At Survivor Mind, I talk a lot about resilience—the kind that’s forged in the fire of hardship, grief, or loss. But survival isn’t just mental. It’s also about staying physically prepared, strong, and self-reliant in the environments we explore. Whether you’re heading into the backcountry, climbing a volcano, or just car camping off the grid, your mind can’t thrive if your body isn’t protected.
This is where the physical side of Survivor Mind comes in.
I believe in training for the world as it is—not just how we wish it to be. That means putting intentional thought into things like:
Travel Insurance
It’s not the most exciting part of your trip prep, but it’s one of the most critical. Medical evacuation, search and rescue coverage, and adventure sport clauses matter more than you think—especially when you’re far from home or deep in the wilderness. Survivor Mind doesn’t just encourage travel, it encourages responsible exploration. Before you go, know what you’re covered for, and what you’re not.
Safety Gear That’s More Than a Checklist
We love gear. But not just for the sake of having the latest gadget. We focus on packing gear that actually works when it matters. That includes:
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Communication tools like satellite messengers
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Extra batteries, lighting, and fire-starting systems
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First aid kits designed for trauma and austere environments
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Layers that work in both wet and dry conditions
We’re not here to sell you anything (although we do have some paid affiliations with trusted partners)—we’re here to help you think critically about what you carry and why.
Austere Medical Skills: Know What to Do When Help’s Not Coming Soon
Whether it’s a twisted ankle on a remote trail or something more serious, Survivor Mind puts a spotlight on wilderness medical readiness. We promote courses like Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Remote EMT (R-EMT), Stop the Bleed, and basic CPR/AED—not as extras, but as essentials.
You don’t have to be a paramedic to save a life. But you do have to be willing to learn.
Physical Readiness Supports Mental Clarity
Stress hits differently when your body’s strong and trained. Cold weather, exhaustion, hunger, and altitude all test your limits—and your decisions. We explore how conditioning, breathwork, and endurance training contribute to staying sharp in high-stakes moments. It’s not about being the fittest person on the mountain—it’s about having the reserves to keep going when the unexpected hits.
In every expedition, there are unknowns. You can’t control the weather, terrain, or timing of a crisis—but you can control how prepared you are to face it.
Survivor Mind isn’t just a mindset. It’s a full-body commitment to staying safe, sharp, and sovereign in the wild.
Stay ready out there.
