What Actually Keeps You Alive in the Wild
Let’s be honest — part of the fun of heading into the woods is wondering what else is out there. Sasquatch? Maybe. Aliens? We’ve heard stories. That eerie feeling you get when your headlamp catches something moving in the trees? Absolutely.
But when it comes to surviving the wild — or even just enjoying it without ending up cold, hungry, or hopelessly turned around — it’s not the legends that save the day. It’s the little things you pack. The knowledge you carry. The gear you remember at the last second that ends up making all the difference.
So we figured we’d break down a few myths we’ve all heard (and maybe believed once or twice), and share what’s actually worked for us out there.
Myth #1: “You can rub two sticks together to make fire.”
Reality: You’ll end up with blisters, a bruised ego, and no dinner.
We tried this once. Well—we watched Dave try this once. And after 45 minutes of huffing, puffing, and swearing at kindling, we decided it was time to step in with a better idea. That’s when the fire starter pouches saved the night. They light fast, burn hot (even on damp ground), and gave us just enough dignity back to cook dinner.
Paired with a magnesium fire starter, we had backup sparks for days. Pro tip: don’t wait until your hands are numb and your snacks are gone to figure out fire. Pack like you want to enjoy the evening, not battle it.
Myth #2: “Moss always grows on the north side of trees.”
Reality: Moss grows wherever it wants — like your weird neighbor’s Halloween decorations.
We wandered off-trail once, trying to shortcut back to camp. “It’s fine,” someone said. “We’ll just follow the moss!” Spoiler: it was not fine.
After an accidental loop and a very tense debate over whether or not we’d already passed “that tree,” we finally pulled out a compass. A good old-fashioned one. And it got us back, snacks and all. If we’d brought a GPS tool? Even better. And next time, we probably will.
Lesson: moss is pretty. It is not your guide.
Myth #3: “You can drink from a mountain stream — it’s nature’s water bottle!”
Reality: Clear water isn’t always clean water.
We once filled up at a gorgeous, babbling brook — only to spend the next day arguing over who packed the Imodium. Since then, we don’t mess around. A good quality survival straw now lives in the side pocket of our packs. It’s light, simple, and works when we need it most.
No pump, no batteries, just straight-up peace of mind when we’re miles from anywhere. And for longer trips? We bring backup purification tablets or a gravity-fed system for the group. But that little straw? It’s saved us more than once — and not just from dehydration.
Myth #4: “Just build a shelter from leaves and branches.”
Reality: Sounds cozy… until it rains sideways at 2 a.m.
We’ve all seen the videos — someone stacking branches like they're building a woodland mansion, bragging about “primitive skills.” We tried that once. Long story short, we woke up in what can only be described as a damp leaf lasagna.
Now? We don’t play games with shelter. This emergency tent takes less than five minutes to set up and weighs almost nothing. It’s not glamping, but it’ll keep you dry, warm, and not questioning your life choices at 3 a.m.
And if temps drop, we always have a couple emergency blankets packed. These things trap body heat like magic and have saved our butts (literally) more than once when the fire died out and we weren’t ready to crawl into the tent yet.
Myth #5: “Bears only attack if you smell like jerky.”
Reality: Sometimes they’re just nosy. Or hangry. Or jerks.
We’ve never had a bear encounter (thankfully), but we’ve definitely heard the rustle in the night and the panic whisper of “Did anyone hang the food bag?”
Good food storage goes a long way — use a bear bag, get it up high and away from camp, and yes, eat the jerky before bed. Keep bear spray close, and more importantly, know how to use it. The best kind of bear encounter? The kind that never happens.
Myth #6: “Survival is all about grit.”
Reality: Grit helps. But the right gear makes the grit go further.
The best trips we’ve had weren’t the ones where everything went perfectly. They were the ones where stuff went sideways and we still figured it out. Having the right tools — a sharp knife, a headlamp, fire starters, a first aid kit, snacks that won’t melt — means you’re prepared to enjoy the wild, not just survive it.
None of us are trying to win a season of Naked and Afraid. We’re just trying to make good memories, get back in one piece, and maybe tell a story around the fire that starts with, “Remember when we thought we didn’t need a real shelter?”
Final Thoughts: The Wild’s Not Out to Get You — But It’s Not Gonna Go Easy on You Either.
We’re not here to scare you — just to help you show up a little smarter, a little better packed, and a lot more ready. Because when you’re out there, far from cell service and closer to stars than streetlights, being prepared is the adventure.
So keep chasing the legends, sure. But pack for the real stuff — the weather, the missteps, the “I thought you brought the lighter” moments. That’s where the real stories begin.
See you out there — hopefully dry, caffeinated, and with all your snacks.