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When preparing for survival, it’s natural to focus on what actions to take—and that’s important. However, it’s also important to think about the things you shouldn’t do. In a survival situation, every decision counts. The wrong move could could have serious consequences.
Even experienced survivalists make mistakes under pressure and small mistakes can lead to devastating outcomes. While perfection isn’t possible, being mindful of your decisions can help you steer clear of critical errors that could put your safety at risk.
1. Not Staying Calm
Panic is one of the most dangerous responses in a survival situation. When you lose your composure, your decision-making ability is compromised. Remaining calm allows you to assess your situation clearly, make informed choices, and conserve energy.
2. Underestimating the Weather
Whether it’s the heat of the desert, a sudden cold snap, or an unexpected storm, weather conditions can make or break your survival. Failing to prepare for the elements can quickly lead to hypothermia, heat stroke, or dehydration. Always dress for the weather. The Survival Rule of 3s suggests you have 3 hours to get your body temperature regulated, whether it’s up or down.
3. Overexerting Yourself
In a survival situation, conserving energy is key. Overexerting yourself, whether from physical labor, excessive walking, or stress, can lead to exhaustion, dehydration, and other physical problems. This, in turn, can cloud your judgment and impact your ability to make sound decisions.
Exhaustion can strike suddenly—you might feel fine one moment and completely drained the next. Without adequate food, water, and a safe place to recover, bouncing back from such a state isn’t always possible.
4. Failing to Find Water
Water is essential to survival and should always be a top priority. While you can survive for days without food, you can only last about three days without water. For some people, their bodies can only go a day or two before they experience signs of dehydration. Ignoring your need for hydration or drinking untreated water can lead to severe dehydration or illness.
5. Not Prioritizing Shelter
Exposure to the elements, especially at night, can quickly lead to life-threatening conditions like hypothermia or heat exhaustion. Failing to build or find shelter soon after being stranded increases your chances of succumbing to the elements. There is also a mental thing that goes along with a good shelter. You need to feel safe in order to relax and be able to think about all of the other decisions you’ll need to make.
6. Ignoring Basic Navigation
Getting lost is a major risk in the wild. Not knowing your location or how to navigate can lead to further disorientation and worsen your situation. Straying too far from your original position can make rescue efforts much more difficult. It is crucial you learn how to navigate with the stars, sun or some people are fortunate enough just to have an internal compass. Learn how to mark trails to keep from getting lost.
7. Eating Unidentified Plants
Foraging without proper knowledge can be extremely dangerous, as consuming the wrong plant could lead to severe illness or even death. If you’re not completely sure a plant is safe, it’s better not to take the risk. In dire situations, it’s important to know how to carefully test a plant for edibility over time. Hunger can drive you to eat whatever you come across, but acting without caution can make a bad situation much worse.
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8. Overlooking First Aid Needs
Even minor injuries can escalate into major problems if left untreated. A simple cut, blister, or scrape can become infected, potentially leading to serious complications like septicemia or even death. Toughing it out might seem like the resilient choice, but in survival situations, neglecting proper wound care can be a dangerous gamble. In dirty, bacteria-filled environments, even something as small as a paper cut can turn into a significant threat to your health.
9. Skipping Fire
Fire is essential for warmth, cooking, purifying water, and signaling for help. Failing to have a reliable way to start a fire could leave you exposed to cold or unable to cook food or purify water. Toughing out a cold night can lead to hypothermia. Fire is crucial for survival.
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10. Overpacking or Underpacking
Both overpacking and underpacking can lead to problems. Carrying too much weight can exhaust you quickly, while not having essential items like water, food, or shelter gear can be fatal. Find the right balance. Learn to do with less while packing quality gear that will keep you alive.
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11. Neglecting to Signal for Help
If you’re lost or stranded, you need to make your location known to rescuers. Without making your location known, rescuers may face delays or miss you altogether, leaving you isolated for longer than necessary. Another common oversight is neglecting to tell someone your plans before heading out. Unexpected situations can arise, so it’s essential to let someone know where you’re going and when to expect you back. This simple step can make all the difference in ensuring help finds you quickly.
12. Over-relying on Technology
While technology like GPS devices, smartphones, and radios can be helpful, they are vulnerable to failure. A dead battery, no signal, or a malfunction can leave you without essential tools when you need them most. That’s why it’s crucial to rely on practical survival skills, such as building a bow drill or identifying edible plants. Plan as though you won’t have access to the internet or the ability to call for help—your knowledge and preparation will have to carry you through.
13. Underestimating Animal Threats
Wild animals can pose a significant danger. Ignoring or underestimating their presence can lead to dangerous encounters, especially if you’re in their territory or if they feel threatened. Not all animals are going to avoid you because you are human and assuming animals will stay away from humans is a costly mistake – especially when you’re all fighting for the same resources.
14. Disregarding the Importance of Rest
Lack of sleep or rest can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and reduce physical stamina. In a survival situation, not getting enough rest can hinder your ability to make rational decisions or execute essential tasks. Your body will break down quicker and your immune system will fail you. Again, you can only tough it out for so long before nature knocks you on your butt.
15. Failing to Adapt
In the wild, conditions can change rapidly, from weather shifts to wildlife encounters. Sticking rigidly to a plan or strategy without considering changing circumstances can be deadly. Not accepting a new normal is going to be a mental battle you don’t need. Adapt, improvise and overcome.
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