Whether you're doing it for fun or learning how to stay alive after a disaster, survival camping pits your wits against Mother Nature. Do you know how to find water and determine whether a plant is poisonous or edible? If you don't, consider bringing backup--printed copies of a first aid booklet and the U.S. Army Survival Manual.
Basic Necessities
According to the Army Survival Manual, a person in survival mode needs 2 to 3 liters of water every day. Undercutting this by even 5 percent leads to irritability and weakness. In terms of caloric requirements, the manual advises that plants, nuts and seeds can give your body enough energy to survive, thanks to their natural protein and oils. The manual advises testing small parts of the plant before eating, always on an empty stomach. Touch a small part of the plant to your mouth to test for burning. Touch the plant to your tongue, then hold it on your tongue. Swallow and wait eight hours for potential aftereffects. If there aren't any, repeat the test with 1/4 cup of the plant before eating more.
First Aid
Taking the right first aid supplies with you can save a life. If possible, take a first aid class prior to your trip to learn how to use those supplies. According to the American Red Cross, your basic first aid kit should contain the following: antiseptic wipes, gauze, cloth tape, adhesive bandages, roller bandages, compress dressings, tweezers, latex gloves, aspirin, scissors and a printed first-aid instruction booklet.
Radio Support
Even if you want to stay off the grid, carry a hand-crank radio for weather warnings. The National Weather Service and Emergency Alert System broadcast weather updates on the VHF band between 162.4 and 162.5, or you can buy a special NOAA weather radio that automatically receives these broadcasts.
Supplies
Use chlorine or iodine tablets to purify 1 quart of water per tablet. Solar blankets and rain ponchos help ward off inclement weather, and the poncho can do double duty as a shelter. According to the Army Survival Manual, you can build a lean-to or shelter using a poncho, two trees, rope and a few stakes or sharpened sticks. Waterproof matches can save you the trouble of starting a fire with friction, and a local map can point you toward civilization or away from it. According to Ready.gov, a whistle can help you signal rescue crews if necessary or make noise to scare off wildlife as you camp.
Considerations
Every good camper has a backup plan. If something should go wrong, how can you get help? Camping off the grid carries risks, ranging from trespassing on private property to wild animal attacks. Make sure at least one person knows where you are. If you're leaving your cell phone behind, scout out nearby highway call boxes, rest stops or residences. Find out where the closest police or ranger station is located and how to get there from your campsite. A little prep work can help you escape a potentially dangerous situation.
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