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Basic needs for survival
in the wilderness
We can define four basic human needs for survival in the wilderness. Warmth, water, sleep and food make up these four needs. The survivor challenge is to put these needs in a priority list. The priority will, of course, depend on what circumstances you are dealing with.
Warmth
Maintaining ideal body temperature is crucial when dealing with survival in the wilderness. Our bodies operate within a narrow temperature range. You can't get too hot or too cold, or you'll die.
In most wilderness survival situation the challenge is to keep you warm, even in the desert. During daytime the sun and the high temperature is a problem and you need shadow, but during the night the desert cool rapidly and you need warmth.
Water
After we have secured our body temperature, we need to remain hydrated in order for biological processes to take place. The human body is 75 per cent water and need a constant supply of water to function. Water is essential to life.
The average person can survive for three days without water. Don't wait until you run out of water before you look for more.
Sleep
As humans we need a certain amount of sleep to remain rational. Without sleep, our minds begin to hallucinate and we become unable to make conscious decisions to better our situation.
Food
An average adult can survive for three weeks without food. Food is rarely the first priority.
Continue to learn more about survival in the wilderness.
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