Authored By Urooj Tufail

Are you ready to test your survival skills in nature? Look no further than Bear Grylls, the ultimate survivalist who has shared his expertise through his show ‘Running Wild with Bear Grylls‘ on Disney+ airing since 2014. Bear Grylls is a survivalist and adventurer who has captured the imagination of millions of people around the world. In the show, Bear takes celebrities on treks through some of the most challenging terrains in the world, teaching them essential survival skills along the way.

Running Wild with Bear Grylls season 7 in 2022 is the latest release of the series up now. With the news of the upcoming Running Wild with Bear Grylls Season 8 to be airing on National Geographic starting Monday, July 25. Here are ten survival tips we’ve learned from Bear Grylls survival show over the years to help you stay alive and thrive in any situation.
Tips from Bear Grylls

Bear Grylls is known for his extreme adventures and survival skills, which he has shared with the world through his show and survival academy. On the launch of the first Bear Grylls Survival Academy in Africa with the Mantis collection and British Airways, he shared some valuable survival tips that go beyond drinking one’s own urine. These tips include staying hydrated, starting a fire, staying calm, knowing your surroundings, finding food, and so on.
bear grylls survival academy

Bear Grylls’ expertise in surviving in the wilderness has proven to be invaluable for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors. His tips on survival can help anyone stay safe and increase their chances of survival in various situations. Whether you’re an experienced or a novice adventurer, these tips can help you be better prepared and handle the challenges that come with being in the wilderness.

1. Starting a Fire in the Wild

One of the most essential survival skills when in the wilderness is starting a fire. Bear Grylls has shared several tips on how to start a fire when out in nature. One tip is to stab a lithium cellphone battery with a knife, causing it to explode in a spray of sparks. Alternatively, one can use wire wool and a 9V battery to create sparks. Another useful tip is to gather dry twigs and keep them in a pocket to dry them using your own body heat. It is crucial to have dry materials to start a fire as wet wood can make it challenging to start a fire.
bear grylls starting a fire

If you don’t have access to a lithium cellphone battery or wire wool, a teased-out tampon can also be used as a highly flammable fire starter. Spritzing the tampon with bug spray can make it even more effective. These tips from Bear Grylls can be extremely helpful for anyone looking to survive in the wild, but it is crucial to take necessary precautions and be careful when handling potentially dangerous materials.

2. Survival Must-Have: Duct Tape

Duct tape is an essential item in Bear Grylls survival kit. Not only can it be used to fix things like tents or clothing, but it can also be used to protect oneself from harm when it comes to survival. For example, placing duct tape on the lip of a metal mug can protect one’s mouth from getting burnt while drinking a hot beverage. Duct tape can also be used to cover a punctured lung in the event of a hippo attack. Its versatility makes it a crucial item to have in any survival situation.

In situations where staple guns, super glue, and rope are not available, duct tape can be a lifesaver. It is worth its weight in gold and can help fix almost anything. Whether you’re exploring the wilderness or just need to fix something around the house, having a roll of duct tape on hand is always a good idea. With its ability to fix, protect and even improvise, duct tape is an essential item that should not be underestimated.

3. Stay Hydrated: Any Water Is Better Than No Water

When it comes to survival, hydration is key. According to Bear Grylls, when you’re in a survival situation, any water is better than no water. Even if the water looks questionable, it’s important to drink it to avoid dehydration. However, this advice comes with a caveat. If you’re near a populated area, the water may be contaminated, and drinking it could do more harm than good.
bear grylls advice

In this case, it’s better to look for alternative sources of water, such as natural springs or rainwater. But if you’re in a remote location and have no other options, drinking questionable water is better than not drinking anything at all. And if all else fails, Bear Grylls even recommends drinking your own urine, which he calls kidney juice and swears by in survival situations.

4. Grylls Fundamentals of Rock Climbing

Rock climbing can be a thrilling and challenging outdoor activity, but it’s important to know the fundamentals before you start. Bear Grylls advises that one of the most important things to keep in mind when rock climbing is to avoid hanging on your arms too much, as they will tire quickly. Instead, focus on using your legs by keeping your hips close to the rock face.
rock climbing grylls tip

Another important tip for rock climbing is to maintain a sturdy footing by keeping your feet more than hip-distance apart. This will give you a solid base to push off from and help you maintain your balance. Finally, when climbing, channel your inner mountain goat and stay focused on the task at hand. With these fundamentals in mind, you’ll be better equipped to tackle even the most challenging climbs.

5. How To Find North

How to find North using an analog watch in a survival situation? This is a skill that could come in handy when you’re lost in the wilderness without a compass. All you need is an analog watch and the sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, hold the watch horizontally and point the hour hand towards the sun. Now, draw an imaginary line between the hour hand and the number 12 on your watch. The line bisects the angle between the hour hand and the number 12 and points toward the south. Therefore, the opposite direction is north.

If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, the process is a little different. You still need to hold the watch horizontally, but this time, you need to point the number 12 toward the sun. Draw an imaginary line between the number 12 and the hour hand. The midpoint between the line and the 12 o’clock mark points towards the north. This is a simple and effective way to find your bearings and navigate your way out of a tricky situation in the wild.

6. Search for Food in the Wilderness

Finding food is crucial in a survival situation. If you find yourself lost in the wilderness, it’s important to know what you can and can’t eat. Nettle leaves are one option, just be sure to avoid the prickly stems. The Zambezi wine cup leaves are also edible and have a slightly garlicky taste.
When it comes to fruit, take cues from other animals. Avoid birds, as many of the foods they eat are toxic to humans. Instead, look to mammals, particularly primates, for edible options. If all else fails, remember that live earthworms are safe to eat. And for the brave, raw impala testicle is an option as well.

7. Bear Grylls on Using Snares For Survival

When lost in the wilderness and at risk of starvation, setting up snares can be a useful way to catch small game for food. However, it’s important to be strategic about it. Instead of randomly placing snares, take the time to observe the animals in the area and tailor your traps to their specific behavior. For instance, if you’re targeting a species with great hearing, avoid using snares that drop from a height and make a loud noise.

To increase your chances of success, it’s also important to camouflage your snares effectively. Additionally, it’s important to place multiple snares in different locations to increase your chances of catching an animal. Finally, be humane and check your snares frequently to avoid making the trapped animal suffer unnecessarily.

8. Priorities of Survival: PRWF

Remembering the PRWF acronym can help keep your priorities straight and increase your chances of survival. When faced with a survival situation, it’s crucial to remember the order of priorities: Protection, Rescue, Water, and Food (PRWF). Protection should be your first priority, as it pertains to your immediate safety from potential threats like animals, weather, and insects. Once you’ve secured your protection, focus on devising a plan for rescue.
bear grylls survival

The next priority is water, as dehydration can be deadly in a survival situation. Look for sources of water, such as streams, rivers, or even rainwater, and make sure to purify it before drinking. Finally, food should be your last priority. While it’s important to keep your energy up, your body can survive for weeks without food, so don’t waste too much time and energy on hunting or foraging until you’ve secured the previous priorities.

9. The Power of Humor in Survival Situations

In survival situations, it is common to experience discomfort, stress, and other negative emotions. However, maintaining a sense of humor can be a powerful tool to help you cope and increase your chances of survival. Even in daily life, practicing humor in small situations like traffic can prepare you mentally for more challenging circumstances. Don’t underestimate the power of a good laugh when you’re feeling wet, cold, hungry, or stressed in the wilderness.

10. Prepare Yourself For The Worst

Bear advises to always prepare yourself for the worst. This means always having a plan in case of an emergency, carrying essential survival gear, and having a positive attitude. Being prepared can help you stay calm and increase your chances of survival.

Understand your surroundings. Take note of landmarks and pay attention to the terrain, weather, and wildlife. Along with that one of the most important things to remember in a survival situation is to stay calm. To control your emotions and think logically in stressful situations. Staying calm can help you make better decisions and increase your chances of survival.

Wrap Up

Whether you find yourself stranded in the wilderness or facing difficult circumstances in your everyday life. From having a positive attitude and sense of humor to prioritizing protection and rescue, these tips can help us face challenges and overcome adversity. So, take the time to practice these Bear Grylls tips and you’ll be better prepared to handle whatever challenges come your way.

Bear Grylls is a master of survival, and his survival show, Running Wild with Bear Grylls, has taught us many valuable lessons over the years. Another excellent resource is Bear Grylls survival book, Extreme Food. For those looking to learn more about outdoor survival and cooking. The lessons we learned from Bear Grylls are not just helpful for surviving in the wilderness, but can also be applied in our daily lives.

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