Are you looking to take things up a notch and really test yourself in the great outdoors? If so going on a survival adventure could be a great idea. If this is something that gets you excited, then here are some basic tips you need to adhere to.
1. WATER IS ALWAYS THE FIRST PRIORITY
You can survive in the wilderness for a couple of weeks with little food. However, you can only survive for a few days with no water.
Where I’m I going to find water? You should logically think about this question. Water will always look for the lowest spot, and this is due to gravity. The base of a mountain, ravine, or hill is a good place to look for water.
If you are in a desert, then you need to look around and see whether there is somewhere green. When there is green vegetation, it means there is water that feeds the plants. Green plants can also give you water.
Take a plastic bag then tightly tight it to a green tree limb then wait for the water to start condensing. Using this method can give you up to a third a cup of water in just one day.
Finding water will not be enough. The water should not be contaminated because it could kill you in a matter of days as a result of waterborne diseases. If you plan on venturing deep into the woods, then it is a good idea to carry along a good water purifier.
2. PACKING A SURVIVAL KIT
Water purification tablets or a water purifier should always be with you. There are many other supplies that you need to have in your kit if you want to survive in the wilderness. Some of them include;
Knife: After clean water, the most important thing you are going to need when in the wilderness is a good knife. A good knife should have;
- A fixed blade over a foldable blade
- A full tang, which means the metal part of your knife should be extending to the length of the handle
- A length of between 4-6 inches
- It is also a good idea to have a multi-tool knife or a genuine Swiss Army Knife so it can supplement the survival knife.
First Aid Items: You should always have a first aid kit when you are taking a trip to the wilderness, especially when it is longer than a few hours. The further you are from civilization, then the more robust the kit needs to be.
Make sure you have something you are going to use in treating a wound, which includes things such as gauze, athletic tape, antibacterial topical ointment, and tweezers. It is also a good idea to bring along an over-the-counter medication that can help with swelling and fever.
Make sure you bring with you sunscreen and lip balm if the area has intense sun. You need to customize first aid items based on the place you will be going and the personal medical issues you might have to deal with.
Fire Starting Equipment: Carrying small lighter is important, but you also need to have a couple of candles that you can use when the lighters are out of fluid. The easiest way to start a fire is by using flint and steel because it starts without the need for a lighter or matches.
Carry a flint and steel kit with you, which will include a char cloth and something to use as a tinder nest, like rope fibers. You need to store them in a waterproof container. Having a candle is a good idea because you can easily light them and then use them when starting a larger fire.
Emergency Blanket: this is also known as a solar blanket or space blanket, and it is a light-weight mylar cover that is effective in trapping body heat. If your sleeping bags the wet or needs more heat, the blanket becomes the perfect addition to your kit. You can also use it as a reflector single that lets a search party know where you are.
Maps and Compass: never get into the woods if you don’t have a map or compass. When you use these two items correctly, you can easily get back to civilization.
3. THINKING ABOUT THE FOOD SITUATION
If you have no water, then there is no need to eat because the food needs a lot of water for digestion. Once you have the water situation sorted out, you will need food. Hopefully, you have not gone deep inside the woods without any food on you. If you end up stranded or lost, it is important to start rationing your food and have a plan for getting more.
You might be tempted to eat some berries or leaves once you have gotten hungry. On average, an adult can be able to survive for about three weeks without any food. If there is a risk of being stuck in the wilderness for more than a couple of weeks without food, then you should not take the risk of eating.
Eating the wrong type of berries could end up being fatal because they can kill you faster than starvation.
There are some things you can eat with relative safety, and this includes grasshopper and some other insects. Ensure you have cooked these bugs properly because they can carry their bugs. Cooking will help in killing harmful parasites.
Remove the heads and wings of insects before eating them. You should not eat brightly colored insects or caterpillars because they tend to be poisonous.
4. STAYING WARM AND DRY
Hypothermia is more likely to kill you than starvation when in the wilderness. If you get lost, look for a safe and warm camp then wait for help to arrive instead of always being on the move. Hopefully, you have a tent, sleeping bag, and/or tarp. If you don’t have them, then use the knife to create a lean-to.
CONCLUSION: SURVIVAL IS NOT ABOUT FUN AND GAMES
Always keep in mind that wilderness survival is not a big adventure, although it might seem like it. When you are stranded or lost in the woods or going to the woods without any preparation, you will realize nothing is fun and this is when you need to utilise your get home bag to get you to safety.
So, when heading to the woods, make sure you are properly prepared. It is a good idea to have a survival kit even if you are going for a quick day hike. This ensures you are prepared for the worst-case scenario. A storm can come up, you could get lost, or you can get injured and have to wait for help. If you keep calm and have the survival kit above, then you will be able to survive.