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Water is needed by all forms of life, humans included. Our bodies are made of 50-60% water, so we must drink copious amounts of water each day to live a healthy life. Considering this knowledge, it is obvious that knowing how to find water in the wild is a useful skill to have. Anyone who spends time outdoors (such as campers, hikers, and fishermen) should know to find water in the wild.

Typically, the human body can go three days without water, although you usually experience dehydration symptoms much before than. If you ever find yourself in a wilderness survival scenario, water procurement is the first thing you should want to accomplish. If you find yourself next to a stream or any other body of water, consider yourself lucky. If you have materials to start a fire, boil the water before drinking it. Stream water should NEVER be drunken without boiling it, so if you don't have the means to start a fire, just leave it.

If you are not next to a body of water, the best choice would be to find one. There are several ways to find water in the wilderness. As a rule of thumb, ALWAYS move downhill. Water flows with gravity, so you will be more likely to find water at the bottom of a slope than on a hill. Another technique is to follow a dried up creek bed. This will often lead you to a stream or creek. If none of these methods work, head for the coast. All rivers meet up before entering the ocean, so your chances are increased of finding water,

There are many different ways to acquire water in the wilderness, some simpler than others. Rainwater can obviously be used as a valid drinking source, however you shouldn't count on rainfall to be your only source of water. One method that works extremely well involves harvesting the dew from plants. Simply tie a cloth or absorbent material around your feet, and walk around. The dew will collect, so you can wring the cloth out directly into your mouth. Be careful though, because you never know what could be lying on the ground. The last thing you want to do is contract a virus, and suffer a slow and painful death.

If you happen to have a plastic bag on you, this method might be of use. Find a low-growing shrub or plant, and tie the plastic bag around it. Place a rock in the bag, as a low point for water collection. Water will evaporate from the plant, and collect in the bag. Once there is a suitable amount, poke a hole in the bag and drink the water.

If all of these methods fail, DO NOT give up. Surviving in the wilderness is just as much mental as it is physical. Keep trying, and chances are you will eventually find water.

Learn more about this author, Connor Maake.
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