Backtracks - Keeping Traditions Alive

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Backtracks - Keeping Traditions Alive Keeping Traditions Alive! Backtracks hosts events (Woodsmoke, Homespun and Rabbitstick) and workshop

Backtracks has long been one of the leaders in the preservation of primitive and traditional skills in our modern times. Traditions are kept the way they should be, by handing them down from teacher to student in an informal way. In addition to primitive skills, Backtracks also fosters the instruction of classic camping, bushcraft, survival and self-relaince skills. Backtracks supports the idea of creating a relationship with technology that will free rather than oppress us as a a culture.

It's hard to predict what turns one might encounter along life's trail. It's even harder to see someone else struggle an...
09/01/2026

It's hard to predict what turns one might encounter along life's trail. It's even harder to see someone else struggle and fall as they travel a parallel trail, and not be able to help. Shane will be missed by everyone who knew him.
When my buddy Steve Watts passed away I sent out a dispatch to friends with this quote as the lead - "On the death of a friend, we should consider that the fates through confidence have devolved on us the task of a double living, that we have henceforth to fulfill the promise of our friend’s life also, in or own, to the world". Henry David Thoreau, Feb 28, 1840
I've been working to do that for over 10 years and I'm still at it everyday. We all have a new mission, my friends.

We're in countdown mode. Any instructors who haven't posted your classes on the schedule yet, would you do that ASAP? Se...
08/28/2026

We're in countdown mode. Any instructors who haven't posted your classes on the schedule yet, would you do that ASAP? See ya'll soon. You may want to pack your Wellies and sunscreen.

08/15/2026

Just blocked what we think is a scammer on Rabbitstick Gathering FB page. WE don't sell "tickets." You pay for a registration tuition. Be careful about buying from resellers. Contact the Backtracks office if you have questions. Please help us distinguish what we do from other events - we don't sell tickets.

08/10/2026

We were just notified that Bob "Atlatl Bob" Perkins passed away on July 30, 2026.

I can't believe we're at it again already. It's Roll-Call time again for all Rabbitstick staff - https://www.rabbitstick...
06/14/2026

I can't believe we're at it again already. It's Roll-Call time again for all Rabbitstick staff - https://www.rabbitstick.com/meet-our-staff. Check your email for our 2026 staff letter and updates. Give us an RSVP and let us know your plans. Also, for anyone that might be interested, check out the history of Rabbitstick and Woodsmoke at woodsmokeusa.com.

Check out https://www.woodsmokeusa.com/ We have completely overhauled the site and created an archive of Watts & Wescott...
03/31/2026

Check out https://www.woodsmokeusa.com/ We have completely overhauled the site and created an archive of Watts & Wescott materials, classic and traditional camping tutorials, a history of the Rabbit Stick and Woodsmoke brands, an archive of the old Woodsmoke magazines and several research projects. There's also the "Definitions Project" - Who we are and why we do it. Chock full of cool info from the files. NOTE: If you use information from this source, please have the courtesy to credit where you got it.

We're sad to let everyone know about the passing of our friend and colleague Bob Kitch. Bob was passionate about primiti...
01/29/2026

We're sad to let everyone know about the passing of our friend and colleague Bob Kitch. Bob was passionate about primitive technology and shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for the skills whenever and wherever he could. He and Gayle have been extremely generous with the skills community through the sharing of both their time and treasure. He will be missed. Our thoughts go out to Gayle at this sad time.

Here's a chance to be taught by someone who actually knows and cares about what they're talking about. Hands-on teaching...
10/30/2025

Here's a chance to be taught by someone who actually knows and cares about what they're talking about. Hands-on teaching, no YouTube here. Support Myron by helping to fill his upcoming class.

This is from MIke's family. Cards and memories are encouraged and can be sent to his brother, Jim Foltmer and his nephe...
08/31/2025

This is from MIke's family. Cards and memories are encouraged and can be sent to his brother, Jim Foltmer and his nephew, Tristan Foltmer at: 3501 Wadsworth Blvd., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Last night we were shocked to learn of the passing of our friend, teacher and craftsman, Mike Foltmer. He was at home re...
08/31/2025

Last night we were shocked to learn of the passing of our friend, teacher and craftsman, Mike Foltmer. He was at home recovering from surgery that he had in early August for a tumor on his back. Mike was highly respected in his field for his knowledge and attention to accuracy, which was surpassed only by his generosity and willingness to share that knowledge with others. He will be missed.

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Rexburg, ID
83440

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+12083592400

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