Outdoor Survival List

Outdoor survival has become a hot topic in the last few years. It has always been a point of heated discussion among hunters, campers, survivalists, park and forest rangers and others who pass large stretches of time in the outdoors. But with threats of terrorism and the realities of extended power outages, such as the Northeastern Blackout of 2003 that affected 45 million U.S. residents, and evacuations due to destructive hurricanes or major flooding, more people are become interested in learning the techniques of outdoor survival. There are easy and cost-effective proactive measures you can take to always be ready to survive outdoors for at least a short period of time.

  1. Bug-Out Bag

    • A bug-out bag, often abbreviated as BOB and sometimes called a "get-out-of-Dodge" bag, is a portable survival kit, intended to be kept in a constant state of readiness so you can "grab-and-go" at a moment's notice. This should be the first item on your list of outdoor survival items. It is not meant for long-term usage; a good bag should contain the basics for outdoor survival for a limited period of time, perhaps 24 to 72 hours.

      The contents will vary depending on your location and circumstances. People in cold climates will have a tremendous need for producing fire and staying warm; those in hot desert climates will have a greater need for staying hydrated, avoiding sun exposure and preventing loss of salt from excessive sweating. Configure your bag to match your particular needs, but basic components should include necessary tools (particularly a sturdy knife), fire-making supplies, weather-appropriate clothing, a source of light, first-aid items and a limited supply of food and water. If you are a caretaker responsible for babies, elderly persons or pets, you will need to account for their needs as well.

    Water and Food

    • If you are in an outdoor survival situation, chances are that you will not be sitting idle. You will likely be engaged in activities designed to maximize your survival potential: gathering fuel, hunting for resources and so forth. This means that you will need to maintain adequate hydration and take in enough food to maintain your energy expenditure.

      Unless you have a vehicle to transport supplies, you cannot carry the quantity of water you will need. Instead, have the means to filter or purify water sources. Camping and outdoor stores sell popular brands of portable filtration systems, as well as chemical purification means, such as iodine or chlorine tablets.

      Food is one of the lesser concerns for outdoor survival. In emergency scenarios, most people can keep going for several weeks without food. If you are engaged in physical activity, however, you will need regular food intake. Avoid most processed foods; opt for foods with high protein content and a reasonable amount of fat, which your body metabolizes for energy. Meat jerky or tree nuts, both highly portable, are wise choices.

    Shelter

    • Shelter is a critical component of outdoor survival, as exposure is a major killer in survival scenarios. Your outdoor survival list must include shelter to prevent freezing, overheating, dehydration and physical protection. If available, fabricated structures, such as cabins and tents, are the first choice. Expedient structures, which include debris huts, lean-tos, igloos and snow caves, are shelters that you construct on short notice with a minimum of tools. Even a tarp or large garbage bag, stretched between two tree limbs, can afford some protection from rain and thus help prevent hypothermia.

    State of Mind

    • Every survival expert will tell you that the most important outdoor survival tool is between your ears. Keeping a clear mind and making sound, calm, considered decisions are your best aids to staying alive. The Boy Scouts use the acronym STOP (Stop, Think, Observe, Plan) to remember the mental aspects of survival.