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Well, we need a DPM outer layer- the kit list says a smock. I have a feeling though that waterproofs do not count as the three layers- so i might be lucky! Maybe i'll sack off the helly base layer and replace it with my merrino norwegian then....
 
I'd second the Buffalo type top (with the pile/fleece inside) - I have the Montane version and it is very warm without being too hot - very good at regulating heat. This, and a decent waterproof outer layer, coupled with a good base layer (I'd go for Merino) and you should be fine. The Montane has kept me warm even when wet.
 
As I recall, but it would be worth checking with anything that I know, all the thistle is edible. But do look for the younger stuff, not so woody. Also gorse flowers are edible and grow all year round. Is your course and E&E type or static survival?

Remember, body heat is best shared, shelters do not need to be spacious and cuddling another man on the moors is not always a bad thing!
 
To add an addition to that, it's only 3 days, so don't try and catch a sheep. As someone who is involved in sheep farming, the loss of a breeding ewe will far out weigh the cost of your course to the farmer. And before anyone says all farmers are loaded, the only thing loaded on our farm is the shot gun, so get orf my land!
 
I'll be interested to see a short write up of what you learnt once you're back.
The north moor where most military stuff goes on consists of nothing but grass, rocks and sometimes a bit of heather. I can't think how it's possible due to the lack of pretty much anything useful, unless you're allowed off the moor and into the forests which would make things a thousand times easier.
Good luck!! :)
 
Dandelions are one of the few things you can eat all year round - you can make coffee from the roots if you have the time and energy to dry them and grind them. Not sure you'll get em on the moors though. You'll need veg with a diet of just rabbit, otherwise you'll get vitamin deficient over a long period.

Good luck - sounds extreme!
 
Dandelions are one of the few things you can eat all year round - you can make coffee from the roots if you have the time and energy to dry them and grind them. Not sure you'll get em on the moors though. You'll need veg with a diet of just rabbit, otherwise you'll get vitamin deficient over a long period.

Good luck - sounds extreme!

He's only going for a few days. Hardly long enough to get rabbit starvation off that.
 
He's only going for a few days. Hardly long enough to get rabbit starvation off that.

Just sharing the knowledge - whilst he's out there society may collapse - zombies may be roaming the streets etc. etc. In that situation they'll be expecting them to act like they don't know if they're going to be rescued let alone when.
 
Maybe you could clarify this for me. I always thought it was fat they lacked. Is it this or vitamins? I thought as te meat was protein rich it lacked essential fats!
 
Maybe you could clarify this for me. I always thought it was fat they lacked. Is it this or vitamins? I thought as te meat was protein rich it lacked essential fats!

AFAIK you need another source of Carbohydrates like potatoes and also vitamins from other veg but I just googled it and you're right it's essentially Carbs.

Rabbit starvation, also referred to as protein poisoning or mal de caribou, is a form of acute malnutrition caused by excess consumption of any lean meat (e.g., rabbit) coupled with a lack of other sources of nutrients usually in combination with other stressors, such as severe cold or dry environment. Symptoms include diarrhea, headache, fatigue, low blood pressure and heart rate, and a vague discomfort and hunger that can only be satisfied by consumption of fat or carbohydrates.
 
Thanks all! Some top info! I'll be sure not to just eat a diet of rabbits- especially if it seems the world has imploded whilst i'm on the moor! Any tricks with disguising scent whilst setting snares? I've read woodsmoke/rubbing your hands in earth/rubbing your hands in rabbit droppings are advised- which method seems to work for people, or is it really not worth worrying about?

I doubt i'll be able to take photos, but i'll try and remember the general syllabus and report back (in detail as yet undetermined subject to the feelings of course staff in 'spoiling' the surprise for future lucky/unlucky students).
 
Most of the things you suggested yourself should work. I tend to rub my snares in dirt to take any shine of and mask any smell with handling it. I read on a download on this site. It was tracking and stalking. That wood smoke helps too as it's not unfamiliar to them. There's some good Info there. Certainly worth a glance. People have told me rabbit droppings work fresh. Never tried it though myself
 
Freddy, I'm afraid it's a military course...

The bonus is that i will be paid to attend. Sometimes i have to pinch myself to realise what i am being paid to do. At other more miserable times, getting a few quid helps get me through!
 
So my question is basically: How can I make myself most comfortable for the week?

The obvious answer is........stay at home mate !!

Seriously though, surely you won't be pitched out without any preparation training or support.

If you know the area though, get down sooner and get some goodies cached about the place !!

Good luck :)
 
Put a bacon buttie into your bivvie, they will never know!


Timboggle has a very good point, stash some water and food around the palce! Then when on the course, run off into the woods and come back with a Mcdee's, tell them you carved it out of pine.
 
If you know the area though, get down sooner and get some goodies cached about the place !!

Good luck :)

Not sure where i'm going yet exactly, but in any respect- although there may be 'cheats' i could pull off- i'd get a greater sense of achievement at the end of the week if i'd done it the hard way!

I do love the idea of a burger carved out of pine though- a psychological boost, and wow, would it get the other course members green with envy if they saw me 'eating' it from a distance...
 
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