You are so right about having to test your gear. Literally, your life could depend on it. By the way, that's a very cool walking stick. If I may ask, where did you get it, Modern Refugee?

I used to go camping, hot weather at the lake and cold in the mountains..until I get my strength back, I can only think through my past experiences. It helps to bring that kind of memory to the front of your consciousness... Thanks MR 😎👍

You are so correct 💯 The worst time to learn how to use an emergency tool is in an emergency.

My dad always carried a saw with us when we went on fishing trips. Had to use it too back up in the woods on occasion. Haven't thought about that in years. Thanks for the reminder! I saved a nice straight piece of a crepe myrtle I cut down over the weekend for a walking stick. Surprised at how sturdy it was because it is really soft wood to cut.

I ran over my buried solar power cable like a dumbass lol had to get out and do an electrical field repair. Forced me to test out that aspect and what to do if no electricity

Even something like a Ferro rod, it looked like the 4th of July trying to land a spark well the first few times. Once I got the hang of it, I went out in the dark and tried that. That was a challenge, but so good to learn before necessity comes.

Yes, absolutely! Last summer, I worked on making fires, trying different setups, cooking outside. It was hard. But I've not satisfied yet, because I think I can do better. So I'm going to be practicing more.

We can all benefit from trying out our gear. Love the walking stick your late FIL carved for you! It reminds me of the carved walking staff I bought for myself at a Renaissance Festival in Georgia many years ago (which I still have and love).

I agree with you. Plus, showing the YT prepper’s fitness level whilst out and about using their gear would go a long way in inspiring others to reach their personal readiness level. Such as you do when taping your hikes with gear. Thanks MR!

Good advice and a gentle kick in the butt to make one get out in nature as we should.

Excellent video M.R. !!! This year I've add Quik Clot gauze to what I carry on me while out on the property. Always out running barb wire fence,cutting with chainsaw and other things. But never close to the house.

We went camping last May, threw both of the small tent bags into the car. Arrived, one bag had no tent poles. Love the waterfall!

Yes, off and on over the last 50 years has taught me a lot. But it is still not gonna mean I do not refine it more every time I go somewhere. The biggest thing in my way now is an achy hip and knee and some bent fingers from a fall I took right at home too, LOL. Took one to the head too but it is not as bad as the fingers. I took care of myself even when my finger took a right turn at Albuquerque and I put it back myself. the whole thing took seconds but if I had waited it would have been a whole different story. Don't recommend it though, it sucked.

You make a valid point, I believe that the biggest challenge is making time to test and practice these things while at the same time trying to prep for possible issues. It's a constant battle between staying trained in various skills and making progress in the life.

Good advice. I was lucky. 20 years ago, a hiking friend showed me the essential items for ultralight camping. I've been to some places deep in the wilderness and stayed (comfortably) for a week at a time.

If I'm thinking about buying something I look for review videos from regular people. Most of the mega channels are paid so you don't really know if they're being honest or not. Great video.👍

Nice hiking stick, great film on raging river. Stay safe out there.

practice is so essential, many of the critical skills such fire starting get so much more successful the more you do it.

Thanks MR. Nice walking stick!

Adopt a Bear Cub , name it Ben

OHHHHH yeah great idea (s) great advice (as usual ). Well done and yes deal we (my mag) will take the challenge next weekend .. and i hope the other prep channels do it

Yes! You have to know your gear and how to use it. Just "having it" is not enough. Channels that only talk and never "do," get less views and respect. Great video! 👍

Good video, thanks for sharing YAH bless brother !

Blessings to you! ❤

Nice looking walking stick.👍 We practice a lot of backyard bushcraft, our grandson really enjoys learning the things.

Solid video

Really solid point, thank you

Challenge accepted. I have a nice back yard 😂 I’ve a few items I’ve not used such as bear spray, hammock, car overnight kit. It’d teach me a lot. Only thing is not it uncomfortable and wouldn’t my kit get dirty? 😂

For sure! Now tell us more about that stick shotgun!!

Thanks bud 🔥🤙🏻🇺🇸

Have a Wonderful Night !

👍👍👍

Good stuff.

I am curious about what makes the river’s rapids (Tahquamenon?) look green.

I absolutely love that walking stick!! Is that available commercially? Thank you.

👍👍

I’m Still Thinkin’ ! Even more now

Agreed 😊

Test our gear? Get outside?? Practice skills???? How dare you sir! How dare you!! 😉

This is what we do and preach

A $6 buck machete, a knife and a bottle of water lol, im outside every day. I can film Tarzan in my backyard, its actually a jungle in a rain forest.

Great info. Any list of suggestions for your bag?

I’m on it. My next video will Be hand on practice with gear.

Northern Wisconsin today , where ?

? How’s do you organize your apothecary?

Did I see u at Menards in superior wi last Monday?

Here’s a topic for you ? Build a solar generator from American Made Stuff , maybe a German inverter , I’m tired of Preppers selling and advertising Chinese made Shit ! That’s not American ! Buy Local