Wildnerness Survival Basics

I spend a lot of time in the woods and I often think about wilderness survival. I am often hiking on places that have a reputation for making their own weather. What complicates the matter is that I often hike in the winter which has its own set of problems. Not only is the weather often cold and harsh in winter, but it is more difficult to find shelter and things to eat.

So, I've done my research, just in case. Having knowledge about wilderness survival is a first step. Luck and having the right equipment to help you survive is another. Here is some information about some of the wilderness survival basics that can make a big difference.

Water purification. You need water to live, and you can't go long without it. Unfortunately, you can't just drink water from streams, rivers, and lakes and expect it to nourish you. In fact, it can actually harm you because there are microorganisms that can make you very sick.

To avoid this you can either boil the water or use water purification tablets. It is advisable to bring a mountaineer's stove along with you for long hikes and make sure you also have purification tablets.

Shelter. Depending on where you are and what the weather conditions are, you have a few options. For example, for winter hiking, it is a good idea to pack a lightweight heated blanket, a sleeping bag, and a tent or other protective sack just in case an unexpected storm moves in. While hiking in the spring, summer, and fall you can carry a plastic rain poncho which can also double as a makeshift tent if you need to be protected in the rain.

Practice building shelters before you go into the woods. Some are simple, and some, like igloos, are more complex. The better practiced you are, the greater your chances of survival.

Food. This is another essential part of wilderness survival. Without food, it is nearly impossible to survive for long periods of time. You need the calories to think and remain strong. And, you burn more calories in the winter than in the warmer weather. Of course, you could always do some hunting and fishing so you may want to carry some fishing line and hooks just in case,

But there is something far easier. Why not learn how to forage? You can even find plants to eat in the winter if you know where to look. It's a good idea to learn how to identify some common plants before you spend time in the woods so a survival situation won't take you by surprise.

Stay composed. One thing that will increase your chances of survival is to remember to remain calm and rational. Have confidence that you will survive. This will help you make sound choices. Often, decisions you make can make the difference. If you don't panic and remain calm, your chances of making the right decisions increase.