Rain Gear

One of the first things that they ever taught me in boy scouts was the boy scout motto, "Be Prepared." It's something that I have incorporated into my everyday life, not just boy scouts. Whether it was work, school, or everyday life I always did my best to be prepared. However, no matter how hard I worked towards being ready for anything, there was always something that I would forget. Nine times out of ten this was my rain gear. I can't even remember how many times I used a plastic trash bag as a poncho when I found myself in a downpour with no rain coat.

Rain gear is something that is extremely important to have with you pretty much at all times. You never know when the weatherman is going to be wrong... or right for that matter. Rain gear is especially important if you plan any trip for the outdoors. Not only will it keep you dry but you can use rain gear for many other purposes as well.

Ponchos

Plastic ponchos are a fantastic thing to keep in your backpack or car. They are quick, easy, and pack very nicely. They can also have many other purposes. There tons of uses for a bit of plastic sheeting. They're relatively durable and good for storing your items in if you don't want them to get wet. You can also make a quick, waterproof shelter out of one. I'm not saying it would be a regular Holiday Inn but it would do in a pinch. I myself have used ponchos a number of times to waterproof a shelter.

Rain coats

Rain coats don't have a lot of extra purposes but if you have some ingenuity and resources available you can figure something out. For example, if you tied up the sleeves and the hole for your head you could mack a quick rucksack out of it. You could also use it as a signal flag if you are in a situation where you need help.

Umbrellas

Umbrellas can provide you with a ton of resources for a survival situation if you had one available. You could make snares, traps, hooks, shelter pieces, and tons of other things as well. There are invaluable uses for the metal pieces that make up the structure, the handle as well.

Making Use of Your Environment: Tree Sap

While I was at work I walked by a pine tree that had sap leaking out of it. If you find yourself in a situation where you need a fire sap is a good thing to have to help you out. It is flammable and will help to keep your fire going while you kindle it. If you find a pine tree, or any other tree that leaks sap for that matter, there is a pretty good chance of finding some sap. If you don't find any what you can do is pull off some of the bark, cut a chunk out of the outer layer, and wait. When you come back there should be some sap seeping out. When you have some, break off a few chucks and add it to your tinder bundle and it'll help your fire get going.

What is Sap?

Sap is the viscous liquid comprised of sugars, minerals, and other chemical components that flows through trees. It's better known as that sticky stuff you get on your hands from touching a pine tree. It also has resinous properties. There are many uses for tree sap, many of which can help you out in a survival situation.

For the purposes of this post I will focus on the sap primarily from Pine trees, namely the Loblolly Pine. This particular pine tree grows in abundance in my area and are found everywhere.

1. Flammability

The sap that comes from a Pine tree has chemicals in that make it very flammable, even when it is in liquid form. It is a great tool for starting fires or to use as a back up for fuel for your camp stove.

2. Anti-viral/ Anti-fungal

The Pine sap also has properties that make it very good for keeping wounds clean. If you melt it and put it over a cut it will both seal and protect it from bacteria and prevent fungal growth.

3. Edible

Many pine trees are a great source of nutrients. Boiling green Pine needles creates a tea that is rich in Vitamin C and when mixed with the sap provides a good source of natural sugars. The inner bark of young trees can be even be eaten.

4. Fuel

Everything about a Pine tree can be used for the purposes of a fire. If you are in a Pine forest you have all the tools you'll need for starting a fire. Fallen logs can be used as fuel, the needles and bark can be used for tinder and kindling, and the sap can be used to sustain your tinder bundle.