Introduction
Included in this list are the ten most important items that you need in order to survive. This is not a complete list, but it does cover the essentials.
- Shelter
- Fire
- Water
- Food
- Clothing
- First Aid Kit
- Knife
- Multi-Tool
- Cordage
- map and Compass
The Three Main Categories of Survival Needs
In any disaster or difficult situation, human beings have three main types of needs: security, water, and food. Security includes the need for both personal and physical safety and security. Water needs are those required for both drinking and hygiene. Food needs are those required for nourishment.
Food and Water
When most people think about survival, they think about food and water. And for good reason – these are two of the most important things you need for survival. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Food
When it comes to food, you need to make sure you have enough to eat. This means having enough calories to fuel your body and enough nutrients to keep your body healthy.
Water
Water is just as important as food, if not more so. Your body is made up mostly of water, and you need to replenish it regularly. You can survive a lot longer without food than you can without water.
Shelter
In extreme weather conditions, exposure can lead to death in a matter of hours. The human body is over 60% water and needs to maintain a core temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit to function properly. When the body begins to lose heat faster than it can produce it, hypothermia sets in. To combat this, one of the most important survival needs is shelter.
Shelter can provide several key benefits in a survival situation:
- It can provide protection from the elements, including sun, wind, rain, and snow.
- It can help conserve body heat, which is essential for survival.
- It can provide a feeling of security and safety, which can be vital for maintaining mental health in a difficult situation.
There are many different types of shelter that can be used in a survival situation, including natural shelters like caves or trees, man-made structures like houses or tents, and emergency shelters like sleeping bags or space blankets. The most important thing is to choose a shelter that will meet your specific needs.
Clothing and Fire
In the event of a natural disaster or other emergency, you may find yourself stuck in a difficult situation. To increase your chances of survival, it is important to be prepared with the right supplies and knowledge. There are three main categories of survival needs: food and water, shelter, and clothing and fire.
Each category is important, but some may be more pressing than others depending on the situation. For example, if you are stranded in a cold climate, you will need to take steps to keep yourself warm before worrying about finding food and water. In any case, it is best to be prepared for all eventualities.
Clothing and fire are two of the most important elements in survival situations. Proper clothing can help protect you from the elements and fire can provide warmth, light, and a way to cook food. Here are some tips on how to meet these needs:
-Dress in layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing. Wool or synthetic fabrics are best as they will retain heat even when wet. Avoid cotton as it loses heat when wet and does not insulate well.
-Pack a variety of clothing items including extra socks, gloves, hats, and scarves.
-Make sure your clothes are clean and free of holes or tears as this will decrease their ability to keep you warm.
-Carry matches or a lighter in a waterproof container. If possible, also pack a small knife or multi-tool as this can come in handy for starting fires or making other repairs.
-If you have time before an emergency situation arises, practice making fires so that you will be prepared when the time comes.
Prioritizing Your Survival Needs
The Rule of Threes
Many experts agree that in a survival situation, the human body can last:
- 3 minutes without air, or in extreme conditions, up to 3 hours
- 3 hours without shelter in extreme conditions
- 3 days without water
- 3 weeks without food
This general rule – that you can survive for three weeks without food – has been widely accepted by survival experts for years. However, recent research has led some experts to question this rule. A study published in 2012 found that humans can survive for much longer periods of time without food – even up to 8 weeks! The study participants were all obese men who were provided with enough water and energy (in the form of fat) to maintain their body weight. The men were not provided with any other nutrients, and yet they still managed to survive for over two months! While this study does show that humans can survive for extended periods of time without food, it’s important to note that the participants were all obese men who started out with a large amount of stored energy (in the form of body fat). It’s unclear if normal-weight individuals would be able to survive for as long, or if they would experience health problems sooner. In any case, the takeaway from this research is that food is not as essential for survival as many people think. If you find yourself in a survival situation, your priority should be to find shelter and water first, and worry about food later on down the line.
The Order of Priorities
The following is the order of priorities for basic human survival. Everyone’s individual circumstances will be different, so some adaptation may be necessary. The most important thing is to stay calm and think through each situation.
1) Air
2) Water
3) Food
4) Shelter
5) Fire
Conclusion
In conclusion, the most important things you need for survival are food, water, shelter, and clothing. These are the necessities that will keep you alive in a survival situation. Of course, there are other things that can be useful in a survival situation, but these are the absolute essentials.