Every new situation presents challenges that must be assessed and overcome. Having a solid foundation of knowledge when you venture into these unknowns will give you competence to build on your skills and confidence to survive.

Reason’s to build foundations

Knowing the foundation of survival skills is like memorizing the times table. When you need a quick answer you can recall the basics you have learned. Routine practice is what drives these foundations into memory allowing quick recall. We build the foundations in order to:

1.  Build confidence for everyday situations

2. Become aware of the environment and how to use it to your advantage with respect

3. Find adventure and personal growth

4. Safety – come back to those you love

Surviving starts with solid knowledge, not fancy ideas.

The importance of the basics

Everything starts with the basics and continues to build on them even at an expert level. It is important to know these skills and how they interact and support each other. Each skill you have learned will impact another skill. Trying fancy skills, or an improperly learned skill, without the basics can lead to poor outcomes. While there are a lot of fancy ideas out there about survival you only really need solid basics.

When you focus on mastering the basics you increase repeatability. Being able to repeat the skill in different environments increases your safety. From there you can know what you have, use what you have, and be creative with what you have. 

Preparing

Being prepared is a key foundation. Preparation begins with the way you think and plan for a trip. It goes all the way into packing, leaving, and coming home.

You likely have the majority of supplies you need to take in a survival pack. This pack can be low cost, while functioning well. It also needs to be convenient so that you will use it with ease. Find Hoagy’s Pack to Survive List Here. (More on tools, equipment, and packing in the next newsletter.)

When you have your pack together it is important to practice taking it out and using what you have in your own back yard. Practicing will increase the likelihood of you using these items when you need them.

Planning for the trip includes knowing: 1. Where you are going 2. When you are going 3. How long you will be gone for 4. Who you are going with 5. What is the purpose of your trip. Once you have these details you will share it with someone responsible (your dog doesn’t count). Each and every time. If an adverse situation occurs you want someone to send out help as soon as possible.

A great free mobile resource to create a sharable trip plan is through Canada’s AdventureSmart program

(Click here for AdventureSmart’s Trip Plan App)

Finally, prepare mentally. A positive mental attitude (PMA) is key to survival and can also be prepared ahead of time. Something will go wrong on your trip. It may be really small which is ideal, however, being prepared mentally to overcome all challenges no matter the size will keep you focused on what matters.

Something will go wrong on your trip even if it’s something small. Be prepared mentally to overcome. 

Mistakes and learning

Here are some common mistakes made and what can be done differently.

1. Not informing someone of your trip. Leave a detailed trip plan with departure and arrival times as well as location and who you are going with.

2. Not checking your gear after each outing and in each season. If you use any gear you need to replace that gear. If it has gone unused check it out and make sure it is in working order.

3. Not thinking past the day and time you are going out. If something keeps you outdoors longer than you planned, changes will happen with lighting, temperature, and even weather. Plan for weather that may change, or for staying out overnight even if that isn’t the plan.

Lastly

When the fire dies down and your trip comes to a close, think about your survival successes and where to focus practice before the next adventure!

Until next time, Hoagy