littis said:
I'm definitely impressed with Survivorman, but he sometimes falls short as well. One episode he wrapped his arm as though it was hurt, then later changed his mind and went back to two arms because it was too difficult. Granted he wasn't hurt but don't start what you can't finish. Also, he always states that if he can't get out he'll just wait for the rescue crew. That's not really surviving. It could go either way though...he does state he has to survive for only seven days.
So what if he gave up on his "injured" arm? In the end, he always stays true to the situation he's in and emphasizes techniques in survival that everyone can learn from. Also, don't forget that for every major trek he makes, say across a large hill, he does it three times. One to other side to set up the camera, back to the beginning in order to film it from the start, and then once again back to his camera. Filming your own survival show is a pain in the ass--plus, don't forget that he's lugging around 60 pounds of camera equipment while not eating or drinking anything substantial for 7 days.
90% of the time, staying put and waiting to be rescued is the better decision than venturing out to see if you can get yourself out of your situation. Survival is just that--keeping your body sustained until someone can help you. How many times have we heard of the story of someone getting stranded in the mountains, in a car, in the middle of winter, and are stupid enough to venture out in the elements to find help? And die because of it. The essence of survival is finding shelter, fire, and food/water, and waiting it out. Only when you know where you're going, and you have a decent chance of bringing supplies with you without risk of exposure, do you venture out on your own to find your way out.