Ah, the nice outdoors of Montana—majestic mountains, sprawling forests, and the type of wilderness that makes you are feeling alive. But for anyone unfamiliar with its vast landscapes, it will probably even be a bit intimidating, especially in case you’re not prepared. That’s why events just like the Backcountry Skills Summit are a goldmine for anyone trying to level up their survival game. Hosted by the TREAD Agency, this three-day event just a few hours north of White Sulfur Springs, MO was a crash course in wilderness survival and an awesome technique to connect with leaders within the outdoor industry. Attendees from CarbonTV, Outfitter Services, and other industry professionals shared a campfire with subject material experts to learn and to share their expertise.
Above: Base Camp being arrange the primary night of the Backcountry Skills Summit.
The Experts and Their Wisdom
Over the course of the summit, several classes were taught to assist level up our survival skills and impart a deeper appreciation for the Montana wilderness. Subject matter experts from popular TV shows, federal agencies, and several other outdoor corporations put together well thought out and relevant instruction.
Laura Zerra: The Survival Kit Guru
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You might recognize Laura Zerra from the show “Naked and Afraid,” but let me inform you, she’s anything but afraid in the case of survival. Her session on what to pack in a survival kit was eye-opening. From cutting tools to fireside starters, she emphasized the importance of being prepared for any situation. Laura also touched on the psychology of survival, explaining that a relaxed mind could be your best tool in a crisis. She even discussed her own experiences where she needed to depend on her survival kit to make it through tough situations. It is interesting to notice that her survival kit was small, light weight, and versatile enough to supply essential needs during an emergency. Laura also has her own show called “Decivilized” which overs a myriad of survival topics on CarbonTV. (URL: https://www.carbontv.com/shows/decivilized)
Above: Laura Zerra imparts her survival wisdom periodically throughout the hike to the highest of the mountain.
Amber Kornak: Bear Safety 101
Amber Kornak from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service not only survived a grizzly bear attack but additionally taught us easy methods to protect ourselves from these majestic yet dangerous creatures. Her advice? Carry bear spray and know easy methods to use it! Amber shared her personal story, which added a layer of authenticity and urgency to her suggestions, and proceeded to instruct on the correct techniques to hold and shoot bear spray at its intended goal. She also discussed the importance of understanding bear behavior to avoid encounters in the primary place. Since the Montana wilderness is home to a big population of bears, this recommendation was potentially life saving. (URL: https://www.fws.gov/staff-profile/amber-kornak)
Above: Amber Kornak discusses bear behavior and easy methods to protect yourself during a bear attack.
Jordan Jonas: Shelter Building
Remember Jordan Jonas from History Channel’s “Alone”? This guy knows his way around a tarp and a few paracord. He showed us easy methods to construct a survival shelter that might withstand the weather, and it was surprisingly easier than you’d think. Jordan emphasized that the talents for constructing a shelter could be adapted for several survival scenarios, in a large number of environments. He also gave us a rundown on how the tarp could be folded to maintain pesky mosquitoes from disturbing a superb night’s rest. Plus, he threw in some pro tips about easy methods to make your shelter more comfortable, because let’s face it, in case you’re stuck within the wild, a bit comfort goes a great distance. (URL: jordanjonas.com)
Above: Jordan Jonas teaches some quick shelter constructing techniques with the use easy items like cordage and a tarp.
Tyler Beck and Doogie Courvreux: Guzzle H2O
Clean water is a must within the backcountry, and the fellows from Guzzle H2O have developed a tool that pumps and purifies water on the go. It’s a game-changer for anyone who likes to enterprise off the beaten path. Tyler and Doogie explained the science behind their water purification system, and demonstrated how easy their system was to deploy. In fact, all of our potable water throughout the Summit was provided via Guzzle H2O from a close-by river. For city folks, they identified that having a conveyable water purification system could be invaluable during natural disasters when tap water could also be contaminated. (URL: guzzleh20.com)
Above: Guzzle H2O’s water filtration system is quick to deploy and straightforward to make use of.
Derek Jerrel: Winchester Ammunition
Self-defense is crucial within the wilderness. Derek Jerrel from Winchester Ammunition introduced us to their latest “Big Bore” hole point ammo, which is optimized for private defense and hunting applications. Derek went into the technical features, explaining the engineering behind the ammunition’s effectiveness. He also discussed the moral considerations of using firearms for self-defense, emphasizing the importance of awareness and decision-making. For urbanites concerned about self-defense, Derek mentioned that understanding the fundamentals of ammunition could be useful, even in case you’re not in a backcountry setting. (URL: winchester.com)
Above: Winchester ammunition getting used during long range marksmanship.
Scoute Arms: Precision within the Wilderness
When it involves long-range shooting, the team from Scoute Arms are the experts you must learn from. Led by Creighton Greene, John Torres, Justin Rassmusen, and Trent McMurtrey, their workshop was a masterclass in precision and technique. They broke down the complexities of long-range shooting into comprehensible lessons, covering every part from the fundamentals of rifle setup to advanced wind reading. Their hands-on approach allowed attendees to get real-time feedback, making adjustments on the spot to enhance accuracy. But it wasn’t nearly hitting a goal; Scoute Arms emphasized the moral considerations and responsibilities that include wielding such a robust tool. (URL: scoutearms.com)
Above: Scoute Arms instructors discuss the correct use of tripods during long range marksmanship.
Montana’s Open Arms
Mitch Staley from the Montana Department of Commerce spent a while with the group, and gave us the lowdown on why Montana is an awesome place to live and explore. From tax incentives to a welcoming community, Montana is extending its arms to adventurers and settlers alike. These perks appear to be working, provided that the state is currently seeing a boom in latest residents. For outdoor enthusiasts, Montana has countless opportunities. (URL: commerce.mt.gov/)
Gear Up
Shiftpod: The Future of Tents
Shiftpod provided the shelters we slept in each night. The company is taking camping to the subsequent level with its space-age composite fabrics and quick setup. These tents are designed to face up to extreme conditions, from scorching desert heat to icy snowstorms. What’s more, the tents are insulated and UV reflective, and have loads of ventilation ports, ensuring a snug environment inside. (URL: shiftpod.com)
Above: Shiftpod tents appear to be something you may find on the surface of Mars, but they’re tough and well insulated.
Coast: Light Up Your Adventure
For each visibility and cutting tools, Coast provided the gear every camper needs. Their range of LED flashlights and hands-free lighting solutions are designed for performance and sturdiness, with some products boasting as much as 5,300 lumens and a beam distance of over 500 meters. Coast also offers quite a lot of knives for any survival kit. (URL: coastportland.com)
Mystery Ranch Backpacks
These aren’t your average backpacks. Mystery Ranch provided attendees with 40L Coulee backpacks which can be each durable and adjustable. The technology behind their ergonomic design distributes weight more evenly across your back. Various compartments designed for specific gear, corresponding to the zippered pockets on the hip strap, make it easier to remain organized. (URL: mysteryranch.com)
Above: Gear provided throughout the Backcountry Skills Summit covered lots of our outdoor needs, including cutting, illumination, and storage.
The Experience
The Backcountry Skills Summit was greater than a series of workshops; it was a full-sensory journey that began in a river valley and culminated on the summit of a mountain. The first night set the stage with Steve Christman from Xman’s BBQ serving up a roasted boar. The smoky aroma mingled with the fresh mountain air, creating an environment that was as rustic because it was inviting. The second night was a culinary escapade led by Tyler McManus from Velma Elaine Catering. We feasted on elk, bison, beef and chicken, each dish a culinary masterpiece that appeared to capture the essence of Montana’s untamed wilderness. Gear corporations were there to enhance the event by showcasing their models
Above: Xman’s BBQ served up a feast for the primary night of the Summit.
But the actual showstopper got here once we hiked from the river valley to the mountain summit. As we reached the height, we were greeted by a sunset so stunning it seemed as if the sky itself was ablaze. The hues of orange, pink, and purple reflected off the clouds, casting a magical glow that made the strenuous hike value every step.
Above: Montana can be home to some amazing vistas.
Conclusion
As the Backcountry Skills Summit wrapped up, it was clear that the event was greater than a crash course in survival — it was a lesson in life readiness. The experts didn’t just share suggestions; they imparted wisdom that applies to anyone, anywhere. Each piece of substances showcased, from Shiftpod tents to Coast lights and Mystery Ranch backpacks, were not only products but essential tools for navigating life’s unpredictabilities. Leaving the summit, attendees were higher equipped not only for outdoor adventures, but for the challenges that lie ahead, wherever they could be.
