Sit. Rep. #149: Dirty Word in Camping?

1- Diarrhea is probably the worst word to associate with a camping trip.  Diarrhea is simply the frequent, watery bowel discharge through the anus.  Diarrhea has many possible causes: Bacterial or viral infection Protozoal infection (contaminated food or water) Food poisoning from toxins Parasites (most likely ingested) Bowel disease (such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colitis, … Read more

Sit. Rep. #103: FCC, Turbidity, and Fats

1- Food.  One of my favorite subjects… ;-).  I am going to touch on this subject with a broad brush.  Food comes in 3 categories:  Protein, Carbohydrates (Carbs for short), and Fat.  These 3 fuel our bodies in two different ways:  Metabolism, and muscle Energy.  I think of metabolism like a car just sitting there … Read more

Sit. Rep. #102: Reflections, Ears, and Feet

1-  Do you carry a mirror with you when camping?  Can you make a mirror or reflective surface from your knowledge and supplies at hand?  The reason that I ask the question is to acknowledge that a signal mirror is probably one of the most useful and least used items in a survival situation. A: … Read more

Sit. Rep. #100: Service, EDGE, and Onions

1- “Service” is not a complicated word nor hard to spell.  To serve others.  To render aid to someone else.  To help or benefit or contribute to others.  The etymology of the word dates back to Roman times.  It started off in Latin as “servitium” meaning slavery or servitude. Circa 1200 the meaning shifted or … Read more

Sit. Rep. #93: Knots, Lids, & Permits

1- OK!  You have spent at least a month getting in physical shape for your first hike or backpacking trip.  You have learned how to mentally deal with physical exertion.  You now know how it feels and you can muster through it.  You have put up & struck your tent many times including several times … Read more