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March 26, 2009
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Survival Guru Tony Nester
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Who has the greater chance of survival, a person alone, or a group?
— Chris
British Columbia
 Solo survival is always grueling and the hardships, both physical and psychological, become amplified when you are alone. Humans have survived this long because of culture. We are social animals, so a group would have a far better chance of surviving than the lone individual. For one thing, the more brainpower and braun, the better.
I've done both solo survival outings and group survival trips-where we went out as a small hunter-gatherer bands. These outings ranged up to a month and with very little modern gear. Psychologically, being in a group was far more pleasant and easier, with our daily foraging trips and camaraderie around the evening campfire. Not to mention how much more wild food we were able to procure than if I had been alone. Simply from a caloric-expenditure perspective, a small group (6-8 people) of trained individuals, in a good environment and at the right time of year, will fare better than the solo survivor.
Yes, many, many people have survived solo. There are countless stories. But loneliness and despair heightened, in my opinion, when you are not able to commiserate with and receive support from others. Recall the Andes survivors. They were a group of young athletes who were already a team when they crashed. Their courage and will to live was fortified by their bonds and mutual support.
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Do you have a question of your
own?
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Culture is an incredible tool in our survival as a species, so don't vote anyone off your island. That is a bizarre modern concept- our ancestors knew better or we wouldn't be here today!
Your question also brings up the question of whether it is safer to hike with a friend than it is to hike alone. I hike with a friend whenever possible.
Survival Guru
Tony Nester is the founder and director of Ancient Pathways, a wilderness skills company specializing in desert survival and primitive technology. With 18 years of survival training under his belt, Nester has instructed the U.S. Military, National Park Service, and actors, including Emile Hirsch for his role in Into the Wild. He is the author of three books and teaches a number of survival courses throughout the year.
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