If you are planning on going for a hike in the near future then be ready to connect with the natural world and push your limits. As with any activity that takes place outdoors, hiking and camping does come with its own unique set of dangers including poisonous plants, wild animals, and dangerous weather. So below, we are going to provide you with 10 tips to better your chances of surviving in the wild.
10. Announce Your Plans
The most important tip that you can take from this list is to tell people where you are planning on going and how long you are planning on being there. In the case that you don’t make it back or if you get lost then at least the search parties will know where to look for you. It really helps for rescuers to know your general location so that they know where to look for you. One of the main reasons why people go missing in the wild is because they fail to let people know where they’re going to be and how long they’re going to be there.
9. Respect the Wilderness
Sure nature can look beautiful, but this doesn’t mean that it isn’t deadly. Every year, thousands of people venture off into the wild and never come back. You should always have respect for every aspect of Mother Nature including wild animals and storms. As you respect nature more and more, you’ll be more careful and make better decisions.
8. Carry the Right Equipment
A person in the wilderness is only as good as the gear that they have with them. The only case that this wouldn’t be true would be for someone who has many years of survival experience and know how to survive with nothing. No matter where you are going, always carry a map, compass, and a pocket knife with you. Don’t forget to bring something that will help you start a fire like matches or a lighter. If you are hiking in cold weather then bring multiple layers to stay warm.
7. Stay Vigilant of Wild Animals
While nature can be very beautiful, it does contain a few dangers. More specifically, it would be wise to stay vigilant of wild animals in the wild. Since the beginning of time, humans and animals have come to face millions of time. Bear attacks for example, are rarer than you think but they can still occur. Depending on where you are traveling, you may need to watch out for animals like snakes that can poison you and leave you paralyzed. Always bring some sort of repellent if you’re going to be in an area where there are bears. Even if you consider an animal’s bite to be harmless, it would still be a good idea to exercise caution.
If You Get Lost
6. Make a Plan
If you get lost then you can’t panic. Panicking will only waste valuable energy and make emotionally based decisions. Not knowing where you are can be a scary thing but if you stay calm, it will be much easier to think of a solution. Sit down, take a look at how many supplies you have, and make a plan. Which way are you going to go? Are you going to stop for the day and make shelter? How many days can you survive with the materials that you have?
5. Remain Visible
The best thing you can do if you’re lost is stay visible. Make the job of the person looking for you that much easier. If you have bright clothing, wear it. If you can get near open, high ground then get there. Finally, blow a whistle at periodic times throughout the day because this could possibly alert a search team as to where your location is going to be.
4. Signal for Help
Aside from staying visible, try to place yourself in a position that will increase the chances of a rescuer seeing you. For example, build a fire that can clearly be seen from far away- but don’t start a wildfire as this will probably kill you. You can also use the classic triangle symbol made out or rocks or any other material. This is the international symbol for distress in the wilderness.
3. Be Motivated
Never allow fear to consume you. If you allow emotions to take control then you won’t be able to make level-headed decisions. Instead, allow the adrenaline that you feel to motivate you to accomplish more things. Using that energy to build a shelter, collect fire wood, and make food would be much smarter than wasting it on being afraid. If you can manage to keep your cool, you’ll be much better off and get more done.
2. Water, Water, Water
The best advice you can take is to find water. No matter where you go, having water is going to save your life. This is especially true if you don’t know how long you’re going to be lost for. Clean water can be hard to come by so take the opportunity to collect it when you can. Drinking from a spring is almost always okay as long as the water is clear and not stagnant. If you have to drink stagnant water then make sure that you boil it first. There are purification tablets designed for this so if you have them to make sure that you use them.
1. Build a Shelter
If you are really lost, and you know that you won’t be found for a while, build a shelter. You might as well as safe/warm and protected until you’re rescued. A good shelter can protect you from the sun, insects, wind, snow, and even the rain depending on where you are. Plus, it provides you with a huge psychological boost. People who have shelters when they’re lost tend to have higher moral than those people who don’t have shelters.
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