Opening Thoughts

Recently, I've been watching many outdoor survival videos on Bilibili that really got me hooked. Especially those content creators who build luxurious cabins in deep forests with their bare hands, and the masters who roast whole lambs in the wilderness - they're truly enviable. However, as a teacher who frequently takes students on field trips, I thoroughly understand the reality of wilderness survival. Behind those super cool videos, there are countless unexpected details and techniques. Today, I'll share my experiences and insights to help you enjoy outdoor activities while staying safe.

To be honest, wilderness survival is a truly captivating topic. Every time I mention it in class, my students' eyes immediately light up. However, real wilderness survival isn't as easy and carefree as it appears in videos. It requires solid fundamentals, a calm mind, adequate preparation, and the right mindset.

Mindset Comes First

When facing danger in the wilderness, what's most important isn't how much equipment you have, but your mindset. This might sound abstract, but I've been through many real situations and know how crucial this principle is.

I remember once taking a group of students on a field trip. The weather forecast predicted light rain that day, but unexpectedly, we encountered a downpour. One student panicked and was about to run downhill. I quickly grabbed him - if I hadn't reacted fast, the consequences would have been unthinkable. In that kind of rainy weather, the mountain paths were as slippery as if they'd been oiled - running down recklessly could have led to much worse than just a broken leg.

That experience left a deep impression on me. I had all students stop in place and find shelter from the wind while we waited for the rain to lighten up. During this time, I shared many wilderness survival stories with them. For instance, there's a famous case where an experienced mountaineer got lost in a blizzard, but because he stayed calm and dug a hole in the snow to shelter for the night, he was found by the rescue team the next day.

This reminds me of another experience. Once, while taking students to collect rock samples in a remote mountainous area, we encountered a group of wild monkeys. One student was so scared he dropped his backpack and was about to run. Fortunately, I called out to stop him in time, teaching everyone to retreat slowly and stay calm - when facing wild animals, you should never turn and run, as that's more likely to trigger their chase instinct.

So, staying calm in the wilderness is absolutely crucial. It's like encountering danger while driving - panicking and slamming the brakes often leads to worse consequences. The same principle applies in the wilderness; only by staying calm can you make the right decisions. I often tell my students that being afraid is normal, but the key is not letting fear control your actions.

The Way of Equipment

Speaking of equipment, I've noticed many people have a misconception, thinking they need to buy the most expensive and professional gear to ensure safety. Whether it's a few thousand yuan Gore-Tex jacket or a tent worth tens of thousands, some think they can't do wilderness survival without these items. Actually, that's not true - sometimes the most ordinary items can be the most helpful.

Let me first share a magic tool with everyone: tape. Yes, just ordinary tape. Every time I go out, I wrap a round of tape around my water bottle - it doesn't take up space and is very convenient when needed. Once, the sole of my hiking boot came loose, and if it weren't for having this tape with me, I would have been in real trouble. The temporary fix with tape actually lasted until we got down the mountain. Later, I discovered tape could also be used to repair tents, secure bandages, and even repel insects - by sticking tape with the adhesive side out on your pant legs, leeches and bugs won't climb up.

Here's something even more interesting - you'd never guess that birthday candles could save lives. Yes, those trick candles that won't blow out. These are absolute treasures in wet weather, especially for starting fires. Because of their special design, they can relight themselves even if blown out by wind. Once, in continuous rainy weather outdoors, I managed to start a fire thanks to these. After that experience, this item became a permanent addition to my equipment list.

Speaking of equipment, I want to especially remind everyone: expensive doesn't necessarily mean practical - the key is finding what works for you. Take hiking boots for example - more expensive isn't better, what's most important is that they fit well. I've seen many people wearing thousand-yuan brand-name hiking boots end up with blisters after a short distance. On the contrary, those ordinary hiking boots costing two or three hundred yuan might be more practical if they fit well.

It's also important to consider the multi-functionality of equipment. For instance, an ordinary nylon rope can be used not only for setting up tents but also for hanging clothes, binding items, and even rescue in emergency situations. I always carry a 50-meter rope in my backpack - though rarely used, it can truly save lives when needed.

I remember once during a field trip with students, a student's shoelace broke. I used my lighter to melt the end of the nylon rope, then sharpened it to make a temporary shoelace. This kind of improvisational ability is what real wilderness survival skills are about.

Another important principle: always have backup equipment. For example, with fire-starting tools, I prepare at least three different methods: lighter, matches, and a magnesium rod. Because in the wilderness, any tool might fail, only by preparing multiple backup options can you ensure you're ready for unexpected needs.

[Subsequent content will be sent in multiple parts due to length limitations. This is the first part - please let me know if you need me to continue]