{"id":16087,"date":"2016-06-09T11:20:35","date_gmt":"2016-06-09T16:20:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hcstx.org\/?p=16087"},"modified":"2016-06-09T11:20:35","modified_gmt":"2016-06-09T16:20:35","slug":"survival-tips-18-macgyver-like-survival-hacks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thetacticalhermit.com\/index.php\/2016\/06\/09\/survival-tips-18-macgyver-like-survival-hacks\/","title":{"rendered":"Survival Tips: 18 Macgyver Like Survival Hacks"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Editor\u2019s note: The following tips are excerpted from Survival Hacks: Over 200 Ways to Use Everyday Items for Wilderness Survival<\/a> by\u00a0Creek Stewart<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Having taught survival skills to thousands of individuals from all over the world for nearly two decades, I\u2019ve come to one conclusion: the most important survival skill is innovation. Using what you have, to get what you need is what will ultimately make the difference between life and death in a sudden and unexpected survival scenario. I often call this \u201csurvival hacking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Over the years, I\u2019ve learned (and sometimes invented) some very interesting survival hacks that I think everyone should know. Why? Well, it\u2019s like I always say: \u201cit\u2019s not IF but WHEN.\u201d Below are a few survival nuggets for the\u00a0when.<\/p>\n

Framework Collar Connector<\/strong><\/p>\n

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If you need a long pole, you\u2019ll often have to lash together two\u00a0limbs or saplings to\u00a0get the right length. This is the case when making a dome framework for wigwam-style shelters, for example. If cordage is in short supply, using an energy shot bottle (like a 5-Hour Energy or similar product) from your trash may be the solution. After slicing off the top and bottom of the bottle, a very strong cylindrical tube remains. You can use this tube as a collar for connecting the ends of two limbs. Taper the ends of the limbs so they slide into the tube opposite each other and form a snug fit when wedged together. This collar will hold them surprisingly well and will not stretch with moisture, as many lashings do. If the collar is a bit loose, heat it over coals or a flame and it will shrink and tighten the fit.<\/p>\n

Blanket Chair<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Finding a good place to sit in an improvised survival camp can be very frustrating \u2014 especially\u00a0when the ground is wet or snow covered. This hack\u00a0improvises a very comfortable seat in just a few minutes. The only parts you need are four\u00a0sturdy poles and a blanket or scrap piece of durable fabric. Cut three\u00a0poles that are 6\u2032-8\u2032 long by 1\u2033-2\u2033 thick, and then cut a fourth\u00a0that is the same thickness and 4\u2032 long.<\/p>\n

Connect\u00a0two of the long poles together at one end using a bipod lashing. Fold the blanket or fabric in half, bunch the end together, and suspend this end with rope from the cross at the bipod lashing. Insert the 4\u2032 pole in\u00a0the unsecured fold of the blanket so that it sticks out at both ends, and rest it against the longer poles. Finally, kick lash\u00a0the last\u00a0long pole in the center as a support and lean back to relax.<\/p>\n

Condom Canteen<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Many survivalists, including myself, suggest packing non-lubricated condoms in survival kits. They are small, compact, and inexpensive, and have a plethora of survival uses<\/a>. One noteworthy function is a compact emergency water container. Here are a couple tips I\u2019ve learned from experience for using a condom as a canteen:<\/p>\n