Wilderness survival, strictly speaking, refers to surviving in the wild where there are no accommodations, such as in mountains and forests. However, as more and more people venture outdoors and into nature, its meaning has broadened significantly, entering a "military-to-civilian" phase. It now emphasizes more how ordinary people can get closer to nature and explore the exciting unknown world. Here, the editor of Tanselv will introduce some wilderness survival knowledge, hoping it will be helpful.
I. Using Natural Features to Determine Direction
Soldiers need to master some methods of using natural features to determine direction when they don’t have access to standard equipment like topographic maps or compasses.
Using the sun to determine direction is very simple.
You can use a straight stick or pole, stand it vertically on the ground, and place a small stone at the tip of the shadow (point A). About 10 minutes later, when the tip of the shadow moves to point B, place another stone. Draw a straight line connecting points A and B—the direction of this line indicates east-west. The direction perpendicular to the AB line is north-south, with the side facing the sun being south.
To determine direction using an analog watch and the sun, place the watch horizontally and point the hour hand (in 24-hour format) at the sun after halving the current time. The direction indicated by the 12 o'clock mark on the watch face will be roughly north. For example, if the time is 16:00, point the 8 o'clock mark at the sun—the 12 o'clock mark will then indicate north.
On clear nights, you can use the North Star to determine direction. To find the North Star, first locate the Big Dipper constellation (also known as the Plough). This constellation consists of seven stars and looks like a spoon. Once you've found the Big Dipper, extend a line through the two outer stars (A and B) at the edge of the "spoon," about five times the distance between them, in the direction of the spoon's opening. The brighter star you reach is the North Star. The direction the North Star points to is north. You can also find the North Star using the Cassiopeia constellation, which is opposite the Big Dipper. Cassiopeia consists of five stars with brightness similar to those of the Big Dipper and is shaped like a “W.” The North Star is located about twice the width of the “W” gap, in front of the center of the gap.
Using terrain features to determine direction is a supplementary method. When using it, you should apply it flexibly depending on different situations. A solitary tree usually has lush foliage and smooth bark on its southern side. Tree rings on a stump are typically sparse on the southern side and dense on the northern side. In rural areas, house doors, windows, and the main gates of temples usually face south. Snow on buildings, mounds, field ridges, and elevated land generally melts faster on the southern side and slower on the northern side. Large rocks, mounds, and trees often have denser vegetation on their southern sides but are more prone to moss growth on the northern sides.
If you lose your way in the wild, do not panic. Instead, stop immediately, calmly recall the path you’ve taken, and try to reorient yourself using any available landmarks before finding your way again. The most reliable method is to “retrace your steps” and return to your starting point.
If you lose your way in the mountains, climb to a high point to look around and decide which direction to go. Usually, you should head toward lower ground—it’s easier to find water sources, and following the river is the safest option, especially important in forests because paths and settlements are often built near rivers.
If you come across a fork in the road and feel overwhelmed by the options, first clarify your intended destination and then choose the correct path. If several paths seem to head in similar directions and you can’t decide, take the middle one first. This way, you can adjust more easily—if you make a wrong turn, you won’t stray too far.
II. Methods for Navigating Complex Terrain
When traveling in mountainous areas, to avoid getting lost, conserve energy, and increase speed, prioritize using existing paths rather than crossing forests or climbing over hills. If there are no paths, choose to travel along longitudinal ridges, mountain spines, hillsides, edges of streams or rivers, or areas with tall trees but sparse undergrowth, wide gaps, and low grass. Aim to walk along ridges instead of valleys and follow the grain of the land rather than crossing it.
When moving, take larger strides when possible to reduce the total number of steps over long distances. When tired, use relaxed, slow walking to rest without stopping completely. When climbing rocks, carefully observe the rock surface, assess the quality and weathering of the rocks, and determine the climbing direction and route.
The basic method for rock climbing is the “three-point fixation” technique—fix either both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand, then move the remaining limb to shift your body’s center of gravity upward. Coordinate your hands and feet well, avoid moving two contact points simultaneously, and maintain stability, lightness, and speed. Choose the most suitable distance and the most stable footholds or handholds based on your own condition. Don’t take overly large steps or grab or step on points that are too far away.
For slopes less than 30 degrees, you can climb straight up. Keep your body slightly forward, with your entire foot flat on the ground, knees bent, and feet in an outward “V” shape. Take moderate steps. For slopes greater than 30 degrees, a “zigzag” climbing route is generally preferred. Keep your legs slightly bent, lean your upper body forward, point the toes of your inner foot forward, and keep your entire foot flat on the ground, while the toes of your outer foot are turned slightly outward. If you accidentally slip while moving, immediately face the slope, spread your arms but keep your legs straight, curl your toes upward, and try to move your body upward to reduce sliding speed. This helps you search for handholds or supports while sliding. Never sit facing outward, as this will not only accelerate your slide but also increase the risk of rolling on steeper slopes.
Rivers are common obstacles in both mountainous and plain areas. Do not rashly enter the water—observe carefully before deciding where and how to cross. Mountain rivers usually have fast currents, cold water, and uneven riverbeds. To maintain balance while wading, use a stick for support upstream or hold a rock weighing 15–20 kilograms. When crossing as a group, form a line of three or four people, holding onto each other’s shoulders, with the strongest person positioned upstream.
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