5 Military survival tips a bushcrafter should practice
Survival training in the military is focused more on providing the essentials while trying to move as far as possible and as quietly as possible. Most of the methods of making a fire or shelter seem to be focused on doing it with stealth using the easiest, but most effective method available, but of course, this is done so people can survive in the wilderness in potentially hostile environments. Even though bushcraft is nowhere near as extreme as the level of survival taught to soldiers, it still includes some interesting tips that even the most experienced bush crafter could learn from.
#1 Murphy’s law
This law states that anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. The lesson behind this one suggests that spares of the most important pieces of equipment should always be taken and backup methods of doing things should be considered. You may have used a piece of flint and fire steel a thousand times with no problems, but when you are in a desperate situation there’s nothing to stop it from breaking at a critical moment. Back-up knives and alternative ways to start a fire should be considered, but the most important thing to think about is that if you’re relying heavily on one piece of gear or a particular item, what will happen if it breaks or you lose it?
#2 camouflage
Obviously, this one is more important in the army, but learning how to properly conceal yourself and your camp can make a big difference to your situation. The two main reasons this is an important skill to learn is because of hunting and the avoidance of crime. Making an effective hide could get you the perfect shot on your soon-to-be dinner, but hiding from game is the least of your worries in certain areas. There are many hikes around the world that would cause you to make camp in the wilderness, and sleeping alone in unfamiliar territory when there are people about can be risky. A good example of this would be the Hadrian’s Wall walk on the Scottish and English border, as Scotland allows wild camping giving you the option of pitching up wherever you like. A person alone in a tent that can be easily seen may be a tempting target for the wrong kind of people, so learning to properly hide your camp and where you sleep is very important in particular areas.
#3 Physical fitness
The better shape you are in, the longer you will last in a survival situation, and the more comfortable you’ll be hiking around. Fitness is a huge part of training in the army, but it isn’t just so people can fight better and has many more advantages. The better condition a person is in, the longer they can last without food and their traveling distance will increase, making a massive difference when your life is in danger. If you enjoy hiking, then a great way to improve your condition is by using the 1-up method which can be applied to most hobbies. This involves increasing the difficulty to one above the level you expect during your activity, for example, if you ride a bike and usually use a certain gear, then get used to using the next gear up so it’s harder. With your backpack, put some extra weight in it when on a walk to get used to the extra effort needed or walk faster than you usually do. The reason for this is so that when you go on a serious walk, it’ll feel much easier than you’re used to and you’ll have increased range and comfort.
#4 Organization is key
It’s no good stopping for dinner only to find that your cooking pot is in the bottom of your bag, causing you to dig out all of your things in order to get it. Learning how to pack your gear compactly and effectively will save you some serious frustration during your travels. Make a list of the most important things from your equipment in order of how quickly and likely you are to need them. The smaller pockets around the outside of your pack should contain things like your fire-starting gear, a plastic raincoat, a first aid kit, and navigational gear, with your knife on your person and an axe on the outside of your bag. If you’re not going to need something until you make camp, then it can go further down your bag and avoid getting in the way of a priority item.
#5 Learn how to read and use the terrain
When the military teaches this skill they obviously take into consideration things like improved firing positions and defensive points, but most of it can also be applied to hiking and bushcraft. A lot of it is common sense, but a few of the most important points are listed below:
- High points in the terrain can be used to get your bearings and spot potential hazards like rivers and swamps.
- Cold air sinks, so making camp halfway up a hill will be warmer than making it on a valley floor where the cold air can collect.
- When making camp consider weather changes, because a tent put up on a slope during a nice day could end up having a small stream running through it when it rains.
- Always make camp with cover from the wind and avoid sleeping in open areas.
- Avoid marshes and bogs at all costs because they often look safe enough to walk through. By the time you realize there’s no path you’ve probably gone far enough to get lost on the way back.
- Don’t camp next to static water during the warmer months as this will be a hotspot for insects.
- Never camp in unstable areas, such as tidal areas or anywhere prone to mudslides, avalanches or potential falling rock.
