Tips of Camping to make Survivors out of Couch Potatoes

With summer just around the corner, many are looking to the outdoors for a relaxing break from the daily grind. For would be campers who don't know where to start, Field and Stream provides these tips.

• Lighting a lantern. A gasoline lantern will sputter if you attempt to light it when it has less than a full tank. Therefore, if you plan to light the lantern, fill the tank first.
• Splitting a big log. To split a big log for firewood pieces, first split off the pieces from the sides. don't try to split the log down the middle first. When just a small center chunk is left, it can then be possible to split the log down the middle with a single axe stroke.
• Magnifying camp light. Placing a mirror or a sheet aluminum foil on the wall behind a candle, lantern. or oil lamp will increase the amount of illumination cast by the light source.
• Dealing with ant bites. Household ammonia will take the sting out of fire ant bites. The bites will still blister the next day, though.
• Starting a fire. Tie a rubber band around 20 narrow strips of rolled newspaper. After dipping the roll in melted paraffin. let it drain and harden. These make great fire starters.
• Getting rocks for bears. For those planning to camp in areas frequented by bears, never take food into tent. Food should be suspended in a pack at least 10 feet off the ground from rope strung between two trees. Put pebbles in clean metal cooking utensils, and prepare rocks small enough to throw within reach. These will act as an early warning device and a weapon against bears if a bear comes and rattles the utensils, shout and throw rocks at the bear. If there is nothing to eat most bears will leave if challenged.
• Sending distress signals. When in a boat or hiking in remote territory, carry a pocket-sized mirror. This can be used to flash sunlight toward distant sources of assistance to draw attention to your location. Polished metal mirrors are more durable than glass mirrors.
• Detecting bad weather. Low clouds signal coming rain. Distant sounds coming in louder than normal also signal bad weather. The reason is that when the cloud ceiling lowers, distant sounds are forced to dissipate outward rather than upward making them sound louder. 
• Staying away from venom. Even if they are dead, sharks, snapping turtles and venomous snakes can still be dangerous because nerves that control their muscular reactions don't need a beating heart to trigger a bite when the dead creature is handled, Venomous snakes, long after they are dead, can still release venom.
• Keeping warm. Wearing polypropylene sock liners under a pair of wool-synthetic blend boot socks will keep feet warmer and mean fewer blisters. The liners provide an air space between the feet and socks, removing moisture. And they also protect the feet from rubbing that causes blisters.
• Getting located. Bring a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and a pocket-sized CB radio, so you can relay your exact position to other members of your group when needed.