24 Survival Skills You Must Know To Stay Alive

There are a lot of things that you need to know in order to survive when faced with difficult circumstances. This includes knowing how to find food, build shelter, and protect yourself from the elements.

If you’re ever in a situation where you’re not sure what to do or how to get out, these survival skills will come in handy.

1. How to Not Get Lost in the Woods: Tips from a Pro

The video “How To Survive: Not Getting Lost In The Woods 101” provides tips on how to prepare for a hike and what to do if you get lost. The speaker recommends always telling someone where you are going and bringing a basic survival kit, including a knife, butane lighter, compass, whistle, and plastic bag.

The speaker advises not to rely solely on technology like GPS and to mark the starting location and trail using flagging or bent twigs. If lost, the speaker suggests stopping to reduce panic and evaluate the situation before developing a plan, which may involve waiting for help or searching for the trail. Finally, the video emphasizes the importance of finding or creating shelter if stuck overnight in the woods.

With the weather warming up, many people are gearing up for a hike in the woods. However, even experienced hikers can get lost if they’re not prepared. In this video from Kenneth Kramm, he provides tips on how to stay safe while hiking and what to do if you become lost.

2. Stay Hydrated While Hiking: Secrets from the Experts

Dehydration can be a real problem on the trail. It’s easy to forget how important it is to drink plenty of water while hiking, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the hike and not drink as much as you should.

But dehydration can lead to serious troubles–even death. Between the Blazes has created a video that walks you through the steps you need to take to keep yourself hydrated while hiking.

3. How to Survive the Dessert

When you’re in the middle of an intense desert survival situation, it can be hard to keep your head. You may feel like you’re going crazy and your only hope is to find a safe place to hide. But if you can stay calm and think outside the box, you may be able to survive.

Laughter is known to reduce stress and keep people fighting. It has been said that a person who can find humor in even the most difficult situations is less likely to suffer from stress. This is because when the body is stressed, it releases chemicals like cortisol which make you feel tired and crappy.

Laughter, on the other hand, releases endorphins which make you feel happy and energetic. So next time you’re tempted to take things too seriously, try finding some humor in your situation and see how much better you feel!

4. How To Find and Cook Food Along the Beach

If you’re looking for a delicious seafood meal that you can easily pick yourself up, look no further than the beach. With just a bit of know-how, you can find and cook food that will make your taste buds happy.

In this video from Ultimate Bushcraft, host Cody Lundin walks you through the process of hitting the beaches, rocks, and tide pools for some of the more common types of seafood.

First off, it’s important to know which areas are best for finding certain types of seafood. For example, if you’re looking for clams or oysters, head to areas with lots of rocks and sand. This will help keep them from being disturbed by predators or other animals.

5. Learn How to Make a DIY Fire Starter Out of Household Items

The video demonstrates how to make homemade fire starters using cotton rounds, paraffin-based lamp oil, and Gulf wax. The process involves melting the wax and lamp oil in a double boiler-style setup, dipping the cotton rounds in the mixture, and letting them dry.

The resulting fire starters are waterproof, easy to make, and cost-effective. The video shows how effective the fire starters are when lit, and emphasizes the importance of having emergency fire starters on hand, even if you prefer to use natural materials.

Homemade fire starters are a great way to save money and avoid chemicals. They can be made from anything you have around the house, and they are always reliable. Watch this video by themichiganwoodsman for easy ways to make your own fire starters.

6. Packing your backpack: How to bring everything you need without the weight

When packing for backpacking whether you’re traveling, hiking, or camping, it’s important to find the balance between bringing all you need and the weight of the items. This video from REI will show how to pack your backpack for a lightweight trip and still have everything you need.

First, make sure to compress your clothes and gear as much as possible. Next, use packing cubes to organize your items. Finally, try to bring only what you really need and leave the extra baggage at home.

7. How to Make a DIY Sling Shot That’s Better Than the Store-Bought Kind

Weapon-making is a skill that can come in handy for self-defense and hunting food. If you’re looking for a DIY slingshot, this one from our very own channel is quite effective in hunting small games. It’s simple to make, and it only requires a few supplies you may already have lying around the house.

Slingshots are great for taking down small games like rabbits or squirrels, and they’re also ideal for self-defense. If someone invades your space, a slingshot can be used to take them down quickly and easily.

Make sure to practice regularly with your homemade slingshot, so you can perfect your technique. And if you ever run into any trouble while out hunting, remember that a weapon is always an essential survival tool!

8. Make a Belt from Paracord

Paracord is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of purposes. In this video, we are going to show you how to make a paracord belt. By following the steps in this guide, you will be able to create a sturdy and comfortable belt that can be worn with just about anything.

The first step in making your paracord belt is to gather your supplies. You will need:

• paracord 550, I recommend at least 100 feet of cord for your first belt. You do not want to run off of paracord
• a belt buckle. I used a plastic one, but metal versions are also nice. If you want to make the belt adjustable, get the classic belt buckle. You can find a selection of these here, some browsing will be required.
• a marlinspike, crochet hook or a lacing needle
• a lighter, and scissors

9. How to Baton Wood with a Survival Knife

First, if you are going to be doing any woodcutting, then you will need a good survival knife. This Youtube video from Innerbark Outdoors will show you the importance of having one and how to use it.

The video explains how to effectively baton wood with a knife for splitting, which is a useful skill for survival situations. Batoning wood with a knife is possible due to modern manufacturing techniques, making knives more robust.

Compared to splitting wood with an axe, batoning can be done in tight quarters and with less force. The video demonstrates batoning with various types of knives and emphasizes the importance of protecting the blade and using a log as a splitting block. Additionally, it shows how to make a wedge to assist in splitting harder logs.

10. How to Make a Bow from a Pen in Just 5 Minutes!

The video titled “Pen Bow – Easy Survival Weapon” demonstrates how to make a simple survival weapon using a pen, a rubber band, pliers, scissors, and a skewer stick. The process involves removing part of the pen, attaching a rubber band to create tension, and inserting the skewer stick to shoot objects.

The video emphasizes safety precautions and highlights the potential usefulness of the weapon for survival situations where hunting small animals for food is necessary.

In this DIY survival weapon video tutorial, you will learn how to make a bow from a pen. This is a great option for those who want an easy and quick way to create a makeshift bow, without having to purchase any additional supplies. All you need is a pen and some string.

11. How to Make a Paracord Bracelet

The video is a tutorial on how to make a paracord bracelet using a black soft paracord and a 5/8-inch clip. The tutorial begins with the materials needed, which include a paracord, a clip, scissors or a knife, and a lighter.

The process is explained step-by-step, starting with measuring the paracord according to wrist size and burning the ends. The clip is attached, and the weaving process is initiated, with each weave being made as tight as possible.

The tutorial demonstrates the Cobra weave pattern, which is continued until the bracelet is the desired length. The ends are cut and singed with the lighter to give the bracelet a finished look.

In the wild, paracord is often seen as a tool for survival. It can be used for making shelters, fishing lines, and more. But what many people don’t know is that paracord also makes for an amazing bracelet. Paracord watches are a great way to show your style and show off your skills as a cordage craftsman. Here’s how to make one.

12. How to start a fire with a bottle without matches or lighters

Bottled water is one of the most versatile items you can bring with you when outdoors. Not only is it useful for hydration, but it can also be used to start a fire if needed.

Some people may think that starting a fire with a water bottle is not very effective, but that is not the case. In this video, we are going to show you how to start a fire with just a water bottle and some sunlight.

The video shows how to start a fire using a water bottle and sunlight. The process involves using black ink paper as a platform, cutting or ripping other papers into smaller pieces, and using a water bottle as a magnifying glass to focus sunlight on the paper until it smolders and eventually starts a fire.

The video also provides tips and tricks for mastering the technique, such as using a clear plastic bottle, using paper with big black letters or pictures for tinder, and holding the bottle close to the paper when focusing the light. The ashes can be used as lawn fertilizer.

13. Keeping Clean Even in the Wilderness

improper waste disposal can lead to diseases affecting not only you but the environment as well. Proper waste disposal can actually save your life in the long run by reducing exposure to deadly toxins. Here is one tip to help make the business bucket a safer and more efficient place for you and the planet.

The video tutorial titled “How to Make the Business Bucket” demonstrates how to create a portable emergency supply kit out of a 5-gallon bucket, heavy-duty trash bags, a pool noodle, and ultra-soft toilet paper.

The kit includes a built-in toilet roll holder, a foam seat cushion, and a handle lift to prevent toilet paper from rubbing against the bucket. Additionally, the tutorial shows how to create two waterproof buckets to store equipment for hunting, camping, and survival situations.

The buckets can also be used to create a makeshift sink. The video concludes with a demonstration of how the bucket works, and a reminder to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after use.

14. Shemagh Tricks: How to Use a Shemagh for Survival

The video is about the various survival uses of a shemagh. The speaker demonstrates how to use it as a neck wrap, head wrap (ninja wrap), sling, bag, and for making char cloth and tinder. She also mentions that it is made of cotton and can be used in various ways to help with survival situations.

When a disaster strikes, you may be without the means to protect yourself from the elements. That’s where a shemagh comes in handy. You can use it as a scarf, neck warmer, or windbreaker. Here are some tips for using a shemagh to your advantage.

15. Survival Tip: Learn How to Tie Knots

The video titled “6 Must-Know Survival Knots! TKOR Shows You How To Tie Useful Knots In Our Knots To Know To Video ” demonstrates how to tie six of the most useful knots, including the bowline, clove hitch, and taut line.

The video shows step-by-step instructions for each knot and also includes a one-handed method for tying the bowline and clove hitch. The knots are useful for attaching a rope to a tree or pole and can be adjusted and tightened easily.

In today’s world, it is important to be able to tie knots for survival in case of an emergency. This video will show you how to tie a few different knots that are commonly used. These knots can be used for things like tying a shoelace, fishing line, or restraining someone.

By knowing how to tie these knots, you will be able to get through any situation safely. If you’re ever in a bind and need to know how to tie a knot quickly, we highly recommend the ReferenceReady Complete Knot Card Bundle.

Not only does it have a comprehensive list of knots and instructions, but it also comes with a handy card case. So always have it with you when you go wild outdoors!

16. Learn how to create a DIY pocket water filter in minutes!

The video shows how to make a simple water filter using natural materials, such as bamboo, moss, and charcoal, which can purify dirty water in a survival situation.

The process involves stuffing a tube made of bamboo with layers of clean moss, charcoal, and more moss, before connecting it to an empty plastic bottle with a seal made of pine pitch.

The resulting water filter is effective at cleaning the water, but boiling the water is still recommended for safety.

If you find yourself in a survival situation where water is scarce or contaminated, building a DIY Pocket Water Filter may be your best option. This emergency filter is something you can build in a short amount of time if you don’t have anything else available.

17. How to Make a Swedish Torch for Fun and Survival

The video shows how to make a Swedish Torch, which is a method of using a single log to make a long-lasting fire for two to three hours or more. The technique involves cutting two slits about 3/4 of the way down the log and lighting a small fire on top.

The fire burns the inside of the log and sucks air in through the sides to keep it burning. The video demonstrates how to make and light a Swedish Torch and shows that it burns for a long time.

The Swedish Torch can also be used as a cooking surface if the log is cut evenly flat on the bottom and top. The method is efficient and was supposedly invented by a hobo who needed a way to keep warm before hopping on the next train.

Swedish fireplaces are built for efficient heat distribution, making them great for cooking or just long-lasting warmth. Here’s a very simple way to create a Swedish Torch using a single log.

18. Using a Guitar Pick to Start a Fire

The video titled “Start a Fire with a Guitar Pick” is a quick tip from the Black Scout Survival YouTube channel. The presenter explains that guitar picks are made of celluloid, a highly flammable material, and shows how to use a guitar pick to start a fire.

The technique involves carving out a divot in a stick to hold the shavings from the guitar pick and then inserting the pick into a slit. The shavings are added to the hole and a ferrocerium rod is used to direct sparks onto the shavings to start a fire.

It may seem impossible, but a guitar pick can actually become a firestarter. In fact, it’s not too hard to do and you can even learn how to do it in just a few minutes.

19. Bugout Camping Tricks

The video is titled “5 Cool Camping Tips & Tricks” It features John sharing some tips and tricks that he uses while camping and backpacking. The tips are geared towards car camping or family camping, but can also be applied to backpacking and other outdoor activities.

The tips include using bread bag clips as clothespins, pre-freezing water bottles for the cooler, using tinfoil to mark guy lines, using a stable rock to transfer hot items from the fire, and using toothpaste to relieve mosquito bites.

When it comes to planning for a bug-out situation, camping is an important part of the equation. From packing the perfect camping gear to choosing the right location, here are some tips and tricks for camping Bugout Camping Tricks.

20. Basic Firestarting

No matter how advanced our technology becomes, Firestarting remains one of the most basic skills a human can possess. In fact, it’s so essential to our survival that many cultures around the world continue to use flint and steel as their primary means of starting fires.

In the featured video above, the user “HowTo Start a Fire with Flint and Steel – Basic Method” demonstrates how easy it is to start a fire using nothing more than a piece of flint and steel. All you need is some tinder (dry wood), some sparks (from striking the tinder), and patience.

The result? A glowing ember that can be coaxed into life by adding more layers of tinder until you have a bonfire capable of burning whatever you’re cooking over it.

21. Self-Defense Hacks | Learn How to Defend Yourself From an Attacker

Andrew “The Squid” Montanez is a self-defense expert and instructor who has taught thousands of people how to defend themselves from attackers. In this self-defense training video, Andrew will show you how to defend yourself from a physical attack.

The first step in any self-defense situation is to assess the situation. If you are attacked, try to determine the type of attacker and what their motive might be. Once you have an understanding of the situation, take steps to protect yourself by avoiding or minimizing contact with the attacker.

Remember: never fight back if you are unarmed or if you cannot win. Get away from the attacker as quickly as possible and call for help.

22. Learn How to Shovel Snow the Easy Way!

Do you hate shoveling snow? Well, here’s a great way to make the job a little bit easier. Check out our tips for shoveling snow the easy way.

23. How to Survive a Flood | Tips from the Pros

Flooding is a natural disaster that can happen anywhere in the world. It’s important to know what to do if you are ever in a flood situation, and how to survive if you are stranded. Flooding can be deadly, and even small amounts of water can cause serious damage.

In this video, we will explore some of the dangers of flooding and how to survive if you find yourself in this situation.

The video discusses flood survival skills and the dangers of driving in floodwaters, which can conceal hidden dangers that can easily cost lives. It also emphasizes the importance of paying attention to local reports and warnings and having a plan and preparation for evacuation.

The video advises against drinking floodwater and highlights the need to protect important documents and papers from floodwaters. Overall, the key message is to avoid danger and be prepared to adapt to circumstances in a flood emergency.

24. How To Start Fire With Battery And Gum Wrapper!

In this video, the host demonstrates how to start a survival fire using an AA battery and a gum wrapper. The trick lies in finding a gum wrapper with a shiny metallic exterior and a textured fibrous interior.

The host shows how to cut and shape the gum wrapper into an igniter and explains that holding the battery vertically and using insulation to protect your fingertips are important factors in getting the igniter to work. The host also tests different gum wrappers and concludes that only those with foil on the outside work as igniters.

Fire-starting projects can be quite daunting, but if you follow the instructions in our easy-to-follow video, you’ll have no problem starting a fire with just a battery and some gum wrappers. In fact, we promise that this project is as easy as it looks. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind if you want to make sure your fire starts successfully.

Conclusion

There are many important survival skills that you must know in order to stay alive. These skills can be learned by reading articles such as this, or by attending survival training courses. The most important thing is to never stop learning and expanding your knowledge base because the next time you might find yourself in a life-or-death situation.

By learning these 25 survival skills, you can increase your chances of staying alive if you are ever faced with a survival situation. So don’t wait, start learning today!

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