Survival Basics
Survival basics is important knowledge to have. Just knowing a few simple truths can make the difference between life and death. Learning survival doesn't mean you have to be Rambo or learn to skin a buck for the warmth of its coat.
Common sense can save your life. So can some not so common sense.
Be Prepared
Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. This is the number one survival rule. If you don't do this you could end up a missing person.
Take a few minutes to notch your boots.
Bring a survival kit. You don't have to bring a backpack full of food and gear to have a safe time.
Prevention
- Don't wonder off the trail. I know it sounds boring to some of you but unless you are familiar with an area you could be testing your fate.
- Go hiking with someone else. If you do go off the trail two heads are better than one and maybe they will remember where the trail was.
- Bring a map and compass. I don't know how many times I can say this. If you don't know how to use one than take the time to learn. It's not difficult and worth the time to learn.
- Learn First Aid. This can save your life, a friend's life or a random stranger that you meet on the trail.
What if?
Lets pretend for a while that you have gone on a hike. You have been in this area before but you have veered off that trail because you were tired of the same old trail.
Suddenly you find yourself in a place that you have been before, you are walking in circles and you are lost!
What do you do?
Know how to find the Nort Star.
Don't Panic!
The average person that is lost will be found in 24 hours or less.
Panicking is the worst thing you can do. Keep your head together and assess the situation. Don't go running off and get further lost. Stay where you are.
Did you tell someone where you were going and when you will be back? If so there is sure to be trained professionals that will come looking for you soon. If you notched your boots then they should be able to find you in no time at all.
Break out your whistle and mirror. Make some noise with the whistle when you think you hear help and if you see a car, airplane or helicopter use that mirror to signal them.
Don't forget that your fire will be a big signal! But don't start one just yet. Wait until you are sure that you will not be found until after dark.
When nightfall comes then hunker down and get a good night sleep. Rest will be crucial.
Hopefully none of you will ever have to use any of this information but now that you have some knowledge you have improved your chances of survival by 100%
What is in a survival kit?
- Water
- A knife (it doesn't have to be a machete, a simple 2 inch folding knife will due)
- Bic lighter (easer to light a fire with than matches and it will light a lot more times)
- Fish hooks and fishing line. The line is good for fishing as well as helping to build a shelter if you need to.
- Map and Compass (if you bring this you probably won't get lost!)
- A survival blanket (a very light aluminum blanket that will keep you warm, is reflective and folds up very small)
- A whistle
- A mirror
- First Aid kit
That is a good basic survival kit. If you pack much more you will feel like you are going on more than a day hike.
Here is a checklist for backpacking.
Here is a checklist for base camping.