Based on a true story, Oscar-tipped The Revenant (out 15 January) sees Leonardo DiCaprio as an 1820s fur trapper, taking on the Badlands of North America in a dark tale of endurance and revenge. Wilderness and history advisor, Clay Landry, put actors through their paces at a boot camp in the Canadian Rockies, designed to give an insight into the life of a trapper and to hone their survivalist instincts. Here are Clay’s top tips:
USE THE FOREST TO MAKE FIRE Choose dry materials that won’t create a lot of smoke in a shelter, and will burn readily. ‘As well as branches, some mosses are really good, as well as birds’ nests and different types of bark.’
SQUEEZE SAP INTO SCRAPES AND CUTS ‘Spruce sap is medicinal because of its turpentine. You can also make a poultice using the bark of a willow tree, which has the same ingredient in it as aspirin.’
GET HANDY WITH A TOMAHAWK This hand-held hatchet can be used to cut small saplings and frewood, or as a weapon. Throwing it was also a game of skill for mountain men. ‘Leo was a natural – he hit the target very quickly.’