My dad left when I was 6 years old. I'm 13 now. Dave is like a father figure to me. I have a pack fully geared and a cooking kit at the ready at all times in case I need it
Sorry about that, Kiddo. It sounds hard. Here is my best Dad/Man advice from raising 3 boys and about 15 of their friends... 1) No means NO! Don't be that guy. 2) If you are going to get with a girl, wrap up your thing...every time. 3) No pills. No powders. You can't know what somebody mixed that crap with. The rest is up to you. 4) No drinking and driving and Wear your Seatbelt. I've seen too many teenage car crash victims. It ain't pretty. 5) Be religious about checking the air pressure in your tires and the proper fluid levels in your car. You will be payed back many times over by having proper oil changes. 6) The best opening line to pick up a girl is this..."Hey, my name is ****. You seem pretty cool. What's your name?" - Cool! Not pretty or hot or anything like that. The word is cool. Works every time to break the ice. Just as simple as that. If you can glance around in a way that shows you think nobody else there is cool, but SHE is, it works even better. 7) If you ever have to hit somebody, keep your fist closed as tightly as possible and your wrist straight. 8) There is nothing unmanly about washing the dishes and getting them put up. Seriously! IF you want an easy life, make sure YOU are the one doing the dishes. It only takes 15 minutes tops. Your future women (and your mamma now) will absolutely fawn over you if you do that simple task. Seriously, Seriously. Your partner will cook, make you a plate, pick up after you, not complain when you want to go shoot pool with your boys, and completely make your life easier if you just wash a pot or two. Nothing excites women more than seeing a man doing the dishes. Trust me. That's pretty much all I've got. Best of luck.
It would be great if colleges offered a prepping course. One that would cover EVERYTHING from bushcraft, ham radio license, trauma medical training, canning, wilderness and urban survival, everything. Then when folks graduated they would have all the knowledge, licenses, and training available.
Re: First Aid. Agree that minimum you need for most injury situations is a tourniquet, duct tape, pack of compressible gauze, and an Ace Bandage or Coban. However, illness will bring you down fast. As a minimum (which takes very little space if packed in labeled zip lock pill bags) you need painkiller ((Ibuprophen), anti diarrheal, anti-histamine, anti-nausea.
Yes, please get licensed if you plan to use your radio in non-emergency situations. I was participating in a recent emergency training event and some idiots were using the repeater we were working on illegally. Super frustrating. Don't forget that getting licensed also puts you in touch with people who can work with you on how to properly operate your radio. You will get much more satisfaction out of your communication experience if you learn, participate, and respect the hobby.
I typically don’t like when people talk on and on..but I could listen to Dave talk for hours. His knowledge, conveyance of information, tone, cadence, vocabulary, humor, story telling, engineering mindset combined with the eveydayman’s perspective. Man this is good stuff.
Great video. Few of us would be leaving home alone, its important that everyone have their own C’s instead of parsing them out across the bags, if one bag is lost then we’re all missing something. We each carry a Eno Jungle Nest with a built in bug net, poncho, and Snugpak Jungle Blanket - it never seems to get mentioned that a hammock *can* be laid out on the ground if need be. I add a 10x13 Aquaquest camo tarp that we all fit under. Wife has a Glock 35, I carry a G27 in a Hill People chest pack and a AR pistol, or a 590A1. A chest bag correctly suspended from your backpack straps cant be praised enough, its literally freeloading, every pound added to the chest counterbalances against the backpack, its almost like cheating, plus its always attached to you, always there, never lost or loose.
I just want to thank you for all the knowledge you’ve passed down over the years. I been watching your videos since I was 12 and I’m 24 now. I’ve learned so much from you one of my favorite videos is the shotgun and shell bag combo that you did, it was a classic🇺🇸
Great vid, Dave. Aussie bushcrafter here, I don't have a ready made bug out bag as such, I have 2 large oiled canvas rectangular duffle bags with a flat zip top that I keep all my bushcraft and bugout gear in when I am home. I use two bags to make them light enough to move a short distance to my vehicle, this enables quick movement from the danger area with all of my gear if required or just ease of transport when doing a field trip. The contents are sectioned up and marked for identification using various pouches ie shelter, water system, sleep, rope management, cooking, food, firestarting, tools, so on and so forth. I keep an empty collapsible rolltop pack of 60 litre capacity right next to these two bags so I can easily load it with gear to suit the bug out situation, I do this as it unlikely a bugout situation would occur while I am home, so my priority would be to make it home, load (either the two main bags and pack into my vehicle or contents into my pack if on foot) and go. Because it is unlikely that a bugout situation would occur while I am at home, daily, I carry a bushcraft satchel with the 10 C's and few additions that would keep me for a couple of weeks in my bugout spot knowing I can gather and hunt food there. Anyway, just a few thoughts on doing things differently.
Great stuff here. I am reminded of a conversation I had with a now dead British Major General. He was also an expert on the British Imperial Army. This was the army responsible for keeping the peace in the biggest empire the world has ever known. I asked him the secret of the army's success. I was expecting that he would answer something like: "Well it was the Lee Enfield my boy!" Far from it. He said that its success was down to three things: (1). Porridge (2). Foot powder (3). Carbolic Soap. (1) and (2) are obvious. (3) is oft forgotten. I spoke to another chap who worked as part of a UN Relief Unit. They get sent out to disasters - earthquakes, tornados, ....you name it - before anybody else. I asked him what was the first thing they need when they reach the disaster? Unsurprisingly he did not say "visiting politicians,.... we need lots of them to pay us a visit." No, his answer was carbolic soap. Not just to clean people but to clean surfaces and floors, operating tables etc. The truth is that nature is a far bigger enemy than fellows with guns and bombs and bacteria are nature's special forces. So I would strongly advise putting a small block of genuine carbolic soap in your kit. The stuff they make in Jamaica is the best there is. It is always the very first thing I put in my kit. Keep up the great work Mr. Canterbury.
Almost everything is said and well said. Thanks for the video. My 2 cents if I may : Hammock : A DD hammock (english brand) could be used on the ground as well as with trees and it has a built in bug net . One model is with waterproof bottom in case for wet ground. It also have a double layer so you can fill it with leaves to make a cushion (mattress) and an insulation between you and the ground. I've testes this product for several years, rock solid. Headlamp : RightNow it exist AA batteries rechargeable with USB cable so if you use them with your headlamp you do not have to carry mor than one spare of batteries and you can charge them with the SolarFilm solar panel. If your headlamp use another type of rechargeable batteries (AA, AAA or 18650 or xxx) Olight is making a "universal" charging cable for most type of batteries. Cost 30USD and weight very little.
Hey Dave, Try using eneloop pro AAA batteries for your headlamp with a small battery charger for your power pack, and you can have near unlimited headlamp usage without restocking batteries.
My most likely scenario is bugging IN during hurricane season. I would love to see a video with your thoughts on what to have to shelter in place for long periods of time without power or potable water in hot weather, and possibly in a damaged house (e.g. roof leaks, etc).
This is why I like David. “Explain and define and think.” I have a bug out bag bc you’re supposed to have one. I did not really know the real reason I had one. Now after this video I’ll have a better bug out bag and a second one for my other set of circumstances. Thanks again David for a great video.
Dave I think it is a crying shame, that we can't talk about Guns in a RU-vid video because someone, somewhere, is ill informed about their 2ND amendment rights. George Orwell nailed it in Animal Farm. "Two Legs bad, four legs are good..." However, despite all this your CONTENT is OUTSTANDING
Dave I love what you do I have been off line for the last 3 years I moved off grid and no internet I'm glad to see your well and I hope your family is well God bless
One thing I've always admired about your process is how you think through the multiple applications of every item. That rope management system almost single handedly changed my experience in the outdoors.
Fitness is indeed a huge gap, especially in G8 preppers. G8 preppers tend to be older, and often have huge amounts of gear, but not the fitness to carry it. Fitness is the # 1 prep.
Good discussion IMO too many folks get caught up in the bushcrafty camping live off the land mode, and forget that if you're having to evacuate that you're not going to be building a log cabin or bushcraft shelter or running a line of primitive traps and carving things, or having daily firefights. You're getting to your safe area without drawing attention to yourself , moving safely until you're needing rest and replenishment and to get moving again ASAP. I carry as much clean water as I can, and food I can consume on the march if possible such as energy bars and MRE's and peanut butter. I'd include a decent optic of some kind ( I use a monocular) to be able to check out any questionable anything from a relatively safe distance. Stay a LRRP stay alive Thanks for the video
a note on sawyer filters as that's what i used to use before i switched to the grayl if you are traveling where there is gritty water like GA for example. keep the backflush plunger. it really helps keep that thing maintained
Excellent presentation and advice. Love my Swagman roll but at 40F I'd be freezing my old ass off! LOL. (edit) I meant to comment about the stove. I'm recently smitten with alcohol stoves...slower yes but QUIET, literally no sound and very little light which is concealed by the required windscreen. Plus if you use Everclear it's drinkable and has first aid/sanitary uses as well. But alcohol stoves burn a variety of fuels, all readily available. Love the canister stoves but they're all very loud.
I'm a hoarder so my bug out bag had to be a wheelbarrow. (Or something very much like one) Thank you David for sharing your lifetime of gathered knowledge. Your cordage and knot videos have helped me greatly by filling in gaps in my systems I've needed work on for decades. Thanks Teach!!
More great useful information that may be needed to save lives. YAY for that!!!🇺🇸👍🇺🇸👍🇺🇸👍 P.S. time is now 23:23 and heavy rain/ storm conditions are present in my area. If it's raining...
Love the concept of flexible water bladders. It allows you to grab your water quickly and leave your water source quickly. There are several different styles of filters (gravity, suction, etc) that allow for different applications.
got to meet dave at the agricenter in memphis TN, missed his class but caught up with him afterwards at the pathfinder stand and he was kind enough to sign a copy of his book. glad to see he is still going at it and spreading the knowledge wherever and whenever possible, even if weve seent it 100x already. thanks dave!
Thanks, Dave. These are my favorite videos. It’s reassuring that my pack is incredibly similar to yours. Thanks for carrying tent stakes, also. They’re too light and small to not carry. Nothing makes me laugh harder than when I see these bushcraft guys go out and make them, every video. Why? 😂
Gave me a lot to reconsider in my edc in general, and about the mindset behind the bug-out bag, presented in a concise and clear way unmatched by any other content creator I've seen. Thanks, Dave. The dry bag for carrying water is a great idea. I have one that my mom gave me and now I know where to put it to use. 30L = 63.4 LBS!!!
I think these "bug out bags" are more realistically becoming "everything you own bag" here real quick. Especially if there were a nuclear incident to happen soon....I think of it now as getting the gear before the stores all get wiped out. It was a real wake up call realizing i didnt even own a tarp or a good knife... hence now im here watching Dave's videos. Must be doing something right. :)
I didn’t have a good knife either then I watched Dave make one and said “I can do that”. Now I have about 50 that I made because it’s so therapeutic. I also sell them to folk around town. I use that money to buy the survival gear and traps.
You will own nothing but be happy is their motto,....yeah right, they can stick their Great Reset where the sun don't shine as far as I'm concerned. I'm assuming that you know about this and are awake shall we say?
Love it. Though i feel like its missing a little. Im a huge fan of basic med supplies. Things for headaches, ace wraps for sprains or even stabilizing minor breaks, mole skin for blisters so you can keep moving, ointments, pain relievers and fever reducers, anti poop meds, water purification and bla bla. It doesnt take much space if you place them in small bags just planned for your duration of bug out and it can be all stored in a small waterproof case. And a basic aid kit in another small water proof case. Other than that, im also a huge fan of the swags. You have great videos on those as well. Though i always carry mine on the exterior or as a sling system inside of a dry bag. I typically carry a tarp, wool blanket, sleeping bag, ground mat, bug net, bellow and minimalistic fire cooking steaks, hangars, grates and my hand saw. Essentially everything that i would use in a long halt or when im hunkering down for the night. It makes it quick and easy just to toss it out and crawl in like a ranger roll. Still convenient for very quickly setting up and packing up camp. All while leaving your bag for other supplies also leaving them more available to dig out in a pinch.
I am a Ham. I have really nice HT's. Problem with really nice HT's is they are currently limited in their charging capabilities. Recently I've added Baofeng UV-10R's to my kits. They work great, they work on 2m\70cm ham bands, they work on 70cm GMRS bands, they receive weather alerts and they work on Marine channels. Better than all that is, they charge via USB C. Oh, and they are FCC approved. So says the Internet according to the FCC label.
I opted to add in one of those $20-$30 camouflaged exterior emergency tents with the reflective interior. It isn't an ideal shelter for long term use but it could come in handy. It's extremely light and small when compressed.
I am in the process of planning/building my very first real bug out bag. This video could not have been published at a better time. Thank you, Mr. Canterbury.
A good review and break down on what to put in your B.O.B. , one thing I would do and is either not put in the batteries in yet or if they are in, don't have it so the appliance is accidentally turned do. Have the batteries upside down to save them till they are needed and prevent the appliance from being damaged from an old battery. That is what I do with the flashlights that I have, I turn them upside down so I won't accidentally turn it on and run the battery down. A great video again, thanks for all that you are doing. Take care and stay safe and well.
Dave, Bravo on a very insightful video! I would like to add one thing, if I may. The Grayl filter element ( I have the larger version, but I think this holds true with all of them ) has a finite lifespan, once you start using it, at least, that's the warning that the company uses in its advertising. So I would recommend that you pack a spare filter, particularly if you found that you couldn't resist "testing" the bottle ahead of time or if you use it routinely, outside of the bugout bag scenario, and aren't keeping track of the filter element's age. Popping on a fresh filter during SHTF would be the safest recourse, IMHO
I knew this was going to be a perfect bug out bag. I love that it started off with a Silky! Call me crazy, but I am strapping my Silky Zubat to my leg because I just love that curvature of the blade and the length. The teeth just dig into the wood and makes processing trees a breeze. If I am carrying the weight at all, I might as well make it a chainsaw for my hands and make it as comfortable as possible. Also, a large hexagonal ferrocerium rod would throw the most sparks because, with it's flat sides, it would give more opportunity for the striker to touch the rod. Other from that, to me, this is literally the perfect bug-out bag. I love my Baofeng, I got one shortly prior to when Dave started his HAM series. It's such a nice piece of mind to have backpacking and I honestly use the weather function all the time. That Vietnam Era Jungle hammock is replacing $20 Amazon hammock though. It works with the waterproof tarp but, as you said, multi-functionality is key.
Very good presentation and you are correct about having your bag setup for your situation. I have a hammock and an inflatable life vest in my bugout bag because one of my routes to my bugout location is by river and my others are heavily wooded. I have food for five days because two routes will take three days minimum if everything goes smoothly and you never plan for smooth.
I’ve been putting together a course/unit for my children. Love your videos very clear on why and how to put together great simple but through bags. I purchased the GRAYL and I think it worthwhile for sure, easy to use. Thanks for all you videos!
Dave great video as always!! I use a Clark Jungle Hammock in mine. It can be set up between trees, or also pitched on the ground. It has a built in bug net and a weather shield, a tarp and all the hardware. All self contained and slightly bigger than your swagman roll when packed down. I also carry a "woobie" for most occasions. Basically my all around camping gear. If you want to borrow it and do a video lmk, we aren't too far from eachother.
I would also venture to say adding table salt to ANY kit. Not only is it good to add to food, but also helps prevent dehydration, and to prevent infections in cuts etc. There is a reason there was Iodine and methylate... besides making kids scream in stinging pain. When made into a paste and stuck on a nonmajor wound it will kill bacteria, on already infected wounds it will draw out the infection and kill the bacteria.
Great info. I keep a migration kit after seeing Ukraine. Good mountain bike, cargo trailer or my folding handtrtruck cause it's all flat terraine here. I bought the Baeofeng UV 9R waterproof $5 extra in case of flooding, heavy rain. I split my gear into a 33L condor pack and a duffle bag. Coldsteel AD10, pathfinder fuel stove, SOS bars etc in backpack. Pathfinder bush pot and Steel plate, fixed blade, Coleman butane stove and 'Cornedbeef' ha, in the duffle bag. I can ditch the duffle bag and survive with the backpack or thrive with the duffle bag extras.
On the topic of hammocks and multifunctionality. Check out Wilderness Innovations. I have been using their Poncho/hammock for a number of years now. Including a 500 mile backpacking trip, the length of the Sierra. It is one of my primary pieces of gear. If there are no suitable trees to hang from (a very rare occurrence), simply use the poncho/hammock as your ground cover. I pair this with either an 8.5x8.5 (silpoly) or 10x10 (silnylon) tarp. Also on the subject of multifunctionality, band-aids work very much the same as duct tape, and take a spark from a ferro rod easily.
Your videos are awesome!!! I am not gonna lie, I have not seen such good survival and bushcraft tips since the US Marines. You explain everything well, and that goes a long way. Thanks for the videos. Never heard of the Swagman roll...always used the old poncho liners, lol...keep em coming bud.
Super awesome video, thank you so much. I really love the idea of dry bag for water carry, just need to get a filter and learn more about that. I have a lot more to learn and gear to buy, but something on my mind was to map out alternate routes out of the city and out of state. Also, I’ve been wanting to get a silcock key for access to water in the city. Great video, I’ll be watching more 👍🏻🇺🇸
Finally a little common since when it comes to "security" I prefer the G26 / Sub2K combo. Only because the G19 can't fit the G26 mags with that being said the G26 can fit all double stack 9mm mags(Glock) I typically carry it with a Plus 2 mag extension and 1 in the pipe giving me a starter of 13. Then a back up G19 mag on body and in the bag I carry what you specified. Dave!! When you get some time I would definitely recommend looking into the MCARBO upgrades for the Sub2K. There are some failure points that are addressed with MCARBO. I personally did it myself and will say it runs better and more importantly more reliably than ever before. Thanks brother, God Bless
All stainless bottles and mugs are awesome! I own a couple.. but never broken one in years. One tip is the nesting set for the PF waterbottle leaves room on top. I use the tatonka 500ml folding cup.
I wash out empty snuff cans and use them for all sorts of things. They're essentially waterproof and lightweight. Safety pins, nails, char cloth, snare wire, sewing kit, money, kindling, etc. I made little cardboard dividers and filled each section with ibuprofen, allergy medicine, anti-diarreah, and acid reducer. You can get close to 20 of each pill in one can. 5 cans tied together are no larger than a soda can and you can get a lot of stuff in them. Just use your imagination and put whatever you think you might need in them.
Agreed on the Kel Tec Sub 2000. The longer barrel delivers close to .357 power and it packs great when you fold it. I use the regular mags that come with it, the 20 plus mag (stick) and 50 round drum mag that are all interchangeable with my Glock 26. As for the bug out pack there's nothing that says it can't be used for getting home or EDC. The only reason to have more than one pack is because they are fun to build. I confess to having five packs ready to go at all times. I'm bad. But my wife still loves me.
In watching the Shoestring Hobo videos he carries like a 2 1/2 gallon water container. It hit me how much water one needed. So besides my 3 quart canteens, I got a Coleman 5 gallon collapsable water jug with a handle on it. This way I can scoop up a lot of water from a pond or stream and filter it at my leisure. Or carry water if I find a faucet. I had thought that 3 quarts was plenty before. Of course I have a Grayal, water purification tablets and fire kit.
Your end of his pew pew choice is my choice. Interchangeable simple reliable. Ditching my tent for a poncho. I have on my bag hiking poles. Multi function tent pole walking aid, cave probe, straw, blowgun, ect.
Great video. Love how you and your team put this together. It keeps you think outside the box. Great cup for the grayl can't wait for them to come out.
I rotate my bag items 4 times per year, I do it with the weather change. Its October in Ohio, and I have already started to modify. Being in Ohio, cold weather items become a concern and take up more space so I tend to swap from a small survival pack to a large hiking bag. I double the weight in the winter, but many things I have in it are made to be worn. Clothing, first aid pack, and basic needs pack I wear. Then my bag is nearly as light as my summer time bag.
I'd argue that the last point you made depends on the nature of the emergency. Depending on the nature of the threat you are anticipating, you may want something that has more capability. Then again, having that capability at the point you're bugging to may be a better solution depending on how much weight you put in your bag. Speaking of weight, antibiotics/pain killers/fever reducers are light weight and very useful. If you end up in a situation where your 2 day walk ends at a compromised area and turns into a 5 or more day walk. Other than that, I'm all in on what you've set up, and absolutely screw hammocks. That's for leisure and saving space at a bug out location.
Thanks for the video! I like to have the option to sleep on the ground or on a hammock. On my land, there are ticks, velvet ants (painful), scorpions, black widows, and many hogs and coyotes. Have not seen rattlers, but the copperheads are here.
Thank You! Seen many bugout bag setup videos but none of them mentioned the physical fitness issue in the first 5 minutes IF it is mentioned :D! Totally agree! Get out light, get out fast.
Awaiting for the nesting cup myself. Dave, maybe consider providing affiliate links for the products you don’t sell. Perhaps you can make a little extra, plus make it easier for us to find some of those products. Just dropped some cash at the store to provide some support for the immeasurable knowledge you’ve been providing over the years. Much appreciated! As always, awesome content!!
Great video as always, really good tried and tested phlosphy, The five C principal is mentioned around the world and it's a great simple way to explain the fundamentals of what you need to get by with in a survival situation. Great to see you never got to big for your boot's and never forgot your RU-vid audience.🇬🇪😁👍
I appreciate your content. I just wish there was more would content about bugging out with kids. I have a 90L pack for my kids and myself. I've started going to the gym just so that I know I'll be better able to handle the pack over longer distances. But if there is more effective equipment, I really love to see it.
Loved this video Dave! Makes me reevaluate my bag. I have the set up up spoke about. Glock 17 and my Keltec sub2k. It folds up and fits in my bag. You always make me see things from a different perspective. Thanks.
Great video Dave! It was interesting to see the items you would carry and have in your BOB/GHB is nearly identical to what I carry and have in my BOB/GHB. I'm looking forward to that cup to nest my Grayl in. Thanks for sharing.
I have the sub-2000 incorporated in my survival bags also as weapon of choice with pistol. I think large coffee filters use over a Shamaug to pre clean water is better, one it won’t soak up as much water and can be rinsed off and reused again. Your right about being out of shape with a heavy backpack and weapons weight, been there done that and it kicked my ass with exhaustion and dehydration, water water water is heavy but it’s something you extremely need. I learned by this experience that if you were alone to make a transverse something like the old cowboy days that they pull behind a horse to long branches to drag behind you carrying all your supplies you can go a lot farther dragging this than a few hundred yards. With 2 or more in your group it’s caring your gear on a litter versus your back.
A much more rural/woodland BOB than I would need, but you did remind me to repack my grab bags for the winter season (southern hemisphere here). If you’re not warm enough, nothing else will matter. I even raided my wool shirt out of my BOB because my house got too cold! Better replace that with something now…
