Just finished watching your Alone ordeal... You guys were amazing! You built a decent house, you didn't wanna kill each other, you suffered starvation, I cried when you made that hike and finally found Brooke. You are both a huge inspiration to get out there and challenge yourself. I'm glad you both made it home for Christmas too, bet your kids were so happy to see you!
I just gotta say, these guys that hiked the 10 miles earned my respect big time. It’s one thing to camp out in one spot and a whole different thing to have to hike an unprepared path on limited food and have it end with a continued survival scenario.
Great video Dave, solid advice. I've always wondered why, given the catastrophic nature of your shelter burning, folks on Alone didn't build a second shelter in a location nearby for just such an emergency. I watch a documentary about a guy living in the Artic Circle in Alaska. He has a great home he'd build AND a backup shelter. He told the videographer/journalist that the backup shelter was a live or die necessity when no one else is around. If his home burned down he could survive the situation with another place to keep warm and dry.
i didn't recognize you guys to begin with, and I was like, "gosh, why are they so familiar?" the whole time, haha. On the show, i was really a fan of how you guys were making so much progress. A lot of them were very competent people, but in my personal opinion I think you guys were the most diligent of them all. The constant positive reinforcement to get the spirit up the whole time was something that deeply inspired me. Its not easy what you guys did out there and I seriously respect that. Along with Zachary Fowler from season 3, you guys were the favorite contestants I've seen on the show. Its great to see you guys again here and I sincerely hope to see a lot more of you guys!
My grandmother told me about the hot rocks. She said that when she was a child, ( 1920's and 1930's) her mom used to warm up the rocks at night and then wrap them and put them at the foot of the bed for the kids. I mean 4 or 5 kids slept in same bed and then had the rocks to add warmth and survival for all in the household. That is how the people survived in the up state NY region during the Winter.
Hey Dave, I unfortunately don't watch Alone. I told Brooke that I wanted to see Seasons 4 and 5 but I didn't realize I would have to pay for them. Going to break down and get them. Some of my friends watch the show and always seem to be "experts" on how something should have been done instead of how it was done. I always said to them not to judge until you've been in that situation. I do admire and have the utmost respect for anyone participating on Alone. To hear you and Brooke talk about your time on Alone is extremely interesting to me, especially the mental aspect of the show. Great video Dave. Two thumbs up to anyone that goes on the show and give it their all. Congrats on hitting and surpassing 100,0000 subscribers. I'm waiting to see your video celebrating and getting to eat more cake again! Take care and be safe.
I came across you guys on Alone on Hulu by accident I was binge watching Alone from the start and one day there you guys were, I was so sure you'd win with all your experience, the 2 of you have under your belts. I understand why you didn't, still it would of been kool. I was already subscribed to both your channels by then so it was a wonderful suprise it watch you guys. Thanks for the life lessons you've taught, on utube, on alone and in real life. Much love from SoCal.💟
Interesting and well described comments! Your hot rocks reminded me that many Indian groups cooked by throwing hot rocks into containers of food. But using warm rocks in a sleeping bag is brilliant! Also, going SLOW seems very, very wise.
Alone is coming to Belgium and i just signed up. Now i'm bing watching all your videos and experiences about the show to prepare me more. Thanks for the videos and hope your doing fine these days
Your tips on change of clothes and suffering were key during my two cross country treks. One thing I did that helped a lot was I adopted a mindset of surrender. When something like rain, cold, or exhaustion would pop-up... I’d just surrender to it and accept it instead of complaining or choosing to be immobile. Surrendering allowed me to move past my momentary discomfort and focus my mind on a solution... or push my body to a new physical location with better options. Motus est vita... movement is life.
I just watched season 7 finally , then I flipped on RU-vid and found this latest video of yours. I am glad you and your family are doing well. I enjoy your content very much and the Girl in the Woods.
Consider the following: Shelter fires. a. Build a shelter basically out of Christmas trees that eventually dry out and catch fire quicker. b. Dig a fox hole type shelter with a Dakota type fireplace. Less apt to catch fire. (And slanted roof over fox hole to direct and collect water in a water collection area).
Yes, No#6. Grew up in one place where if you broke something it might take 6 months to replace it and garage sales/second hand were king so your gear was often knocked about already. Another place there was unlikely to be any replacement so there was the added hazard of nearly everything you had was worth stealing. Still treat even cheaper items like they are made of gold and everything is put away "incase it's useful another time", it's difficult not to go into hoarder mode in a time when it's easy to replace most things but no one knows if this situation will last.
I am in S. Texas on what is left of our family ranch. I am a widow, retired, living in an older Motorhome while repairing a hunters cabin. With the never before seen recent bad weather, seldom seen snow and freezing temperatures I lost electricity for 2 1/2 days. My generator was not working and although I have a propane stove and oven it was tough to stay warm. During the day I ran my Motorhome engine heater some (no working furnace), some bottled water with no well. Tank dry. No wood stove. I had watched this video a couple of months earlier and heard you talk about using rocks for heat. I got a large rock and heated it up to 400 degrees in my oven, wrapping it in a large towel. My dog and I slept with a rock for 3 nights. We survived and although it was in the 20’s here inside we were warm. The rock stayed warm until the next day. I moved from KS where we had a wood stove. Never again without one ! Thanks to your video & God’s timing I knew how to stay warm. Plus I think I was in the middle of being sick with Covid. I enjoy watching both of you in your conquests. May God bless and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.
Dave, terrific tips. I've been solo camping for 60 + years, and I learn something new about myself, and about bush craft every time I go out. I also seem to learn something with every one of you and wife's videos. Thank you. Camping is a never-ending "life university" course...what wonderful gifts/grace we receive.
Diana, you're watching their reality show here on youtube. And their show is actually reality, not like all of those shows on Discovery and such. My wife's uncle is a producer for the Discovery channel. He's told us stories of all the manufactured drama on those shows. They're not reality, this is. Cheers.
I remember that show ''Ice Lake Rebels'' who supposedly lived on house boats on Great Slave lake. It was fun to watch for a while but anyone could tell it was so scripted. That's a big lake and at 2014' ft deep, wow ! Like you said, slow and steady is safe and never at night, at least for me. Great video, thumbs up !!!
This video was outstanding, Dave. I just found Brooke's channel recently and then yours. I'm determined to watch every video of each of you. I'm petrified, but I'm getting ready to go solo camping this summer. And it's all because of you and Brooke. Such an inspiration you are! I just binge-watched Alone and Brooke on Season 5. Now I'm starting Season 4 with you guys. Can't wait. ❤🌿⛺🌱🔥✨🐕
Gosh, I didn't realize you were on that show. I love the show, but somehow I didn't put it together, even though I've watched your YT channel for years. Now I'm going to have to check out that season more closely. I truly enjoy your videos, and I've learned a lot from you. Best wishes to you, Brook, and your family. I look forward to watching your videos to come.
Man, your advice, coupled with Brooke's is such an encouragement for me as I experienced 5 attempts and a 5 fails this year trying to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. I sure have a lot to learn. Thank you!
👍👍 Thumbs up on your video content and explaining the reasons for why & how you did/do things. Really enjoy all you & Brooke's video's, you both are my favorites when it comes to bush living. Not so much as a survivalist mentality but more of understanding and living in the bush in today's modern world, utilizing simple electric/propane conveniences with modern tools to be able to get a job done to make life easier yet still enjoying the bushcraft lifestyle. Being thrifty,mechanically & construction knowledge along with woodsman skills yet keeping a mindset of living simple, you've got a big portion figured out of what being truly happy in life really is, money is a necessary part for sure but there's an old saying that goes something like. Successful people don't necessarily have the best of everything...... They make the best of everything they have. God bless and protect you and Brooke in all your future endeavors.
I got stuck in my truck camper in a huge blizzard that lasted for days and it was 9° outside and about 20° inside. I had no furnace, but I had a propane stove so at night I heated up my cast iron skillet to red hot and did what you did. Was warm and toasty inside my down blankets. Of course had to keep something on my head to prevent heat loss but I didn't freeze. And yes, moving very slowly and methodically is hugely important. And thinking through EVERY decision TWICE before doing it. You can't let yourself panic and get careless.
Another great vlog Dave. I asked Brooke on her last one how long the rocks stay warm and she replied, quite awhile lol. I really enjoy hearing you explain things down to layman terms. Stay Radical bro!
Thanks Tim.....as for the rocks ...if its 50 degrees out they should last all night.....down around freezing there were several times we would go to sleep at 8pm.....then wake up at about 3 AM and re-heat the rocks as they were cold.... the colder it gets the quicker they loose heat, but they are AMAZING for a few hours
One of the worst feelings in the world is coming up on some stranger's boot tracks in the woods...and then realizing they're your own.😮 Thanks for the video Dave!🌲🌲🌲
Your thoughts about pace are so important. I see so many guys out there who think the point of survival is to prove how "tough" you are be conquering the wilderness, when really it's moe about being smart and not letting the wilderness conquer you. I hate asking men to help me move furniture, because they act as if the point is to prove how strong you are and how fast you can "get it done", and what inevitably happens is someone gets hurt, or my furniture or my house gets damaged. Easy does it. Slow and steady wins the race. Unless you are in an actual war, you don't need to hurry.
Great video Dave ! Such incredibly useful information and insight. ! Got lost once as kid w my younger brother and sister. Mightve been 10. Maybe a little younger. Slow your pace and relax was what I learned from that experience. Quickening up pace ... running to ... safety. Away.... from harm maybe. Slow down look around. Getting hurt is not gonna get u to safety faster. All turned out good. Small woods. Roads in any direction but damn that pucker factor and 2 siblings in tow. Thanks for sharing your insights !!
Such an inspiration you are and wise 👀🌲you narrate so well😃 that son of yours must be so proud to call you father. This was such a pleasure to listen to and learn from. In these times now , you are helping us all. THANK YOU DAVE🌲❤
I totally forgot/didn't connect the fact you and Brooke were on alone. I've been watching your channel for a long time and until this episode...didn't even realize it. Hahahahaha. Well you two were awesome on alone but your RU-vid channel is so much better than alone. Thanks for all you two do for the RU-vid community.
This is awesome - I'm watching this video and watching the finale of Alone season 7 at the same time!!!! Go Roland!!! I still remember that awesome shelter that you and Brooke built on season 4 - Excellent shelter. Take care.
While I do have internet, I haven't watched TV in about 15 years. My wife turned me on to Alone and oh man! This is right up my alley. I feel I might be too old at this point to participate in something like this though. I have really enjoyed your videos on the subject.
Good stuff. A few notes about compasses. Good map reading and orienteering skills are also a must. The Earth's magnetic north pole moves around up to 75 miles a year. Currently the magnetic pole has moved to an area that it has not been in many years. Check the age of your map before using. If it is an older map the magnetic deviation may be outdated. The USGS is a good source for updated information. In areas where there is a high concentration of iron ore. Compasses can point in strange directions. Areas in the Pacific Northwest along the Ring of Fire are interesting places.
Thx Dave for the information. Always learn from you and Brooke so nice to catch your videos when notifications comes up. Love it when you are in the woods . 💕🙏
this summer i was using a compass in central ontario during a pretty stormy week and i ran into the same compass problems. I also managed to keep my jeans , wool sweater and sleeping bag wet. I was on a canoe trip and it was so great after a wet slog threw swamps and muddy portages to jump in the lake dry off and put on new clothes.
Another great video! Both you and your Girl in the Woods make such a sincere connection with your viewers! It's such a great escape! Thank you! Congrats on your 100k subs..hope there was or will be..a cake in your future! :)
Thanks Dave ... last winter showed me the value of the "hot rocks" technique, for sure! (Glad it was mild here in MI, too) Enjoy AK for awhile and stay safe. I plan on being at Whitefish for the Fitz memorial this year. Would like to also commemorate the Bradley and the Morrell on their anniversaries. Later! God Bless
People don't put enough value on being comfortable with being uncomfortable. It's a good life skill for many different situations and it gives you patience, wisdom, and perspective. And hiking slow? My oldest brother taught me that when I was a kid. He was in the Marines for 10 years, in Vietnam. He told me over and over "Hey, slow down." when we were out in the woods. I found out later it was because of traps everywhere.
A reminder for me about compasses. It's a 2 step process. Step #1) Buy a decent compass. Step #2) Learn how to use it. I have mastered step #1. I'd be a mess, in the woods, during a rain storm, trying to read the instruction booklet. I know it points north. Reminder to self...complete step #2! Reallybigmonkey1 inspired me to buy a compass. Dave, you have inspired me to wear the new off of it! Thanks!
Right on Steve....just remember .....all you really need to do is us it to walk a straight line. Yes, you can do a lot with a compass, but using one to travel in a straight line is priceless
Mmm... many years ago, in the air force, we did land survival... and forever the most important lesson will remain with me... the will to survive... without that will you won't get out of the situation alive! Sort of ties in with your number one! Cool clip Dave, share more of your experiences, please!
If you're in a group with multiple compasses check to make they all point in the same direction if one is off make note and check multiple times, is it off by a consistent degree then make that correction so it matches the rest.
@@energizerwolf5574 nope former scout picked a bad compass got to 3rd check point instead of 1st took supposed short cut got lost finished last 2 hours behind
My Native country it is Northern Wisconsin near Boreal Forest. I start walking and I'm so accustomed to looking mentally tracking the sun that walking in a circle is a near impossibility. I've tried to get lost but just end up going past a given destination
Ok... What i want to know, is why not tie a stick to your line as a bobber and a light stone for your sinker.. If it can't reach bottom,you have no snags? And being on Vancouver Island,is pretty popular place ...wasn't there any litter,foam cups,random soda bottles laying around you could have used?
Excellent series of and about, essential knowledge crucial for survival in the bush, outback, or any place where Nature reins supreme. Fantastic ideas about the process of winning with Nature instead of it just grinding you down. Thanks man!
I had a clip on compass while hunting on a cloudy day. Rough terrain. Somehow the compass fell off of my shirt pocket and I thought "F@@k!" I figured I would find the creek that ran to the river, which ran towards my truck. After a half hour of brush busting...I found the creek...it was running in the exact opposite direction I thought it should be!!! My mind was playing tricks on me! I didn't trust the fact that the all water runs towards Lake Superior. At that point I heard a train...I bee lined in that direction...and came out of the woods 3 miles from my truck...all because my mind wouldn't accept facts. Lesson? Don't trust a clip on compass😎
1:56 most people, excluding only extremely well trained navigators, will walk in a circle when one can’t see such as in a dense forest, night time or fog. This is because every person has a dominant side and one’s step will bend away from one’s dominant side.
This is all such great information!!! I’ve been binge watching you and Brookes videos and LOVE them! I actually have her sourdough starter in the works now lol, cause I want some fry bread on the fire! Yum! I will try the tips you have shared as I continue my outdoor adventures! It doesn’t get too cold where I’m at, but when it cools off I will be trying the hot rocks! GREAT tips as always-thanks Dave!!
You and Brooke rocked BTW bro. I wish Alone would bring back that scenario where one person has to hike to the other person like you did. It had such interesting dynamics. I remember one guy who was constantly saying that he's waiting for the news that his brother got hurt and he would have to leave. I wonder why Alone went away from that model?
@@Bushradical huh. Okay. Maybe the ratings weren't that good. Bummer. Hope you and the family are all safe and happy. Thanks for your vids as always and stay Radical...
Dave. Another great one full of excellent tips. Will take that into account for my next application... Lol. Embracing the suck and being able to improvise, adapt, overcome have been some of my personal mantras albiet not having a military background. Just figuring out what to do rather than textbook skills is my strongest trait indeed when it comes to 'bushcraft' and survival. Cheers lad.
We freakin love you guys....DAVE + BROOK THE REAL DEAL,👍👍👍😊 LESSON #1 - BE YOURSELF NO MATTER WHO IS AROUND, YOU WILL GET MORE RESPECT AND YOU WILL FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELF.
I much prefer tropical survival over temperate forest. I don't mind being wet all the time it's the cold that really kills your spirit. I spent 3 months alone on a small island in the Tokelaus in 1974 when I was 16. I had a knife, some fishing line, some nylon rope and a 6' square piece of plastic tarp. Learning to make fire in the tropics, in the rain was the biggest challenge. I had nothing to store water in until I found some unbroken bottles. I had no hooks but I quickly figured out how to spear fish. The mind wanders when you have less stimuli than normal. Yeah the dream thing is REAL. When I finally had enough I swam across a 5 mile channel to a neighboring inhabited island and got a ride back home to Samoa. The key to not being eaten by sharks? Be a floating piece of wood. That was my swim buddy. An 8 foot chunk of dry Mulberry. I lost 50lbs and got a bad case of dengue fever along with malaria. Would I do it again? In a heart beat. Assuming I could be 16 again........ :) I thoroughly and completely enjoy your videos Dave. Brooke is a Treasure. These days its hard to separate the BS from genuine useful knowledge. The Whipples are AWESOME in that regard. Thank you!
Thanks! I love your story. That would be an amazing experience. I dont know if I could make that swim.....Sharks ( or any big fish ) make me nervous .....
i should do a top 5 things i learned from this channel. 1. respect yourself. 2. start with little and you can gain momentum 3. free your mind and soul through working your way to success 4. don't be afraid to just try 5. freedom can be had off grid, or on grids.
Quality video, I enjoyed it very much. Especially your explanation of reality versus stored knowledge, and the dreams! Man I want to fast just thinking about dreaming like that lol
So, to put it in a nutshell, what you're saying is, having/knowing all the skills is nothing without the right mindset. Reckon i'd have that mindset, but a lot of the skills are lacking me. At 68, I don't think i'll wanna start now. Gonna buy a small van to build an RV instead.
Thanks Dave for sharing these 10 interesting and educational tips. ALONE is my favorite show on TV. Somehow I missed watching season 7 since I did not know it was on. Would you know of a link that I could watch all of the episodes of season 7? Thank you for your positivity in life.
I’m still shocked you guys lost to those brothers!! I thought for sure you two had it! The brothers didn’t even have a decent shelter.. guess they were just better at suffering?
Great Video! I always learn things from you. Hot Rocks, stone as stinkers, etc... awesome information in these crazy times. Hey did I miss a video with cake for your 100K subs? Dont forget, you deserve it (actually you deserve 2) 108K subs as of this Video, You and Girl in the woods are the best! My Best, Carole
Thanks for sharing this was very interesting. There is a great book I read recently that supports what you are saying about suffering. It's called The Comfort Crisis, it is a really interesting read that ties science and personal experience together.
