Tom Stienstra’s “Ten Commandments to Stay Alive in the Wild”

March 14, 2009 By John Soares 3 Comments

Tom Stienstra, the outdoors columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, recently wrote an important piece on how to decrease the chances of something nasty happening to you when you’re exploring outdoors. You all need to read this article; I know I’ve violated more than one these commandments several times in my life–luckily I’m still here.

Here’s how “Ten Commandments to Stay Alive in the Wild” opens:

You ever face a life-or-death predicament in the outdoors? Yes? Then you already know to never assume you’ll rise to the challenge. And “If you live on the edge,” as the late Waylon Jennings said, then you know “you can be subject to a fall.”

Here’s the brief list. Tom elaborates on each.

1. Never hope.
2. Get your ego out of the way.
3. Know the danger.
4. Learn your lessons.
5. Get it right.
6. Have a plan.
7. Be decisive.
8. Trust yourself.
9. Leave yourself an out.
10. Pay attention.

What are your thoughts on Tom’s article? Do you agree with these ten commandments? What would you add?

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Comments

Eric your brother says
March 16, 2009 at 1:19 pm
I think Tom’s 10 commandments are pretty good. As he presents it, #s 1 and 7 are the same. So, combine those 2 and add “Make sure you have the right equipment for the situation.” I know kayakers in 50F water who don’t wear wetsuits. Why heck, John, remember that backpacking trip we made in the Trinity Alps and you didn’t bring a sleeping bag? Brr. And how about that big lightning and rain storm in the Warner Mountains when we didn’t bring tents or any rain gear?
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John Soares says
March 16, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Yeah, I remember being very, very cold wrapped in a blanket–until the last night when I convinced you and Marc to zip your bags together and let me get in the middle. In my defense, I was, broke and didn’t know anybody I could borrow a bag from.
I did bring my poncho to the Warners. I remember sticking the bottom of my sleeping bag into a garbage bag and then wrapping the poncho around the rest of me. Altogether a wet and uncomfortable sleep.
The long, close, and intense lightning storm – especially since we survived it unscathed – is actually one of the most vivid and interesting memories of my life.
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- bobbi says
  September 22, 2011 at 9:57 am
  Dear John,
  I think I would’ve liked to have seen a few examples of a situation, and how someone applied one of those 10 Commandments. I liked the one on HOPE at first because it seemed like it would be a necessary tool. Then I remembered a survival show and the guy did a QUICK summary and decided he was in trouble and took action. Like a window opportunity moment. Didn’t get that “leave yourself and out,” part, but thought that sticking to original plan and then leaving the family and friends that plan too, would be good to include. Recently many lost hikers in our areas.. thanks.
  Reply

Tom Stienstra’s “Ten Commandments to Stay Alive in the Wild”

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