Survival - Enduring Deserts

You could buy the Sedan or the Limo of survival kits - or build your own! The basics are a good knife, a way to light a fire, a space blanket or two, some paracord, an old CD, a stainless-steel mug, some large clear plastic bags, and yes, some duct tape. It’s up to you if you add other items like band-aids and some hand sanitizer. In my order of importance: 1. After your brain, a knife is the ultimate and most basic survival tool. It should be robust and hold a reasonable edge. You can use it to make the tools to make fire. If it gets dull, you can sharpen it on a small rock. 2. Shelter is high on the list of survival needs. A mylar emergency blanket or even a mylar tent can save you time and energy. It can keep you dry, cool, or warm. It’s good but is best used to supplement a more substantial shelter. 3. Paracord or light rope has many uses, one being in the construction of a fire bow. 4. An inexpensive magnesium style fire starter is essential until you learn how to ma

DESERT SURVIVAL— NOT A WALK IN THE PARK If you love the outdoor life, hiking, biking, hunting, just exploring the wonders of nature, or even planning a bugout situation, you may not have thought much about the risks of stepping out into the wild. Perhaps you need to think again. Scientific studies show that about a third of the earth’s landmass is desert, meaning the land is arid or semi-arid. Have you ever been lost or trapped by circumstances miles from help, where cell phones have no bars? Maybe not yet, but if it happens, how long will you survive? Some claim that wilderness areas are no longer relevant, that man has conquered all. That is just not so. The beauty of wild places is still abundant. It just takes more effort to enjoy it. Whether we are forced by circumstance or choose to wander off the beaten tracks to appreciate its secrets, it takes preparation and training to live within Mother Nature’s rules. Sadly, many who have ventured into the desert thought it couldn’t