Introduction
As we read or hear of survival encounters we find some interesting traits that they all seem to share in common. Some of these traits are common for their differences, some for their similarities, nevertheless it is wise for us to be aware and understand. The better we understand the general scenarios, the better we can equip ourselves for that moment, whether planned or unplanned.
1. Unique Survival Situations
The first major common trait between these scenarios is that they almost always start in some unique way. An unexpected animal attack, wandering from a trail or caravan, an unexpected crash, etc… You name it. There are a great deal of situations where you may find yourself thrust into a situation where your life will depend totally and wholly on what you know and what you have with you. It will also depend upon your ability to rationally assess your circumstances and think clearly to make sound decisions.
2. Getting Found
The second major common trait is that they all require “getting found.” Whether you need to find your way back to civilization or wait for civilization to find you, the story only ends upon your safe return.
3. Unexpected Survival Situations
The last major common trait is simply that the survival experience occurs in such a manner that there is little or no time to prepare for it. Like a big chunk of life, it is pretty much show up as you are and make the best with what you have. The shark does not give you any time to return to the boat and get the first aid kit. The sinking boat doesn’t give you extra time to get much more than a life preserver or a raft. People that have had to survive had to do it with what they had, and all too often that was pretty much nothing.
“The More You Know, The Less You Carry”
Thank you Mors Kochanski. For all the people who use it and lay credit to themselves for this statement, this statement is actually attributed to the modern day Canadian survivalist Mors Kochanski. Son of Polish immigrants, he grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan. From his quote, we can gain further insight into what and how we may better prepare ourselves for survival in unexpected situations.
The More You Know…
Survival situations are never planned, they are truly “come as you are.” So the one thing we know we will have with us at all times is our knowledge of survival and our surroundings. All that we are, all that we have learned, all that we have become is the one thing that we can and will bring to bear on finding our way home or getting found safely.
Crafts
Our knowledge falls into two basic categories, the first of which consists of crafts. Crafts are those skills that I have acquired over time that I can bring to bear and use as needed. Knowing how to tie knots is an excellent example of an acquired craft. I can either know how to tie knots without having ever tied one, or I can have practiced to the point where knot-tying is second nature to me–and therein lies the difference. The same goes with starting a fire. I have started a fire twice with flint and steel, once with a bow, and once with a lens. The lens was the easiest, the bow the hardest, and the flint and steel the most frustrating. But I have done it. None of them were under duress, mind you, which puts it on a whole different level. BUT, because I have done it, I have a mental picture of the task at hand and a concept of how long and how much effort it will take.
Facts
The second category consists of facts. Facts are bits of knowledge that we contain in our brains for use as we employ the crafts of our hands. Facts are knowing which plants or animals are poisonous, which are good for food and so on. Some facts are foundational to others. Knowing that in the animal kingdom brightly colored animals are usually poisonous or not safe to eat helps no matter what environment you find yourself in. Knowing which trees provide the best bark for fires or fiber for twine is important, but may only apply to that specific area. Knowing what wood traits best serve these purposes allows you to find that tinder or rope making material without knowing the specific tree genus.
And that is the essence of taking your facts and converting them into crafts. You learn the fundamental traits of the materials you need to do what you need to do rather than trying to remember a thousand different types of trees. Being able to tell which is a hard versus soft wood is an excellent start and goes a long ways to saving the edge on your hatchet, getting your fire started, and finding the right sapling to spring your snare. Facts are important, and in many instances, life saving. But it is the crafts that are derived from that “knowing” that will make the difference in your walking out on your own or someone having to rescue you.
…The Less You Carry
As we noted earlier, some facts are universal and you will always need to know them no matter what. You need to learn as much about your physiology and health as you can learn. It serves you now and it will serve you later. The fact is, the more you know about YOU, the better your life will be in terms of health, vitality, and physical existence. That is something you can start now.
Weather is another thing that translates no matter where you are. Remembering the old Twain quote, “Climate is what you expect, weather is what you get” still holds true. Knowing clouds, wind directions and being able to sense or derive changes in barometric pressure can make a difference between living and dying when it comes time to bed down or keep moving. And again, this is something you can start doing now.
Navigation is probably the single most essential skill/knowledge set of them all. After all, survival is all about surviving until you can get to safety. That means going, that means moving, that means a direction that achieves your aims. Going is one thing, what we are talking about is “knowing where” we are going. And even though the lay of the land differs around the world, the basic tenets of navigation still hold true no matter where you are. Using the sun and the stars to find north is a great example. These are things that you can learn and apply now so that they are fully ready for use when needed.
Crafts are intrinsically tied to what we know. From physiological knowledge, we learn the crafts of first aid, finding food, medicinal plant extracts, poultices, and even water purification. From knowledge about weather, we can ascertain the need for shelter which also taps into our knowledge of plants and other materials by which shelter may be crafted. From navigation knowledge, we determine where we need to go how to apply the craft of navigating terrain in the safest and most practical manner possible. I used to rappel out of helicopters and down cliffs, but if I am trying to get home safely, if I can, I’m walking around. Plain and simple. The underlying point in all of this is simple: Don’t stop at just learning. Learn how to apply what you have learned to your everyday life. Should you ever find yourself in a situation where you need it, the knowledge and crafts are there and ready for use.
Learning More and Growing Lighter
You have to make the effort to learn. Once you learn, you have to make the effort to apply what you have learned. There are many resources. Once you think you have learned it, APPLY IT. Every single thing you learn about surviving and surviving well translates into your every day life: route selection, finding water, seeking shelter from a storm, etc…the list goes on. It works in town just as easy as on the farm or in the desert or jungle or mountain side. I suggest that you start with the Boy Scout Fieldbook, one of the best ever references for such matters. Or if you are feeling esoteric, get a copy of The Art of Shen Ku by Zeek and you will find one of the most comprehensive compendiums of skills and information in one reference. The first book I ever bought was The Complete Book of Outdoor Lore by Clyde Ormond and when the only entertainment on the farm was listening to Harry Carey and Jack Buck broadcast the Cardinals game, I can assure that puppy got read, time and time again. Buy what you will read. Trust me, just get started and learn something. You will be miles ahead of where you started.
