A Long-Term Survival Guide - Make a Survival Staff

A Long-Term Survival Guide - Make A Survival Staff:

A Long-Term Survival Guide - Make A Survival Staff:

A hiking staff is useful when travelling on foot, because it helps you maintain your balance on A hiking staff is useful when travelling on foot, because it helps you maintain your balance on uneven ground, and when carrying a heavy pack. I like to make my own gear, so I came up with uneven ground, and when carrying a heavy pack. I like to make my own gear, so I came up with this design for a hollow survival staff, which has a

this design for a hollow survival staff, which has a few handy survival tools concealed inside.few handy survival tools concealed inside.

Tool number one is a spearhead, which hides inside the staff until needed. Tool number one is a spearhead, which hides inside the staff until needed. I chose bamboo for this example,

I chose bamboo for this example, because it is already hollow, looks attractive, can because it is already hollow, looks attractive, can be found in abe found in a variety of sizes, and I like bamboo. There

variety of sizes, and I like bamboo. There are other materials which can be uare other materials which can be used to make a similar sed to make a similar  staff, such as PVC pipe and metal electrical co

staff, such as PVC pipe and metal electrical conduit, so it is easy to modify this idea, as desired.nduit, so it is easy to modify this idea, as desired.

I like to make my own spearheads

I like to make my own spearheads and arrowheads from spade drill bits, by reshaping them and arrowheads from spade drill bits, by reshaping them on aon a  bench grinder. Having a v

 bench grinder. Having a variety of widths available allows you to choose one ariety of widths available allows you to choose one which fits insidewhich fits inside your staff easily. The spearhead is epoxied into a

your staff easily. The spearhead is epoxied into a wooden fore shaft, which is whittled to just fitwooden fore shaft, which is whittled to just fit into the end of the staff, with a tight friction fit. The double-ended version is easier to pull from the into the end of the staff, with a tight friction fit. The double-ended version is easier to pull from the shaft, and its longer length also doubles as a handle, allowing you to use the spearhead as a dagger. shaft, and its longer length also doubles as a handle, allowing you to use the spearhead as a dagger. The smaller plug fits flush in the end of

The smaller plug fits flush in the end of the staff, and is removed using the cothe staff, and is removed using the cord loop, but is harder rd loop, but is harder  to remove in a hurry, so if you p

Lashing the end of the

Lashing the end of the staff keeps the bamboo from splitting, when spearing a staff keeps the bamboo from splitting, when spearing a target.target. The outside of the staff is used to

The outside of the staff is used to store cordage, including fishing line, kite string, snare wire,store cordage, including fishing line, kite string, snare wire,  paracord, and small-diameter rope. Each section of bamboo between two nodes makes a natural  paracord, and small-diameter rope. Each section of bamboo between two nodes makes a natural  partition for winding cordage onto, and

 partition for winding cordage onto, and it will not slip off, because the joints flare out just a it will not slip off, because the joints flare out just a bit.bit. You can lash multiple layers of cordage o

You can lash multiple layers of cordage over each other, such as a ver each other, such as a layer of fishing line covered bylayer of fishing line covered by string, which is then covered by paracord.

string, which is then covered by paracord. I also prefer to add short lashings to the I also prefer to add short lashings to the ends of theends of the  bamboo staff, to help prevent splitting, which can

 bamboo staff, to help prevent splitting, which can happen due to repeated happen due to repeated impact stress.impact stress.

The inner node walls will have

The inner node walls will have to be drilled out, to make to be drilled out, to make room for the spear and tools.room for the spear and tools. For a staff of this type, a larger diameter provides more internal

For a staff of this type, a larger diameter provides more internal storage space, so it is best to usestorage space, so it is best to use the largest size that you can hold comfortably. A one inch inside diameter is about the minimum the largest size that you can hold comfortably. A one inch inside diameter is about the minimum size that you can store a va

size that you can store a variety of useful items within, and one and one riety of useful items within, and one and one half inches gives you a lothalf inches gives you a lot more possible storage options. Use a staff with too small a d

more possible storage options. Use a staff with too small a d iameter, and you may have to iameter, and you may have to use anuse an ice pick as your spear, and

ice pick as your spear, and store narrow items inside, like the flint from a magnesium firestarter.store narrow items inside, like the flint from a magnesium firestarter.

The flush-fitting plug looks nicer than the doub

The flush plug fore shaft shown here

The flush plug fore shaft shown here is not fully seated (so it is visible for the picture).is not fully seated (so it is visible for the picture).

Once the spear is concealed

Once the spear is concealed in the staff using the flush plug, the oin the staff using the flush plug, the only way to remove it is bynly way to remove it is by  pulling on the cordage loop,

 pulling on the cordage loop, which can be difficult, if the friction fit was made which can be difficult, if the friction fit was made too tight.too tight.

If you thought that the spearhead was

If you thought that the spearhead was too short for use against larger targets, such as bears, too short for use against larger targets, such as bears, youyou can make a longer spearhead from an extended spade drill bit; these are usually 16 inches long. can make a longer spearhead from an extended spade drill bit; these are usually 16 inches long. This style of spearhead makes the staff into a very effective

This style of spearhead makes the staff into a very effective weapon, with maximum penetration.weapon, with maximum penetration.

The 16 inch extended spearhead is nice, but the shaft can also be cut shorter, if desired. The 16 inch extended spearhead is nice, but the shaft can also be cut shorter, if desired.

To prevent your spear shaft from being driven

To prevent your spear shaft from being driven back through the wooden back through the wooden fore shaft, by repeatedfore shaft, by repeated impacts, you can add a small metal

impacts, you can add a small metal ring, called a shaft collar, which is ring, called a shaft collar, which is available at most hardwareavailable at most hardware stores. It clamps onto the spear shaft with an allen screw. These rings are also known as drill stops. stores. It clamps onto the spear shaft with an allen screw. These rings are also known as drill stops.

Close-up of shaft collar, showing how it is placed

Close-up of shaft collar, showing how it is placed on the spear shaft, against the plug.on the spear shaft, against the plug.

A staff made from a single length of bamboo

A staff made from a single length of bamboo, or other material, makes for the strongest hiking, or other material, makes for the strongest hiking stick, but you can also make

stick, but you can also make your staff from two or more sections, if you prefer. This example wasyour staff from two or more sections, if you prefer. This example was made using two sections, just to show one way of joining the two halves (using an internal plug). made using two sections, just to show one way of joining the two halves (using an internal plug). Bamboo canes tend to be

Bamboo canes tend to be slightly irregular; they are seldom perfectly straight, or perfectly round inslightly irregular; they are seldom perfectly straight, or perfectly round in cross-section. Wall thickness also varies considerably, even from one end

cross-section. Wall thickness also varies considerably, even from one end of a cane to the oof a cane to the other.ther. This can make finding a suitable

The internal plug connector is carefully whittled down,

The internal plug connector is carefully whittled down, to fit snugly in the ends of the to fit snugly in the ends of the sections.sections.

When fitted correctly, the staff sections completely cover the internal connecting plug. When fitted correctly, the staff sections completely cover the internal connecting plug.

The easiest way to lock the sections together,

The easiest way to lock the sections together, is by pinning them to the internal pis by pinning them to the internal plug. If sectionslug. If sections are not perfectly straight, twist them around for best alignment, before d

are not perfectly straight, twist them around for best alignment, before d rilling and pinning them.rilling and pinning them.

I like to use allen wrenches as my locking pins, and then lash them in place with cordage. I like to use allen wrenches as my locking pins, and then lash them in place with cordage. There are other ways to join staff sections, such as b

There are other ways to join staff sections, such as b y using epoxy to glue threaded y using epoxy to glue threaded copper pipecopper pipe connectors to the ends, so that the

connectors to the ends, so that the sections can be screwed together, sections can be screwed together, but I prefer to use the pins.but I prefer to use the pins. You don’t have to use allen wrenches either; pins can be made from wire, wood or bamboo, or the You don’t have to use allen wrenches either; pins can be made from wire, wood or bamboo, or the sections and plug can be drilled all the way through, and lashed through the holes with cordage. sections and plug can be drilled all the way through, and lashed through the holes with cordage. Similar pins can be used to fasten the

Here one of the allen wrench pins has been secured in place, using a paracord lashing. Here one of the allen wrench pins has been secured in place, using a paracord lashing.

The completed joint, showing the

The completed joint, showing the allen wrench lashings, and the small lashings at allen wrench lashings, and the small lashings at the ends.the ends.

Another useful staff tool is this slender saw, which is made

Another useful staff tool is this slender saw, which is made from a narrow sawzall blade.from a narrow sawzall blade.

This saw is easily made, by cutting a slot in on

This saw is easily made, by cutting a slot in on e end of the dowel e end of the dowel handle for the saw blade, drillinghandle for the saw blade, drilling a second hole in the base of the saw blade (so that two screws can be used), whittling the dowel a second hole in the base of the saw blade (so that two screws can be used), whittling the dowel end down enough so

end down enough so that a copper pipe fitting will fit over the that a copper pipe fitting will fit over the screws, and then assembling. Youscrews, and then assembling. You can also use epoxy. Of cou

can also use epoxy. Of course the handle must be slender erse the handle must be slender enough to fit into the staff storage cavity.nough to fit into the staff storage cavity. For efficient use of space, the saw blade

For efficient use of space, the saw blade and spearhead can and spearhead can be arranged to overlap, inside the be arranged to overlap, inside the staff.staff. I used a wood pruning b

Other tools: Any small knife, whose profile is slender enough to

Other tools: Any small knife, whose profile is slender enough to fit into your staff, makes a goodfit into your staff, makes a good addition to your staff tools (knives can be reshaped,

addition to your staff tools (knives can be reshaped, or re-handled, to fit better, if desired).or re-handled, to fit better, if desired). Plastic match safes can be stored in the staff, if it is large

Plastic match safes can be stored in the staff, if it is large enough, and they can enough, and they can contain small butcontain small but useful survival items, such as fish hooks and sinkers, sewing ne

useful survival items, such as fish hooks and sinkers, sewing ne edles, medication, or even matches.edles, medication, or even matches. Other items that you could add to

Other items that you could add to your staff tools include a cigarette lighter or other small fireyour staff tools include a cigarette lighter or other small fire starter, an LED penlight, a button compass

starter, an LED penlight, a button compass (or zipper-pull compass), and a loud signaling whistle.(or zipper-pull compass), and a loud signaling whistle.

Sixteen inch speedbor spade drill bit, and

Sixteen inch speedbor spade drill bit, and twelve inch drill bit extension.twelve inch drill bit extension. One easy way to remove the interior partitions found

One easy way to remove the interior partitions found at each bamboo joint is by drilling them at each bamboo joint is by drilling them out,out, using an extended drill bit, like the one used to make the long spearhead. The drill bit can be made using an extended drill bit, like the one used to make the long spearhead. The drill bit can be made even longer, using standard drill bit extensions. Partitions can also b

even longer, using standard drill bit extensions. Partitions can also b e knocked out, or e knocked out, or punched out,punched out, using a long stick, pipe, or smaller bamboo pole, and a hammer (or hammer stone). Sandpaper can using a long stick, pipe, or smaller bamboo pole, and a hammer (or hammer stone). Sandpaper can  be glued onto a

Other Weapons: Historically, staffs and canes have often been

Other Weapons: Historically, staffs and canes have often been used to conceal swords and used to conceal swords and other other  weapons. A six foot staff could contain a

weapons. A six foot staff could contain a three foot sword, while still having room for other tools.three foot sword, while still having room for other tools. Small blowguns, and homemade single-shot firearms (zip guns) are some other

Small blowguns, and homemade single-shot firearms (zip guns) are some other possible choices.possible choices. Part of the fun of the survival staff idea is customizing your o

Part of the fun of the survival staff idea is customizing your o wn staff, to hold the tools you want.wn staff, to hold the tools you want.

Weighted Chain: A flexible weapon, such as this chain with a metal weight on each end, is another  Weighted Chain: A flexible weapon, such as this chain with a metal weight on each end, is another  item that can be stored in a survival staff. This weapon can also be secured to one end of the staff, item that can be stored in a survival staff. This weapon can also be secured to one end of the staff, so that it slides out when needed,

so that it slides out when needed, and the staff becomes a mace and the staff becomes a mace and chain. This is done and chain. This is done by fittingby fitting the chain through a plug with a hole in the center, which lets the chain slide through, but not the the chain through a plug with a hole in the center, which lets the chain slide through, but not the weights on each end. The plug is secured in place, allowing the chain to be whipped out quickly. weights on each end. The plug is secured in place, allowing the chain to be whipped out quickly.

Other Ideas: You can secure one

Other Ideas: You can secure one or more small pouches to the outside oor more small pouches to the outside of your survival staff, tof your survival staff, to increase carrying capacity, if you wish. I like to lash a

increase carrying capacity, if you wish. I like to lash a small knife to the outside of my staff, andsmall knife to the outside of my staff, and keep a second one

keep a second one stored inside, as well. Small items, and flat items (such as hackstored inside, as well. Small items, and flat items (such as hack saw blades) cansaw blades) can also be tied to the outside of

also be tied to the outside of the staff, and then covered the staff, and then covered by a layer of cordage lashings. It is evenby a layer of cordage lashings. It is even  possible to take a thin nylon poncho, wrap it around the staff, and then cover it with cordage. The  possible to take a thin nylon poncho, wrap it around the staff, and then cover it with cordage. The  poncho serves as rain gear, and a minimal shelter (the poncho bivy). You can do the same thing  poncho serves as rain gear, and a minimal shelter (the poncho bivy). You can do the same thing with a mylar space blanket, or space blanket sleeping bag, but the nylon poncho is more durable. with a mylar space blanket, or space blanket sleeping bag, but the nylon poncho is more durable.

Torch Staff: A small oil lamp can be made

Torch Staff: A small oil lamp can be made from pipe fittings, or a copper stubout, and from pipe fittings, or a copper stubout, and a fiberglassa fiberglass wick from a tiki torch. This little lamp can be

wick from a tiki torch. This little lamp can be mounted on the end mounted on the end of your staff, for a light source,of your staff, for a light source, and it can also be

and it can also be used to help get a used to help get a campfire started, if your firewood is damp from recent rains.campfire started, if your firewood is damp from recent rains. Hydration Staff: Bamboo sections are natural containers, and they have

Hydration Staff: Bamboo sections are natural containers, and they have been used as canteens,been used as canteens, cups, and cooking pots for

cups, and cooking pots for centuries. Part (or all) of the interior of your survival staff can be usedcenturies. Part (or all) of the interior of your survival staff can be used for carrying water, either using the natural bamboo, o

for carrying water, either using the natural bamboo, o r by lining the staff with plastic water pipe.r by lining the staff with plastic water pipe. To use natural bamboo, drill a

To use natural bamboo, drill a hole in the top end, hole in the top end, then use a stick to knock then use a stick to knock out any partitions thatout any partitions that need to be removed. Bamboo has a thin, paper-like lining inside, which has to be removed. One need to be removed. Bamboo has a thin, paper-like lining inside, which has to be removed. One way to do this is by putting some sand

way to do this is by putting some sand and water in the bamboo, and water in the bamboo, and shaking it to sand and shaking it to sand away thisaway this lining. Once the interior is clean, your water co

lining. Once the interior is clean, your water co ntainer can be filled and ntainer can be filled and corked. Natural containerscorked. Natural containers may give water an unusual taste, but

may give water an unusual taste, but bamboo is perfectly safe to drink from. Plastic pipe can bamboo is perfectly safe to drink from. Plastic pipe can bebe capped, plugged, or sealed with silicone caulking on the bottom. The top can be fitted with a capped, plugged, or sealed with silicone caulking on the bottom. The top can be fitted with a threaded plug or cap, or just a large cork, or wooden plug. The top can also be drilled, so that a threaded plug or cap, or just a large cork, or wooden plug. The top can also be drilled, so that a drinking tube can be used.

drinking tube can be used.

A six foot staff could hold as much

A six foot staff could hold as much as a gallon of water, if it is as a gallon of water, if it is large enough in diameter, and large enough in diameter, and oneone gallon of water weighs eight pounds. This may seem like a lot of extra weight to carry, but it gallon of water weighs eight pounds. This may seem like a lot of extra weight to carry, but it should be a priority in arid and de

should be a priority in arid and desert environments. Also, your staff will get lighter every timesert environments. Also, your staff will get lighter every time you take a drink. You can

you take a drink. You can also use just a portion of your staff for water storage, also use just a portion of your staff for water storage, or carry it partiallyor carry it partially full. Plastic tubing can be used as a straw, to make drinking from the staff easier.

full. Plastic tubing can be used as a straw, to make drinking from the staff easier.

The survival staff is a simple idea, but it can come in handy while on the trail. If you customize The survival staff is a simple idea, but it can come in handy while on the trail. If you customize your own staff to suit your personal preferences, you can

your own staff to suit your personal preferences, you can have a hiking companion have a hiking companion that you canthat you can depend on, when you need it the most. Just be careful not to break any concealed weapons laws. depend on, when you need it the most. Just be careful not to break any concealed weapons laws.