Article cover image

Few Wilderness Survival Tips For You

Aberdare National Park-Kenya
Charles

Tour Guide, Mount Kenya, Kenya

| 3 mins read

Having dealt with proper planning and preparation on the previous writ, I now concentrate on wilderness survival tips. We all agree that even with the top-notch planning and preparation, incidents and accidents still occur. In this context, what we do or don’t, have a direct link to our survival. Excursions, expeditions and travelling all have components of risk but this won’t curtail you from achieving your dreams.


Be Optimistic.


In any eventuality, always calm down and have a positive mindset. The greatest power to overcome a challenge is the mind. It has been noted that even the most skilled, strong and able-bodied individuals often lose hope while facing big disasters. The determination to win should always override the notion of giving up though it is the easy option. Since you cannot undo a happening, you should avoid dwelling on a incident negatively. Avoid worrying, blame positioning or arguing with colleagues. Make it a lesson and forge ahead.


Have a flexible plan.


Plan for the best but be prepared for the worst. It is everyone’s hope to accomplish a task so you need to consider the unknown that might crop up. Having a good plan is vital for a successful outdoor. The planning should consist of food rations, equipment, first aid kit, survival kit. Always counter check all that you need, asking what extra you may need. The plan should allow to be adjusted at any time, should the need arise. In case of any incident, your plan should allow a change in direction, stay or anything that will guarantee survival.


Health.


Regularly check your health and keep fit. Never start the outing if you are unwell. This will multiply the unknown probabilities and can be fatal. Get all immunisation and inoculation in order, well in advance, before any onset. Always get to know the extent of the activities involved and prepare accordingly. Always evaluate your health status and share with the team. Getting sick is out of our control but a shared problem is a problem halved.


Push to survive.


In case you are lost, some basic knowledge is put to use. Making a fire, erecting a makeshift shelter, locating water, navigation etc. are just a few. With these skills, you will have more chances of saving a life, getting rescued alive or navigating out of the woods.


Counter check equipment.


Make sure you have all the required equipments. Some simple gadgets like compasses are useful. Thanks to the new innovations, we have apps for this. If you have a GPS on your phone, always switch it on. Send friends and relatives location maps and updates. Recheck their condition and refresh tips on using them.   Make prior inquiries, study the proposed area to know what to expect and what to pack.


Survival kit.


There are simple items that are taken for granted but can mitigate a dire situation. These include camper’s knife, matchbox or lighter, safety pins, scissors, mirror, whistle, headlamp with blinker, petroleum jelly, cords and scarves.