Wilderness Survival Myths Debunked

Over time there have been countless wilderness survival books written, many offering a tremendous amount of knowledge, though some perpetuate myths that can have disastrous consequences.

Survival techniques evolve as we continue to gain a deeper understanding of physiology, environmental factors, and materials. What was once considered sound advice may now be recognized as harmful or ineffective. 

For this reason, It’s crucial to fact-check wilderness survival knowledge from older sources like books and TV. 

From the deceptive logic of rubbing snow on frostbite to the allure of making fire with ice, we’ll delve into the origins of these misconceptions and reveal the stark realities that lie beneath. By understanding the fallacies and embracing a more informed approach, you can significantly enhance your safety and preparedness in the wilderness.

To make it a little easier we are outlining some of our top wilderness survival myths we have seen throughout our years. These are in no particular order. 

Myth 1: Rubbing Snow on Frostbite

Pinpointing the exact origin of the “rubbing snow on frostbite” myth is difficult. There’s a possibility that the myth stems from a misunderstanding of the importance of drying skin in cold conditions. 

Rubbing snow on wet skin might have been used to remove excess moisture, which is crucial for preventing further heat loss. However, this practice was then incorrectly applied to frostbite itself.

• The Reality: Rubbing snow on frostbite will further lower the tissue temperature, exacerbating the damage. 

The proper way to treat frostbite is to gently and gradually warm the affected area. This can be done by immersing the area in warm (not hot) water, or by using body heat.

Myth 2: “If Birds Can Eat It, You Can Too”

Early humans, like other animals, relied heavily on observation to determine which foods were safe. Seeing birds consume berries or other plants without apparent harm would have naturally led to the assumption that those foods were also safe for humans.

The myth arose from a natural, but flawed, attempt to understand the natural world. While observation is a valuable tool, it’s crucial to remember that different species have different biological needs and tolerances.

• The Reality: Birds have different digestive systems than humans. What’s safe for them can be deadly for us.

Myth 3: Moss Only Grows on the North Side of Trees

Moss thrives in damp, shady environments. In the Northern Hemisphere, the north side of trees generally receives less direct sunlight, resulting in cooler and moister conditions.

However, this widely circulated myth is demonstrably false. 

The myth stems from a general observation that was then oversimplified and transformed into a supposedly reliable navigational tool.

• The Reality: Moss growth is influenced by moisture and sunlight, not solely by cardinal direction.

Myth 4: Drinking Your Urine for Hydration

The myth surrounding drinking urine for hydration has a complex history, stemming from a combination of ancient practices, misinterpreted beliefs, and some more modern popularizations. It was even seen as a tip from Bear Grylls is a Man vs Wild episode. Despite its persistence, it’s crucial to understand that drinking urine for hydration is generally harmful. 

• The Reality: Urine contains concentrated salts that will dehydrate you faster than not drinking at all.

Myth 5: Making Fire with Ice

The fundamental principle behind the myth is based on the well-established science of optics. Ice, when shaped correctly, can act as a lens, concentrating sunlight in the same way a magnifying glass does.

While it is possible to create fire using ice, this is far from practical in any real survival situation due to how ice freezes and  where in the world ice is available naturally. 

• The Reality: Finding perfectly clear ice and sufficient sunlight intensity to ignite tinder is extremely rare.

Key Recommendations:

• Carry reliable fire-starting tools, such as lighters and ferro rods.
• Prioritize practical skills and techniques over theoretical ones.
• Thoroughly research plant identification before consuming any wild edibles.
• Always cross-reference information from multiple sources. There are plenty of in person courses you can attend too.
• Use modern technology like google to verify old information.

By adopting a critical and informed approach to survival, you can significantly increase your chances of staying safe in the wilderness.

While the allure of time-honored survival wisdom is undeniable, it’s imperative to recognize that not all knowledge passed down through generations is accurate or safe. 

As we’ve explored, myths like rubbing snow on frostbite, relying on birds as food indicators, and the impracticality of fire-making with ice, demonstrate the potential for outdated or misconstrued information to lead to dangerous outcomes. 

The key takeaway is not to dismiss traditional knowledge entirely, but to approach it with a discerning eye. 

The evolution of scientific understanding, coupled with the availability of modern resources, empowers us to critically evaluate and refine survival techniques. 

By prioritizing practicality, relying on proven methods, and engaging in thorough research, we can equip ourselves with the most effective and reliable tools for navigating the challenges of the wilderness. 

Ultimately, a blend of respect for historical knowledge and a commitment to rigorous verification is essential for ensuring safety and success in any survival situation.

Are you going to try and avoid the survival situations and stick to camping? If so, check out out The Biggest Mistakes I See People Make When Camping in Colorado