Outdoor Fundamentals: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Watch Outdoor Fundamentals: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe

  • 2019
  • 1 Season

Outdoor Fundamentals: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe is a comprehensive course that covers all the essentials for staying safe and prepared while enjoying the great outdoors. Presented by Elizabeth K. Andre, an experienced wilderness instructor and author, the course is part of The Great Courses Signature Collection.

Over the course of 12 lectures, Elizabeth covers a wide range of topics, from selecting the right gear to handling emergencies in the field. Each lecture is engaging and informative, providing viewers with practical tips and advice that they can use right away. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, Outdoor Fundamentals is an invaluable resource that will help you stay safe and enjoy your time in nature.

The first lecture provides an overview of the course and sets the stage for the rest of the series. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of being prepared and knowing what to expect when you're heading into the wilderness. She covers the basic gear that every hiker should have, such as a backpack, water bottles, and appropriate footwear. She also discusses the importance of proper clothing and how to choose clothing that will keep you comfortable and safe in a variety of weather conditions.

In subsequent lectures, Elizabeth dives deeper into the specific skills and knowledge that are needed to enjoy the outdoors safely. She covers topics such as navigation, first aid, and shelter building. Each lecture includes practical demonstrations and helpful tips that viewers can easily follow along with.

One notable lecture in the series is "Surviving a Night Out," which focuses on what to do if you find yourself stranded in the wilderness overnight. Elizabeth walks viewers through the steps they should take to stay warm, find shelter, and signal for help. She also discusses the importance of staying calm and conserving resources in a survival situation.

Another standout lecture is "Hazards in the Wilderness," which covers common hazards that hikers and campers may encounter. Elizabeth discusses how to identify and avoid dangerous animals, such as bears and snakes, as well as how to handle medical emergencies in the field.

Throughout the series, Elizabeth stresses the importance of being responsible and respectful in the wilderness. She teaches viewers about Leave No Trace principles and how to minimize their impact on the environment. She also emphasizes the importance of being considerate of other hikers and campers.

In addition to the lectures, the course includes helpful bonus materials, such as a comprehensive gear list and a guide to essential knots. There are also quizzes at the end of each lecture to help viewers test their knowledge and reinforce what they have learned.

Overall, Outdoor Fundamentals: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe is an excellent resource for anyone who enjoys spending time in the outdoors. Elizabeth K. Andre is an engaging and knowledgeable instructor, and the course is well-organized and informative. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, this course will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to safely explore the natural world.

Outdoor Fundamentals: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (24 episodes). The series first aired on July 19, 2019.

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Seasons
Connecting to the Wild within You
24. Connecting to the Wild within You
July 19, 2019
Preparation and caution are important for venturing into the wild, but your outdoor experience is about more than following a checklist and staying hydrated. Whether on water or land, getting outdoors can be breath-taking, as this final episode makes clear. Now, get ready for your own next adventure!
Maintaining and Repairing Your Gear
23. Maintaining and Repairing Your Gear
July 19, 2019
The right gear makes all the difference in the wild, but only if you take care of it between expeditions. Even the most avid outdoor enthusiasts may neglect to wash their sleeping bags or shake out their tents after a long stint in the bush. Here, Professor Andre offers a checklist of common gear ailments and how to prevent them.
Navigating with a Compass
22. Navigating with a Compass
July 19, 2019
A compass is one of the most useful tools on the trip, but only if you know how to use it. See how to get your bearings and travel off trail or over open water with the aid of a compass. Then, travel with Professor Andre to the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota to practice your navigation skills.
What to Do When You're Lost
21. What to Do When You're Lost
July 19, 2019
Getting lost is one of the easiest things to do in the backcountry. Perhaps you wander off the trail to gather firewood, or perhaps you stop paying attention to your map and compass. Whatever the reason, you find yourself lost. What should you do? Keep moving? Call for help? Build a shelter? Learn what to do (and what not to do) in this insightful episode.
Wilderness First Aid: Nonemergency Care
20. Wilderness First Aid: Nonemergency Care
January 1, 1970
Continue your study of wilderness first aid with a look beyond the
Wilderness First Aid: Handling Emergencies
19. Wilderness First Aid: Handling Emergencies
July 19, 2019
It's a good idea for everyone to have at least a basic understanding of wilderness first aid. The wait-and-see approach we might take in the front country could be deadly in the backcountry. In this first of two episodes, learn about first aid for the big three: circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems
Hygiene on a Camping Trip
18. Hygiene on a Camping Trip
July 19, 2019
Germs exist in the wild same as they do in civilization, but without running hot water it can be a challenge to keep yourself clean. From shoes to camp soap to disposable wipes, see what gear you can bring and what steps you should take to mitigate the spread of disease. Your body, and your camp mates, will thank you.
Minimizing Your Impact on the Wilderness
17. Minimizing Your Impact on the Wilderness
July 19, 2019
Nothing spoils an outdoor adventure faster than stumbling onto a messy campsite or a vandalized forest. Minimizing your impact in the backcountry is part of an unwritten code of courtesy for enjoying the wild. Learn the major principles for being a good steward of the wilderness.
Outdoor Menu Planning and Cooking
16. Outdoor Menu Planning and Cooking
July 19, 2019
Humans survived for millennia without refrigeration, but enjoying a good meal on the trail requires a few adjustments to our modern lifestyle. You'll want to triangulate your daily calorie needs, the weight of your gear, and the taste of your food. Examine the range of options available for your next trip to the wild.
Safe Drinking Water in the Wilderness
15. Safe Drinking Water in the Wilderness
July 19, 2019
If you're out in the backcountry for more than a day, you're going to need to treat water to make it safe for drinking by removing sediment, bacteria, and other microorganisms that might make you sick. Reflect on your different options for filtering or purifying water, from boiling to chemical treatments, and the pros and cons of each.
Building a Campfire
14. Building a Campfire
July 19, 2019
Storytelling by a campfire is one of life's most enjoyable activities, and it's as old as humanity itself. But building a good fire can separate the amateurs from the pros at the campsite. From gathering tinder to establishing a bed of coals, see what it takes to construct a good fire in the wild.
Outdoor Kitchen Setup and Safety
13. Outdoor Kitchen Setup and Safety
July 19, 2019
Your campsite might not be a gourmet kitchen with all the amenities, but with a few adjustments to your cooking regimen, you can cook some amazing meals outdoors. Survey the best way to set up your campsite kitchen, the basics of stove safety, and how to keep your hands and dishes clean.
Selecting a Campsite and Pitching Shelter
12. Selecting a Campsite and Pitching Shelter
July 19, 2019
As anyone who does it regularly knows, camping is fun. But to make the most of it, you'll want to set up a good campsite. Find out what makes a good campsite and how to set up a tarp or tent to keep you dry and cozy. This episode comes with a special bonus instruction on tying knots to help you secure a tarp.
How Emotions Affect Your Decision Making
11. How Emotions Affect Your Decision Making
July 19, 2019
Life might be much simpler if we were all rational beings who always made highly calculated decisions. Alas, humans are emotional beings, and we make many of our most important decisions by feel rather than by thought. Learn to make better decisions by examining your emotions at play in the great outdoors.
Assessing and Managing Risk in the Outdoors
10. Assessing and Managing Risk in the Outdoors
July 19, 2019
Risk management affects every aspect of our lives, but it's especially critical when you don't have instant access to shelter, medical supplies, and 911. Unpack the nature and likelihood of various risks in the outdoors, as well as our own cognitive biases, so you can make better (and safer) decisions on the trail and off
Navigating with Topographic Maps
9. Navigating with Topographic Maps
July 19, 2019
Topographic maps tell you a great deal about the terrain, details that don't much matter in the civilized world. Professor Andre teaches you how to read these helpful maps, and then she shows you how to use a compass in sync with your topographic map. With a little practice on the trail or on the river, you may never get lost again
Introduction to Navigation
8. Introduction to Navigation
July 19, 2019
For most of us accustomed to GPS directions and well-marked streets, it can be frighteningly easy to get lost in the woods. In this episode, engage your senses (sight, sound, smell, and feel) to build mental maps of your surroundings. Find out how to measure time and distance on the trail.
Weather Forecasting and Moon Phases
7. Weather Forecasting and Moon Phases
July 19, 2019
Cold fronts and warm fronts are more than meteorological mumbo jumbo. With a little training, you can look at cloud patterns, know whether rain is on the way, and what type of storm to expect. As you dig into the fascinating world of weather patterns, you'll learn how to survive lightning, floods, tornadoes, and more.
Basics for Wilderness Safety
6. Basics for Wilderness Safety
July 19, 2019
Lions, tigers, and bears ... well, your wilderness adventure might not bring you in contact with a tiger, but plenty of other risks abound, from snakes to stinging insects to, yes, black bears and mountain lions. See what it takes to stay safe on the trail, and how to stay healthy while you're off the grid.
Clothing and Footwear for Outdoor Adventure
5. Clothing and Footwear for Outdoor Adventure
July 19, 2019
Investigate the world of shell layers, synthetic materials, insulation, and ankle support to help you maintain a comfortable body temperature, manage moisture, and protect your skin. Whether it's a multi-day snow hike or car camping in the desert, Professor Andre shows you how to select just the right clothing and footwear for your next outdoor excursion.
Campcraft: Selecting and Organizing Gear
4. Campcraft: Selecting and Organizing Gear
July 19, 2019
You don't have to spend much time with outdoor enthusiasts to learn it's all about the gear. From high-tech creature comforts to lightweight innovations, there's no shortage of ways to outfit your next overnight. What do you really need? How do you balance weight versus convenience? Start building your system of gear in this practical episode.
Canoe or Sea-Kayak Camping
3. Canoe or Sea-Kayak Camping
July 19, 2019
Glide into the backcountry or open ocean in style! Paddling is one of the most serene ways to enjoy the natural world, but there are a few perils that come with canoeing or kayaking. From battling waves and weather to staying warm in cool waters, learn how to take on the world's oceans, lakes, and rivers.
Backpacking and Trip Planning
2. Backpacking and Trip Planning
July 19, 2019
A backpacking trip can be profoundly enjoyable, provided you plan ahead and pack a few necessities (and leave a few non-essentials at home). Learn how to stay hydrated, eat well, take care of your skin, and protect your feet on the trail. Gain a few safety tips for traveling in a group.
The Call of the Wild
1. The Call of the Wild
July 19, 2019
We often think of roughing it in the outdoors, or testing our mettle against the forces of nature and depriving ourselves of creature comforts. But it doesn't have to be that way. In this introductory episode, explore some of the many reasons to venture into the great outdoors. Find out how, instead of roughing it, you can smooth it. #Better Living
Description
Where to Watch Outdoor Fundamentals: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe
Outdoor Fundamentals: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe is available for streaming on the The Great Courses Signature Collection website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Outdoor Fundamentals: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Amazon and Hoopla.
  • Premiere Date
    July 19, 2019