70+ Survival Riddles To Challenge Your Instincts
When you’re out in the wild, your instincts matter just as much as your gear. But how sharp is your survival sense? These 70 short and clever survival riddles will test your knowledge, quick thinking, and outdoor wit. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just love a good brain teaser, these riddles will help you think like a true survivor.
- I tell you north without a sound. What am I?
Answer: Compass
- You strike me to make fire. What am I?
Answer: Flint
- I hold water but have no shape. What am I?
Answer: Bottle
- I rise in the east. What am I?
Answer: Sun
- I can save your life if you’re cold. What am I?
Answer: Blanket
- I go up but never down. What am I?
Answer: Age
- I show stars but I’m not a telescope. What am I?
Answer: Sky
- I’m loud, bright, and signal danger. What am I?
Answer: Flare
- I grow shorter as I work. What am I?
Answer: Candle
- I’m tied in knots, but I’m helpful. What am I?
Answer: Rope
- I shine but give no heat. What am I?
Answer: Flashlight
- I’m dry but can quench your thirst. What am I?
Answer: Water bottle
- You follow me to find your way. What am I?
Answer: Trail
- I’m lit at night and keep wild things away. What am I?
Answer: Campfire
- I’m carried on your back and hold all you need. What am I?
Answer: Backpack
- You hear me when you’re lost. What am I?
Answer: Whistle
- I buzz and bite but don’t bark. What am I?
Answer: Mosquito
- I’m cold, wet, and dangerous. What am I?
Answer: River
- I fall from the sky and fill your canteen. What am I?
Answer: Rain
- I’m green, crunchy, and found in the wild. What am I?
Answer: Leaf
- I give light without electricity. What am I?
Answer: Fire
- I keep bugs away when sprayed. What am I?
Answer: Repellent
- I make your camp safe and cozy. What am I?
Answer: Shelter
- I sting but don’t fly. What am I?
Answer: Thorn
- I’m seen in the sky and help you guess time. What am I?
Answer: Sun
- I float, but I’m not a boat. What am I?
Answer: Log
- I carry fire safely. What am I?
Answer: Lighter
- I’m flat, folded, and show you the world. What am I?
Answer: Map
- I cut but have no teeth. What am I?
Answer: Knife
- You use me to drink from streams. What am I?
Answer: Filter
- I blow but don’t breathe. What am I?
Answer: Wind
- I break and bend but help you build. What am I?
Answer: Stick
- I’m your friend when night falls. What am I?
Answer: Fire
- I help you see in the dark. What am I?
Answer: Headlamp
- I melt ice but I’m not hot. What am I?
Answer: Sunlight
- I hold things tight without glue. What am I?
Answer: Knot
- I buzz but don’t make honey. What am I?
Answer: Fly
- I show directions and fit in your hand. What am I?
Answer: Compass
- I wrap wounds in the wild. What am I?
Answer: Bandage
- I crunch under your feet in forests. What am I?
Answer: Leaves
- I keep you dry when it rains. What am I?
Answer: Poncho
- I snap and hurt but can save. What am I?
Answer: Trap
- I’m quiet and quick and watch from the trees. What am I?
Answer: Owl
- I protect your feet. What am I?
Answer: Boots
- I’m rough, round, and found on trails. What am I?
Answer: Rock
- I hold your tent down. What am I?
Answer: Stake
- I fly in the wind and give warnings. What am I?
Answer: Flag
- I have rings and stand tall. What am I?
Answer: Tree
- I tell time but have no numbers. What am I?
Answer: Shadow
- I am shelter in a flash. What am I?
Answer: Tent
- I glide in the water and help you survive. What am I?
Answer: Canoe
- I signal planes from below. What am I?
Answer: Mirror
- I’m bitter but can be eaten. What am I?
Answer: Bark
- I make noise when stepped on. What am I?
Answer: Twig
- I hide in tall grass and slither. What am I?
Answer: Snake
- I point you north but don’t speak. What am I?
Answer: Compass
- I hold air and help you float. What am I?
Answer: Life jacket
- I trap animals in silence. What am I?
Answer: Snare
- I tell storms are near. What am I?
Answer: Clouds
- I burn slow to cook your meal. What am I?
Answer: Ember
- I fall in the woods and make sound. What am I?
Answer: Tree
- I’m round and keep you warm. What am I?
Answer: Firepit
- I wrap your food and block air. What am I?
Answer: Foil
- I measure your steps. What am I?
Answer: Pedometer
- I boil water without a pot. What am I?
Answer: Hot rock
- I sting from a plant. What am I?
Answer: Nettle
- I leave tracks but don’t stay. What am I?
Answer: Animal
- I help you fish without a pole. What am I?
Answer: Net
- I’m cold, wet, and fall fast. What am I?
Answer: Hail
- I buzz with danger in the hive. What am I?
Answer: Wasp
Survival isn’t just about firewood and first aid, it’s about keeping your mind alert. We hope these riddles stretched your brain and sparked your curiosity. Share them with friends on your next adventure or challenge yourself again and again. Stay sharp, stay safe, and keep solving!