It is scary to be stranded in the wild because many scenarios can end badly.
One can get hypothermia, be dehydrated, die of hunger, or get sick from unclean water. They can also be injured while trying to start a fire or sharpening wood. The outdoors can be very unforgiving, especially to those who are clueless about survival tactics.
While waiting for people to notice the rescue signal, it’s important for you to remember the essential factors in survival.
1. Find Clean Water
The body can survive for an estimate of three days without water. Finding a clean, uncontaminated source of water should be of utmost priority in surviving outdoors. Look for a fresh body of water to ensure adequate supply for days to come.
If there are no nearby bodies of water, construct something that will catch rainwater. Water found in puddles or streams can work as well. Saltwater should be converted to freshwater before drinking.
Never forget to boil the water first under any circumstances. One will need about one liter of water per day to ensure survival. Water should be the first concern in surviving outdoors because the shelter needs to be near the source.
2. Build a Shelter
Extreme heat can make someone very dehydrated, while the cold weather at night can cause hypothermia. A shelter is an extremely crucial factor in survival because severe weather conditions can be deadly.
Use available resources to build a shelter, like branches, leaves, and pine needles. The goal is to be completely protected from the elements while resting or sleeping. There are different kinds of shelters that can be erected depending on location, resources, weather, and more.
A sleeping bag and blanket can be utilized for the temporary shelter. The bag itself can be used to elevate the head like a pillow. Try to be comfortable despite the situation.
3. Start a Fire
There are many ways to start a fire with different difficulties. If there are lighters and matches available, use them sparingly, and keep them somewhere waterproof. A small spark can also be made with the friction of rubbing two sticks together.
Starting a fire is difficult, and making it bigger is another thing altogether. Small sticks are suitable for kindling, but they won’t last as long as large pieces of wood will. Form a teepee with the large pieces to block the wind, and place the small pieces inside.
Keep the fire fed because starting another one will take time again. Gather plenty of firewood before trying to start a fire to be prepared. Most of all, remember to keep it a reasonable distance away from the shelter to avoid accidental fires.
4. Make Use of the Available Gun Equipment
It may not happen often, but some people get lost in the woods while hunting. They have difficulty finding their way back, and perhaps there aren’t people around to help. In any case, spending a night in the woods will still be a struggle.
One will have to do anything for survival, and extra firearm parts and accessories can actually help. The hard surface of the rifle itself can break branches into smaller pieces for kindle. A trigger guard can help dig a few inches into the ground for a cooler shelter surface.
Anything that can be utilized should be used, even if that is not their intended purpose.
5. Check All the Items
Most people think they have nothing of value with them and that they should have packed better. Firstly, anyone should pack for emergencies when going outdoors, just to be safe. Second, many random items that appear useless can contribute a lot.
A knife or a blade is very important, but many people forget to pack those. One will have to exercise creativity to form a makeshift blade. Car keys or skeleton keys in a handy lockpick set can do some wood sharpening.
Sewing needles come in handy if one gets a big wound, and the thread can be a clothesline. Dental floss can hold branches together for the shelter, help with stitches, and serve as a fishing line. There are many other ways to live out of the backpack, so don’t dismiss an item immediately.
Pack Wisely, and Prepare Beforehand
When it comes to surviving outdoors, it all boils down to preparation and packing wisely. Studying survival skills is essential because one will never want to be caught unprepared. Practice tactics for better chances of survival as knowing about them and executing them are wildly different.