You should always bring an ample supply of water for drinking when on a wilderness outing. Don’t forget to include some additional means of water purification, such as water purification tablets, a filter, or the means to make a fire in order to boil any water you may find. While a lack of food may make you uncomfortable, a lack of water will cause serious problems such as dehydration. The effects of dehydration happen quickly. Anyone can get lost or have an accident and lose a vital water supply. Should you find yourself stranded or lost in the wilderness for several days or just a few hours, you need to be able to locate a source of drinking water in order to survive.
Finding Water Sources in the Wilderness
1.) Move in a downhill direction. Water naturally flows in a downward direction and will sometimes collect in small depressions, hollows or rocky crevices.
2.) Be aware of the insects in your area. Insects will often be a sign of water in the area. Although the mosquitoes will probably find you first, they, along with other types of insects, are a good indication of the presence of water.
3.) Listen for the sound of moving water. Rivers and streams can be some of the easier sources of water to locate in a survival situation. They usually make a distinctive sound that can be heard quite easily if you stop for a moment and listen for the sounds of rushing water.
4.) Look for a large number and variety of animal tracks. The presence of a large number of animal tracks will quite often indicate a natural water source that is nearby and may help you to find or locate a water source in your immediate area.
Nature will help you to find water if you understand the signs that are present everywhere in the wilderness. If you understand and respect nature, you will survive.
Staying above the water line!
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5 comments:
In rocky areas, many times water will runoff to depressions in the rock as well. I don't live in that type of country, but might be useful to those who do.
Durn, forgot to add above . . .
Birds and bees often fly to water locations in early morning / late afternoon. You might keep your eyes peeled in the sky for consistent traffic patterns in the sky.
I'm not a big fan of Bear Grylls, but he had a neat trick on a recent episode.
If you find a rock outcropping that has some moisture, but not a flowing amount, place some sort of a wick - shoe lace, paracord, etc. - in the moisture, and place one end into a container.
It seemed to work pretty well, but I've never tried it myself. Add THAT to The List...
To: anonymous 7:46 & 7:48
natural formations will almost always catch some sort amount of moisture but it may be fairly limited but better than nothing.
Most any type of wildlife will often help you find water, if there's any nearby.
Thanks anon!
RW
To: Chief Instructor
What you're describing is known as capillary action...it can also be used to filter water. Most anything that can be used as a wick can be used to draw in the moisture and filter the water at the same time.
I've seen a little of Bear Grylls stuff but the trip I'm planning into the mountains of New Mexico doesn't include a camera crew or a helicopter to rescue me if I get lost or screw up while I'm in the mountains for a week. LOL
Thanks Chief Instructor.
RW
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