Bill Foran - Desert Survival & Navigation Handbook. The Life And Death Skills 101

Desert Survival & Navigation Handbook.

The Life And Death Skills 101

By Bill Foran

Copyright

Copyright 2015. All rights reserved worldwide.

No part of this publication may be replicated, redistributed, or given away in any form without the prior written consent of the author/publisher.

H ave you ever experienced the heat and the total disregard of human survival that is the desert? Deserts are located throughout the world, and perhaps you have even heard of or known someone who was trapped out in the desert for longer than he or she intended. In fact, many situations arise that can call for being prepared with survival tips and key aspects of desert navigation.

T here are times where millions of people have had to travel through the desert to get to their destination. For example, the Israelites travelled through the desert with Moses and people travel from El Paso through the desert to get to California and other destinations.

M ovies depict typical problems and even imaginary ones while traveling through the desert. There are a few key ingredients to surviving the desert that you most likely already would effectively put into action, but do you know everything that should be on the checklist? From supplies to survival suggestions in general and specific situations and more, this books focus is to point you toward the path of survival in the desert no matter where you are and what you encounter.

W hen people think about survival in the desert, they think about a barren terrain, unbearably hot temperatures and perhaps a lack of water, lost and no civilization in sight. This might be the clichd worst case scenario, but in fact it completely lacks substance when compared to the diverse environments and situations one can be dropped into when trying to survive in the desert.

Y ou cant forget about the different forms of wildlife you can encounter, the dark desert nights you have to take into account, the many different types of terrain and much more. No doubt, there are some beautiful desert landscapes out there, and people even love to go on a vacation in the desert at many locations. However, one must always be prepared because the desert can be a devastating place if you dont know what youre doing and what to bring.

I ncreasingly these days, people are more and more dependent upon their mobile devices. Stranded in the desert without a signal on a cell phone might sound more like a joke or the plot of a horror movie, but indeed there are many areas in which a signal is elusive or at the least not dependable.

O ne modern thing that people are doing is searching for emergency apps that can give them extra options in situations. A person can also check out coverage areas ahead of time so that they can have a better picture of what to expect regarding reception.

S atellite phones are also an option, as they provide a much better chance of clearer reception. A person does have to ensure that the phone is not obstructed from getting a clear pathway to the satellites in orbit.

T he CB Radio can be a wonderful back-up option for communication when planning ahead for those desert trips. There are some catches that you should be aware of before planning to use this device.

F irst, there are different types of CB radios with various specs including range, which can factor into the equation. A person also needs the proper license and technically needs training as well.

W hether driving through the desert on backroads or taking on the desert terrain itself at some location, the appropriate vehicle choice is important nonetheless. No matter what your plans are, a vehicle that has the off-road capabilities is a must.

W hile having an off-road vehicle is absolutely necessary, whats also important is having the skills to drive on off-road terrain. There are definitely some extra rough patches out in the deserts, and you also need to make sure you have all the necessary equipment for your vehicle.

F or example, you definitely want your spare tire and the equipment to work on and change a tire. The gas tank should be full, and there should be extra gas in the trunk. Its a good idea to have extra fan belts, and it would be great if there is a person knowledgeable about mechanics accompanying you on the trip.

W hen it comes to driving on off-road terrain, there are available classes a person can take to learn how to navigate the rough terrain properly. Also, dont forget to pack extra oil for your vehicle as well as water. This water supply is on top of what you will be directed to take with you for drinking purposes.

O bviously people need water as they embark on a journey into the desert, but how much? The first rule of thumb you need to learn about water in regards to desert survival is the one gallon per day per person ratio. The second thing you need to know is the more water you can pack the better, as you can always use it later of course. Its better to be safe than sorry.

W hen many people think about water shortages in the desert, conserving water often comes to mind. Conserving is one thing, but if you dont have enough water, dehydration sets in and people are then unable to think clearly and make rational decisions. In essence, the best idea is to have more than enough water to be able to drink it when youre in need, not electing to save it for later. Dehydration can set in quickly before youre even aware its happening.

W hat type of containers you put your water in can depend upon the type of desert experience. Perhaps you are going backpacking into the desert and just need smaller portable containers or even a gallon jug. If you are taking a vehicle or setting up camp, you can have a portable water dispenser with refills as well as the smaller portable bottles. No matter how you bring your water along, just ensure that enough is packed to ration at minimum one gallon for each person present each day.

A gain when most people hear about the desert, one of the first thoughts of caution is about the hot desert heat. Deserts can get quite cold as well, however, and that will be discussed in another section. As far as the heat goes, many deserts are some of the hottest places in the entire world.

A person is going to be doing his best to be prepared, but desert circumstances can arise and knock you out of your comfort zone quickly. While you might be prepared for the heat out there, make sure you respect the desert heat as well.

A void drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes. If youre a fitness buff out on a desert hike, then you may not have a problem with this. Still, there are many situations where people end up smoking their cigarettes or having a few drinks. This severely increases the rate at which your body becomes dehydrated. At the same time, you dont want to overexert yourself or eat food that contains a lot of salt, and as much as possible, keep your mouth closed. This means watch how much you talk as well if youre in a group of people.

E verything contained in this book is in respect to desert survival and to prevent emergencies and possible situations requiring first aid. The desert is still the desert, and so part of your plan is to always expect the unexpected.