My son says that if you're in the desert it is more important to have water than food, I said food is more important than water: who is right and why?

A popular “rule” for survival is the rule of 3s.

You can survive

• 3 minutes without air
• 3 hours without shelter (In especially harsh conditions)
• 3 days without water
• 3 weeks without food

You should tackle your needs in that order. If you are under water, buried under snow, or in a toxic atmosphere, you find a way to breathe.

Then, if you’re in a blizzard, hurricane or sandstorm, you find a way to shelter from the elements.

After deciding whether you need immediate shelter and finding it if you do, you think about fresh water. In a moderate climate, you have about 3 days. In a desert, you may have only 1–2.

Finally, after you’ve taken care of those issues, you think about food.

Your son is wise. You should listen to him.