Stave Off Infection on the Trail
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Survive in the wilderness by minimizing the potential for harmful infections. An infection potentially leads to fever, chills and an inability to function properly and think clearly. This could contribute to your death while camping or hiking. Common injuries leading to infection are burns from a campfire, lacerations caused by a fishing hook or knife, or a thorn that embeds itself into the skin while hiking through dense vegetation. Stave off infection by carrying a well-stocked first aid kit complete with tweezers, sterile bandages, rubbing alcohol and other supplies.
Avert Gastrointestinal Upset
Jim Conrad/Wikimedia Commons
Wilderness survival requires you to rely on water you might find along a trail for proper hydration. Boil water prior to use to avoid ingestion of bacteria that might cause diarrhea and vomiting. Suffering from these maladies makes it hard to stay properly hydrated, may cause fever, and might greatly lessen your ability of surviving in the wilderness without medical assistance.
Avoid Wildlife Interaction
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Prevent potentially life-threatening injuries brought on by contact with wildlife. The bite of a rabid raccoon causes disease, while the bite of a snake or spider---much like the sting of a bee---may result in anaphylactic shock. Predators may be attracted to your campsite, and the interaction could result in your death. Bring along a walking stick to rustle leaves in front of you as walk, and thereby scare off snakes. Pack a powerful bear repellent or pepper spray, if it is legal in your state to do so. Consider carrying medications to treat severe allergic reaction.
Prevent Injuries Brought on by Faulty Equipment
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Wear good-quality hiking boots and an ergonomically designed backpack. Shoes that are too small, too big, or fit poorly may result in blisters and also sprained ankles. A backpack that is ill-fitting and causes pain may be left behind, and with it a first aid kit or wilderness survival packs. Only pack what you absolutely must have on your hike, and use a quality pack that evenly distributes the weight over the back and shoulders.
