[Survivalexpert]

I have a saying: "Mother Nature and all She possesses is trying to kill you a hundred different ways. But She's also trying to help you a THOUSAND different ways!"

When venturing outdoors:

NEVER go alone
ALWAYS carry a backpack that satisfies the 8 Elements of Survival (Fire, Water,

Shelter, First-Aid, Signal, Food, Weapons and Navigation).

CARRY a home-made Pocket Survival Kit and bigger Survival Kit in you backpack

that satisfy the 8 Elements of Survival

ALWAYS carry a primary (rifle), backup (pistol) and alternative weapons (mace).
Let somebody know EXACTLY (map) where you're going and EXACTLY when you should return
ALWAYS make camp 02-hours before sunset

 

[stAGgering]

"Always"... undoubtedly heard and agreed upon by many here and elsewhere.
Yet, the majority believes they are an exception to the 100/1000 ratio.
No worries with shorts on, no water, phone in hand, and 10 lb dog on leash for a hike.
Probability is a forgotten equation.

 

[Survivalexpert]

"Always"... undoubtedly heard and agreed upon by many here and elsewhere.
Yet, the majority believes they are an exception to the 100/1000 ratio.
No worries with shorts on, no water, phone in hand, and 10 lb dog on leash for a hike.
Probability is a forgotten equation.

I like that "Probability Is A Forgotten Equation." Maybe an equation with a point value could be formulated as a decision maker whether to go on your adventure or Abort it.

 

[Corpus]

I have a saying: "Mother Nature and all She possesses is trying to kill you a hundred different ways. But She's also trying to help you a THOUSAND different ways!"

When venturing outdoors:

Shelter, First-Aid, Signal, Food, Weapons and Navigation).

that satisfy the 8 Elements of Survival

Do you bring a wheelbarrow too by any chance?

 

[Canon29]

I'm almost always alone when I venture outdoors- that's much safer imo. I don't really feel the need to be armed to the teeth either, but I do carry a handgun.

Why make camp 2 hours before sunset?

 

[Aceoky]

Hello and welcome to SB!

 

[Mrs.sardog]

Hello and welcome from S.IL!

 

[the labyrinth]

Welcome to SB from Michigan.

 

[Farm boy]

Welcome to the forum.
When I go to the woods, I usually take some matches, knife, and my 1911, nothing else is needed, unless its an overnight affair.

 

[Wyomike]

I'm almost always alone when I venture outdoors- that's much safer imo.

Why much safer? I don’t agree or disagree, I’m usually alone too, except for my two stupid dogs who are zero help. But wondering why you think it’s much safer. Maybe I can use it on my wife.

 

[Canon29]

Why much safer? I don’t agree or disagree, I’m usually alone too, except for my two stupid dogs who are zero help. But wondering why you think it’s much safer. Maybe I can use it on my wife.

Because people are distracting and safety primarily comes from awarenes/prevention- not just the possibility of help/intervention as it's commonly thought. As the saying goes, an oz of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

If someone is a liability the increased safety concern is obvious, but less obvious is when your companion isnt one- this often grants a false sense of security on top of the social distraction/enjoyment. My experience has unanimously been more things go wrong when more people are involved.

 

[Wyomike]

Because people are distracting and safety primarily comes from awarenes/prevention- not just the possibility of help/intervention as it's commonly thought. As the saying goes, an oz of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

If someone is a liability the increased safety concern is obvious, but less obvious is when your companion isnt one- this often grants a false sense of security on top of the social distraction/enjoyment. My experience has unanimously been more things go wrong when more people are involved.

Yeah, makes sense. I’ve been with people I constantly had to tell don’t step there, I wouldn’t grab a hold of that, you better put this hat on, you should drink some water, the fire is big enough …

In fact, since you put it like that, most times I end up bringing more of the important stuff than usual, because I know I’m going to be the only one who brought any important stuff.

 

[Canon29]

Yeah, makes sense. I’ve been with people I constantly had to tell don’t step there, I wouldn’t grab a hold of that, you better put this hat on, you should drink some water, the fire is big enough …

In fact, since you put it like that, most times I end up bringing more of the important stuff than usual, because I know I’m going to be the only one who brought any important stuff.

Yup, and when with capable people who I'm comfortable with I often get immersed in wonderful conversations that inevitably pull my focus away from the environment itself. Worth it imo- but objectively less safe.

 

[Broadhead]

Another way to avoid wilderness survival threats: check the weather before you go. Then be aware of weather changes that were not forecast. Not doing this gets a lot of non-experts in trouble.

 

[Survivalexpert]

I'm almost always alone when I venture outdoors- that's much safer imo. I don't really feel the need to be armed to the teeth either, but I do carry a handgun.

Why make camp 2 hours before sunset?

Here's a short reason why you should start making camp 02-hours before it gets dark.

I'm assuming you're with friends. Making camp 02-hours before dusk offer you a chance to:

get use to your natural surroundings
set-up campfire and gather firewood to burn till dawn
set-up shelters and sleeping gear
prepare cooking
recon for fresh water
apply first-aid for feet and other injuries
dry clothes, socks, boots
confirm your exact location on maps
confirm your satellite phone is operable with your outside contact(s)
more...
your group still has time to move to another better location before it gets dark

I subscribe to what's called Google Alerts. Every single day, every day, I get reports on:

people in the wilderness that get lost during daylight hours
people in the wilderness that get lost during nighttime hours

which adds up to near tragedies, deaths and missing people forever. If they would have just STOPPED 02-hours before dusk and made camp and stayed put, they'd of seen the next day. YES, even very experienced solo hunters, campers, hikers,... meet their fate.

I hope this helped you out. I try to practice what I preach. I live out in the country, not in the deep wilderness. On my own property, if I go into my woods, I ALWAYS carry my .40 caliber Glock and a cell phone. I've don't trust anyone. I've ran into poachers illegally hunting on my property numerous times. And I'll bet you a $100 there are illegal deer stands set-up right now. And packs of coyotes numbering up to 30 roam 03-sides of my property, especially at night. I hear them hootn' it up at night all the time.

PS I talked to a local Forest Ranger years ago, he told me if anyone has a deer stand set-up on my property without my permission, by law, that deer stand is automatically my property. But I don't want their deer stand, I usually leave them a note and order them to take their deer stand and stay the 'F' off my property.

 

[swamp hodag]

Best way to not die in the wilderness is to not go to the wilderness. Starbucks are so much safer. Go, get a latte, hook up to their wifi, and enjoy. Leave the wilderness to those crazies that aren't worried about it.