Jungle Survival Essentials

Preparation

• Research the jungle environment and potential hazards before venturing in
• Pack essential items:
  • Water purification tablets or filter
  • First aid kit
  • Multi-tool or knife
  • Fire starter (e.g. matches, lighter, ferrocerium rod)
  • Shelter materials (e.g. tent, tarp, rope)
  • Food and water containers
  • Insect repellent
  • Map and compass (and/or GPS device)
  • Extra clothing and layers
  • Signaling devices (e.g. flares, whistle)

Finding Water

• Look for sources:
  • Streams and rivers
  • Ponds and lakes
  • Waterfalls
  • Animal tracks and trails
• Purify water:
  • Boil for 1-3 minutes
  • Use water purification tablets or filter
  • Add disinfectant (e.g. chlorine or iodine)

Finding Food

• Identify edible plants:
  • Fruits (e.g. bananas, berries)
  • Nuts (e.g. coconuts, walnuts)
  • Roots and tubers (e.g. cassava, sweet potatoes)
• Hunt and prepare animals:
  • Use traps (e.g. snares, pitfalls)
  • Use hunting tools (e.g. spears, bows)
  • Cook meat thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness

Shelter and Protection

• Create a shelter:
  • Use natural formations (e.g. caves, rock overhangs)
  • Build a lean-to or debris hut
  • Use a tent or tarp
• Protect from insects and wildlife:
  • Use insect repellent
  • Wear protective clothing
  • Build a fire to keep animals away

Navigation

• Use a map and compass:
  • Take bearings and follow a route
  • Identify landmarks and features
• Use natural navigation aids:
  • Follow the sun
  • Use the stars
  • Identify natural signs (e.g. moss growth, tree direction)

Staying Healthy

• Prevent heat stroke:
  • Stay hydrated
  • Rest in shade
  • Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat
• Prevent illness:
  • Wash hands regularly
  • Cook food thoroughly
  • Avoid contaminated water and food

Jungle Survival

Preparation

• Research the jungle environment and potential hazards before venturing in
• Pack essential items, including water purification tablets or filter, first aid kit, multi-tool or knife, and fire starter
• Bring shelter materials, such as tent, tarp, and rope
• Include food and water containers, insect repellent, and signaling devices
• Don't forget extra clothing, layers, and a map and compass (and/or GPS device)

Finding Water

• Identify sources of water, such as streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, and waterfalls
• Look for animal tracks and trails to find water sources
• Purify water by boiling for 1-3 minutes or using water purification tablets or filter
• Add disinfectant, such as chlorine or iodine, to purify water

Finding Food

• Identify edible plants, including fruits, nuts, and roots and tubers
• Learn which plants are safe to eat and how to prepare them
• Hunt and prepare animals using traps, hunting tools, and cooking thoroughly
• Avoid foodborne illness by cooking meat thoroughly

Shelter and Protection

• Create a shelter using natural formations, such as caves or rock overhangs
• Build a lean-to or debris hut using local materials
• Use a tent or tarp to provide shelter
• Protect from insects and wildlife by using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and building a fire

Navigation

• Use a map and compass to navigate through the jungle
• Take bearings and follow a route to find your way
• Identify landmarks and features to stay on track
• Use natural navigation aids, such as the sun, stars, and natural signs, to navigate

Staying Healthy

• Prevent heat stroke by staying hydrated, resting in shade, and avoiding strenuous activity during peak heat
• Prevent illness by washing hands regularly, cooking food thoroughly, and avoiding contaminated water and food
• Be aware of jungle hazards, such as insects, wildlife, and extreme weather conditions