A Basic Requirement for Survival

The life-savings qualities of a good shelter can be useless unless people remember the first and most basic requirement for survival. Even the very best of shelters may do little to save your life if you forget this basic concept. Your skills and the available resources will do little to help you against the forces of nature should you forget this important item for your survival. It is your first line of defense. It is the easiest thing you can do to insure your survival. It is something everyone does on a regular basis without even thinking about it. It can also save your life if done properly!

Being properly dressed for any type of activity that exposes your body to the elemental forces of nature is your first line of defense. Failing to recognize the importance of clothing in satisfying your body’s needs for protection can have disastrous results in any survival situation. Our bodies are quite frail when compared with the other creatures in nature and require a great deal more protection.

You are going to find yourself in a very bad situation if your body becomes too hot or too cold. Proper protection for your body is therefore essential during activities where your body can be exposed to temperature extremes beyond normal limits.

First, protect your head! Always make sure to wear or have available the proper head gear. A majority of your body’s heat loss in cold weather is at the top of your body. On sunny days, good protection for your head will also be critical.

Second, protect your torso and extremities! This can be done by dressing in layers. Whether it’s hot or cold, using the layering system will help you protect your body from over-heating or becoming too cold.

Third, protect your eyes and ears! Protecting your eyesight and your hearing will be of the utmost importance in any survival situation. Having the proper eyewear and protection for your ears will be essential.

Fourth, protect your hands! A good pair of gloves can make a great deal of difference in maintaining the use of your hands. You’ll have a hard time building a survival shelter if your hands become useless or don’t function properly due to an injury or the effects of cold weather.

Fifth, protect your feet! A good pair of hiking shoes or boots can make a big difference in your mobility. You won’t get far if you fail to take the necessary steps to insure your most basic mode of transportation is still going to be able to function efficiently.

Being properly clothed using the layering system, appropriate head wear, eye and ear protection, and good shoes or boot will always be a basic requirement for survival.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker