American Outdoor Guide December 2021

I prefer to believe that I’m an optimistic realist. I try to see the people and things around me for what they are and hope there are no hidden threats or dangers that I can’t perceive. Of course, that’s a matter of perspective, because my experiences—good and bad—shape how I see myself and everything around me. You could stand shoulder to shoulder with me and have a very different perception of what we both see, whether you’re another optimistic realist or not. Sadly, it seems that many folks have forgotten, or prefer to ignore, that everyone doesn’t perceive what they see the same way they do. And worse, they deny them the right to have a different perspective … while self-righteously defending their right to have their perspective. They believe…

As the year draws to a close, we tend to reflect on the previous months—what we accomplished and what we’re hoping to finish before the end of the year. Additionally, we look to the future and set goals for the coming year and beyond. Many of us are planning adventures, as well as wanting to be ever more prepared for whatever lies ahead. Many of the items listed here will help you in both regards. 1 Coalcracker Bushcraft Repair Kit This collection of repair gear was hand selected by Appalachian Bushman School instructors. It’s designed to give you the ability to make quick fixes in the field. The canvas bag is 8x6 inches and has a sturdy YKK zipper. Inside, you’ll find cutting shears, a 5mm gimlet, glass vial…

Every year, hundreds of students join in the journey with The Pathfinder School, LLC, which puts a heavy emphasis on the skills of the frontiersmen of the past such as Daniel Boone, George Washington Sears (“Nessmuk”), Horace Kephart, Fred Bear and others. The school teaches the challenges and skills needed to expand your knowledge from the old greats while learning and creating your own doctrine of woodsy knowledge. Founded by Dave Canterbury, who used his more than 20 years of experience in bushcrafting, outdoor self-reliance skill-building and primitive skills experience, The Pathfinder School provides many opportunities to learn the skills needed to become self-reliant in the outdoors. It specializes in no-nonsense training for everyone who ventures into the outdoors. Dave Canterbury Dave Canterbury is co-owner of Self Reliance Outfitters. He…

The most critical outcome of survival training is gaining knowledge of survival skills. Knowing basic survival skills can help make the difference between life and death in emergencies. Survival training will teach you how to cope and thrive in wilderness environments, where you’ll have basic knowledge about— First Aid: You’ll need to know what to do if you or someone in your group experiences a cut or a bone fracture. Shelter: Survival training will teach you how to gather materials and build your shelter so your location is correct, the shelter's insulation is adequate and your heat source is close by and not a danger to your shelter. Fire: Fire is one of the most crucial basics you’ll need to master. In survival training, you’ll learn how…

Self Reliance Outfitters is the outfitter for The Pathfinder School, LLC, so this website is where you can purchase gear and register for classes. Self Reliance Outfitters assists the school in product development and merchandising. Products sold are examined by Dave Canterbury and The Pathfinder School instructors to see if they measure up to the school’s quality standards. The two entities work together to bring students and others the products needed to assist them in making their bushcrafting and outdoor self-reliance experiences the best they can be. Self Reliance Outfitters (317) 791-8777 SelfRelianceOutfitters.com…

“I ADDED A SMALL, DISPOSABLE BIC LIGHTER, EXOTAC NANOSPARK AND EXOTAC NANOSTRIKER XL. THE NANOSPARK IS A FLINT-AND-WHEEL SPARKER. IT FEATURES A WATERTIGHT TINDER COMPARTMENT AND CAN BE OPERATED WITH ONE HAND.” It didn’t start out as a survival kit. I intended only to put some small articles of equipment together in one place so that I could grab it and go on a moment’s notice. Historically, when it comes to my recreation, I haven’t planned too far ahead. Many times, I’d look away from the computer screen and say to myself, “It’s a nice day. I think I’ll take the dogs for a hike.” In procrastination’s coup over the day’s workload, I’d rush to throw some gear together. What I found happening too often was that much of my…