Austere Environment Survival Series: Wilderness Skills Reviews

Here are a couple of reviews from students who attended our Austere Environment Survival Series: Wilderness Skills class. Students tested out their 72-Hour Emergency Kits/Bug-Out Bags, and learned skills including shelter-building, fire-starting, water purification, and more.

Bud wrote:

“Top notch instruction. I took the class with my 12-year-old son, we both had a blast and learned a lot. Both “light” and “dark” Chris’s were very helpful and patient with my son and myself. His favorite parts were building shelters and filtering water. Since I first mentioned the class to my son, months earlier, he was determined to build and sleep in his own shelter. There was no talking him out of it, even when the forecast predicted temps below freezing. Because he was so set on sleeping in his shelter, he “guilted” the rest of the class to sleep in theirs as well. They couldn’t be out done by a 12 year old boy. Everyone survived, and everyone received a special prize from the Lodestone guys for enduring the discomfort and gaining the experience.

If you’ve taken any classes with Lodestone, you know they preach about principles instead of techniques. They showed us a variety of ways to accomplish different tasks and gave us the opportunities to experience the different ones, allowing us to determine what would work best for us individually. They looked through and evaluated all of our bug out bags, helping us determine what items are necessary and what is only hype. They also showed us the value of keeping items that have multiple purposes and uses. I personally liked their honesty in this regard, they weren’t trying to sell us on expensive products. Rather, they showed us how cheap, everyday items can be life savers. Whether you’re only starting out or have years of experience, I highly recommend this class to anyone looking to further their skills in the wilderness.”

Liberty wrote:

“I attended the winter austere environment class in mid December of 2021. At the beginning of the class, we went on a walk with our bags. During this walk we also collected some water to purify later on. On this walk I realized how heavy my bag actually was. Afterwards, we were then taught how to process a rabbit, which we later enjoyed that evening for dinner. I had never cleaned an animal before and it was awkward to do, but I'm now confident that I could do it if necessary. We went over some types of survival shelters. Then we went to build our own shelters to spend the night in. This was my favorite part of the class. It was pretty epic waking up completely dry knowing it was only my shelter that kept me dry. In the morning, we went around to each student's shelter and discussed what worked and what didn't. Then we had a class on some traps. It was neat to see a few traps in person and learn some techniques. After that, we had a demonstration on how to start a wet fire. Then we each had to start our own fire and by then the rain was coming down. I went through all I had in my fire kit and barely got a fire going, so since then I have started practicing with what I keep in my kit. Lastly, we had a brief water purification course. We used a water teepee to strain our water, then we boiled it. Overall, I really loved taking the class and I learned quite a bit of new information.”

Sid wrote:

“In April 2021 I had the opportunity to participate in Lodestone’s Wilderness Skills workshop.  By developing the skills to purify water, build shelters, procure and prepare food, and build fires even in adverse environments we built a confidence in our ability to survive and thrive in the wilderness.  We saw why the more skills we have the less equipment we need.  We found out that having equipment is one thing; having the right equipment and the skills to use that equipment is quite another.  This workshop became a proving ground for our gear, a chance to experiment and refine our kit.  It was a proving ground for ourselves too.   

I work 30 miles from home and I frequently travel farther for training and other activities.  I used to wonder how I would make it home to my family in case of a true disaster.  Or worse yet, how would I get my family through a true disaster.  Since this workshop and a few other Lodestone classes I don’t wonder any more.  I have a plan (several, in fact) and the skills to carry out that plan.  I no longer wonder or worry.  I just plan, prepare, and do what needs doing.”