If you’ve never heard of Chris McCandless, his true story unfolded into a nonfiction book, “Into the Wild,” written by Jon Krakauer, who specializes in the outdoor genre and survival guides. A movie by the same name was later adapted from the book, written, produced and directed by Sean Penn. Though McCandless’s death occurred in 1992, his story continues to intrigue people worldwide. Many wonder why an otherwise intelligent, resourceful young man severely underestimated the Alaskan wilderness and paid for it with his life.
Chris McCandless- A Brief Biography
Deadly Consequences
Chris McCandless had only a light backpack, a ten-pound bag of rice, a Remington semiautomatic rifle, and a pair of rubber boots, which the man who dropped him off gave to him. He did not have a compass and only had a map for navigation. Besides the clothes on his back, these were the only worldly possessions that Chris McCandless had until he found an abandoned bus by a river he used for shelter. Though McCandless had the four basic needs- shelter, water, fire and food, these were meager. Underestimating the Alaskan wilderness proved to be his deadly mistake.
The Alaskan Wilderness- A Survival Guide
McCandless was fortunate to have found the bus with a woodstove onboard. Otherwise, he would have had to build a primitive shelter out of logs and pine boughs and insulate it with moss. A Mylar blanket, a Goretex sleeping bag or even a plastic garbage bag filled with dried leaves would have been better than nothing, and they would have helped keep him warm. Staying warm would mean conserving precious calories. Wool materials versus cotton can make a difference between life and death because wool stays warm even when wet.
A firestarter, like a magnesium rod tool that throws sparks, would be treasured. You wouldn’t have to worry about running out of matches. Boiling water would help protect against giardia, a common pathogen in wild bodies of water. As for food, you can’t just eat lean protein all the time, as that can lead to proteinuria and kidney damage from overeating protein. You must seek out other sources of nutrients, such as plants, and know what plants are safe. Having an illustrated field guide with you could mean the difference between survival and death. It should go without saying but never attempt to eat any part of a plant you don’t recognize.
Having a compass and knowing how to use it can save your life. Everyone should learn to use one with a map because GPS isn’t always available. It’s not difficult to learn; elementary schoolchildren can pick up basic orienteering skills. A map in the wilderness won’t do you a lot of good if you don’t know which direction you’re headed in. Lastly, learn how to signal for help. Carry a hand mirror, whistle, or even a flare gun. Shooting a firearm in three-shot volleys is an international distress signal. Know how to build a signal fire, and don’t be too proud to ask for help.
Final Thoughts
The death of Chris McCandless was a tragedy, but sadder still was the fact it was a preventable tragedy. Where would he be now if McCandless had only brought a few more supplies? What if he knew how brutal life in the wilderness was? Maybe he did know and regretted his decision as he fell weaker. People who tried to reattempt McCandless’s trail have been injured, and few even died themselves. It became so problematic that Alaska’s Air National Guard removed the bus.
It’s now being restored as a museum artifact. Questions remain unanswered to this day as to why Chris McCandless was so reckless. Perhaps he was willing to choose to ignore a survival guide or didn’t know better.
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