Step-by-step projects utilizing this ideal material for tons of crafts due to its durability and flexibility! Parachute cord, which is now universally known as paracord, is a lightweight nylon rope originally used by paratroopers during World War II. It is now employed as a general purpose utility cord by military personnel and civilians alike. Hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts have made "survival bracelets" from paracord, which are meant to be unraveled when needed to secure cargo, lash together poles, and fix broken straps and laces. As more colors become available, crafters are discovering that paracord makes an excellent material for fun and stylish friendship bracelets, lanyards, belts, dog leashes, key chains, and more. Originating from Instructables, a popular project-based community made up of all sorts of people with a desire to pass on their wisdom to others, Practical Paracord Projects contains ideas from a number of authors who show just how easy it is to make virtually anything from paracord. Practical Paracord Projects provides step-by-step instructions on a variety of useful and fun objects involving paracord. Guided by detailed photographs, the reader will create such practical and unusual projects as: A laptop harness A can koozie An eyeglass lanyard A hanging chair Sandals A leatherman pouch And much more!

The basis of adequate prepping is being prepared for both common and dire events that may occur under the worst of all possible circumstances. These circumstances might include the breakdown in normal emergency support services (such as calling 911), the lack of an ability to obtain additional supplies, and the probability that you will not be able to rely on anyone but members of your immediate group or yourself. Prepping requires forethought with regard to food, water supplies, power, and protection - all areas of significant technical preparation. Self-reliant medical care is no exception. This book provides the basis of prevention, identification, and long-term management of survivable medical conditions and can be performed with minimal training. It helps you identify sources of materials you will need and should stock-pile, it discusses storage issues, and directs you to sources for more complex procedures that require advanced concepts of field-expedient techniques used by trained medical persons such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, or midwifes and obstetricians.

This is the ultimate survival manual, a comprehensive, practical, all-climate, all-terrain guide to the basics of wilderness travel, outdoor living and surviving extreme situations. Substantial sections highlight possible threats and dangers in life, from terrorism, accident, fire, flood or crime, and provide practical solutions and professional teaching for urban prevention, protection and safety strategies. Illustrated with 1400 photographs and illustrations, including step-by-step sequences throughout.

Filled with valuable information for hobbyists, survival enthusiasts, family campers - and everyone who enjoys outdoor life, Traditional Skills of the Mountain Men is the essential illustrated guide to wilderness living and survival. How to make your own clothing, shelter, and equipment are all covered in step-by-step detail-through illustrations by the author himself. Learn how to make and use hunting tools and utensils, wild game traps, mountainman clothing, powder flasks and horns, tents, deer-horn jewelry, and much more. Wilderness survival skills are also covered, with instruction geared at both novice and expert. Learn how to trap wild game, tan hides, shoot with black powder, make a fire, and cook a hearty meal with only the barest of essentials.

We love the outdoors. We want to take care of it and we want to enjoy it. But with an excess of packaged food, single-use disposables and convenient consumables, are we loving the land to death? Outdoor enthusiasts are more galvanized that ever to be good stewards of the land on which they recreate. Here, for the first time, is the central, reliable guide to hiking and backpacking with minimal impact that outdoor enthusiasts need. Going above and beyond Leave No Trace, Outdoor Minimalist is a guide to actionable ways to waste less while hiking and camping and implement low-impact practices in outdoor pursuits. Look inside to find: Waste reduction tips and tricks for beginners and experts alike The seven R's of outdoor minimalism: reduce, refuse, rethink, repair, rehome/repurpose, remove, restore Packing lists to waste less with every trip you plan

95 Essential Survival Skills
Survive almost anything nature throws at you with this collection of tested wilderness skills.
-Prevail against ice, cold, and hypothermia
-Scramble out of raging whitewater
-Stare down the angriest predators
With practical advice for survival situations from the relatively likely (such as needing to build a fire in the rain) to the extreme (skin and cook a snake) to the just plain awesome (make a blowgun), this book could save your life, as well as providing a fascinating armchair read. Geared to the hunter or fisherman, but with something for almost everyone who loves the great outdoors, this is the book you want to be sure you throw in your backpack before heading out into any potentially sketchy situation.

-Reveals secrets to crafting durable knives without spending a lot of money -Speaks to a ready audience: BLADE Show -- largest custom cutlery show in the U.S. draws 10,000 people each year -Presents simple, expert instruction in full color photos Knife-makers, veteran and novice, know and trust Wayne Goddard's techniques and teaching, and it shows in the level of craftsmanship featured at the nation's knife shows. The very book that changed the face of bladesmithing is revamped, with full color photo instructions and the tried-and-true format knife-makers will refer to for years to come. This page-turner covers: -Tools needed to make knives, and outfitting a personal workshop without breaking the bank. -Forging and heat-treating techniques, to help improve existing bladesmithing skills -200+ color photos demonstrate basic knife making techniques The easiest guide to making knives is Wayne Goddard's $50 Knife Shop, Revised.

Craft cocktails meet the great outdoors in this vibrant celebration of good times and good spirits, from the authors of The Cocktail Workshop. What could possibly enhance the natural beauty of a crystal clear lake, snow-capped mountain, or backyard fire pit? A craft cocktail, of course! So cozy up by the campfire, pack your cooler for a picnic out at the lake, or rent a mountainside cabin with your friends-it's time to head for the woods for some good times and good spirits courtesy of Backcountry Cocktails. Inspired by the singular natural beauty of New Hampshire's White Mountains, this book is a true celebration of entertaining in the outdoors-with dozens of seasonally-inspired and organized recipes to enjoy outside, whether you're on an early spring hike or a mid-winter retreat. Each recipe from authors Steven Grasse and Adam Erace, of The Cocktail Workshop, captures the energy of hitting the trails in an elevated yet approachable ode to craft cocktails and the beauty of the natural world. No matter your cocktailing style, there's something for everyone, from spiked cocoa to frozen fizzes (perfect for packing as a treat after an afternoon of hiking), and even foraged creations that will tie your experience to the land around you. All recipes are designed to use relatively few ingredients (for easy packability), and to be both portable and batachable-so you can enjoy them no matter what kind of adventure you have planned for the day. Each seasonal chapter also includes a handful of recipes for entertaining, like Crispy Cast-Iron Trout with Wild Greens, "field guide" how-tos on local experts covering topics from medicinal plants to preserving fruit, and DIYs (like fermenting your own vegetables or foraging for mushrooms).

Seven common bear encounters and how to survive them Best ways to identify grizzlies and black bears Learn essential info on bear behavior at different times of year and in different habitats

Traveling in bear country comes with responsibilities to camp and hike in ways that respect the natural activities of bears. To give you the information you need to coexist with bears, " NOLS Bear Essentials" draws on NOLS' expertise and their 40 years of experience leading trips in bear country, as well as the input of noted scientists who have studied bears and their relationships with people. Learn ways to set up camp so as to not attract bears, the safest options for storing food when car camping and backpacking, and how to protect yourself while fishing and hunting.

"There's no getting away from it; I've eaten some pretty extreme things in my time - live tarantulas, raw goat testicles, elephant dung, you name it. In a situation when your life depends on it, you need to put your prejudices aside to keep your stomach filled and your strength up. Whether it's mastering the art of foraging and cooking up a tasty feast around the campfire or learning about the more extreme end of wild food (ever tried a scorpion kebab?), there's a lot to learn when it comes to dinner time in the wild. This book will teach you all the necessary skills and techniques to get your teeth into meals you might never have thought of as food in the first place - and, crucially, how to recognise plants and animals that might end up doing you more harm than good. In today's world, we rarely need to venture beyond the local supermarket and we turn our noses up at the thought of snacking on bugs and grubs. But out in the wild, Mother Nature has provided us with a plentiful supply of nutritious - if not always delicious - food for the taking. And when needs must, we just have to know where to look. Some of it might take you out of your comfort zone. Some of it might turn your stomach. But it's saved my life more than once. And one day, it might save yours . . ." What readers are saying about Extreme Food: 'Enjoyable and informative . . . bon appetit!' 'Great gift for outdoor adventurers' 'This book could save your life'

In response to the ever-present threats facing our school systems, Public School Emergency Preparedness helps schools and institutions develop a comprehensive emergency response plan. This book outlines programs and procedures that can be applied to any school system which addresses hazard mitigation and prevention, emergency preparedness and response, and recovery and restoration to an effective learning environment. It describes specific actions and assigns responsibilities and response roles to district and individual school staff emergency teams, cooperating agencies, and community response partners as described in this plan. In the event of an emergency involving response by fire and/or law enforcement, this book also outlines the district/school site personnel who should establish an Incident Command System-based response organization in accordance with procedures outlined in the National Incident Management System. In addition, the author predetermines, to the extent possible, operational procedures across any U.S. school system and cooperating governmental, private, and volunteer agencies for responding to and recovering from any and all types of natural, human, or technology-based emergencies that may occur within school system operations or outside the jurisdiction of the school system but nonetheless cause/could cause collateral impact to school system operations.

Find Joy in the Beauty and Wonder of Birds Birding is among the most popular outdoor activities-especially in California, where hundreds of different bird species can be seen and observed. Now is the perfect time to join the fun and let our feathered friends astonish and inspire you. Award-winning author, naturalist, and wildlife photographer Stan Tekiela has written the best-selling bird identification guides for almost every state. In Stan Tekiela's Birding for Beginners: California, he provides the information you need to become a skilled birder in the Golden State. The first section of the book presents "how to" information. Learn the basics of bird feeders. Get to know your birdseed. Create a bird-friendly yard-and even make your own bird food with do-it-yourself recipes. The book's second section is an identification guide, featuring 63 California birds that are most likely to be seen at your backyard feeder or near your home. The species are organized by color, making it simple to identify what you see. If you spot a yellow bird, go to the yellow section to discover what it is. Each bird gets a full-page photograph with notations about key field marks, or identification characteristics. The full-color photos are paired with information ranging from the bird's nest and eggs to favorite foods, as well as Stan's fascinating naturalist notes. Give birding a try, and get started with the guidance of an expert. You'll be amazed by how much joy birds can bring, and you'll have a lifetime to enjoy them.

How can we become more in tune with nature, even in the heart of the city? Once upon a time, a burnt-out Claire Dunn spent a year living off the grid in a wilderness survival experiment. Yet love and the possibilities of human connection drew her back to the city, where she soon found herself as overscheduled, addicted to her phone, and lost in IKEA as the rest of us. Given all the city offers - comfort, convenience, community, and opportunity - she wants to stay. But to do so, she'll have to learn how to rewild her own urban soul. Claire swims in city rivers, forages in the suburbs, and explores many other practices to connect to the world around her. Rewilding the Urban Soul is a field guide to being at one with nature, wherever you are.

Camping or backpacking in winter is appealing for many who enjoy the serenity of wilderness settings without the crowds and bustle of the summer season. But as rewarding as they can be, these outings require special preparation and a different set of skills than are necessary at other times of the year. Snowfall can quickly cover one's tracks and make orientation difficult. Hypothermia is insidious, and rapidly changing weather conditions can become treacherous, even life-threatening.In addition to those who are exploring the outdoors recreationally, there are also those who find themselves in unexpected winter survival situations. Each year, people become stranded in wilderness areas, and in most cases they are not equipped to face the challenge of spending an indefinite amount of time outside. Without sufficient gear or knowledge of how to improvise without it, injury or death is often the result. The development of some basic skills, however, can help avert such unfortunate outcomes.As the founder of the renowned nature awareness program Primitive Pursuits, Dave Hall has been practicing survival skills for more than twenty years and has amassed a comprehensive understanding of winter survival. By refining these skills, Dave has reached a point of understanding that is without peer. Through detailed explanations, illustrations, and personal anecdotes, Winter in the Wilderness imparts Dave's knowledge to readers, who will learn to meet their most basic needs: making fire, creating shelter, obtaining safe drinking water, navigating terrain, and procuring sustenance.Winter in the Wilderness is a handbook for those who want to explore cold-weather camping and those who might find themselves in need of this critical information during an unexpected winter's night out. Whether used for pleasure or for survival, Winter in the Wilderness emphasizes the benefits of enriching and deepening our connection with the outdoors.

Provides the outdoorsman with a comprehensive manual covering every aspect of camping and the art of surviving in the wilderness.

Best Easy Day Hikes Moab includes concise descriptions and detailed maps for twenty easy-to-follow hikes in the desert parks as well as in the canyons near town. From renowned Arches National Park to secluded Dead Horse Canyon, these hikes, most less than 5 miles long, will fuel your desert hiking fever.

The definitive guide on how to prepare for any crisis--from global financial collapse to a pandemic
It would only take one unthinkable event to disrupt our way of life. If there is a terrorist attack, a global pandemic, or sharp currency devaluation--you may be forced to fend for yourself in ways you've never imagined. Where would you get water? How would you communicate with relatives who live in other states? What would you use for fuel?
Survivalist expert James Wesley, Rawles, author of "Patriots" and editor of SurvivalBlog.com, shares the essential tools and skills you will need for you family to survive, including:
Water: Filtration, transport, storage, and treatment options.
Food Storage: How much to store, pack-it-yourself methods, storage space and rotation, countering vermin.
Fuel and Home Power: Home heating fuels, fuel storage safety, backup generators.
Garden, Orchard Trees, and Small Livestock: Gardening basics, non-hybrid seeds, greenhouses; choosing the right livestock.
Medical Supplies and Training: Building a first aid kit, minor surgery, chronic health issues.
Communications: Following international news, staying in touch with loved ones.
Home Security: Your panic room, self-defense training and tools.
When to Get Outta Dodge: Vehicle selection, kit packing lists, routes and planning.
Investing and Barter: Tangibles investing, building your barter stockpile. And much more.
"How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It" is a must-have for every well-prepared family.

The men and women of Yosemite Search and Rescue work around the clock, ready to respond at any hour in any weather. It’s not all helicopter heroics and plucking unlucky rock jocks off The Nose of El Capitan. It also means helping the teen with the busted ankle on the Mist Trail, finding the missing child in Tuolumne Meadows, and rescuing the newlywed clinging to a slick rock after her raft implodes. Most of Yosemite’s nearly 4 million annual visitors leave the park without a scratch. For a few, however, a vacation in this world-famous land of cliffs and waterfalls takes a turn for the terrifying. That’s where the YOSAR team comes in. Author and legendary YOSAR team member Butch Farabee relates epic tales of endurance and survival, misadventure and fatal consequences. Also included are: the origins of Search and Rescue in the national parks, including the U.S. Army’s key role; advice for staying safe in the park; profiles of SAR pros who do this dangerous work every day; stories about YODOGS and animal rescues; innovative techniques developed in Yosemite and now used around the world; photos and descriptions of top-tier gear used by this world-class team of medics, climbers, and swift-water experts; stats that any adventure geek will love; and, of course, plenty of helicopters! A must-read for thrill-seekers, armchair travelers, national park novices, and expert explorers alike. Get the inside story on the elite YOSAR team, and get inspired (and informed) for adventure anywhere!

Read James Wesley, Rawles's posts on the Penguin Blog

In the vein of Sam Sheridan's "The Disaster Diaries," a comprehensive guide to preparing for the apocalypse
With the recent economic crisis, formerly unimaginable scenarios have become terrifyingly real possibilities- learn how to prepare for the worst
Global financial collapse, a terrorist attack, a natural catastrophe-all it takes is one event to disrupt our way of life. We could find ourselves facing myriad serious problems from massive unemployment to a food shortage to an infrastructure failure that cuts off our power or water supply. If something terrible happens, we won't be able to rely on the government or our communities. We'll have to take care of ourselves.

In "How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It," James Rawles, founder of SurvivalBlog.com, clearly explains everything you need to know to protect yourself and your family in the event of a disaster-from radical currency devaluation to a nuclear threat to a hurricane. Rawles shares essential tactics and techniques for surviving completely on your own, including how much food is enough, how to filter rainwater, how to protect your money, which seeds to buy for your garden, why goats are a smart choice for livestock, and how to secure your home. It's the ultimate guide to total preparedness and self-reliance in a time of need.

" A beautifully written account of a great American tragedy--the unsolved murders of an undetermined number of young women, all by the same serial killer, who got away. The truth is still buried. I couldn't put it down." --John Grisham, #1 New York Times bestselling author A riveting deep dive into the unsolved murder of two free-spirited young women in the wilderness, a journalist's obsession--and a new theory of who might have done it. They must have been followed. That's the thought I return to after all these years . . . In May 1996, two skilled backcountry leaders, Lollie Winans and Julie Williams, entered Virginia's Shenandoah National Park for a week-long backcountry camping trip. The free-spirited and remarkable young couple had met and fallen in love the previous summer while working at a world-renowned outdoor program for women. During their final days in the park, they descended the narrow remnants of a trail and pitched their tent in a hidden spot. After the pair didn't return home as planned, park rangers found a scene of horror at their campsite, their tent slashed open, their beloved dog missing, and both women dead in their sleeping bags. The unsolved murders of Winans and Williams continue to haunt all who had encountered them or knew their story. When award-winning journalist and outdoors expert Kathryn Miles begins looking into the case, she discovers conflicting evidence, mismatched timelines, and details that just don't add up. With unprecedented access to crucial crime-scene forensics and key witnesses--and with a growing sense of both mission and obsession--she begins to uncover the truth. An innocent man, Miles is convinced, has been under suspicion for decades, while the true culprit is a known serial killer, if only authorities would take a closer look. Intimate, page-turning, and brilliantly reported, Trailed is a love story and a call to justice--and a searching and urgent plea to make wilderness a safe space for women--destined to become a true crime classic.

Concealed Carry Class: The ABCs of Self-Defense Tools & Tactics is a comprehensive guide to recognizing, avoiding and surviving violent confrontations. It covers everything from situational-awareness skills that can be honed to help keep you and your loved ones out of potentially dangerous scenarios; to the mental discipline it takes to carry a concealed weapon every day; to evaluating and selecting concealed-carry hardware, including handguns and calibers, holsters and clothing; to training drills you can use to become proficient with a handgun, and remain proficient through regular practice. Tom Givens calls on decades of firearms and law-enforcement experience to put together this practical collection of tips and tactics anyone can use for the safe, responsible and legal carrying of a concealed weapon.He has been involved in armed confrontations both as a police officer and as a private citizen, and has seen firsthand how decent people, with proper training, can fight back and overcome criminal attacks. -- Tom Givens