# How Desert Survival Works ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article3.5c705a01b476.png) URL:: https://adventure.howstuffworks.com/survival/wilderness/desert-survival.htm Author:: adventure.howstuffworks.com ## Highlights > Mild dehydration: > Lack of saliva > Decreased frequency and amount of urine > Deep color and strong odor in urine > Moderate dehydration: > Even less urine > Dry mouth and sunken eyes > Rapid heartbeat > Severe dehydration: > No urine > Lethargy and irritability > Vomiting and diarrhea ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1354862499/14767578)) > It's a common mistake for someone in a survival situation to try to ration his or her water. People are often found dead with water still in their canteens. Here's a survival axiom that could help save your life: Ration sweat, not water. And don't listen to your thirst meter -- if you only drink when you're thirsty, you'll be getting about two-thirds of the water you need. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1354862499/14767579)) > If you find a trail, follow it. It may lead to civilization. > Look for birds in the morning and evening. They'll often circle over water. > Dig near cottonwoods, willows, sycamores, hackberry and cattails for groundwater. > Cactus fruit bears water -- but be careful, because some are poisonous. If you don't know your desert plants, don't risk it. There isn't a sure-fire indicator. > Breathe through your nose and avoid talking. > If you find wet sand, dig down to get to seeping water. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1354862499/14767580)) > The other thing you'll want in the desert is fire. Even though daytime temps are severe, the desert can get very cool and even cold at night. Aside from providing warmth, fire will also: > Allow you to purify the water you may find > Provide a cooking flame > Give you light and a sense of security at night > Help ward off desert critters > Make smoke for a rescue signal ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1354862499/14767582)) > Another good method in the desert is to use a signal mirror ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1354862499/14767585)) --- Title: How Desert Survival Works Author: adventure.howstuffworks.com Tags: readwise, articles date: 2024-01-30 --- # How Desert Survival Works ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article3.5c705a01b476.png) URL:: https://adventure.howstuffworks.com/survival/wilderness/desert-survival.htm Author:: adventure.howstuffworks.com ## AI-Generated Summary None ## Highlights > Mild dehydration: > Lack of saliva > Decreased frequency and amount of urine > Deep color and strong odor in urine > Moderate dehydration: > Even less urine > Dry mouth and sunken eyes > Rapid heartbeat > Severe dehydration: > No urine > Lethargy and irritability > Vomiting and diarrhea ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1354862499/14767578)) > It's a common mistake for someone in a survival situation to try to ration his or her water. People are often found dead with water still in their canteens. Here's a survival axiom that could help save your life: Ration sweat, not water. And don't listen to your thirst meter -- if you only drink when you're thirsty, you'll be getting about two-thirds of the water you need. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1354862499/14767579)) > If you find a trail, follow it. It may lead to civilization. > Look for birds in the morning and evening. They'll often circle over water. > Dig near cottonwoods, willows, sycamores, hackberry and cattails for groundwater. > Cactus fruit bears water -- but be careful, because some are poisonous. If you don't know your desert plants, don't risk it. There isn't a sure-fire indicator. > Breathe through your nose and avoid talking. > If you find wet sand, dig down to get to seeping water. ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1354862499/14767580)) > The other thing you'll want in the desert is fire. Even though daytime temps are severe, the desert can get very cool and even cold at night. Aside from providing warmth, fire will also: > Allow you to purify the water you may find > Provide a cooking flame > Give you light and a sense of security at night > Help ward off desert critters > Make smoke for a rescue signal ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1354862499/14767582)) > Another good method in the desert is to use a signal mirror ([View Highlight](https://instapaper.com/read/1354862499/14767585))