell with a 29 grain bullet (instead of 40) like .22 shorts have and a very small powder charge. The result is a round that sounds like a pellet gun when fired. The firing pin can actually be heard when firing this round in a long barreled rifle. These rounds will not function in semi-automatic guns due to the almost non-existent recoil. Bolt actions, lever actions, pump actions and single shot will work with this round. Yes, the ammo does cost a little bit more than normal ammo, but I like the quiet nature of this round for small pests. I just looked at Jim’s Elk Creek Company listing and he currently has two rifles that will shoot this round.

    1. Wish I had more time and money to become specialized, yet I do not. And I would rather be a generalist than a specialist. The weakness that Delta Seven sees is the same I see. We are so reliant upon high tech that the obvious escapes us. It is best we stick to the basics and lower tech, rather become reliant upon a thin layer of higher tech that is essentially experimental, and not widely available. The Anytone AT5558uv radio mentioned yesterday with cross band repeat, is an important piece of equipment that can help strengthen our weakest point in commo. It is tough enough just to get folks to turn on a radio, let alone use a radio. I would use and promote Vietnam Era commo techniques first, rather than the latest. And that is apparently what the other guys are doing too.

  7. Not necessarily a skill but just backpacking in extreme temps below zero and in high heat and humidity will teach you how to adapt. And for some of us, its fun.

    1. So true Joe! Ives been in 0 degree weather, and 120 degree weather!

      In cold cold weather, it becomes actually critical to keep body moisture from saturating your sleeping gear. In arctic settings from my understanding they actually sleep nude in a bag, but I don’t know the exact details to this.

  8. “I started to study ancient weapons, and why Romans had such an advantage against their enemies. Simply put, they were better at everything, but their ranged advantage came from spring technology. I am not talking about metal coils, but rather wraps of rope (rope, see a theme here?), between two parallel braced supports. The simple configuration was utilized in crossbows, ballistas, scorpions, and other high powered projectile launchers.”
    I’d like to learn to make springs to make any of these things in the author’s list. I’d appreciate if anyone could provide a link to an article, book title, or other resource with more specific directions on making any of those.

  9. Jonathan,
    Thanks for writing this article – very interesting. Have you considered writing a part two? We have a lot in common. You are no doubt ahead of me in electronics, but I have worked with it some. Going off a wiring diagram and soldering up a circuit is about as far as I’ve gone, but I have an interest to learn more as so much can be done with it. I’m fairly proficient with welding, plumbing, wiring (general household stuff), carpentry, farming, gardening, general mechanics, but the area that I’m a little “dull” in that I’d like more experience in would be circuit design. From scratch that is. When I get caught up on farming stuff I’d like to look you up online and more of what you do and are interested in. Oh, by the way – I’ve had all three wild plants you mention: Dandelion, Burdock root and Cattail root and I thought they were quite good. And I’m still alive! 😉

    Thanks again for the article!

    1. David N Goliath,

      I’d love to write more! I feel deeply honored to have been published on SB! I would love to publish more, and seeing this posted inspires me greatly!
      Electronics is not something I’m an expert in, however, I feel strongly that while firearms are important, electronic technology is key to preserving our liberty. The right to bear ham radio unfortunately was not coded into the Constitution. Ultimately, information is our greatest weapon in aid of liberty.

  10. This is an excellent starting article, but I would expand or re-focus the list a bit, in part using the ‘rule of threes’ (regarding priorities, listed by the things that can kill you most quickly in a survival situation), and the survivalist’s five most important items of ‘equipment’ – the ‘five C’s.’

    The ‘rule of threes’ (a somewhat variable rule of thumb): You can die in as little as three minutes without oxygen to the brain – learn emergency first aid, starting with ability to stop major bleeding, and artificial respiration to re-start breathing. You could die in as little as three hours from exposure (heat or cold), so learn to find or build protective shelter (and clothing…). You can die within three days from lack of water, so learn to find water (and make it potable, if necessary. You can die in three weeks without food, so learn foraging (plants, fish and animals) – as well as gardening, farming and animal husbandry – in various environments, and with various methods and tools.

    The most commonly used list of “five C’s” – critical categories of equipment are: (1) A CUTTING tool of some sort, (2) CORDAGE (rope, thread, string at all levels – mentioned in the article – along with the knot-tying skills (3) COVER (clothing and shelter – and I’d include footwear in the clothing) to protect from the elements (4) COMBUSTION – fire starting skills; note the article’s mention of the bow drill, but learn any and all other methods – the fire piston was used for several thousand years in Australia, for example, and (5) CONTAINERS – pottery obviously, but also basketry, carry nets and bags, bark and hollowed wood containers. (Baskets, wood bowls and bark containers have all been waterproofed and used to carry water and to cook in….) All of the “five C’s can be and have been made from scratch for centuries. Making a cutting tool of some sort from natural materials – stone, bone, shell, etc. – in the wild might be a great starting place.

    I’ve never seen the article’s mention of ‘springs’ before, but it’s a very good thought. The closest I can think of is a bow.

    For excellent ideas along all these lines, may I recommend two books detailing skills and techniques, and more – used around the world for centuries by ‘primitive’ (???) cultures:
    (1) Primitive Technology: A Book of Earth Skills, and (2) Primitive Technology II: Ancestral Skills. Both of these books are put out by the Society of Primitive Technology, and Edited by David Wescott (Gibbs-Smith Publisher of Salt Lake City.

    2. Preacher,

      Thank you so much for reading and responding to my article!

      Honestly, I wrote it purposefully to challenge the typical survival skills put forward. It’s truly difficult to add information to such fundamental list. I love the list you mention about the C’s! So important, and if you have the opportunity to carry a lot with you definitely critical! My focus was definitely with the assumption that you forgot your kit at home. While cordage can certainly be easily made in the wild, there are so many high quality options I would always want to carry some with me!

  11. Hi Jonathan, interesting article. Thanks for sharing.

    The easiest survival food I ever ate was trout, caught with my bare hands. A co-worker told me about it and of course, I didn’t believe him. A few years later my son and I were backpacking in an area that had a small trout stream flowing through a meadow. We fished there a lot. When we got up closer to the headwaters, there was a grassy bank with an overhang. The fish hid under there as soon as they saw us. We laid down on our bellies on the bank, stuck our hands in the water and came up from behind them. They never moved. You have to hold your hand just right so you have pinky and thumb around the skinny portion back by their tail and index finger and thumb near their head and they won’t be able to get away once you slowly tighten you hand. It sounds crazy but try it!

    I spent a lot of time in the mountains for three summers, six days a week doing a study. I always carried 6′ of fishing line in my wallet with a #16 hook. Cut a willow switch, roll some logs for worms and grubs, and I could always catch my dinner. Anyone who is going to be spending time in the mountains where there are fish should carry some fishing line, it takes up virtually no room in your wallet. Same with waterproof matches. I carried them in my pack as well as always on my person, inside a waterproof match case the size of a shotgun shell. Making fire without materials you are already carrying takes a lot of time and effort and will put you in the wrong psychological mood when you most likely fail.

    As far as a fire bow goes, I could never get that to work. In high school after reading How to Stay Alive in the Woods by Bradford Angier, I tried and tried with a fire bow with zero success. I finally said to heck with this! I took a wooden dowel, stuck it in my grandpa’s drill press and drilled away. I got lots of smoke but still couldn’t get a red glowing ember to light a fire. So it all depends on which two species of woods you use and a far better way is to use a stick like Tom Hanks did on Castaway. I’ve seen people start fires that way in 90 seconds and you don’t have to make any rope first. I’ve tried tons of natural tinders in my day but for staring fires with things other than matches, cattail head fibers almost burst into flame like gasoline. You can ignite them with sparks, unlike any other tinder I’ve seen or tried. I’ve also had success making fires with a magnifying glass but it needs to be at least 2″ in diameter.

    I ate some bee grubs about a month ago when I had to remove some comb from one of my hives. Some I fried in butter and some mixed with scrambled eggs. Now that I know they actually taste pretty good, my first go-to survival food (if there were no trout to catch by hand) would be to start turning over logs looking for grubs. Tearing rotten logs apart in my area yields some huge beetle grubs that live inside the logs. Easy to catch a lot of, high in calories and you burn very few calories collecting them. If the Donner Party and Argentine rugby team could eat what they ate, certainly people can get over the “yuck” factor and eat grubs in a survival situation. The smaller ones you can probably get down without even chewing them a lot. Anything that looks like a mealworm also falls into this category. Pill bugs (sow bugs, roly polies) are also very common and edible. Aside from the common gray ones, there are some really huge ones in my area and other parts of the country as well.

    As far as knots go, one a lot of people don’t know is the trucker’s hitch. Super simple, and for frugal people, you can use it in most cases instead of expensive ratchet straps. To make it even simpler, to make the first loop you can just tie a granny knot in the rope after doubling it over.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trucker's_hitch

    The best statement in the article: “The same is true with survival, how you perform during a survival situation has everything to do with what you did before the situation.”

    Learn to light your burn pile or wood stove with things besides matches. Try catching fish with your hands next time you are camping. Fry up some grubs. Learn and eat the edible plants in your area. If nothing else, you’ll have some great stories to tell family and friends. You’re thinking of survival in terms of getting lost in the wilderness, but every one of these skills will be very much needed in a TEOTWAWKI situation. Learn them know so they will be second nature after the SHTF. And your neighbors will think you’re a genius when you are teaching the skills to them.

    1. StF, your post today was pure gold. Especially the part about grubs. I am working on learning more about soldier fly larvae. A friend is part of a research project and says they thrive in the deep winter greenhouse he manages.

      I so appreciate your contributions to our collective wisdom.

      Carry on, in grace

    2. Thanks for reading and responding!

      I tried to make a fire using a hand drill as well! I would love to catch fish by hand that would be lots of fun! I watch this survivalist in Texas who demonstrates a lot of fishing by hand, and honestly I find it quite unnerving! I’ve started many a fire with a magnifying glass, and I’m interested in making a compass embedded in a magnifying glass that hangs on a necklace.

  12. Thank you everyone for your positive responses! I’ve been contemplating this for a long time. I’m as mentioned extremely motivated and interested in developing electronic equipment for fellow Patriots. If anyone can collaborate with this please let me know. Recently I’ve been working on timing circuits to run UVC lamp relays. Ultimately I’d love to build a private encrypted satellite communication network for Americans who do not want big tech to give away their privacy…. Little goals right? (With the price of satellite launches being reduced so rapidly, this isn’t as far fetched as it use to be)

  13. I’m way late to this comment thread, but wanted to thank you for the piece.

    One word of caution: When using hand-dug ‘wild’ clay for making pottery items, it’s important to know that it does not contain lead. It would be worthwhile to send samples from your area to a lab to be tested.

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