Truly appreciate y'all taking the time to watch and comment... really means alot! If you've enjoyed this one please consider taking a second to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more. Thanks my friends... looking forward to seeing ya around! -John
Excellent advice. Another tip my Dad gave me 50 years ago when we were hunting together: If you get lost, keep going downhill. You will eventually find a creek, and keep following it downhill. Eventually, you'll get to civilization. The area in which we live is very hilly. It isn't easy to mistake up and down here. Flatlanders will have to figure out their own method.
I've never gotten lost, not even when I was a kid, because I tend to name trees as I go. Sam doesn't look anything like Sarah and Sarah is straighter and thinner than Betty, who just happens to be lopsided but that's ok. If you happen to run across Betty more than once, it's time to remember where Sarah was.
I totally agree. Very simple and very effective (hopefully). I got lost on a hike with my hiking buddy in the mountains north of Tucson, the Catalina Mtns. But, his wife did know our activity, etc. And I had brought a map & compass thanks to my scouting and Army background. The reason we got lost was the pine needles on the trail made it difficult to follow in the waning hours of the day. It happened quickly and without warning. my buddy was panicking. And I think my heart must have beat faster as well. We decided almost without words to just hike higher, by bouldering upwards. We camped at the top of that mountain that night. We made it back the next day by me reading the map and deciding on the most expedient route. It was... an adventure. Without map & compass, and the skill with both, who knows how we might have ended up.
I think it was an excellent video and an excellent tip on surviving in the woods and can also be applied to surviving in the city by always letting your friends and family know where you're going and who you're leaving with.
The note is a good idea. Leave it folded in half on the dash with a message on the outside saying something like, "Read this note to find out where I am" or something like that and on the inside more detail about your hike.
John, if this saves one life or saves one person from a truly horrible experience, you've done dome good work with this video. Wasn't what I was looking for, but I hope the right person sees this before taking a long hike somewhere unfamiliar.
If I was going on a day hike, I will have at least a pack with a few needed items like fire making, knife, water filter, lite tent or tarp, food, some sort of hunt-fish kit, first aid plus more items.
Simple but Very important tip. Several years ago my uncle, who was an avid outdoorsman, left on a hunting trip and on his way to his planned hunting spot decided to try old spot in a total different location. Cellphones were not a edc item back then and his wife was under the impression that he was hunting his original spot. Long story short the old treestand he used was rotted wood and he fell 25 feet and broke his leg a couple ribs and punctured a lung. He lay there 4 days before he was
It's a great tip, but back in the days before cell phones and you tube videos the know how wasn't to good. Today we can research information like this. I went on a hunting trip in an area that I thought I knew pretty well, but I did get lost. I was lost walking in circles for about two hours before I realized what was going on. I found myself scared and in panic mode. This happens to many people and only makes things worse, I got a hold of myself and sat down to look over my problem, after a few minutes I calmed down and started to think straight. After that it didn't take long to get out of this bush. Panic is a big problem when your lost, try to stay calm and think of things that you have Lenard and heard or seen on you tube that might help. There are many wrong ways of doing things, but this might help you build a shelter or make a fire to help you situation.
Ps.NEVER BE CAUGHT WITH OUT A KNIFE, EVEN IF YOUR ARE GOING TO GO FOR A HALF HOUR TRAIL WALK, ALWAYS CARRY A KNIFE even a pocket knife that along can save you a lot of grief in the woods.
+Ric Johns you see that is how people end up in a survival situation because of randomness. most of the time people bring something into the woods, but as the video said some people just go out of their hotel room just to take few pictures just to go few meters into the trees and take that selfie and they get lost. that may sound stupid to us outdoorsmen because how can one get lost going just few meters into the woods, but they do. some people never in their lives ever camped, seen a campfire, never been bit by a mosquito, never seen stars, never been in forests at all but they decided to go to vacation into the mountain huts n stuff like that.they just go out to take few selfies with flipflops and t shirts and they get fucked, or people go mountain skiing weather turns bad, they jump under the fur and once storm ends they realize they are lost.
As always another great video with very important info. I have been telling people where i have been going since a kid. I always had to let my parents know where i was and should be home. I still do it today with my girlfriend and so on. Great point and thanks again.
Nice tip John. I told my GF if I wasn't back by dark, send out rescue when I went solo free-climbing in Thailand. I almost didn't make it back in time and expected to meet 10 local fishermen half way down haha. From the UK.
A lot of people like to call things bushcraft. In reality, to a lot of unexperianced people it is plain survival. Kids these days take it as a joke thinking nothing will happen to them. That's when they go missing and get lost. I feel it is the parents responcability if living near the wilderness to teach them survival skills. Thanks for your vids. Always inspiring Big Guy.
Great advice, useful for all walks of live not just outdoor,s!! You never know what will happen!!! One can't plan life's unknowns! But You can plan for the unknown.
I spent a night out unexpectedly after taking the dog on an adventure and straying well off the path. Lucky for me ut was summer. I walked out in the morning and called my sis to let her know all was well as I'd left a message on her answer phone. Her response floored me "oh no I wasn't going to call anyone"
Hi John. Really good video, it always makes sence to leave info of where you are going. I live in the UK but I always leave a copy of my Personal Outdoor Plan with my wife, it contains four A4 pages setting out all required information from my expected time of return right down what kit I am carrying and what skills I have in the outdoors. I also enclose a map of the area showing my intended route in and out of the wilderness, I enclose so much information that the search and rescue team could almost drop their helecopter on my head. In reply to" irrelavant13" What about that guy in California a few years ago who got trapped by a fallen rock and had to cut his own hand off with a pocket knife. Yes he knew the area like the back of his hand and was used to the area, but no-one knew where he was and he quite easily could have died, he was extreamly lucky and very silly. Take care out there everyone
Times have changed. If your a frequent hiker going to unfamiliar places, invest in a PLB (personal locater beacon) and ALWAYS carry a lighter, knife, and compass, but most importantly a positive attitude. Remember the threes.
Really important tip. Love your videos which are tremendously interesting but more importantly, very useful. Thanks for sharing your expertise. Ya never know when some little piece of information might save your life.
Tips don't always have to be tricked out or involve building things. You should always pack common sense when heading out to the woods, especially if you are new to the area. I try to find out as much as I can like where a ranger station is, is it the time of year for bears, etc... and always check out Johns tips. They really can save your life! Thanks again.
I personally don't like leaving that info anywhere in plain site due to the possibility of break-ins and vandalism while away from the vehicle (unfortunate, but it happens all too often). SAR personnel will know to check the obvious places, such as glove compartment, console, and sun visor.
I think the tip is basic but often forgotten. Good Video.. I've seen a TON of people doing backpacking essential videos who make no mention of a map, gps, or even a compass, signal mirror, flares, markers, or anything.. Thanks
Agreed! Such a huge map person I'd probably leave a marked map with possible 'wants' to visit with someone or at least send a picture of it. I know this video focuses also on getting lost , to be fair, a lot of people can't read maps :p thank you for the video :)
Also has another idea or add on to this. Even if u are going alone u could bring an FRS handheld and when u tell/txt friend u could tell them that if u are not back by your ETA u could give them a channel and priv code guy that u could be reached by search and rescue on.
Not exciting tip, but a mechanical injury to a leg could be deadly. I always tell folks where I'm going but haven't included the time of return. Good advice. I bring some high vis stuff in my pack to make it easier to be found. Good vid John.
great video, I do these things ever backpacking trip I go on. I always tell a close relative that if you havent heard from me by "Xpm on x-x-xx date" something isn't right and could you please notify the rangers office (I leave the ranger station #). thanks for confirming that I'm not paranoid!
Actually, the most underrated survival tip is "pay attention" so you don't get lost. Observe the area for features and other markers. Observation is the most important aspect of anything isn't it? Observe the sun location, observe the terrain, observe where you are walking, observe the weather. It's the key to being safe, as well. Prevent yourself from walking in to sink holes or off hidden cliffs or stepping on snakes.
This reminds me of how Chris McCandless died. He starved to death after an injury in an abandoned bus because nobody knew he even went out. I think this is the prime rule too.
Another trick I learned, is to take a sheet of tinfoil, lay it on ground and step on it, leave that with your car as well, that way trackers have your shoe pattern to follow as well.
I would put the note clearly visible on the dashboard. Not much point in putting it in the glove compartment as most people will NOT have a key to your car!
I can't leave a note on my car because I don't have a car with me. It's still back at home. I not only don't like being forced to leave the wilderness the way I go in, the number of unattended cars I've seen vandalized, or totally stripped, is staggering. We all think it can't happen to us, but it can, and it does. But I won't go out for an hour without what I need to last seventy-two hours. Unless I get seriously injured, I could stay out indefinitely without worrying much.
I usually just send someone I trust a text message saying Hey I am here, I will be back by this time, please reply to acknowledge. Just before you go sending texts talk to said person that you are going to do this, what to do if you have not returned and what you are carrying with you in terms of water, shelter and first aid as that knowledge is crucial to rescuers. I just send my Brother a text and I am safe in the knowledge that he knows exactly what to do should I not return or contact him before I said I would.
great vid, I would of done the video differently, like for IE: no tools, show how you can make natural tools hammer, a blade, knife, so on, show how to make a fire with the battery or by rubbing 2 sticks together (Yes it actually works) that kind of thing, there's an idea for your next Vid :3 Cheers; Ex military Dude :3
Thank you very much my friend. I'm very happy that you enjoyed it :) I really appreciate you taking the time to watch, as well as leaving such a generous comment... it truly means a lot to me.
I watch a lot of hiking videos and no one ever recommend taking a handgun. Do you recommend taking a handgun in the woods to protect against crazy people and Bears exedra
I always carry a small caliber handgun. Not for protection but for signaling. Very few animals in the United States are aggressive so there is little to fear on that. I carry a .22 revolver because it can be heard over a long distance and 100 rounds of ammo don't weigh much.
the fact you spend time thinking about what will benefit others like this really means a lot and I applaud your efforts. you truly are one of the few good people left these days.
Yes!! Finally some common sense 'survival' advice! So much more useful than the usual 'get yourself lost and pretend that a space blanket and a flint stick will save you' nonsense. The best survival strategy is to avoid putting yourself in a life and death situation in the first place. If you're seriously lost or injured your mini fishing kit and button compass are going to look pretty stupid.
As a member of a SAR team, I can say that you are spot on here. A return time and trip location allows searchers to start earlier and take some of the guess work out of the search planning process. Great tip John.
As soon as your vid was done the wife and I thought of how many times we were out in the middle of no where and not a soul knew where we were. Stupid? Yes and no. I got to thinking about what you were trying to do here. Now you can teach most people a new skill or trick but you cannot , in a short period of time, teach someone common sense. You start gambling with your life the moment you do something out side of your particular set of skills. Could something I hadn't thought of happened to the wife and I while we were out on our own. For sure. But we never went someplace and did anything outside of what we knew we could handle. So outside of something as unpredictable as a landslide or being struck by lightning we were always fine. The reason why what we did was very stupid is just that though. Had one of us been hit with lightning no one would have known for days and bad things would probably have been the result. It all comes down to "acceptable risk management" as I like to call it. But from now on we will be leaving a note in 2 places. Thanks
Always mark your trail.....a roll of bright colored ribbon tied on tree trunks and large bushes spaced every 30-40 feet or in dense thicket areas every 20 feet, placed in a way that is visible 4 or 5 feet above ground. Use cheap 1 inch wide ribbon from the dollar store that will degrade over time.
967Andy - you "hide" a note only in the sense that it is not immediately visible. Would-be thieves would love to know precisely how long they have to steal your vehicle or some portion of its contents. Law enforcement however will check the glove box first, which is why you would "hide," it there. Make sense?
I do agree this is a very important tip. From a SAR volunteer of many years. The note in the glove box is not the best idea. Leave it on the dash where we can see it, and put your cell phone number on it. If someone is going to break into your car, it is not because there was a note on the dash and I can't count the number of times loved ones did not have an accurate phone number. Also provide a clothing and gear description. Again, it would surprise you how frequent a witness description was completely wrong. In Canada, if you are that trusted member with the trip plan, you DO NOT HAVE TO WAIT 24 HOURS to call for rescue. It is also very helpful if you stop moving when lost. Your car is never just around that next bend or over the next rise.
In this day and age that is a genuine concern I suppose. I have not lived in a place where that is a concern. My Rescue experience is in mountainous terrain and stalkers generally don't want to put in that kind of effort. Not saying we don't have stalkers where I live, just not in the back-country It is something to think about, that's for sure.
No system is perfect, however, the more information you leave increases your chances of being found alive. We have called lost people and talked them through how to get their lat-long off their phones to narrow down where they were. In one instance we had a cell number for a father-son group that had made a three-day trip into the backcountry. Their plan was to report in with a Spot messenger. The Spot indicated the canned "we are ok" message was sent, however, it was not received on the other end (see nothing is perfect). The wife was concerned and called 911. We were tasked to start search operations, as a long shot (knowing there was no cell service) I sent a text to the father identifying who I was and that a search was underway for him and his son. We had teams heading out to cut them off (hopefully) on the trail. A couple hours later he replied back to my text saying he and his son were alright and making their way into town. See as soon as they pinged a tower he knew something was up. Had we not had that number there would have been several volunteers in extreme terrain searching. You never know what may come in handy. Your choice if you leave a number, I would.
Most people who feel LOST in nature are really just disoriented. Methods for apparent direction: Look for the sun/moon they rise in the East and set in the West. Use a watch as a compass. Point the hour hand at sun/moon imagine that hour hand continues across your watch face. This will give an East/West general direction. Dissect that line perpendicularly. This will give you general North/South direction. If watch is digital, imagine the hour/minute hands location as per the indicated digital time. For day time general direction without a watch/compass use a stick and shadow method. Push a stick in the ground so it stands vertically. Place a rock, bark etc at the end of the shadow. Repeat evey 15 mins (approximately) as the shadow gets longer each object you placed and the end of each shadow will make a straight line. This line is your general East/West direction. Dissect that line to get North/ South general direction. Hopefully these tips will help others. ~Retired PJ & Survival Instructor/Medic/Paramedic USAF/ARMY 1T2X0/68W respectively. Hooaah‼ Merry Christmas🎁🎄
Outstanding. Now it is our responsibility to make sure to pass the word. I am always "nosey" when my family goes hiking and camping. Just this fall I was nosey at a bar and ask where these guys were hunting. It was 7pm and they had not arrived back at the bar. We notified SR and with the info I found they were found in 2hrs with 4" of snow on their stuck vehicle.
Like many of those below, I have a great deal of experience in the woods. Actually I teach wilderness (primitive) survival here in MT. I see a lot of suggestions here for your video. However, for what you intended, I feel you did an excellent job and covered your point well. The thing is, many of us would have done it differently and gone into more detail in other aspects of survival. But your point is concise and clear without loading it full of your "wilderness prowess" as it appears some would have, otherwise, done.
you gotta stay warm. if you don't have matches or lighter, you should know basic firestarting methods... next: make yourself a nice fire, and stay put, conserve energy.
I have often thought that taking one walkie talkie and leaving the other in your vehicle with the note may help. Never did it, because I have not strayed off the beaten path like that in a while. I figure if the note says 'I will use radio every 15 minutes after so many hours have past....' Just a thought
If youre going to leave a note in your vehicle. leave it on the driver's seat. 1st place a Ranger/Police/Rescue will look in a car is the driver's side.
Truly appreciate y'all taking the time to watch and comment... really means alot! If you've enjoyed this one please consider taking a second to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more. Thanks my friends... looking forward to seeing ya around! -John
Excellent advice. Another tip my Dad gave me 50 years ago when we were hunting together: If you get lost, keep going downhill. You will eventually find a creek, and keep following it downhill. Eventually, you'll get to civilization.
The area in which we live is very hilly. It isn't easy to mistake up and down here. Flatlanders will have to figure out their own method.
I've never gotten lost, not even when I was a kid, because I tend to name trees as I go. Sam doesn't look anything like Sarah and Sarah is straighter and thinner than Betty, who just happens to be lopsided but that's ok. If you happen to run across Betty more than once, it's time to remember where Sarah was.
I totally agree. Very simple and very effective (hopefully). I got lost on a hike with my hiking buddy in the mountains north of Tucson, the Catalina Mtns. But, his wife did know our activity, etc. And I had brought a map & compass thanks to my scouting and Army background. The reason we got lost was the pine needles on the trail made it difficult to follow in the waning hours of the day. It happened quickly and without warning. my buddy was panicking. And I think my heart must have beat faster as well. We decided almost without words to just hike higher, by bouldering upwards. We camped at the top of that mountain that night. We made it back the next day by me reading the map and deciding on the most expedient route. It was... an adventure. Without map & compass, and the skill with both, who knows how we might have ended up.
I think it was an excellent video and an excellent tip on surviving in the woods
and can also be applied to surviving in the city by always letting your friends
and family know where you're going and who you're leaving with.
Very good point you make.
Thank you:)
The note is a good idea. Leave it folded in half on the dash with a message on the outside saying something like, "Read this note to find out where I am" or something like that and on the inside more detail about your hike.
If you leave a note in the glovebox, put the date, in large letters, right at the top. This will eliminate any doubt that it might be old...
+B.W. Smith My car is nowhere to be found. I leave it at home because I don't want to be forced to go back where I started.
John, if this saves one life or saves one person from a truly horrible experience, you've done dome good work with this video. Wasn't what I was looking for, but I hope the right person sees this before taking a long hike somewhere unfamiliar.
If I was going on a day hike, I will have at least a pack with a few needed items like fire making, knife, water filter, lite tent or tarp, food, some sort of hunt-fish kit, first aid plus more items.
Excellent advice, and so true.
Thanks for the kind words Brother... much appreciated.
Simple but Very important tip. Several years ago my uncle, who was an avid outdoorsman, left on a hunting trip and on his way to his planned hunting spot decided to try old spot in a total different location. Cellphones were not a edc item back then and his wife was under the impression that he was hunting his original spot. Long story short the old treestand he used was rotted wood and he fell 25 feet and broke his leg a couple ribs and punctured a lung. He lay there 4 days before he was
one of the most important videos on youtube
thanks for what you do
thanks for the tip that's something no one ever thinks about but you never know what will happen when your in the woods
Excellent video!!! Looks like at least 22 people have been lost in the woods before and still refuse to tell others where they are going! Haters!
Thanks. It's always good to re-visit the basics every so often.
It's a great tip, but back in the days before cell phones and you tube videos the know how wasn't to good. Today we can research information like this.
I went on a hunting trip in an area that I thought I knew pretty well, but I did get lost. I was lost walking in circles for about two hours before I realized what was going on. I found myself scared and in panic mode. This happens to many people and only makes things worse, I got a hold of myself and sat down to look over my problem, after a few minutes I calmed down and started to think straight. After that it didn't take long to get out of this bush. Panic is a big problem when your lost, try to stay calm and think of things that you have Lenard and heard or seen on you tube that might help. There are many wrong ways of doing things, but this might help you build a shelter or make a fire to help you situation.
Ps.NEVER BE CAUGHT WITH OUT A KNIFE, EVEN IF YOUR ARE GOING TO GO FOR A HALF HOUR TRAIL WALK, ALWAYS CARRY A KNIFE even a pocket knife that along can save you a lot of grief in the woods.
Always, Always Always take the 5 C's whenever you go into the woods.
+Ric Johns you see that is how people end up in a survival situation because of randomness. most of the time people bring something into the woods, but as the video said some people just go out of their hotel room just to take few pictures just to go few meters into the trees and take that selfie and they get lost. that may sound stupid to us outdoorsmen because how can one get lost going just few meters into the woods, but they do. some people never in their lives ever camped, seen a campfire, never been bit by a mosquito, never seen stars, never been in forests at all but they decided to go to vacation into the mountain huts n stuff like that.they just go out to take few selfies with flipflops and t shirts and they get fucked, or people go mountain skiing weather turns bad, they jump under the fur and once storm ends they realize they are lost.
What are the 5 C's?
Starting a fire will also help rescuers find you. The smoke will draw their attention and It will also keep you warm while you are waiting.
Real good ideas John. Something I need to put into practice more. I often just head out. Thanks partner.
As always another great video with very important info. I have been telling people where i have been going since a kid. I always had to let my parents know where i was and should be home. I still do it today with my girlfriend and so on. Great point and thanks again.
Nice tip John. I told my GF if I wasn't back by dark, send out rescue when I went solo free-climbing in Thailand. I almost didn't make it back in time and expected to meet 10 local fishermen half way down haha. From the UK.
A lot of people like to call things bushcraft. In reality, to a lot of unexperianced people it is plain survival. Kids these days take it as a joke thinking nothing will happen to them. That's when they go missing and get lost. I feel it is the parents responcability if living near the wilderness to teach them survival skills. Thanks for your vids. Always inspiring Big Guy.
Great advice, useful for all walks of live not just outdoor,s!!
You never know what will happen!!!
One can't plan life's unknowns! But You can plan for the unknown.
Thanks Missy :)
Great point on adding the potential deviations of your route & destination by the way!
Nice video! An obvious but often under appreciated safety tip for survival in the outdoors.
I spent a night out unexpectedly after taking the dog on an adventure and straying well off the path. Lucky for me ut was summer. I walked out in the morning and called my sis to let her know all was well as I'd left a message on her answer phone. Her response floored me "oh no I wasn't going to call anyone"
Hi John.
Really good video, it always makes sence to leave info of where you are going. I live in the UK but I always leave a copy of my Personal Outdoor Plan with my wife, it contains four A4 pages setting out all required information from my expected time of return right down what kit I am carrying and what skills I have in the outdoors. I also enclose a map of the area showing my intended route in and out of the wilderness, I enclose so much information that the search and rescue team could almost drop their helecopter on my head. In reply to" irrelavant13" What about that guy in California a few years ago who got trapped by a fallen rock and had to cut his own hand off with a pocket knife. Yes he knew the area like the back of his hand and was used to the area, but no-one knew where he was and he quite easily could have died, he was extreamly lucky and very silly. Take care out there everyone
Times have changed. If your a frequent hiker going to unfamiliar places, invest in a PLB (personal locater beacon) and ALWAYS carry a lighter, knife, and compass, but most importantly a positive attitude. Remember the threes.
Really important tip. Love your videos which are tremendously interesting but more importantly, very useful. Thanks for sharing your expertise. Ya never know when some little piece of information might save your life.
Tips don't always have to be tricked out or involve building things. You should always pack common sense when heading out to the woods, especially if you are new to the area. I try to find out as much as I can like where a ranger station is, is it the time of year for bears, etc... and always check out Johns tips. They really can save your life! Thanks again.
I personally don't like leaving that info anywhere in plain site due to the possibility of break-ins and vandalism while away from the vehicle (unfortunate, but it happens all too often). SAR personnel will know to check the obvious places, such as glove compartment, console, and sun visor.
Ah man, why didn't I think of that! Although I'd probably just go back, stay home that day, and catch a football game ;)
Really good advice-I always let someone know where I'm going but never thought about leaving a note in the car-Thanks
Leaving a note in the car is a new one to me and a good idea.
I think the tip is basic but often forgotten. Good Video.. I've seen a TON of people doing backpacking essential videos who make no mention of a map, gps, or even a compass, signal mirror, flares, markers, or anything.. Thanks
Good video and advice.
You really looked worried and cold.
Thanks,
Clark
Agreed! Such a huge map person I'd probably leave a marked map with possible 'wants' to visit with someone or at least send a picture of it. I know this video focuses also on getting lost , to be fair, a lot of people can't read maps :p thank you for the video :)
The acting in this PSA was just super. I had to remind myself that this wasn't real footage but a dramatization.
The acting was top notch! Good tip :)
+David Warden Thanks brother... much appreciated! :)
Thanks John. My wife is always reminding me to do the same thing...LOL
Also has another idea or add on to this. Even if u are going alone u could bring an FRS handheld and when u tell/txt friend u could tell them that if u are not back by your ETA u could give them a channel and priv code guy that u could be reached by search and rescue on.
The importance of this message cannot be underestimated.
Not exciting tip, but a mechanical injury to a leg could be deadly. I always tell folks where I'm going but haven't included the time of return. Good advice. I bring some high vis stuff in my pack to make it easier to be found. Good vid John.
Great advice, which few enough people follow.
great video, I do these things ever backpacking trip I go on. I always tell a close relative that if you havent heard from me by "Xpm on x-x-xx date" something isn't right and could you please notify the rangers office (I leave the ranger station #). thanks for confirming that I'm not paranoid!
Thanks Brother :)
Actually, the most underrated survival tip is "pay attention" so you don't get lost. Observe the area for features and other markers. Observation is the most important aspect of anything isn't it? Observe the sun location, observe the terrain, observe where you are walking, observe the weather. It's the key to being safe, as well. Prevent yourself from walking in to sink holes or off hidden cliffs or stepping on snakes.
Thumbs up!! I always teach in my classes.. the most important thing do to if you are lost?........ Getting found!
This reminds me of how Chris McCandless died. He starved to death after an injury in an abandoned bus because nobody knew he even went out. I think this is the prime rule too.
2:50 still a better love story then twilight!
Great advice. Thanks.
Another trick I learned, is to take a sheet of tinfoil, lay it on ground and step on it, leave that with your car as well, that way trackers have your shoe pattern to follow as well.
Great point with the note, in the car
IA, was this video filmed up in the Big Thompson or around that area?
I would put the note clearly visible on the dashboard. Not much point in putting it in the glove compartment as most people will NOT have a key to your car!
Great tip!
Sure. As long as it's your hands... ;)
Outstanding response! well said :)
And that's why you always leave a note!
That was good advice, now if could only find my way outta here
I can't leave a note on my car because I don't have a car with me. It's still back at home. I not only don't like being forced to leave the wilderness the way I go in, the number of unattended cars I've seen vandalized, or totally stripped, is staggering. We all think it can't happen to us, but it can, and it does. But I won't go out for an hour without what I need to last seventy-two hours. Unless I get seriously injured, I could stay out indefinitely without worrying much.
I usually just send someone I trust a text message saying Hey I am here, I will be back by this time, please reply to acknowledge. Just before you go sending texts talk to said person that you are going to do this, what to do if you have not returned and what you are carrying with you in terms of water, shelter and first aid as that knowledge is crucial to rescuers.
I just send my Brother a text and I am safe in the knowledge that he knows exactly what to do should I not return or contact him before I said I would.
great info!
good ideas. Thank you
Miss you brother
great vid, I would of done the video differently, like for IE:
no tools, show how you can make natural tools
hammer, a blade, knife, so on,
show how to make a fire with the battery or by rubbing 2 sticks together (Yes it actually works)
that kind of thing, there's an idea for your next Vid :3
Cheers; Ex military Dude :3
This is a great video and tip.
Thank you very much my friend. I'm very happy that you enjoyed it :) I really appreciate you taking the time to watch, as well as leaving such a generous comment... it truly means a lot to me.
@@IntenseAngler Very welcome. I'm going to add you to the list in my vid descriptions of people that I like to follow.
@@oldmaninthewoods52 Thank you so much. I really appreciate your support my friend.
very simpel and very wise
How about a map and compass? That might help????
thank u, thumbs up
I can only hope so.
Heres a tip.Stay in.
Thanks or the tips!
yes it is a verry good tip
Showin some gray brother, me too...
Just means that we're getting older and wiser right? ;)
hey are u filming this in flagstaff.
True
Watched all of it
Thank you very much. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment... it means a lot.
The most underrated survival tip = FOOD!
no but it still is important to know
I watch a lot of hiking videos and no one ever recommend taking a handgun. Do you recommend taking a handgun in the woods to protect against crazy people and Bears exedra
you americans and your guns, be a man and take a knife if you know how to use it properly you can get out of any situation
I always carry a small caliber handgun. Not for protection but for signaling. Very few animals in the United States are aggressive so there is little to fear on that. I carry a .22 revolver because it can be heard over a long distance and 100 rounds of ammo don't weigh much.
Lost? Indian not lost. Teepee lost.
"Let someone know where you went and what time you expect to get back" There, spare everyone the 4min of fluff in this video.
the fact you spend time thinking about what will benefit others like this really means a lot and I applaud your efforts. you truly are one of the few good people left these days.
Yes!! Finally some common sense 'survival' advice! So much more useful than the usual 'get yourself lost and pretend that a space blanket and a flint stick will save you' nonsense. The best survival strategy is to avoid putting yourself in a life and death situation in the first place. If you're seriously lost or injured your mini fishing kit and button compass are going to look pretty stupid.
As a member of a SAR team, I can say that you are spot on here. A return time and trip location allows searchers to start earlier and take some of the guess work out of the search planning process. Great tip John.
As soon as your vid was done the wife and I thought of how many times we were out in the middle of no where and not a soul knew where we were. Stupid? Yes and no. I got to thinking about what you were trying to do here. Now you can teach most people a new skill or trick but you cannot , in a short period of time, teach someone common sense. You start gambling with your life the moment you do something out side of your particular set of skills. Could something I hadn't thought of happened to the wife and I while we were out on our own. For sure. But we never went someplace and did anything outside of what we knew we could handle. So outside of something as unpredictable as a landslide or being struck by lightning we were always fine. The reason why what we did was very stupid is just that though. Had one of us been hit with lightning no one would have known for days and bad things would probably have been the result. It all comes down to "acceptable risk management" as I like to call it. But from now on we will be leaving a note in 2 places. Thanks
Always mark your trail.....a roll of bright colored ribbon tied on tree trunks and large bushes spaced every 30-40 feet or in dense thicket areas every 20 feet, placed in a way that is visible 4 or 5 feet above ground. Use cheap 1 inch wide ribbon from the dollar store that will degrade over time.
Absolutely agree. Thanks for adding such a basic, yet vital piece of life saving info Doc!
Thanks Don. I completely agree... even the simplest bit of planning & preparation goes a LONG way.
967Andy - you "hide" a note only in the sense that it is not immediately visible. Would-be thieves would love to know precisely how long they have to steal your vehicle or some portion of its contents. Law enforcement however will check the glove box first, which is why you would "hide," it there. Make sense?
I do agree this is a very important tip. From a SAR volunteer of many years. The note in the glove box is not the best idea. Leave it on the dash where we can see it, and put your cell phone number on it. If someone is going to break into your car, it is not because there was a note on the dash and I can't count the number of times loved ones did not have an accurate phone number. Also provide a clothing and gear description. Again, it would surprise you how frequent a witness description was completely wrong. In Canada, if you are that trusted member with the trip plan, you DO NOT HAVE TO WAIT 24 HOURS to call for rescue. It is also very helpful if you stop moving when lost. Your car is never just around that next bend or over the next rise.
In this day and age that is a genuine concern I suppose. I have not lived in a place where that is a concern. My Rescue experience is in mountainous terrain and stalkers generally don't want to put in that kind of effort. Not saying we don't have stalkers where I live, just not in the back-country It is something to think about, that's for sure.
Sheep Dog uhh, leave a phone number for what?? Batteries go dead, and reception does too; it leaves you in a "DEAD ZONE"!!
No system is perfect, however, the more information you leave increases your chances of being found alive. We have called lost people and talked them through how to get their lat-long off their phones to narrow down where they were. In one instance we had a cell number for a father-son group that had made a three-day trip into the backcountry. Their plan was to report in with a Spot messenger. The Spot indicated the canned "we are ok" message was sent, however, it was not received on the other end (see nothing is perfect). The wife was concerned and called 911. We were tasked to start search operations, as a long shot (knowing there was no cell service) I sent a text to the father identifying who I was and that a search was underway for him and his son. We had teams heading out to cut them off (hopefully) on the trail. A couple hours later he replied back to my text saying he and his son were alright and making their way into town. See as soon as they pinged a tower he knew something was up. Had we not had that number there would have been several volunteers in extreme terrain searching. You never know what may come in handy. Your choice if you leave a number, I would.
Most people who feel LOST in nature are really just disoriented.
Methods for apparent direction: Look for the sun/moon they rise in the East and set in the West.
Use a watch as a compass.
Point the hour hand at sun/moon imagine that hour hand continues across your watch face. This will give an East/West general direction. Dissect that line perpendicularly. This will give you general North/South direction.
If watch is digital, imagine the hour/minute hands location as per the indicated digital time.
For day time general direction without a watch/compass use a stick and shadow method. Push a stick in the ground so it stands vertically. Place a rock, bark etc at the end of the shadow. Repeat evey 15 mins (approximately) as the shadow gets longer each object you placed and the end of each shadow will make a straight line. This line is your general East/West direction. Dissect that line to get North/ South general direction.
Hopefully these tips will help others.
~Retired PJ & Survival Instructor/Medic/Paramedic USAF/ARMY
1T2X0/68W respectively.
Hooaah‼
Merry Christmas🎁🎄
Outstanding. Now it is our responsibility to make sure to pass the word. I am always "nosey" when my family goes hiking and camping. Just this fall I was nosey at a bar and ask where these guys were hunting. It was 7pm and they had not arrived back at the bar. We notified SR and with the info I found they were found in 2hrs with 4" of snow on their stuck vehicle.
Like many of those below, I have a great deal of experience in the woods. Actually I teach wilderness (primitive) survival here in MT. I see a lot of suggestions here for your video. However, for what you intended, I feel you did an excellent job and covered your point well. The thing is, many of us would have done it differently and gone into more detail in other aspects of survival. But your point is concise and clear without loading it full of your "wilderness prowess" as it appears some would have, otherwise, done.
you gotta stay warm. if you don't have matches or lighter, you should know basic firestarting methods... next: make yourself a nice fire, and stay put, conserve energy.
I have often thought that taking one walkie talkie and leaving the other in your vehicle with the note may help. Never did it, because I have not strayed off the beaten path like that in a while. I figure if the note says 'I will use radio every 15 minutes after so many hours have past....' Just a thought
Man just caught your videos today..
Seriously I'm blown away..
Thank you brother..
Be safe
If youre going to leave a note in your vehicle. leave it on the driver's seat.
1st place a Ranger/Police/Rescue will look in a car is the driver's side.