10 TIPS FOR WILDERNESS SURVIVAL
Communication is KeySometimes we forget how
easy we have it. Amid our crazy life schedules we tend to take for granted that
purified bottle of water when thirsty, or the push of a button to light a fire.
But it’s important to remember that in the blink of an eye, it can all be gone.
The unexpected happens you get in an accident or lose your way; now, it’s just
you and the wilderness with no ties to civilization. Here are ten basic
survival tips to get you prepared- just in case.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY
Please please please tell someone where you are
going before you set off for a trip. No matter where you go, even if you end up
stranded unexpectedly, you started from somewhere in civilization. Tell close
friends and family where you are going and if you have a specific route or
amount of time you will be gone.
KEEP YOUR HEAD ON
Now is the time to be calm and think positive. It
doesn’t sound like much, but optimism goes a long way, and in a survival
situation, it starts with you, your attitude and your will no matter how scared
and alone you may feel. First, keep a realistic outlook and diligently plan to
keep yourself in the best possible physical and mental state. If something
isn’t working out, like building a fire or shelter, don’t rush, because that
can lead to panic. Stop, breathe and think about what you need, observe your
surroundings and organize a new plan.
TAKE INVENTORY
Keep everything you’ve got, because the second
plans go south, these items will become your most prized possessions and could
save your life. Don’t underestimate the worthiness of even the smallest knick
knack-inn Gary Paulson’s classic, The Hatchet, Brian Robeson used his shoe lace
to make a nifty bow and arrow for survival!
Build a ShelterBUILD A SHELTER
It’s time to get creative. Familiarize yourself
with how to build a lean-to; there are various types of shelters you can build
and each has different pros and cons. Obviously you want overhead covering for
warmth at night and protection from the elements. If you are in rocky,
mountainous terrain, look for overhangs. Otherwise, use limbs and leaves or
anything that can provide insulation. Pine needles usually blanket the ground
in thick batches, excellent for bedding.
AGUA POR FAVOR
Your body will not last more than three days
without water. If you are lucky enough to be near a body of freshwater – good
for you, just make sure to boil before quenching your thirst. No water in
sight? Continue your search and construct a rain catcher or water still.
KEEP THAT BELLY HAPPY
Things can get frustrating when it comes to
finding adequate sources of food when you are in survival mode, especially
since malnutrition will work you mentally and physically, making you feel weak,
cranky and delirious. It’s a good idea to get familiar with edible wild berries
and plants for future reference when out in the wild. Also, it’s time to grow
up and banish the word “picky” from your
vocabulary. When it comes to survival, embrace anything and everything
(carefully) including bugs, eggs, fruit, leaves. Learn to build some simple
traps to catch small animals and don’t rely on just one single food source. Protein
is important for strength; know what various nutrients your body needs for
prime sustainability.
LIGHT THAT FIRE
Those glowing red flames provide light, cooked
food, warmth and protection from predators and pesky bugs. Here are a few tried
and true techniques for conjuring that mighty blaze:
Fire Plow
Bow and Drill
Lens Method
Fire from Ice
Soda Can and Chocolate
ONE WORD: TOOL
Keep a pocket knife, or multi-tool with you at
all times, because you never know when you will need it- and when you do need
it, you will rejoice that you have something to cut, protect and prepare food-
even if all you have is a crappy, little knife. Now just learn how to sharpen
it like MacGuyver.
H-E-L-P
Survival is your first priority, but don’t
forget- you need to get rescued as well. Come up with an action plan in case a
plane flies overhead or there are are search parties nearby. You’ve seen it in
the movies – prepare a giant, easily visible fire pit out in the open or lay
out stones in the pattern of HELP or S.O.S. You can also use any shiny,
metallic object for reflection purposes.
NAVIGATION
It’s a good idea to have a compass with you at
all times, but if not then what? Get old school and use the stars– it’s a lot
easier than you think. Also, keep note of rivers, paths or mountains- following
these can lead to roads and civilization.
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