How to Survive in the Wild

Trying to survive in the wild can be a scaryexperience. Would you know what to do if you suddenly realized you had wondered off your hiking trail and didn’t know how to get back? The best thing you cando for your self though is to be prepared both mentally and physically. The biggest thing to do in an emergency position such as this is to stay clam andstay put. If you try to find your way back you may just end up getting even more lost.  Below you will find the 8basic wilderness survival skills needed to get you through the night or longer.



 

Basic Wilderness Survival Skills SHELTER

The type of shelter you will build will be determined by the climate and terrain in your area. A good shelter is one that is a comfortable place to rest and that will protect you from the elements. An average person can only survive a few hours of harsh conditions outside. You will want to make sure that your shelter is in a safe place and can be easily seen by rescue workers.

When looking for a spot to setup your shelter make sure it is a flat area, free of rocks, dead trees and other hazards. If you can setup close to water that’s aplus. But be careful of river areas. These areas could flood in heavy rain storms and could have frequent visits from wildlife such as bears and wolves.

FIRE

A fire can do a lot more than produce heat. You can use it to cook, boil fresh water, sterilize first aid gear, and much more. There are several ways you can start a fire without the aid matches and lighters. I’m not a fan of the rubbing two sticks together so I make sure to always carry one of the following:

Steel wool and a 9 volt battery- when you touch the connections of the battery to the steel wool it will instantly start burn. This is a nice way to get some kindle burning right away even in windy conditions.

Cotton ball rubbed in Vaseline- With a decent magnifying glass and hot sun this heap of cotton will turn into ball of fire in no time.

WATER