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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Hiker standing in open mountain terrain scanning the surrounding landscape to stay oriented while navigating in the wilderness

What To Do If You Get Lost While Hiking: The First 10 Minutes That Matter Most

Many wilderness situations begin quietly, with a small moment when something about the terrain no longer feels right. This article explains what to do during the first 10 minutes after realizing you might be lost and how simple decisions during that moment can prevent a small navigation mistake from becoming a much bigger problem. By slowing down, observing the terrain, and making deliberate choices, hikers can often regain control of the situation quickly.

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Over engineered survival fire starter hack using random household items like toothpaste, petroleum jelly, and lint

Why Most Internet Survival Hacks Don’t Work

Internet survival hacks are everywhere online, promising clever tricks that supposedly make wilderness living easier. The problem is that many of these ideas are designed for attention, not real world conditions. In this article we take a closer look at several popular hacks and explain why simple, well tested methods almost always work better.

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Instructor teaching wilderness survival and leadership skills to backpacking students in Colorado

How Survival Skills Build Leadership and Real World Decision Making

Survival skills are not just about building fire or navigating terrain. They reveal how you respond under pressure, how you make decisions when conditions shift, and how you correct mistakes before they compound. In the woods, leadership is tested quietly and honestly.

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Lost proofing and navigation training in the Colorado mountains with The Survival University.

Lost Proofing: The Mindset That Brings You Home

Getting lost isn’t random, it’s preventable. Lost proofing teaches awareness, communication, and preparation so you never become a headline. Learn the mindset and habits that bring you home.

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Golden hour mountain trail with glowing grasses and pine trees under a warm sunset sky

What Nash Quinn’s Disappearance Teaches Us About Being Ready for the Backcountry

Nash Quinn vanished on a routine ride near Laramie. His story is a powerful reminder of why preparation, communication, and humility in the outdoors matter more than we think.

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Navigation Unleashed: Maps, Compasses, and Wild Adventure

Master navigation with maps and compasses. Explore orienteering, topo skills, and wilderness know-how in this ultimate guide.

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How to Tie The Double Half-Hitch Knot

Master the double half-hitch knot with our quick, step-by-step guide and expert tips for secure, efficient knot tying.

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Navigation Skills vs. Orienteering & Geocaching: Why Real-World Navigation Matters

Master real navigation skills beyond orienteering and geocaching. Learn to read terrain, use a map and compass, and navigate with confidence in any environment.

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Winter Survival in the Colorado Rockies — Part 6: Navigating and Avoiding Avalanche Danger

When you’re heading into the winter wonderland of the Colorado Rockies, the last thing you want is for your adventure to turn into a survival story. Whether you’re skiing, snowshoeing, or exploring a picturesque trail for the perfect Instagram shot, the mountains demand respect.

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How to Survive an Avalanche

The first best way to survive an avalanche is to understand what causes them to occur.  This will allow you to recognize an avalanche area and […]

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Map and compass setup during a land navigation class at The Survival University, demonstrating reliable backup navigation methods.

Custom Private Land Navigation Class

Navigation What a great weekend class we just had! The Survival University was tasked with taking the navigation of Navy divers and ROTC Army Officer hopefuls […]

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