Improvised Splints and Bandages Using Trail Gear
1. Understanding When to Use an Improvised Splint or BandageIf you spend time hiking, backpacking, or camping in the U.S., there’s always a chance you or someone in your group…
Integrating Navigation Skills into Leave No Trace Principles in American Wilderness Areas
1. Understanding the Leave No Trace PrinciplesLeave No Trace (LNT) is a set of seven core principles designed to help everyone who enjoys the outdoors reduce their impact on the…
Finding Food and Water in Arid Landscapes: Surviving in Deserts and Canyons
1. Understanding Desert and Canyon EnvironmentsWhen exploring the American Southwest, you’ll quickly realize that deserts and canyonlands are some of the toughest environments to survive in. These regions—like Arizona’s Sonoran…
CPR and Rescue Breathing for Hikers in Emergency Situations
1. Recognizing Emergency Situations on the TrailWhen hiking in the wilderness, knowing how to spot an emergency can make all the difference. Quick action is crucial if someone needs CPR…
How to Stay Found: Practical Field Exercises for Compass and GPS Use
1. Understanding Your Tools: Compass and GPS BasicsWhen you’re heading out into the backcountry, knowing how to use both a compass and a GPS can make all the difference in…
Managing Hypothermia and Frostbite in Backcountry Settings
Recognizing the Signs of Hypothermia and FrostbiteWhen youre out in the backcountry, far from quick help, its crucial to spot hypothermia and frostbite early. The sooner you notice the warning…
Purification Methods: How to Make River, Lake, and Rainwater Safe to Drink
1. Understanding Waterborne Hazards in the WildIf you’re hiking, camping, or backpacking anywhere in the U.S., chances are you’ll need to drink water straight from a river, lake, or even…
Foraging for Wild Edibles: Safe and Nutritious Finds in the U.S. Wilderness
Introduction to Foraging in the U.S.Foraging—searching for wild edible plants, mushrooms, and other natural foods—has deep roots in American culture. Long before modern grocery stores, Indigenous peoples and early settlers…
The Essential Guide to Locating Clean Water in the American Backcountry
1. Understanding Water Sources in the U.S. WildernessWhen you’re exploring the American backcountry, finding clean water is one of your top priorities. The wilderness across the United States offers a…
Building Snow Shelters: How to Survive Winter in the US Backcountry
Understanding US Winter ConditionsWhen heading into the American backcountry during winter, its essential to know what youre up against. The weather and terrain can be unpredictable, and each region brings…