Build A Wilderness Shelters
Wilderness survival is especially important if you are a person who likes the outdoors. Sometimes, circumstances can take a turn for the unexpected and the best way to survive is to be prepared by mastering some very necessary skills.
Be able to tell direction. Navigation skills can lead you in the right direction and get you out of the wilderness, literally. Have a compass with you and know how to read it.
Try learning the more advanced ways of finding direction. These are skills taught by experienced outdoorsmen who can teach you how to tell direction even when the sun isn't shining, or observing prevailing winds or by looking at "indicators" on rocks, melting snow, trees and shrubs.
If you are able to do these things, then you will never have to worry even if you dropped the compass.
Learn to find shelter. Caves, overhanging cliffs, boulders, even fallen trees can be used to protect yourself from the elements. Know what you need to build a proper structure that can keep away the sun, wind, rain and even snow. Be able to build a shelter from the only available materials in your environment.
Build a fire. The importance of a fire cannot be emphasized enough. A fire can keep you warm, light up your area, cook food and discourage animals from coming close.
Look for food and a source of water. Be able to tell which plants are edible and which are not. Also, know how to handle plants that you have to crack, such as coconuts. You might also need to learn how to fish or track and trap animals and prepare them for cooking.
You can also learn the skill of telling which source of water is safe to drink. For safety, be able to find some way to heat water to sterilize it.
Learn basic first aid so you'll know what to do in case of injuries or sickness.
Learn how to make weapons or equipment using whatever is available - rocks, branches, leaves or vines. They will come in handy as substitutes for a knife, club, hammer or yes, even a pillow.
Learn the skill of knowing what to do when you encounter a wild animal. Sometimes, running away or climbing a tree is not the best solution.
Keep a level head so you can think straight and not make mistakes. Remember that the wilderness is not your enemy. You just need to work with it in order to survive.
So here are the perfect backpacking ingredients to have readily available at all times:
1. Lightweight Sleeping Mat
Maybe you'd say that it's not your idea of a great adventure to take anything that resembles anything as cozy as your home. But after finding out just how many germs and bed bugs inhabit those local apartelles you're planning to stay in, you will thank yourself so much for taking your own sleeping mat.
2. Portable Condiments
It really is a money-saving technique to keep your extra packets of mustard, ketchups, chilli sauces and just about any condiment that fast food restaurants give when you order take out food or even when you dine-in. When you have not enough resources or when you forget to bring some of the ingredients that make your food more edible, these small packets of condiments can be handy. You don't want shards of bottles cutting your skin or gooey ketchup messing up your other backpack stuff, right?
3. First comes first with a first aid kit.
No one can be too brave going anywhere he or she is not familiar with without taking a first aid kit. Unless you're a cyborg, you will have to bring gauze, iodine solution, milk of magnesia, antibiotics, antipyretics, and even mosquito repellent lotion.
4. Useful Get-ups
Dress for success! That should be the motto of any corporate slave. But for you, yours should be "dress to Survive" don't you think so? Comfy clothes that won't restrict your movements are the norm. If you go trekking, sturdy but comfy boots can be your best friend. A bandana can be very versatile, too. It can prevent sweat from blurring your vision and can also be a part of your first aid kit.
5. Backpack gizmos.
You're not the king of the world. You will need a good compass and a reliable map. If you don't how to use these, forget about your backpacking adventure.
More backpacking "must-haves" such as a flashlight, a firestarter, and a Swiss knife are necessary too. But again, common sense should dictate to you what else you need to take. Stay safe!