Modern Outdoor Survival

This is a different episode for us, but it's one we felt compelled to make.On 19th December 1981 a dramatic rescue played out on the English coast, involving a stricken cargo ship being driven towards a rocky shore by a storm. It's an important story of courage, skill, sacrifice and decisions that ultimately led to tragedy.Tonight is the anniversary of that incident, and in this episode we pull together the original radio transmissions to tell the story of the crews of the Union Star and the Solomon Browne.LinksBBC documentary on YouTubeBBC Sounds documentaryPenlee: The Loss of a Lifeboat - by Michael Sagar-Fenton

This is the story that we promised in the last episode - a tale of cold water, dogs in canoes and unexpected swimming. Also a tale of hypothermia, kit choice, decision making and reflecting on the circumstances prior and post.It features our friend (and previous podcast guest) Terry and his buddy 'Grizz', and took place a couple of months ago on the White River in Indiana, US. The story itself is in the main show, the aftershow is more of a conversation and informal sharing of opinions on how to do it better next time.This episode is a little different from what we have done before, and it's something of an experiment. We are looking for other stories to cover in a similar format - so if you have one yourself, or know of someone with a good story then please get in touch with Amy.Links– Join our patreon- https://patreon.com/originaloutdoorscontent- Training courses and more information https://outdoorprofessional.co.uk/– Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival - https://originaloutdoors.co.uk/podcast/modern-outdoor-survival– Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram - @modernoutdoorsurvival– Richard on Instagram and Twitter - @richprideaux– Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter - @OriginalOutdoor– Amy on Instagram and Twitter - @agreenoutdoors– Join our Discord Community - https://discord.gg/SqG9ghFuUR

There are many elements which affect how cold you feel and how cold you actually are at the core, in this episode Richard talks about the subtle external factors which can have a big impact on our bodies in lower temperatures.We've covered hypothermia in previous episodes but the exact meaning of the term 'hypothermia factory' relates to the perfect mixture of cold and wet with some wind thrown in for good measure, the ideal conditions for pulling away the heat generated by your body.LinksWarming - an episode about hypothermia and first aid with Adam Gent of Real First AidFabric - Layering systems to stay safe Outdoor Swimming SocietyWind chill calculatorsNational Weather ServiceNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Association– Subscribe to our Patreon– Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival– Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram– Richard on Instagram and Twitter– Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube– Amy on Instagram and Twitter– Join our Discord Community

Firstly, apologies for the change in audio quality partway through the episode.This episode is a little bit different, Richard was invited to go with Dave, Chris and Alistair for a multi-day hike on the Knoydart peninsula in Scotland. This peninsula on the West coast is surrounded by mountains, lochs and bogs. It is only accessible by boat, or by a 16-mile (26 km) walk through rough country, and the seven miles (11 km) of tarred road found in the small (population of 111) settlement of Inverie are not connected to the UK road system.The plan for the trip was to travel in to the peninsula by ferry from Mallaig, and then walk back to the vehicle left there over the course of 3 days, carrying everything which they would need for the journey.This recording is their after action report about the kit they took, decisions made and overall impressions.Links– Lighter Pack – Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival– Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram– Richard on Instagram and Twitter– Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube– Amy on Instagram and Twitter– Find out more about The Academy– Join our Discord Community– Our Patreon

Richard Prideaux talks with Andy Kirkpatrick about all things big wall, winter expeditions and doing things the hard way. It's safe to say that Andy has made his way through life so far by pushing himself and deliberately pitting himself against his own barriers. From a young age he learned to climb and handle himself in the outdoors and progressed from there, teaching himself the ropework skills he would need to climb big walls like El Capitan. Since then Andy has become a well-known and award winning British climber, writer and speaker.This episode is a little bit different to usual but we really hope that you enjoy it, Andy has done a lot to talk about in his life and this only really covers the tip of the iceberg.Useful info: Chossy means loose, unstable, soft or very overgrown rock which can't really be trusted.LinksHamish Hamilton Whisperlite stove Andy's instagram Andy's website – Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival– Our Patreon– Join our Discord Community– Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram– Richard on Instagram and Twitter– Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube– Amy on Instagram and Twitter– Find out more about The Academy

Chris Smart is an ex-military SERE (survive, evade, resist, extract) instructor and now runs 112 Survival, a training company based out of a wood in Shropshire, UK. Richard and Chris delve into the interesting world of survival training, some of the fads (like survival tins) and their origins, and what really happens in emergency situations....spoiler alert, there isn't a dramatic soundtrack change.Links- Our Patreon- Join our Discord Community- 112 survival- The episode with Adam Gent- ACR beacons survivor stories- Grough- Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival - Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram - Richard on Instagram and Twitter - Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube - Amy on Instagram and Twitter - Find out more about The Academy

Richard Prideaux and Ralph talk about avalanches, what they are, how to avoid being caught in one and the personal skills to develop if you want to spend time on snowy mountains.On this episode of Modern Outdoor Survival, Richard welcomes Ralph to the show to talk about snow, primarily avalanches. Ralph lives within the Arctic circle at 69.18˚ N and has a particular interest in avalanches. He is also a member of the local Search and Rescue team.Links- Ralph's Instagram - Scottish Avalanche Information Service - Norwegian Avalanche and Natural Risk Service- Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival- Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram- Richard on Instagram and Twitter- Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube- Amy on Instagram and Twitter- Find out more about The Academy- Join our Discord Community- Our Patreon

For this episode of Modern Outdoor Survival Richard welcomes Jodie and Jordan of Tangier Wood to talk about how and why they became small woodland owners in the UK and the unique survival challenge which they run there.Links- Our Patreon- Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival- Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram- Richard on Instagram and Twitter- Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube- Amy on Instagram and Twitter- Find out more about The Academy- Join our Discord Community

Ash Routen is our guest this week, a British polar adventurer and adventure writer. He and Richard delve into the psychology behind adventure, talk about some of the inspiring people Ash has had the privilege to interview for Explorersweb, and discuss risk assessing on the fly.Links- Our Patreon- Follow Ash's adventures on Instagram and Twitter- Rosie Swale-Pope- Colin O'Brady- Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival- Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram- Richard on Instagram and Twitter- Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube- Amy on Instagram and Twitter- Find out more about The Academy- Join our Discord Community

Richard Prideaux talks with Barry Stoffell, a hardrock exploration geologist who has led groups as first boots on the ground in some very interesting places. In Africa he encountered hazards presented by the environment, wildlife and people. Barry highlights how important his early career was for training in how to deal with difficult situations on these expeditions, and talks about some of the lasting ingrained behaviours. He has lived and worked in environmental extremes from the equator to the Arctic circle and now resides in Southwest Ireland where the predominate weather is rain. Barry writes for the Shooting Times and Country magazine, manages deer, undertakes some less hazardous geology work and handcrafts beautiful knives.Links- Connect with Barry and visit his website- Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival- Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram- Richard on Instagram and Twitter- Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube- Amy on Instagram and Twitter- Find out more about The Academy- Join our Discord Community- Our Patreon

Yellow is the prompt for this episode of Modern Outdoor Survival, yellow as in the stage of awareness on Cooper's colour code. This time Richard Prideaux is joined by Terry, a good friend, knowledgeable person and instructor over in America. Richard and Terry talk through Cooper's colour code and it's relevance for daily life and any time spent in the outdoors. Identified by Lt. Colonel Jeff Cooper, the colour code of situational awareness is a tool to identify the appropriate mindset and awareness level in any given situation.Links- Cooper's Colour Code- Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival- Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram- Richard on Instagram and Twitter- Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube- Amy on Instagram and Twitter- Find out more about The Academy- Join our Discord Community- Our Patreon

For this episode Richard delves deep into the world of first aid and training with Adam Gent from REAL First Aid.Richard and Adam talk about not having a proper job and how they got there, what it is like meeting so many people from hugely varying backgrounds. Then go into more depth about what to do with hypothermic casualties and some other common misconceptions related to first aid and medicine.Links- Connect with Adam and find out more about REAL First Aid- Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival- Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram- Richard on Instagram and Twitter- Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube- Amy on Instagram and Twitter- Find out more about The Academy- Join our Discord Community- Our Patreon

Episode 22 features Andrew, founder/creator of Valley Deep Mountain High and team member of Lakota Outdoors. This episode is recorded in the woods next to a roaring camp fire whilst the rest of the group gathered firewood and started to prepare the evening meal.Last weekend we had some of the team members of Lakota Outdoors staying in our woodland. They helped to clear some footpaths, set up what looked like a shanty town, and recorded a couple of podcasts at the same time.Andrew and Richard talk about past careers, what the outdoors means to Andrew and some of the outdoor gear brands which he champions. They also delve into team Lakota and what it means to be a member.Links- Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival- Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram- Richard on Instagram and Twitter- Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube- Amy on Instagram and Twitter- Find out more about The Academy- Join our Discord Community- Our Patreon

Episode 21 features our first ever guest Stuart, Navy veteran and creator/founder of Lakota Outdoors. This episode is recorded in the woods next to a roaring camp fire whilst the rest of the group gathered firewood and started to prepare the evening meal.Last weekend we had some of the team members of Lakota Outdoors staying in our woodland. They helped to clear some footpaths, set up what looked like a shanty town, and recorded a couple of podcasts at the same time.Stu and Richard talk about living outdoors, everything from teamwork to organisation and how the military teaches people to survive.Links- Our Patreon- Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival- Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram- Richard on Instagram and Twitter- Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube- Amy on Instagram and Twitter- Find out more about The Academy- Join our Discord Community

We discuss how to choose a rucksack, what to do to check the fit and why some have side pockets but others are more streamlined.Rucksacks are one of the best ways to carry large or heavy loads and have been adapted over the years to become ergonomic for all body shapes and sizes. The most important aspects of using a pack is ensuring that it fits correctly. The back length and distance between waist belt and shoulder straps can be the difference between walking with ease and having a pack which you almost forget about, and having a tortuous experience which ends up with blisters, difficulty breathing and feeling as though your spine has been compressed. If you have only ever experienced the latter, then this episode is for you!Links- Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival- Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram- Richard on Instagram and Twitter- Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube- Amy on Instagram and Twitter- Find out more about The Academy- Join our Discord Community- Our Patreon

For episode nineteen Richard Prideaux goes through the gear he is using for coaching in the mountains on a couple of rainy days in October.From outer layers, to rucksacks, navigation tools, spare layers, and food. What you take into the mountains will affect the day ahead, and could be the difference between a success or failure. Plan well. The GearMoel Siabod Gold Label Wax Rab Vapour rise Helikon-tex Woodsman Haix boots Bridgedale - good quality socks to suit different needsOsprey variant 52 - sadly no longer manufactured!Silva expedition Resilient Nutrition Victorinox climber Nalgene Paramo Torres Gilet Extremities tuff bags Woolpower mitts Helikon Pakcell O'tom Tick Twister - the hockey stick shape seem more effective than the credit card type.Life systems Mountain leader 1st aid kit - but adaptedOutdoor designs large group shelter - or any other suitable shelterBlack Diamond trekking poles - or your preferred typeLinks- Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival- Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram- Richard on Instagram and Twitter- Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube- Amy on Instagram and Twitter- Find out more about The Academy- Join our Discord Community- Our Patreon

The ins and outs of using all of your senses and external information to avoid being caught in a bad situation, whether that is life threatening weather conditions or a dangerous location.There are inherent risks with everything in life. If you are observant and can read the signs leading up to large events, you can lessen the effects of taking risks by preparing for, or avoiding bad situations.Observation isn't just a case of seeing what is happening, but also using other senses, and in some cases calling upon resources like weather reports, which enable you to predict possible future scenarios and plan out best for a trip.Some useful books mentioned in the show are - Left Of Bang and CODIAC handbook Links- Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival- Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram- Richard on Instagram and Twitter- Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube- Amy on Instagram and Twitter- Find out more about The Academy- Join our Discord Community- Our Patreon

For episode seventeen we talk about carrying water, by bladder or bottle, there are different products out there to suit all. Richard Prideaux shares his experiences about what works and what fails when put through it's paces in real-life situations.Carrying water is something which you will nearly always need to do if spending time outdoors. Chances are that you have either landed on your feet with a system which works for you, or you are always on the lookout for something new which may solve your current water carrying problems. We talk about our experiences with metal, solid plastic, and the flexible plastic bottles, their up and downsides. Water bladders have become very popular and are a go-to for many hikers and outdoorspeople for the ease of access to drinking water, but they do have their drawbacks too.Links- Our Patreon- Join our Discord Community- Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival- Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram- Richard on Instagram and Twitter- Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube- Amy on Instagram and Twitter- Find out more about The Academy

We are talking about modification in this episode of Modern Outdoor Survival.Sometimes an item of gear can be made better by a simple bit of paracord. A small sewing task can alleviates an annoyance which in normal situations isn't close to a problem, but in a survival situation could break you. We talk about a few different things which can be done to modify, or repair gear both at home and in the field.Links- Our Patreon- Join our Discord Community- Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival- Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram- Richard on Instagram and Twitter- Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube- Amy on Instagram and Twitter- Find out more about The Academy

Whether a flashlight or a torch; if you use it for sport, work or leisure, lighting which enables us to function in the dark is important.We go through features of different lighting, what may be important, and trade-offs which sometimes need to be made in order to buy the correct tool for you. Links- Uncensored Tactical on chem lights- Connect with Richard and Modern Outdoor Survival- Modern Outdoor Survival on Instagram- Richard on Instagram and Twitter- Original Outdoors on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube- Amy on Instagram and Twitter- Find out more about The Academy- Join our Discord Community- Our Patreon