Camping Survival Guide

Finding yourself lost in the wilderness can be bewildering, terrifying, and lonely. If you're not well-versed in survival techniques and procedures, you run the risk of losing control of yourself. With some simple tips, you'll be in a better situation if the unfortunate does occur. More than anything, it's important to remain calm.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Knife Maps Guidebooks Rope Water Food
Knife
Maps
Guidebooks
Rope
Water
Food

Step 1

Familiarize yourself with the terrain. Purchase maps and guidebooks, and learn all you can about an area. The better equipped you are to handle a specific part of the wilderness, the better off you'll be in case of an emergency.

Step 2

Keep a knife with you at all times. A knife can be used for making shelters, cleaning food, hunting, and, in the worst cases, cleaning wounds and operating on yourself.

Step 3

Remember the rule of three: you have three seconds from the time of a serious injury or emergency to calm yourself and not go into hysterics; three minutes to stop major blood loss (if any); three days to find water; three weeks to find food; and three months to be rescued before you begin to lose hope.

Step 4

Use the natural resources around you. Leaves can be a great insulator -- you can sleep on them and maintain your body temperature. If you start a fire, place rocks in it, then bury the fire and sleep on top -- the rocks will keep your body warm. Follow any streams or rivers downhill -- they ultimately lead to civilization.

Step 5

Try to navigate using the sun. Most lost campers end up walking in circles. By following the sun, you'll ensure you're headed in a constant, straight direction.

Article Written By DB Jenkins

DB Jenkins is a professional freelance content provider. He has been running a successful freelance business for two years, and contributes regularly to many publications. His articles have appeared in "The Portland Alliance," "Portland Monthly Magazine," "in\ur Magazine," and The Tallahassee Democrat and Chronicle. He has a bachelor's degree in English from Clark University.

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