*Please note that each animal is different, and there are different things you should do when encountering them. ![]() Most will back down quickly when you fight back. Aim for the nose and eyes when fighting off animals. If the rare case that the animal starts attacking, grab a branch and swing it at the animal. With some animals, such as cougars and coyotes, you should throw rocks at them to scare them off. With some, you need to stand your ground to show that you are not prey – such as by making yourself look as large as possible and speaking out loud to the animal. Mostly you will simply want to back away slowly from most wild animals. Why are rocks and sticks such good weapons in the wilderness?īecause they are likely to be the only weapon within arm’s reach. So, if you want an all-around good wilderness weapon, then bear pepper spray it is. If a bear is charging at you, a gun won’t stop it – but bear spray probably will.īear spray is also effective against most other dangerous wild animals, and against people too. I’m not talking about your typical pepper spray, but 1-2% capsicum spray.īear spray will coat the eyes, lungs, and nose of a bear. Pepper spray is also the BEST WEAPON AGAINST BEARS. ![]() Pepper spray is also very lightweight and can be carried on the side of your pack so it is easily accessible. In my experienced opinion, this is the absolute best weapon for survival in the wilderness.įirst off, you aren’t going to kill yourself or a friend if it goes off accidentally. If you are new to camping and hiking, take it slow! You don’t have to become a wilderness pro overnight! Best Weapons for Wilderness Survival 1. Please don’t go on some insane survivalist trek without first learning essential outdoor survival skills, like how to find water, how to purify water, what to pack, and basic first aid. Most people die because they overestimate their abilities, push their limits too far, or are just straight-up unprepared. Most people do not die in the wild from bear attacks (there were only 5 fatal cases in all of the 2000s), or even from snake bites. Unfortunately, there is no weapon which can protect against the biggest threat in the wild. Los Angeles has a population of about 4 million and has about 250 homicides yearly! Consider that the Appalachian Trail has over 4 million users yearly and you start to realize how much safer the wilderness is than cities. But, in general, the wilderness is a lot safer than the city in terms of crime rates.Īs Backpacker Magazine points out, on the Appalachian Trail, there is only 1 crime per 800,000 users! And there have only been 7 people killed there in the past 50 years. In a SHTF situation where you’ve got to Bug Out in the wilderness, then I’d definitely want a weapon against starving masses of people you might encounter. My neighbors are constantly saying that they won’t go into the wild because there might be thieves, rapists, murderers, jail escapees, or other creepy weirdos lurking about. However, a weapon can help with these animals (to name just a few): Note that a weapon is useless against some dangerous wild animals (like snakes or poisonous spiders). If you are smart while in the wilderness (such as by hanging a bear bag and using a bear canister), then you are probably not going to have any problems with wild animals. Most animals have learned that people are dangerous and will keep their distance from you. ![]() What Threats Are We Talking About?īefore we talk about what weapons are best for wilderness survival, we’ve got to break down which threats we are talking about.Īnimal attacks in the wilderness are actually very rare. Most of these fears are completely irrational and, statistically, you are a lot safer in the wilderness than in a big city.īut it still pays to be prepared and take precautions, so you should know what the best wilderness weapons are. One of the main reasons that people don’t go into the wilderness is because they are too afraid of things like getting eaten by a bear.
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