by Cameron Chapman

Created on: March 05, 2007   Last Updated: May 06, 2007

The key to surviving if you get lost in the woods has more to do with preparation than anything else. Any time that you are going to be in the wilderness (and this includes driving through areas that are uninhabited), you need to have a basic survival kit. Whether day-hiking, backpacking, hunting, fishing, camping or anything else, you should always carry some basic survival implements with you. Things to include are: knife (a Swiss Army type knife is especially handy), waterproof matches/windproof lighter/other firestarter, emergency blanket (they're small and can pretty much fit in your pocket), basic first aid kit (with things like bandaids, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, etc.), canteen or other water bottle, signal mirror and whistle, map of the area that you're going to be in, compass, small fishing kit (with line, sinker and hooks, contained in a film canister that can be used as a float), a couple of "PowerBars" or similar high-energy compact foods, and a couple of survival candles.

Additional helpful items include a field guide to edible plants in the are that you're in, a survival saw, larger plastic water bag, tarp or tube tent, and additional food (it's often a good idea to keep things like MRE's in your vehicle or a couple in your backpack when out in the woods, they're very high-calorie and can keep you going indefinitely), folding shovel, change of clothes, insect repellent, hatchet, and water treatment capsules.

It's advisable to keep a larger kit in your vehicle if you're going to be driving in areas that aren't regularly traveled.

When trying to get out of the woods and back to civilization, always go down hill. Generally there are rivers or other sources of water in valleys, and you can generally follow water to people. When you find a source of water, travel downstream. Remember to boil water from rivers, streams and lakes prior to drinking unless you know the exact source of the water and that it is not contaminated (valley water is often contaminated by runoff, but the sources of mountain streams are most likely clean). Lots of nasty parasites can be found in water, and the last thing you want is to end up with one when there's no medical help available.

I don't recommend spending a whole lot of time building shelter each night, as you'll generally want to keep moving during the day unless you know that someone is actively looking for you in the area that you're in. A simple lean-to shelter can be built generally in under an hour. Make sure to insulate the floor of the shelter well, especially in cold weather. Otherwise in cold weather you can freeze even if there is plenty of insulation over you. Make sure to face your lean-to opening toward your campfire, so that the heat from the fire will radiate into the sleeping space.

The most important things are to make sure that you stay warm, well-hydrated, and fed. Ration any food that you have to last you for several days or longer (depending on how remote your location is). Do not panic, and make sure to stay safe. Mark the trail that you're taking if possible so that a rescue party can find it and follow you (and, if you're not following a body of water or another easily identifiable line, it will help to let you know if you're going around in circles).

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