14 Years Living Off-Grid in a Yurt - Man Shares Real Life Experience

Рет қаралды 925,537

4 жыл бұрын

14 years ago, David moved into a 24-foot yurt and started living off-grid full time. He has a rainwater catchment system and a hand pump for his water, solar panels and a wind turbine for power, a woodstove for heat, and a urine diverting toilet and mini bathtub in his bathroom. But he also has a couple of modern conveniences like WiFi and a propane hot water heater.
In this video, David shares why he chose this lifestyle, some of the ups and downs he's experienced along the way, and how he earns money as a multi-day canoe tripping guide and outfitter.
If you'd like to follow David & The LUNA Project, check them out on Facebook here:
/ lunaproject
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.
Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits:
Mat of Exploring Alternatives

Пікірлер: 382

@ExploringAlternatives 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! Please read before commenting :) Please keep in mind that it's impossible for us to accurately capture someone’s full life experience in a short video. We often cut large parts of interviews because creating hour-long videos is not realistic for us, but we do our best to share what we think are the most important parts related to alternative housing and alternative living. In this particular video we did not mention whether David owns, rents, inherited, or shares the land with his family because we were focusing specifically on his long term off-grid yurt experience. We are so grateful that the people we film take the time to share their homes and lives with us so that we can share them with you. They all have different financial situations, house sizes, and access to land, but they all deserve the same respect. Our channel is a place to share information and inspiration, and to discuss and debate ideas. We appreciate the comments on our videos, but ask that they be respectful and considerate. Thanks again and happy exploring :)

@lisje2496 4 жыл бұрын

I LOVE your videos. to me they are perfect in length, pace, content and quality. And I learn so much from them!!!!! Thank you very much and love from the Netherlands, Melissa

@gazzat5 4 жыл бұрын

So what was the deal with the land? It would be useful to find out 1. How he came about it & 2. How he funded it. Thanks for the excellent video, I watched to the end :)

@jimmylamb 4 жыл бұрын

The idea of having to carry water got me thinking about how wasteful I am with water. I need a greater respect for the water I use.

@caesarmtnmama 4 жыл бұрын

I used healthful creek water. At 3 a.m., I stood IN the water and filled 5 gallon bottles and drove them up the road to my trailer. I wanted the water mostly for the dogs. One bottle was enough for me for a time. I don't believe I would do that now after acquiring halfway normalcy in a different property. One can appreciate the water instead of having none.

@bendover2684 4 жыл бұрын

Respect? Dude, its 2019 If you want to have a Harder Life, carry your water

@bendover2684 4 жыл бұрын

@Soup Can i cant answer that, i write my KZfaq Comments via pigeon

@sootsmcsoots7520 4 жыл бұрын

You know it rains right? And theres the ocean. The planet is like 70-80 percent water.

@elizcringle6505 4 жыл бұрын

Upteen years ago, I lived in LA during the water shortage, I was using 2 gallons of water to bath in a bin and then using that water to flush the toilet. Water is a precious commodity when it's not readily available.

@Brittney1986 4 жыл бұрын

This is my dream. I want so badly to leave the rat race and just be free. Thank you for sharing.

@leslieross7555 4 жыл бұрын

LOVE the divided (rooms) yurt concept. This is the only yurt I've seen online that I've actually wanted to live in

@Lesbiana31 4 жыл бұрын

Me too,it's awesome I would so get one like this. Cozy

@caesarmtnmama 4 жыл бұрын

@@Lesbiana31 This man is intelligent and extremely talented. ENVY.

@tuddsmithers7101 4 жыл бұрын

I found that the further away from the dirt you get, The further away from reality you get.

@dragonfly99blue91 4 жыл бұрын

It's amazing what you can do off of generational wealth. His family had the means to support his exploration and needs. Which has afforded him the space to explore and share his experience. I like seeing his experience and the support her has for this. Wish we all had this.

@SK-Albertan 4 жыл бұрын

No. Don't wish generational wealth for me. I would rather do it the hard way. Would he have been able to accomplish anything without his family's wealth? He'll never know.

@existentialhangover1124 4 жыл бұрын

If you REALLY want to live your life as he does, you'll make it happen. I don't benefit from generational wealth but I'm POSITIVE I'm not living his life because of lack of effort, NOT money.

@Krzysztof_Kasprowiak 4 жыл бұрын

@@SK-Albertan There's an idea of life as struggle and need for proving something deeply rooted in most westerners minds. Not all people have it. If you feel like doing things the hard way would serve you better than do it.

@faerefolke 4 жыл бұрын

I like how he mentions how this place has made him a better person.

@scotnick59 4 жыл бұрын

YES

@jazzgirlie 4 жыл бұрын

"... you feel the heat, you feeI the cold, you hear the birds, you are directly linked to your environment. love the fact of having a more burden-full life, rather than a burden free life." This is amazing.

@MJ-ge6jz 4 жыл бұрын

I would think to solve the water freeze problem have a storage container in the ground, like a cistern. On average earth temps hover around 55 degrees. So nice cold water that never freezes. And for the summer you could also setup a circulation system for natural air-conditioning and maybe add earth tubes as well.

@lucybarney1 4 жыл бұрын

The experience and peace gained cannot be measured

@neptune9961 4 жыл бұрын

This is probably the coolest alternative living home I've ever seen.

@pandorapopstar3713 4 жыл бұрын

I could feel your peace and calmness through the screen!

@cloooo_ 4 жыл бұрын

Pandora Popstar me too it’s currently 6am in ireland i can’t sleep and his voice is making me sleepy🤣

@kodeywhitewolf4056 4 жыл бұрын

Living in a yurt is awesome I love the way he divided up the space You can feel the peace there

@ga-dx1fg 4 жыл бұрын

In the old farm houses, the well was inside the house, under the kitchen sink that had a hand pump. I lived in two houses with wells under them. They didn't freeze because they were heated in the crawl spaces.

@RetroRatz 4 жыл бұрын

What he says is spot on! Living vanlife is similar, we love listening to the rain, feeling the heat and the cold, living with nature. Water conscious and yes we have gas bottles too haha.

@scasey1960 4 жыл бұрын

Thank goodness for multi-generational wealth. No land, no yurt. No barn, no wood. No pond, no water.

@moarsaur 4 жыл бұрын

It's been crossing my mind for years to drop a yurt on my grandfather's old property, and lately I've been day dreaming about picking up a property near a national park near here and drop a yurt as a camp and AirBnB.

@zabm3502 4 жыл бұрын

So nice to see folks from Ontario doing sustainable off-grid living! So close to home makes it seem more doable!

@meinvolkuberalles 4 жыл бұрын

Soup Can you’re wrong lol, zoning laws are for development my friend, meaning building a structure. private property is private property. you can do whatever you want on it, except when it comes to building a structure, that’s it. furthermore, florida sucks & isn’t the place to live off the land lmao. not to mention no one would enforce that minor law.

@corysayles1055 4 жыл бұрын

Immense appreciation for sharing David and Trish's journey! Remarkably, the LUNA Project is set just outside my hometown of Brantford, Ontario, Canada. Thank you for reminding us how valuable our time is and the importance of living intentionally with all that nature has to offer. PS this is the time I've felt moved enough to share a post/ reply on KZfaq.

@paulguimond7548 4 жыл бұрын

You did an outstanding job of "homeifying" (I know, that's not a word) your Yurt. Your outside, nature, surroundings are nothing to sneeze at either. Would love to see a second video of how you deal with the coming winter. Enjoy your freedom and tranquility!

@rosemarieramsingh8749 4 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful back story. Conscious guy. Love it!

@Taooflu 4 жыл бұрын

I sincerely felt more relaxed at the end. Thank you.

@elleh3495 4 жыл бұрын

This one is so cozy. Partitions within the space make it more inviting--normally a yurt is not really interesting to me because it becomes aesthetically challenging (the nice way of saying I can't stand all the clutter and furniture lined up around the walls). I like how he has asked how can he live within rather than what needs to go, for him to live there. Have you looked into the biobag/compost gas system as a possible propane alternative? I really enjoyed this one. Thank you🌷

@aditiroy4693 4 жыл бұрын

go Japanese traditional house system, you'll never be cluttered ever. Guaranteed even for freezing winters.

@DreamersPathways 4 жыл бұрын

So glad you did a video on this guy, I remember his first video years ago!

@jennyredbeans 4 жыл бұрын

The layout is great. I can relate to the peace needed.

@stevebricks 4 ай бұрын

I’m so thankful for my dad. He left me and my sis a home and a little cash. Enough to drop out. Humbled and I promise I won’t post a video pretending to do it all on my own. It takes a family. Thanks for the video.

@FountainBeee 4 жыл бұрын

Great to see that it has worked for such a long time and that David has been open to changing the space to meet his needs. Thank you.

@jakemake142 20 күн бұрын

Nice place you got it’s not luxurious, but it’s nice saves a lot of resources and a lot of energy

@carolewarner101 4 жыл бұрын

Beautiful! Love the reclaimed barn wood. It's gorgeous...

@heathermunoz6282 4 жыл бұрын

Ahh, having family is huge. I love how forthcoming he is. He's a pretty tough guy actually.

@ScottWalkerScEdD 4 жыл бұрын

Nice to hear him acknowledge there is some burden in his choices. Too many van life, tiny home, off-grid videos of people suggesting their life is the greatest, when in truth the water can freeze and the room can be cold, or whatever the difficulty.

@Alphacentauri819 4 жыл бұрын

Scott Walker it is nice to hear the particular burdens to this lifestyle. There are burdens in almost every choice though. I have a massive ridiculous house..the cleaning is a burden, the out of line with what I desire and value is a burden & on and on. I’m grateful for much, but to have his burdens and be in line with my values is a “price” well worth it. Not lining a life that contributes to cognitive dissonance is priceless. It’s always a multifactorial equation of comfort, values, finances, and a plethora of other realms. It’s often the burdens that help us change and or appreciate. :)

@diegooland1261 4 жыл бұрын

perhaps he can mention when he chips a tooth and the pain is a 8 out of 10 and by the third day he's running a fever from the infection? Oh ya, sort of skips over that part.

@Alphacentauri819 4 жыл бұрын

Diego O' Land where did that happen? I missed that...or was it hypothetical? As a medical professional, to hear of a chipped” tooth causing 8/10 pain and an infection is extremely rare. A more serious break or decay is another matter however...

@GodIsLove5bc 4 жыл бұрын

Don't think the man ever said he was hundreds of miles away from any civilization or medical help in an emergency. Besides he may use natural medicines like herbs & essential oils being in nature.

@diegooland1261 4 жыл бұрын

Please define "medical professional." The point is paying for medical care that will cause pain. And a chipped tooth hurts like heck.Have you had one?

@byroneckhart9070 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing!

@ginrummy3996 4 жыл бұрын

Mad props I think I respect that aspect more than anything from human being.

@markhirstwood4190 4 жыл бұрын

Hi David, I emailed you years ago, maybe 2007 about the yurt. Glad to see this video, and I agree that earth-sheltered is probably your next step.

@georgiagray3136 4 жыл бұрын

Well told story - inspiring and joyful. Thank you for all the work you do. xxx

@jjflash2611 4 жыл бұрын

"I was working at my Family's Brokerage Firm"..."I am living in a Yurt on my Family's Farm Property." Sounds like this Guy has a trust fund. Nothing wrong with it, but it's obvious how he's able to do this and live comfortably.

@nealm6764 4 жыл бұрын

I agree. At least he was honest about it as well. So many people doing stuff like this and don't say a word, and leave you wondering why you can't drop out of society at age 26 and do it. Most of us have to work most of our lives to be able to do something like this. Good for him though. He made the best of it and didn't just spend his life trying to get more, more, more.

@bendover2684 4 жыл бұрын

First generations builds the wealth the Second Generation, manages it , and the third studys arts and spends it

@bassbird 4 жыл бұрын

its 2019, everybody lives on their parent's property

@karakol86 4 жыл бұрын

Living off the grid is expensive.

@tochimex1748 4 жыл бұрын

Lovely yurt in one of my favorite parts of the world.... and such great wisdom.... Namaste.

@shannonrosee4529 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing, So happy for you & your future with your wife :) Love when 2 people can meet & want this lifestyle!

@roxannerandle9155 4 жыл бұрын

THE COLORS ARE VERY BEAUTIFUL SCENERY A NATURAL DECOR AND EARTHTONE ELEMENTS . LOVE THE SLIDING DOORS.

@shinjifukushima 4 жыл бұрын

He's so creative, I learned a lot.Thanks!

@drmariopepper4354 4 жыл бұрын

I would fall asleep in the chair in front of the fireplace every night.

@dustymartin5544 Ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing your journey. This is beautiful 🫶

@stardustxx278 4 жыл бұрын

You're home looks amazing.

@rawveganfruitarian7290 4 жыл бұрын

Nice video. That guy is super chilled out now. 😁😁

@asanglasyiem9451 4 жыл бұрын

Wow!! This is what life is all about. Amazing 👌👌👌

@angela_burch 4 жыл бұрын

How wonderful. Beautiful story.

@LifeofChet 4 жыл бұрын

What an inspiration! Beautiful set up

@alexmorrisonwx3345 4 жыл бұрын

This is awesome! I wonder if I would ever be able to do the same!

@MagisterialVoyager 4 жыл бұрын

This is so inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

@TheGloomStalker 4 жыл бұрын

This is the best yurt I have ever seen! Good Luck!

@seanpi8798 4 жыл бұрын

What a wholesome dude

@AnMarie711 4 жыл бұрын

Love this video! Someone who has done this for years!

@aineoconnell690 4 жыл бұрын

That is gorgeous and must be so relaxing and peaceful. I’d happily move in there myself 💖

@eviesmail5447 4 жыл бұрын

aine o'connell Being on disability I dint have that option

@JOB1925pk 4 жыл бұрын

That's Great...I wish I had done similar at an early age...unfortunately I'm now 59 and it's not feasible for me to be able to pull it off. Young people if your desire is to do something similar...DO IT!!!!!

@stephenverchinski409 4 жыл бұрын

Never give up. Invictus

@healandmend. 4 жыл бұрын

It’s really incredible how he is using his privilege. He uses his family’s land to create a healthy environment and help others.

@iansmith3593 4 жыл бұрын

Worked in "his family's brokerage firm" ... and said to hell with that.

@carolelegault9545 4 жыл бұрын

Inspiration that is! Thank's!

@Rickster5176 4 жыл бұрын

Everything in life is a trade-off, but this is an attractive alternative.

@pdmullgirl 4 жыл бұрын

👋🏻 Hello Friend. I enjoyed your video. My husband and I were fortunate to be able to vacation in a yurt and we absolutely loved it! You have a lovely slice of heaven. ❤️💜💚

@margiepeary8003 4 жыл бұрын

What a lovely journey David has been on and I'm thrilled he has a soon-to-be wife to share it with him:) Thanks for sharing his inspirational story with us ... aloha!

@beardedshenanigans3742 4 жыл бұрын

This is exactly what I want to do once we find land! Yurt first, transition into a earthbermed home built with my hands...

@StephanieJoRountree 4 жыл бұрын

Great home and great life!

@Hands2HealNow 4 жыл бұрын

The best of these alternatives.

@konradgola9132 4 жыл бұрын

Just beautiful!!

@vanessaboman8143 4 жыл бұрын

Wow! What a glorious yurt! Totally totally love it!

@hbsprinter 4 жыл бұрын

Great Job!

@katiemoyer8679 4 жыл бұрын

Well done! I too am feeling very drawn to subterranean living. 👌

@YourAscensionJourney 4 жыл бұрын

Wonderful, back to (our own) nature, really inspiring, thank you 🙏🌳🌞

@borizovskimilan 4 жыл бұрын

A garden is what he needs, you can't feel more connected with the Earth without it.

@paulscott8586 4 жыл бұрын

Please change your propane lines out...You are running copper POL lines and such into a 30lb QCC1 tank valve...The POL fittings just damage the o ring in your QCC1 valve..Non replaceable. causes leaks.

@karloskardenas2414 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome brother!!! Congrats!!!!💜🙏🏻

@cathybt 4 жыл бұрын

BEAUTIFUL PLACE

@jamariegdia8014 4 жыл бұрын

I think I could live in a yurt, love the lattice!

@susanvicente81 2 жыл бұрын

So interesting! Can't wait to know more

@cathylynnpietranton 4 жыл бұрын

He's living his life on his own terms. Brilliant

@GTNBY2 4 жыл бұрын

Install a standard water heater but use 12v elements on a timer hooked to your solar... Elements come on and heat your water during peak Sun only

@UDarlin1967 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely Beautiful. Love it 😍

@rutlandcitybikes1616 4 жыл бұрын

Impressive!! So not easy to make in that style of living!! Calm Patient and Driven!!

@IvyRoad 4 жыл бұрын

This was wonderful! chop wood, carry water

@mircat28 4 жыл бұрын

Where is he getting that wood, trees provide oxygen. Is he replanting trees?

@KyleWilliamsMusic1 4 жыл бұрын

Miranda Brooks oh yuck. Do you see all of the trees in this video? I’m pretty sure he’s not hurting the environment.

@IvyRoad 4 жыл бұрын

@@mircat28 I'm pretty sure he can be trusted to get his wood responsibly. Trees fall all the time, perhaps that's how he's getting it. At any rate, I doubt very much that he is being careless re this issue.

@ivyjulieharvey3043 4 жыл бұрын

What you are doing is amazing and similar to what I use. Just keep going fantastic project idea. I use a solar heating water system and air heat system for underfloor heating compost loo solar and wind source for electric and borehole water supply for my off-grid site.

@timmurphy5321 4 жыл бұрын

Smart fellow! Well spoken.

@ceebee1461 4 жыл бұрын

I LOVE THIS!

@AnakaStar 4 жыл бұрын

Very inspiring.

@lilsargeokiedope2032 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing, this is absolutely beautiful. I’ve had a dream of doing something like this but I don’t know exactly where to go north or south but either way I have to consider my wife of 23 yrs what her needs are. Thank you so much to giving me ideas it’s absolutely amazing god bless you and congratulations on your wedding day

@vladamirkb1 4 жыл бұрын

Very well done.I need a bumper sticker that says, "id rather be Yurting".

@roycelane8318 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic job oh, very intelligent way to live and a lot more cozy and relaxing

@chelleatjbmoe5915 4 жыл бұрын

Loved the story maybe one day I will be as happy as you are.

@TheHopey8 4 жыл бұрын

very inspiring!! good luck in the future 😁

@billiondollardan 4 жыл бұрын

That's super cool. I have to say that I like my full body shower a bit too much to get into something similar

@So_Harufied 4 жыл бұрын

Now I see! To live like a pauper in nature I need to make my parents and grandparents rich first. Perfect plan.

@77subiedo 4 жыл бұрын

Love this

@randomethingscatstoo3118 4 жыл бұрын

Interesting. Thank you

@dieutemple3376 4 жыл бұрын

Very inspiring 👍.

@gigiw.7650 4 жыл бұрын

An earthship home would be great! If you do it right, you can grow your veggies, indoors. 😊

@janetshaffer423 4 жыл бұрын

You are very inspiring.

@chrisbond6056 2 ай бұрын

I love the place ..after working in edmonton alberta for 12 years building new homes they all look the same

@reginarobertsfil-amcouples3735 4 жыл бұрын

Ilove this home ... little but much 🙏♥️

@christianwn 4 жыл бұрын

If you use lead acid batteries old or new get a proper de-sulphator, like the Battery Life Saver, you can restore older batteries and you prolong your battery lifetime a lot. Nice video.

@rythmicwarrior 4 жыл бұрын

I'm interested in getting a yurt but I'm curious about how they hold up in wet environments seeing as how they are traditionally used in dry, cold and windy environments.

@sarahtonen4873 4 жыл бұрын

look at Pacific yurts