Survival Blog

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The Survival University offers our community of outdoor adventurers a robust library of training material through our Survival Blog. We believe in passing on our knowledge to empower students with a wealth of information that we find relevant to learning.

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Outdoor survival training where students practice fire starting under instruction in realistic field conditions

The Myth of the “Avid Outdoorsman”

When something goes wrong outdoors, the phrase “avid outdoorsman” is often used as reassurance. But time spent recreating in wild places does not automatically prepare someone to respond when conditions change and plans fail. This piece breaks down the difference between familiarity, confidence, and real readiness under stress.

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Assorted fire-starting tools including a ferro rod with wooden handle, waterproof match case, char tin, flint striker, brass tinder box, and leather pouch with a silver button

Beyond the Flick: Fire-Starting Hacks for Broken, Empty, and Wet Lighters

Learn how to start a fire with a lighter even if it’s broken, empty, or wet. Master fire-starting techniques and build confidence in real-world survival situations.

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Mastering Fire for Survival: How to Pack a TRUE emergency fire kit

Learn to pack a reliable survival fire kit with the right tools for warmth, cooking, and signaling. Keep it simple, effective, and ready for any emergency.

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Winter Survival in the Colorado Rockies — Part 4: Starting Fires in Snowy Conditions

Why Fire Matters in Winter Survival. Fire is more than just warmth; it’s survival itself. Let’s break it down. First, there’s the obvious: fire keeps you from freezing your toes off, which is great because toes are nice to have.

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Survival Challenge – One Match Fire

Do you ever test your survival skills?  Looking for a way to challenge yourself in a practical way that may be useful in a survival situation?  […]

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Close-up overhead of a primitive hand drill setup showing a wooden spindle on a notched fireboard with dark ember dust and a faint wisp of smoke, tinder nest nearby on a forest floor.

Hand Drill Friction Fire

The hand drill friction fire is one of the more difficult fire-making techniques when it comes to starting a fire with nothing but what nature […]

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Fire and Campfire Stories

Many stories start around a good campfire. Other than a good place to tell stories, fire brings warmth, food, water, moral boosts, entertainment, light, protection, the ability to signal rescuers and more. Being able to start a fire expediently and proficiently is a valuable skill to have.

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