Wilderness Survival Essentials

Preparation

• Prior planning and preparation are key to wilderness survival
• Research the area, weather, and potential hazards
• Pack essential items, such as:
  • Water (at least 1 liter per person per day)
  • Food (high-calorie, non-perishable)
  • First aid kit
  • Shelter (tent, sleeping bag, etc.)
  • Fire starter (matches, lighter, etc.)
  • Navigation tools (map, compass, GPS)
  • Signaling devices (whistle, mirror, etc.)

Shelter

• Find or create a shelter that protects from:
  • Wind
  • Rain
  • Snow
  • Sun
  • Wildlife
• Types of shelters:
  • Natural shelters (caves, rock overhangs)
  • Debris shelters ( branches, leaves)
  • Tent shelters

Water

• Find a water source:
  • Rivers
  • Streams
  • Lakes
  • Ponds
  • Springs
• Purify water using:
  • Boiling
  • Water filters
  • Chemical treatment
  • Solar disinfection

Fire

• Importance of fire:
  • Warmth
  • Light
  • Signaling
  • Water purification
• Fire starting methods:
  • Matches
  • Lighters
  • Flint and steel
  • Bow drill
  • Fire piston

Food

• Find food sources:
  • Wild edibles (plants, berries)
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Insects
• Food preparation:
  • Cooking
  • Drying
  • Smoking

Signaling

• Signaling for help:
  • Whistle
  • Mirror
  • Fire
  • Smoke
  • Flags
• Signaling during the day:
  • Use smoke or mirrors
• Signaling at night:
  • Use fire or flashing lights

Health and Safety

• Prevention:
  • Insect repellent
  • Sun protection
  • Hygiene
• Treatment:
  • Wounds
  • Illnesses
  • Insect bites
  • Allergic reactions

Navigation

• Types of navigation:
  • Map and compass
  • GPS
  • Celestial navigation
• Staying on track:
  • Pay attention to landmarks
  • Use a pace count
  • Follow a route

Mental Survival

• Positive attitude
• Stay calm and focused
• Set goals and prioritize tasks
• Find ways to occupy your mind (e.g., journaling, games)

Wilderness Survival Preparation

• Prior planning and preparation are crucial for wilderness survival
• Research the area, weather, and potential hazards
• Pack essential items, including water, food, first aid kit, shelter, fire starter, navigation tools, and signaling devices

Shelter

• Find or create a shelter that protects from wind, rain, snow, sun, and wildlife
• Types of shelters include natural shelters, debris shelters, and tent shelters

Water

• Find a water source, such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, or springs
• Purify water using boiling, water filters, chemical treatment, or solar disinfection

Fire

• Fire is essential for warmth, light, signaling, and water purification
• Fire starting methods include matches, lighters, flint and steel, bow drill, and fire piston

Food

• Find food sources, such as wild edibles, fishing, hunting, and insects
• Prepare food through cooking, drying, and smoking

Signaling

• Signal for help using a whistle, mirror, fire, smoke, or flags
• Use smoke or mirrors for daytime signaling, and fire or flashing lights for nighttime signaling

Health and Safety

• Prevent health issues with insect repellent, sun protection, and hygiene
• Treat wounds, illnesses, insect bites, and allergic reactions

Navigation

• Use map and compass, GPS, or celestial navigation for navigation
• Stay on track by paying attention to landmarks, using a pace count, and following a route

Mental Survival

• Maintain a positive attitude and stay calm and focused
• Set goals and prioritize tasks, and find ways to occupy your mind