Wilderness survival isn’t just about brute strength or raw instincts; it’s as much about knowledge, preparation, and having the right tools at your disposal. Here are the top five survival tips from none other than Bear Grylls, a survivalist, and adventurer who has braved some of the harshest conditions on the planet.
5. Build A Fire Pit
One of the threats in an open grassland terrain is the risk of fires spreading rapidly. These regions often present conditions like high temperatures, dry air, and wind that make them prone to wildfires. Grylls recommends building a Dakota fire pit, a sub-surface fire system. By digging down and creating a wind tunnel, the fire can be contained in one section. Not only does this type of pit conserve fuel, but it also minimizes the risk of igniting nearby dry grass.
4. Bring A Machete
The jungle is a place of both beauty and danger. When it comes to essential tools for survival in these dense forests, Grylls highlights the importance of a machete. He argues that it’s not just a cutting instrument but a multi-purpose tool:
“Besides having that never give up attitude, a machete is so important. With it, you can make shelter, make fire, collect water, make tools, and hunt animals.”
So, a machete stands out as the ultimate jungle companion. Grylls himself is seldom seen without one while navigating such terrains.
3. Be Aware Of The Exposure
Mountains are majestic, but they also hold some of the most underestimated dangers. Contrary to popular belief, Grylls believes the biggest peril isn’t avalanches or predators; it’s exposure. Harsh and sudden weather changes, coupled with sub-zero temperatures, wind, and rain, can be lethal. To combat this, Grylls advises ensuring you’re well-layered and waterproofed. More importantly, when the weather turns, prioritizing finding shelter can make the difference between life and death.
2. Stay Hydrated
Oceans might be vast expanses of water, but they present a harsh survival challenge: staying hydrated. Grylls reminds us of the rule of threes:
“A person can survive three days without water, but can go up to three weeks without food.”
He says that when stranded in the open sea, it becomes crucial to harness rainwater using available tools, be it tarpaulins or coats. And in desperate times, Grylls points out that the eyeballs of saltwater fish can provide essential fresh fluids.
1. Keep Your Hands Warm
While it might seem instinctive to blow on cold hands, Grylls warns against it. The moisture from one’s breath can make the hands wetter. Instead, he suggests moving the hands to drive blood to the extremities, aiding in warming them. Additionally, he speaks of the simple yet powerful value of carrying a hot thermos of tea as a source of warmth, which saved him many times.