Deadass. The more experience I've gained in my personal preparedness journey the more I've realized there is no "one size fits all" solution for any of this. It is all personally and situationally dependent. Influencers can give good ideas and teach you some things you don't know, but you still have to do the work and figure out what's good for you
Dan im extremely glad you did this video!!! Many people dont know or get the totally wrong information from "professionals" who think their word is gold! To each ther own! Most of what you talked about does pertain to me and my needs, but thank you again for letting people know that there are options thatbsuit them, and not have to go by whatever joe shmo says is popular or in demand!!! THAT'S ONE OF THE MANY REASONS WHY YOU'LL ALWAYS HAVE A LOYAL SUBSCRIBER HERE!!!!!!!
One thought on communication - an AM radio receiver. Cell phones don't work if the towers are out of order, but the radio lets you find out more about what is happening around you.
Great point. My only current plan for getting information in a disaster scenario is a small battery-powered AM/FM/SW receiving hand-held radio. I store it inside of a tin box with a friction fitting lid, along with some AA batteries that I change out occasionally. It's all placed inside a ziplock bag, wrapped in aluminum foil, another bag, then placed in the tin box. The idea is that it's isolated from outside electromagnetic energy.
I agree with you here, personal protection is based on what works for you and your situation, abilities, etc.. I'm a retired LEO, SAR team member and Instructor. I enjoy the content and the info is extremely useful, keep it going!
Cool that you are taking some radio classes. I've been a Ham for a few years and really enjoy the hobby. And you are absolutely correct about how deep the rabbit hole goes. Parks on the Air (POTA) is something my dad and I love to do together. Hope to hear you on the air some day. 73s
Glad to see you do a video about this. I work for the power line companies in Washington State. I have to be careful about my loadout. No weapons. I only carry 'woodworking tools'. An SP16 Spax, a sawback machete, a folding knife, things of that nature. I've been in DOZENS of situations where people are trying to break into the vehicle, and on a couple of occasions with bears and mountain lions. I keep my self defense kit, IFAK, fire extinguisher, etc, under my front seat. And, you are 100% correct about navigation. Keep a physical map at all times in the dash. I can't tell you how many times I've been stuck in a snowstorm on a mountain side. That little piece of paper can be an absolute LIFE SAVER.
Nice to see that you are moving into the fuller survival mode areas with your videos and classes, instead of self-rescue or calling for outside help, over just bushcraft!
Just discovered you on a recommendation from Viking Preparedness. I’ve been into bushcraft all my life but your videos have taught me a thing or two. Your videos are outstanding
A bit late to this particular party! As someone else commented, "It depends" Spot on! Great video! There's no one way to do anything in the preparedness world.
Thank you for starting off by emphasizing critical judgment and personalization, a point that many survival junkies don’t hear emphasized enough. For my own part, the *critical application* of proven ideas is a fundamental part of how I define preparedness, as opposed to the slavish imitation of other people’s practices or equipment. Meanwhile, regarding some of the equipment options, you recommend: 1) There seem to be a lot of ways to upgrade cell phones to something more like walkie-talkies, from specialized apps to aftermarket components, to even methods as familiar as using Microsoft Teams. 2) As to the flashlight/headlamp debate, it’s worth noting that a lot of flashlight manufacturers supply headbands and similar gear to convert their products to headlamps, and have done so for years (e.g. Maglite).
Great way to present this information without actually “going down the rabbit hole”. So many people can get triggered by the prepper lifestyle or mentality but you presented the basics to give newbies a starting point in each area. I always enjoy your bushcraft content but it was nice to touch on the more advanced stuff and allow the viewers to choose which areas to focus on and how deeply they go into those areas.
I’ve always appreciated your short but informative videos. You are a good presenter as well. If you are headed in the direction of self protection consider doing a segment on the most important tool in your toolkit…….situational awareness. Without that no amount of gear will truly help you be it in the realm of survival, Bushcraft or personal protection. Most people walk around in a, “vacation state-of-mind” and seem to forget the most dangerous animal you will ever meet in the woods, city or anywhere in between, walk on two legs. A highly developed sense of situational awareness and tactical thinking are the most important tools you’ll ever have in your kit. Keep up the good work.
Well done, Dan. Love this new content for Coalcracker. Please keep it up and expand. An in-person class or two down this lane may be a good idea moving forward too - like Modern Bushcrafting with sponsored goodies. Thanks again.
It helps to have a threat model, the threats to plan and prepare for and those threats you consider out of scope for your means. Risk rank your threat scenarios to help prioritize your preparedness measures. Understand which scenarios you can remain in place ("bug in") and which require evacuation ("bug out"). Which other family members and friends will be part of your threat response team or will you solo. Will vehicle travel even be an option, or vehicles disabled, fuel unavailable, roads impassable, roadblock ambushes likely.
The Gaia GPS app allows you to download maps to your phone. It can then function on airplane mode and will pinpoint your location if GPS is enabled on your phone. I use it for wilderness navigation all the time and the power can last for more than a day using it this way. The maps will show roads, topography, water sources, and even individual buildings. I have entire maps for the three counties I operate in downloaded.
Batteries will only last so long. Best to prepare with what does not take Batteries. Even Black powder items may be one way to go or even a Recurve bow. Because you can make arrows for a bow or recurve. But not for a compound bow.
@mrmicro22 And tyranny is a threat to survival by humans. Proves my point.. I was homeless for about a year. People attacked me, although I caused no trouble, and I stayed out of their way. Better be armed and keep things cuvilized.
One of the most important things about preparation is to make sure things that expire, don't. I change the medicine in the car first aid kit every six months. The temperature inside your car will shorten the life of your medicine, batteries, and food. It just happens that my wife's birthday is six months from mine, so a day or two later I go through things and refresh. I check my batteries, and never store my devices with batteries installed. There's a saying, "A flashlight is a device for storing dead batteries."
Excellent video. Only thing I would add is for the first aid and pew pews. Get training. Find reputable places to train that include realistic scenarios you have a high chance of encountering.
I have military and LEO training and try to keep my skills up. We live in a hurricane zone and after hurricane Katrina I got into ham radio just for emergency comms. It's not necessary for everybody to go that far and will depend on your location and situation like you explained but people should at least talk to knowledgeable people in their area about how communications fit into any emergency plan. It doesn't mean you have to study and take tests for ham licenses but the GMRS radio service costs $35 for a 10 year license for you and your immediate family. GMRS radios are relatively inexpensive as well. Just something to think about adding to the plan.
having too many firearms at once adds significant weight, and requires very little of multiple different types of ammo. If going very light, perhaps just a handgun. If thinking solely about long term survival, consider a .22lr bolt action rifle instead. Mid range compromise, perhaps just an AR15 (self defense and hunting use). I personally would never rely upon a shotgun for mobile survival. too heavy, carry too little ammo due to size.
Preparedness can get super expensive. "Doomsday Preppers." There is at least one cooperative out West, where some guy bought a missile silo and is turning it into a bugout location. It costs a LOT to join, but the place is supposedly stocked with all kinds of supplies, and has its own water, power, and defense systems. That's a literal "rabbit hole." I know of a number of people who have bought rural property as bugout locations. Some have built houses, others have cabins, others aren't at that point yet. All that is way outside my budget, but if I ever win the lottery, I'm going to buy my own county.
Here in Australia, guns are very controlled and restricted, so having them is more of an issue here. even knives are becoming more controlled as well, you cant get caught with anything more than a Swiss army knife or a leatherman in public without risking getting fined, or possibly arrested. having said that, it doesnt stop you from owning larger types of knives, but even then some are restricted here as well. the only way around that is to maybe buy them online, and not say anything to anyone about owning them. a lot of the others things your mention in this video are great ideas, and I'm slowly working on building up a small stash of survival gear. In Australia, regarding shelter, cold is not so much of an issue. and average winter here in South Australia where I live it get down to around 4-5 degrees Celsius , and we dont get the snow and other freezing conditions like you do in the U.S. but our summers can be killers with temps up to and over 45 degrees celsius, so staying cool, and having a supply of water is critical.
I think some in with the bushcraft mindset scoff at things link thermals or night vision because of the tactical use. But, there are times when you may want to observe something without alerting the world. Sure, this isn't the case if you are hoping a Search and Rescue team finds you. The use here might be a situation like Hurricane Helene where looters were out in some areas. Of course having a bang stick is always a good idea in the city or woods. In the woods you are equally likely to fall prey to two and four legged predators.
U.S.A at its finest I watched this. I thought yep totally U.S. Prepper. Guns and all. Keep it up cowboy. Our prime minister screwed us out of self protection. Yes I'm jelous
Blood clotter, hole plug, pain killers. Mono-scope or compact binoculars. Fluorescent flagging tape. Newer iPhones have satellite emergency capacity. Turn off your phone till you need it, save the battery for emergencies.
I would like to find an entry level night vision device for mounting on the home defense shotgun. Live on a farm. Be nice to see what is going on without giving away my location.
You seemed to think the gas mask wasn’t as necessary in a rural environment. But you’re forgetting about forest fires. Everyone needs at least a good stock of N95 masks. And they should have a kind that’s fits well that they’ve tested on their face.
That wire hanging off the ceiling to the right of your head, yeah…. I thought it was a dog hair so I tried to blow it off my screen 🤦♂️ Anyways, carry on.
not 100% sure about the idea of "it depends on you", because as the saying goes "when your only tool is a hammer, you treat everything you see as a nail". maybe the right emergency tool depends more on the emergency itself and less about the field you're interested in.
Can u or anybody recommend a video on how to use a beofeng radio for emergency purpose? I have several of them for me and my family but do not have a license to use. I also do not feel confident in using them if I needed to. If anyone can explain how I should use them in a emergency that would be appreciated
Tons of videos out there on how to use the Beofeng and all of it's features. When SHTF not having a ham license is not going to be a big deal, but you are right that testing it is difficult so walking through setup and use after watching videos is a good idea.
The most universal tactical advice is "It depends."
That’s my tac bandaid!
Deadass. The more experience I've gained in my personal preparedness journey the more I've realized there is no "one size fits all" solution for any of this. It is all personally and situationally dependent. Influencers can give good ideas and teach you some things you don't know, but you still have to do the work and figure out what's good for you
Your opening monologue was spot on in my opinion. See ya
Dan im extremely glad you did this video!!! Many people dont know or get the totally wrong information from "professionals" who think their word is gold! To each ther own! Most of what you talked about does pertain to me and my needs, but thank you again for letting people know that there are options thatbsuit them, and not have to go by whatever joe shmo says is popular or in demand!!! THAT'S ONE OF THE MANY REASONS WHY YOU'LL ALWAYS HAVE A LOYAL SUBSCRIBER HERE!!!!!!!
One thought on communication - an AM radio receiver. Cell phones don't work if the towers are out of order, but the radio lets you find out more about what is happening around you.
Great point. My only current plan for getting information in a disaster scenario is a small battery-powered AM/FM/SW receiving hand-held radio. I store it inside of a tin box with a friction fitting lid, along with some AA batteries that I change out occasionally. It's all placed inside a ziplock bag, wrapped in aluminum foil, another bag, then placed in the tin box.
The idea is that it's isolated from outside electromagnetic energy.
Some phones have a radio option which may still operate, so in a pinch, worth checking. Having other options is worthwhile
@@Mr.Matchingsocksas people who got hit by Helene, wise to have more batteries or a crank radio option ❤
When it comes to preparing, there's an old saying, "Two is one, and one is none." I personally think that two is one, but six is still five.
The baofeng (and many other brands) have an fm radio function also
I love how you had a Morakniv Garberg as a knife example. I own one and absolutely love it!
I agree with you here, personal protection is based on what works for you and your situation, abilities, etc.. I'm a retired LEO, SAR team member and Instructor. I enjoy the content and the info is extremely useful, keep it going!
Cool that you are taking some radio classes. I've been a Ham for a few years and really enjoy the hobby. And you are absolutely correct about how deep the rabbit hole goes. Parks on the Air (POTA) is something my dad and I love to do together. Hope to hear you on the air some day. 73s
I always love learning more about you. From Firearms instructor to guest appearances on Townsend
I know right! When I saw that episode I was taken back, two of my favorite channels....fn awesome!!!!
Read my mind, found that episode years after finding Dan and had to do a double take
What episode? I would like to watch that.
@Jeremvy he's on some of their episodes on Townsend's "The American Frontier" playlist.
@Wolfram762
Thanks!
Glad to see you do a video about this. I work for the power line companies in Washington State. I have to be careful about my loadout. No weapons. I only carry 'woodworking tools'. An SP16 Spax, a sawback machete, a folding knife, things of that nature. I've been in DOZENS of situations where people are trying to break into the vehicle, and on a couple of occasions with bears and mountain lions. I keep my self defense kit, IFAK, fire extinguisher, etc, under my front seat.
And, you are 100% correct about navigation. Keep a physical map at all times in the dash. I can't tell you how many times I've been stuck in a snowstorm on a mountain side. That little piece of paper can be an absolute LIFE SAVER.
What people don't know won't hurt you . Ankle holster and 5 shot small frame .357 (for bears)
@j.robertsergertson4513
You are VERY correct.
Nice to see that you are moving into the fuller survival mode areas with your videos and classes, instead of self-rescue or calling for outside help, over just bushcraft!
Holy Coalcracker !!! That's a lot of cool man stuff in one thumbnail
Just discovered you on a recommendation from Viking Preparedness. I’ve been into bushcraft all my life but your videos have taught me a thing or two. Your videos are outstanding
Pretty nice and unbiased video.
Bushcraff has jumped the shark
Recommend taking FIRST REPONDER First Aid.
Good to see another high riser guy!!!
Love you getting deeper into the preparedness area. Good video
Great video and God bless.
Great video little Dan
A bit late to this particular party! As someone else commented, "It depends"
Spot on! Great video! There's no one way to do anything in the preparedness world.
Thank you for starting off by emphasizing critical judgment and personalization, a point that many survival junkies don’t hear emphasized enough. For my own part, the *critical application* of proven ideas is a fundamental part of how I define preparedness, as opposed to the slavish imitation of other people’s practices or equipment.
Meanwhile, regarding some of the equipment options, you recommend:
1) There seem to be a lot of ways to upgrade cell phones to something more like walkie-talkies, from specialized apps to aftermarket components, to even methods as familiar as using Microsoft Teams.
2) As to the flashlight/headlamp debate, it’s worth noting that a lot of flashlight manufacturers supply headbands and similar gear to convert their products to headlamps, and have done so for years (e.g. Maglite).
Thank you, all good suggestions
I like this direction you are taking with your content.
🇺🇸😎👍🏻🇺🇸
Great way to present this information without actually “going down the rabbit hole”. So many people can get triggered by the prepper lifestyle or mentality but you presented the basics to give newbies a starting point in each area. I always enjoy your bushcraft content but it was nice to touch on the more advanced stuff and allow the viewers to choose which areas to focus on and how deeply they go into those areas.
I think every man of able body from 18 to to 65 should have a kit like this
And women as well. There are many out there, like myself that live on our own, and will have to be able to look after ourselves in a SHTF situation.
Great video as always. Thank you
Nice. Simple and easy to remember.
I’ve always appreciated your short but informative videos. You are a good presenter as well. If you are headed in the direction of self protection consider doing a segment on the most important tool in your toolkit…….situational awareness. Without that no amount of gear will truly help you be it in the realm of survival, Bushcraft or personal protection. Most people walk around in a, “vacation state-of-mind” and seem to forget the most dangerous animal you will ever meet in the woods, city or anywhere in between, walk on two legs. A highly developed sense of situational awareness and tactical thinking are the most important tools you’ll ever have in your kit. Keep up the good work.
Thank You For Sharing Your Thoughts And Knowledge. Excellent Presentation, As Always ! Take Care Brother.
Great video. Great presentation. You know how to share so very well. Keep up the awesome work
Another awesome video Dan. Keep up the great work!
Great video! Thank you!
Well done, Dan. Love this new content for Coalcracker. Please keep it up and expand. An in-person class or two down this lane may be a good idea moving forward too - like Modern Bushcrafting with sponsored goodies. Thanks again.
Great information, thank you
Awesome video once again. Right out of the park!!!!
You are a amazing person
Awesome video Thanks
I’ll definitely be looking into that Spot communication system
great video, thanks for sharing
It helps to have a threat model, the threats to plan and prepare for and those threats you consider out of scope for your means. Risk rank your threat scenarios to help prioritize your preparedness measures. Understand which scenarios you can remain in place ("bug in") and which require evacuation ("bug out"). Which other family members and friends will be part of your threat response team or will you solo. Will vehicle travel even be an option, or vehicles disabled, fuel unavailable, roads impassable, roadblock ambushes likely.
The Gaia GPS app allows you to download maps to your phone. It can then function on airplane mode and will pinpoint your location if GPS is enabled on your phone. I use it for wilderness navigation all the time and the power can last for more than a day using it this way. The maps will show roads, topography, water sources, and even individual buildings. I have entire maps for the three counties I operate in downloaded.
Excellent info. I will be purchasing the Monocular with the Heat Wave sensitivity for sure. Stay Safe.
Batteries will only last so long.
Best to prepare with what does not take Batteries.
Even Black powder items may be one way to go or even a Recurve bow. Because you can make arrows for a bow or recurve. But not for a compound bow.
Great video.
Wranglestar turned me onto (not personally) to radio made easy. Thinking of picking up a few.
Different kind of survival here, but humans are a BIG threat to survival.
That thought is always one step from tyranny.
@mrmicro22 And tyranny is a threat to survival by humans. Proves my point.. I was homeless for about a year. People attacked me, although I caused no trouble, and I stayed out of their way.
Better be armed and keep things cuvilized.
The biggest.
@walterlowe3585 Sadly, I have to agree.
on point all day
One of the most important things about preparation is to make sure things that expire, don't. I change the medicine in the car first aid kit every six months. The temperature inside your car will shorten the life of your medicine, batteries, and food. It just happens that my wife's birthday is six months from mine, so a day or two later I go through things and refresh. I check my batteries, and never store my devices with batteries installed. There's a saying, "A flashlight is a device for storing dead batteries."
Excellent video. Only thing I would add is for the first aid and pew pews. Get training. Find reputable places to train that include realistic scenarios you have a high chance of encountering.
Well said. I would add cash. Dealing with people always goes better if you have cash. I carry 1000 ( for the whole family)
Very well made and thoughtful video. Keep it up brother!
Thanks brother
Really cool stuff 😊
Great video ml
I like to avoid rabbit holes!
Great talk.
I have military and LEO training and try to keep my skills up. We live in a hurricane zone and after hurricane Katrina I got into ham radio just for emergency comms. It's not necessary for everybody to go that far and will depend on your location and situation like you explained but people should at least talk to knowledgeable people in their area about how communications fit into any emergency plan. It doesn't mean you have to study and take tests for ham licenses but the GMRS radio service costs $35 for a 10 year license for you and your immediate family. GMRS radios are relatively inexpensive as well. Just something to think about adding to the plan.
having too many firearms at once adds significant weight, and requires very little of multiple different types of ammo.
If going very light, perhaps just a handgun.
If thinking solely about long term survival, consider a .22lr bolt action rifle instead.
Mid range compromise, perhaps just an AR15 (self defense and hunting use).
I personally would never rely upon a shotgun for mobile survival. too heavy, carry too little ammo due to size.
9:09 , just ordered me an Olight baton for cyber Mon , can't wait to get it.
Better think about.
No Towers, no cell phones!
No towers, no signal. But you can download google maps onto your phone. Also, my phone can send signal to a satellite.
Outstanding video brother
Great video!!! I sure wish thermal would come down in price.
well done
good info!
Great No-Nonsense advice
Cool video
Preparedness can get super expensive. "Doomsday Preppers." There is at least one cooperative out West, where some guy bought a missile silo and is turning it into a bugout location. It costs a LOT to join, but the place is supposedly stocked with all kinds of supplies, and has its own water, power, and defense systems. That's a literal "rabbit hole." I know of a number of people who have bought rural property as bugout locations. Some have built houses, others have cabins, others aren't at that point yet. All that is way outside my budget, but if I ever win the lottery, I'm going to buy my own county.
SHTF stuff: Have a good supply of ammo and possibly a Radiation detector and a drone with a good camera.
The reality is, if you have something someone wants! They’re going to take it!
Sadly, in the world we find ourselves living in at this time...
It’s crazy how much flashlights have advanced since I had to hold the light for my Dad 60 years ago ! 😂
What brand medical bag is that? Looks to be exactly the size I am looking for to add in my vehicle.
Here in Australia, guns are very controlled and restricted, so having them is more of an issue here. even knives are becoming more controlled as well, you cant get caught with anything more than a Swiss army knife or a leatherman in public without risking getting fined, or possibly arrested. having said that, it doesnt stop you from owning larger types of knives, but even then some are restricted here as well. the only way around that is to maybe buy them online, and not say anything to anyone about owning them. a lot of the others things your mention in this video are great ideas, and I'm slowly working on building up a small stash of survival gear. In Australia, regarding shelter, cold is not so much of an issue. and average winter here in South Australia where I live it get down to around 4-5 degrees Celsius , and we dont get the snow and other freezing conditions like you do in the U.S. but our summers can be killers with temps up to and over 45 degrees celsius, so staying cool, and having a supply of water is critical.
I think some in with the bushcraft mindset scoff at things link thermals or night vision because of the tactical use. But, there are times when you may want to observe something without alerting the world. Sure, this isn't the case if you are hoping a Search and Rescue team finds you. The use here might be a situation like Hurricane Helene where looters were out in some areas. Of course having a bang stick is always a good idea in the city or woods. In the woods you are equally likely to fall prey to two and four legged predators.
U.S.A at its finest I watched this. I thought yep totally U.S. Prepper. Guns and all. Keep it up cowboy. Our prime minister screwed us out of self protection. Yes I'm jelous
Blood clotter, hole plug, pain killers.
Mono-scope or compact binoculars.
Fluorescent flagging tape.
Newer iPhones have satellite emergency capacity.
Turn off your phone till you need it, save the battery for emergencies.
Super Super Super Super Super
Great content as always but the audio isn’t. Very good in the basement with all that concrete
❤❤
I like that boo boo bag. Which one is that?
Good video
Highest red dot mount I’ve seen.
Thanks for sharing some of your loadout
Booboo's will be 80% of your needs in a disaster, based on organizational experience in combat.
Logan, 68W (ret)
Do you protect your EDC electronic gear, from EMP & CME?
I would like to find an entry level night vision device for mounting on the home defense shotgun. Live on a farm. Be nice to see what is going on without giving away my location.
most maps you down load have no gps grid lines. NEVER. rely on a phone. practice your skills.
Major point how much can I carry in the situation. Age, Health, Vehicle, On foot, etc.
Check out the steambow ar6 stinger 2 tactical repeating crossbow. My carbon bolts will outlast any firearm. Bullets will run out long term.
Hey could you link where you took communications classes? I'm looking for some in-person classes as well.
You will never regret having the training and means to defend yourself with a firearm end of story.
Modern flashlights are seriously unreliable. No one's talking about it but YEAH! Digital lights fail even right out of the box.
You seemed to think the gas mask wasn’t as necessary in a rural environment. But you’re forgetting about forest fires.
Everyone needs at least a good stock of N95 masks. And they should have a kind that’s fits well that they’ve tested on their face.
All that gear you'll be down bad within days without water. Good luck gear ninja.😂😅
Not really into the doomsday prepping rabbit hole. There's a lot of unnecessary and expensive extra here.
Believe it or not most people have all the gucci gear but don't even have a decent generator and never have fuel stores
Canada here wow ..where screwed
Can you put links where you get your equipment?
Temporary, high tech is the best choice but if you're talking long term low tech is the way to go.
That wire hanging off the ceiling to the right of your head, yeah…. I thought it was a dog hair so I tried to blow it off my screen 🤦♂️ Anyways, carry on.
not 100% sure about the idea of "it depends on you", because as the saying goes "when your only tool is a hammer, you treat everything you see as a nail". maybe the right emergency tool depends more on the emergency itself and less about the field you're interested in.
Can u or anybody recommend a video on how to use a beofeng radio for emergency purpose? I have several of them for me and my family but do not have a license to use. I also do not feel confident in using them if I needed to. If anyone can explain how I should use them in a emergency that would be appreciated
Tons of videos out there on how to use the Beofeng and all of it's features. When SHTF not having a ham license is not going to be a big deal, but you are right that testing it is difficult so walking through setup and use after watching videos is a good idea.