Camping does not seem as much fun when you are stuck in a survival situation. Surviving in the woods or the mountains can be tough, especially when you do not have well-developed survival skills. While serious campers are prepared for the unexpected and know how to deal with unexpected turns, beginners are likely to get scared and panicked.
At times, this can aggravate the situation, causing it to worsen. Here are some useful survival tips that might just save your life:
Communication is Important
It is integral you tell somebody where you are headed. Contact close family members and friends or simply post an announcement through social media. If you do not reach home in time, your friends and family will try to reach you and will probably know where to find you in case you get stranded.
Survival Foods
Things might seem even worse on an empty stomach. Staying hungry and not being able to find food will make you weak, angry and cranky. It’s a good idea to get familiar with edible plants and berries. Carry a handy book with you that help you identify edible plants or download an app. Misidentifying a plant may result in dehydration, itchy rash and diarrhea.
Additionally, consider investing in emergency food supply for you and your family. These meals usually have a shelf life of a couple of years and contain plenty of calories. Also, stock up on cheese in wax packaging. Cheeses are known to last for at least a week, unrefrigerated.
Finding Water
In practically a survival situation, water is the most important resource. Campers must know how to find and purify water. While you can easily go a day without eating, probably find a place to sleep or run away from a wild animal, you will not be able to survive without water for three days.
Clear and flowing water, such as streams and rivers, are your best bets since movement does not allow bacteria to aggravate. Lakes and ponds are an option but since they are stagnant water sources, there will be an increased risk of bacteria. Other clean sources of water include rainwater, snow and morning dew.
You can purify the water by boiling it or filtering it. Loads of companies manufacture portable filters. Simply pump the water from the source into a clean container. The filter will get rid of bacteria, debris, and protozoa. More expensive and advanced filers are capable of killing viruses as well. You can also opt for chemical tablets but they might alter the taste of the water.
Survival Kit
It is imperative you are equipped with the right tools in a survival situation. Consider investing in a survival kit. The ideal survival kit should contain all sorts of tools and must be light-weight and portable. Consider investing in G4free’s Survival Folding Shovel.
The multipurpose kit has shovel, fishing knives, high light flashlight, wirecutter, impacter, emergency parachute rope, lamp shades, hook, spade hoe and fishing knife pilers. The shovel is designed to make survival activities much easier. Campers can easily cut ropes, use the shovel to break glass in case they are trapped and remove fish scales.
Build Fire without Matches
In case you use up all the matchsticks or lose them along the way, it is imperative you know how to build a fire without matchsticks. Rest assured all you require are two soft rocks. You can create a fire by rubbing the rocks against each other.
You can also create a fire by using polished aluminum and a magnifying glass. Learning how to build a fire is an integral survival skill, hence be sure to test yourself before you plan your camping trip. Learn how to build and nourish a campfire if you want to survive the cold woods.
Hunting Small Prey and Catching Fish
Knowing to catch fish and hunting small animals is a survival skill you cannot undermine. While a healthy human being can live for weeks without food, you will eventually have to eat something. Fishing and hunting small animals is a safe choice if you are not a vegetarian. Campers always bring along a fishing line and a couple of fishing hooks before setting out for their trip.
Vegetarians should stick to edible plants and berries and must not drastically change their diet when they are out in the wilderness as it may result in gastrointestinal issues. Furthermore, vegetarians are known to lose bacteria that aids in the digestion of meat so stick to leafy greens.
Creating Shelter
Your tent might not be able to survive a bad thunder storm or might get damaged by animals, hence you should know how to build a basic shelter for yourself. Keep yourself out of the cold hard ground and build yourself a cozy place to sleep using pine needles, tarp, leaves or practically anything at your disposal.
In case you are stuck on a mountain or on a rocky terrain, be on the lookout for overhangs and thick leaves for excellent bedding.
Keep Tools at Hand
Always carry a pocket knife and a flashlight with you at all times. Consider investing in a multi-tool as it may come in handy when you need something to prepare food or cut rope. There are many brands that manufacture multi-tools or survival kits. Consider investing in those if you want to survive the wilderness.
Looking for Firewood
No matter what kind of tools you have, you will need firewood to keep the fire burning. Be on the look-out for old and dried wood. Old branches and large portions of trees will also work will. Small pieces of birch are known to light even after rain.
These are just a few handy survival tips you should follow. Ensure you have enough food, water and the right tools in order to survive. Have fun camping!