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Alaska's wilderness is one of the most desolate and deadly regions in the world. Glaciers, mountains, wild animals and sub-Arctic winters pose a hazard to travelers, particularly individuals traveling alone. If you are lost or stuck and need to go into survival mode, your biggest challenge will be to prepare for nightfall, when temperatures drop and your body burns calories faster.
Tips & Warnings
Bring equipment and supplies with you to last several days in the event you get lost or stuck due to the elements, even if you only plan on being gone for a day. Make sure you carry extreme weather gear, flares for rescue teams to see, a knife and flint, waterproof matches, protein bars or trail mix and a space blanket. If you have space, bring a tent just in case.
Never take off any clothing or do anything to make yourself colder. The longer you are out in the wilderness, the harder your body has to work to keep your body heat up.
Use your energy wisely. If you are low on food, it is better to lay low than to climb mountains searching for a way out. The more energy you use without food to replace it, the more dire your situation will become.
Bring equipment and supplies with you to last several days in the event you get lost or stuck due to the elements, even if you only plan on being gone for a day. Make sure you carry extreme weather gear, flares for rescue teams to see, a knife and flint, waterproof matches, protein bars or trail mix and a space blanket. If you have space, bring a tent just in case.
Never take off any clothing or do anything to make yourself colder. The longer you are out in the wilderness, the harder your body has to work to keep your body heat up.
Use your energy wisely. If you are low on food, it is better to lay low than to climb mountains searching for a way out. The more energy you use without food to replace it, the more dire your situation will become.
Article Written By Jonathan Croswell
Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.