Outdoor Survival Skills

Outdoor Survival Guide

Whether hiking, camping, or in an emergency situation, mastering basic outdoor survival skills is essential. This guide will help you understand the basic survival skills and knowledge needed to survive in the wild.

Survival Priorities

  • 3 minutes - Without air (breathing)
  • 3 hours - Without shelter in extreme environments (temperature regulation)
  • 3 days - Without water (hydration)
  • 3 weeks - Without food (nutrition)

Basic Survival Knowledge

Stay Calm

In an emergency, staying calm is crucial. Panic consumes energy and leads to poor decisions. Breathe deeply, assess the situation, and make a plan.

S.T.O.P Principle

  • Stop: Don't move blindly; stop and think.
  • Think: Assess the situation and your options.
  • Observe: Look at the surroundings and available resources.
  • Plan: Make an action plan and follow through.

Location and Navigation

Learn to use a compass and map, and observe natural markers. If lost, stay put to increase your chances of being found.

If you don't have a compass, you can use natural navigation methods:

  • Sun: rises in the east in the morning, sets in the west in the evening.
  • Stars: in the Northern Hemisphere, you can find north using the North Star.
  • Trees: in the Northern Hemisphere, tree rings are usually narrower on the north side.

Finding and Purifying Water

The human body can survive only about three days without water, so finding safe drinking water is crucial.

Finding Water

  • Move to lower ground - Water always flows to the lowest point.
  • Look for areas with dense vegetation.
  • Follow animal tracks as they often lead to water sources.
  • Collect dew - Use cloth to collect morning dew from plants.
  • Dig in sand to collect underground water.

Purifying Water

Even if water looks clean, it may contain harmful microorganisms. Use these methods to purify water:

  • Boiling: Boil the water for at least 1 minute (3 minutes at high altitudes).
  • Filtering: Use layered cloth or an improvised filter.
  • Purification Tablets: If you have portable water purification tablets.
  • Solar Disinfection: Place water in a transparent plastic bottle and expose it to sunlight for 6 hours.

Finding Food

While the human body can survive for weeks without food, obtaining food provides essential energy and nutrition.

Edible Plant Identification

Before eating wild plants, ensure you can accurately identify them. Some basic rules:

  • Avoid plants with milky sap.
  • Avoid umbrella-shaped flowers (unless you are sure they are non-toxic).
  • Avoid plants with shiny leaves.
  • Avoid plants with beans inside pods.

Warning: If unsure, do not eat. Use the "Universal Edibility Test" to gradually test unknown plants.

Small Traps

Traps can catch food while you focus on other tasks. Basic traps include:

  • Snares - To capture small animals.
  • Pit traps - Dig and cover traps.

Remember to check local laws, as trapping without permission may be illegal in many areas.

Building Shelter

Shelter protects you from extreme weather and dangerous animals, and maintaining body temperature is critical for survival.

Choosing a Location

  • Avoid low-lying areas (possible flooding).
  • Avoid ridges and high places (strong winds and lightning risk).
  • Stay away from dead trees and hanging branches (they may fall).
  • Close to water, but not too close (animal traffic and flood risks).

Basic Shelter Types

A-frame Shelter

Use a long branch as the ridgepole, place shorter branches on both sides, and cover with leaves and grass.

Tree Shelter

Use a fallen tree or large rock as one wall, and build the remaining three sides.

Snow Cave

In snowy environments, snow caves provide excellent insulation.

Emergency Poncho Shelter

Use a poncho or waterproof fabric to quickly create a temporary shelter.

Natural Shelter

Caves, rock outcrops, and other natural features can serve as emergency shelters, but check for dangerous animals.

Outdoor First Aid Skills

Mastering basic first aid can save lives or prevent injuries from worsening while waiting for rescue.

Basic First Aid Supplies

  • Bandages and gauze
  • Disinfectant
  • Tourniquet
  • Emergency blanket
  • Tweezers (for removing thorns, splinters)
  • Medications (like antibiotic ointment, antihistamines)

Common Emergencies

  1. Wash the wound with clean water.
  2. Disinfect if possible.
  3. Dry the surrounding area gently.
  4. Cover with a clean bandage.
  5. Change bandage regularly and monitor for signs of infection.
  1. Keep the injured person still.
  2. Use available materials to stabilize the injury.
  3. Elevate the injured area (if possible).
  4. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling (if conditions allow).

Symptoms: Shivering, confusion, slurred speech, fatigue

  1. Move the person to shelter.
  2. Remove wet clothing and wrap in dry blankets.
  3. If possible, offer warm (not hot) drinks.
  4. Share body heat if necessary.

Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, red and dry skin, elevated body temperature

  1. Move the person to a shaded area.
  2. Loosen or remove clothing.
  3. Use water to cool the body down.
  4. If the person is conscious, give them water to drink.

Survival Tips

Signal for Help

The international distress signal is three of any signal (e.g., three whistles, three piles of firewood, three flags).

Tool Making

Learn how to make basic tools from natural materials, such as a sharp stick or stone knife.

Fire Preservation

Once a fire is started, it's important to keep it going. Use dry materials and windproof design.

Hygiene

Maintaining basic hygiene in the wild helps prevent diseases and infections, especially when handling food and wounds.

Survival Resources

Recommended Books

  • SAS Survival Handbook - John Wiseman
  • Complete Wilderness Survival Guide - Bear Grylls
  • The Ultimate Survival Manual

Online Courses

  • Red Cross First Aid Course
  • Basic Wilderness Survival Training
  • Wild Plant Identification Course

Essential Gear

  • Multi-tool or small knife
  • Fire starter kit
  • Compass
  • First aid kit
  • Waterproof fabric