Make a portable privy or ‘How to do number two’ in the woods

One of the most intimidating aspects of the outdoors for novice campers or beginners is very basic: Where’s the bathroom? Where will you do Number Two? by Leon Pantenburg When you gotta go, you gotta go. It doesn’t matter if you’re at the shopping mall or in the backcountry – when nature calls, you must …

Survival kit tin cup reduces weight, bulk in emergency kit

Survival gear doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive. Some of the best items are common, easily-found products you may already have. One of those items is a large metal cup. Here’s why you need one.  by Leon Pantenburg I slogged along in the ranks, Springfield slung over my shoulder, headed toward the sound of …

How to make simple, easy homemade energy bars

A good way to steer your kids toward eating right is to teach them to cook. While hunger is generally the best sauce in the outdoors, a few good recipes can make the outdoor culinary experience even more fun. by Leon Pantenburg When it comes to stocking up on survival food, the best, most inexpensive and tastiest …

How to make simple, easy homemade energy bars

A good way to steer your kids toward eating right is to teach them to cook. While hunger is generally the best sauce in the outdoors, a few good recipes can make the outdoor culinary experience even more fun. by Leon Pantenburg When it comes to stocking up on survival food, the best, most inexpensive and tastiest …

Review: Take a look at the latest SPOT Gen3 wilderness personal locator beacon

Can any electronic device guarantee your safety in the wilderness? Absolutely not!!! But this SPOT Gen3 might be a big help, and it could be a lifesaver. by Leon Pantenburg Disclaimer: SPOT provided survivalcommonsense.com with a loaner SPOT Gen 3 device and a three- month plan to test the device. It will be returned to …

Review: Take a look at the latest SPOT Gen3 wilderness personal locator beacon

Can an electronic device guarantee your safety in the wilderness? Absolutely not!!! But this SPOT Gen3 might be a big help. by Leon Pantenburg Disclaimer: SPOT provided survivalcommonsense.com with a loaner SPOT Gen 3 device and a three- month plan to test the device. It will be returned to SPOT after the trial plan expires. …

Insect repellent clothing: We review the Hook and Tackle Bug-X shirt

Mosquitoes and other biting insects can make being outdoors miserable. Here’s a product that may help you deal with them. by Leon Pantenburg I was not paid to do this review. As of publication,  Hook and Tackle has no sponsorship relationship with SurvivalCommonSense.com. Hook and Tackle supplied the shirt for testing. There weren’t supposed to …

Deal with mosquitoes while camping: We review the Hook and Tackle Bug-X shirt

Mosquitoes and other biting insects can make being outdoors miserable. Here’s a product that may help you deal with them. by Leon Pantenburg I was not paid to do this review. As of publication,  Hook and Tackle has no sponsorship relationship with SurvivalCommonSense.com. Hook and Tackle supplied the shirt for testing. There weren’t supposed to …

Deal with mosquitoes while camping: We review the Hook and Tackle Bug-X shirt

Mosquitoes and other biting insects can make being outdoors miserable. Here’s a product that may help you deal with them. by Leon Pantenburg I was not paid to do this review. As of publication,  Hook and Tackle has no sponsorship relationship with SurvivalCommonSense.com. Hook and Tackle supplied the shirt for testing. There weren’t supposed to …

What’s the best backpack? Take a look at the Thule Capstone 50

I was not paid to do this review, and at the time of publication, Thule had no sponsorship relationship with SurvivalCommonSense.com. Thule supplied the backpack for review. All I ever promise is a fair test and review. Your backpack can make or break your wilderness experience. Choose a good one. This Thule might be a …