Survival Techniques from Janet Schlarbaum Lancaster, Pennsylvania

By Steven Gillman
Posted by Janet Schlarbaum Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Why survival tips for backpackers? Certainly backpacking may never become a matter of wilderness survival for you, especially if you are careful in your planning. Still, getting lost or twisting an ankle far from any road is always a possibility. In any case, learning a few new things from time to time is a great way to make your trips safer and more interesting. With that in mind, here are a few random survival tricks and skills based on my own experience.

A Few Survival Tips To Remember

You can make snow-block shelters without tools when the conditions are right. I have made trench-shelters of 2 x 3 foot snow-blocks with no tools. I stomped rectangles in the heavily-crusted snow and lifted up the resulting blocks. Stacking them on either side of a trench in the snow, and then across the top for a roof, I was able to make a shelter in twenty minutes.

Syrup is made in late winter and early spring from both maple and birch trees, but it is too much effort to in a wilderness survival situation. However, you can get a couple hundred calories per day by just drinking maple or birch sap. Collecting it can be as easy as snapping off the ends of twigs and putting something underneath to catch the dripping sap. I’ve collected a quart per day for several days from one cut branch.

How about a survival tip that makes for a delicious meal? Crayfish turn red just like a lobster when they are boiled, and you get a little chunk of meat from the tail of each. Lifting rocks to find them is much more efficient than baiting them. They swim backwards, so reach from behind them to catch them.

Porcupine can be killed with a stick. They will not die easy, but they are slow, so you’ll have plenty of time. Dress them from their underside, where there are no quills. They taste good when roasted over a fire. The mountain man tradition was to never kill them unless it was an emergency, because as long as they’re around, there is easy food for survival situations.

For quick ropes and lashings in the desert, peel yucca leaves into strips and braid them together, overlapping the ends. It took thirty minutes for me to make a rope like this that four of us couldn’t break (two on each end).

I have cooked in containers made of birch bark. There are two methods. One is to drop fire-heated rocks into the liquid to bring it to a boil. The other is to use the pot directly over the flame. If the flame doesn’t go above the level of the liquid, the pot birch bark pot won’t burn, because the heat is conducted away quickly by the liquid inside.

Just stuffing your light jacket full of dried grass can effectively make it into a winter coat. It is even better (less itchy) if you have another jacket (like your raincoat), so you can put the grass or leaves between the two. Usually it will be more efficient to look for ways to modify what you already have than to try to make survival clothing.

There are hundreds of little tricks that can make wilderness travel interesting and safer. Even if you aren’t interested in practicing survival techniques, why not at least read a few survival tips now and then. Someday you may remember something that can save your life.

By David Hardin

Selected by Janet Schlarbaum Philadelphia Pennsylvania

Disaster preparation should be a family affair and must include some first aid training. The person best suited for the job, should be the designated caregiver. A second person should be trained as backup in case the primary caregiver is among the injured.

The dangers inherent to the more violent natural disasters, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes are obvious, but floods, winter emergencies and heat related energy outages also have risks associated with them.

The bare minimum the caregiver should know is the following;

* how to clean and dress wounds,
* how to suture wounds and when not to suture wounds,
* how to reset, splint, or immobilize fractures,
* how to perform cpr,
* how to reduce a high fever,
* how to deal with shock, or post-traumatic stress syndrome,
* how to deal with heat exhaustion, or heat stroke,
* how to deal with frostbite and hypothermia,
* how to recognize and treat food poisoning,
* how to clean and treat burns,
* how to treat symptoms of electrical shock,
* how to recognize symptoms of various diseases,
* the importance of hygiene and sanitation following a disaster.

The American Red Cross offers courses that cover most, if not all, of these subjects. People who have never worked in the medical field often shy away from these courses, thinking that they are not qualified, or capable of learning life saving techniques. This is not so. The courses are set up to train people with no prior knowledge of medicine. They are taught in layman’s terms and are interesting, informative and usually fun.

In North America, first responders should be on the scene within 72 hours, but this is not always the case. Survivors should be prepared to care for themselves for at least a week, maybe longer. Following a disaster of any magnitude the survivors will be facing the same problems that people living in third world countries face, daily. Under these conditions a person with any first aid or medical training will be invaluable.

Some people hesitate giving first aid help in fear of law suits. The Good Samaritan law protects caregivers in an emergency situation.

Preparing in advance by maintaining a well stocked first aid kit will greatly improve the chance of survival for you and your family, but additional training in field expedient medicine is invaluable. You can make a splint, or a neck brace using a rolled up newspaper. Bandages can be made from cotton cloth, or paper towels and duct tape. Remedies for upset stomachs, dehydration, burn treatment and other common problems can be made from ingredients found in any kitchen.

The more you know, the safer you will be, but nothing takes the place of advance preparation. Disaster preparedness is the best and least expensive insurance policy you can get for your family.

By Joseph B. Adams

Posted by Janet Schlarbaum Philadelphia

The most common problem that campers usually encounter is getting lost in the woods where they camp. Most campers like to go deeper into the forests where they set their camp tent. The eagerness to explore new trails and unfamiliar places always leave them wandering in the woods. Not knowing the way out leading to their camp site. When you get caught in this situation, it is of an advantage for you if you know some survival kit ideas that you can use. Knowing some survival techniques can help you to find your way back or to stay strong before any help arrives.

Better be prepared before going into unfamiliar areas especially when you are going into the woods alone. You can bring essential things on your backpack that you can use for survival in case you get lost. These include foods such as trail mix or energy bars and plenty of drinking water. You can also bring safety matches, flashlights or LED lights, compass, jungle knife, and a blanket. These are the must-have survival kit ideas that can help you survive in the forest. The following are the ways that you can use your available resources.

Foods and water

The foods especially the energy bars can give you your needed energy as you go through to find your way out. When you ran out of foods you could eat the fruits and other animals in the forest. Be sure that you know that the food that you will eat is safe to eat or not. It also helps if you know how to hunt and cook some forest animals that you can eat. Even without foods you can survive longer if you have enough water so it is important to bring drinking water. Natural water sources in the forest may look naturally clean but might have plenty of bacteria. You can drink it if you have no other choice.

Safety matches and flashlights.

You might need a box of dry safety matches to start a fire to cook your food or to keep you warm at night. You can also use a campfire and the flashlights to let others find your location at night. During the day smoke signals can also help the rescuers to locate you.

Blanket.

You will not only use the blanket when you sleep, you can also use it to mark your location. You can place it together with your bright colored clothing on top of the trees or on open spaces so that rescuers can easily find you.

Compass and knives.

If you know that your location is close to residential areas you can use your compass to find the nearest road. The knife is very helpful in cutting twigs or branches for your tent and campfires, for hunting, and even for your defense.

These are just the things that can complete your survival kit ideas. Having these at hand ensures your survival in any unexpected circumstances. Always keep these survival ideas in mind especially when you are lost in a larger area that is new to you. And another thing, you better find a safe location and stay there to wait for any help to arrive. Your friends might have called for help and the rescuers will usually start their search on the place where they last see you. If you keep on moving you might get deeper into the wilderness or you might be in caught in a hide and seek game with your rescuers.

Author: Steve Gillman

Outdoor survival isn’t about skills and knowledge alone. These help, but you also need to have the will to survive. Then you need to prioritize. Here are the most important priorities, in order.

1. Attitude

One thing you’ll notice right away if you read many stories of outdoor survival, is that many people are alive who shouldn’t be. Perhaps they crash a plane and then wander into the wilderness where they can’t be easily found. Sometimes they almost freeze to death even though there are plants that could be used to shelter and cloth them. Why are they alive? A strong will to live.

This will to live is a great start. It has been responsible for survival in the most terrible conditions. But you also should develop the real belief that survival is possible. How? By thinking of your favorite stories of survival against impossible odds. By focusing always on the things you can do. Don’t ignore something that can go wrong, but don’t think about it for a minute without also deciding what you can do about it.

2. Body Temperature

Hypothermia - the loss of body heat - is the primary killer in outdoor survival situations. Staying warm means staying dry, having enough insulation, and staying out of the wind as much as is possible. Consider all your options. You can sleep during the day and travel in the cold of the night in some environments, and thus stay warmer. You can stuff dried grass between layers of clothing for more insulation, or make a fire.

In hot environments you might want to travel at night or early in the morning, and sleep in the shade during the heat of the day. You can also fashion an umbrella of any materials available, to shade yourself as you walk. Water that isn’t drinkable can still be used to cool you, by soaking clothing in it. A wet handkerchief around your neck will cool you noticeably.

3. Hydration

Water is far ahead of food as a priority. You can generally live just a few days without water in a survival situation. Once you have shelter, you should immediately locate a water supply, and find a way to purify it. If obtaining water will be a continuing problem, try to reduce your need. You can stay in the shade more, breath through your nose instead of your mouth, and use water only for drinking, not washing.

4. Safety

I like the “Man Against Wild” television show. It’s entertaining, and I even learn something now and then. But the host loves to show off his skills and daring more than his careful thinking. Don’t jump off a cliff into water or climb down a water fall to save a bit of bush-whacking (he did both in recent shows). Go around obstacles, move slow on dangerous terrain, and generally try your best to stay uninjured.

5. Get Found

Your goal in most outdoor survival situations will be to be found while you are still alive. If you have reason to think that people are looking for you, you generally want to stay where you are. Have a signal fire ready to light to help searchers find you. If you have good reason to try to get out on your own (like if nobody knows where you are), leave a note and mark your trail just in case.

6. Food

From a strictly physiological perspective, food is a low priority in most outdoor survival situations. Almost all survivors in the wilderness, whether lost hikers, boaters or plane wreck survivors, are rescued or dead from other causes long before starvation can kill them. On the other hand, having something to eat can help you maintain strength, warmth, and a sense of comfort.

Unlike water, which cannot be rationed too severely (many have died of dehydration with water still in their canteens), you can stretch out what little food you have to make it last. Virtually all mammals and birds are edible if you have the means to cook them. You can also learn to identify a few wild edible plants if you think you might someday be in an outdoor survival situation.

Author: Steve Gillman

1. Read Or Watch Survival Stories

If you have read many true wilderness survival stories, you know that many people who probably shouldn’t have survived did so because they refused to give up. Attitude matters, and to get the right attitude, you need to be able to truly believe that you will find a way to survive. Knowing what people have faced and overcome before makes this easier. If you are with others in a survival situation, you should even tell those stories to them, so they can see that survival is possible and even likely.

2. Tell Others Where You Are

This is something that has to be done before you have a survival situation, which means before you head off into the woods. And if you decide to take a new route, you may want to leave a note where it can be found, just in case.

3. Know Your Priorities

Protection from the elements and water to drink are usually at the top of the list of priorities in a survival situation. However, every situation will be unique. Think carefully about what is most important and urgent. For example, searching for food is a waste of time if a cold night is coming and you have no shelter. Do the important things first.

4. Learn First Aid

If you don’t take the time to learn a few basics of medical first aid, at least carry a small booklet that outlines basic procedures. You can find these in many first aid kits.

5. Be Aware Of Possible Shelters

If you are possibly facing a survival situation (not sure if you are lost, for example), start looking around for what kinds of shelters are available. Are there piles of dry leaves you can crawl under to stay warm? Are there caves or overhanging trees that can protect you from the rain or snow?

6. Always Plan Ahead

This may be one of the more important survival tips. Don’t wait for problems and then start looking for a solution. Before you get thirsty you should be looking around for sources of water. Before the rain comes, you should be thinking about how to stay dry. With sufficient foresight, getting lost in the wilderness for a few extra days should be nothing more than an inconvenience. Don’t let it become an emergency.

7. Always Have Fire Starters

Anytime you will be in the wilderness overnight or longer, have at least two ways to start a fire. These can be matches and a magnesium fire starter, or a lighter and the magnifying glass on your compass. Being able to start a fire can save you from the biggest killer in the wilds - hypothermia. A fire also provides comfort and better sleep, both of which can keep you motivated to do the right things.

8. Learn What Is Edible

Food is not usually a priority in a wilderness survival situation. Water, shelter and getting found are more important. Psychologically, however, you will be less stressed and more willing to face the situation if you know a few plants and animals that you can eat. Try eating some cattails or wild rose hips on your next hike.

9. Learn How To Navigate

Even if you have lost your backpack, with the maps and compass, you should know how to determine the cardinal directions. That way, if you know that there is a road to the north, for example, you will know which way to go. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, of course, but there are other ways to determine direction. Why not learn a couple of them?

10. Know How To Stay Warm

Learning a few tricks about staying warm can save you life. Since hypothermia is the number one killer of people in wilderness survival situations, this may be the most important of these survival tips. Stay dry and think of ways to insulate yourself when it is cold. Stuffing a jacket full of dry grass or leaves or cattail fluff could save your life.

Author: L.A.Need

Before venturing into the wilderness get prepared for the unexpected.

* Get avalanche certified and carry an avalanche shovel, beacon and probe if you are a winter backcountry enthusiast!
* Take a first aid course since accidents do occur.
* Always carry a survival kit.

For the general nature enthusiast, basic survival skills are included here to initiate an understanding of what needs to occur in a wilderness emergency. Keep in mind that YOU MUST REMAIN CALM when implementing these survival skills. A clear head will allow you to implement and plan for survival and rescue.

1. FIRE. It can provide warmth, keep predators away, purify water, cook food and signal rescuers. The best source for a fire is: a flint metal match with a wooden handle and a scraper; for tinder use cotton balls soaked in petroleum and stored in waterproof containers. Sort your firewood in a tepee form and place your emergency blanket behind you to reflect the heat.
2. SHELTER - a commercial trash bag with a hole cut out for your head is useful in protecting you from the elements. Always keep the closest layer to your body dry to insulate you from the elements. If you are stranded, find a quick natural shelter and wrap yourself in an emergency blanket.
3. SIGNALING with a whistle and a mirror. A whistle can carry further than a yell and a mirror can reflect up to 20 miles. A triangle of fires is a distress signal. Create smoke during the day to show distress. Spell out S.O.S. with organic materials.
4. FOOD/WATER. A person can survive up to three days without water and without food up to three weeks, although don’t plan for this. Always pack extra food bars high in carbs. Drink water in the cool of the evening. Collect water from rain in your emergency blanket. Never drink your urine. Boil water minimally for 10 minutes, if you can. Seek water out at all times.
5. First Aid Kit. Always carry a basic one.

NOTE: as an essential survival skill, see understanding a topographical map

Survival Skills Hot Tips

Survival Skill #1: Backcountry thunderstorm
Get out of your tent. It is safer to be crouched down on your sleeping pad then in your tent which can expose you to electrical ground currents. Also keep yourself distanced from other members in the group.

Survival Skill #2: Grizzly Bear Attack
No pepper spray? If a grizzly bear is attacking do not RUN. Immediately lay down on the ground face down, spread eagle and protect your neck and heart.

Survival Skill #3 Mountain Lion Attack
If the mountain lion has not attacked look tall and yell. DO NOT RUN. If it attacks, fight for your life using pepper spray, knife or anything you can find to gouge its eyes. Never hike alone.

Survival Skill #4 Caught in an avalanche?
Try to keep an arm above the snow level to show visibility. If not possible, keep your hands near your mouth to create an air pocket. Spit outside of your mouth to tell which direction you are facing.

Survival Skill #5 Lost
Stay put. Despite popular beliefs do not follow streams. They usually lead to waterfalls, not civilization.

Survival skills combined with survival gear can ensure a safe enjoyable wilderness experience.

Posted by Janet Schlarbaum of Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Author: Wilf Staton

A disaster can strike in seconds sometimes with no warning what so ever and leave whole communities without power, running water or even shelter. You must be prepared to survive. The best way to prepare yourself is to have the necessary equipment and supplies to ensure you and your family are provided with the necessities of life.

Survival equipment is really a form of life insurance. You never know when a disaster will strike and you need to be prepared before not after such an event. You should also try to ensure your neighbors; family and friends are prepared with their own survival gear otherwise be prepared to share yours. If others won’t take their survival needs seriously then buy them kits for Christmas, birthdays and even wedding presents.

Your survival kit should contain at the very least matches, fish hooks, fishing line, a string saw, a small knife, bouillon cube type
dehydrated soup stock, sugar, salt, antibiotics, antiseptics, aspirin, bandages, aluminum foil, a magnetic compass, a small mirror, a magnifying glass, and antihistamine. In a larger kit, you will need food and fresh water to survive at least for two weeks. Avoid foods that have to be cooked unless you have a portable cooker or barbecue.

In the case of floods or earthquakes your home may be destroyed or unsafe to live in so you will need shelter and warmth. Waterproof backpacking tarps can be tied to trees with rope and used as a shelter. For clothing, remember that wool insulates when wet and comfortable waterproof footwear is worth its weight in gold.

You need to know how to use your survival equipment, experience in the use of emergency survival gear will help you to choose what to include in your emergency survival gear kit. You should know some first aid basics and have a copy of a first aid manual.

As well as knowing how to use your survival gear everyone in your house must know where it is. You should keep an inventory along with use by dates and replace items as they become aged or pass their use by date. Store and record the date on items to indicate when it should be replaced or buy extra food when you can and rotate items.

You need to take a survival kit everywhere you go. In your car you should have a portable kit that contains some high energy foods, Sports bars, hard candy, MREs (meals, ready to eat), tropical chocolate bars, beef jerky, and nuts all work well. Basic first aid items, a flashlight and spare batteries as well as a map of the area. A couple bottles of fresh drinking water are must have items.

In some countries it is law to have a survival kit. Even in those countries where it isn’t you still need to be prepared. A good
survival kit will only set you back a few hundred dollars and this is a cost you’ll be happy you paid if one day that disaster strikes and you kit saves the life of a loved family member.

Learning to survive doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. In fact it can be an interesting family activity that all can participate in.
Even very young members of the family need to be survival aware because if anything happens to their caregivers they may be left to fend for themselves. Don’t leave it till its too late get prepared to survive now.

Posted by Janet Schlarbaum of Lancaster, Pennsylvania