Getting out into the wilderness can be a great way to get some exercise, explore the beauty of nature and escape from the complications of modern life. However, nature can be tricky, and a fun outing can easily turn dangerous, or even deadly, if you aren’t properly prepared. A wilderness survival checklist can help ensure that you remember to bring essential items for handling emergencies. Wilderness preparedness is a necessity if you want your adventures in the wild to be safe and fun.
Getting Lost
Even experienced wilderness buffs can get turned around and become lost in the woods, so it is important to be prepared to find your way out. Always carry a map of the area and a compass when you venture into the wilderness. The Wilderness Survival website suggests you keep your map and compass on your body, in case you become separated from your pack, to ensure you don’t lose the tools you need to find your way back to civilization. In addition, letting a trustworthy friend know where you are going should always be one of the items on your checklist. That way, someone will be aware you are missing and can give a general search location if something goes wrong.
First Aid
Even a minor injury can become a major problem out in the woods, especially if you have to travel some distance to reach medical help. A properly stocked first aid kit is a must on your wilderness survival checklist. Antiseptics such as hydrogen peroxide or iodine and antiseptic ointments are essential for cleaning and treating wounds. Different types of bandages can be accompanied by sterile gauze and medical tape to make larger bandages. MedlinePlus suggests stocking your kit with elastic bandages to wrap sprains and a triangular piece of cloth that can be used as a sling. Wilderness Survival also suggests butterfly suture bandages and surgical blades. Your kit should be packed in a waterproof bag or container to keep supplies sterile and dry.
Water
One of the most important things you will need, even for relatively short-term survival in the wilderness, is water. You should always have a way to carry water, such as a bottle or canteen, and you should always take any available opportunity to refill your water supply. Wilderness Survival suggests adding water purification drops or tablets to your wilderness survival kit to protect you from water-borne diseases. The Equipped to Survive website warns against eating snow for water, because it will make you cold. You can carry a water container that allows you to melt snow with your body heat for cold weather wilderness survival.
Additional Essentials
Some additional items that should be added to your checklist include items for protecting yourself from the elements and for signaling, in case you become lost. Waterproof matches or lighters can help you build a fire, which can be used to signal for help, keep you warm, boil water and cook food. According to Wilderness Survival, flashlights and hand mirrors are good signaling devices too. Equipped to Survive also recommends a whistle for signaling, pointing out that the sound of a whistle carries farther than your voice. In addition, your whistle can help you warn away wild animals. Always make sure you have a couple of 30 gallon plastic garbage bags on your checklist as well. A garbage bag can be used as a poncho to keep you dry and to retain body heat and repel insects, says Equipped to Survive.
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