The Most Important Wilderness Survival Principle

No one goes hiking or camping with the intention of becoming lost. The fact of the matter is, however, that accidents happen. People make mistakes, and nature sometimes interferes with our plans. The key is to be ready for when it happens.

There is one thing, though that you need more than anything else to survive in the wilderness. Can you guess what it is?

What it’s not

There are some important things you need to have to survive in the wilderness. These things are important, but not the most important thing. They include:
A first aid kit. Yes, you want to have one of these with you at all times. Yes, it will come in handy if you have an injury, or an allergic reaction, or any other physical problem. A first aid kit is important, but it’s not the most important thing in wilderness survival.

Water. If you don’t drink something, you’ll die in a matter of days. Long before you die, though, dehydration will cause your body to shut down and stop functioning properly. Water is an important part of wilderness survival, but it’s not most important.

Shelter. Protection from wild animals and from inclement weather is a necessity when it comes to wilderness survival. You have to be able to avoid these dangers in order to keep alive and safe until you can find your way or until someone finds you. But here again, it’s not the most important thing.
So, what is it? What’s the most important thing in wilderness survival?

It’s your mind.

Simply put, if you’re going to survive in the wilderness, you have to keep your wits about you. You have to be focused. You have to be coherent enough to watch for dangers and avoid them. You have to have the sense to seek out or build a shelter, or find fresh water. You have to be able to address your injuries, to keep yourself mobile or to keep yourself alive.

Maintaining a calm focus is the most important thing you can do to survive in the wilderness.