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 map hatin', coffee perc totin', garbage collectin', backpacking, action hero wannabe, who loves to hide out in Garibaldi park and will have his scouts sing if you keep him awake at night
2462 Posts |
Posted - 06/03/2004 : 7:39 PM
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Survival Tips -
DON'T PANIC! (Think large friendly pink letters like in Hitchikers Guide to the Galxy). That's always the first thing, try and stay calm. If you have to force yourself to just stop and not do anything until the fear passes (and I mean fear, find yourself truly lost in the bush and if you're not scared you shouldn't be out there).
These are your priorities
Shelter - Exposure will kill you the quickest find shelter first.
Water - A source of drinking water, you have 3 days to find it. 3 days is lots of time so refer to step one. Forget anyone who ever told you water rationing is a good idea. The best place to conserve water is in you, whatever water you have (before you find a source), drink it when your thirsty. Dehydration is a problem and will affect you mentally. The longer you can stay properly hydrated so you're functioning correctly the better. Rationing isn't going to do you any favours.
Food - A whole week without eating. That's a long time, I wouldn't want to go that long but you have that long before you starve to death. Take your time in finding food. A few rules of thumb, if a bird can eat it (I mean small bird, not carrion birds) it probably won't kill you. If it is a berry resembling a rasberry it's edible. Learn the Universal Edibility Test. Look it up understand it, it's a way of testing unknown foods in an EMERGENCY Situation. Basically seperate the plant into it's component parts: berries and flowers, stems and leaves, roots and tubers. Now systematically start testing with SMALL amounts something from ONE of the categories. Wait. If you don't get sick or experience somekind of unpleasant side effect it'll probably be OK. Again this is an emergency kind of thing. Repeat if necessary. Usually you try to start with something really common to the area you are in saves trouble.
The rest is fairly simple, try and stay put, don't waste energy, have a whistle with you (one without a "pea" in it, they don't work when wet).Remember that 3 is the emergency number. 3 whistle blasts, 3 fires in a row, etc.
Buy a couple of those big orange garbage bags with the cinch tops on them. Always carry at least 2 in all your backpacks they've got lost of uses and Search and Rescue Teams are actually talked to about the face that hikers use them as emergency blankets (etc.) so they look for that colour (it's pretty noticeable anyways).
I could go on and on but a few simple things will help the most. Just "Be Prepared", sorry the Scout Leader in me, as much as possible your best tool is your own BRAIN so use it. |
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map hatin', coffee perc totin', garbage collectin', backpacking, action hero wannabe, who loves to hide out in Garibaldi park and will have his scouts sing if you keep him awake at night
2462 Posts |
Posted - 06/03/2004 : 7:42 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Marc
Survival Tips -
DON'T PANIC! (Think large friendly pink letters like in Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy). That's always the first thing, try and stay calm. If you have to force yourself to just stop and not do anything until the fear passes (and I mean fear, find yourself truly lost in the bush and if you're not scared you shouldn't be out there).
These are your priorities
Shelter - Exposure will kill you the quickest find shelter first.
Water - A source of drinking water, you have 3 days to find it. 3 days is lots of time so refer to step one. Forget anyone who ever told you water rationing is a good idea. The best place to conserve water is in you, whatever water you have (before you find a source), drink it when you're thirsty. Dehydration is a problem and will affect you mentally. The longer you can stay properly hydrated so you're functioning correctly the better. Rationing isn't going to do you any favours.
Food - A whole week without eating. That's a long time, I wouldn't want to go that long but you have that long before you starve to death. Take your time in finding food. A few rules of thumb, if a bird can eat it (I mean small bird, not carrion birds) it probably won't kill you. If it is a berry resembling a rasberry it's edible. Learn the Universal Edibility Test. Look it up understand it, it's a way of testing unknown foods in an EMERGENCY Situation. Basically seperate the plant into it's component parts: berries and flowers, stems and leaves, roots and tubers. Now systematically start testing with SMALL amounts something from ONE of the categories. Wait. If you don't get sick or experience somekind of unpleasant side effect it'll probably be OK. Again this is an emergency kind of thing. Repeat if necessary. Usually you try to start with something really common to the area you are in saves trouble.
The rest is fairly simple, try and stay put, don't waste energy, have a whistle with you (one without a "pea" in it, they don't work when wet).Remember that 3 is the emergency number. 3 whistle blasts, 3 fires in a row, etc.
Buy a couple of those big orange garbage bags with the cinch tops on them. Always carry at least 2 in all your backpacks they've got lots of uses and Search and Rescue Teams are actually talked to about the fact that hikers use them as emergency blankets (etc.) so they look for that colour (it's pretty noticeable anyways).
I could go on and on but a few simple things will help the most. Just "Be Prepared", sorry the Scout Leader in me, as much as possible. Your best tool is your own BRAIN so use it.
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925 Posts |
Posted - 06/03/2004 : 8:25 PM
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Scotch
....that is all ;)
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"Nature never did betray the heart that loved her."
-- William Wordsworth |
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Night owl posting,Subie driving, backpacking Dad who is perpetually trying to catch up to his kids on the trail.
Vancouver, BC
Canada
3052 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2004 : 12:30 AM
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My absolutely minimum, no exceptions, emergency kit for every member of my family hiking party consists of a space blanket, whistle (worn at all times), water, power bar, knife and head light. That's in addition to carrying or wearing at least a raincoat, fleece hat and fleece gloves if the weather turns bad.
The space blanket is key as a waterproof, windproof and highly visible means of retaining heat while staying put to await assistance. The whistle (no pea) is key for signalling for help. Those are the critical elements for sitting out a night or two and letting rescuers know where you are.
The power bar is for comfort. Same for the water (more important if waiting more than one night; and the container can be refilled if the wait is longer). The light is mostly for comfort (and by comfort I mostly mean avoiding panic while staying put). The knife can be used to improve some kind of basic shelter (e.g. cutting evergreen bows for some ground inuslation).
For the kids in particular, I try to drill in the importance of hunkering down and staying put (and staying warm) if they are ever lost.
All of this is premised on having let someone know where we are headed and when to expect us back.
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"Aging ... it beats the alternative" |
Edited by - ChuckLW on 06/04/2004 12:33 AM |
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New Westminster, BC
Canada
1138 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2004 : 01:12 AM
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Emergency blankets can be used as a shelter in the burning sun they reflect the sun. So this shield will keep you cool.
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"Anything is Possible" |
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Coquitlam, British Columbia
Canada
412 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2004 : 12:51 PM
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ChuckU
I carry powerbars too, but find that I eat them. So I have changed to power bars that I don't like. That way I don't eat them usless I really need them.
Just a thought
shit that's gonna hurt! |
Edited by - twister on 06/04/2004 12:51 PM |
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Port Coquitlam, BC
Canada
131 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2004 : 1:35 PM
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Chap Stick / Lip Balm can be used for things other than chapped lips. Keep an extra one around for chafing on more personal parts of the body. Or use the same one if you're trying to save weight.  |
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delta, bc
Canada
647 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2004 : 7:11 PM
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1. Hike with someone slower than you. Someone needs to describe the bear to authorities.
2. Hike with someone larger than you. If you have to revert to cannibalism to survive, you'll last longer.
3. Invite a Hooter's waitress to hike with you. No one said hiking had to be boring while waiting for rescue.
4. Hike only in areas you are comfortable and familiar with. I know Queen Elizabeth Park like the back of my hand.
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Manitoba's misadventurin' bushwhackin', dog sloggin', dehydratin', beer drinkin' biggie - who's eager to peak bag Mt Currie in a dress
Squamish
5037 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2004 : 7:24 PM
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All good info here, especially the Hooters Girl tip.
My 2c:
Trust your instincts, and more importantly, listen to and follow your instincts. These have been refined for hundreds of thousands of years to protect you from things that will hurt your or shorten your life expectancy.
Use Common Sense. I guess the problem with this is that everyone has their own version of common sense. But if you are confronted with a problem, sit down and think about it for a minute..... (well... unless you are being charged by a bear or something equally demanding of your time)....
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Manitoba's misadventurin' bushwhackin', dog sloggin', dehydratin', beer drinkin' biggie - who's eager to peak bag Mt Currie in a dress
Squamish
5037 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2004 : 7:49 PM
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Well, ok here's a nickel's worth.
The moment that you fear you are lost and are heading in an unknown direction, STOP MOVING. Look around you, establish some landmarks. See that rock over there? Remember it. See that huge tree, that hill over there? Remember them. The spot where you are standing right now has just become your base camp, the spot from which you can "unlose" yourself.
Once you have established a location that you recognize (which you just did by identifying land marks) From here you can search around for your previous trail. Start by going back the way you think you came. Making sure you keep checking you landmarks. If you go too far, establish more landmarks to get you back to the first spot where you figured you were lost. If that doesn't work, go back to your "spot". Then, keeping your landmarks in sight, walk around in circles, looking for you previous route or familiar landmarks that can get you back to where you were going.
There's alot to be said when hiking in unfamiliar territory to keep checking back over your shoulder every couple minutes to identify landmarks, so you can find your way back if you get lost or turned around. I do it all the time, and everyone should. Its good practice for developing your mythical "sense of direction" (which no-one is born with, contrary to popular belief), and good insurance when you do this all the time.
However, if you have established your base "spot" and have looked around and are certain you have no idea where you are and how to get out, then get to your spot and get yourself comfortable, as you will be waiting. Your priorities now should be - Shelter, Fire, Water, Food. Lotsa people debate the fire issue but I feel it is so beneficial to the human spirit and sense of hope that it is mandatory. Brew yourself a cup of tea and have a nap, perhaps later if you take a stroll you might find yourself a way out. But rest assured that people will be lookin for you, after you haven't come home and the "Call the authorities" time has come and gone, because you've been a good soldier and left an itinerary.
If you're like me and sometimes don't leave an itinerary, then you need to think about things like finding an open spot to creat signal fires, use you mirror to alert aircraft. Don't forget the "3" rule (previously mentioned).... anything in groups of three signifies trouble. Three fires in a row, three shots on your rifle (if you're so lucky), three large log X's on a beach, three blasts from your whistle.... and so on.
I've spent a fair amount of time wandering about in the bush with no idea of where I'm going. But I've always checked my landmarks so I can get back home. This was the very first thing drilled into my head by my Grandfather, who introduced me to messing around outside.
If I'm wrong or outdated in any of the above information, I would love to be corrected! Thanks!
blackfly |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
1262 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2004 : 10:32 PM
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Blackfly.
A partial correction . three fires in an equalateral triangle spaced 60 feet apart is the proper distress signal for aircraft. This is somewhat difficult to do in mountain terrain so get lost where its more convient. |
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Trail running, bike hucking, fast packing, beer drinking collector of pine cones on a day pass
AKA
Dances with Trees
Forest Gnome Cabin
Canada
13026 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2004 : 11:32 PM
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I study maps obsessively,so that I don't get surprised by the terrain I run into.Knowledge of local landmarks,creeks and rivers is useful in navigating,obviously,but ,once on the trail,it's important to look back often so you'll recognize the trail coming back.Don't tune out and let others do the navigating for you,even if you aren't leading trail.Scan far ahead too,as you can also pick up far away markers which become less visible when you approach them.Above all,try not to panic if you do lose track,because then you are more prone to making a mistake,and realize that sometimes you will make mistakes.Since I've always got a camera these days,I take "navigational shots"in difficult areas to help me recognize the trail,and I am going to start carrying flagging tape more often so that I can remark rough routes.All that said,bringing survival essentials is mandatory-I'd rather be overprepared than underprepared |
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Outdoors addicted flyfishing, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking car crooner and resident motormouth
Da'Wack, BC
Canada
5368 Posts |
Posted - 06/05/2004 : 12:21 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by mick range
I study maps obsessively,so that I don't get surprised by the terrain I run into.Knowledge of local landmarks,creeks and rivers is useful in navigating,obviously,but ,once on the trail,it's important to look back often so you'll recognize the trail coming back.Don't tune out and let others do the navigating for you,even if you aren't leading trail.Scan far ahead too,as you can also pick up far away markers which become less visible when you approach them.Above all,try not to panic if you do lose track,because then you are more prone to making a mistake,and realize that sometimes you will make mistakes.Since I've always got a camera these days,I take "navigational shots"in difficult areas to help me recognize the trail,and I am going to start carrying flagging tape more often so that I can remark rough routes.All that said,bringing survival essentials is mandatory-I'd rather be overprepared than underprepared
I'd have to agree with Mick. Prevention is key. Know your route ahead of time. Bring a photocopy topo or print out topo from the BC Basemap viewer and bring it with you in a ziplock. Carry a compass and know how to use it. Flagging tape is a good idea if you know you're headed into a potentially unmarked trail.
When you're hiking Pay attention to where you are going. Put yourself in the role of the navigator. You're driving the ship! You can get lost even on well marked obvious trails. Poor visibility can severely affect your abiltiy for route assessment and navigation, so be aware of the weather and what it's doing.
Carry a headlamp especially where there are multiple trail condition unknowns going into a hike. Ie: new hike; not familiar with the route and the landmarks;
or old hike; different conditions
or old hike; but not done it for some time.
And always carry a headlamp during the winter months, shorter daylight hours.
This combined with making sure a contact knows the plan and a pack with emergency essentials, including a whistle and other items that you will need in order to survive a night (or two) out alone.
If you do get lost?
What to do? Heheheh. Well.... our wilderness first aid course on June 19-20 and 26-27 will also focus on strategies to help SAR find you in case of an emergency. 
I'll try to get that thread updated with current information by tomorrow evening.
 Sorry it's been lagging a bit. I was away on business last week. |
Edited by - exscape on 06/05/2004 12:32 AM |
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301 Posts |
Posted - 06/05/2004 : 12:48 AM
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For starting fires, NOTHING works better than the old Army-issue Trioxane!
You can pick it up at surplus stores.
This stuff can be ignited with a match, a spark, heck I'm sure you could light it just by swearing at it!
It is kinda stinky when it burns, but we're talking EMERGENCY situations right?
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Edited by - MJDJ on 06/05/2004 12:50 AM |
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Fleece thong wearin, Buntzen Lurkin, mystic poet mountain man and international spokesman of the friends of the white squirrel society
Port Moody, B.C.
Canada
5894 Posts |
Posted - 06/05/2004 : 05:52 AM
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Glad to see this thread is still going.
Haidabear has a very valid point. After all "no trail is long with good company right ?" So in this vain I decided to take his suggestion and run with it.
Here is a shot of my Honda at the last trail head I was at.
The girls were great fun and even had a song for the trail.
( sung to the old 50's song "Lets dance")
DO THE HOOTER AND YOU WILL HAVE FUN.
KISS ME BABY AND I'LL GIVE YOU SOME TOUNGE.
COME ON BABY AND DANCE WITH ME
MOVE OUR BODIES SET OUR SPIRITS FREE.
DO THE HOOTER AND YOU WILL HAVE FUN-
DO THE HOOTER AND YOU WILL HAVE FUN!
DO THE HOOTER AND YOU WILL HAVE FUN.
KISS ME BABY AND I'LL GIVE YOU SOME TOUNGE.
COME ON BABY AND DANCE WITH ME
MOVE OUR BODIES SET OUR SPIRITS FREE.
DO THE HOOTER AND YOU WILL HAVE FUN-
DO THE HOOTER AND YOU WILL HAVE FUN!
(Take a break and catch your breath for a sec or two!!)
OK, READY? He're We GO!!!!!
PUT SOME KETCHUP ON YOUR FRIES
KEEP YOUR EYES RIGHT UPON OUR THIGHS
ASK FOR THE CHECK AND LEAVE US A TIP
MAKE US HAPPY FOR WE'RE REALLY HIP
DO THE HOOTER AND YOU WILL HAVE FUN-
DO THE HOOTER AND YOU WILL HAVE FUN!
DO THE HOOTER AND YOU WILL HAVE FUN.
KISS ME BABY AND I'LL GIVE YOU SOME TOUNGE.
COME ON BABY AND DANCE WITH ME
MOVE OUR BODIES SET OUR SPIRITS FREE.
DO THE HOOTER AND YOU WILL HAVE FUN-
DO THE HOOTER AND YOU WILL HAVE FUN-
DO THE HOOTER AND YOU WILL HAVE FUN-
DO THE HOOTER AND YOU WILL HAVE FUN!!
Sad to say we did not get lost
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No Trail is long with Good Company.
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Edited by - The Hiker on 06/05/2004 05:54 AM |
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Manitoba's misadventurin' bushwhackin', dog sloggin', dehydratin', beer drinkin' biggie - who's eager to peak bag Mt Currie in a dress
Squamish
5037 Posts |
Posted - 06/05/2004 : 09:29 AM
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quote:
A partial correction . three fires in an equalateral triangle spaced 60 feet apart is the proper distress signal for aircraft. This is somewhat difficult to do in mountain terrain so get lost where its more convient
Thanks Bruce! Good to know. And I'll do my part to make sure I get lost on a nice flat area so I can space my fires equally. Hmm. If it's completely equilateral, I wonder if they'd still pick me up?
quote:
I study maps obsessively,so that I don't get surprised by the terrain I run into.Knowledge of local landmarks,creeks and rivers is useful in navigating,obviously,but ,once on the trail,it's important to look back often so you'll recognize the trail coming back.Don't tune out and let others do the navigating for you,even if you aren't leading trail
Absolutely Mick, I agree 100%. I should have put a disclaimer on my above post with that in mind. But it does happen, even with the most well studied map and photographic memory. An example would be walking for long hours in a dense forest on a cloudy day. With no sun or large landmarks to distinguish the terrain or to help with you sense of direction, it can be easy to get turned around.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when participating in outdoor activities that take you away from the mainstream crowd.
I'm goin' fishin'. |
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56 Posts |
Posted - 06/05/2004 : 10:14 AM
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I keep my survival kit split into 2 kits one very small that fits into my pocket this one has the bare essentials survival items. The second kit together with the first makes a more complete kit. By keeping the part of the kit very small its always with me even when my pack isn't.
Rick |
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New Westminster, BC
Canada
955 Posts |
Posted - 06/05/2004 : 12:16 PM
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Here's a few I've learned over the years:
-If a trail happens to split in two and the map/book doesn't tell you about it, chances are that the one that looks most-travelled and has a similar structure to it is the correct one. You could also do a check, go up one trail for a few minutes and notice its direction and path. Once you see that it is not heading to your destination, avoid it and go back.
-Just because you reach a lake or a river, people assume wild animals no longer exist. If anything, that's where most of them would be drinking water from, so don't take out your stove, start cooking bacon, and throw your six-pack into the river when you see one. There have been more incidents near rivers and often lakes than wilderness garbage dumps.
-Listening to music on the drive up to the trailhead not only makes one more relaxed, but more aware as well. Your mind is clear and not stressed from driving, and it's simple to just start up a trail and not get worn out from fatigue. Rest is just as important, at least that's what I've noticed. If hiking by yourself, remembering tunes in your mind or even singing them out loud when hiking with your buddies is also a good way to pass the time and make your share of noise in the forest.
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"The Arctic views its distant vast and the shifting breeze that blows my horizon,
Where stormclouds mass along the skies, Dark and brooding across the blistered broken land" |
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287 Posts |
Posted - 06/06/2004 : 11:53 AM
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I didn't see this link mentioned but they have a lot of survival tips and putting together a survival kit.
http://www.equipped.org/ |
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Vancouver, B.C.
Canada
15 Posts |
Posted - 06/06/2004 : 8:15 PM
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Although I just did my first hike with CT I have to say I think after reading this I am doing well. I packed all the right things.
My suggestions... from the new girl....
An extra pair of socks..to keep your feet dry and WARM.
A pull on knee brace.
Salt...if your in heat.
Sugar in case someone has a blood sugar problem.
ALWAYS assume your hiking partners know nothing, and have nothing. Personal knowledge could mean the difference between life and death.
Like Gilligans Island.. THEY went out on a 3 hour tour....lol...look where they ended up...lol..be prepared.You just never know.
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