All posts by Sandro Ponticelli

Build A Water Filter To Survive In The Wilderness

2012-05-29 Sandro Ponticelli Leave a comment

It is crucial to be able to know how to build and use a water filter. You need a stable supply of water to maintain yourself in a survival situation and without it you will dehydratate. Finding water is a skill by itself but then you still have to make it safe and secure for human ingestion.

Filtering Is Different From Purifying

Filtering water is a different skill from purifying water. Nevertheless, when the best water obtainable is actually muddy water, it is a fundamental skill that may save your life.

Filtering the water basically means eliminating all visible dirt and debris which will help make it more secure to drink. Harmful bacteria and microorganisms will still exist in the water but the filtering process will make it taste just a little better.

Remember: all water procured in a survival situation needs to be purified, with the exception of rainwater. Filtering is necessary but it is not enough. Bacteria, protozoa, bacteria and parasites that can make you sick are too small to be stopped by a simple filter. The simplest way to purify the water is to boil it for at least one minute.

Making a Bottle Water Filter

In order to filter water, you need a container. A plastic bottle is appropriate. Cut off the base of the bottle and use the top as a funnel. To trap small debris and particles, put some cloth material into the funnel. Using a can will also do the job. For the water to be able to run through you will have to punch a number of holes into the bottom of the can with your pocket knife. Then it’s just a matter of letting the water drop through the holes.

A simpler technique is to place a piece of cloth over the container’s mouth. This filter should take away the larger particles.

Making a natural water filter

The natural world provides you all the material to build a water filter. For example, to build a container, create a cone from bark or other materials as leaves. Alternate pebbles and sand in multiple layers to make a filter, working from coarse to fine as you work your way down the container. At the bottom of the container, use non-poisonous grass, several pebbles, or a piece of cotton cloth to stop the sand from pouring through. Wrap the bottom of the container together with a rope to hold the filter together.

Slowly pour your collected water into the cone. As the water drips out of the filter gather it in another container. Repeat this process until the water flows crystal clear. The slower the water falls the better.

Remember: knowing how to build and use a filter is a vital survival skill. Prepare yourself: build several water filter before you need one!

Fire, Survival Skills

Firecraft: The Fire Triangle

2012-05-28 Sandro Ponticelli Leave a comment

The Modern Fire Triangle

Three elements are all essential both to start and maintain fires: Oxygen, Heat, and Fuel. The secret is to obtain the right balance between the three.

HEAT is the usual method to start a fire. You can generate it from a spark, a chemical reaction, pressure or by friction.

To be able to create the fire, we add the heat to a FUEL. As soon as the fire begins, the heat coming from flames maintains it, and results in additional fuel to catch fire and burn. As the fire starts, you require more fuel. Begin with tiny, dry pieces that will produce sufficiently heat to then burn increasingly larger pieces.

OXYGEN is necessary to induce combustion. Eliminating oxygen is the normal method in which people extinguish fires, for example with water as well as covering them with dirt or snow. This action reduces the provision of oxygen, smothering the fire . Without having oxygen the fire dies.

If you smother the fire using an excessive amount of wood, oxygen won’t reach the flame. Should the fire dying, fan it with paper or your hands to develop a draught that feeds oxygen to it. The most economical way to provide the proper amount of oxygen to the fire is constructing a fire structure.

The Original Fire Triangle

With primitive fire skills, you will find a different 3 key components that are important as the ones in the “scientific” fire triangle: Competence, Materials, and Power.

Normally, whenever you’re making fire employing a primitive technique, all these 3 factors are well-balanced. On the other hand, if any of these is lessened, then the other factors needs to be amplified.

To provide an example, imagine you are attempting to produce a bow drill fire using poor wood. It’s still possible to achieve it, however your technique and power have to be raised.

Or perhaps, imagine you aren’t feeling particularly full of energy one day and thus have much less power than normal. In case your materials are of higher quality and you’ve got an improved level of skill, you should able to get a fire starting.

An additional situation: let’s suppose you’ve very little technique, having never ever produced fire using a bow drill in the past. Nicely, if your materials are of excellent quality, and you’ve energy, you’ll still be able to generate fire. Or maybe, if you haven’t very much strength either, and yet your materials are actually of extraordinary quality, then you can get fire. And etc ..

And lastly, assuming you have any 2 of the 3 factors, but you are definitely missing the 3rd, it might be next to hopeless ignite a fire.

To provide an example, in case you are highly trained in a specific fire-making technique, and also have plenty of strength power, but you don’t have any resources or incredibly bad resources (perhaps just water-soaked wood is accessible): building a fire is going to be unachievable or almost so.

Connecting To The Modern Fire Triangle

So keep in mind: you’ve to practice to acquire skills and competencies, you’ve to study to discover the most effective materials and finally you need to train to obtain strength. Then you’ll be able to apply strength and skill on the materials to generate heat and start a fire. Mother Earth will aid you by blowing the right amount of oxygen.

This way, you’ll be able to connect the original fire triangle to the modern one.

Self, Survival Skills

10 Basic Steps To Face a Survival Situation

2012-05-26 Sandro Ponticelli Leave a comment

In today’s post we will consider many of the basic principles which are top-notch to surviving any dangerous situation.

Value Surviving

Each and every person possesses a natural impulse to live although the majority of us is accustomed to a life of comfort. Discomfort and difficulties are irritating and unpleasant. When dealing with a high risk situation it is extremely crucial to set the value for surviving above the value for comfort and convenience.

Overcome Panic and Fear

Fear and panic tend to be your foes in a survival situation. Unless you manage these emotions it may be hard to make a choice that is founded on sound intelligence. Fear and panic could potentially cause you to make decisions subject to your emotions rather than the real situation. They can also drain you of energy.

Evaluate the Situation

Every time you are in a risky situation, it is essential to first keep your wits about you and size up the situation. Security is without doubt the priority in this particular type of situation. Employ your senses of smell, sight and hearing to gain a feel of your surroundings. That in fact will enable you to produce a survival plan.

Gauge your Surroundings

Relax and take a few moments to discover the pattern of your surroundings and what’s occurring around you. Every single environment on the earth, no matter whether it is desert, jungle or forest features a pattern or even a rhythm. This pattern may include bird or animal noises and even the sounds of insects. Grasping this pattern will let you understand exactly what is normal for that habitat and what is not so that you’ll have a very better sense of imminent threat.

Assess your Own Physical Condition

After you have made note of your surroundings it’s time to take into account your own physical condition. When you happen to be into a survival situation you should meticulously note any wounds you may have and apply first aid while also taking care to avoid any other harm or injury. Be sure that you are drinking enough fluids to avoid dehydration. In the event you are in a climate that’s cold or wet, you will be required to wear supplementary clothing to prevent hypothermia.

Survey your Equipments and Tools

The next important step is to check your tools and equipment. Analyze to discover exactly what is available to you and likewise its state.
Now that you’ve taken stock of your own situation along with surroundings, equipment and physical condition the next task is to start with developing a survival plan. This plan will focus on the essential needs for survival: water, food and homeothermy (shelter and fire).

Make use of your Senses

When you are in a survival situation the improper move can lead to possible danger or maybe even death. For this reason it is extremely important that you take full advantage of all of your senses before you decide to make any move or decision. Operating in haste tends to be dangerous. Strategize each move which you make. Make certain you are ready to move quickly but without endangering yourself. Use any of your senses to assess every situation by observing smells and sounds and being aware of the changes in temperatures. You should constantly be aware.

Remember Where you Are

Note your location on a map if one is available to you and correlate it to the territory that surrounds you. This may be a very simple principle but it is definitely one which is vitally crucial. Should you be with other people, always make sure you know their position too. Pay extremely close attention to your location as well as the direction you are proceeding. By no means simply place confidence in others to track your route. Regularly adjust yourself to your location and be sure you know how your location is relevant to the position of water sources and areas that could provide concealment and shelter.

Conform to your Environment

One attribute that the natives of many of the most remote regions in the planet have in common is that they adapted to their habitat. The very same is also true of animals. In an attempt to endure a dangerous situation, you need to discover how to do the same. Keep a constant vigil and observe the way in which local animals operates in the environment, where they go for water and foods, when they sleep, when they rise, etc. While not all the types of foods that are eaten by animals are secure for human eating, this sort of observance can provide you important advises to how you can survive in that environment.

Improvise

In the majority of modern societies, we do not have to be concerned about looking for the items essential for basic survival. In a dangerous situation, this isn’t always the case. You should be capable to improvise and use equipment and tools which were originally created for one purpose and utilize them for other needs. Natural resources can also often be used for a range of different needs. To illustrate, a rock can easily be used for a hammer.

Fire, Survival Skills

Top 4 Fire Structures

2012-05-26 Sandro Ponticelli Leave a comment

There are several methods that you should consider for laying a fire.

Tepee Method

To prepare a fire utilizing this method you should place the tinder and then the kindling and firewood in a conical structure. Light the tinder. The outer layer of logs will fall in feeding the fire. This approach is perfectly for using with wet wood.

Lean-to Method

Push a green stick directly into ground at a 30 degree angle. Point the tip of the stick wind. Place tinder deep within the lean-to stick. Position bits of kindling against the stick. Light the tinder. Be sure that you add more kindling as the kindling catches fire from the tinder.

Cross-Ditch

Scratch a cross in the earth. The cross really should be about 30 centimeters in dimensions. Dig the cross not less than 7 centimeters deep. Set a wad of tinder in the center of the cross. Making a pyramid of kindling above the tinder. The shallow ditch consent air to sweep under the tinder to supply a vital draft for the fire.

Pyramid

Position small branches or logs parallel on the soil. Next, place a layer of small wood steadily across the logs. Add three or four more layer of branches or logs. Each layer should be slightly smaller than the one below it. a starter fire directly on the top of the pyramid. The starter fire will ignite the logs below as the fire burns. This will offer you with a fire that will burn down and won’t absolutely need any thought throughout the night.

Survival Skills, Water

How to Procure Water

2012-05-25 Sandro Ponticelli Leave a comment

Water is a valuable commodity and this is never more evident than in a survival situation. Water is your main concern before food and shelter. Knowing how to procure water is essential to everyone’s survival.

Water can be obtained by various methods to include plants, hardwood trees, and the ground itself. Obviously, rivers, streams, lakes and ponds are another water source. However, water obtained from standing pools, rivers, lakes or streams must be purified before it is safe to drink.

You might naturally assume that small streams or creeks deep in the woods would be free of contaminates. This is not the case though. Animals and other humans may very well have contaminated the water. Additionally, water will contain bacterium from various sources such as animal waste and the naturally occurring bacteria in nature will be present.

Things to Look For Around a Water Source

You want signs of animal activity around a water source, such as birds and mammals, as well as, insects. This usually indicates the water is not chemically contaminated. Animals and insects can drink water contaminated with bacteria without any ill effects whereas humans cannot.

Even though, there are no chemical pollutants, the water it is still not safe for human consumption without first properly purifying.

How to Procure Water from Trees and Plants

Hardwoods such as maple (Acer), oak (Quercus), walnut (Juglans regia), hickory (Carya) and birch (Betula) will secrete sap if small holes are made in the tree. Do not ring the tree with cuts because this may kill the tree. Small holes, such as the ones used to harvest maple syrup, will suffice. Simply bore a hole with your knife or make slanted diagonal slits in the tree after removing a small section of the bark. The tree will produce small amounts of sap that can immediately be consumed. Early spring is the ideal time, but trees can produce sap at virtually anytime except in extreme cold weather. Having a means to collect the sap is ideal; otherwise simply drink straight from the tree.

All the common species of thistles (Tribe: Cardueae Geni: Arctium, Carduus, Cirsium) can be harvested for water. Once the thistles have been removed, the pulpy stalk can be squeezed to extract the water or eaten. The plant will contain some nutrients so eating the stalks is ideal.

Remember: simply having the plant described to you is not an adequate means of identification. Before a day hike or camping trip you should research various plants so you can make a positive identification when out in the woods.

Certain cacti such as that in the Opuntia genus (Prickly Pear) contain potable water, as well. The cactus can also be eaten or squeezed to extract the water.

The Earth’s Soil Is One of the Best Water Filtration Systems There Is

Once you find a stream, lake or even a pond, you can dig small depressions next to the water. Typically, the soil next to a body of water will contain sand and small gravel, which acts as a filtration system. The small depressions will fill with ground water. This water is normally safe to drink. Filter the sediment out by wrapping your cup or canteen mouth with some cloth and dip the vessel into the depression. Contaminates contained in the water will have been filtered out by the soil.

However, do not dig a channel from the body of water to collect in the depression. The water must bubble up from the ground. This perking of water assures you that the ground has filtered it, and has made the water safe for drinking.

How to Procure Water Using Rain Gear or a Poncho and Even Plastic Sheeting

Many of you may have walked outside in the morning during the summer months and have found your vehicle’s windshield is covered in moisture. The moisture collected on outside surfaces overnight is called dew. Dew is caused by the sun heating the moisture in the atmosphere during the day and the cooling at night allows it to condensate on surfaces, such as a windshield.

Dew can be collected by draping your poncho, rain gear or plastic over a bush at night. Place the material so there are small depressions to collect the dew. Avoid placing the collection station under trees; having an open spot is ideal for maximum collection. Plastic and or your rain gear can also be used to collect rainwater. Dig a small depression in the ground, place the material over the hole and secure the sides with rocks. Place a smaller rock in the center to create a funnel effect.

Monitor the water source carefully or cover to prevent contamination by animals and insects. Ensure water is not allowed to run off from the ground’s surface into the collection pool.

How to Procure Water Directly From the Ground Using a Solar Distiller

To make a solar water distiller or water still you will need clear or semi-clear plastic and the means to dig a small hole. The distiller works by sweating or distilling moisture from the ground. The plastic sheeting needs to be big enough to cover the hole and allow slack to form a depression. Plastic can easily be stored in any pack by folding or rolling up tightly. Keep in mind when digging the hole, the larger the depression, the more water you will collect. This process is similar to a glass of liquid sweating in a warm room. Heat transfers from hot to cold so as the ground and plants warm, the heat will transfer from the ground to the cooler air. This process leaves the moisture behind on the plastic.

Once dug if the soil looks dry you can place non-poisonous green plants in the hole. The sun will also sweat the moisture from the plants. Place the plastic over the hole and secure the sides with rocks. Place a small rock in the center to form a funnel. You can make a hole in the plastic and place a cup in the depression to collect the water or simply scoop it from the plastic. Soon the ground and any plants in the hole will begin to heat up. You will see condensation on the plastic relatively quickly. Leave the distiller to do its work until the air begins to cool after sundown. The water will then condensate and begin dripping down the sides of the plastic.

You may have an additional water source but you simply have no means of purification. You can use the source to enhance the distiller by pouring water around the hole. Do not pour the water in the hole. You want the ground to filter the water and have the moisture seep from the ground into the depression you have dug. This will increase the distillers output. Under certain circumstances, you may be able to obtain up 4 liters or more of safe drinking water daily using a solar water distiller.

Backpack Essentials for Procuring Water

Knowing how to procure water is one thing however; having the essentials to do so is another:

Clear Plastic
Fixed Bladed Knife As Well As A Multi-Purpose Tool Use The Hole Punch Blade To Bore Holes
Trenching Tool
Stainless Steel Vessel To Collect And Store Water
Water Straws For Easier Collection Of Tree Sap

Edible Plant, Medicinal Plant

Malva neglecta

2012-05-24 Sandro Ponticelli Leave a comment

Name

The genus name Malva means “soft” in latin due to its externally and internally soothing properties.

Specific name neglecta stand for “neglected”.

Also Known as

Common Mallow
Buttonweed
Cheeseplant
Cheeseweed
Dwarf Mallow
Roundleaf Mallow

Identification Keys

perennial herbaceous
arises from a long, slender taproot
can creep along the ground or grow upright
crinkled, rounded to heart-shaped, toothed, slightly hairy, long-stalked basal leaves
alternate leaves are similar to the basal leaves
leaves have five to seven shallow lobes
the leaf is notched where it connects to the leaf stalk
white to pale-pink or lavender flowers
five-petaled, long-stalked flowers arise from the leaf axils
the flower has a bushy column of many stamens and one pistil in the center
pink lines run the length of the petals
the petals are notched at the tips
fruits are round and flat like a wheel of cheese

Habitat

lawns
fields
disturbed habitats
edge habitats
parks
sunny and partly shaded habitats such as gardens and parks
roadsides

Look-alikes

Althea officinalis is larger and hard to confuse with this small plant
Glechoma hederacea leaves resemble Malva neglecta’s but their upper surfaces are hairy and smell minty and the stems are square

Poisonous Look-alikes

none

Food Uses

Parts Used

flowers, fruits/berries, leaves

Main Uses

Potherb, Salad

Nutrition

vitamin C, iron, calcium, copper

Cooking

leaves, flowers, and fruits, which cook in about 10 minutes, impart a pleasant, mild flavor to stews, grain dishes, and casseroles
thicken soups slightly.
fine raw, in salads.
devour the fruits right off the plants

Recipes

Harvesting

Harvesting Season

early spring to late fall
all year where winters are very mild.

Harvesting Methods

Hold down the stems with one hand and strip of leaves, flowers, and fruit with the other.

Hazard, Survival Skills

Heat loss mechanisms

2012-05-24 Sandro Ponticelli Leave a comment

Most people know that the normal temperature of the human body is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, or 37 degrees Celsius. But many of us don’t properly understand what it takes for our bodies to maintain this constant temperature. To survive in a cold climate when you are out in the wild, it helps to understand how the body loses heat.

Heat is produced by metabolism of food. If you’re hungry, you will not be able to create as much heat as when you stay well fed. When it’s cold out, you need to eat more food to stay warm and satisfied, because your body uses more energy just to maintain body temperature. And when you aren’t able to just stop by the grocery store for a snack, this form of heat regulation is a whole different challenge.

Anytime the temperature of your environment is lower than the temperature of your body, you will be losing heat and your body will be working to keep your body temperature at a normal level. While most of us can avoid hypothermia because we’re not out in the wild for long periods of time, and we can go home when we want to, it is not uncommon for even the most experienced hikers and backpackers do underestimate the importance of staying warm, sometimes when it is too late.

Learning About Heat Loss

We lose heat through conduction, convection, evaporation, radiation, and respiration. You can’t avoid respiration, also known as breathing, so you will always lose a little bit of heat in that way when you are out in the cold. But there are things you can do to avoid the other four ways you lose body heat.

Evaporation

Evaporative heat loss is what occurs when the wetness in your clothing evaporates, drawing heat away from your body. Waterproof clothing is critical, but so is ventilation and avoiding sweating by staying cool to begin with – which may seem counterintuitive. If your clothing gets sweaty and you have spares, change into your dry clothes before you get cold.

Conduction and Convection

These are two fancy words for pretty simple concepts. Conduction refers to the way heat is transferred from you to cold surfaces you are touching. If you sleep on the ground without enough padding, you will conduct heat to the ground much more quickly than if you increase the padding.

Convection refers to the way that warm air rises and moves away from you. If you wear the right clothing, you will be trapping the air you have warmed with your body instead of letting it get away.

Radiation

Heat radiates away from your body the way that a campfire radiates heat. Radiation is the least of your worries, because it takes a very cold environment to cause you to radiate a dangerous amount of heat – well below zero.

Finding ways to stay dry, keep your body warm, and avoid transferring heat away from you are all very important. Knowing what to wear, what to do when you are cold, and how to avoid getting cold can save your life.

Cooking, Edible Plant

Althea Macaroni

2012-05-24 Sandro Ponticelli Leave a comment

You can make a dish tastier than conventional “macaroni and cheese” using healthier ingredients.

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

40 minutes

Ingredients (6 serves)

1/4 cup olive oil
5 yellow Allium cepa (onions), sliced
2 cups Althea officinalis leaves
6 cloves of Allium sativum (garlic), finely chopped
bacon
1 tsp. all-purpose spice seasoning
3 cups of milk
3 tbsp. mellow (light-colored) miso
2 tbsp. Maranta arundinacea (arrowroot)
1/2 tbsp. salt
1 10-oz. package of mozzarella, diced
a pinch of Cayenne hot pepper
1 lbs. whole-grain macaroni
1-3/4 cups dried bread crumbs
2 tbsp. oil
10-oz. grated cheddar

Preparation

Sauté the onions in the olive oil 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Add the Althea officinalis leaves, garlic, bacon, and all-purpose seasoning and sauté another 5 minutes
Meanwhile, puree all sauce ingredients in a blender.
Stir the sauce into the sauté and transfer to a large, oiled baking dish.
Stir the oil into the bread crumbs and spread on top of the mixed ingredients.
Spread the cheddar on top.
Bake in a preheated 180 °C oven 40 minutes or until bubbly.

Edible Plant, Medicinal Plant

Trifolium pratense

2011-08-28 Sandro Ponticelli Leave a comment