Do you love traveling and exploring the great outdoors?
If you love exercise and traveling, the thrill of the wilderness is irresistible. A day out hiking or exploring a new trail can be a great way to disconnect from the world. If you plan to go and spend some time in these places, you must learn some survival strategies.
So, where do you start?
Read this guide to learn how to survive in the wilderness. We prepared some survival tips for you below. These will ensure that your trip to the wild is safe and thrilling.
- Pack for Emergencies
Hiking for a few miles on a nearby hiking trail is a great way to get your body going. However, in some situations, your plans can go awry. Even when your original plan is to hike for a few miles, you must pack more than a water bottle and protein bar.
You must always pack emergency essentials, regardless of your hiking plans. This means packing water filters or water-purifying tablets. Pack more food, emergency blankets, waterproof matches, and a first aid kit.
This seems like overpreparation for a short romp in the wilderness. However, these items are small enough to fit in a smaller backpack. They make a huge difference between survival and death when emergencies happen.
Are you looking to survive in a remote backcountry location? If so, consider buying a personal locator beacon as well. Relevant authorities will have an easier time tracking you when something happens.
- Tell Your Plans to a Friend
Before heading out to the trail, you must inform a family member or a trustworthy friend. It’s not enough to tell them about the place you’re going to. Instead, leave a detailed plan that includes the date and time of your departure.
Tell them about the trail or route you’ll go for. To top it off, give them an estimated duration for your return. With this, if you don’t contact them by then, it means something went awry.
Doing this is important for your ensured survival. It gives them an idea of when to inform the authorities. It will also give rescue teams a place to start their search.
- Treat Injuries as Soon as Possible
Injuries surviving in the wild are common. A single misstep in rugged or wet terrain can bring a damper to your journey.
This is when packing a first aid kit comes into play. However, it won’t give you much help if you aren’t familiar with how to use it. A good way to become an expert is to take a course on how to become a wilderness first responder.
Supplying yourself with knowledge allows you to treat injuries even in dire situations. When dealing with injuries, start by stopping bleeding wounds. After that, look for either fractures or sprains and stabilize them.
Even with training, you must be resilient enough to improvise. It’s especially when you forgot to pack bigger items like bandage wraps or aluminum splints. With ingenuity, you can get a branch and convert it into a makeshift crutch.
- Judge Your Situation
Imagine this: you’re lost, injured, or both. Is it better to stay where you are or look for the way back? If you’re lost with another person, do you stick together or split up?
The right answers depend on your specific situation. The kind of people you’re hiking with will also affect your decision. This is especially complex when you travel with another person.
For example, if you travel with a friend and they get injured, consider the severity of the injury. At the same time, assess whether they’re resilient enough. Are they well enough to travel, or do they need medical attention?
The type of trail and the current season can also play a part in deciding your actions. A popular trail makes it more likely for other hikers to come your way. This means you need not go anywhere since you can get help.
However, if you hike in a remote region, you must keep moving to get help. Once you decide, you can either go uphill or downhill. Professional gear and training can help prepare you for disaster.
Going uphill allows you to see above the tree line and assess where you are. By going downhill, you’re likely to encounter a river soon. Follow it and you’ll likely find your way back to civilization.
- Find or Build Shelter
A half-day hike can turn into a longer trip by accidentally straying from the trail. If you want to know how to survive in the wild for extended periods, you must have shelter. It’s because your primary concern is protecting yourself from the elements.
Wind and rain can result in fatalities because of hypothermia. Even when you aren’t too wet, it’s easy for you to become cold. When the weather turns worse, look for a shelter to survive in the wilderness.
A good place to start is to take cover behind a boulder or a tree trunk. It’s because these can shield you from cold winds. If you have the know-how, build a makeshift tent out of branches.
If you’re well-prepared, you’ll pack a tent and pitch one as soon as possible. However, it’s all about adapting to your specific scenario. For example, if you’re in dry weather with 70 degrees, building a strong shelter isn’t as pressing.
Regardless, find a source of water nearby before camping for the night.
Learn How to Survive in the Wilderness Today!
Wilderness survival is all about preparation and improvisation at the same time. Use these tips to ensure that your next trek in the wild is pleasant and exhilarating.
Did this guide help you learn how to survive in the wilderness? Looking for a new hiking trail to discover? Check out our other blog posts for more guides and destination ideas.
