These techniques for moving safely of foot in a bad situation are tried and true. From the folk at The Prepper Journal...

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Clothing and Footwear

When you’re traveling on foot, you need to remember that you’re going to be exposed to the elements, and chances are that if you’re really going to go on a long journey by foot, you are going to need to bring a number of supplies with you.

If this is a distance hike through the woods, you’ll want to outfit yourself differently than if you were prowling through city streets scavenging for supplies, but the principles remain the same – you need to choose proper clothing, footwear, supplies and gear that will fit the situation.

For any kind foot travel, your shoes are the most important piece. High-top boots are preferable to standard shoes in most cases, since you’ll get added layers of protection on your ankles, as well as some support for uneven footing.

Waterproofing is an obvious feature in a good pair of walking shoes, but it’s possible to purchase any pair of shoes that you’d like and spray them down with a tent waterproofing spray like Nikwax. This will be less effective, but something’s better than nothing.

For clothing, consider compression socks and shorts as a base layer in any climate. These tight-fitting garments are now the go-to for athletes because they wick moisture, increase circulation, and can cause your body to generate heat faster in the areas that are compressed.

This probably shouldn’t be your only layer, but it’s definitely a place to start, and they fit under any other piece of clothing you prefer.

How to Travel Long Distances

There are many variables to consider when you’re attempting a long-distance expedition by foot. The purposes and the scenarios you might encounter along the way, as well as the terrain you’re covering will all affect how your journey will progress.

If you need to stay hidden for instance, you’ll want to leave your flashlights at home even though you’re traveling in the dark. Staying towards the shadows, and progressing the long way around moonlit streets is essential.

If you’re traveling across open areas, you’ll want to move from foliage to foliage, and you’ll likely want to stick to the outskirts of the copses of trees since you might make a good bit of noise stepping on fallen sticks and leaves that crowd the interior of these areas.

Rocky terrain is an obstacle that will require a good bit of experience. A fall or an injury in any less-traveled area can be deadly if you can’t get cell phone service (very common), and getting lost or finding your way into a predicament you can’t get out of is also a real danger.

In these areas, an adequate map and compass is a must, as are good shoes, good fitness, and a good backup plan in case of emergency.  Bringing some rope or paracord is always a good idea, especially if you need to come back the way you came. Remember to set up your return routes ahead of time so you aren’t lassoing rocks on the way back.

The question of water is a tricky one. You’ll need to balance your body’s need for hydration with your ability to handle taking on more water.

One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was taking a dry mouth as a sign that I needed more water. Often, a dry mouth is simply an indication that you’re breathing incorrectly. Not only did I use water prematurely, but I also had a stomach-ache as I continued exercising with a full stomach.

Learning when to drink and when to adapt is a key point of knowledge if you plan on seeing your journey through.

What You Can Do Now to Prepare

Long distance travel by foot is certainly a skill that must be practiced before it can be utilized effectively in a life-or-death situation.

There is really no way to simulate true traveling skills in a gym or in any sort of artificial environment like a treadmill. This may be good for preparing your body for repetitive physical exercise and exertion, you’ll find that walking soft dirt roads affects you differently than hard rubber surfaces.

Pavement doesn’t give way the same way as the running track behind your local high school, and neither does dirt. Having a good basic level of fitness is essential, but a gym doesn’t do a good job of preparing you for life outside.

Now you’ve got your hands on some key survival knowledge for traveling on foot, and be prepared when you have to use it.

For more cool survival tips and info, please visit The Prepper Journal.

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