How to Survive in the Woods Alone

This is a guest post from the Empress of Drac.  Her website is: www.empressofdrac.com

How to Survive In the Woods Alone

The wilderness may be the last thing you and your family may want to find yourselves in but in case of emergencies, the forest may offer you sanctuary and protection. This, of course, depends on how well you can use the resources you find in the wild and how much food and water you can bring with you. Learn the most important survival tips in the woods and find out what you can do on your own.

Have a source of sustenance

If possible, bring enough food that you can carry, preferably in a backpack. There is a number of emergency food options you can consider so you have enough to eat. Consider high-energy food bars, camping meals and MREs, nuts, chocolate, hard candy, dried fruits and vegetables. These items do not spoil easily, are easy to carry and will keep well provided they are kept in a resalable pack.

Bring water

Ideally, you need to drink about 2 quarts of water in order to prevent dehydration, although 1 quart will do in extreme situations. Try to carry as much clean water as you can. Otherwise, look for sources that are safe enough to drink. Obviously, the best sources of drinking water are rivers, lakes and streams. Preferably, look for fast-moving bodies of water with sandy beaches. To locate water, look for signs such as animal tracks and lush vegetation. Use your senses - often, moving bodies of waters can be heard in the forest. There are also other sources of water such as rain, snow, ice and dew. Keep in mind, though, that water from these sources may have to be purified first to make it safe to drink.

Know how to build a fire

Fire is important to keep yourself warm at night, cook your food and scare away wildlife. Bring a lighter, matches or a flint. As a solid fallback, learn how to make fire from rubbing sticks together. Also, remember that some things that can focus sunlight can burn dry matter, so try experimenting with eyeglasses, magnifying glass and yes, even ice.

 Know how to build shelter

Of course, you can always bring a collapsible tent with you but in an emergency situation where all you have are the clothes on your back, it helps if you know how to build a simple shelter. A basic shelter may be composed of branches, leaves, grass, ferns and moss. A pyramid or triangular shaped structure is a good choice in the woods because the shape helps drain the rain and moisture. Look for an elevated spot and avoid dead trees and other rotting materials. To avoid being rained on, keep the roofing thick. Once done, add a few branches on top to prevent the wind from blowing away the upper layer.

Finding Your Way in the Woods

As part of your survival skills, don't just learn how to hide out in the woods - learn how to get out of it. Know how to tell which direction you are going and how to identify your surroundings. The more you can work with your environment, the more likely you'll survive alone.