Welcome back to the Across The Peak Podcast, the show Where Rich and Justin discuss preparedness, the birds and the bees, guns, history, tattoos, and… well, basically all the stuff your old man shoulda taught you! After a four-year silence we are re-releasing the ATP archive. Here it is, folks, Across The Peak Episode 006: How to Change a Tire! This show was originally released on 08/07/2018.
Search and Rescue (SAR) Pack Dump
I enjoy doing gear layout photo spreads. That may be obvious from my recent paramedic jump bag article, my various EDC articles, etc. Today I’m going to answer a reader query about what is carried on a typical SAR operation. This is my search and rescue (SAR) pack dump.
Pictorial Post: Mushrooms
Recently on one of my twice-weekly hikes I noticed that the mushrooms were out in force. There must have been perfect conditions for a flush recently because I observed over 20 types of mushrooms (I think; I know next-to-nothing about mushrooms) in a single afternoon. I took a lot of pictures. This is may be a flash in the pan…or the beginning of a new obsession. Time will tell.
The Ultimate Wilderness Survival Handgun?
Like everyone else, I love the idea of “one gun to rule them all.” Actually, maybe I like the idea little more than everyone else. Those of you familiar with the blog know that two of my big interests are handguns and survival. So why not an article about the ultimate wilderness survival handgun?
Know a Knot: The Yosemite Finish
I recently learned a pretty cool knot. Actually it isn’t a knot. Rather, it is a way to “finish” a bowline and tying it requires that you first know how to tie a bowline. This one is called the Yosemite Finish or Yosemite Bowline. For simplicity’s sake we’ll go with Yosemite Finish.
Survival Cooking: The Tuna Can Stove
The tuna can stove is a simple, inexpensive little stove that can be made from (mostly) common items around your home. I recently made a few of these. The tuna can stove isn’t going to replace my Jetboil but… Well, let’s get into it and I’ll explain why this isn’t my preferred survival cooking option.
SAR Training/Campout Lessons Learned
I recently attended a 60-hour, Search and Rescue (SAR) qualifying course. The class is required by both the SAR team I volunteer on, and as a member of the special operations team at my EMS day job. The class spent a couple days (and one night) in the woods. I though I would share a few training observations and campout lessons learned.
Hiking 101: How to Start Hiking
I absolutely love hiking. We live within the boundaries of a National Forest, and a short drive from two federally-designated wilderness areas. Our house is only an hour’s drive to another National Park. We see a lot of people in the woods, many of whom are grossly unprepared, and we’ve taken our fair share of newbies for their first “real” hike. Here is the advice I would give a beginner on how to start hiking.
Basics of Wilderness Survival Shelter Building
The ability to build a wilderness survival shelter is one of the most critical survival skills you can possess. Being stranded outdoors can be lethal without the ability to protect yourself from the elements. Shelter provides you protection from the elements: rain/snow, wind, cold, and beating sun. An effective shelter also provides a huge psychological boost and a sense of security.
Know a Knot: The Swiss Seat
Welcome back to Know a Knot! It’s been a while, but you asked for it! This time we’re talking about the Swiss seat. The Swiss seat is a knot that is tied around your body to form an expedient rappelling harness. It’s not exactly a knot, but knowing how to tie one is pretty important if you’re a serious outdoorsman. Let’s get into it.