How to Survive in the Forest?

Surviving in the forest is a real possibility! Most people who read survival tips never imagine that such a situation could happen to them. But fate is ironic—those who end up alone in the wild are often the least prepared, the ones who never considered it could happen. Still, it does happen to someone. Isn’t it better to be prepared and spend a little time learning wilderness survival skills?

This article covers how to survive in the forest, a place you might find yourself unexpectedly—maybe you went mushroom picking or took a shortcut by car and got stranded with a flat tire. People with experience living in remote forests know that the forest is a living, vast organism with its own laws and rules. It doesn’t forgive mistakes, but it does provide shelter and food to those who are prepared.

It’s one thing if you only have to spend a day in the forest, but what if fate leaves you stranded for a month or more? As unlikely as it may seem, anything can happen in life.

Start somewhere. Let the thought sink in that this has already happened to you, and sooner or later, you’ll need to stop shouting for help (though that’s not a bad idea at first). You must immediately get your panic under control, provide first aid to your companions, come up with or build shelter from the elements, find food and water, and finally, prepare all possible distress signals to help search teams find you as quickly as possible.

Dealing with Panic and Fear

Let’s start with the most important point—overcoming fear. Panic is your worst enemy, so the first step is to calm yourself. Stop moving through the forest and simply look around.

Orienting Yourself in the Forest

If you’re lucky enough to have a compass, finding your bearings is easy, but that’s not always the case. You can also determine direction using natural indicators, such as the location of moss or the number of branches on a tree’s side.

If you decide to move, mark your path with notches on trees or by placing stones in visible spots.

How to Find North Using the North Star

If you know a little astronomy, you can use the North Star to find north. Sailors have used this method for centuries. To find the North Star, locate the Big Dipper constellation. Draw an imaginary line through the two stars at the end of the “bowl” and extend it five times the distance between those stars. This line will point to the North Star, which always indicates north. This method is more accurate than using the sun.

How to Find North Using Moss

Moss usually grows on the north side of stones and trees. Don’t rely on just one tree—compare several. Also, the bark on the north side of trees is often darker and rougher than on the south side.

First Aid for Yourself and Others

Ideally, you should always have a first aid kit in your bag or backpack, containing bandages, iodine, adhesive tape, a tourniquet, and other essentials. If you don’t have one, use whatever is available. A tourniquet can be replaced with a rope or braided willow branches; a scarf, belt, or shirt sleeve can also help stop bleeding.

It’s helpful to know a little about medicinal plants. For example, sphagnum moss, which grows abundantly in peat bogs, is excellent for stopping bleeding and is a great antibacterial agent. Bird cherry leaves brewed as tea can help with diarrhea or stomach cramps. Cranberries and raspberries can help reduce fever. There are many such examples, so it’s worth learning about natural remedies.

How to Build Shelter from the Elements

This is one of the most important steps, as shelter and a place to sleep will provide your first sense of comfort and safety. Building a makeshift “home” is limited only by your imagination.

Temporary Shelter

Anything can be used: a canopy, a snow cave, a lean-to, and more. If you find a low, horizontal branch growing from a tree, use it as a base. This will make your shelter sturdier. Lean straight poles against the branch from both sides, then cover them with spruce branches. Secure the branches with willow twigs or bark—tie them while the bark is still fresh and flexible.

Finding Food and Water

If you don’t have an emergency supply of food and water, a resourceful and somewhat prepared traveler can still find nourishment in the forest. Forests are rich in berries, roots, mushrooms, and nuts, and there’s a good chance a stream is nearby. If you’re not sure about mushrooms, it’s better not to risk it.

You can replenish your protein by eating insects, earthworms, frogs, snakes, birds, and other wildlife.

Distress Signals

The most reliable signal is a fire. Build it in an open area so the smoke isn’t blocked by tree branches. The more smoke, the farther away you can be seen. Add moss, pine needles, and damp straw to the fire to create more smoke.

If you’re waiting for rescuers in one place, find a clearing and lay out an arrow with stones or any objects to show search teams the direction to your location.

Conclusion

In summary, during such a forced adventure, your body and resourcefulness will do everything possible to help you survive—you just need a little knowledge. These skills are useful not only in emergencies but also on picnics or hikes, and they can save you in the most extreme situations.

That’s all for now—I’ve shared everything I know. Did you enjoy the article? Share it with your friends on social media and subscribe to the blog for more interesting and useful tips. See you next time!