The Novice Survivalist
A novice outdoorsmen learning camping, fishing, bushcraft and survival. "KNOWLEDGE IS A SURVIVAL SKILL"
Survive on a dime – Can you?
Hi Campers, I was rummaging around in my camping and survival goodies as usual. I do this about once a month on average. I’m a geek with camping and survival stuff. Love to look at, touch and feel them in my hands. Yes a little odd but what can I say. Sharp shinny things amuse me.
Fortunately I am not rich, Or I would become one of those hoarders you see and hear about on television. I would spend all my days, hours and minutes sitting on the floor in the basement, surrounded by my stuff.
Back on track. I was going through my camping bags, packs and pouches. I am constantly looking for better ways to sort and spread out my goodies amongst the carriers. You know the quick Walkabout pouch, the daypack, the kayak pack, the overnight camp pack (Hammock and tent options), the more than one night camping backpack etc. etc.
In each pack, I try to have a survival pouch, that I have put together basic survival tools for that particular use pack. I try to match the survival pouch to the size and use of the pack it goes into. I was rummaging through at a small belt pouch I have for quick wandering about in the outdoors. Its a military pouch, designed I believe for a quick access for most used items to be made readily available,(map, compass etc.). I think!. Anyway I had bought this a couple years ago while searching a local Military Surplus store in Fresno California. (Another problem I have. Cannot walk past a surplus store.) I opened it up and inside I found a tool I had thrown in there without much thought.
And that got me thinking about tools we choose and will they work.
This particular little tool is the GERBER DIME.
Its a small, Ok very small multi tool I had purchased on a visit to home depot. It was cute and the price was not about to break my much depleted bank account. Plus of course it was shiny and sharp. My addiction kicked in right away. So I bought it, brought it home and threw it into my belt pouch. My attention is short lived. But hey here I am about to have a better look at a purchase on a whim about a year later. Will it work as a survival tool. Or is it just another extra I have in my emergency pouch that I will probably never use.
Keeping in mind the survival bag its going into, Namely my small belt pouch I use it for just going on a VERY quick walkabout, locally not to far from home.
Like all survival pouches it has the bare minimum I would need in an emergency. In this case, basing the emergency on local access to help should some thing on a larger scale occur. But you never know. Would this tool be good enough to get me through the night. Say a 24 hour period. This pouch actually has a fairly small survival knife in it. As well as some other basic first aid / survival things, (band aids, medical tape, fire starters (Cotton balls with petroleum jelly), 550 cord and a small flash light and batteries.
Aspirin, whistle and water purification tabs. And I always have my main belt knife on me where ever I go.)
The DIME as explained on the Gerber Website.
And I quote “We took the standard keychain multi-tool and made it better. In addition to stainless steel pliers, wire cutters, a fine edge blade, spring-loaded scissors, flathead screwdriver, crosshead driver, tweezers and file, the Dime includes a unique blade designed to safely cut and score plastic packaging and a bottle opener that is exposed even when the tool is closed. Compact and lightweight, the Dime is the most valuable change you’ll find in your pocket.”
The specifications from the Gerbergear.com
Details:
Overall Length: 4.25″
Closed Length: 2.75″
Weight: 2.2 oz
Compact, lightweight size fits perfectly in pocket – a daily companion for any task
Convenient, easily accessible butterfly opening
Sturdy stainless steel construction.
I have used it a couple times. Namely the scissors (used to cut some small para cord) The tweezers to take a small splinter out of my forearm. (No, I have no idea how that happened) and I just tried it out as a Ferro rod striker to get some sparks to start a fire. And yes it worked adequately on the first two but as a striker I could not get the back of the blade to strike. For 2 reasons. One the back of the small blade was not a clean 90 deg. cut needed to strike and the blade closed in the direction of the pressure needed to strike the Ferro rod. I did get it to work on the actual sharp side, no problem and maybe by using the “inside of the blade” near the handle will save the blade some what.
As far as the other items it has, The screw drivers, file and pliers/wire cutters, well I am not sure I would need them in a survival scenario. But you never know. Personally I think it makes a great tool for your key chain just as Gerber says. As a survival tool, maybe not. But I will keep it in the belt pouch simply for the tweezers and scissors if anything.
Click on the short video I made showing the DIME and trying out some fire starting skills with it. Good practice to say the least.
Remember Knowledge and maybe with a DIME is a survival skill.
The Novice Survivalist
Just 2 words, Winter walkabout
Hello fellow campers, hikers, backpackers. survivalists and outdoors enthusiasts etc.. etc. You know who you are!
Winter is still going strong here in Minnesota. Yesterday my much needed sleep was interrupted by maintenance being performed on the complex. Unfortunately (Or fortunately) I work nights, While most are at work, I sleep. So what to do, I could not get back to sleep, so decided its a good time to walkabout. Checked the time and weather ( Something all Minnesota residents do before going out the door.) The horror.
It was a blistering 2 Deg. F. But hardly any wind and the sun was shinning. Oh well I was committed, So off I went. I decided I would go to my favorite haunt. The Cannon River Wilderness Park in Dundas MN. About a 20 minute drive down the road. In winter it is little used, except by those who brave the cold while snow shoeing etc. Grabbed my always ready to go walkabout day pack and headed out the door. Once again Nature provides.
With all the snow on the ground. (about 12inches accumulated) I found a silent snow covered wonder. The birds ( mainly crows and wood peckers) were out in force. Giving a wonderful relaxing background of natures music. There were hundreds of bunny and deer tracks around, but unfortunately with all my searching with my Polaris monocular I didn’t see any. The monocular is fast becoming a must have in the pack for me. The opportunities I have been missing because the sights are just to far away, are now won with this monocular.
Small compact and light weight it provides me with great magnification and I even went so far as to buy an attachment for it to adapt to my Samsung galaxy note 5. (See my video of the adapter and Phone)
Back to nature, It was so quiet I found myself tip toeing around so as not to disturb the quiet. The Cannon river was still covered with ice although it was melted in [places allowing the gurgling river to come though adding to natures song. Along with the odd popping sound of ice cracking.
As usual I recorded my the walkabout for prosperity and uploaded the video to my You tube channel. The title of the video was “JUST 2 WORDS, a winter walkabout.” I thought it appropriate. Simply because I don’t have the flair for words need to describe the place I was and how It made me feel.
I had stopped to have a quick ‘cuppa”coffee using my canteen set with my Bush box stove. 
I was just there enjoying the quiet time in the wilderness. I could not think of how to describe this walkabout. So was born a video with the title. The only 2 words spoken in the video are…JUST SAYING !.
Be safe out there.
Remember “Knowledge is a survival skill.”
The Novice Survivalist
A new year, A new look
Hello Campers.
Well if you have not noticed, big update to the novicesurvivalist.com.
I spent the last couple hours setting up the new look. The intention is a more outdoorzy look. Hopefully I accomplished that at least. I really like the new look.
Please stop by and have a quick browse through. Leave a comment or just a like. You will notice that a whole new page has been added, MY THINGS. It shows a list of all my tools and gizmos I have and use.
It I includes links to my video reviews, buy buttons etc. The list is ordered in the manner of the 10C’s of survival. It’s a work in progress so bear with me as I update the list. Hopefully it will be helpful to those looking for some ideas. As I find new gizmos and equipment so It will be updated. What joy.
As I said before I started this website to learn survival skills to get me home safely when I am out in the wilderness Solo camping or just doing a walkabout. This little post is a reminder to you and me. You can not predict what will happen in the outdoors. But you can at least attempt to be prepared for the unexpected.
Of course the site has evolved. Not only is it now concerned with surviving the unexpected, but become a place for me to share my passion for the outdoors. Nature has much to offer. We just have to stop by and visit…o.r maybe stay awhile.
I have had more fun, adventure and some sketchy times in the last 2 years, than in the last 20 years.
I have challenged myself, gone where I never been before, done things and learnt more about myself. All because of the outdoors.
I am thankful for this but just so you know……
I am only just starting.
Come along and adventure with me as I go outdoors to learn and challenge myself. Of course I’ll blog it all just in case you cannot come along. Oh and should you need visual aids….well there is my You tube Channel.
Thank for your support.
Feel free to share your adventures. Just go to the contact age send me a link or note.
Remember. Knowledge is a survival skill.
“Just saying”
The Novice Survivalist
2nd Chance George
For those of you who don’t know. I have a You Tube Channel. Actually two. But I post videos on the “2nd Chance George channel”, of my camping and survival ideas and dirt time tests of it.
So you may find it useful. Check out the play lists. I have been putting them in some kind of order. There are camping ideas, survival tips and some misc. Of interest. Make a cup of coffee and give it a look. Some very good channels listed. And of course if you like the content. Subscribe or share it with a friend you think maybe interested.
The easy way is to go to my references page and choose a video and it will take you to my channel
Enjoy and let me know what you think.
Stay safe and as always be prepared for the unwanted
Knowledge is a survival skill
The Novice Survivalist
No Trace…a good practice
A pet peeve….outdoors and trash
Hello all,
Yes I am about to talk about a pet peeve. No Trace….what you say. Well I’m glad you asked. Ever since I returned to the outdoors, the saying “leave no trace” has been on my to do list when out camping, walkabouting or scouting . 
Its an obvious idea and needs to be said again. Its practiced by most outdoor enthusiasts, campers, hikers, hunters and even the military.
LEAVE NO TRACE.
What got me here. Well You Tube to be honest. Yes You Tube. Especially over the last couple of months or even the last year.
As most of you know I am a “Tuber”. I have a small channel, Ok a tiny channel on you tube that I originally started as a way to get videos to my Children who live in California. It was a quick, easy and the big one free way to for me…
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No Trace…a good practice
Hello all,
Yes I am about to talk about a pet peeve. No Trace….what you say. Well I’m glad you asked. Ever since I returned to the outdoors, the saying “leave no trace” has been on my to do list when out camping, walkabouting or scouting . 
Its an obvious idea and needs to be said again. Its practiced by most outdoor enthusiasts, campers, hikers, hunters and even the military.
LEAVE NO TRACE.
What got me here. Well You Tube to be honest. Yes You Tube. Especially over the last couple of months or even the last year.
As most of you know I am a “Tuber”. I have a small channel, Ok a tiny channel on you tube that I originally started as a way to get videos to my Children who live in California. It was a quick, easy and the big one free way to for me to get the videos to them. (my children). As with all channels I found more people began to watch my videos of me camping etc. The channel has grown some what and I have about 200 subscribers. As I said its tiny, very small even to the smaller channels on You tube. I have grown to like using it. And have fun posting and interacting with the people who watch my videos. I have met a lot of good people. Well not actually met but consider them “Tube friends”. People who watch and interact with my videos. I use it to look for tips and tricks on survival, camping, hiking and all outdoorsy stuff.
What’s my point here. Well lately You Tube has come under fire. Press has been not so good to say the least and now You Tube has changed policies for those who have a channel big enough to advertise and be paid for views. It has affected a lot of “tubers”. There is a uproar about these changes that have been implemented. Did it affect me. Not in the least. Yes it would be nice to make a couple bucks from You Tube. But I don’t feel the need. I make the videos for fun and my children’s enjoyment and now to share my love of the outdoors. This website is a off shoot of it.
The whole mess right now on You Tube has been made even worse by a select few “Tubers”. These “tubers” are big, very popular channels. Unfortunately they have had some “oops” lately and advertisers are threatening or already have left YouTube. And that’s what got me to thinking how so few can affect so many. Their Opps’s have affected a lot of other people who are tubers.
This same applies to the outdoors. For most outdoor users, those who choose to go out and enjoy the quiet and solitude, 
Spectacular views or the many other opportunities, whether hiking cross country, camping, fishing, hunting or just doing a day or quick walkabout the outdoors offers, They often find that it has been spoilt by a select few. I a no exception. And its a PET PEEVE.
Nothing miffs me more than to be out walkabout or camping and to come across a pile of trash left willy-nilly around a camp site, picnic spot or just on a random trail. It amazes me how often this happens. And the closer to dense population you get the worse it gets.
The National, State and County parks throughout the magnificent United States constantly promote “leave no trace”. I have had numerous opportunities to talk to local rangers and employees working the many wonderful parks and forests. The stories told of what has been left behind would amaze you. I will say this is less obvious here in Minnesota, where the majority of Minnesotans have grown up in the outdoors. The “look after the outdoors” mantra, is passed on through generations. How ever having moved from California…… The first camping trip I recorded on my channel was in North Central California, a local popular lake/reservoir. When I arrived in was wonderful. However after 2 days and many, many visitors it was a mess. Trash everywhere. The local ranger said this was normal. They would be spending the next 2 days cleaning up in preparation for the next weekend. Sad to say at the least.
I was recently out doing a scouting walkabout looking for a winter camp site prior to winter. As you know (from a previous post) I like to snap nature pictures that catch my attention. I saw a picture opportunity and took the picture. Later when editing my video and pictures, I was shocked to see something I had missed.
This is the edited picture below is the unedited picture.
I had to do some nasty editing to cover the mess I had included in the picture.
The more I consider this, the more concerned I become. Eventually it will affect all of us. Just as what is happening on You Tube. The constant growing work load for the administrators and employees of our parks will become overwhelming and the cost of upkeep is and will increase. Lets face it, nobody wants to go outdoors to view trash left behind. If it cannot be maintained, outdoor enthusiasts that use the many parks and trails will go else where.
Taking with them much needed money used to keep the parks beautiful. Cost of use of these outdoors will increase. Eventually to the point of limiting who can afford to use the outdoors as much as we are able to now.
Am I preaching doom and gloom. Maybe. Are my concerns legit. I don’t know. The whole point of this little rant of mine is a reminder. When using the outdoors, always carry with you a trash bag. Pick after you are done. Even to the point of picking up others trash. Carry it out with you. It sounds like a small effort but if we all do it, we maybe able to preserve the outdoors for our future generations to enjoy.
Take the time to teach “NO TRACE” to you family and friends. Pass it on.
Just saying!!
Rant over.
Remember knowledge is a survival Skill, as well as a nature preserver!
The Novice survivalist
Dirt time 4. CONTAINERS
Well finally got to do some dirt time on the series 10 C’s of Survival. My learning curve of survival in a emergency situation. Something , as you know I have been interested in. Actually the reason for the website.
So with the weather being un-cooperative I spent some time going through my camping, walkabout “stuff” I carry with me, looking at CONTAINERS that would be useful should I find myself in an unplanned situation where survival knowledge would get me home safely.
I have added this video to the Reference page under dirt time . Its been wanting for a while so check it out. Maybe you have some ideas on container’s you carry that would be useful and how you would use it should it become necessary. Check out the other dirt time videos while you are there.
Containers part of the 10 C’s of survival. You will be surprised what you carry with you and with a bit of thought use for survival. Give you “kits ” a look from a container point of view…
Knowledge is a survival Skill
Just saying !!!!!!
The Novice Survivalist
The Novice Survivalist 