If you're going to survive in the woods, you'll have four basic needs: food, water, warmth and shelter. How important these are depends partly on your environment. In the mountains during stormy weather or the winter season, having a fire going and a shelter can mean the difference between life and death. In warmer weather, this becomes less urgent. The more prepared you are, the better your chances in the wilderness. Don't tempt fate and always tell somebody where you're going and when to expect your return so a rescue party can be sent out if you don't show up on time.
Securing Food and Water
According to the Wilderness Survival Skills website, your body loses up to a gallon of water every day through urination and perspiration. If you don't replace it, dehydration will bring symptoms like weakness, nausea, and disorientation, or decreased mental capacity.
Drinking water in the wilderness can expose you to a number of parasites, toxic chemicals, bacteria, and viruses. Parasites such as Giardia are common and can cause diarrhea, accelerating dehydration. You'll need to purify the water by boiling it to kill bacteria and parasites. Otherwise, a purification filter or water purification tablets are options.
Nuts and plants are probably the easiest foods to find. Learn how to identify local poisonous berries and mushrooms. Insects and fish are good sources of nutrients, according to Wilderness Survival Skills. Boiling or frying your food can kill parasites.
Using a Fire
A fire can be an essential survival tool in the wilderness. It can keep you warm at night and wild animals and insects at bay. You can also boil water and dry wet clothes, according to Wilderness Survival Skills. An ongoing fire can signal your location so rescue workers can find you. There are a number of methods to start a fire, but unless you're an experienced camper, you'll have a hard time without matches or a lighter, so try to bring those with you.
If you have nothing with you, you can use a magnifier or glasses to capture the sunlight and direct it to a small pile of tinder, dry leaves or grass, or paper. This requires persistence and doesn't always work, so being prepared is essential.
Once you get a fire going, keep it going throughout the night and never leave it unattended. If you're in a wet windy area, try starting a fire against a mountain ridge.
Staying Safe
Securing a shelter is the first step in staying safe in the wilderness, especially during the night, when wild animals can approach without you noticing. There are many ways to find or build a survival shelter, from a cave to a canopy built with branches and insulating material such as grass or leaves. Always seek shelter in high ground to stay safe in case of flash foods or mudslides.
Controlling panic is also essential to surviving in the wild, according to the Adventure Sports website. If you find yourself panicking, remember the acronym, STOP, which stands for sit, think, observe, plan. Give yourself a few minutes to collect your thoughts. Then look around for ways you can use your environment in your favor, whether that means finding water, seeking shelter, or collecting wood for a fire. Finally, put together a plan of action that will keep you safe.
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