SURVIVAL

The wild is full of delicious food, if you know where to look. With the bounty of nutritious plants, there is no reason to be hungry on a hike or an overnight trip in the woods. There is also very little reason to bring a heavy amount of food on a long camping trip either. Despite the fact that there are plenty of options for food, beginners in the wilderness should bring some food with them as they carefully learn to forage.

If you are ever stranded, it is helpful to remain in control of yourself and take care of your necessities. This includes finding water and food. Fortunately, finding both does not require the use of much energy. So, if you do get hungry, you can find food in the wild and keep your energy up to make it home safely. Being able to identify safe plants is the key to surviving and enjoying your time in the wild.

There are several types of foods that are available in the wilderness. From berries and greens to small animals and fish, the wild has enough food to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The availability of certain foods will depend on the season; but no matter what season it is, there will be foods that are available. And of course, always look for water which is available. Before you try to eat foods in the wilderness, you should be sure that you know exactly what foods are safe based on the way they look, smell, and feel. Not every plant will be safe to eat and if you eat the wrong ones, you could get quite sick.

Know What NOT to Eat

It is rather easy to determine which plants are not safe to eat. Poisonous plants tend to have leaves in groups of threes as well as milky or oddly colored sap. They also have pods with seeds or bulbs inside of them. If the stem of the plant has a bitter smell that reminds you slightly of almonds, it is most likely a dangerous plant. Avoid plants that have spurs in colors like black, pink, or purple. Lastly, if the plant has pointed parts like thorns, burrs, spikes, spurs, or hooks, it is not edible.

How to Identify Edible Plants

One you know what plants to avoid, it becomes much easier to find plants that are safe to eat. Interestingly, many of the edible plants are those that people consider to be weeds. For example, dandelions and clovers (even though they have three leaves) are all safe to eat and rather nutritious, too. Chicory is another plant that is readily available and easy to identify due to the lovely blue flowers. All three of these plants taste much better after they have been cooked. Dandelions can be made into a tasty tea and chicory makes a fine coffee substitute.

If you are near a water source, water plants can be nutritious and easy to find. One of the healthiest plants is green seaweed, which can be found near the shore in most inland lakes. Kelp is another good source of nutrition. Both green seaweed and kelp should be rinsed. Seaweed tastes best after it has been dried.

Another good plant that can be found in the wilderness is sorrel. There are a few varieties that are good to eat raw including sheep sorrel and wood sorrel. It is not recommended to eat too much sheep sorrel, but if you do eat it, you will notice it tastes like lemon. Wood sorrel includes vitamin C and tastes like potatoes. Native Americans ate wood sorrel on a regular basis.

If you cannot find a flowering plant to eat, you can always turn to grass. Every kind of grass is safe to eat. You might not want to eat grass in your neighborhood, because of all of the chemicals placed on lawns to fight weeds, but the woods is completely different. Grasses in the woods are incredibly safe because they are organic and not covered in weed-fighting chemicals. If the grasses you choose to eat are six inches tall or less, the pieces you eat will be easy to digest. Longer grass can be chewed for the juice, but you probably do not want to eat it.

Deadnettle is also very safe to eat raw. This plant grows all over so it is easy to find. You do not want to eat the stems, not because you cannot, but because they do not taste very good. The plant is sweet and mild. The plant is similar to mint.

Before you take your trip into the woods, it is a good idea to understand what plants you will actually find. This way you can learn about what is safe to eat and what you should absolutely avoid. Many guidebooks are small enough to throw in a pocket and you can even rip out pages if you know you are going to spend some time in the woods. In many cases, the plants that are safe to eat are what people call weeds.

How to Get Your Protein

If plants and berries are not your thing, there is another option that can give you your fill of protein: bugs and insects. It is no secret that insects are plentiful in the wilderness and some of the favorites include grasshoppers, crickets, and locusts as well as snails and worms. They can be easily found under decaying logs and under leaves. Eating them raw might not sound like the most appetizing meal; fortunately, bugs can be boiled or cooked over a flame to make them more edible and safer to eat. It does take more physical work to find insects and to cook them, so it is best to do your bug hunting when you have the energy to expend.

Fishing is an Option

If you have plenty of energy to spare, fishing is a great way to feed your hunger. It doesn’t matter if you are near a river, stream, or lake, there are fish available for the taking. You do not need to have a fishing rod to catch fish, you simply need a trap. Many survivalists will make small dams to catch fish, or they will create a net out of fabric. Physically, it is easier to catch a fish with a dam than with a net, because you simply make the dam, sit back, and wait for the fish to get caught in it.

However, it is possible to catch a fish with a line made of reeds or bark, but you will need some bait, which can be difficult to find. Instead of using insects, you could always try to use bait that is shiny. If you do end up catching fish, it is helpful to cook them and to be very careful while eating them so you do not eat the bones.

Go for the Game

Plants, bugs, and small fish are good options for dining in the wilderness, but the best possible food you could find is small game. If you sit, listen, and look around while in the woods, you will see a wide variety of small game that can be rather tasty if you are stuck in the woods. Fortunately, you do not need to have a firearm with you to catch and kill the small creatures of the woodlands.

If you are looking for game, one of the best places to look is near the water. Eventually, every animal needs to drink. And don’t just pick any spot near the water, find a spot where the water runs downhill, because that is where it will pool. This is a good spot to place a snare or set up a small pit trap if you have the energy to build one.

It can also be helpful to listen for animals. You will not hear them if you are walking around loudly through the woods. But, if you sit and relax for a while, you will be surprised how much you hear. Animals will become silent if you make a lot of noise, but if they cannot hear you, they will unintentionally come toward you.

Prior to sitting and listening, it is a good idea to find some sharp rocks and some thick sticks. If you do sit and listen for animals, you might be able to throw a rock at an animal that comes near or you might be able to hit one with a stick. You never know what will wander by, so be ready, breathe quietly, and relax.

How to Make a Snare

When it comes to food, the choices that expend more calories result in more calories. It is much more difficult to catch small game than it is to find leaves and bugs to eat. You will need to actively pursue small animals in order to get one to eat. You will also need to find a tool to help you take the animals down – things like pointed sticks or noosing wands. Pit traps can also be effective, but they do require you to dig a pit. If you have a good arm, you could take out an animal with a powerfully thrown rock. Some people prefer to use snares, but you will most likely get a squirrel or rabbit rather than something larger. One of the best ways to catch animals to eat is to set up a handful of traps near the major water source. But, if you have a major water source that is accessible, you will probably have a more successful time trying to catch fish instead.

Always Be Prepared

The key to surviving in the wilderness is understanding when to expend energy for a source of food. The food that gives the most calories expends the most calories and there is no guarantee that the calories will be obtained. The best way to survive is to understand what plants are the safest and to know how to create fire. If you plan to spend time in the wild, it is important to be prepared with small tools like matches, a small knife, and a length of paracord. With these tools, it becomes much easier to gain access to protein-filled food like insects, fish, and game. These simple tools fit nicely in your pockets and can become life savers if you become trapped in the woods for an extended period of time.

If you find yourself in the desert, one of the most important things to do — if not the most important — is to make sure that you stay hydrated. As beautiful as deserts may be, staying hydrated is pivotal for ensuring that you survive in these difficult conditions while you enjoy these exotic places. You already know that deserts are huge and arid places and it’s often difficult to get water in them. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try. In fact, you probably already have some knowledge about how to collect water without even realizing it.

As usual, your survival greatly depends on your ability to be prepared. It is a lot easier to survive in the desert when you arrive there fully prepared. Don’t worry, though, there are still ways to ensure that you will be fine even if you don’t have the equipment. These are certainly a little trickier, but provided that you keep your wits about you and that you are armed with the knowledge that you need to take on a landscape like this, you should be fine.

This is what you need to do in order to find water in the desert.

Here’s what you will need to follow this tutorial:

• A water container

This may seem really obvious to you, but it bears repeating. Don’t leave your house and go into the desert without already having water on you. Taking potable water to the desert is strongly recommended — up to two gallons per day, so if you are going to be in the desert for three days, that would be six gallons. If you run out of water for whatever reason, you should still take a container with you. This is because you need to be able to store water once you find some. You should not have to rely on finding water every time that you need to drink water.

• A map

An old-fashioned map can help you a lot when it comes to finding water in the desert. A topographical map in particular will help you find landmarks and places where people have marked their prior access to water. These indicators are not likely to be available on your phone’s GPS, which you should not rely on when it comes to navigating the desert. If you know that you are going to go into the desert, buying a map from the locals is often a good idea. They will know where and how you can find water in ways that you won’t, since they have been living around the desert for a really long time.

• Iodine tablets

Finding water in the desert is tricky. Finding potable water in the desert is incredibly difficult. The water that you drink from the tap at your home or your hotel has been specifically selected and treated to ensure that it is safe for you to consume. You don’t have the same luxury when it comes to being in the desert. You need to make sure that the water that you find is water that you can drink. The easiest way to do this is by finding ways to filter and disinfect the water that you have discovered.  If you know that you are going to go into the desert, then iodine or chlorine tablets can purify water by killing all the bacteria in it.

• A portable burner

Lodine tablets are great, but if you are out in the desert without one and have a portable stove or burner on you, there is an easier way to purify the water. Just boil it to get rid of any bacteria and then wait for it to cool before you drink it. The issue with this method is that you need to be careful about your timing, since keeping the water on a rolling boil for too long will make it start to evaporate. In addition to this, boiling water is efficient at getting rid of bacteria but it does not get rid of any solids in the water. This is something you need to be aware of when you find water in the wilderness. If you remove the water from the boil and then let it sit there for a little while as it cools, all of the solids that are in the water should eventually fall to the bottom.

• A strainer

If you don’t have time to wait or if you are doing the iodine purifying method, then having a strainer is a must for making sure that your water doesn’t have any huge solids that you may end up accidentally ingesting, including things like animals and rocks.

Now that you have all your stuff together, it’s time for you to try and go find some water in the desert.

1. Don’t look for water

It seems incredibly counterintuitive not to look for water when you are trying to keep yourself hydrated, but if it’s too hot, you should stay where you are. Wait until it’s cooler. Ultimately, remember that you are expending energy and sweat every time you do something and that goes even further when you are in the middle of the desert and right under the hot desert sun. Even if you find water, you are probably not going to be able to replenish all of the sweat and energy that you have spent. If you are tired, stay put, regardless of how thirsty you are. Wait until it gets cooler before you start moving. If somebody knows that you are out there and stranded, you’re probably better off staying where you are and waiting for someone to arrive with help.

2. Don’t drink cactus water

Yes, a cactus will have water inside of it. However, this water is not fit for human consumption in general. Unless you really know your flora, you should steer away from drinking the cactus water. Drinking cactus water can cause almost instant sickness, which can, in turn, cause diarrhea, vomit and pain. These are things you really don’t want in the desert! Getting this sick would mean instant dehydration. Even a “safe” species of cacti should only be used as a very last resort. The water will taste bitter and may cause bone pain and kidney issues.

3. Look for wildlife

If you see nothing for a while and suddenly you are able to spot insects and birds, this is a good indication that there are water holes around the area. Birds and insects need water to live, so if you follow them, you may be able to find the water that you need.

4. Look for vegetation

Fauna isn’t just there for you to seek shade under. In fact, vegetation is a great indicator that there is water around where you are. Some trees really love water. These are the trees that you need to be on the lookout for. Look for trees that are bright green and broad-leafed. If it looks way too green to be where it is, that’s a great sign! Those usually have water on the surface or there will be a water hole nearby. At worst, you can always dig a hole near its roots and watch it fill up with water.

5. Look for canyons, especially ones that face north

Canyons can fill up with water or snowmelt. That water can dry up quickly. However, if the canyon is facing north, you are in luck. This is because these canyons tend to retain water for up to months at a time. The water is murky and it is likely that it will need purification, but the important thing is that you found water.

Conclusion

When you are looking for water in the desert, it is pivotal to remember that you can’t just drink the first bit of water that you come across, thirsty as you may be. Water requires a purification process so that your body will be able to accept it as nourishment. If you just drink the first bit of water that’s available to you, you may end up getting sick and ultimately, getting dehydrated.

Follow these tips to make sure to find water in the desert and remember that, sometimes, the most important thing isn’t the water that you need to find but rather the sweat that you need to be conservative with.

Do you have any tips for finding water in the desert? Share them with us! Don’t forget to spread this article around to your friends and family if you found it useful.

Hurricane season creates tension and curiosity. The tension occurs because of the potential damage that the wind and waves can create. The curiosity comes with the wonder of where the hurricanes will strike. Hurricanes have become personified by the weather prognosticators who bravely try to predict their routes and statistics. No matter how you feel when it comes to hurricane season, it is important to be prepared for the reality of the intense storms. Hurricane preparedness can make the difference between life and death. It doesn’t take much to create a plan that covers the variety of situations that can arise when a hurricane hits where you live.

Hurricane preparedness involves several situations. Depending on the severity of the hurricane, people who live in the zones might have to evacuate for an unknown amount of time. Fortunately, meteorologists and their technology are getting better at predicting the route of hurricanes. This gives residents of hurricane-prone areas time to prepare. But there are still unknowns in the world of weather predictions. So, it is important to be prepared for evacuations and for hunkering down and staying in place through the storm.

It is helpful to be prepared for the following issues that can result from hurricane damage:

• Food shortages
• Power outages
• Flooding
• Lack of emergency services
• Wind damage
• Lack of utilities
• Lack of transportation

All of these issues require a few different tasks that should be completed in advance of any hurricane warnings. For people who live in hurricane zones, preparation for a food shortage and utilities shortage should be ongoing. It is very easy to stock up on nonperishable food. It is also important that homeowners have the right equipment like hurricane shutters and prefilled sandbags to help minimize damage. Homeowners should also stock up on items like plastic bags, matches, water bottles, batteries, and charcoal.

Step 1: Food Preparation

The first thing that people in hurricane zones should do is have a stash of food. It is best to build up the stash of food over time, not the night before a hurricane is scheduled to make landfall. What you should be doing the day before landfall is cooking your frozen foods and meats so you can freeze and be able to eat them without having to worry about using your oven. If the power goes out, those pre-cooked, frozen foods will help keep other food cold and they can be eaten safely. It is also important to keep an eye on the canned foods that you are stockpiling for such an occasion; be sure the expiration dates have not passed. Remember that the fuller your freezer is, the longer it will stay cold – so pack it tightly.

When you buy canned food, be sure it is food that does not need to have liquids added to it. It is also important to have a variety of options, like proteins, carbohydrates, and fruits and vegetables. If you live close to the coast, it is a good idea to move your food to a high spot in your home; especially if your food is in the basement. Storm surges can cause flooding and make it difficult to get into lower floors. Since the power often goes out for a few days after a hurricane, it is a good idea to have charcoal or propane so you can grill your foods. While you are buying food, don’t forget your pets.

Step 2: Water Preparation

It is also vitally important to have enough water. Bottled water is plentiful, but not the day before a hurricane is scheduled to make landfall. This is why it is a good idea to buy a few cases of water whenever you find it on sale. Leave the water in secure place so you can safely get to it in case of an emergency. It is also helpful to make as much ice as you can before hurricanes hit. Empty two-liter bottles make good ice bottles and many people will fill up plastic bags with ice from their freezers. Add a bag or two each week of the year and you will have plenty by the time hurricane season hits. One more good source of water is the bathtub, so fill all of the ones in your home before the hurricane strikes.

Step 3: Health Needs

Once you have your food and water taken care of, you and your family’s health needs are next. As soon as you are aware that a hurricane could strike, you should be sure that you check your prescription medications. You should have at least ten days worth of supplies – possibly even more. If you do not, be sure to get your refills.

It is also a good idea to check your first aid kit. Be sure you have plenty of bandages, pain relievers, antibiotic creams, latex gloves, face masks, and other necessities. You never know if you will be able to get to a medical center or if an ambulance will be able to get to you in case of an emergency.

Step 4: Safety and Supplies

Along with food and health, safety is important. So, be sure that your vital electronics are working. Be sure that you have a working radio and a good supply of batteries. It is also helpful to have a few portable power sticks for your cell phone. Make sure that you have flashlights in convenient locations and that you have batteries for them, too. Having candles on hand is another good idea. If you plan to use a generator, be sure that you have gasoline in proper containers and have your extension cords ready to go.

For safety purposes, it is also helpful to have cash, because that will be more valuable than credit cards if the power is out for a while. Anything that you have outside can become a dangerous projectile, so bring all of your patio furniture, lawn decorations, and play toys inside to protect your safety and the safety of anyone in your vicinity.

Step 5: Evacuation Plans

If you plan to evacuate, it is important to be prepared to leave quickly. To keep your home safe, know where the shutoff valves are for the water and the gas so you can quickly turn those off just before you leave. Put your hurricane shutters over your windows. Put a traditional map in your car and load your car with plenty of food, water, and blankets. It is also a good idea to put your valuables in high places in your home; plastic bags, sealed plastic totes, and dry bags are good places to put important paper, photographs, and other valuable that cannot be replaced. If you are evacuating, be sure that you have your important papers like Social Security cards, photo ids, and insurance information. And don’t forget about your pets. If you do leave, let someone in your neighborhood know where you are going.

Conclusion

In the event that a hurricane does strike, you will be grateful that you took the time to be prepared. When hurricanes are forecasted, many people go into panic mode and they often rush grocery and convenience stores. If you are properly prepared, you do not have to get involved in the mad rush to gather what food is remaining. You will also be ready for the aftermath, whether you evacuate or you stay in your home. Mother Nature is a powerful force; but with the right preparations, you can remain safe and comfortable before, during, and after a hurricane.

Starting a fire without matches or lighters is one of the essential survival skills that you should acquire and nurture if you love spending time outdoors. There is a primal link between fire and man. I remember back in the Special Forces training camp; we were required to start a fire on our own. Though difficult at first, we finally managed to ace the task and have since then used it multiple times while in the wild. Today, I will give you some of my best techniques for starting a fire without a lighter or matches. Enjoy !

List of Items Needed

Nine ways to start a fire

Technique 1: Fire Plough

This is my number one technique and always works perfectly even in some of the harshest weather conditions. Get your fireboard out of your backpack and cut a groove using your pocketknife. Position the one end of the spindle inside the groove of your fireboard and starting rubbing it at a high speed. After a few minutes of consistent rubbing, embers will start to form. Catch one and place it inside the tinder nest then blow it gently to get the fire going.

Technique 2: Bow Drill

The bow drill is another method that I have used multiple times to start a fire. As the name suggests, you will need to have a bow. You do not need to worry though if you don’t have one already as you can make one by using a sturdy tree twig your shoelace.

Use your pocket knife to make a notch on the fireboard and another depression next to the notch to house the tinder nest. Fasten the spindle using the bow string. With the spindle inside the notch, use the socket to exert pressure on the spindle. Start swinging just like the basic mechanical drill. Rub the spindle inside the notch to form an ember. Once you successfully get one, drop it inside the nest, gently blow air towards the embers.

The socket can be a piece of wood or stone, but the harder the socket, the easier it will start the fire. The best is made from a wooden material that contains either oil or sap. The two act as a lubricant between the socket and the spindle.

Technique 3: Steel and Flint

When going camping or into the wilderness to relax and unwind after a long week, it is always recommended to carry a steel set and a flint. Unlike matches, the two cannot get moist and so you can use them to keep yourself warm during cold and moist weather conditions. If you don’t have any of the two, you can use pocket knife, as its blade is made from sturdy steel material, char, and quartzite. Char is a special cloth that is converted into charcoal. It will catch a spark fast and keep it burns slowly. If by any chance you don’t have char, use birch.

Hold a small rock between your forefingers and thumb. Then, hold the char between steel flint and thumb. Make sure that 2-3 inches of the char are hanging out. Smack steel on the flint multiple times to create sparks. Eventually, sparks will start flying off the flint and landing on the char cloth. Finally, fold the char cloth to form a temporary nest then use your mouth to blow air on the embers.

Technique 4: The Hand Drill

The hand drill is the most ancient and gritty method of starting a fire. Though complex and challenging to master, it will help you start safe and prepare food in the wilderness. The first thing that you need to do is build a tinder nest using dry grass, leaves, or tree barks.

Make a small depression on the fire board using your knife and another V-shaped notch. Place a dry bark test under the notch to catch the embers. Place the spindle in the depression and start rolling it between your hands at a constant pressure. Tap the fireboard to drop the ember on the bark then transfer it into the tinder nest. You will need to blow on it to get the fire going.

Technique 5: Magnifying Glass/Lens

You remember the magnifying glass you used to melt plastic and burn trash in your backyard as a child. You can use it to start a fire in the wild without breaking a sweat. Strategically position the lens to direct the beam of rays into a specific area. Place the tinder nest on this area and hold that position for a few minutes or until the nest starts to burn. You can intensify the beam by pouring some water on the lens. Since this method is dependent on sunlight, you will need to initiate the fire before nightfall and keep it going throughout the night by using dry tree twigs and leaves.

Technique 6: Chocolate Bar and Coke Can

This is one of the modern day methods of starting a fire without using any matches. It is simple and quite straightforward than the other techniques that we have covered in this tutorial article. The first step is polishing the bottom part of the soda can with a chocolate bar. This will make this part of the can shine just like the ordinary mirror. Just like the magnifying lens, position it towards the sun and create a single focal point. Place your tinder nest on this spot and wait for it to start smoldering. If you don’t have a chocolate bar, use toothpaste.

Technique 7: Steel Wool and Batteries

If you don’t have any matches or a lighter on you, the chances are that you have batteries and steel wool in your bag. The steel wool should be at least half an inch wide and six inches long. Stretch it out on one hand and then hold the battery on the other. Rub the side of the battery that has contacts on the steel wool until it starts to glow. Once you achieve that, stop rubbing and instead blow on the glowing section of the steel wool. Act fast and transfer the wool flame to the tinder nest before it goes off.

Technique 8: Using Balloons

Fill the balloons with water to create an artificial lens. Tie one end to prevent the water from spilling then position it towards the sun. Try changing the shape of the balloon to get a laser sharp focal point. Direct the sun rays to the tinder nest and wait until it starts to burn.

Technique 9: Fire from Ice

Sounds absurd but thousands of people have managed to start a fire from ice successfully. The trick is arranging the ice into a lens shape and using it just like a magnifying glass to initiate the fire. If you love going camping during winter, this technique will come in handy. The ice should not have any impurities to work.

To get a clear block of ice, use clear tap or lake water. It is also important to note that the block needs to be at least two inches thick. Use your pocket knife and hands to shape the block into a lens. Trust me; your warm hands will be enough to smoothen the outer surface. Then, use it just like the magnifying glass to light up the nest.

Conclusion

With information on how to start a fire by applying any of the above techniques, you will no longer need to carry matches and a lighter when going outdoors. You will need to practice some of these techniques before your departure, as some are complex and take the time to master. More importantly, make sure that you put off the fire before leaving your camping ground to avoid starting a fire in the forest. In fact, most of the forest fires experienced across the globe are caused by campers who forget to put off their fires before leaving resulting in a massive loss of vegetation and wild animals.

If you have another smart way of starting a fire without using matches or lighters, feel free to share it with us through the comments section. Our team will review all comments and add the techniques that actually work in the list. We look forward to reading your comments and remember practice makes perfect!

Surviving in the desert is simpler than you think. Deserts are beautiful and there’s nothing more amazing than visiting an exciting and foreign place, but they can also be scary if you are not prepared for what could happen. There is a reason that humans have, in general, decided to settle outside of deserts. That doesn’t mean that you should be deprived of seeing their beauty — on the contrary, you should still be able to visit and experience these beautiful places.

The fact that deserts are desolate only adds to their mysterious charm. You do need to be very prepared, however, as that is the most important factor when it comes to surviving in the desert. You will find it a lot easier to survive in the desert if you go fully prepared, but there are ways to survive and even thrive in an emergency. Even if you don’t have all the supplies that you need, you still have to ensure that your mindset allows you to provide for yourself. Arm yourself with both knowledge and tools to take on these arid landscapes.

Here’s what you will need to follow this tutorial:

• Your wits

We can recommend that you drink all the water in the world, but the most important thing when it comes to survival is how you handle it. As long as you are fully prepared and you know that there are different ways to survive in the desert, you shouldn’t panic. Panic is the easiest way to forget everything that you have learned. It also happens to be the easiest way to waste your resources.

• Water

The importance of water cannot be overstated. It’s very easy to get dehydrated in the desert because of the high temperature and the fact that there is no shade. Water can be a little heavy to carry, but it is really important that you take enough with you. You should plan to take several canteens since finding water in these environments is incredibly difficult. You should be drinking more than a gallon a day when you are in the desert so make sure that you have enough space between all your things to pack for that much per day, at least. For instance, if you are planning to stay in the desert for two days, you should make sure that you have two gallons of whatever. Remember that this is a minimum — ideally, you would be drinking more than that!

• A map

Don’t rely on your phone’s GPS to get you through the desert. A million things could happen. It is likely that you won’t have signal or your phone may die after you use it for a while — where are you going to charge it? — so it is really important that you have a map, or several maps, handy. The locals who live near the desert often have intimate knowledge of it and can mark a route on a map for you. You may also have some luck with topographical maps. Rely on people who have already charted the terrain. They know where the water is, and, most importantly, they know how to make sure that you get out.

• Protective clothing

Your body isn’t designed to withstand temperatures like the ones in the desert. It’s certainly not designed to take constant exposure from the sun during the day, not while you are walking and trying to find your way out. Even indirect sun is taxing on your body, no matter how in shape you are. That’s why it’s really important that you wear a hat or some other protective head garment. This way, it won’t work as hard to keep itself cool, which is good news for you. When your body isn’t so worried about keeping you cool, you’re less likely to get dehydrated or be affected by heatstroke. Your head covering is always really important, so if you have to swap an item of clothing for it — for instance, if you lose your hat and only have a shirt — then you should definitely do that.

• Food

You may think that looking for food in the desert would be a fun challenge. The issue is both that it is incredibly difficult to find creatures who live in arid climates and that would be appropriate for human consumption. There is also the inconvenience of having to make a fire and cook what you have found. The type of food that’s available depends on the desert you find yourself in, but you don’t want to risk it. Make sure that you take enough food.

• A blanket

When you are in the desert, you are probably going to find yourself in the position of having to build a shelter. You want to make sure that you have everything necessary for that. One of those things is a blanket.

• Warm clothes

Deserts don’t just get really hot during the day. The fact that there are no mountains surrounding them mean that the temperature drop during the night is very drastic. You need to be prepared to hide from the elements both during the day and during the night, so it’s important that you take enough clothes to bundle up for when you are about to go to sleep.

• A flashlight

There’s no electricity in the desert and, if you end up traveling at night, you’re going to want to be able to see.

Now that you have all your stuff together, it’s time to go to the desert!

1.  Don’t drink too much water

I know, it seems counterintuitive. I just told you that you needed to pack a lot of water and now I’m telling you not to drink it. You should drink as much water as possible, but you shouldn’t wait until you’re thirsty to do so. You may feel like you need to store your water and save it for when you are truly dehydrated, but that’s the opposite of what you need to do. Long sips are the way to go. Small sips may actually not be enough to hydrate your internal organs, so while you might feel like you’re hydrated, you’re not actually helping yourself that much.

That said, you should also try to conserve water if you are short on it. It’s important that you monitor how hydrated you are. You can do this through your urine. Light-coloring means that you’re good but dark-coloring means that you need to have more water.

2.  Don’t drink the desert water

You are probably not going to find water in the desert, but if you do, proceed with caution. You don’t know that the water you find is potable. There could be a few issues here. Water in the desert tends to be underground, so it’s very hard to find with the naked eye. Water may also have a high salt content, which means that, if you drink it, you will get dehydrated more quickly. Even worse, you may end up getting sick, which can lead to a quicker rate of dehydration.

3.  Don’t drink cactus water

While it’s true that a cactus will have water in it, unless you know your plant species really, really well, you should probably steer well clear of drinking cactus water. This should be your very last resort. Yes, certain species have a lot of water inside of them. Cactus water won’t just hydrate you, though, it will make you sick. This is because of Oxalic Acid, something that cacti need but is toxic to humans.

4.  Stay hungry

You have your food, but it’s also important that you stay hungry. Satiety makes you thirstier and if you don’t have that much water, it’s important to keep your food intake down. Remember, your body can survive for way longer without food than it can without water.

5.  Shelter your body

Some deserts have fauna where you can seek some shade, but the several are open, vast spaces that you are going to have to make your way through. It’s really important that you shelter your head and the rest of your body. Wear a hat. If it’s still too hot to travel during the day under those conditions, then you can always build a shelter and travel at night.

6.  Shelter your environment

The most important part of this step is ensuring that you find yourself some shelter. You can make a desert shelter out of sticks, rocks and your bed sheet during the hottest parts of the day to completely cover yourself. That way, you can rest when it would be too punishing to travel and you can save your energy for when it’s a little cooler. If it’s very, very hot, you can always build a shelter by digging into the ground and tying your blanket on top of your newly-dug trench. That’s going to be a lot cooler than staying on the surface, but it will take a lot more energy than a regular makeshift shelter so you should seriously consider whether this is something that you need to do.

Conclusion

Remember, the most important thing when you are trying to survive in the desert is to keep your wits about you, stay hydrating and don’t overextend yourself. Keeping your energy is really important and if you have to stop and take a break when it’s too hot or when you are tired, then you should. Listen to your body. Don’t eat anything if you don’t know what it is. Deserts are beautiful and getting to experience them is a once in a lifetime thing, but you should be thoroughly prepared.

Follow these tips to survive in the desert and don’t forget to share your own with us! If you find this how-to useful, make sure to share it with your friends, too.