Don't Be STUPID

A fun little acronym we made years ago while teaching at a venue in Boston, MA. All of these things alter your judgement and can lead to incorrect choices in a survival situation (or even every day life).

SCARED: Fear and panic can lead to irrational choices, or not making a choice at all. Calming down from Flight, Fright, or Freeze by using breathing techniques can be a huge life saver.

TIRED: Sleep is a survival skill. Getting a good night's sleep before the trip, making sure you have the right gear for sleeping, or making your shelter correctly can all affect your sleep cycle.

UNPREPARED: Bringing a few extra pieces of gear for a survival kit can immensely impact your success on a wilderness (or urban) trip. Getting the proper training, getting in physical shape, and researching the area before your trip are big factors in your success.

POORLY DRESSED: Hypothermia and Hypothermia are the biggest killers in the outdoors. Make sure you have the right layers, right material, and right amount of clothing wherever you go, with a few extra pieces of key clothing.

INTOXICATED: Drugs and alcohol have no place on a wilderness trip. These can dehydrate you, alter your judgement, and lead to very unsafe situations.

DEHYDRATED: Making sure to have the right balance of water, electrolytes, and food will enable you to stay healthy and clear headed.

Most of the above qualities are choices you can make before and during a trip. Make sure to take care of your basic needs, equipment, physical fitness, and judgment.

Hopefully this fun little acronym give you a reminder when packing for success on your next wilderness adventure.