Are you looking to catapult off the boundaries of your comfort zone? Hoping to dive headfirst into the world of survivalist camping and live off the land like the pros? If so, the following benefits are in store for you. Take your camping experience to the next level by forgoing a traditional campsite and living off the natural world around you. This way, you can push your physical and emotional boundaries and master survivalist training techniques.
The intrigue around survivalist camping stems from the desire to connect with nature and utilize the resources the world has to offer. Unlike traditional camping methods—like car-tent camping, backpacking, or RV excursions—survival camping requires specialized knowledge of different landscapes, survivalist-friendly equipment, and self-reliance strategies. Without these skills in your toolbelt, enduring multiple nights of solitude with potential threats lurking in the shadows may pose a challenge to the former glamper.
If you’re in the market for thrills with no frills, it might be time to break into the world of extreme survivalist camping. As a budding survivalist-in-the-making, preparing for your first excursion is crucial.
For example, finding and investing in necessary survival gear could be the difference between life and death—one defective set of cords, and your trip could turn sour. Faulty equipment and underpacking are both rookie mistakes campers should avoid when living under such extreme conditions.
Mother nature is ruthlessly unpredictable. That said, avoid her unforgiving clutches with adequate preparation and an attitude of adaptability. For those who identify as survivalists in-the-making, start your journey by making a master checklist of tools and equipment necessary for your ultimate success.
Survival must-haves
Unsure which equipment you’ll need to ensure maximum-adventuring? Look no further. Here’s a compilation of the minimalist camping must-haves you can use to tackle the wilderness around you.
Firestarter
A mandatory skill for survivalist camping is fire-starting and maintenance. Knowing how to use a fire-starter kit to conduct heat and cook food safely is crucial to your success in the wild. Between matches, long-necked lighters, and strikers, there are plenty of options when it comes to starting a fire. Weigh the pros and cons of each method and choose the one—or few—that work best for your needs.
Water filtration
The average person can survive approximately 72 hours without water. However, this length of time varies from person-to-person and will depend on the surrounding environment.
When you are survival camping, you will perform physical labor, undergo extreme conditions, and fight off potential threats—all tasks which require a hefty load of stored-up energy. With these physical demands in mind, campers will need a constant flow of H20 to keep their bodies healthy and working at optimum efficiency. While you can store larger amounts of water at your base, having a compact filtration system for on-the-go adventures is paramount to avoiding dehydration.
Light source
Whether you choose a lantern, headlamp, heavy-duty flashlight, or all of the above, adequate lighting will be your best friend in the pitch-black midnight woods. Darkness in the Great Outdoors is more intense than near civilization and can be exceptionally disorienting.
Without ample lighting, your trip-of-a-lifetime could spiral into a potentially traumatizing experience for beginner survivalists. That said, have a firm grasp on your wits and your light as you venture deeper into the wild.
Map and compass
Having a firm perception of your surroundings and location is crucial to returning from your adventure in one piece. Map literacy and the ability to read a compass may be the difference between a valuable, expansive exploration and an unexpected encounter with a search-and-rescue team coupled with expensive hospital visits.
First aid
Always be prepared for the worst-case scenario when survivalist camping. Prepare for danger and accidents accordingly by compiling and familiarizing yourself with a proper survivalist first-aid kit. Your equipment should include pressure dressings, antibacterial ointment, and some good, old-fashioned ibuprofen. After all, headaches and leg cramps are bound to creep up as you push your physical limits.
Tools
Having a high-quality knife and cordage can save your life during minimalist camping excursions. Cut yourself free from any sticky situation, tie up and drag along fresh meat, or widdle yourself a sturdy walking stick. Remember, the world is your oyster with the correct equipment.
Parting shot
Survivalist camping is the ultimate adventure. Learn to trust your instincts and live off the land as you trek your way through unexpected terrain and bunker down as these harsh elements give you a run for your money. Ensure a safe return from your adrenaline-filled adventure by purchasing the right equipment and acquiring much-needed insider knowledge. From there, you can mentally prepare for the survivalist trip of a lifetime.
