Throughout the year, outdoor enthusiasts head for the mountains, lakes, ocean and valleys to enjoy all that nature has to offer. Treks do not always go as planned and many people find themselves needing emergency help. Brian Duffy, president of the Southern Arizona Rescue Association, says “people seem to underestimate how physically demanding or challenging the wilderness is” and “they also overestimate their own ability.” Whether you are heading out for the day or a week, carrying some basic outdoor survival products can mean the difference between life and death.
Clothing
In the outdoors, your clothes can quickly become your best friend. Choose synthetic fabrics that are lightweight and appropriate for the climate, and be prepared to layer items of clothing. Layering clothing traps air between the layers and helps to retain body heat. Cotton fabrics become heavy when wet, take a long time to dry and increases body heat loss, making them a poor choice. Be sure to pack a warm wool or synthetic hat or cap as well as a waterproof rain poncho and at least one pair of wick dry socks.
Navigation and Signaling
Generally, if you’re lost, stay put so rescuers can find you. But that option is not always feasible. Pack a GPS, a personal locater beacon and a traditional compass. Climbers and hikers will benefit from carrying a topographic map, while boaters should have nautical charts with them. Cell phone signals may not be available, but you should still carry one with an extra battery. A hand-held VHF radio is a good item to have when you are lost. Carry products that will help identify your location to potential rescuers, including flares, a signal mirror and a whistle.
Warmth and Light
All fans of the TV series “Survivor” know that fire is all-important when surviving in the wild. Fire provides heat and allows you to boil water and cook food. Depending on the terrain, fire at night also helps keep away wild animals. Make sure to carry matches in windproof and waterproof containers, a flint, fire starters and a hatchet or utility knife to cut branches. Flashlights, head lamps, lightsticks and strobe lights will provide much-needed light as well as help provide signals to rescuers. Keep yourself warm at night with a lightweight tent, space blankets, sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
Food and Drink
Although you could potentially survive on berries or other wild plants if lost, survival becomes much easier when you are prepared. At minimum, carry a fishhook and fishing line and a utility knife. A folding stove and fuel pellets can be extremely helpful. A rainwater catcher, cup and water purification tablets will prevent dehydration. Even day-trippers should carry a good supply of high-calorie, high-protein food bars.
Other
Many outdoor survival products make life more bearable in an emergency, although they are not necessary for survival. Carry rope, work gloves, a sewing kit, emergency preparedness guide, folding shovel, wire, garbage bags, surveyor’s tape, first aid kit and some hygiene items like toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, wet naps and a washcloth. Also be sure to carry products that are specific to your activity, such as life jackets and life rafts for boaters, or snow shoes for snowmobilers or skiers.
About this Author
After attending Fairfield University, Hannah Wickford spent more than 15 years in market research and marketing in the consumer packaged goods industry. In 2003, she decided to shift careers and now maintains three successful food-related blogs and writes online articles, website copy and newsletters for multiple clients including Trails, Travels and Golflink.
