How to Survive the Outdoors

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A lot of people apparently venture into the great outdoors or into the wilderness without really taking basic outdoor survival skills seriously. Stated differently, a lot of outdoor enthusiasts are ill prepared to deal successfully with emergencies and disasters that may arise.

The fact of the matter, however, is that the outdoors and the wilderness can be full of dangers which means that everyone who engages in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, hunting, boating, fishing, back packing needs to be prepared with the skills and the knowledge required to survive most emergency situations.

This article will provide the necessary information people need to have before heading into the wilderness or the outdoors so that they can survive under most circumstances.

Know The Area

First off, when it comes to outdoor survival there is arguably nothing more important than knowing the area. A lot of people go camping, hiking or hunting somewhere without knowing much about the area and that can lead to trouble.

That being said, people should know about any natural dangers in the area, such as poisonous plants, as well as what kind of animals live in the area and the terrain that they will be dealing with as well. Knowing these things can help a person be better prepared no matter what the outdoor or wilderness destination.

Outdoor Survival Communication

Another thing that's really important when it comes to outdoor survival is communication. It's important to let a family member or friend back home know where one is going and when one expects to return so that if anything should happen there is someone who knows exactly where to look and for whom.

In the outdoors or in the wilderness it's also very important to have a cell phone or some other device that links a person to the world in some way. Obviously, this connection to the world may be necessary if a crisis or an emergency arises. In short, the family member or friend back home will serve as a backup plan just in case the cell phone or other communication device doesn't work.

Find or Build a Shelter

To stay out of inclement weather it's important to set up camp and locate or build a shelter. Making a simple shelter involves gathering grass, leaves, branches and anything else in the area that can help one make a very stable and secure structure that protects you and your fellow campers from extreme temperatures, the rain, the wind, snow, and from exposure to wild animals.

After securing a shelter, it's usually a good idea to start a fire that can help people keep warm, cook food, and keep predators away as well. If no one in your group has water or food, someone will have to find food and water. This is why it is important for people who venture into the outdoors need to bring enough food and water for the duration of the outdoors event.

An Emergency Survival Kit

Whenever you head out to explore the great outdoors, you need to ensure you take along an emergency survival kit. This kit won't take up much space or weigh a great deal, but will be priceless in the event something does go wrong. When not in use, you can store this kit in your vehicle so you are prepared for emergencies where ever you go. Place all items in plastics storage bags to keep them dry and ready for use at any time.

The following represents a fairly comprehensive list of survival gear needed by outdoor enthusiasts:

• First aid kit (that includes at least the basics such as a variety band aids and bandages, medical tape, pain killers, Benadryl, and antibiotic ointment)
• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Cash or traveler’s checks and change
• Propane cylinders
• Container which can be sealed
• Maps of your local area
• Paper towels
• Signal mirror
• Matches (waterproof matches are best)
• Iodine tablets for water purification
• Metal container for boiling water
• Paper and pencil
• Cell phone with cell phone charger
• Windup radio
• Wax paper
• Plastic tie wraps (for repairs)
• Lip balm
• Compass
• Insect repellent
• Snake bite kit
• Additional clothing
• Sunscreen/sun block
• Aluminum foil (heavy duty-for boiling water)
• Needle and thread
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper (When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant or in an emergency, you can use bleach to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water)
• Duct tape (for repairs and first aid)
• Rope and string (at least 25 to 50 feet of each)
• Soap
• MRE heater (little bag designed to heat military ready to eat meals)
• MREs or other non-perishable foods (such as canned foods, granola bars, and energy bars)
• Small shovel
• Blankets or a high-quality sleeping bag for each person
• Propane heater/cooker
• Manual can opener
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Fishing supplies (such as fishing line, hooks, lures, and weights)
• Flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Trash bags
• Gloves
• Pepper spray (or bear spray)
• Rain ponchos (or large plastic garbage bags)
• Multi-tool with a saw
• Rope (at least 25 to 50 feet)
• Fire extinguisher
• Multi-purpose knife
• Small flint striker
• Candles
• Toiletry items
• Whistle

Construct a Survival Plan

Although it's difficult to put into action, one of the most basic things a person can do in an emergency situation is to construct a survival plan and refuse to panic. When facing a crisis situation calmly review maps so that you can accurately zero in on your location and then take some time to get more familiar with your surroundings.

Don't forget to build your shelter so that you can stay dry and safe, gather firewood, food, and water, and design a way of attracting rescuers to your current location if you need assistance.

How to Survive the Outdoors: Conclusion

By following the above survival tips, campers, hikers, fishermen, boaters, hunters, back packers, and sightseers who decide to spend some time in the great outdoors will have a safe and rewarding time and will be well prepared to deal with most disasters or emergencies.

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