As a wilderness survivalist , I can attest that the most important thing needed is "the will to survive". People have survived dire situations and conditions with little to no special gear by their will almost alone... ... and folks with proper gear have perished due to their lack of will. There are several needs for survival ...but it all rest on one's will to meet their measures for survival. ❤ ✌ 👣
We live in SE AZ, near the border. In summer the temps EASILY get over 100 degrees fairly often. In the desert there are scorpions, venomous snakes and other animals, plus larger animals - javelinas (a capybara) with tusks. Coyotes also. You have to wear BOLD COLORED CLOTHING: NEON colored t-shirts are a must when out hiking, or mountain biking, off-roading, horseback riding also -- with all the beige, rocky colors those lovely (all neutrals) naturally occurring you'd be gone in 10 seconds -- without the bold Neon PINK, Psycho Purple, Blaze Orange or Electric Blue solid tee shirts -- as well as plain white for a larger, looser fitting shirt to cover up with. I'd suggest neon yellow, some might agree -- yet at certain times there are actually neon yellow blooming shrubs in the desert -- so believe it or not, you could be missed! Stay safe. Always carry a GPS, BACKPACK WITH GALLON OR MORE of water, if hiking during the day on a trail out here. A must is also protective small arms, and tell EVERYONE your plans when hiking, or hunting for even a short interval of time. It could save your life! They need to know where you are going. How long. Where you will start as well as end your trek.
Your prayer at the end seals the deal to my subscription. And you are so right that most people seem to forget that the clothes and shoes they wear are their PRIMARY survival gear! I appreciate your quiet voice too.
Thank you. It's nice to have you as a subscriber. I was trying to help people and save lives with this video. Thank you for the support. It means a lot. God bless you. -Doug
The Triad: Knowledge; Attitude; Preparedness. Getting lost in Alaska (where I grew up), there was a 72% probability someone lost would be found alive during the first 24 hours; a 50% probability during the second 24 hours; and a 25% probability the third 24 hours. That's provided the lost person pulls their head out and stays in one place.
Water proof outer shell is not a bad thing to have if you are hiking near a frozen lake or stream. If you fall into water for just a minute hypothermia will happen because of your clothing getting air dried. When you get completely wet you want to put on a completely waterproof outer layer so the water doesn’t evaporate. You then have to wait for a fire before you should try to dry your clothing. Take your wet clothing off. Get it dry. Then put it back on. Don’t let sopping wet clothes dry while you are wearing them, the evaporation will make you dangerously cold.
Your clothing is the foundation of your shelter system AND your sleep system. Making mistakes in clothing may lead to failures in those two extended systems. You are a man of great "common sense" and practicality. Traits often missing in today's world. Please continue to share your gifts, they are much appreciated.
I have gone through heavy rain using a poncho, 2 trek poles, some light cord, and a few tent pegs to make a completely dry shelter. Makes a huge difference if you can stay dry if stranded.
The zipper leg pants i only wear during the hot summer months in areas with a lot of villages and cities. Those get very hot and it is good to cool down a bit. Mostly i wear long cargo pants and a water resistant jacket especially in the hills and mountains of the Ardennes and southern Germany. In my pack i usually have a woolen alpine sweater for underneath the jacket if necessary. Stay safe and healthy brother 🙏
I'm a firm believer in Murphy's Law. Anything that CAN go wrong, WILL go wrong, and at the worst possible time. So I plan accordingly. Of course, the downside is I usually end up carrying too much. It's sometimes difficult to find the right balance. Thanks for another great video.
I just mentioned this exact point to a friend day before yesterday. We were talking about what the lines of defense from these Arctic Blasts should be if the power goes out. I talked to him about appropriate clothing for him and his family. Wool is very versatile and if someone can't afford it, there are thrift stores and military surplus stores. It breaths and can help the comfort level over the widest temp range.
The one item I’ve had to use many times when lost is a flashlight. I always carry flashlight, extra battery, knife, lighter and during the winter some cotton balls dipped in vasoline. Another thing I always do is drink a lot of water before going into the woods. In the summer that will be about a gallon to stay hydrated for the day.
I am from New Hampshire, I use to spend summers at out cabin up in Pittsburg about 3 miles south of the Canadian border. Also spent 1 month each winter up there. Been in Florida for 32 years and people just don't understand how serious hypothermia is and how little the body needs to experience to become affected by it. "Normal body temperature averages 98.6 degrees. With hypothermia, core temperature drops below 95 degrees. In severe hypothermia, core body temperature can drop to 82 degrees or lower." You would be surprised how many here in Florida get hypothermia during our winter season where night time lows are in upper 40's. Hikers and campers come here unprepared, get wet and that is all she wrote. I would rather carry extra gear and be prepared than not carry it and become a victim of circumstance. Really enjoyed this discussion from you, concise, experience driven with no filler. Be well sir, and stay blessed.
Thank you so much for that. Yes I went to FL for vacation. After a week 70 degrees, rainy with wind felt cold. I came back to NH and rode my motorcycle in 35 degree F weather. -usually no problem but this time was very cold. I lost my acclimation that fast apparently.
One each G.I. Poncho with Poncho Liner. I actually carry two of the G.I. Poncho's. One to make a shelter from, and one that when you add the poncho liner, makes a decent sleeping bag. And two, having taught wilderness survival back in the 80's, you wont get much sleep if your stuck outside over night.
I'm truly enjoying your information and style you present it. It is easy for me to listen to and understand without too much technical terms or info. Thanks.
Good video Doug and thanks for mentioning the “no fire possible” scenario. I’ve spent decades recreating above tree line and frankly never think about fire as an element of survival but sometimes as a potential luxury😊. So wherever I go I assume I need to be wearing or carrying my survival based upon the worst case scenario of my environment.
Great video ! Stressing the point about your clothing and how important layering is along with being prepared for conditions involving hypothermia. Rain & wind protection along with EDC and wool sweater, winter hat.
@@DougShoeBushcraft VERY VERY INFORMATIVE and detailed. Well explained. The most important detail, clothing! I need to update mine. N.E. Ohio. Thank you for explaining the difference between water proof and water resistant, breathable clothing. Better to have it and not need it, LIFE SAVING. THANK YOU for this. Also, the part about zippers and buttons. GOD bless you. Stay well, stay safe and warm. Thank you again.
Hear, hear! Very glad you put proper clothing at the top of the list! Many Inexperienced folk would never get that! I’m in the Southwest US and even mid summer it can easily be 100+ too hot F. Can easily require a liter of water the first hour at low exertion. REGARDLESS of that I put water 4th! Trauma ( bleeding control), cover (starting with clothes, because of shock and sun), and signals. If I’m in trouble I’m down or will be very quickly. Lack of water would be a cause, but not as immediate as trauma or sun issues!
Just thinking to suggest long underwear and at least a wool top layer. What are your thought on bringing a small stove and ramen, etc.... possibly a single-walled stainless steel (wide mouth) bottle & or nesting container. Carrying A lighter, usb rechargeable flashlight & a pocket knife + backup battery & cables, are a really good idea as an 'edc' (every day carry) for everyone.
Thank you for sharing your experience and good advise, Sir. Like all of your choices of clothes/gear. What brand are your of jacket and poncho? Peace, Mate!
I do not have a shemag...I usually carry a sniper veil and one wool scarf that I wear around my lower back / belly...not only it provides warmth but it improves posture and protection when carrying a backpack. In winter I like to carry a yak wool shal that I might wrap among my shoulders/upper torso and head...very cosy! Though I noticed the prayer at the end, you could have mentioned the cross at your neck... I hear people recomending carrying a pack of cards or a book for fighting boredom or loneliness in some harder moments... I never carry any of those, but my scapulary, a small cross or even rosary beads are part of my kit! Thanks!
I like a goretex (or similar) jacket but then also a poncho. IMO goretex etc is good in light to moderate rain for some time, but extended rain or heavy rain and it soaks through. So I also carry an impermeable poncho to put over the top when necessary. Plus the poncho can become a tent for the night
Common sense is becoming uncommon. Prepare for what could go wrong, proper equipment and training. Thanks for your efforts training others from your experience. Go with God.
There’s something called seal skin socks so they just wear the socks and then your feet are waterproof and If they fail you can buy a new pair and don’t have to throw perfectly good boots just because they leak that was from Paul Kirtley.
even a small tarp, where yiu can tie rocks in the corners and make a plowpoint, rolled with a blanket and ground cloth would give added protection. At least 7-9 ft square. Then a saw and hatchet and sbacks. Nit that heavy or restricting.
I like a stocking cap (watch cap, beanie, etc) like the one I'm wearing in this video in polyester, acrylic, or similar man made material - in addition to a jacket with a water resistant hood. As the weather gets colder, I'll upgrade to a winter parka with hood (also water resistant). And when it's really cold I like a trapper hat- the kind with ear flaps that button down, or can be buttoned up on top of the cap. I like ones that are synthetic or leather outer material. The inside of the flaps may be fur. The insulation of the hat itself may be fur or polyester batting. This company has nice trapper hats on Ebay. They are sheep skin natural leather with the "fur". www.ebay.com/str/freshfancyfrenzy?_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2563 It's not a paid sponsorship. -Just a company I have bought from with good results.
I would add if you are going with clothing then wearing camouflage or colors that blend into the woods is kinda dumb. If you have a choice wear hi viz colors so you can be found by air or land search no matter what level of experience
After clothing I believe satellite communication is the most important, if you can afford it. That would be a gps device with text capabilities or the new iPhone 14. The iPhone 14 can use satellites to connect if you can get a clear view of the sky. But technology fails so you must also be prepared for not having it. It is great to have but terrible to rely on.
You might care to follow I did but failed by emailing LLBean and other Outdoor retailers by informing them that flannel - cotton should not be available for sale for Autumn, Wint=er and early Spring. Such stupidity is beyond my comprehension. I made heat reflective breathable, wind and water repellent/proof .clothing. My anorak and over-pants protect me from the wind, cold wind, rain and snow. The combination of my anorak and over-pants weigh a mere 6.24 ounces and fold down extremely small. The zippered hood covers to just above the tip of my nose so that my warm moist air exiting my nostrils warms my face. Synthetic and natural insulation and clothing will be penetrated by the elements. That's why a breathable, wind and waterproof outer layers are essential.
Recently I contacted one retailer but it seems they didn't listen to me. In the old days flannel was wool. These days "flannel" is apparently any plaid shirt, and those are usually cotton.
I like stripper pants so if I get to hot I can take them off quickly. 🤪. But really learning to stay cool but still have your whole body covered is good to learn. Having that layer of protection cuts down on bugs, ticks, and needing firstaid for small scraps. The 1 area to use cotton is your underwear. The cotton will wick small amounts of sweat away from your crotch so it can dry. But if you’re in an area where cotton underwear is just going to get saturated then maybe go no underwear. Synthetic underwear will foster yeast infections and jock itch because the synthetic won’t let your skin breathe in that tight of a space.
My only issue is that with a fire you can get away with less clothes if you have a good or many different fire starters plus fire starter’s are cheap light and abundant. A good knife and fire starter’s and you can survive. Maybe uncomfortable but alive.
Yes. Good point. If you can get a fire going, and can keep a fire going, then you can get away with less clothing. But if not, then not. When a person needs fire most, he can't make one. He is too injured, cold, or sick and/or the weather is too bad. He also has to be able to gather and process the firewood.
As a wilderness survivalist , I can attest that the most important thing needed is "the will to survive".
People have survived dire situations and conditions with little to no special gear by their will almost alone...
... and folks with proper gear have perished due to their lack of will.
There are several needs for survival ...but it all rest on one's will to meet their measures for survival. ❤ ✌ 👣
We live in SE AZ, near the border. In summer the temps EASILY get over 100 degrees fairly often. In the desert there are scorpions, venomous snakes and other animals, plus larger animals - javelinas (a capybara) with tusks. Coyotes also. You have to wear BOLD COLORED CLOTHING: NEON colored t-shirts are a must when out hiking, or mountain biking, off-roading, horseback riding also -- with all the beige, rocky colors those lovely (all neutrals) naturally occurring you'd be gone in 10 seconds -- without the bold Neon PINK, Psycho Purple, Blaze Orange or Electric Blue solid tee shirts -- as well as plain white for a larger, looser fitting shirt to cover up with. I'd suggest neon yellow, some might agree -- yet at certain times there are actually neon yellow blooming shrubs in the desert -- so believe it or not, you could be missed! Stay safe. Always carry a GPS, BACKPACK WITH GALLON OR MORE of water, if hiking during the day on a trail out here. A must is also protective small arms, and tell EVERYONE your plans when hiking, or hunting for even a short interval of time. It could save your life! They need to know where you are going. How long. Where you will start as well as end your trek.
Your prayer at the end seals the deal to my subscription. And you are so right that most people seem to forget that the clothes and shoes they wear are their PRIMARY survival gear! I appreciate your quiet voice too.
Thank you. It's nice to have you as a subscriber. I was trying to help people and save lives with this video. Thank you for the support. It means a lot. God bless you. -Doug
The Triad: Knowledge; Attitude; Preparedness. Getting lost in Alaska (where I grew up), there was a 72% probability someone lost would be found alive during the first 24 hours; a 50% probability during the second 24 hours; and a 25% probability the third 24 hours. That's provided the lost person pulls their head out and stays in one place.
Thank you for that.
Water proof outer shell is not a bad thing to have if you are hiking near a frozen lake or stream. If you fall into water for just a minute hypothermia will happen because of your clothing getting air dried. When you get completely wet you want to put on a completely waterproof outer layer so the water doesn’t evaporate.
You then have to wait for a fire before you should try to dry your clothing. Take your wet clothing off. Get it dry. Then put it back on. Don’t let sopping wet clothes dry while you are wearing them, the evaporation will make you dangerously cold.
Your clothing is the foundation of your shelter system AND your sleep system. Making mistakes in clothing may lead to failures in those two extended systems. You are a man of great "common sense" and practicality. Traits often missing in today's world. Please continue to share your gifts, they are much appreciated.
I have gone through heavy rain using a poncho, 2 trek poles, some light cord, and a few tent pegs to make a completely dry shelter. Makes a huge difference if you can stay dry if stranded.
The zipper leg pants i only wear during the hot summer months in areas with a lot of villages and cities. Those get very hot and it is good to cool down a bit. Mostly i wear long cargo pants and a water resistant jacket especially in the hills and mountains of the Ardennes and southern Germany. In my pack i usually have a woolen alpine sweater for underneath the jacket if necessary. Stay safe and healthy brother 🙏
sounds like a good system
I notice most of the people you report on who lost their lives in nature were not properly clothed. Brilliant video my friend.
I'm a firm believer in Murphy's Law. Anything that CAN go wrong, WILL go wrong, and at the worst possible time. So I plan accordingly. Of course, the downside is I usually end up carrying too much. It's sometimes difficult to find the right balance. Thanks for another great video.
I just mentioned this exact point to a friend day before yesterday. We were talking about what the lines of defense from these Arctic Blasts should be if the power goes out. I talked to him about appropriate clothing for him and his family. Wool is very versatile and if someone can't afford it, there are thrift stores and military surplus stores. It breaths and can help the comfort level over the widest temp range.
The one item I’ve had to use many times when lost is a flashlight. I always carry flashlight, extra battery, knife, lighter and during the winter some cotton balls dipped in vasoline. Another thing I always do is drink a lot of water before going into the woods. In the summer that will be about a gallon to stay hydrated for the day.
Good points. Thank you
Another great video. Love your no nonsense approach to outdoor clothing & gear. Stay safe & God bless.
I am from New Hampshire, I use to spend summers at out cabin up in Pittsburg about 3 miles south of the Canadian border. Also spent 1 month each winter up there. Been in Florida for 32 years and people just don't understand how serious hypothermia is and how little the body needs to experience to become affected by it.
"Normal body temperature averages 98.6 degrees. With hypothermia, core temperature drops below 95 degrees. In severe hypothermia, core body temperature can drop to 82 degrees or lower."
You would be surprised how many here in Florida get hypothermia during our winter season where night time lows are in upper 40's. Hikers and campers come here unprepared, get wet and that is all she wrote. I would rather carry extra gear and be prepared than not carry it and become a victim of circumstance.
Really enjoyed this discussion from you, concise, experience driven with no filler. Be well sir, and stay blessed.
Thank you so much for that. Yes I went to FL for vacation. After a week 70 degrees, rainy with wind felt cold. I came back to NH and rode my motorcycle in 35 degree F weather. -usually no problem but this time was very cold. I lost my acclimation that fast apparently.
Where did you get the shirt? Good advice , new subscriber.
One each G.I. Poncho with Poncho Liner. I actually carry two of the G.I. Poncho's. One to make a shelter from, and one that when you add the poncho liner, makes a decent sleeping bag. And two, having taught wilderness survival back in the 80's, you wont get much sleep if your stuck outside over night.
Nice. Thanks for sharing.
I'm truly enjoying your information and style you present it. It is easy for me to listen to and understand without too much technical terms or info. Thanks.
Good video Doug and thanks for mentioning the “no fire possible” scenario. I’ve spent decades recreating above tree line and frankly never think about fire as an element of survival but sometimes as a potential luxury😊. So wherever I go I assume I need to be wearing or carrying my survival based upon the worst case scenario of my environment.
thank you so much for sharing your experiences
Great video ! Stressing the point about your clothing and how important layering is along with being prepared for conditions involving hypothermia.
Rain & wind protection along with EDC and wool sweater, winter hat.
Thank you for helping spread the word on this subject. It can keep people from getting into trouble & even save lives.
@@DougShoeBushcraft VERY VERY INFORMATIVE and detailed. Well explained. The most important detail, clothing! I need to update mine. N.E. Ohio. Thank you for explaining the difference between water proof and water resistant, breathable clothing. Better to have it and not need it, LIFE SAVING. THANK YOU for this. Also, the part about zippers and buttons. GOD bless you. Stay well, stay safe and warm. Thank you again.
Thanks, for your good commen sense advice.
Informative and peaceful. Good video.
Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Hear, hear! Very glad you put proper clothing at the top of the list! Many Inexperienced folk would never get that! I’m in the Southwest US and even mid summer it can easily be 100+ too hot F. Can easily require a liter of water the first hour at low exertion. REGARDLESS of that I put water 4th! Trauma ( bleeding control), cover (starting with clothes, because of shock and sun), and signals. If I’m in trouble I’m down or will be very quickly. Lack of water would be a cause, but not as immediate as trauma or sun issues!
Great video, great advice. You remind me of Bob Ross. You sound like him, very patient, very peaceful. And in harmony with nature.
Thank you. Lots of other people have said I remind them of Bob Ross. I didn't know before TH-cam. Thank you for the kind words.
Just thinking to suggest long underwear and at least a wool top layer. What are your thought on bringing a small stove and ramen, etc.... possibly a single-walled stainless steel (wide mouth) bottle & or nesting container. Carrying A lighter, usb rechargeable flashlight & a pocket knife + backup battery & cables, are a really good idea as an 'edc' (every day carry) for everyone.
Thank you for sharing your experience and good advise, Sir. Like all of your choices of clothes/gear. What brand are your of jacket and poncho? Peace, Mate!
I do not have a shemag...I usually carry a sniper veil and one wool scarf that I wear around my lower back / belly...not only it provides warmth but it improves posture and protection when carrying a backpack. In winter I like to carry a yak wool shal that I might wrap among my shoulders/upper torso and head...very cosy!
Though I noticed the prayer at the end, you could have mentioned the cross at your neck... I hear people recomending carrying a pack of cards or a book for fighting boredom or loneliness in some harder moments... I never carry any of those, but my scapulary, a small cross or even rosary beads are part of my kit!
Thanks!
Another informative and enjoyable video, thanks.
Nice my brother, good info for jackets. You prefer gore-tex or poncho?
I like a goretex (or similar) jacket but then also a poncho. IMO goretex etc is good in light to moderate rain for some time, but extended rain or heavy rain and it soaks through. So I also carry an impermeable poncho to put over the top when necessary. Plus the poncho can become a tent for the night
👍👍
You are Awesome , love your content and wisdom , thank you and may god continue to bless you in Jesus name Amen
thank you so much. God bless
Common sense is becoming uncommon. Prepare for what could go wrong, proper equipment and training. Thanks for your efforts training others from your experience.
Go with God.
Roll your sleeves up on the inside instead of the outside and it will stay rolled up
Funny thing is this is pure common sense, problem is too many lack that.
Great advice!!!!
thank you
Thanks for making the video.
Emmensly practical advice. TY.
Thank you so much.
There’s something called seal skin socks so they just wear the socks and then your feet are waterproof and If they fail you can buy a new pair and don’t have to throw perfectly good boots just because they leak that was from Paul Kirtley.
You should put links to suggested clothing.
even a small tarp, where yiu can tie rocks in the corners and make a plowpoint, rolled with a blanket and ground cloth would give added protection. At least 7-9 ft square. Then a saw and hatchet and sbacks. Nit that heavy or restricting.
You are right. I agree. In this video I was focusing on appropriate clothing. Often I'll just teach one topic at a time.
More good advice 🤠
Thank you! The comments & encouragement keep me going....
What material do you prefer for winter hats?
I like a stocking cap (watch cap, beanie, etc) like the one I'm wearing in this video in polyester, acrylic, or similar man made material - in addition to a jacket with a water resistant hood. As the weather gets colder, I'll upgrade to a winter parka with hood (also water resistant). And when it's really cold I like a trapper hat- the kind with ear flaps that button down, or can be buttoned up on top of the cap. I like ones that are synthetic or leather outer material. The inside of the flaps may be fur. The insulation of the hat itself may be fur or polyester batting. This company has nice trapper hats on Ebay. They are sheep skin natural leather with the "fur". www.ebay.com/str/freshfancyfrenzy?_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2563 It's not a paid sponsorship. -Just a company I have bought from with good results.
Amen
most important thing to bushcraft is same to me as combat. *brain*😎😎😎😎😎😎😎
but I also agree with your thoughts be safe brother
I would add if you are going with clothing then wearing camouflage or colors that blend into the woods is kinda dumb. If you have a choice wear hi viz colors so you can be found by air or land search no matter what level of experience
After clothing I believe satellite communication is the most important, if you can afford it. That would be a gps device with text capabilities or the new iPhone 14. The iPhone 14 can use satellites to connect if you can get a clear view of the sky.
But technology fails so you must also be prepared for not having it. It is great to have but terrible to rely on.
very good points. thank you
Trust me over dressing can be just as lethal lose ability too function in emergency. Best defense is be very fit
I can’t use wool. I’m allergic to wool. I have to wear cotton, polyester, etc. Anything except wool. :(
You need to live as no one is coming then when it happens you'll be prepared.
Agree
thanks for watching
Good stuff
Thank you. God bless.
You might care to follow I did but failed by emailing LLBean and other Outdoor retailers by informing them that flannel - cotton should not be available for sale for Autumn, Wint=er and early Spring. Such stupidity is beyond my comprehension. I made heat reflective breathable, wind and water repellent/proof .clothing. My anorak and over-pants protect me from the wind, cold wind, rain and snow. The combination of my anorak and over-pants weigh a mere 6.24 ounces and fold down extremely small. The zippered hood covers to just above the tip of my nose so that my warm moist air exiting my nostrils warms my face. Synthetic and natural insulation and clothing will be penetrated by the elements. That's why a breathable, wind and waterproof outer layers are essential.
Recently I contacted one retailer but it seems they didn't listen to me. In the old days flannel was wool. These days "flannel" is apparently any plaid shirt, and those are usually cotton.
A pandemic because of the cold/flu?
I like stripper pants so if I get to hot I can take them off quickly. 🤪. But really learning to stay cool but still have your whole body covered is good to learn. Having that layer of protection cuts down on bugs, ticks, and needing firstaid for small scraps.
The 1 area to use cotton is your underwear. The cotton will wick small amounts of sweat away from your crotch so it can dry. But if you’re in an area where cotton underwear is just going to get saturated then maybe go no underwear. Synthetic underwear will foster yeast infections and jock itch because the synthetic won’t let your skin breathe in that tight of a space.
yes. Very good points. I usually wear cotton or poly cotton t shirts and boxers
There’s no such thing as bad weather, only poor wardrobe choices.
My only issue is that with a fire you can get away with less clothes if you have a good or many different fire starters plus fire starter’s are cheap light and abundant. A good knife and fire starter’s and you can survive. Maybe uncomfortable but alive.
Yes. Good point. If you can get a fire going, and can keep a fire going, then you can get away with less clothing. But if not, then not. When a person needs fire most, he can't make one. He is too injured, cold, or sick and/or the weather is too bad. He also has to be able to gather and process the firewood.