As beautiful as the great outdoors may be, a lack of preparation can lead to a not so peaceful getaway. That’s why we’ve put together a practical survivors guide to the outdoors and wilderness, so that you can be fully prepared for anything your journey may throw at you. With the aim being to pack as light as possible, whilst covering all bases, you can be rest assured you’ll have everything you need to unleash the explorer within. 

Building a shelter

So, you’ve finally found the perfect spot to set up camp, but how do you go about building a shelter? You can set up your very own tent, simply by using some tarpaulin, bungee cords, tent pegs, a mallet to anchor everything down, and tent poles. The practical uses of tarpaulin are endless, and due to the material’s durability against harsh weather conditions, this makes it ideal to use in the wilderness. You could also use tarps to collect rain water when tied between two trees to make a crater, and they make a brilliant floor mat to protect your shoes against the mud. 

First aid

A first aid kit is vital for surviving the outdoors and wilderness, as it’ll prevent any infections if you do sustain an injury. In these situations, don’t panic. These kits are designed to solve the problem fast, so make sure to pack some sterile gauze dressings, blister plasters, wound cleaning sachets and medical tape. Just ensure that they won’t add too much to your load by only selecting the essentials. 

Hydration

Always remember to stay hydrated, especially when in the outdoors and the wilderness. It would be a nightmare to run out of water on a hike, so avoid the possibility of disaster by having a fresh supply on you at all times. Rather than using a water bottle, which can only hold a limited amount of liquid, you could use a water purification system to keep you covered over longer periods of time. 

Food

Food fuels the body and mind, so make sure you’re taking plenty of snacks with you on your explorations. Venturing into the outdoors is a strenuous activity, and if you’re an avid walker, it’s likely that your energy levels will begin to drop. Keep your calorie levels up with foods that are rich in energy, such as apples, nuts and seeds for optimum energy. 

When heading back to your campsite after a long day, you won’t want to spend long periods of time faffing over a stove. Instead, choose meals that are ready to eat or simple to make for a quick boost. 

Waterproof clothing

Remember to pack waterproof clothing to protect yourself against unpredictable weather conditions. Even if you’re heading out in the summer and it’s expected to be clear skies, the forecast isn’t always accurate – so prepare for the worst. You’ll need to pick out lightweight and breathable items of clothing that won’t rub against the skin when going on hikes, and be sure to pack some suitable socks and shoes that’ll maintain your grip. 

For emergencies

In case of emergency, carry a signalling device and whistle with you at all times. If you do end up in danger, it’s important to have these on you so you can alert people around you. The wilderness is beautiful, but it’s also unpredictable, so remember to put your safety first. 

Lighter and matches

You’ll also need a lighter and matches when surviving in the outdoors and wilderness, so that you can light fires to stay warm, to heat up any food, and for light. Areas with plenty of forestry are likely to be much darker than what you’re used to, so you could either light a lantern or keep a torch on you to avoid a nasty trip. Make sure that it has plenty of charge and bring along a spare set of batteries, just in case.

Toiletries

Sometimes, you may want to tuck into a snack mid-walk, but have no means of washing your hands. Prevent the risk of germ intake with hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes, and baby wipes are also great if you need to clean yourself, but have no way of taking a dip in water. Other items that could be included in your toiletry bag are sunscreen, face wipes, toothbrush and toothpaste. Remember to keep those pearly whites clean, wherever you are. 

Something to do

We’re sure that your outdoor adventure will be full of exercise, but what will there be to do when you’re enjoying downtime? You can’t be on the go all the time, so why not escape with a good book, or take a disposable camera with you to capture some quality shots. 

Navigation

When you’re on your travels, it’s almost certain that you’ll get lost at some point. If you’re starting to question whether you’ve passed the same boulder five times, you’ll definitely regret not taking a map with you. If you do decide to bring one along – which we definitely recommend you do – keep it protected with a waterproof casing, just in case the heavens decide to open. 

If you’re planning your next adventure, we have all the supplies you need for the best experience possible. From bungee straps and cords to bungee accessories, why not get in contact with us today to see what we have to offer.