I know: everyday life and death situations aren't as sexy, but they're what you'll most likely run into in the wilderness.

Those that talk negatively about being prepared are always the ones that need help .

I've met hardcore preppers that struggle to change a flat tire or jump-start a car, like bro, you aren't even prepared for daily life, LOL

What strikes me that survivalists never talk about is that individuals don't survive, groups survive. If you don't know your neighbors and can't work with your neighbors, you ain't going to make it.

You're totally stepping on my toes, Sir! And thank you for it. Years ago a friend and I were going to take a day trip down the Sabine river in my canoe. Doesn't take more than about 5-7 hours for the leg we were doing. The problem was that when my friend showed up WAY late, we got on the river about 5 hours later than we had planned (and yes, I'm the dumbass who allowed that to happen...). We were in the middle of nowhere, probably a mile and a half from the takeout, river level was low, so there were just tons of obstacles, and the going was terribly slow. It got to be dusk. In December. New moon (no moonlight at all that night). Temps were going to be in the 30's that night. We had pistols and nothing else. Not even a flashlight. No camping gear at all. We were about to discover just how close we were as friends if we had to spoon each other for warmth over night in a wild environment. We literally prayed out loud about it, knowing that we had just done something stupid. 5 minutes later, fortunately for us, a couple of kids on four wheelers showed up and offered us a ride out. We gladly took it. I asked them what they were doing out there (hunting hogs was the reply, with a .243 bolt gun), and when we came back to pick up the canoe the next day, I supplied the kid with plenty of .243 ammo to hunt with for his generosity. Never did that again. My car is outfitted. My canoe is outfitted. My hiking backpack is outfitted. At this point, I'm prepared to walk back from my office 60 miles from my house if need be. And I AM fitness training for it with that pack. Maybe it's overkill, but over prepared is WAY better than UNprepared. The moral of this story is that @GruntProof is correct. You don't know what situation might be presented to you when you get out there. Preparedness and forethought is the most important tool in your survival.

Almost every single time I'm out backpacking for a couple of days, I run into a group or even individuals out hiking in flip-flops with a single 20oz bottle of water and nothing else. Of course, they think they are going to be safe for a couple of hour trip to a well-traveled peak...but dang some of the places have sudden storms, wildlife, and poorly marked trails. The fact that there are people on multi-mile hikes with no food, no rain gear, no water purification, no hiking shoes, no first aid kit...is just astounding.

At 19…I sort of had to go off grid and live in the woods…did it for 4 months..no electric, only a stream nearby. My brother got shot protecting my mom from her ex boyfriend and we had to hide out from him for awhile. Me, mom, bro, and a 6 year old sister. We had some food, didnt have to hunt thankfully. It was an experience. I joined the ARMY a few months later because I wanted to learn to survive more things.

When you said "they live in a bubble", you nailed it.

Dude... I served in Iraq, Afghanistan and a in India. Teaching civilians anything is tough in general. Keep up the great channel telling what they need to hear instead of what they want to hear. You know you did your best regardless of who gets it.

On a much smaller scale, I can relate to what you are saying. 7 days after my 29 year old son suddenly passed away, I decided to go drive to a lake that we had recently discovered. We had talked about walking around this lake but had not gotten the chance. I began walking it for both of us, but was totally unprepared. I left my water bottle in the car and just started walking. I figured I was not going to need it. Truthfully I was not in a good state of mind and that lake turned out to be a 7 mile walk. It doesn't sound like much, but I am a 63 year old mom, who was in mental distress, walking by myself around a lake that was much larger than I realized. I got lost once and had to ask strangers on the path how to find my car where it was parked. My son would not have been happy about my lack of preparedness in that situation. I knew better because we prepped together and talked often about different scenarios. Looking back now 6 months later, it was really not very smart or safe. PTSD and extreme grief has a way of messing with your mind. That is something to remember because in a SHTF situation, I imagine many could be walking around in confusion, anger, grief, etc.

I carry in my pockets,what I need to survive......👣 56 years & still learning more ....thanks for your SERVICE.

You are right. People have a great imagination about survival. Here in the state of Georgia the whitetail deer was hunt to Extinction during the Great Depression. They had to reintroduce it. People think they are prepared but they don't never have stuff with them. They just talk a good game.

On freaking point brother. Most people are tied to their/ a vehicle in large, what do they have in it and/ or with them to get through the situation? Statistical odds are they're going to stay with their vehicle unless they absolutely have to start walking to get help. For in a vehicle: - Have a substantial Medical kit, injuries happen. - Have emergency supplies (food/ water) to last 48 hours minimum, people have been trapped in their vehicles for that long in accidents and otherwise, no need to set yourself up for failure by failing to plan. - Have a means of support in harsh conditions (emergency tarp/ shelter and blanket as necessary, even a spare sleeping bag in the vehicle- and a good hat, sunglasses, and rain shell jacket are also highly recommended), weather or conditions otherwise can turn fast. - Have a means of signaling and/ or secondary means to call for help (something as simple as a road flare to a radio), an analog means apart from electronics should always be a failsafe. - Have a set of basic tools (common sockets, screwdriver, tire patch, pliers, tape, zip ties, a knife and multitool-- and in my case being in the woods along with long harsh winters, a small tree saw and an axe), many situations show that some simple tools (and knowledge how to fix problems) could have changed the outcome of the situation. - Have a spare fuel can (obligatory). - Have a Road Atlas or Map of the area you are in (phone ain't going to save you if it's dead), too many people don't have this simple item that can change an outcome for the better- and it should be taken with if deciding to move on foot. - * probably good (duh) to notify an emergency contact where you intend to be or your primary route of travel, and otherwise make a general plan for a rally point if separated or have a vehicle breakdown that can't be fixed on site.

The ability to survive comes down to two necessities: 1) basic knowledge of how to survive 2) adaptability. Too many people who have the knowledge of how to survive don’t know how to adapt to new or changing circumstances. They can’t apply what knowledge they possess to a scenario they didn’t envision. A lot of ”preppers” will die along with the unprepared simply because they couldn’t adapt.

I’ve always gotten grief from my friends for carrying too much gear on a day hike. I realize that my knees are my weakest link. If anyone is going to spend the night, unintentionally, it’s going to be me and I always have the appropriate gear to survive the worst weather and coldest temperatures that I’m likely to see in the season I’m in. I’m learning to use military gear and keep it lighter for more mobility. I really enjoy your insights and your channel. Keep them coming! Thanks for all you’re doing to spread the word. Make it a great one!

Appalchian Mtn lifer . Its amazing in the last 30 years how many hunters wont stray 400 yds from where they park let alone stay out in anything but ideal conditions. Gosh thats half the enjoyment, taking whats dished out. Like my dad, Id take the kids out in the shi%%iest weather. They would complain the entire time. Week later it was a good memory and experinece under the belt. "hey remember how cold and wet it was" As an adult they dont give a darn what the weather report says. Get your kids and grankids out, take the phone away and harden them up. Just few trips and their senses start comming back from this digital slavery.

Well said, I live back in the mountains and prepare for the same. Keep a kit to keep me alive in each vehicle. Had an incident when I was a mail man and was stuck in a ditch in the winter with no kit, lesson learned the hard way

You’d be amazed at the number of “hunter’s “ I encounter in Pennsylvania ( not vast wilderness ) who are completely lost with not even a poncho or lighter..

A day hike for me includes food, water, shelter. It’s basic stuff to me but some leave the car with their blue tooth speaker and think they’re good to go. No one likes the style of camping I like (tarp/hammock, off trail) so I go alone. The ability to self-rescue is critical because by the time it’s determined I need help it would be too late. I send my wife coordinates of where I am but rescue would take hours. Best to plan to have a good time and not get hurt! As for shtf, there’s going to be a lot of fat dead guys in the woods with some choice unused gear!

As they say in the Boy Scouts (or used to say, anyways), be prepared. I have been laughed at many a time for carrying more than what was necessary both in the Scouts, in the Army, and in just normal civilian life. But I have always lived by the "i'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it" mantra. Have the equipment, know how it works and how to use it, know how to repair it (within reason; one can't expect to rebuild the engine if it blows up on the trail) and practice/train with the equipment. You can have the most wizard $2,000 4-season super survival tent, but if you don't know how to set it up properly it's no better than the Walmart $50 special. One thing I adopted from the Army for daily life is having BII for every vehicle, be it a car, a motorcycle, atv, whatever; that lives in the vehicle and is only removed for replenishment (swapping out water, recharging jump starters, etc...). It has been an uphill battle getting my family to adopt the practice, but i'm luckily starting to make headway

Can't agree with you more. Got a cabin in the Sacramento Mountains in NM. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall we have flat-landers come rolling in on their side by sides, dirt bikes, Priuses, you name it, thinking that they'll just tool around. I've pulled folks out of the mud, snow banks, sand. Given water to dozens. Drove broke down folks to where they can get a cell signal, etc, etc. Always carry a chain saw and cut up fallen trees that folks are just staring at as it blocks the road. They always have a shocked look on their face wondering why we don't have cell service or why we don't have a 7-11. I'm all for folks getting out and enjoying nature, but damn, this ain't a video game out here. Preparedness is a 24/7 item!

If you fail to prepare then you prepare to fail, it's the small things in everyday situations that can catch you, I hike quiet a bit and the number of people I see with little to no prep is shocking.. Well said Randall 🤘

Solid - Real Advice! I've seen it too often myself: People go out into the wilderness like it's a theme park and there are no dangers. I live in the mountains and the weather changes FAST - many go out on a warm day, don't even take a warm coat with them, get caught in a storm and freeze!

I went through the same situation this past weekend. 6 of us, all grown ass men, riding in a 390ac orv park. I'm the only one with any tools or repair items. Two repaired flats, a busted bead and couple hours delay later, I'm hoping the other guys realize the importance of carrying more than just beer and tobacco next time lol

Wow. An actual practical, realistic, SENSIBLE survivalist! Thanks Randall!! Great vids, keep up the good work.

Alot of folks have romanticized survival situations, disasters, shtf and the like so much to the point where common sense, training, and planning are now secondary to cool looking gear and IG posts. Survival situations, shitty weather, bow and drill fires f'n suck but when youre on your couch watchin some guy on youtube do it or endure it, you can get the wrong idea thinking its easy or actually fun. I hear you Randall.

I have found that people that people who make fun of others for thinking about scenarios like this & being prepared haven't had the absolute bad luck that we all have had.

This has to be the most down to earth and common sense video I have seen on this topic in a long time. Thank you Randall and keep up the good work, it is much appreciated.

I love being over prepared than under or not prepared. Even just doing mundane everyday stuff, I have everything I need in case everything goes wrong.

I couldn’t agree more with this conversation! I live in the Northeast in suburbia. I’m not going to be stuck in the wilderness miles from help anytime soon. However, in winter I could get stranded/breakdown at anytime. I “ALWAYS” have what I call my “Emergency “ bag with me for any situation. It contains the basic survival things I may need for 2 days. 1- Shelter/Fire, 2- Water/Filters 3- Food, 4- Trauma/FAK, 5- Signaling, 6- Tools and weighs about 17/18 lbs.. I’m no EXPERT by any means, but my skill sets are maybe a bit better than most average joes. But some basic items as you say can put you miles ahead of the game when needed. As some know, “The more you know, the less you need”. Some knowledge and a bit of gear can save your life. I love your no BS, real talk vids, Thanks!!

Randal, you hit it on the head, people are in a fantasy land and think that there will be someone around to rescue them. I feel a huge part of this mindset is the people that they associate with..

Good points. I met a lady from Dallas some years ago who was buying a bit of gold bars. I asked if she had a gun. No. When others know you have what they need, someone will try to take it from you, no doubt. Watching from the PHILIPPINES.

I have lived in fairly out there areas, my favorite is when people move in to the area and within a month are telling people how to live. After living in that environment for over ten years successfully, was telling one woman that I don't go out in certain weather for no good reason (like, to go shopping or something unnecessary because I'm stocked up fine) and she told me, "This is Colorado, you can't be afraid of the snow." Over five years ago, I don't think she lives here any more, most people think they are tough wild people but move away on average about three years later when they figure out their big truck with the seat warmers can land in ditches, too.

have you noticed that almost all camping gear is bright orange, bright green, loud colors? Thats so we can find those idiots when they dont come back on time......

The more time I spend out in the wilderness, the more I'm convinced multiple comms capabilities is always a must have. I always have Emergency Satellite beacon, HAM, and GMRS on board, in addition to the phone (which almost never has signal, except possibly near they highway, and even then it's spotty).

I’m a former Security Forces troop and Medic living on a remote farm in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I agree completely. I help sort knuckleheads out more often than I could’ve imagined; when I find them in over their heads, stranded with no plan or gear. They come up for the beauty and isolation, but prepare for the trip like it’s Disneyland they are headed to. I drive a built out Land Cruiser set up to ride out unforeseen circumstances for days and get messed with for it, but I am also the guy those same friends call for help. Winter here can be brutal and there are also things like the possibility of hitting a moose or just having a mechanical failure. Silliest deal so far was a young couple in a lowered Honda Civic high-centered in deep snow, on a mountain road that goes to an overlook near Copper Harbor. The road felt a little sketchy that day in my serious off-roader with 15” clearance and great tires. When I got out to offer help, they were wearing city clothes to include stiletto heels and a mini skirt (he was in an equivalent outfit). I pulled them out and got them back off the mountain, but in that weather the odds are good that nobody else was coming along and they would’ve died of hypothermia. Blew my mind, but a great teaching moment for my family. Please keep the videos coming, I appreciate your perspective.

Your mindset is correct. Most people aren't ready for the top 3 things that might go wrong during their everyday travel. I first encountered the issue when I moved from southern California to Idaho and then later northern Idaho. They have real winters in Idaho. I lived in a tiny town and drove 13 miles to work in a small town. Nothing in between and no cell service. It didn't take long to figure out I could end up 6 miles from anywhere with a dead car and 15 F weather on an average winter day. So I set up a little bag of cold weather hiking clothes and stuff, as well as some minor "stuck car" remedies like tools, cordage, duct tape, kitty litter and a couple 2x6 boards. That stayed in the back seat and trunk at all times. Even that was a little weak. I should have added an overnight shelter kit, which my car now has at all times. A lot of people also neglect the minimal car basics. Most of my family had cars with a spare tire, but no 12V inflation pump. Guess who checks the pressure in their spare regularly? Almost no one. So they all got portable tire pumps one Christmas. I'm in Arizona now, so a gallon jug of water for the car and another one for me are a couple of the key items. A lot of people get all flustered and de-focused when they try to think of risks. One of the most mentally freeing ideas is the pareto chart. Look at an activity/situation and make a little bar chart of 3-5 of the most likely risks. Make preparations for those risks starting with the tallest bar and work down. When you get the 3rd one covered you're mostly safe. By the 5th one you're probably done. And as you mentioned, getting in shape will be at least a partial fix for most of the pareto chart items. Or as they said in Zombieland, "Cardio, cardio, cardio".

I was a Cub scout and Boy Scout, very active, in the '60s and '70s. Climbed a lot of mountains, backpacked a lot of the Pacific crest trail. "Be Prepared" was our motto and words to live by. First aid, topographical maps and compass use, survival training, and the buddy system were all part of the requirements in our group. I agree with you, most people are not prepared for the usual and frequent situatiions encountered in life. Good luck. I bet most of your audience is at least a little prepared. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail. People die from ignorance every day and most of them don't make the "news", it's considered bad publicity.

You can add to your survival teachings, events like tornados, hurricanes, snow storms, power outages, etc. Basic to advanced skills and equipment. I think we would all benefit from your knowledge. Thanks, good job.

Radios, radios, radios and beacon locator! I am probably over prepared and I know this is cliche but I would rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it. My side by side is stocked for survival and tools/parts for repairs. Plano boxes are awesome for organization. I keep a "winter box" filled with tools and supplies if I am going to the snow, a 72 hour emergency box if I have to evacuate, etc. I also keep a get home bag in my car. Anyone who watches the Alone show knows you cannot run off to the woods and survive. It's better to fortify your house and hunker down in place if SHTF.

I have two daughters and when 16 I bought them a car and we went shopping. A case of water, umbrella, snow brush, fix a flat, compressor, hole plug kit, dollar hand warmers, blanket, gloves, walking shoes, extra socks, spare windshield wiper, flashlight on each door and one in the trunk, headlamp, ball cap, magnetic key hider, Army poncho, window striker, seat belt cutter, roadflares, cash, maps, pepper spray, knife, hammer, jumper cables, tow strap, cheater bar and a ton of practice changing tires, adding air to tires, coathanger a locked door, windshield wipers, checking oil, tranny fluid, coolant level, washer fluid and jumping batteries. At college they each had multiple instances where they helped out boys and girls with car problems.

Truth. Especially when it comes to fitness. You need that physical and mental conditioning when the bad breaks pile up and overwhelm your preparations.

The Desert Jeep Club I was in rescued several people on our runs. Mostly stupid stuff but a couple real emergencies. We required every Jeep to have radios and rescue gear which included a trauma kit to make the runs. One Jeep carried a club owned Defibrillator and most of us were trained to use it. Big rule is Never Travel Alone. You read stories of people that froze to death when stranded in a snow storm. Even on a main road. When I lived in snow country I kept survival gear in the vehicle at all times. Here in the desert I keep extra water and have had to give it to unprepared people. I also keep survival gear in the vehicles. You just never know when Murphy's Law will kick in.

It's more than just a bug out bag. I live in Nevada's high desert country. Hot as shit during the summer and can get very cold during winter. Our vehicles are setup with both warm and cold weather gear, food and water, and all the other essentials. Cell service can be bad so portable ham and gmrs are on board as well. Services are few and far between. Its good to be prepared but more importantly to be prepared for the environment you live and travel in.

So, I patrol some trails designated wilderness areas in Oregon for the Forest Service each summer, mainly to teach Leave No Trace so regular folks don't trash the trails as badly as they might. Randall, you pretty much know the problems and talk about them in your videos, but here's a short list: #1 Physically unprepared for the adventure. This means they're out of shape, or overweight, or above their normal elevation and having difficulty breathing, attempting the trail in conditions too hot or too cold or too wet, or didn't understand the effort required in the conditions encountered. (This is a lot like the shtf guys who never get out the front door but leave messages filled with the cold cockiness of someone who never experienced situational confusion.) #2 No water or only a pint water bottle. #3 Don't realize their cell phone doesn't have signal for a rescue or they burned their battery and are holding a paperweight with no recharge ability. #3a Don't realize SAR takes hours to pull together and reach someone, and SAR generally doesn't search in the dark for safety reasons. I have to explain that you'll definitely spend the night if you get hurt after lunch. #4 Move without thinking or move too fast. They get injured and are unprepared for the sprained ankle, pulled calf muscle, fall on wet rocks, possible concussion from a head injury, etc. #5 Don't have jumper cables, high-centered the car, don't have a tire pump, ran out of gas. #6 Are not prepared for the dark. I encounter all the above every wilderness patrol, possibly because the trails I patrol are within a 45-minute drive from the city and I contact anywhere between 50 to 350 people per day. There are many other problems, but the above list is what I think are most common Just remember of the average people in the Continental U.S., 90% can't read a map, can't use a compass, made poor clothing choices, didn't think it would rain or snow, aren't prepared for dark (and no materials to make a fire), and didn't bring a snack. And they believe there will be a Deus ex Machina moment that will save them. Best of luck with this video series, I'll definitely be watching 👍

Your making a great point. Keep up the good work and I’m looking forward to that series covering basic break down scenarios

1ounce of common sense can stop most problems or at least have you prepared . Unfortunately common sense isn’t so common these days. Im glad you helped out, good man!!

Yeah , don't forget winter car / truck survival needs . I leave a pair of white mickeys , extreme C weather parka & bibs and sleeping bag in my truck as soon as winter starts . There are lighters , candles ect ect in the storage area under the back seats , year round . Including the tarps & E blankets needed for a Super shelter , striker , matches . They always live there with my jack and the other side that is just a storage place . I have lost track of how many times I have given some water while day hiking or backpacking to UN-prepared DAY hikers , plus my spare light . How the F anybody goes on a 4-10 mile loop without water I cannot understand . Without a light .. MB Sounds like a good Series to me .. bg

No.1 issue here is that her friends left her. Fastest/fittest/most competent should always be at the back, resilience is in a caring travel pattern. Be prepared!

I have friends that are ex-military who don't know the things I've learned and practiced from all of you out there. I truly appreciate these vids all of you military and ex-military do to show us things to survive. I'm disabled but still some able. Because of you and others, I now carry a get-home-bag made for me and my conditions when going even 13 miles from home. I've learned so much I can't explain it all, and I've practiced 90% of the things I could. I also carry my EDC belt kit with things you have all recommended. I'm not one to watch a single channel and take their word either. I research it after any show it to see what is written about it. Just like the medium assault pack and ICS tent I carry with that bag as my get-home-bag. (Other bags were higher priced. I have a tight budget.) There is no reason to not carry stuff you might need in order to get home or back to safety. I might take a few nights to get home walking if a distance away, but I'll have what I need to survive with the 15Cs for three nights if needed. Thanks again for all your information and instructions. Take Care and Stay Safe.

I agree, particularly with the KZfaq effect. A lot of KZfaq seems to be "look, here's me showing you how to do a really difficult complicated thing" rather than "look, here's the simplest thing you can do". For my pet peeve example, fire-starting with a bowdrill - videos everywhere. And sure, it's about as primal as you can get, but seriously, in a SHTF situation (or even if it's just cold, windy and wet) when you need fire reliably, easily and quickly, you're really going to source, construct and use a *bowdrill*?? Good luck if so. Just get in the habit of always carrying a damn mini-Bic or a box of matches!

Stories like this are surprisingly interesting, because it gives another perspective: it's not the usual _"what to bring, if something happens"_ but _"what didn't they bring when something did happen"_

Great video. It's usually the little things you need that make an issue a non-issue. Nothing wrong with remembering that an easy, fun day can become stranded in a bad spot quickly. Be prepared

I always have a basic survival stuff in my edc bag. Radio, lighter, poucho, food, water and a small battery bank. I don’t have the delusions I can stay out for days. It’s to aid me in getting out of harms way and getting home. Nice video dude and I agree 🤘

“Thinning the Herd”… jk …. a limited amount of experience for this young lady. Good thing you were passing by, great advice Randall 🇺🇸👍

What most "survivalists" aren't prepared for is the aftermath of having survived. Survivor guilt is horrible, and if, heaven forbid, you actually had to 'un-alive' another person to survive, then you are in for years of nightmares and therapy, probably alcohol and drug abuse, and failed relationships.

Yup. Yup, and yup! 👍🏼

Thanks for saying what needs saying. People don't think, thinking is hard. Being prepared starts in the mind. Great video, timeless AF.

You make a good point. Most people have no idea how to communicate, find water, filter water, make use of a ferró rod, etc. We think there’s an app for everything and a snack bar out in the woods where you can charge your phone and have a latte…. We as Americans are severely spoiled. Great video overall, keep up the good work… Semper Fi.💪🇺🇸

I am getting prepared not only for myself, but my family and friends, too. I want to be able to help WITHOUT sacrificing my safety. Thanks for the video!

Bang on video !! Too true, most aren't prepared for the everyday grind and those that have thought it out a bit don't even train with their kit

Most people aren’t even prepared for a flat tire or an overheated engine on the freeway much less a break down or incident in the middle of nowhere. I knew how do all basic maintenance and some basic repairs on a vehicle in elementary school because my dad taught me. Urban wilderness or rural, many of the same skills are needed, but in the city everyone is used to nearby help. They never think of a lack of help as a likely possibility when away from town.

I'm an Alaskan native currently living in the Bible Belt. My Dad drilled into me Be Prepared. You never know when it'll go sideways. It just happens unexpectedly.

Thank you for this video!im in Williamsburg Iowa right now long haul box truck driver heading to Nebraska and I always pack for what if scenarios to cover thy butt cause lord knows I’ve been in some situations with this workhorse truck of mine❤️I love your videos brother and because of you I’ve found another army brother stoked. Both you all have great videos and looking forward to both ya alls new videos. God bless ya brothers. Plus your comment on radios I always keep a hand held in the truck charged up along with the cb and thank you very much for your one video breaking down the different types of radio bands. Very informative. My God your speaking my mind to a T. Your so speaking my mind on a lot yet I’m guilty of not doing more I admit that smh.

So true. Very, very, very few are truly prepared, including myself. If it really hits the fan, the fortunate will die early and quick. Most won't be fortunate.

Out of 330 million 🇺🇸citizens…maybe 10 million are really prepared for the worst.

Your so right I have land off grid and real survival skills most people can't live without a smartphone,

1) Tell someone where you are going and write it down. Map out your route. 2) Tell someone when you will return and at what time to notify the authorities that you are missing. 3) Set an alarm clock or someone's phone to remind them that you should be back by now. If no friend is available, leave info with a park ranger. 4) Note : Texts can go through when calls can't. 5) If you get lost, unfiltered your phone in "settings" so it will ring if a stranger tries to find you.

I don't have any survival gear or land. I live in an apartment. I bought all of my tactical gear from Temu.

Videos like this make me think of some close calls I’ve had not being prepared. I played 11B in the 80s, and had a pretty decent set of backwoods skills relative to what I was doing. Spend several years walking trails along the SW border, but had dealt with a lot of distractions since then. Thing s like not keeping a good pair of boots on hand relative to weather or ensuring enough water have been bee close calls. Things like making sure your car battery is not past its expiration before going out in the desert is a consideration. Being able to overdone those obstacles ensures survival.

Yeah, I've hiked several state parks repeatedly. Familiar territory. Every summer I come across someone (usually more than once). lost or dehydrated or in distress because their dog is too old to be that far out. I carry extra water, a giveaway map and snacks. Sad but people think it's Disney and forget there's no facilities.

You are definitely speaking common sense. This is absolutely my mindset when I go out in the bush - Always be prepared for ordinary scenarios. It's astonishing how many "preppers" are not prepared for the most likely scenarios.

😂😂😂 you are so right, everything you said is spot on, thanks for keeping it real.

Your preaching to the choir, I live in Alaska. Nuff said.

I agree if you’ve never backpacked, bugging out in an emergency situation’s gonna suck for you. Have to do it enough to dial in your gear and learn how to make miles without destroying your feet. Doing it solo also helps you begin to problem solve on your own. I live in the upper midwest near the Canadian border so a get home bag here isn’t optional.

The most practical stuff is almost always the east sexy. I ran people through water, food, shelter, sanitation, medical, car kits and fire prep over the last 4 months emergency preparedness meeting and earthquake was one of the topics this month. They might not be the fun pewpew but they are the most practical.

Never step foot in the wilderness without being prepared to spend the night. There are countless stories of day hikers getting lost or injured and succumbing to exposure. With a bit of knowledge it takes very little gear as well.

At last !!!!.....no shyte music, straight into it, well spoken and good presentation and quality sound.....subscribed.

Holly sh...t I thought I am the only man who has got that kind of mindset. You've got balls and I really apreciate it! Dammed cool!

You're on point. I've found more than a few people who've driven into some places they had no business being and wound up stuck only to tell me,"This is where the GPS told me to go." We could share a few beers talking this topic up. 👍

Most people don’t think about common emergencies as “survival”. Their minds immediately go to worst case SHTF situations when they hear the word survival. However, I was one of the fortunate few who grew up in rural Florida. So, prepping or planning for common situations like Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Floods or even simple broke down on the side of the road kinds of things was just normal life. So much so, that it is second nature to us. In fact, while most of my friends today would call me crazy for being prepared, where I’m from, you’re considered crazy if you don’t.

A get home bag is far more likely to be needed rather than a bug out bag. Best to have one in each vehicle so you don't have to transfer it between vehicles. I keep mine low end and cheap in case the vehicle is broken into, it won't be a big loss. Since I live in SoCal, mine are tailored to getting home when the roads are impassable after an earthquake.. The bags include: Walking shoes, change of clothes, jacket, hat, knife, lighter, paracord, tarp, mylar blankets, fleece blanket, flashlight, water, snacks, cheap first aid kit, and walking stick. Most of it is older stuff so the value is about $50-100.

Skills over gear. Skills and fitness. Learn to fix everything you own. There's a lot to this. If everyone was a real proficient survivor, we would not be recognizable as a species.

When I go to school I’ve got a duffel bag with my normal school supplies, and a backpack with the following: my plate carrier, a PASGT, a poncho A rainproof pack cover A stripped MRE A full sawyer squeeze bag with the filter My medical Fanny pack A balaclava/knit cap Nomex gloves And a map of the area between my school and my house which shows roads, buildings, and topography (it’s about an 8 mile hike home). I feel ready for everything between a major earthquake and a school shooting. (I’m Californian so both are likely)

Good discussion. Don't have to go out in the woods to suffer the effects of not being prepared. A simple power outage or ice storm in the winter can render many people helpless. My general approach is to be prepared for a wide variety of events that are possible but not always probable and to have alternative methods of doing things when technology fails. (We still have all kinds of books, puzzles, and boardgames etc in our house to keep us entertained when there's no power, TV or internet.)

Thanks for your video's and insight! 54 year old guy trying to get real life endurance. Past 30 days have put 53 Miles of rucking in with 40 to 50 pound packs. Longest ruck was 13.3 Miles. Goal is always 15 Min/mile. Former powerlifter, so you know I am not a runner! Ha! But don't mind suffering with weight on my back. Short guy so have to "Trott" to get sub 15's. Preparing the body and the mind for the days ahead. Keep Killing it!!! Thanks for keeping it real.

You never know when you're gonna have a shtf-day. That's why I pray for the best and prepare for the worst.

I under stand your frustration!! Many times we have stop to help...thanks for paying it forward. May God bless you!!

What gets most people is failing to realize they're in a life or death situation until its too late.

Thank you for your video.im disabled from a wreck I can barely walk but I was raised on a farm and hunting.so I keep the basics in my car at all times.CB that plugs into my phone charger and magnet antenna.lighters.Ax.jumper cables.tow rope.tire jack.water.dog food.paper map and compass.

Great discourse and spot on. Most preppers romanticize the entire idea of living off grid etc. Much tougher to do than to talk about.

Was hopefully a good lesson for her on preparedness and pre-planning. Gotta plan out the adventure ahead of time and know what to do if people go missing, where to rally, what to do if needing to backtrack etc.

Glad someone said it. Survival is more about skills and training but man do people underestimate what they should do before they go into environments they are seldom a part of. Thanks for helping the strays.

The more you prepare for , the better off you are . There will always be something you are not prepared for . I was raised by a prepper family and have been working on it myself since mid 80s . I always seem to over prepare , but things can happen anyway . For example , a friend and I was going camping out in the woods . I packed 2 spare tires for the truck because I know how bad the roads are up there . Well, we ended up getting 3 flat tires . I ended grabbing a flat tire and making straps to pack it on my back for 30+ miles to the nearest town . I did get lucky and ran into some other in a rig and they drove me in the last 20 miles . The moral of the story is there will always be something that you are not prepared for no matter what you plan for .

Totally agree. I live in the Sierra foothills and I am out in the woods all the time, for work, hikes, fishing etc. and my truck is always equipped with gear that would help through a few weeks if need-be.

I live in a wilderness area with a public trail close by. I see this sort of thing all the time. People walk into the wilderness with no understanding of the risks whatsoever. I can't really blame them: you don't know what you don't know, but it's not Disneyland out here. I'm surprised more people don't die.

Don’t apologize for your good advice, sir. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Not just gear. Knowledge. Skills. Attitude. People don’t want to believe that bad things can happen to them. But stuff happens. It’s why we pay for insurance. Thank you for your continued service! 😊

OK, you're right. I've been thinking about what kind of shelter to carry in my day pack, and I have a hard time figuring out something that is lighter and more flexible than a tarp. It's hard to argue against carrying one of those folding CCF mattresses (not for planned use, but for emergencies) because they weigh nothing. While we're at it, a light sleeping bag isn't THAT heavy... and can double as a coat. Or at least a bivvy. Every time I think about this stuff I wind up with minimal camping gear rather than "survival" gear. For true emergency shelter, maybe a bothy bag like the expeditioners carry? Hilleberg's WindSack is like a cross between a bothy and a bivvy with breathable top...

@GruntProof. I just discovered your camera. First, thank you for your service. I am glad that you have this channel as I need to refresh some skills, physical and mental. Keep up the good work.

I can tell you nothing will prepare you for finding yourself sleeping next to rail road cars. In a stripped out van even if it's yours, next to the river you drove by everyday for years or next to a Chicago freeway or in an abandoned building. Or the streets of Washington DC. It's just not something people think about needing to survive. My suggestion is if you ever find yourself in that situation make it short lived as possible. Even if you need to travel to a small quiet town far away. Don't get caught up.