Wilderness Survival Lessons

Survival in the wilderness is serious business. Whether you're in the wilderness on purpose seeking solitude or an adventure, or you're there by accident because you got lost, certain skills will improve your chances of emerging safely. Classes in wilderness survival can help prepare you. Learning survival skills will give you confidence that you will be able to survive in remote locations.

  1. Preparation

    • Take certain safety precautions before you leave home. You should always carry survival equipment when headed into the wilderness, including dry matches, a good sleeping bag, a tent, emergency food rations that are high in sugar and protein, and a flashlight. Don't head into remote areas alone unless you are very experienced in the outdoors. Even then, being alone increases the chances of trouble. Leave your itinerary and intended time of return with someone you trust. One of the biggest factors in whether someone in trouble in the wilderness survives is the length of time it takes rescuers to find them. If rescuers have a good idea of where you are, your chances of survival increase exponentially.

    Common Sense

    • Many wilderness tragedies begin with someone doing something stupid, like trying to get to the next campsite when it's getting dark and you are tired, thinking it's cool to get close to a grizzly, fording a stream with a powerful current, or heading out with insufficient food and water. A humble and calm attitude, combined with a broad knowledge of routine and emergency wilderness skills, will go far toward making your trip a pleasure rather than a tragedy.

    Important Skills and Knowledge

    • There are many skills that will come in handy in the wilderness. Among the most important are being able to start a fire, lifesaving skills for rivers and lakes, the ability to forage for wild food, and map reading and orienteering skills. In addition to these skills, you need knowledge of wildlife behavior and how to prevent hypothermia and heat stroke. All of these things can be learned by traveling with more experienced hikers or by attending classes at an established wilderness skills school, of which there are many.