| Many people think they know what to do if they | | | | which plants are good to eat and which are not, |
| get lost while camping or hiking yet hundreds each | | | | and will even be able to tell you what kinds of |
| year wander off into the woods unprepared, | | | | animals are prevalent in your area, increasing your |
| finding that they do not have the tools that they | | | | chances of setting the right traps or of hunting |
| need to survive in the wild. When you are going | | | | the right spots. For these pursuits, you will need a |
| to be going off into the woods for a camping or | | | | survival knife or a folding pocket knife. |
| hiking trip, even if you are only going a little ways | | | | Survival knives are supposed to be able to handle |
| away to gather firewood or explore a new trail, | | | | just about anything that you need them to do, |
| make sure that you have your survival kit on you | | | | from sawing through branches that can be used |
| in case you get lost. | | | | to make a shelter to catching and cleaning animals |
| Even the most attentive adult can find that they | | | | for food or digging for roots. These knives can be |
| have wandered off the beaten trail, and finding | | | | simple small pocket knives as long as they get |
| your way back can be more difficult than you | | | | the job done, but keep in mind that skimping on |
| anticipate. Before you set off into the woods, | | | | your knife could mean skimping on the tool best |
| make sure that you have a pack prepared with | | | | suited to ensure your survival. |
| food like energy bars or trail mix to keep you | | | | Once you realize that you are lost, it is time to |
| moving, plenty of water, dry, protected matches, | | | | stop moving. Rescuers will begin to look for you |
| a space blanket to keep you warm and to signal | | | | where you were last known to be, so wandering |
| for help during the day, an LED flashlight or LED | | | | farther away could delay a successful rescue. If |
| lantern for use at night, a compass, and the best | | | | you know where civilization is, however, then |
| survival knife that you can find or afford. | | | | take out your compass and make your way back |
| You will want an LED flashlight instead of a regular | | | | to the road or the trail. |
| flashlight for several reasons. For one thing, the | | | | If you are waiting for help to arrive, lay out |
| LED flashlight, even a mini LED flashlight, will burn | | | | colorful clothing or your space blanket in an area |
| brighter than a traditional light, making you easier | | | | that is easy to see from above so that rescuers |
| to spot. The LED light will also use less battery | | | | can find you from the air. You will need to keep |
| power, so that your flashlight lasts longer, and | | | | your food and water as long as possible, so start |
| your bulb will burn for many times longer than a | | | | looking for food and water sources right away, |
| traditional bulb, meaning that you won't have to | | | | and do not be shy about setting up camp by |
| remember to change bulbs out between trips. | | | | making a shelter and covering it with your bright |
| You will need to start out with food and water, | | | | clothing. You need to keep warm and dry in order |
| however if you are stuck in the wilds for very | | | | to preserve your energy. Above all remember to |
| long, you will need to know how to catch and eat | | | | stay calm, and you will find yourself safe in no |
| animals for food or how to find food naturally in | | | | time. |
| your area. Local guides will be able to tell you | | | | |