Training Primer: To hike around the family homestead and identify several campsite locations, to complete a shelter - fire - boil exercise. AAR: Buz accompanied me for a hike at the homestead for a hike. We completed a 1.2 mile loop and passed through four potential locations where we can set up a semi-permanent campsite. We definitely identified one that is close to a mass of small expendable white pine trees that we can use for a primitive shelter, several shelter locations and suitable places to hang. It is also very close to piles of fire making resources from land clearing activity. At one of my winter shelter locations I dismounted the pack and started the shelter build. Time stealing error of leaving the #36 bankline against the tree on the inside of the bowline knot. Time. I had collected tinder as I approached location but started the exercise without gathering kindling and fuel. More time. So the boil took 27 minutes. When I repeat the exercise I will definitely remember where the Prussik knots are located. I will also gather fire materials before I start the clock. This site is great for fire because there is kindling and fuel in abundance. I was able to teach my hiking partner some things about knives. He carries a Mora with a rat-tail tang knife. Carves like crazy but I would not normally baton with that knife. I was also able to demonstrate how to remove a boiling bottle from the fire with a dangling toggle and various uses for a shamagh . Equipment maintenance and restocking.

MISSION:Lay out your current fire kit. STANDARD:Primary + backup ignition. Tinder strategy. Weather consideration. OUTPUT:Photo + short explanation of gaps. REMEMBER:If your fire kit fails, nothing else matters. Prove it.

Battery dies at 1700. Overcast. Mixed hardwood forest. You have 90 minutes of daylight. What are your first three priorities — in order — and why?

Just uploaded a bunch of old YouTube videos into the classroom for extra references.

For me. Living in the woods, with a small cabin no outside lights. I would say I use my headlight every day. And the same goes for camping and training. If you think about it. You use the headlight every day