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 %? Bear
Grylls
SURVIVAL SKILLS HANDBOOK

HIKING
A Bear
Grylls

This survival handbook has been specially put

together to help young adventurers just like you to
stay safe in the wild. Hiking is a fantastic way to
get fit, and see some of the most incredible parts
of the world, but it’s vital that you are properly
prepared to go out into the wild. Once you know
what equipment to bring, and how to survive in
extreme situations, then you’re ready
to go out into the wild and have | ply
some adventures!
 44% Bear
Grylls

CONTENTS
Let’s go hiking!

Boots

Trailblazing 19

Jungle travel 21

Desert travel 23

Winter travel 29

Glacier hiking 34

Hill walking 39

Crossing rivers Al
LET’S GO HIKING!
Hiking is usually a long walk, often more vigorous than a gentle
stroll. It is a great way to keep fit and explore the countryside. There
are organised hiking groups available for people who want to joina
club, or you can just plan your own route and enjoy being outdoors.

Backpacks
For anything longer than a short
water reservoir FRONT VIEW
walk in the woods, you are going
to need a comfortable backpack.
The vast majority of backpacks
sold today are the internal frame
type, which offer excellent
freedom of movement. They are
typically built around two vertical
aluminum staves and a rigid
plastic sheet.

shoulder
harness

sternum

A
strap

BEAR SAYS
Test lots of different backpacks
to find one that is comfortable
as you will be carrying it for long
distances. Load it up before
you try it on.
side release
buckle
 shoulder REAR VIEW
strap

back pocket
compression strap

forked bough
Different styles
of backpack
straps or crosspieces
cloth strips

Daypack External frame pack § Emergency pack

Leave your big pack at These rigid, heavy packs Tie essential baggage to
home and grab a daypack are not commonly used this improvised pack.
for one-day hikes. anymore as newer models
are much more comfortable.

@
 k = -

Make a horseshoe-type pack

This is an emergency backpack that might
be made if your backpack gets lost or
damaged. It tends to flop into a horseshoe Find a strong, waterproof :
shape when it is picked up. material and make the
4 _ backpack carefully to keep
your belongings safe
anddry. _

1 Spread a poncho, tarp, or

blanket on the ground.

2 Gather your essential

items at one end.

3 Take one edge near

the items and roll it over
them. Continue rolling to
the other end.

4 Tie each end with rope

orasimilar material.

5 Add extra ties to keep the

bundle together, and a line to go
over your shoulder and chest.
6 You are ready to face
the next challenge!
Pack loading
Even a perfectly fitted, top-of-the-range
backpack will be uncomfortable if it is
not packed properly. Follow a few simple
rules and you will reap the benefits on
your journey.

Side view
Put your heaviest gear against
your back, near the shoulders.

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essential items ayisesy
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Straps and buckles
There are many different types of straps and
buckles. Make sure you know how they all
work on your equipment and that you can re-
BEAR SAYS
Be extremely careful if using
thread them if they come undone. It might be
a lighter - preferably get an
worth taking some spares if you are going for adult to do it for you.
a long hike or the conditions are extreme.

side release
buckle

ladder lock
7
tri-glide slider

threading the
ladder lock

use a flame

as
to seal frayed
strap ends

“locking” the webbing

properly threaded
tri-glide slider
 % Bear
Grylls

How to put on a pack

Make sure you can lift the backpack safely
and it isn’t too heavy for you. Sometimes it can
be easier if someone else helps you put the
backpack on.

1 Keeping your back straight, bend your 2 Bend low. Swivel your body and poke
knee and lift the pack onto it. your arm through the shoulder strap.

3 Put your other arm through the 4 Fasten the waist harness and adjust
shoulder strap on the other side. the shoulder straps if required.
What to pack
You will need different equipment depending
upon what sort of hiking you are undertaking.
Think about how long you will be out, the
possible weather conditions, and the sort of
terrain you will come across.

camping
stove

lighter

water bottle mobile

phone

eating
utensils
camera in
plastic bag

cooking pot

sunscreen
 headlamp A
BEAR SAYS
with spare
batteries

You will get better at packing as

you gain experience. It might be
worth making alist of things you
wish you'd taken on a hike so
you are better prepared
maps and in the future.
compass

insect repellant

survival kit
(see next page)

sleeping bag
and mat
Survival kit
In a survival situation, a few simple
items can mean the difference between
life and death. Pack a survival kit
according to your needs, and keep it with
you whenever you are in the wilderness.

potassium fish hooks, line,

permangnate and sinkers
(disinfectant and
water pues) Whee

candle

i magnifying glass
enci
E needles and

antihistamines
and antibiotics butterfly
closure

adhesive
bandages

cotton balls
BOOTS
Choose your boots carefully — they must be comfortable and
appropriate for your planned activities. Always break in new
boots before a long hike.

Hiking boot anatomy

scree collar

insole

——— midsole

outsole
Types of boots
It is very important to make sure you have the right footwear.
You might be on your feet for a long time so any discomfort
could mean that a pleasant day out becomes miserable
towards the end of the hike when you are getting tired.

Trainer Mountaineering boot

These light shoes are sufficient for gentle These stiff, insulated boots are not
terrain and won't tear up the earth. good for regular hiking.

Jungle boot Desert boot

These canvas and rubber boots are Suede desert boots allow the feet to
designed to quickly drain moisture. breathe, while keeping hot sand out.
 A lai=tels

A
Grylls

Lacing styles and anchors

There are many different ways to lace
up your footwear, and several different
types of anchor (the part the lace
BEAR SAYS
You may want to use skip lacing
threads through or wraps around). You to avoid footwear rubbing
will need to experiment to find what against a foot injury.
is comfortable for you and your feet.
Some styles don’t feel any different —
they just look cool!

Lacing styles

3/ /e
Y 6

Nh

Skip lacing. Mountaineer’s Double hitch Double wrap

If you have an lace Tying two separate Wrap your final
injury, or just a high This simple lacing hitching knots knot twice to make
midfoot, skip some technique is will help relieve it extra-sturdy
anchors when friction-based and pressure and and stop the laces
lacing for comfort. won't slip loose. prevent blisters. coming loose.

Lacing anchors

Webbing Hooks D-rings Combination

Boots through history
Shoes are essential to be able to
move safely and comfortably over A
BEAR SAYS
rough surfaces. The oldest surviving
shoes were rope sandals found in
Oregon in the US and are thought to
Clean your boots as soon as you
be around 10,000 years old. Boots
can after a hike. If you leave
protect the ankle and sometimes them until the next day they
the legs as well as the feet. can be difficult to clean and
might smell unpleasant!

Viking leather
boot, ca. 900

Hessian boot,
ca. 1820

medieval greave
and sabaton,
ca. 1400

Otzi the
Iceman’s boot,
ca. 3255 bc

Inuit sealskin boot,

ca. 10,000 bc-today
 % Bear
Grylls

Boot care
Hiking boots will last a lot longer and stay smart if
you take good care of them. Always carry spare laces
and check for loose stitching or damage each time
you wear them.

Wash Dry Treat

After a hike, begin by Allow the boots to dry When the boots are
washing the mud and but keep them away from dry, apply a waterproofing
dirt off with water and direct heat from the sun or leather nourishing
a soft brush. or afire. compound.

Socks Trekking poles

thick wool or
specialized synthetic
hiking socks

over rugged terrain,

trekking poles can
greatly reduce effort
and wear on the knees

silk or cotton
inner socks for
cold weather
Blister care
Most blisters don’t need medical attention and will heal naturally if
you leave them alone. Your body will reabsorb any fluid and, as new
skin grows, the top layer will become dry and peel off.

1 Leave the blister alone, as letting

the fluid out could slow down the
healing process and lead to infection.

2 You may choose to cover the blister

with a suitable plaster or dressing.
Change the dressing daily and make
sure you wash your hands before
doing so.

3 Avoid wearing the footwear that

caused the blister until it has healed makacurato
if at all possible. If a blister has keep blisters
burst, wash it gently and cover witha clean to avoid
; ‘ infection
dry, sterile dressing.

4 If your blister is extremely painful,

red and hot, or filled with pus, it may
be infected and you should seek
medical advice. )

a plaster can
help protect
the blister
 % Bear
Letavaiky

TRAILBLAZING
Keep an eye out for trail blazes and you won't take a wrong turn. If
you’re a pioneering type, blaze a trail yourself!

continue ] CF |
straight
start of trail spur leading to
a different trail

right turn lefetucn

end of trail
Native American signs
For centuries, the native peoples
of North America have left markers
for their companions to follow.

continue turn right turn left important

straight warning

continue turn right turn left ~ important

straight warning

continue turn right

bs.
turn left important
straight warning
 JUNGLE TRAVEL
Jungle travel can be tough. Heat, oppressive humidity, biting
insects, and thick vegetation will quickly defeat the will of
the unprepared.
Jungle strata

layer
emergent

layer
canopy

layer
understory

layer
immature
Dressing for the jungle
Jungle clothing should be
lightweight, strong, and fast drying.
Keepa set of clean and dry clothes
carabiners and climbing rope
for sleeping in.

wide-brimmed hat

mosquito net
machete

long-sleeved mosquito coil

cotton shirt

water bottle

map in
protective

communication
whistle

loose lightweight
trousers

jungle boots
 A Bear
Grylls

DESERT TRAVEL
A desert will form anywhere that

A
regularly receives less than ten
inches of rain a year. They are places
of extreme climates — often very hot
by day and extremely cold at night.
Visiting a desert can be a great
experience but you will need
to be ready for almost every
climate situation. Make sure
you travel with a guide.

Sandy desert
Also known as dune deserts or ergs, sandy deserts are extensive, relatively flat areas
covered with wind-swept sand.
 me
(HHP TIN ess
é«

Rocky desert
In some desert regions, the action of wind or intermittent water removes sand
and other fine particles, leaving a landscape of bare boulders and pavements of
smaller rocks.

Mountain desert
These deserts are made up of barren hills or mountains, often separated by flat
-basins. Mountain deserts high above sea level can be extremely cold.
Dressing for the desert
Desert clothing must protect the body from
the heat of the sun and regulate excessive
perspiration. Layers of light-coloured
clothing made from breathable fabrics binoculars
are best.
warm clothes
for night-time light-coloured
brimmed hat

sunglasses

cotton shirt

eok© an

rr
compass

folding shovel

cotton belt

\
Cs sunscreen tight-woven
cotton pants

desert
boots
Sources of heat

Heat and the body

Desert heat can be a killer. To prevent radiant heat from
problems, avoid strenuous exercise, stay sand and rocks
hydrated, keep salt levels up, and protect
yourself from all sources of heat.

direct from sun

hot winds

reflected
from ground
 % Bear
eTavaiks

Desert headwear
A hat can make a huge difference to you in the desert. It can literally
be the difference between life and death! It protects your hair, eyes,
and skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. A good pair of sunglasses
would also be useful in addition to any headwear.

French kepi Tuareg veil

The space above The Saharan nomads
the head creates an favour blue cloth
insulating pocket of air. for sun and sand
protection.

Cap and cloth Safari hat

An effective improvised This African favourite has a wide brim
protection. and is permeable to air.
Dunes
Desert dunes are created by windblown sand.
The shape of a dune is influenced by the prevailing
wind direction and the amount of sand available.

Barchan
WINTER TRAVEL
Freezing conditions don’t mean you have to stay indoors.
With the right clothing and equipment, even the most
frigid landscapes can be your winter wonderland.

Outdoor winter clothing

ski goggles
wool or
synthetic cap
or balaclava

insulated windproof jacket

over layers of clothing

Dressing for the cold

Wear several layers of clothing
in freezing weather—warm air
trapped between the layers will
insulate you. The outermost
layer should be both water- and
windproof.

mittens over gloves

A
windproof
insulated trousers

BEAR SAYS
In extreme cold, blood flow to
your hands and feet slows down
in order to send more blood to thick-soled
your vital organs. © boots over two
pairs of socks
Heat loss
If you get too cold, a hike can become
uncomfortable. In extreme cases a A
condition called hypothermia could
develop — the symptoms can vary
depending upon how low your body
BEAR SAYS
The body needs to maintain a
temperature has become. If you suspect temperature around 37 degrees
someone has hypothermia they need Celcius. Even small changes from
immediate medical attention as soon this can make you unwell - so if
as possible because extreme cases it changes, seek medical
can be fatal. advice.

Cold and the body

To maintain a healthy body
temperature in cold conditions,
you must guard against heat loss radiation breathing out

wwe
moist and

SSUES
from several sources.
warm gas

convection

conduction
 A Bear
Grylls

Wet-weather fabrics
To stay warm, you must stay dry. The original
waterproof fabric is oilskin—cotton impregnated
with linseed oil. Polyurethane coated fabric is a
cheaper and lighter synthetic alternative. Gore-Tex
is a “breathable” fabric. It keeps water out while
allowing perspiration to escape. A

rain

Oilskin
Cold weather gear
an
“BEAR SAYS”
In cold conditions, it’s a good idea
to pack a range of items that can be
removed when exertion is greatest
and reapplied as needed, to stay
warm when stopping to rest or when Never take a chance with
the trail is easy. _ medical matters and, if in doub’
call for immediate help.

scarf

balaclava

woollen
beanie

waterproof
overmitts with
elastic wrist
loops

synthetic
beanie
 A Bear
Grylls

wool or thermal
gloves

thermal vest

thermal
underwear

wool or synthetic
mittens with
elastic wrist loops

Snow shoes
If you spread the weight of your body over a
larger area you press down with less force
per unit area (lower pressure). This means
that you are less likely to sink in snow if
you wear wide and long snow shoes
rather than just normal boots.
GLACIER HIKING
Glaciers are rivers of frozen ice found in the polar regions and many
mountain ranges. It’s always best to walk around them, unless you
are part of an experienced team.

Parts of a glacier aoa cirque

glacial lake
 A Bear
Grylls

How glaciers form

The weight of fresh snow at the top A
BEAR SAYS
presses the snow beneath it, causing it to
become ice.

Always make sure you have the

right clothing and equipment
fresh snow for the conditions - if necessary
cancel or delay the hike rather
than travel unprepared.

granular ice

firr

solid ice

crevasses begin to form

where the slope on which a
Crevasse glacier flows is irregular—this
A crevasse is a deep, nearly vertical crack that places stress on the ice,
: : ie causing cracks to appear
develops in the upper portion of glacier ice.

snow bridge over ss &)

a crevasse }) At. \}
Kh ~

older crevasse ; ye se
: an overhang Ser
with pe el 6 Se eee aes

direction of ice flow

 the lead member of the
team checks the thickness
of the snow with a pole

SS -

Roping up
The first rule of safe glacier travel is to rope up. A rope
team of at least three members is recommended, and it’s
best to have at least two separate rope teams so that a
team involved in an accident will have backup help.

Crossing crevasse fields

Crossing a snow bridge

A snow bridge should be examined
carefully before the leader attempts
a crossing. Other members of the
team should be prepared to arrest the
leader’s fall if the bridge collapses.
 % Bear
Grylls

Making an “end run”

It’s often best to walk
around a crevasse rather
than cross it. Care must
be taken, as the true end
of the crevasse may be
obscured.

U 0

°,
°,
S
9,

‘
uD
0. r
Q
0
0 rd
q 0
Q’0 09?
0 0
0 8
0 Q0 Echelon formation
- 0 When a route parallel with
Q ; :
0 9 crevasses is unavoidable, and
9” q : hidden crevasses are likely, it
(? Y 0 may be appropriate to adopt this
0 q0 0
0 diagonal formation.
6
4 0
0 q0 0
9 0 o
Crevasse rescue kit
This kit is an essential for glacier travel. It
keeps everything required for a crevasse
rescue in the one place.

1 When one member of a rope

team falls into a crevasse, the
other members of the team must
immediately move into the self-
arrest position. This will stop the
victim from falling any deeper into
the crevasse.

2 If the fallen hiker is unable to climb up

the rope, it is up to the other members
of the rope team to effect a rescue. The
rescuer Closest to the victim releases
self-arrest, and sets up a secure anchor
in the snow.

3 Once the anchor is

secured, all members of
the rope team outside the
crevasse can work to haul pick or ice axe to stop
the victim out. Unless the the rope from cutting _
rope party is a large one, a into the crevasse lip
pulley system will need to
be set up.
 HILL WALKING»
Hill walking is a great way to get fit, and many areas of incredible
natural beauty happen to be hilly. Do it right and you’ll have the
stamina to cope with the ups and downs all day.

Walking uphill

Small steps
Take shorter steps than usual
when heading uphill. Look
several footsteps ahead to
choose the best route.

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Zigzag Hands on
For steep ascents, consider Get your hands dirty by using
taking a zigzag course that will surrounding rocks and boulders
lengthen your route but reduce to help you stay balanced and
the gradient. secure on steep ascents.
Walking downhill

Kick your heels in

When walking downhill, take it slowly,
keep your back straight, and take
care to put your weight down through
your heel on each step.

Trekking poles
Walking downhill can be
tough on the legs and
knees—trekking poles
will help.

Easy descent
Take a zigzag course downa
steep slope—it will help you
maintain a steady pace.
 4 Bear
Grylls

CROSSING RIVERS
A river without a bridge can be a formidable barrier. While there
are many ways to get to the other side, remember that rivers and
streams are always dangerous—approach them with care.

Go with the flow

Trying to swim directly across a river
will needlessly waste energy. Swim at
an angle to the current.

Wade
Face the current when wading a
river. Carry a stout pole to probe your
advance and give you extra stability.

direction
of flow

Huddle crossing
Three people with linked arms
create a very stable formation
when wading. One person
should move at a time while
zi ed
the others stabilize him.

direction of flow

Pole assisted Mt 4
: é direction of heaviest person on
A long, stout pole will provide ees cwnctream end
security for a wading group.
Pendulum action
The current at a bend ina
fast-flowing river will swing a
tethered raft to the far bank.
BEAR SAYS
Never enter any water unless
a qualified adult has told you
that it is safe. There can be
hidden hazards and even strong
swimmers can get into
difficulties.

Ice raft
In cold conditions, rivers may
be open in the middle with
frozen water by the edges. If
the ice is thick enough, cut an
ice raft with a saw or axe, and
use it to make a crossing.
 Gaai-to|g
Grylls

One-rope bridge

First across
Check that the river is safe for the
strongest member of the party
to cross. The ideal site will have
slow-flowing, shallow water. Once
across, the swimmer/wader must
securely anchor the end of the rope.

Pulled tight
The remaining members of the
party should make a slip knot on
the rope and pull the rope taut.

Rappel seat
This is the preferred method. You
will need a carabiner and
a rappelling harness.

Monkey crawl
Hang below the rope with hands
and both heels crossed over the
rope. Pull with your arms, and push
your feet to make progress.

Commando crawl
Lie on the rope with the right foot
hooked on the rope. Let the left
leg hang to maintain balance. Pull
with your arms, and push your
right foot to make progress.
Flotation aids
Se Som
a

ioe
ee

CA GRE
oe

1 Swing a pair of trousers

(with ankles tied) through
the air at the surface.

2 Thrust the pants into

the water, trapping air
within.

Flotation
device

3 You may have to refill

the pants with air after
a few minutes.
Poncho raft

A
BEAR SAYS
A poncho is basically a
waterproof bag with armholes
and a hood. It is a light, useful
1Tie the neck of the waterproof Barve? Your survival cq rats
poncho and form aring of plants in many different
situations.
around the centre.

2 Gather up the extremities

and tie in a ring around the
top centre.

Air mattress
Keep your
backpack loose
so itcan be
ditched ina spill.
More flotation aids

Boards Logs and rope

Four boards secured 1 Find two short, dry logs, 2 Seat yourself between the
with rope or nails make and tie them together with _— logs and start paddling with
a stable raft. rope. your hands.

Make a poncho equipment raft

gather your equipment

on the poncho

tie up the ends

wrap a second poncho

around the first

pull and push the raft

across the water
 y% Bear
Grylls

Make a raft

three-sided
crosspieces
the only
tools required

River raft
This raft for two or three people may take a day or
two to build, but in rugged or jungle territory it may
be the smartest way to get out of trouble.

Launching a raft
Construct the raft close to the water on two
smooth logs. Launching the raft is thena
simple matter of levering it up on one side.
 Discover more amazing books in
the Bear Grylls series:
Perfect for young adventurers, the
Survival Skills series accompanies an
exciting range of colouring and activity
books. Curious kids can also learn
tips and tricks for almost any extreme
situation in Survival Camp, and explore
Earth in Extreme Planet.

Conceived by Weldon Owen in partnership

with Bear Grylls Ventures

Produced by Weldon Owen Ltd

Suite 3.08 The Plaza, 535 King’s Road,
London SW10 OSZ, UK

Copyright © 2017 Weldon Owen Publishing

WELDON OWEN LTD

Publisher Donna Gregory
Designer Shahid Mahmood
Editorial Claire Philip, Susie Rae, Lydia Halliday
Illustrators Peter Bull Studios (original illustrations),
Bernard Chau (colour)

10987654321
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
aretrieval system
or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or
otherwise, except brief extracts for the purpose of review, withoutthe
prior
written permission of the publisher.

Disclaimer
Weldon Owen and Bear Grylls take pride in doing our best to get the
facts right in putting together
the information in this book, but occasionally something slips past
our beady eyes. Therefore we
make no warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the
information in the book, and to the
maximum extent permitted, we disclaim all liability. Wherever possible,
we will endeavour to correct
any errors of fact at reprint.
Kids — if you want to try anyof the activities in this book, please
ask your parents first! Parents — all
outdoor activities carry some degree of risk and we recommend
that anyone participating in these
activities be aware of the risks involved and seek professional
instruction and guidance. None of the
health/medical information in this book is intended as a substitute
for professional medical advice;
always seek the advice of a qualified practitioner.

A WELDON OWEN PRODUCTION. AN IMPRINT OF KINGS ROAD

PUBLISHING
PART OF THE BONNIER PUBLISHING GROUP.
 \ ? Bear
Grylls
SURVIVAL SKILLS HANDBOOK

Sead
Embark on an amazing hiking adventure
AL t lacie alt
a
Learn how to cross a river, forge a trail, and how to
stay safe while out hiking
O
Includes step-by-step instructions and tips from Bear

Be