What would you bring with you to the saharan desert?

Answer 1

If I was going to spend time surviving in the Sahara Desert. I would bring as many supplies as possible. Here is a list of the most essential things, which I would not dare to go without:

At least two gallons worth of space for carrying water, which would be completely filled to start out the trip. It would be best if these containers could be heated to boil the water without getting damaged, because water is generally not very clean to start out with and boiling kills pathogens and parasites that could make you sick.

I would bring as much food as possible. Foods high in calories as well as protein would be best for such a trip.

In case I ran out of food, I would bring a book or written list with photographs, that showed which plants and insects in the Sahara Desert were edible and which ones were poisonous. This would not be necessary for animals besides insects because they are almost never poisonous.

I would be sure to bring a full set of light cotton clothing. It is important not to take off your shirt or anything else in the desert because clothing allows your body to sweat and retain moisture on your skin long enough to cool you down. You also need to bring shoes, because walking barefoot on desert sand can give you alkali burns. It is important to dump the sand out of your shoes regularly as well.

Bandanna are also helpful in two ways. First, they can keep sand from getting in your nose and mouth. Second, if you have enough water, you can make a bandanna wet and hang it around your neck. This significantly cools the blood that travels in your neck, which then cools the rest of your body.

You would also want a full set of very warm clothing, because temperatures can drop to near or below freezing at night.

As far as tools are concerned, I would be sure to bring a Swiss army knife because of its many functions, and a larger, stronger knife, too (which makes cutting wood easier.) Be sure that both knives are sharp and high quality. A sharp knife is less likely to injure you because you don't have to struggle to cut things.

A cigarette lighter or fire piston is also a necessity. These devices allow you to start a fire, which is necessary due to the very cold nighttime temperatures. Fire also allows you to cook and purify water and food, and wards off predators like leopards and hyenas, which live in the Sahara Desert. A fire piston is better than a cigarette lighter because it can be used nearly infinitely, whereas a cigarette lighter can eventually run out. However, remember to always test any survival devices thoroughly before they are actually needed, because if they don't work when you need them, it is bad news.

I would also bring nylon rope. Rope is useful for all kinds of things, everything from shelter to tools like spears, or even traps. Knowing how to make a wide variety of knots can also be a lifesaver.

In case of injury, you should also have a first aid kit on hand, and know how to use it.

There is always the possibility of having an emergency and needing to escape. The following items can greatly assist you in that.

Satellite phones have reception in nearly any place and condition. You can use these to call for help if you need it.

A GPS (Global Positioning System) is very important, too. This way you can tell where you are in almost any situation. Keep in mind that the information a GPS gives you can be given to Search and Rescue teams via your satellite phone. This way, they know precisely how to find you, rather than spending days searching in an emergency.

A map and compass are important because they can show you how to get out, or how to find water (it is important to know where to find water because if you don't know, there is a very good chance that you will die of heat stroke before you happen to find it on your own).

Other things that are helpful include a tent and sleeping bag. These improve your sleep, and sleep is essential to survival (without it you lose your mental capacity, which can lead to a dangerous accident or mistake). Having a friend with you (obviously with his own supplies, food, and water), can also help because two people can be more efficient, and in a dire emergency, one person can still get help or perform first aid.

Keep in mind that I am not a professional survival guide or instructor. If you or anyone you know is planning to go on a trip to any place and live off the land, be sure to consult a professional. I do not recommend attempting such a feat, as it is very dangerous. However, with these supplies and the right knowledge, you have a much better chance to survive.