DIY Survival Projects

Creating a DIY navigation tool can be both an educational and practical project. One of the simplest types of navigation tools you can make is a compass. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own basic DIY compass, which uses the Earth's magnetic field to indicate direction.

• A sewing needle or small piece of steel wire (about 1-2 inches long)
• A small magnet
• A piece of cork or a small piece of Styrofoam
• A shallow dish or bowl
• Water
• A small piece of paper or leaf (optional)

• Stroke the needle with your magnet about 30-50 times in one direction. This action magnetizes the needle by aligning the domains (tiny magnetic particles) inside it in one direction.
• Always stroke in the same direction, from the eye to the point of the needle, to ensure it gets properly magnetized.

• Cut a small piece of cork or Styrofoam to serve as a base for the needle. The piece should be just big enough to hold the needle and allow it to float on water.
• If you're using a piece of paper or a leaf instead, place it on the water surface and then place the magnetized needle on top of it.

• Push the magnetized needle through the piece of cork or Styrofoam so that it lies flat and balanced on top. Ensure that the needle can spin freely when it’s on the water. If using a leaf or paper, just place the needle on top carefully.

• Fill your shallow dish or bowl with water. You need just enough water to allow your cork or Styrofoam base to float freely without touching the bottom or sides of the dish.

• Carefully place the cork or Styrofoam with the needle on the surface of the water in the dish. If using paper or a leaf, gently place it on the water and then add the needle on top to prevent it from sinking.
• Give the needle a moment to settle and stop moving. It should align itself along the North-South axis, with the needle pointing towards the magnetic north.

• If your needle isn’t pointing precisely north, you may need to re-magnetize it, ensuring more consistent strokes with the magnet.
• To determine which end of the needle is pointing north, before magnetizing it, mark one end of the needle with a marker or a piece of tape. When you stroke it with the magnet, remember which end you designated as "north."

Congratulations! You’ve just made a simple DIY compass. It’s a fun and straightforward way to understand the basics of magnetic fields and navigation. Remember, while this compass can indicate direction, it's a basic tool and might not always be as accurate as a commercial compass, especially if there are large metal objects or electrical sources nearby that could interfere with the magnetic field.

Creating a DIY fire-making tool can be a valuable skill, especially for camping, survival situations, or just for the sake of learning a traditional method of starting a fire. One of the most ancient and reliable methods is the bow drill method. This step-by-step guide will help you make and use a bow drill to start a fire.

Materials Needed:

• Bow: A strong, slightly curved piece of wood about the length of your arm. It should be flexible but not too bendy.
• Drill (Spindle): A straight, dry, hardwood stick about ¾ inch in diameter and 12 inches long.
• Fireboard: A flat piece of softwood about half an inch thick. Cedar, willow, or poplar work well.
• Bearing Block: A piece of hardwood or a stone with a slight depression to hold the top of the spindle. A piece of bone or hard fruit shell can also work.
• Bowstring: A shoelace, paracord, or any strong, non-elastic cord.
• Tinder: Fine, dry material that easily catches fire, like dry grass, leaves, or cotton.

Steps:

Tie the cord to both ends of the bow. The string should be tight enough to not slip easily but loose enough to twist the spindle.

Cut a small, shallow depression near the edge of the fireboard. Next to this depression, carve a small notch that extends to the edge of the board. This notch allows air to flow and collects the ember.

The spindle should be as straight as possible and sharpened slightly at both ends. The bottom end (which will contact the fireboard) should be more rounded.

Carve a small depression in the center of the bearing block to hold the top end of the spindle. If using stone, find one with a natural depression or use a harder tool to create one.

Create a tinder nest where your ember will be placed. It should be close enough to quickly transfer the ember but not so close as to catch fire from the friction.

Wrap the spindle with the bowstring once so that the bow is perpendicular to the spindle. Place one end of the spindle in the depression on the fireboard and the other end in the bearing block.

Kneel on the ground for stability and hold the fireboard steady with your foot. Place the bearing block on top of the spindle and apply moderate downward pressure. Use your other hand to move the bow back and forth, spinning the spindle rapidly. This action creates friction, heating up the wood particles.

Continue bowing until you see smoke and a small pile of black, smoldering dust forms in the notch of the fireboard. Carefully tap the board to let the ember fall onto a leaf or small piece of bark.

Transfer the ember to your tinder nest. Gently blow on it to provide oxygen, which will help the ember grow and eventually ignite the tinder.

Once the tinder is aflame, carefully add small twigs and gradually larger pieces of wood to build your fire.

• Patience and practice are key to mastering the bow drill technique.
• Ensure all materials are completely dry.
• The speed and pressure applied through the bow are critical; too little of either, and you won't create enough friction to produce an ember.

Making a fire with a bow drill is a rewarding experience that connects you to ancient survival skills. It might take several attempts to succeed, but each attempt teaches you more about the nuances of creating fire with friction. Remember to practice fire safety and only start fires in safe, controlled environments.

Creating a DIY shelter outdoors is a fundamental survival skill, useful in various situations from camping to emergency survival scenarios. One of the simplest and most effective types of shelters to build is the lean-to shelter. It provides protection from the wind, rain, and sun, using materials found in nature. Here’s how to build one:

• Long, sturdy branch (about twice your height for the ridgepole)
• Several branches (for the framework and support)
• Smaller branches, leaves, and debris (for covering and insulation)
• Rope or vines (if available, for securing components)

Choose a location that's flat and dry. Avoid valleys and paths where water may collect. Ideally, use a spot near a natural structure or trees where you can secure the ridgepole.

Gather a long, sturdy branch to use as a ridgepole. This branch will run along the top of your shelter. Then, collect several other branches for the framework. Look for branches that are straight and strong. Lastly, gather smaller branches, leaves, and debris for insulation and covering.

Find two trees about as far apart as the length of your ridgepole. Secure one end of the ridgepole at a comfortable height against one tree. If you have rope or vines, use them to tie the ridgepole in place. If not, you can wedge it into a forked branch or use a notch in the tree. The other end of the ridgepole can rest on the ground or be secured in a similar manner against another tree.

Take the branches you've collected for the framework and lean them at an angle along one side of the ridgepole, creating a wall. These branches should be close enough together to support the smaller branches and debris you'll add later.

Start covering the framework with the smaller branches, leaves, and debris you collected. Begin at the bottom and work your way up, so each layer overlaps the one below it. This will help water run off the shelter rather than into it. Make sure the covering is thick to prevent wind and water from getting through.

If you have extra rope or vines, use them to tie the branches together at key points for additional stability.

Inside the shelter, clear the ground of rocks and debris. You can also create a bed using leaves, pine needles, or other soft materials to provide insulation from the cold ground.

If you're expecting cold weather, you can add more insulation to the shelter by piling up leaves and debris against the outside of the lean-to. This adds an extra layer of wind resistance and can help retain heat.

• Always consider the direction of the wind and position the open side of your shelter accordingly.
• Check the surroundings for hazards such as dead trees or branches that could fall.
• If possible, build your shelter before you need it, especially if bad weather is approaching.

Building a lean-to shelter is a straightforward process that can significantly increase your comfort and safety in the outdoors. By using materials found in nature and following these steps, you can protect yourself from the elements with a temporary structure. Remember, practice makes perfect, and it’s always best to try building these shelters in a controlled situation before you find yourself in a survival scenario.

Creating DIY cooking tools for outdoor adventures can enhance your camping experience, allowing you to cook meals with simplicity and efficiency. Here's a guide to making a few basic, yet essential, outdoor cooking tools.

• A large metal can (like an old paint can or a large food can)
• Metal wire for a handle
• A drill or a hammer and nail
• Tin snips or a strong pair of scissors

1. Clean the Can: Ensure the can is clean and free of any residual materials.
2. Make Ventilation Holes: Use the drill or hammer and nail to make holes around the bottom edge for ventilation and at the top edge to let smoke escape. This improves airflow and combustion.
3. Create a Feeding Hole: Cut a larger opening near the bottom of one side using tin snips. This is where you'll feed the wood into the stove.
4. Attach a Handle: Use metal wire to create a handle for easy carrying. Attach it by making two holes on opposite sides of the can near the open top and threading the wire through.
5. Use: Place small pieces of wood or twigs inside and light them. You can cook directly on the can or place a small grill or pan on top.

• Green wood sticks (fresh and flexible) or metal coat hangers
• Wire or string (if using wood)

1. Collect Materials: If using wood, find green branches that won’t easily burn. Metal coat hangers can also work but ensure they are clean and paint-free.
2. Shape Your Grill: For wood, shape branches into a rectangular frame, securing the corners with wire or string. Crisscross additional sticks or straightened coat hangers across the frame for the grill surface, securing them at the ends.
3. Use: Place the grill over your wood stove or a fire pit to cook food. Ensure it’s stable before placing any cookware on top.

• Thick branches (for wooden utensils)
• Knife or carving tool

1. Select Branches: Choose branches that are thick enough to carve down into utensils like spoons or spatulas.
2. Carve: Use the knife or carving tool to shape the branch into your desired utensil. Start by roughing out the shape, then refine it until smooth.
3. Smooth: Smooth out any rough edges by sanding with a piece of sandstone or a similar natural abrasive.

• Green wood sticks
• Knife

1. Cut and Shape: Cut a green wood stick long enough to safely hold a pot or pan over the fire without getting too close. Carve a notch at one end that can securely grip the edge of the pot or pan.
2. Use: Hold the stick by the end farthest from the fire, using the notched end to grip the cookware safely.

• Always ensure materials used are safe for food contact and free from toxic substances.
• When using wood, choose species that are not toxic when heated or in contact with food.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles by minimizing impact and avoiding cutting live trees or branches. Use fallen wood or materials that have minimal environmental impact.
• Be mindful of fire safety, especially in dry conditions or areas with fire restrictions.

DIY cooking tools for the outdoors can be both a fun project and a practical solution for wilderness cooking. These homemade tools not only reduce the need for carrying heavy equipment but also connect you to the environment and the basics of outdoor living. Always remember to test your DIY tools in a safe environment before heading out on your adventure.

Having access to clean drinking water is crucial for outdoor adventures, and knowing how to purify water with DIY methods can be a lifesaver. Here are step-by-step guides to creating several DIY water purification tools.

• Two water containers (buckets or bottles)
• A ceramic filter or a piece of cloth
• Tubing or a clean shirt
• A small pebble or weight

1. Prepare Containers: If using bottles, cut the bottom off one. This will be your top container. The second remains intact.
2. Filter Installation: For a ceramic filter, attach it to the cap of the top bottle or the bottom of the top bucket. If using cloth, secure it at the bottom of the top container, ensuring it covers the opening completely.
3. Set Up Gravity System: Place the top container above the lower one. Use a stand, hang them, or find a natural elevation difference.
4. Purification Process: Fill the top container with water. It will slowly drip through the filter/cloth into the bottom container as clean water.

• Clear plastic bottles (PET bottles are ideal)
• Sunlight

1. Prepare Water: Fill clear plastic bottles with water. If the water is turbid, pre-filter it through a cloth to remove large particles.
2. Expose to Sunlight: Place the water-filled bottles on a reflective surface, like a metal sheet or roof, under direct sunlight.
3. Time for Disinfection: Leave the bottles under sunlight for at least 6 hours on a sunny day or two days if it's cloudy. The UV rays will kill pathogens.

• A plastic bottle or a piece of bamboo
• Charcoal (from a fire, non-chemically treated)
• Sand
• Gravel
• Cloth or coffee filter

1. Prepare the Container: Cut the bottom off a plastic bottle or use a piece of bamboo as your filter chamber.
2. Layering: Place a piece of cloth or coffee filter at the bottom (now the top) of your container. Then, add a layer of charcoal, followed by sand, and then gravel. Each layer should be about 1-2 inches thick.
3. Usage: Pour water through the top, letting it trickle down through the layers and out the bottom. Collect the filtered water. Note: This method improves taste and removes some contaminants, but it might not remove all pathogens.

• Fire or a heat source
• A metal or glass container

1. Prepare Fire: Build a fire or use a stove as your heat source.
2. Boil Water: Fill your container with water and place it over the fire. Bring the water to a rolling boil and keep boiling for at least one minute (or three minutes at higher altitudes).
3. Cooling: Allow the water to cool before drinking. Boiling is one of the most effective ways to kill pathogens.

• Gravity Filter and Charcoal Filter are effective for removing particulates and improving taste but may not remove all viruses and chemicals.
• SODIS is effective against bacteria and viruses but requires clear bottles and strong sunlight.
• Boiling is the most effective method for killing pathogens but requires a heat source and does not remove chemical pollutants.

Each DIY water purification method has its advantages and limitations. The best choice depends on the resources available and the specific needs of the situation. It's always a good idea to combine methods (e.g., filter and then boil) for the safest drinking water. Remember, practicing these methods in a safe environment before relying on them in a survival situation is crucial.