Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned survivalist, take the time to practice building a shelter or identifying edible plants. I believe in always staying on top of your game with these 5 outdoor survival skills which can literally save your life in a survival situation.

1. Building a Fire

Firewood fire camp | Survival Skills You Can Practice While Camping

Learning different methods of how to build a fire is important. The easiest way, of course, is to use a match or a lighter.

It is important to remember, however, that you should never rely just on these 2 methods alone – your lighter could run out of fluid or your matches could get wet. Primitive methods are important for EVERYONE to learn.

The following methods are great to practice while you are camping:

Ferro Rod – Check out this great video on different Ferro rods you can use.
Hand Drill – This video shows a primitive fire-making technique with a hand drill.

2. Building a Shelter

Pole Tarp And Rope Shelter Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Learning how to build a shelter is another must-know skill to increase one’s chances of surviving in the woods.

While you’re camping, you most likely will have a tent and an air mattress with warm blankets. However, one day you could be in these same surroundings without these luxuries, therefore, building a shelter is a skill that you will need to learn to protect you from the elements and quite possibly – predators.

The following article, written by Ruth England (co-star of ‘Man, Woman, Wild’) gives detailed instructions and viable information on how to build different types of shelters.

How To Build A Shelter Using Natural Resources

3. Water Purification

Creek Water Pool Stream Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Another must-have skill is water purification. Purifying water is so important.

If it looks clean, purify it anyway. Water that has not been filtered or purified can lead to serious illness and sometimes death due to bacteria and other waterborne pathogens.

The following article, Wilderness Survival Tips: Water Purification, discusses the dangers that can arise from dehydration and drinking unpurified water. Also, you will learn different methods of how to purify water in the wilderness.

4. Different Methods of Fishing

Fish Trap | Survival Skills You Can Practice While Camping

Fish Trap Photo by Prepper Survival Homestead

When you’re a survival situation, food is important to keep your energy levels up – preferably a food source that has lots of protein.

The following video, Survival Fishing | Tips & Techniques, shows you how you can fish in a true survival situation. This video is extremely informative — a must watch!

5. Learning to Identify Edible and Medicinal Plants

Wild Edible And Medicinal Plants Of British Columbia Photo by Wikipedia

Sometimes, in a survival situation, food that contains protein is hard to find.

Learning how to identify edible plants (some of which also provide medicinal properties as well) is a must. I can’t stress that enough!

Keeping a book on edible plants with photo identifications is a great addition to your survival gear.

REMEMBER this important rule: Every edible plant has a look-alike, so please be absolutely certain that you are picking the right plant as your food source!

Check out this video by caveman cody about making a water filter in the wild:

The value of your survival skills is best realized when you don’t have the right outdoor gear in a survival situation, so try to hone your skills when you’re out camping with friends and family.

Learn how to build a fire, shelter, and purify water using materials around you. This means you must try to refrain from using your camping gear as much as possible.

It’s going to be enjoyable and a valuable learning experience for everyone.

Do you have anything to add to these survival skills? Share them with us in the comments section below!

Up Next: 13 Top Survival Skills | Learn Now, Survive Later

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on June 2, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.