Although many cities are built up and lack the wonders of nature, there are places outside of city limits in which it’s possible to hike, camp, kayak, and so on, to explore and get in touch with the great outdoors. While these places and adventures offer many wonderful thrills and moments of serenity, it’s important to be prepared. Fortunately, renowned survival experts like Bear Grylls are around to offer some insight. Here are 10 of his top tips for wilderness viability.
Bear Grylls Became an Expert
Bear Grylls was born on June 7, 1974, in Isle of Wight, England. The well-known outdoor survival expert has an impressive background in action and adventure, as well as physical feats like training in martial arts when he was young. Later, he was in the British Special Forces as part of the 21 SAS Regiment. It was during his time in the military that Bear Grylls picked up several of his life-saving hacks for wilderness survival. Since perfecting his safety skills, Bear Grylls has shared his expertise with the world. Having starred in numerous TV shows, he has shared his vast knowledge with the public and amongst celebrities like President Obama, Julia Roberts, and Channing Tatum. Astonishingly, he and his wife own a private Island off the Welsh Coast, which has become a nature reserve. Given his love for nature and expertise in all things survival, he’s gained international fame for sharing the following tips and more.
1. Making Shelter
For many, camping is an enjoyable activity in which it becomes possible to unplug from the business of everyday life and reconnect with nature. However, in unforeseen circumstances, one may have to camp out without adequate shelter. Luckily, Bear Grylls knows just what to do. First, it’s important to make sure the entrance of the shelter faces away from the wind. To start the structure, find two trees far enough apart to create accommodations but close enough to one another to be connected by a “binding.” This can include rope if, on hand, otherwise flexible and strong branches can be used. Next, gather some branches to lean against the branches that have bound the trees. Last, cover the sides with mud, leaves, or moss to help make the shelter waterproof. Another helpful hint for staying warm is to build a fire about 3 feet away from the shelter’s entrance, with a rock or stone wall along the backside of the fire. This will help push the heat toward your makeshift tent.
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2. Plant Identification
Bear Grylls shares that there’s an easy way to avoid coming into contact with poisonous plants. Specifically when looking for a source of food. A “six-stage eligibility test” can be done using the senses like touch, smell, and sight. First, take a look at the appearance; if it is dirty, rotten, or discolored, it’s likely not okay to eat. The same is true if it smells rotten or dirty. Moreover, if it smells like almonds or pears, it may contain a poisonous gas called hydrocyanic acid. For a touch test, crush a small part and rub the juice on some part of the body, like the palm or wrist. Allow it to sit for a while, possibly a few hours, then avoid eating that plant if it causes an allergic reaction like redness, soreness, or extensive itching. Or, try dabbing a bit of the juice inside the lips. Notice if there is any tingling or swelling. If so, rinse with clean water and find another source of food. Similarly, chewing a small piece of the plant and then spitting out the juice while waiting for any unpleasant sensations can offer insight into whether a plant is poisonous. In a last resort effort, it’s also an option to eat a small amount of the plant and wait 4-6 hours, assuming you’re stranded and have that kind of time. However, it’s important not to drink water or eat other food during this time to clearly understand the plant’s effects.
3. Stay Hydrated
It’s fairly common knowledge that living beings can go much longer without food than without water. Therefore, he explains that staying hydrated can be life-saving. Moreover, it can also minimize adverse effects if a poisonous plant has been ingested. Drink lots of water and induce vomiting to rid your body of the toxins.
4. Making Clean Drinking Water
Amazingly, there are several ways to make clean water for drinking. Here, Bear Grylls shares how to do so with just a shirt, noting that water must still be boiled before being consumed.
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5. Climb Trees to See Better
If you’ve gone off course and might be lost, climbing a tree will give you a better view of your surroundings. Hopefully, it will help you accurately gauge which direction your car is parked or the nearest town.
6. Use the Sun for Direction
The sun rises in the East and sets in the West. Therefore, taking note of where the sun is, the direction from which it came, or the direction in which it’s going will help you differentiate between North, East, South, and West.
7. Know How to Rock Climb
He says that using your legs more than your arms will keep your muscles from becoming fatigued. He also explains that keeping your hips as close as possible to the rock’s surface and feet hip length apart will ensure sturdy footing.
Read: Hiker Lost For 24 Hours Ignored Rescuers’ Calls Because Number Was Unrecognized
8. Duct Tape is Essential
Although it may seem excessive for something as simple as a day hike, keeping duct tape in your camping equipment may be advantageous if you don’t have a rope, are dealing with an excessively hot or cold mug, or happen to get an injury and need to patch up the wound.
9. Encounters with a Bear
To prevent encounters with a bear, which is the ideal goal, travel in groups, make noise, and clean up any packaging or leftover food particles that might attract wildlife. It’s also a good idea to carry bear repellent or some other type of deterrent. However, if prevention isn’t possible, it’s important to remember the method of survival depends on the type of encounter. For example, a defensive bear will make noise, slap the ground, and stand on its hind legs. In this case, back away calmly, never turning your back on the bear. Or play dead. Alternatively, an aggressive bear will remain quiet and maintain eye contact. In this instance, it’s best to make a lot of noise.
Read: Russian Man Adopts a Bear Cub Only to Be Killed By It 4 Years Later
10. Have a Sense of Humor
Survival expert Bear Grylls says that a sense of humor is important in dire situations because hope and determination become lost. Having a sense of humor is also important because being caught up in possible misery may prevent you from crucial opportunities to find food, water, or shelter. Surviving in the wilderness can be incredibly challenging, especially if you’re unprepared. However, those who live for thrills and enjoy the outdoors aren’t deterred by the possibility of becoming stranded. In fact, most are skilled enough from their own experiences or taking the advice of experts like Bear Grylls that they have little to fear in the wilderness.
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