23 Survival Guide Tips for the Great Outdoors

Knowledge Is Power

Despite advancements in technology, the world remains a big place in certain cases. A hiker losing his way may suddenly face a survival situation on the trail he wanted to conquer. A lumberjack could get injured by his own axe deep in the forest.

23 Tips on How to Survive the Great Outdoors.

Here is a survival guide with 23 tips that will help you learn how to survive the Great Outdoors.

1. Do not panic: Panicking is counterproductive as it clouds the rational mind’s ability to think about how to survive. (How adrenaline can affect your decision-making abilities)
2. First aid: If you’re injured, your first priority should be to stop any bleeding. Always carry first–aid supplies with your survival kit.
3. Hydrate: Always carry potable water. Taking a few swigs will rehydrate you and help you think more clearly.
4. Find clean water: Another very important tool in your survival kit should be a quality water filter. I recommend any of the Sawyer Water Filters.
5. Survival kit: A good survival kit should enable you to alter the surrounding wilderness environment to suit your specific needs. It’s important that your kit has a simple survival manual with basic instructions on how to get food, water, and shelter. One of the most popular pocket-sized manuals is the SAS Urban Survival Handbook.
6. Extra set of clothes: If you’re drenched wet, take out that dry outdoor attire from your survival kit to avoid a reduction in core body temperature.
7. Good boots: Always wear good boots that can help your feet survive the forest terrain.
8. No running: If you come face to face with wildlife, do not run. Just back away slowly without a sound.
9. Loud noise: Use the steel food vessel in your survival kit to make loud noises that will scare predators away.
10. Use ligature: If you’re bitten, apply a ligature and wash the wound with plenty of water.
11. No food processing near home: Never process food near your makeshift shelter to discourage predators.
12. Scout location for home: Do not build a home on a hilltop or in a narrow valley with strong winds.
13. Make a home using sticks and leaves: If you have sticks longer than 5 feet and one longer than 10 feet, lash them together into an A-frame and build a shelter.
14. Do not travel at night: It increases the risk of falling or bumping into wildlife.
15. Fire: Light a fire using the fire-start devices from your supplier kit. Use spruce leaves to produce thick smoke for signaling your location.
16. Glow sticks: Glow sticks can be useful in signaling location or leaving traces of you for rescuers.
17. North Star: Spot the North Star and use it as your survival guide.
18. Cell phone: You may want to switch off your cellphone to conserve the battery. However, do periodically switch it on to check for a network. Even the slightest of connectivity can help make that distress call.
19. Keep a journal: The pen and paper in your survival pack must be used to write down the forest landmarks. It could become your own survival guide.
20. No rest on the forest floor: Do not sleep on the forest floor as you are vulnerable to predators, insects, and reptiles.
21. Walk along the water: A good way to navigate is to walk along the river hoping to hit a human settlement.
22. Use urine in the desert: If you don’t have a drop of water in a desert environment, soak a piece of cloth in your urine and tie to your head to prevent heatstroke.
23. Be optimistic: Do not give up hope and prevent yourself, at all costs, from hallucinating. What did I miss? What other survival tips would you add to this list?