What You Need to Know About Wilderness Survival

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The first thing you need to know about wilderness survival is what constitutes "wilderness". According to Merriam Webster, the wilderness is a tract of land that is uncultivated, uninhabited by humans, and typically an area that has been left undisturbed by humans.

Typically, wilderness is a remote area with no local civilization that can be barren or full of shade trees, wet or dry and cold or hot. Most wilderness areas have no paths, are uncultivated, and can be full of foliage.

Your worst enemies in the wilderness (especially if you are stranded or need assistance) include the following:

• Extreme temperatures
• Hunger
• Fear
• Fatigue
• Thirst
• Pain
• Loneliness

The most common concerns when it comes to wilderness survival include the following:

• Safety
• Water
• Food
• Fire
• Signaling for help
• Shelter

A Wilderness Shelter

When you find yourself in a remote area away from civilization you need to organize and prioritize. It is smart to first figure out a way to build a shelter in case you are not found in a short time. You need walk around and evaluate the area in order to find a good spot for your shelter.

You want to be near enough to a water source, but not so close that it can flood your shelter. You also need to make sure you use large branches that can hold your weight as a frame and insulate your shelter with whatever grass, leaves and foliage you can find.

It is smart to learn to identify poison ivy and poison oak in case you are allergic to these weeds and get a rash. Your shelter should be sturdy, protective, and warm in order to make it an effective wilderness survival shelter.

Food and Water

Once you have your shelter built, you can focus on getting some water (you may need to boil the water or use water purification tablets), gathering food, and then, if stranded, figuring out how to signal for help using a fire or a mirror.

It's also important to have some basic tools in your vehicle (or at your campsite) so that you can be well prepared for any emergencies that may arise.

At very least you need a good first aid kit, a sharp knife, a flashlight, matches and a mirror. The first aid kit will help you wrap wounds and stop bleeding if necessary, and the sharp knife can help you gather food and cut things you might need for building your shelter.

The flashlight will serve as your light source and should always have new batteries so that it will work. Taking extra batteries are highly suggested.

Matches are good for starting fires and making a new light source if your flashlight stops working. Finally, a mirror can be used to signal potential rescue workers in case you are stranded and need assistance.

An Emergency Survival Kit

To survive in the wilderness, you have to be prepared for life threatening situations. One of the most important ways to prepare for the worst case scenario is to have an emergency survival kit that includes the following:

• Survival guide or manual
• Aluminum foil (heavy duty-for boiling water)
• Map and a compass
• Water purification supplies (such as water tablets)
• Duct tape (for repairs and first aid)
• First aid kit (well stocked)
• Plastic tie wraps (for repairs)
• Toiletry items
• Additional clothing
• Soap
• Multi-tool with a saw
• Rain ponchos (or large plastic garbage bags)
• Gloves
• Pepper spray (or bear spray)
• Wax paper
• Flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Blankets or a high-quality sleeping bag for each person
• Fire Extinguisher
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper (When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant or in an emergency, you can use bleach to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water)
• Whistle
• Waterproof matches
• Rope and string (at least 25 to 50 feet of each)
• Multi-purpose knife
• Fishing supplies (including light and heavy line and several lures)
• Manual can opener
• Trash bags
• Snow shovel (for winter weather)
• A kit container that can also be used for cooking
• Sunglasses
• Cord or rope (at least 25-50 feet)
• Masks with respirators
• Lip balm
• Paper and pencil
• Snare wire
• Cell phone with cell phone charger
• Animal traps
• Cash or traveler’s checks and change
• Fire starting items
• Mirror (mostly for signaling)
• Metal container for boiling water
• Needle and thread
• Prescription medications and glasses

Wilderness Survival: Conclusion

All of these items need to be highly accessible in case of an emergency. Some experts say you need to have some emergency cash that is only used in a disaster or in an emergency situation.

An important part of your wilderness survival plan is to make sure that at least one family member or friend you can trust that knows where you are going and when you expect to return.

Common sense is important for outdoor survival, but professional survival training would also be a good idea. You need to learn how to provide for yourself and take care of yourself in an emergency situation.

So that you are prepared as well as possible, take some time to learn more about wilderness survival by doing some basic wilderness research at your local library, and online.

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