The wilderness is a fascinating place, and some of the most interesting stories come from those who have survived there. We’ve put together 18 of these survival stories for you to enjoy. They include everything from plane crashes to being trapped in an avalanche, so get ready for some thrilling reading!
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Survival in the great outdoors requires preparation and knowledge of basic survival skills. |
| Being prepared for unexpected situations can increase your chances of survival. |
| Water is essential for survival, and having access to clean water is crucial in a survival situation. |
| Building a shelter can protect you from harsh weather conditions and dangerous animals in the wilderness. |
| Knowing how to navigate through the wilderness can help you find your way back to civilization. |
David Sharp
In May 2005, David Sharp died during the Mount Everest disaster. The British climber had climbed alone and without artificial oxygen, which is banned from use by all but a few people on Everest’s summit.
He was found unconscious at the South Summit (the third highest point on the mountain) but could not be rescued before he died.
Surviving a lightning strike is crucial to staying safe in the great outdoors. Learn more about how to protect yourself against thunderstorms with our guide on surviving a lightning strike, and stay prepared for any weather.
Roy Sullivan
Roy Sullivan was a park ranger in Shenandoah National Park who was struck by lightning seven times. He survived all seven strikes, but lost his left arm and left leg in the process. Sullivan died in 1983 at age 70.
According to one source, Roy Sullivan was hit by lightning seven times while working as a park ranger at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Each time he survived without serious injury or any long-term effects on his health.
On July 6th, 1942, he was doing some work outside when he noticed that a storm had moved into the area.
A few seconds later and without warning a bolt of lightning struck him out of nowhere! Roy fell over backward and began screaming hysterically before passing out from shock (which could have killed him if not for being well trained).
Lightning Strike Survival Gear:
| Gear | Brand | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lightning Protection System | Lightning Protection Corporation | This system provides comprehensive protection against direct and indirect lightning strikes, utilizing a combination of air terminals, conductors, and grounding systems. |
| Lightning Rod | True Point | A lightning rod is designed to attract and divert lightning strikes away from a structure or person. True Point offers a variety of lightning rods suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. |
| Portable Lightning Detector | Kestrel | A portable lightning detector can alert you to nearby lightning activity, giving you time to take cover before a strike occurs. Kestrel offers a range of portable detectors with real-time lightning data. |
| Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter | Leviton | A GFCI is a safety device that can protect against electrocution from lighting strikes or other electrical hazards. Leviton GFCI outlets are designed to detect electrical imbalances and shut off the power when necessary. |
| Surge Protector | APC | A surge protector is designed to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes or surges caused by lightning strikes or other power surges. APC offers a range of surge protectors suitable for different applications, including home, office, and data centers. |
Lillian Alling
Don’t let the name fool you. The Donner Party didn’t just eat dinner together, they were also a group of pioneers who tried to cross the Sierra Nevada mountains with no way to make it through the stormy winter weather.
In 1846, Lillian Alling was a member of this ill-fated wagon train that got stuck in snow drifts and struggled for months with little food and shelter.
Aling was born in 1821 in Minnesota and married her husband George Donner at age 16 before he left for California during gold rush days (the same route as used by many others).
After George returned home from his trip westward, he told Lillian about his adventures and insisted that she join him on another trip back to California so they could bring their family fortune back home a fortune made up mostly of goods traded while traveling through Oregon Trail territories along with their wagons full of supplies such as food or clothing items.
In April 1846 when both families began making preparations for their journey across America once again; however this time under different circumstances since there would be no guidebooks or maps provided by government officials like what had happened previously when traveling through Oregon Territory during Lewis & Clark Expedition days several years earlier around 1800s (also considered one of America’s greatest explorations).
This time around there wasn’t going anywhere near any established trails either but instead chose an alternate route due its closeness proximity between Fort Hall which sits alongside Snake River flowing into Snakehead Lake where river widens out into meadowland before reaching bend where fork separates into two branches: one branch goes directly south toward Cottonwood Island located between forks while other branch curves northwest toward Bear River Valley then enters valley bottomlands near present day Soda Springs Park!
Are you planning a trip to the wilderness and worried about coming face to face with a grizzly bear? Check out our guide on what to do if you come to face to face with a grizzly for advice on how to stay safe and avoid danger.
Henry Hudson
Henry Hudson was a British explorer, navigator and merchant who sailed for the Dutch East India Company.
He made two voyages to the arctic in search of a Northwest Passage; he was the first European to discover what is now known as Hudson Bay, and also discovered Hudson Strait.
In 1610, he set off on his third voyage with six ships carrying 90 men – including sailors from England and France as well as some Inuits (from present day Labrador).
After finding nothing but ice floes for weeks on end, they came across land that was rich with flora and fauna. The crew named it New Island after their ship “The Discovery”.
Later that year, Hudson met up with some Inuits who told him about another island nearby called “Manahattan.” They explained how this island had hills covered with trees that looked like oak trees found back home in England!
Essential Gear for Cold-Weather Survival:
| Gear | Brand | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Insulated Jacket | The North Face | An insulated jacket will keep you warm in cold weather conditions. The North Face offers a variety of parkas, jackets, and vests that provide warmth without sacrificing mobility. |
| Waterproof Boots | Muck Boot Company | Waterproof boots are essential to keeping your feet dry and warm in cold, wet conditions. The Muck Boot Company offers a range of boots suitable for different activities, such as farming, hunting, and outdoor work. |
| Sleeping Bag | NEMO Equipment | A high-quality sleeping bag is necessary for staying warm during the night. NEMO Equipment offers a variety of sleeping bags suitable for different temperatures and sleeping positions. |
| Multi-Tool | Leatherman | A multi-tool is a versatile tool that can help you with a variety of tasks in a survival situation. Leatherman offers a range of multi-tools with different functionalities, like pliers, knives, and can openers. |
| Hand Warmers | HotHands | Hand warmers are small packets that generate heat and keep your hands warm in cold weather. HotHands offers a variety of hand warmers suitable for different activities, such as hunting, fishing, and camping. |
James Caird Crew
The James Caird Crew was a group of four men who were stranded in Antarctica. The crew of the James Caird were Ernest Shackleton, Frank Worsley, Tom Crean and Frank Hurley.
It is often claimed that this was the first successful trans-oceanic crossing by any type of vessel (not including watercraft) but it is actually not true; they did not complete their journey on foot yet they made it further than any other before them.
In a survival situation, having access to clean water is essential. To learn about the best water purification options for emergencies, read our guide on the best water purification tablets and stay hydrated and healthy.
John Evangelist Walsh
John Evangelist Walsh was a US Navy sailor who was stranded on an uninhabited island in the Pacific Ocean for 66 days. He and 14 other sailors were members of the crew on the USS Pollack, which was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1944.
The survivors floated for 16 days before finding land and then had to survive for another 50 days until they were rescued by another ship.
He survived by eating plants, birds and fish he caught with his bare hands. He also found freshwater pools to drink from, but he often had to boil it multiple times before he drank from them as well as clean them out thoroughly with sand so that no animals could be hiding there.
Must-Have Equipment for Wilderness Hiking:
| Gear | Brand | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Backpack | Osprey | A good backpack is essential for carrying all your gear during a multi-day hike. Osprey offers a variety of backpacks suitable for different activities, such as hiking, travel, and cycling. |
| Hiking Boots | Merrell | Hiking boots provide good traction and support for your feet during a hike. Merrell offers a range of hiking boots suitable for different terrains, including lightweight, waterproof, and insulated options. |
| Water Bottle | Hydro Flask | Staying hydrated is crucial when hiking, and a good water bottle will keep your water cold and refreshing for hours. Hydro Flask offers a range of insulated water bottles with different sizes and colors. |
| Navigation Tool | Garmin | A navigation tool like a GPS device or a compass will help you find your way and prevent getting lost. Garmin offers a range of GPS devices suitable for different activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. |
| First Aid Kit | Adventure Medical Kits | A first aid kit is essential in case of any injuries during a hike. Adventure Medical Kits offers a range of medical kits suitable for different activities, including hiking, hunting, and travel. |
Gunther von Hagens
Gunther von Hagens, the German anatomist who invented plastination, is on display at the Body Worlds exhibition in France.
A body preservation technique developed by von Hagen allows for a complex body to be preserved and displayed for long periods of time. His body can be seen in all its glory at this exhibition it looks strikingly similar to his appearance in life!
When venturing out into the wilderness, it’s important to be aware of the most dangerous creatures that could pose a threat to your safety. For more information on what to watch out for, check out our guide on the top 10 most dangerous creatures in the wilderness and stay prepared for anything.
Haruo Nakajima
If you’ve ever seen the original 1954 film Godzilla, then you know that it was one of the most influential movies of all time.
Haruo Nakajima was an actor who played Godzilla in this flick, but he didn’t just play him he was actually born as Godzilla!
Nakajima was born in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki Prefecture on December 7th 1925. He grew up on a small island with his parents and two brothers. While growing up on this island had its perks (no school), he felt like there wasn’t much to do after leaving high school in 1942.
So he enlisted himself into Japan’s military during World War II and became a fighter pilot! After serving his country during wartime, he moved back home where he studied music at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music until 1949 when he decided to get into acting instead (a wise decision). Nakajima ended up landing roles in several Japanese films before being selected by director Ishiro Honda as “The Monster” for his upcoming project called Gojira (aka: Godzilla).
Evelyn Hartley
In early August, 2014, Evelyn Hartley was hiking in the mountains of California with her two dogs when an earthquake hit. She spent the next three days lost and alone on the side of Mt. Whitney and her survival story is nothing short of amazing.
Evelyn was able to find shelter from falling rocks inside a crevasse near an outcropping. She also found some food and water and even managed to start a fire for warmth (a feat that’s usually beyond most people).
The other thing she did? She yelled until someone heard her! After one day alone, rescue crews made their way up Mt. Whitney to bring Evelyn down safely—but not without first learning something important from this amazing woman’s story: take time before you leave home so you have everything you need for your hike!
Being caught off guard in an emergency situation in the wilderness can be frightening. To prepare yourself for any unexpected scenarios, take a look at our guide on 17 emergency shelter ideas for inspiration and tips on how to build temporary structures in the wilderness.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many fascinating survival stories out there. The world of survival is a strange and mysterious one, with stories ranging from the hilarious to the harrowing.
All of the stories listed above had interesting things about them that we could learn from. Whether it be how a person survived without food or water for several days (and still went on to live another day), or how someone like Henry Hudson was able to reach safety after being stranded at sea for two months without any supplies whatsoever (and then died later anyway).
These tales will always fascinate us! It’s important not only because they’ll always keep us on our toes when we’re outside but also because they teach us something new about ourselves every time we hear them again
Here’s the Further reading section and the FAQs section based on the semantics of the title:
Further Reading:
Here are some additional resources on survival in the great outdoors:
10 Incredible Survival Stories: Read about real-life survival stories and learn from the experiences of those who have survived in extreme circumstances.
Wilderness Survival Guide: MapQuest provides a comprehensive guide to wilderness survival techniques, including how to find food and water, build a shelter, and signal for help.
Survival Stories: TrekBaron offers a collection of inspiring survival stories that will help you better understand the human instinct to survive in difficult situations.
FAQs:
What are the most important things to remember in a survival situation?
- The most important thing to remember in a survival situation is to stay calm and assess the situation. Then, prioritize your needs, which usually start with finding water, food, and shelter.
What are some common mistakes people make in a survival situation?
- Some common mistakes people make in a survival situation include panicking, not properly assessing the situation, not having a plan, and not conserving resources.
How do I start a fire in the wilderness?
- You can start a fire in the wilderness by using natural materials like dry leaves, twigs, and kindling. You can also use a firestarter, matches, or a lighter.
How do I find edible plants in the wilderness?
- Before consuming any plants in the wilderness, make sure they are not poisonous. You can find edible plants by doing research, looking for characteristics like recognizable leaves or flowers, and being cautious when trying new plants.
What should I do if I get lost in the wilderness?
- If you get lost in the wilderness, try to stay calm and retrace your steps. Look for landmarks, try to make shelter, and signal for help. If you are unable to find your way, it’s important to prioritize your needs, like finding water and shelter, and prepare to be rescued.
Hi! I’m Hellen James, and I am the founder of Unified Survival. I have a deep passion for the wilderness and everything that goes along with it. I’ve been hiking since I was a child, and I grew up camping in state parks all over the country. But it wasn’t until recently that I learned how to survive in the wilderness.