Has anyone tried the BOSS survivial courses?

Clark84 · Coal Joined: Oct 07, 2007 Posts: 10

By doing some searches on google I found that Boss is the most experienced in survival courses. However, the man who died not too long ago due to dehydration raises a red flag. This was on a field course, not a skills course, if it makes any difference.

These courses have little to do with peak oil planning, but I figured someone on this forum might be able to shed some light on this survival company. I'm particularly interested in the Desert Astronomer course. I would assume I could use the Astronomer skills in Utah as well in the upper Midwest.

seahorse · Expert Joined: Oct 15, 2004 Posts: 2081 Location: Arkansas

Hey Clark,

I've been on 4 of their courses, Skills 1 and 2, 14 day field course, and the 14 day hunter gatherer. You will learn a lot and I feel the courses are well worth taking. However, as you point out, a guy did die recently from heat stroke. This was the second death in 30 years on Boss courses (first died after a course from catching bubonic plague). So, overall a good safety record considering the very extremes of the courses. You do need to be in good physical shape before going (not on the skills courses) but certainly for the field courses. My favorite was the 14 day field course.

Hope this helps.

Clark84 · Coal Joined: Oct 07, 2007 Posts: 10

Did you find it strange when you weren't allowed to carry water in the Utah desert during the summer hiking 20-30 miles a day? I didn't find BOSS operating outside of a desert setting, which is unfortunate. Maybe my google-fu is weak, but I can't find any reputable wilderness courses in the upper Midwest.

seahorse · Expert Joined: Oct 15, 2004 Posts: 2081 Location: Arkansas

Clark,

I've never been able to find any real good courses elsewhere either. There is a former BOSS instructor that now runs his own school in Arizona, his first name is Cody. I can't remember his last name. There is water to be found in those canyons. You normally don't walk 20 or 30 miles a day, although in the heat and with little water it may feel like it. You'll enjoy it if you go. It will be worthwhile. I strongly recommend the courses.

seldom_seen · Light Sweet Crude Joined: Apr 12, 2005 Posts: 1945

I haven't been to BOSS, but I've spent time in the Escalante. I love that place. I came across a BOSS class once on the Hole in the rock road.

When I read about the dude that died I it sounded like he was in "boot camp" versus a "survival" course. I don't know what kind of person would go marching across the desert in the midday sun in a survival situation.

Like the animals, you would move about at dusk or dawn. Or even the night. I hiked 17 miles across the escalante at night. I could have never done that during the day. Some people are more acclimated to the desert than I am though.

PrairieMule

seahorse · Expert Joined: Oct 15, 2004 Posts: 2081 Location: Arkansas

Hey Prairiemule,

That's him. I've talked to him about one of his courses, but, they are so similar to the BOSS courses (former instructor operating in the same US desert), that, if I do another course, I will try to pick somewhere up north maybe, Canada or Alaska. But, no doubt in my mind a course by Cody would be top notch.