5 Crucial Survival Priorities You Must Know
Hiking provides an opportunity to go on a new adventure and embrace the great outdoors.
Unfortunately, as you’re journeying off the beaten track, it’s easy to become lost or experience an accident.
When the worst happens, it’s essential to ensure you’re protected from nature. For this reason, we’re offering 5 crucial survival tips you must know.
1. Communicate
Hiking makes up 48% of search-and-rescue activities.
Before you head off on a trip, you must inform a loved one exactly where you’re going. Tell a family member or close friend where you plan to set off from and how long you will be gone.
You should also mention a specific route you plan to take. If you’re lost or hurt in the wilderness, they’ll know something is wrong and can arrange a prompt rescue.
2. Remain Optimistic
It’s natural for many negative thoughts to enter your head if you’re lost or injured in the wilderness. Yet, it’s important to be both calm and optimistic.
A positive outlook will help you stay focused on survival. For instance, it’s easy to become frustrated or scared if you can’t build a fire or shelter.
Take a deep breath, think about what you need to do and use your surroundings as much as possible. Don’t give into the panic or it could be the one thing that stands in the way of your safety.
3. Build a Shelter
It’s important to build a shelter before nightfall, so you will at least have a safe space to sleep at night. Don’t leave it until nighttime, because you will not be able to see in the pitch black.
Build a shelter with an overhead covering for protection from the elements. It will also allow you to stay warm throughout the night.
When lost on a rocky, mountainous terrain, we recommend looking for overhangs. Use everything from leaves and limbs for insulation.
Pine needles can also make excellent bedding, which will help you to sleep during the night.
4. Find Natural Food Sources
There are many ways to find food sources in the wilderness. Familiarize yourself with various plants and wild berries that can ensure your survival.
Learning about the many food sources can prevent your body from experiencing malnutrition. Instead of feeling weak and delirious, you will feel strong and healthy to carry on.
There’s no time to be picky when lost in the wilderness. The key to your survival is to embrace all edible ingredients that come your way, from bugs to leaves.
Learn to set traps to catch small animals, which will provide much-needed protein. In fact, you could go one step further and invest in the best recurve bow. It’s a great way to hunt when in the wilderness.
5. Start a Fire
Fire is a survivalist’s best friend in the wilderness.
It’s a great way to keep warm in the cold, and it can also cook any small animals you catch. Also, it will send a signal to rescue teams to come find you.
There are many different ways to start a fire in the wilderness. You could use a fire plow, bow and drill or the lens method.
You can trust fire will become your most valuable asset when in survival mode.
No one likes the thought of becoming lost in the wilderness, but it can happen. It’s essential to be prepared, remain calm and use your surroundings to your advantage.