Outdoor Survival: A Comprehensive Guide to Sharpening Your Skills

surviving outdoorsPhoto byJen Terry canva

Whether you’re an avid adventurer or a casual hiker, knowing essential outdoor survival skills can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a life-threatening situation. From navigating through wilderness to creating shelter, being prepared can make your outdoor experience not only safer but also more enjoyable. Here’s a comprehensive guide to essential outdoor survival skills.

Situational Awareness and Preparation

Understand the Terrain:

Before heading into the wild, research the area you’ll be exploring. Know the weather conditions, wildlife, and any potential hazards. Map out your route and have contingency plans. Leave a copy of your route plan with someone who is not with you in case of an emergency; they know where you are.

Pack Smart:

Your survival pack should include:

Navigation Tools: Map, compass, and GPS device.

First Aid Kit: Tailored to your needs and the environment.

Shelter: Emergency blanket or bivvy bag.

Fire Starting Tools: Matches, lighters, and fire starters.

Food and Water: Non-perishable, high-energy snacks and a portable water filter or purification tablets.

Navigation Skills

Map Reading:

Learn how to read topographic maps and understand symbols and contour lines. Practice aligning your map with the terrain to find your location.

Familiarize yourself with compass basics: orienting the map, taking bearings, and setting a course. Practice navigating to ensure you’re comfortable with compass navigation.

GPS Knowledge:

While GPS is a reliable tool, it’s essential to know how to use it properly and have a backup plan, such as a map and compass, in case of technology failure.

Understanding Shelter Needs:

In cold climates, insulating from the ground and minimizing exposure to the wind is crucial. In hot climates, shade and ventilation is important.

Basic Shelter Techniques:

Debris Hut: Use natural materials like leaves and branches to create a makeshift shelter that retains body heat.

Lean-To: Build a slanted frame of branches covered with leaves or other insulating materials.

Tarp and Tent Setup: If you have a tarp or tent, practice setting it up quickly and securely. Ensure it’s waterproof and provides adequate protection from the elements.

making firePhoto byJen Terry canva

Fire Making

Fire-Starting Tools:

Matches and Lighters: Keep them in waterproof containers.

Fire Starters: Commercial or homemade options like cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly.

Flint and Steel: A reliable alternative when matches and lighters are unavailable.

Fire Building Techniques:

Tinder: Small, easily ignitable materials like dry leaves, bark, or paper.

Kindling: Small sticks or branches to build up the fire.

Fuel: Larger logs or branches to sustain the fire.

Fire Safety:

Always build your fire in a safe location, away from flammable materials. Ensure it is fully extinguished before leaving the site.

Water Procurement and Purification

Finding Water Sources:

Look for signs of water, like animal tracks or green vegetation. Streams, rivers, and springs are reliable sources.

Purification Methods:

Boiling: Boil water for at least 1 minute (3 minutes at higher altitudes) to kill pathogens.

Filters and Purification Tablets: Use portable filters or chemical tablets to purify water.

Life straws are small, lightweight tubes with a filter system that makes any water you find potentially drinkable if you are unable to make fire and boil it. They cost about $20.00 and are well worth it.

Water Storage: Use clean containers and avoid drinking from stagnant sources if possible.

Food Foraging and Hunting

Foraging: Learn to identify edible plants, fruits, and nuts. Avoid anything you’re unsure about, as some plants can be toxic. The last thing you want to do is turn an outing in nature into a serious or potentially deadly situation by ingesting a poisonous mushroom or berry because you saw some survival guy do it. Rule to live by: if you don’t know what it is, don’t touch it.

Basic Trapping and Fishing:

If you’re skilled, set simple traps for small game or learn basic fishing techniques. Always follow local regulations and practice ethical hunting. If all is possible, always carry a fishing pole and basic lures with you. Even if you aren’t a skilled fisherman, this could potentially save your life.

Emergency Rations:

Carry high-calorie, lightweight food like energy bars or freeze-dried meals. In a survival situation, ration your food carefully. Understanding that your body can go days without or with minimal food is essential. Remember, rationing is the key.

make your own kitPhoto byJen Terry canva

First Aid Basics

Treating Common Injuries:

Cuts and Scrapes: Clean with water, apply antiseptic, and cover with a sterile bandage.

Sprains and Strains: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE method).

Hypothermia and Heat Stroke: Recognize symptoms and administer first aid. For hypothermia, warm the person gradually. For heat stroke, cool the person down and hydrate.

Emergency Procedures:

Know how to perform CPR and basic first aid. Carry a first aid manual or guide for quick reference.

Emergency Signaling

Signal Devices:

Whistle: A loud, high-pitched sound travels far and can be heard from a distance.

Mirror: Reflect sunlight to signal rescuers.

Flares: Use only in extreme emergencies, and ensure they are within the expiration date.

Signal Techniques:

Three of Anything: The universal distress signal is three of any signal (whistles, flashes, or smoke signals).

Smoke Signals: Damp leaves on fire can cause a wall of smoke to reach higher levels and be seen far off.

Tree Blazing: Carve an obvious marking into the tree at eye level as you go so you can find your way back, and someone else can follow your path and find you if needed.

Mastering outdoor survival skills requires practice, preparation, and knowledge. By understanding how to navigate, build shelter, start fires, procure water, and address emergencies, you can enhance your safety and confidence in the wilderness. Remember, the goal of these skills is not only to survive but to thrive and enjoy your outdoor adventures to the fullest. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or a short camping trip, being equipped with these skills can make all the difference. Understanding your surroundings and respecting nature is vital. I’ve been camping and exploring outdoors for well over 30 years, learning new things daily. Get out there and enjoy our world. You won’t be disappointed.

basic shelterPhoto byJen Terry canva

Bruce, Max. “10 Essential Outdoor Survival Tips | Nuvance Health.” Www.nuvancehealth.org, 10 July 2023, www.nuvancehealth.org/health-tips-and-news/10-essential-outdoor-survival-tips. Accessed 15 Aug. 2024.

Mika Del Rosario. “10 Essential Tips for Beginners to Master Outdoor Survival Skills.” 14er Tactical, 14er Tactical, 8 July 2024, 14ertactical.com/blogs/resources/10-essential-tips-for-beginners-to-master-outdoor-survival-skills. Accessed 15 Aug. 2024.

“Survival Skills | Yost Survival Skills | Bushcraft and Outdoor Skills.” Survival Skills and Bushcraft for the Modern Survivalist, 5 June 2023, yostsurvivalskills.com/. Accessed 15 Aug. 2024.