For some people, nothing beats a weekend in the woods. Getting off the grid for a couple days can be a great thing to do every now and then in this technology-obsessed world. Of course, taking off into the wilderness for any amount of time is not something to do without taking the proper steps beforehand. Before your next trip into the wilderness, make sure you have these eight items with you to guarantee your survival.
1. Compass
You're obviously not trekking through the wilderness with your smartphone or GPS device, because that'd be cheating. However, you're definitely going to take a compass with you so you don't get yourself turned around and end up lost. As long as you have a compass, and perhaps an old-fashioned paper map, you'll eventually be able to make your way out of the woods and back to civilization.
2. Canteen
Taking plenty of water with you to the woods is obvious, but the best way to carry it is in a heavy-duty canteen. The latest canteens are far more durable than the average water bottle, and some can even be placed over a fire to help you boil water, which may become necessary while camping in the woods.
3. Duct Tape
You'll be amazed at the number ways duct tape can save the day. If your tent, clothing, or sleeping bag gets damaged, duct tape can be used to patch it up quickly. It can also be used to wrap bandages or help in medical situations or help repair cracks in your canteen or water bottle, which can help prevent serious issues while out in the wild.
4. Knife
If something goes awry and you find yourself in a serious situation, you'll need a good survival knife at your disposal. You never know when you'll need a knife to help you clear brush, prepare food, or serve as self-protection. Whenever you're in the wilderness, it's always best to have a survival knife with you just in case.
5. Insect Repellent
Odds are bugs aren't going to literally eat you alive, but you don't want to take that chance. Taking some kind of insect repellent out into the woods can save you a lot of unpleasantness and make your trip far more enjoyable.
6. Matches
Rubbing two sticks together to create a fire is far more difficult than it looks like in movies. Your best bet while in the wilderness is to bring matches with you, particularly waterproof matches. Even if you prefer to start a fire the old-fashioned way, having matches with you in case of an emergency is a smart move.
7. Water Filtration System
You can't live without water, and even if you bring plenty along with you, there's always a chance of running out if something goes wrong. To protect yourself, bring along some kind of water filtration system so that you can filter and purify water that you find in a lake or a stream, just to be safe.
8. Money
Okay, so this may go against the spirit of going out into the wilderness and living off the land for a few days, but even if you leave all of your other personal items at home, take a $20 or $50 bill and put it in your pocket just in case. No one has to know, but if you find yourself in trouble at some point, it never hurts to have a safety net.