Surviving in the Wilderness: Tips for Staying Safe and Alive

Being stranded in the wilderness without any resources or prior knowledge can be one of the most challenging situations a person can find themselves in. However, with the right mindset and knowledge, you can increase your chances of survival. Here are some essential tips for surviving in the wilderness.

Staying Calm and Safe

The first and most critical step in any survival situation is to remain calm and stay in place. Being agitated or running around can only make matters worse. It is also essential to be aware of your surroundings and ensure that your location poses no immediate danger, such as a nearby waterfall, steep cliffs, or other hazards.

Water and Hydration

Water is the top priority in any survival situation. You can only survive for a few days without it. If you come across clean water without any live fish or bugs, it is likely toxic with arsenic. Therefore, it is crucial to boil any water before consuming it. You can use a Sams Club plastic water bottle to boil water by placing it close to the embers of your fire. Boil it for about 60 seconds to ensure it is safe to drink.

Always carry a butane lighter with you, even if you do not smoke. Dry bramble can ignite if you still have flint in your lighter. Start a safe fire by clearing dead grass and limbs around the fire pit and surrounding the pit with stones or sand.

Nutrition and Shelter

Even if you have limited resources, such as granola bars and fruit cups, you should be able to survive for a few days. Carry a cell phone or flashlight to signal for help. Use the light to flash on and off to get someone's attention. If you gain cell signal, drop a pin to a friend and message them to send a ranger.

Shelter is also crucial. If you find fir or pine trees, branches with many needles can make a great mattress, and you can knit a few branches together to make a blanket. Avoid staying too close to the fire as the pine needles and branches have highly flammable oils.

Navigation and Signaling

To increase your chances of being seen, be in as high and clear an area as possible. If you are stuck due to a vehicle breakdown, rip off a mirror or take a small compass with a mirror to use as a daytime signaling device. If you decide to scavenge, carry some bare branches that you have sharpened and place them in the ground every 100 feet. These can act as breadcrumb trails back to your camp. Leave a note with your name, birthday, and other relevant information at your campsite and on the trail you take to scavenge.

Stacks of rocks or a V-shape with them every 100 feet can also act as breadcrumb signals.

Hygiene and Health

Carrying toilet paper and baby wipes is essential to maintain hygiene and prevent infections. However, do not use packaged products for bathing. Clean your face, neck, and arms every other day to avoid clogged pores and overheating.

A flare gun can be a useful tool, but remember to follow fire prevention rules. Ensure that you have a sharp knife for emergencies and that you know how to use it safely.

Lastly, if your vehicle is broken down, you can usually sleep more comfortably in the back seat. Make sure you do not wander away from your immediate area except for necessary tasks like collecting water or building a fire.

While these tips can help you survive a wilderness situation, it is always better to have experience and training. If possible, prepare and get familiar with wilderness survival techniques before venturing into the great outdoors.