Survival Skills: Plan to Survive

Trip Planning

Yes, you could grab a knife and a survival book, then just head out into the unknown. You might last a while, if you’re a quick study and lucky. Let’s be realistic, though. The imaginary scene that I just painted is an escapist fantasy which could quickly degenerate into a very real nightmare scenario. Instead of launching out into the wild, overconfident and underprepared, I’m recommending that you plan your trip and plan it carefully. Here’s what I do.

Decide the Place and Date

I’ll need to choose where and when before I can really start the rest of my trip planning. The location should be a place that I can legally go enjoy. This could be a state or national park, or private property that I have permission to use (ideally, written permission I can present to anyone I encounter). The timing can also be very important, for both safety and enjoyment. I’d recommend that everyone go check out the desert area around Death Valley. It’s like being on another planet and visually stunning. But I would also recommend visiting that area in the spring or fall, not July (you’ll die, this place is literally named Death Valley). Once I’ve decided a place to go and the time of year to visit, then the finer details can be planned (like arrival and departure days and times).  

Choose the Route

I’ll get a map for the chosen area and study it well. If there are trails, I’ll decide which ones to take and what the route will be. It’s also good to pick a general area for the campsite, if I’m staying over. By learning to read maps and understand the terrain represented in the map, I can imagine the land features and plan a trip that suits me. If I’m looking for a workout, I’ll climb the steeper trail. When I need to take it easy, I’ll choose flatter trails. The map can also help by showing water sources and other useful things.

Bring Some Friends

Once I’ve decided on a trip, it’s time to find some company. Bushcrafting is more fun with a friend or several friends, and it’s safer too. There’s safety of numbers. Groups should discourage most predatory animals and people who might try to rob campers (sadly, that’s a thing), compared to the solo hiker. Obviously, if I need to change the date or location to accommodate my friends, we can do that. Even if I can only find one bushcraft buddy who’s free on the chosen weekend, we’ll each benefit from having someone who can watch our back and provide care in the event of injury. The “buddy system” is a safety classic that never goes out of style.  

Share the Trip Plan

This step in the planning process is surprisingly vital. Someone responsible (who is not joining me) should have the details of my outdoor excursion. This person can be privy to all the plans and they can act as my safety net, if things take an unlucky turn. The most important things they need to know are the location for the trip, the route I plan to take and the time I plan to return. If I don’t reach out to them or return by the pre-determined time, they know something is wrong. Armed with all the details, they have all the information needed to help me. My safety contact should know:

·         Exactly where I am going and what route I will take through that area.

·         Where I plan to camp and what area might be a back up

·         Who is going with me (and their phone numbers)

·         Which vehicle I will take (plates, make, model and color) and where it will be parked

·         The general appearance of the group (clothing worn and basic descriptions)

There’s one final thing my safety net person should know. They need to know who to call in the event of my disappearance. They should never call the police and use the language “missing person.” This will delay search efforts. If I’ve gone to a state or national park, my safety person needs to have the number to call and they need to say “lost hiker” or “lost camper.” If I have gone to a large private property (no park rangers), then the “lost hiker” call can be made to the local sheriff’s department or similar authorities. If someone simply reports me as missing, it may be 48 hours before action is taken.

Plan for Trouble

This part is easy and it should be obvious. I’ll bring my charged mobile phone so I can call for help. If the signal is weak, I could try texting. I’ll also want to bring a survival kit and first aid supplies (as you should do, for every outdoor trip) and keep my own watch on the weather. Finally, I’ll wear appropriate clothing for the worst weather I might possibly encounter. They say “failing to plan is planning to fail.” That sounds about right.

This is an excerpt from my upcoming book Modern Bushcraft written for Chelsea Green Publishing and it will be available in 2026 if you’d like to read more.