You can greatly improve your chances of survival if you have some basic knowledge about the wilderness and the right outdoor equipment. Here a list of the main elements you need to survive.
Shelter
Sheltering from the elements, is a crucial part of any outdoor survival strategy. Cold, wind, rain, and snow can be devastating to your health and well being, especially if you are unable to find shelter quickly.
Fortunately, there are several different types of shelters that can help you survive in the wilderness. The first shelter is a simple, close-to-the-ground tarp shelter. It is effective against wind and rain and can be hung up in a matter of minutes.
Another type is the wickiup, which is found in many places around the globe and is made of poles, vegetation, and brush. This shelter can also be used for areas with frequent rain or hot, dry places.
The wickiup is one of most popular shelters. It is easy to construct and can be used in many situations. However, it is not recommended for extreme weather conditions. The shelter should be strong enough to hold the weight of all those inside. A fire should also be used as a heat source.
If you are in an extremely cold area, consider a debris hut that is covered with leaves and other plant material. This shelter will provide you with a warm place to sleep, as well as a way to keep your body warm while you are asleep.
A lean-to shelter can be made by securing several saplings at a 45deg angle to ground. This will protect against the wind. This shelter won’t provide as much insulation but it allows for air circulation.
It is best to locate a shelter in an area that isn’t exposed to extreme weather conditions and won’t be subjected frequently to rain, wind or other weather conditions. Shelters that are exposed to the elements can be damaged and may not last very long so choose carefully.
Water
Water is one of the most important elements to have on hand for survival in the outdoors. Without it, you can become dehydrated and sick within a matter of days.
Although it can be difficult to find clean water out in the wild, it is possible with a little bit of knowledge and the right equipment. You can create your own filter with a mixture of sand and gravel as well as crushed charcoal.
To remove harmful microbes from water, you can also use a filter made of silver and ceramic. This is the most effective and safest way to purify your water.
Another option is to collect rainwater. It is important to filter or boil the rainwater before you drink it.
If you live in an area with snowfall regularly, it is a good idea for you to collect melted snow or ice. However, frozen water high in salt can cause dehydration.
The best sources of water are streams, rivers, and creeks. They are often clear and have no impurities such as sewage or chemicals. They tend to flow downhill so you can walk to.
When looking for a primary water source, study the terrain and the wildlife in the area. A nearby watering hole can be identified by the presence of birds and game trails.
Also, be on the lookout for puddles of water, especially if they are in the shade. These can be found on rocks, in valleys, or in the crooks and trunks of trees.
Be careful not to drink puddles that are too algae-covered or have poisonous trees. These can prove deadly.
If you’re in a remote area, or the water is hard to find, consider digging. Some plants, like cottonwood or cattails, will indicate water sources nearby. You can dig until you find the moisture.
Food
Food is a substance that nourishes and stimulates the body’s various processes and activities. It is essential for human survival, and can be obtained in many different ways.
There are many types of food available, from the most commonly eaten foods to the most exotic plants and animals. It is important to know what foods are safe to eat when you are outdoors and how to prepare them so that you can eat them safely.
First, learn about the edible wild animals and plants in your area. This information can save your life if you get into an emergency situation.
Another step is to learn how best to cook these foods to kill any parasites. This is especially important if you are planning to eat meat.
It is also a good idea keep some dehydrated vegetables handy. These are easy to store and add variety to a meal without requiring additional water or cooking equipment.
Food ration bars, small cans with tuna fish, sardines, and canned meats are all good options for outdoor survival. These foods are high-calorie and a good source for protein, so you should include them in your survival kit. These items can be purchased in a number of flavors and are easy to pack in your bug out bag.
First Aid
While a lot of injuries that happen outdoors are minor and easily treatable, there are some situations that require professional medical attention. A wilderness first aid kit is important for these situations.
First aid kits are essential for backpackers and hikers to quickly treat injuries so they can continue their camping or hiking adventures. A basic kit should contain items such as sterile pads, tape, antibacterial ointment, blister pads, and pain relievers.
Tourniquets can be used to stop bleeding in severe cuts. It should be fastened tightly and taken out as soon as possible.
Hypothermia can also be an outdoor condition that can be treated early. If your body begins to lose heat, you can get into a shelter or huddle until help arrives.
Anaphylaxis is another illness that can be treated using a wilderness first-aid kit. This can cause severe breathing difficulties and even death if it is not treated quickly. An injection of epinephrine is able to reverse this condition.
It is always best to stay calm under pressure as with any type emergency. Before you travel, it is a good idea that you take a survival course.
There are many providers that offer wilderness first aid training courses. These courses train leaders and Scouts to respond to emergencies that can arise in the wild, especially those that are more than an hour away from advanced care.
It is also important to be familiar with common illnesses such as the flu and colds that can be brought on by being outdoors. If used correctly, an asthma inhaler can provide relief.
Scouts should be able to build and forage in the outdoors, in addition to first aid. These skills are very useful if you find yourself stuck in the woods or have to survive on your feet for a while. Knot-tying, shelter-building, fishing, and fire-making are all skills that can be used to help you survive until help comes.