How to Survive in the Wilderness

Some items are crucial to survive in the wilderness

Whether you are planning to live outdoors for a short period or you want know how to survive in the wilderness in an emergency situation, you need important skills and knowledge. The four basic musts for survival in the wilderness are food, warmth, water and sleep. You must prioritize meeting your basic needs according to your changing circumstances.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Appropriate clothing
• Survival kit
• Shelter
• Water and water purification system
• Food
• Warmth

1. Take a course on how to survive in the wilderness so that you know the basics, including how to locate food for sustenance. Wilderness survival courses will teach you how to stay warm and how to purify water. Learn how to build shelters from items in your surroundings, navigation techniques and how to make a fire. Some wilderness schools run week-long outdoor programs where you learn survival techniques hands on in the forest or desert.

2. Dress appropriately whether you are going on a day-long hike or planning to camp out in the woods for an extended period of time. When above the timberline, wear clothing that protects you from the sun and wind. Sunblock is also essential. Choose light, waterproof garments. Wear layers of clothing and carry a jacket in your backpack. Wear hiking boots and a hat. A balaclava is good for colder weather as is a parka with a hood.

3. Organize a survival kit that is easy to carry. The kit should include a compass, maps of the area, batteries in a airtight plastic bag, knife, needle/thread and first aid articles such as gauze pads and bandages. You should also take a water purification system or water purification tablets, fire starters, signaling items and articles for shelter such as a pup tent.

4. Use fishing hooks and a fishing line to catch fish to eat. Trap small animals instead of hunting them. Traps can be made fairly easily, and they free your time to meet other needs. Look for bird eggs in nests, in holes or on the ground. Eggs can be fried, baked or boiled. Eat insects that are edible, and wild plants. Strive for a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates.

5. Make a shelter to protect you from the elements or find a small, uninhabited cave. Build a fire using waterproof matches, a lighter or a magnesium fire-starting tool. Signal to attract help with a signaling mirror or flares. Locate a source of water using your map. If necessary, tap a birch tree and drink the sap or collect dew after a cold night by soaking a piece of cloth or an article of clothing and then wringing out the moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid dehydration by staying cool and resting as much as possible once you have shelter. Don't wait until you have no more water left before you seek more.

• Never rely completely on a GPS for navigation; it can break if you drop it. If you take a GPS for direction, take a compass as well.

References

• NatureSkills; Dress For Success; Charlene and George Miller; April 2007
• Wilderness Survival Skills: How To Survive In The Wilderness
• Wilderness Survival Skills: Wilderness Survival Food