Gary O'Brien of the Search and Rescue Society of British Columbia defines survival as "keeping warm and dry while waiting to be found." As a survival camper, you may not wait to be found, but keeping warm and dry still will be significant, no matter the weather. In the tradition of America's wilderness pioneers, be prepared, travel light, keep yourself and your powder dry, stay hydrated and avoid hypothermia.
Survival Camping Features
You may experience survival camping by choice or by necessity. Some people become survival campers when they become lost or separated from a group and must fend for themselves with few resources. In difficult economic times, some survival campers have nowhere else to live, so they camp in the wilderness. In nearly every situation, survival campers shed most of the comforts and luxuries of typical everyday life. Survival camping centers are about the bare necessities of water, heat, food and shelter.
Types of Survival Camping
The most basic type of survival camping is primitive camping. The camper takes along a sleeping bag, some tools, water, fire-making materials and rain cover, such as a plastic poncho. This type of camper builds a shelter from trees and boughs and relies on streams, lakes and woods for food and water. Some survival campers prefer a backpack tent if they will camp in different locations, or a tipi if staying put. A waterproof survival camping tipi allows you to enjoy your campfire inside your shelter. You can also survival-camp in a vehicle, such as a van, trailer or ATV.
The Bare Necessities
Because staying warm and dry is essential to successful survival camping, you'll want a waterproof sleeping bag that retains warmth even in severe cold. Waterproof shoe and boot polish, and wool socks, will help keep your feet warm. Keep matches, a lighter and some fire-starters in a sealed plastic bag in case rain dampens your kindling. To stay hydrated, keep a canteen full of fresh water, have access to additional water and pack a box of water-purification tablets. You'll need at least four quarts of water per day for each person. For energy and nutrition, take along dried fruits and nuts.
Expert Insight
Experts advise campers to never forget the "rules of threes" that influence survival camping priorities and decision-making. Your body can't survive more than three minutes without air, three hours without body heat, three days without water and three weeks without food, according to Camping ATV. Avoid getting wet, as that can lead to hypothermia. Be sure your tent isn't set up too close to water or in a flood-drainage area.
Cautions
Even when primitive camping, avoid sleeping or lying on bare ground. A thick layer of leaves or boughs beneath you will help preserve your body heat. If you're tent- or tipi-camping, always store food outside of your shelter to prevent unwelcome encounters with wildlife. Always let someone know where you're camping and when to expect your return. Know and obey all the rules in your camping location, taking care to return your campsite to the condition in which you found it, or better.
Member Comments