I'm 74 years old and retired so I have been driving 23 miles one way to climb a local mountain here in central Arkansas called Pinnacle Mountain even in this super hot weather. One day the heat index was almost 130 degrees. On occasion I swim across the Arkansas river. If you do your best to stay in shape. My wife of 53 years thinks I'm crazy. I also bear hunt with spears when the season comes in the fall. All my family and church friends think I'm crazy . I love the excitement. No sense dying in bed the way I see it .
Hunting bears sounds disgusting. And with spears? Cruel. Blood lust. Creates longer suffering. You dont care about your wife's feelings,either. And you boasted about it. I dont know you. Never met you. But you just described a bully. Not a hero.
A few years ago there was an old couple in N Dakota, they survived a few days after their car went off the road into a snow drift. They had food water and blankets in their car...just in case
9:35 "Knowledge is nothing without owning the skill." This shines a bright light on one of my biggest shortcomings. I've spent many years collecting all kinds of knowledge and information, but I don't have the skills to match. Just makes me think even more about the changes I need to make to my life. Also, thank God for huge black trash bags. One of the most important inventions of modern man. I'm never without several of them because I know how invaluable they really are.
Fire is so important and so is knowing when it is actually needed and how large of one to make. I'm usually dealing with Indiana and Kentucky in all seasons. As an Eagle Scout and Firecrafter...my job is always making the fire lol and I'm fine with that. Remember folks, learning how to make a fire with flint/ferro and steel is absolutely essential but always have a BIC or two. If it's wet you can expend a lot of energy trying to start a wet fire by friction or using a rod when you have a Bic on hand. And always remember in making a fire, preparation is key. Gather your small, medium, and larger wood first because once you get that flame you need to stay with it until it's sustainable.
I started with a $10 Camillus fixed blade, then saved until I could afford a Mora Garberg Carbon. I had a cheap plastic water bottle until I could afford a Pathfinder SS bottle kit. Buy cheap to start, and upgrade 1 piece at a time.
Great way to go! Better to have an item that will only work part of the time, than to need the item and not have it any of the time! Two years ago I bought a cheapo $4.00 filet knife from Walmart with the very intent to use it as back up. Better to have something than nothing at all type attitude. Let me tell you, I have beat this thing, batonned with it, fileted with it, resharpened and resharpened until you'd think there's not gonna be any steel left, and brother, this thing lives on... $4.00!
@@actiondisplays I have been on SSD since Covid hit, and my check barely pays the bills so I save what I can, then replace my cheap gear with top quality. I'm currently saving to replace my $12 Harbor Freight hatchet with a Hardcore Hammers survivalist's hatchet.
I'm a 70yoveteran and a long school NBC Specialist. I've made my way through the mountains of Alabama with my 40 lb rucksack and m16 and compas. That's absolutely still stuck in my mind
I’m embarrassed to admit it but I am so guilty of not putting in the time to practice some of the skills that are critical as I assumed that if I watched enough online I’d be ok. I WAS WRONG! Knowing what to do is only half the battle, you need to know HOW to do it. Thank you James for politely bringing this to the attention of people like me who need to put in the work.
Yeah I'm doubly embarrassed because I was a fieldcraft and survival instructor in the army, but I really haven't practiced in years. I got all the gear, but my Lazy boy chair is too comfy...
I don't agree. You must acquire the skills before you hit the woods. The dirt time could be easily done on your balcony or in your garden. I learned how to use my flint and steel at my kitchen table. I learned to use the bow drill in my hallway. Do you own a charcoal BBQ? You can practice all your fire skill right there. Imagine if I was in the woods learning the Flint and Steel and destroying my Flint? Hello cold night! Hello Hypothermia! You could practice making notches at home on dowel. Safety first and going in the woods to get dirt time it's asking for trouble. Like I said before, Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett didn't learn their skills in the woods but in front a fireplace first.
@@nickcasolino8903 I guess it's alright for some folks and it probably makes more sense to practice fire at home. I spend a great deal of time in the woods and started my fire practicing in the woods. I figure if I don't put some kind of pressure on myself either by being alone in the national forest or up on a mountain top I would probably get board.. I was a little disappointed to find out that the bears are more scared of me than I was of them. I did however make a fresh arrow with stone point and set a stand with it at my mountain water hole. I didn't practice any with it because it looked so good. That evening when the bear came to the water hole I shot a a big boar but I noticed that the arrow wobbled all the way till it hit the bear and bounced off of him and all he did was grunt. After a minute or so he look straight at me on the ground and started to walk around the other side of the water hole and never took his eyes off of me . Uh. Me and Jesus got real close to each other then. I had laid down my homemade Osage longbow and got my spear in both hands, but as soon as he got down wind of me he sniffed and snorted and took off the other direction. I had a mile to walk back to my pinto station wagon shaking like a leaf. It sure did sound good to hear that door unlock when I stuck the key in the door. I drew a breath real deep for the first time in awhile.
I'm grateful to have lived in Montana and being in boy scouts in the 70s. Thanks to growing up in the woods and all those merit badges, most of what people call survival skills were ingrained before I hit high school, in fact my strongest skill is fire building. But one thing always stuck with me. We were learning how to track animals and set primitive traps and one of our instructors was an old Navajo. The very first thing he taught us was that a solid, sharp knife will feed you, clothe you, and keep you warm, dry and safe. It's as true today as it was then.
Very cool! I think it's wonderful that you were able to grow up in that area and have such remarkable training from people who really knew what they were doing. Thanks so much for watching!
Amen to that. I started the cub scouts in 1966. 12 years of my backbone invested into scouting tells who I really am. Survivorship, first aid. How to treat people.
Funny how many fake bushcrafters on daddy's 200 sq foot wooded lot LARP that they are capable mountain men on UA-cam that come from the UK. That said Scotland > UK
Reminds me of all dressed up with nowhere to go , lol. I practice rope tying by following along with you tube shorts . Trying to lock it in my memory, watching it looks so easy but then have a go , it's not. And then the next day I might not even remember or a week later , so I keep practising . Some of it sticks some doesn't , my memory isn't what it used to be.
1 Fire is hard to start when you need it most. Practice starting it in all conditions. Oh and don’t burn that lovely forest down. I did one using found materials, in wet snow. Be efficient. Ration everything. I’d add really conserve your own calories. 2 Take shelter rather than make it. Totally agree. Use two fall trees or rock. Carrying lumber to build a teepee or similar is a waste of energy. Have a tarp and cordage. Trash bags used for bedding and wall insulation when stuffed. Most areas have cell phone and utility sheds. Carry a small crow bar. 3 A knifeless man is a dead man. Agree. Carry a folder for rope, etc and a decent one for other issues. Carry a small sharpener. Use colour not to lose it in the forest. Don’t baton. 4 No such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes. Mostly true. Denim is a sign of stupidity in the wilds. Wool is the same. You sweat and it gets wet. But dry wool is ace. Use blends and synthetic. Second hand is my go to but not underwear. I won’t go there lol 5 Dave Canterbury. Knowledge is nothing without owning the skills. Absolutely true. Test yourself not just the gear. Just did eight days in Canada. Humbling. Do it until you cannot do it wrong. 6. Light gear isn’t good gear. Disagree. Ultralight top end is way better than heavy canvas and leather. My tent is over ten years old and well used. Military stuff isn’t good without the military supplying you. Walk 50km in ultralight gear and then try it with ex military gear. 7 In a crisis you will not rise to the level of your expectations. You will fall to the level of your training. Always have Plan B and C and ditch Plan A when you should, never after hours of struggle. Again train with your gear in all conditions. Be safe is rule one. Do not be the Hero. Get wilderness and first aid training. 8 When you really need it, it won’t be for sale anywhere. This is why precious metal hoardings is bad. I’ve boxes of stuff. I’ve boxes of tested and used. Water filters are classic here. So many have the Sawyer Mini. It’s cheap, it contaminates easily, and it fails fast. Get a decent gravity filter. Lifestraw Mission 12 for-me. Works. Repeatedly. Over years. I have an used one. Tablets and SODIS for back up. Get a life time supply of good things you know you will need. While you can. One is none, two is one, etc I’d add in try rationing. Cut coffee to one weak cup a day. I’ve stocked a lot. Great video James
I am 57 and taught my sons how to make a fire when they were little. It is satisfying that my youngest always wants to make the fire now and does a great job.
When I joined the army reserves in the UK we were always taught . . . Practise , Practice, Practice . . . And ; when you think you know it all . . . Practice Some More !
Definately agree , my .memory isn't what it was , so practising makes muscle memory to I think . Trying to make it automatic like driving a car becomes automatic.
This has to be one of your best videos James. I maybe not be an armchair survivalist, but definitely need to get out more often and practice my learned skills. Cheers 🇨🇦
As an old man my father and grandparents taught me this; Sandstone is good for coarse knife sharpening, limestone is better, starts coarse, becomes fine enough, marble is excellently fine!
Great points on survival. I began hiking, camping and learning outdoor skills at age 10 in the woods of Central Ohio. I am 76 now and in great physical condition preparing myself for the SHTF events when they come, not if but when. As a van lifer for over two years, I keep my van ready as well, stocked with survival foods and gear.
Keep in mind, a lot of what your body can survive... depends on the difficulties we put on it. Same with other animals... Say my chickens. If I give them artifical heat and the power goes out in the winter... they will all freeze to death. But if I never ran a heater and their bodies got used to the temperature drop (from season change). I would not even need to heat their house and they can survive much harsher weathers. Point being, condition your body.
Absolutely true. Modern society has allowed us to become soft on so many levels that many people will fail to endure simply because they don't have common amenities. We can live without them but it takes practice and a mental toughness that very few have developed any degree.
Also one of the most important thing that can help with everything in a survival or crisis situation is to stay calm, think, and focus. You can have the best gear in the world snd have all the best knowledge you need to survive but it can't and won't help you a single bit if you're in having a mental or nervous breakdown due to the situation you're in. Your cant build that shelter if your mind is going in a million different direction. You cant build that fire of body won't function right because youre nervous and scared. Even people with nerves of steel and a mind sharp as a blade can have them. So you may have to give yourself a mental slap in the face to get yiurself back on the right track to survive the situation. I know theres lots of people out there that aren't believers but for me my best tools own is prayers and it's free 24/7.
Survival and bushcraft sayings are the best. One is none, two is some. The more you know, the less you need. Being alone gets you fast, being together gets you further. Most important thing I have noticed, is that you always need to be able to control small space around you. Good clothes and shelter will give you the most spare time.
Really? 100%? Great advice as far as it goes and everything he says is valid ... as far as it goes. Something is missing though. There are many, many stories of hikers and mountaineers, etc, lost, who have been found DEAD with a full pack of water, fire, food, shelter and clothing. There are also many, many stories of people who survived for days, weeks, months with nothing, sometimes even no clothing. This guy, as EVERY other survival guru I have seen, missed the absolutely most single important survival item which should be on every list but I have never seen on any list. BTW, I have the GREATEST respect for anyone who has been in the military. Thank you for your service. Cheers!
@@Snappypantsdance Why would I say what it is. This guy, and all the other "preppers" prey on fear uncertainty and doubt to sell paranoia and products. So why would I give it away when I could capitalize on it and make some money? You will have to wait until I establish my prepper site and then pay dearly for the secret. In the meantime, I bet you are not bright enough to figure out what is missing on your own.
James, I spent years trying to get my daughters to understand that they needed to dress warmer than preparing for the 2 block walk to and from the school bus stop or the trip to the movies with their 16 YO friend in his/her 10-12 YO clunker of a car. Fashion beat me out at every turn. That "own the skill" adage is true as anything can be. I love learning knots. I have fun with my wife by running to her after a YT knot tutorial session and yelling "Mommy, Mommy look what I just learned!" She rolls her eyes and gives me that "What now?" look and I proceed to show her my new knots. Then I try the knots again in a week and all my knowledge went away because I didn't take the practice to the point where it was an actual skill. It is a real phenomenon. I may have embraced the whole "buy an extra in case your current one wears out" thing a little too enthusiastically. I find bargains on Walmart knives that turn out to be really good values, Cabela's knife and LED pen light kits, this thing and that thing, man these pants are tough and fit good, etc, etc, and now I may be a .....hoarder, as much as prepper. I've taken to giving some stuff as gifts to friends that aren't as forward thinking and making Go bags for my kids and their kids. More money than good sense, as they say. LOL
Great video. My son and I have camped in everything from 110f to 20f and there were times that it was not fun, but we did not pack up and come home. We roughed it and toughed it out. Looking back, some of the best times. It taught us to never quit and helped us to be resourceful.
Cotton HAS killed. I read an article a few years back talking about this subject (might've been Discover magazine since we get that) that illustrated the point with a tale of two hunters dressed as you described who killed a deer far from roads, who started dragging it out, got caught in a frigid, wet snow/sleeting situation and ended up discarding the deer, dropping their packs and weapons, struggling on and eventually, soaked through to the skin, in head-to-toe cotton, succumbed to hypothermia and died, the both of them. It scares me to death the number of people I see walking around these days in brutal winter weather with only cotton hoodies and cotton coats on.
Yes we learned this in canoe club wear wool against your skin it will save your life.if you end up in the water wet through even though your wet it will still hold warmth
Excellent! The good thing is is they will have your wisdom to fall back on even if it seems they aren't paying him a lot of attention currently. Hopefully all that will come back to them when they need it!
Hi James. I think we ought to have drills with our families. Pretend there's a crisis. Have each family member or cohorts meet at assigned,agreed upon places. Each family member carries their backpack withgear.boots,jackets. The kids would have a great time learning to build shelters,start survival fires,boil water for consumption,learn basic first aid. In the event of an actual crisis, while adults freak out, the kids will be like "come on mom, just like we practiced."
for fire, people really should keep a small magnifying glass with them, even if it is a folding unit. why? because, on days when there is plenty of sun, save the ferro rod strikers, save the fuel in the lighters, if one has some of that easy start tinder that only takes a spark to ignite, you can ignite that with a magnifying glass using the sun and save the other sources so the fuel in the lighter, or the striker rod will last longer. when i was younger, i used one to light fire crackers all the time. maybe you could make a short video of using a small magnifying glass to start a fire to cook on, then those who are reading this comment can see what i am talking about.
A lot of solid truths in this video. "It wont happen to me" is something I hear a lot of kids say these days... Guess I will keep buying my survival gear, and keep going out to 'play' with it, because training is fun for me. I enjoy pushing myself, and my gear, to see what the true potential is. Definitely buy more than 1 of your favorite gear!! If you notice, things got much much more expensive after the pandemic, that's a trend that never changes... If you think it is expensive now, wait until the next issue... Keep up the great work. I subbed.
I have had alot of cold nights, but every experience is a learning experience. I always go out locally with practicing a new skill in mind because you have to try it before you know you can do it.
I'm one of the armchair experts unfortunately. I can tell you how to do any of the numerous survival skills, but I've never actually done them.. The point you made is very good, and I think I'll try to own a few of the skills I know. Thanks
I’m 65 years old and I grew up with seven brothers and let me tell you they made sure that I knew everything I needed to know about surviving. We would even build igloos and sleep in them overnight in the cold. We get a kick out of seeing how much we could survive and even at my age I know that I could survive in any circumstance, and one important survival skill is knowing what edibles you can eat in the wild. because I believe there’s gonna be a time when people are going to need to know how to skin a deer or a raccoon or a squirrel ora fish go out and find mushrooms and greens that they need to survive. Luckily we grew up in Kentucky so there’s all kinds of things in the summertime but you can go out and find to eat but you also, have to eat in the winter time and there are things out there that you can eat but if you don’t know what they are, you’re gonna be in trouble because there is not gonna be a store to go buy things you’re gonna need to know how to keep things from spoiling because there’s no refrigerator. I love the survival shows and I do pick up things from them. i’m afraid there’s a lot of people out here that think they know how to survive that when it comes right down to it they’re not going to not that being said I live in Arizona now and believe me that worries me because I know there are things out there that’s edible there’s cactus, cactus fruit mesquite beans but still I have tried to grow things out here and I just can’t seem to get anything to grow and a lot of them things that I mentioned are only around in the summer, so I am worried that I won’t be able to survive and keep my family alive because I don’t know enough about this region, and there are survival shows out there about surviving in the wild here in Arizona but for The most part, they don’t teach what you need to know I really wish that we could find I could find someone out here that could take the time to teach me where to find wild edibles because that’s where I have a problem, I could survive the weather I just don’t know how I would survive not knowing what to eat here and it honestly worries me to death. I love your show and I’ve learned a lot from you. but my problem is it doesn’t apply to the area that I’m in for the most part. If you know anything about surviving in the desert, could you please do a show on it and by the way, I love your dimples thank you for your show.
Thanks so much for watching! You should look up Cody Lundin and his survival school in Arizona. I know that he teaches pretty much everything you need to know to survive in that environment and is by far an incredible expert on the topic. The classes are pricey but would be definitely worth it when it comes to taking care of yourself and your family in a crisis. There's no good way to put a price tag on that kind of knowledge from a real expert in the field.
I'm in north Florida. Two tips: when the temp is in the 90s and you have to work, hydrate before you start - at least 16 oz. of water. Even here, hypothermia can kill. My Dad used to talk about a drill sargeant in WW2, who took recruits out for a night hike in the rain in the winter. The temperature dropped into the 40s. I think Dad said 19 men died. The sargeant's excuse was "People don't freeze in Florida!"
Awesome video brah. Nothing beats treated canvas! Took environmental living in jr HS, required course, which then pushed me to teach myself and read alot about it. This was in 68-70, then joined military, 8 yrs. Went to a pacific island in early 80's and learned that practice makes near perfect. Back in my mountains now, in my home state, in this political environment and the consequences, better be prepared to survive and know your capabilities and environment. Again, Great video. Stay safe!
In my opinion, a good skill to work on is knots. Not only a mastery of a good handful, but knowledge of which knots work with different cordage. What bank line handles and what dogbane handles are different worlds. One of my sayings is that gear is what you take with you that you don’t want to make. You can weave yucca fibers into a strap. Or you can carry a small roll of webbing. There is a fire and grab, go, return…probably not. Long term breakdown? Maybe.
These are great points and good advice. I would add one point, If your body is weak your effort’s will be weak. Your body is your base tool if it’s not prepared and robust you will be hampered until it is.
Thanks James a lot of good info. "If it ain't raining, we ain't training," is great. However, I always liked "it doesn't rain in the Army, it only rains on the Army."
That is a great point!!! Kudos. I keep putting off taking a survival course because life is just not playing nice. But I will get in one hopefully before it’s to late
Another timely and accurate video. Survival will happen to you sooner or later and the things you are saying in this video is very good. My first survival experience I was 14 and the oldest of 4 boys together. You never know when something will go wrong. Thanks for the video, and God Bless. Frank
Staying dry is a very big issue. I learned that immediately, so everyone should consider getting rain gear to cover your entire body in order to stay warm. You can't go wrong with heavy duty rain gear so that you are ready when it does rain! If you have one, visit your military surplus stores...lots of goodies there!
An excellent passing on of knowledge and experience. Im blessed to be able to be in the woods a couple days every week, 52 weeks a year practicing these very things. I try to paas them on in my videos, but the way you brought all of these lessons together in one video was fantastic! Im passing this video on to my students and telling them to pay close attention.
I'm a proponent of military gear, not because I served for 22 years, but because the gear made it through testing and the real world in real, if not harsh, conditions. I was fortunate to land a flying job in the Air Force and they spared no expense getting us ready. I rather enjoyed the two week outing in the wilderness, not to mention water survival training in case we had to ditch our aircraft. Memorable times. Nice work waypoint-- lots of good information.
When the "Big Cough" hit and they shut my state down, I was out in the woods camping for about a week. I got in my vehicle, and started driving home, only to find the interstates empty and loads of signage saying to stay home and indoors. I thought the apocalypse happened and I missed it, I was so disappointed.
You're so right, James. I got a room full of gear and plan to buy more real soon, I trust in the LORD as so many others, but HE gave everyone a brain, HE'LL help you if you help yourself. Thanks, James, for making this video, it a video for everyone because when the crap hits the fan, everyone has to take care of themselves.
As an old combat veteran I learned several decades ago how to get through really crappy times. I was trained to be ready for whatever happened. My entire team was trained as combat corpmen. Our training was very intense we learned or we were out. SERE training was brutal but necessary. It was something that you never forget.
*****James, the cure to the fire rule, fire is never harder to make then when you need it most, is a 15 min road flare slid inside and old bicycle inner tube then put in a 1 gallon zip lock freezer bag and duct taped up. You have a 15 minute fire source and all the extras to make a fire in a monsoon. Tried and true. I carry one ALWAYS. Stay safe.
I have not done my duty but I ponder sometimes. I know about burying caches. Also for coming issues we will say, how about going around at more than one various location where future bugout refuge could occur and plant potatoes and sweet potatoes in the ground, cat-tails, edible types bamboo, bamboo for possible water filter creation, bow creation, and for hide cover also, maybe other types of things such as dandelion for salad greens and a coffee substitute, onion, garlick for protection against illness, citronella plant against mosquitoes, yucca for cordage, aloe for scrapes burns, and so on for premade food when it is badly needed. Plant anything edible filling nutrition, or for natural medicine, or any other use such as toilet paper plant (really), sassafras tree for tea, pine for pine tea (the proper pine tree type 5needle?), gourd for bowls, have multiple potential bugout locations with preplanted edibles especially useful and best natural to the geographical area. I myself am no gardener but is there a type of beans which would grow left alone in the wild after initial planting? I dont know. I just ponder. I also found out the awful kudzu is actually supposed to make a nutritious salad green, good jelly, and we know cordage or rope. Plus a place to hide.
Yes I lve thought that too to plant up areas, there's an old way to plant a tree called the Ellen white method , best to watch a video how to , but it's digging a huge pit and putting certain things in it so it will survive and grow way faster. Yes planting things that just look part of the landscape like sweet potatoes.garli , onions , parsley , tomatoes , pumpkins , lemons food and medicinal herbs. My problem here is wild rats and possums eat everything .
Just a "heads up" - here in Ontario, "constructor grade" garbage bags have topped 40 bucks a pack. They are certainly an asset, but must be rationed, I'm sorry to say. Stay well!
if they are the 55 gallon bags, i have seen those used and have used them for a reusable poncho in the rain, they can also be cut along the bottom and one side and draped over some paracord and anchored to make a temporary tent if needed. i have not checked the price here but, they have been around $35 american dollars per pack at least since january 2020 here.
Really great advice there James. Practicing survival skills or bushcraft skills or shoot even hobo skills is a really great thing to get out doing man. I really got into the woods about 3-4 years ago. Before then I was definitely an outdoorsman or maybe sportsman but fishing and hunting don't really give you a chance to practice survival skills. I was always trying to conquer nature and not developing skills outside of fishing or hunting. Now I spend time in the woods practicing the skills you talked about and my armchair is always empty. Great video James! Thanks for sharing!
I don't know anyone who goes camping, let alone someone who knows any survival skills. Guess I could try to make a fire in the back yard! Thank you so much for these words of wisdom!
You're very welcome! It's always best to start in your backyard when failure doesn't put you in any kind of danger and you can learn so much quicker that way! You can do it!
I did some experiments in my backyard with lighting fires a d also I tested all the brown foliage around different leaves and plants to see how flammable things were. I was shocked at how flammable tipuana pods are they burn faster than gum leaves. And bamboo there's a lot of really dry highly flammable parts. Makes me more conscious of bushfire hazards too. 🇦🇺🌏
Very good video! I was camping in Australia's outback for a week. The first night I thought I was going to freeze to death. I bought a cheaper sleeping bag (40° F.) I did have a closed cell mat though. It was summer and 90° + during the day but the nights were 30°- 32°F. Needless to say I put on every piece of clothing I had. The next day I remembered that I had an emergency blanket tucked away. (foil of some sort. "Don't Die In The Woods" or desert!) Those 2 items saved my life I think. Those emergency blankets work! And a closed cell mat is awesome.
Very good points. Funny your mention of the shower curtain as the famous Grandma Gatewood carried one on her first hike of the Appy trail. One thing I like for repairs more than duck tape is one called Tear-Aid. It is not cheap but it's about as close to a permanent repair as you can get. There are two main kinds, type A and type B. The latter is for vinyl. I repaired the top off my popup tent several years ago as well as a couple of small tears in the fabric. There are sevral videos on it's use, but I recomend the Sailrite channel as you know they wouldn't be fixing sails with it when they sell the fabric to replace them if it wasn't good stuff. I have also repaired the shell on a nylon parka with it. Temporary fixes are good as is good duck tape but there are things that need and deserve better.
Thank you for making the point about native and indigenous people. They worked as a tribe almost all of the time in whatever they did; shelter, food, hunting and defense.
Love it, Bud! Very informative. I’m glad you’re sharing the “wealth”. I’m hopeful many will learn in case of an emergency (horrible to think) that requires long term. Here in Canada, it’s pretty ingrained in most of us that aren’t from urban areas. Most people of rural upbringing are pretty well versed, but are also very complacent. Keep up the drive to stay alive!! 💪🏼
Very good video, another of my favourite sayings is “the best bushcraft knife in the world, is the one you have with you” and also”knowledge weighs less than nothing because the more you know, the less you have to carry”
Very well said and thought out! Maybe a training video in your backyard? I found that testing items is always better in the backyard first than out in the feild. But never thought about training in the rain in the backyard or under high winds. This way if you or your equipment fails you can run for cover. At least until you and your equipment dailed in. Lol😊
I’m an arm chair survivalist these days. I use to teach arctic survival in the Marine Corps back in the early 90s, but we had all the best gear of that time, plus I was in super shape. Now at 63 with Neuropathy of the feet and bad knees it’s tough to get up and down anymore. But I totally agree that you have to get out and practice, because survival is a perishable skill like many other skills in life. I do experiment and practice with different tarp shelters, tents and stoves etc… I plan to get out this spring and fall to hike and use all my accumulated gear over the years. I really love all the information you put out on your channel. Especially the hobo videos! Thanks.😊
James I just found your channel a few weeks ago. I enjoy it very much. I have learned things that I never would have considered before. Great channel and Great content. Very helpful. Thanks
I watched so many videos on how to fillet a fish and thought I was a master without ever doing it. Then when it came time for me to actually clean my catch out camping it was very hard and frustrating. I’ve now done it several time and got it down definitely still have lots I can learn and improve on.
I could not agree more with points you raised. Spot on. And, the old adage “one is none, two is one, etc” is so true. Within reason of course, and don’t put all you have in one place, anticipate loss of some kind.
Great wisdom, Thanks. Makes me think of the wisdom of my Grandparents; no t.v. or radio as kids, survivors of the flu epidemic, the great depression, polio, and WW2, ect. Thxs agn!
Very true, James, I felt like you were talking to me. I certainly have not been at the top of my game. Seems like modern life has gotten in the way. Used to be more innovative and creative with my gear, too, in fixing things, but i have gotten deep into a runt. Thank you for sharing and God bless.
I always store either a blanket in summer and a sleeping bag for winter in the vehicles for emergencies. I broke down once and that sleeping bag was a Godsend while waiting for help.
Great video James. You covered a lot of information in a short time. I do remember getting a lot of snow when i was a kid but not so much now a days here in Meigs county Ohio.
Great food for thought. Watching this makes me excited to get out there and survive. Get the right tools and hone my skills. Thanks for all the tips. Very wise and thoughtful information. 👌
Years ago I took courses with Tom Brown Jr. Learned a lot from 2 weeks with him. Thank you for these lessons. I agree a knife is thee essential tool to carry.
Thank you, James. I had to make time to finish this one. Well said. My children often tease me, that, the only time I can't keep a fire lit, is when it's dry and I have dry wood. Practice is important. One of these days I'd like to make it up to Ohio.
I just ran across your channel. I absolutely love the honesty and practicality with which you share info. And sharing ideas of others, with credit given. Thank you for an eye-opening video. Liked, subscribed, belled for all.
I enjoy your content. But this one was really good. I watched this young man grow up, but never knew what really happened to him. Thank you for sharing this with us 💜
I'm 74 years old and retired so I have been driving 23 miles one way to climb a local mountain here in central Arkansas called Pinnacle Mountain even in this super hot weather. One day the heat index was almost 130 degrees. On occasion I swim across the Arkansas river. If you do your best to stay in shape. My wife of 53 years thinks I'm crazy. I also bear hunt with spears when the season comes in the fall. All my family and church friends think I'm crazy . I love the excitement. No sense dying in bed the way I see it .
I hear you! 😀
I think that's awesome! Keep it up!
❤❤❤❤❤
Agree with sir
Hunting bears sounds disgusting. And with spears? Cruel. Blood lust. Creates longer suffering. You dont care about your wife's feelings,either. And you boasted about it. I dont know you. Never met you. But you just described a bully. Not a hero.
Always have a magnifying glass with you. And always start your fire with it when it’s sunny. Save your matches, lighter, striker or whatever
A few years ago there was an old couple in N Dakota, they survived a few days after their car went off the road into a snow drift. They had food water and blankets in their car...just in case
Very wise of them!
9:35 "Knowledge is nothing without owning the skill." This shines a bright light on one of my biggest shortcomings. I've spent many years collecting all kinds of knowledge and information, but I don't have the skills to match. Just makes me think even more about the changes I need to make to my life. Also, thank God for huge black trash bags. One of the most important inventions of modern man. I'm never without several of them because I know how invaluable they really are.
Well, it's never too late to start getting some dirt time!
Yes just realising how cold it is at night outside . I feel sorry for the homeless people . Good people who just can't find available housing .
Fire is so important and so is knowing when it is actually needed and how large of one to make. I'm usually dealing with Indiana and Kentucky in all seasons.
As an Eagle Scout and Firecrafter...my job is always making the fire lol and I'm fine with that. Remember folks, learning how to make a fire with flint/ferro and steel is absolutely essential but always have a BIC or two. If it's wet you can expend a lot of energy trying to start a wet fire by friction or using a rod when you have a Bic on hand. And always remember in making a fire, preparation is key. Gather your small, medium, and larger wood first because once you get that flame you need to stay with it until it's sustainable.
I started with a $10 Camillus fixed blade, then saved until I could afford a Mora
Garberg Carbon. I had a cheap plastic water bottle until I could afford a Pathfinder SS bottle kit. Buy cheap to start, and upgrade 1 piece at a time.
Great way to go! Better to have an item that will only work part of the time, than to need the item and not have it any of the time! Two years ago I bought a cheapo $4.00 filet knife from Walmart with the very intent to use it as back up. Better to have something than nothing at all type attitude. Let me tell you, I have beat this thing, batonned with it, fileted with it, resharpened and resharpened until you'd think there's not gonna be any steel left, and brother, this thing lives on... $4.00!
@@actiondisplays I have been on SSD since Covid hit, and my check barely pays the bills so I save what I can, then replace my cheap gear with top quality. I'm currently saving to replace my $12 Harbor Freight hatchet with a Hardcore Hammers survivalist's hatchet.
Save that old cheep gear , make a second bag , someone else might need it , or you loose your primary gear ,
@@denisestarr2314 That's what I do, my backup bag has all my cheap gear in it.
Absolutely. A lot of us, I believe, started that same way.
I'm a 70yoveteran and a long school NBC Specialist. I've made my way through the mountains of Alabama with my 40 lb rucksack and m16 and compas. That's absolutely still stuck in my mind
Sounds tough! Thanks for watching and for your service!
I’m embarrassed to admit it but I am so guilty of not putting in the time to practice some of the skills that are critical as I assumed that if I watched enough online I’d be ok. I WAS WRONG! Knowing what to do is only half the battle, you need to know HOW to do it.
Thank you James for politely bringing this to the attention of people like me who need to put in the work.
Yeah I'm doubly embarrassed because I was a fieldcraft and survival instructor in the army, but I really haven't practiced in years. I got all the gear, but my Lazy boy chair is too comfy...
I don't agree. You must acquire the skills before you hit the woods. The dirt time could be easily done on your balcony or in your garden. I learned how to use my flint and steel at my kitchen table. I learned to use the bow drill in my hallway. Do you own a charcoal BBQ? You can practice all your fire skill right there. Imagine if I was in the woods learning the Flint and Steel and destroying my Flint? Hello cold night! Hello Hypothermia! You could practice making notches at home on dowel. Safety first and going in the woods to get dirt time it's asking for trouble. Like I said before, Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett didn't learn their skills in the woods but in front a fireplace first.
Thanks. As the other commenter stated, you could definitely practice at home and in your backyard.
@@nickcasolino8903 I guess it's alright for some folks and it probably makes more sense to practice fire at home. I spend a great deal of time in the woods and started my fire practicing in the woods. I figure if I don't put some kind of pressure on myself either by being alone in the national forest or up on a mountain top I would probably get board.. I was a little disappointed to find out that the bears are more scared of me than I was of them. I did however make a fresh arrow with stone point and set a stand with it at my mountain water hole. I didn't practice any with it because it looked so good. That evening when the bear came to the water hole I shot a a big boar but I noticed that the arrow wobbled all the way till it hit the bear and bounced off of him and all he did was grunt. After a minute or so he look straight at me on the ground and started to walk around the other side of the water hole and never took his eyes off of me . Uh. Me and Jesus got real close to each other then. I had laid down my homemade Osage longbow and got my spear in both hands, but as soon as he got down wind of me he sniffed and snorted and took off the other direction. I had a mile to walk back to my pinto station wagon shaking like a leaf. It sure did sound good to hear that door unlock when I stuck the key in the door. I drew a breath real deep for the first time in awhile.
@@cardiacbobhey at least you’re an honest man…
I'm grateful to have lived in Montana and being in boy scouts in the 70s. Thanks to growing up in the woods and all those merit badges, most of what people call survival skills were ingrained before I hit high school, in fact my strongest skill is fire building. But one thing always stuck with me. We were learning how to track animals and set primitive traps and one of our instructors was an old Navajo. The very first thing he taught us was that a solid, sharp knife will feed you, clothe you, and keep you warm, dry and safe. It's as true today as it was then.
Very cool! I think it's wonderful that you were able to grow up in that area and have such remarkable training from people who really knew what they were doing. Thanks so much for watching!
@@WayPointSurvival
No worries. Your videos are great. Stay frosty.
Amen to that. I started the cub scouts in 1966. 12 years of my backbone invested into scouting tells who I really am. Survivorship, first aid. How to treat people.
There is a hay field behind my house and he used to hunt there . Maybe he'll show up about dark .
What a gift !!!
"All the gear and no idea" is a phrase we use in the U.K., sums it up nicely. Another good video thanks. Watching from Scotland
Funny how many fake bushcrafters on daddy's 200 sq foot wooded lot LARP that they are capable mountain men on UA-cam that come from the UK. That said Scotland > UK
I hadn't heard that saying before, but it definitely rings true.
Reminds me of all dressed up with nowhere to go , lol.
I practice rope tying by following along with you tube shorts . Trying to lock it in my memory, watching it looks so easy but then have a go , it's not. And then the next day I might not even remember or a week later , so I keep practising . Some of it sticks some doesn't , my memory isn't what it used to be.
1 Fire is hard to start when you need it most. Practice starting it in all conditions. Oh and don’t burn that lovely forest down. I did one using found materials, in wet snow. Be efficient. Ration everything. I’d add really conserve your own calories.
2 Take shelter rather than make it. Totally agree. Use two fall trees or rock. Carrying lumber to build a teepee or similar is a waste of energy. Have a tarp and cordage. Trash bags used for bedding and wall insulation when stuffed. Most areas have cell phone and utility sheds. Carry a small crow bar.
3 A knifeless man is a dead man. Agree. Carry a folder for rope, etc and a decent one for other issues. Carry a small sharpener. Use colour not to lose it in the forest. Don’t baton.
4 No such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes. Mostly true. Denim is a sign of stupidity in the wilds. Wool is the same. You sweat and it gets wet. But dry wool is ace. Use blends and synthetic. Second hand is my go to but not underwear. I won’t go there lol
5 Dave Canterbury. Knowledge is nothing without owning the skills. Absolutely true. Test yourself not just the gear. Just did eight days in Canada. Humbling. Do it until you cannot do it wrong.
6. Light gear isn’t good gear. Disagree. Ultralight top end is way better than heavy canvas and leather. My tent is over ten years old and well used. Military stuff isn’t good without the military supplying you. Walk 50km in ultralight gear and then try it with ex military gear.
7 In a crisis you will not rise to the level of your expectations. You will fall to the level of your training. Always have Plan B and C and ditch Plan A when you should, never after hours of struggle. Again train with your gear in all conditions. Be safe is rule one. Do not be the Hero. Get wilderness and first aid training.
8 When you really need it, it won’t be for sale anywhere. This is why precious metal hoardings is bad. I’ve boxes of stuff. I’ve boxes of tested and used. Water filters are classic here. So many have the Sawyer Mini. It’s cheap, it contaminates easily, and it fails fast. Get a decent gravity filter. Lifestraw Mission 12 for-me. Works. Repeatedly. Over years. I have an used one. Tablets and SODIS for back up.
Get a life time supply of good things you know you will need. While you can.
One is none, two is one, etc
I’d add in try rationing. Cut coffee to one weak cup a day. I’ve stocked a lot.
Great video James
Thanks so much, my friend! I should have said light duty gear instead. That would probably have clarified it more.
Great video. Very well said!
Don't have an addiction. Smoking, drinking, chewing, caffeine, drugs of any kind.
Yet you seem to need public approval? 🙂@@David-it3uq
@@HuplesCat ?
I am 57 and taught my sons how to make a fire when they were little. It is satisfying that my youngest always wants to make the fire now and does a great job.
Excellent!
Fantastic
Brother you are not crazy I praise God for you 74 yrs young keep up the good work we all need to stay in Shape
Thanks so much!
This is why I’ve gone through several ferro rods, several rolls of bank line, several shelters and continuously learn more !
Excellent.
When I joined the army reserves in the UK we were always taught . . . Practise , Practice, Practice . . . And ; when you think you know it all . . . Practice Some More !
Indeed.
And practice does not make perfect. Practice only makes us consistent. PERFECT practice makes us perfect..
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
Definately agree , my .memory isn't what it was , so practising makes muscle memory to I think . Trying to make it automatic like driving a car becomes automatic.
This has to be one of your best videos James. I maybe not be an armchair survivalist, but definitely need to get out more often and practice my learned skills. Cheers 🇨🇦
Glad you enjoyed it!
As an old man my father and grandparents taught me this;
Sandstone is good for coarse knife sharpening, limestone is better, starts coarse, becomes fine enough, marble is excellently fine!
I shared it on my blogger page, all your fans & admirers COULD do similar to make you more popular. @@WayPointSurvival
Awesome video without peaching or fear mongering. I’m a subscriber for life. Thanks man.
Awesome, thank you!
Great points on survival. I began hiking, camping and learning outdoor skills at age 10 in the woods of Central Ohio. I am 76 now and in great physical condition preparing myself for the SHTF events when they come, not if but when. As a van lifer for over two years, I keep my van ready as well, stocked with survival foods and gear.
That is awesome!
Go get um old timer you can do it cause you know at your age you still got it !!!
Keep in mind, a lot of what your body can survive... depends on the difficulties we put on it. Same with other animals... Say my chickens. If I give them artifical heat and the power goes out in the winter... they will all freeze to death. But if I never ran a heater and their bodies got used to the temperature drop (from season change). I would not even need to heat their house and they can survive much harsher weathers. Point being, condition your body.
Absolutely true. Modern society has allowed us to become soft on so many levels that many people will fail to endure simply because they don't have common amenities. We can live without them but it takes practice and a mental toughness that very few have developed any degree.
A chicken can withstand a very low temperature.
Somewhere dry and out of the wind a chicken can live !
Also one of the most important thing that can help with everything in a survival or crisis situation is to stay calm, think, and focus. You can have the best gear in the world snd have all the best knowledge you need to survive but it can't and won't help you a single bit if you're in having a mental or nervous breakdown due to the situation you're in. Your cant build that shelter if your mind is going in a million different direction. You cant build that fire of body won't function right because youre nervous and scared. Even people with nerves of steel and a mind sharp as a blade can have them. So you may have to give yourself a mental slap in the face to get yiurself back on the right track to survive the situation.
I know theres lots of people out there that aren't believers but for me my best tools own is prayers and it's free 24/7.
So very true. Thanks for watching!
@@WayPointSurvivalmy exact words also !!!
Survival and bushcraft sayings are the best. One is none, two is some. The more you know, the less you need. Being alone gets you fast, being together gets you further. Most important thing I have noticed, is that you always need to be able to control small space around you. Good clothes and shelter will give you the most spare time.
Good points!
I’m just an old Aussie infantry soldier.
Everything you just described was %100 on point
GREAT ADVICE FOR YOUR FOLLOWERS 👍
Really? 100%? Great advice as far as it goes and everything he says is valid ... as far as it goes. Something is missing though. There are many, many stories of hikers and mountaineers, etc, lost, who have been found DEAD with a full pack of water, fire, food, shelter and clothing. There are also many, many stories of people who survived for days, weeks, months with nothing, sometimes even no clothing.
This guy, as EVERY other survival guru I have seen, missed the absolutely most single important survival item which should be on every list but I have never seen on any list.
BTW, I have the GREATEST respect for anyone who has been in the military. Thank you for your service. Cheers!
Thanks so much for watching and I'm glad that you enjoyed the video! Thank you for your service.
@@kaoskronostyche9939🤔. Just looking for attention or you would have said what the item is…smh
@@Snappypantsdance Why would
I say what it is. This guy, and all the other "preppers" prey on fear uncertainty and doubt to sell paranoia and products. So why would I give it away when I could capitalize on it and make some money?
You will have to wait until I establish my prepper site and then pay dearly for the secret. In the meantime, I bet you are not bright enough to figure out what is missing on your own.
@@kaoskronostyche9939 so please tell us what the item is ?
James, I spent years trying to get my daughters to understand that they needed to dress warmer than preparing for the 2 block walk to and from the school bus stop or the trip to the movies with their 16 YO friend in his/her 10-12 YO clunker of a car. Fashion beat me out at every turn.
That "own the skill" adage is true as anything can be. I love learning knots. I have fun with my wife by running to her after a YT knot tutorial session and yelling "Mommy, Mommy look what I just learned!" She rolls her eyes and gives me that "What now?" look and I proceed to show her my new knots. Then I try the knots again in a week and all my knowledge went away because I didn't take the practice to the point where it was an actual skill. It is a real phenomenon.
I may have embraced the whole "buy an extra in case your current one wears out" thing a little too enthusiastically. I find bargains on Walmart knives that turn out to be really good values, Cabela's knife and LED pen light kits, this thing and that thing, man these pants are tough and fit good, etc, etc, and now I may be a .....hoarder, as much as prepper. I've taken to giving some stuff as gifts to friends that aren't as forward thinking and making Go bags for my kids and their kids. More money than good sense, as they say. LOL
Yes, you definitely have to watch out or you end up with piles of excess gear, lol.
Oh you must be my lost twin 😉
Great points. Have written them down to internalize. Appreciate the wise commentary accompanying each. 👍👍
Thanks so much for watching!
Great video. My son and I have camped in everything from 110f to 20f and there were times that it was not fun, but we did not pack up and come home. We roughed it and toughed it out. Looking back, some of the best times. It taught us to never quit and helped us to be resourceful.
That is awesome!
Dad?😅
Great job at bowing up and gettin it done !
Fantastic job guys
Cotton HAS killed. I read an article a few years back talking about this subject (might've been Discover magazine since we get that) that illustrated the point with a tale of two hunters dressed as you described who killed a deer far from roads, who started dragging it out, got caught in a frigid, wet snow/sleeting situation and ended up discarding the deer, dropping their packs and weapons, struggling on and eventually, soaked through to the skin, in head-to-toe cotton, succumbed to hypothermia and died, the both of them.
It scares me to death the number of people I see walking around these days in brutal winter weather with only cotton hoodies and cotton coats on.
Yes we learned this in canoe club wear wool against your skin it will save your life.if you end up in the water wet through even though your wet it will still hold warmth
This is some of the best top #10 advice out there!
Thanks so much!
A very worthwhile video James, I hope it gets thousands of views. Thanks from the UK 🇬🇧
Thanks!
68 years old and have been prepping for decades. I have taught my kids how to survive. I sure hope that they understand what I taught them.
Excellent! The good thing is is they will have your wisdom to fall back on even if it seems they aren't paying him a lot of attention currently. Hopefully all that will come back to them when they need it!
Why do please mention their age? Want some brownie points 🤔🤔🤔 now the time to teach grandchildren!!!
@@mrsmarple2655 my kids are in their 20's.
Yes , I would have enjoyed having a Dad like you.
@@mrsmarple2655 My kids are all in their 20s.
Thank you so much for this HELPFUL information. God bless, stay safe!
Hi James. I think we ought to have drills with our families. Pretend there's a crisis. Have each family member or cohorts meet at assigned,agreed upon places. Each family member carries their backpack withgear.boots,jackets. The kids would have a great time learning to build shelters,start survival fires,boil water for consumption,learn basic first aid.
In the event of an actual crisis, while adults freak out, the kids will be like "come on mom, just like we practiced."
That would be a great idea!
Yes, you almost sound like you are SDA family.
The family of God
Yup, fun for the kids, like Scouts and Cubs, Guides and Brownies.🙂
for fire, people really should keep a small magnifying glass with them, even if it is a folding unit. why? because, on days when there is plenty of sun, save the ferro rod strikers, save the fuel in the lighters, if one has some of that easy start tinder that only takes a spark to ignite, you can ignite that with a magnifying glass using the sun and save the other sources so the fuel in the lighter, or the striker rod will last longer. when i was younger, i used one to light fire crackers all the time.
maybe you could make a short video of using a small magnifying glass to start a fire to cook on, then those who are reading this comment can see what i am talking about.
Thanks for watching and for the suggestion!
@@WayPointSurvival You're Welcome. love your videos.
Yes please , I'd like to learn that , does it take long to catch?
A lot of solid truths in this video. "It wont happen to me" is something I hear a lot of kids say these days... Guess I will keep buying my survival gear, and keep going out to 'play' with it, because training is fun for me. I enjoy pushing myself, and my gear, to see what the true potential is.
Definitely buy more than 1 of your favorite gear!! If you notice, things got much much more expensive after the pandemic, that's a trend that never changes... If you think it is expensive now, wait until the next issue...
Keep up the great work. I subbed.
I have had alot of cold nights, but every experience is a learning experience. I always go out locally with practicing a new skill in mind because you have to try it before you know you can do it.
I'm one of the armchair experts unfortunately. I can tell you how to do any of the numerous survival skills, but I've never actually done them.. The point you made is very good, and I think I'll try to own a few of the skills I know. Thanks
I’m 65 years old and I grew up with seven brothers and let me tell you they made sure that I knew everything I needed to know about surviving. We would even build igloos and sleep in them overnight in the cold. We get a kick out of seeing how much we could survive and even at my age I know that I could survive in any circumstance, and one important survival skill is knowing what edibles you can eat in the wild. because I believe there’s gonna be a time when people are going to need to know how to skin a deer or a raccoon or a squirrel ora fish go out and find mushrooms and greens that they need to survive. Luckily we grew up in Kentucky so there’s all kinds of things in the summertime but you can go out and find to eat but you also, have to eat in the winter time and there are things out there that you can eat but if you don’t know what they are, you’re gonna be in trouble because there is not gonna be a store to go buy things you’re gonna need to know how to keep things from spoiling because there’s no refrigerator. I love the survival shows and I do pick up things from them. i’m afraid there’s a lot of people out here that think they know how to survive that when it comes right down to it they’re not going to not that being said I live in Arizona now and believe me that worries me because I know there are things out there that’s edible there’s cactus, cactus fruit mesquite beans but still I have tried to grow things out here and I just can’t seem to get anything to grow and a lot of them things that I mentioned are only around in the summer, so I am worried that I won’t be able to survive and keep my family alive because I don’t know enough about this region, and there are survival shows out there about surviving in the wild here in Arizona but for The most part, they don’t teach what you need to know I really wish that we could find I could find someone out here that could take the time to teach me where to find wild edibles because that’s where I have a problem, I could survive the weather I just don’t know how I would survive not knowing what to eat here and it honestly worries me to death. I love your show and I’ve learned a lot from you. but my problem is it doesn’t apply to the area that I’m in for the most part. If you know anything about surviving in the desert, could you please do a show on it and by the way, I love your dimples thank you for your show.
Thanks so much for watching! You should look up Cody Lundin and his survival school in Arizona. I know that he teaches pretty much everything you need to know to survive in that environment and is by far an incredible expert on the topic. The classes are pricey but would be definitely worth it when it comes to taking care of yourself and your family in a crisis. There's no good way to put a price tag on that kind of knowledge from a real expert in the field.
This is absolutely the best survival tips videos I've ever seen, James. Thank you! Take care buddy and God bless you and yours as always!!
Thanks so much, my friend and may God bless you and yours as well!
I'm in north Florida.
Two tips: when the temp is in the 90s and you have to work, hydrate before you start - at least 16 oz. of water.
Even here, hypothermia can kill. My Dad used to talk about a drill sargeant in WW2, who took recruits out for a night hike in the rain in the winter. The temperature dropped into the 40s. I think Dad said 19 men died. The sargeant's excuse was "People don't freeze in Florida!"
Amen My Brother and Thank You for the Wise Words of Wisdom and God Bless and Stay Safe!
Thanks so much for watching and God bless you too!
Awesome video brah. Nothing beats treated canvas! Took environmental living in jr HS, required course, which then pushed me to teach myself and read alot about it. This was in 68-70, then joined military, 8 yrs. Went to a pacific island in early 80's and learned that practice makes near perfect. Back in my mountains now, in my home state, in this political environment and the consequences, better be prepared to survive and know your capabilities and environment. Again, Great video. Stay safe!
All good suggestions as usual. Thanks for teaching us and making us think. Many times you even teach this old dog new tricks.
Thanks so much for watching!
THANK YA.😊😊😊 I TRY TO SHOW PEOPLE ALL the time..Keith m..and Family. In Ohio 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲👍👍👍
You're welcome!
Well said and on point.
Thanks!
Love all these survival quotes....they have very deep meanings. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you like them!
In my opinion, a good skill to work on is knots. Not only a mastery of a good handful, but knowledge of which knots work with different cordage. What bank line handles and what dogbane handles are different worlds.
One of my sayings is that gear is what you take with you that you don’t want to make.
You can weave yucca fibers into a strap. Or you can carry a small roll of webbing. There is a fire and grab, go, return…probably not. Long term breakdown? Maybe.
Thanks for watching!
I had to read this more than 3 times to understand it, but I think I got it now .
@@garyminick1050 I have a way with butchering a sentence.
Excellent presentation James. #5 is a great eye opener and applies to all skills.
Thanks!
As much as I enjoy the skills and crafting videos, this one kept my attention the whole time.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it so much!
Yeah! Nice knives make great life! 🤔 wait that's not right... Buy blades so ur here to stay! No that wasn't it... Whatever! Let's go buy a knife!
Love your channel.
You speak so much common sense!
Thanks so much!
Just to mention it, anyone making plans should practice with their fully loaded pack...👍
It also helps create endurance ..😊
Absolutely!
These are great points and good advice. I would add one point, If your body is weak your effort’s will be weak. Your body is your base tool if it’s not prepared and robust you will be hampered until it is.
Good point!
Thanks James a lot of good info. "If it ain't raining, we ain't training," is great. However, I always liked "it doesn't rain in the Army, it only rains on the Army."
Lol. I hadn't heard that one before but it is pretty funny!
That is a great point!!! Kudos. I keep putting off taking a survival course because life is just not playing nice. But I will get in one hopefully before it’s to late
Another timely and accurate video. Survival will happen to you sooner or later and the things you are saying in this video is very good. My first survival experience I was 14 and the oldest of 4 boys together. You never know when something will go wrong. Thanks for the video, and God Bless. Frank
Thanks for watching and God bless you too!
Staying dry is a very big issue. I learned that immediately, so everyone should consider getting rain gear to cover your entire body in order to stay warm. You can't go wrong with heavy duty rain gear so that you are ready when it does rain! If you have one, visit your military surplus stores...lots of goodies there!
True!
There's some good tutorials on YT to make waterproof tarps from sheets.
An excellent passing on of knowledge and experience. Im blessed to be able to be in the woods a couple days every week, 52 weeks a year practicing these very things. I try to paas them on in my videos, but the way you brought all of these lessons together in one video was fantastic! Im passing this video on to my students and telling them to pay close attention.
That's awesome, thanks so much for sharing it and I'm glad that you enjoyed it also!
I am very grateful for you making this survival video and taking the time cheers.
Thanks for watching!
I'm a proponent of military gear, not because I served for 22 years, but because the gear made it through testing and the real world in real, if not harsh, conditions. I was fortunate to land a flying job in the Air Force and they spared no expense getting us ready. I rather enjoyed the two week outing in the wilderness, not to mention water survival training in case we had to ditch our aircraft. Memorable times. Nice work waypoint-- lots of good information.
It's definitely hard to get that kind of field testing with any other type of gear! Thanks so much for watching!
As Jerry Micklich says, PRACTICE WHAT YOU SUCK AT!
Very well done and very important video!
A very comprehensive and sensical points most people would be clueless on. Excellent reminders and information. Thank you.
Thanks so much for watching and I'm glad you liked it!
When the "Big Cough" hit and they shut my state down, I was out in the woods camping for about a week. I got in my vehicle, and started driving home, only to find the interstates empty and loads of signage saying to stay home and indoors. I thought the apocalypse happened and I missed it, I was so disappointed.
Hahaha , that's awesome
You're so right, James. I got a room full of gear and plan to buy more real soon, I trust in the LORD as so many others, but HE gave everyone a brain, HE'LL help you if you help yourself.
Thanks, James, for making this video, it a video for everyone because when the crap hits the fan, everyone has to take care of themselves.
True. The old saying is that God helps those who help themselves.
Amen good sir.
As an old combat veteran I learned several decades ago how to get through really crappy times. I was trained to be ready for whatever happened. My entire team was trained as combat corpmen. Our training was very intense we learned or we were out. SERE training was brutal but necessary. It was something that you never forget.
Thank you so much for watching and thank you for your service!
*****James, the cure to the fire rule, fire is never harder to make then when you need it most, is a 15 min road flare slid inside and old bicycle inner tube then put in a 1 gallon zip lock freezer bag and duct taped up. You have a 15 minute fire source and all the extras to make a fire in a monsoon. Tried and true. I carry one ALWAYS. Stay safe.
Good for one fire. What to do the next day ?
True. Thanks for watching!
Or waxed lettuce produce boxes , burn like crazy.
I have not done my duty but I ponder sometimes. I know about burying caches. Also for coming issues we will say, how about going around at more than one various location where future bugout refuge could occur and plant potatoes and sweet potatoes in the ground, cat-tails, edible types bamboo, bamboo for possible water filter creation, bow creation, and for hide cover also, maybe other types of things such as dandelion for salad greens and a coffee substitute, onion, garlick for protection against illness, citronella plant against mosquitoes, yucca for cordage, aloe for scrapes burns, and so on for premade food when it is badly needed. Plant anything edible filling nutrition, or for natural medicine, or any other use such as toilet paper plant (really), sassafras tree for tea, pine for pine tea (the proper pine tree type 5needle?), gourd for bowls, have multiple potential bugout locations with preplanted edibles especially useful and best natural to the geographical area. I myself am no gardener but is there a type of beans which would grow left alone in the wild after initial planting? I dont know. I just ponder. I also found out the awful kudzu is actually supposed to make a nutritious salad green, good jelly, and we know cordage or rope. Plus a place to hide.
Yes I lve thought that too to plant up areas, there's an old way to plant a tree called the Ellen white method , best to watch a video how to , but it's digging a huge pit and putting certain things in it so it will survive and grow way faster. Yes planting things that just look part of the landscape like sweet potatoes.garli , onions , parsley , tomatoes , pumpkins , lemons food and medicinal herbs. My problem here is wild rats and possums eat everything .
Fox holes might be a good idea , as long as snakes aren't in there..
Just a "heads up" - here in Ontario, "constructor grade" garbage bags have topped 40 bucks a pack. They are certainly an asset, but must be rationed, I'm sorry to say.
Stay well!
if they are the 55 gallon bags, i have seen those used and have used them for a reusable poncho in the rain, they can also be cut along the bottom and one side and draped over some paracord and anchored to make a temporary tent if needed. i have not checked the price here but, they have been around $35 american dollars per pack at least since january 2020 here.
@@angusmacgyver3673 Those are the ones I'm thinking of. Expensive, but very durable. Stay well, brother!
They've gotten a lot more expensive here in the states as well.
Really great advice there James. Practicing survival skills or bushcraft skills or shoot even hobo skills is a really great thing to get out doing man. I really got into the woods about 3-4 years ago. Before then I was definitely an outdoorsman or maybe sportsman but fishing and hunting don't really give you a chance to practice survival skills. I was always trying to conquer nature and not developing skills outside of fishing or hunting. Now I spend time in the woods practicing the skills you talked about and my armchair is always empty. Great video James! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
I admire you Bravo!❤
I don't know anyone who goes camping, let alone someone who knows any survival skills. Guess I could try to make a fire in the back yard! Thank you so much for these words of wisdom!
You're very welcome! It's always best to start in your backyard when failure doesn't put you in any kind of danger and you can learn so much quicker that way! You can do it!
I did some experiments in my backyard with lighting fires a d also I tested all the brown foliage around different leaves and plants to see how flammable things were. I was shocked at how flammable tipuana pods are they burn faster than gum leaves. And bamboo there's a lot of really dry highly flammable parts. Makes me more conscious of bushfire hazards too. 🇦🇺🌏
Also please do a video on finding chirt/ flint and starting fire that way.
Very good video!
I was camping in Australia's outback for a week. The first night I thought I was going to freeze to death.
I bought a cheaper sleeping bag (40° F.) I did have a closed cell mat though. It was summer and 90° + during the day but the nights were 30°- 32°F. Needless to say I put on every piece of clothing I had.
The next day I remembered that I had an emergency blanket tucked away. (foil of some sort. "Don't Die In The Woods" or desert!)
Those 2 items saved my life I think. Those emergency blankets work! And a closed cell mat is awesome.
Thanks for watching!
Very good points. Funny your mention of the shower curtain as the famous Grandma Gatewood carried one on her first hike of the Appy trail. One thing I like for repairs more than duck tape is one called Tear-Aid. It is not cheap but it's about as close to a permanent repair as you can get. There are two main kinds, type A and type B. The latter is for vinyl. I repaired the top off my popup tent several years ago as well as a couple of small tears in the fabric. There are sevral videos on it's use, but I recomend the Sailrite channel as you know they wouldn't be fixing sails with it when they sell the fabric to replace them if it wasn't good stuff. I have also repaired the shell on a nylon parka with it. Temporary fixes are good as is good duck tape but there are things that need and deserve better.
I recently read the book about Grandma Gatewood hiking the trail and thoroughly enjoyed it. She was a real trooper.
Good tips!
Thank you for making the point about native and indigenous people. They worked as a tribe almost all of the time in whatever they did; shelter, food, hunting and defense.
Indeed!
Love it, Bud!
Very informative. I’m glad you’re sharing the “wealth”. I’m hopeful many will learn in case of an emergency (horrible to think) that requires long term. Here in Canada, it’s pretty ingrained in most of us that aren’t from urban areas. Most people of rural upbringing are pretty well versed, but are also very complacent. Keep up the drive to stay alive!! 💪🏼
Thanks!
Very good video, another of my favourite sayings is “the best bushcraft knife in the world, is the one you have with you” and also”knowledge weighs less than nothing because the more you know, the less you have to carry”
Yes, those are very good maxims as well.
Very well said and thought out! Maybe a training video in your backyard? I found that testing items is always better in the backyard first than out in the feild. But never thought about training in the rain in the backyard or under high winds. This way if you or your equipment fails you can run for cover. At least until you and your equipment dailed in. Lol😊
Indeed. You should always train in an area where there is a margin of safety should something go wrong.
I’m an arm chair survivalist these days. I use to teach arctic survival in the Marine Corps back in the early 90s, but we had all the best gear of that time, plus I was in super shape. Now at 63 with Neuropathy of the feet and bad knees it’s tough to get up and down anymore. But I totally agree that you have to get out and practice, because survival is a perishable skill like many other skills in life. I do experiment and practice with different tarp shelters, tents and stoves etc… I plan to get out this spring and fall to hike and use all my accumulated gear over the years. I really love all the information you put out on your channel. Especially the hobo videos! Thanks.😊
Thank you so very much for watching and supporting the channel!
James I just found your channel a few weeks ago. I enjoy it very much. I have learned things that I never would have considered before. Great channel and Great content. Very helpful. Thanks
Thanks so much, I really appreciate the kind words!
Good Video good things to think about.
Thanks for watching!
Hey James....so many good things to think about! And, you are so on point about "some" of those things. Thank you and as always...take care!
Thanks so much, you too!
I watched so many videos on how to fillet a fish and thought I was a master without ever doing it. Then when it came time for me to actually clean my catch out camping it was very hard and frustrating. I’ve now done it several time and got it down definitely still have lots I can learn and improve on.
Excellent! Thanks for watching and for sharing your experiences and for backing up what I have been trying to tell people!
Concise and wise counsel -- exceptionally helpful, James!
Thanks!
Damn good advice!
If you have ears listen, if you hear truth then act! We all should be motivated to prepare.
Thanks so much for watching!
Remember, its alittle bit harder but you can use a bic thats gone to create fire as well! Great vid James!
Very true!
I could not agree more with points you raised. Spot on. And, the old adage “one is none, two is one, etc” is so true. Within reason of course, and don’t put all you have in one place, anticipate loss of some kind.
So true!
Great wisdom, Thanks. Makes me think of the wisdom of my Grandparents; no t.v. or radio as kids, survivors of the flu epidemic, the great depression, polio, and WW2, ect. Thxs agn!
Thanks for watching!
Excellent Presentation James !!
Glad you liked it!
Good Afternoon James
Hello!
Communication, co-operation, compromise, collaboration, compassion
Yes
Wise words mate, good advice 🇬🇧🇺🇸👍
Thanks!
dude most of the blades and gear i carry, i have used since the 70`s you are so true. lots of love.
Thanks for watching!
I love this! Thanks for putting this together! I wish so many more people would watch, learn and follow your advise.
Glad you enjoyed it, my friend!
Good video James, thanks for sharing , God bless brother !
Thanks and God bless you too!
Thanks James; great video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Best video I have seen lately. Very informative and eye opening.
Thanks so much!
Very true, James, I felt like you were talking to me. I certainly have not been at the top of my game. Seems like modern life has gotten in the way. Used to be more innovative and creative with my gear, too, in fixing things, but i have gotten deep into a runt. Thank you for sharing and God bless.
Glad you enjoyed the video and found it encouraging. Hopefully you'll be able to get back to sharpening your skills again!
Get outside. The forest is therapeutic especially on hazy days!
I always store either a blanket in summer and a sleeping bag for winter in the vehicles for emergencies. I broke down once and that sleeping bag was a Godsend while waiting for help.
Great idea!
Great video James. You covered a lot of information in a short time. I do remember getting a lot of snow when i was a kid but not so much now a days here in Meigs county Ohio.
Yes, we seem to be in a low ebb for snow these days in ohio.
Great food for thought. Watching this makes me excited to get out there and survive. Get the right tools and hone my skills. Thanks for all the tips. Very wise and thoughtful information. 👌
Thanks!
Years ago I took courses with Tom Brown Jr. Learned a lot from 2 weeks with him. Thank you for these lessons. I agree a knife is thee essential tool to carry.
That's excellent! He truly is an expert in the field.
Thank you, James. I had to make time to finish this one. Well said. My children often tease me, that, the only time I can't keep a fire lit, is when it's dry and I have dry wood. Practice is important. One of these days I'd like to make it up to Ohio.
You're welcome! Thanks so much for watching the video, taking the time to comment, and we would love to have you in a class!
I just ran across your channel. I absolutely love the honesty and practicality with which you share info. And sharing ideas of others, with credit given. Thank you for an eye-opening video. Liked, subscribed, belled for all.
Thank you so much and welcome aboard!
I enjoy your content. But this one was really good. I watched this young man grow up, but never knew what really happened to him. Thank you for sharing this with us 💜
Thanks so much for watching!