8 Things You Must Know to Survive the Coming Crisis! 

I'm 74 years old and retired so I have been driving 23 miles one way to climb a local mountain here in central Arkansas called Pinnacle Mountain even in this super hot weather. One day the heat index was almost 130 degrees. On occasion I swim across the Arkansas river. If you do your best to stay in shape. My wife of 53 years thinks I'm crazy. I also bear hunt with spears when the season comes in the fall. All my family and church friends think I'm crazy . I love the excitement. No sense dying in bed the way I see it .

A few years ago there was an old couple in N Dakota, they survived a few days after their car went off the road into a snow drift. They had food water and blankets in their car...just in case

I started with a $10 Camillus fixed blade, then saved until I could afford a Mora Garberg Carbon. I had a cheap plastic water bottle until I could afford a Pathfinder SS bottle kit. Buy cheap to start, and upgrade 1 piece at a time.

I’m embarrassed to admit it but I am so guilty of not putting in the time to practice some of the skills that are critical as I assumed that if I watched enough online I’d be ok. I WAS WRONG! Knowing what to do is only half the battle, you need to know HOW to do it. Thank you James for politely bringing this to the attention of people like me who need to put in the work.

Fire is so important and so is knowing when it is actually needed and how large of one to make. I'm usually dealing with Indiana and Kentucky in all seasons. As an Eagle Scout and Firecrafter...my job is always making the fire lol and I'm fine with that. Remember folks, learning how to make a fire with flint/ferro and steel is absolutely essential but always have a BIC or two. If it's wet you can expend a lot of energy trying to start a wet fire by friction or using a rod when you have a Bic on hand. And always remember in making a fire, preparation is key. Gather your small, medium, and larger wood first because once you get that flame you need to stay with it until it's sustainable.

I'm grateful to have lived in Montana and being in boy scouts in the 70s. Thanks to growing up in the woods and all those merit badges, most of what people call survival skills were ingrained before I hit high school, in fact my strongest skill is fire building. But one thing always stuck with me. We were learning how to track animals and set primitive traps and one of our instructors was an old Navajo. The very first thing he taught us was that a solid, sharp knife will feed you, clothe you, and keep you warm, dry and safe. It's as true today as it was then.

I'm a 70yoveteran and a long school NBC Specialist. I've made my way through the mountains of Alabama with my 40 lb rucksack and m16 and compas. That's absolutely still stuck in my mind

1 Fire is hard to start when you need it most. Practice starting it in all conditions. Oh and don’t burn that lovely forest down. I did one using found materials, in wet snow. Be efficient. Ration everything. I’d add really conserve your own calories. 2 Take shelter rather than make it. Totally agree. Use two fall trees or rock. Carrying lumber to build a teepee or similar is a waste of energy. Have a tarp and cordage. Trash bags used for bedding and wall insulation when stuffed. Most areas have cell phone and utility sheds. Carry a small crow bar. 3 A knifeless man is a dead man. Agree. Carry a folder for rope, etc and a decent one for other issues. Carry a small sharpener. Use colour not to lose it in the forest. Don’t baton. 4 No such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes. Mostly true. Denim is a sign of stupidity in the wilds. Wool is the same. You sweat and it gets wet. But dry wool is ace. Use blends and synthetic. Second hand is my go to but not underwear. I won’t go there lol 5 Dave Canterbury. Knowledge is nothing without owning the skills. Absolutely true. Test yourself not just the gear. Just did eight days in Canada. Humbling. Do it until you cannot do it wrong. 6. Light gear isn’t good gear. Disagree. Ultralight top end is way better than heavy canvas and leather. My tent is over ten years old and well used. Military stuff isn’t good without the military supplying you. Walk 50km in ultralight gear and then try it with ex military gear. 7 In a crisis you will not rise to the level of your expectations. You will fall to the level of your training. Always have Plan B and C and ditch Plan A when you should, never after hours of struggle. Again train with your gear in all conditions. Be safe is rule one. Do not be the Hero. Get wilderness and first aid training. 8 When you really need it, it won’t be for sale anywhere. This is why precious metal hoardings is bad. I’ve boxes of stuff. I’ve boxes of tested and used. Water filters are classic here. So many have the Sawyer Mini. It’s cheap, it contaminates easily, and it fails fast. Get a decent gravity filter. Lifestraw Mission 12 for-me. Works. Repeatedly. Over years. I have an used one. Tablets and SODIS for back up. Get a life time supply of good things you know you will need. While you can. One is none, two is one, etc I’d add in try rationing. Cut coffee to one weak cup a day. I’ve stocked a lot. Great video James

When I joined the army reserves in the UK we were always taught . . . Practise , Practice, Practice . . . And ; when you think you know it all . . . Practice Some More !

Awesome video without peaching or fear mongering. I’m a subscriber for life. Thanks man.

"All the gear and no idea" is a phrase we use in the U.K., sums it up nicely. Another good video thanks. Watching from Scotland

This is why I’ve gone through several ferro rods, several rolls of bank line, several shelters and continuously learn more !

This has to be one of your best videos James. I maybe not be an armchair survivalist, but definitely need to get out more often and practice my learned skills. Cheers 🇨🇦

James, I spent years trying to get my daughters to understand that they needed to dress warmer than preparing for the 2 block walk to and from the school bus stop or the trip to the movies with their 16 YO friend in his/her 10-12 YO clunker of a car. Fashion beat me out at every turn. That "own the skill" adage is true as anything can be. I love learning knots. I have fun with my wife by running to her after a YT knot tutorial session and yelling "Mommy, Mommy look what I just learned!" She rolls her eyes and gives me that "What now?" look and I proceed to show her my new knots. Then I try the knots again in a week and all my knowledge went away because I didn't take the practice to the point where it was an actual skill. It is a real phenomenon. I may have embraced the whole "buy an extra in case your current one wears out" thing a little too enthusiastically. I find bargains on Walmart knives that turn out to be really good values, Cabela's knife and LED pen light kits, this thing and that thing, man these pants are tough and fit good, etc, etc, and now I may be a .....hoarder, as much as prepper. I've taken to giving some stuff as gifts to friends that aren't as forward thinking and making Go bags for my kids and their kids. More money than good sense, as they say. LOL

Brother you are not crazy I praise God for you 74 yrs young keep up the good work we all need to stay in Shape

I am 57 and taught my sons how to make a fire when they were little. It is satisfying that my youngest always wants to make the fire now and does a great job.

Keep in mind, a lot of what your body can survive... depends on the difficulties we put on it. Same with other animals... Say my chickens. If I give them artifical heat and the power goes out in the winter... they will all freeze to death. But if I never ran a heater and their bodies got used to the temperature drop (from season change). I would not even need to heat their house and they can survive much harsher weathers. Point being, condition your body.

Great points on survival. I began hiking, camping and learning outdoor skills at age 10 in the woods of Central Ohio. I am 76 now and in great physical condition preparing myself for the SHTF events when they come, not if but when. As a van lifer for over two years, I keep my van ready as well, stocked with survival foods and gear.

68 years old and have been prepping for decades. I have taught my kids how to survive. I sure hope that they understand what I taught them.

Hi James. I think we ought to have drills with our families. Pretend there's a crisis. Have each family member or cohorts meet at assigned,agreed upon places. Each family member carries their backpack withgear.boots,jackets. The kids would have a great time learning to build shelters,start survival fires,boil water for consumption,learn basic first aid. In the event of an actual crisis, while adults freak out, the kids will be like "come on mom, just like we practiced."

Also one of the most important thing that can help with everything in a survival or crisis situation is to stay calm, think, and focus. You can have the best gear in the world snd have all the best knowledge you need to survive but it can't and won't help you a single bit if you're in having a mental or nervous breakdown due to the situation you're in. Your cant build that shelter if your mind is going in a million different direction. You cant build that fire of body won't function right because youre nervous and scared. Even people with nerves of steel and a mind sharp as a blade can have them. So you may have to give yourself a mental slap in the face to get yiurself back on the right track to survive the situation. I know theres lots of people out there that aren't believers but for me my best tools own is prayers and it's free 24/7.

I’m just an old Aussie infantry soldier. Everything you just described was %100 on point GREAT ADVICE FOR YOUR FOLLOWERS 👍

I'm in north Florida. Two tips: when the temp is in the 90s and you have to work, hydrate before you start - at least 16 oz. of water. Even here, hypothermia can kill. My Dad used to talk about a drill sargeant in WW2, who took recruits out for a night hike in the rain in the winter. The temperature dropped into the 40s. I think Dad said 19 men died. The sargeant's excuse was "People don't freeze in Florida!"

Survival and bushcraft sayings are the best. One is none, two is some. The more you know, the less you need. Being alone gets you fast, being together gets you further. Most important thing I have noticed, is that you always need to be able to control small space around you. Good clothes and shelter will give you the most spare time.

for fire, people really should keep a small magnifying glass with them, even if it is a folding unit. why? because, on days when there is plenty of sun, save the ferro rod strikers, save the fuel in the lighters, if one has some of that easy start tinder that only takes a spark to ignite, you can ignite that with a magnifying glass using the sun and save the other sources so the fuel in the lighter, or the striker rod will last longer. when i was younger, i used one to light fire crackers all the time. maybe you could make a short video of using a small magnifying glass to start a fire to cook on, then those who are reading this comment can see what i am talking about.

I'm one of the armchair experts unfortunately. I can tell you how to do any of the numerous survival skills, but I've never actually done them.. The point you made is very good, and I think I'll try to own a few of the skills I know. Thanks

A lot of solid truths in this video. "It wont happen to me" is something I hear a lot of kids say these days... Guess I will keep buying my survival gear, and keep going out to 'play' with it, because training is fun for me. I enjoy pushing myself, and my gear, to see what the true potential is. Definitely buy more than 1 of your favorite gear!! If you notice, things got much much more expensive after the pandemic, that's a trend that never changes... If you think it is expensive now, wait until the next issue... Keep up the great work. I subbed.

This is some of the best top #10 advice out there!

Great video. My son and I have camped in everything from 110f to 20f and there were times that it was not fun, but we did not pack up and come home. We roughed it and toughed it out. Looking back, some of the best times. It taught us to never quit and helped us to be resourceful.

Just to mention it, anyone making plans should practice with their fully loaded pack...👍 It also helps create endurance ..😊

9:35 "Knowledge is nothing without owning the skill." This shines a bright light on one of my biggest shortcomings. I've spent many years collecting all kinds of knowledge and information, but I don't have the skills to match. Just makes me think even more about the changes I need to make to my life. Also, thank God for huge black trash bags. One of the most important inventions of modern man. I'm never without several of them because I know how invaluable they really are.

I don't know anyone who goes camping, let alone someone who knows any survival skills. Guess I could try to make a fire in the back yard! Thank you so much for these words of wisdom!

Just a "heads up" - here in Ontario, "constructor grade" garbage bags have topped 40 bucks a pack. They are certainly an asset, but must be rationed, I'm sorry to say. Stay well!

A very worthwhile video James, I hope it gets thousands of views. Thanks from the UK 🇬🇧

Great points. Have written them down to internalize. Appreciate the wise commentary accompanying each. 👍👍

Awesome video brah. Nothing beats treated canvas! Took environmental living in jr HS, required course, which then pushed me to teach myself and read alot about it. This was in 68-70, then joined military, 8 yrs. Went to a pacific island in early 80's and learned that practice makes near perfect. Back in my mountains now, in my home state, in this political environment and the consequences, better be prepared to survive and know your capabilities and environment. Again, Great video. Stay safe!

All good suggestions as usual. Thanks for teaching us and making us think. Many times you even teach this old dog new tricks.

This is absolutely the best survival tips videos I've ever seen, James. Thank you! Take care buddy and God bless you and yours as always!!

I have had alot of cold nights, but every experience is a learning experience. I always go out locally with practicing a new skill in mind because you have to try it before you know you can do it.

Thank you so much for this HELPFUL information. God bless, stay safe!

As much as I enjoy the skills and crafting videos, this one kept my attention the whole time.

In my opinion, a good skill to work on is knots. Not only a mastery of a good handful, but knowledge of which knots work with different cordage. What bank line handles and what dogbane handles are different worlds. One of my sayings is that gear is what you take with you that you don’t want to make. You can weave yucca fibers into a strap. Or you can carry a small roll of webbing. There is a fire and grab, go, return…probably not. Long term breakdown? Maybe.

Excellent presentation James. #5 is a great eye opener and applies to all skills.

Really great advice there James. Practicing survival skills or bushcraft skills or shoot even hobo skills is a really great thing to get out doing man. I really got into the woods about 3-4 years ago. Before then I was definitely an outdoorsman or maybe sportsman but fishing and hunting don't really give you a chance to practice survival skills. I was always trying to conquer nature and not developing skills outside of fishing or hunting. Now I spend time in the woods practicing the skills you talked about and my armchair is always empty. Great video James! Thanks for sharing!

Very good points. Funny your mention of the shower curtain as the famous Grandma Gatewood carried one on her first hike of the Appy trail. One thing I like for repairs more than duck tape is one called Tear-Aid. It is not cheap but it's about as close to a permanent repair as you can get. There are two main kinds, type A and type B. The latter is for vinyl. I repaired the top off my popup tent several years ago as well as a couple of small tears in the fabric. There are sevral videos on it's use, but I recomend the Sailrite channel as you know they wouldn't be fixing sails with it when they sell the fabric to replace them if it wasn't good stuff. I have also repaired the shell on a nylon parka with it. Temporary fixes are good as is good duck tape but there are things that need and deserve better.

*****James, the cure to the fire rule, fire is never harder to make then when you need it most, is a 15 min road flare slid inside and old bicycle inner tube then put in a 1 gallon zip lock freezer bag and duct taped up. You have a 15 minute fire source and all the extras to make a fire in a monsoon. Tried and true. I carry one ALWAYS. Stay safe.

An excellent passing on of knowledge and experience. Im blessed to be able to be in the woods a couple days every week, 52 weeks a year practicing these very things. I try to paas them on in my videos, but the way you brought all of these lessons together in one video was fantastic! Im passing this video on to my students and telling them to pay close attention.

Staying dry is a very big issue. I learned that immediately, so everyone should consider getting rain gear to cover your entire body in order to stay warm. You can't go wrong with heavy duty rain gear so that you are ready when it does rain! If you have one, visit your military surplus stores...lots of goodies there!

Thanks James a lot of good info. "If it ain't raining, we ain't training," is great. However, I always liked "it doesn't rain in the Army, it only rains on the Army."

Well said and on point.

Always have a magnifying glass with you. And always start your fire with it when it’s sunny. Save your matches, lighter, striker or whatever

Love all these survival quotes....they have very deep meanings. Thanks for sharing!

You're so right, James. I got a room full of gear and plan to buy more real soon, I trust in the LORD as so many others, but HE gave everyone a brain, HE'LL help you if you help yourself. Thanks, James, for making this video, it a video for everyone because when the crap hits the fan, everyone has to take care of themselves.

James I just found your channel a few weeks ago. I enjoy it very much. I have learned things that I never would have considered before. Great channel and Great content. Very helpful. Thanks

I’m 65 years old and I grew up with seven brothers and let me tell you they made sure that I knew everything I needed to know about surviving. We would even build igloos and sleep in them overnight in the cold. We get a kick out of seeing how much we could survive and even at my age I know that I could survive in any circumstance, and one important survival skill is knowing what edibles you can eat in the wild. because I believe there’s gonna be a time when people are going to need to know how to skin a deer or a raccoon or a squirrel ora fish go out and find mushrooms and greens that they need to survive. Luckily we grew up in Kentucky so there’s all kinds of things in the summertime but you can go out and find to eat but you also, have to eat in the winter time and there are things out there that you can eat but if you don’t know what they are, you’re gonna be in trouble because there is not gonna be a store to go buy things you’re gonna need to know how to keep things from spoiling because there’s no refrigerator. I love the survival shows and I do pick up things from them. i’m afraid there’s a lot of people out here that think they know how to survive that when it comes right down to it they’re not going to not that being said I live in Arizona now and believe me that worries me because I know there are things out there that’s edible there’s cactus, cactus fruit mesquite beans but still I have tried to grow things out here and I just can’t seem to get anything to grow and a lot of them things that I mentioned are only around in the summer, so I am worried that I won’t be able to survive and keep my family alive because I don’t know enough about this region, and there are survival shows out there about surviving in the wild here in Arizona but for The most part, they don’t teach what you need to know I really wish that we could find I could find someone out here that could take the time to teach me where to find wild edibles because that’s where I have a problem, I could survive the weather I just don’t know how I would survive not knowing what to eat here and it honestly worries me to death. I love your show and I’ve learned a lot from you. but my problem is it doesn’t apply to the area that I’m in for the most part. If you know anything about surviving in the desert, could you please do a show on it and by the way, I love your dimples thank you for your show.

I love this! Thanks for putting this together! I wish so many more people would watch, learn and follow your advise.

Another timely and accurate video. Survival will happen to you sooner or later and the things you are saying in this video is very good. My first survival experience I was 14 and the oldest of 4 boys together. You never know when something will go wrong. Thanks for the video, and God Bless. Frank

Love your channel. You speak so much common sense!

Amen My Brother and Thank You for the Wise Words of Wisdom and God Bless and Stay Safe!

I just ran across your channel. I absolutely love the honesty and practicality with which you share info. And sharing ideas of others, with credit given. Thank you for an eye-opening video. Liked, subscribed, belled for all.

Hey James....so many good things to think about! And, you are so on point about "some" of those things. Thank you and as always...take care!

Love it, Bud! Very informative. I’m glad you’re sharing the “wealth”. I’m hopeful many will learn in case of an emergency (horrible to think) that requires long term. Here in Canada, it’s pretty ingrained in most of us that aren’t from urban areas. Most people of rural upbringing are pretty well versed, but are also very complacent. Keep up the drive to stay alive!! 💪🏼

That is a great point!!! Kudos. I keep putting off taking a survival course because life is just not playing nice. But I will get in one hopefully before it’s to late

Very good advice as always, words to live by. Thank you for looking out for us.

Concise and wise counsel -- exceptionally helpful, James!

Hello 👋 James, thank you for sharing this informative video. You brought out some great pointers. All the best to you and your family. Always stay safe out there. 🤗

As Jerry Micklich says, PRACTICE WHAT YOU SUCK AT! Very well done and very important video!

I thank you dear brother ❤This is the very best video you have ever done! Everything you said is spot on and everyone needs to hear this one!! Many blessings to you brother!! Fellow Buckeye from Cleveland 😊

A very comprehensive and sensical points most people would be clueless on. Excellent reminders and information. Thank you.

Great video James. You covered a lot of information in a short time. I do remember getting a lot of snow when i was a kid but not so much now a days here in Meigs county Ohio.

Thanks James, fantastic and informative video. Your honesty is refreshing and appreciated. Keep up the great work! All the best from Switzerland, Martin

I am very grateful for you making this survival video and taking the time cheers.

I'm a proponent of military gear, not because I served for 22 years, but because the gear made it through testing and the real world in real, if not harsh, conditions. I was fortunate to land a flying job in the Air Force and they spared no expense getting us ready. I rather enjoyed the two week outing in the wilderness, not to mention water survival training in case we had to ditch our aircraft. Memorable times. Nice work waypoint-- lots of good information.

Very well said and thought out! Maybe a training video in your backyard? I found that testing items is always better in the backyard first than out in the feild. But never thought about training in the rain in the backyard or under high winds. This way if you or your equipment fails you can run for cover. At least until you and your equipment dailed in. Lol😊

The information in this video is very important to remember when we have to go into survival mode. I believe every individual needs to know and learn how to survive through the tuffest of times. Thank you for making this video and thank you for sharing it.👍

These are great points and good advice. I would add one point, If your body is weak your effort’s will be weak. Your body is your base tool if it’s not prepared and robust you will be hampered until it is.

Remember, its alittle bit harder but you can use a bic thats gone to create fire as well! Great vid James!

Very true, James, I felt like you were talking to me. I certainly have not been at the top of my game. Seems like modern life has gotten in the way. Used to be more innovative and creative with my gear, too, in fixing things, but i have gotten deep into a runt. Thank you for sharing and God bless.

I enjoy your content. But this one was really good. I watched this young man grow up, but never knew what really happened to him. Thank you for sharing this with us 💜

As an old combat veteran I learned several decades ago how to get through really crappy times. I was trained to be ready for whatever happened. My entire team was trained as combat corpmen. Our training was very intense we learned or we were out. SERE training was brutal but necessary. It was something that you never forget.

Wise words mate, good advice 🇬🇧🇺🇸👍

Years ago I took courses with Tom Brown Jr. Learned a lot from 2 weeks with him. Thank you for these lessons. I agree a knife is thee essential tool to carry.

Great food for thought. Watching this makes me excited to get out there and survive. Get the right tools and hone my skills. Thanks for all the tips. Very wise and thoughtful information. 👌

This is one of the best videos I've ever watched I've been watching your videos for at least 5 years now but this is the best of anybody's videos that I've seen thank you very much

Thanks James; great video.

Great wisdom, Thanks. Makes me think of the wisdom of my Grandparents; no t.v. or radio as kids, survivors of the flu epidemic, the great depression, polio, and WW2, ect. Thxs agn!

Great video James! Last weekend on a 2 night camp there were a few things that were obvious.Lack of fish and bush tucker due to cold weather.Sure ,someone a lot better at foraging with vast knowledge of this locale would prosper but it wasn't an area I was familiar with and survival would have been tough in many aspects.

Very good video! I was camping in Australia's outback for a week. The first night I thought I was going to freeze to death. I bought a cheaper sleeping bag (40° F.) I did have a closed cell mat though. It was summer and 90° + during the day but the nights were 30°- 32°F. Needless to say I put on every piece of clothing I had. The next day I remembered that I had an emergency blanket tucked away. (foil of some sort. "Don't Die In The Woods" or desert!) Those 2 items saved my life I think. Those emergency blankets work! And a closed cell mat is awesome.

Good Afternoon James

That's some solid wisdom brother.

Great points and wisdom James! Thank you for the time hit hit those points home.

Good afternoon from Syracuse NY brother and thank you for sharing the facts and truth brother

Awesomeness!!! 🔥🔥🔥

From my research, the best tip I came across for starting fire in wet weather is to use a teacup candle. Just build the fire lay, light the candle, and it'll eventually dry out the kindling and set it ablaze. I now have teacup candles in my tin survival cans in all of my bags.

Best video I have seen lately. Very informative and eye opening.

Lotta good/helpful and memorable tips and comments , here. I'll personally hold on to and pass them on , myself. Thanks man.

Another outstanding video 👍

Stuff getting crazy, people better to start paying attention

Love this advice…. Would love to see you break this video down into each point you went through, and get into more details

Great video, James. Thank you for the pointers and reminders. 👍