Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to survive in the wilderness? You aren’t the only one. Shows like Man vs. Wild and Survivor are popular for a reason — we all love adventure, and it’s not difficult to imagine scenarios in which we can amaze ourselves and our companions with these life-saving skills.

Even though these shows might glamorize the stranded-on-a-deserted-island fantasy we’ve all had, making it in the wild is no small feat. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or a first-time hiker, many potential dangers lurk in the wilderness, and visitors might find themselves facing unforeseen challenges. By reading A Complete Guide to Surviving in the Wilderness: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Alive and Get Rescued, you are taking the first step toward making it out of any potentially harmful wilderness situation alive.

We’ve gathered information from the best survival manuals and have spoken to numerous experts to give you the tools you will need to become a real-life survivor. Because an emergency in the wilderness presents its own set of unique circumstances and challenges, it’s imperative you know how to help yourself and others. You must be aware of potential dangers ahead of time and plan appropriately.