Scott Fitterman

How to Get Out of Quicksand (It’s Not Like the Movies!)

Plus, learn how dangerous quicksand actually is & where it formsYou're hiking alone in the wilderness, lost in your thoughts, when suddenly you find yourself trapped in quicksand and sinking fast. Certain muddy death? No...

How to

Read a Map

If your GPS is on the fritz and you need to know how to get from point A to point B without getting lost, there’s no need to admit defeat by stopping to ask for directions. Just pull out your trusty map! Whether you’...

How Good Are My Survival Instincts Quiz

Let’s say you’re stranded on a desert island, or lost somewhere in the woods, or even just that your car broke down in the middle of nowhere. Would you be able to survive? Or would your instincts lead you astray? An...

How to

Determine True North

Did you know that most compasses don't actually point to the North Pole? It's true! In fact, most compasses point in the direction of ''magnetic north'', a spot in the Arctic that is near to (but not the same as) the Nor...

How to

Chop Wood

Many people look at the sharpened wedge at the end of a handle and think there's nothing to chopping wood. You simply take your axe in hand, bring it up over your head, and swing, right? Without the right form, you might...

How to

Measure Distance on a Map

Maps provide you with an accurate picture of a geographic area so you can determine how far it is from one place to another. Maps provide a fractional scale that tells you the ratio between the distance on the map and th...

How to

Live in the Woods

Living in the woods, surrounded by nature, is a fantasy of many city dwellers. Running the rat race day after day, dealing with traffic, crime, and pollution -- it's easy to romantically imagine a life more serene. Thro...

How to

Escape from a Bear

Bears are among nature's most majestic creatures, and seeing one in the wild is an unforgettable experience. Get too close, however, and your encounter with a bear can be more terrifying than awe-inspiring. Fortunately, ...

How to

Live in the Wilderness

John Muir once said, "Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity." Does anyone need more of an explanation than ...

How to

Make a Camping Toilet

For many people, one of the roughest aspects of camping is going without the comfort and familiarity of a modern toilet. However, if you’re out in the boonies without a toilet in sight, don’t fret; you can easily mak...

How to

Fend off a Mountain Lion

If you ever find yourself in a dangerous encounter with a mountain lion, it's best to be prepared, especially if you live in an area that is home to big cats. This article will give you information on how to protect your...

How to

Survive Animal Attacks

If you frequently spend time in nature—regardless of the type of climate—you may be at risk for animal attack. The strategy you should take to defend yourself from an attacking animal will vary based on the animal yo...

How to

Find Water in the Desert

Deserts are areas that receive less than of precipitation a year. They are hot and dry during the day and cold at night. The most important thing you need in a desert is water. The dry, hot temperatures will dehydrate y...

How to

Keep Bears Away

If you live, work, or play in bear country, it's important to keep yourself safe. Strongly scented items, such as food or garbage, should be kept away from your campsite, vehicle, and home. However, if you do meet a bear...

How to

Build a Natural Shelter in the Jungle

If you’re lost or staying out in the jungle, a shelter is important if you want to stay dry and safe from the elements. Even if you don’t have any tools, you can work with the natural resources around you to make a ...