As usual you shared some wise thoughts. It often seems that the most outspoken and opinionated people are the very ones to whom logical reasoning is very much a foreign concept.
@@puppetsock It is at the south east coast of Norway, bordering Sweden. Its called Hvaler. You can see it on google earth. Wonderful place with lots of islands and a mild climate for an arctic country! 👍❤️🇳🇴
I agree. Possible exception of the gun though. If it was a choice of "Sleeping bag or gun" That would be a tough one. Sleeping warm is important, but so is eating. If it is only a few days, sleeping bag for sure, long term....I dunno. I'm not the slightest bit worried about having a gun for protection, but a gun can feed you well for a long time.....still, if you freeze to death, food won't matter much! There are a lot of ways to get by without either one, but none of them are as good as the real thing. Skeeters bad there yet Lonnie? Hot and dry here. I just heard of a forest fire on my police scanner......not good news....
@@MuskratOutdoors Right where I live the mosquitoes are a fairly low population and rarely much of a problem. However out at our remote cabin, they are there in such hordes that you would not live more than a few hours if your skin was exposed and with no way to defend yourself. They are BAD there. Good luck with your local fire season there. Hope you and your properties remain safe.
I don't mind the hard ground. I sometimes sleep on the floor just because I like it. It's the heat loss I hate. Waking up cold on a surface you can't lie on after waking up sucks. Hammocks are the way to go.
Being an old fart and not in great physical shape, I have moved to and now live in my "bugout" location. The only bugging out I can see myself doing is vacating the area for a short period of time if the authorities show up to relocate or evacuate people "for our own good". We had it happen once in a prolonged power outage. The authorities wanted everyone to leave until the power was back on because it was estimated they would need two weeks and it was winter. We were perfectly fine in our home with our back ups. So we pretended to leave, used our bug out bag to pass the few hours required to wait for the police to move on and went right back to our home.
Good common sense approach. I would do the same. I have everything I need here, including the means to defend my property and person and a pair of protective dogs.
Remember, KNOWLEDGE weighs nothing, has a long shelf life, can be shared and kept at the same time, is easy to modify if needed, and can be concealed on top of your shoulders.
Edit: someone said my original comment was a Viking riddle, so I posed the following. They have removed their comment, I guess they didn’t like my riddle. @@fauxnews3740 A Viking riddle: What struts like a turkey, Cackles like a chicken, Hides like a game bird, Is soft like a dove, and lays golden eggs like a goose?
Two things set me up for wild camping: being raised (and broke) in the Scottish Highlands. But most of all, being homeless more than once, twice in cities. A girl alone wiith no resources except her wits. I'm not ashamed to admit I poached and sometimes stole clothing from laundry lines to get warm. Poverty is a great teacher. Now, I'm 60. If I have to bug out I'll be taking every comfort I'm able to carry. For what it's worth, I've had hypothermia, hospitalised for it twice. This was in Scotland, in Autumn, when days were still hot but nights were icy. It isn't, for me, just a matter of a bag. It's that plus pockets in rugged layered clothing, good boots and thick warm socks and my flint and steel and, being Scottish and used to midges, YES to the bug repellent. Deet, if you can get it. The bag, sure. But also what you wear, what you carry in every pocket you can fit things in (paper map...invaluable) and above all, hope and awareness of your surroundings, because in many places we can't carry guns.
@@pinetree2473 Many people turn homeless people away or they call the police because of the myth that all homeless people are drug addicts or alcoholics. We do what we need to do to survive, even if it means doing something we wouldn't ordinarily do, in normal circumstances.
We have dangerous snakes here. We see them weekly in our yard. My son was bitten, he was very sick but recovered. Three dogs bitten over the years, two recovered. I wonder sometimes about folks who say they will head to the woods here in TN ,USA. You must know the dangers out there and be prepared accordingly. It's not just camping.
I never hear bug-out discussions about repetitive motion injury or wrist/knee/ankle support. It takes the body weeks to adjust to new patterns of activity, and those first few days are the most crucial, as well as the hardest. Don't just practice with your gear, practice enough to condition your muscles, tendons and ligaments to use those tools all day every day.
To me a “bug out” bag is a transitional item. It get you to the next phase or location. It is not your entire plan. Have alternate location or a stock pile/cache. Your not surviving indefinitely with one back pack.
Yup. I think these people think they're going to be like he said, like Rambo, or like MacGyver, able to build a whole camp with just a pocketknife, a paperclip, and some chewing gum. LOL
@@SR-iy4gg A lot will either end up in some shithole encampment or dead thinking they'll be making it that way lol. This is why so many are packing heat and don't take kindly to interlopers.
BTW We may be related. I had a great grandfather who emigrated to USA. name was Halvor Hansen. His son Hans Halvorson kept the sir name, because now they were Americans.
Too many people never stop to think that if they really must "bug out" into the bush, they will be far more concerned about dealing with exposure, thirst, bugs of the local type, and getting lost (if they are not on familiar ground). A few so-called "comforts" - whether those be a sleeping bag, dry socks, a length of cord, some chocolate coffee (!), and even a deck of cards can make all the difference. In most cases one of those 'essentials' will not be a firearm. As you have said many times, it is so very important to use and be familiar with the gear you might carry.
Having a couple of creature comforts will keep you from being at each other’s throats and help you with fighting giving up. And primitive camping is NOT like regular camping!
Definitely NOT like regular camping. Now in my 50s I still practice the primitive skills I learned as a child. My adult kids carry a ton of things. My kit is about 25 lbs. Most of what I need I make in the field. In a survival situation you may only have what you have what is in your pockets or what you can find.
What is Regular camping? A literal and rhetorical question. Short history anecdote: Back in '91 US military personnel in Saudi Arabia were in various forward "staging" areas (i.e. deprived of rear luxuries) The Air force personnel had it rough because they lacked their usual AC in their buildings and complained about it, of course. Some US Army doggies heard them and said, "why are you complaining, we have to sleep in tents." Some US Marines heard that and responded, "You got tents?"
As a young man I was often in the Scottish mountains, the weather could change in minutes, and if you could not read the signs one could end up very cold, wet and miserable. I worked outside most of my young life and I could smell the weather changing. Many people today have no ability to survive outside. 2 years ago I climbed Ben Nevis with my oldest son, we had a one day window to get to the top because the weather was terrible, we were wet as fish most of the time and cold and then the storm came. I did teach him a few old tricks though, like warming stones and placing them in his wet boots to dry them out. If I have to I can live in nature on my own. I think the worst thing for people will be the loneliness, that will be the mind killer.
Once went on a trail... simple little affair, along a small river, in july. We were supposed to go on a two day hike. We spent the first two hours being merry. then we basically jogged, with our packs, tent etc... for the coming four trying to outrun all the bity things in the air; that was with mosquito repellant. We made it to our first camp site in near half time, then we lit a bloody fire and sat happily in the smoke hiding... Good repellant is not comfort, it is necessity.
Anyone who has ever experienced midges in Scotland would agree that insect repellant is a must! (Or seen the effects a horsefly bight can have for that matter).
Exactly, as a hiker in Northern Maine USA, we bring bug jackets because even the repellent does nothing. Flies, Mosquitoes, midges not to mention ticks and chiggers...ugh 😫
@@alistairdunlop9174 We don't call them midges in the U.S., but up by Lake Superior in Michigan, I have experienced the black flies there. I believe they're probably the same or virtually the same as midges. Insect repellant is definitely important. People seem to forget too that bugs can carry disease, along with getting too many bites at one time can cause you to become sick/infected. That's definitely not something you want to be dealing with during an SHTF event either.
So many great points! One thing that I've noticed about guys doing bug out bag videos is that they look like they are so out of shape, overweight that I doubt they could carry the bag they discuss across the street, much less out in the wilderness! Be safe!
I think they are confusing a "bug out bag" with a "go bag;" a "bug out bag" should have what you need to survive, a "go bag" should have just what you need to get home or to the next feasible safe location.
Another TH-camr I watch recommends a "get home bag" over a "bug out bag". His reasoning was that being alone in the woods makes you very vulnerable, and you're better off in a secure location with other people to help you. "Home" in this case doesn't necessarily mean YOUR home, but a secure location that you and your friends and family agree to meet at.
It's amusing to listen to people say they are going to bug out to the woods. I would guess that most of them have not spent any time in the wilderness, yet they are going to bug out with their wife and kids along with their backpacks and head to the woods ! GOOD LUCK !!
Unless my home is on fire or under water I am not leaving. The second you leave you are vulnerable, an outsider wherever you go. Plus you never want your home to fall into hostile hands.
spot on my friend! bugging out should only be considered if your home has burned to the ground or a similar level of disaster, bugging IN is the best option, way too many people these days seem to concentrate too heavily on their bug out options with little to no prep ensuring you have a 2/3 week supply of food and water stored in their home.
@@dannythomson5239 100% agree with you guys. The other thing that bugs me about the 'bugging out' brigade is what is their long term plan then? Sooner or later you have to return or at least make a 'home' somewhere so you are back to square one anyhow.
I basically have a camping set with a small tent w/sleeping bag, warm clothes,some mre's, a knife, flint, butane w/burner set, iodine tablets, one of those purifying straws, and a hunting rifle/handgun. It all fits into a hiking backpack. Not too heavy. And like you said, sticking with family/friends is super important. You can pool resources.
Gear is never a replacement for knowledge. You can have all the gear in the world but if you don't know how to use it, it won't do you any good. I don't know if everyone that says 2 to 3 days thinks this way but my B.O.B is set up for 3 days. I've done this not because I believe I will be out there for only 3 days but because it takes 3 days to get to my bug out location, which has additional gear and supplies. So my B.O.B is only to get me to my alternate location. And Bjorn, you are very right. State of mind is vital.
I’ve planned more to bug in, can’t think of many reasons why I’d have to bug out from where I’m at, and bugging out during the winter would be suicidal. 🙈
I live in the higher mountains of Colorado and have spent extensive time in the woods. If I'm driving anywhere over 1 hour I bring my get home bag and you betcha there is a sleeping bag and a micro tent. The weather can change on you every five minutes, lol! I always bring a .22 Cal Ruger 10 - 22 rifle with me as we have yummy little creatures to cook up that make a comforting meal! It's light and has been by my side for over 45 years...he's my buddy. I'm am very used to my bag and it's contence and weight. You must use all the gear you usually take with you. I have both hips replaced so I must know my capabilities. So must you!:-)
@@garys9638 I live in Saskatchewan, Canada, summer wouldn’t be so bad for bugging out on foot, winter would need a motorized mode of transportation(preferably heated) and a set destination with enough fuel to get there though, getting stranded in -30 to -40 plus wind chill on top of that can turn deadly quickly. Better to have a bug in plan, with enough wood to burn for about 6 months, than to get stranded in the middle of nowhere. 🙈 Lol!
@@j.b.4340 Tornado or blizzard is about all I have to worry about, where I’m at, I’m on the prairies, but far enough north that a tornado is highly unlikely. Blizzard would be my biggest worry.
People don’t realize how long it is going to take. Be sure to have a radio so you know a little about what is going on. Boredom will be a big problem after a while. A week will seem like a month.
@@FrankTheThinkTank most people have never waited 3 hs for the sun to come up, 6 hrs for the tide to go out etc. 15 min is the most will last without getting stimulated by their phone. The novelty wears off fast.
@@FrankTheThinkTank Nah man I've lived in the mountains with 0 technology (besides a few books which I devoured out of sheer boredom in a really short time) and it's not really a full time job, it's only at the beginning.
Very true. Its easy to be "cocky" in your warm apartement. In the end it's not so fun when your out in the wild, all wet from heavy rain trying to set up a tent on a empty stomach.
Know your weaknesses and the weaknesses of those in your company. You might have good fire making or knife handling skills, know every knot there is, but if you or your companion has got a bad back, asthma, depression etc, acknowledging those characteristics and how they may set you back and preparing for those scenarios is very important
This reminds me of this time I was at a party and we were talking about end of the world scenarios and this guy said he could be put in the woods with a desert eagle and an AK and he'd be good. Really dude? Forgot to ask for ammo, also forgot to ask for water filters, fire starting gadgets, anything to build fire, anything to make shelter... I love the bravado on people who don't sleep in the bush
I grew up in the woods so it comes natural to me. I love being alone. But I go places where I won't run into a human. If I do, I keep an eye on them until they are gone. I don't know what I would do if they kept coming my way. Never had it happen. I wouldn't go where I go without a pistol, rifle, and shotgun, with plenty of ammo. Got to be prepared for the long haul. But, if you can't lay right on the ground, in the dark, without a light, and be at home and not worried about anything in the world, you better go out and get used to it before the shtf. I'm lucky because I grew up hunting and fishing and eating off the land. I feel more at home in the woods than I do around people. Can't trust people anymore. Only can trust myself. Just don't panic and be scared. Use your head and you will be ok. Just remember, the sun comes up in the east and sets in the west.
I do what you are talking about and find it enjoyable love the woods . The woods will take care of you. As far as not wanting to be around people I can agree. I've found the worst will be the ones close to you. Stay safe.
I prefer having survival bags in my vehicles plus EDC, each of thoses bags contain; Fire starter, good full tang knife, folding saw, compess, wool blanket, mirror, flashlight, whistle, few trash bags, 550 cord, matches/lighters, water bottle single wall steel, tarp, 3 days rations, first aid/trauma kit.
My so called bug out bag has: warm clothes, food, matches, smaller knife and waterbottle. I have to be able to move 128km with it. Its 2-3 day walk (with a bag) in calm situation (tested it in summer, spring and autumn. havent tried in winter). Wont be getting good sleep on those days tho, but .. warm clothes help some. i do hate "two is one and one is none". If i start loosing my stuff ... then .. well. No matter how many knives i had in my bag. :D Live in Baltic States (for weather info)
My home is in a good location, I would rather just stay here bugging out then go anywhere as I have everything I need within the general area. And my bug-out bag would be way too heavy I would need a truck to carry it anyway. Bjorn Your videos are good don't listen to all the haters they are just jealous.
My home is in a very bad location. Urban as can be and seeing some not-so-peaceful activity already. Even if I had a place to bug out to, the roads here would be so clogged you'd get your supplies stolen while stuck in traffic. Stay - and sooner or later somebody is coming looking for stuff. It's well known I'm alone and elderly. I'm OK with that but I'm not deluding myself that when store shelves are empty, people are going to be angry as well as hungry. Good luck and God bless everyone. This isn't a drill.
@@jamesjoseph9721 yeah I really feel for the elderly like yourself y'all are going to get hit hard not just by current events but by those that want what you have. I'm 40 years old me and my friends & family those of us that are going to stay here we've got stuff set up, even if people try to take our stuff it's going to be bloody for them and they might even choose to give up and walk away.
If the game is plentiful and the robbers non-existent, home is a good place to weather a socio-economic meltdown. I have thoughts about catching a good stringer of fish and getting robbed on the way home, if the worst happened.
Excellent advice. The importance of staying warm cannot be over emphasized. We don’t all live in Florida or Southern France. Being afraid, isolated and confused is nothing like being afraid, isolated, confused and cold. Also if you’ve ever had cold rain running down your back and pouring off your helmet into your mess kit while trying to eat a sodden mass of yuck will make a believer out of a man as to the importance of trying to stay dry.
Thanks, Bjorn. I have made many of the mistakes you mentioned! Like packing once and putting away my bag. Not hiking to test the weight. And no "dirt time" at all - my gear is shiny, brand new! Got me on all of that, very embarrassing! I will take it as a lesson, rather than as a kick in the butt! 😆 I have wondered where "72 hours" came from. It seems to me that if I have to leave home, 72 hours won't get me far away! Then I have to get back! 😆
I can read a manual about how to remove a car transmission and think I “know how to do it.” No way in hell i can actually do it! I think bugging out is the same. The theory doesn’t line up with practical reality. Playing video games doesn’t make you a skilled warrior…
If you don't try removing the transmission you will never know. It was built by men ......and so are you one. Trust me I am an engineer but I wasn't born one .....I like to see how things worked.
@@bixnood7273 Exactly. You need all the proper tools, materials, practice and diligence, and it wot always go well for you. But just reading the manual alone doesn’t mean you’re going to be able to do it. Just like watching a video of starting a fire with a Ferro rod makes no guarantee of success!
@@android582 Yes, practice, practice, practice, and with the right tools and proper parts. After a while of working on my own car, I found out pretty quickly what you need and don’t need. And if you’re self reliant on fixing your own car… more power to you, right!?
You are 100% correct. I live in Texas and I have a all seasons military grade sleeping bag I take with me. They will suffer once it hits freezing levels with out one before they die. I'm female and know this. Also if you allow fear to sink in you're in danger of serious mistakes. My bag is always under 25 lbs and bush craft skills are a benefit. My record of time spent bugging out nonstop is 1 month alone. Women said weren't you scared? Men said we expected you to come back and can't believe you stayed out there so long.
It's always good to practice with ur equipment u choose, I always refresh my skills by using them every cpl months. Stuff like a magnesium fire starter, finger cable saw, n fishing drop line. Practice makes perfect.......
I tend to bring multiple ways to start fire. They are all pretty light. Bringing your own tinder is "cheating", but it works very well at a camp site that has had sporadic rain for the last month. Those little school kid plastic pencil sharpeners are excellent at getting dry wood shavings from small sticks that are damp on the outside.
6:00 "They don't know how to use the stuff they are putting in their bugout bag". Perfectly describes one of the main problems. Either throwing in things that they saw in a movie/ tv show or an alleged prepper video, or things they have no idea how to use. You need to learn the skills that go with them (such as tying knots, starting fires, etc.) and practice regularly.
I watched a couple seasons of "Alone" on the History Channel. There might be some TH-cam excerpts. Watching extremely experienced outdoors people reduced to tears in less than a month or two.
I have a knapsack with toiletries, first aid supplies, a wool blanket, water purifier, energy bars, and some freeze dried meals. There are also 2 pairs of wool boot socks, 2 pair of underwear, 2 t-shirts, an aluminum water bottle, instant coffee, a multitool, 2 small flashlights with extra batteries, and other small luxuries in my basic bag. This bag is not for trudging into the wilderness, but rather to take if I am forced to evacuate my neighborhood and sheltering in a public building or stadium. Bugging out means many things to many people. I have several different bags depending on my needs.
It is a good thing the military trained me to carry all my gear on my back and to carry my rifle in my hands, and then to march for miles and miles. My rifle and my sleeping bag are definitely in my bugout bag.
So good to see someone informing the people who have some credibility. Camping and surviving aren't the same thing. When I god camping I'm supplying all my wants and needs for a limited time. When I prepare for survival, I will supply my needs and some basic aids for emergencies. Those things I bring will help me supply all my additional wants and needs while in the forest for an indefinite period of time.
Recommended reading material... "Boy Scout Handbook" for your country / region. I've got the Australian edition, it has lots of useful bushcraft basics ranging from a variety of useful knots, construction, first aid, navigating and orienteering with maps and compas, how to orient yourself in the absence of gps / compass, camp hygiene, snares / traps, basic tracking. The SAS Escape, Evasion and Survival Manual will take it to the next level, the title says it all. Neither are big heavy books and would be worth having in any kit. There's also good pocket sized field manuals available on natural pharmacopoeia and edible 'weeds'. The set of book I've got that covers these topics takes up as much space as a box of tissues. Practice the way you'll have to play... don't just watch videos and read books... apply the skills, get out and get some experience being totally alone in the bush for a week or so with your bugout bag, take those you plan to have with you if worse comes to worst. Take nothing more than you can carry, it's the only way to actually determine whether the gear you plan to use is a waste of space or worth having. Take note of what you wish you'd thought of. Test out your tracking, trapping and hunter / gatherer skills while you're at it along with your long term shelter building. Suggested kit articles... 40-50 cable ties... they're useful for constructing a frame for a shelter in a hurry, they can be used in snares. When you think you've got enough para-cord throw in a few extra meters. Try to make everything you carry serve more than one purpose, to the extent that that's possible. get a multi-band hand held radio like a baofeng, not so much for transmitting, but for keeping an ear on local radio traffic. I've spent a lot of time practicing paleo skills and survivalism and concealment in the tropical coastal region of northern Australia. I can tell you first hand that 6 weeks totally alone in the bush is something 90% of people wouldn't be mentally prepared for in even the vaguest of ways before even mentioning some of what you might confront both externally and internally. Even in a small isolated group it isn't going to be easy because people react in different way to the unknown, which is the reason I'm telling yu to go do it. I just spent 2 end to end periods of 3 weeks alone, over the last wet season camped on a remote beach on the western edge of the Coral Sea on Aboriginal lands [with permission from TO's of course]. Day time temperatures reached about 35 deg Celsius with about 99% humidity, it rained most days and two tropical cyclones gave me a near miss by 2-300Km. I didn't even know they were there until after the fact because I hadn't been listening to the marine band radio traffic. Things could have been radically different. My camp was a hammock under a 3x3m tarp and it was about 8 KM to the nearest road. All I had was what I could carry. Another challenge in that region is the presence of the top three or 4 of the worlds deadliest land snakes, and saltwater crocodiles which I saw occasionally on the beach and in the mangrove creek nearby. One was about 15 feet long. This made fishing a bit of an adventure if I went at night... it's not the crocodile you see that you should worry about, it's the one you don't see tht will eat you.. In that region, on the rainforest covered mountainsides there's a bird called Cassowary thats quite capable of killing adult humans by kicking them to death and tearing them up with their massive toenails... no joke, look it up. So, make sure you know the territory and what creatures you might find and what other wild food and water supplies are or are not there, you may need to consider the prospect that you'll have to be nomadic to survive in the long term so go and find the places that have the best potential to produce the resources you'll need, mark them on a physical map. I'm in the habit of dropping seeds here and there in my chosen locations.. things like squashes, cherry tomato, bottle gourd, butternut,. For a base camp area, I'd consider planting a choko vine [they regrow every season], maybe passionfruit, drop in some peas and beans, African Cucumber, pumpkins. All of these drop seeds and keep coming up, even if you're not around to look after them... just go and check things every 6-8 weeks... while you're out practicing you other skills, if they didn't grow, try something else. There's lots of ways you can prepare an area without building anything. I've got one or two spots with 100L plastic airtight drums buried with dried beans, flour, SALT (8 grams per day or you die), rice, freeze dried potato, some rope, cable ties, tie wire, hole auger, machete, tomahawk, fire lighting gear, light weight tarp and groundsheet, water purification (pool chlorine and life straws), some moral items like coffee and tea, tubes of condensed milk and a powdered milk suppliment called 'sustagen' here in Australia. There's also sachets of baby formula. Dried fruit, nuts, beef jerky / pemican, hard tack, Pepper, 4 cups, plates, KFS sets, 5l stainless steel bucket, bowie knife, fishing gear, and backup carbs like a bag of barley sugar, some chewing gum, I also threw in some dried pasta and sauce sachets. There's also 5 boxes of hexamine stove tablets and a stove--- for those times when you don't want to attract attention. Most dry beans from the supermarket will grow if you plant them, if you sprout them before you eat them they are something like 10 times more nutritious than just eating the cooked dry bean. Likewise for the bags of soup barley the sell, so I usually make sure there's a bag or 5 of that too. There's also a few things to make the food a little more interesting and a deck of cards. Whatever you take is eventually going to run out, so don't plan on your gear / food / first aid supplies lasting for ever. These are just some things to consider.
Thanks for your comment, a wealth of useful knowledge there. That 6 week stint in the bush sounds like an intense but amazing experience. I wish we had more true wilderness here in England, but we do have some beautiful landscapes at least. Only problem is the overall population density. Cheers
@@lindwyrm4268 Yeah.. thanks. Somewhere like the UK could be a problem for sustainable resources. You don't have to go far into the bush to be able to blend in effectively, as long as you have a clue on how to do that. I get the problem that population density can present, especially if that population is on the brink of starvation. The thing to worry about with that is that if there are people now already willing to knock you over the head for what they think might be in your wallet, imagine what people will be like if they are facing starvation. Wherever you end up deciding to go, think first about where people might be willing to look for you to access your resources. The key is.. make yourself as invisible as possible or as scarce as possible, preferably both. Remember... up to 3000 calories per day per person for while your going cross country and setting up your base. Take plenty of salt with you... it's critical to maintaining your body functions. IF you can take enough of it you can use it to preserve excess game meats. And, take a good size bottle of iodine [preferably 'lugol's solution']. Every cell in your body needs iodine to function properly and to heal... it's also a great anti'septic and can be injested in drinking water... about 8 drops per day per person helps as a prophylactic for maintaining your overall health but can be used in much lower doses to kill germs in your water. SALT and IODINE are both critical... make sure you have a good supply... I know I'm being emphatic on that but - there's good reason. Potassium Permangamate [of Potash / Condy's Crystals] Is a good anti-fungal to keep around for preventing foot-rot... throw in a little bottle of that too. Pool chlorine is a powerful water sanitizer and it doesn't take much to treat a hell of alot of water... it evaporates out after treatment. Definitely get a 'life straw' for everyone in your party, they're good for tens of thousands of liters... more than one person can drink in a year.. If you want anymore tips... feel free to ask.
I have a bug out bag. Strapped that thing on and hiked some local trails about 10 miles or so. Returned to my car tired and sore opened up my bag and could see right away what the difference between luxury and necessity was. All about perspective.
Nah...if shtf, I am bugging out. I have my crew, I have my plan. I am not letting myself get suck inside the walls. Last time my people let that happen, we were slaughtered by the millions.
I won't discourage someone who is prepared but consider your destination. I live in the woods, far enough from the nearest city that few will make it this far in a SHTF scenario If you do get here I won't necessarily be welcoming you. I am armed. Well armed. Keep that in mind.
To me more comfort means better rest. I've been wild camping for weeks before with no tent and wished I'd carried an extra couple of kilograms to have a warmer sleeping bag and thicker full length roll mats. But each to their own
The reason they say 72 hours is because they're under the assumption that within 72 hours you should have build a shelter, established a water source, set traps for small game, and at the very least started scouting for big game. It doesn't apply to those without experience in the outdoors. So it's a generalization that will put the inexperienced in a rough spot after those 72 hours.
Bjorn, I think your bag was a good fit. I live in South Australia, it can get to 45C + in summer, 0C in winter. It's important to fully consider the total range of temperature you will experience in your expected area, and adjust your bag seasonally, or at least regularly.
My first "inch" bag (I'm never coming home) was almost a "homesteading" bag. One step down from a horse drawn covered wagon for settlers! Now, because I still bushcraft, and no "resupply points" my bag (1980's military bag) is down to 18 kilos, with food and 2l water. As time goes on, I can lighten it with newer gear starting with the bag. Luv the channel!
Thank you for sharing that the gear you bug out with should be gear you use. To aid in this I found a well organized gear closet is better than a prepared bag. I can prep a bag for any type of trip in minutes with ease.
I bought your book jomsviking (some verry "smart" people stranslated it "the viking" to my language but anyways) it's really good. I didn't even know about it. I was just looking for historical/fantasy books. I found the cover interesting but wasn't sure. Then I saw your name I was like "I know this guy from somewhere". I checked your channel I remembered you made some very interesting videos. Immediately bought it.
Jomsvikingr were the Elite Warriors, basically the Norse spartans. From a very young age they would join their ranks and immediately start training with weapons. Supposedly the final test of initiation was to break into pairs and fight to the death, the survivors were now Jomsvikingr.
Dear Björn. I have to level with you on one thing. among all the "Rambos" there actually are a few that can handle nature as a minimalist. Ive been out In The Swedish forests for about a year and a half. In my bag there are a knife, an axe a sleeping bag, fire-steel some kind of rope and fishingline and hooks. sometimes a militairy shovel. And a pack or two of Broth dices. Never had any mental problems in nature, but i am completely emotionless normally too. Fun thing to point out for the insects. I heat up birch bark and smear myself in birch tar and mud works very good for most kind of bugs. no need to buy a repellant. Fishing with shiny hooks to catch what we call the Mört and using its eyes and intestines as bait for finer fish. Trapping is good to learn as a minimalist. there are no better ways of hunting may just take time. and when its season for it you know most birds lay eggs. if you need to hide a fire during the day dig a fire pit with an air vent on the side. and get it extremely hot and the smoke will not be seen. wont work during the night. because of the light obviously, Knowing which mushrooms and plants are edible may also help but its quite a waste of time unless you stumble upon them while looking for a suitable place to set up a fire and a place to sleep. But you are 100% right about the sleeping bag without that nature is horrible. During winter dig down. The deeper the better but not until you are on the frozen ground. try to NEVER get wet and avoid getting Sweaty thats a real death trap during winter. but wintertime keep walking movement is very important. If you know nature use it to your benefit. But be creative and adaptive. And yes try to not be alone especially during winter. some can but most cant handle lonelieness and survival at the same time. when i came back home i wasnt really well fed so if i may choose i will not go out alone like that again. aaand latin american/asian jungle is way worse than norse forest any day. But yeah listen to Björn everyone most of you should follow his advice. Im not allowed to be speciffic of where and how i learned what i know either so dont ask me i wont answer questions.
Good advice, I used to 'bug-out' in the canadian mountain wilderness as a young man and alone, on reflection, was foolhardy. More than once I was close to situations that without another there could have been lethal. There is an old army adage, ' Know your kit, take care of your own kit.' You give good advice. My -40c Russian military sleeping bag saved my life more than I can remember. Thank you Bull. Blessings from Eire 💖🙏🌻
Couldn't agree with you more on the sleeping bag front Bjørn . I guess folk dont realise here in Norway you can go into Hyperthermia even in the summer. The understanding of ground temprature in colder countries is really overlooked, and in winter bugging out in -25 °c entails a whole different bug out bag .
I always consider bringing loads of salt for curing meat. Who knows how long the shit would last or whether or not you would be near any salt. Other than that, the main things I focus on bringing are things that keep me warm, dry, and able to build. Thanks for the reminder to bring bug repellant. 😂
@@christianriddler5063 And don't forget replenishing minerals. If you've been walking for over 3-4 hours, carrying a load, you will have lost quite a lot of sodium, in summer especially but even in cool weather. Being low in sodium can have pretty nasty effects, becoming faint one of them. It's one thing I often forget when I go hiking in the bush and then at the end of the day i'm cramping up bad, unless, by the grace of god i've remembered to pack a himalayan salt chocolate bar.
Let's face it, we are speaking about bugging out due to the political climate in which we now find ourselves. If you have to bug out, away from your home, it's going to have to be a very serious issue which made you bug out and you are unlikely to ever be able to return to your home. There is bugging out from impending natural disaster then there is bugging out from government takeovers or "peaceful protesters". With natural disaster scenarios you might be able to return if your home is still standing. With the other scenarios, your home will likely be completely destroyed. If you are going to bug out, plant hidden supplies in different areas or have a Plan B and Plan C for bug out locations. None of us are actually Rambo and we need to remember that. Plan to dodge, evade and stay hidden.
If I was a betting man I would bet that some of the 50 people that liked this comment sill be bugging out within 5-10 years. There is still time, but don’t wait till it’s too late!
Freedom's Promise! Kenneth Mackie! Jupiter Jackson! Salute! I dares venture to say that You All -- like the likes o' me -- are John Galt, too. I am Spartucus. And if the 'political climate' is that foul; well then, We'll fight in the shade! 🙂 Rick Bonner Pennsyltucky
I love your channel. Thank you. When I was in the Army (infantry) we used to compete with one another regarding bringing the lightest rucksack and least amount of kit possible into the field without compromising survivability. I got very good at surviving with very little equipment. It is almost comical how sparse you can go. Who wouldn't take a sleeping bag and even a groundsheet? Crazy people, I guess. The Henry AR7 .22 calibre survival rifle is a great little item. It fits inside its own stock and floats, you can strap it on the outside of a bag, it takes up little space and weighs basically nothing. I love mine. Also, nothing beats a decent multitool and some tiewire.
You are spot on! I have been out both camping for up to a week and up to 6 weeks working by myself in remote areas. Long before 6 weeks you will start talking to yourself. When it is over you feel so good because you made it! OLD PROSPECTOR/HUNTER
@@joenathan8059 may I suggest you start rewording that? "every Saturday morning I will try to make a fire for 20 minutes." for example :) This will switch a dream to a plan, a goal to an organised plan :)
@@joenathan8059 may I also suggest you set some money aside each payday for saving towards goals? A good quality water filter is a good start. I suggest a 'sawyer mini'.
My friend, the idea of 48 and 72 hours comes from a military mindset! In which soldiers expect to get rescued from a survival situation within this time scale! Myself personally, I have been involved in survival and bushcraft training for over 30 years now, and have spent a lot of time teaching others the skills required to live off the land! Unfortunately I believe that so many people get confused between a survival situation and bugging out, because they are MASSIVELY world's apart! For instance, in a survival situation, the main goal is to be able to provide all your basic needs until you get found and rescued. Yet in a bugging out situation, this is totally the opisit! You are trying to provide all your basic needs, without being found and rescued! In fact, the very people who would normally be rescuing you, are the very people you are trying to evade! The first thing you normally get taught in survival training, is fire lighting, yet in reality, lighting a fire in a bug out situation is the quickest way to give you location away if you arn't careful! That's why you are spot on regarding a sleeping bag! Your sleeping bag will keep you warm, and not give away your location from the bright light and the smell of smoke! The only things you need in a bug out bag, is the items which are very hard to get from nature, like a metal cooking pot, water collecting containers, any cutting tools like a knife, axe and saw! Means of lighting a fire for cooking,( when you are 100% sure) the coast is clear and safe to do so! Infact there are a number of different ways of lighting cooking fires, which if done correctly are very difficult indeed to detect. For instance, during the Vietnam war, the Vietnamese soldiers used charcoal in handmade braziers for cooking! Because once you understand how fire works, you learn the reason for smoke is due to incomplete combustion, normally caused by moisture in damp materials! And the moment you understand, that whenever you use anything chard, like charcoal or chard cloth, you have removed the moisture! At the end of the day, I have always believed, kit is great, but knowledge is better! It doesn't weigh anything, and you always have it with you! And for anyone who hasn't managed to gain that knowledge yet, I can't recommend highly enough a book called the SAS Survival handbook, by John Lofty Wiseman! This is the very book that got me hooked on the subject 35 years ago, and now they do this book in a small pocket version also! In my opinion, what this book doesn't teach about survival and bushcraft skills, isn't worth knowing! It covers EVERYTHING from plant identification for food and medicine, poisonous plants and fungi, extensive first aid, herbal medicine recipes, trapping and fishing, water collection, filtration and sterilisation, camp craft, many fire lighting techniques and much more! And even though I have read this book from cover to cover so many times, I always have a pocket size copy in a bag side pocket, and I have given a copy of this book to each of my children! Not only that, but you can never underestimate the power of lifting your morrell , and having some good sound knowledge to fall back on has the power to do just that!
Being 74 yrs old, the only bugging out I plan on doing is bugging out to the bathroom. lol But I do have a 87 lb German Shepard who only likes 3 people in the entire world. I also have a good supply of guns and ammo, so coming to my house uninvited, well it may not be too smart or safe. Hopefully it never comes to that, but I will defend my home and family to the death. They will find out for sure the SHTF if they come to this country man's house.
We have a great dog like that. Last power outage someone tried to sneak up to our house to steal our generator off our porch. She took care of that for us. Didn't have to lift a finger beyond giving her a pat on the head and saying "Good Dog!" after she was through with him.
Great content. Mosquitoes!! I'd pack a small caliber rifle for hunting for sure. I'm definitely not leaving my bedding behind. My military training was land and water survival which helps. I good water filter is a must. Fire requires good multi purpose tools for acquiring material. I have some spots where I can be safe, off grid and awesome food source. I do love camping alone though, not disagreeing but I have that mindset of being on my own that benefits me. Everything is an adventure if you allow it to be. Apply skills as needed.
When I was 10 years old me and my dad were out backpacking in the Sierra’s. On the first day back, in mid may, it started snowing. It then snowed so hard we couldn’t see 3 feet in front of us. We of course weren’t prepared to deal with the snow. We made snow shoes out twigs and paracord and put large ziplock plastic bags over our socks inside our boots to keep our feet dry. We ended up getting somewhat lost and had to camp in a thicket of trees near a creek. We almost froze to death that night. The next day we woke up to a foot of snow surrounding the tent, so we had to dig our way out. We ended up hiking an extra 10-15 miles getting lost in the snow. I’ll never forget my dad keeping the situation calm and not panicking. To this day I never panic, I just react to situations. I believe I am mentally tough to face any situation society may throw at us. Bugging out wouldn’t be that hard. Staying hidden would be though. I would look for natural caves and/or very steep terrain. Also try and camp/bug out near the top of the mountain you’re on. If the terrain is difficult, you’re less likely to get visitors.
"I believe I am mentally tough to face any situation society may throw at us." I don't think any of us truly knows how we will react. It's easy to be calm when you know the world around you is "normal" and you have your comforts to look forward to. When the world is going to hell and you don't know what's going on in the world and how many crazies are running loose, that's a whole different situation.
I've read in multiple sources that in a SHTF situation, meaning total societal breakdown, during the first year 90% of the population will die. I can't imagine it being any less but I can imagine it being more. The one thing that stands out to me these days is how hard government and media work at promoting division, distrust and resentment among citizens who should be natural allies. It's all-pervasive and it's deliberate. We're constantly bombarded with race-baiting, extremely adversarial political posturing, shaming and finger pointing, virtue-signalling over vaccine status and not-so veiled threats towards any wrong thinkers. They want wanton slaughter when it's time to cull the herd for the NWO and it's looking like they'll get it.
I know it wouldn't have impressed your mum much, but I think those types of rough experiences are very important for teenage boys. In our modern world we basically have lost the rites of passage that existed in tribal societies- for young men to go through significantly stressful challenges. The Sateré-Mawé people of Brazil come to mind, as they intentionally use the excruciating bullet ant stings as part of their initiation rites for young men.
I am a bit of a princess and my buggout kit includes a mattress specifically cut to fit the back of my suv awd. A sleeping bag. A headlamp. Night vision goggles in case I hear a noise at night. Leather gloves. A first aid kit. A blood pressure monitor. A portable blender and a fire extinguisher.
depends on the type of bag as well you know. I have had backpacks with 15kg in them that were just very uncomfortable to haul around. On the other hand I've had 25kg bags with a rifle in them that had a frame system on them that were more comfortable and I can haul all day....
@@tomevans4402 to be honest my whole kit. Which is made for a permanent stay is probably 80 lbs but that's traps, a single shot 12 guage, fishing pole and a solid 4 season bag to go with a 3 season bedroll along with tarp and lavu. It's very hard for me to cut the weight because Its half bushcraft traditional kit and half modern 20th century gear
Learning skills, improvising and be highly adaptable. Its no guarantee, but will improve your chances of survival. Just accept it might be not or be your time.
I've got a bugout bag. It's got 25kilo's of uranium so I can kickstart a reactor and save the world. 25 kilo's is pretty heavy so I took the lead shielding out so I can still get around easily. Oh and I've also got plenty of water in there in flimsy light bottles - what's the worst that can happen?!
Horace Kephart wrote: Camping is hard under ideal conditions. City people go to the woods to rough it. Experienced mountain people go to the woods to smooth it out. The extra blanket and Swiss Miss keep you warm and happy, that's a win.
I'm not an experienced camper whatsoever, but I think it's good practice to take your Bug out bag and go try spend 3 nights in a nearby forest (close enough to home should things not go so well). This way you can gain some experience with your set up, as well as remove or add things that you might've forgotten about. Make this a monthly practice and you'll be a lot better prepared.
Depends on what you are running from. I have years of wilderness experience. I wont bug out. It is to much for an old man like me. The wilderness is a harsh place. Nature is filled with thorns and teeth. I loved the time I spent there when I was a young man. When you have to hunt and fish to eat , while someone is hunting you. Not for me. That is like war, it is best handled by young healthy people . If you have a disability or are fat and out of shape, it will eat you alive. Better just forming strong bonds with your friends and neighbors and work together for mutual security and survival. Like men have always done with best results.
Worked in the woods for a short while at 59+ degrees North and yes - the bugs drove me insane. Spent a couple of hours waiting for our helicopter to pick us up late one summer night and there were 5 or so black bears hanging around but it was the bugs that were the real problem!
Its a very good idea, and its worth the weight penalty it costs. No need for something heavy with heavy ammo in most cases. A 10/22 is light with light ammo, easy to use, and easy to clean. You can easily carry 500 rounds of .22 LR and a 10/22. Its easy to make them relatively quiet as well, though the crack of a supersonic round can still be heard. Hunting and defense is handled by small calibers, though a .22 will mostly piss off large predators like bears, it can keep you fed. If you need a gun or not really depends on the environment. Some places a gun is superfluous most of the time, because there aren't many small game animals, other places its nearly mandatory.. like where I live. But I have to have some stopping power thanks to large predators. I'm not overly concerned about humans.
@@SweatyFatGuy .22 lr with proper shot placement is plenty lethal even on larger game such as deer, elk and moose. You may not want to use subsonic* rounds for that though.
@@ansuz444 yeah the .22 is lethal even at a distance, they'll reach out and say "Hey how are ya?" but they aren't terribly fond of going through car doors and drywall.
@@SweatyFatGuy i shot through car doors as a kid and drywall on accident. Even at 400 yards, there's a lot of drop and the wind blows it around but it'll still go through half inch ply at that distance!
@@ansuz444 The 22s we shot at 70s era doors did not penetrate, nor did they go through dishwashers and the like. A dishwasher will stop a .45 before it exits the rear, a .44mag breezes right through, and .22s make cool little dents. 7.62x39 FMJ steel core will go through an old car front to back, but not an iron engine. If you shoot a vehicle anywhere without the engine, trans, or brakes in the line of fire with those things they will go right on through. Fun times with junk vehicles. Newer stuff is either thinner metal or a composite body, depends on what make it is. I haven't shot anything newer than 1990 or so. I bet a .22 will go through the doors on modern cars and light trucks rather easily.
One thing I have done with my family and trusted friends is set up a destination point and a alternative where we can meet up in a SHTF bug out . We also have buried survival caches in those locations . Not sure if this is a method you would or have considered ; But it's a way to store extra food and equipment . Just be sure to mark it on your maps .
You are 100% correct in what you are saying. I have had several years of military training where I realize that engaging an adversarial person or group will highly likely result in a negative outcome. Use the SERE tactic first, second and so on...
As usual you shared some wise thoughts. It often seems that the most outspoken and opinionated people are the very ones to whom logical reasoning is very much a foreign concept.
The places he hikes through are wonderful. I wish I had those places to hike through every day.
@@puppetsock It is at the south east coast of Norway, bordering Sweden. Its called Hvaler. You can see it on google earth. Wonderful place with lots of islands and a mild climate for an arctic country! 👍❤️🇳🇴
I agree. Possible exception of the gun though. If it was a choice of "Sleeping bag or gun" That would be a tough one. Sleeping warm is important, but so is eating. If it is only a few days, sleeping bag for sure, long term....I dunno. I'm not the slightest bit worried about having a gun for protection, but a gun can feed you well for a long time.....still, if you freeze to death, food won't matter much! There are a lot of ways to get by without either one, but none of them are as good as the real thing.
Skeeters bad there yet Lonnie? Hot and dry here. I just heard of a forest fire on my police scanner......not good news....
@@MuskratOutdoors Right where I live the mosquitoes are a fairly low population and rarely much of a problem. However out at our remote cabin, they are there in such hordes that you would not live more than a few hours if your skin was exposed and with no way to defend yourself. They are BAD there. Good luck with your local fire season there. Hope you and your properties remain safe.
@Yance Taylor Hello my friend.
Whoever thinks a sleeping bag is a luxury has never spent extended amounts of time sleeping on the floor.
Don't forget the mat. It's not for comfort, you'll lose most of your heat through the ground.
A blanket or sleeping bag is the homeless mans most valued item.
I don't mind the hard ground. I sometimes sleep on the floor just because I like it. It's the heat loss I hate. Waking up cold on a surface you can't lie on after waking up sucks. Hammocks are the way to go.
I sleep on the floor every night so I'm good.
in my bugout gear i have a brouse bag. it takes up less space than a sleeping bag. as long as I can find materials to stuff in it Im good.
Being an old fart and not in great physical shape, I have moved to and now live in my "bugout" location. The only bugging out I can see myself doing is vacating the area for a short period of time if the authorities show up to relocate or evacuate people "for our own good". We had it happen once in a prolonged power outage. The authorities wanted everyone to leave until the power was back on because it was estimated they would need two weeks and it was winter. We were perfectly fine in our home with our back ups. So we pretended to leave, used our bug out bag to pass the few hours required to wait for the police to move on and went right back to our home.
Good common sense approach. I would do the same. I have everything I need here, including the means to defend my property and person and a pair of protective dogs.
@@heathsavage4852 Yes many of the homes were broken into and cleared out while folks were away.
Where did this happen?
Remember, KNOWLEDGE weighs nothing, has a long shelf life, can be shared and kept at the same time, is easy to modify if needed, and can be concealed on top of your shoulders.
Brilliant, well said! 👍
Edit: someone said my original comment was a Viking riddle, so I posed the following. They have removed their comment, I guess they didn’t like my riddle.
@@fauxnews3740
A Viking riddle:
What struts like a turkey,
Cackles like a chicken,
Hides like a game bird,
Is soft like a dove,
and lays golden eggs like a goose?
@@logoseven3365 The Pope?
@@logoseven3365 -- whatever is the answer?? Please do tell!!
I have a notebook with the old recipes how to make soap,lye and other things you have made a very powerful comment
Two things set me up for wild camping: being raised (and broke) in the Scottish Highlands. But most of all, being homeless more than once, twice in cities. A girl alone wiith no resources except her wits. I'm not ashamed to admit I poached and sometimes stole clothing from laundry lines to get warm.
Poverty is a great teacher. Now, I'm 60. If I have to bug out I'll be taking every comfort I'm able to carry. For what it's worth, I've had hypothermia, hospitalised for it twice. This was in Scotland, in Autumn, when days were still hot but nights were icy.
It isn't, for me, just a matter of a bag. It's that plus pockets in rugged layered clothing, good boots and thick warm socks and my flint and steel and, being Scottish and used to midges, YES to the bug repellent. Deet, if you can get it. The bag, sure. But also what you wear, what you carry in every pocket you can fit things in (paper map...invaluable) and above all, hope and awareness of your surroundings, because in many places we can't carry guns.
Valuable information 🍻 thank you 🙂
Just out of curiosity. When you stole from laundry lines, did you ever try or consider simply asking someone for clothes to stay warm?
@@pinetree2473 Many people turn homeless people away or they call the police because of the myth that all homeless people are drug addicts or alcoholics. We do what we need to do to survive, even if it means doing something we wouldn't ordinarily do, in normal circumstances.
A girl? Homeless?
You must not be much to look at or a simp would've opened his door to you within the first day.
@@StarboyXL9 Careful Joe, your misogyny is showing!
Good sleep is absolutely essential for staying alive.
So are the BeeGees! 😆
@@VoodooViking LOL! Good catch! : )
I just realized the time...
I don’t sleep anymore 🤷♂️
@@Jaapst Cool.
We have dangerous snakes here. We see them weekly in our yard. My son was bitten, he was very sick but recovered. Three dogs bitten over the years, two recovered. I wonder sometimes about folks who say they will head to the woods here in TN ,USA. You must know the dangers out there and be prepared accordingly. It's not just camping.
Living in Oklahoma, I second you on the mosquito repellant. We also have wild pigs, cougar, and black bear, a firearm here is handy.
I never hear bug-out discussions about repetitive motion injury or wrist/knee/ankle support. It takes the body weeks to adjust to new patterns of activity, and those first few days are the most crucial, as well as the hardest. Don't just practice with your gear, practice enough to condition your muscles, tendons and ligaments to use those tools all day every day.
To me a “bug out” bag is a transitional item. It get you to the next phase or location. It is not your entire plan. Have alternate location or a stock pile/cache. Your not surviving indefinitely with one back pack.
👍 yepp! Plan, location, vehicle, bag
Yup. I think these people think they're going to be like he said, like Rambo, or like MacGyver, able to build a whole camp with just a pocketknife, a paperclip, and some chewing gum. LOL
@@SR-iy4gg Yeah i'm with you.
Exactly. 🌷
@@SR-iy4gg A lot will either end up in some shithole encampment or dead thinking they'll be making it that way lol. This is why so many are packing heat and don't take kindly to interlopers.
Common Sense advice. Bugging out is only wise, for getting home, or your home is indefensible.
BTW We may be related. I had a great grandfather who emigrated to USA. name was Halvor Hansen. His son Hans Halvorson kept the sir name, because now they were Americans.
Bingo. Mine is because I'm stuck in a major US city that will go really bad in the shtf days. Fortunately I'm surrounded by desert mountains.
I will stand my grund
@@wakeup3987 good for you. Sweden is a great shtf area in most of the country.
Yes
Too many people never stop to think that if they really must "bug out" into the bush, they will be far more concerned about dealing with exposure, thirst, bugs of the local type, and getting lost (if they are not on familiar ground). A few so-called "comforts" - whether those be a sleeping bag, dry socks, a length of cord, some chocolate coffee (!), and even a deck of cards can make all the difference. In most cases one of those 'essentials' will not be a firearm. As you have said many times, it is so very important to use and be familiar with the gear you might carry.
Having a couple of creature comforts will keep you from being at each other’s throats and help you with fighting giving up. And primitive camping is NOT like regular camping!
Thats why you know how to brew tea and sing! Cant lose your voice!
Pets help so much.
Definitely NOT like regular camping. Now in my 50s I still practice the primitive skills I learned as a child.
My adult kids carry a ton of things. My kit is about 25 lbs. Most of what I need I make in the field.
In a survival situation you may only have what you have what is in your pockets or what you can find.
What is Regular camping?
A literal and rhetorical question.
Short history anecdote:
Back in '91 US military personnel in Saudi Arabia were in various forward "staging" areas (i.e. deprived of rear luxuries)
The Air force personnel had it rough because they lacked their usual AC in their buildings and complained about it, of course.
Some US Army doggies heard them and said, "why are you complaining, we have to sleep in tents."
Some US Marines heard that and responded, "You got tents?"
As a young man I was often in the Scottish mountains, the weather could change in minutes, and if you could not read the signs one could end up very cold, wet and miserable. I worked outside most of my young life and I could smell the weather changing. Many people today have no ability to survive outside. 2 years ago I climbed Ben Nevis with my oldest son, we had a one day window to get to the top because the weather was terrible, we were wet as fish most of the time and cold and then the storm came. I did teach him a few old tricks though, like warming stones and placing them in his wet boots to dry them out. If I have to I can live in nature on my own. I think the worst thing for people will be the loneliness, that will be the mind killer.
Once went on a trail... simple little affair, along a small river, in july. We were supposed to go on a two day hike.
We spent the first two hours being merry. then we basically jogged, with our packs, tent etc... for the coming four trying to outrun all the bity things in the air; that was with mosquito repellant. We made it to our first camp site in near half time, then we lit a bloody fire and sat happily in the smoke hiding...
Good repellant is not comfort, it is necessity.
Anyone who has ever experienced midges in Scotland would agree that insect repellant is a must! (Or seen the effects a horsefly bight can have for that matter).
Exactly, as a hiker in Northern Maine USA, we bring bug jackets because even the repellent does nothing. Flies, Mosquitoes, midges not to mention ticks and chiggers...ugh 😫
@@flightographist 👍
@@alistairdunlop9174 We don't call them midges in the U.S., but up by Lake Superior in Michigan, I have experienced the black flies there. I believe they're probably the same or virtually the same as midges. Insect repellant is definitely important. People seem to forget too that bugs can carry disease, along with getting too many bites at one time can cause you to become sick/infected. That's definitely not something you want to be dealing with during an SHTF event either.
So many great points! One thing that I've noticed about guys doing bug out bag videos is that they look like they are so out of shape, overweight that I doubt they could carry the bag they discuss across the street, much less out in the wilderness! Be safe!
I think they are confusing a "bug out bag" with a "go bag;" a "bug out bag" should have what you need to survive, a "go bag" should have just what you need to get home or to the next feasible safe location.
Another TH-camr I watch recommends a "get home bag" over a "bug out bag". His reasoning was that being alone in the woods makes you very vulnerable, and you're better off in a secure location with other people to help you. "Home" in this case doesn't necessarily mean YOUR home, but a secure location that you and your friends and family agree to meet at.
It's amusing to listen to people say they are going to bug out to the woods. I would guess that most of them have not spent any time in the wilderness, yet they are going to bug out with their wife and kids along with their backpacks and head to the woods ! GOOD LUCK !!
Unless my home is on fire or under water I am not leaving. The second you leave you are vulnerable, an outsider wherever you go. Plus you never want your home to fall into hostile hands.
spot on my friend!
bugging out should only be considered if your home has burned to the ground or a similar level of disaster, bugging IN is the best option, way too many people these days seem to concentrate too heavily on their bug out options with little to no prep ensuring you have a 2/3 week supply of food and water stored in their home.
Not true if you are in an inner-city where you may be in an ethnic minority. Unless you have an extensive and skilled circle you stand little chance
@@dannythomson5239 100% agree with you guys. The other thing that bugs me about the 'bugging out' brigade is what is their long term plan then? Sooner or later you have to return or at least make a 'home' somewhere so you are back to square one anyhow.
Yes make your home a castle and defend at any cost plan well and with some luck you can make it
Besides we all die sometime I’ll die standing my ground not running away
I basically have a camping set with a small tent w/sleeping bag, warm clothes,some mre's, a knife, flint, butane w/burner set, iodine tablets, one of those purifying straws, and a hunting rifle/handgun. It all fits into a hiking backpack. Not too heavy. And like you said, sticking with family/friends is super important. You can pool resources.
Iodine for radiation?
Better get some FFP3 mask and rain clothes against contamination.
@@maxmustermann5538 I’d imagine the iodine is mostly for disinfection 👍
@@ryansweet3640 as tablets?
Sounds like you've got a good setup. :)
Gear is never a replacement for knowledge. You can have all the gear in the world but if you don't know how to use it, it won't do you any good. I don't know if everyone that says 2 to 3 days thinks this way but my B.O.B is set up for 3 days. I've done this not because I believe I will be out there for only 3 days but because it takes 3 days to get to my bug out location, which has additional gear and supplies. So my B.O.B is only to get me to my alternate location. And Bjorn, you are very right. State of mind is vital.
I’ve planned more to bug in, can’t think of many reasons why I’d have to bug out from where I’m at, and bugging out during the winter would be suicidal. 🙈
Natural disaster.
I live in the higher mountains of Colorado and have spent extensive time in the woods. If I'm driving anywhere over 1 hour I bring my get home bag and you betcha there is a sleeping bag and a micro tent. The weather can change on you every five minutes, lol! I always bring a .22 Cal Ruger 10 - 22 rifle with me as we have yummy little creatures to cook up that make a comforting meal! It's light and has been by my side for over 45 years...he's my buddy. I'm am very used to my bag and it's contence and weight. You must use all the gear you usually take with you. I have both hips replaced so I must know my capabilities. So must you!:-)
@@garys9638 I live in Saskatchewan, Canada, summer wouldn’t be so bad for bugging out on foot, winter would need a motorized mode of transportation(preferably heated) and a set destination with enough fuel to get there though, getting stranded in -30 to -40 plus wind chill on top of that can turn deadly quickly. Better to have a bug in plan, with enough wood to burn for about 6 months, than to get stranded in the middle of nowhere. 🙈 Lol!
@@j.b.4340 Tornado or blizzard is about all I have to worry about, where I’m at, I’m on the prairies, but far enough north that a tornado is highly unlikely. Blizzard would be my biggest worry.
Yes. suicidal of you're not trained.
People don’t realize how long it is going to take. Be sure to have a radio so you know a little about what is going on. Boredom will be a big problem after a while. A week will seem like a month.
Boredom? How? Keeping you warm, dry and healthy in the woods, is a fulltime job, if i remember correctly.
Wrong
@@FrankTheThinkTank most people have never waited 3 hs for the sun to come up, 6 hrs for the tide to go out etc. 15 min is the most will last without getting stimulated by their phone. The novelty wears off fast.
@@FrankTheThinkTank correct
@@FrankTheThinkTank Nah man I've lived in the mountains with 0 technology (besides a few books which I devoured out of sheer boredom in a really short time) and it's not really a full time job, it's only at the beginning.
Very true. Its easy to be "cocky" in your warm apartement. In the end it's not so fun when your out in the wild, all wet from heavy rain trying to set up a tent on a empty stomach.
Know your weaknesses and the weaknesses of those in your company. You might have good fire making or knife handling skills, know every knot there is, but if you or your companion has got a bad back, asthma, depression etc, acknowledging those characteristics and how they may set you back and preparing for those scenarios is very important
Real tough people are humble.
This reminds me of this time I was at a party and we were talking about end of the world scenarios and this guy said he could be put in the woods with a desert eagle and an AK and he'd be good. Really dude? Forgot to ask for ammo, also forgot to ask for water filters, fire starting gadgets, anything to build fire, anything to make shelter... I love the bravado on people who don't sleep in the bush
I grew up in the woods so it comes natural to me. I love being alone. But I go places where I won't run into a human. If I do, I keep an eye on them until they are gone. I don't know what I would do if they kept coming my way. Never had it happen. I wouldn't go where I go without a pistol, rifle, and shotgun, with plenty of ammo. Got to be prepared for the long haul. But, if you can't lay right on the ground, in the dark, without a light, and be at home and not worried about anything in the world, you better go out and get used to it before the shtf. I'm lucky because I grew up hunting and fishing and eating off the land. I feel more at home in the woods than I do around people. Can't trust people anymore. Only can trust myself. Just don't panic and be scared. Use your head and you will be ok. Just remember, the sun comes up in the east and sets in the west.
It’s lonely being alone. You got done wrong by several people it seems.
I do what you are talking about and find it enjoyable love the woods . The woods will take care of you. As far as not wanting to be around people I can agree. I've found the worst will be the ones close to you. Stay safe.
I prefer having survival bags in my vehicles plus EDC, each of thoses bags contain; Fire starter, good full tang knife, folding saw, compess, wool blanket, mirror, flashlight, whistle, few trash bags, 550 cord, matches/lighters, water bottle single wall steel, tarp, 3 days rations, first aid/trauma kit.
My so called bug out bag has: warm clothes, food, matches, smaller knife and waterbottle. I have to be able to move 128km with it. Its 2-3 day walk (with a bag) in calm situation (tested it in summer, spring and autumn. havent tried in winter). Wont be getting good sleep on those days tho, but .. warm clothes help some. i do hate "two is one and one is none". If i start loosing my stuff ... then .. well. No matter how many knives i had in my bag. :D Live in Baltic States (for weather info)
There are some things that everyone needs bugging out.. but a bug out bag is also very personal. Thanks for being realistic!
My home is in a good location, I would rather just stay here bugging out then go anywhere as I have everything I need within the general area. And my bug-out bag would be way too heavy I would need a truck to carry it anyway. Bjorn Your videos are good don't listen to all the haters they are just jealous.
Agreed I’m bugging in to I’m no leaving my home I like where I am , everything is handy and close so staying put.
My home is in a very bad location. Urban as can be and seeing some not-so-peaceful activity already. Even if I had a place to bug out to, the roads here would be so clogged you'd get your supplies stolen while stuck in traffic. Stay - and sooner or later somebody is coming looking for stuff. It's well known I'm alone and elderly. I'm OK with that but I'm not deluding myself that when store shelves are empty, people are going to be angry as well as hungry. Good luck and God bless everyone. This isn't a drill.
@@jamesjoseph9721 yeah I really feel for the elderly like yourself y'all are going to get hit hard not just by current events but by those that want what you have. I'm 40 years old me and my friends & family those of us that are going to stay here we've got stuff set up, even if people try to take our stuff it's going to be bloody for them and they might even choose to give up and walk away.
If the game is plentiful and the robbers non-existent, home is a good place to weather a socio-economic meltdown.
I have thoughts about catching a good stringer of fish and getting robbed on the way home, if the worst happened.
Excellent advice. The importance of staying warm cannot be over emphasized. We don’t all live in Florida or Southern France. Being afraid, isolated and confused is nothing like being afraid, isolated, confused and cold. Also if you’ve ever had cold rain running down your back and pouring off your helmet into your mess kit while trying to eat a sodden mass of yuck will make a believer out of a man as to the importance of trying to stay dry.
Enjoyed walking through the Norwegian woods it reminded me of my guiding days in Scotland. Be prepared. From new Zealand.
Thanks, Bjorn. I have made many of the mistakes you mentioned! Like packing once and putting away my bag. Not hiking to test the weight. And no "dirt time" at all - my gear is shiny, brand new! Got me on all of that, very embarrassing! I will take it as a lesson, rather than as a kick in the butt! 😆 I have wondered where "72 hours" came from. It seems to me that if I have to leave home, 72 hours won't get me far away! Then I have to get back! 😆
I can read a manual about how to remove a car transmission and think I “know how to do it.” No way in hell i can actually do it! I think bugging out is the same. The theory doesn’t line up with practical reality. Playing video games doesn’t make you a skilled warrior…
I agree
You can do it from reading a manual. You're just going to mess it up the first couple of times. Practice, so you don't mess it up when it matters.
If you don't try removing the transmission you will never know.
It was built by men ......and so are you one.
Trust me I am an engineer but I wasn't born one .....I like to see how things worked.
@@bixnood7273 Exactly. You need all the proper tools, materials, practice and diligence, and it wot always go well for you. But just reading the manual alone doesn’t mean you’re going to be able to do it. Just like watching a video of starting a fire with a Ferro rod makes no guarantee of success!
@@android582 Yes, practice, practice, practice, and with the right tools and proper parts. After a while of working on my own car, I found out pretty quickly what you need and don’t need. And if you’re self reliant on fixing your own car… more power to you, right!?
You are 100% correct. I live in Texas and I have a all seasons military grade sleeping bag I take with me. They will suffer once it hits freezing levels with out one before they die. I'm female and know this. Also if you allow fear to sink in you're in danger of serious mistakes. My bag is always under 25 lbs and bush craft skills are a benefit. My record of time spent bugging out nonstop is 1 month alone. Women said weren't you scared? Men said we expected you to come back and can't believe you stayed out there so long.
Did you stay away from 'civilization' for a month, with just a 25lb bag?
It's always good to practice with ur equipment u choose, I always refresh my skills by using them every cpl months. Stuff like a magnesium fire starter, finger cable saw, n fishing drop line. Practice makes perfect.......
Good video.
Hunger sets in pretty quick when you’re stressed out and on the move.
Someone yelled at me once for having a wind resistant lighter in my bag.
Because not wanting to be cold is apparently a comfort.
I tend to bring multiple ways to start fire. They are all pretty light. Bringing your own tinder is "cheating", but it works very well at a camp site that has had sporadic rain for the last month. Those little school kid plastic pencil sharpeners are excellent at getting dry wood shavings from small sticks that are damp on the outside.
@@martinhafner2201 I never thought of that. Brilliant!
@@martinhafner2201 That's genius. -No need to risk slicing your hand making wood curls.
6:00 "They don't know how to use the stuff they are putting in their bugout bag". Perfectly describes one of the main problems. Either throwing in things that they saw in a movie/ tv show or an alleged prepper video, or things they have no idea how to use. You need to learn the skills that go with them (such as tying knots, starting fires, etc.) and practice regularly.
I watched a couple seasons of "Alone" on the History Channel. There might be some TH-cam excerpts. Watching extremely experienced outdoors people reduced to tears in less than a month or two.
I have a knapsack with toiletries, first aid supplies, a wool blanket, water purifier, energy bars, and some freeze dried meals. There are also 2 pairs of wool boot socks, 2 pair of underwear, 2 t-shirts, an aluminum water bottle, instant coffee, a multitool, 2 small flashlights with extra batteries, and other small luxuries in my basic bag. This bag is not for trudging into the wilderness, but rather to take if I am forced to evacuate my neighborhood and sheltering in a public building or stadium. Bugging out means many things to many people. I have several different bags depending on my needs.
It is a good thing the military trained me to carry all my gear on my back and to carry my rifle in my hands, and then to march for miles and miles. My rifle and my sleeping bag are definitely in my bugout bag.
So good to see someone informing the people who have some credibility. Camping and surviving aren't the same thing. When I god camping I'm supplying all my wants and needs for a limited time. When I prepare for survival, I will supply my needs and some basic aids for emergencies. Those things I bring will help me supply all my additional wants and needs while in the forest for an indefinite period of time.
Recommended reading material... "Boy Scout Handbook" for your country / region. I've got the Australian edition, it has lots of useful bushcraft basics ranging from a variety of useful knots, construction, first aid, navigating and orienteering with maps and compas, how to orient yourself in the absence of gps / compass, camp hygiene, snares / traps, basic tracking.
The SAS Escape, Evasion and Survival Manual will take it to the next level, the title says it all. Neither are big heavy books and would be worth having in any kit. There's also good pocket sized field manuals available on natural pharmacopoeia and edible 'weeds'. The set of book I've got that covers these topics takes up as much space as a box of tissues.
Practice the way you'll have to play... don't just watch videos and read books... apply the skills, get out and get some experience being totally alone in the bush for a week or so with your bugout bag, take those you plan to have with you if worse comes to worst. Take nothing more than you can carry, it's the only way to actually determine whether the gear you plan to use is a waste of space or worth having. Take note of what you wish you'd thought of. Test out your tracking, trapping and hunter / gatherer skills while you're at it along with your long term shelter building.
Suggested kit articles...
40-50 cable ties... they're useful for constructing a frame for a shelter in a hurry, they can be used in snares.
When you think you've got enough para-cord throw in a few extra meters.
Try to make everything you carry serve more than one purpose, to the extent that that's possible.
get a multi-band hand held radio like a baofeng, not so much for transmitting, but for keeping an ear on local radio traffic.
I've spent a lot of time practicing paleo skills and survivalism and concealment in the tropical coastal region of northern Australia. I can tell you first hand that 6 weeks totally alone in the bush is something 90% of people wouldn't be mentally prepared for in even the vaguest of ways before even mentioning some of what you might confront both externally and internally. Even in a small isolated group it isn't going to be easy because people react in different way to the unknown, which is the reason I'm telling yu to go do it.
I just spent 2 end to end periods of 3 weeks alone, over the last wet season camped on a remote beach on the western edge of the Coral Sea on Aboriginal lands [with permission from TO's of course]. Day time temperatures reached about 35 deg Celsius with about 99% humidity, it rained most days and two tropical cyclones gave me a near miss by 2-300Km. I didn't even know they were there until after the fact because I hadn't been listening to the marine band radio traffic. Things could have been radically different. My camp was a hammock under a 3x3m tarp and it was about 8 KM to the nearest road. All I had was what I could carry. Another challenge in that region is the presence of the top three or 4 of the worlds deadliest land snakes, and saltwater crocodiles which I saw occasionally on the beach and in the mangrove creek nearby. One was about 15 feet long. This made fishing a bit of an adventure if I went at night... it's not the crocodile you see that you should worry about, it's the one you don't see tht will eat you.. In that region, on the rainforest covered mountainsides there's a bird called Cassowary thats quite capable of killing adult humans by kicking them to death and tearing them up with their massive toenails... no joke, look it up.
So, make sure you know the territory and what creatures you might find and what other wild food and water supplies are or are not there, you may need to consider the prospect that you'll have to be nomadic to survive in the long term so go and find the places that have the best potential to produce the resources you'll need, mark them on a physical map.
I'm in the habit of dropping seeds here and there in my chosen locations.. things like squashes, cherry tomato, bottle gourd, butternut,. For a base camp area, I'd consider planting a choko vine [they regrow every season], maybe passionfruit, drop in some peas and beans, African Cucumber, pumpkins. All of these drop seeds and keep coming up, even if you're not around to look after them... just go and check things every 6-8 weeks... while you're out practicing you other skills, if they didn't grow, try something else. There's lots of ways you can prepare an area without building anything. I've got one or two spots with 100L plastic airtight drums buried with dried beans, flour, SALT (8 grams per day or you die), rice, freeze dried potato, some rope, cable ties, tie wire, hole auger, machete, tomahawk, fire lighting gear, light weight tarp and groundsheet, water purification (pool chlorine and life straws), some moral items like coffee and tea, tubes of condensed milk and a powdered milk suppliment called 'sustagen' here in Australia. There's also sachets of baby formula. Dried fruit, nuts, beef jerky / pemican, hard tack, Pepper, 4 cups, plates, KFS sets, 5l stainless steel bucket, bowie knife, fishing gear, and backup carbs like a bag of barley sugar, some chewing gum, I also threw in some dried pasta and sauce sachets. There's also 5 boxes of hexamine stove tablets and a stove--- for those times when you don't want to attract attention.
Most dry beans from the supermarket will grow if you plant them, if you sprout them before you eat them they are something like 10 times more nutritious than just eating the cooked dry bean. Likewise for the bags of soup barley the sell, so I usually make sure there's a bag or 5 of that too. There's also a few things to make the food a little more interesting and a deck of cards. Whatever you take is eventually going to run out, so don't plan on your gear / food / first aid supplies lasting for ever.
These are just some things to consider.
Thanks for your comment, a wealth of useful knowledge there. That 6 week stint in the bush sounds like an intense but amazing experience. I wish we had more true wilderness here in England, but we do have some beautiful landscapes at least. Only problem is the overall population density.
Cheers
@@lindwyrm4268 Yeah.. thanks. Somewhere like the UK could be a problem for sustainable resources. You don't have to go far into the bush to be able to blend in effectively, as long as you have a clue on how to do that. I get the problem that population density can present, especially if that population is on the brink of starvation. The thing to worry about with that is that if there are people now already willing to knock you over the head for what they think might be in your wallet, imagine what people will be like if they are facing starvation. Wherever you end up deciding to go, think first about where people might be willing to look for you to access your resources. The key is.. make yourself as invisible as possible or as scarce as possible, preferably both.
Remember... up to 3000 calories per day per person for while your going cross country and setting up your base. Take plenty of salt with you... it's critical to maintaining your body functions. IF you can take enough of it you can use it to preserve excess game meats. And, take a good size bottle of iodine [preferably 'lugol's solution']. Every cell in your body needs iodine to function properly and to heal... it's also a great anti'septic and can be injested in drinking water... about 8 drops per day per person helps as a prophylactic for maintaining your overall health but can be used in much lower doses to kill germs in your water. SALT and IODINE are both critical... make sure you have a good supply... I know I'm being emphatic on that but - there's good reason. Potassium Permangamate [of Potash / Condy's Crystals] Is a good anti-fungal to keep around for preventing foot-rot... throw in a little bottle of that too.
Pool chlorine is a powerful water sanitizer and it doesn't take much to treat a hell of alot of water... it evaporates out after treatment. Definitely get a 'life straw' for everyone in your party, they're good for tens of thousands of liters... more than one person can drink in a year..
If you want anymore tips... feel free to ask.
I have a bug out bag. Strapped that thing on and hiked some local trails about 10 miles or so. Returned to my car tired and sore opened up my bag and could see right away what the difference between luxury and necessity was. All about perspective.
Unless of serious natural disaster, a nuclear or chemical event staying put is best.
Not true
@@ghostpatriot2370 running is a last option. You become a refugee,
@@tomwery5155 what would you rather be, on the run, or comfy in a prsison cell? (think gulag).
Nah...if shtf, I am bugging out. I have my crew, I have my plan. I am not letting myself get suck inside the walls. Last time my people let that happen, we were slaughtered by the millions.
I won't discourage someone who is prepared but consider your destination. I live in the woods, far enough from the nearest city that few will make it this far in a SHTF scenario
If you do get here I won't necessarily be welcoming you. I am armed. Well armed. Keep that in mind.
To me more comfort means better rest. I've been wild camping for weeks before with no tent and wished I'd carried an extra couple of kilograms to have a warmer sleeping bag and thicker full length roll mats. But each to their own
Mosquitos in the day I can manage.
Mosquitos when I am lying in my sleeping bag on the other hand... no thank you.
The reason they say 72 hours is because they're under the assumption that within 72 hours you should have build a shelter, established a water source, set traps for small game, and at the very least started scouting for big game. It doesn't apply to those without experience in the outdoors. So it's a generalization that will put the inexperienced in a rough spot after those 72 hours.
You can bring a sleeping bag *AND* a gun.😂
2 guns.
Bjorn, I think your bag was a good fit. I live in South Australia, it can get to 45C + in summer, 0C in winter. It's important to fully consider the total range of temperature you will experience in your expected area, and adjust your bag seasonally, or at least regularly.
I would say in Norway a sleeping bag is a must if you think you could survive the cold weather.
My first "inch" bag (I'm never coming home) was almost a "homesteading" bag. One step down from a horse drawn covered wagon for settlers!
Now, because I still bushcraft, and no "resupply points" my bag (1980's military bag) is down to 18 kilos, with food and 2l water.
As time goes on, I can lighten it with newer gear starting with the bag.
Luv the channel!
The idea of a series of "Caches" needs to be examined. Shtf scenarios could be made easier with predetermined placement of caches.
Thank you for sharing that the gear you bug out with should be gear you use. To aid in this I found a well organized gear closet is better than a prepared bag. I can prep a bag for any type of trip in minutes with ease.
Got me a whole bug out location...hope to be there BEFORE I need it! Love your vids!
It's still worth having a contingency.. In case you need to temporarily evaluate due to flooding, earthquake etc
@@frugalmum7943 Good point. Hadn't thought of that.
Thank you Andreas for adressing these issues , i hope that people have remembered to adapt, and to pack accordingly to ones expeccted requirements
I bought your book jomsviking (some verry "smart" people stranslated it "the viking" to my language but anyways) it's really good. I didn't even know about it. I was just looking for historical/fantasy books. I found the cover interesting but wasn't sure. Then I saw your name I was like "I know this guy from somewhere". I checked your channel I remembered you made some very interesting videos. Immediately bought it.
Jomsvikingr were the Elite Warriors, basically the Norse spartans. From a very young age they would join their ranks and immediately start training with weapons. Supposedly the final test of initiation was to break into pairs and fight to the death, the survivors were now Jomsvikingr.
Lovely forest there Bjorn. the sound of the wind was lovely and relaxing to me. thanks so much for the video and the information!
Dear Björn. I have to level with you on one thing. among all the "Rambos" there actually are a few that can handle nature as a minimalist.
Ive been out In The Swedish forests for about a year and a half. In my bag there are a knife, an axe a sleeping bag, fire-steel some kind of rope and fishingline and hooks. sometimes a militairy shovel. And a pack or two of Broth dices.
Never had any mental problems in nature, but i am completely emotionless normally too.
Fun thing to point out for the insects.
I heat up birch bark and smear myself in birch tar and mud works very good for most kind of bugs. no need to buy a repellant.
Fishing with shiny hooks to catch what we call the Mört and using its eyes and intestines as bait for finer fish.
Trapping is good to learn as a minimalist. there are no better ways of hunting may just take time. and when its season for it you know most birds lay eggs.
if you need to hide a fire during the day dig a fire pit with an air vent on the side. and get it extremely hot and the smoke will not be seen. wont work during the night. because of the light obviously,
Knowing which mushrooms and plants are edible may also help but its quite a waste of time unless you stumble upon them while looking for a suitable place to set up a fire and a place to sleep.
But you are 100% right about the sleeping bag without that nature is horrible.
During winter dig down. The deeper the better but not until you are on the frozen ground. try to NEVER get wet and avoid getting Sweaty thats a real death trap during winter. but wintertime keep walking movement is very important.
If you know nature use it to your benefit. But be creative and adaptive.
And yes try to not be alone especially during winter. some can but most cant handle lonelieness and survival at the same time.
when i came back home i wasnt really well fed so if i may choose i will not go out alone like that again.
aaand latin american/asian jungle is way worse than norse forest any day.
But yeah listen to Björn everyone most of you should follow his advice. Im not allowed to be speciffic of where and how i learned what i know either so dont ask me i wont answer questions.
As someone who has lived in a central American jungle , I would much rather be up north .
Thanks for the brilliant comment
‘You are not bugging out… you are going wild caping”
That really clarified and cleared my thoughts for me. 👍👏👏
Bjorn: You make so much as sense to the real world. You are spot on the mindset. We are thousands my away, but i feel a kindred spirt. Thank You!
Good advice, I used to 'bug-out' in the canadian mountain wilderness as a young man and alone, on reflection, was foolhardy. More than once I was close to situations that without another there could have been lethal.
There is an old army adage, ' Know your kit, take care of your own kit.'
You give good advice. My -40c Russian military sleeping bag saved my life more than I can remember.
Thank you Bull.
Blessings from Eire
💖🙏🌻
It’s the end of June everywhere Bjorn! ;)
Couldn't agree with you more on the sleeping bag front Bjørn . I guess folk dont realise here in Norway you can go into Hyperthermia even in the summer. The understanding of ground temprature in colder countries is really overlooked, and in winter bugging out in -25 °c entails a whole different bug out bag .
I always consider bringing loads of salt for curing meat. Who knows how long the shit would last or whether or not you would be near any salt. Other than that, the main things I focus on bringing are things that keep me warm, dry, and able to build. Thanks for the reminder to bring bug repellant. 😂
Salt is great for cleaning wounds as well. Better than alcohol even. All though extremely painful.
@@christianriddler5063
And don't forget replenishing minerals. If you've been walking for over 3-4 hours, carrying a load, you will have lost quite a lot of sodium, in summer especially but even in cool weather. Being low in sodium can have pretty nasty effects, becoming faint one of them. It's one thing I often forget when I go hiking in the bush and then at the end of the day i'm cramping up bad, unless, by the grace of god i've remembered to pack a himalayan salt chocolate bar.
A strong mindset, determination, some luck, and the ability to improvise go a long way.
Let's face it, we are speaking about bugging out due to the political climate in which we now find ourselves.
If you have to bug out, away from your home, it's going to have to be a very serious issue which made you bug out and you are unlikely to ever be able to return to your home.
There is bugging out from impending natural disaster then there is bugging out from government takeovers or "peaceful protesters".
With natural disaster scenarios you might be able to return if your home is still standing.
With the other scenarios, your home will likely be completely destroyed.
If you are going to bug out, plant hidden supplies in different areas or have a Plan B and Plan C for bug out locations.
None of us are actually Rambo and we need to remember that.
Plan to dodge, evade and stay hidden.
I am Spartacus though.🤣
Yes! 100% agree. Bugging out isn't a 2-3 day trip to the woods. Assume when bugging out, it's potentially permanent.
Well said and an intelligent approach.
If I was a betting man I would bet that some of the 50 people that liked this comment sill be bugging out within 5-10 years. There is still time, but don’t wait till it’s too late!
Freedom's Promise!
Kenneth Mackie!
Jupiter Jackson!
Salute! I dares venture to say that You All -- like the likes o' me -- are John Galt, too.
I am Spartucus.
And if the 'political climate' is that foul; well then, We'll fight in the shade!
🙂
Rick Bonner Pennsyltucky
Sootch puts it this way. Once you've bugged out, if you don't have a safe destination, you're basically just a better prepared refugee.
I am a former soldier in special forces... If you have a sleeping bag...bring it with you when the S.H.T.F.!
I love your channel. Thank you.
When I was in the Army (infantry) we used to compete with one another regarding bringing the lightest rucksack and least amount of kit possible into the field without compromising survivability. I got very good at surviving with very little equipment. It is almost comical how sparse you can go.
Who wouldn't take a sleeping bag and even a groundsheet? Crazy people, I guess. The Henry AR7 .22 calibre survival rifle is a great little item. It fits inside its own stock and floats, you can strap it on the outside of a bag, it takes up little space and weighs basically nothing. I love mine. Also, nothing beats a decent multitool and some tiewire.
socks and parachute cord are the most important things in a bug out bag. Try to keep it under 50 lbs
You are spot on!
I have been out both camping for up to a week and up to 6 weeks working by myself in remote areas.
Long before 6 weeks you will start talking to yourself.
When it is over you feel so good because you made it!
OLD PROSPECTOR/HUNTER
As a city person I've been trying to get out more for when shit hits the fan. I recently picked up the Bushcraft books to begin
Practice, at every opportunity :) Small habits add up.
@@frugalmum7943 Imma learn how to start a fire and tie knots first cause i feel those are important
@@joenathan8059 may I suggest you start rewording that? "every Saturday morning I will try to make a fire for 20 minutes." for example :) This will switch a dream to a plan, a goal to an organised plan :)
@@joenathan8059 may I also suggest you set some money aside each payday for saving towards goals? A good quality water filter is a good start. I suggest a 'sawyer mini'.
@@frugalmum7943 ok ok, I'll try that. Thx for the advice
My friend, the idea of 48 and 72 hours comes from a military mindset! In which soldiers expect to get rescued from a survival situation within this time scale!
Myself personally, I have been involved in survival and bushcraft training for over 30 years now, and have spent a lot of time teaching others the skills required to live off the land!
Unfortunately I believe that so many people get confused between a survival situation and bugging out, because they are MASSIVELY world's apart!
For instance, in a survival situation, the main goal is to be able to provide all your basic needs until you get found and rescued. Yet in a bugging out situation, this is totally the opisit! You are trying to provide all your basic needs, without being found and rescued!
In fact, the very people who would normally be rescuing you, are the very people you are trying to evade!
The first thing you normally get taught in survival training, is fire lighting, yet in reality, lighting a fire in a bug out situation is the quickest way to give you location away if you arn't careful!
That's why you are spot on regarding a sleeping bag! Your sleeping bag will keep you warm, and not give away your location from the bright light and the smell of smoke!
The only things you need in a bug out bag, is the items which are very hard to get from nature, like a metal cooking pot, water collecting containers, any cutting tools like a knife, axe and saw! Means of lighting a fire for cooking,( when you are 100% sure) the coast is clear and safe to do so! Infact there are a number of different ways of lighting cooking fires, which if done correctly are very difficult indeed to detect. For instance, during the Vietnam war, the Vietnamese soldiers used charcoal in handmade braziers for cooking! Because once you understand how fire works, you learn the reason for smoke is due to incomplete combustion, normally caused by moisture in damp materials! And the moment you understand, that whenever you use anything chard, like charcoal or chard cloth, you have removed the moisture!
At the end of the day, I have always believed, kit is great, but knowledge is better! It doesn't weigh anything, and you always have it with you!
And for anyone who hasn't managed to gain that knowledge yet, I can't recommend highly enough a book called the SAS Survival handbook, by John Lofty Wiseman! This is the very book that got me hooked on the subject 35 years ago, and now they do this book in a small pocket version also!
In my opinion, what this book doesn't teach about survival and bushcraft skills, isn't worth knowing!
It covers EVERYTHING from plant identification for food and medicine, poisonous plants and fungi, extensive first aid, herbal medicine recipes, trapping and fishing, water collection, filtration and sterilisation, camp craft, many fire lighting techniques and much more!
And even though I have read this book from cover to cover so many times, I always have a pocket size copy in a bag side pocket, and I have given a copy of this book to each of my children!
Not only that, but you can never underestimate the power of lifting your morrell , and having some good sound knowledge to fall back on has the power to do just that!
Being 74 yrs old, the only bugging out I plan on doing is bugging out to the bathroom. lol But I do have a 87 lb German Shepard who only likes 3 people in the entire world. I also have a good supply of guns and ammo, so coming to my house uninvited, well it may not be too smart or safe. Hopefully it never comes to that, but I will defend my home and family to the death. They will find out for sure the SHTF if they come to this country man's house.
We have a great dog like that. Last power outage someone tried to sneak up to our house to steal our generator off our porch. She took care of that for us. Didn't have to lift a finger beyond giving her a pat on the head and saying "Good Dog!" after she was through with him.
Too old to run. So I'm going down with the ship.
Great content. Mosquitoes!! I'd pack a small caliber rifle for hunting for sure. I'm definitely not leaving my bedding behind. My military training was land and water survival which helps. I good water filter is a must. Fire requires good multi purpose tools for acquiring material. I have some spots where I can be safe, off grid and awesome food source. I do love camping alone though, not disagreeing but I have that mindset of being on my own that benefits me. Everything is an adventure if you allow it to be. Apply skills as needed.
Great attitude and insight 👍🏼
When I was 10 years old me and my dad were out backpacking in the Sierra’s. On the first day back, in mid may, it started snowing. It then snowed so hard we couldn’t see 3 feet in front of us. We of course weren’t prepared to deal with the snow. We made snow shoes out twigs and paracord and put large ziplock plastic bags over our socks inside our boots to keep our feet dry. We ended up getting somewhat lost and had to camp in a thicket of trees near a creek. We almost froze to death that night. The next day we woke up to a foot of snow surrounding the tent, so we had to dig our way out. We ended up hiking an extra 10-15 miles getting lost in the snow. I’ll never forget my dad keeping the situation calm and not panicking. To this day I never panic, I just react to situations. I believe I am mentally tough to face any situation society may throw at us. Bugging out wouldn’t be that hard. Staying hidden would be though. I would look for natural caves and/or very steep terrain. Also try and camp/bug out near the top of the mountain you’re on. If the terrain is difficult, you’re less likely to get visitors.
"I believe I am mentally tough to face any situation society may throw at us." I don't think any of us truly knows how we will react. It's easy to be calm when you know the world around you is "normal" and you have your comforts to look forward to. When the world is going to hell and you don't know what's going on in the world and how many crazies are running loose, that's a whole different situation.
I've read in multiple sources that in a SHTF situation, meaning total societal breakdown, during the first year 90% of the population will die. I can't imagine it being any less but I can imagine it being more. The one thing that stands out to me these days is how hard government and media work at promoting division, distrust and resentment among citizens who should be natural allies. It's all-pervasive and it's deliberate. We're constantly bombarded with race-baiting, extremely adversarial political posturing, shaming and finger pointing, virtue-signalling over vaccine status and not-so veiled threats towards any wrong thinkers. They want wanton slaughter when it's time to cull the herd for the NWO and it's looking like they'll get it.
I know it wouldn't have impressed your mum much, but I think those types of rough experiences are very important for teenage boys. In our modern world we basically have lost the rites of passage that existed in tribal societies- for young men to go through significantly stressful challenges. The Sateré-Mawé people of Brazil come to mind, as they intentionally use the excruciating bullet ant stings as part of their initiation rites for young men.
I am a bit of a princess and my buggout kit includes a mattress specifically cut to fit the back of my suv awd. A sleeping bag. A headlamp. Night vision goggles in case I hear a noise at night. Leather gloves. A first aid kit. A blood pressure monitor. A portable blender and a fire extinguisher.
I asked Audible for English Audiobooks of yours. They said they would "Look into it"
depends on the type of bag as well you know. I have had backpacks with 15kg in them that were just very uncomfortable to haul around. On the other hand I've had 25kg bags with a rifle in them that had a frame system on them that were more comfortable and I can haul all day....
Learn how to make and use a sling. It is silent, has almost no weight, "Ammo" is all around and u can even wear it as an eyepatch! 😉
We just have camping bags, which we use for camping and keep packed.
Also,a knowledge of edible and medicinal plants is handy.
Have a pdf of edible and medicinal plants on your smart phone and of course have a solar powered battery pack for your smart phone.
Learn and practice and the more you learn the less you'll carry.
My bag has gotten light the last few years😂😂
@@tomevans4402 to be honest my whole kit. Which is made for a permanent stay is probably 80 lbs but that's traps, a single shot 12 guage, fishing pole and a solid 4 season bag to go with a 3 season bedroll along with tarp and lavu. It's very hard for me to cut the weight because Its half bushcraft traditional kit and half modern 20th century gear
Bjorn is such a good role model. What a great man.
My motto is Shit Happens. There are many scenarios that will kill you and we can’t prepare for everything.
Learning skills, improvising and be highly adaptable. Its no guarantee, but will improve your chances of survival. Just accept it might be not or be your time.
I've got a bugout bag.
It's got 25kilo's of uranium so I can kickstart a reactor and save the world.
25 kilo's is pretty heavy so I took the lead shielding out so I can still get around easily.
Oh and I've also got plenty of water in there in flimsy light bottles - what's the worst that can happen?!
Horace Kephart wrote: Camping is hard under ideal conditions. City people go to the woods to rough it. Experienced mountain people go to the woods to smooth it out. The extra blanket and Swiss Miss keep you warm and happy, that's a win.
Read up on Nessmuk too
I'm not an experienced camper whatsoever, but I think it's good practice to take your Bug out bag and go try spend 3 nights in a nearby forest (close enough to home should things not go so well).
This way you can gain some experience with your set up, as well as remove or add things that you might've forgotten about.
Make this a monthly practice and you'll be a lot better prepared.
Depends on what you are running from. I have years of wilderness experience. I wont bug out. It is to much for an old man like me. The wilderness is a harsh place. Nature is filled with thorns and teeth. I loved the time I spent there when I was a young man. When you have to hunt and fish to eat , while someone is hunting you. Not for me. That is like war, it is best handled by young healthy people . If you have a disability or are fat and out of shape, it will eat you alive. Better just forming strong bonds with your friends and neighbors and work together for mutual security and survival. Like men have always done with best results.
Worked in the woods for a short while at 59+ degrees North and yes - the bugs drove me insane. Spent a couple of hours waiting for our helicopter to pick us up late one summer night and there were 5 or so black bears hanging around but it was the bugs that were the real problem!
You are correct however in the US a gun is probably a good idea.
Its a very good idea, and its worth the weight penalty it costs. No need for something heavy with heavy ammo in most cases. A 10/22 is light with light ammo, easy to use, and easy to clean. You can easily carry 500 rounds of .22 LR and a 10/22. Its easy to make them relatively quiet as well, though the crack of a supersonic round can still be heard. Hunting and defense is handled by small calibers, though a .22 will mostly piss off large predators like bears, it can keep you fed. If you need a gun or not really depends on the environment. Some places a gun is superfluous most of the time, because there aren't many small game animals, other places its nearly mandatory.. like where I live. But I have to have some stopping power thanks to large predators. I'm not overly concerned about humans.
@@SweatyFatGuy .22 lr with proper shot placement is plenty lethal even on larger game such as deer, elk and moose. You may not want to use subsonic* rounds for that though.
@@ansuz444 yeah the .22 is lethal even at a distance, they'll reach out and say "Hey how are ya?" but they aren't terribly fond of going through car doors and drywall.
@@SweatyFatGuy i shot through car doors as a kid and drywall on accident. Even at 400 yards, there's a lot of drop and the wind blows it around but it'll still go through half inch ply at that distance!
@@ansuz444 The 22s we shot at 70s era doors did not penetrate, nor did they go through dishwashers and the like. A dishwasher will stop a .45 before it exits the rear, a .44mag breezes right through, and .22s make cool little dents.
7.62x39 FMJ steel core will go through an old car front to back, but not an iron engine. If you shoot a vehicle anywhere without the engine, trans, or brakes in the line of fire with those things they will go right on through.
Fun times with junk vehicles. Newer stuff is either thinner metal or a composite body, depends on what make it is. I haven't shot anything newer than 1990 or so. I bet a .22 will go through the doors on modern cars and light trucks rather easily.
Saw your bug out bag video, One important item missing was hands free lighting such as a headlamp.
guess people dont realize , ax / knife is a weapon also. SKAL
One thing I have done with my family and trusted friends is set up a destination point and a alternative where we can meet up in a SHTF bug out . We also have buried survival caches in those locations . Not sure if this is a method you would or have considered ; But it's a way to store extra food and equipment . Just be sure to mark it on your maps .
Amateurs talk hardware, pros talk software. This whole bug out bag conversation is about marketing and sales. Reality looks very different!
You are 100% correct in what you are saying. I have had several years of military training where I realize that engaging an adversarial person or group will highly likely result in a negative outcome. Use the SERE tactic first, second and so on...