What Are The 5 Cs Of Survival?
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What are the 5 Cs of Survival? Cutting, Combustion, Cover, Container, Cordage. With these five tools, you have formed the foundation of survival. They will allow you to light a fire, stay hydrated, stay dry, and stay warm long enough to survive at least 72 hours. Most rescues occur within 3 days.
If you are going to be recreating in the woods, whether for a day hike, fishing, or even joyriding an ATV, you must always carry the 5 Cs of survival.
You are out in the wilderness, and something happens. You don’t have the supplies to survive.
When out enjoying nature, it’s important to be prepared for anything. That means bringing along the 5 Cs of survival.
The 5 Cs of survival are:
- Cutting
- Combustion
- Container
- Cover
- Cordage
If you have these items with you when an emergency arises, you will be able to survive until help arrives.
We will now talk about these items in detail.
Cutting
When venturing into the woods, it is always best to be prepared. Many people carry a knife for protection or if they need to cut something. However, a knife is not always the best option. If you are going to be spending a lot of time in the woods, it is advisable to bring a fixed blade and a folding saw.
This way, you can more easily complete tasks such as building a shelter or cutting firewood. In addition, a fixed blade is much less likely to break than a knife, and a folding saw can be easily stored in your pack. By bringing both a fixed blade and a folding saw with you into the woods, you can be sure that you are prepared for anything.
See our recommended best bushcraft knives.
Combustion
In a survival situation, fire is one of your most important allies. It provides warmth and light and can also be used to cook food, purify water, and signal for help. While there are many ways to make fire, one of the best options is to use a BIC lighter. BIC lighters are easy to use and reliable, making them ideal for emergencies.
Always carry at least 3 BIC lighters. One of them should be in your pocket at all time. Wrap the handle in orange Gorilla tape to make them easy to find. You can also use the Gorilla tape as an emergency fire starter.
However, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan.
Ferro rods are a great option for making a fire in a pinch. Ferro rods can create a spark even when wet. Plus, they’re small and lightweight, making them easy to carry in your pocket or pack.
So whether you’re camping in the wilderness or stranded in an urban jungle, make sure you have a way to make a fire. It could just save your life.
Container
When you’re out in the wilderness, it’s important to have a reliable source of safe drinking water. One way to ensure that you always have access to clean water is to carry a single-wall steel water bottle with you.
These bottles can be used to boil water, killing any harmful bacteria that may be present. In addition, steel bottles are durable and lightweight, making them easy to transport. And because they’re reusable, they’re a more sustainable option than disposable water bottles. So next time you hit the trail, be sure to bring along a single-wall steel water bottle. It could just save your life.
Cover
Having an emergency shelter with you in a survival situation is important. A shelter can provide you with protection from the elements and help you stay warm or cool, depending on the situation. It can also help you stay dry, which is crucial in a survival situation. A shelter can also provide you with a place to rest and recuperate, and it can help you stay hidden from potential predators.
In short, a shelter is an essential piece of survival gear, and it is important to have one with you in any survival situation.
Tarps are the classic bushcraft emergency shelter. Survival Frog makes a portable tube tent that can be reused. Or, in the worst case, a contractor garbage bag will work.
You might be interested in our best bug out tents.
Cordage
In any survival situation, it’s important to have the right tools with you. Two items that can be extremely helpful are paracord and tarred bank line. Paracord is strong and versatile, making it ideal for everything from building shelter to starting a fire.
The tarred bank line is also strong and waterproof, making it perfect for a fishing line or Prusik loops to hang items on a ridgeline.
While you may never need to use these items, it’s always better to be prepared. So if you’re heading into the wilderness, make sure you pack some paracord and tarred bank line. It could just save your life.
Dress Properly
When you head outdoors, it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
If it’s cold out, dress in layers to stay warm. Wear a hat and scarf to protect your head and neck from the cold, and make sure your feet are covered with warm socks and boots. Wear loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics to help you stay cool if it’s hot out. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
UV rays can damage your skin even on cloudy days, so applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before you go outdoors is important. By following these simple tips, you can ensure you stay comfortable and safe no matter the weather.
Let Someone Know Where You Are Going And When You Will Be Back
There is something invigorating and liberating about going for a wilderness hike or a park walk.
It’s a chance to get away from everyday life’s hustle and bustle and commune with nature.
However, before you go off into the great outdoors, it’s important to let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. This way, if something happens and you don’t return when expected, someone will know to come looking for you.
In addition, it’s always a good idea to carry a map and compass with you so that you can find your way back even if you get lost. With a little preparation, you can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without putting yourself at risk.
The Elements Will Kill You Faster Than A Bear
Many people believe that a bear is the most dangerous thing in the great outdoors.
However, the truth is that the elements are far more likely to kill you than any animal. In extreme cold, your body can lose heat faster than it can generate it, leading to hypothermia.
In extreme heat, your body can overheat, leading to dehydration and possibly heat stroke. Even something as simple as being caught in a rainstorm can lead to serious health problems if you’re not prepared.
So before you head out into the wilderness, make sure you have a plan for dealing with the elements. Otherwise, they just might kill you.
Going hiking, camping, and enjoying the great outdoors is a lot of fun. But make sure to bring along the essential safety gear starting with the 5 C’s of survival.
