Ten Must Know Survival Skills
Introduction Ten must know Survival/Bushcraft Skills:
Spending lots of time in the great outdoors is a thrilling and very enriching experience, but it also comes with its own host of challenges. Whether you’re an avid camper, hiker, or bush crafter, having solid bushcraft skills. Is paramount in staying safe, comfortable, and confident in the wilderness. In this article, we’ll explore the ten most important outdoor/bushcraft skills that I believe every adventurer should know to make the most of all their outdoor excursions and activities.
Navigation
Navigation: Navigation skills are fundamental for any outdoorsman. Knowing how to use a map and a compass, read topographic maps, and understand basic GPS devices can help prevent you from getting lost and help you plan your routes effectively.
Fire Building
The ability to start and keep a fire fueled is crucial for staying warm, preparing food, and also signaling for help in an emergency. Learning how to build and light fires using different techniques, such as friction, fire starting tools, or other natural materials is a paramount survival skill.
Shelter Building
Knowing how to build a shelter is one of many bushcraft skills that will be a lifesaver when you're caught in unexpected weather conditions. Learn to build different kinds of shelters using any available materials, from basic tarp setups to improvised debris huts.
First Aid
Basic first aid knowledge is essential for dealing with various injuries and illnesses in the outdoors. Knowing how to treat cuts, burns, sprains, and other outdoor-related injuries is another paramount skill to master. After all knowing how to carry a well-stocked first aid kit and knowing how to use it are two different things.
Water Procurement
Access to clean drinking water is paramount. Learn how to purify and filter water from various natural sources, learn to identify safe water sources, and understand the symptoms of dehydration and different waterborne illnesses.
Knot Tying
Mastering various knots is indispensable for securing gear, building various shelters, and handling ropes. Knots like the bowline, clove hitch, or the taut line hitch are invaluable for many outdoor activities
Foraging
Knowing how to identify edible plants and how to forage for food will help supplement your outdoor meals. However, it's definitely a good idea to be cautious and very knowledgeable about what you eat to avoid getting poisoned.
Cooking Over A Fire
Cooking over an open flame is a skill that will enhance anyones outdoor experience. Learning how to make meals, boil water, and how to cook food safely in the wilderness is an invaluable skill for everyone.
Being Wildlife Aware
Understanding the different behaviors of wildlife and knowing how to be safe around them is crucial. Knowing how to prevent encounters with dangerous animals, wether that's bears or snakes, and also knowing how to react in case you encounter them.
Environmental Stewardship
Environmental stewardship is a mindset and set of various practices that emphasize respecting and also conserving our natural world. Learn and adhere to Leave No Trace principles, which encourage responsible outdoor ethics. By practicing these principles, you contribute to the preservation of all our outdoor spaces for many generations to come.
In Conclusion:
These ten outdoor skills are essential for anyone who wants to spend time in the great outdoors . They not only ensure you and your fellow outdoorsman’s safety but also enrich your overall outdoor experience. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or a beginner, taking the time to learn and practice these invaluable skills is an investment in your ability to explore, enjoy, and appreciate our natural world responsibly. So, gear up, acquire these skills, and embark on your outdoor journey with confidence and competence.
Here are some other articles you may be interested in.