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TUTORIAL: How To Use Your Tactical Flashlight As a Self-Defense Tool

After years of traveling stateside and abroad, the one tool that’s moved to the top of my list while in weapon-free zones, is my tactical flashlight.

Here are 11 reasons why (and one critical caveat):

11 Reasons To Carry A Tactical Flashlight As Your Main Self Defense Tool

1. Can use it for less than lethal deadly force (this will go far when appearing in front of a judge while in a foreign land).

2. It is built of sturdy, lasting material (usually aircraft grade aluminum, textured gripping area).

3. It gives me a better grip than my tactical pen (a flashlight is more robust than a pen, easier to grab & hold onto).

4. It is affordable, even on a tight budget (many options on the market especially if you are less worried about the illumination capability).

5. It has more substance to grasp when drawing it (it has a much wider form factor).

6. It is less scrutinized anywhere, won’t bring attention -even in Disneyland (a flashlight does not generally set off an alarm in people’s mind).

7. If you practice with a blade or pen, the movements are the same with the flashlight (a flashlight is primarily used with a reverse grip but can also work in a forward grip).

8. It is conveniently carried in your pocket just like a folder (no need to worry about security questioning or frisking -“it’s just a flashlight, officer”).

9. It has the practical use as an illumination device (extremely convenient to have an illumination device on you for countless reasons).

10. It has more surface area for self defense striking (a pen has a very narrow point, the flashlight has a wider area that allows you to fair better against your target).

11. Do not need to be a self defense expert to use it (using natural movements while practicing will make you proficient faster than you think).

For Coach Helder’s review of the flashlight used in this post, click here!

There is –however– one way to render this tool completely USELESS…

Having all the high-speed gear and self defense tools in the world is useless unless you train regularly with it.

Walking around with a false sense of security is something that we want to leave to those that are clueless on current world events. You have stepped-up by choosing to prepare. Education and training are 2 of the most overlooked aspects of preparedness by those that I call “gear collectors.” They own one of everything but if it starts raining, they can’t figure out how to put on a damn poncho!

We all know these people and some of them are family & close friends of ours. However… It doesn’t change the fact that if they are part of your SHTF team, they are basically a liability to you.

That means, you need to train for yourself as well as for them!

For just a $0.01, get my favorite military grade and waterproof flashlight! Get it here.

In that interest, I want to share with you 3 common mistakes that most people make when carrying a tactical flashlight for self defense.

Mistake #1: Drawing the tactical flashlight

Where you choose to carry your flashlight has everything to do with it being in a viable option during a self defense situation.

I see people carrying their flashlights in super tight pockets, under heavy jackets, tucked away in purses & in many other inadequate ways. I challenge you to try and draw your flashlight while carrying it in any of the ways that I just mentioned.

You will most likely see all the “little things” that are prohibiting you from getting to your flashlight in a timely manner. Can you imagine how much more difficult that it will be to draw when someone is trying to attack you and your heart is beating through your chest?

Drawing your flashlight:

There is no, one way, to carry your flashlight in order to gain access to it rapidly.

Flashlights have similar structures but there are other features that make them unique. Something as simple as a removable clip can give you options to carry your light tip up or tip down (a blade analogy, in this case, referencing the front position of the light as the tip). What you are wearing is also a factor. Pockets, belts, heavy jackets all come into play when selecting where to carry your flashlight.

Tip up:

Tip up TUTORIAL: How To Use Your Tactical Flashlight As a Self-Defense Tool

As with most personal items, there is no one-size fits all as a solution.

Tip down:

Tip down TUTORIAL: How To Use Your Tactical Flashlight As a Self-Defense Tool

The most proficient way to address your drawing is through constant practice. Train in ways that would mimic your everyday routine. Wear what you would in your natural operating environment. If you wear gloves most of the time, practice with gloves on. Alternate between drawing with your left and right hand; You never know when your dominant hand may be occupied or out of commission.

Practical Flashlight Drawing Exercise:

When you are at home, keep your EDC tactical flashlight in an area that you walk by often. Each time that you walk by your flashlight, affix the flashlight to the location that you carry most often; Let’s just say your pants pocket for now.

Practice drawing the flashlight with your right hand, 10x, then switch to the left hand & draw 10 more times. Do this each time that you walk by your flashlight. It will take less than one minute to complete this exercise each time but you will not believe how proficient that you will become with you tactical flashlight in no time at all. Continual practice will keep it that way…

Mistake #2: Striking With The Tactical Flashlight:

There are countless ways to strike with the tactical flashlight. If you were to ask 10 different experts which way is best, you would probably get 10 diverse answers. For the purpose of this article, I want to keep it as easy & natural as possible. I will limit it to two distinct ways to strike. To be honest, these are 2 positions of holding the flashlight but you need to realize those 2 positions in order to understand your striking options.

Position #1: Reverse Grip:

Reverse-grip is my preferred position for holding the tactical flashlight. I feel that I have more control, power and options when striking. In the reverse-grip position, the front part of the light is aiming down. There are a few ways to strike in the reverse-grip. Mainly, you are deploying strikes coming from a hammer-fist and backhand type movements. Even if you are small in stature you can put a lot of force into your strikes with a reverse-grip.

position one reverse grip TUTORIAL: How To Use Your Tactical Flashlight As a Self-Defense Tool

When you are using a flashlight in a self-defense application, you will be in very close range to your opponent. Eyes, throat, nose, ears, teeth, groin, knees & ankles will all be viable targets from this range. Keep in mind that this is NOT a Hollywood Martial Art movie… Mainly, we just want to get in one vital strike so that we can get the hell away from the situation and survive.

Position #2: Forward-Grip:

Forward grip is my go-to choice for my blade but when it comes to my tactical flashlight, the forward-grip takes a backseat. The flashlight is ideal at causing blunt force damage when used correctly. It is not designed to stab, which would be the ideal movement when using the forward-grip.

position 2 forward grip TUTORIAL: How To Use Your Tactical Flashlight As a Self-Defense Tool

That being said, I still train just as much with my forward-grip position as I do with my reverse-grip.

In a combative situation, ANYTHING can happen. Our nervous system goes out of whack, our breathing becomes inefficient and the environment can add all sorts of obstacles. I want to be assured that when I draw my flashlight and it ends up in a forward-grip, I can still have a fighting chance. While training students you wouldn’t believe how many times the flashlights ends up on the mats. When the student goes to pick up the flashlight to continue his bout, 9 times out of 10, the light ends up in a forward-grip position. Trust me… There Is No Time to get it back into the reverse-grip position!

Practical Flashlight Striking Exercise:

Find something that you can strike with your tactical flashlight.

If you have a heavy bag, great! If not, try to find something with similar attributes: A mattress, hang a foam pillow, stuff an old gym bag and hang it, etc. Use something that will not damage your flashlight. I would even put some electrical tape around the edges of the flashlight, as an added measure, to help protect it.

When you deploy these strikes, think about going at 70% of your maximum effort.

This will help the nervous system learn the information that you are feeding it and also keep you from damaging yourself and your gear. It is a good idea to get yourself checked-out by your doctor and make sure that you are good to go for this type of physical activity.

Get in front of your striking target and draw your flashlight from your pocket or your other carrying position. Starting with a reverse-grip from the draw, naturally throw 10 backhand strikes at your target. Repeat 10 more times using your other hand. Place your flashlight back into your preferred carrying position and draw into the forward-grip. Practice 10 strikes/stabs with your right hand. Place the flashlight back in your pocket and repeat the exercises using your other hand.

If you wear gloves, repeat the full exercise using gloves.

Mistake #3: Gripping The Tactical Flashlight:

The cool thing about tactical flashlights is that most of them feature a textured grip.

Now, I’m one of those guys that sweats while standing still in a snow storm… Being a sweaty mess at times is not a characteristic that I am proud of, but certainly something that I address when choosing gear. Having the textured grip is a must for me because of the sweaty hands, but you can also equate that benefit to operating in the rain, spilled drinks, blood and other liquids where textured grips become a must.

Well, the flashlight may have a great grip but do you have a great grip on your flashlight?

The issue that arises is not only your grip strength but also the placement of your hand on the light. I have seen many students ace the drawing and deploying part. They even look good when they are “attacking the air” with their tactical flashlight. However, once they begin hitting a physical object with their light, the flashlight either falls out of their hand or the hand moves all the way forward or the grip. Obviously, this renders the flashlight useless.

Forward Grip:

forward grip TUTORIAL: How To Use Your Tactical Flashlight As a Self-Defense Tool

Reverse Grip:

reverse grip TUTORIAL: How To Use Your Tactical Flashlight As a Self-Defense Tool

Practical Flashlight Gripping Exercise:

Once you feel comfortable with your drawing and striking, I want you to focus on your grip. Do you feel that it is too tight, restricting your movement? — Or is it too loose and the flashlight travels around or even falls out of your hand?

Get in front of the target that you practice your striking on. Deploy 10 strikes in reverse-grip and 10 in forward-grip. Switch hands, and repeat the sequence. If you wear gloves or plan to, repeat the exercises with gloves on.

These practical exercises only take a few minutes so there is no excuse, only priorities when it comes to your training!

In closing, my intention with this article was not to try and make you a martial artist. What I want to accomplish is to emphasize the importance of training. If you strive to be, Always Prepared, nothing beats knowledge & skills. When the tool pertains to your self-defense, my words should BARK at you like a drill instructor!

Now Go Train With Your Tactical Flashlight, Maggot!

Separate yourself from the masses and train often with your tactical flashlight. Let the “others” talk about their gear while you spend your time training with it. In the end, we all know who will be the one to survive…

Thanks for viewing, I hope that you found this information helpful.

For more from Coach Helder, visit his website www.coachhelder.com!

Next Up: 10 Must-Have Items For Your Airport Go-Bag | For The Prepared Traveler

For awesome survival gear you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!

Looking for a tactical flashlight that suits your needs? Check out these options:

Practice and prepare with the same flashlight as Coach Helder with the Fenix Flashlight!
If you’re looking for something a little larger, check out this Hybeam HB-500 Tactical Flashlight Torch.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, for a smaller options, give this Hybeam Mini Tactical Flashlight a try.

This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

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Homemade Weapons You Can DIY To Awaken Your Inner Caveman

Learn to make your own homemade weapons so you’ll have a fighting chance in a survival situation where all you have is nature.

[You Get One FREE] Weird Little Knife Drives TSA Crazy!

How to Make Homemade Weapons

Why Should You Learn to Make Homemade Weapons?

Let’s say you got lost in the wild, and you somehow forgot or lost your Cold Steel Leatherneck Tanto 39LSFT (or whichever is the best survival knife for you). What do you do?

While your situation is most likely not quite as bad as Tom Hanks had it in Castaway, let’s face it. The only way you’re gonna get out of this situation in good shape is to let out your inner caveman.

Let me explain. Our very primitive ancestors lived in a time when every day was a survival situation. Any tools or weapons they needed had to be made from scratch.

So, should you be unlucky enough to have only the shirt on your back while you’re lost in the wilderness, you’ll have to follow suit. Let the training of your inner caveman begin.

Today’s lesson: how to make DIY weapons in the wild with only the resources nature provided you.

How to Make a Knife | Homemade Weapons

Having a knife, any kind of knife is probably one of the best things to happen should you suddenly find yourself in a survival situation. You can use it to help you find food, build a shelter, and defend yourself against wild animals.

So it’s highly fortunate nature is waiting like a momma at a craft table with lots of materials you can use to create one.

1. Stone Knives

Bone, shell, bamboo, wood, or even an old aluminum beer can may work to perform the puncturing function of a blade. You know you’ve seen these a million times when you’re out hiking.

They’re easy to crack or break or shape into a fairly sharp point which will do in a pinch. Unfortunately, you’re not going to be able to use a chicken bone or an expertly-shaped aluminum can point to skin, chop, baton, or any of the other necessary functions of a survival knife.

This is where the stone comes into play. I’ll start by saying making a knife out of stone isn’t easy, but it can be done.

You’ll need three things: a core rock, a hammerstone, and a pressure flaker. Remember, you’re going to be smashing these together in true caveman fashion.

So, having stones you can reasonably grip in each hand is going to make your life a lot easier. Although, it’s definitely an option to stand poised over one rock smashing down on it.

You, with a two-hand grip, pounding until you’ve chipped away at it a bit. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

2. The Core Rock

rock formation background | Homemade Weapons You Can DIY To Awaken Your Inner Caveman | homemade weapons | deadliest ancient weapons

The core rock is what you’ll be making into a blade. Find any large stone, preferably made from obsidian, slate, chert, or flint with a relatively flat side.

In case you weren’t a rock collector in any of your previous lives, here’s another way to decide if a rock meets the requirements for good knife-making material. Tap or click a rock together with another rock and listen for a ringing sound (like glass).

The more rock sounds like glass, the better it is as a material for your core rock. If you can, choose a rock which is already a bit sharp to reduce the amount of time you’ll need to shape it.

3. The Hammerstone

The hammerstone is a medium-sized, spherical rock, preferably made of granite. It will be used to smash, chisel, chip and shape the core rock.

You’ll be using it to chip off pieces of the core stone and to narrow the edges to a blade shape.

4. The Pressure Flaker

The pressure flaker, or flaking tool, is a rock with a sharp point to help you refine the blade’s edges. You’ll use your flaking tool after you’ve thinned the edges of the stone with the hammer stone to make the “blade” sharper.

When you start making your knife, you’ll want to be sure to wet the core stone to shorten the time it takes to shape it into a blade. Begin by striking glancing blows near the edge of the core rock with the hammerstone.

Chip away at the core rock until you get the general shape of a blade. Then, use the flaking tool to refine the edges you need to sharpen.

You can also use a stone with a rough surface such as a sandstone to sharpen the edge. Use some rope, cloth, or leather to lash the base and create a handle.

If you are having troubling shaping the rock into a knife, you can opt to create stone blades instead. Check out the videos below to learn how:

Part One:

Part Two:

How to Make a Spear | Homemade Weapons

south african zulu spear | Homemade Weapons You Can DIY To Awaken Your Inner Caveman | homemade weapons | deadliest ancient weapons

We’ve talked about how to make a spear using your best survival knife in a previous article. The same principle applies here.

Even without your Cold Steel Leatherneck Tanto 39LSFT or whichever survival knife you normally bring with you, you can still make a spear using your newly made stone knife. To make a spear, you’ll need to find a five-foot-long stick tough enough to endure repeated short or long-distance throws.

First, pick the end of the stick which has a more rounded tip and use your stone knife to start shaving to create a spear. Once you’re done, be sure to heat the spear over some hot coals to make your spear sharper.
As an alternative, you can also make a spear by tying your knife onto a stick. Find a stick which is about an inch wide.
Measure about 2 inches from one end of the stick. Mark the point, then split the stick into two until you reach the 2-inch mark, creating a sort of Y shape.
This will create a space where you can stick your stone knife before you lash it on with some twine, cord, or rope. To lock the blade in place, put some moss or lichen in the remaining space.
If you haven’t had time to fashion your knife out of stone yet, you can also use broken pieces of shell or glass or splintered bamboo or bone and secure it to the end of your stick.
If you find a way to split your stick without a knife, you can insert the splintered bone or bamboo into the wedge and tie it off like you would when turning a knife into a spear.

How to Make a Weighted Club | Homemade Weapons

While sharp pointy tools are all well and good, you can never go wrong with a blunt homemade weapon. You can use it for hammering or bludgeoning something such as a weighted club.

The weighted club could be one of the deadliest ancient weapons. To make one, you’ll need the following: a piece of wood around 14-16 inches, a medium-sized rock, and some rope.

Once you have all the materials, you’ll need to wrap some lashing 6-8 inches from the end of the stick.
Split the same end until you reach the lashing in order to create a V-shaped notch. The rock you picked out should be shorter than the length of the split.
Insert the stone then lash it securely (above, below, and across the stone). The lashing on the stick above the stone clamps both sides of the split together providing the first point of security, so it’s especially important to create a good, tight lashing above the stone.
You’ll want to make sure you bind the split ends securely so the stone won’t fall off whenever you use it to hammer or pound on something.

This video from Wannabe Bushcrafter will show you how to make a bamboo knife:

Now, hopefully, you never find yourself in a situation where making homemade weapons is going to be a necessity for survival. But, if you do find yourself in such a quagmire, this little bit of information and inner caveman training may be what saves your life.

Which of these homemade weapons do you want to make? Tell us your progress in the comments section below!

Up Next:

Go to our Survival Life Store to shop some of our favorites self-defense tools and gear!

***Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.***

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on April 11, 2014, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

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5 Home Remedies For Chigger Bites

Know these home remedies for chigger bites, or better yet, avoid the bug's bites in the first place with helpful tips included here!

In this article:

Home Remedies For Chigger Bites

What Is a Chigger, Exactly?

Chiggers are members of the arachnid family. They are extremely tiny, and my guess is you won’t even see them as they jump from the tall grass onto your skin and/or clothing.

Adult chiggers are about 1/60 of an inch and have eight legs. The larvae are red, wingless, six-legged creatures which measure less than 1/150 of an inch.

Because of their red color, you might be able to spot the larvae when they cluster together, especially on white clothing.

What Is the Arachnid Family? It is a large group or class of invertebrate animals where the spiders and scorpions belong.

Where Do Chiggers Live?

Chiggers reside in tall weeds and grass, berry patches, and wooded areas. They could be in your backyard, by the lake, or your favorite hiking trail.

They are most active in summer and fall afternoons – the warmest part of the day.

Identifying Chiggers Bites

Only the larvae bite humans and they tend to choose warm, moist areas of the body.

Chiggers also have claws which help them grab onto your skin. The chigger then attaches its mouth to the skin and injects saliva.

The saliva contains an enzyme which breaks skin cells down to liquid form. Your body responds by hardening skin cells around the saliva, creating a tube (cyclostome) through which the chigger sucks the dissolved skin cells.

Chiggers can stay attached and feeding for several days before falling off.

When the chigger falls off, you are left with reddish bumps. You may notice a bright red dot in the center—this is a remnant of the tube your skin formed in response to the chigger's saliva.

The bumps may look like welts, blisters, pimples, or hives. Bites generally appear in groups and get larger for several days to a week.

While many insects bite exposed skin which is easy to get to, chiggers like to bite in folds of skin as well as places where clothing fits tightly on the skin. Most chigger bites occur around the ankles, waist, armpits, crotch, or behind the knees.

Home Remedies for Chigger Bites

Just remember, no matter what, DO NOT SCRATCH THE BITES! I know, easier said than done. But, breaking the skin on a chigger bite can lead to infection.

Here are 5 home remedies to help with the itching and swelling.

1. Vicks Vapor Rub

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Vicks Vapor Rub can put an end to itchy chigger bites immediately and will even reduce the risk of blisters. It’s the cooling menthol in it which relieves itching by affecting itch receptors in the skin.

Steps:

Take a hot shower (use antibacterial soap.) Pat dry your skin with a soft towel.
Take a small amount of the vapor rub and add some table salt to it.
Mix well and apply to the affected area.
Repeat if the swelling continues (otherwise, there is no need to repeat the process)

2. Cold Compress

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A cold compress can help reduce the itching associated with chigger bites. Its numbing effect helps reduce the sensation of itchiness.

Steps:

Wrap some ice cubes in a thin cloth.
Apply the compress to the bites for 10 minutes. Repeat if needed to relieve itching.

3. Baking Soda

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Baking soda is another effective remedy to reduce rashes as well as itchiness. It acts as a natural acid neutralizer which helps relieve itching and reduces the risk of infection.

Steps:

Add 1 cup of baking soda to a bathtub filled with cool water.
Stir well and soak in this water for 15 minutes and pat your skin with a soft towel. (Do this once daily)

Another remedy using baking soda:

Prepare a thin paste of 2 teaspoons of baking soda and a little water.
Apply the paste on the affected areas and leave it on for about 10 minutes.
Rinse it off with cool water.

Note: Do not use this remedy more than once or twice a day. Never use baking soda on broken skin or open wounds.

4. Oatmeal

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Oatmeal contains anti-irritating, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties providing instant relief from itching–one of the common symptoms of chigger bites. It is recommended to use colloidal oatmeal, meaning oats which are ground into an extremely fine powder.

(You can accomplish this yourself by grinding regular oats in a sealed Ziploc bag, using the backside of a spoon to crush the oatmeal.)

Steps:

Add 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal to a bathtub filled with warm water
Stir thoroughly
Soak in this mixture for at least 15-20 minutes
Repeat 2-3 times a day

5. Olive Oil

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Olive oil can also be used to get relief from the irritation and inflammation. It is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants which reduce itching and facilitate healing.

Steps:

After rinsing the affected area with water, apply olive oil to the chigger bite.
Reapply several times a day.

Another option using olive oil:

Mix a few drops of tea tree oil in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and apply on the affected area.
Repeat a few times a day.

Tips to Avoid Chigger Bites and Chigger Bites Infection

As summer and fall are prime time for chigger bites, it is best to take the following precautions:

When hiking, stay in the center of the trail and avoid brushing up against vegetation.
Wear long sleeves and long pants when going into the woods.
Apply mosquito repellent on your hands, feet, and exposed skin on your arms before going outside.
Shower immediately after being outdoors and use antibacterial soap.
Wash your clothes in hot water.
Resist the urge to scratch because breaking the skin on chigger bites can lead to a possible infection.

This video from Online Pest Control will show you tips to avoid chiggers and ways to get rid of chiggers:

Chigger bites much like other insect bites aren't only discomforting, they can be dangerous too. Many of these insects including chiggers carry diseases in some cases.

The best way to deal with these bugs is to avoid them or control them with our tips here. But, if you're so unlucky, you also now know the best home remedies to chigger bites!

Have you had to deal with chigger bites before? Tell us how, including more useful tips which worked for you in the comments section below!

Up Next:

Go to our Survival Life Store to shop some of our favorites self-defense tools and gear!

***Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.***

Home Remedies For Chigger Bites | https://survivallife.com/5-home-remedies-for-chigger-bites/

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on June 28, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

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9 Good Reasons To Carry A “Survival Stick”

Arm yourself with a survival stick, get savvy with it, but first, find out why as you read on!

In this article:

Survival Stick: An Underrated Multipurpose Tool?

The Survival Stick in History

A walking stick or a survival cane were popular in the 17th and 18th centuries as a decorative show of power and a defensive replacement for a sword. Yet, the truth is our ancestors have been using them for thousands of years, and for good reason…

…They work! Even the animal kingdom is smart enough to know just how useful these are:

(It may be hard to see, but this gorilla is holding a walking stick to gauge the depth of the water as she sloshes along)

A walking stick is not a new or revolutionary idea. In fact, the use of a walking stick predates history and its use continued on for generations including this present time.

Yet, it is one which is more often than not overlooked. When most people think of a walking stick, it is usually paired with a top hat or seen as a crutch for someone with a walking disability.

Far too few people even realize how important a walking stick can be, especially to someone in the outdoors. We will dig a little deeper into the many uses of a survival stick and maybe safely say, it could be the first multi-purpose survival tool.

Practical and Survival Uses for a Survival Stick

Walking sticks are also known as trekking poles, pilgrim's staffs, hiking poles and hiking staff have quite a few different uses:

1. Survival Hiking Stick

Hold the survival stick in front of you and you can use it to clear your way by parting brushes and branches or leaves and thick tall grasses. You can also use it to clear spiderwebs, especially if you're not too fond of spiders.

Other insects, animals, poisonous plants, and even animal dung can get in the way. Use a survival stick to inspect or poke at those things if you are unsure, and never ever your hands or your feet.

2. Survival Stick for Support

Hiker in Caucasus mountains is crossing mountain river | Good Reasons To Carry A "Survival Stick" | hiking staff
Making your way through an uneven terrain will be more manageable with a walking stick for support. Whether you're going up or down, use the walking stick to either slow you down or hold you up.

You can use your walking stick like breaks to keep you from speeding down or use it to latch on to a rock or crevice when you're climbing up. Besides for yourself, you can also use your multipurpose stick as a support for your tarp emergency shelter.

3. Fetching/Reaching Things

It happens–a supply or gear falling on water, mud, puddle or in an area you dare not walk into. You can fetch or reach for those items with a stick.

It also happens where you need an item over a physical barrier and only a stick can fetch the item for you. You can also reach for fruits, nest, or other food sources up a tree or high structure with a stick.

4. Walking Staff Weapon for Self-Defense

To use a survival stick as a weapon, make sure it's a sturdy stick with a finished look and not just any stick you found along the way. You can use it to defend yourself from an attacker whether it's human or animals.

I would suggest to train yourself in some form of martial arts using a stick like a baton as a weapon to have a better handle at it.

You can also fashion a spear with your stick by tying a survival knife on one end. Don't throw this spear though or you risk damaging or losing your knife and stick.

Hold on to your homemade spear and only use it to thrust at your target.

5. Balance

Hiker is crossing the river in Sweden | Hiker in Caucasus mountain | Good Reasons To Carry A "Survival Stick" | survival hiking stick When you're crossing a log bridge over a stream or you're going through the stream itself or other bodies of water, a walking stick can help you balance so you don't fall over. If you're walking through a muddy or rocky waterbed, a walking stick will help you up.

If you're up for it and if the body of water isn't too wide across, you can also use a long stick like a pole vault to cross over so you don't get yourself wet.

6. Gauging Depth

Relative to crossing bodies of water, a survival stick is handy in identifying dips beneath the waters which could cause you to stumble. You can also use the stick to identify where it's safe to take the next step.

You can also use this simple trick with the stick when you're traveling in deep snow, marshland, and even the dessert.

7. Carrying Gear and Supplies

Use your survival stick to help you carry gear and supplies. Pack your supplies with a shemagh, tie it tight to one end of your stick then place the stick over your shoulders in hobo fashion.

You can also carry more supplies with your survival stick. Even today, a carrying pole is used by indigenous people all over the world to carry heavy supplies you never thought possible.

Hang bags of supplies or jars of water on either side of the pole or stick, putting a stopper like a notch or tie on both ends so they don't fall off. Place the center of the stick over your shoulders and balance your load to your destination.

8. Club

Man carrying blue backpack | Good Reasons To Carry A "Survival Stick" | walking staff weapon
Use your survival stick like a club to knock obstacle down. A pillar of rocks or other objects may be on your way and a sturdy stick can help you safely knock those.

If you are in a building with glass doors or windows or inside a car, you can break the glass with a stick. Make to knock over pieces around your entrance or exit with the stick, too.

9. Fishing Rod

You only need to bring a fishing kit and your survival stick will make a good fishing rod. Tie a line on one end of your walking stick and fish away.

A DIY fishing pole is actually effective and many a fish has been caught this way.

As you guys and gals already know, I am a stickler for carrying things only if they have multiple uses. This guy managed to fit almost an entire survival kit into a walking stick he built from scratch, for under $20.00.

Check out this video from SOS 2054 I found, and find out for yourself, too:

A humble walking stick will indeed surprise you with what it can do for your defense, convenience, safety, and survival. Since you know now the practical and survival uses of this primitive multi-purpose tool, it won't surprise me if it lands a top spot on your list of survival tools for camping, hiking, or SHTF.

What other uses can you think of for carrying a “survival stick”? Let us know in the comments section below!

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on October 11, 2013, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

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