I think armor is extremely important to prepping. If you and your tribe are prepared and aren’t starving like the rest of the masses, wether that be urban, suburbia or rural, you will want those keeping guard, running security to have armor while patrolling or keeping guard. I believe it is naive to think you can avoid decisive battles when you can’t always pick which battles will come your way.

There's always a place for armor in preparation. Armor is an insurance policy. If you're in a situation where armor may save your life, you need to have solid fundamentals FIRST. Armor is meant to stop that bullet that has your name on it when you're moving. If you're moving through the woods, gathering intel and doing general recon stuff, leave your plates at home... rely on stealth. If you're expecting five guys with guns to bust in your front door, wear your armor. If, for some unknown reason, you're busting into a house with unknown threats... wear armor. If you plan on moving through an area where you might need armor... go around that area. If you can't avoid going through that area, you need armor. Armor is VERY important, but it's not THE most important.

Bear, alot of people don't realize the weight. Before the plandemic, I saw a video from Pastor Joe telling everyone to get in shape. I was in decent shape at the time, but not the shape it took if I needed to fight. I bought an Alice pack, and added 65lbs of sand in the correct position in the pack, and did 3-5 mile ruck hikes 3x a week, along with 10x100 yd wind sprints 2x a week. Combining this with range time, has vastly improved my athleticism. I also cut my grass, 2 acres with a push mower, wearing my plates. I'm 54 and always looking for an edge. Your show has helped me immensely! Thanks to you and Yah! 🙏

Hi Bear! I'm a 64 yr old grandma, started cross fit a few weeks ago to further my preparedness, it's the best thing I could do for myself.

Body armor is never pointless, slick.

Tell that to this kid Marine Recon coworker of mine who dug out two slugs from his chest plate meant for killing him, he dug those slugs out and made a necklace which he wears to this day.

I would have to say the bottom line is, that when all this kicks off, don't run off to the fight. stay home or in a safe place. protect your family. there are many of us who have gone though extensive training and real experience, waiting for this to begin. don't be a hero. don't be another casualty. guard your families. some of us don't have a family and we've been in real world experiences, which makes us better candidates for it. love, respect and support to you all.

I'm 62. Arthritis kicking in after a misspent youth. Manning an observation post at a retreat location, or moving in a vehicle to pick up things or people in potentially dangerous environments, in armor, check. Walking around all day, nope. Just nope. Not enough advil to make that workable for me.

I'm glad to hear a KZfaq Prepper personality pointing out the weight and mobility problems. I'm former USMC Infantry. Saigon fell when I was in boot camp. I trained on Okinawa realized I was really glad I didn't have to hump all that gear though the jungle. A good water system light food rations, poncho, map and compass, light, PRC 25 radio with a flack jacket topped with the old steel helmet and ammo sort of took the fun out of the outdoor experience. At 67 a 30 pound pack is too much. Besides I got to have room for increased toilet paper usage now. My further thought on gear and patrol it seems to me you have look at it from a Recon or Scout Sniper point of view if you get into a fire fight you're doing it wrong.

In other words, armor is a handy extra, but not vital in all situations. Good thing to have in the stack, but not at the expense of other stuff. I do think Bear missed one important part - being in full kit, especially backing others, is a strong deterrent. When the mobs were going through Minneapolis, they backed away and left neighborhoods that were set up to resist their entry.

David before he engaged with Goliath was offered Kind Saul's armor, arguably the best armor that could be had, but he rejected it because he was not used to it, he valued mobility and familiarity with his weaponry over having "the best kit". This tells us that mobility and kit that you are used to or have trained with is better than the best equipment that you have little to no experience with.

You should avoid confrontations as much as possible ✌️🐝

Armor before SHTF is insurance, armor after SHTF begins is necessary IF the threat environment is elevated or severe. BUT KNOWING HOW TO SHOOT WELL IS MORE IMPORTANT! It's about knowledge to get the job done, not the nifty toys. *Skillset > Gear!*

I love this dude…..tells people like it is with real intentions on helping and having people really think and consider their situation….not fear mongering…..not trying to gain clicks or views…..not trying to sale things to make personal pocket money…..just genuinely trying to make people consider what’s best for them within their limitations and in them and their families personal scenarios…..god bless you Bear…..I could only pray to be apart of your small community…..something keeps telling me to sell everything and move to your area…..I just second guess myself in everything and that’s always been one of my major faults in life plus I know you probably have hundreds if not thousands of people a day asking and wanting to know where you live….how to join your MAG…etc…I def have something constantly telling me try and come that way and leave the rest in gods hands but again….I second guess myself in everything……hopefully I can oneday overcome that insecure weakness…..keep helping people with the awesome words and advice…..the study sessions….Kaleb House….Grindstone…..Refuge Medical…..everything you do…..all geared towards helping people to the best of your ability and it doesn’t go unnoticed……you might not think so but you sir are a role model…..someone I’d want my kids to look up too…..SHALOM brother…..you will always have my support……

Thanks Bear. I know the days when I could run 5,6, 7 miles in full kit are over. My knee and hip joints will not bear the weight. Excellent information and a lot to digest.

It's all about maneuverability. I'm 65, a 2x Cancer survivor, & I can't run around in plates! Their to heavy, don't protect enough of my body, and quite frankly, I have NO FEAR of death. Do I want to be effective for my MAG? Yes, that's why I don't & probably won't ever wear them. My boys who have been relieved of duty for not taking the Vax, after a combined 9 combat tours, are different. They live in gear. Wear at least the back plate. {Their much younger} Water, coms, IFAK, mags, etc. are heavy, {in fact they Velcro 2 tourniquets on them} & the type of combat you are in, will determine what the need is. Your ability to be invisible to your enemies is your best offense & defense.

As a 39 year old that's played airsoft for 6 hours with plates (and a ballistic helmet), I STRONGLY agree. The loss of mobility caused me to get shot a lot more, and not just in places covered by armor. The ballistic helmet also significantly reduced my situational awareness. An extra 5 pounds on my head reduced how much I turned my head to look around...which contributed to getting shot more. The severe back and neck pain for three days after wasn't pleasant either.

making people THINK is one of Bear's best gifts for those who listen.

I’m still in my 20s and probably the fittest i’ve ever been at least endurance wise but i’ve started to realize that armor is a very situational dependent item and there’s a million other scenarios we’re armor just doesn’t fit or would be more harm than good. That being said you should strive to be able to carry and move under weight because that same weight could be traded for carrying more water, food, ammo, sustainment and that is also taxing

Some of us just go for the very basic setup so if or when we are called to step up, at least we have the minimum equipment that can not be supplied at that moment. Better to have it and not need it. We will have very little logistic support.

I hear you with “over prioritizing” but I’m keeping my armor. Imagine a guy(or group) who only trained in combat…never stored food or water never really had a plan for long term sustaining one self(or group) when they cannot eat their body armor, they will kit up with their buddies and they will come and try to take YOUR shit.

Body armor maybe worth more then gold when SHTF. I will keep mine!

“Mostly what plates do, is give confidence to the operator so they can go operate.” ⬆️ This ⬆️ For the civilian, who isn’t part of a military force, or isn’t a designated assaulter within a group, armour generally reduces mobility and SA. Context matters, but from an emergency preparedness standpoint, if you are planning to get into routine engagements your strategy is suboptimal. So, armour for some, context dependent (drivers, stationary security, etc), but not for all, is probably fine.

Shalom and thank you bear, for the excellent food for thought! I appreciate the off the cuff depth that I now get to go back and examine the personal and group SOP’s. Thank you for the reminder to not be a gear hoar and kick in the ass to go train harder. Shalom

For a few years I was all gun ho for body armor and ballistic crap. My son was born this March and it moved me. I was focused on the wrong thing. I don’t need this fancy stuff and extra weight. I need mobility and concealment. So I sold all that crap and now I’m rocking the Alice web gear my grandpa used in Vietnam and I bought a bunch of food, medical, water purification, and clothing to camouflage myself in my environment. I can carry all the stuff I actually need and not break my back. I’m all for guerrilla tactics.

One of the first things my first tactical firearms instructor taught us was, if it’s a verified enemy, shoot the pelvic girdle if no other lethal shot is immediately present. His statement was “make them leak”..! Great video, and solid food for deep thought..! Shalom

I know this is a year old post but I just have stumbled upon it, and I want to thank you for the time you spent creating it for us. I am a firm believer in knowledge and training. No matter how much you know (or think you know) you can always learn more. No matter how good you are (or think you are) you can always get better, more efficient and so on. Where I am going with this is if you do or do not agree with Bear, there is A LOT of GREAT strategic and tactile information he provided in the video that can be useful. Thank you again brother. I have Liked and Subscribed! God Bless and stay safe all!

"Then they slapped a bullet proof vest on me and gave me a gun!" "What if he shot you in the face?" "What if he shot me in the face?" "That's a risk we were willing to take."

Thinking Tactically vs Strategically... Thanks for the tough love Bear 👍🏾

I agree to everything he’s saying. It funny I was talking to some family members and friends that I asked if or when the last time they trained in any of the gear they have no one said they have trained in any of it. I asked why have it? You can buy all the guns you want but if you can’t shoot then you have nothing. I asked if they run and try and stay in shape I got the same answer nope. Most people have no idea what to do or even train to fight period. It’s come to my mind people buy things to say they have it and to feel some kind of security. But when shtf they will be lost.

Exactly brother! Retired Army 1st CAV and 2nd ID and I couldn’t agree more!

Great video Bear. I have seen way too many Instagram operators at the range who don't even think about everything you mentioned. (METTC, Weight, Ammo, Medical, etc.) Keep up the good work brother!

Plates are just one tool in your toolbox. Answers to the rest of the questions are critical to having a chance of survival.

It’s good, imo, to have body armor just in case for certain scenarios. Scenarios that we can’t really predict. But I agree with pretty much everything said here. Size and weight constraints matter in all scenarios. Pick and choose wisely.

Great video, excellent questions to ask oneself. Took me a while to understand the importance of all the questions but have started about a year ago asking myself some of the same questions and now you gave me a few more to answer and learn. Train, train and train some more. Stay safe out there!

Thanks Bear, excellent talk, lots to take in. I’ll be replaying this one so it really soaks in.

I’ll be honest. My load bearing is a old Chinese AK chest pouch setup over a old Alice harness and belt. It’s about all I can move with. Serves me ok. There’s no way I could do a plate carrier.

All valid points. Armor is something I have not invested in but would love to have. If I’m defending I would wear it. Would love to be able to outfit family and people I’m responsible for.

I have a set for the house and for vehicle bug-out use. I use a carrier without plates because it fits better than a chest rig and works better for me on horseback. I plan to bug-in so my plates are available. I am in a semi rural area next to a huge National forest. High mobility is my priority and keeping weight down on my horse. Love the vids and good words. Thanks!

Many people watching your video just opened their eyes for the first time trying to answer all those questions...great video.

35yo here from Hot Springs. I go on 3-5 mi hikes in my kit through the Ouachitas for this very reason. It’s keeps my kit feeling light

Excellent video - spot on. It brought back memories of the Benning School for Wayward Boys and a couple of roadtrips..... Sadly one of the lessons most Americans have not learned over the last two years is how important their health and physical conditioning is to everyday life and life when things get tough, regardless of the reason why. Keep doing the things....

AMAZING KNOWLEDGE !!! Eye opener. "Pelvis shot". "3x5in index card" I LOVE IT. I would still cary plate (as many people don't know this mentioned above targets) if possible on small patrol mission, but not long term, or distance. Stationary guard, guard/patrol some like that plate I see it use

Thank you for providing these insights which many don't think about! Especially the bit about boots! They always say an army marches on it's stomach, but without proper footwear, nobody marching anywhere. And quality socks! Many pairs of them

Just purchased a new load bearing vest..and two llla "soft plates" . They are light, will stop upto .44mag. And all edged weapons including crossbow/ compound bow broadheads.. more for OP than patrol. Never wore plates or flack jackets in service , yes I'm that old.. when it's your time...it's time.. Stay safe

Rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it. Rather get tired and take it off the not have it to put on.

I’ve been a long time CrossFit athlete. (9 years/ 53 yrs old) I’ve used rucking with plate carriers, back packs while also carrying 50 pound sandbag. Lunges, air squats, power cleans.That’s nearly 80-100pounds. I also live in South Carolina which is extremely hot and humid. I can tell you from my own experience four miles Underload on even ground Is extremely difficult. Even if you’re in good shape. I personally own body armor but this video was a well received wake up call. I also am trained through refuge medical training and I can highly recommend working with twitch and crew. Godspeed

Thank you Bear.

I’m a veteran, and I train biweekly with other veterans, varying from a door kicker in Iraq, a Marine who had a full career in the infantry, another who was in special operations in the navy, and we all train with armor. Respectfully disagree bear.

The most lethal aspect of a shot to the pelvic girdle is not just the large diameter arteries, it's the fact that there's no way to apply a tourniquet to stop the bleed!

Bear, regardless of you thinking that this will be a popular video or not, just you giving us beginners the idea of the eye box and femoral arteries locations makes the video worth while! Plus mentioning all the logistical things we need to think about, just doubles and even triples the full worth of all info shared here. Thank you for everything, and God bless you and your family!!!!!

This was more nuanced than I expected. Good points about weight and prioritizing. I think my carrier is best worn when trouble is coming to me. I also have a lighter setup for when I'm camping.

I have a plate carrier and some basic level 3 plates. And I have to 100% agree there is a time and place but for my philosophy and my mag, a simple chest rig is perfect.

I wouldn't mind having a tank as armor.

Bear. Thanks for the light bulb moment. This video brings into focus what I need to prioritize with my given capabilities and incapabilities. My responsibility is to ask questions and learn so I can provide and protect those I love. But I don't always know the questions to ask.

Strategy over tactics. Listen to or read Jocko about strategic orders.

I've worked armed security for 12 years and am a big believer in having soft armor. In a society break down your far more likely to run across criminals with handguns. I wouldn't trade my light weight level II armor for anything. I can use it all day and night without fatigue. I can grey man in my level II without anyone knowing.

It was funny as I got an ad for a body armor right before you show here

Thank you for a well thought out video. Bear, you have a brilliant mind.

I had a friend that contemplated leaving his new rifle on a deer hunt because of terrain. Lol

Great points. I put on. all the gear I have and realized I wasn’t an 18 year old at Fort Benning anymore. I’ve started a regular cardio and weight training program and I’m using a weight vest to gradually increase my load bearing ability.

Rather have it and not need than need it and not have it.

Bless you Brother Bear! Thank you for telling us what we need to here and not what we wanna here. I am always amazed at your vast knowledge.

Add me to the pro plate camp... the initial wave of "bad guys" I would encounter will be the local bad element that's going to point and shoot, most likely at very close range, most likely with a handgun, and doesn't have much if any military type training or range time... THEN, when the decent shooters, and the ex-military but looking out for themselves types are doing their re-con, then maybe I have a chance to get my family out of Dodge or connecting with a group, without catching a potshot along the way... whether they try for center mass or not, one things certain... If they do, and I don't have a plate or two, there's more likelihood of my being killed or wounded... by the way... I'm considered to be in the lower middle class economically... so local food storage as well as bugout location supplies... waterproof ammo... spare fuel... meds... clothes... defensive weaponry etc. etc etc... while still needing to maintain health coverage with an $8000 deductible should I need it, and monthly premiums... going to do the best we can, God's will be done, and praying for guidance and wisdom...

93 lbs of gear with everything we had during ops, very heavy at the time & harder to do in my late 50’s , doing the things at my age comes with risks with gear on or off, it becomes a matter of functionality depending on the situation. Know your role & limitations for each situation!

Thanks brother very educational ,eyes opened

This is very excellent and important advice. The most important question around strategy is how to please the Father above.

I thought body armor for preppers was stupid too but I never thought you'd agree with that. I've worn it though and it wasn't fun then. I'm just not doing it now. I physically can't. Edited to add: If you're a 5'2" female the plates cover everything between your chin and thighs. And weighs 1/3 what you do. Not counting anything else. Which is why women have no business in combat unless they're not physically built like a woman. There were no illusions with me. We all knew I'd have to take that off...

If you know a fight is coming your way, then I guess it's applicable. But MAN, pounds equal pain. ( I guess gunshot wounds equal pain too.)

Appreciate all you do ..

Wore plates every day for 8 months in Afghanistan. It's a lot of wear and tear on your body. I'm good with just a battle belt

I really do appreciate you my Brother. I don't have plates because I train to hit below the navel and above the throat, Great content. Stay Safe Everyone. Thank you.

This is the first video of yours that I have watched and it is the first of many that I will be watching. I appreciate the down to earth language and how you follow through with your thought processes. I have been going back and forth between buying armor and not. You have given me food for thought and I believe you've also helped me when it comes to prioritizing my preparation plans. Cheers!

It is videos like this that keep me coming back to your channel. You say the things others won’t.

Your spot on Bear. Being former LEO I run my old tactical gear ( had to turn my armor back in when I left) but my vest and pouches I bought on my own to use depending on what the call was. When running my tac-vest I wore my standard issue under uniform armor. I'm older and not as in shape as I was back then but my go to is still that vest

Thanks . I don't feel like I made the wrong move now. I spent this months funds on a new Big Berkey and extra filters instead of level 4 like everyone else is getting.

Plates do have their place. If surprised and you have to fight from your home or base. Plates would increase you survivability in a bad situation when fmj or greentip rounds are zipping thru the walls. But in a guerrilla fight, mobility is key. Whether offense or defense. Hit and run, do not stay engaged. So plates would be a hindrance to mobility.

And here I was just pondering upgrading my existing plates, before bear and the community had insightful input. I think mine are just fine now

Your right. A person has to be in good shape to run around with all that. Body armor (steel) type 3 plus is about at least 20 lbs not including ammo,knife and all the other stuff. Too heavy to run around for extended times. OK for (I think ) fir base camp as a defender?

Good morning

54 yo male. 38 ft Construction fall in 1987, feet first on concrete,multiple breaks in both legs with, busted hip, broke back etc ..there's no "running n gunning" for me...I'm slow n steady, like a mule, I still have to move fast in short spurts during emergencies but I pay for it the next day. Daily life/work maintenance is hard enough.

One of the best videos that you have made. Thanks and good job.

In the Infantry I was always annoyed by my helmet I felt I'd be better without it

Get yourself a load bearing vest, some pouches, and thats more than 99% of us will ever need. Stop LARPing and spend your money on food, paying off debts, and enhancing your off-grid living situation. Operator gear is literally

I just got my first plate carrier with 2 hesco l210s. I noticed just wearing that alone, about 10lbs, had my neck area hurting within a few minutes.

This is my favorite video. Seriously.

"Body armor: You had better hope you are up against someone who shoots good enough to hit your armor!" Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch

Nah armor is very important for everyone in fact it’s more vital the less trained and able u are, what u can wear on your body is your last and most important line of defense for any situation

Get your plates now!

Hard message, Bear, but a needed one! I'm a 74 year old Marine who has most of those other questions answered, and I've had plates and trauma pads for years already. I hike, bicycle, and ruck with 50 pounds of kit almost daily and my weight is 10 pounds less than when I graduated from boot camp. I think I will be ready when the balloon goes up! Rural Chelsea, Free Republic of Oklahoma! (Everything Texas THINKS it is!)

Decided to try wearing my plate carrier and body armor for a whole shift. Even though I was just sitting at my desk at home, it SUCKED (so says a 26 year old male in decent shape)

Yes, body armor was the first thing i took off when I took a squad units and tactics 3 day course. You will be extremely gassed.don’t know till you train with your gear.So don’t let Garand thumb, administrative Results and T. rex arms make you think you need body armor.

Thanks for your input. Much respect. I haven't seen anything from you in quite a while. I subscribed to your channel before you were in your truck talking about your imminent move out of Texas. I checked the subscribe button when you said subscribe and low and behold, somehow, I had been unsubscribed. Now I am subscribed again. Semper Fi.

Make perfect sense. Being 70 years old. Plates are not something I can use. Im very fit but come on . Im not 25. So you saved me money. I will stay home and protect my house. Thanks again.

Armor doesn't "only" work within a system. It stops bullets, up to it's rating. Dude goes on the craziest macho old man rants I've ever heard. He has (and will) disagree with himself in another week because thats how guys like this function. They need the people around them to always feel they are in the wrong. People around guys like this have constantly chase a moving goal post because that's the control play. Do yourself (and these losers) a favor and mute these over-compensating poor excuses for fathers.

BEAR!!!!!!! Great video thank you. I'll be sharing this. So many need to hear this.

heard so many people talk about armor, family, friends, I’ve been saying this for ever. Definitely glad to know I’m not the only one that thinks this way.

This video you have made has made me realize not only are you a wonderful teacher of the word..you are a good and blessed teacher of other subjects...this sinner absolutely loves your videos of reading the Bible and being honest and humble threw it all...God bless you Bear.

By the time I'm finished prepping, I plan to have two set ups, part of a Modular System to handle most scenarios. The one I already have is my Long Range Set up with my Chest Rig and Long Range Bug Out Bag(USMC ILBE Main Pack) good for weeks, possibly months if need be, then there's the one I'm still working on which is Plate Carrier and Get Home Bag(USMC ILBE Assault Pack) good for 3 days or so, not made for recon and travelling but patrolling a set area. Lastly, my Battle Belt will go with both set ups.

Good information Bear 🐻 thank you.