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This entry isn't so much what equipment to carry, but rather what to do in a survival situation.

1. Try to remain calm. It can be easy to panic but panic leads to irrational behavior and that can be bad. I've heard of a body found in the woods that were bare footed and had gashes in the side of the ankle. He got lost, panicked, and for some reason cut his boots off and ran barefoot through the woods. Try to keep a calm head and act rationally.

2. Keep morale up as best you can. Henry Ford once said that whether you think you can or you think you can't you're right. Try not to lose hope. Things might be bad, but try to keep trying. If you keep holding on to hope you still have the chance to succeed. If you're traveling with someone else try to keep their spirits up too if they need it.

3. The buddy system works. If you have to travel alone then do so, but if you can bring someone with you that's all the better. The big problem with having a team is going to be resources. More people means more mouths to feed but if everyone has their own bug out bag that's going to help a lot. If they don't already have one try to quickly put one together before leaving. Cooperation is key too. If you have a problem with someone in the group try to deal with it in a civil matter if possible. If you're at each others throats the whole time who knows if someone will try to take someone else out of the equation. Constant fighting will reduce morale. I refer back to point 2 about keeping morale up.

More people together means more hands working. More hands working means less work per person. Everyone should have some responsibility. If someone is physically incapable of working that's one thing, but if they're flat out lazy they are dead weight. A person incapable of carrying firewood can probably still cook meals. If you're the brains of the operation make sure not to give someone a task they can't do and if you are in charge that doesn't make you exempt from work either. It doesn't look good if you're barking orders at everyone while you don't work yourself.

More people means stronger defense. In a combat position one against one can be tough, but 3 against one sure gives the larger side an advantage. If combat can be avoided then do so, but if you have to fight you do what you have to.

More people means more experience. I am sort of a jack of all trades but a master of none. If you have someone with you with extensive medical knowledge for example you can get better use out of your medical supplies and someone who is injured has better chances. Someone with extensive knowledge of plant and animal life can tell you what plants to avoid and what ones are good for food. Don't expect to have someone with useful experience like this though because it isn't a guarantee, but someone with you is this useful that's a good benefit.



4. Knowledge is power. If you can learn helpful survival tips then go for it. Knowing your environment is helpful. If you live in the desert it's a good bet you won't have to keep an eye out for alligators. If you know where to look you can probably find some good information.


5. Water is vital. I have a whole section on water on the main journal or you can access it right here. The importance of water is pretty common knowledge. Water can be heavy to carry and the more people with you the more water you need. If you're traveling in cars you can get various water tanks in sporting goods stores. On foot water several gallons can be heavy to carry. If you can try traveling near a water source such as a river. It's easier to refill water frequently than to lug 40lb of water with you.

6. Don't push yourself too hard. I don't know a whole lot about exercise and limits, but I do know there's no harm in stopping to take a break once and a while especially if you're traveling on foot. Feel free to take your boots off and air your feet out a bit. You don't have to take an hour break for every mile traveled but you don't need to walk 20 miles before stopping for a break.