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Learning self-defense techniques or creating a Medical ID on your iPhone are all things you hope to never have to use; however, it provides you with peace of mind to be prepared. Many of us love to hike or enjoy the beauty of nature and being prepared for any emergency with wilderness survival tips is just as important.
With an estimated 50,000 search and rescue missions every year, it’s a fact that thousands of people get lost in the woods. Learning wilderness survival tips to help you find shelter, staying hydrated, or building a fire can mean the difference between life or death. Here are 11 wilderness survival tips to help you survive being lost in the woods.
1) First wilderness survival tip: How to tell a non-venomous bite from a venomous one.
Not all snake bites are the same but knowing which ones are dangerous can prevent panic attacks. Here are 3 ways to identify a venomous snake vs a non-venomous snake:
- Eyes: Non-poisonous snakes have round pupils but poisonous snakes have eyes with elongated pupils that look similar to cat pupils.
- Body scales: Non-poisonous snakes will have a double row of scales that seem to overlap each other while poisonous snakes will have a single row.
- Bite marks: Non-poisonous snakes will leave a double set of teeth marks while a poisonous snake bite will start with 2 distinctive holes.
2) Stuff your clothes with branches and grass to help stay warm.
Leaves, grass, and tiny branches act as insulation and can help you stay warm when the temperature drops in the evening.
3) Make a DIY leaf compass with water, a leaf, and a needle.
You’re probably aware that it’s easy to walk around in circles in a forest without realizing it. Help stay on course with a makeshift compass. Simply place a leaf in a glass of water. Then, magnetize the end of a pin or needle by rubbing it onto your clothes repeatedly for about a minute (or at least 100 times) and carefully place the threading needle atop the leaf. The magnetized end will point north.
If you spend a lot of time in nature, buying a compass is a good investment and they’re very affordable. Here’s a great compass from SharpSurvival:
- 🧭 SharpSurvival Compass: When lost in unfamiliar terrain, excitement can quickly turn into apprehension. To avoid getting lost, a dependable orienteering compass is essential. That's where our brass compass comes in, with its accurate bezel ensuring you stay on track, providing the confidence for every adventure.
- ✨ Durable Brass Material: Crafted from high-quality brass, our hiking compass offers durability and longevity, ensuring it withstands outoor rigors. The brass construction not only enhances its aesthetic appeal with a classic antique look but also guarantees that pocket compass remains a reliable navigation tool for years.
- ✔️ 360-Degree Rotating Bezel: Featuring 360-degree rotating bezel, our hiking compass provides effortless navigation. Whether you're charting your course or making adjustments on the trail, the smooth rotation of military compass’s bezel with a distinct scale and accurate pointer ensures precise directional readings.
- ⛺ Know North Day/Night: Equipped with a glow-in-the-dark dial, our lightweight compass ensures optimal visibility. When you're navigating under the bright sun or attempting to walk at night, the dial of night compass guarantees clear and readable directional markings, allowing you to confidently navigate day or night.
- ⭐ Compact & Convenient: With dimensions of just 48mm in diameter and 12mm in height, our handheld compass boasts a sleek design. Simply slip it in your pocket, clip it to your survival backpack, or stash it in your emergency supplies kit - this survival compass is your essential companion guiding you for adventures.
4) Scrape plastic from a guitar pick to help start a fire quickly.
Playing guitar around a campfire is a camping ritual for many people. If you have guitar picks, they contain cellulose which burns easily and can help start a fire quickly.
Having a pocket knife or a multitool like this one from Bibury can make outdoor activities more efficient and safe:
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5) To stop any bleeding, use a tampon.
Tampons are sterile which makes them perfect to help stop bleeding or use as a makeshift bandage.
6) Protect scratches from infection by applying ChapStick lip balm.
Being in the woods increases the chances of cuts getting infected. Help seal cuts and scrapes by applying lip balm.
Wilderness survival tips like these ones don’t replace common sense. Having a first aid kit ensures you have all the tools needed during an emergency and this one from Surviveware is small enough to carry on your backpack and contains everything you need:
- 100 PIECE FIRST AID KIT: Includes 100 high-quality emergency essentials and first aid supplies to help care for minor wounds, cuts, scrapes and burns. Kit includes a removable CPR pouch and a First Aid Guide.
- LABELLED FIRST AID KIT COMPARTMENTS: Labelled and organized inner compartments make it easy to find what you need in the case of an emergency. No more rummaging or making a mess to find the supplies you need.
- WATER RESISTANT AND RIP RESISTANT: Made from high-quality rip resistant 600D Polyester, this medical kit is water resistant and rip resistant. All internal pieces are protected from water in durable laminate pouches. This kit is rugged and robust and withstands any outdoor adventure.
- PORTABLE AND FUNCTIONAL FIRST AID KIT: Made with removable MOLLE compatible straps, snaps and advanced mounting system. Features D-rings so it can be attached to almost any surface. Perfect for cars, trucks, boats and more.
- MADE BY EXPERTS: Designed by adventurers for adventurers. This emergency first aid kit was thoughtfully designed for peace of mind on your next outdoor adventure. This product is FSA / HSA eligible.
7) Soothe insect bites with a dab of toothpaste.
Most toothpaste brands contain menthol which helps soothe insect bites and reduce itching. Toothpaste also contains anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce redness and swelling. This and other toothpaste hacks prove toothpaste does more than just clean teeth.
8) Burn herbs to help drive away mosquitoes, flies, and other insects.
Insect and even animals hate the smell of burning herbs. Throw some sprigs of thyme, mint, or lavender on a campfire to keep away mosquitos and other insects.
If you’ve ever spent an evening in the outdoors, you know how insects like mosquitoes and black flies can be relentless. Having a natural insect repellant like Repel can help keep insects away:
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9) To help start a fire, light a wax crayon.
Wax crayons can be used as a candle and burn as much as 30 minutes! Because it contains combustible material, it can also be used to easily start a fire in combination with small dry branches and twigs.
10) Filter dirty water using a t-shirt.
Your body needs water to survive and getting fresh water, even a little in survival situations. All you need is two containers and a t-shirt or other clean fabric. Place the container of dirty water elevated above another container and place the t-shirt so that both ends are at the bottom of both buckets. You’ll start to get clean water within an hour but as a precaution, it’s best to boil it first.
Nothing beats being prepared for wilderness survival and bringing personal water filters like the LifeStraw ensures you’ll have access to fresh water.
11) And the last wilderness survival tip: Place dry branches in an egg carton to light a fire quickly.
If you have empty egg cartons or even a cardboard box, it will help start a fire even in windy conditions. Place dry twigs and branches in the egg carton before lighting it.
H/t: Bright Side
Again, I hope nobody has to use these wilderness survival tips but knowledge is power, even in the woods. Please share these helpful wilderness survival tips with your friends and family.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
