This episode Richard chats with Royal Engineers veteran Jay Barton about what it was like operating machinery for the British Army and what he learned about organisation and the prioritising of kit.


Links


- Connect with Jay
- 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

In this episode of Modern Outdoor Survival Richard and Amy talk about utility. Multitools, internet ultimate tools and survival tools.

When preparing to go out and undertake any activity, it is wise to select your tools carefully, ensuring that they will get the job done and work with your mode of transportation and limitations such as space and weight. Multitools can be very tempting when walking a long way to your destination and carrying everything on your back. However choose carefully; there are many products now which are advertised as being capable of everything from cutting branches to removing wheel nuts to eating a steak. Some of these stand up to scrutiny and are adequate for several different jobs, but rarely are they as good as their dedicated to one job counterparts. It is also worthwhile practicing the use of any tools in a 'safe' environment, get used to the limitations and find workarounds to common issues. This will make usage in the field much more effective.

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

In this episode of Modern Outdoor Survival Richard Prideaux talks open and honestly about poo. Take this as your warning if you share this podcast with family or friends, we don't use adult language but we are open, frank and a little graphic in this episode.

Everybody has to go at some point in the day, and if you plan on being outside for extended periods of time, then you need to also plan for the inevitable moment when you need to poop. It is worth noting that there isn't just one method for going when outdoors, it can actually be influenced by the location you are in, your physical condition and fitness, and camp codes of conduct. There are several key things to think about and plan ahead for before drinking that extra strong coffee.

What particular guidance is given about pooping in the area you are in? Does it have to be packed out, can you bury it, or is it a smearing on the rock location?

Where exactly are you going to go? Not right next to a water source or footpath, but possibly close to a tree if you are in need of support.

How are you going to effectively clean up to limit potential hygiene issues?


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 the twenty fifth episode of Modern outdoor Survival we take a look at snow. Richard covers layering systems and staying warm in the cold, water resources, and some of the other dangers associated with winter conditions.

It is now the season (in the Northern hemisphere) when ice climbers, skiiers and those who like to trek around wearing snowshoes really come out of the woodwork. It is also the time of year when people try to continue with their regular activities regardless of the conditions on the ground. This is a fantastic thing to do as it increases experiences and knowledge of how to be well prepared and how to deal with a unique set of problems. However, don't take it as lightly as those childhood memories of sledging and hot chocolates in cosy cafes.

We all know that when there is snow, it is going to be cold, very cold. This isn't just a frosty morning which warms up, when you can dry out in the inevitable sun, this is cold which may never warm up. Taking steps to ensure that your layering system will work and you are wearing footwear which allows blood to circulate well are vital, as well as understanding your water resources in these conditions.


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

Richard Prideaux discusses the importance of maintaining gear and planning ahead as much as possible.

Readiness can apply to all facets of life, be that the every day, or the once in a lifetime trip. It is about maintenance of gear and skills to ensure that when you need them, they are ready and function as you expect. It is also about ensuring that you have taken the right equipment with you for the situations that you will be in.

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

How to decipher outdoor qualifications and understand what they stand for.

Qualifications, like most things in life, have an up-side and a down-side. They can be a marker of competence in a given field, and illustrate a measured competence level. However they are often based upon a single day of assessment and cannot be used standalone as a guarantee that a person has maintained their skill level as time has passed.

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 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 Gear

Moel Siabod
Gold Label Wax
Rab Vapour rise
Helikon-tex Woodsman
Haix boots
Bridgedale - good quality socks to suit different needs
Osprey 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 adapted
Outdoor designs large group shelter - or any other suitable shelter
Black Diamond trekking poles - or your preferred type

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