Mountainous regions of the world can be exciting, breathtaking, and full of nooks or crannies to explore. While these areas are great for getting back to nature or exploring wildlife, there are a few things to take into consideration if survival is the ultimate goal. You can use some of these tips to make subsisting in the mountains easier or more convenient when you’re in need of a safe place to shelter quickly.
Pack a Survival Knife
While the primary purpose of a knife is to cut keenly, you can find an edged tool that can perform several duties at once. A basic survival knife might include a directional compass in the butt cap of the handle. The handle itself is usually hollow and useful for storing small accessories you might use to light a fire at night. A blade with either a serrated edge or sawteeth on the false edge can help you cut through brush and branches you might use to put up your shelter.
Prepare a Tarp
Getting a tarp is one way to have a ready-made roof that is waterproof and can keep wind and other elements at bay as well. If you know the general size or shape of the temporary structure you want to build, you can go for a custom tarp that already comes according to your specifications. Tarps are lightweight and multipurpose. A survivalist will get shade during the day, warmth at night, and protection from the wet or cold weather.
Always Carry a Rope
Like a knife, a rope is a useful accessory that any survivalist can adapt to meet different needs. While your instinct may be to use a rope to tie off your shelter, however, you may want to save that rope for climbing and hauling needs. As for how to keep your shelter in one piece, consider duct tape for the majority of your shelter-building needs.
Include Emergency Supplies
There are a few items you might consider adding to your repertoire. A standard emergency blanket can help keep your body temperature at a normal level. When the wind is howling through the mountains, temperatures at night can drop quickly. Emergency rations can provide you with a quick food source to eat while in your shelter. Having a few flares in your pack for signals or extra light sources might be a good idea as well.
Even if one is proficient at taking on the mountains finding a place there, the basic need for shelter remains. Being able to erect and maintain a safe space quickly when night or poor weather hits can mean the difference between security and exposure. Use some of these tips and supplies to make sure you have what you need to climb the next mountain.