Reading Topo Maps: Grid, Distance and Elevation

Orienteering and reading a topographical map is becoming a lost art in this age of GPS receivers and smartphones. Any outdoorsman worth his salt should be able to use a topo map and compass to pinpoint his location and find his way in the great outdoors. Here is a US Army training film detailing how to read a map to determine distance and elevation.

Sub-Arctic Winter Bivouacking

This is a great, informative US Army training film covering just about every aspect of living outdoors during wintertime. From what you should carry in your pockets to how to set up the tent, cooking and heating equipment and a latrine, this video has all bases covered. This film was produced in 1955, so the equipment depicted is from the Korean War era. That is a good thing because that equipment is still usable and somewhat more readily available than WWII-era equipment. That doesn't mean you have to have that equipment to make use of this info. Rather, the point is that many outdoors people, preppers and survivalists do in fact use this equipment because it is available and well-designed.