What are the ways to survive in the wilderness?

Anyone with experience camping in the wilderness knows the potential risks associated. For many people, these potential risks can be terrifying—however, there are many ways to cover yourself to make sure you aren’t in any risk.

Keep an Emergency Radio On-Hand at All Times

One of the most obvious objects to keep on hand when you are going on a wilderness trip, especially alone, is an emergency radio. You can use an emergency radio to pick up various frequencies, and hope that you are able to find an emergency frequency and call for help. If nothing else, you can use the radio in the meantime to hope someone else picks up on your frequency—of course, leading to you potentially being rescued. Of course, these radios can also be used to keep away dangerous animals—many, if not all, animals are afraid of loud noises. As a result, you can very easily use a loud radio to stave off animals—potentially at night.

Keep Multiple Water Filter Bottles On-Hand

In recent years, water filter bottles have started to become more and more common. These water bottles are designed to be able to filter water to a drinkable state—something most creek and pond water in the wilderness would not naturally be on its own. Using water filter bottles will allow you to ensure that the water you are drinking is clean—as it may well be the only water you can sustain for quite some time. Make sure to stock multiple bottles and multiple filters—to ensure that any potential mistakes or accidents, such as a lost/damaged bottle or filter, will not lead to any potential issues.

Keep a Fixed-Blade Knife

Something extremely important to keep on hand at all times is a fixed-blade knife. There are a great variety of uses for fixed-blade knives when out in the wilderness—for example, you can use a fixed-blade knife to protect yourself against animals, or—a more effective alternative option—making a make-shift spear of sorts out of a big, long stick. While some may not find this to be the most ideal position to be in, it is, unfortunately, one you can very easily find yourself in if you are stranded, alone, in the wilderness. You may need to protect yourself against wildlife, so having a fixed-blade knife to protect yourself or craft a makeshift weapon is ideal. It is important to note, however, that a makeshift spear can be used for purposes other than protection—in dire need, it can be used to catch fish.

Find a Safe & Secure Area

Possibly the most obvious hint supplied—find a safe, dry area/enviornment to rest, preferably in the same area you originally stayed in, if possible—more on that later. By finding and securing a safe area to make a temporary shelter, preferably a high mountain in the off-chance someone flying overhead potentially sees any fire you may have started to keep yourself warm. Ideally, you will want an area that is solid ground, away from trees, if at all possible—if you intend on starting a fire, you obviously do not want it to spread. Additionally, make sure any food you happen to have with you is sealed very tightly. You don’t want any animals to potentially smell your food. Which brings us to…

Stock Dry Foods Such as Nuts and Berries Before your Trip

If you planned on being in the wilderness for a week, stock enough nuts and dried berries to last you two to two and a half weeks. While this may seem or feel excessive to some, it is actually a great precautionary step—you ensure that you have enough food to survive at least double the length of your expected trip. Naturally, if you plan on being in the wilderness for two weeks, pack enough for a month—and so forth. Always double up to ensure that you will have enough. While you could easily survive off of whatever berries happen to be out in the wilderness, you have no real way of knowing if it is something you are allergic to—or, if it’s poisonous, as many berries in the wilderness often are. Here is a good book on nuts, berries, and plants.

And finally, the most important tip that can make all the difference…

Ensure Someone knows Where you Are before Leaving

While this may not necessarily occur to everyone, informing someone of your whereabouts— and when you expect to return—can be the difference between being stranded with no one knowing where you are, and being rescued. If at least one person knows your whereabouts, and when to expect you back, they can report this information to the proper authorities—and instantly start your rescue process. As a result of this, it is recommended that, if at all possible, you stay in the same area you informed your friends or family you would be in. This will make your rescue all the more easier.

If you plan on going into the wilderness, just remember one thing—always be prepared for the inevitable—it can very well save you.