| Thousands of people every year find themselves | | | | blisters, sun block and bandages. This may sound |
| in a wilderness survival situation. Fortunately most | | | | like a lot, but a kit like this can easily weigh less |
| are rescued alive and well - but not all. If you | | | | than six ounces. |
| hunt, hike, canoe, backpack or do other activities | | | | 4. Navigation Tools |
| that involve the possibility of getting lost in the | | | | A compass and map are always a good idea, as |
| woods or getting into an emergency situation, it | | | | long as you know how to use them. Keep in mind |
| might pay to learn a few survival skills. But what | | | | that if you are lost a map and compass will do |
| you do before you leave the house may be just | | | | little for you until you figure out where you are. A |
| as important. Here are some tips then, on how to | | | | GPS device can prevent getting lost too, but be |
| prepare in such a way that you either avoid the | | | | sure that you remember to "mark" the car or |
| bad situation or are ready for it. | | | | trail head before you leave, so it can guide you |
| 1. The Newest Survival Tool | | | | back. |
| Cell phones have become the newest survival | | | | 5. Proper Clothing |
| tool, and have already saved many lives. The key | | | | Most wilderness survival situation become real |
| here is to be sure that the battery is good and | | | | emergencies when the victims become |
| the phone doesn't get wet. putting it in a | | | | hypothermic. Maintaining your body heat starts |
| waterproof plastic bag in your shirt or jacket | | | | with bringing the appropriate clothing. In addition to |
| pocket is a good idea, because you might get | | | | having clothes that will keep you warm even |
| separated from your pack. Also, it is best to | | | | when wet (avoid cotton), if there is any chance |
| leave it off until you need it, to conserve the | | | | of cool weather bring a small hat and gloves as |
| batteries. | | | | well. These add only a few ounces to your pack |
| 2. An Itinerary That Saves You | | | | weight, but can save your life. |
| Leaving an itinerary behind will mean that rescuers | | | | 6. Water Considerations |
| know where to look if you don't show up at the | | | | Food is not usually a wilderness survival issue. |
| end of your trip into the wilderness. Think | | | | Almost nobody starves to death before being |
| carefully about where you want to go, because if | | | | found or dying from other causes. Water, on the |
| you change your plans too much while on the trail, | | | | other hand, is crucial, so plan well. Know where |
| the note you left behind become worthless. If | | | | you will be able to collect more water during your |
| there are a couple options you might consider, | | | | hike. |
| note them on the itinerary. | | | | It is safest if you have two water containers, |
| 3. A Survival Kit | | | | regardless of how much water you bring. This is |
| What you need in your survival kit varies | | | | so that if one breaks or is dropped and lost, you |
| depending on the type of terrain and weather | | | | still have a way to gather and carry water. I |
| you'll encounter. A good all-around kit should have | | | | prefer two plastic pop bottles, since they are the |
| two ways to start a fire (waterproof matches | | | | lightest containers available while also being almost |
| and a lighter or magnesium fire stick), some | | | | unbreakable. |
| aspirin, a small blade for cutting things, some | | | | Use these six tips to prepare for any trip into the |
| twine, a bit of duct tape, reflector for signaling | | | | wild and you'll probably avoid most emergency |
| rescuers, a whistle for the same, pencil and paper, | | | | situations. Of course, it can also help to learn |
| dental floss (many uses) water purification tablets, | | | | those wilderness survival skills too. That, however, |
| needle and thread, gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, | | | | is a topic for another article. |
| tweezers, safety pins, medical tape, moleskin for | | | | |