I have noticed that everybody gives a lot advice about equipment but not techniques and sometimes I see questions or remarks that cry out to be answered not by equipment but by simple survival techniques. Am I wrong assuming that most everyone on ETS knows at least the basic survival techniques? My question is would it be considered out of line to point that out?

Every one of us can learn from every other one here. Don't hesitate to jump in.

Naw, I think it is probably a germain topic.

I also think the reason you see more about equipment and less about technique is because it is far easier to show than to tell, and because most of us assume that the folks joining this site are already researching the how-to's and/or already possess the skills and mindset to implement the basic tools.

It is kinda like building recipes I reckon. At the top you usually list the components, and below that the technique, or directions for use. Most of us probably know how to properly utilize a flashlight, and the controls on most of them are fairly straightforward, so then the conversation tends toward where and when more than how. Things like GPS and orienteering and firestarting do require more of the how, but again that is back to the basics, and there's plenty out there for technical review that elaboration in the forum may not be as practical. Inevitably someone will post a link for the more elaborate, less intuitive applications, so I guess it is natural to expect to see a lot more posting here about equipment and the circumstances under which it is disvovered or deployed, and not so much about how to actually make the thing work.

The ETS front end does have a lot of how to info, and there's lots more out there if you browse around some. It seems to me that this forum is more of a "gee, what do you think of this?" kinda arena. More to call our attention to the various aspects of survival than to try and train each other on technique, but still I wouldn't mind seeing a bit more of it as well. There is also a point of subjectivity to technique, which incites debate at times, and makes for good discussion.

No, I believe there are quit a few ETS members/readers who do not know and/or have not practiced basic survival techniques. It's pretty obvious from, some posts, a lot of individuals are simply gear freaks or plan to depend on the "toys" to solve any and all survival related problems.

"There is nothing so frightening as ignorance in action."

Not out of line, however the forum is called [color:"red"]EQUIPPED[/color] to Survive <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />.

Not at all out of line. The reasoning of "we're gear, not technique" is a valid one, but also becuase a lot of techniques are "hands on" thing. I mean, I can show you how to strip a computer down to a case and boards easier than I can tell you, or how to field strip an Garand or a .45.

And there is also the issue of if you give someone directions, you feel (or are) responsable for what happens to them. That's why whenever anyone asks about herbal medicine and edible wild plants, I say nothing- I don't want to give someone a discription, and have it turn out to be a little off for what I ment but spot on for a leathal something in thier area.

Very true, in my opinion. I resemble that post to some degree. I have some skills and I camp alot (ok, I think it's alot), and I try to practice techniques when I can. But between work and family, and all the chores, practicing by itself is very sporadic. There is a ton of stuff that I mentally muse over, even when camping and practicing, but that I don;t really have "experience" with. Even camping: I don;t take the family out when it's 20 degrees and there's 6" of snow on the ground. It's too cold! <------evidence that I am lacking in certain preparedness skills. No, we go camping in the "other three" seasons.

Alot of the gear that I have was not necessarily purchased because of a real need, just a desire to be prepared, without really having the experience of A) needing it during an emergency; B) recognizing that I needed it; C) purchasing it; and D) practicing with it and having it ready for the next emergency.

I think this is a good thread and I'd like to read and participate in a few or more threads involving "technique and experience".

The equiped part is what got my attention but all the equipment in the world won't help if you don't know how.

Everyone remember that magic moment when you first pedaled a bicycle unaided? What about the moment when your bowdrill finally burst into that small miracle of red ember? How about figuring out the earned income credit on your T...... , well the first two demonstrate how somethings are still part of real world dirt time. Of course this is a valid topic. It's just a little more difficult in translation.

Very valid question. I think "equipped" means gear AND knowledge. I participate in the forum to learn something even more than to see some very nice gear that I will HAVE to end up buying. Hey but nothing wrong with that either (if the wife doesn't find out how much I spent <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />). No there is nothing wrong with gear at all, but you have to learn how to use it.