Sometimes when you watch survival shows you think they have everything figure out but do they?
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 1089 100%
That was a pretty good article. I agree that if you really don't know what you are doing then it can get you killed. Don't just take what you've seen on [TV] And think you know what you're doing. Every time I go out camping I practice primitive fire starting, and it is VERY hard to do, even with a flint and steel. Some times when the conditions are poor it's hard to get a fire started with a lighter. I would never eat anything that I don't know for sure what it is. I strive to learn long term survival, not survive until you're rescued. I eventually want to be completely self sustaining. I want to have enough knowledge that I would not only be surviving but thriving! Experience is the mother of all knowledge.
International Level: Politics 101 / Political Participation: 0 0%
Yes experience is the key to surviving very well or just getting by. The more you learn and practice your survival skills the better you will get. I do not even want to try a flint and steel. I would rather use a five starter (Magnesium and flint) or a magnifying glass to help start a fire.
One myth I've seen perpetuated involves drinking alcohol to avoid hypothermia. Unless you've exited the cold and are trying to save extremities from frostbite, it is a really bad move. Alcohol will make you feel warmer, while causing you to lose heat faster.
Yes, myths are murderous. A good idea is to get a small survival guide that you can carry with you to dispel the myths. The Ranger Handbook can be bought just about anywhere and has some great survival information… but it's probably too much information for what anyone needs. It has extra stuff like how to plan a raid, lay down an ambush, and write an operations order.