Outdoor Survival

Whether you're just learning about outdoor survival or you're an experienced hunter, hiker, or camper, it never hurts to be prepared. Here are a few ways that having the right survival kit can benefit you. You'll be surprised at just how useful they can be for preventing the worst from happening.

When it comes to outdoor survival, one of the keys to preventing the worst from happening isn't just having a cool head. Having the right supplies on hand can help enormously to alleviate even the worst of scenarios. Any seasoned camper, hiker, or outdoorswoman would be remiss without at least a first aid kit, extra food and water, and means to contact the outside world within easy reach.

The first aid kit is one of the most crucial aspects of outdoor survival. While the size and contents of first aid kits typically vary depending on your activity, some basics include painkillers, bandages, gauze, disinfectant, burn cream, and antibiotics. Other larger kits may include a variety of temporary treatments for poison ivy, poison oak, bee stings, insect bites, spider bites, fish hook removal tools, and more. While an outdoor survival first aid kit is no substitute for genuine help, it can do wonders for keeping the victim stabilized until help does arrive. Should you have a specific allergy or condition that requires daily doses of medication, having a few extra doses stashed in your first aid kit is another essential part of outdoor survival.

These days, it's easy to pack wide assortment of different foods with you without taking up too much space. For temporary trips, this may include snacks such as dried fruit, jerky, or granola bars. For longer trips, having packets of freeze dried meals, dehydrated foods, and canned food can do wonders for providing you with a balanced meal in a pinch. If you'd like something fresher, be sure to include a guide on how to gather berries, mushrooms, and roughage to ensure you don't accidentally eat something lethal.

In the unlikely event that you should find yourself trapped in the wilderness, it pays to have equipment with you that you can use to alert potential search parties to your location. This includes items such as flashlights or flares. Compasses and battery powered radios are also a must. There are also devices you can keep with you that provide a GPS location via satellite. By activating the distress signal, you can alert the authorities in record time.

These are only a few things to consider when preparing for outdoor survival. Nine times out of ten, it's likely you won't need these precautions, but it never hurts to make sure. These preparations, after all, can mean the difference between life and death. Learn more today!