Surviving in a cold environment means that you have to prioritize different things than if you were trying to survive in a warmer climate. You have to be aware of these things so that you can spend time preparing before the seasons change.
Living off-the-grid is also not just about survival; mental attitude and physical health play into how long someone can last before needing to get rescued. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the survival priorities that matter most when you’re off the grid!
Survival Priorities of a Cold Environment
Mental Attitude
Mental attitude is critical when living off the grid. No one can survive in a cold environment if they don’t have the right mental attitude. It’s important to be positive, optimistic, and have hope for the future.
It would be best to focus on your goals and what you’re working towards. When things get tough, remind yourself why you’re doing this, because it’s worth it! Staying positive will help you endure tough times and make it through challenges.
Food and Water
Food and water are essential for survival, especially in a cold environment. Make sure you have enough food and water to last for an extended period of time. You’ll need to stockpile food and water that will last for weeks or even months.
Warm Clothing
In a cold environment, it’s important to dress in warm clothing. Make sure you have plenty of layers so that you can stay warm. It’s also essential to have footwear, something that will keep your feet warm and dry.
Shelter
Shelter is important for survival in a cold environment. You could build anything from a tent to a cabin or even underground in extreme conditions. Make sure you have a shelter that will protect you from the elements.
Fire
A fire is an essential tool for survival in a cold environment. Make sure you have access to firewood, matches, or a fire starter so you can make a warm fire.
Transportation
You’ll need transportation in a cold environment, which means having access to a vehicle or other form of transportation for hunting and fishing trips. The type of transportation needed will depend on where you live and your specific location off the grid.
Tools and Weapons
It’s important to have survival tools for survival in cold environments which can include items such as axes, saws, knives, and hammers.
In addition to survival tools, it’s also important that you have weapons on hand, especially if you are wary of predators that could be hiding nearby trying to harm or attack you. Make sure you have access to guns and other weapons.
Communication
In a cold environment, you must be able to communicate with the outside world if something goes wrong.
Make sure your phone is fully charged and has plenty of battery life before heading off-grid so that if there are any emergencies or natural disasters, they’ll be ready for communication. It would also be helpful to have some emergency contacts in your phones just in case.
Another thing worth mentioning here is a radio receiver. Whether it’s shortwave radios, or ham radios, you’d want one just in case the cell towers go down due to an EMP attack or another reason.
Bacterial infection or Sickness Care
You may not have access to antibiotics or other prescription medications in a remote area. This is why it’s essential to know how to treat common illnesses and infections with things available in nature. You can brace for any sickness by stockpiling over-the-counter medications or herbs.
Becoming A Pro At Long-Term Survival In The Wilderness
Whether you are preparing to become self-sufficient now, sometime in the future, or after a catastrophic event makes civilization temporarily collapse or TEOTWAWKI, there are several things that you need in order to be considered a survival expert:
Practice
You have been practicing survival skills consistently over many years without fail. You need to know how these things work better than most people around you do. Having this level of skill allows one to not only survive but thrive even when other people would struggle with doing so.
Ancestral Knowledge
This is something that many people today lack and could be the key to your success in a survival situation. Knowing which plants are edible or poisonous, animal behavior, tracking, and natural shelters can give you an advantage over someone who doesn’t know these things.
Familiar with the Area
This would be a place where you are already familiar with the climate, terrain, and resources available to you. Living in this environment will help learn how to utilize those resources correctly and build the necessary skills needed for long-term living off the grid.
Places to Hide
Your surroundings offer plenty of opportunities for stealthy movement and camouflaging yourself should the need arise, whether it’s dense forests, open fields, or rocky terrain.
Food Storage
You need to have days, weeks, or even months of stored food and water to help you get through a survival situation. Not everyone can do this, but it’s helpful to have a backup plan in case things go sideways.
Ability to Stay Calm
In any type of emergency, panicking will only make things worse. Being able to stay calm and clear headed is an important skill to master. Save your energy for when you need it, and try not to take unnecessary risks.
Having The Right Gear
This could mean having a good quality backpack, sturdy shoes, clothes that can protect you from the elements, and of course, a reliable weapon for hunting or self-defense.
Ability to Adjust
You can find mental peace in the wilderness. Many people think they will feel entirely at ease when they are out in nature, but this isn’t always true. This is because one is not accustomed to being away from civilization for long periods or generally uncomfortable being in nature.
Being able to adjust to the change in your day-to-day lifestyle will give you a better chance at survival and enjoying your time in the wilderness.
Will to Survive
Lastly, but most importantly, you have the will to survive. No one can help you if you don’t want to help yourself. Keep your head up and stay focused. It may be challenging, but it’s worth it in the end.
Differences In Survival And How To Cope With Isolation
Here are some tips, so your mental state doesn’t get in the way of you being able to survive in the wilderness:
Keep a Journal
For mental health purposes, keep a journal or diary handy. It can help you by giving you an outlet to express your feelings and keeping track of how much time has passed.
Stay Active
Go outside every day even if there is no food or water available except what’s stored in your shelter. Get some exercise into your routine because this will allow you to use those calories in case of disaster strikes while you’re out on a hike. Additionally, staying physically fit could help get yourself out of harm’s way faster.
Get Creative
This is especially important for people who are used to being around other people constantly and feel the need for socialization, because it may be challenging to find someone to talk to in a survival situation.
Try talking out loud as if you’re having a conversation with someone (even if there’s no one around), and this can help keep your mind active. Or, start up a craft project.
Keeping yourself busy will help pass the time and prevent you from going stir crazy.
Long-term Planning
One of the most important things you can do in a disaster situation is to have a plan. Know what your goals are, and make sure they’re attainable ones. Otherwise, you’ll only be setting yourself up for disappointment.
Try to break your goal down into smaller milestones so that way it’s not as daunting of a task and more manageable. And lastly, don’t forget to take into account mental health while planning. Make sure there’s enough variety in your routine so you don’t get bored or frustrated and end up doing something you’ll regret later on.
Maintain Hope
This one is key. Mental stability becomes challenging to maintain without hope. Remember all of those survival stories you’ve heard before? They always have a happy ending because people never give up no matter how bleak things seem. So, hold on to that sliver of light inside you, and don’t let it go no matter what comes your way.
Conclusion
Whether you are planning on living outdoors for a short period of time or long-term, you need to be prepared for whatever comes your way. By using the advice in this article, you will have a better chance of surviving off the grid and perhaps enjoying your time outdoors as well.
