9 Essential Tips to Survive in the Desert

Последњи пут ажурирано августа 17, 2023

The desert is one, if not тхе, harshest and most unforgiving environments on Earth.

The sun’s rays are intense, the temperatures can be extreme, and weather patterns unpredictable. Danger lurks beneath the sand, food and water are scarce. And these are only some of the reasons deserts can be deadly.

If you find yourself stranded in the desert, it is important to know how to survive by putting your best bushcrafting skills into use and avoiding common mistakes.

Испод, а list of essential survival tips for staying safe in the desert.

1# Know how to source water

Water is the most important resource in the desert. It is essential for survival. Without water, you can only survive for a few days. There are a few different ways to find water in the desert:

Plants and cacti: Some common edible plants in the desert that contain water include prickly pear cactus, mesquite beans, and chia seeds.

Међутим, it is important to be careful when collecting and eating plants in the desert, as some plants can be poisonous.

If you are not sure whether a plant is edible, do not eat it. Start by eating a small amount of the plant and wait a few hours to see if you have any negative reactions.

If you do have any negative reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, do not eat any more of the plant.

Streams: If you find a stream, be sure to boil or filter the water before drinking it, as it may contain harmful bacteria.

You can filter the water using a bandana or a piece of cloth. To do this, simply place the bandana or cloth in the stream and let the water run through it.

If you do not have a way to filter water, you can boil the water for at least 1 minute to kill any harmful bacteria.

It is important to stay hydrated in the desert, even if you are not thirsty. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, try to avoid salty food, alcohol and caffeine that will make dehydration worse.

2# Identify edible desert plants

There are many edible plants in the desert, but it is important to know which ones are safe to eat. Some common edible plants in the US Southwest include:

• Prickly pear cactus: The pads and fruits of the prickly pear cactus are edible. To remove the spines, you can either burn them off or scrape them off with a knife.
• Mesquite tree: The beans, pods, and flowers of the mesquite tree are edible. To remove the beans, you can either crack them open with a rock or boil them.
• Chia plant: The seeds and leaves of the chia plant are edible. They can be eaten raw or cooked.
• Yucca plant: The flowers, fruits, and stalks of the yucca plant are edible. The flowers can be eaten raw or cooked, the fruits can be eaten raw or dried, and the stalks can be eaten raw or cooked.
• Сагуаро кактус: The fruits of the saguaro cactus are edible. The fruits are sweet and have a pear-like flavor.

If you are not sure whether a plant is edible, do not eat it. Start by eating a small amount of the plant and wait a few hours to see if you have any negative reactions.

If you do have any negative reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, do not eat any more of the plant.

It is important to be careful when collecting and eating plants in the desert. Some plants can be poisonous, even if they look edible. If you are not sure whether a plant is safe to eat, it is best to err on the side of caution and not eat it.

3# Keep your clothes on

Even if it’s hot, it’s important to cover up as much as possible to protect yourself from the sun. The sun’s rays can cause sunburn, make you dehydrate by sweating, and even damage your eyes.

Here are some tips for protecting yourself from the sun in the desert:

• Носити long-sleeved shirts и pants.
• Wear a wide-brimmed sun hat или headscarf и поларизоване наочаре за сунце.
• Consider using a hiking umbrella.
• Применити sunscreen with an SPF of 70 or higher.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you are sweating or swimming.
• Avoid being in the sun during the hottest part of the day, which is usually between 10am and 4pm.

If you do get sunburned, it is important to cool the affected area and stay hydrated. You can apply a cold compress to the sunburned area, or take a cool bath or shower. Drink plenty of fluids to help your body stay hydrated.

While a sunburn can be dangerous, the real danger when stranded in the desert is the risk of heatstroke. Early signs of heatstroke include nausea, dizziness, a headache and rapid heart rate. It is vital to seek shade, hydrate and try to cool down immediately if you experience any of this symptoms while in the desert.

4# Seek shade during the day

The sun’s rays are very strong in the desert, so it is important to seek shade during the day to protect yourself from the sun and heat. The sun’s rays can cause sunburn, heatstroke, and other health problems.

If you cannot find natural shade, you can build a shelter out of rocks or branches. Here are some tips for building a shelter:

• Find a spot that is sheltered from the sun and wind.
• Gather rocks and branches to build the walls of the shelter.
• Make the shelter big enough to fit you comfortably.
• Cover the shelter with branches or leaves to provide shade.

It is important to stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day, which is usually between 10am and 4pm. If you must be in the sun, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.

It is also okay to rest during the day, but it is important to do so in the shade. Resting in the sun can dehydrate you and make you more susceptible to heatstroke.

If you are feeling tired or lightheaded, stop what you are doing and rest in a cool place. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can dehydrate you.ù

5# Travel at dusk and dawn

The desert is cooler at dusk and dawn, so it is a good time to travel if you are trying to conserve water. You can also avoid the heat of the day by traveling at these times.

To travel safely at night in the desert, требао би:

• Use a flashlight or headlamp to light your way.
• Be careful not to trip over rocks or other obstacles.
• Listen for animals and be aware of your surroundings.
• Take breaks often to rest and drink fluids.

Staying put during the day and only moving at night is an effective strategy to conserve energy in the desert. This means avoiding strenuous activity and resting in the shade whenever possible while the sun is out. By conserving energy, you will use less water and be less likely to surffer from heatstroke.

6# Know how to build a fire

A fire can provide warmth at night when deserts get cold, while also generating light, and potentially a way to signal for help. It can also be used to cook food and purify water.

To start a fire in the desert, најпре, choose a safe location for your fire. Make sure it’s away from dry vegetation and other flammable materials. This will help prevent the fire from spreading and causing a larger fire.

Gather your materials. You’ll need dry tinder, kindling, and fuelwood. Tinder is small, dry material that will catch fire easily. Kindling is slightly larger pieces of wood that will help your fire grow. Fuelwood is larger pieces of wood that will keep your fire going.

Start your fire with tinder. You can use dry leaves, twigs, or bark. Be careful not to use any wet materials, as this could put your fire out.

Add kindling. Once your tinder is lit, add kindling to help the fire grow. Be careful not to add too much kindling at once, as this could smother the fire. Once your kindling is burning well, add fuelwood to keep the fire going. 

7# Be aware of wildlife

The desert is home to many different animals, some of which can be dangerous. It is important to be aware of these animals and to take precautions to avoid them.

• Scorpions are small, venomous creatures that can sting. They are often found in dark, sheltered places, such as shoes and clothes. It is important to shake out your shoes and clothes before putting them on.
• Snakes are also venomous creatures that can bite. Some snakes, such as rattlesnakes, are very dangerous. If you see a snake, it is best to leave it alone.
• Lizards are not usually dangerous, but some lizards, such as Gila monsters, can bite. Lizards can also be hunted for food.
• Coyotes are wild dogs that can be aggressive, especially if they are protecting their young. If you see a coyote, it is best to back away slowly and avoid making any sudden movements.

Snakes and lizards can be hunted for food in the desert. All species of snakes are edible, but you must be careful not to consume head of the snake if you suspect it may be venomous, as this is where the venom is stored.

You should also always cook reptiles before eating as there is a high chance they can carry salmonella or other dangerous pathogens.

8# Don’t set camp in dry river beds.

You may be surprised to find out that drowning is one of the leading causes of death in the desert.

Flash floods can occur quickly and without warning in desert evironments, especially after a rainstorm. If you are camping in a dry river bed, you could be caught in a flash flood and drown.

When setting up camp, it’s best to choose a spot that is unlikely to get flooded. River beds, кањони, depressions of all kind should be avoided.

If you are caught in a flash flood, try to stay calm and float with the water. Do not try to swim against the current. If you can, find a tree or other sturdy object to hold onto.

9# Follow signs of life

Plants, птице, and animal tracks are a sign that water is nearby. If you are lost in the desert, following signs of life can help you find your way to water or even a human settlement.

All living creatures need water and food to survive, so if you spot any animals, follow their tracks to locate a stream, oasis or other source of water.

If you see signs of human activity, such as roads, зградама, or campfires, this could be a sign that a settlement is nearby.

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