If a blister forms you should drain it right away by lancing or popping it. Modern medical doctors frown on this practice. A blister forms to protect the flesh from a source of irritation. Popping a blister can just lead to more irritation and if not properly done, can lead to blood poisoning. What is the best advice? Protect the affected area with moleskin or bandages and identify what is causing the blister in the first place and remedy. Blisters that break on their own should be drained, cleaned and protected.
If you are caught in a thunderstorm, lie flat on the ground. About fifteen years ago this was no longer considered the best way to protect yourself in a lightning storm. By lying flat on the ground you increase your exposure if there is a near hit. Lightning can follow tree roots for significant distances. So what should you do? Crouch on top of your pack in a ball with only your feet making contact. This limits your exposure if there is a near hit. If you are hiking in a group spread out at least twenty feet apart.
Rubbing snow on frostbite will help make it go away. We really don't understand how anyone can think this is helpful. Rubbing snow on an area affected by frostbite will only cause more damage to the tissue. How do you handle frostbite? Immerse the area in warm water, hold under your armpits or in your groin, wrap in blankets warmed with hot water bottles and limit movement of the injured area.
If you're going to make a fire, dig a fire pit and rake the ground bare for ten feet around to prevent a forest fire. On paper this seems like really sound advice. The problem was in popular camping areas a lot of holes were being dug and a lot of forest floor was being torn up. If the campsite you are using doesn't have a fire pit, ring or grate, you probably shouldn't be building a fire at all.
You can start a fire by rubbing two sticks together. Although it is possible, have you ever tried it? For most people the best they can do is to get some smoke to come off of one of the sticks before becoming exhausted. It takes a lot of friction to make a flame. Your best bet is don't get caught without matches and carry a fire starting kit. The Boy Scouts of America make an excellent flint and steel kit. At finer outdoor stores you can also find magnesium kits that allow you to shave off slivers of the flammable metal and use a flint and steel to ignite it. Even using these matchless techniques requires a lot of practice.
Canoe
