A vast arid land in Arizona. | Photo by Michael M on Unsplash
Have you ever asked yourself how to survive in the cold, barren desert? How do you locate water in what appears to be an arid land? What skills would make you able to withstand the crushing heat?
In the desert, the heat is extreme, and so is the cold. Knowing how to survive in the desert can save you in this life-and-death situation. Behind the buttes, canyons, and dunes are dangers hiding beneath the sand. As the sun sets to the dry horizon, another threat comes in. The tricky thing is no one ever knows when and what situation you’ll be in. Therefore, if you know how to deal with such extreme environments, you are likely to survive.
If you want to know more about what it’s really like in the desert, Desert Series by June Reynolds might guide you as it explores the American Southwest through his books Desert Stones, Desert Trails, and Desert Report. Are you ready to equip yourself for the ultimate survival challenge? Let’s go!
Here are 5 skills and tips that might help you survive in the desert:
1. Stay Hydrated and Conserve Water
Water is like a god in the desert. Like a god, it is a life-giving element. Water is the most critical resource for survival in the desert. No matter how much water is supplied, ensure you carry a sufficient amount or even more than you need. If water runs out, ration it by sipping slowly in case strides have been made rather than gulping, which quickly eats into the store.
However, your body will still need more water as you continue your journey. To minimize water loss, rest in shaded areas. Any physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day is crucial in maintaining the water supply.
Knowing how to look for water sources, such as mountain shadows, riverbeds, or plants that indicate groundwater, is vital. Finding and exploring these sites can help locate lifesaving water and eventually survive in the desert.
2. Find or Create a Shelter
Water may help you survive in the desert, but it’s not enough. Your body will need more than just quenching thirst; it will also need protection from extreme weather conditions. While still during fiery daylight hours, look for natural shades, which can include rocks, caves, or even overhangs. If such natural shades do not exist, people need to use creative materials like branches, clothes, or tarps to construct temporary ones and get some relief from the heat.
Even in the desert, darkness consumes everything quickly. In such temperatures, wearing clothes and blankets helps to retain body heat, so it is good to put those on. A well-prepared shelter not only guards against the scorching sun but also helps insulate you from the biting cold of the desert night.
Sand-covered areas may appear harmless and scenic but can be very confusing as one can easily get lost. Therefore, any navigation skills become highly relevant. To navigate during the day, keep the sun in mind and observe its motion across the sky from east to west.
During the day, constellations such as the North Star in the northern hemisphere will help you find your bearings. If you possess a map and a compass, make sure you know how to use them properly. GPS devices may also be handy, but they are not conventional navigational methods and should be used only until the battery lasts. Always take note of the landmarks or items you used to ensure retracing is easy.
Surviving in a desert would be much better if you had prior knowledge of the place. You may read The Deserts of the American Southwest to learn about the beauty and dangers of the regions of the American Southwest.
4. Pack Desert-Specific Gear
If traveling in a desert is planned, the equipment needed should be well-prepared. Preparation is a must to survive in the desert. But what are the things to bring to survive?
Start with sun protection. Cover the skin with a wide-brimmed hat, thick sunscreen, and sunglasses to reduce severe UV exposure. During the intensive daytime heat, choose loose-fitting cotton clothing to allow airflow and decrease the heat on the body.
Also, prepare a survival kit that consists of basic items, including a multi-tool for repairs, a fire starter for warmth, and a flashlight, which is needed to navigate in the dark. A mirror might even help you survive in the desert because it can be used to signal rescuers.
5. Watch for Wildlife and Hazards
Unfortunately, despite the harsh conditions, the desert is home to many wild animals and insects. Their coping and defense mechanisms become deadly as they thrive in hostile environments. Dangerous desert animals include rattlesnakes, giant hairy scorpions, and black widow spiders. It is also a good idea to avoid putting your hands into places that can’t be seen because they are often burrows for desert animals. Even if you look for their silhouette and patterns, it will be hard because they camouflage.
For this reason, always scan the place carefully before doing any activity to avoid unwelcome surprises. Before setting up an outdoor camp, it is important to examine the outdoor setting carefully to avoid potential dangers. One should exercise caution for things like cacti, as they are very sharp and can cause injury. Also, watch out for loose rocks and unstable ground, which can cause you to trip or sprain an ankle. Awareness and caution are the primary means of avoiding dangers and staying secure in a hot desert.
What are the Skills to Survive in the Desert?
Surviving in the desert demands preparation, awareness, patience, and adaptability. Carrying out basic and active measures will enable one to withstand the worst situations. The desert is indeed a great reminder for humanity, but one can overcome its difficulties with proper preparation and, most importantly, proper skills. Remember, the desert is a relatively inhospitable terrain, making it almost impossible to survive without proper planning. Stay safe, stay smart, and respect the land.
Desert Stones, Desert Trails, and Desert Report are books part of June Reynolds’ Desert Series. Grab a copy now by clicking here!
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