American Hunting: Starting with Solitary Life in the Wilderness

Chapter 9: Choosing Ten Pieces of Equipment
The week-long training camp has come to a close amidst tension and intensity.

After round after round of ruthless selection, the initial twenty-odd candidates were reduced to ten, who still stand on the training ground in the Rocky Mountains.

Lin Yu-an was among them!
When Instructor Rick Hawke announced the final ten finalists for the eighth season of "Living in the Wild" in his signature booming voice.

When the name "Lin Yu'an" was mentioned, Lin Yu'an's face did not show much ecstasy, but remained calm as always, though her eyes shone with confidence.

After the list of selected participants was announced, the production team immediately gathered the ten lucky winners and announced the official filming location for this season.

Executive producer Mark Johnson stood in front of a huge map that clearly marked the vast area of ​​the North American continent.

His finger eventually landed on northwestern Canada, a remote region surrounded by deep blue lakes and snow-capped mountains.

Mark's voice carried a hint of excitement, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the battlefield of the eighth season of 'Solo in the Wild'—Lake Chilco, British Columbia, Canada!"

A short video then played on the screen, showing a huge lake formed by crystal-clear glacial meltwater, surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains and dense, boundless primeval coniferous forests.

The images occasionally flash by with the silhouettes of wild animals—agile white-tailed deer, cunning wolverines, and massive, awe-inspiring grizzly bears!

The Canadian grizzly bear can weigh up to 900 pounds, which is about 450 kilograms. Its average length is 2.3 meters, and when it stands on its hind legs, its height can reach 2.7 meters, making it a true lord of the forest!
"Yes, you read that right. One of the toughest challenges you'll face this season is sharing this wilderness with the grizzly bears of this land!"

"Therefore, we can also call this season 'Wilderness Solitude: Grizzly Mountain'!"

All ten contestants present, even those with experience as hunters, couldn't help but show serious expressions when they heard the word "grizzly bear."

That's not just prey, but a potentially deadly threat!
Lin Yu'an's heart sank slightly. Although he had learned some knowledge about how to deal with large beasts from Old John at the border farm.

But the difficulty of surviving alone for months in an area with such a high density of grizzly bears is unimaginable.

Mark Johnson gave an encouraging smile at the opportune moment.

"Of course, we believe that you ten are all top survivors and will definitely find a way to live in harmony with nature and ultimately overcome the challenges."

"You will now have four hours to select ten pieces of survival gear to take into the wilderness, based on the environmental characteristics of the Lake Chirko area and your own skills."

"Please note that this is crucial for your future survival. We are providing the production team with an equipment list; please choose carefully!"

Equipment selection is a crucial aspect of the "Living Alone in the Wilderness" program, directly impacting the contestants' survival skills and endurance in the wilderness.

The ten participants returned to their temporary tents and began reviewing their equipment list.

Lin Yu'an first calmly and quickly analyzed the environmental characteristics of the Chirko Lake area in his mind.

High-latitude mountainous areas mean low temperatures, large temperature differences between day and night, and long, harsh winters, so staying warm is the top priority! Also, grizzly bears are present, making bear spray and safe food storage crucial.

He first checked the equipment provided by the production team, in addition to the ten items:

1 pair of high-leg hunting boots
1 pair of water shoes

1 belt

2 T-shirts

2 wool sweaters or wool shirts

1 wool sweater
3 pairs of wool socks
2顶帽子

2 pairs of gloves

2 pairs of underwear

A warm outdoor jacket
1 rain jacket

1 pair of rain pants

1 pair of thermal underwear

1 pair of leg wraps

1 toothbrush

One pair of glasses (with prescription)
1 personal photo

1 large waterproof tarpaulin

Multi-season sleeping bag
1 fixed blade knife
1 double-sided whetstone

1 bear spray

1 kettle

1 waterproof hiking backpack

After reviewing the basic items provided in the program, Lin Yu'an, based on his own skills, began to select ten pieces of equipment that he could purchase himself.

Every choice he made was the result of careful consideration:
I quickly went through in my mind all sorts of knives, axes, and saws of various sizes, as well as sleeping bags and waterproof sheets of different temperature ratings, and then to fire-starting tools, cooking utensils, fishing gear, bows and arrows, and so on.

In the end, 10 items were sorted out.

A multi-tool forged from high-carbon steel: This is the most important tool, used for cutting, slicing, skinning, self-defense, nail trimming, and shaving. It must have a sharp, easily sharpened blade and be sturdy and durable. A medium-sized logging axe: Used for chopping wood for building shelter and gathering firewood. Choose one that is of moderate weight, with a sharp blade and a sturdy handle.

A high-quality -30°C temperature-rated goose down sleeping bag (with a waterproof outer layer): In cold regions, a good sleeping bag is crucial for survival, and its temperature rating and waterproof performance must be clearly defined.

An oversized, heavy-duty waterproof tarpaulin: versatile, it can be used as a roof or ground cover for shelters. He chose a military green color that is closer to the natural environment.

A large magnesium flint: the most reliable fire-starting tool, unaffected by moisture.

A single-handled stainless steel pot with a lid: for boiling water, cooking, and melting snow. The stainless steel material is durable and easy to clean.

A fishing tackle kit containing various types of fishing lines, hooks, and a small amount of sinkers: Lake Chirko is rich in fishery resources, which are an important source of protein.

A roll of high-strength paracord has a wide range of uses, including building shelters, making traps, and binding items.

A packet of salt can not only prevent hyponatremia and electrolyte imbalance, but also affect nerve and muscle function, and can be used to marinate meat.

For his last piece of equipment, Lin Yu'an chose an American hunting bow without hesitation.

It can carry 10 arrows: 8 regular arrows and 2 bear-hunting arrows. It provides the ability to hunt large prey from a distance, but requires extremely high skill. However, it can also hunt small prey.

He repeatedly chose the sleeping bag and waterproof tarpaulin, believing they would be very useful.

Lin Yu'an carefully checked his list of ten pieces of equipment to ensure that he had not missed any. This equipment was enough for him to survive in the wilderness of Lake Chirko.

After submitting the list of ten items to the production team, the production team gave all the contestants a surprise!
Arrange a plane for each contestant to go home, prepare these ten items, and say goodbye to their families before the show's recording officially begins!
On the flight back to Austin.

When Lin Yu'an returned to their apartment in Austin with his simple luggage, Alyssa, who had already learned about the situation over the phone, was waiting anxiously at the door.

Upon seeing Lin Yu'an, a look of joy instantly welled up in Aria's eyes. She quickly stepped forward, but Lin Yu'an caught her first.

"Slow down, darling, you're under special protection right now!"

Lin Yu'an's voice was full of affection as he gently hugged Alia.

"You're back! How was the training camp? Was there any danger?"

Aria pulled Lin Yu'an up and down, her eyes filled with concern.

"Everything is going smoothly, there is no danger, don't worry."

Lin Yu'an smiled and briefly described the training camp to Ailiya, omitting the dangerous details, of course.

Upon learning that Lin Yu'an had been officially selected and that she would have a week to prepare at home, Ailiya was initially delighted, but this was followed by a deeper sense of reluctance at the impending separation.

"A week... and I'm leaving so soon?" Arya's voice was somewhat downcast.

Lin Yu'an pulled her into his arms and gently comforted her, "Seven days is already very precious. I will spend a lot of time with you and the babies."

Over the next few days, Lin Yu'an took meticulous care of Ailiya, accompanied her on walks, and prepared various nutritious meals for her.

I talked to her while she was pregnant, and we took some time to go shopping for supplies.

His goal was very clear.

High-energy, easily stored compressed foods, such as high-energy compressed biscuits used by special forces and gel-like energy bars, are small in size and high in calories, and can be life-saving in the early stages of food scarcity or in emergencies.

We prepared quite a lot: concentrated chicken broth, mixed spice powder, and butter hot pot base. In the monotonous outdoor diet, a little bit of seasoning can greatly improve the taste and boost morale.

He also purchased some special fishhooks and high-strength fishing lines. Although the equipment list included fishing gear, he wanted to prepare more, as well as several rolls of extremely strong steel wire.

In addition to the first-aid kit allowed by the program, he also prepared special anti-inflammatory drugs, strong painkillers, and ointments, which can prevent minor injuries from becoming major ones in critical moments.

The most important item was a large-caliber bear-hunting pistol, which would definitely not pass the program team's inspection if carried normally, so Lin Yu safely put it into his "personal space".

Despite these preparations, Lin Yu'an planned not to use the food in his space unless it was a matter of life and death.

While using the space as a safety net, he wanted to challenge his true wilderness survival abilities and limits.

Time flew by amidst the busy preparations and tender moments with Arya.

The moment of parting finally arrived.

That night, Aria was a little wild, being exceptionally proactive on Lin Yu'an's waist. Her snow-white skin was flushed, her eyes were somewhat glazed, and her face showed the flush of exercise.

Half an hour later, the two lay on the sofa in each other's arms. Arya gently rested her head on his shoulder, feeling the familiar warmth emanating from him.

Arya's voice was filled with deep reluctance: "Darling, please take good care of yourself and don't get hurt! The babies and I will be waiting for you at home and praying for you every day."

Lin Yu'an held her hand tightly: "Don't worry, darling. I will protect myself as much as I protect you."

She looked up at Lin Yu'an with teary eyes: "Lin, promise me you will come back safely. Win or lose, you will always be the greatest hero in my and the children's hearts."

"I promise you!" Lin Yu'an lowered his head and kissed Ailiya's lips deeply.

My solitary life in the wilderness is about to begin! Readers who enjoy wilderness survival, please feel free to follow along!


(End of this chapter)