Basic Survival Kits Blog

While volumes of books can be and have been written about wilderness survival these winter survival tips are quite possibly the easiest to incorporate and cover the most needs for the most individuals.  In the wintertime especially in states where the temperature dips below freezing, know that any time you venture can turn into a survival scenario.

That being said the first and possibly most important of the winter survival tips is to dress for the occasion.  Layering clothing helps to trap air to your body, and the pockets of dead (nonmoving) air heat up keeping you warm.  Gore-tex or other waterproof lines of clothing have stood the test of time in providing durable outdoor gear and are good for your exterior layer.  A waterproof pair of 40 gram or heavier winter gloves will keep your hands from freezing as a good pair of Sorels will keep the feet from freezing.

Winter survival tip number two is of a similar concept of shelter.  Check the ratings on your backpack and tent to find out how they handle the conditions you’re walking into.  In addition to the camping or backpacking gear you bring keep on you at all times a pocket survival kit, in which contains a space blanket.  This is effective for emergency shelter as reflects back over 90% of your body heat.  It also contains fire starting materials, but be familiar with using them before venturing out as starting a fire in the winter can be quirky.

Carry enough supplies with you to last for at least three days and winter survival tip number three is to tell someone your itinerary.  Tell them when you leave, when you expect to return and the route you plan to take.  These key pieces of information can greatly narrow down the search area if rescuers are sent to find you.  Hypothermia is one of the most efficient killers of winter and while it can be easy to avoid it isn’t as easy to reverse.  Though these three winter survival tips are not intended to cover every scenario their purpose is simple; stay warm and stay dry to stay alive, and never be afraid to spend a little bit extra on a quality emergency winter survival kit.