19 Useful Lessons for the Woods from a Survival Expert

Todd Walker is an experienced writer on wilderness survival skills and outdoor self-reliance. I don't agree with all of the 'prepper' stuff that he's into, but Todd's tips on survival in the wild are really excellent. Here's 19 of his useful lessons:

• Walk slowly and make frequent stops to observe your surroundings. Like a leaf softly landing on still water, try to send faint ripples in the woods not tidal waves.
• Take notice of the story nature is telling: bird song, animal behavior, weather patterns etc.
• Collect resources as you go. These may not be available at your destination.
• Coals are for cooking, flames are for boiling.
• Listen to your gut. If you get a gnawing feeling something is not right, pay attention and proceed with caution.​​

• Always offer the best seat around the fire to others.
• Don't do stupid stuff you may have seen on 'reality' survival shows. How do you know if something is stupid? Your knower will tell you. Physical injury in the wilderness turns camping into survival.
• Carry at least two knives. If one is lost or fails, you have a spare.
• Practice situational awareness. Sounds mean something in the woods. A twig snapping could be an approaching animal (four or two-legged) or a falling branch. View the landscape with relaxed eyes to detect movement in a wide-angle. Once movement is spotted, your eyes will focus on that point.
• Listen more than you talk around the campfire.
• Keep a small amount of dry tinder in your pack, and some kindling and fuel under your shelter for the morning fire in the case of rain. Heavy-duty refuse sacks are modern marvels. Carry two.
• Axe work is a daylight job.
• Maintain sharp cutting tools in the field.

• Water is life. Fill your water container(s) at every chance. You'll not only find hydration at the water's edge but many food sources... both small and large.
• Carry a pair of leather work gloves. Knicks and cuts to your two most useful tools is not advisable.
• That goes for your only means of conveyance too... your feet. Wear comfortable, reliable footwear. Waterproof boots are non-breathable and eventually lead to sweat-soaked feet.
• Never walk through the woods with an un-sheathed axe.
• Spend more time collecting and processing tinder and kindling material than fuel size wood. Fire needs to eat small stuff before consuming larger wood.
• Even on 'short' hikes in the woods, carry these tools as a minimum: Knife, fire starter, poncho or emergency space blanket, water bottle, cordage.

Read more of Todd's tips on his blog, Survival Sherpa.

For practical lessons in how to be at home in the woods, in Brighton and Sussex, see School of the Wild's skills-based and bushcraft workshops here.
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