Play it safe! When planning any type of outdoors adventure, it's always smart to be prepared. Check out the Flight 29 Down Survival Manual before heading into the wilderness. (Please keep in mind that this survival manual should not be considered a conclusive guide to survival.)

THE BASICS
You're stranded in the wild — now what? First, determine the area around you; get a feel for the landscape and the terrain.

Take care to keep yourself safe and healthy. For instance, in any climate, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. If you are in a cold or wet climate, put on additional clothing to stay warm and dry.

Check to see what equipment you have and what condition it is in.

SURVIVAL KIT
Be prepared with a survival kit. This waterproof kit should include first-aid items, water purification tablets or drops, fire-starting equipment, signaling items, food procurement items, shelter items, lighter, waterproof matches, signaling mirror, wrist compass, fish and snare line, fishhooks, candle, oxytetracycline tablets (diarrhea or infection), water purification tablets, lip balm and a knife.

SURVIVAL TIPS
Setting up shelter: Look for a site large enough for you to lie down in. It should also have nearby any materials you might need to build your shelter. Consider whether your shelter will properly protect you from wind, rain, snow and sun. If near water, be sure your site is above the high-water mark.

Help signals: If you find yourself without communication and in trouble, create a help signal by building three fires in the shape of a triangle. This is the international signal for distress. You can also send signals with a mirror or shiny object that reflects the sun's rays.

Fire: Place your kindling (dry sticks, small branches, bark) into a teepee-like shape, filling the center of the “teepee” with more small kindling. Light the kindling from the center, ideally using matches or a lighter. If those materials are unavailable, you can still get a spark by rubbing flint (rock) against steel, or by rubbing a wooden stick against a softer wooden base.

Collecting water: More than three-quarters of the human body is water, and it’s important to drink at least 2 liters of water each day. To find water, collect rainwater, groundwater (from lakes, rivers, etc.), snow or ice (if in a cold environment). To collect rainwater, catch it in tarps or other containers. Purify water before drinking.

Purifying water: The easiest way to purify water is with water purification tablets, or by boiling it for at least one minute. If water is muddy or dirty, pour it through a filtering material, like an article of clothing.

Catching fish for food: If you don’t already have fishing hooks, you can make them from any type of metal, including needles, wire or small nails. You'll increase your chances of catching a fish if you know where to look — fish will hang out away from currents in areas near rocks, brush, deep pools, sunken logs or other debris. Mollusks, such as clams or mussels, can be found clustered on rock pools or on logs. Cook all fish completely before eating!

Avoid dehydration: Drink as much water as possible at regular intervals even if you’re not thirsty. Stay in the shade, move as little as possible, and cover your head and neck from the sun’s direct heat.

Insect bites: To relieve the itching and discomfort caused by insect bites, apply cold compresses or a paste made from mud and ash (from a fire).

Leeches: These worm-like, bloodsucking creatures are often found in tropical climates. To avoid them, check your skin frequently and tuck your pants into your shoes or boots.

Cuts or scrapes: Remove any clothing from near the wound, and clean the skin around the cut. Rinse the cut with clean water, and bandage.