Lost in the Wild

BoyNhisDog

BoyNhisDog

Joined
Oct 9, 2001
Messages
234
National Geographic Adventure magazine has a big article with this title in their December issue.

It is an eye opening read. It deals with the psychology of being lost. You will not believe the statistics. It says in severe cases, the actions of even the most experienced outdoorspeople seem inexplicable.

It goes on to say that the ones who survive are not the ones you would expect. Children 6 and under have a better chance than experienced hunters, better than physically fit hikers, better than former members of the military.

It explains why and it is sobering. It is a detailed article that deals with not only this but the physical needs and the emergency kit basics. It uses real situations and people to teach the basics and the not so basics. The mental preparedness and perspective are discussed.

If you are interested in wilderness survival I strongly suggest this amazing article.
 
Thanks BoyNHisDog!

Is this magazine linked to their website at all?

Gotta find this one....

Best,

Brian.
 
Brian, I checked their website and found info for the October issue, so they are a bit slow. I clicked on Adventure as they have a Travel mag too. It is not the original National Geographic mag. It is the bigger format National Geographic Adventure (December). It is well worth the four bucks just for that article. I found it yesterday at my outdoor store so it may not be out everywhere for a few days.
 
wow, we need to find this on line somewhere. sound like this is a usefull resource for mentally preparing for a wilderness emergency.

alex
 
Thanks for the info.

I haven't read the article but I'll comment on it anyway :)

From what you said about the little children ( in severe cases only? ) "statistically" out-surving adults one can guess at the reasons why. I suspect it has to do with the conserving of energy both physical and mental. Little kids are more likely to travel less or not at all and find a place to hole up in until found. Also little kids will be immediately psychologically overwhelmed and simply curl up in a ball, a very efficient energy saver. Little kids will also be closer to the last place seen, get lost in warmer weather and generally be in less remote places than adults, ...

"Statistics" are usually made from a biased point of view, occasionally unintentionally. :D

Adults are much more likely get lost/survival situation in remote areas , colder weather and think they can get themselves out of a bad situation by traveling. The psychological aspect is hard to comprehend unless one has seen it or experienced it therefore it helps to spend time in the woods alone and realize you CAN survive for many days even in cold weather with just a few items on your person. These items are 1. fire making equipment 2. Waterproof tarp or plastic sheet 3. Sturdy knife . I am assuming water is available. It is a good idea to practice building a fire and spending a night in the woods with just those 3 items , make it more interesting by doing it when it is raining or snowing.
 
Originally posted by Pentlatch
From what you said about the little children ( in severe cases only? ) "statistically" out-surving adults one can guess at the reasons why. I suspect it has to do with the conserving of energy both physical and mental. Little kids are more likely to travel less or not at all and find a place to hole up in until found.
Click to expand...
Perhaps they also EXPECT to be rescued and don't do anything stupid like those who don't. (One of the "unbelievable" statistics is how many aircrew crashing in remote places during the 1939-1945 war, with in principle the means to survive, instead killed themselves on purpose after a short time.)
 
Pentlatch,

You are very astute. Your take is right on. The article goes into much deeper detail. They say that as adults we create a "mental model" that can give us "mental vertigo" but little kids don't have that learned yet so they follow a more basic instinct.

Your take on statistics is right also. Give them the weight that they deserve but don't be fooled by them. This article may help someone in not becoming a statisic.

Your attitude and perspective is that of a survivor. It tells what the survivors did to make them successful and the mistakes that the non-survivors made.

We all know that your best survival tool is your mind and this little read goes into the psychology of the issue in a way you don't usually see in a magazine piece.

It contains far too many details and concepts to repeat here.

When you read it I would be interested to hear your final take on it.

Regards
 
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