How to Survive in the Woods Without Supplies
You're lost in the woods without supplies. Don't panic. You need your mind to be clear to be able to think things out logically. Without a clear mind, your chances of survival are severely reduced, and rational thinking will be impeded. Take steps to ensure your survival at the basic level, and don't assume someone will rescue you immediately. This is a race between you and the harsh elements.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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Shelter
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1
Construct a shelter from dead boughs and leaf litter; the thicker, the better. Use two sturdy, forked sticks. Poke the un-forked ends into the ground six feet apart in a straight line. Search for a long branch six feet long to sit atop the two sticks on the forks.
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2
Find leafy boughs and brush to lean against the ridge fork to act as a barrier, protecting you from wind and weather. Pile the boughs up so that inclement weather will not penetrate the brush. Shelter is the most important thing you can do for yourself for your survival. One drenching from a downpour in cool weather may lead to hypothermia.
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3
Look across the area in which you are located, to scope out verdant green trails. Green trails normally mean that there is a reliable water supply making the trees, plants or grass green and lush. Remembering where you are located, head towards the green brush, as you will need water soon. Three days without water will make you dehydrated. With the onset of dehydration comes confusion and disorientation. Fluids are necessary for your survival.
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4
Walk the green line you spotted in search of a spring or stream. You are fortunate if you find either water source, as this means your survival rate just went up. Spring water is usually safe to drink straight from the spring. Moving water, such as in brooks and streams, may not be as safe and may need boiling for ten minutes to purify it, rendering it free from harmful parasites and bacteria.
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5
Pick an armful of reeds, if there are any, at the water source. Some reeds have cotton-like material contained within their seed pods that may be useful in starting a fire with which to purify water. Feel around in your pockets for lint. Dry materials of any kind to use as kindling are needed to start a fire to keep you warm overnight. Tear up a piece of your cotton T-shirt, if necessary, to help start a fire, along with dry twigs and dry leaves. Even an empty lighter may help you start a fire, as all it takes is one spark to begin a roaring fire. Knock two pieces of flint together to create the spark you need.
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6
Once you have started your fire, keep it going overnight. Gather plenty of dry sticks and downed wood as fuel for your fire. You will need more wood than you think to last all night, especially on cold nights when the wind is whipping. Keep your fire going as a signal fire during the day. As for edibles, eat what you know is not poisonous, such as blackberries and wild gooseberries. Never eat white berries, as they are almost all toxic. Eat grass, if you must. Insects such as moths may be cooked briefly in the fire and eaten; a nutty flavor is produced. Stay at your camp. Do not wander. You will be rescued eventually. In the meantime, do what you have to do to survive.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Corn chips make good firelighters.
Never ever panic.
