Everyone at some point in their lives begins to wonder what they would do were they to become lost in the woods or stranded on a desert island. However, by learning a few wilderness survival skills, you can do your part to make sure that you can do more than just wonder. Here are a few things to consider when preparing for a trip outdoors.
One of the first things people think of when they imagine themselves trapped in the wilderness is what they would do were they to become injured. Fortunately, with a quality first aid kit, you can work wonders for keeping yourself or someone else stabilized and comfortable until help arrives. Basic first aid kits often consist of bandages, disinfectant, antibiotics, and other essentials, while more complex first aid kids contain everything from syringes and tourniquets to wound irrigation systems. It's also a good idea to equip your first aid kit with extra doses of any medication you may be on, just to be safe.
Another common problem when it comes to wilderness survival skills is the issue of food. While in many climates it's easy to forage for various edible plants, flowers, berries, nuts, and mushrooms, it's a good idea to carry a field guide if you plan on foraging this way. If finding food in the wild isn't your strong suit, you can learn the merits of packing wisely. After all, one of the best wilderness survival skills is the art of packing a backpack with everything you need in a way that doesn't result in you lugging around a heavy bag the entire trip. Fortunately, with the invention of freeze dried and dehydrated meals, it's easy to carry portable, easy to prepare meals wherever you travel.
Finally, navigating your way through the woods is one of the most crucial wilderness survival skills. Marking trails, remembering landmarks, cutting away undergrowth, and performing other tricks to keep yourself from becoming turned around is an important part of interacting with the wild. This is why compasses, maps, flashlights, and emergency flares are all common items to pack for any lengthy camping or hiking trip.
These are only a few things to consider when planning your next camping, hunting, or hiking trip. By staying prepared, you have already done your part to ensure that your trip goes smoothly, allowing you to enjoy nature without worry. Learn more about wilderness survival skills today!
When it comes to acquiring the right survival gear, the first item many survivalists think of would have to be a good wilderness survival knife. However, with so many on the market today, picking out the right one for you can be a tricky process. Here are a few tips to consider when browsing for survival knives.
A wilderness survival knife is a great tool for many reasons. Along with clearing paths, cutting cloth, and making kindling, it's also great for opening cans, preparing food, and more. Contrary to popular belief, however, bigger is not always better. Ideally, your wilderness survival knife should be just as easy to pack as the rest of your survival gear. This means that it should be small, lightweight, easily accessible, and, most importantly, easy to use. Larger knives may look impressive, but you run a larger risk of hurting yourself with a bigger blade, especially in the event of an emergency.
What makes a good wilderness survival knife? A mark of good craftsmanship includes a strong blade that has what is referred to as a narrow tang. This means that, rather than simply attaching a blade to a handle, the blade tapers to a narrow point. The handle is then affixed to this narrow point, thus increasing its overall durability. Knives made the former way tend to break much easier.
The debate regarding smooth blades versus serrated blades is a varied one. Some prefer smooth blades due to the fact that they're easy to sharpen. They're also more versatile than serrated blades in that they can perform delicate work such as carving or cutting smaller objects. Serrated blades, on the other hand, are better for rougher work, such as cutting bandages or sawing through tough, fibrous substances. In the long run, it all depends on what you plan to do with your wilderness survival knife.
Wilderness survival knife maintenance is fairly simple. Depending on the material, you may need to apply a rust resistant substance to the blade. Performing regular sharpening is a must for any survivalist. Using a dull blade, after all, creates a much bigger risk of injury. Again, the frequency in which you sharpen your knife depends on its material. Stainless steel tends to require more sharpening, while carbon steel requires more rust treatment.
In the long run, your wilderness survival knife can do wonders for making hiking expeditions, hunting trips, and other excursions run much more smoothly. In the event of an emergency, a good knife can mean the difference between a bad situation and a worse situation. Learn more today about how having a quality wilderness survival knife within easy reach can benefit you.
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