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Survival Guides – Three Ways to Survive Outside in Winter

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Survival Guides - Three Ways to Survive Outside in Winter

Survive in the wilderness in the bitter cold isn’t for the faint of heart. Record low temperatures may create the need for emergency shelters, particularly if you find yourself outdoors and fear exposure.

Your high priorities in a cold environment

Your primary issues in such an unforgiving surroundings is shelter and water. You want to make sure you can maintain your body heat. One tiny mistake such as accidently losing a glove or eye protection can cause detrimental problems like hypothermia, frostbite and even snow blindness. In addition, the wear layers you wear outdoors may create all the difference in the world. Correct layers insulate and prevent heat loss, and in an emergency situation, you may need to improvise and find what’s around you to keep up a proper body temperature. As an example, dry leaves could be used as an emergency layer of insulation if you’re concerned with hypothermia.

A trick that many outside enthusiasts use to warming their outside emergency shelters, is having a heat barrier to trap heat in the shelter. An example of this kind of barrier is Mylar blankets. If you position your Mylar sheeting to reflect the heat of your fire toward your tent, you can increase the warmth considerably. Mylar blankets is one item that can create all the difference in the world! This lightweight prepper item is one of the most multipurpose items you can take with you and a must have for your outdoor gear! Ever wonder regarding all the ways you’ll use Mylar?

Water is another high priority. Dehydration may be a major risk when outdoors. Cold weather studies at the University of latest Hampshire show increased risk for dehydration, a condition many associate with hot weather emergencies. “People just don’t feel as thirsty when the weather is cold,” says Robert Kenefick, UNH professor of kinesiology. “When they don’t feel thirsty, they don’t drink as much, and this can cause dehydration.” Moreover, excessive perspiration, heavy clothing and increased respiratory fluid loss are other factors that contribute to dehydration in cold climates. as an example, when you can see your own breath, that’s actually water vapor that your body is losing. The colder the temperature and the more intense the exercise, the a lot of vapor you lose when you breathe.

As well, you want to put careful thought into the tools you carry with you. Not only ought to the tools be useful, however some should serve a double purpose of preventing hypothermia. Some other tools to consider are:

Tools:

  • Ax
  • Survival knife with 4-6 inch blade
  • Thick waterproof tarp
  • Extra long Mylar blanket
  • Waterproof winter gloves
  • Shovel
  • Paracord

Keep in Mind

  • If you can face your shelter towards the east you will be able to prevent heat loss from prevailing winds and storms coming into your shelter.
  • Protect yourself from the weather by using branches, sticks, tarps or whatever you have available. Pine branches are great for wind-proofing your shelter and preventing heat loss from the ground.
  • Body heat can quickly escape if you do not have a ground insulator. If you can build your bedding area off the ground, you’ll be able to conserve a lot of body heat. think about pine needles, leaves, spruce boughs and/or branches, or even building up the snow around your primitive shelter.
  • Take into consideration your energy output on building the shelter versus the protection of the shelter.
John Turner
John Turnerhttp://www.patriotdirect.org/
Dedicated to upgrowth, developement and prepared for the "worst" to come... Simple guy, simple skills, simple attitude. Just an ordinary guy who tries to survive!

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