The five S's of effective camouflage
December 09, 2020
When we're in the wilderness and our survival relies on us remaining hidden and hard to find, there are 5 key aspects you need to ensure you're addressing as you make your way to safety.
Helpfully, they all begin with the letter S!
1. SHAPE
Find ways to break up your shape with foliage from your immediate surroundings so that the outline of a human figure is no longer obvious.
2. SHINE
Look carefully at your clothes and equipment to conceal any shine. This could be anything from your watch to the lace ringlets on your boots - use mud to cover everything you can (including your face and exposed skin) but don't go overboard with the mud either as this in itself could also draw attention.
3. SMELL
Your smell will often betray you long before you're seen or heard.
To minimise exposure, eat all your food raw as the smell of cooked food (and your fire) will carry.
4. SHADOW
Where possible, do as much of your movement at night, where your shadow or silhouette will not expose you.
5. SOUND
All your movements should be slow and purposeful so as not to attract any unwanted attention. If you are moving with someone else, use hand signals instead of your voice to communicate
As long as you are mindful of the above five elements, you're well on your way to making it to safety and having an incredible story to tell on the other side!
Do you have what it takes to survive (and hide) on our survival courses? Choose your adventure for 2021!
