Regardless of your outdoor adventure level, being prepared for a survival situation can make the difference between a successful trip and an unplanned one.
Three things are necessary to know how to survive outdoors: physical skills, mental conditioning, and the right tools from Uppercut Tactical. These skills can be practiced in controlled environments to make you more resilient in a survival situation.
Shelter, fire, signaling, and any other survival tools are essential. While they might seem inconsequential, these resources can be your lifeline when you’re stranded in the wild and don’t have any other options. For example, a small fire can help to keep you warm, while a tent can provide protection from the elements.
Water
There are many ways to make water safe for drinking. Boiling water is one of the most popular, as it kills bacteria and viruses and removes harmful chemicals like lead and mercury.
You can also distill water or filter it. This removes contaminants such dirt and sediment from water that is not visible to the naked eyes.
There are many ways to purify water, without boiling it. These include tablets, UV rays and drinking from a stream that has been flowing for several days or weeks. These methods can prevent bacteria and other toxins from building up, which could cause dehydration or even death.
The most important sources of water for survival are rivers, streams and creeks. These run fast and clear, so they are less likely to be contaminated with bacteria or other contaminants. Lakes and ponds can be a better alternative to streams, but they are more stagnant, which increases the likelihood that bacteria will breed.
If you can’t find any of these, look for areas with thick vegetation or swarms of insects, as these may indicate that there is a water source nearby. You can also listen for birds in early morning or late evening, as they tend to flock around a water source.
You can experience significant water shortages when you are out in the wild. This can impact your ability to survive. Experts recommend that you keep at least one gallon of water per person for every day in case you lose access to running water.
Shelter
Shelter is an important part of outdoor survival. It protects you against the elements. It doesn’t matter if you’re hiking through the forest, or climbing up a mountaintop; it is important to be prepared for any weather conditions that may arise.
A shelter can give you peace of mind and comfort when the situation becomes stressful. You will be able to remain safe and out of harm’s way while you wait for rescue.
There are many shelters available, each one suited for different situations. They all have their own specific uses, depending on the climate and your personal requirements.
The first thing you should do when building shelters is to choose the best place. Ideally, your shelter should be in a dry spot where no water will drain away from it.
Avoid constructing your shelter in areas that are likely be inhabited or inhabited by animals and insects. Insects like ticks, fire ants, bees or wasps can carry diseases that could be fatal to you.
Insulation is a great way to keep rain and wind out of your shelter. Leaves, pine needles or other natural debris can be used to build up a thick layer on the inside and outside of your shelter.
You can also insulate your shelter by adding a layer of soil or bark to the shelter’s exterior. This will create a barrier against rain and wind, and give you protection from cold weather.
For a very simple type of shelter, you can use fallen tree branches to build a lean-to. Simply place the limbs against the object that you wish to shelter from and cover them with leaves.
To add insulation and protection to your shelter, you might also consider using moss. Moss can easily be cut into a mat and placed around the outer perimeter of your shelter. This will act like a sponge to stop rain and wind from entering your shelter’s roof and sides.
Fire
In many survival situations, being able to light a fire is crucial. It can be used to cook, sterilize bandages, and signal for rescue. It can help you avoid predators, give warmth and light at night, as well as provide security.
To start a fire, you need tinder or other material that will catch fire when ignited by the flame. This can be a piece of wood, grass or leaves. Tinder is roughly the same thickness as a pencil. Kindling is typically smaller than a fingernail.
You can also use a ferro rod, which is a tool made from a special alloy that creates sparks when struck with a sharp object. Ferro rods are commonly used in outdoor and survival situations where access to other forms of ignition may be limited.
The sun’s rays can also be used to light a fire. To create a small fire, fold a piece of paper so that it has a hole about the size of a quarter. Fold another piece of paper over it and then wave it back-and-forth. This technique is very effective and anyone can use it.
It is important to remember that a fire will take time to start and maintain. This is especially true if you are building a fire in a wet environment. Also, you should keep an eye out for the fire and ensure that it is extinguished before you leave. This will save fuel and prevent the fire spreading.
Signaling
Signaling is an essential tool in your outdoor survival toolkit. It allows you to signal rescuers that you need assistance. The type of signal you use will depend on your situation, the enemies you are dealing with, but there is a basic way to get attention.
Visual signals are often a large fire, flash of light or flare. They can also be brightly colored flags, clothing or other items that will catch the attention of rescuers.
Some of these can be as simple as wearing brightly colored clothing, orange plastic bags from your survival kit or an orange VS-17 panel (a military-issued panel that produces an orange smoke during daylight and a flare at night). Others have more creative uses.
A whistle is another sound that can be used to communicate. There are many options for ‘pealess’ whistles. They can be either very quiet or very loud.
These whistles can be clipped on to your gear, or placed in a pocket of frequently used outdoor clothing. You need a loud and durable whistle that you can use in many situations.
Audio signaling is another way to alert rescuers about your location. Whistles, screams and the international distress signal (three sharp blasts evenly spaced) are all effective ways of getting your message across.
The key is to make sure the sounds you make are loud enough to be heard by a nearby rescuer. You should not use your voice, but you can crack rocks or whistle to make a sound that can be heard.
An emergency strobe lamp can also be used during daylight. The flashing will help you attract the attention of aircraft, or people in the vicinity.
Smoke signaling works best when the weather is clear and there is little wind in the area. During heavy winds, the smoke may be dissipated and lost.
You can also use a mirror to reflect sunlight and help you be found by rescuers. Signal mirrors reflect sunlight up to 7 miles. If you’re lost in the wilderness or have lost your boat or vehicle, this can be critical.