Most people live their lives blissfully unprepared. Power outages turn into existential crises. A flat tire feels like the beginning of the end. Grocery stores run out of milk before a snowstorm, and suddenly, people are fighting over the last loaf of bread like it’s a medieval siege.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need the apocalypse to justify knowing how to function when things go wrong.
The apocalypse isn’t the only reason to learn survival skills.
So before society crumbles, before you have to rely on a survival manual written by a guy named “Mad Dog Rick,” here are real survival skills everyone should probably know anyway (besides starting a fire, filtering water, and basic first aid—read those here).
How to Navigate Without a Phone
If your phone dies and GPS stops working, could you still find your way home? Or would you just wander in circles until someone made a Netflix docuseries about your disappearance?
What You Should Know:
Use the sun and stars. The sun rises in the east, sets in the west. At night, find the North Star. Hot tip: it’s in the north.
Learn basic map reading. It’s useful to understand contour lines, landmarks, and how to orient a map. In fact, it might be worth it to buy a map of your local area so you know where everything is, not just your usual haunts.
Use natural landmarks. Rivers flow downhill, moss grows more heavily on the north side of trees (usually), and roads tend to lead somewhere.
Bonus Skill: Next time you go somewhere new, try getting home without GPS. If you end up in another state, congratulations! You just failed the survival test.
How to Open a Can Without a Can Opener
Picture this: you’ve hoarded all the canned food. Beans, soup, tuna—you’re set. But there’s a problem.
Your only can opener broke. Now what?
What You Should Know:
Use a spoon. Rub the spoon’s edge along the can’s rim, pressing down. Eventually, the lid will wear through.
Use concrete. Flip the can upside down and grind the lid against rough concrete, then pry it open.
Use a knife (carefully). Jab the tip of the knife into the lid and work your way around.
What NOT to Do:
Don’t stab wildly at the can. That’s a great way to add tetanus to your apocalypse problems.
Bonus Skill: Try opening a can with a spoon before you actually need to. It’s harder than it looks.
How to Make a Quick & Dirty Shelter
In most situations, you probably don’t need a full-blown wilderness cabin built from locally sourced apocalypse logs and wattle—just something to keep the rain off and stop the wind from stealing your body heat.
What You Should Know:
The A-Frame Shelter: Lean sticks or branches against a fallen log or rock, then pile leaves, grass, or even trash on top for insulation.
The Tarp Tent: If you have a tarp or poncho, tie it between two trees for instant rain cover.
Use What’s Around You: In an urban setting? Carboard boxes, abandoned vehicles, even doorways with overhead coverage are better than nothing.
What NOT to Do:
Don’t build in low spots where water will pool.
Don’t assume “a few leaves” will keep you warm. Insulation is key.
Bonus Skill: The next time you go outside, look around and ask yourself: if I had to sleep here tonight, where would I do it? And how?
How to Make Yourself Invisible When You Don’t Want to Be Found
Maybe you’re avoiding looters. Maybe you don’t want to be a target. Maybe you just regret making eye contact with someone too chatty. Either way, blending in is a useful survival skill.
What You Should Know:
Move at night. If stealth is key, stick to the shadows. Stay low, move slow.
Dull colors blend in. Avoid bright clothing—earth tones are your friend.
Be silent. No jangling keys, heavy footsteps, or talking. Listen before you move.
Stay out of open spaces. The less visible you are, the better.
What NOT to Do:
Don’t panic and run—it makes you way more noticeable.
Bonus Skill: The next time you’re in a public place, try moving without drawing attention. It’s harder than you think.
How to Signal for Help Without a Phone
If you’re lost or stranded, getting found is just as important as staying alive. But how do you get help when you can’t just text someone “uh oh”?
What You Should Know:
Three of anything is a distress signal. Three whistles, three fires, three flashes of light—it signals “help needed.”
Smoke is visible from miles away. A smoky fire (wet leaves work) is a great way to get noticed.
Mirrors work better than you think. Even a small mirror can reflect sunlight up to 10 miles away.
What NOT to Do:
Don’t wander aimlessly. Stay put if rescue is likely.
Bonus Skill: Carry a small mirror or whistle in your bag. It weighs nothing but might save your life.
How to Not Get Lost in the First Place
The easiest way to stay alive? Don’t put yourself in a bad situation to begin with. Prevention is the best cure, so they say.
What You Should Know:
Tell someone where you’re going. Even if it’s just a hike, let someone know your route.
Mark your path. Break branches, leave rocks stacked in noticeable ways—anything to make retracing your steps easier.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, stop and reassess.
What NOT to Do:
Don’t just assume “I’ll figure it out.” You won’t.
Bonus Skill: The next time you go somewhere unfamiliar, pay attention to how you got there without using GPS. If you can’t remember, work on that.
Survival Isn’t Just for the Apocalypse
Knowing how to do basic survival things shouldn’t be a niche skill. You don’t need a doomsday bunker to justify knowing how to function when things go wrong.
Learn to navigate.
Know how to open a can without a fancy gadget.
Pay attention to your surroundings.
Don’t put yourself in a situation where you need rescuing.
Because whether it’s the end of the world or just a power outage, being prepared never hurts.
And if civilization never collapses? Hey—at least you won’t be one of the people fighting over bread at the grocery store.
