The most important survival skill is the ability to stay calm and think clearly in an emergency situation. Panic can lead to poor decision-making and can make a bad situation worse.

If you get lost in the wilderness, stay calm and try to retrace your steps. If you can’t find your way back, look for shelter and a source of water. Make yourself visible to search and rescue teams by building a signal fire or using a whistle.

Some essential items to include in a survival kit are a knife, fire starter, water filter or purification tablets, shelter, first aid kit, and signaling device.

You can start a fire without matches by using a fire starter such as flint and steel, magnesium fire starter, or bow drill.

If you encounter a wild animal, stay calm and try to make yourself look bigger by raising your arms or opening your jacket. Back away slowly and avoid direct eye contact.

You can find food in the wilderness by foraging for edible plants, fishing, or hunting small game.

If you get injured in the wilderness, assess your injuries and seek medical attention if necessary. Treat any wounds with first aid supplies from your survival kit.

You can navigate in the wilderness without a compass by using natural landmarks such as the sun, stars, or moon.

Some common mistakes people make when camping or hiking are not packing enough water, not wearing appropriate clothing or footwear, not checking weather conditions beforehand, and not telling someone their itinerary.

It’s important to leave no trace when camping or hiking to minimize your impact on the environment and preserve natural habitats for future generations.