The Ultimate Outdoor Wilderness Survival Guide
Camping is one of the best ways to keep your adrenaline pumping. However, it can be hazardous without the help of survival skills.
Importance Of Survival Skills
You need to know what to do and be aware of all the dangers you might face, and having the right tools can be a huge help. It’s imperative to be prepared both mentally and physically. It won’t matter if you know what steps to take when you face a particular risk if you don’t have the right gear for the task. You need to educate yourself and take the time out to research.
Many widely acclaimed survival experts recommend it on a high priority that you should always keep an emergency kit with you. This kit should be filled with the necessary equipment to help you in different circumstances.
When you’re out in the woods, and you get hurt somehow, if you don’t treat your injury, it can lead to a bigger problem. You may have difficulty in walking due to your wound. Similarly, there are many instances where these items can come in use. You need to prepare yourself accordingly.
Just like tools are essential, it’s also crucial that you know how to handle each circumstance. The key is to have survival skills. So, always be prepared!
Basic survival skills everyone should know..
1. You need signal devices such as a light stick, a mirror, and a whistle to avoid getting lost.
2. You need some packs of waterproof matches and the right spark wheel for starting fires when you require them.
3. You need to keep containers for food and water.
4. Take along a durable and robust flashlight is critically essential to prevent losing your way in the dark.
5. Keep a knife as well as it’s highly important for cutting, ripping and opening things. You may also need a small ax to chop off wood for bonfires.
6. It’s not rocket science to figure out that you need a compass to set you back on track in case you stray off the right path.
What should be in a wilderness survival kit?
- Cutters
- Map of area
- Small first-aid kit
- Water bottle
- Survival blanket
- Water Container
- Fishing line
- Mini LED flashlight
- Water purification tablets
- Water Container
- Fishing line
- Headlamp
- Rope
- Gloves
- Lighter
- Dental floss
- Personal locator beacon (PLB)
- Large knife (machete or hatchet)
- Cell phone
- Products for Hygiene
- Outdoor survival skills
If you find yourself in an unpleasant situation, here’s what you need to do:
1. Firstly, don’t panic. It’s a common mistake that many campers tend to make. If they find themselves in less than ideal circumstances, they lose their wits and start to panic. You need to keep a clear head. This will allow you to think through your next steps. So, keep your wits about you.
2. Build a shelter. Chances are, you may be there for a while before help comes, so you need to act keeping this thought in your mind. Learn how to make a shelter from a fallen tree and branches, and you’re good to go.
3. You need to find shade. If it’s hot, this is essential to avoid putting yourself at risk. You can go under the shade of a tree or use any available material to cover yourself such as a blanket.
4. Even if you have some water, it’s critical that you find more. This is because it may take time to be rescued and you don’t want to die from dehydration. If it’s rainy season, then collect and store. If it’s snowing, melt it and store. If either of these isn’t an option, then do your best to find a body of water and set up camp near it.
5. You need to know how to light a fire in all circumstances. It can mean the difference between life and death. But you need to be careful about it as to not attract animals towards it.
6. You should know how to make knots as they can come in handy for some occasions. Specifically, the Bowline and the double half itch.
7. Catching prey is really important to avoid running out of food. Use a long stick to make a spear and use it to find fish or other such animals.
8. You should always have food containers with you to gather food. Otherwise, they won’t last long and will go to waste.
9. In case, you run out of the medicine you took with you, you should be well aware of natural medicines and the medicinal uses of certain plants and flowers. This could help save your life.
For example, Trembling Aspen can be used as sunblock and is anti-inflammatory. Pineapple Weed is good for digestive relief. Narrow-Leaved Yucca can be used as soap, it’s anti-viral and prevents fungal and bacterial diseases. Wild/Big Sage is a good bug repellent, antiseptic and deodorant. Also, Prickly Pear Cactus is perfect for burn relief. So, open up google and find out what these look like!
10. this is an obvious precaution and should be taken beforehand. When you plan on going camping, it is critical that you familiarize yourself with the area. You can study maps and research online.
Survival Tips In The Woods
A tent is a must have for camping. It can protect you from various weather conditions and shelter you.
An emergency blanket and a sleeping bag are must-haves for staying warm and for protection from the outdoor elements.
You need to take special care to pack such items that can protect you from the sun. Sunscreen is more important than you think, so don’t forget to take it along.
Coming face to face with a dangerous animal is very much a possibility when it comes to hiking. This can be life-threatening if you don’t do anything for your safety. Make sure you have things like bear sprays and other deterrents.
Don’t just pack food according to the number of days you’ll be gone. Instead, pack more. It is possible to die from hunger out in the woods, but it can be avoided.
Hand and foot warmers are essential if you want to avoid freezing to death.
Take one or two bottles of insect repellant along to spray your tent and ensure a good night’s sleep without the disturbance and bites of insects.
Have a good trip!
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