Welcome to the 27th issue of Backwoods! Summer is upon us, so we have several stories with that in mind. Learn how to stay cool when you’re out and about and how to find water if you’re traveling through the desert. Heat can be a problem for our animals, so we’ve shared several tips on how to help them. We also have a buyer’s guide for clothing that’s well suited for hot weather. In addition, you can learn about finding and using medicinal plants, cooking dinner over an open flame, assembling nifty meal packs that you can use on the trail or in an evacuation situation, how to use granola and oatmeal, and what to consider if you’re planning to add solar power to the mix.
Letter From the Editor
OUTDOORS • HEAD OUT THERE AND HAVE FUN EXPLORING ALL THAT MOTHER NATURE HAS TO OFFER.
DIY METEOROLOGY • Let nature tell you what’s coming
GAUGING WIND SPEED VIA NATURE
DANG, IT’S HOT! • Dealing with heat-related emergencies
HEATSTROKE FIRST AID
REHYDRATION SOLUTION
DON'T LEAVE THEM AT HOME • Taking your best friend into the field
TRAIL ETIQUETTE
WATER, WATER ANYWHERE? • Finding H2O in the desert
SAFE TO DRINK?
LIKE FISH IN A BARREL • Catching dinner without a hook or line
THE WINDOW SCREEN TRAP
HOMESTEADING • SELF-RELIANCE CAN BE A LOT OF WORK, BUT THE REWARDS MAKE IT WORTH ALL OF THE EFFORT.
HOMESTEAD ANIMAL CARE • Tips for beating the summer weather
HEAT STRESS
IT’S NOT JUST FOR BREAKFAST • Eating healthy and natural
GRANOLA BARS RECIPE
NATURE HEALS • Forage for what you need
ALOE VERA
OATMEAL • More than Just Comfort Food
MAKE YOUR OWN OATMEAL POUCHES
DIY PROJECTS • WITH SOME BASIC KNOWLEDGE AND A BIT OF ELBOW GREASE, YOU CAN DO ALMOST ANYTHING.
DINNER IS SERVED • Do it right—and enjoy
WHAT IS THE BEST WOOD?
BUG-OUT FOOD • What to pack to eat on the go
COMFORT FOODS
MAKING BANDAGES • For immediate use and stocking up for later
KEEP THE WOUND MOIST
HERE COMES THE SUN • Free power, but at a price
DOING THE MATH
EQUIPMENT • HUMANS INVENTED TOOLS FOR MANY REASONS—ONE OF WHICH IS THAT THEY'RE FUN!
NEW PRODUCTS • The latest and greatest gadgets and goodies
HIGH-TEMP THREADS • Choosing the correct clothing when the mercury rises
WEARING WOOL? THEN GO MERINO!
PROTECTION ASSEMBLED! • Utilizing these raw products will help create the ultimate outdoor shelter
A CUT ABOVE • Checking out the Alpha Guide
MULTIGENERATIONAL LEGACY
Backwoods Survival Guide
PHOTO CREDITS