Survival myths can be surprisingly dangerous, especially when people rely on them in life-or-death situations. While popular advice and tips from books or TV may sound helpful, some are outdated or flat-out wrong, leading to serious risks in the wilderness. This article dives into ten common survival myths that could spell trouble when you need real solutions. By understanding what actually works – and what doesn’t – you can be better prepared to navigate challenging conditions safely and avoid critical mistakes.
1. Rubbing Snow on Frostbite Warms It Up
For years, people believed that rubbing snow on frostbitten skin would warm it up. But this common “remedy” can do serious harm. Rubbing frostbitten areas with snow actually makes things worse by further chilling and damaging the already injured tissue. If frostbite occurs, the key is to warm the affected area gently – use warm water, not direct heat, which can lead to burns.
2. Drinking Your Urine Will Save You
One of the more disturbing myths is that drinking your urine can keep you alive if you’re out of water. However, urine is highly concentrated with salts and waste, which can actually accelerate dehydration. Drinking it under survival conditions can harm your kidneys and worsen your situation. If you’re stranded without fresh water, your best option is to conserve energy and search for alternative sources.
3. Moss Only Grows on the North Side of Trees
While moss is commonly associated with the north side of trees, it doesn’t strictly grow that way. Moss growth is influenced by moisture and shade, not compass directions, so it can grow all around a tree. Relying on this “compass” can lead you in circles, especially in dense forests. Instead, use the sun’s position or a compass for navigation.
4. Birds Know Best When It Comes to Berries
There’s an old myth that if birds eat certain berries, they’re safe for humans too. This is misleading and dangerous. Birds have different metabolisms and can tolerate berries that are toxic to humans. Some berries that birds eat with no problem, like baneberries, can be deadly for people. Stick to foraging plants and berries you can positively identify as safe.
5. Taste Can Tell You If a Berry Is Safe
Another risky belief is that the taste of a berry can reveal whether it’s edible. The logic goes that sweet berries are safe and bitter ones are poisonous. Unfortunately, taste alone is not a reliable indicator. Some poisonous berries, like black twinberries, taste pleasant, while safe but bitter berries, like soapberries, are entirely edible. It’s best to thoroughly research edible plants and carry a foraging guide.
6. Ice Can Be Used to Start a Fire
Using clear ice as a makeshift magnifying glass to start a fire might sound ingenious, but it’s hardly practical. Finding ice clear enough to focus sunlight is challenging, and if the weather is cold enough to form ice, there’s usually not enough sunlight to make this method work. In most survival scenarios, creating a fire this way is nearly impossible.
7. You Can Rely on Bow Drill Kits Using Shoelaces
In survival situations, making a fire with a bow drill is a valuable skill, but relying on a shoelace as the drill string often fails. Many shoelaces stretch too much or even snap before you can get an ember going. To prepare for the real thing, bring along some durable paracord. It’s stronger, less prone to breaking, and more reliable than a makeshift shoelace.
8. Plant Fibers Are Enough for Fire-Starting
It’s true that some natural plant fibers can be used to make a fire-starting bow string, but it’s often impractical in real survival conditions. Sourcing and preparing fibers like dogbane or stinging nettle can take hours or even days, especially if they need to be thickened to work. In winter or in areas without suitable plants, this method is highly unreliable. Carrying a proper fire-starting tool like a ferro rod can make all the difference.
9. Clear Plastic Bags Can Always Start a Fire
Using clear plastic bags filled with water as a magnifying lens to start a fire only works under ideal conditions. The sun must be intense, which means this trick won’t work during cloudy days, early mornings, or evenings. It’s a great trick to know, but it’s far from foolproof. Always have a backup method, like a lighter or matches, just in case.
10. Survival Books Are Always Right
Not everything in survival books or TV shows is gospel. Survival skills evolve, and even common advice can contain outdated or incorrect information. For example, some guides misidentify plants or misstate survival strategies. While these resources can be helpful, testing skills in a safe environment and learning what really works is critical. Equip yourself with knowledge and be ready to adapt.
What Really Matters in Survival
The reality of survival is that many common myths are overly simplistic and even dangerous. Knowing what not to do can be just as valuable as knowing effective survival techniques. Practicing skills in safe, controlled settings and bringing essential, reliable tools are fundamental to staying prepared. In survival, good preparation and a willingness to learn from reliable sources can mean the difference between life and death.
Other Survival Advice
How many of these survival myths would you have trusted in a real emergency, and what other survival advice have you always believed? Are there survival skills you could practice now to be better prepared for an unexpected situation?
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.