Have you ever dreamed of leaving the rat race for an adventure-ridden life in the wilderness? If so, then you may be wondering if you have what it takes to live an outdoor lifestyle and what it actually involves.
Living in the wilderness isn’t for everyone – it takes a special type of person to be able to rough it in the wild. From dealing with the elements to being able to find food and shelter, learning bushcraft and dealing with the daily challenges that come with living off the land, there’s a lot to consider!
So, if you’re thinking about making the switch to a temporary or permanent outdoor lifestyle, ask yourself the following questions first.
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1. Are you prepared to deal with the elements?
In the wilderness, you’ll be dealing with all kinds of weather conditions – from blistering heat to freezing cold, and everything in between. Are you prepared to deal with these conditions? Do you have the right outdoor clothing and gear to keep yourself comfortable and safe?
Every outdoors explorer carries an essentials kit with them at all times, including items like a first-aid kit, a flashlight, extra batteries, matches, and so on. Having these things to hand will come in useful whether it’s baking hot or lashing with rain.
2. Can you find food and shelter?
One of the most important aspects of survival is being able to find food and shelter. In the wilderness, there are no supermarkets or hotels – you’ll need to know how to find (or grow) food and build a shelter that can protect you from the elements.
Simple shelters like abandoned log cabins or abandoned mines can provide enough shelter to get by, but if you’re planning on spending any length of time in the wilderness, you’ll need to know how to build a more sturdy shelter like a treehouse.
3. Do you know bushcraft?
Bushcraft is the art of survival in the wild, and it’s an essential skill to have if you want to live off the land. From building fires to purifying water, you’ll need to know how to do all of these things (and more) if you want to survive in the wilderness.
Bushcraft skills also extend to fishing and hunting – two more essential survival skills. If you’re planning on living off the land, then learning how to catch your own food is a must.
4. Are you prepared for the daily challenges?
Living in the wilderness comes with a whole host of daily challenges – from foraging for food to dealing with dangerous wildlife. Dealing with these challenges can be tough, and it’s not for everyone.
If you’re on your own, you’ll need to be prepared to deal with these challenges by yourself. Plus, you’ll need to think about loneliness and isolation – two more challenges that come with living in the wilderness
So, there you have it – four questions to ask yourself before you make the switch to an outdoor lifestyle. If you can answer yes to all of these questions, then you may just have what it takes to live an exciting and adventure-filled life in the great outdoors.
