Dispelling SHTF Prepper Combat Myths 

The thing about claiming that “Condor is Airsoft gear”, like its a negative thing, is that most Airsofters run their gear harder than most “preppers”.

In 2004 " Fallujah Iraq " We started each assault with ten full mags on every Marine, several times I was down to my last magazine or out before resupply. After the first day I made sure if anyone wanted more than ten mags they were available. " not bragging "but I am pretty sure you could count over 100 loaded magazines in and around my property. I don't keep all my guns in the main safe either , two quick access handgun safes front and rear of the house . one instant thumbprint safe center. And I cached two rifle, two pistols and a Fallujah ammo supply on the property where I can't be observed recovering it. Never know , might have to retake the house. No , I'm not paranoid , I have been to 34 countries on four continents and I know what any man is capable of if he is desperate.

From what I understand, Airsoft puts lots of stress on gear. There are still sticks and thorns for it to get torn by, weight and load that it needs to stand up to, and fit standard equipment. Unless you are operating, intense airsoft seems like a good way to test it out

Currently running a "basic" bushmaster 556. Came with a decent red dot sight aswell. For a little over 600 after taxes. Very happy with it so far. 1750 rds through it, not a single malfunction.

Physical training is crucial. At 46 years old, I’m 5’9” and 150lbs. My loadout is 300 rounds of 7.62x39 (don’t hate) in readily reached mags with another 60 in my pack. Oh...and yeah...alot of my gear is Condor.

In a real, they’re shooting back gun fight, you go through mags and ammo quicker than you could ever imagine...

Great video! When I was in Iraq, our standard loadout was 240 rounds, 8 mags. Creature of habit I am, that's how I keep my stuff setup. I agree that condor is alright stuff, and it's cheap enough that I don't worry about tearing it up when training with it. And the gun you can afford is better than the fancy one you're still waiting on.

Everyone will call the gear crap, but they don't wanna be shot with it lol

Gotta love all the chunky preppers out there, especially the ones like this who talk down to their viewers.

I bought an M&P 15 sport made by Smith and Wesson years ago, intentionally didn't clean it the first 1000 rounds, ran all ammo types flawlessly then and now. It didn't break the bank. Good serviceable heavy duty military surplus gear is a good value also don't have to break the bank. Greetings from NYLFM.

"Cool story bro." is our new favorite phrase we use at home.

I use a Vietnam era loadout...lol works great and it was very inexpensive.

I believe you are absolutely right! Get what you can afford ; don’t get get hung up on brand names and get up and do. A very well done video Bear!!

Don't forget the drop pouch for a large bag of Cheetos

I respect the cadence, but fear that this display may trigger Cow-Fart Cortez & Co.

A man can never have to many books or brew to much whiskey or have to much Ammunition. Just a fact of life. Keep going hard.

In war zones you find that during calm times 3 - 6 mags is commonly seen but when the action picks up the infantry often doubles there on body load out then they stuff mags everywhere that they find room for them.

How many mags, tourniquets, crevets, whatever, do you need? One more than you just used up... always...one more than you have. You can improvise all of the above... except ammunition...um yeah, you can put the pointy thing on the end of your rifle...or use it as a club, but that's what no ammo means...

I use the 1980’s LBE and ranger ruck I had in the army, never heard of all those tactical companies you mentioned. The only thing I need that’s new would be a set of new knees 😉

Your so spot on!! If you can put rounds on target, and enough rounds to keep you in the fight...you're combat effective. The bad guy's wont know if the were shot by dmps, colt, bushmaster...and so on. And I also agree about the colt..but costly. Keep up the great work Oklahoma neighbor.

I've have a condor 3 day assault pack for 10 years now and i use it every day for work, going out, and took it on deployment with me and the only issue is one of the compression straps feel off that's it still going strong.

Im around a lot of PSA rigs. Havent seen one fail yet, wylde or not. Working class affordable, and shoots straight..without all the high dollar "mall bought" catalog bolt ons. Practice with it, take care of it, repeat.

I have many weapons but my favorite is still my Glock 19. It's never failed to fire and shoot straight.

Bro first thing this dude did was take his time to talk about safety and being ready in case someone gets hurt, subscribed.

I've had my condor plate carrier for three years and its been a great investment. Its saved my life once by stopping a 45 round in my side plate. I work in ems so you'll not hear any complaints from me. Keep up the good work brother

Whatever weapon you have and can afford then practice with it, no matter if it's an sks or nagant. If that's all you have use it and be good at using it. So you are def spot on

... when did H become "Helo"...

I know it was 3 years ago but damn, the direct/no bullshit attitude will always get a sub from me. Not anywhere near combat but Im active duty, thank you combat vets for doing all youve done and continue to do. Highest respect to our security forces.

Dang, T, I hate it when you crush OOOLAO dreams. ;-) I will say it again for anyone who’s interested. Go watch AK Operators Union torture test of the Palmetto State Armory’s Freedom AR15. It did not fail. The Daniel Defense rifle failed. You get what you pay for plus a premium mark up for the brand.

Cheap rifle that runs and doesn't fail? Sounds like a winner to me! Partly why I went with an AK. Never had a failure on it. Running with loaded rifle+plates+mags is no joke, it's not for the weak believe that! Like Bear said GO DO! Great video!

Realy enjoyed this one. I Cary 6 plus l. Just what my rig holds. Iam 5'11 and 230 lbs after 4 miles or so I still feel it. This is something poeple should listen to. I used my gear till the stress point started to rip. I took old seatbelt out of van and cut some off. Sewing stress points so rig will work for a long time. Now is the time to do things like this. And like u said boy 3 mags go real fast. I go out at night hunting coyotes sometimes till sunrise. Good to do u know what u can Handel and how long u can go. And if u can hit a moving target. Realy liked this one thank u. Good info for protecting your self and loved one. Were else can u run around in the woods all night. Right here in good old USA. God Bless The USA. Thank u Lord for letting me be born in USA. Best place in the world to me. Stay strong don't go looking for a fight. But be ready to protect yourself and loved ones. After all no one else will its your job to protect yourselves.

Got a PSA striped lower. Waiting on a mid length kit and 10 mags from PSA coming this Monday.

Thank you brother for your videos I'm a felon so all they can obtain is a high velocity 50 cal air rifle and a 25 Cal air rifle within 10 magazine clip

I "operate" with a Glock 17 and Colt 6920 AR-15 / Aimpoint red dot. All stock. This is my "go to war" set-up

There you go Bear, this is a good video! Keep them coming.

You move with the stealth, speed, and majesty of a [sloth dressed up like a] tiger.

I used to play airsoft a lot when I was younger, I actually plan on meeting a friend I used to play with tommorow. We use airsoft gear to play airsoft, and it's not perfect, but it gets by pretty far with how rough we are with it. But most importantly, we actually used our gear, a lot of other people haven't. I know how sturdy my stuff is, I know it's limits. And I know how I like to run it under stress.

Got myself a Del-Ton about 6 months ago and have put around 1500 or so rounds through it, give or take. Not a single ammo or gun related issue.

The PSA ar-15 kits are good, I've helped people assemble theirs after they saw mine, been reliable with brass and steel case ammo. Good cheap rifle👍

Thank you! I get tired of one of my friends always hassling me for only spending $X on this or that when I should have spent more in his opinion. All I can tell him is “easy for you to say, you’re active duty national guard and live with your parents!” I work two jobs to pay for my own house and have bought inexpensive stuff so that I could afford to get everything I need. Now I can start replacing lower quality stuff with better stuff as time goes on, but if SHTF now, at least I’ve got something, even if it will only last a few weeks or months. I’ve got the exact same DPMS. Bought it on sale at Sportsman’s a few years ago and I freakin’ love it! I’ve only put about 1500 rounds through her, but like your rifle, not a single failure to fire or extract. Not one. I do field strip and clean it the same night I shoot it, without fail though. I guess that carried over from the Army lol. Have you checked out the Meprolight RDS? I picked one up and think it’s the best bang for the buck at $300-$450. As good as any in the $1000 range and far superior to anything cheaper that I’ve seen or heard of. That was one of my upgrades from the $50 fire field RDS I bought with the DPMS. I also picked up the magpul pro flip up sights which are exquisite. Those were a compulsive overspend, but a lot of it can be. It’s also a lot of fun! Also, thanks for bringing up size. You are absolutely right. It does make sense to keep body size in mind when thinking about how much weight to carry over distance. You’ve mentioned it many times in this and other videos and I would agree also that training is super important. If you’re small like me, it’s especially important to be in great shape and do a lot of road marching or hiking with a pack. If you train hard enough and are bad ass enough, you can carry as much (and sometimes more) than your larger peers. I proved this as an infantry medic in that I regularly found myself carrying a medium ruck that weighed 60lbs, plus a Charlie bag of medical gear and supplies (splints, bandages, IV bags, sterile water, drugs, scissors, stethoscope, BP cuff etc.) weighing in at 45lbs, plus an M-16, plus a .45ACP, heading up never ending switchbacks while pushing all the crybaby’s to drink water and keep up with the platoon. In one of my first experiences like that, a new transfer from the 101st wasn’t living up to his old unit’s reputation. In his defense they had assigned him to be the M-60 gunner, but he wasn’t keeping up. Eventually I started carrying his 60 for him, but it still wasn’t enough. A mile or two later he crashed to the ground in a thunder of Kevlar and aluminum hitting logs. He was in his early 20’s, at least 6’ tall and 190lbs. Me... 17 years old, 5’4 and 130lbs at the time. Not quite so lean and mean 30 years later, but I still try lol.

Very good content T Condor was my main rig while playing semi-pro Airsoft for 5 years and that same rig has now been converted into a Real Steel rig that plate carrier has been submerged in swamp water and rolled through the mud multiple times because I played hard during our Mil-Sims and now train hard as hell with that same rig so Condor is very well built. Period I also run a PSA upper and lower the only thing I don't like about the DPMS is the gas block and key you have to watch that they are staked and pinned properly otherwise a good firearm

I've had zero malfunctions through my first PSA build through about 3k rounds of 5.56, and I've also shot close to 7K with a .22lr bolt insert. No issues other than the .22 ammo being dirty. 5.56 still runs fine even when the gun is full of .22 gunk. Used the money I saved on that rig for ammo and a decent sight. I beat the gun up constantly, no issues. I don't care what anyone says, as long as you have a halfway decent barrel and bolt, the gun will run just fine. Save your money and use it to gain proficiency. You did a great job explaining this. Thank you for this video! Also, many people don't realize this, but the "carbon" that enters a DI system actually works as a sort of dry lubricant. Yes, ARs should be cleaned occasionally (mostly just to inspect for wear) but the guns run just fine when dirty. At least in my experience.

Bear don’t let them hate on your air soft gear they’d want you on there side when it came down to it lol

thank you me and my wife are your new to homesteader preppers thanks for helping out the young folks ill be sure to proclaim you to the heavens

Rockin' the Nutnfancy pissed off Owl patch. Right on brother

I have had good and bad condor gear. Working as a securoty contractor in Astan for 6 years I had the opportunity to torture test quite a few things. I personally had a condor vest fall apart on me after only 2 months of shtf style use with daily wear and multiple don/doffs a day. That is terrible. On the flip side I still have a condor recon chest rig that still looks brand spanking new, along with multiple mag pouches that have served without complaint for years without damage. Another fun fact is that I picked up a pair of tru-spec 24/7 in 2011 that I am STILL wearing today that went all over hell and back with me while I could get maybe a year or two out of those 5.11's they kept issuing me. Talk about an unpopular opinion, people hate hearing that one.

Plaroon designated marksman: “I turn cover into concealment” Platoon .50 gunner: “I turn cover into confetti” Platoon mortarman: “fuck everything about you”

In a former lifetime as a part-time LEO in a small southern town I had to supply ALL of my gear, even my patrol rifle. I had NO problems or concerns with my Bushmaster M-forgery and mil-surplus mags. As for other gear, my current 782 gear is a mix of very early Blackhawk, Tactical Tailor, Condor and mil-surplus. It works very well and has zero issues after almost 20 years. My EDC belt us a 15 year old Condor Instructor's belt. The velco tab is a but fuzzy, but it still supports whatever I happen to be carrying. BTW, my wife's main AR is a lightly modified DPMS Oracle that she's had since 2013. She ran it through a Carbine Course a few years ago with zero issues.

Thank you for the AR comment and the plate carrier comment....been waiting for someone else to call out the couch pew pew champions for awhile LoL..... spending as much for a car on a rifle you never use is like having a wife you never spend time with...love what you do bear God Bless and Shalom

Nice video and lots of good points. A couple years ago i bought a S&W Sport AR15 and have put probably somewhere like 1500 rounds through it with no failures. I bought this rifle for $500 new and came with a 30 round PMAG with i think are the best mags. Just another $500 Rifle. Stay safe and keep up the good work Bear.

This is refreshing, seeing a video of someone confirming everything I already know. Two or three guys like this can reek havoc on a platoon of know it alls.

This one made my day Bear. I run a regular S&W M&P 15 sport, stock G19 and a Condor cross draw vest. Just had the good fortune to meet up with some like-minded people and we meet once or twice a month to train and learn. My gear is pretty modest compared to most of them, but no one seems to make a big deal about it. Facta non verba!

Ammo is LIFE. No resupply unless the guys you shoot have mags that will fit your rifle. My units normal load out for peace time patrol was 6 mags with a back up of 2 in the but pack. When deployed it was a normal loadout plus what ever you wanted to carry extra. Your life. Your back and body carrying it. You make it back alls good.

One thing Bear is correct about is his statement “run what works for you.” I listen to several RU-vid prep/gun channels and they all have their opinions; similar, but different. I listen for ideas, opinions and their take on things. I don’t always agree, but it always gives me something to think about. Having a military background; unless you have been in combat or any operation that combat is a possibility; doesn’t mean squat. They have motor pool, supply, mess, etc personal, who have zero combat experience and only do enough to qualify. I wouldn’t trust their load out advice, unless they train and say what Bear says “this is my load out, run what works for you.” I have a friend, I talk to infrequently; retired navy, broke his leg/had to ring out 2 weeks before completion (actual SEAL friend corroborated his story), works private, actually does operations; who says the same thing all the time; “run what works for you.” So, does everyone on their team. Train until your gear becomes an extension of you. If Bear trains, I’ll listen to his comments/rants. My friends helped me build my kit. My AR cost $750; complete. Started with NcStar, moved up to Condor; still have the NcStar stuff; not great, but it was cheap. My friends told me the points to re-enforce. I train as much as I can afford to spend; I don’t have volumes of land. One thing I can say is I’m deadly with my rig; steel target, room clearing, tactical/no one shooting back deadly. I train with my rig and “it works for me”. I hope if SHTF I don’t freeze; if I don’t, I have faith in my training. I will win my fire fights.

Since resupply is not coming who do so many ppl buy ceramic plates? I understand steel is heavy but it’s also reusable after you take a round (as long as it’s rated for that round).

Your “get off your couch, go do” spiel constantly has had an impact on me. I got my middle aged, out of shape, arthritic butt out of bed an hour early to do 20 minutes of exercise. Thank you! Keep it up! I appreciate your firm encouragement!

Any time I see (or say) anything about Condor gear, I assume a healthy amount of sarcasm.

Best RU-vid channel hands down !!! I appreciate these videos

"Chem-trail looggies" 😂 love the content! Sub'd!

Bear.... When I realized that this world was about to get real stupid, I started building up my weapons and gear.... I built my rifle with an Anderson lower.... Got the whole thing done for under 500.... Built up my plate carrier with a condor base.... Got my plates.... and then I went to the military surplus store and got my pouches and IFAK components. I live in CA and it makes training with an AR a little challenging, but I get it done. I just want to say Thanks for putting all of the stuff up that you do.... I appreciate it.

Bear, another great vid! Me and mine run AK/sks . Decades of it. Dependable and inexpensive. Glad that ARs have come way down In affordability.

Points rifle at head. Without clearing it. 😂👌👍

"this is my wife's gun" "it has has had 4000 ROUNDS through it" Man, sounds like you found a REAL woman to accompany you through life

Its so nice to see someone carrying more than 2/3 mags my current web set up carry 12 mags. Coming from a guy who ran down to the last round in my last magazine in a 1 on 1 gunfight. I never want to have to be worried thinking about my last few bullets in a gunfight again. If it feels heavy train with it until it doesn't.

Preach brother, I have one of those friends that's top of the line everything. Well my stuff works just fine and I'm a better shot than you with my "cheap crap".

You said, "If were doing Mozambique drill, two to the chest and one in the head, I can Mozambique thirty guys before I need to reload." It would be 10 with a 30rnd pmag like you're using.

I'd rather have Condor on my chest than Tactical Taylor on layaway.

Get yourself a Ventile or an SAS Arctic wind proof Smock for those chilly days and if your just standing around some wool long johns. A CTX knitted wool hat or Esk Tweed Highland hat by Laksen is also very good at keeping the noggin cosy.

I discovered that when it is below -20 the lubrication I was using causes malfunctions

I'm out of the country currently, but when I get back into the states you inspire me to "Get out and go do". I just wanted to say think you.

Common sense preparedness, that's why I love this channel. Palmetto is one of my go to's as well. 💯

When I was in the Marines, we were issues 6 mags. I would run out pretty quick. I would barrow 6 extra mags from a SAW gunner because they didn't need their mags. So having 12 mags worked well. I don't ever remember running dry. I was even able to hand one of the SAW gunners two mags one time. I was an 0352 I bet the 0311's ran dry quickly too. So I agree with carrying at least 10 and one in the rifle. You can also get the bandoliers and have a few in you're pack.

Thanks Bear, Much respect for keeping it real.

Highly recommend a good quality mountable white light as a standard on any defensive rifle in addition to reliable iron sights and(my preference) a 2-point sling that you can quickly adjust.

If I was on a limited budget I would get a Smith & Wesson m&p 15. I got nothing against the colt but honestly I don't see how they're any better quality than a Smith & Wesson or DPMS. I'd save the extra money and spend it on ammo and magazines and spare parts and be perfectly happy. This is coming from a guy who has not one, but two $5,000 ARs. Heck, The rifle I tote around the most is a 20 inch BCM with open sights and M16 carry handle that I paid $400 for. Anymore these days if it's from a reputable manufacturer you're not going to have any problems so long as it was put together right. Personally I do avoid Condor gear when I can. The velcro they use just never seems to last that long and sometimes the stitches run. but you can just put some new stitches in it and it be fine. Cordura is cordura in my experience. I just keep a handy stitcher and Kevlar thread with me for repairs. All gear eventually fails.

just seeing you shoot those targets has me thinking about how blessed we are to live in this country

You really need to make a "GET OFF YOUR COUCH GO DO!" Shirt!

You're so right Bear, when it comes to equipment, nothing beats personal experience, trying it for yourself. If its effective and it works well for you, then use it. I've found that when it comes to kit you'll find a break point with equipment where you can pay more, but you can't get better. If you're rich you can afford to spend thousands finding the last 10% of capability in a name brand or high end manufacturer. Most of us can't and quite honestly, you don't need too.

Bear: Do you have a video on plates? I just recently purchased a condor carrier and now I need plates. 👍

Bear .brotha you is the real deal. That's exactly what I keep saying to everyone that takes my ccw classes and self defense course. Just do it .and train. Train train. But keep being bold and blunt . We are a dying bread boys.

Great video once again. My little group has developed the saying that some gear is better than no gear. Some weapon than no weapon, etc. I'm off to go buy some more food😁

New sub so I'm sorry for the late comment. Just a couple things because I love your stuff. As a military medic myself, I agree with most of the stuff you are saying. However, just because a rifle has an "ammo issue" does not mean that it is solely the ammunition as the issue. I've had plenty of weapons that solely work with specific ammo and are picky. Secondly, as someone that has seen combat, I would say that I agree with the ammo and fitness bits. I would like to comment that your gear is mostly as good as you make them. I've worked with Condor and Palmetto plenty and they are well rounded, as long as you take care of the equipment. In order, care for yourself, care for your gear and then care for other people around you. See ya!

Air softers aren't going to spend $299 on a carrier. If they choose a $80 carrier that doesn't mean the $80 carrier is made for airsoft. I have had no problems with Condor. I also like the BSA red dots. I've only switched to the Romeo 5 because PSA always throws in 10 pmags.

Love your videos don’t always agree with you on everything but I value your opinion. I’m running the same CMMG MK4 I bought four years ago, all I’ve done is swap some parts and furniture to improve the way it sits in my shoulder, and added a sight piece.

good stuff

I polished the heck out of my turd! I bought a Del Ton Sport, A year later I put a Midlength Strike Industries CHF Strikefighter Barrel, a VG6 Gamma Brake, SI Mlok rail, MRO on a Geissele Mount, Geissele trigger, Geissele Braided Buffer Spring, SI Stock, K2 Grip, Nickel Boron BCG, Radian CH, SI Skeletonized Gas block, Melonited Spikes Tactical Gas Tube. She is a hooptie with some spinners, a naughty paint job, and a hell of a sound system!

"Hello my vegan yoga friend" 😂

I have Condor carrier, pants, a sling, and one their bushcraft knives from back when they were still cheaper than a mora knife. Zero complaints. In fact I have nothing but confidence in this gear

"Mil spec= lowest bidder poor quality blah blah blah" Do y'all realize the level quality to even be considered for that? They don't buy from any or every company they can you know. What I'm saying is it wont be the best but it'll be good enough.

I want to give you and several other preppers for a SHTF situation because I’m rooting for you guys wherever you may be: first aid classes if you can’t do nursing majors. Once you are hit and you need to use the tourniquets you carry you can and will be out of the fights. I see it so often that it seems like a big bandaid kind of thing. It isn’t. If you ever use one it will be very serious and will require medical attention ASAP. The longer it’ll be on you’ll suffer tissue damage and may require amputation. Just a bit of morbid warning no one seems to think about. Have a plan of disengagement and seeking medical help somewhere.

Bought my trama kit .. only got a range that goes to 100 ft... for the public where I live... don't have as many mags and ammo as you . looking for more condor equipment . Yup you are a bear size man... I cannot even shoot like you.. what shot ranges should we practice... to 100 yards AR ok? what about pistol? what distances are you proficient in with the AR? is your sights on quick release? you missed the light.. eh I'm new to this stuff that's why we watch Bear Independent... yup but your built like a tank...

The best thing about the AR-15 platform, is that you can get into a rifle for sub 600, and as you save and learn and train you can upgrade EVERY> SINGLE>PIECE of it and still come out under 1000. it can be tailored to you. Stoner knew what he was doing. Modularity, and simplicity. Some companies just tailor to people with more expensive tastes and do business based on a name.

DPMS gets the job done anytime!

A few questions:1. How much water are you carrying? you have what appears to be a 3 liter camelback on, but 3 liters is not enough water to sustain a fight, or a movement to contact, or any operation that would require fighting and moving over any distance or time. Fighting is inherently physical. your ruck could have more, but you already have a pack on your back so it doesn't seem like you'll be using a ruck. 2. What does your physical fitness program look like? You are carrying 13 pounds in 5.56 ammo alone. Add some pistol mags, a pistol, your rifle, the various tools (like knives, leatherman, etc) that you are probably carrying, and you have around 25 pounds of weaponry on your person. your plate carrier weighs somewhere around 3 pounds, plus another 8ish with the plates. you've got somewhere around 35 pounds of gear on without anything to sustain you. I didn't even include your medical equipment or a rucksack. That is flat out too much weight. The military does it every day, its true, but we also live on 2 1400 Calorie MREs a day, and have entire battalions whose sole purpose is to sustain combat operations. you will not have this luxury in SHTF. Once again, unless you plan on sitting on your porch with all that on, you will be exhausted once you start a sustained fight. 3. What is your mission set? This equipment is for combat operations only. To me, that says "aggressive". I totally understand if your intent is to just patrol your compound and fight bad guys looking to steal your stuff, but how realistic is that mission set? You aren't scavenging/looting abandoned buildings in this setup for reasons I've already stated, so you are carrying all this with the sole intent to get in a gunfight. Unless people are attacking you, the only other reason to have this is so you can attack someone else. If you have answers to these questions I am all ears. P.S., H in the phonetic alphabet is pronounced "hotel", not "helo"

Myth: your rifle is just as good as a DD or Colt. Fact: you can’t run more than a 1/4 mile without passing out and likely having a heart attack too.

I go by what Clint from Thunder Ranch said; guys will slowly start removing mags during patrol because it's heavy until they're at 3-4 mags and once they get into a firefight, they're back at 10 mags the following day lol.

I've been in 3 fire fights in my 51 years on Earth. Two stopped in ten rounds. The other was 750 rounds 5.56 plus the 100rds 9mm I had stoked. You can never have too much ammo

Thanks for motivating others to practice survivalism!

Damn... I spent a fortune for a "tactical" chase lounge and you still called me out!.. Lmao.

Your keyword stuffing in the description makes me smile and think back to the good old days of 1993. Loving the videos. New sub. Thanks!