This year I’m planning on doing another survival trip. I’d like your help in making some realistic plans. My brother has already told me he wants to go, but aside from being resourceful, he doesn’t have much experience with survival skills.

Essentially I’m looking for your advice on:

What type of scenario I should try to simulate?

How many days should I go for?

What gear should I take with me?

Should I self-rescue?

I’m looking to practice and learn new skills and I think this is the best way to do it. I always bring a GPS Spot messenger for these types of trips as well as some emergency gear that I’m not allowed to touch unless it’s a real emergency. I have a wife and 4 kids to look after so I have to mitigate risks.

Last years trip was Spring in the Canadian forests. I went out for 3 days (2 nights) to a mountain lake where temperatures dropped to freezing at night. This year we’ll be going out in Summer, but from there I’m open.

Here are the highlights and below them is the actual series. Please leave your comments and ideas below so we can work this out.

Spring Survival Canadian Forests