People are genuinely scared of getting lost in the woods.
One of the reasons why people are afraid of the woods is because they read fantasy stories that give them a false perception of the woods or what it’s like to get lost in the woods. People are afraid of what would happen in the woods if they were alone.
In general, people are afraid of becoming stranded in the woods alone for days to weeks.
With this fear, it’s important that people learn how to overcome it. People need to learn how to survive in the woods for their own safety. They need to learn what to do when you are lost or if they are walking in the woods at night.
Here’s a guide on everything you should know if you are ever lost in the woods.
Communicate With Others
Before you leave on a hike or some sort of adventure to the woods, it’s important to communicate with friends and family where you are going and how long you expect to be gone.
When you communicate with anyone before you travel through the woods, they will know what to do if you are gone longer than expected. Friends and family can call a search party if you are gone longer than you say you are.
If you don’t communicate, it could worsen your situation if you are lost in the woods. People won’t know where you are or how long you’re gone.
Have an Emergency Kit
Another consideration if you ever become lost in the woods is to have an emergency kit. You want to ensure that you have the proper supplies that can help you survive.
If you have an emergency kit, it should include cotton balls that are soaked in petroleum jelly, which is perfect for starting fires. If you need a fire, you will also need matches or a lighter.
In addition, you should have medical supplies in case you are injured when you are lost in the woods. Having a bandage wrap is essential if you are bleeding. You should also consider having a sling and aspirin.
You may need a sling if you dislocate your arm. You also may need aspirin or Tylenol if you are in serious pain. It can help relieve the pain.
Consider Your Surroundings
When you are traveling through the woods, you should always consider your surroundings. That means you can mark trees or leave landmarks when you are traveling.
You should also have a compass that can help you tell which ways are north and south.
The more you know about your surroundings, the better idea of which way you need to go if you are lost.
Find Shelter
Another critical part of surviving if you are lost in the woods is finding shelter. You will need to find something to keep you warm when you are sleeping.
You should consider finding shelter with long tree branches. The leaves can provide some shelter against the dew or rain.
You can also tie a rope, if you have one, against two trees, and hang a blanket over it. This acts as a tent and can provide you with some much-needed shelter.
The most important thing to remember is that you need a place that is going to give you a rest for the night. It can also help protect you from the sun, bugs, and dangerous predators.
Find Water
Finding water in the woods can be difficult if you don’t know where to look. That’s why it’s important to remember any rivers, streams, or lakes you may have passed before you were lost in the woods.
If you haven’t come across any body of water, you can also look for animal tracks and see if it leads you to water, but beware of the animal tracks you are following.
Another critical part of finding drinkable water in the woods is making sure that the water is clean enough to drink. If you see animals drinking from the stream of water, it’s probably safe to drink.
When you do find water, you should stock up because you don’t know how long it will be before you find someone else or you’re rescued.
Find Food
Food is an absolute necessity if you are trying to survive in the woods. You need food to help sustain you, especially if you are lost for weeks or longer.
One of the ways to find food is to look for berries or mushrooms. These are typically safe to eat. If you are unsure of what kind of berry or mushroom it is, consider writing down a list of edible items you would find before you travel through a forest.
Another option is to hunt for your food. You can hunt for rabbits, foxes, and fish. However, it’s important to remember that hunting takes practice. You may struggle at first to catch something.
But with practice, you can easily hunt and find food to help sustain you over the long run.
You can check out this buying guide on our website that can help you survive the woods.
Now You Know How to Survive in the Woods
Learning how to survive in the woods takes a lot of preparation. If you can follow this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to survive if you wind up lost.
As a final tip, you should also seek advice from experts who may be experienced traveling in the woods. They may have additional advice that can help you find your way if you do ever get lost.
If you are traveling through the woods soon, you can check out our Survival Kit 101.