I think the biggest difference is a family vs a single college kit. It is one thing to chase and invent who YOU want YOURSELF to be. It is entirely different when also choosing to try and build the whole family. Stay Gold. I’m pray you find where you are happy.

My dream is to live on grid, on a homestead, but to have backup systems for emergencies/ contingencies. Electric down? No sweat, cook on the wood burning stove. Heat out? No problem, warm up the place with a wood burning stove/fire place, etc. Under a boil water advisory? Use the collected rain water and a filter system. I want a resilient home in which my husband and I can be comfortable and help neighbors, family, and friends.

My entire life in the lower-48 has been a gloriously cushy existence compared to my childhood in Alaska. I never get tired of it and don't feel remotely bad about it! Your kids will look back on this as a great adventure they will remember the rest of their lives.

Really appreciate your transparency with this journey. It has been really illuminating to watch you all experience the realities of this life we all think (thought?) we want(ed).

"Remembering Aust" had me laughing so hard. 😂😂😂 Can't wait to see the episode!

I know I've said this before, but I would just like to tell you guys how much we love the evolution of this channel, and your journey. I can't believe I used to laugh at your failures, and shake my head, and now I'm crying during one of your videos, and rooting for your success in what it is you want to accomplish.

Being an Alaskan myself I can appreciate your series on finding out if Off grid is for you.. The title I feel isn't click bait at all. I feel you are showing appropriate thoughts and feelings you and your family are having. You are discovering that its not something that happens at a snap of a finger. Even people who go off grid for van life or what not most have taken some prep of some kind. Your tile was spot on. You asked a question or made a statement, however you want to look, at it in just a few words. You even say the words out loud. I am glad that you met up with Matt. And finding out its a process. I would love to see a bunch of videos from your trip in a short amount of time. But I appreciate and enjoy the time you are taking on each episodes and know the areas you are staying or stayed in and access to upload might not have been great. How did you all enjoy the long days of light? Did you find it helpful to get things done?

"What kind of question is that". Best quote ever! Kids are so brutally honest... wish adults could be like that too. 🤔 Then maybe I wouldn't be looking into homesteading.

I think a big part of this community pushes the off-grid lifestyle as the ultimate “I achieved the peak of this lifestyle” as your measure of success. It’s okay to set your own goals and define for yourself, what success is for you and your family, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of in doing that.

Great content. My family (grandmother and mother as a kid) came from a very simple "off the grid life" (not because it was cool, because it was what it was), living in a really small house, no electricity, washing dishes by a small river, outhouse, hours to get to a doctor or market, no refrigerator, etc. Eventually they went out of this rural area in search of more opportunities and more quality of life. So I grew up with stories of how tough things are off the grid and, as a kid and teen, we visited a lot of grandma friends that still lived that life for a while and got to experience a lot of that (even if only for one or two days at a time), so I find kinda funny when some people say they really want to live off the grid in a very simple way (ie no electricity, washing machine, etc) and they have no idea what they are going into, specially if you are married, even more if you have kids. Some of these people never even camped, don't even know what an outhouse is. My mother says she would never go back and that "it's easy to get used to better things, not the other way around". So if you never had washing machines, warm showers, refrigerator, toilets, etc., once you have it, you don't want to lose that; but if you always had it, you might think that you don't really need it... until you lose it, then you understand how great it is. Could you get used to living without any of that? I'm sure you could, but it's easier if you never had it in the first place. What is being sold today is just this ''mythical view" of the ''old ways'' and how ''simple things were better'', and while I think there is some truth here and there, that we could adjust some stuff, a lot of that is just bs. Speaking for myself, I enjoy camping with my wife for a day sometimes, going for small hikes here and there, but at the end of the day I want my warm shower, in a hot day I want my A/C, my refrigerator with meat, fruits, etc., because I've heard from grandma and mom, and I've experienced - briefly as a kid and teen - what it's like without any of that, and while there are fun moments and good memories, the reality is that a lot of that just sucks.

Thanks for this episode. I discovered your channel about a month ago and devoured a bunch of your content. Your channel is very inspirational and informative as I contemplate my own desire to live in harmony with a piece of land. Wishing you the best!

You are not a KZfaqr, you are a film maker. That was phenomenal. The storytelling, the edits, the unexpected music that conveyed jokes. You genuinely made me laugh out loud and also made me very quiet. Excellent excellent job

I absolutely love watching your videos, so different than the other stuff I find on KZfaq- it’s entertaining, educational, and beautiful to watch all at once. I genuinely look forward to your videos and seeing your family’s journey. I can only imagine how priceless these beautiful videos will be years down when you can look back and watch when your kids are older ❤

Ive been following mat for awhile and its a great video. Great video, very moving. We've been talking about this for about 9 years now and finally taking the steps to do so. Dont wait!

I need to stop for a second and just praise you guys. Content and the real story aside (as good as they are)... The video is like a professionally made documentary. IT IS SO GOOD! Professional even. Thank you for taking your time and energy (both of you) to make these for us. I mean WOW. You make all your videos so well. The editing, the voice, the story telling... everything.

This was such a great episode. Thank you! Love this reminder, Live in the moment and dont let fear stop you. 💗

Excellent video! I look forward to seeing the rest of the series. Thanks for sharing.

I have been watching y'all since the very beginning & This offgrid series is my absolute favorite. ❤❤❤ yes I'm biased but it's so honest about off grid life . Especially homesteading while offgrid. It is hard, ridiculously hard. I love that you're not sugar coating it.

The question is “why do you want to live off grid”? My suggestion is you live “on grid” with the training and capacity to live “off grid” if need be. Also, one can live off grid without going to Alaska (the land of giant mosquitoes).

Congrats on your anniversary and good lick with whatever you choose. This was obviously a great learning experience. I was thinking about all the problems you guys ran into and thought those are all issues that can be fixed if you make something your own.

Your videos have always been fun to watch, but recently they’ve been beautiful as well. While I’d love more content more often, taking the extra time to create this docu-series is proving to be worth it. Thank you.

I love this series and it really appeals to me. I love the presentation and storytelling, just excellent. I'm about to move offgrid and I have really learned a lot from you both. Thank you for the tremendous effort producing something of this quality takes.

Love this series! Also you guys have really gotten better at making videos over the years. Really, great job guys!

I can’t wait to see the next episode! You guys are awesome for diving in and sticking with it so far. ❤

Your story telling is amazing. Love tuning in thank you!

I live remote off-grid in Alaska. Ten years doing it solo. It’s challenging but rewarding. Good video.

You can’t jump in both feet and it works no problem, toughness is built over time, your in the blister phase you need to get to the callus phase

Love your videos. We currently live off grid and can relate to the many challenges. Luckily we have a lot of the conveniences like a hot shower and being able to plug something if we need to. So far it's been a good experience for us.

I just love this its such an inspiring episode and as Matt and you wanted it definitely translates to more. For me its knowing i can make my honestead farm dream happen. Knowing I can make it happen the way I envision is so beautiful ❤️ Knowing I can learn, knowing i can do this and want to do this keeps me moving forward with no experience yet putting my plan into action anyway.

Well done! Great insight. Also I would like to say I have watched/followed for quite a while now, haven’t seen all but a far number. I don’t recall Kates story being shared before. I have always regarded her as a tough person with all the hats she wears and a mom through it all. But now I have a deeper respect for her with knowing a little bit more of her story. Wow, truly miraculous!!

Very inspiring. I have been watching you guys for years... best video you've ever made. Thank you.

The Darth Vader edit! 😂 Seriously all your edits are hilarious! I give you guys credit… I could never! I think Robert would be the only one of the Martells who would even try! 😂 Also I can’t get over how big your kids have gotten 😱 Our girls will both officially be adult’s tomorrow 😭! Love the video Austin! Love you Kendra!

There you go again, another masterful presentation! I enjoyed it immensely. I laughed and cried, both at the antics as well as the all-important message. Thank you for this piece of work.

Thanks for once again amazing content! Can't wait for the next episode already

Thanks for making these videos! I appreciate your candor and humor. I'm too old and physically limited to live in remote, off-grid, subsistence-level conditions, but I know a lot about it. Some thoughts your videos made me recall. INFORMATION IS YOUR GREATEST ALLY. Trying things out with someone who's already doing it is your 2nd. Too many folks think that travel & living in unconventional housing situations is a breezy, big adventure, & their heads are filled with vague snippets of fantasies. Those who do these things successfully (and who also have a happy self, family, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc.) are usually those who are hard-core info nerds more than they are fantasists. Especially those who do it with children, groups, etc... It takes a long time to learn what people should know before they try to live in a tiny house, RV, boat, or in anything off-grid. I've lived in a variety of unconventional residences, including a cruising catamaran and a remote mountain cabin high in the Rockies. I've learned a lot, enjoyed a lot of it, & have nearly been killed by it. I've been injured many times, and had the bejeezus scared out of me many times. I've survived some seriously sucky days and nights. I'm grateful for what I've learned. And, as others have learned, I learned that major projects cost more and take longer than planned. If you can, spend at least 3,000 hours learning before making any decisions about leaving conventional living for something else. You'll still find there's a lot to learn once you do get started, & from then on. Read a lot of books/mags, & watch a lot of KZfaq videos. Remember that none of them tell everything that will be relevant to you. Keep the jewels, leave the dross. MOST OF ALL: Speak with a lot of people who know important stuff about anything you don't know a lot abouut. GO LOOK AT THEIR PLACES, and their inventions--that's worth its weight in gold. Some places, or components of their places will be great, some awful, some too costly, some too complicated, some just right for you. HAVE FUN PLANNING AND VISITING PEOPLE & PLACES--from building supply stores, generator, tool, solar, & other suppliers who have things you want to learn about--to people's homesteads, boats, RV. Take a picnic, and treat these research trips like mini-vacations. Enjoy the preparation for your journey into unconventional living as a welcome, fun part of the journey itself, and avoid rushing through it. You'll be glad, later. You need a huge collection of info to winnow it down to info you can be confident in following to create a place that fits your needs & budget. Talk to your family & friends about it a lot. You'll gain new inspirations by covering the same ground from time to time, because new ideas can pop into mind when you all think about things multiple times. Make spreadsheets or other types of "logs" in which you write down what you will need, what it will cost, how you'll get it, etc... Any time you get new info about any of these things, immediately put it into your log. It will help you keep track of the whole picture, & avoid many types of mistakes. You might need to have at least 3 chainsaw blades and a Dremel or drill bit whetstone for them, if you are in a remote location & plan to use a chainsaw to cut a lot of wood to build a cabin or for firewood, for example, or if you plan to cut hardwood. Writing stuff like this into a log as soon as you figure it out can be invaluable. I make tables for each category of stuff I discover I need, & other info, such as how to get medical care, order stuff that has to be shipped, etc. Will it benefit you to have a HAM radio & get a license? Or a VHF? The more you explore texts, videos, on-site visits, the more questions you'll generate, and a log helps keep it all easy to recall & work with. Instead of committing yourself to a permanent residence, self-sufficient homestead with gardens and livestock, RV, or boat, temporarily move into one that is already set up in a way that you think is well-suited to you. Ensure it's located as close as possible to the location you want to live in for the longer term. You may discover that you'll be happier spending summers staying at and helping an off grid farm, commune, or remote beach vacation spot, or to be a summertime off-grid RVer, than a full-time off-the-grid homesteader. Be aware that kids often can't handle as much disruption & stress as well as adults--especially very young children. They need to have a lot of fun, & a sense of security & continuity in routines to do well in new & more challenging surroundings. They also need to feel like they are part of decision-making and helping activities whenever possible. They're more likely to become prone to increased illness & accidents if they're more "stressed out" on a regular basis. Good luck, and happy journeys!

That was another great episode, you tell a good story. Those of us who have also taken this path can see and understand your journey and the education that goes with it. It's also interesting to read the comments and see those who don't but they are watching and over time they took may understand the story you are telling. I had no access to video or KZfaq when I made my off grid experience which is both a shame and a good thing. I've come to think that the more settled and comfortable our lives become thanks to grid life the less for filling our lives can become so challenging ourselves creates a balance. I feel sorry for folks in comfortable million dollar houses with all the toys who spend their lives swinging leaf blowers and trying to buy happiness on Amazon

New sub here. Loved the last two videos; they were both eye-opening and humbling. You guys have an amazing way of story telling and I can't wait to see what's in store for you next.

Thank you for putting all this work in. 😊

I have no inkling to take our homestead off grid but I still love following this journey with you. We're actually on the back end...Empty nest homesteading...no free labour. lol

It's admirable that you're willing to post the negative experiences as well as the positive. Thank you!

I keep saying that the comforts of life like hot running water are a blessing for us to enjoy, while we still have them. I get it, I have been there as well many years ago, adventure and all that. Its not about being tough its about being able to provide for your family, so they and yourselves are comfortable as well! I wish you folks all the best and please take care!

Great Video. Thank you. Keep up your spirit. ❤

What an excellent episode. Thank you for the inspiring content.

Another great episode. Thank you very much. Take care.

Thank you. I really needed this today. ❤️

Great message, folks. Thanks for sharing.

Love your channel! Thank you.

One of your best videos yet. I’m so vested in your story now and can’t wait to continue watching.

THIS WAS BEAUTIFUL! Great message at the end!

I laughed out loud, I sat pensive and considered our dream, and was inspired to not stop...even in the middle of the 'suck.' Thanks for sharing the journey. We are 💯 routing for you!

Okay. You had me laughing out loud in the middle and then crying at the end. Beautiful video with some really important points. Thank you.

I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS EPISODE!! Grabbing my snacks. Also, the production quality is IMMACULATE

All of these challenges are going to help your children grow up into well-adjusted adults. Easy access to modern conveniences have had a detrimental effect on society in a lot of ways but they sure are nice. You have a beautiful family, you have true grit, and your content is among my new favorites. Godspeed and God bless!

Being truly “offgrid” is pretty much impossible for almost everyone. If you were 100% offgrid, you wouldn’t be driving a car to your cabin. Or purchasing items that required ongrid energy to produce. Or using propane you bought at a store. I find it limiting to pigeonhole myself into some words like homesteading or offgrid. True freedom is being able to do what you want to do when you want to do it. And if that requires some modern conveniences, I feel that it is fine. But call it like it is.

thank you.. Great video

Excellent and raw content!

Even when I was 16-18 years old, I just shook my head when I heard people say they wanted to "find themselves". I perceived that as weakness and a lack of vision. (can't believe I'm agreeing with Bob Dylan here!).

You are so gifted at story telling this is truly your calling ❤. Love Matt's channel as well been following him for 2 years now

That is one of THE most inspiring videos I’ve ever watched!! Loved it!! So glad I found your channel and yes, I did just hit the Subscribe button. Can’t wait to watch more Homesteady! 😁✅✅✅

We had to choose a home location between a farm in northern Idaho or a farm in Hawaii. I saw pics of the house in Idaho covered in snow and just thought about having to shovel snow as I got older. We chose Hawaii and I don’t for a second regret choosing the more comfortable location. Life is freaking great here. We work hard on the farm here so it’s not cushy by any means, but it’s a wonderful place to call home, the kids love it, and the weather is amazing.

I enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing on KZfaq also 👍🏾

Looking forward to seeing you two. Hello from Georgia.

We camp out every year for Feast of Tabernacles. It's a 10 day camp out. It's actually so much fun and the greatest time of the year. Even with it being so much fun and great fellowship, you just get tired! I'm thankful to get back to my home with electric and hot water! An endless camping trip is tough! I really feel for the people who are homeless! I get to go back home. For them, they are home! I do know that chopping wood is very hard work! 😊 You guys sit down and talk to each other. You get out and hike and fish with your children. That's a much better life than everybody staring at their phones and no one talking to each other!

Great narration man. Nicely put together too.

I think it is really hard in kids especially the older ones when you take comfort convenience away. If they start out really young and are born into living off grid that is all they know they adapt to living off grid easier. Heck i believe it’s just as hard on adults to change up and go off grid. If that makes sense. IMO.

Really beautiful job! I love this story!

Matt doesn't have kids. And he started when he had nothing to lose. I mean, he is inspiring but it isn't the same for those of us who are already established with obligations and responsibilities.

Great episode. I loved the message ❤️ 💕

I love your editing! I laughed so hard at the clip of your faces in the sauna!

Extremely well done video Sir! Great story telling - I didn't want it to end. Matt has some good advise for sure. But I also can't help but feel it does not have to be all one way or the other - there can be a very happy marriage that can happen with the two ways of life. How that looks is entirely up to you!

Missed you all. I'm so glad to watch this one. 😊

What mini series this is i love it. So well made and honest!

Wow I love watching this video wonder job guys we can’t watch Matt’s videos I think living in Pennsylvania is the best choice for you all miss watching your videos so glad you posted I’ve missed you all

Ladies great haul, I love the snow blower. Your both so blessed.

Great video, u guys are amazing

Absolutely beautiful. Out done yourself on this video.

well, you could survive, but the truth is that this whole concept works better with community, and shared tasks. Its much harder to do EVERYTHING yourself.

I have friends who have off grid cabins and spending time at their places made it clear to me that when we finally pulled the trigger on a remote cabin it would be as close to off grid as you could get while still being on it.

Thank you for this! 🙏🏽 the wildfire of life is coming for all of us…. But great beauty follows in its tracks! 😢

Fantastic video! My dream is to have our place built to be offgrid capable, but not full time. We homestead, and work full time, but the house we live in is old, electric, and not really one you would want to do offgrid in, and we really want to build an a frame, or a log cabin instead with a wood stove, and solar power, but also hooked up to the grid with power, heat, and air. We have a well, and prefer that over city water, but would like to make the pump house offgrid capable also. Maybe someday we will have the funds, but for now we will work hard with what we have.

Cuz what kind of question is that? I love it! Be blessed friends.

Great editing and post

I was very young when I lived in Alaska (under 4 years old) but the thing I remember besides the snow, the dogs, the sleds, etc is the Dang Mosquitos! I don't think people who haven't experianced it in Alaska have any clue how crazy bad they are in the Summer. I remember my neighboors mom putting mosquito repleant on me so I wouldn't get eaten going home.

I am so sorry you had your adventure during one of the worst summer I have seen in the 58 years I have been in Alaska. In the 80s my husband and I lived off grid with our two kids so we could save up money. It was interesting, an odd mix of pride we could do and regret, after a few years we bought an on grid house. At night when I would get up to check on things I would pat the thermostat. Its a hard job being able to grow tomatoes in your window with wood heat when it is 40 blow out side lol.

God Bless you all!

Really start with positive talk

Just get an off grid cabin for the holidays, but not so isolated

Wow! I tip my hat to you all. I envy your sense of adventure and drive. I did a lot of traveling in the states, and often fantasized about moving off grid. I thought I was tough. But, then this tough guy had a serious stomach ache while in Pensacola Beach and nearly had a panic attack because he knew the closest hospital was 20 miles and more than half an hour away in local traffic. I'm spoiled. I could almost throw a rock from my roof and hit a hospital, ER or Urgent Care today. Having had a serious medical episode in the past, do you worry about getting prompt medical attention if you needed to? Good luck on your continuing adventure.

Beautiful video

Come on really? You want to be off-grid but didn't check things over n think ahead of your resources and use when going to a new cabin? Maybe turn back now before something serious happens!!

Beautiful.

Goosebumps!

Omg! I’m from Seattle WA! About an hour away from Olympia! I’ve always wanted to experience this!

Nice! Matt is awesome!

my mom decided this was the case and we moved into the woods and my dad built a log cabin out of rock and logs, we lived in a tent for months together, it was not aways a good experience, not sure what I learned other than, when I was living there I never once thought about starving or having enough water, my parents worked from dawn till dark to keep me alive, they never failed to mention it when they were mad at me, three people on a mountain 24/7 for 11 years, still not as bad as being in a boat with my parents, for some reason boat rides never went well I can tell you the book would not be that memorable or uplifting, but I survived, so life in the world is scary for different reasons everywhere you go. I fully support the grid with my hard earned cash, I chose to have access to power from the plug, the good stuff

I am preparing to become a homesteader. Once I'm done with my degree, I'm genuinely going to save up and go around to find a good place.

The thing is that if you have a well or large enough water catchment system set up you can have a flushing toilet and water for all your needs, enough batteries and solar panels and you can have light and power all day and night even if it's cloudy for a few days. It just takes time and money to get started and a bit of adjustment in how you live to make it work. It won't happen overnight or in a few months but it can happen.

Told when I was 17 you can’t do that for a living. So being stuburn I doubled down and now 17 years later those same people are like wow what a fun job I am jealous. I work as a Film & Theatrical Technician specializing in Lighting. Follow your dreams.

So great to see you all, I B was just thinking about you all last night, and hope your adventure was going? I see the kids are missing home and especially running water, bathrooms and electricity. But it’s all the convenience of home. If you all don’t make it off grid I don’t think anyone is going to throw you all under the bus and down you all for it. Not everyone is made for that lifestyle. You ask are people that love being around other people. Most of grid people are loners like to be alone and not have much contact with the outside world. Your children are social butterflies

OK, I LOL'd at the vader overlay. :)