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 …

John Wayne graffiti? We (might have) found evidence of the Duke in the wilderness

Did John Wayne leave his mark in the Central Oregon wilderness? Maybe – check out what I found! by Leon Pantenburg My hometown of Bend, Oregon is popular for virtually anything related to the outdoors, and is a popular setting for filming movies. This little valley is one of my favorite dayhike areas. Mediterranean diet …

Best survival knife? New materials, old designs combine in this classic cutlery

Looking for a traditional, classic knife design made with the best of modern materials? Check out these newcomers. by Leon Pantenburg I was not paid to do this review. KnivesShipFree,com is a SurvivalCommonSense.com sponsor and loaned me several of the knives mentioned, and they will be returned when I’m done testing them. The other knives …

Review: The Lon Humphrey Sterling may be the traditional knife for modern uses

The best survival knife is one you enjoy carrying, because you’ll have it along when it’s needed. The new Sterling from Lon Humphrey Custom Knives is affordable, good looking and really useful, and may be what you’re looking for. by Leon Pantenburg I bought this knife, and was not paid to do this review. KnivesShipFree …

Review: The Lon Humphrey Sterling may be the traditional knife for modern uses

The best survival knife is one you enjoy carrying, because you’ll have it along when it’s needed. The new Sterling from Lon Humphrey Custom Knives is affordable, good looking and really useful, and may be what you’re looking for. by Leon Pantenburg I bought this knife, and was not paid to do this review. KnivesShipFree …

Knife Review and Video: C.T. Fischer Four-Inch Bushcraft knife

There are knives you need and knives you want. My latest four-inch bushcraft knife acquisition from C.T. Fischer fits both categories!  by Leon Pantenburg Disclaimer: C.T. Fischer knives were advertised on this website, after the products first passed a rigorous testing process. The following review is my opinion and had no prior input, feedback or …

How to make healthy Hudson Bay Bread for outdoor energy

Need energy on the trail? Here is a time-tested favorite from the  Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota! Not only does it supply energy, but also tastes great! Sunset somewhere in the Boundary Waters (All photos by Bob Patterson) prescription for viagra These are some the benefits an individual may undergo when they have crooked spine, …

What’s the best way to wet form a leather knife sheath?

So you want to customize that brand new leather knife sheath, but don’t want to spend a lot of time doing it. Here’s a way to wet form a sheath that is quick and easy. By Leon Pantenburg I have a lot of leather general-purpose knife sheaths, and generally, they work very well. Since they …

Hatchet or saw: Choose the best portable survival kit woodcutting tool

We’ll assume you already have the survival knife and  basic Ten Essentials, and are assembling the rest of the tools needed for a portable survival kit. Do you need to add a hatchet or a small  saw? This custom pipe tomahawk is a useful survival tool and weapon, but it may not be a good choice to …

Restoring a Cast Iron Treasure: How to clean and season the old time cooking utinsels

When my son Dan moved to his first apartment, it seemed like my parental duty to provide him with an “urban survival kit” that included some basic kitchen tools. These necessities included several good “survival manuals” (cookbooks) some sharp kitchen “survival knives” and a well-seasoned cast iron Dutch oven. by Leon Pantenburg Dan’s urban “survival …