Howcast

How to Make a Solar Still

Howcast — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:30:57 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Find a spot Find a damp, sunlit location, such as a dry steambed, the bottom of a hill, or another place near a water source.
Step 2: Dig a hole Use a standard or collapsible shovel to dig a 3-foot-deep hole into damp ground. The water in the hole is what you’ll be drinking, so you can add plant matter and undrinkable water to the hole — the still will purify any water.
Step 3: Add the water bottle Push your water bottle into the center of the hole, packing soil around it to prop it up.
Step 4: Cover the hole Cover the hole with plastic sheeting and hold the sheeting down by placing dirt, rocks, or other debris around the edges.
TIP: Make sure the plastic is tight and the seal is airtight.
Step 5: Put a rock on the plastic Place a rock in the center of the plastic, over your water bottle. When the water in the hole evaporates, it will condense on the underside of the plastic. The indentation caused by the rock will lead the condensation into the water bottle.
Step 6: Wait two hours Wait two hours to make one quart of potable water. Have a drink and then reset your solar still to make more water.
FACT: Only 1 percent of the Earth’s water is suitable for drinking.

You Will Need

Damp
sunlit location
Shovel
Water bottle
Plastic sheeting
Dirt
rocks
or debris

How to Pick the Right Snowshoes

Howcast — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 09:30:51 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Define your adventure Define your snowshoe adventure according to whether you will trek flat, steep, packed, or icy terrain, or participate in competitive events, and consider snowshoe styles based on their intended use.
Step 2: Consider weight Consider your weight, plus the weight of the gear you will carry, to determine what size snowshoe to buy, keeping in mind that heavier people and lighter snow require larger snowshoes.
TIP: Modern snowshoe frames are made from lightweight aluminum and their surface decking is made from synthetic materials to make trekking easy.
Step 3: Match weight and length Match your weight to suggested snowshoe lengths, which range in size from 8-by-21-inches for under 140 pounds, up to 10-by-36-inches for weights over 200 pounds.
Step 4: Choose bindings Choose bindings that secure the snowshoes to your boots, making sure they hold snugly to your style of footwear, especially if you race.
Step 5: Get traction Get the traction you need by buying a snowshoe with toe cleats for general use, heel cleats for control on descents, and traction bars for navigating rough terrain.
Step 6: Rent Rent a pair of snowshoes from a resort, park, or retailer before buying to try out the features you’re considering.
Step 7: Buy Buy snowshoes from respected retail outlets, or order a kit online for the satisfaction of making your own snowshoes the time-honored and old-fashioned way.
FACT: Snow leopards of Central Asia have large, furry paws which serve as natural snowshoes.

You Will Need

Planned use
Your weight
Weight of your gear
Rental snowshoes
Internet access

How to Identify Scat

Howcast — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 11:45:37 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Obtain a scat sample Obtain a scat sample, making sure to handle it using tools or gloves.
Step 2: Match the shape and size Match the scat shape and size to its animal family. Scat that looks like fattened threads indicates the weasel family, while scat that looks like M&Ms is most likely rabbit or hare droppings. Check a field guide for descriptions of the scat characteristics of major families.
TIP: The larger the animal, the larger the scat.
Step 3: Quarter the scat Quarter the scat with a knife; then use a toothpick to pick away the edges. Examine the inside, looking for hints of bones, feathers, hair, corn, or berries to match the animal’s diet to its species.
Step 4: Note the time of day Note the time of day on your watch that the scat is found to determine whether the animal is nocturnal, keeping in mind soft scat indicates freshness.
Step 5: Note the color Note the scat color, but realize color changes as a result of seasonal foods that an animal eats.
TIP: Scat found in winter may contain twigs and bark.
Step 6: Note the location Note the location where scat is found to help identify the animal’s habitat.
Step 7: Consult a field guide Consult a field guide and match your observations to the book’s facts to learn what animal has been visiting. If you are ambitious, go high-tech and seek a scientist to run a DNA test on the scat. Thanks to this analysis, you may know more about the animal than you do your best friend.
FACT: Scat detection dogs help scientists locate both land and marine animals.

You Will Need

Gloves or handling tool
Field guide
Knife or razor
Toothpicks
Watch

How to Sharpen a Jackknife

Howcast — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 08:15:58 +0000

Instructions

: Children under 10 should not use a jackknife, and an adult should help older children.
Step 1: Use a whetstone Use a whetstone, usually made of granite, to sharpen your jackknife. Find them at many outdoor, camping, or kitchen stores.
Step 2: Position the blade Position the blade against the stone at a 30-degree angle on the stone, with the back of the blade tilted off the stone a third of the way to vertical.
Step 3: Sharpen one side Push the blade across the stone as if you were slicing a thin layer off the top of the stone.
Step 4: Sharpen other side Pull the blade across the surface of the stone the same as before, but towards you to sharpen the other side of the stone.
TIP: Brush the knife back and forth as described to evenly sharpen both sides more efficiently.
Step 5: Check the sharpness Check the sharpness by holding the blade under a bright light or sun light.
Step 6: Clean the stone Clean the small bits of metal off the stone by slapping it on your hand.
Step 7: Repeat to sharpen Repeat these steps until your jackknife is sufficiently sharpened. Use it with care.
FACT: One of the earliest pocketknives — or jackknives — found was a bone-handled knife at Hallstatt dating to around 600 to 500 BCE.

You Will Need

Whetstone
Jackknife

How to Orienteer

Howcast — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:45:55 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Register Register for the orienteering course. You will be given a map, a control description, and a control card. You will also be given the option of renting a compass if you have not brought your own.
TIP: The control description describes features such as the path, a junction in the path, or a large rock where each control, or destination, can be found.
Step 2: Use the map Use the map to determine which direction you need to head to reach your first control. Turn the compass housing so that your direction aligns with the direction-of-travel arrow on the compass’s housing.
Step 3: Hold the compass Hold the compass level in your hand so that the needle can turn. Turn the compass so that the needle aligns with the grid lines on the housing.
TIP: Be sure the north end of the compass needle is pointing north. Otherwise you will head off in the opposite direction to which you intend.
Step 4: Proceed in the indicated direction Proceed in the direction the travel arrow is pointing.
Step 5: Punch your control card Use the punch to mark your control card when you reach your destination. This will prove you have visited the control. Visit all controls before the other orienteer and win the game.
FACT: Orienteering began in Scandinavia in the 19th century.

You Will Need

Map
Compass
Registration
Control description
Control card
Punch
Control

How to Deal with Being Sprayed by a Skunk

Howcast — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 10:33:05 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare mixture Mix the peroxide, baking soda, and soap or lemon juice in a bucket.
: Keep the soap and peroxide mixture away from your eyes and mouth.
Step 2: Collect ingredients for mixture Remove your clothing and get into a bathtub or shower stall.
Step 3: Lather up Dip the wash cloth in the soap mixture and lather your body generously.
TIP: Skunk spray can sting your eyes; flush them with cold water to relieve discomfort.
Step 4: Rinse Rinse off. Repeat as needed.
Step 5: Mix ingredients to get rid of smell from clothing If your clothes are stinky and can withstand the bleaching aspect of peroxide, prepare a fresh batch of the same mixture and wash them in it.
FACT: Skunks are blind for their first three weeks of life.

You Will Need

A bucket
1 qt. 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
1 c. baking soda
A wash cloth
1 tsp. hand soap
dish soap
or lemon juice

How to Make an Atlatl

Howcast — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 09:01:59 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Sand the wood Sand the wood base until it is smooth.
Step 2: Drill a hole Drill a ⅜-inch diameter hole at a 135-degree angle to, and about 1¾ inches from, the end of the wood base. Drill deeply without going all the way through the wood.
Step 3: Insert the dowel in the hole Round off one end of the dowel peg with the utility knife, squeeze glue into the hole in the base, and place the flat end of the dowel peg in it. Move it around in the hole to spread the glue, and then push it all the way in.
Step 4: Attach the sinew to the peg Tie a slip knot in each piece of sinew, forming 3-inch loops, place one of the loops over the base of the peg, and pull it tight. Wrap the sinew around the base of the peg to hold it securely in place and then glue the sinew down.
Step 5: Glue the strap Apply glue to both sides of the stick, about 7 inches from the handle end. Place the two ends of the leather strap in the glue.
TIP: The leather handle is positioned on the side of the atlatl opposite the peg, with the strap ends attached to the adjoining two sides.
Step 6: Wrap the ends of the strap with sinew Wrap the ends of the leather strap with the second piece of sinew, starting about ¼ inch from the ends. Wrap the strap tightly as you move toward the handle end and secure the sinew in place with glue.
FACT: Atlatl is the Aztec word for spear thrower.

You Will Need

An 18-by-u00be-by-u00be-inch wood base
Sandpaper and sanding blocks
A measuring device
A drill
A u215c-by-1u00bd-inch wooden dowel
A utility knife
Wood glue
Two pieces of 24-inch-long sinew
A u00bd-by-9-inch leather strap

How to Track Animals

Howcast — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 14:46:00 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Seek animals Go where the wild things are — landscapes with heavy brush for hiding and diverse vegetation for year-round food — and search for physical evidence. In addition to footprints, look for droppings, worn ground, and signs of rubbing, gnawing, chewing, scratching, or disturbance to the ground.
Step 2: Examine clues Study the evidence closely. “Focus on droppings, or scat”:http://www.howcast.com/videos/418186-How-to-Identify-Scat — its color, consistency, and content can indicate what type of animal left it and how recently. Write information you find in a notebook and check the data against a field guide to determine the animal you’re tracking.
TIP: Use a stick or tweezers and wear gloves when handling scat.
Step 3: Classify the track Study footprints to help identify the animal you’re tracking. Note the number of toes on each foot, claw markings, and the general shape of the print. Look at the pattern to learn whether the creature moves by diagonal walk, bounding, galloping, or pacing.
Step 4: Measure the track Use a ruler to measure the length and width of print’s flat part, known as the “true track.” Then, find the distance from the heel of one paw’s true track to the heel of the same paw’s next print to calculate the stride. Examine the distance between the inside edge of each foot left to right for the straddle.
Step 5: Follow the direction Figure out where the animal is going. Place popsicle sticks at the heel of the tracks and tape string between them to establish the line of travel. Check if one front foot is behind the other over 4 to 5 tracks — the lagging foot is dominant, indicating that an animal will often circle in that direction.
TIP: If footprints become difficult to spot, put your cheek to the earth, and using your lower eye, look for shiny or dull depressions in the earth. Keep the tracks between you and the light source.
Step 6: Play the end game Track the animal patiently and quietly, and you’ll soon catch up to your target!
FACT: The Boy Scouts of America’s merit badge for tracking was originally known as “stalking.”

You Will Need

Animal evidence
Notebook
Pen or pencil
Tracking or field guide
Ruler
Popsicle sticks
String
Tape
Stick or tweezers (optional)
Latex gloves (optional)

How to Spot a Sasquatch

Howcast — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 15:01:40 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Head to the Northwest Head to the Pacific Northwest of the United States or Canada, where most Sasquatch sightings have been reported.
Step 2: Search during the right time Search during the summer months, from July to October, and during the very early morning hours when Sasquatch are most active.
Step 3: Head to remote areas Pack your camping gear or find a remote cabin and get as far away from cities, towns, and people as possible.
Step 4: Remember a camera Remember to bring a camera, and invest in a night vision-equipped, motion-sensitive cameras to set up in the woods when you’re not around.
TIP: Place the cameras near water sources — Sasquatch, like any animal, needs to drink.
Step 5: Search for evidence Search for evidence of Bigfoot, like half-eaten food with teeth marks, droppings, or very large, man-shaped footprints.
Step 6: Be patient Be patient. Spotting a Sasquatch is like observing any other creature in the wild: it’s going to take time, skill, and a lot of luck.
FACT: People have been reporting sightings of large, hairy, bipedal animals in the North American wilderness for more than 400 years.

You Will Need

Camping gear
Camera
Night vision-equipped
motion-sensitive cameras
Patience

How to Tan a Hide

Howcast — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:45:58 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Scrape the hide Remove meat and fat from the hide by scraping it with a knife. Scrape from side to side — not head to tail.
TIP: Use a fresh hide, preferably from an animal that has died a natural death or been the victim of a recent accident. If you use a frozen or dried hide, you will have to restore it to fresh condition.
Step 2: Add brains Cook the animal’s brain — beef or pork brains can also be used — in a pot of water, then put it a blender with warm water and mix well.
TIP: In general, any small animal has enough brain to tan its own hide.
Step 3: Apply the brains to the hide Moisten the hide until it feels like a sponge, and then apply some of the brain mixture to the flesh side with a brush. Let the brains sit on the skin for an hour before applying more.
Step 4: Store the hide overnight Roll the hide up with the brains inside and let it sit overnight in a cool, protected place.
Step 5: Apply more brains Apply another coat of brains in the morning before stretching out the hide.
Step 6: Soften the hide Run the hide over the back of a chair to soften it until it is completely dry.
Step 7: Smoke the hide Smoke the hide over an open fire. Smoking prevents the skin from turning hard after getting wet and discourages insects.
FACT: Native Americans used animal brains to tan hides because the oil in the brains lubricated the fibrous structure of the skin.

You Will Need

A small animal hide
A knife
The animal’s brain
A stove
A pot
Water
A blender
A brush
A storage area
A chair
And smoke

How to Make Fire with a Bow Drill

Howcast — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:02:15 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Attach bowstring Tie each end of the string to the ends of the bow.
Step 2: Wrap the bowstring around the drill Wrap the string once around the drill. Adjust the tension of the bowstring so that the drill does not slide back and forth along it.
TIP: Do not let the string rub against itself while wrapped around the drill.
Step 3: Place the handhold Place the handhold on the top of the drill and grasp it firmly. Keep the drill perpendicular to the fireboard, which remains flat on the ground.
Step 4: Make smoke Grasp the bow with your free hand, and move the bow back and forth vigorously as you press down on the handhold with your other hand. The drill, handhold, and fireboard will begin smoking.
TIP: To prevent further smoking of the handhold, add some grease or resin to the top of the drill. Be careful not to get any on the fireboard end of the drill.
Step 5: Cut a notch in the fireboard Cut a small, pie-shaped notch through the charred area of the fireboard. This will allow embers to fall through the fireboard.
Step 6: Position a leaf Place a green leaf under the notch in the fireboard and continue forcing the drill back and forth. When the fireboard starts to smoke again, the char dust will ignite an ember, which will fall onto the leaf.
Step 7: Start the fire Transfer the ember from the leaf to a bundle of tinder. Cottonwood down works well. Blow on the tinder bundle until the tinder material erupts in flames.
FACT: In Greek mythology, the Titan Prometheus stole fire from the gods and shared it with humans.

You Will Need

A bowstring
A bow
A drill or spindle
A handhold
A fireboard
A green leaf
Tinder
Grease (optional)
Plant resin (optional)
Cottonwood-tree down (optional)

How to Avoid Avalanches

Howcast — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:16:08 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Avoid hiking after storm Avoid hiking immediately after a storm. Most avalanches occur at the time of or shortly after a heavy snowfall.
Step 2: Avoid steep slopes Avoid slopes with pitches greater than 25 degrees.
TIP: If you must traverse a steep slope, cross at the highest point possible, one person at a time.
Step 3: Stay to the windward side of ridges Stay on the windward side of gently sloping ridges. The snow is usually thinner there.
Step 4: Avoid treeless slopes Avoid treeless slopes and gullies. The absence of trees may reflect that previous avalanches have occurred in the area.
Step 5: Watch for cracks Watch for cracks or small slabs that have sheared off.
Step 6: Listen Listen for hollow or thumping noises as you walk.
Step 7: Dig snow pits Use a collapsible shovel to dig frequent snow pits. As you check the structure of the snowpack, be on the lookout for weak layers.
FACT: In 1970, an avalanche in Peru killed nearly 20,000 people.

You Will Need

Good weather
Gentle slopes
Windward ridges
Tree-covered terrain
Collapsible shovel

How to Build a Lean-To

Howcast — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:31:40 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Identify the wind direction Identify the wind direction, since the wind should blow toward the back of the lean-to. Surrounding vegetation will indicate the direction of the most common winds.
Step 2: Locate two trees Locate two trees, slightly farther apart than the width of your tarpaulin. The line between the trees should be at right angles to the direction of the wind.
TIP: Hiking poles, clothing, trash bags, ponchos, and plastic sheets are all usable materials for a lean-to. A lean-to constructed from fallen trees with a covering of tree limbs, thick grasses, or bark can shelter you from wind, rain, or snow.
Step 3: Tie a rope to the first tree Secure one end of the rope to one of the trees at the height of the lean-to’s opening. The lower the rope, the stronger the wind your lean-to will be able to withstand.
TIP: If you do not have rope, look for plant vines to use as cordage.
Step 4: Thread the rope though the tarpaulin grommets Thread the rope through the grommets on one side of the tarpaulin.
Step 5: Attach the rope to the second tree Tie the loose end of the rope to the second tree at the same height as on the first tree.
Step 6: Weigh down the other end of the tarpaulin Secure the edge of the tarpaulin opposite the side supported by the rope to the ground with stakes or rocks.
FACT: Getting wet in a high altitude mountain thunderstorm places you at risk of developing hypothermia even if the storm does not seem particularly severe.

You Will Need

The wind direction
Two standing trees
A tarpaulin with edge grommets
Rope
Stakes or rocks
Hiking poles (optional)
Pieces of clothing (optional)
Trash bags (optional)
A poncho (optional)
A plastic sheet (optional)
Fallen trees (optional)
Thick grasses (optional)
Bark (optional)
Plant vines for cordage (optional)

How to Boil Water with Hot Stones

Howcast — Thu, 06 May 2010 11:01:22 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Collect stones Collect stones, taking care to remove debris. The stones should be about the size of a tennis ball.
TIP: Avoid stones that are porous and likely to fracture or crack when heated.
Step 2: Build a fire Build a fire and wait for the coals to get white-hot.
Step 3: Place the stones in the fire Place the stones on the hot coals.
Step 4: Place some of the heated stones in the water Remove some stones from the fire using tongs and place them in the container of water.
TIP: Tap the stones several times against each other to remove ashes before placing them in the water.
Step 5: Replace the stones as they cool Replace the cooled stones in the water with fresh hot stones from the fire. Continue doing this until the water comes to a boil.
FACT: Some Native American tribes used heated stones to boil water in special water-tight baskets coated with gruel.

You Will Need

Stones
A fire
Tongs
A container of water

How to Use Binoculars

Howcast — Tue, 04 May 2010 08:45:40 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Adjust barrels Hold the binoculars in the normal viewing position. Move the two barrels closer together or further apart until a single circular field comes into view.
TIP: Roll the eye cups back if you wear eyeglasses.
Step 2: Set diopter setting Set the diopter setting to zero wile viewing a distant object. Keep both eyes open.
Step 3: Cover first objective lens Cover the objective lens on the same side of the binocular setting as the diopter setting.
TIP: The diopter setting is usually on the right side.
Step 4: Focus Focus on a distant object by adjusting the center focus wheel until the object appears as sharp as possible.
Step 5: Cover second objective lens Uncover the objective lens on the diopter side, and cover the other objective lens. Observe the same object.
Step 6: Focus Bring the object into focus by adjusting the diopter setting.
Step 7: Focus at any distance Uncover the second objective lens. The binoculars are now adjusted for your eyes, and you can focus for any distance by simply adjusting the center focus wheel.
FACT: The first binoculars appeared shortly after the invention of the telescope and were made by fastening the long tubes of two telescopes together.

You Will Need

Binoculars
Diopter setting
Lens cover
Distant object
Eye cups (optional)

How to Make a Bow and Arrow

Howcast — Sat, 01 May 2010 04:01:40 +0000

Instructions

: A bow and arrow is not a toy. Pointing it at someone could result in serious injury.
Step 1: Make the stave Find a straight or slightly curved live branch about 4 or 5 feet long with a 1 to 1 ½-inch diameter. Choose wood that flexes without cracking. Use a saw or a knife to cut the branch from a tree, then whittle off any smaller branches and knots.
Step 2: Carve the notches Make a horizontal, ½-inch deep groove an inch from both ends of the branch on the outside of its natural curve. Then, carve out the wood between the grooves and the ends, forming two notches. This is the stave, or wooden part of the bow.
TIP: For a more finished look, whittle the bark off the stave, sand it, and wrap twine tightly around the middle as a grip.
Step 3: Prepare the twine Measure and cut a piece of twine about 6 inches shorter than the length of the stave. Tie one end of the string securely around one end of the stave, on the notch. Tie a slipknot on the other end of the twine, forming a loop.
Step 4: Get in position If you’re right-handed, hold the string-free end of the stave in your right hand and the slipknot in your left. Rest the other end of the stave against the outside of your left foot. Step over the stave with your right foot. Reverse this position if you’re left-handed.
Step 5: Bend the stave Bend the end of the stave towards the slipknot, using the leg that’s in front of the stave as a fulcrum. Slide the loop of the slipknot around the notch and gently release the stave, forming your bow. Remove your leg from between the stave and the bowstring.
TIP: Loosen the bowstring whenever you’re not using the bow to keep it from getting too loose.
Step 6: Make the arrow Sharpen one end of the dowel rod with a pencil sharpener. Light a candle and run the point through the flame it until it turns black to harden the wood. Carve a small groove in the other end of the rod for the string.
TIP: Whittle small straight branches into arrows if you don’t have dowel rods.
Step 7: Make the feathers Cut heavy card stock paper into three right triangles an inch wide and 2 inches tall. Fasten them to the base of the arrow with superglue.
Step 8: Shoot Now all that’s left to do is test out your DIY bow and arrow with a little target practice! Bull’s-eye!
FACT: Bone arrowheads dating back to 61,000 years ago have been found in South Africa.

You Will Need

Saw
Knife
Tape measure
Tree
Scissors
Thick nylon twine
Knowledge of knots
25" long 3/8" dowel rod
Pencil sharpener
Candle
Matches
Heavy card stock paper
Superglue
Targets
Sandpaper (optional)
Thin straight branches (optional)

How to Make Aspirin If You Are Lost in the Woods

Howcast — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:06:26 +0000

Instructions

: People who are allergic or sensitive to salicylates such as aspirin should not use willow bark.
Step 1: Find a willow tree Find a tree in the willow family. Examples include quaking aspens, bigtooth aspens, white willows, black willows, crack willows, purple willows, and weeping willows.
Step 2: Remove bark Cut into the tree’s bark, strip it off, and isolate the inner bark. In spring and summer, the bark can be removed in long continuous strips.
TIP: If you cannot peel the bark off, scrape off the inner and outer bark using the edge of a sharp knife.
Step 3: Make a tea Simmer 2 teaspoons of the inner bark in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Let it cool before drinking.
TIP: If you cannot make a tea, an option is to chew on the bark.
Step 4: Avoid overdosing Drink no more than 4 cups of this tea each day. Overdosing has been known to occur.
FACT: Aspirin works by reducing the production of pain-triggering hormones called prostaglandins.

You Will Need

Willow tree
2 tsp. inner bark
1 c. water
Fire
Sharp knife (optional)

How to Build a Desert Shelter

Howcast — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:31:33 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Dig a trench Dig a trench with your shovel, 15 to 24 inches deep, that you can comfortably lie in.
TIP: Locate the trench between sand dunes or rocks.
Step 2: Surround the trench with sand Place the sand you unearth around three sides of the trench.
Step 3: Prepare an entrance Remove additional sand from one end of the trench so you can get in and out easily.
Step 4: Cover yourself Cover yourself with a poncho or space blanket, secured to the sides of the trench with sand or rocks.
FACT: Many animals in the desert manage to survive the harsh climate by spending daytime underground or in the shade.

You Will Need

Shovel
Sand
Poncho or space blanket
Sand dunes or rocks (optional)

How to Make a Mud Hut

Howcast — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:15:52 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Drive poles into ground Drive several straight tree limbs at least 1 foot into the ground every 8 to 10 inches along a single line. This is your first wall line.
Step 2: Make mortar Make mud mortar by mixing together two parts clay soil, two parts water, and one part dead grass in a large pit.
Step 3: Collect rocks Collect rocks to reinforce the walls and allow the mud to adhere vertically.
Step 4: Layer rocks and mortar Layer the rocks and mortar against the poles to keep the wall straight and keep it from caving in.
TIP: Make the wall thicker at the bottom than the top to provide more stability.
Step 5: Build remaining walls and roof Build the remaining walls, and then lay more limbs across the tops of the walls and layer saplings or large leaves to construct the roof.
TIP: Smear mud onto the thatched saplings and then sprinkle fertile soil over the roof to encourage grass and moss to grow for a weather tight seal.
Step 6: Seal cracks inside Slather the mud mixture over the inside to seal cracks or weak spots and to give the walls a smooth texture.
FACT: In 2008, an ancient Egyptian town of mud brick structures, dating back to 2400 B.C.E., was uncovered in near perfect condition.

You Will Need

Straight tree limbs
Clay filled soil
Water
Dead grass
Rocks
Saplings or large leaves
Fertile soil (optional)

How to Build a Wigwam

Howcast — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:16:06 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Select a site Select a site for the wigwam. Use a clearing or clear an area yourself.
TIP: The ground should be soft enough to accommodate the ends of tree saplings.
Step 2: Stretch the saplings Find 25 to 30 green tree saplings that are 10 to 15 feet long. Use your knife to cut points at their ends so they will go into the ground easily.
Step 3: Draw a circle on the ground Scratch out a 10-foot circle on the ground and place the pointed ends of the bent saplings into the ground along the circle. Situate the saplings so that they make uniform arches, all bowed outward.
Step 4: Wrap a girdle around the structure Wrap a second set of saplings around the structure as a girdle for support.
Step 5: Tie the saplings Tie the two sets of saplings together with lengths of cord, leaving an opening for the entrance.
Step 6: Cover the structure Cover the structure with sheets of bark from fallen trees, leaving a smoke hole in the roof. Now move in.
FACT: The wigwams used by Native Americans were as safe and warm as any shelters built by early American colonists.

You Will Need

25-30 green tree saplings
Knife
Cord or rope
Bark

How to Pack a Backpack

Howcast — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:45:56 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Place lightweight items at the bottom Place lightweight items at the bottom of the pack and heavier items at the top. Distribute the weight in the pack so that it remains balanced.
TIP: If you plan to hike on rough or uneven terrain, move the heavier items to the bottom of the pack. Lowering your center of gravity will improve your balance.
Step 2: Place items you will need during the day at the top Place the items you expect to use during the day at the top of the pack. Beneath these items, place heavy objects, such as your stove, fuel, and food.
TIP: Place the items you expect to use during the day at the top of the pack. Beneath these items, place heavy objects, such as your stove, fuel, and food.
Step 3: Pack objects that you will use at the same time together Pack objects that you will use in tandem near each other.
Step 4: Collect small objects in stuff bags Collect small objects in color-coded stuff bags, so small items don’t fall to the bottom of the pack.
Step 5: Carry a survival kit Keep a survival kit close to your body, including a knife, flashlight, waterproof matches, survival candle, compass, emergency blanket, water purification tablets, survival whistle, first aid kit, and emergency rain gear.
Step 6: Don’t overload the outside Avoid tying too many objects to the outside of the pack. Extra weight can upset the pack’s balance.
FACT: Did you know? Knapsacks were issued to soldiers who served on foot during the American Civil War. Most knapsacks were made of cotton cloth coated with a waterproof preparation.

You Will Need

A backpack
Items to be packed
Color-coded stuff bags
A survival kit

How to Start a Fire with an Aluminum Can & a Chocolate Bar

Howcast — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:46:02 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Rub chocolate on the bottom of the can Rub the chocolate all over the bottom of the can.
Step 2: Wipe the chocolate off Wipe the chocolate off with a towel, cloth, or paper, rubbing and polishing as you wipe.
: Do not eat the chocolate after it’s been in contact with the aluminum – the residue may be toxic.
Step 3: Repeat Repeat this process several times until the bottom of the can shines.
TIP: The can has been polished enough when it shines and reflects like a mirror.
Step 4: Angle the can Angle the can in direct sunlight. Find a direct ray of sunlight and angle the bottom of the can so that it reflects the sun’s rays.
Step 5: Place your tinder Place your tinder – dry leaves, sticks, or paper – in a spot where you want your fire.
Step 6: Reflect a beam of sunlight Reflect the concentrated beam off the can and onto the tinder, similar to how you might with a magnifying glass and a leaf.
Step 7: Continue to hold the beam Hold the beam on the tinder until you see smoke. As soon as the tinder starts to burn, add wood to build your fire around it.
FACT: Wildfire severity has increased and fire frequency has decreased during the past 200 years.

You Will Need

Aluminum can
Chocolate bar
Towel
cloth
or paper
Tinder
Wood

How to Avoid a Snakebite

Howcast — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:31:54 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Make noise Make noise while you’re walking in the woods. Step heavily to make the ground vibrate and scare snakes away.
Step 2: Protect your legs Wear long pants and tall boots when you are hiking or camping. They will protect your feet and legs from snakes as well as insects.
Step 3: Stay on the trail Stay on the trail when hiking. Don’t wander off into the brush or tall grass where snakes may lie hidden.
TIP: If you can’t avoid tall grasses or brush, use a walking stick as a feeler for the ground in front of you.
Step 4: Keep your tent zipped Pitch your tent in a clearing away from potential nesting sites, including tall grass, logs, boulders, and brush. Keep your tent zipped tight at all times.
Step 5: Don’t reach into dark places Don’t reach into dark places where snakes might be sleeping or hiding, including rock crevices and hollow logs. Be careful when moving rocks or gathering firewood.
TIP: Remember that not all snakes stay on the ground. Some can slither up trees and hang from low branches.
Step 6: Don’t touch it Don’t touch a snake if you come across one – dead or alive. If it doesn’t slither away, go around it.
TIP: Some dead snakes still have a bite reflex, so don’t mess around.
Step 7: Don’t panic Don’t panic if you are bitten. Wash the wound and get to a doctor immediately if you suspect the snake might be poisonous.
FACT: The Gaboon Viper, an African snake, has fangs that grow up to 2 inches, longer than any other snake.

You Will Need

Boots
Pants
Tent with a working zipper
Caution
Walking stick (optional)

How to Get Rid of Chiggers

Howcast — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:01:28 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Apply mosquito Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin to get rid of chiggers.
Step 2: Clean your yard Clean your yard of tall grass, brush, and weeds. Chiggers will not survive in areas that are well maintained.
Step 3: Bathe in soapy water Take a bath in warm soapy water as soon as you are exposed.
TIP: Soapy water will remove any attached chiggers.
Step 4: Wash clothes in soapy water Remove and wash your clothes in hot soapy water immediately after exposure.
Step 5: Rub with towel Remove attached chiggers by rubbing down the affected skin area with a towel. Chiggers will feed for 3 to 4 days in an area if not disturbed.
Step 6: Apply cold cream, baby oil, and nail polish Seal the affected skin with cold cream, baby oil, and nail polish to alleviate itching.
TIP: Itching will occur until the body neutralizes the chigger’s saliva and repairs tissue damage.
Step 7: Enjoy the summer Enjoy the hot summer months without all the itching.
FACT: Chiggers are only 1/150th of an inch in diameter.

You Will Need

Mosquito repellent
Well-maintained yard
Bath
Towel
Cold cream
Baby oil
Nail polish