Show description

Limit your water intake as much as you can. If you’re in temperate conditions or at sea, don’t drink anything for the first 24 hours — you’ll just lose it through urination. The only exception to this rule is if you’re in very hot conditions on land. In these conditions, you have to drink as soon as you feel yourself becoming incapacitated. Check out Chapter 7 for a discussion of catching water, finding water, treating water, and drinking water in the wilderness. Staying nourished Food is the last on the list, by far, because in most cases, you’re rescued before it becomes a real factor.

In these conditions, you have to drink as soon as you feel yourself becoming incapacitated. Check out Chapter 7 for a discussion of catching water, finding water, treating water, and drinking water in the wilderness. Staying nourished Food is the last on the list, by far, because in most cases, you’re rescued before it becomes a real factor. You can go a week or more before a lack of food begins to incapacitate you. Nevertheless, finding and eating something can really boost your energy and morale.

We suggest large, heavy needles, at least 2 inches long, with large eyes that are easy to thread with a variety of cordage (Figure 2-2c). Also carry some large buttons, which you can use to repair or improvise clothing. ✓ Flexible straw/surgical tubing: You can use tubing (Figure 2-2z) to suck water out of small crevices in rocks when you can’t get water in any other way. ✓ Candles and spare wicks (Figure 2-2aa): Before you buy candles, be sure you know how long they’ll burn. Some types can burn for 6 hours and are favorites among mountaineers, who know a thing or two about long, cold nights.