Top Outdoor Survival Skills Every Man Should Know

Understanding the Basics of Outdoor Survival

Embarking on an outdoor adventure often comes with a sense of excitement and liberation. However, it’s crucial to be well-prepared and knowledgeable about the basics of outdoor survival. Whether you’re going for a day hike, a camping trip, or a longer expedition, understanding survival essentials can be the difference between a memorable experience and a dangerous one.

The foundation of outdoor survival is built on three fundamental pillars: shelter, water, and food. These are the primary needs of every living being, without which survival becomes an uphill battle. To address these needs, one must be equipped with the right knowledge and skills.

Shelter is the first consideration, as it provides protection from the elements, including harsh weather conditions, cold temperatures, and potential hazards such as insects or animals. A basic understanding of how to find or construct a shelter in the wilderness can be lifesaving. This can range from utilizing natural formations like caves or rock overhangs to building a rudimentary shelter out of branches and leaves.

Water is equally important, as dehydration can quickly lead to fatigue, confusion, and even more serious health issues. Knowing how to locate water sources, such as rivers, streams, ponds, and even learning to collect and condense dew or rainwater, is essential. However, finding water is just the beginning; purifying it is equally critical to prevent illnesses caused by waterborne pathogens. Basic purification methods include boiling, using water purification tablets, or employing chemical disinfectants.

Food is the third survival necessity, providing the body with energy. While it may not be as urgent as shelter and water in the short term, a prolonged lack of food can lead to weakness, which impairs the ability to perform essential survival tasks. Understanding how to identify and gather edible plants, track and catch wild game, and safely prepare and cook food in a wilderness setting is a vital skill set.

Another fundamental aspect of outdoor survival is navigation. Being able to find your way around in the wilderness without reliance on modern technology can be a matter of survival. This includes learning how to read a map, use a compass, and interpret natural signs such as the sun, stars, and terrain features.

Fire making is another essential skill, serving multiple purposes, including cooking, purifying water, signaling for help, and providing warmth and comfort. Knowing how to build a fire without matches or a lighter using friction techniques, lenses, or flint and steel is a valuable survival tactic.

Lastly, first aid and self-care are crucial in the wilderness. Accidents and injuries can happen, and understanding how to manage medical emergencies can be lifesaving. This includes knowing how to dress wounds, deal with hypothermia or heatstroke, and handle snake bites or other wildlife encounters.

To sum up, outdoor survival is a comprehensive skill set that involves understanding and mastering various techniques and strategies. It’s not just about being prepared with the right gear but also being mentally prepared and equipped with the knowledge to handle unexpected situations. When heading out into the wilderness, it’s essential to conduct thorough research about the area, pack essentials like a first aid kit and a map, inform someone of your itinerary, and make sure to check the weather forecast. By doing so, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy your outdoor adventure while minimizing risks.

Remember, the wilderness is a formidable environment, and with the right survival knowledge, you can confidently step into it, knowing you’re equipped to handle whatever comes your way. The journey into the wild is a humbling experience, one that challenges us to respect nature’s power and rely on our instincts and skills to survive.

Building a Shelter in the Wilderness

One of the most essential skills when it comes to outdoor survival is building a shelter. Having a simple, reliable, and comfortable shelter can make a great difference in your ability to endure extreme weather conditions and keep you safe from the elements and potential wildlife threats in remote areas.

Choosing the Right Site

Before you start building your shelter, it’s crucial to choose the right location. Look for a site that offers natural protection from the wind, preferably with solid ground and sloping terrain. Avoid areas that could have landslides, flash floods, or other natural disasters. If possible, find a spot with nearby materials for constructing your shelter, such as trees for poles and branches or rocks for a wind barrier.

Types of Shelters

There are various types of wilderness shelters, ranging from simple natural formations to complex man-made constructions. One of the easiest and most versatile shelters is a debris hut, consisting of crossing branches and/or sticks over a framework of two longer branches or saplings to form a dome. Then, cover this frame with a layer of leafy branches and other natural materials for insulation. Other shelters could include lean-tos, tents, snow caves or igloos, depending on the environment and materials available.

Key Steps to Building a Shelter

1. Plan your shelter: As a general rule, a natural shelter should provide protection on all sides, especially from wind and rain. Think about the location, the angle of the shelter to the sun, and have a layout plan ready before you start gathering materials.

2. Gather materials: The type of materials required will depend on the type of shelter you choose. Look for items such as branches, leaves, rocks, or snow to diversify the resources and make a robust structure. Keep in mind that for insulation purposes, materials such as dry grass or leaves are more effective than wet wood or other materials.

3. Construct the shelter: As per your preferred shelter type, follow these steps to build it:
– Lean-tos: Lay a horizontal branch or pole in between two vertical support posts; then, secure the slanted branches against this pole to form the frame. Cover this frame with leaves or other natural materials for insulation.
– Debris huts: Cross two longer branches to form an A-shaped frame, then cover with smaller branches and a thick layer of leaves or other insulating materials.
– Snow shelters: For snow caves or igloos, dig out a tunnel into a snowbank large enough to accommodate your body or several people, creating an arched ceiling for support. Pack snow and ice against the walls to harden the structure.

4. Maintain and improve: After building your shelter, it’s important to maintain and enhance it. You can further insulate the flooring with leaves, dry grass, or any other natural materials available. Make sure the entrance is also protected from wind and rain, perhaps by placing additional branches or foliage in front of the entry. Lastly, ensure the shelter is adequately ventilated, so you won’t fall into a dangerous trap of carbon monoxide poisoning.

In conclusion, having a safe and sturdy shelter is one of the primary focuses of outdoor survival, and with a bit of planning, resourcefulness, and patience, you can build a shelter that provides you with the protection and comfort you need. From using natural features to creating more complex structures, be ready to adapt and adjust your skills according to the hostile environment and the specific resources available.

Understanding the basics of outdoor survival
Building a shelter in the wilderness
Finding and purifying water in remote areas
Navigating using a map, compass, and the natural environment
Catching, preparing, and cooking wild food
Building a fire without matches or a lighter
First aid and self-care in the wilderness

Finding and Purifying Water in Remote Areas

Water is one of the most important necessities for survival outdoors. You can only survive for a few days without water, so knowing how to find, collect, and purify water is crucial in a remote area. Here are some tips and techniques to help you stay hydrated in the wilderness.

Collecting Water

Collect rainwater using a plastic sheet, poncho, or tarp that directs the water into a container. Ensure the material doesn’t have any contaminants that could contaminate the water.
Dew and morning mist can be collected using a cloth or sponge to squeeze water into a container. This process may be time-consuming and produce relatively small amounts of water.
Dig a shallow hole, lining it with leaves, and cover it with a clear plastic sheet, creating a dip in the center where water droplets will collect from condensation.

Finding Water Sources

In certain environments, water sources are easier to find. Here are some signs to look for:

Animal trails and tracks: Follow animal paths or tracks as they often lead to water sources in the form of ponds, streams, or lakes.
Insects and birds: Insects like flies, bees, and ants tend to congregate near water sources. Birds can also be seen drinking or bathing near water sources.
Green vegetation: Relative to the surrounding environment, greener vegetation indicates the presence of moisture in the area.
Unusual moisture in the ground may indicate a subterranean water source, which can be found with a divining rod or by digging a small test hole.

Purify Water

Once you have collected water, it is important to purify it to avoid ingesting harmful microorganisms. The following are effective methods for purifying water:

Method	Details
Boiling	Bring the water to a rolling boil for a minimum of 1 minute. However, this method does not remove other contaminants like heavy metals and salts.
Water filters	Using a portable water filter, which can remove parasites, bacteria, and other impurities. However, filters do not purify the water of viruses and chemicals like pesticides.
Chemical treatments	Use water purification tablets that contain iodine, chlorine, or chlorine dioxide to kill microorganisms. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct dosage.
Solar purification (SODIS)	Fill a clear plastic bottle with water and leave it in direct sunlight for 6 hours. The UV rays from the sun will kill biological pathogens. However, the method is less effective in cloudy weather or at high altitudes.

In conclusion, it is essential to find and purify water in the wilderness. Understanding the techniques for collecting water and knowing how to find water sources can save your life. Furthermore, properly purifying the water is vital for maintaining good health during your outdoor survival.

Navigating Using a Map, Compass, and the Natural Environment

Navigating your way through the wilderness is a critical skill for anyone venturing outdoors, particularly in remote or unfamiliar areas. This article will cover the basics of using a map and compass, and how to use the natural environment to your advantage when navigating.

Using a Map

A map is a vital tool for navigation, allowing you to visualize your surroundings and plan your route. When using a map, it’s important to understand the various symbols and features, such as contour lines, which represent changes in elevation and can help you avoid difficult terrain.

Identify Key Landmarks: Look for landmarks such as mountains, rivers, and valleys, and use them to orient yourself on the map.
Plan Your Route: Determine your starting point and destination, and then plot your route, accounting for terrain and distance.
Update Your Position: Regularly update your position on the map, using landmarks or other features to ensure you’re on the right path.

Using a Compass

A compass is an essential tool for determining your direction and staying on course. To use a compass effectively, you’ll need to understand how to take a bearing and how to follow it.

Rotate the Compass: Rotate the compass housing until the orienting lines point to the magnetic north arrow.
Align the Needle: Align the floating needle with the orienting arrow, ensuring they both point to magnetic north.
Find a Bearing: Hold the compass level and turn your body until the orienting lines are aligned with your destination on the map.
Travel the Bearing: Follow the bearing, with the direction-of-travel arrow pointing the way.

Using the Natural Environment

The environment can provide valuable clues for navigation. This could include the position of the sun or stars, direction of wind patterns, or the growth patterns of trees and vegetation.

Environmental Clue	Navigational Insight
Sun Position	The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, providing a general sense of direction.
Star Patterns	The North Star (Polaris) can be used to find true north, as it appears directly above the Earth’s North Pole.
Wind Patterns	Wind is often felt most strongly on ridges and summits, which can help you orient yourself.
Tree Growth	Stunted growth on the northeast side of trees in the northern hemisphere can indicate the direction of the prevailing winds.

Catching, Preparing, and Cooking Wild Food

One of the most crucial aspects of outdoor survival is the ability to source and prepare food from the wilderness. In this article, we’ll go over some methods for catching, preparing, and cooking wild food when you find yourself in a remote area.

Catching Wild Food

The first step in obtaining food from the wilderness is to catch it. Below are several methods for catching wild food:

Trapping: One of the most effective ways to catch small game such as rabbits, squirrels, and birds, is by setting up traps. There are several types of traps you can use, such as deadfall traps, snares, and pit traps
Fishing: If you’re near a body of water, fishing can be a great way to catch food. You can use your hands, a spear, a makeshift fishing pole, or net to catch fish.
Foraging: Many plants, fruits, and fungi found in the wilderness are edible and can be an excellent source of nutrition. It is crucial to be able to identify which plants are safe to eat and which are poisonous. Here are some common edible plants to keep an eye out for:

Plant	Part(s) Edible
Cattail	Stems, roots, and pollen
Dandelion	Leaves, roots, and flower heads
Pine tree	Nutritious, vitamin-rich needles

Preparing Wild Food

Once you’ve caught or gathered your food, it’s essential to prepare it properly before eating. Here are some basic tips for preparing wild food:

Clean your food thoroughly to remove any dirt or parasites. This may involve rinsing, washing, or peeling the food
If you’re preparing meat, make sure to remove any feathers, fur, or skin before cooking
Cooking your food can help to kill off any harmful bacteria or parasites, ensuring that it’s safe to eat

Cooking Wild Food

The final step in preparing wild food is cooking it. Here are some methods for cooking food in the wilderness:

Roasting: Roasting involves cooking your food over an open fire. You can roast meat, roots, and vegetables on a spit, in a makeshift oven, or on a hot rock
Boiling: Boiling is an effective way to cook fish, shellfish, or roots. The easiest way to boil water and food in the wilderness is by using a container such as a tin can, pot, or plastic container.
Steaming: Steaming allows you to cook your food without drying it out. Simply place your food above boiling water, in a container, and cover it to keep the steam in. You can use leaves or clay to create a makeshift steaming vessel.

By practicing these methods for catching, preparing, and cooking wild food, you’ll be well-equipped to survive in the wilderness. Remember, it’s always crucial to be able to identify which plants and animals are safe to eat and which are poisonous. Stay safe, and may you always have food on your plate in the wild!

Building a Fire Without Matches or a Lighter

Starting a fire can be crucial for survival in the wilderness, as it provides warmth, light, a way to cook food, and protection against wildlife. While matches and lighters are convenient tools, they might be unreachable or run out of fuel. Fortunately, there are various methods for building a fire without matches or a lighter that rely on basic principles of friction and ignition.

The Basic Elements of a Fire

Before diving into the methods for starting a fire, it’s essential to understand the basic elements necessary for a fire to ignite and sustain. The three main components are:

Tinder: the fine, dry material, such as dry grass, leaves, or wood shavings, that catches fire quickly when ignited. Tinder is usually the initial fuel to start the fire.
Kindling: small pieces of wood or twigs that will catch fire easily once the tinder has been ignited. These materials are key to building and maintaining the fire.
Fuelwood: larger pieces of wood, logs, or branches that provide a steady supply of energy to the fire once it is established. Fuelwood is essential to keep the fire going for an extended period.

In addition to the three components mentioned above, the fire triangle also includes oxygen. You need a constant supply of oxygen for a fire to continue burning. Keep this in mind when positioning your materials and stoking the fire.

Methods for Starting a Fire Without Matches or a Lighter

The Bow Drill Method: This is an ancient method that requires fine motor control and a little practice, but it is quite efficient once you master it. Here are the basic steps:
1. Gather your materials: a bow (a long, flexible stick), a spindle (a straight, pointed stick), a fireboard (a flat piece of wood with a depression in the center), a socket (a hard object, like a rock), and tinder.
2. Create your ignition nest: lay your tinder down in the depression created on the fireboard.
3. Place the spindle vertically on top of the tinder, and use the bow and your hand that is holding the socket to spin the spindle between your hands. This process creates friction and heat that will eventually ignite the tinder.
The Hand Drill Method: This technique is similar to the bow drill method but does not require a bow.
1. Gather your materials: a sharp spindle, a flat piece of wood (fireboard), and tinder.
2. Create your ignition nest: make a hole in the center of the fireboard and lay some tinder beneath it.
3. Place the spindle in the hole and use both hands, applying downward pressure with your palms, to spin the spindle between your hands. This action creates friction, and eventually, the heat will cause the tinder to ignite.
The Pump Drill Method:
1. Gather your materials: a long, straight spindle, a bearing block (a round piece of wood), a fireboard, string, and tinder.
2. Create your ignition nest: make a small hole in the center of the fireboard and lay some tinder beneath it.
3. Place the bearing block at the top end of the spindle, tie the string to the spindle just above the bearing block, and use the bottom end of the spindle to put pressure onto the fireboard.
4. Hold the bearing block in one hand and pull the string between your other hand and the fireboard, creating a pumping motion with the spindle. This action will cause the spindle to spin rapidly and create enough friction and heat to ignite the tinder.
The Fire Plow Method:
1. Gather your materials: a long, thin piece of wood (spindle) and a flat, grooved piece of wood (fireboard).
2. Create your ignition nest: make a groove in the fireboard, and place tinder beneath it.
3. Place the spindle on the groove, and use a back-and-forth sawing motion to push the spindle along the groove. This action will cause friction and heat, eventually igniting the tinder.
The Fire Saw Method:
1. Gather your materials: a green, flexible branch, and a dead, dry piece of wood that creates a small amount of dust when scraped.
2. Create your ignition nest: make a small pile of the dust collected from scraping the dead wood onto a piece of tinder.
3. Wrap the green branch around the dead piece of wood so that the ends form a “V” shape and create a saw with about a 2-inch clearance by slightly bending the branch and pinching it between the other piece of wood and your thumb.
4. Rub the ends of the green branch together by rapidly pulling your hands apart. This action will cause friction and heat, eventually igniting the tinder dust into a fire.
The Magnifying Glass Method:
1. Gather your materials: a clear magnifying glass, and tinder.
2. Focus the sunlight through the magnifying glass onto a small, flammable piece of tinder.
3. Hold the magnifying glass steady and focus the sunlight on the same spot on the tinder until it ignites.
The Battery and Steel Wool Method:
1. Gather your materials: a 9-volt battery and a small amount of steel wool.
2. Touch the two battery terminals to the ends of a small piece of steel wool.
3. Place the glowing, hot steel wool onto the tinder, which will ignite upon contact.

Remember to always practice fire safety and to extinguish your fire when you are done using it. Never leave a campsite or any other location without ensuring your fire has been fully extinguished. Survival skills are essential in any wilderness.

First Aid and Self-Care in the Wilderness

Adventure awaits, but so do the risks associated with venturing into the wilderness. Knowing the basics of first aid and self-care can mean the difference between a harrowing ordeal and a successful survival story. Here’s what you need to know to tend to injuries and ailments when medical help is far away.

Essential First Aid Kit Contents

Before setting out, make sure your first aid kit is well-stocked with the following essentials:

“Sterile adhesive bandages (band-aids)” – for covering minor cuts and scrapes.
“Antibiotic ointment” – to help prevent infection in wounds.
“Sterile gauze pads and rolls” – for dressing larger wounds or holding dressings in place.
“Adhesive tape” – to secure dressings and bandages.
“Antiseptic wipes or alcohol pads” – for cleaning wounds.
“Elastic wrap bandages (Ace bandages)” – for immobilizing injuries or providing support to sprains and strains.
“Non-prescription medication” – such as ibuprofen for pain and inflammation, antihistamines for allergic reactions, and medications for diarrhea or vomiting.
“Scissors” – for cutting bandages and tape or trimming hair and nails.
“Tweezers” – for removing splinters or stingers.
A “Small pair of forceps” – can be useful for handling medication tablets or extracting objects from wounds.
“Thermometer” – to monitor for fever or to gauge hypothermia risk.
“Latex gloves” – for providing a barrier when dealing with bodily fluids.

Dealing with Common Injuries and Ailments

Cuts and Scrapes: Clean the wound with soap and water, apply antiseptic, and cover with a sterile bandage. Monitor for signs of infection.
Sprains and Strains: Apply the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Use elastic bandages to immobilize the injured joint if necessary.
Burns: Run cool water over the burn site for 10-15 minutes. Do not apply ice. Cover with a sterile dressing. For severe burns, seek medical attention immediately.
Animal Bites: Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Apply pressure to control bleeding. Watch for signs of infection or rabies exposure.
Hypothermia: Move to a warm shelter. Remove wet clothing. Warm the core with blankets and high-calorie foods. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Heatstroke: Get out of the sun. Drink fluids and apply cool, wet cloths to the skin. Seek professional medical care as soon as possible.

Emergency Treatment for Life-Threatening Situations

In the wilderness, certain situations can quickly become life-threatening. If you encounter someone who is:

Not breathing: Perform CPR if you are trained to do so. Otherwise, call for help and begin hands-only CPR if you know how.
Bleeding severely: Apply pressure to the wound with a clean bandage or cloth. Elevate the wound if possible.
Choking: Use the Heimlich maneuver if you are trained, or call for help.

Staying Hydrated and Eating for Survival

In addition to treating injuries, maintaining hydration and nutrition is crucial for self-care in the wilderness. Aim to drink 8-10 ounces of water per hour while exerting yourself. Snack on calorie-dense foods to keep energy levels up and consider the following:

“In a survival situation, don’t ration food. Eating a little bit frequently will keep energy up.” -Bear Grylls, British adventurer and survival expert.

Final Thoughts

Survival in the wilderness is as much about mental fortitude as it is about physical skills. Stay calm, think clearly, and rely on your training and first aid knowledge to address any health issues that arise in the wild. As always, prevention is the best cure, so ensure you are prepared for your outdoor adventure with a well-stocked first aid kit and a sound understanding of self-care techniques.

Category: Hunting, Fishing