Winter Survival

Qweetzy · 01-29-2011, 06:43 PM

I was thinking about this the other day and I thought I would ask you all. What would you think would be the most important thing to do for winter survival? I think the loss of body heat is the most important thing. Hypothermia can kill a person in a hurry but I understand that it's not an unpleasant way to go. You get sleepy and then go to sleep and then the body shuts down.

Refrigerator · 01-29-2011, 06:56 PM

Good question???

My opinion....There is no one important thing to do for winter survival although I do agree with you on warmth. I do however need to say water and shelter are vitally important even if it's a rock out cropping or a snow cave. Winter survival will hinge on your ability to improvise and you knowledge of skills.

Big question with many opinions.

BCBabe · 01-30-2011, 07:28 AM

I'd need a specific set of conditions to be able to answer you that one: there's a lot of variables that can and will change how I answer that.

I'd say staying DRY is up there, and that ties into staying warm.... but shelter and water have got to be up there and if not tied for first place, they might take turns being in it.

A human being can't last 3 days without water, but can manage an extended time without food if need be.

steves · 01-30-2011, 08:10 AM

Fire and shelter would need to go to the top of the list in winter,the same as shade and water would do in a desert situation.
The body needs certain things or it shuts down, you need protection from the elements no matter what they may be, winter would present challenges in some areas but help in others

dinosaur · 01-30-2011, 08:11 AM

Fire is still very important. Ever read the Jack London story "To Build A Fire"?

Barney · 01-30-2011, 11:15 AM

You need to prioritize first. If you're too cold, you need shelter and fire (if it rains, you're wet, snows) or just fire if you're cold and there is no rain, wind and you're dry.

Gondor · 01-30-2011, 11:40 AM

There is a rule of threes - you mustn't be without:
1) oxygen longer than 3 minutes
2) warmth longer than 3 hours
3) water longer than 3 days
4) food longer than 3 weeks

hunter44mag · 02-16-2011, 07:46 AM

I always carry a bic lighter and a fire stick for backup in my pack. You can find or build a shelter, but starting a fire quickly is important.

oldsarge · 02-25-2011, 06:07 PM

I would say shelter, then fire. With my luck I'd have a raging fire going and it would down pour on it. But then again...situation dictates!