Whether joining a scheduled trek or lost in the vast, wet wilderness, it’s a good idea to have a working knowledge of jungle survival. Several types of tropical jungle exist in our world, all of which are hot, humid, rich in animal and plant life, and…wet. The jungle is not the safest place to be, so check out a few tips for surviving this dense region:
Water Sources
Luckily water sources aren’t difficult to come by in the jungle, with your best bets including rainwater and bamboo stalks. Streams of running water also work, but you’ll need to boil this water to kill any nasty bacteria that’s floating around. For rainwater, use a large leaf to funnel the liquid into a container or pouch. For bamboo, bend the stalk and let it drain into your chosen container.
Walking Stick
Whether on a trek or lost, a walking stick is an excellent aid to have. Bring a stick with you or find one, as the jungle is often difficult to walk through due to plant overgrowth and muddy ground. You’ll also want to use the stick to part vegetation rather than using your hands. To use your hands can result in stings, bites, and other unpleasantness. If you find yourself entangled, walk backwards to get those vines off ya.
“Light” Clothing
The clothes you wear in the jungle should be light enough to allow skin to breath, but also cover as much skin as possible. The jungle is filled with creepy-crawlies, so the more skin that’s covered, the better. Also wear sturdy boots, a wide-brimmed hat, and leech socks. Granted, these items may not be available to you if lost, so do the best with what you have and try to cover as much skin as you can.
Day Travel
No matter your situation, travel through the jungle during the day. Large animals come out to feed at night, and you don’t want them to feed on you.
Camping
For all that’s good and pure, do not camp near stagnant water, animal trails, ant hills, or anywhere else animals have been hanging out!
These are merely a few tips concerning surviving in a wet jungle! What are your best jungle survival tips? Share them in the comments section!