What’s in your survival pack?
BY ALLEN MACARTNEY
Months ago a husband and wife disappeared on a long trip in their van. A far-ranging search came up with no sign of them. Then, seven weeks after they first went missing, the woman was found alive in the vehicle. The couple had taken an isolated road into the forest, then got stuck in snow. Her husband died trying to walk out. Miraculously, the woman survived
on scraps found in the van. There’s a lesson here. Canada’s
weather can be unforgiving. So outdoors ambitions need to be matched with survival packs, plural – a lightweight one for cycling or day hikes, and at least one other kit for longer treks. Each should focus on a specific outing: car, day hike,
week-long canoe trip, etc., keyed to summer or winter conditions. What’s inside the survival pack depends on where you’re going and how long you might need it. Then it’s a matter of choice –
what to include, what to leave at home. Start by leaving behind the gourmet chocolate, bags of nuts, and other comfort foods that attract mice, but play no role in most survival situations. Then think about what you’re
planning for. Most “survival” situations are really just discomfort situations, lasting several hours
or one or two days. You can get turned around easily on a hiking trail, or have to sit out the night in your car during a snow storm on a rural road. Usually, survival is not an issue unless a serious injury occurs. Maintaining comfort and controlling stress become the short-term challenge. So focus on the three most important survival needs: shelter, water and fire (warmth). Food is the least important item except for the emotional boost it might give you. Most healthy people can last weeks without food, like the woman in her seven-week ordeal. Skip the chocolate and tuck a can of sardines into your pack instead. That’ll provide many calories if you really need them, and it won’t get raided for a casual snack.
16 ottawaoutdoors
www.ottawaoutdoors.ca
PHOTO BY BEAU LEBENS
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