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Learn how to become more knowledgeable about wilderness survival, medicine, and more.

Simple Knots - The Butterfly
5 Essential Knots Everyone Should Know for Outdoor, Survival, and Everyday Use

With just five simple knots you can handle nearly any outdoor situation with confidence.

Erik Kulick head shotMar 19, 2026
Military Map and Compass
In the Age of GPS, Do Military Land Navigation Skills Still Matter?

When modern land navigation tools fail – or can’t be used – disciplined old-school skills can still accomplish a mission.

Erik Kulick head shotFeb 23, 2026
A Non-New Year's Resolution
Forget New Year’s Resolutions: Goals Can Start Anytime

Learn how to achieve your goals anytime — without relying on New Year’s. Small steps, consistency, and resilience at any time of the year can lead to lasting success.

Erik Kulick head shotJan 5, 2026
Choosing a Survival Knife
How to Choose a Survival Knife: Your Most Important Tool in an Emergency

A knife is key to any survival kit or go-bag. Choosing the right one can be daunting. Here are some considerations on how to choose a survival knife.

Erik Kulick head shotDec 22, 2025
Do Snakebite Kits Work? The Evidence Says No
Do Snakebite Kits Work? The Evidence Says No

Commercial snakebite kits are widely sold — but research shows they are ineffective. Modern snakebite first aid relies on evidence, not suction devices or tourniquets.

Erik Kulick head shotOct 7, 2025
Survivalist v. Survivor – There’s a Difference.
Survivalist v. Survivor – There’s a Difference.

There is a meaningful difference between training for temporary emergencies and identifying with permanent collapse. That distinction shapes how — and why — we prepare.

Erik Kulick head shotJul 4, 2025
Why Some Hikers Get Rescued — Avoid Being That Person
Why Some Hikers Need Rescue — Avoid Being That Person

Search-and-rescue missions make headlines every week. What stands out isn’t the terrain — it’s the lack of preparation. Most wilderness emergencies are preventable.

Erik Kulick head shotJun 6, 2025
Drinking Your Pee: Survival Technique or Myth?
Drinking Urine for Survival — Fact or Dangerous Myth?

In a survival emergency, desperation can drive dangerous decisions. Drinking your own urine is often portrayed as a legitimate hydration strategy — but physiology tells a different story. Before you rely on myth, understand what actually improves your odds.

Erik Kulick head shotMay 5, 2025
Preparing for SFAS with Confidence
Success at SFAS Land Navigation: Prepare Before You Arrive

At SFAS, land navigation rewards disciplined execution under stress — forged through disciplined practice and repetition.

Erik Kulick head shotApr 6, 2025
Gaiters in the Woods
Are Gaiters Worth it? Why I Wear Them

Gaiters look ridiculous but improve comfort, safety, and performance on and off the trail.

Erik Kulick head shotMar 3, 2025
How to Preserve a Tooth
Wilderness First Aid: How to Preserve a Knocked-Out Tooth

First aid for teeth may not seem as dramatic as applying a tourniquet or performing CPR, but if you find your tooth suddenly lying in the dirt, root and all, it will feel just as urgent.

Erik Kulick head shotFeb 2, 2025
Snakebite First Aid: How to Treat a Pit Viper Bite
Snakebite First Aid: How to Treat a Pit Viper Bite

Most venomous snakebites in the U.S. come from pit vipers — and the real danger isn’t what most people think. Learn the evidence-based steps that protect life and limb.

Erik Kulick head shotJan 6, 2025
New USGS Map Source
Where to Get Topographic Maps — Free & Professional Sources

Accurate maps are easier to obtain than ever before — but knowing which source to trust matters. Here’s where to find reliable topographic maps and how to choose the right tool for your needs.

Erik Kulick head shotDec 7, 2024