That asserts might makes right, which it does not. Though it may be the case for savages and animals, it's not a viable foundation upon which to rebuild society.
@Doom no blood ,no foul....we are ok brother. We would lie in the sun spread eagle when it would come out to try and dry our crotch out before the storms would roll back in in the evenings. The welts from crotch rot would bleed. Hell, everyone walked like we had been riding a horse for months.
You're right, I was homeless, from 1995 to 2000, 3 years of that, I lived in the Mountains. I'm a very strong person, but the only things I missed, was hearing, children play, talking to people, seeing my family, the number one thing was being touched, not sexually, but a handshake, a hug, a pat on the shoulder... We need people to survive, our mind will play tricks on us, when we're alone, survival isn't just about food, shelter, fire and water, it's much, much more than that.. Just my opinion.
That reminded me of when I used to volunteer with a church group, and we would hit up the typical homeless hangouts, handing out new socks and underwear, delicious homemade sandwiches with a big ol' bottle of water, but they had to agree to let us say a prayer for them first (really small price to pay for free food and clothes, am I right?). The thing I remember most was this one guy who looked like hell and smelled about as bad. I didn't know why, but I was compelled to hug him. He broke down in tears, and said he hadn't been hugged by anyone in over 15 years. He cried for probably 20 minutes, unable to speak or even stand. He finally said he couldn't stand being homeless anymore, and he wanted to take up the church's offer to put him through rehab to kick his crack, heroin, and alcohol addictions, that he wanted a new life. Last I heard, he's struggling with the rehab, but he is making progress. The only time I've ever seen someone like him was that haunting reel from WWII of the Auschwitz survivor stumbling towards one of the US troop, hugging him and crying. I think the poor man I encountered that day was just as broken. It sent chills down my spine because I realized just how easy it is to become homeless, and to try to escape your hell by using drugs, which only make the fires of your personal hell burn hotter and higher, further trapping you into that waking nightmare. The two groups of people I have more respect for than anyone else are combat veterans, and former homeless people. You don't know what you're made of until the world has ripped you apart, and you are left to piece yourself back together.
I can’t believe how many times I’ve had this conversation with people. My background is also military. I was also a nature and wildlife photographer for a number of years, let’s just say that I have spent a lot of time in the woods and mountains. A friend and I got to talking about this and we determined that in 6 months, more or less, there will be no game left in the woods with all the people that claim they are going to the woods when the world ends. At 60 years old with some health issues, I’ll leave that to the younger guys. I’ve got quite a bit of food stored here. I’ve got tools and skills enough to help my neighbors and not be a burden on them. Good grief folks, even the native peoples of this land didn’t live alone in the wilderness, they lived in tribes.
Yes. People have ALWAYS been most secure in communities. From 10,000 B.C. until the present, the people who survived were in a community. People who are by themselves will be found and either robbed or killed. The people who are most likely to survive would be the Amish except that they don't use weapons. The Amish might wise up if there is a situation and they start getting robbed, r*ped, and killed. I can imagine the newly wise Amish teaming up with armed Christians for survival. Some of the Mormon communities will also do very well and Mormons are more likely to enjoy using semi-automatic rifles.
During the Great Depression, big game animal populations were being decimated. Current hunting laws and taxes sprang from this in the 30s. Today, the big game population in the US is only about 1% of the human population. It will be bad for the people that plan on hunting to be their first course of action for feeding themselves and family.
How dare you assault my personal fantasies of being a lone gunslinger wandering the post apocalyptic wasteland, with your common sense and logic? HOW DARE YOU!
Yes! You can never travel light with a baby. I remember hurting my shoulder by carrying a changing bag because the pram compartments were full by other things
I use the term bug out bag but I've always thought about it as an evacuation bag. A bag with some basic necessities and important documents that's easy to grab and go in case of emergency. I've had to evacuate twice now due to California fires so it's come in handy. Luckily our house was fine and we got super lucky.
Yeah that's how I understand it too! Maybe a truck with chemicals crashed or there is a fire and you have to be evacuated. Grab the bug out bag and your out of danger!
@@TheWinstonDouble The thing is that a lot of the people who talk about bugging out have some weird fantasies associated with it. Like they think they are some sort of commando who's going to brave the urban landscape or live in the remote wilderness surviving by their wits. Changing the way you think can help with the reality that 99% of the people will be going to a relative or friends house, staying in a hotel somewhere or worst case going to a government run shelter. I frame it differently to help with packing a realistic list of items in my bag. Is having a knife and tools to make fire good? Sure but I wouldn't devote a massive amount of real estate to an outdoor camping set up meant for living long term alone in the woods.
I would feel good about having such a refined skillset too. Lol All of the literal blood, sweat, tears, hard work and just pure grit that it takes to make it through what he's been through. Man, I can only imagine the amount of prayer and determination that it takes.
John DeOtte I mean that won’t be hard their will be thugs armed to the T with big numbers if it’s really a end of world situation we’re ppl are taking food
@@somerandomguy1522 finally someone with a brain ... in a real wrol situation you gonna be dealing with GROUPS of bad guys not 1 or 2 bozos trying to steal your stereo
@@me2ontube I agree. While guys like you or me or John have their tribe, their people...the folks of a much less moral bend are going to band together as well. Street gangs, Motorcycle "clubs" etc....
Good stuff. I like it when people tell me, “I’ll hunt and fish to survive.” Everybody seems to think that’s the way to go, but........when everyone is doing that the game animals will be gone pretty quick. Fish might last a little longer. There’s a reason why we have “hunting season” and don’t hunt year around!
I’ve heard this counter before..I think when it comes to traditional game animals it’s true. When it comes to feral hogs, I truly don’t think we would wipe them out - even with a massive increase in pressure.
Most that speak those words don't have the slightest idea how to fish or how to hunt, much less swing a hammer or turn a screwdriver. Sad times when man can't even care for himself
My grandfather said, "When you see a deer or rabbit on the side of the road, you know it is good times. Bad times, someone would have already eaten it."
Yeah I ran this out in my head. I’m a single 27 year old former 0311. I just moved my 67 year old type 2 diabetic dad into a house with myself about two weeks before corona virus shut everything down. I realized I’d rather die alongside him and defend in place my family and others than bug out into the woods alone. People here would need me and it’s wholly inadequate as a preparation.
That is why humans created society and communities. To protect ourselves and the ones we love. You used simple logic and compassion. Leadership by example, good for you.
This is probably the most accurate bug out bag analysis I’ve seen. I saw this when it came out but it popped up again on my business account so I re-watched it. Coming from a wilderness/medical background, the idea of going out on your own, especially in the woods is silly in an apocalyptic situation. I have a bug out bag for one reason, wild fires, and even then, unless the fire started very close to my land, I would be packing an enclosed trailer. You are spot on when you talk about community. No one can provide every resource to keep things going and if you can pool resources and foster trust in your community, you are many steps ahead of the curve. There are definitely places where this won’t be possible or at least difficult (think big cities). But, all the infrastructure is there still and there are people who know how to use it. Try to have as many reliable people with different skills around you as possible. Start community meetings to organize and plan how you will handle things in your unique area. Focus on building community and hopefully you won’t have to LARP as Mad Max When things go down. I know the LARP is fun for many, but I would rather stay alive and thrive.
@@EroticOnion23 If you are planning on having to flee, then everyone having a pre-packed bag is actually a good idea. You can spread the food and supplies across everyone, so each only carries their own. Obviously this is less effective with small children, but with a family with teenagers, building each an "emergency bag" with food, medical, survival gear and perhaps a ballistic armor panel insert is a good idea.
I greatly appreciate your “we” mentality instead of the “me” mentality a lot of people have today. Thank you for your effort in creating these videos and I hope I’m never “raided” by you and yours 😁✊
300-400 years seams to be the mark for most collapses. All throughout history. And as we all know history continues to repeat itself. Stay safe out there brothers
@@sjthomasfamily8236 Have you so quickly forgotten Iraq? When the US invaded Iraq on the completely false premise that Saddam Hussein was harbouring weapons of mass destruction, that all turned out to be a lie. That was an excuse for the real reason, which was all about money - taking the Iraqi oil fields.
I mean, well duh. I dont know how an adult has not realized this until now. It's like an adult just coming terms to that every loved one will die at some point.
S & J Thomas Family. We live(d) in a great country one of the best to ever grace this earth. However to say we never had imperial ambitions is missing historical facts. This country was created by western expansion we didn’t start out “ sea to shining see”. Ask the the Native Americans , Mexico and even Canada. Hawaii? Philippines, Puerto Rico, Cuba? All US colonies at some point. Some of these worked out and others didn’t. There is no US exceptionalism. We have been a country for less than 250 years. A drop in the bucket in the historical record with a huge civil war that almost destroyed the country. We need not to rest on our laurels but work to strengthen this nation with good people like you and me and other like minded citizens so our nation. will be around another 250 years +. Long live the Republic. .
I've lived in the woods before. I took a two-month-long trip into various national forests. I can tell you, without a doubt, that it is not easy living. It's about as hard as you can live. You will have health issues. Even if you're healthy. You will have pains, rashes, odors, infections, bug bites, etc... etc... It's also constant work. Maintaining a fire is not easy. Especially when you've burned all the deadwood within a couple hundred yards. Finding food is almost impossible unless you are an expert on regional wildlife and plant life. Even getting water is dangerous. You have to disinfect it, boil it, or filter it. Sometimes you have to do literally all three to be sure you aren't going to get sick. Living in the woods can be fun but it's not something I would want to do more than a couple months at a time.
This! And even though many things are technically edible, they often need to be softened by cooking in WATER, need seasoning to be palatable, and may be difficult to digest. Everyone grew up eating foods developed over thousands of years of breeding, not on the wild stuff. Even wild fruits and other plant foods are seasonal. People survived all this time by being in communities. Even mountain men were dependent upon manufactured items and processed foods like flour and sugar.
most people that are into that bugging out thing have no clue. Even if they done a week-end in the woods, in the back of their mind they still go home to a shower.
And when you encounter people-and you will, I can nearly guarantee that-you are either the enemy, the target, or a mental case they ant to force back into society to "help", when they themselves have no idea what it is they need to help you from (other than living on your own in the woods). Oh, then the remaining 5% that think you're way totally cool and they envy you for your efforts. BTDT for 3-4 years.
As a veteran myself, I wouldn’t dream of bugging out unless I have a 10-man team of similarly trained and equipped people who I can confidently trust won’t stab me in the back if things run foul.
Everyone thinks they're gonna bug out....literally, when everyone panics, the roads out of town would be like parking lots...you're not going anywhere.
Very true. I’ve lived the majority of my life in hurricane zones. People wait until the last minute then park on the interstates until they run out of gas.
I never forgot the rule my dad told me when a SHTF scenario actually happens. Find a rock to crawl under and stay there. I plan to hide from others as best as I can. and if I can't then yeah I'm probably dead.
@@bamspay They haven't thought even basic stuff through at all. What happens when garbage disposal fails? When people abandon their pets? Garbage eating dogs + riots -> insane amounts of disease. Also, with riots a fire will start eventually, and with broken down infra structure, chances are the fire department can't do anything. And that's just the beginning of the less obvious problems. The more obvious being that the cities would be fricking nuked. If any serious rally started
cities are designed to live in during prosperous times of peace. They offer the greatest amount and diversity of resources and and potential than other settings. They are not good places to be during times of crises that is for sure. However, while there is no crises, depending on what you may want to do, they are a great resource. And like survival techniques in a more rural setting, hunting, fishing, just enjoying your life and family, the same is true for cities. They offer a greater diversity of job possibilities, money opportunities, relationships, etc. If you are in a place were you need a better job, you want to be something other than what are available, lifestyle or career opportunities, cities are a great solutions. They will also chew you uop and spit you out if you don't know how to navigate them. That doesn't make them bad, nor does it make you stupid, just like if I get dropped off int he woods but cant identify poison ivy, lay out a simple bird trap, or start a fire with out a book of matches or a lighter. Cities may not be your thing, but they are great and marvelous. Go see for yourself, just don't go during an apocalyptic moment.
The point of the bug-out bag is for when the bug-in option is not available. You are only thinking about an apocalypse scenario where you have a property left to defend. Bugging-in is a good plan A, and every prepper should plan to bug in first - but there are just many reasons why bugging-in may not work such as the many possible natural disasters. A good plan consists of Plan A - Plan Z, you don't just lock yourself up on one plan - and despite how much confidence you may throw onto that one plan, mother nature always can find another one. Furthermore, a bug-out bag is not a "live in the woods forever" bag. A bug-out bag is an emergency supply so you CAN live in the woods for a short duration until you can secure another location and bug-IN.
The problem with preping as individual or family (as opposed to a military force) is it is impossible to prep for every scenario. so people have to prioritise and tend to prep for what they fear most. Preppers also used to get a bad press and TV shows only show the most extram examples of people prepping for the most unlikely circumstances like sun spots or alien invasion but then would get stuck because they lost their job but had not preped for that
please provide a scenario that could happen, or has happened in the last 100 years where it was necessary to go of into the woods to survive? I see people arguing online about optimal BOB loadouts for an event that is 1 in a trillion.
@@Kevinschart World War I, and World War II - You are thinking mainly from an American perspectives, however during both wars many countries became occupied by another military force. Shellings and bombardments were endless. Your property may have been destroyed from the bombs, staying in the city or on main roads could expose you to enemy militants. Of course, you can say that the military are not allowed to harm innocent civilians, but then consider the wars in the middle east or in Ukraine. Besides wars, consider natural disasters such as floods. You need to escape to higher ground to avoid flood waters, depending on your location or country, there may not always be an evacuation zone at a location with higher elevation. The Tsunami that caused the Fukushima power plant crisis, a lot of people escaped to surrounding hills and mountains. Rescue took several days. Manmade or natural, there are plenty of situations where you may need to stay in the wilderness. I did not say you stay in the wilderness forever, in fact I expressly said not to. However, it's prudent to be prepared to possibly stay in the wilderness for a couple days.
It seems you've missed the entire point of this video. YOU need to BECOME your own John, become a protector. That is the entire basis of the Warrior Poet Philosophy.
“Be polite to everybody, but have a plan to kill everyone in the room” Gen. Mattis Thanks for being the first person I’ve seen on YT bring some sense to this idea of a bug out bag.
This video has really put a lot of things into perspective. I thank you for that. I think so many "preppers" spend too much time and energy on planning a "getaway" that they fail to logically consider the risks involved with "bugging out" as opposed to fortifying, securing, and staying put. Very, very good information...
EDC bag should be to get to base and all the grand supplies stowed. Bugs me when all weather provides for days notice. Best to be prepared at base. If driving to a planned RP, there will be time for multiple trips to your vehicle. Why bug out when you know the time the event will end or pass.
Virtually impossible to do in suburbia.Unless you have an acreage growing crops and running livestock. You'll all run out of food soon enough. That's when a so called prepper community's become Marauder gangs.
@william dohn And that's only a brief holdover until you've finished securing your double secret area. I'm already three super secret areas deep-- I left six months ago-- How did I get here? Where am I?
One of the best prepper lesson I learned from Walking Dead was there was no reason for them to bug out. Shane, Lori, and Carl left their hometown for Atlanta, either for the CDC or some "refugee center" they heard about on the radio. And when that inevitably turned out to be a pipe dream they decided to go to Fort Benning. None of these places were better than sheltering in place, either at their house, or even better at the police station. When Rick and Morgan went to the police station it had running water, electricty, weapons, ammo, and it was fortified. Every bad thing that happened to them was a domino effect of that original decision to bug out.
Funny you say that. Ever since this Covid thing blew out of proportion, all I say to people is "I've watched enough walking dead to survive this" and "until the dead start walking, then ill worry"...as you can imagine, people give me a disgusted look for saying it lol
Well, Rick left the hospital and then they couldn’t find any toilet paper 🧻, so the march was on! 😂🤣😂🤣 Notice, too, you never saw them dragging a crap load of ammo around with them outside of extra mags.
Ragnar Danneskjöld wait are you saying John thinks he is the government? Or that something is a hoax? I don’t understand. Please write in complete thoughts and check your work with grammarly :)
Hello John. You are definitely a man worth listening to. I'm considerably older than you and although I did not see any combat, I served my country for four years, during the Vietnam war. I'm somewhat proud of myself, because although I do not have your experiences or training, I am on the same page with your thinking. Thank you for your videos. They are a great refresher and very affirming of the way I'm thinking. One thing that I can not do is to form a network/community of people for security. The reason being that it is my opinion that I don't have ten other people that I could trust. My only true backup is my wife. I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to watching all of your videos.😃👍
You're not wrong about the bugout bag, but you seem to have forgotten the concept OF a bugout bag. I've seen that a lot among preppers. A bugout bag is what you grab when you wake up to an overwhelming force already taking your property. A bag of basics to take in 10 seconds. Relying on a bugout bag isn't a primary plan. It's a Hail Mary.
and if you are worried about someone actually taking your property it would probably be better to set up a "camp" site somewhere not terribly far from your property in a hidden location so that you could retake your property. Bugging out doesn't mean much if your just fleeing with no plan.
I live in the city. I faced this exact dilemma when it became clear to me that Covid-19 had triggered panic and the shelves were bare, literally, we could not buy food. If it had continued like that for another week, there would have been anarchy. I seriously thought about bugging out but there was nowhere to bug out to. At home I had resources, out on the road, on foot, i had very little because you cant carry 4 weeks of food, water, weapons, ammunition and medical supplies with you in a backpack AND march 100 miles to get somewhere safer. I always thought it would be fun, exciting and an adventure but when the reality of it all dawned on me, I got a really bad feeling about leaving and opted to stay put. Thankfully, things are slowly improving and now I have added some new goals to my list 1) Aquire suitable property in remote, defensible, peaceful terrain to serve as a place to go if the city gets bad - this is useful for all sorts of other things even if things don't kick off. 2) maintain a much higher level of physical fitness and never put off working out. I was not in good enough shape to even try tabbing 100 miles with a 75lb pack, the thought of it made me feel sick. 7 weeks later and i'm much fitter and stronger but still not fighting fit. 3) Enjoy the little things while we have them. I cant tell you how much i miss being able to just walk into a friendly bar or coffee shop and grab a coffee, some nice food and chat the the people in there. 4) Dont put the important things off, I might not get the chance to see them through, seize the moment to do that thing or tell that person something. 5) Develop a community, a network of like minded friends who we can work together with and share the burden and the successes together. I had started this process a year ago but there was always something else that needed to happen first before we could really get a plan sorted out and commit. Always some trivial complication and discussion that lead nowhere. If I had acted more decisively a year ago, I would be living in the woods in a log cabin along with a few friends in theirs while we sat by the fire in the evening having a few beers and generally enjoying the peace and quiet of a world in lockdown. LIfe is short people, stop fantasising about the future and live in the present. If you want to be more prepared for the eventual collapse of our civilisation, if it happens in our life time, then take action now and get prepared, stop putting it off and realise that there will be a HUGE amount of sacrifice and hardship. Ask yourselves if this is a future that you really want to see or if there is anything that you can do to help prevent it. After all, while this civilisation has it's evil's and it's problems, there are a great many things about it that are worth fighting to preserve.
These were my thoughts before even a pandemic. Leaving is not realistic and I’m sure not realistic for most. Dragging fragile women and kids and pets wouldn’t be an option for me. Just hold my ground and hope my preparation was well planned and live with the results.
@@DD-su2qq I've already made preperation to the route I would take and I would travel light because i have hidden bug out locations with a hidden shipping container that has enough gear and food and I'd be prepared to defend my self on the way there I have a drone that can have my back for full 360 visuals with a 40 mile range and facial recognition and will sent alert to me if people are in my area and I'm not john wick but I ain't no slouch 🤷♂️
@@DD-su2qq you should try fasting I've made on nothing but water and one pack of saltines crackers and prayer for over 2weeks so I'd be used to low calorie intake and still function quite well. Your actually the problem with erica all I said is what I would do and immediately here some joe blow like you coming with the negative Nancy train well you better hop off soon I'd be willing to help you long as you got a clear mind and good spirit but you clearly arnt there yet🤷♂️
@Entropy If your typical survivalist were confronted with an armored battalion showing up with artillery support and tac air, he is going to bug out and hope the enemy leaves.
well you shouldn't bug out with no place to go, you should find suitable locations with resources like wood water etc before you need to bug out. some places are better suited to bug outs though like canada is better then usa or more densely populated places. you will end up seeing people in any case eventualy especialy if you pick the perfect obvious spots, something could be said about taking the crappiest places you can you can live in with your skill level.for example if you go far far north anyone that makes it that far will probably value your skills instead of your stuff and join you instead.
I am to old to bug out. I have lived a good life and just not willing to run and hide from any bad guy. I have the basic to defend my self and those around me. No I can’t fight a mob or army. Life brings many challenges. I will face them when they arrive.
I love your message of prepping for a purpose. I started prepping for my family. My bug out bag is a way for me to get help and supplies to them, not so I can leave them behind when times get tough.
As someone who has lived through multiple hurricanes and the recent Texas "snowpocalypse" (I'm from Houston, for context). You should 100% have a go-to bag to grab, if you need to leave quickly. Trust me, when your house is quickly filling with water and some guy with a boat shows up to help you and your family escape, you need to go right then and there. You don't have time to figure out what prepper gear to grab. You grab the one bag and go. Now I wouldn't call it a "bug out" bag. It's not for living in the wilderness (though you should 100% have a life straw of some kind because who the heck knows when water purification will work again after a hurricane), it's for living at a shelter. Cause chances are you are going to be wet, your phone is gonna be dead, and you are all going to be hungry (and shelter food, isn't always reliable). So minimum, have the following (and yes, I've had to use these before); hand-crank radio with phone charger attached, life straw, food, a change of clothing, multiple pairs of socks, a towel, and something to do (because once you've gotten to safety, living through the rest of the hurricane is super stressful because there is nothing you can do to help the other people trapped out in the storm in bad situations at least until the storm is over). Also, put everything in waterproof bags. I've lived through 3 horrible hurricanes at this point and several other flooding situations.
Bingo. I’m from Houston as well and have lived in other places with natural disasters. It’s not about prepping to live in the woods. Nobody is trying to do that 💩. It’s about preparing given your environment. If you live in a place where you aren’t likely to be displaced that’s one thing. But hurricane, earthquake, tornado, and wildfire areas require go bags.
@@mzmel1 Exactly! I always have a go bag and I always update it a couple of times a year. Also, always buy a case of water bottles per person for hurricane season.
@@m_pavia9456 As my best friend said "All the guns in the world won't protect you from a fucking hurricane" (nothing against firearms, I just thought this was funny)
As a former Paratrooper who spent his time in the Sandbox, I have to say you are hitting the nail on the head with this video. I'm currently reaching out to my community to establish a proper "security perimeter" during these trying times. Keep doing what you do Brother because "A Good Student Makes A Teacher of Everyone"!
Hi John, wish we were neighbors! I'm much older than you but former Marine and still climbing cell phone towers and trees at almost 64. I'll die working or defending. I gave up my bug out bag years ago for all the same reasons. Just doing what one man can do. Making my own power, learning new skills, strengthening neighbors and praying for God's kingdom to take over! I really appreciate your content and mindset. I'm right there to support you brother. Best to you and yours.
My wife calls me a “ crazy doomsday preppier guy”. My “bug out bag” is for rapid evacuation due to tornado activity. Food clothes and toiletries for the family for a few days, plus some first aid and trauma gear. Grab the bag and we can be out the door in a minute headed to the hotel outside the dangerous weather area. Sure hope I never need it.
Same here. We have individual "tornado bags" with 24-hours worth, and a family "hurricane bag" that extends those supplies out for several days. There is very little else that can make us leave. The only other bag I run is a get-home bag in my vehicle, which is a subcomponent of my emergency supplies in case of getting stranded.
Of the few things more hazardous to a man than acquiescing to any attempted instances toward usurpation of his role of protector to a wife, regardless of how competent she may be, and especially if she happens to be more component at any one time in their lives, is to not move on from any mistakes he may have made, if any, along the way. Good luck in your prepping against acts of God and or natural disasters.
Lol well said. Some reason this all made me of John 117: because people looked up to him for his ability to protect and eliminate the threat beyond what most could do. 🤷🏻♂️ don’t take it weird; but this is a reality version of such an admirable person.
I am a wilderness surveyor. Don't ask me how I got the job, it literally fell in my lap, and I honestly didn't even want it......... But........ Now 8 years later, I absolutely love it. I get to work alone and I love being alone. My employer purchases a lot of gear for me, basically I have a credit card, with a max limit and I buy what I need. At the end of every year, my employer pays the card off and my balance starts over. So my ability to try out gear is pretty much, unlimited within reason. I have found that less is more. You need water and calories 100% and that need is equal to shelter. So those two things are what should be taking up the lions share of your bag. Next is tools. I keep the 5 C's on my person when I'm the field (ESEE 5, Ferro rod and lighter, 25' of 550 cord, pocket poncho, Stainless steel canteen with cup). This way if I find myself separated from my gear, I have the basics. My EDC is your basic EDC: pistol (Glock 19) with spare mag, folding knife (Ontario RAT 1) Multi-tool (Leatherman Charge) Flash light (Streamlight ProTac 1L/1AA). Keys, wallet, phone, pocket trauma kit, and a CAT tourniquet. I also carry a sling shot in a belt pouch (mainly for fun, but if I have to, I can hunt small game with it. It's not legal to hunt with in most of the areas I go, but if it's an emergency I could care less.) My pack is a SnugPak RocketPak. I keep a USMC advanced bivy, a snug pack special forces 0° bag, a fleece sleeping bag liner as my personal sleep system along with a compressed pillow. A U.S.G.I. Poncho which can be used for a shelter if it's pissing. I keep a folding sleeping pad strapped to the bottom of my bag, but honestly, I usually make a sleeping pad out of grass or fur/cedar bows. Tools are a folding bow saw and a Council Tool hatchet. Water filter is a Grayl GeoPress. I like this filter because I can filter water and pour it into my canteen. Then filter water again pour it into my water bladder until it's full, filter again and carry a full 24 oz in the Grayl and leave it in my pack. It too has a nesting cup. Head lamp, compass, collapsible lantern with beeswax candles, 1 ranger roll, and cold weather base layers round out the pack. Food is usually jerky, instant mashed potatoes, dried soup mixes, food bars, and tuna packs, peanut butter packs, instant jello pudding packs, and protein powder. I go pretty heavy on the food because all the hiking really burns up calories. Of course there is the survey equipment, maps, and GPS. I usually will stay out in the field for 3-4 days at a time depending on how far I have to go and what needs to be surveyed. Usually the surveys are for post forest fire impact studies and the requesters want to measure the burned area in relation to regrowth over time. They use satellite imagery in conjunction with hard survey measurements. Other times it's government outsourcing for planned projects, and then of course there are the typically forestry surveys. The time I enjoy my time the most is the winter. I love snow shoeing and running a snow machine into areas no one else goes. During the late spring after the snow melts and all through the summer to the end of fall I usually ride my mule and have a pack mule because honestly it's nice to have the company and I can give my back a break. I take my Nikon with me and get some of the best wildlife pictures. My typical load out weighs in about 90 lbs with everything. When I was in the infantry our packs were 120 if we were lucky. What I am getting at is, anyone who thinks they are going load their life into a bag and go off into a SHTF or bug out scenario and haul a rifle, body armor, a fighting load out, medical, food, water, and shelter with them, have not tried it. It's Heavy! 90% of the people who say they have a bug out bag are severely under prepared and those who are prepared most of them have never dawned their pack and did a serious hike. If you think rucking is hard, you wouldn't make it a day trying to keep up with me. This romance with bugging out with all this stuff is honestly. Hilarious and makes me laugh. Weapons will make you a target. Gear will make you a target. And being out of shape will get you killed before you even get started.
Thanks for sharing. The reality is that all the gear in the world will not help if your our of shape like you said. I think for most people the best thing they can do now is get in shape and live a healthy life style so you have a fighting chance if things fall apart. Also testing out your gear is a good idea. You don't want to be using something for the first time in an emergency.
Sounds like you watched gear reviews and chose the fanciest stuff available over what is practical. I lived in the woods for 2 years with some of the 10c’s myself. I had a mora, a stainless steel canteen, an old plumb hatchet I restored, a radio and a wool blanket. That’s it. This was in Alaska. Would I do it again? No. I don’t have anything to prove anymore. But people really need to stop caring about what gear they have and focus more on what actually matters. Knowledge really does replace the 10c’s in an instant. That 90lbs of gear is nothing more than luxuries. Don’t get me wrong. It’s good stuff you got. I’ve used just about everything you mentioned myself since I’m a survival instructor. It’s just not necessary at all. I blame the fact that everyone on TH-cam (content creation wise) only seeks to sell gear and profit. Survival eduction is severely lacking.
I tend to agree with you. So many "preppers" have the mentality that they will walk 50 miles into the woods and live off the land. Quite a few of them can't walk up the stairs in their home without getting winded and can't start a fire with a lighter. Should the conditions be right for a bug out ... I'm on board with the Bug Out Trailer and a variety of destinations.
Where I live I am already bugged out.. Power went out 15 times this month, the longest stretch was 20 hours. Funny thing is I am not a prepper, but making things myself like energy, fuel, and food, saves me money. I know better than to think I can start from scratch and live off hunting, because everyone here is going to be hunting. I get that you need more than a couple months worth of food and fuel, you have to be able to produce more, not just stockpile it. From what I have seen, most people are short sighted, or they think they can take from others to get what they'll need. What are those people going to do when the Yellowstone Caldera goes off and flattens forests ten covers all the farmland with ash fall?
Were bugging in. We (grandparents, parents, grandchildren) have several potential locations. I’m always amused by the guys that talk at length about their bug out plans then brag about their 800lbs. of ammo.
One of the biggest misses in prepping is the concept of community. Historically the best surviving in any event is having a good community to work with. I rarely see any real mention of having a solid community around you in any major scenario that a prepper would encounter, from loss of a job, natural disaster or the zombie apocalypse.
I’m in a really nice family farm area with people dropping off extra produce throughout the year and visiting. We have a 200’ water tower that would make great Overwatch also. Feel like we would be able to hold out for a while until a threat got too large.
Very true and while the emphasis is mainly focused on weapons Battle Tactics and food and water preparation survival skills networking with your neighbors is not normally placed high on the list. These are the people that live right next door and are going to be the ones who are either an immediate help or an immediate threat so getting to know your neighbors is a really good idea. Making allies of your community is an even better one. As a paramedic my neighbors know to call 911 and then me cuz I can be there quicker then dispatch can get the truck here. I am very blessed with excellent Neighbors and many of them have become good friends, which turns to allies at times of need
As an old geezer that has seen some of his more finically healed friends go down fantisy lane like the doctor you mentioned. I sent this video to some folks. The need for community with like minded and spiritually prepaired folks is more important than a stack of gear. Good video 👌.
I am not military but am a thinker. Staying put with preps is the theme but only backed with a clan of talented peers bound by honor and a commitment of togetherness. I agree with your strategic analysis and appreciate your humility in the face of your vast personal knowledge. You are a fabulous teacher too. Thank you for this great sharing, friend of afar.
Agreed... if your "bugging out" it should be with a CLEAR plan in mind.. bugging out to a more fortified location that is easily defended with friends. Or because circumstances FORCE you to leave temporarily.
@@Legohaiden Unless my house is on fire, I'd rather make a stand in my home than anywhere else I can think of. I have protection, supplies, ammo, food, water and fields of fire since I'm on a corner lot.
Staying in the comfort of your house is a luxury that you can rarely afford when things really go south. A micronova happens and you stay on your sofa? A mega tsunami happens and you stay on your sofa? A new ice age happens and you stay on your sofa? You can't protect the life that isn't there anymore. Survival first. I'd say the most important thing is to know WHERE to go depending on the external circumstances. You need to adapt quick, which you can achieve only with preparation.
Bugging out for 99.9 of people is a fantasy pipedream. When I was much younger my buddy and I used to take survival trips with a 22rifle, couple fishing poles and a couple of half gallons of Windsor. When we reached our destination we were hungry , eaten up by bugs and ticks or tired of being froze to death for days straight gathering wood the whole time. It would be absolutely last resort dececion before I would do it.
Grady Palmer people like you are the ones who really know what survival is like, I love the backcountry and understand cold sleepless nights gathering a bunch of wood and pretending to fish cuz sometimes the fish don’t bite. And we realize that this isn’t a fantasy. True outdoorsmen won’t get caught up on bug out crap
Great video. I am a disabled Veteran from the Gulf War I totally agree with you. I was attached with a Ranger Battalion for a small time, and it was a blast. They all were great guys.
If your immediate plan during almost any emergency is to bug out, than you need to move out NOW. you should NOT be living where you are today if that’s the case. You should be able to bug in for most events other than natural disasters.
I came to comments to say the same thing. As a caveat... you SHOULD carry a bag and supplies with you when you are away from home so you can get back and protect your family in a timely matter.
I carry a get home bag, where I live is great for buggin in, but I'm a superintendent for a restoration company, and I drive all around the bay area in commifornia. So the biggest thing for me is getting back home.
When we started, we built bug out bags. It's all we had at the time. Then we started prepping to bug in...food, water, and home defense. I have some cool shit, but I dismantled my bug out bags years ago and built light get home bags with some of the contents. The idea that my family and I would go into the woods and live the rest of our lives is just silly.
@Nicholas Rodriguez Do you think that would happen? Do you know anyone in law enforcement or the military? Ask them if they would invade the US. I bet at least half won't. How thin would they be at that point?
That just about covers the bug out scenario.Good video.Oh,I wouldn't grab a little bag and leave everybody and everything behind either.Too many people watching too many movies and T.V.,and bug out ad's.
Well said sir. Being a Texan and a parent, I won’t be “bugging out” except to maybe a family property with live stock. Maybe make a video of a three day family “get to plan B” bag or plan!
As a rescuer and first-responder and can say that the most important things to have in your house are: a good medical and trauma kit 💉- self defense gear ⚔️- and a toolbox with a lot of useful tools⚒
When all this started popping off my coworker went to the ATM and pulled out 5 grand cash... said he was going to go to the store after work and stockpile food. I told him he should get a gun, and ammo. "You can't eat bullets Cody"... No.. no you cant. But you know what they say. If you have food, and I have a gun..... I have food.
Get a crossbow and bolts and extra strings,fk the gun you can reclaim bolts and reuse,bullets you cannot. Plus bow and arrows and crossbow and bolts are quiet they won't give away your position.
I like the Bug-In kit. It's the supplies to lock down and fortify the property and home in short order. Once secured the teams can then get the security and sustainment operations up and running.
@@1234jacee That's actually exactly what I meant. Poorly worded on my part in initial comment. Coming from a Recon Marine... I just want to get "home", where I know my people and "stuff".
Absolutely, bug-in is always the first option. You know your home, your neighborhood, your ins and outs better than anyone, you will be most secure and safe on your own property initially. Bug-in as long as you can until you HAVE to bug-out. Here in FL myself, I reserve bug out strictly for hurricanes or floods, or in worst case scenario nuclear fallout.
Woah come on. The liberal government banned some guns. Heck the fun guns too. They haven’t “taken away” all the guns yet. Get yourself a good bolt action rifle and have fun with it. Or get a SKS. I want a M14 so bad!
If you think about it. What you’ve listed under bugout scenarios are water related. Keeping dry and that sort of stuff. Then you mention nuclear fallout and it brings me to ask. Is your waterproof supply bag equipped with genuine high radiation proof supplies? Because if for some reason a nuke falls near enough to you that there is a fallout so bad you need to run. At that point is survival really even a viable option?
You are spot on, I have several bags for different scenarios but my main focus has been fortification and my love of concrete has done me well. You absolutely need a trusted circle with specialties.
"The guy who survives won't be the one standing knee deep in spent .223 casings. It will be the guy in bib overalls with an old bolt action mauser, a pocket full of rounds and a knack for staying out of trouble. ". Ol' Remus.
Mine is one of my sons, he can fall asleep standing up and doesn't wake up with yelling. Needless to say he won't be getting watch duty, the honey bucket will need cleaning so he can have that all important task.
I used to be a "Gang Banger". I thought I knew about guns. (this was back in the 80's.). I have learned the error of my ways long ago. I appreciate your tips and teaching. Thank you for adding more maturity and education to an ex idiot. You rock bro.
Love your message and humility. It is all about community. This I i s serendipitous.❤❤ I started prepping for natural disaster emergency just before Covid hit, and then, in mid March I went all out and got a little prepper happy. 2 years later and I’m in the middle of packing to move in a than ideal situation and I’ve got all this food , medical Supplies , stockpiles of toilet paper ( both commercial and the micro “just add water wipes), etc, etc. I always consider bartering goods. I’ve got my 9 and ammo but I’m a single mother of a 14 year old living in an apt in North Portland ( and 4 grown kids on their own ) well aware of our immense vulnerability, obviously not ideal. That’s when you come to Really understand the value of Community. Also I’m painfully aware that I can buy all this stuff, a generator, some gas cans filled, propane , candles lighters, etc. my stockpile felt like my security because if it’s bartering value, but now I’m having to pack it to put in storage. And it doesn’t do you any good to have all this stuff if you can’t take it with you if … Neither here nor there. I am selling most of my belongings at a flea market and I didn’t want to sell my preps but my sister suggested it and then I came up with an idea to create bug out bags of essentials to sell and create a small business around preparedness but with the primary focus being on the need for community. Because after two years of focusing on possible apocalypse grid down SHTS situation I switched to you perspectives and have been focusing on the reality that I prefer rather than the one that I don’t prefer while also being prepared. I had a realization that if I’m holding onto my preps under the circumstances that I might be blocking myself from being receptive to what I want. So I had this genius idea and then I saw your video. It’s the first I’ve seen if it’s kind. My point was maybe it could be confirmation,, the synchronicity of it. Very cool. That’s all.
I have spent 20 years developing skills so I can entirely rebuild a home and feed my family with very little. Bugging out would be last option but studying bushcraft, foraging, botany and farming, turning scrap into tools and weapons etc My whole prepping mentality is to be prepared to have NOTHING but what's in my pockets. From there, I have made the home defensible as best I can and developed good community around me.
Bug out bags only work if you a specific place like property outside of the city. If you don’t live in a city. Staying out is one of the best things you can do, because there’s a ton of people trying to get out of populated areas. “Get home bag” is where it’s at. If you’re stuck away from home, get the bag and get home
No problem. Outside of cities and towns there is no major septic system with treatment plants. Often the area where someone’s septic tank and drain field for the house is buried will have much faster growing and greener grass from the extra water and “fertilizer”. The grass may be greener but if not careful you’ll end up neck deep in excrement.
@@jb8086 AH-ha-ha-ha! That brought back memories. Got bucked off a horse right into a "septic swamp" once as a teen--and of course I was wearing my best pair of corduroy jeans that my Mom had just moments before told me not to get dirty. Dad laughed so hard that Mom was throwing stuff at him trying to get him to shut up. LOL, thank you for that trip down memory lane!
Thanks John! I would put your military credentials up early. IV's to hydrate, etc. Explained a lot in a hurry. I think you are spot on and I have adult kids, grandkids and even an ex that is in the "community" We actually plan casually together and I am confidant that we stand an excellent chance in the majority of situations. Very well thought out and explained! Glad I found your channel. I have multiple bags as well, which can can be one handed in 60 seconds for quick trips or god forbid a instantaneous disaster but all is planned for circling the wagons as soon as possible, then deciding to bunker or extended camping setups. Where you live makes a huge impact on SHTF needs.
LOL, I went through chemo ten months ago and came out a changed man. Started prepping, slow and steady. Watched a lot of videos, started primitive camping after a twenty year hiatus. Filled up every closet with room temperature food and water, filled up shelves in the garage with stuff that didn't require 'room temperature.' I sat snug when COVID-10 hit, then I found out I didn't have masks or gloves. (I did have toilet paper though) Dallas, TX got hit by ten tornadoes last fall and two barely missed me. It was a war zone, hell, kind of still is in certain areas. We had cops looting a home depot that they were supposed to be guarding. My GHB isn't a bag, but a pouch and various items in my truck. I just put together a BOB, but that's just the basics in a single soft shell backpack that's easy to grab. If I had ten seconds, this would do me good. If I had ten minutes, the wife gets to carry that and I'll have 55 Liters on my back. If my truck is available, looters will be able to pick and choose from a lot of electrical material that I'll abandon in my driveway when I load up. With a tornado, bugging out may be as close as your back yard. Or it could be eighteen miles away. So my Bug Out Bag really isn't a Bug Out Bag, it's a 'You have ten seconds' bag. Guard duty? Get a dog that thinks the mailman is a terrorist.
@@markwelch9425 I'm actually good and in good humor. Have a friend that helped me through the process but also a great support team at home. one great nurse that let me be a gentleman when she walked me to the bathroom, one super model south African that ensured I survived the process. Doing great (well, good) now. But camping and prep are kind of high on my priorities now. Don't want to watch the needles going in, but after that, it's mostly cool. (except the movies, I'd like a little more control over that....)
@Joe Blow hmmm. I have Lupus, so yes. It's something I need to be worried about. Compromised Immune system? Layers of protection. One dog verses 12 people? Trust me, if someone were to shoot my dog, guess what? Two steps later they will be facing a high powered rifle. One bark, you are awake. Two barks, you are armed. One scream and your are ready to shoot whatever you see. If the dog is in the house, you can't poison it without making your presence known.
John- I don't know if you'll see this, but your mention of living out of an armored vic for months at a time and escaping the desert sun by laying under (and alongside it) greatly resonated with me. Light Armored Reconnaissance in Iraq 2006, 07, 08. Thank you for your videos and your service, brother.
This is a really good conversation to have. We can have all the preps in the world, but if we don’t have a community of peeps to protect those preps, then there’s nothing stopping our preps from being pilfered by other peeps. Peeps are preps. A poignant reminder.
This is very useful information and on point! Less is better for traveling... always take the essentials always prepare caches elsewhere in Case of emergencies
@@gtpro700 then be an expert at the things he is lacking ie: renewable energy and growing food ;) if YOU are the resource, ya become useful. think... Eugene :D
John - "All my friends, I have done some training with them and if something happens, first thing they do is they come looking for me" Me - John - "WTF! you're not my friend! you're not even trained! What the hell can you do???" Me - "I have mastered the fermentation process of yeast, complex sugars, and simple sugars. Construction of my own brewing vats, which allows the processes of alcohol from almost anything, and the range of strengths up to 22% abv. I have even made alcohol from a loaf of baked raisin bread. I also know the Colonial recipe to Applejack (American Apple Brandy but does not require a still to make), the same stuff that helped defeat the Brits. Every team needs a brewer, friend?" John - "Friend!"
my bug out bag is solely put together to get me to my bug out location, which is an hour drive away. it has everything i need for if the worst case scenario of “get out of the car and hoof it” becomes a reality, but i do agree that the “head to the hills, mountain man” style approach to bugging out is quite silly. like you were saying, if bugging out is the better option, at least have some sort of supply and plan, which is what i consider my bug out bag to be. i live in a downtown area, in an apartment, and i know that the area i live in would become quite dangerous quite fast, so bugging out to my bug out location is the best thing for me to do. oh, and my whole community of people i care about all share the same bug out location with me. and yes there are 15-20 of us ;). great vid john, love your channel man
I gave up the “bug out bag” when I realized that the contents in that single bag would have to be of greater value than all the resources and people in my house and area where I am currently at.
Kevor Studios I have a bug out bag but it’s super lame it’s more of grab my family and leave bag I’m hoping to get it looking better so far it’s some small tools extra bullets and lighters etc by next year it will be looking very nice 👍🏽
I was in a class with John a couple of years ago and still remember his comment “ we are all easy to kill” including him. Great video and I pretty much agree with all points.
@Austin Martín Hernández You also have a lot of people fighting for those resources, surviving is a better outcome if you avoid people you don't know... If you live in a city and dont have a good community thats when you definitely need a bug out plan.
@@Thebaitshoplive why anybody would still be living in a city I have no clue. Live in the country where you can buy a huge nice house for a fourth of the cost of a small city house. And you can actually prepare the right way. I won’t be bugging out anywhere. If I can’t hold down my own land that’s on me.
The concept he has is spot on. I lived in the city for the last 20 years. I was raised in a rural place with land and supplies, a well for water. I was always nervous in the city, every time the power went out or there was media buildup to social/weather events. In those situations, as he and several others pointed out like in the case of a nature disaster or a massive power outage it’s appropriate to bug out. About 15 years ago I started to build up my Toyota truck and as it stands now it’s very capable. Initially I had the fantasy I’d have time in a major disaster to get home, grab gear, get my wife and make it the 25 miles to my family’s land. Yeah right. It snows and the city turns to shit, you’re not going anywhere. I moved back home, and for better or worse home I’ll stay in any case but impending destruction of the structures on the property, which for where I live wouldn’t be flood, it’d be fire (very possible the way the worlds turning). I have things to take lives, but I think I’d rather adapt the philosophy that we can work together. If that can’t happen and everyone is turning on everyone I’ll defend the people I love as best I can, but once they’re gone, you all can have this shithole and I’ll just hang myself
This is one of my favourite videos from you John, and I’ve been watching you for a very long time. It’s so well put together, I want more like these!!!
The way you describe prepping and your attitude about it is really what this country needs. There are way too many prepper videos out there that are all about the gear, food, vehicles, training, shooting. Then you step on a rusty nail and die alone in the woods. Community is so important and people all think that when some national issue occurs everything will just become free game and people will go nuts. Traveling to the woodlands surrounding a city is such an easy way to get killed and robbed if you are trying to hoof it alone. There is power and security in numbers.
I took me 3 sittings to get through it....as a Christian I do believe that a time is coming that will be even far worse than this movie portrays. (shudder).
You don't have to be faster than something trying to get you, you just have to be faster than at least 1 person in your group. I'm sure that is what the dog was thinking.
BFG The issue is fat. You either have to get it from fish or deer; if you’re a hunter, know how to preserve food, trap, and forage, you’re doing what our ancestors did to survive
Having the high ground is one faxror (key terrain) OCOKA is an acronym for terrain analysis. Observation and Fields of Fire Cover and Concealment Obstacles Key Terrain Avenues of Approach
People will start looking for stuff that they don't have and may desperately need. If you and your place will look like you have stuff, it will become a magnet for their reconnaissance. And if one group fails, another will try, and then another. The impoverished or "I ain't got shit" look has camouflage benefits, if you're intending to bug in. Wheels that look all beat up, but have been maintained well, draw less attention too. Blending in with everyone else's lot has strategic value.
Which is why it's important to form a community of neighbors that is populated with fellow sheepdogs and or identifying potential sheepdogs in that flock.
The most realistic comment I have ever heard is, "Nothing is yours, if you can't protect it." Point taken.
I feel like that about owning a classic car. It rings true for everything.
That asserts might makes right, which it does not. Though it may be the case for savages and animals, it's not a viable foundation upon which to rebuild society.
All the stuff in my possession belongs to God. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.
You can live in the woods for a good while, and be well hidden. It just takes skill, and time.
I agree, John has a way of backing up his wisdom. He is on point.
Everybody thinks they can survive indefinitely in the woods, until they spend a day with wet underwear.
🤔 what's "underwear"?
@@vincedunn9983 rip-stop shells and no undies
No socks either. Rot is a no go.
@@25alphatv71 bwahahaha
@Doom ok you POGs......in Central America Dress of the day was Shells and Jungles. No briefs or socks. It rained for 30 days at a time.
@Doom no blood ,no foul....we are ok brother. We would lie in the sun spread eagle when it would come out to try and dry our crotch out before the storms would roll back in in the evenings. The welts from crotch rot would bleed. Hell, everyone walked like we had been riding a horse for months.
You're right, I was homeless, from 1995 to 2000, 3 years of that, I lived in the Mountains.
I'm a very strong person, but the only things I missed, was hearing, children play, talking to people, seeing my family, the number one thing was being touched, not sexually, but a handshake, a hug, a pat on the shoulder...
We need people to survive, our mind will play tricks on us, when we're alone, survival isn't just about food, shelter, fire and water, it's much, much more than that..
Just my opinion.
tim berg Amen to that
tim berg you’ve just described the textbook lower levels of ‘Maslows heirarchy of needs’ I hope your situation now is where you want to be
Humans are social creatures by nature. Even ex cons who served a long time in prison say solitary confinement was the worst part.
that is what the liberals want to destroy. they want families to see each other as the threat to themselves. divided we are weak.
That reminded me of when I used to volunteer with a church group, and we would hit up the typical homeless hangouts, handing out new socks and underwear, delicious homemade sandwiches with a big ol' bottle of water, but they had to agree to let us say a prayer for them first (really small price to pay for free food and clothes, am I right?). The thing I remember most was this one guy who looked like hell and smelled about as bad. I didn't know why, but I was compelled to hug him. He broke down in tears, and said he hadn't been hugged by anyone in over 15 years. He cried for probably 20 minutes, unable to speak or even stand. He finally said he couldn't stand being homeless anymore, and he wanted to take up the church's offer to put him through rehab to kick his crack, heroin, and alcohol addictions, that he wanted a new life. Last I heard, he's struggling with the rehab, but he is making progress. The only time I've ever seen someone like him was that haunting reel from WWII of the Auschwitz survivor stumbling towards one of the US troop, hugging him and crying. I think the poor man I encountered that day was just as broken. It sent chills down my spine because I realized just how easy it is to become homeless, and to try to escape your hell by using drugs, which only make the fires of your personal hell burn hotter and higher, further trapping you into that waking nightmare.
The two groups of people I have more respect for than anyone else are combat veterans, and former homeless people. You don't know what you're made of until the world has ripped you apart, and you are left to piece yourself back together.
I can’t believe how many times I’ve had this conversation with people. My background is also military. I was also a nature and wildlife photographer for a number of years, let’s just say that I have spent a lot of time in the woods and mountains. A friend and I got to talking about this and we determined that in 6 months, more or less, there will be no game left in the woods with all the people that claim they are going to the woods when the world ends. At 60 years old with some health issues, I’ll leave that to the younger guys. I’ve got quite a bit of food stored here. I’ve got tools and skills enough to help my neighbors and not be a burden on them. Good grief folks, even the native peoples of this land didn’t live alone in the wilderness, they lived in tribes.
Yes. People have ALWAYS been most secure in communities. From 10,000 B.C. until the present, the people who survived were in a community. People who are by themselves will be found and either robbed or killed. The people who are most likely to survive would be the Amish except that they don't use weapons. The Amish might wise up if there is a situation and they start getting robbed, r*ped, and killed. I can imagine the newly wise Amish teaming up with armed Christians for survival. Some of the Mormon communities will also do very well and Mormons are more likely to enjoy using semi-automatic rifles.
Did they have big out bags and AR15's?
During the Great Depression, big game animal populations were being decimated. Current hunting laws and taxes sprang from this in the 30s. Today, the big game population in the US is only about 1% of the human population. It will be bad for the people that plan on hunting to be their first course of action for feeding themselves and family.
Perfectly put Brother. In your situation myself at 67. Lol.
Old farts
How dare you assault my personal fantasies of being a lone gunslinger wandering the post apocalyptic wasteland, with your common sense and logic? HOW DARE YOU!
😂
Patrolling the Mojave Almost Makes You Wish For a Nuclear Winter.
lol
@@BoostedPastime You've been out here for ITX, haven't you?
@@Cypress314 I do not know what ITX is?
The smartest man in the room is the one who knows he doesn't know everything, and keeps his eyes and ears open. Great video
Well said!
I can't stress this enough!! people act like they know everything usually know next to nothing
Dunning Kruger
Yup. The smartest people are the ones who realize just how dumb they really are.
I say something similar. “ the day I became a wise man was the day I realized I know nothing”
Anyone who thinks you can have everything in one bag, has never left the house with a baby.
Yes! You can never travel light with a baby. I remember hurting my shoulder by carrying a changing bag because the pram compartments were full by other things
So true! I deployed troops easier than getting one 2 year old to daycare before work.
hahaha this comment is awesome, and utterly true!
You may not pack all you want, but you can pack what you need.
Or animals
I use the term bug out bag but I've always thought about it as an evacuation bag. A bag with some basic necessities and important documents that's easy to grab and go in case of emergency. I've had to evacuate twice now due to California fires so it's come in handy. Luckily our house was fine and we got super lucky.
Yeah, that's a better way to think about it
Yeah that's how I understand it too! Maybe a truck with chemicals crashed or there is a fire and you have to be evacuated. Grab the bug out bag and your out of danger!
That's what "bug out" means. To evacuate.
@@TheWinstonDouble The thing is that a lot of the people who talk about bugging out have some weird fantasies associated with it. Like they think they are some sort of commando who's going to brave the urban landscape or live in the remote wilderness surviving by their wits. Changing the way you think can help with the reality that 99% of the people will be going to a relative or friends house, staying in a hotel somewhere or worst case going to a government run shelter. I frame it differently to help with packing a realistic list of items in my bag. Is having a knife and tools to make fire good? Sure but I wouldn't devote a massive amount of real estate to an outdoor camping set up meant for living long term alone in the woods.
@Skittles McStabbypants Oh like a doomsday prepper type thing? Yeah, that's a little strange.
John gets a glint in his eye while talking about how he can take our stuff.
I would feel good about having such a refined skillset too. Lol All of the literal blood, sweat, tears, hard work and just pure grit that it takes to make it through what he's been through. Man, I can only imagine the amount of prayer and determination that it takes.
John DeOtte I mean that won’t be hard their will be thugs armed to the T with big numbers if it’s really a end of world situation we’re ppl are taking food
@@somerandomguy1522 finally someone with a brain ... in a real wrol situation you gonna be dealing with GROUPS of bad guys not 1 or 2 bozos trying to steal your stereo
@TUZU Yep, Rangers, Green Beanies, SEALs, Marine Recon/MARSOC/Raiders, PJ's, CCT or just some well trained infantrymen....and of course snipers.
@@me2ontube I agree. While guys like you or me or John have their tribe, their people...the folks of a much less moral bend are going to band together as well. Street gangs, Motorcycle "clubs" etc....
Thank you for not stirring the stuff up, and coming at us with logic, and reason, not panic.
Much respect.
Most sobering statement: “I’m trained to take resources away from people like you.”
What if your resource is your intelligence? How can a gun take that away from you?
You're really asking that?
@@jorgec2233 pain and severe suffering
@@jorgec2233 Brain matter will be everywhere. lol
@@jorgec2233 Your resource clearly isn't intelligence.
Good stuff. I like it when people tell me, “I’ll hunt and fish to survive.” Everybody seems to think that’s the way to go, but........when everyone is doing that the game animals will be gone pretty quick. Fish might last a little longer. There’s a reason why we have “hunting season” and don’t hunt year around!
False. There's year round nourishment to be found in the human arm.
I’ve heard this counter before..I think when it comes to traditional game animals it’s true. When it comes to feral hogs, I truly don’t think we would wipe them out - even with a massive increase in pressure.
Most that speak those words don't have the slightest idea how to fish or how to hunt, much less swing a hammer or turn a screwdriver. Sad times when man can't even care for himself
yep too many humans running around to survive on the fat of the land.
My grandfather said, "When you see a deer or rabbit on the side of the road, you know it is good times. Bad times, someone would have already eaten it."
Yeah I ran this out in my head. I’m a single 27 year old former 0311. I just moved my 67 year old type 2 diabetic dad into a house with myself about two weeks before corona virus shut everything down. I realized I’d rather die alongside him and defend in place my family and others than bug out into the woods alone. People here would need me and it’s wholly inadequate as a preparation.
Good for you.
That is why humans created society and communities. To protect ourselves and the ones we love. You used simple logic and compassion. Leadership by example, good for you.
Thanks guys!
Semper Fi!
Leave no man behind. Especially our Fathers.
Peace to you and yours.
This video is spot on.. Half the guys with "bug out bags" haven't even been backpacking before...
shaldeman11 lol good point! Hiking can be tiring to those who accustomed to it - all the more with 40+ pounds!
I have a bug out stroller. :)
"Half" is probably pretty generous of you :p
shaldeman11 😆
A bug out shopping cart will not slow you down at all. Customize it with AT wheels and tires for off road travel. Very useful.
I will employ every trick used in Home Alone to thwart any intruders.
Triple-core paracord: Check.
Mil-spec paint cans: Check
Marbles, Bro, marbles.
Back up - bbs.
Time to give away. 💨
My ar 15 tare through houses lol I wouldn't do it to u but that kind of person is out there
@@nrob450 LEGOS!!
Mil-Spec Airgun: Check
Upward-Facing-Crotch-Shot-Portals: Check
This is probably the most accurate bug out bag analysis I’ve seen. I saw this when it came out but it popped up again on my business account so I re-watched it. Coming from a wilderness/medical background, the idea of going out on your own, especially in the woods is silly in an apocalyptic situation. I have a bug out bag for one reason, wild fires, and even then, unless the fire started very close to my land, I would be packing an enclosed trailer. You are spot on when you talk about community. No one can provide every resource to keep things going and if you can pool resources and foster trust in your community, you are many steps ahead of the curve. There are definitely places where this won’t be possible or at least difficult (think big cities). But, all the infrastructure is there still and there are people who know how to use it. Try to have as many reliable people with different skills around you as possible. Start community meetings to organize and plan how you will handle things in your unique area. Focus on building community and hopefully you won’t have to LARP as Mad Max When things go down. I know the LARP is fun for many, but I would rather stay alive and thrive.
Once I married and had kids, it was obvious a bag was not sufficient. Now I focus on safety and security at home
Why don't everyone carry a bag? 0.o
@@EroticOnion23 If you are planning on having to flee, then everyone having a pre-packed bag is actually a good idea. You can spread the food and supplies across everyone, so each only carries their own. Obviously this is less effective with small children, but with a family with teenagers, building each an "emergency bag" with food, medical, survival gear and perhaps a ballistic armor panel insert is a good idea.
I greatly appreciate your “we” mentality instead of the “me” mentality a lot of people have today. Thank you for your effort in creating these videos and I hope I’m never “raided” by you and yours 😁✊
"No nation sits secure"
The sudden realization that one day this country that Ive known to love so much will one day fall. It shook me.
me too brother, me too
300-400 years seams to be the mark for most collapses. All throughout history. And as we all know history continues to repeat itself. Stay safe out there brothers
@@sjthomasfamily8236 Have you so quickly forgotten Iraq? When the US invaded Iraq on the completely false premise that Saddam Hussein was harbouring weapons of mass destruction, that all turned out to be a lie. That was an excuse for the real reason, which was all about money - taking the Iraqi oil fields.
I mean, well duh. I dont know how an adult has not realized this until now. It's like an adult just coming terms to that every loved one will die at some point.
S & J Thomas Family. We live(d) in a great country one of the best to ever grace this earth. However to say we never had imperial ambitions is missing historical facts. This country was created by western expansion we didn’t start out “ sea to shining see”. Ask the the Native Americans , Mexico and even Canada. Hawaii? Philippines, Puerto Rico, Cuba? All US colonies at some point. Some of these worked out and others didn’t. There is no US exceptionalism. We have been a country for less than 250 years. A drop in the bucket in the historical record with a huge civil war that almost destroyed the country. We need not to rest on our laurels but work to strengthen this nation with good people like you and me and other like minded citizens so our nation. will be around another 250 years +. Long live the Republic. .
I've lived in the woods before. I took a two-month-long trip into various national forests. I can tell you, without a doubt, that it is not easy living. It's about as hard as you can live. You will have health issues. Even if you're healthy. You will have pains, rashes, odors, infections, bug bites, etc... etc... It's also constant work. Maintaining a fire is not easy. Especially when you've burned all the deadwood within a couple hundred yards. Finding food is almost impossible unless you are an expert on regional wildlife and plant life. Even getting water is dangerous. You have to disinfect it, boil it, or filter it. Sometimes you have to do literally all three to be sure you aren't going to get sick. Living in the woods can be fun but it's not something I would want to do more than a couple months at a time.
This! And even though many things are technically edible, they often need to be softened by cooking in WATER, need seasoning to be palatable, and may be difficult to digest. Everyone grew up eating foods developed over thousands of years of breeding, not on the wild stuff.
Even wild fruits and other plant foods are seasonal.
People survived all this time by being in communities. Even mountain men were dependent upon manufactured items and processed foods like flour and sugar.
How would my caviar and pate de foie gras stay chilled in the woods?
Keep telling people that so they don't come to where I live.
most people that are into that bugging out thing have no clue. Even if they done a week-end in the woods, in the back of their mind they still go home to a shower.
And when you encounter people-and you will, I can nearly guarantee that-you are either the enemy, the target, or a mental case they ant to force back into society to "help", when they themselves have no idea what it is they need to help you from (other than living on your own in the woods). Oh, then the remaining 5% that think you're way totally cool and they envy you for your efforts. BTDT for 3-4 years.
As a veteran myself, I wouldn’t dream of bugging out unless I have a 10-man team of similarly trained and equipped people who I can confidently trust won’t stab me in the back if things run foul.
Alexander pretty much.
Absolutely correct👍
Yut
Always worked in team of 3 so I’m good with me and 2 others with complimentary skills.
Wolverines!
Everyone thinks they're gonna bug out....literally, when everyone panics, the roads out of town would be like parking lots...you're not going anywhere.
So True. California now is race track either a parking lot.
Exactly. Also, Bubba is planning which trees to drop across the access roads. No one is driving anywhere.
Very true. I’ve lived the majority of my life in hurricane zones. People wait until the last minute then park on the interstates until they run out of gas.
Yeah if you live in a city your legs/bike/scooter will be a better form of transport.. forget the car
I never forgot the rule my dad told me when a SHTF scenario actually happens. Find a rock to crawl under and stay there. I plan to hide from others as best as I can. and if I can't then yeah I'm probably dead.
Bugging out of New York City even in good times is a good thing
Good times in NYC? When?
Exactly. I so amazed at how people think living in tight spaces like that makes any sense at all. Freedom does not exist in a a downtown situation.
Brandon Pa I live on the other side of the Sticks in South Georgia USA 🇺🇸 GODs COUNTRY!!!
@@bamspay They haven't thought even basic stuff through at all. What happens when garbage disposal fails? When people abandon their pets? Garbage eating dogs + riots -> insane amounts of disease. Also, with riots a fire will start eventually, and with broken down infra structure, chances are the fire department can't do anything. And that's just the beginning of the less obvious problems. The more obvious being that the cities would be fricking nuked. If any serious rally started
cities are designed to live in during prosperous times of peace. They offer the greatest amount and diversity of resources and and potential than other settings. They are not good places to be during times of crises that is for sure. However, while there is no crises, depending on what you may want to do, they are a great resource. And like survival techniques in a more rural setting, hunting, fishing, just enjoying your life and family, the same is true for cities. They offer a greater diversity of job possibilities, money opportunities, relationships, etc. If you are in a place were you need a better job, you want to be something other than what are available, lifestyle or career opportunities, cities are a great solutions. They will also chew you uop and spit you out if you don't know how to navigate them. That doesn't make them bad, nor does it make you stupid, just like if I get dropped off int he woods but cant identify poison ivy, lay out a simple bird trap, or start a fire with out a book of matches or a lighter. Cities may not be your thing, but they are great and marvelous. Go see for yourself, just don't go during an apocalyptic moment.
The point of the bug-out bag is for when the bug-in option is not available. You are only thinking about an apocalypse scenario where you have a property left to defend. Bugging-in is a good plan A, and every prepper should plan to bug in first - but there are just many reasons why bugging-in may not work such as the many possible natural disasters. A good plan consists of Plan A - Plan Z, you don't just lock yourself up on one plan - and despite how much confidence you may throw onto that one plan, mother nature always can find another one.
Furthermore, a bug-out bag is not a "live in the woods forever" bag. A bug-out bag is an emergency supply so you CAN live in the woods for a short duration until you can secure another location and bug-IN.
The problem with preping as individual or family (as opposed to a military force) is it is impossible to prep for every scenario. so people have to prioritise and tend to prep for what they fear most. Preppers also used to get a bad press and TV shows only show the most extram examples of people prepping for the most unlikely circumstances like sun spots or alien invasion but then would get stuck because they lost their job but had not preped for that
He did address these concerns in the video…
please provide a scenario that could happen, or has happened in the last 100 years where it was necessary to go of into the woods to survive? I see people arguing online about optimal BOB loadouts for an event that is 1 in a trillion.
@@Kevinschart World War I, and World War II - You are thinking mainly from an American perspectives, however during both wars many countries became occupied by another military force. Shellings and bombardments were endless. Your property may have been destroyed from the bombs, staying in the city or on main roads could expose you to enemy militants. Of course, you can say that the military are not allowed to harm innocent civilians, but then consider the wars in the middle east or in Ukraine.
Besides wars, consider natural disasters such as floods. You need to escape to higher ground to avoid flood waters, depending on your location or country, there may not always be an evacuation zone at a location with higher elevation. The Tsunami that caused the Fukushima power plant crisis, a lot of people escaped to surrounding hills and mountains. Rescue took several days.
Manmade or natural, there are plenty of situations where you may need to stay in the wilderness. I did not say you stay in the wilderness forever, in fact I expressly said not to. However, it's prudent to be prepared to possibly stay in the wilderness for a couple days.
😮😮
"Except one of you, you know who you are..."
*All of John's friends* - Wait.... was he talking about me?
Shit, never met the guy in person and I still had to wonder.
Definitely doesn't want my stuff, lol.
Starts to immediately look for "homes for sale" around John.
On top of a hill also.
Kennesaw is a great town. They have a great gun range called the Governor's Gun Club which I love and I miss it.
It seems you've missed the entire point of this video.
YOU need to BECOME your own John, become a protector. That is the entire basis of the Warrior Poet Philosophy.
@@cryo2156 It seems you missed sarcasm school.
@@BobbyLeDouche You were clearly not being sarcastic. Making a joke, sure, but it's not sarcasm.
“Be polite to everybody, but have a plan to kill everyone in the room” Gen. Mattis
Thanks for being the first person I’ve seen on YT bring some sense to this idea of a bug out bag.
* Mattis : )
Jay Merrifield Thanks I’m a terrible speller.
The You Tube "experts" really don't set the bar high, maybe knee high? LOL!
This video has really put a lot of things into perspective. I thank you for that. I think so many "preppers" spend too much time and energy on planning a "getaway" that they fail to logically consider the risks involved with "bugging out" as opposed to fortifying, securing, and staying put. Very, very good information...
EDC bag should be to get to base and all the grand supplies stowed. Bugs me when all weather provides for days notice. Best to be prepared at base. If driving to a planned RP, there will be time for multiple trips to your vehicle. Why bug out when you know the time the event will end or pass.
Well summarized
As a senior, medical problems, I realistically know I'm bugging in. I have the bag if needed, but main plan is in.
When SHTF Think about the Other 10,000 that Want to head to the Wilds As Well?!
Staying put isn't an option in some countries where we can't legally own the equipment necessary.
“Dissapear into the deep woods” then bump into every other clown with a BOB. It’s easier to feed and organize your neighbors than to shoot them.
Virtually impossible to do in suburbia.Unless you have an acreage growing crops and running livestock. You'll all run out of food soon enough. That's when a so called prepper community's become Marauder gangs.
@william dohn Exactly. Far,far away from Well armed tactical groups with limited food resources.
Yea to that!
@william dohn And that's only a brief holdover until you've finished securing your double secret area. I'm already three super secret areas deep-- I left six months ago-- How did I get here? Where am I?
No it isn't lol it's very easy to just shoot them
One of the best prepper lesson I learned from Walking Dead was there was no reason for them to bug out. Shane, Lori, and Carl left their hometown for Atlanta, either for the CDC or some "refugee center" they heard about on the radio. And when that inevitably turned out to be a pipe dream they decided to go to Fort Benning. None of these places were better than sheltering in place, either at their house, or even better at the police station. When Rick and Morgan went to the police station it had running water, electricty, weapons, ammo, and it was fortified. Every bad thing that happened to them was a domino effect of that original decision to bug out.
Jimmy Nix Really Good thought. 👍🏽
Funny you say that. Ever since this Covid thing blew out of proportion, all I say to people is "I've watched enough walking dead to survive this" and "until the dead start walking, then ill worry"...as you can imagine, people give me a disgusted look for saying it lol
TonyCOBHC666 lol
A smaller population center equals fewer zombies too.
Well, Rick left the hospital and then they couldn’t find any toilet paper 🧻, so the march was on! 😂🤣😂🤣
Notice, too, you never saw them dragging a crap load of ammo around with them outside of extra mags.
John's gonna end up the local warlord; that's what he has been training his neighbors for for all these years!
;)
Not if I beat him to it. Do you even have a leather jacket and baseball bat, bro? Lol
@Ragnar Danneskjöld 🧐
@Ragnar Danneskjöld For starters, Rag, John might have to set you straight on the Yankee part...
Ragnar Danneskjöld wait are you saying John thinks he is the government? Or that something is a hoax? I don’t understand. Please write in complete thoughts and check your work with grammarly :)
@Ragnar Danneskjöld America is done. But so is the rest of the world.
Hello John. You are definitely a man worth listening to. I'm considerably older than you and although I did not see any combat, I served my country for four years, during the Vietnam war. I'm somewhat proud of myself, because although I do not have your experiences or training, I am on the same page with your thinking. Thank you for your videos. They are a great refresher and very affirming of the way I'm thinking. One thing that I can not do is to form a network/community of people for security. The reason being that it is my opinion that I don't have ten other people that I could trust. My only true backup is my wife. I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to watching all of your videos.😃👍
You're not wrong about the bugout bag, but you seem to have forgotten the concept OF a bugout bag. I've seen that a lot among preppers.
A bugout bag is what you grab when you wake up to an overwhelming force already taking your property. A bag of basics to take in 10 seconds.
Relying on a bugout bag isn't a primary plan. It's a Hail Mary.
Case McDonald yeah exactly !
My "bag" is full of 12 gauge cartridges and a first aid kit.
and if you are worried about someone actually taking your property it would probably be better to set up a "camp" site somewhere not terribly far from your property in a hidden location so that you could retake your property. Bugging out doesn't mean much if your just fleeing with no plan.
He literally covered that.
Yes you might have to leave.
You'd be better off with a community that helps protect you.
@@josephroach711 Yeah but unless you are able to teleport there you'll need some supplies until you can reach said community.
“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” - Mike Tyson
@Robert Gregg Have you seen his latest training video??? He still has it!
Robert Gregg he still is the most dangerous man
^_^LOL
Buster Douglas told him that....
@@chtomlin I think Joe Louis said it first. And his version was: “Everyone has a plan until they've been hit.”
I live in the city. I faced this exact dilemma when it became clear to me that Covid-19 had triggered panic and the shelves were bare, literally, we could not buy food. If it had continued like that for another week, there would have been anarchy. I seriously thought about bugging out but there was nowhere to bug out to.
At home I had resources, out on the road, on foot, i had very little because you cant carry 4 weeks of food, water, weapons, ammunition and medical supplies with you in a backpack AND march 100 miles to get somewhere safer.
I always thought it would be fun, exciting and an adventure but when the reality of it all dawned on me, I got a really bad feeling about leaving and opted to stay put.
Thankfully, things are slowly improving and now I have added some new goals to my list 1) Aquire suitable property in remote, defensible, peaceful terrain to serve as a place to go if the city gets bad - this is useful for all sorts of other things even if things don't kick off.
2) maintain a much higher level of physical fitness and never put off working out. I was not in good enough shape to even try tabbing 100 miles with a 75lb pack, the thought of it made me feel sick. 7 weeks later and i'm much fitter and stronger but still not fighting fit.
3) Enjoy the little things while we have them. I cant tell you how much i miss being able to just walk into a friendly bar or coffee shop and grab a coffee, some nice food and chat the the people in there.
4) Dont put the important things off, I might not get the chance to see them through, seize the moment to do that thing or tell that person something.
5) Develop a community, a network of like minded friends who we can work together with and share the burden and the successes together. I had started this process a year ago but there was always something else that needed to happen first before we could really get a plan sorted out and commit. Always some trivial complication and discussion that lead nowhere.
If I had acted more decisively a year ago, I would be living in the woods in a log cabin along with a few friends in theirs while we sat by the fire in the evening having a few beers and generally enjoying the peace and quiet of a world in lockdown.
LIfe is short people, stop fantasising about the future and live in the present. If you want to be more prepared for the eventual collapse of our civilisation, if it happens in our life time, then take action now and get prepared, stop putting it off and realise that there will be a HUGE amount of sacrifice and hardship. Ask yourselves if this is a future that you really want to see or if there is anything that you can do to help prevent it. After all, while this civilisation has it's evil's and it's problems, there are a great many things about it that are worth fighting to preserve.
Matt Twinkletoes a very mature and responsible response. Keep up the good work bro and you’ll be better for it.
These were my thoughts before even a pandemic. Leaving is not realistic and I’m sure not realistic for most. Dragging fragile women and kids and pets wouldn’t be an option for me. Just hold my ground and hope my preparation was well planned and live with the results.
Oh it's about to fall apart.
Just got into survival/preparedness. Congrats on officially being my first wake-up call.
New shirt:
"BUG IN, LIVE TOGETHER OR DIE ALONE ".
I love it.🙋♂️
Unless u live in appointment in Detroit I'm bugging hell out fuck dat
@@DD-su2qq I've already made preperation to the route I would take and I would travel light because i have hidden bug out locations with a hidden shipping container that has enough gear and food and I'd be prepared to defend my self on the way there I have a drone that can have my back for full 360 visuals with a 40 mile range and facial recognition and will sent alert to me if people are in my area and I'm not john wick but I ain't no slouch 🤷♂️
@@DD-su2qq you should try fasting I've made on nothing but water and one pack of saltines crackers and prayer for over 2weeks so I'd be used to low calorie intake and still function quite well. Your actually the problem with erica all I said is what I would do and immediately here some joe blow like you coming with the negative Nancy train well you better hop off soon I'd be willing to help you long as you got a clear mind and good spirit but you clearly arnt there yet🤷♂️
@Ryan McMorrow he kinda dumb tho
@@clarencesmith467 if the location your currently living at is not suitable for shtf u should not be living there.
Bugging out with no place to go...there's a name for that....refugee
Guess what, there are forces in this world stronger than you, and they might make you choose between dying in place or becoming a refugee.
@Entropy But what about natural disasters?
@Entropy If your typical survivalist were confronted with an armored battalion showing up with artillery support and tac air, he is going to bug out and hope the enemy leaves.
@Entropy lol RIP. Leaving your home is not a good option but it can often be the only option.
well you shouldn't bug out with no place to go, you should find suitable locations with resources like wood water etc before you need to bug out. some places are better suited to bug outs though like canada is better then usa or more densely populated places. you will end up seeing people in any case eventualy especialy if you pick the perfect obvious spots, something could be said about taking the crappiest places you can you can live in with your skill level.for example if you go far far north anyone that makes it that far will probably value your skills instead of your stuff and join you instead.
I am to old to bug out. I have lived a good life and just not willing to run and hide from any bad guy. I have the basic to defend my self and those around me. No I can’t fight a mob or army. Life brings many challenges. I will face them when they arrive.
I hear ya rock. I’m good as long as I have enough naps. 🤪
And mags, plenty of mags.
@@sarah14black - He should turn his backyard into a minefield
rock Johnson preach brother!
Same Here and if they piss me off enough, they might have a real problem.
Rocko, I have to put myself in your camp also.
I love your message of prepping for a purpose. I started prepping for my family. My bug out bag is a way for me to get help and supplies to them, not so I can leave them behind when times get tough.
As someone who has lived through multiple hurricanes and the recent Texas "snowpocalypse" (I'm from Houston, for context). You should 100% have a go-to bag to grab, if you need to leave quickly. Trust me, when your house is quickly filling with water and some guy with a boat shows up to help you and your family escape, you need to go right then and there. You don't have time to figure out what prepper gear to grab. You grab the one bag and go. Now I wouldn't call it a "bug out" bag. It's not for living in the wilderness (though you should 100% have a life straw of some kind because who the heck knows when water purification will work again after a hurricane), it's for living at a shelter. Cause chances are you are going to be wet, your phone is gonna be dead, and you are all going to be hungry (and shelter food, isn't always reliable). So minimum, have the following (and yes, I've had to use these before); hand-crank radio with phone charger attached, life straw, food, a change of clothing, multiple pairs of socks, a towel, and something to do (because once you've gotten to safety, living through the rest of the hurricane is super stressful because there is nothing you can do to help the other people trapped out in the storm in bad situations at least until the storm is over). Also, put everything in waterproof bags. I've lived through 3 horrible hurricanes at this point and several other flooding situations.
Bingo. I’m from Houston as well and have lived in other places with natural disasters. It’s not about prepping to live in the woods. Nobody is trying to do that 💩. It’s about preparing given your environment. If you live in a place where you aren’t likely to be displaced that’s one thing. But hurricane, earthquake, tornado, and wildfire areas require go bags.
@@mzmel1 Exactly! I always have a go bag and I always update it a couple of times a year. Also, always buy a case of water bottles per person for hurricane season.
It's called a 'grab bag'.
@@m_pavia9456 As my best friend said "All the guns in the world won't protect you from a fucking hurricane" (nothing against firearms, I just thought this was funny)
Lol snowpocalypse? I lived in a car with a dead battery and no gas in dfw through the entire winter. 😂
As a former Paratrooper who spent his time in the Sandbox, I have to say you are hitting the nail on the head with this video. I'm currently reaching out to my community to establish a proper "security perimeter" during these trying times. Keep doing what you do Brother because "A Good Student Makes A Teacher of Everyone"!
I've got camo clothing to blend with the furniture in every room in my house..good luck trying to find me. 💪🏻
Human Error just get some old UCP and sit on your couch
@@irishpotato9919 Gonna be like Arnold in Predator when he covers himself with mud. Home invaders and whatnot now become the prey lol
Wtf
😂
Guess I’ll need to use my thermal setup.
Hi John, wish we were neighbors! I'm much older than you but former Marine and still climbing cell phone towers and trees at almost 64. I'll die working or defending. I gave up my bug out bag years ago for all the same reasons. Just doing what one man can do. Making my own power, learning new skills, strengthening neighbors and praying for God's kingdom to take over! I really appreciate your content and mindset. I'm right there to support you brother. Best to you and yours.
"Bugging Out" is a young man's game, and there is safety in numbers.
Yep, if you are older, stay put at all costs and board up the first floor :)
Yep!
Honestly the best bet overall.
The idea is one should be a functional unit on their own with a capability to link up with other members of the larger group.
@@sirvelociraptor2590 Absolutely.
My wife calls me a “ crazy doomsday preppier guy”. My “bug out bag” is for rapid evacuation due to tornado activity. Food clothes and toiletries for the family for a few days, plus some first aid and trauma gear. Grab the bag and we can be out the door in a minute headed to the hotel outside the dangerous weather area.
Sure hope I never need it.
Same here. We have individual "tornado bags" with 24-hours worth, and a family "hurricane bag" that extends those supplies out for several days. There is very little else that can make us leave. The only other bag I run is a get-home bag in my vehicle, which is a subcomponent of my emergency supplies in case of getting stranded.
If you have a tornado bag and you live in Vermont, then your wife is right. But if you live in Oklahoma, well done.
@@soldaditosdeplomo6660 Oklahoma adjacent. We are in Arkansas.
Yeah the bags have a purpose for sure for people who face annual weather hazards.
Of the few things more hazardous to a man than acquiescing to any attempted instances toward usurpation of his role of protector to a wife, regardless of how competent she may be, and especially if she happens to be more component at any one time in their lives, is to not move on from any mistakes he may have made, if any, along the way. Good luck in your prepping against acts of God and or natural disasters.
"Realtors dumbfounded as to why this particular neighborhood in GA suburb has such high property values"
-Because John lives there.
I nominate you for best comment lol hahaha
Lol well said.
Some reason this all made me of John 117: because people looked up to him for his ability to protect and eliminate the threat beyond what most could do.
🤷🏻♂️ don’t take it weird; but this is a reality version of such an admirable person.
best comment hands down
I am a wilderness surveyor. Don't ask me how I got the job, it literally fell in my lap, and I honestly didn't even want it......... But........ Now 8 years later, I absolutely love it. I get to work alone and I love being alone.
My employer purchases a lot of gear for me, basically I have a credit card, with a max limit and I buy what I need. At the end of every year, my employer pays the card off and my balance starts over.
So my ability to try out gear is pretty much, unlimited within reason.
I have found that less is more. You need water and calories 100% and that need is equal to shelter. So those two things are what should be taking up the lions share of your bag. Next is tools.
I keep the 5 C's on my person when I'm the field (ESEE 5, Ferro rod and lighter, 25' of 550 cord, pocket poncho, Stainless steel canteen with cup). This way if I find myself separated from my gear, I have the basics.
My EDC is your basic EDC: pistol (Glock 19) with spare mag, folding knife (Ontario RAT 1) Multi-tool (Leatherman Charge) Flash light (Streamlight ProTac 1L/1AA). Keys, wallet, phone, pocket trauma kit, and a CAT tourniquet. I also carry a sling shot in a belt pouch (mainly for fun, but if I have to, I can hunt small game with it. It's not legal to hunt with in most of the areas I go, but if it's an emergency I could care less.)
My pack is a SnugPak RocketPak. I keep a USMC advanced bivy, a snug pack special forces 0° bag, a fleece sleeping bag liner as my personal sleep system along with a compressed pillow. A U.S.G.I. Poncho which can be used for a shelter if it's pissing. I keep a folding sleeping pad strapped to the bottom of my bag, but honestly, I usually make a sleeping pad out of grass or fur/cedar bows.
Tools are a folding bow saw and a Council Tool hatchet.
Water filter is a Grayl GeoPress. I like this filter because I can filter water and pour it into my canteen. Then filter water again pour it into my water bladder until it's full, filter again and carry a full 24 oz in the Grayl and leave it in my pack. It too has a nesting cup.
Head lamp, compass, collapsible lantern with beeswax candles, 1 ranger roll, and cold weather base layers round out the pack.
Food is usually jerky, instant mashed potatoes, dried soup mixes, food bars, and tuna packs, peanut butter packs, instant jello pudding packs, and protein powder. I go pretty heavy on the food because all the hiking really burns up calories.
Of course there is the survey equipment, maps, and GPS.
I usually will stay out in the field for 3-4 days at a time depending on how far I have to go and what needs to be surveyed. Usually the surveys are for post forest fire impact studies and the requesters want to measure the burned area in relation to regrowth over time. They use satellite imagery in conjunction with hard survey measurements. Other times it's government outsourcing for planned projects, and then of course there are the typically forestry surveys.
The time I enjoy my time the most is the winter. I love snow shoeing and running a snow machine into areas no one else goes. During the late spring after the snow melts and all through the summer to the end of fall I usually ride my mule and have a pack mule because honestly it's nice to have the company and I can give my back a break.
I take my Nikon with me and get some of the best wildlife pictures.
My typical load out weighs in about 90 lbs with everything. When I was in the infantry our packs were 120 if we were lucky.
What I am getting at is, anyone who thinks they are going load their life into a bag and go off into a SHTF or bug out scenario and haul a rifle, body armor, a fighting load out, medical, food, water, and shelter with them, have not tried it. It's Heavy! 90% of the people who say they have a bug out bag are severely under prepared and those who are prepared most of them have never dawned their pack and did a serious hike. If you think rucking is hard, you wouldn't make it a day trying to keep up with me.
This romance with bugging out with all this stuff is honestly. Hilarious and makes me laugh.
Weapons will make you a target. Gear will make you a target. And being out of shape will get you killed before you even get started.
Thanks for sharing. The reality is that all the gear in the world will not help if your our of shape like you said. I think for most people the best thing they can do now is get in shape and live a healthy life style so you have a fighting chance if things fall apart. Also testing out your gear is a good idea. You don't want to be using something for the first time in an emergency.
Sounds like you watched gear reviews and chose the fanciest stuff available over what is practical. I lived in the woods for 2 years with some of the 10c’s myself. I had a mora, a stainless steel canteen, an old plumb hatchet I restored, a radio and a wool blanket. That’s it. This was in Alaska. Would I do it again? No. I don’t have anything to prove anymore. But people really need to stop caring about what gear they have and focus more on what actually matters. Knowledge really does replace the 10c’s in an instant. That 90lbs of gear is nothing more than luxuries. Don’t get me wrong. It’s good stuff you got. I’ve used just about everything you mentioned myself since I’m a survival instructor. It’s just not necessary at all. I blame the fact that everyone on TH-cam (content creation wise) only seeks to sell gear and profit. Survival eduction is severely lacking.
@@pubplays368
Sounds like your full shit.
I tend to agree with you. So many "preppers" have the mentality that they will walk 50 miles into the woods and live off the land. Quite a few of them can't walk up the stairs in their home without getting winded and can't start a fire with a lighter. Should the conditions be right for a bug out ... I'm on board with the Bug Out Trailer and a variety of destinations.
True words. Although it would be fun to hike 50 miles and set up camp for short term
That's why we intend on Bugging In!
If I leave it'll be in my Jeep.
Where I live I am already bugged out.. Power went out 15 times this month, the longest stretch was 20 hours. Funny thing is I am not a prepper, but making things myself like energy, fuel, and food, saves me money. I know better than to think I can start from scratch and live off hunting, because everyone here is going to be hunting. I get that you need more than a couple months worth of food and fuel, you have to be able to produce more, not just stockpile it. From what I have seen, most people are short sighted, or they think they can take from others to get what they'll need.
What are those people going to do when the Yellowstone Caldera goes off and flattens forests ten covers all the farmland with ash fall?
Were bugging in. We (grandparents, parents, grandchildren) have several potential locations. I’m always amused by the guys that talk at length about their bug out plans then brag about their 800lbs. of ammo.
Yeah unless you're medically trained, fit, and have the right skills, it's a total fantasy scenario. I'd go with a bug out dirt bike personally.
One of the biggest misses in prepping is the concept of community. Historically the best surviving in any event is having a good community to work with. I rarely see any real mention of having a solid community around you in any major scenario that a prepper would encounter, from loss of a job, natural disaster or the zombie apocalypse.
I’m in a really nice family farm area with people dropping off extra produce throughout the year and visiting. We have a 200’ water tower that would make great Overwatch also. Feel like we would be able to hold out for a while until a threat got too large.
1. Water supply
2. Food supply
3. Community
4. Pray to god
Americans are known for helping each out.
@Log Splitta You are right Log. It will get hard to trust anyone but God when the SHTF.
Very true and while the emphasis is mainly focused on weapons Battle Tactics and food and water preparation survival skills networking with your neighbors is not normally placed high on the list. These are the people that live right next door and are going to be the ones who are either an immediate help or an immediate threat so getting to know your neighbors is a really good idea. Making allies of your community is an even better one. As a paramedic my neighbors know to call 911 and then me cuz I can be there quicker then dispatch can get the truck here. I am very blessed with excellent Neighbors and many of them have become good friends, which turns to allies at times of need
As an old geezer that has seen some of his more finically healed friends go down fantisy lane like the doctor you mentioned. I sent this video to some folks. The need for community with like minded and spiritually prepaired folks is more important than a stack of gear. Good video 👌.
I am not military but am a thinker. Staying put with preps is the theme but only backed with a clan of talented peers bound by honor and a commitment of togetherness.
I agree with your strategic analysis and appreciate your humility in the face of your vast personal knowledge. You are a fabulous teacher too.
Thank you for this great sharing, friend of afar.
I Agree, and Approve of these Statements... 💪🤠💪
The next prepper concept : the bug out 18 wheeler.
Have you seen mad max
LOL
Bug out barge.
lol That's awesome.
@Thomas B That's what she said...
Well said. All three points are spot on. As I say "If you're Bugging out. you're a gloried refugee. Thanks John.
Agreed... if your "bugging out" it should be with a CLEAR plan in mind.. bugging out to a more fortified location that is easily defended with friends. Or because circumstances FORCE you to leave temporarily.
@@Legohaiden Unless my house is on fire, I'd rather make a stand in my home than anywhere else I can think of. I have protection, supplies, ammo, food, water and fields of fire since I'm on a corner lot.
@@slundgr against the police and army is nothing you can do. Look at the movie: rumors off war...........
Staying in the comfort of your house is a luxury that you can rarely afford when things really go south.
A micronova happens and you stay on your sofa? A mega tsunami happens and you stay on your sofa? A new ice age happens and you stay on your sofa?
You can't protect the life that isn't there anymore. Survival first. I'd say the most important thing is to know WHERE to go depending on the external circumstances. You need to adapt quick, which you can achieve only with preparation.
Bugging out and leaving resources behind is a death sentance for most in a SHTF.
Bugging out for 99.9 of people is a fantasy pipedream. When I was much younger my buddy and I used to take survival trips with a 22rifle, couple fishing poles and a couple of half gallons of Windsor. When we reached our destination we were hungry , eaten up by bugs and ticks or tired of being froze to death for days straight gathering wood the whole time. It would be absolutely last resort dececion before I would do it.
Sorry brother but that is because you where not good at it :)
@@cameronbryan2088 Okay bud.
Grady Palmer people like you are the ones who really know what survival is like, I love the backcountry and understand cold sleepless nights gathering a bunch of wood and pretending to fish cuz sometimes the fish don’t bite. And we realize that this isn’t a fantasy. True outdoorsmen won’t get caught up on bug out crap
Great video. I am a disabled Veteran from the Gulf War I totally agree with you. I was attached with a Ranger Battalion for a small time, and it was a blast. They all were great guys.
If your immediate plan during almost any emergency is to bug out, than you need to move out NOW. you should NOT be living where you are today if that’s the case. You should be able to bug in for most events other than natural disasters.
I came to comments to say the same thing.
As a caveat... you SHOULD carry a bag and supplies with you when you are away from home so you can get back and protect your family in a timely matter.
Yep.
I carry a get home bag, where I live is great for buggin in, but I'm a superintendent for a restoration company, and I drive all around the bay area in commifornia. So the biggest thing for me is getting back home.
When we started, we built bug out bags. It's all we had at the time. Then we started prepping to bug in...food, water, and home defense. I have some cool shit, but I dismantled my bug out bags years ago and built light get home bags with some of the contents. The idea that my family and I would go into the woods and live the rest of our lives is just silly.
@Nicholas Rodriguez Do you think that would happen? Do you know anyone in law enforcement or the military? Ask them if they would invade the US. I bet at least half won't. How thin would they be at that point?
who else wants to hear more stories about how he survived living in enemy terrirory?
Clearly, he survived in enemy territory with the aid of the Foreigner Belt.
You mean his parent-in-laws' ?
@@hattorihanzo2275 clearly 😂😂🤣👍
I love your pic. Haven't watched me some ATHF in 15 years. Good times. Now, Arise chicken!
That just about covers the bug out scenario.Good video.Oh,I wouldn't grab a little bag and leave everybody and everything behind either.Too many people watching too many movies and T.V.,and bug out ad's.
Well said sir. Being a Texan and a parent, I won’t be “bugging out” except to maybe a family property with live stock. Maybe make a video of a three day family “get to plan B” bag or plan!
This
As a rescuer and first-responder and can say that the most important things to have in your house are: a good medical and trauma kit 💉- self defense gear ⚔️- and a toolbox with a lot of useful tools⚒
When all this started popping off my coworker went to the ATM and pulled out 5 grand cash... said he was going to go to the store after work and stockpile food. I told him he should get a gun, and ammo. "You can't eat bullets Cody"... No.. no you cant. But you know what they say. If you have food, and I have a gun..... I have food.
You can't eat bullets, true, but everyone else sure as hell can.
lol what ATM will let you pull out 5 grand??
@@Rampageotron and why do you need cash to buy food?
Get a crossbow and bolts and extra strings,fk the gun you can reclaim bolts and reuse,bullets you cannot.
Plus bow and arrows and crossbow and bolts are quiet they won't give away your position.
Over time gun powder will become very rare.
Bug "IN" bag... one you use to get back to home/bug in location if SHTF while out. Makes the most sense.
I like the Bug-In kit. It's the supplies to lock down and fortify the property and home in short order. Once secured the teams can then get the security and sustainment operations up and running.
I like that!!
So like... a house?
I call it a "get-home" bag! Always have one in my vehicle.
@@1234jacee That's actually exactly what I meant. Poorly worded on my part in initial comment. Coming from a Recon Marine... I just want to get "home", where I know my people and "stuff".
Absolutely, bug-in is always the first option. You know your home, your neighborhood, your ins and outs better than anyone, you will be most secure and safe on your own property initially. Bug-in as long as you can until you HAVE to bug-out. Here in FL myself, I reserve bug out strictly for hurricanes or floods, or in worst case scenario nuclear fallout.
I live in a condo with mostly senior residents and the government has taken away everyone's guns in Canada. I'm totally stoked.
Woah come on. The liberal government banned some guns. Heck the fun guns too. They haven’t “taken away” all the guns yet. Get yourself a good bolt action rifle and have fun with it. Or get a SKS. I want a M14 so bad!
@@acidgambit8138 ar15 one way or another
If you think about it. What you’ve listed under bugout scenarios are water related. Keeping dry and that sort of stuff. Then you mention nuclear fallout and it brings me to ask. Is your waterproof supply bag equipped with genuine high radiation proof supplies? Because if for some reason a nuke falls near enough to you that there is a fallout so bad you need to run. At that point is survival really even a viable option?
Bugging out is first depending on the situations.
You are spot on, I have several bags for different scenarios but my main focus has been fortification and my love of concrete has done me well. You absolutely need a trusted circle with specialties.
"The guy who survives won't be the one standing knee deep in spent .223 casings. It will be the guy in bib overalls with an old bolt action mauser, a pocket full of rounds and a knack for staying out of trouble. ". Ol' Remus.
...or the guy standing next to a single .300 AAC case.
Mike Albert I think this one went right over your head
no doubt. the grey man technique will save your ass better than a gun.
@@anthonygonzales6029 Nope. Just wisecrackin'.
Ol' Bib Overalls will probably one hell of a gardener and rancher.
My neighbor Carol is the weak link on my block. We are all goners when it’s her turn to pull guard duty.
It was a good run while it lasted.
We all have a "Carol"
that bitch carole will feed you to the tigers
Stake her out for zombie bait.
Mine is one of my sons, he can fall asleep standing up and doesn't wake up with yelling.
Needless to say he won't be getting watch duty, the honey bucket will need cleaning so he can have that all important task.
F- ing Carol, always gotta be a Carol in the bunch.
I used to be a "Gang Banger". I thought I knew about guns. (this was back in the 80's.). I have learned the error of my ways long ago. I appreciate your tips and teaching. Thank you for adding more maturity and education to an ex idiot. You rock bro.
Love your message and humility. It is all about community. This I i s serendipitous.❤❤ I started prepping for natural disaster emergency just before Covid hit, and then, in mid March I went all out and got a little prepper happy. 2 years later and I’m in the middle of packing to move in a than ideal situation and I’ve got all this food , medical Supplies , stockpiles of toilet paper ( both commercial and the micro “just add water wipes), etc, etc. I always consider bartering goods. I’ve got my 9 and ammo but I’m a single mother of a 14 year old living in an apt in North Portland ( and 4 grown kids on their own ) well aware of our immense vulnerability, obviously not ideal. That’s when you come to Really understand the value of Community. Also I’m painfully aware that I can buy all this stuff, a generator, some gas cans filled, propane , candles lighters, etc. my stockpile felt like my security because if it’s bartering value, but now I’m having to pack it to put in storage. And it doesn’t do you any good to have all this stuff if you can’t take it with you if … Neither here nor there. I am selling most of my belongings at a flea market and I didn’t want to sell my preps but my sister suggested it and then I came up with an idea to create bug out bags of essentials to sell and create a small business around preparedness but with the primary focus being on the need for community. Because after two years of focusing on possible apocalypse grid down SHTS situation I switched to you perspectives and have been focusing on the reality that I prefer rather than the one that I don’t prefer while also being prepared. I had a realization that if I’m holding onto my preps under the circumstances that I might be blocking myself from being receptive to what I want. So I had this genius idea and then I saw your video. It’s the first I’ve seen if it’s kind. My point was maybe it could be confirmation,, the synchronicity of it. Very cool. That’s all.
I have spent 20 years developing skills so I can entirely rebuild a home and feed my family with very little.
Bugging out would be last option but studying bushcraft, foraging, botany and farming, turning scrap into tools and weapons etc
My whole prepping mentality is to be prepared to have NOTHING but what's in my pockets.
From there, I have made the home defensible as best I can and developed good community around me.
Agree.
I’d give the guy who’s spent 20 years making friends in government a better chance of survival.
Bug out bags only work if you a specific place like property outside of the city. If you don’t live in a city. Staying out is one of the best things you can do, because there’s a ton of people trying to get out of populated areas.
“Get home bag” is where it’s at. If you’re stuck away from home, get the bag and get home
Some situations may call for “bug out” but keep in mind, sometimes the grass is greener because the septic tank is under it.
I know that fact first hand.😁 no matter which side of the fence one's on, they're still standing Behind it...
Good call
No problem. Outside of cities and towns there is no major septic system with treatment plants. Often the area where someone’s septic tank and drain field for the house is buried will have much faster growing and greener grass from the extra water and “fertilizer”. The grass may be greener but if not careful you’ll end up neck deep in excrement.
@@jb8086 AH-ha-ha-ha! That brought back memories. Got bucked off a horse right into a "septic swamp" once as a teen--and of course I was wearing my best pair of corduroy jeans that my Mom had just moments before told me not to get dirty. Dad laughed so hard that Mom was throwing stuff at him trying to get him to shut up. LOL, thank you for that trip down memory lane!
@@jb8086 Septic tanks are all fun & games till the toilet starts gurglin!
Thanks John! I would put your military credentials up early. IV's to hydrate, etc. Explained a lot in a hurry. I think you are spot on and I have adult kids, grandkids and even an ex that is in the "community" We actually plan casually together and I am confidant that we stand an excellent chance in the majority of situations. Very well thought out and explained! Glad I found your channel. I have multiple bags as well, which can can be one handed in 60 seconds for quick trips or god forbid a instantaneous disaster but all is planned for circling the wagons as soon as possible, then deciding to bunker or extended camping setups. Where you live makes a huge impact on SHTF needs.
LOL, I went through chemo ten months ago and came out a changed man. Started prepping, slow and steady. Watched a lot of videos, started primitive camping after a twenty year hiatus. Filled up every closet with room temperature food and water, filled up shelves in the garage with stuff that didn't require 'room temperature.' I sat snug when COVID-10 hit, then I found out I didn't have masks or gloves. (I did have toilet paper though) Dallas, TX got hit by ten tornadoes last fall and two barely missed me. It was a war zone, hell, kind of still is in certain areas. We had cops looting a home depot that they were supposed to be guarding. My GHB isn't a bag, but a pouch and various items in my truck. I just put together a BOB, but that's just the basics in a single soft shell backpack that's easy to grab. If I had ten seconds, this would do me good. If I had ten minutes, the wife gets to carry that and I'll have 55 Liters on my back. If my truck is available, looters will be able to pick and choose from a lot of electrical material that I'll abandon in my driveway when I load up. With a tornado, bugging out may be as close as your back yard. Or it could be eighteen miles away. So my Bug Out Bag really isn't a Bug Out Bag, it's a 'You have ten seconds' bag.
Guard duty? Get a dog that thinks the mailman is a terrorist.
Hang in there. Last Chemo 2014.
@@markwelch9425 I'm actually good and in good humor. Have a friend that helped me through the process but also a great support team at home. one great nurse that let me be a gentleman when she walked me to the bathroom, one super model south African that ensured I survived the process. Doing great (well, good) now. But camping and prep are kind of high on my priorities now. Don't want to watch the needles going in, but after that, it's mostly cool. (except the movies, I'd like a little more control over that....)
@Joe Blow hmmm. I have Lupus, so yes. It's something I need to be worried about. Compromised Immune system? Layers of protection. One dog verses 12 people? Trust me, if someone were to shoot my dog, guess what? Two steps later they will be facing a high powered rifle.
One bark, you are awake. Two barks, you are armed. One scream and your are ready to shoot whatever you see.
If the dog is in the house, you can't poison it without making your presence known.
I BREED dogs that think the mailman is a terrorist!
Most intelligent words that I've ever heard: I've got some areas of weakness that I need to grow in, too.
The first step to fixing a weakness is identifying it. Most people ignore their weaknesses, and continue to build on their strengths.
“You can disagree, you’ll just be wrong - right?” 💯
John- I don't know if you'll see this, but your mention of living out of an armored vic for months at a time and escaping the desert sun by laying under (and alongside it) greatly resonated with me. Light Armored Reconnaissance in Iraq 2006, 07, 08. Thank you for your videos and your service, brother.
Honestly, first time I’ve watched a 20 min prepper related video from start to finish in a long time. Shows how good it is! Great topic!
He will keep u smiling
This is the best video on the subject of preparedness I have seen in a long time. Thank you
This is a really good conversation to have. We can have all the preps in the world, but if we don’t have a community of peeps to protect those preps, then there’s nothing stopping our preps from being pilfered by other peeps. Peeps are preps. A poignant reminder.
This is very useful information and on point! Less is better for traveling... always take the essentials always prepare caches elsewhere in Case of emergencies
I think the best plan is to buy the house next door to John's...
"Realtors dumbfounded as to why this particular neighborhood in GA suburb has such high property values"
No doubt, could you imagine if we could all live in the same neighborhood. Bunch of Warrior Poets having one big Freedom Block Party.
Or maybe your house would be the first one he’s casing and would take your supplies first if needed...
@@gtpro700 then be an expert at the things he is lacking ie: renewable energy and growing food ;) if YOU are the resource, ya become useful. think... Eugene :D
gtpro700 You need to be a good neighbor and become friends with him, not just live there,
Do on video on how to “keep land” from a military perspective
@OP: The Messenger Hide in a cave?
You cannot "keep land" from a military perspective. You can only make it cost more than your enemy is prepared to pay.
@@markweeks1440 Exactly. Just ask Russia about Afghanistan...the Tallies are experts in that field of study.
John - "All my friends, I have done some training with them and if something happens, first thing they do is they come looking for me"
Me -
John - "WTF! you're not my friend! you're not even trained! What the hell can you do???"
Me - "I have mastered the fermentation process of yeast, complex sugars, and simple sugars. Construction of my own brewing vats, which allows the processes of alcohol from almost anything, and the range of strengths up to 22% abv. I have even made alcohol from a loaf of baked raisin bread. I also know the Colonial recipe to Applejack (American Apple Brandy but does not require a still to make), the same stuff that helped defeat the Brits. Every team needs a brewer, friend?"
John - "Friend!"
Hey Saintbow...I know how to make Hardtack.. lets make an alliance!!! :D
@@crufflerrick ew no
Skills will keep you alive especially those that no one else knows.
😂 I wanna be your friend.
Saintbow I’ll be googling the Applejack!
my bug out bag is solely put together to get me to my bug out location, which is an hour drive away. it has everything i need for if the worst case scenario of “get out of the car and hoof it” becomes a reality, but i do agree that the “head to the hills, mountain man” style approach to bugging out is quite silly. like you were saying, if bugging out is the better option, at least have some sort of supply and plan, which is what i consider my bug out bag to be. i live in a downtown area, in an apartment, and i know that the area i live in would become quite dangerous quite fast, so bugging out to my bug out location is the best thing for me to do. oh, and my whole community of people i care about all share the same bug out location with me. and yes there are 15-20 of us ;). great vid john, love your channel man
I gave up the “bug out bag” when I realized that the contents in that single bag would have to be of greater value than all the resources and people in my house and area where I am currently at.
My buyout bag is my weekend camping bag....... because reality is where you ate is where you will likely stay
S PACE haha that’s a good point! I guess my camping bag is a big out bag 😂
Kevor Studios I have a bug out bag but it’s super lame it’s more of grab my family and leave bag I’m hoping to get it looking better so far it’s some small tools extra bullets and lighters etc by next year it will be looking very nice 👍🏽
I was in a class with John a couple of years ago and still remember his comment “ we are all easy to kill” including him. Great video and I pretty much agree with all points.
Well said! So true! The road is not a place to be without security, a team or resupply.
Neither is the city.
@@firebreathingmoonbeam3961 Video covered that. Yak didn’t mention the city.
@Austin Martín Hernández You also have a lot of people fighting for those resources, surviving is a better outcome if you avoid people you don't know... If you live in a city and dont have a good community thats when you definitely need a bug out plan.
@@Thebaitshoplive why anybody would still be living in a city I have no clue. Live in the country where you can buy a huge nice house for a fourth of the cost of a small city house. And you can actually prepare the right way. I won’t be bugging out anywhere. If I can’t hold down my own land that’s on me.
Bugging out and leaving your base and resources is a death sentance for most in a SHTF.
The concept he has is spot on. I lived in the city for the last 20 years. I was raised in a rural place with land and supplies, a well for water. I was always nervous in the city, every time the power went out or there was media buildup to social/weather events.
In those situations, as he and several others pointed out like in the case of a nature disaster or a massive power outage it’s appropriate to bug out.
About 15 years ago I started to build up my Toyota truck and as it stands now it’s very capable. Initially I had the fantasy I’d have time in a major disaster to get home, grab gear, get my wife and make it the 25 miles to my family’s land.
Yeah right. It snows and the city turns to shit, you’re not going anywhere.
I moved back home, and for better or worse home I’ll stay in any case but impending destruction of the structures on the property, which for where I live wouldn’t be flood, it’d be fire (very possible the way the worlds turning).
I have things to take lives, but I think I’d rather adapt the philosophy that we can work together.
If that can’t happen and everyone is turning on everyone I’ll defend the people I love as best I can, but once they’re gone, you all can have this shithole and I’ll just hang myself
This is one of my favourite videos from you John, and I’ve been watching you for a very long time. It’s so well put together, I want more like these!!!
"The strength of the wolf is the pack; the strength of the pack is the wolf."
But the Wolves are nomadic, they bug out if an area does not have enough game or if they are attacked.
@@76hotdog my comment was mostly about the community aspect that John mentioned.
@@violenceandpoetry love it
"Remember little wolfies.. your teeth are just tools, but this..." Alpha Wolf said to the pups as he placed his paw on his head... "is your weapon."
I heard wolves don't actually travel in packs. Maybe that's a musher quote or something.
I just want to thank you for your service both in the service and here on youtube. ♥️
The way you describe prepping and your attitude about it is really what this country needs. There are way too many prepper videos out there that are all about the gear, food, vehicles, training, shooting. Then you step on a rusty nail and die alone in the woods. Community is so important and people all think that when some national issue occurs everything will just become free game and people will go nuts. Traveling to the woodlands surrounding a city is such an easy way to get killed and robbed if you are trying to hoof it alone. There is power and security in numbers.
Hollywood doesn’t really get it. There is one exception, “The Road”. Very dark movie, but portrays a national collapse the best I’ve seen.
That movie fucked me up
@@Jarred8281 I have purposefully avoided it for that reason among many.
I took me 3 sittings to get through it....as a Christian I do believe that a time is coming that will be even far worse than this movie portrays. (shudder).
I barely forgot that movie....until I read this. DARK movie is an understatement.
Is it on Netflix?! Where can I find it??
Today a moose chased me through the woods and my dog took off ahead of me.
Feels like a earthquake does'nt it?
You don't have to be faster than something trying to get you, you just have to be faster than at least 1 person in your group. I'm sure that is what the dog was thinking.
Smart dog. Better you get eaten than him huh? :)
glad you made it back in one piece!
That is a good dog.
I'm a bushcraft guy. It sounds like I just need to befriend a security guy and a food hoarder.
@bokudensuduharagmail I'm going to befriend two security guys, two food hoarders, and one more bushcraft guy. Redundancy never hurts.
I always wondered how the bushcrafter survivalists planned to get 6 months of food 5 miles into the woods.
Toney Smith I’ve spent my whole life hunting, fishing, and trapping. You can’t live forever on squirrel. It’s a fantasy.
BFG The issue is fat. You either have to get it from fish or deer; if you’re a hunter, know how to preserve food, trap, and forage, you’re doing what our ancestors did to survive
Sam Harper no, no more bush craft guy, if there is two, they could just leave you, if only one they will want to keep you
Thanks for all the input, and your service..you have seen and done more than 99 % of people
Immediately walked outside looking for the tallest hill that I don’t own...
I am on the hill near me.. :/ No excuse not to keep it then I guess :)
Having the high ground is one faxror (key terrain)
OCOKA is an acronym for terrain analysis.
Observation and Fields of Fire
Cover and Concealment
Obstacles
Key Terrain
Avenues of Approach
* factor. (Typo)
@@loganwgriffith Solid
Depends on many factors.
People will start looking for stuff that they don't have and may desperately need. If you and your place will look like you have stuff, it will become a magnet for their reconnaissance. And if one group fails, another will try, and then another. The impoverished or "I ain't got shit" look has camouflage benefits, if you're intending to bug in. Wheels that look all beat up, but have been maintained well, draw less attention too. Blending in with everyone else's lot has strategic value.
Good strategy, it's like my car's top of the range anti theft system i.e. it's a rust bucket.
"Three is two, two is one, and one is none" applies to personnel as well as gear. More is always better, and wolves hunt in packs for a reason.
Which is why it's important to form a community of neighbors that is populated with fellow sheepdogs and or identifying potential sheepdogs in that flock.
You have maintained a good sense of humor thru your years. Much appreciated in these more serious times.