Guide to Long Nights on the Trail
Here’s the deal. You’re heading out on a 10 to 20 day backpacking trip. You’ve planned it out, you’ve stocked everything, but now you need a plan B. You’re going to need a plan B because the reality is you have about as much time as you have to get ready for that trip. Time which is rapidly running out.
Let’s assume you’re stuck in a rut. The last thing you want to do is go out and find yourself lost. The further you are from help the more difficult it is to find your way. Let’s further assume that you are not in the city but in the wilds somewhere out in the wild. Hopefully you have a GPS device in your pack with you. If you don’t then you need to either find a nearby river and use your compass to find your way back or find a trail and follow it. Although it can be effective, both of these could lead you into very dangerous and embarrassing situations.
With a survival knife you can cut ropes, open canned food, use yourself as a temporary shelter and a weapon against humans or wildlife. Hopefully you’ve taken the time and put it into your survival kit.
If you find yourself lost:
If you recognize the signs of a possible bear attack and quickly get onto a nearby police officer, you can ask them to accompany you back to the spot where you were last seen. Report what you saw and the officer will be able to find you. If you do not have a survival knife or a GPS device and you encounter an unknown predator, you need to determine which is more likely to win. Your GPS device can only point you to known paths. A knife is more precise.
If you encounter a large predator:
Get away quickly, without creating a panic. Make as much noise as possible. If the animal is unaware of you try to make yourself look as big as possible (another reason to have a large knife) so it will be easier for them to locate you. If you have a knife, you can use it to cut through ropes or even trap to stop an attack.
If you don’t have a knife or a GPS device:
Use your senses to discover direction. If you hear running or hear someone approaching, get away as soon as you can. If you encounter a large animal or a very large predator, you need to be prepared to fight back. A large knife or bow is very effective for fighting back.
Asia & Pacific Island UK
It will be different depending on where you are but you need to have basic survival items with you.
* The Himalayan survival knife is a very effective tool for survival. It can be used for many different situations such as cutting firewood, opening canned food, protection from snakes, and much more.
* Basic water survival kit.
* First aid kit.
* geographically accurate map.
* whistle.
* incredibly thin towel. (see below)
* shoe string.
* extremely sharp knife. (or travel lock.
* extra food and water.
* a large amount of rope.
* When you need to go back you can use the bowline.
Why You Need a bowline
It can be very unpredictable whether you will be bitten by a snake or run into a wild animal. A bowline can be secured around one’s waist area and the person can be secured in place with it.
The towel trick
This is a useful tip particularly if you are swimming. You can use a piece of rope to tie a towel to your swimming suit. The towel will act as a barrier to the current and keep you safe.
Why a Travel Lock?
It is useful to have a travel lock on you especially when you are visiting different countries. The reason for having a lock is that if you wanted to open it you would need a key. If you lose the key or if it gets wet you are not going to be able to get it. Travel locks are much more expensive than a plastic garbage bag.
bikini Waxing
I have never heard of a travel lock but if you’ve ever done a proper bikini waxing you will know why.
Pen and paper
sporadic camping activities often leave us with a lot of spare keys so be sure to bring a pen and paper. If you are able to bring a pen and paper you can easily jot down the address of the place you are going to and what day you are leaving.
Why Bring a Watch?
Many watch manufacturers also make key rings so why not bring a watch, especially if you are intending to go out on a camping trip where there are no watches to be found. There is nothing more annoying than going to bed and realizing that your watch has broken.
Why not bring a Camera?
A camera is a must for obvious reasons.