I live South of you and I'm a survivalist and I've also spent a lot of time outside in our area which is a challenge. As you stated, from the military I've learned that the weight and moderate bulk of a REAL Army wool blanket is worth it. We all know that wool retains some heat, and protection even when damp. The Army wool blanket protects from wind as well, and it can also provide some protection from biting bugs, as I learned from an SF NCO on Ft Lewis (present JBLM). He choose the wool blanket over high speed stuff, you can sit wrapped in the army wool blanket and be pretty much invisible in half light and with it wrapped around your shoulder, your outline is disguised. That leaves a face veil for insects and you're good to go. As we all know, it often gets cold at night even during the summer, except for a few days in August. From the homeless, as you mentioned, many rely upon light tents, which are cheap and available and pack easily, but they also put them under existing overhead. When travelling, before going to camp, the homeless grab cardboard, plenty of it before settling in for the night and when settling in for the long term. The cardboard is used like the boughs are used in survival and they're superior for protecting one from the cold concrete. As they generally seek areas with overhead cover, cardboard provides windbreaks as well. The most important thing to learn about the homeless is they need a source of water. The more experienced and clever ones carry 'keys' so you can access outdoor faucets. A Jone Stevens 4 way key and a Danco universal faucet handle will run you $12 for the pair on Amazon. Carry some old, dirty lawn bags. You may have to stash your BOB's, so put your stuff in the dirty trash bags. put some trash on top and a fake 'dirty' diaper...take a toddler or better yet, an adult diaper. Put some thing like socks in a plastic bag, inside and wrap it like it's used and put that at the top of the bag, or partly exposed. That will discourage MOST thieves who think it's just garbage.
I'm glad that you stuck with it in regards to your TH-cam channel. You took a lot of harsh crit and unkind comments when you started it..even from me, and it takes a lot of character to keep at it through all the bull. You have my highest respect. Great work an hope there's much more in the future. :)
+Aaron Clark Thank you so much, Aaron! I appreciate your kind words. Yes, receiving harsh criticism and mean spirited comments goes with the territory of making TH-cam videos. I'm definitely in this for the long haul. After looking back, I think your harshest past comment was regarding my Transformers morale patch. That wasn't so bad! ;)
If you want to be gray man, you dont need fancy stuff. Just some "tactical" dirt on your shelter. Because in urban scenarios, if your stuff is clean, you will be spoted no matter what color that stuff is. But thats my point of view.
I really appreciate your solutions to a subject most don't cover. So many assume we will all " head for the hills", while in reality, most will be stuck right where they are. You have a very intelligent and logical approach to urban survival. Please keep up the great work and thanks for sharing!
I've heard the under, on, in, approach before, i like it. I also agree with the grey man apprlach. Especially for a bugout, we don't know why the bugout, or how major. If we have to bugout, probably safe to assume everyone is. This could make us a target of opportunity when it's a "every man for himself" situation.
Something I did with my (very large) wool blanket that made it much better for carrying/field use was to cut it down to about a 4.5-5' square from the 66x90" size it came as. The really big benefit that this brought was that it was smaller, but it was also easier to put it on and wear it as a cloak with the addition of a simple pin, I can even put it up over my head if I want to, and then it still functions as a blanket if I sleep on the diagonal. I'm 5'11 and a 4.5' square blanket is just big enough to cover all of the important areas that need to be kept warm. If you sleep in some basic insulative clothing and a wool blanket like this, you will be perfectly fine, though maybe not *comfortable*, depending on your own comfort standards. A quick TH-cam search will get you a demonstration of the technique for wrapping yourself in a wool blanket to sleep on the diagonal.
Several points. 1) How long would it take to stuff (literally) a sleeping bag into it's stuff sac when you decide to bug out? You could have the bag hanging in a closet with the BOB sitting on the floor next to it. 2) You might need to weigh up cost versus grey man. What I mean is a Thermarest might set you back $100 but it's tiny and it fits inside your bag whereas a foam mat might be $20 but it has to be tied outside your bag giving you away when you try to get to your bug out location.
Going to throw out my two cents just as another data point for you. 1. If possible a separate shelter module(s) is probably going to be the route for something like this due to size/weight. (vehicle, office, cache) 2. closed cell foam pad has more pros than cons in this scenario 3. in my experience the UL bivy sacs provide very little warmth. You may be able to get 3 season "comfort" out of them combined with your clothing, but this also depends on climate. 4. 2-4 shared wool blankets with your family snuggled up maybe be the simplest solution and possibly good for morale as well. I think you and I process these kits the same way looking at a lot of options. It will be fun to see where you land in this 3.0 version. Good luck!
Great video, and a well thought out approach. I'm concentrating on my car EDC at the moment, which will include a get home bag with some sort of shelter, but I haven't got that far yet, (thinking of documenting it here on TH-cam!). I'm very similar to you in my family situation having my wife, a 6 year old, and a small 3 year old to consider, so some kind of freestanding tent would definitely be the way forward. This has the ability to transition to a rural location if necessary, where a tent that needs lines and pegs struggles on concrete, (I'm semi-rural). I'd go with a sleeping bag every time. To limit damage with long term storage. perhaps have 2, and rotate them. They take up space but are light. Sleeping on is difficult, I would put serious thought into a self inflating sleep pad, they are lighter and smaller than a traditional Inflatable, but more comfortable than a basic pad. Great video, looking forward to seeing what you've come up with.
+Adam Bates I think focusing on your Vehicle Kit is a good approach! I spend a large part of my day in my vehicle, so there is a high possibility that an emergency would happen while I am in or nearby my vehicle. Nice to talk to another family man!
I love the tips on what the homeless are doing to make themselves as comfortable as possible, like the cardboard and then a foam pad if you can find the cardboard when you need it. One thing I didn't hear regarding mats to sleep on is how to be warmer when you are sleeping on the ground because the cold would seep through your sleeping bag. I mean, what kind of mat or pad insulates you from the cold ground? That's why I liked the idea of the lightweight cot but it takes too long to put together. But it's off the ground and keeps you drier which I like. I live in Canada, so I think about the cold a lot, lol.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the talking head talking philosophy kinds of videos! So, what I'm gleaning from this, is that 1) since your primary residence in an emergency scenario is urban, you need to consider how to shelter in a city, and/or 2) your evacuation plan is (possibly) to stay close to your primary residence. I'm onto you, Cliff. ;) One thing I have to consider for my family is that I work far enough from home that my wife would need to be able to carry the kit for her and our three kids, one of whom would have to be strapped to her since he's 8 months old and can't walk. It's a daunting task, size and weight wise. My wife would probably carry the youngest on her front with a wrap, and the two toddlers would be in the stroller (which doesn't have a whole lot of space for kit). The bag would have to be on her back, but she wouldn't be able to use the sternum straps, and possibly not even the waist belt. It has me thinking a lot about what we actually need and why. One question I would add to this is, what would force you into a shelter to begin with? Watching Yeager's bugout hike really got me thinking about the kit and why I include it. I would answer that question myself with 1) inclement weather preventing me from traveling; 2) resting in inclement weather; 3) warmth in winter; 4) arriving out our bugout destination. Numbers 1-3 would be the only reason to carry sheltering equipment; Number 4 could be cached in situ.
+Whitfield Parham Thank you so much, Whitfield. You are always such a valuable contributor in the comment section. I’m glad you enjoyed this more philosophy based video. I hope you don’t figure me out too much! I think there are certain scenarios when you might be able to stay in place in an urban environment if you have enough preps in place and a way of defending you location (e.g., high rise building, stairways barricaded). But most of my bug out routes involve going to certain family houses away from my location; north, south, east, west. It depends on the emergency. My shelter needs, as mentioned, would be to protect me from the elements first. There are certain scenarios when you would need to constantly be on the move. You’re listing looks good. I could probably go for an extended period of time, but there would come a point when Kid Prepper or my wife couldn’t. We would need to rest in a safe place after a certain amount of time or distance. Once topic I will be talking about in the future is the use of an all-terrain baby stroller. It’s similar to the approach used by the homeless (e.g., grocery carts) but would also work for families to help lighten the overall load. Canadian Prepper’s “Monowalker” looks to be a very interesting item to look into regarding this topic too.
TheUrbanPrepper Agreed on the Monowalker. That thing is BEASTLY! That kind of investment would force me to use it on a regular basis, though, just to get some practicality out of the money spent on it. But, alas, I don't go hiking nearly as much as I'd like. I think I might have to make my own. The book 77 Days in September by Ray Gorham has the protagonist walk home after an EMP. During his travels, he acquired a buggy (used normally for lawn work) to carry his gear. If memory serves me right, he was targeted for it, and it took him quite a while to get adjusted to walking with it. Just as Canadian Prepper talked about in his review, you'll need to develop the muscle memory (and calluses) for whatever conveyance choice you decide upon. One of the things I've noticed my own local vagrants and vagabonds do in the winter months with their tents is to drape blankets on the outside to give them additional warmth. It's the same mentality with debris shelters in the woods--the additional layer adds a significant level of warmth and protection. I'd like to test out an SOL blanket over a tent to see what the difference would be then, too. I've honestly thought about building some sort of old fashioned covered wagon type dwelling/conveyance device, built lightweight enough to be pushed by me and my wife. In one of James Wesley Rawles books, a character got a bike and bike trailer to travel across Europe to get back home to the US. I think the bicycle and trailer combo would be perfect for low-key training during grid up situations, but is still a significant investment.
As always, great video, Cliff. Well thought out, organized and presented. Just a couple of thoughts, using your hierarchy of overhead shelters as kind of a jumping off point. When you are talking a survival situation in an urban environment, *I'm* thinking Beirut, Sarajevo or post-earthquake San Francisco. While I have total respect for you and love your meticulous approach to survival and preparedness, what I mostly *hear* is preparation with an eye toward *optimal* situations, like an unplanned camping trip...more of an inconvenience than a fight for your life. Again, not being critical, just throwing the idea out there that, whether or not mosquitoes can get to you will likely, in reality, be far down the list of considerations on a day-to-day basis in an actual disaster/survival situation. I understand that the range of your videos is more toward gear selection and reviews and a framework for constructing our own philosophy of preparedness. I'm just thinking that it might be helpful, especially to people who are completely new to the idea of taking personal responsibility for their own survival in an emergency, if you touched, if not on *methods* of less-than-optimal survival methods and gear, then at least on the idea that this is something that should be taken into consideration and should be in the prepper's toolbag and part of their own philosophy. You are clearly a very intelligent guy and I have no doubts whatsoever that you have planned for every possible eventuality for the safety and protection of your family. I'm just thinking about those for whom this is totally new. Again, love your videos and your thoroughness. I always watch you first!
+Whoozerdaddy Thanks for the detailed comment! Awesome! I'll try to look into this in greater detail for future videos. In all honesty, I don't feel I have the necessary background or experience in truly horrific survival situations. I think someone with first hand military experience would be better suited for that. I've always tried to stay more towards the upbeat side of prepping rather than the doom and gloom, since that seems to be more of the norm. I am sorry if you feel my topics seem to lean more towards an unplanned camping trip. That is not my intent at all. I'll continue trying to raise my personal bar and cover as wide of range of topics as possible.
TheUrbanPrepper Again, Cliff, not a criticism at all. Just a thought about broadening the scope, philosophically. I had to chuckle when you said the "upbeat side of prepping," since, what is it we are prepping for but doom and gloom, LOL! But I get your point, you feel more comfortable with the nuts and bolts end of things, and that's cool. Just tossing the thoughts out there for consideration.
Hey, you mentioned the "Homeless Hovel" thing, freakin' cool, & I'm glad you included using/adopting cues from the homeless.There's a wealth of info from homeless if anyone takes the time to look or just ask. I like the grey man concept and blending in instead of extreme colors. Excited about your update on B.O.Bs. Looking forward to the next video.
+Pat A (CuCho368) Thanks! Yes, I would LOVE to drive into the Homeless Hovel topic in greater detail. Trying to figure out a good way of doing this, preferably with some interviews.
@@TheUrbanPrepper there's a few channels made by and for homeless folk and for housed folks who care. I would hit them up for some ways to make this project more successful.
For lone wolves I think a military poncho, a bivvy and space blanket along with some large trash bags combo pretty much covers shelter and sleeping. This is a short term emergency situation after all not a camping trip.
Nice discussion of all the options...I live in a rural, cold climate and I hate bugs...also I'm not very effective if I cant get quality sleep so I opt for a freestanding tent, sleeping bag and pad and gortex bivy...if I have the option to find a shelter, I set up the tent inside the shelter also for extra warmth and element protection
Good discussion. I'd like to hear more about what the city folk are carrying. My urban 72 hour load consists of: a NeoAir X-Therm pad, zero degree down bag, 3X3m green DD tarp, SOL bivy bag, Trangia alcohol cookset, and the usual odds and ends. It's relatively light and compact.
Thank you for the video :) i live in a fairly rural area and I hope to be able to put together my own emergency bag when I can get some money put away, even though I do live in a rural small town I have learned a lot from your videos and all the information you have put out for people. Again just wanted to say thank you for what you do.
Here is one to think about in urban settings: Vacant buildings and suites are really good shelter. All you need is a lock-pick set. You can lock yourself in so it is much more secure than under an overpass. One would have to not use light at night because most business type suites have glass fronts and maybe glass in the rear too, lights could alert someone that you are there. You would be best served by this if you left early in the morning and left no trace you were there, then you could return the next night. Cheers!
Great comment, David! I am very careful about posting anything regarding lock picking online, since it is a felony in my state to own that type of equipment. Definitely a valuable skill to have.
Good job and nice video, I've tried some of the options that you mention, according to the situation and environment, for example in the rainforest I used a hammock with a tarp and a mosquito net, not for the mosquito's by itself there's a bat that bite and suck your bllood, at the beach I used a tarp the tent and the sleeping bag, once we go on a mountain trip that went wrong we have to leave the tent, someone stole part of our equipment sleeping bags mostly while we were replenishing water, we managed.
+Luis Garcia Wow! That would SUCK to have some of your supplies stolen. I would definitely want to avoid bats. Thanks for sharing your setup and experience.
I'm curious as a pet owner what you plan to do with your pets in a bug out situation. Do you think you might ever make a video addressing this? Thanks I really enjoy all of your videos and have been using them to become more organized in my prepping.
Are you familiar with Snugpak? They have a pretty interesting material they use for a warm weather blanket/sleeping bag/poncho liner (they are rated for about 50 degrees). They're light, compact, anti-microbial, and water resistant. A wool blanket will be cheaper. It may (or may not) do better if it's your only shelter option functioning as warmth when you have zero rain cover. The wool blanket also breathes a little better. The snugpak blanket has similar dimensions to most wool blankets. But, it compresses further. It's lighter. I find them to be warmer. I really appreciate that they're anti-microbial. The sleeping bag version is basically the blanket with a zipper and a removable bug netting (which is important for your lady). There are also left and right hand zipper options and one of each of these sleeping bags can be zipped together for a larger space (allowing you to use body heat to keep even warmer). The poncho version is basically the blanket shaped differently. There is a generous hood, there are genuine sleeves with small elastic cuffs and the liner works very well with their (or many other) ponchos.
Great video. There should be a lot of indoor shelter options available in an urban emergency which will offer a lot more security both weather and otherwise. Ensure an egress though. Transport options could entail a folding cart kept in a car trunk. No matter what you decide on, blending in will be huge. If others see your comfort, they'll want what you have.
Another great video. I like that you are looking at what the homeless are doing. Hey live "Bugged Out" all the time. Lately I'm asking myself what are the refugees leaving home with and what are they arriving with? Traveling through both urban and rural environments. surely they have honed some skills and paired down their packs. My own personal rural BOB has a heavy duty space blanket. (silver/green) hung as a tarp. A 50gal drum liner for ground protection. And a combination of a SOL bivy with a silk sleeping bag liner usesd together. This gives me a great variety of implementations. Nor are any of the items to bulky.
I am using my hiking gear. Alas I would need a few minutes to throw it together, which I may not have I know. I'm no prepper but I believe in being prepared. I've got tons of hiking gear that would work great.
Good to think about as my bob is heavy and obvious. Summer bob will be different. Good to know about sleeping bag loft too. Thanks. I would also put a metal flask in ready to go with appropriate liquid, but that's another video! What about the Seattle slugs when it rains?
As far as any thoughts, I would say whatever you use should be fast and easy setup/teardown. I imagine in an urban environment you have to bust moves and bust 'em quick like. I know before you have knocked tents for weight but I would revisit that option. Sleep is a luxury in an emergency scenario and is near the bottom of my list of priorities of work. If it were me....I'd roll a military sleep-system with the bivy bag, a can of bug spray, maybe the foam pad, and a tarp.
I prefer to have the light stuff in the BOB and a separate bag that has your wool blankets etc. That way if you have to, you can grab your bag and actually run.
I'm looking at the 10:20 timestamp into the video and I see you lying on a "very short" legged cot. Where can I find a couple of those? I have the same issues with my wife trying to get her to go camping. She is apprehensive because of the bugs, snakes and gators. If we camp far enough away from the water I think I can convince her there are no snakes or gators to contend with but a cozy fire, good tent and compact cot like you show in this video would help me to convince her to sleep ob the ground. Yes, we have alligators here in Huntsville Alabama!
I like to pack light: a 5x7 tarp, mylar emergency tent, a pocket-sized rain poncho, a couple of 55-gallon contractor bags, and I'm set for shelter, urban or rural.
+Tenderfoot Prepper That's definitely an affordable, lightweight approach. Me personally, I would probably want more items for warmth, but that comes at the expense of BOB real estate.
Great information! Lots to consider. The differences between rural and urban can be vast, depending on where you are. I've been thinking about shelter options for urban situations since I do live in the city and all. Looking forward to the followup vid!
+Snake Plissken That's a good point! I often times see that with the homeless community. They are sometimes travelling by night and sleeping during the early part of the day when it's warmer. Definitely something to consider.
thanks friend nice video i have done the urban camper thing in Gainsville Fla. i was hiding in the swamps on the out scerts of town with a 5dollor byke from a yeard sale its not so hard to live there and its not that cold in the winter but summers hotter than all get out you could find some good deals at the fleamarket there just out side town aways
Loving your videos. One suggestion though, a poncho liner will beat a wool blanket any day and dries much faster. 24 years of experience speaking. Light and compresses small.
Re pillows; Dave Canterbury made a good point I wholeheartedly agree with. If you don't keep your head level or slightly elevated while you sleep you will wake with mother of a pounding headache. That's not good for survival. My first rules are avoid injury and illness. So even if it's a concertinaed piece of cardboard, keep your head up so that you don't wake up unable to think well.
Wow, some really great ideas here! Even though I am in a rural environment, I live in a small town which has lots of buildings and walls so this really helped. Thanks :)
Nice video. Informative for an urban setting. Curious about your suggestion about caching something at a park or other public location. Have you ever actually tried to cache something like in the bushes at a park and returned to find it there even one week later? One would think if the homeless dont find it, surely park maintenance would and remove it. I think the premise of BOB is self-reliance and public caching is contrary to that premise.
wow what a goodie lock princesse you are : not to big, no to heavy not too... I am reconsidering wanted you in my Bug out party lol. great video and some good questions. like I mention before I found my set up : bothy bag, rector blanket, mix of a long and small pads touch a lots of the pro and cons you bring up. i think the major obstacles you will encounter in your prep will be $$$. there would be good product out there with your specs. the issue is they cost $$$. Like my alpine bags I am working on for backcountry sports. everything fits in a 45 L bags and is near the 45-50 lbs but my sleeping system along is near the 2000$$ 8) Maybe you should have BOB fundraising lol
+TheMountainRN Haha... A wise man once told me about applying the Goldie Locks method to my prepping systems. Yes, shelter supplies are EXPENSIVE! Especially when going the ultralight approach. Yes, a BOB GoFundMe would be nice!
Personallt as a college student, in a college that won't even let you carry a sak I focus more in what I call enhanced edc. And the idea that your first shelter is your clothing, we are talking avoiding cotton and using synthetics or merino wool when I cam afford it as well as carrying a sol bivy in my backpack . I don't work and study all that far from my home so really I don't have much of a get home bag. Here the weather is very extreme, super hot summers we are talking 40 C every summer and 36 C at night and very windy winters without much rain with a maximum of 10 C My main concern and you see this with the homeless in my area is insulation from the ground, that pavement can be oh so cold even if the air is warm. My main concern is cooperation, in the sense that I share a flat with a roomate that could not proccess getting dressed when a fire alrm was on. I mean I had my shoes and had grabbed a bunch of jackets and money in the time he figured out what was gojng on.
look into a "swag" they are very popular in Australia they are small role up tents made of canvas mine has a 2" foam matress inside and has a insect screen for summer but also a canvass cover that is attached for rain. is has a pvc base for wet ground and has 3 aluminum ribs to keep the cover away from the body. they can be single or double. have a look.
+TheUrbanPrepper I think that I personally would rather hear you ramble ;-) and cover all of your thoughts than to cut it short and miss something that should be discussed. I used to live near you so can relate to your environment. of course now I'm opposite at St Pete Beach FL haha BUT most things apply and when you discuss out variations it gives good food for thought. Might I suggest you don't do any survival bar tests again though. Those are actually become painful to watch with your misery ;-)
I've really been putting a lot of thought as to how to respond to this video. I think in the end, if my home was compromised, I would rather focus on getting out of the city, over sheltering with family in an urban (aka dangerous), environment. Anyway awesome video man, great work, and keep them coming!
+SurvivalTech Nord You put a lot of thought into everything, STN! That's why enjoy your channel and friendship so much. I agree. Getting out of an urban environment would be key if in an unsafe situation.
Cliff, I enjoyed your description of Mrs. Prepper’s issues with mosquitoes, bugs, etc.. if your goal is survival, I’d suggest building your shelter in a Hilton Hotel, preferably a nice room with a cushy bed... 😆🤡
one question urban prepper where do you do all off these product tests and reviews like for example like public park, field, where do you do these videos?
Great Video ! For the Misses use some Bug Netting to keep the bugs away ! For the stakes and tarp for a day pack and use the tarp as a ground cloth when tenting ! Just ended a four day trip in southern NM and the rain and cold kept me inside... warm buildings (motels) and included: Trinity Site, Prof. Goddard's workshop (in Roswell), NM Space History Museum, Rocket Park, WSNM, Spaceport America Visitor Center and the VLA. tjl
you know what makes a great urban shelter solution - a water repellent cover and a insulated coverall suit - why use a sleeping bag when your sleeping bag can have legs and arms - insulated suits are very rugged - a man can work all day long in the cold and very comfortably at that - a sleeping bag is a tactical weakness because you are zipped up in a cocoon and vulnerable to attack - insulated coveralls are a excellent solution - they come with hoods so a good pair of gloves and boots and your good to go
+cassanoa That's a good idea! I always seem to rip my coverall suits, but I think I haven't found the right brand to go with yet. I was always under the impression that they were designed for one time use only.
TheUrbanPrepper you can buy the heavy duty work suits designed for construction workers - they are very rugged and you can control body temperature by opening the front zipper - some even have vents under the arms and at the side - great stuff
Excellent concept discussion! I would think that if you are bugging out with the whole urban prepper fam perhaps a thought or two should be given to a lightweight pulling cart. If the big earthquake does strike in the PNW then your building approach may not be viable. Take lesson from refugees in war zones. While they are bugging out they are carrying everything with them and more often than not they are pulling a cart. Now large pneumatic/hard wheels to help with pulling through debris and mud. The cart shouldn't be so heavy as to be a total chore to pull by you or Mrs. Prepper in a pinch. IF you are bugging out then everyone else is bugging out as well so you would blend in with the non-prepared folks by pulling your cart. I would go with a 4 wheeled version of a garden cart painted black. Another option would be a Golf-bag type approach. Tests would need to happen in different types of terrain of course but having the ability to carry 50-100 lbs easily is something that should not be discounted. Another option would take lesson from the far east, a bicycle rigged to just carry weight. Not really for riding, it has heavy duty tires and a frame lashed to the metal frame. For example the bikes used by the Vietcong were "pee-wee herman" style cruiser bikes and they carried hundreds of pounds of out sized equipment (they used them to carry artillery guns through the jungle (dissembled of course). This bike would be easier to move than a cart but would make it necessary to focus completely on managing the load. Ground pad material to consider is " reflectix" double insulated reflective material found at the big box lumber stores. A small section of this with 100 mph tape on the edge makes for a nice durable sitting pad, a little larger, a throw away (almost) underpad for your foam/blowup sleep mat. Also good for making coozies for your hot mugs and wind shields for your small stoves, just use the aluminium tape to shape and seal up the reflectix. The rolls can be had for super cheap compared to the high end camping stores and you can shape and make whatever you want with them. Another useful item from the big box lumber stores is Tyvek sheeting. That can be made into almost anything. Google tyvek projects and you can find almost everything built with this material. Anyways, food for thought. Again very nice concept discussion and editing!
WoW ... just WoW ... was just watching but i had to log in to just say WoW! ... really excellent video, and due to the breakdown and examples very comprehensive to follow, also the homeless/'experience' angle was really added value. If this is will be the quality of the whole series, then this and the 'after the collapse' series by CP are really must see video series. Hard to top this when you use such an broad and detailed approach while leaving personal choices up to the viewer. Now I am usually one to have lots to say, add, sometimes even correct but there is really not much to add :/ :P ... ok, one thing, there are tarp-setups that resemble closed structures, which can work for 1 or 2 people (depending on the size of the tarp), maybe a small child in the middle. Any bigger than that I think the tarp will just be so large and heavy that other options become more viable...For my own shelter I am planning to use a tarp (in different setups, depending on the situation), combined with shelter building (including the tarp of contracter bags in the structure) when I reach a more permanent location. Versatility and Weight are my main deciders there. "In" would more then likely be a sleeping bag, combined with a bivy (though I am thinking about modding a military wool blanket with synthetic 'insulation stuffing' and a linen sheet. Because wool itches me like crazy and I tend to get a red rash from it, using linen sown on will help me there, and while I am doing that I might as well stuff it a bit. Added benefit, the white linen can act as a wintertime stealth mode). To sleep on, I am thinking about a 3/4 or 1/2 self inflatable matrass, though after seeing your video it may have to be some foam analog, in a more permanent setting I would likely build a raised bed, and use pine branches combined with the 1/2 sleep pad. My tarp is more then likely to be setup in a 'A-tube' configuration to serve as a ground cover as well (or entirely closed). Part of me is leaning towards a hammock, because I see it a lot in the bush craft community, but just a tarp with some padding is more versatile in the end, 'them trees' ;) and once it is up it is a lot more visible than a ground bound A-tube ...
+Dutch Courage Thank you SO much, Dutch! Your comments are always top notch, so I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed this video. Yes, I plan on diving deep into this particular video series. To be honest, I was initially apprehensive to post this video because I thought it was too long. I’m glad people seem to be enjoying the dialogue. Please send me links to any specific items that you would recommend. I would like to check them out. I think you will like my choice in Shelter in the next video in this series.
Well yes, it was a lot of information, but the way you segmented everything (and not allowed yourself to digress), and combined the discussion with clear to grasp examples and 'homeless experience' made it clear what to consider in each segment and what options there are to fulfil ones needs ... If you think the vids are too long, you could probably even cut it up into 3 separate segments, by shooting 3 new intro's to each topic and cutting up the footage you have (benefit of such a structured approach) ... Hmm I don't have any specific items I would recommend, I tend to grab items on clearance if I can to get an above average product for a below average price at the end of a 'season'. Like many others I too have a budget to deal with (unfortunately). And seeing I know I can't afford the best of the best, I go with the best I can afford. Also keeping in mind that a major disaster isn't going to be pleasant by any account, so I rather have 'sufficient' items in all the categories that I need, instead of having the best of just a few. Some of the mentioned items aren't even in my possession yet, they are more of what I would like to have (based on scenario analysis), as opposed to the alternatives that I do have (some of which specifically bought for 'preparedness' some more with camping/outdoor activity usage in mind (but would work in an emergency too)). And to some extend I am glad for that, because your vid already made me reconsider some things ... and yes, I am looking forward to your choices :)
In my opinion, there are a few places that you want to avoid in an urban setting. Avoid parks because you'll stand out too much. Avoid locations with large longer term homeless populations because you may get your gear stolen or get into a confrontation. Avoid busy roads because the noise will make it difficult to rest. I think the best place for an urban bug out shelter is a industrial section of town. Factories, Warehouses, etc.There is less foot traffic, you may have access to a back alley or something, it's easier to blend in.
Your first and best shelter in an emergency situation would be your clothing and footwear. Unless you are in a desert, any cotton and cotton blend clothing is a bad choice because once cotton gets wet it stays wet for a long time and will suck away body heat. Clothing made of 100% wool, or wool/synthetic blend or those types of high-tech fabric designed for staying dry during winter sports all will keep you warm even when wet. An additional outer layer of lightweight and breathable but water-repellant clothing will also be useful for keeping you dry and help block loss of body heat from wind chill. Keeping warm and dry outdoors involves using layers of appropriate clothing so you can remove or put on additional layers as the outdoor temperature changes. You never want to get so warm that you start sweating on a cold day because the sweat will chill you as it starts to evaporate. Water-repellant boots, wool socks and removable thermal in-soles help keep feet dry and warm during cold and wet weather. Beyond proper clothing, it is important to have some kind of ground cloth that is a moisture barrier to keep dew from rising into your bedding. Bedding can just be a layer of freshly cut evergreen boughs or layers of discarded newspaper or cardboard to provide insulation from cold ground. Several large garden trash bags can be used on top as a lightweight and inexpensive alternative to a tarp.
Another really good video, but I have a question about something I didn't see you reference with developing urban shelters, vermin. You mentioned how your wife isn't a fan of bugs, how would she deal with a rat scurrying over her in the middle of the night? Just another thing to think about.
+TheUrbanPrepper I wouldn't be 100% comfortable using just the netting. I'd suggest taking a layered approach. First and foremost, no eating where you sleep. They'll be attracted to crumbs and smells. Second, store food in scent blocking containers, these guys are like little bears and will hunt down whatever they smell. Third, lay a couple traps about 10 feet away, flat glue traps work and take up practically no weight/space in a bag. Other than that, just hope. I'm retired military and have seen rats the size of cats climb all over and dig through heavy ballistic nylon bags to get to a forgotten Snickers bar. I've also seen them climb up a bunk bed to get to the Doritos crumbs left on a bed. Basically, limit ways they'd be interested in you and you should be ok. Keep up the good work, love watching your videos!
PLEASE READ !! to help you carry gear. i live in the city too. but i went online and found a piece of equipment called a meat hauler or meat wagonl its basically a strong agile cart that can hold 300 to 500 plus pounds. it has only two huge off road light wheels that can go over anything like mountain bike tires but their not inflatable. their solid rubber tires. it has a cross bar handle for pushing or pulling it. its real easy. you can get them in aluminum or steel. steel is stronger but heavier. you can fit so much on them and it has metal casing up the sides so things fit snug in the cart. remember two wheels. they are meant to go off road in the woods. i have two dogs so when we go camping i can carry my backpack and put the rest of our gear into the wagon while we hike. its great for hiking on any terrain. but for bugging out and carrying stuff there is no better help then the wagon. look up meat haulers or meat wagons. they range from 50 dollars to 300 etc. i paid 75 dollars for mine maybe 80 . mine is steel and can hold 500 pounds..its worth every penny!!!!
With any kit a universal key (pry bar) should be considered a vital piece of kit. Yes they have weight, but if you are truly in a situation where you are having to use your BOB, one thing all the requirements presented do not provide is security. If one is out in the elements in an urban setting, then one is easy prey vs being inside a structure. You cannot hard point a tent or tarp. Another aspect of urban survival is the grab and go concept. One way to mitigate security is by being able to get off the "X" . Just remember there is no back door to a tent/tarp and bugs are the least of your concerns. Throwing out some reality to stimulate discussion.
+DocOps1 I agree. I will have one included in my Tools Module video. In an urban environment, I think it will be a key item. Which pry/demolition bar is your favorite?
I find a12-14" flat bar packs the easiest and is the lightest type bar I could find. Plus, with the flatter surface, I find it easier to use a rock or such to get purchase between a door and the jam.
I enjoy this channel as I have genuinely taken great ideas from your videos but do you not get worried knowing that with your face and gear plastered over youtube, that if a situation was to occur where there is some sort of panic/civil unrest that you would become a target?
I have it in a waterproof dry sack. I don't keep ally sleep gear together, so if some gets wet I'm still ok. I use a goretex bivy, 20 degree bag, and a fleece blanket during the winter. For the summer, it's poncho liner and REI summer bivy.
Why the hate for the hammocks? Other than the whole 'Family' thing, IMHO a hammock would be idle for a single person BOB in an urban environment. It is not hard to find two rigid vertical objects (trees, lampposts, power poles, freeway underpass supports, etc, etc,) that are about 20 feet apart in ANY urban (or suburban) setting....
+Jeff Shewmon I think hammocks are great for a BOB. If I was making a BOB for a single person, that's what I would probably choose (probably a hammock/tarp combo).
Friend...I appreciate what you are trying to do but in what scenario imaginable are you going to WANT to sleep out in the open in a city...or have to? The problem with cities is that they have a population density that is not sustainable without modern systems of electricity, food, and water. This provides a opportunity however for shelter! You have to ask yourself: in what situation would you be bugging out of the city on foot? If you could, you would bug out by car, so we are assuming you can't, why not? Probably because the roads are closed... Closed by the authorities, or more likely closed to you due to traffic jams. However if there are traffic jams that means that people tried to leave the city, which means that their are a plethora of structures siting unoccupied waiting to shelter you and your family as you leave the city. From abandoned houses (less good choice), to (CHAIN) restaurants and warehouses (best choice), there are so many structures that you COULD use, structures with concrete walls, structures with lockable or blockable doors, and tight entrances that allow one person to effectively stand guard over a whole group. I am trying to think of one route out of the city which wouldn't pass by dozens of empty structures that would provide better shelter than a tent, tarp, or the like... I can't. And because modern cities depend on electricity so many structures will be empty simply because most people don't have the ability to light dark hallways without electricity, or provide for the necessities(food, water, heat) without the system providing them in the regular way! Especially with so many displaced persons the streets will be thick with desperate people which is one reason you want four solid walls between you and them! Perhaps months into a SHTF, if you needed to come back into the city there would be a need to sleep outside because of the number of burnt out buildings and armed groups that had occupied the intact ones, but immediately post SHTF bugging out I can't imagine the need to design anything. Homeless people "design" shelters on the streets because the streets are relatively safe while police patrol them, and being on the surface allows them to pan-handle. However even in the best of times you hear stories of homeless people getting beat up on the streets...and that happens to people who have almost nothing. If you have a bug out bag and direction when most people have no supplies and an aimless look you are going to be a prime target.
+IlPadre4103 Thank you for the detailed comment! I think you made some excellent points here. It seems like I didn’t emphasize a few things in this video as well as I could have. I definitely would not “want” to sleep in an urban environment if at all possible. All of my bug out routes lead away from heavily populated areas, because as you mentioned, they will be too dangerous. In this video I ranked finding a Structure as being my top priority. I’m not sure if you didn’t watch that particular section in the video, but I probably could have reiterated the importance of locating a solid structure over a tent/tarp a little better.
Lol..'love your vids ... Been subscribed for almost a year ....But the ol' gal don't like bugs and she also don't like sleepin above ground?!?! Why do you think people sleep above ground???? It's to minimize creepy crawlies!!!! (Not sure if that's how ya spell that) ... I know family comes first and I respect ya for that... But, what severe, horrible, catastrophic situation arises in a city where people are dying and shits hittin the fan, and she's worried about mosquito bites!!! I feel like if a bug out bag is genuinely needed, people (your fam-bam included ... Lil prepper and mrs prepper) ... will be grateful for the bare necessities ... Jungle book reference ... But again, I am a fan.. Keep up the vids :)
Come on be honest if shit did hit the fan and you are in the city you will not be setting up tents you will be sleeping in buildings or cars The only thing I recommend is for shelter is S.O.L. Survive Outdoors Longer Escape Bivvy (OD Green) by sol or a thin blanket
+Max Inpains That's always a possibility. Since this is for a bug out (e.g., evacuation) scenario, I am not planning on setting up camp and then exploring. It would most likely be a one night stay.
Excellent video! but... In an urban survival situation the goal is always, in each and every case, either going to be to get to governmental organized shelter and rescue "or" to escape the apocalypse, which means extended periods of movement. For that you want your shelter and your warmth to be mobile on your back, = Military Poncho, Military Poncho Liner, Wool Blanket Poncho Liner, Gortex Pants and Hiking/Waterproof Footwear, supplemented with whatever clothing is appropriate for the local weather. Then, if you can, add a Gortex Military Bivy. Grab your gun and as much ammo as you can carry to protect yourself against Democrats and go!
+John Q. Public I would definitely like to see your military style shelter setup! I always have a hard time leveraging those type of supplies and still keeping weight/real estate down. I'm sure you have some tips.
+TheUrbanPrepper - I'm saying there is a significant and distinct difference between camping and survival. In survival tents and camping gear go out the window. Mobility and finesse supersede comfort. Make the poncho and its liners each persons shelter and leave the tent and any superfluous gear in the garage. Think instead of going with a crowbar and or a hammer!
in a shtf or disaster situation wouldnt you want to escape the city due to people and there brutality and the want of your stuff in a panicked desprate state
+Merritt McDowell what would make it any safer as everyone is doing the same?8) What if most of the bridge are destroy by earthquake? what if your injured and you need to recover before you can continue your journey? I think people sometime exaggerate how bad urban survival can be. Take for example the present Syrian crisis, there a lots of violence and danger at borders far from urban area.Just as we consider rule of 3 for a lot of preps we should also be prepare to survive in 3 different type of environment: urban, suburban and austere. Depending of what kind of disaster one strategy may work better then others.
I live in a realitivly small city so as far as getting out of town isent an issue for us i would much rather take my chances deep in a forest away from the temptation of others to kill over whats on your back. Thats kind of my point if theres no food water and utilities it will be like how the south went down during those floods where cops took your guns for no reason and forced you from your homes and people taking from others it will only get worst the more time that passes
i would hope people would be decent and help each other but theres always those few that wont and will take your food when your laying there with a broken leg
I live South of you and I'm a survivalist and I've also spent a lot of time outside in our area which is a challenge. As you stated, from the military I've learned that the weight and moderate bulk of a REAL Army wool blanket is worth it. We all know that wool retains some heat, and protection even when damp. The Army wool blanket protects from wind as well, and it can also provide some protection from biting bugs, as I learned from an SF NCO on Ft Lewis (present JBLM). He choose the wool blanket over high speed stuff, you can sit wrapped in the army wool blanket and be pretty much invisible in half light and with it wrapped around your shoulder, your outline is disguised. That leaves a face veil for insects and you're good to go. As we all know, it often gets cold at night even during the summer, except for a few days in August. From the homeless, as you mentioned, many rely upon light tents, which are cheap and available and pack easily, but they also put them under existing overhead. When travelling, before going to camp, the homeless grab cardboard, plenty of it before settling in for the night and when settling in for the long term. The cardboard is used like the boughs are used in survival and they're superior for protecting one from the cold concrete. As they generally seek areas with overhead cover, cardboard provides windbreaks as well. The most important thing to learn about the homeless is they need a source of water. The more experienced and clever ones carry 'keys' so you can access outdoor faucets. A Jone Stevens 4 way key and a Danco universal faucet handle will run you $12 for the pair on Amazon. Carry some old, dirty lawn bags. You may have to stash your BOB's, so put your stuff in the dirty trash bags. put some trash on top and a fake 'dirty' diaper...take a toddler or better yet, an adult diaper. Put some thing like socks in a plastic bag, inside and wrap it like it's used and put that at the top of the bag, or partly exposed. That will discourage MOST thieves who think it's just garbage.
Under, in and on... great way of understanding it
+Canadian Prepper Agreed! I love the use of three's, too.
+Canadian Prepper Cool! I'm glad others enjoy it.
I'm glad that you stuck with it in regards to your TH-cam channel. You took a lot of harsh crit and unkind comments when you started it..even from me, and it takes a lot of character to keep at it through all the bull. You have my highest respect. Great work an hope there's much more in the future. :)
+Aaron Clark Thank you so much, Aaron! I appreciate your kind words. Yes, receiving harsh criticism and mean spirited comments goes with the territory of making TH-cam videos. I'm definitely in this for the long haul. After looking back, I think your harshest past comment was regarding my Transformers morale patch. That wasn't so bad! ;)
lol
+TheUrbanPrepper he was a decepticon at the time!. nice vid as always. thx.
If you want to be gray man, you dont need fancy stuff. Just some "tactical" dirt on your shelter. Because in urban scenarios, if your stuff is clean, you will be spoted no matter what color that stuff is. But thats my point of view.
I really appreciate your solutions to a subject most don't cover. So many assume we will all " head for the hills", while in reality, most will be stuck right where they are. You have a very intelligent and logical approach to urban survival.
Please keep up the great work and thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for the kind words!
I've heard the under, on, in, approach before, i like it. I also agree with the grey man apprlach. Especially for a bugout, we don't know why the bugout, or how major. If we have to bugout, probably safe to assume everyone is. This could make us a target of opportunity when it's a "every man for himself" situation.
I'm new to all this and it's so wonderful to have someone who cares, shares. Excellent information.
Something I did with my (very large) wool blanket that made it much better for carrying/field use was to cut it down to about a 4.5-5' square from the 66x90" size it came as. The really big benefit that this brought was that it was smaller, but it was also easier to put it on and wear it as a cloak with the addition of a simple pin, I can even put it up over my head if I want to, and then it still functions as a blanket if I sleep on the diagonal. I'm 5'11 and a 4.5' square blanket is just big enough to cover all of the important areas that need to be kept warm. If you sleep in some basic insulative clothing and a wool blanket like this, you will be perfectly fine, though maybe not *comfortable*, depending on your own comfort standards. A quick TH-cam search will get you a demonstration of the technique for wrapping yourself in a wool blanket to sleep on the diagonal.
Several points. 1) How long would it take to stuff (literally) a sleeping bag into it's stuff sac when you decide to bug out? You could have the bag hanging in a closet with the BOB sitting on the floor next to it. 2) You might need to weigh up cost versus grey man. What I mean is a Thermarest might set you back $100 but it's tiny and it fits inside your bag whereas a foam mat might be $20 but it has to be tied outside your bag giving you away when you try to get to your bug out location.
Going to throw out my two cents just as another data point for you.
1. If possible a separate shelter module(s) is probably going to be the route for something like this due to size/weight. (vehicle, office, cache)
2. closed cell foam pad has more pros than cons in this scenario
3. in my experience the UL bivy sacs provide very little warmth. You may be able to get 3 season "comfort" out of them combined with your clothing, but this also depends on climate.
4. 2-4 shared wool blankets with your family snuggled up maybe be the simplest solution and possibly good for morale as well.
I think you and I process these kits the same way looking at a lot of options. It will be fun to see where you land in this 3.0 version. Good luck!
Roll matt, sleeping bag, goretex bivvie, tarp. You're right about the pillow. I always had a travel pillow in my pack when out in the field.
Great video, and a well thought out approach. I'm concentrating on my car EDC at the moment, which will include a get home bag with some sort of shelter, but I haven't got that far yet, (thinking of documenting it here on TH-cam!). I'm very similar to you in my family situation having my wife, a 6 year old, and a small 3 year old to consider, so some kind of freestanding tent would definitely be the way forward. This has the ability to transition to a rural location if necessary, where a tent that needs lines and pegs struggles on concrete, (I'm semi-rural). I'd go with a sleeping bag every time. To limit damage with long term storage. perhaps have 2, and rotate them. They take up space but are light. Sleeping on is difficult, I would put serious thought into a self inflating sleep pad, they are lighter and smaller than a traditional Inflatable, but more comfortable than a basic pad.
Great video, looking forward to seeing what you've come up with.
+Adam Bates I think focusing on your Vehicle Kit is a good approach! I spend a large part of my day in my vehicle, so there is a high possibility that an emergency would happen while I am in or nearby my vehicle. Nice to talk to another family man!
I love the tips on what the homeless are doing to make themselves as comfortable as possible, like the cardboard and then a foam pad if you can find the cardboard when you need it. One thing I didn't hear regarding mats to sleep on is how to be warmer when you are sleeping on the ground because the cold would seep through your sleeping bag. I mean, what kind of mat or pad insulates you from the cold ground? That's why I liked the idea of the lightweight cot but it takes too long to put together. But it's off the ground and keeps you drier which I like. I live in Canada, so I think about the cold a lot, lol.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the talking head talking philosophy kinds of videos!
So, what I'm gleaning from this, is that 1) since your primary residence in an emergency scenario is urban, you need to consider how to shelter in a city, and/or 2) your evacuation plan is (possibly) to stay close to your primary residence. I'm onto you, Cliff. ;)
One thing I have to consider for my family is that I work far enough from home that my wife would need to be able to carry the kit for her and our three kids, one of whom would have to be strapped to her since he's 8 months old and can't walk. It's a daunting task, size and weight wise. My wife would probably carry the youngest on her front with a wrap, and the two toddlers would be in the stroller (which doesn't have a whole lot of space for kit). The bag would have to be on her back, but she wouldn't be able to use the sternum straps, and possibly not even the waist belt. It has me thinking a lot about what we actually need and why.
One question I would add to this is, what would force you into a shelter to begin with? Watching Yeager's bugout hike really got me thinking about the kit and why I include it. I would answer that question myself with 1) inclement weather preventing me from traveling; 2) resting in inclement weather; 3) warmth in winter; 4) arriving out our bugout destination. Numbers 1-3 would be the only reason to carry sheltering equipment; Number 4 could be cached in situ.
+Whitfield Parham Thank you so much, Whitfield. You are always such a valuable contributor in the comment section. I’m glad you enjoyed this more philosophy based video. I hope you don’t figure me out too much! I think there are certain scenarios when you might be able to stay in place in an urban environment if you have enough preps in place and a way of defending you location (e.g., high rise building, stairways barricaded). But most of my bug out routes involve going to certain family houses away from my location; north, south, east, west. It depends on the emergency. My shelter needs, as mentioned, would be to protect me from the elements first. There are certain scenarios when you would need to constantly be on the move. You’re listing looks good. I could probably go for an extended period of time, but there would come a point when Kid Prepper or my wife couldn’t. We would need to rest in a safe place after a certain amount of time or distance. Once topic I will be talking about in the future is the use of an all-terrain baby stroller. It’s similar to the approach used by the homeless (e.g., grocery carts) but would also work for families to help lighten the overall load. Canadian Prepper’s “Monowalker” looks to be a very interesting item to look into regarding this topic too.
TheUrbanPrepper Agreed on the Monowalker. That thing is BEASTLY! That kind of investment would force me to use it on a regular basis, though, just to get some practicality out of the money spent on it. But, alas, I don't go hiking nearly as much as I'd like. I think I might have to make my own.
The book 77 Days in September by Ray Gorham has the protagonist walk home after an EMP. During his travels, he acquired a buggy (used normally for lawn work) to carry his gear. If memory serves me right, he was targeted for it, and it took him quite a while to get adjusted to walking with it. Just as Canadian Prepper talked about in his review, you'll need to develop the muscle memory (and calluses) for whatever conveyance choice you decide upon.
One of the things I've noticed my own local vagrants and vagabonds do in the winter months with their tents is to drape blankets on the outside to give them additional warmth. It's the same mentality with debris shelters in the woods--the additional layer adds a significant level of warmth and protection. I'd like to test out an SOL blanket over a tent to see what the difference would be then, too.
I've honestly thought about building some sort of old fashioned covered wagon type dwelling/conveyance device, built lightweight enough to be pushed by me and my wife. In one of James Wesley Rawles books, a character got a bike and bike trailer to travel across Europe to get back home to the US. I think the bicycle and trailer combo would be perfect for low-key training during grid up situations, but is still a significant investment.
+Whitfield Parham I also watched Yeager's vid and came away thinking that he didn't consider all the possibilities.
As always, great video, Cliff. Well thought out, organized and presented. Just a couple of thoughts, using your hierarchy of overhead shelters as kind of a jumping off point. When you are talking a survival situation in an urban environment, *I'm* thinking Beirut, Sarajevo or post-earthquake San Francisco. While I have total respect for you and love your meticulous approach to survival and preparedness, what I mostly *hear* is preparation with an eye toward *optimal* situations, like an unplanned camping trip...more of an inconvenience than a fight for your life. Again, not being critical, just throwing the idea out there that, whether or not mosquitoes can get to you will likely, in reality, be far down the list of considerations on a day-to-day basis in an actual disaster/survival situation.
I understand that the range of your videos is more toward gear selection and reviews and a framework for constructing our own philosophy of preparedness. I'm just thinking that it might be helpful, especially to people who are completely new to the idea of taking personal responsibility for their own survival in an emergency, if you touched, if not on *methods* of less-than-optimal survival methods and gear, then at least on the idea that this is something that should be taken into consideration and should be in the prepper's toolbag and part of their own philosophy.
You are clearly a very intelligent guy and I have no doubts whatsoever that you have planned for every possible eventuality for the safety and protection of your family. I'm just thinking about those for whom this is totally new. Again, love your videos and your thoroughness. I always watch you first!
+Whoozerdaddy Thanks for the detailed comment! Awesome! I'll try to look into this in greater detail for future videos. In all honesty, I don't feel I have the necessary background or experience in truly horrific survival situations. I think someone with first hand military experience would be better suited for that. I've always tried to stay more towards the upbeat side of prepping rather than the doom and gloom, since that seems to be more of the norm. I am sorry if you feel my topics seem to lean more towards an unplanned camping trip. That is not my intent at all. I'll continue trying to raise my personal bar and cover as wide of range of topics as possible.
TheUrbanPrepper
Again, Cliff, not a criticism at all. Just a thought about broadening the scope, philosophically. I had to chuckle when you said the "upbeat side of prepping," since, what is it we are prepping for but doom and gloom, LOL! But I get your point, you feel more comfortable with the nuts and bolts end of things, and that's cool. Just tossing the thoughts out there for consideration.
Hey, you mentioned the "Homeless Hovel" thing, freakin' cool, & I'm glad you included using/adopting cues from the homeless.There's a wealth of info from homeless if anyone takes the time to look or just ask. I like the grey man concept and blending in instead of extreme colors. Excited about your update on B.O.Bs. Looking forward to the next video.
+Pat A (CuCho368) Thanks! Yes, I would LOVE to drive into the Homeless Hovel topic in greater detail. Trying to figure out a good way of doing this, preferably with some interviews.
@@TheUrbanPrepper there's a few channels made by and for homeless folk and for housed folks who care. I would hit them up for some ways to make this project more successful.
For lone wolves I think a military poncho, a bivvy and space blanket along with some large trash bags combo pretty much covers shelter and sleeping. This is a short term emergency situation after all not a camping trip.
Nice discussion of all the options...I live in a rural, cold climate and I hate bugs...also I'm not very effective if I cant get quality sleep so I opt for a freestanding tent, sleeping bag and pad and gortex bivy...if I have the option to find a shelter, I set up the tent inside the shelter also for extra warmth and element protection
+Kathy Jenner Thanks for commenting, Kathy. I totally agree regarding quality sleep. I am a mess if I haven't slept enough.
Good discussion. I'd like to hear more about what the city folk are carrying. My urban 72 hour load consists of: a NeoAir X-Therm pad, zero degree down bag, 3X3m green DD tarp, SOL bivy bag, Trangia alcohol cookset, and the usual odds and ends. It's relatively light and compact.
+John Campbell Me too! I'd love to hear what everyone is carrying. So many choices and variations. Your setup sounds nice!
Thank you for the video :) i live in a fairly rural area and I hope to be able to put together my own emergency bag when I can get some money put away, even though I do live in a rural small town I have learned a lot from your videos and all the information you have put out for people. Again just wanted to say thank you for what you do.
Here is one to think about in urban settings: Vacant buildings and suites are really good shelter. All you need is a lock-pick set. You can lock yourself in so it is much more secure than under an overpass. One would have to not use light at night because most business type suites have glass fronts and maybe glass in the rear too, lights could alert someone that you are there. You would be best served by this if you left early in the morning and left no trace you were there, then you could return the next night. Cheers!
Great comment, David! I am very careful about posting anything regarding lock picking online, since it is a felony in my state to own that type of equipment. Definitely a valuable skill to have.
Good job and nice video, I've tried some of the options that you mention, according to the situation and environment, for example in the rainforest I used a hammock with a tarp and a mosquito net, not for the mosquito's by itself there's a bat that bite and suck your bllood, at the beach I used a tarp the tent and the sleeping bag, once we go on a mountain trip that went wrong we have to leave the tent, someone stole part of our equipment sleeping bags mostly while we were replenishing water, we managed.
+Luis Garcia Wow! That would SUCK to have some of your supplies stolen. I would definitely want to avoid bats. Thanks for sharing your setup and experience.
I'm curious as a pet owner what you plan to do with your pets in a bug out situation. Do you think you might ever make a video addressing this? Thanks I really enjoy all of your videos and have been using them to become more organized in my prepping.
Eat them?
Important information.
Its quite a good hike for me to Get Out
Of the city / suburbs !
+PREPFORIT How far would that trip be for you?
I really appreciate the depth of research and analysis here. Kudos
Are you familiar with Snugpak? They have a pretty interesting material they use for a warm weather blanket/sleeping bag/poncho liner (they are rated for about 50 degrees). They're light, compact, anti-microbial, and water resistant.
A wool blanket will be cheaper. It may (or may not) do better if it's your only shelter option functioning as warmth when you have zero rain cover. The wool blanket also breathes a little better.
The snugpak blanket has similar dimensions to most wool blankets. But, it compresses further. It's lighter. I find them to be warmer. I really appreciate that they're anti-microbial.
The sleeping bag version is basically the blanket with a zipper and a removable bug netting (which is important for your lady). There are also left and right hand zipper options and one of each of these sleeping bags can be zipped together for a larger space (allowing you to use body heat to keep even warmer).
The poncho version is basically the blanket shaped differently. There is a generous hood, there are genuine sleeves with small elastic cuffs and the liner works very well with their (or many other) ponchos.
+zero11010 Thanks for the recommendation! I just added one to my Amazon Wish List. Looks to get great reviews!
Great video. There should be a lot of indoor shelter options available in an urban emergency which will offer a lot more security both weather and otherwise. Ensure an egress though. Transport options could entail a folding cart kept in a car trunk. No matter what you decide on, blending in will be huge. If others see your comfort, they'll want what you have.
Another great video. I like that you are looking at what the homeless are doing. Hey live "Bugged Out" all the time. Lately I'm asking myself what are the refugees leaving home with and what are they arriving with? Traveling through both urban and rural environments. surely they have honed some skills and paired down their packs. My own personal rural BOB has a heavy duty space blanket. (silver/green) hung as a tarp. A 50gal drum liner for ground protection. And a combination of a SOL bivy with a silk sleeping bag liner usesd together. This gives me a great variety of implementations. Nor are any of the items to bulky.
I am using my hiking gear. Alas I would need a few minutes to throw it together, which I may not have I know. I'm no prepper but I believe in being prepared. I've got tons of hiking gear that would work great.
Wiggy’s sleeping bags and other gear is the optimize solution for your descriptions. Compressed for extended time periods of time.
Good to think about as my bob is heavy and obvious. Summer bob will be different. Good to know about sleeping bag loft too. Thanks. I would also put a metal flask in ready to go with appropriate liquid, but that's another video! What about the Seattle slugs when it rains?
As far as any thoughts, I would say whatever you use should be fast and easy setup/teardown. I imagine in an urban environment you have to bust moves and bust 'em quick like. I know before you have knocked tents for weight but I would revisit that option. Sleep is a luxury in an emergency scenario and is near the bottom of my list of priorities of work. If it were me....I'd roll a military sleep-system with the bivy bag, a can of bug spray, maybe the foam pad, and a tarp.
+Texas Dirtdart I agree with regard to fast, east setup. I think you will like my shelter choice. :)
I prefer to have the light stuff in the BOB and a separate bag that has your wool blankets etc. That way if you have to, you can grab your bag and actually run.
I'm looking at the 10:20 timestamp into the video and I see you lying on a "very short" legged cot. Where can I find a couple of those? I have the same issues with my wife trying to get her to go camping. She is apprehensive because of the bugs, snakes and gators. If we camp far enough away from the water I think I can convince her there are no snakes or gators to contend with but a cozy fire, good tent and compact cot like you show in this video would help me to convince her to sleep ob the ground. Yes, we have alligators here in Huntsville Alabama!
Hugh Chapman he has it in his shelter module video th-cam.com/video/Vu_rhitNE74/w-d-xo.html
I like to pack light: a 5x7 tarp, mylar emergency tent, a pocket-sized rain poncho, a couple of 55-gallon contractor bags, and I'm set for shelter, urban or rural.
Sounds cold!
+The Immortal
and damp from body condensation by morning
For real! That stuff does not breathe. I'd rather have a thick wool blanket if nothing else
+Tenderfoot Prepper That's definitely an affordable, lightweight approach. Me personally, I would probably want more items for warmth, but that comes at the expense of BOB real estate.
Warmth is the most important thing. It's a miserable, lonely night when you're cold.
Great information! Lots to consider. The differences between rural and urban can be vast, depending on where you are. I've been thinking about shelter options for urban situations since I do live in the city and all. Looking forward to the followup vid!
What are your thoughts on self-inflating mattresses? You don't have to blow, you can do something else (set up a tarp, for example
I would like to see those separate videos mentioned.
I think it's important to mention ,if one has to sleep in a SHTF enviro, that sleeping during the day will be most beneficial for personal security.
+Snake Plissken That's a good point! I often times see that with the homeless community. They are sometimes travelling by night and sleeping during the early part of the day when it's warmer. Definitely something to consider.
Very informative! I will be interested in what your choices are.
thanks friend nice video i have done the urban camper thing in Gainsville Fla. i was hiding in the swamps on the out scerts of town with a 5dollor byke from a yeard sale its not so hard to live there and its not that cold in the winter but summers hotter than all get out you could find some good deals at the fleamarket there just out side town aways
Cliff, a very informative video. Gives food for thought on modifying a few things in my kit. Thank you for all these great videos. Cheers, Mate.
+Jack Walsh Awesome! Thanks for watching, Jack.
Loving your videos. One suggestion though, a poncho liner will beat a wool blanket any day and dries much faster. 24 years of experience speaking. Light and compresses small.
+TheJimtanker Thanks for the tip. I just added one to my Amazon Wish List. Can't wait to test it out.
+TheUrbanPrepper
No problem. Wish I had heard of you when I was at Fort Lewis. I'm from McCleary originally and my sister is nurse in Seattle.
Re pillows; Dave Canterbury made a good point I wholeheartedly agree with. If you don't keep your head level or slightly elevated while you sleep you will wake with mother of a pounding headache. That's not good for survival. My first rules are avoid injury and illness. So even if it's a concertinaed piece of cardboard, keep your head up so that you don't wake up unable to think well.
+Baranduyn NoIdea That is a good point! Dave C seems to have MANY good points. :)
Wow, some really great ideas here! Even though I am in a rural environment, I live in a small town which has lots of buildings and walls so this really helped. Thanks :)
Nice video. Informative for an urban setting. Curious about your suggestion about caching something at a park or other public location. Have you ever actually tried to cache something like in the bushes at a park and returned to find it there even one week later? One would think if the homeless dont find it, surely park maintenance would and remove it. I think the premise of BOB is self-reliance and public caching is contrary to that premise.
wow what a goodie lock princesse you are : not to big, no to heavy not too... I am reconsidering wanted you in my Bug out party lol. great video and some good questions. like I mention before I found my set up : bothy bag, rector blanket, mix of a long and small pads touch a lots of the pro and cons you bring up. i think the major obstacles you will encounter in your prep will be $$$. there would be good product out there with your specs. the issue is they cost $$$. Like my alpine bags I am working on for backcountry sports. everything fits in a 45 L bags and is near the 45-50 lbs but my sleeping system along is near the 2000$$ 8) Maybe you should have BOB fundraising lol
+TheMountainRN Haha... A wise man once told me about applying the Goldie Locks method to my prepping systems. Yes, shelter supplies are EXPENSIVE! Especially when going the ultralight approach. Yes, a BOB GoFundMe would be nice!
Personallt as a college student, in a college that won't even let you carry a sak I focus more in what I call enhanced edc. And the idea that your first shelter is your clothing, we are talking avoiding cotton and using synthetics or merino wool when I cam afford it as well as carrying a sol bivy in my backpack . I don't work and study all that far from my home so really I don't have much of a get home bag. Here the weather is very extreme, super hot summers we are talking 40 C every summer and 36 C at night and very windy winters without much rain with a maximum of 10 C
My main concern and you see this with the homeless in my area is insulation from the ground, that pavement can be oh so cold even if the air is warm. My main concern is cooperation, in the sense that I share a flat with a roomate that could not proccess getting dressed when a fire alrm was on. I mean I had my shoes and had grabbed a bunch of jackets and money in the time he figured out what was gojng on.
look into a "swag" they are very popular in Australia they are small role up tents made of canvas mine has a 2" foam matress inside and has a insect screen for summer but also a canvass cover that is attached for rain. is has a pvc base for wet ground and has 3 aluminum ribs to keep the cover away from the body. they can be single or double. have a look.
+WR4SSE Please send me a link if you have one. Sounds interesting!
Not what I originally expected, But turned out to be another quality video with good information. Keep it coming.
+Robert Showe Sweet! I was initially worried that it was WAY too long. It's hard talking about these topics with brevity.
+TheUrbanPrepper I think that I personally would rather hear you ramble ;-) and cover all of your thoughts than to cut it short and miss something that should be discussed. I used to live near you so can relate to your environment. of course now I'm opposite at St Pete Beach FL haha BUT most things apply and when you discuss out variations it gives good food for thought.
Might I suggest you don't do any survival bar tests again though. Those are actually become painful to watch with your misery ;-)
Thanks, that was really interesting. Slacked off on this kind of stuff lately ...
+Greg Kelway Thanks Greg. There's definitely a lot of variables to consider.
I've really been putting a lot of thought as to how to respond to this video. I think in the end, if my home was compromised, I would rather focus on getting out of the city, over sheltering with family in an urban (aka dangerous), environment.
Anyway awesome video man, great work, and keep them coming!
+SurvivalTech Nord You put a lot of thought into everything, STN! That's why enjoy your channel and friendship so much. I agree. Getting out of an urban environment would be key if in an unsafe situation.
TheUrbanPrepper
Thx buddy. I'm sometimes afraid that the message is lost in the text. These sorts of things are better discussed over a good meal :)
+SurvivalTech Nord Or a good beer. :)
Cliff, I enjoyed your description of Mrs. Prepper’s issues with mosquitoes, bugs, etc.. if your goal is survival, I’d suggest building your shelter in a Hilton Hotel, preferably a nice room with a cushy bed... 😆🤡
Pro tip for closed cell foam mats: in the army, we would unroll our sleepig pads inside our duffle bags before stuffing everything in the middle.
one question urban prepper where do you do all off these product tests and reviews like for example like public park, field, where do you do these videos?
Great Video ! For the Misses use some Bug Netting to keep the bugs away ! For the stakes and tarp for a day pack and use the tarp as a ground cloth when tenting ! Just ended a four day trip in southern NM and the rain and cold kept me inside... warm buildings (motels) and included: Trinity Site, Prof. Goddard's workshop (in Roswell), NM Space History Museum, Rocket Park, WSNM, Spaceport America Visitor Center and the VLA. tjl
you know what makes a great urban shelter solution - a water repellent cover and a insulated coverall suit - why use a sleeping bag when your sleeping bag can have legs and arms - insulated suits are very rugged - a man can work all day long in the cold and very comfortably at that - a sleeping bag is a tactical weakness because you are zipped up in a cocoon and vulnerable to attack - insulated coveralls are a excellent solution - they come with hoods so a good pair of gloves and boots and your good to go
+cassanoa That's a good idea! I always seem to rip my coverall suits, but I think I haven't found the right brand to go with yet. I was always under the impression that they were designed for one time use only.
TheUrbanPrepper
you can buy the heavy duty work suits designed for construction workers - they are very rugged and you can control body temperature by opening the front zipper - some even have vents under the arms and at the side - great stuff
Excellent concept discussion! I would think that if you are bugging out with the whole urban prepper fam perhaps a thought or two should be given to a lightweight pulling cart. If the big earthquake does strike in the PNW then your building approach may not be viable. Take lesson from refugees in war zones. While they are bugging out they are carrying everything with them and more often than not they are pulling a cart. Now large pneumatic/hard wheels to help with pulling through debris and mud. The cart shouldn't be so heavy as to be a total chore to pull by you or Mrs. Prepper in a pinch. IF you are bugging out then everyone else is bugging out as well so you would blend in with the non-prepared folks by pulling your cart. I would go with a 4 wheeled version of a garden cart painted black. Another option would be a Golf-bag type approach. Tests would need to happen in different types of terrain of course but having the ability to carry 50-100 lbs easily is something that should not be discounted. Another option would take lesson from the far east, a bicycle rigged to just carry weight. Not really for riding, it has heavy duty tires and a frame lashed to the metal frame. For example the bikes used by the Vietcong were "pee-wee herman" style cruiser bikes and they carried hundreds of pounds of out sized equipment (they used them to carry artillery guns through the jungle (dissembled of course). This bike would be easier to move than a cart but would make it necessary to focus completely on managing the load.
Ground pad material to consider is " reflectix" double insulated reflective material found at the big box lumber stores. A small section of this with 100 mph tape on the edge makes for a nice durable sitting pad, a little larger, a throw away (almost) underpad for your foam/blowup sleep mat. Also good for making coozies for your hot mugs and wind shields for your small stoves, just use the aluminium tape to shape and seal up the reflectix. The rolls can be had for super cheap compared to the high end camping stores and you can shape and make whatever you want with them.
Another useful item from the big box lumber stores is Tyvek sheeting. That can be made into almost anything. Google tyvek projects and you can find almost everything built with this material.
Anyways, food for thought. Again very nice concept discussion and editing!
WoW ... just WoW ... was just watching but i had to log in to just say WoW! ... really excellent video, and due to the breakdown and examples very comprehensive to follow, also the homeless/'experience' angle was really added value. If this is will be the quality of the whole series, then this and the 'after the collapse' series by CP are really must see video series. Hard to top this when you use such an broad and detailed approach while leaving personal choices up to the viewer. Now I am usually one to have lots to say, add, sometimes even correct but there is really not much to add :/ :P ... ok, one thing, there are tarp-setups that resemble closed structures, which can work for 1 or 2 people (depending on the size of the tarp), maybe a small child in the middle. Any bigger than that I think the tarp will just be so large and heavy that other options become more viable...For my own shelter I am planning to use a tarp (in different setups, depending on the situation), combined with shelter building (including the tarp of contracter bags in the structure) when I reach a more permanent location. Versatility and Weight are my main deciders there. "In" would more then likely be a sleeping bag, combined with a bivy (though I am thinking about modding a military wool blanket with synthetic 'insulation stuffing' and a linen sheet. Because wool itches me like crazy and I tend to get a red rash from it, using linen sown on will help me there, and while I am doing that I might as well stuff it a bit. Added benefit, the white linen can act as a wintertime stealth mode). To sleep on, I am thinking about a 3/4 or 1/2 self inflatable matrass, though after seeing your video it may have to be some foam analog, in a more permanent setting I would likely build a raised bed, and use pine branches combined with the 1/2 sleep pad. My tarp is more then likely to be setup in a 'A-tube' configuration to serve as a ground cover as well (or entirely closed). Part of me is leaning towards a hammock, because I see it a lot in the bush craft community, but just a tarp with some padding is more versatile in the end, 'them trees' ;) and once it is up it is a lot more visible than a ground bound A-tube ...
+Dutch Courage Thank you SO much, Dutch! Your comments are always top notch, so I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed this video. Yes, I plan on diving deep into this particular video series. To be honest, I was initially apprehensive to post this video because I thought it was too long. I’m glad people seem to be enjoying the dialogue. Please send me links to any specific items that you would recommend. I would like to check them out. I think you will like my choice in Shelter in the next video in this series.
Well yes, it was a lot of information, but the way you segmented everything (and not allowed yourself to digress), and combined the discussion with clear to grasp examples and 'homeless experience' made it clear what to consider in each segment and what options there are to fulfil ones needs ... If you think the vids are too long, you could probably even cut it up into 3 separate segments, by shooting 3 new intro's to each topic and cutting up the footage you have (benefit of such a structured approach) ... Hmm I don't have any specific items I would recommend, I tend to grab items on clearance if I can to get an above average product for a below average price at the end of a 'season'. Like many others I too have a budget to deal with (unfortunately). And seeing I know I can't afford the best of the best, I go with the best I can afford. Also keeping in mind that a major disaster isn't going to be pleasant by any account, so I rather have 'sufficient' items in all the categories that I need, instead of having the best of just a few. Some of the mentioned items aren't even in my possession yet, they are more of what I would like to have (based on scenario analysis), as opposed to the alternatives that I do have (some of which specifically bought for 'preparedness' some more with camping/outdoor activity usage in mind (but would work in an emergency too)). And to some extend I am glad for that, because your vid already made me reconsider some things ... and yes, I am looking forward to your choices :)
I really enjoy your videos
+Chip Sencindiver Thanks Chip!
I think you forgot to mention that a bivy bag is meant to protect the sleeping bag not to be used by itself although it can be used by itself
great shelter talk vid lol and in my bug out bag the only shelter I have is a military tarp and I'm not really to urban .....I'm in Alabama lol
+R.A.S. Tactical I'd like to visit Alabama one of these days!
In my opinion, there are a few places that you want to avoid in an urban setting. Avoid parks because you'll stand out too much. Avoid locations with large longer term homeless populations because you may get your gear stolen or get into a confrontation. Avoid busy roads because the noise will make it difficult to rest. I think the best place for an urban bug out shelter is a industrial section of town. Factories, Warehouses, etc.There is less foot traffic, you may have access to a back alley or something, it's easier to blend in.
Great comment. Love the details. Thanks Juan!
Thanks keep the Great Info coming !
+Jim Ahrens (Jetmech85) You're welcome, Jim.
Your first and best shelter in an emergency situation would be your clothing and footwear. Unless you are in a desert, any cotton and cotton blend clothing is a bad choice because once cotton gets wet it stays wet for a long time and will suck away body heat. Clothing made of 100% wool, or wool/synthetic blend or those types of high-tech fabric designed for staying dry during winter sports all will keep you warm even when wet. An additional outer layer of lightweight and breathable but water-repellant clothing will also be useful for keeping you dry and help block loss of body heat from wind chill. Keeping warm and dry outdoors involves using layers of appropriate clothing so you can remove or put on additional layers as the outdoor temperature changes. You never want to get so warm that you start sweating on a cold day because the sweat will chill you as it starts to evaporate. Water-repellant boots, wool socks and removable thermal in-soles help keep feet dry and warm during cold and wet weather. Beyond proper clothing, it is important to have some kind of ground cloth that is a moisture barrier to keep dew from rising into your bedding. Bedding can just be a layer of freshly cut evergreen boughs or layers of discarded newspaper or cardboard to provide insulation from cold ground. Several large garden trash bags can be used on top as a lightweight and inexpensive alternative to a tarp.
great channel I love it so much
If Mount Rainer goes boom or there is a "Slip" of the NA plate of the Cascade Subduction Zone, you WANT to be seen.
Yep! That's why I have a COMMS module with a lot of items for signaling and being easily seen.
Another really good video, but I have a question about something I didn't see you reference with developing urban shelters, vermin. You mentioned how your wife isn't a fan of bugs, how would she deal with a rat scurrying over her in the middle of the night? Just another thing to think about.
+Joseph Osborne I'm hoping that the bug netting would protect us from the vermin for one night. My wife would freak out! Any recommendations?
+TheUrbanPrepper I wouldn't be 100% comfortable using just the netting. I'd suggest taking a layered approach. First and foremost, no eating where you sleep. They'll be attracted to crumbs and smells. Second, store food in scent blocking containers, these guys are like little bears and will hunt down whatever they smell. Third, lay a couple traps about 10 feet away, flat glue traps work and take up practically no weight/space in a bag. Other than that, just hope. I'm retired military and have seen rats the size of cats climb all over and dig through heavy ballistic nylon bags to get to a forgotten Snickers bar. I've also seen them climb up a bunk bed to get to the Doritos crumbs left on a bed. Basically, limit ways they'd be interested in you and you should be ok. Keep up the good work, love watching your videos!
PLEASE READ !! to help you carry gear. i live in the city too. but i went online and found a piece of equipment called a meat hauler or meat wagonl its basically a strong agile cart that can hold 300 to 500 plus pounds. it has only two huge off road light wheels that can go over anything like mountain bike tires but their not inflatable. their solid rubber tires. it has a cross bar handle for pushing or pulling it. its real easy. you can get them in aluminum or steel. steel is stronger but heavier. you can fit so much on them and it has metal casing up the sides so things fit snug in the cart. remember two wheels. they are meant to go off road in the woods. i have two dogs so when we go camping i can carry my backpack and put the rest of our gear into the wagon while we hike. its great for hiking on any terrain. but for bugging out and carrying stuff there is no better help then the wagon. look up meat haulers or meat wagons. they range from 50 dollars to 300 etc. i paid 75 dollars for mine maybe 80 . mine is steel and can hold 500 pounds..its worth every penny!!!!
just love your videos !!!
+Marci Garibay Thanks Marci!
how large is the waste belt can it be change easily and the differences between the 44 and the 50 ...same feature less space
you are resourceful
excelente canal. Mexican Preppers Urban Ready 👌✊
leantoo thank god for paracoard!!! and a good knife
With any kit a universal key (pry bar) should be considered a vital piece of kit. Yes they have weight, but if you are truly in a situation where you are having to use your BOB, one thing all the requirements presented do not provide is security. If one is out in the elements in an urban setting, then one is easy prey vs being inside a structure. You cannot hard point a tent or tarp. Another aspect of urban survival is the grab and go concept. One way to mitigate security is by being able to get off the "X" . Just remember there is no back door to a tent/tarp and bugs are the least of your concerns. Throwing out some reality to stimulate discussion.
+DocOps1 I agree. I will have one included in my Tools Module video. In an urban environment, I think it will be a key item. Which pry/demolition bar is your favorite?
I find a12-14" flat bar packs the easiest and is the lightest type bar I could find. Plus, with the flatter surface, I find it easier to use a rock or such to get purchase between a door and the jam.
I enjoy this channel as I have genuinely taken great ideas from your videos but do you not get worried knowing that with your face and gear plastered over youtube, that if a situation was to occur where there is some sort of panic/civil unrest that you would become a target?
I love a goretex bivy and heavy sleeping bag
+The Immortal Me too. How do you store your sleeping bag?
I have it in a waterproof dry sack. I don't keep ally sleep gear together, so if some gets wet I'm still ok. I use a goretex bivy, 20 degree bag, and a fleece blanket during the winter. For the summer, it's poncho liner and REI summer bivy.
You can get sleeping bags that you can wear and walk in !
Why the hate for the hammocks? Other than the whole 'Family' thing, IMHO a hammock would be idle for a single person BOB in an urban environment. It is not hard to find two rigid vertical objects (trees, lampposts, power poles, freeway underpass supports, etc, etc,) that are about 20 feet apart in ANY urban (or suburban) setting....
+Jeff Shewmon I think hammocks are great for a BOB. If I was making a BOB for a single person, that's what I would probably choose (probably a hammock/tarp combo).
swag.
MORE VIDS PLS
+911LexVegas I'm working on it. :)
I was homeless . I slept beside the freeway in my tent on a bed of pine needles with my dog. Hopefully never again.
where is the PDF?
u ared my hero thanks.u would look beautiful with a Detailed beard.good luck
Friend...I appreciate what you are trying to do but in what scenario imaginable are you going to WANT to sleep out in the open in a city...or have to? The problem with cities is that they have a population density that is not sustainable without modern systems of electricity, food, and water. This provides a opportunity however for shelter!
You have to ask yourself: in what situation would you be bugging out of the city on foot? If you could, you would bug out by car, so we are assuming you can't, why not? Probably because the roads are closed... Closed by the authorities, or more likely closed to you due to traffic jams. However if there are traffic jams that means that people tried to leave the city, which means that their are a plethora of structures siting unoccupied waiting to shelter you and your family as you leave the city. From abandoned houses (less good choice), to (CHAIN) restaurants and warehouses (best choice), there are so many structures that you COULD use, structures with concrete walls, structures with lockable or blockable doors, and tight entrances that allow one person to effectively stand guard over a whole group. I am trying to think of one route out of the city which wouldn't pass by dozens of empty structures that would provide better shelter than a tent, tarp, or the like... I can't. And because modern cities depend on electricity so many structures will be empty simply because most people don't have the ability to light dark hallways without electricity, or provide for the necessities(food, water, heat) without the system providing them in the regular way! Especially with so many displaced persons the streets will be thick with desperate people which is one reason you want four solid walls between you and them!
Perhaps months into a SHTF, if you needed to come back into the city there would be a need to sleep outside because of the number of burnt out buildings and armed groups that had occupied the intact ones, but immediately post SHTF bugging out I can't imagine the need to design anything. Homeless people "design" shelters on the streets because the streets are relatively safe while police patrol them, and being on the surface allows them to pan-handle. However even in the best of times you hear stories of homeless people getting beat up on the streets...and that happens to people who have almost nothing. If you have a bug out bag and direction when most people have no supplies and an aimless look you are going to be a prime target.
+IlPadre4103 Thank you for the detailed comment! I think you made some excellent points here. It seems like I didn’t emphasize a few things in this video as well as I could have. I definitely would not “want” to sleep in an urban environment if at all possible. All of my bug out routes lead away from heavily populated areas, because as you mentioned, they will be too dangerous. In this video I ranked finding a Structure as being my top priority. I’m not sure if you didn’t watch that particular section in the video, but I probably could have reiterated the importance of locating a solid structure over a tent/tarp a little better.
Lol..'love your vids ... Been subscribed for almost a year ....But the ol' gal don't like bugs and she also don't like sleepin above ground?!?! Why do you think people sleep above ground???? It's to minimize creepy crawlies!!!! (Not sure if that's how ya spell that) ... I know family comes first and I respect ya for that... But, what severe, horrible, catastrophic situation arises in a city where people are dying and shits hittin the fan, and she's worried about mosquito bites!!! I feel like if a bug out bag is genuinely needed, people (your fam-bam included ... Lil prepper and mrs prepper) ... will be grateful for the bare necessities ... Jungle book reference ... But again, I am a fan.. Keep up the vids :)
Come on be honest if shit did hit the fan and you are in the city you will not be setting up tents you will be sleeping in buildings or cars The only thing I recommend is for shelter is S.O.L. Survive Outdoors Longer Escape Bivvy (OD Green) by sol or a thin blanket
DOOOD!
Hi!
Think you meant...Think of ounces not pounds......
I used to be homeless if you want to chat about this.
+revisualize Yes I do!
well, reality is as soon as you leave your tent someone going to steal or ran suck the place you prepared.
+Max Inpains That's always a possibility. Since this is for a bug out (e.g., evacuation) scenario, I am not planning on setting up camp and then exploring. It would most likely be a one night stay.
Yeah as long as you are in or near by tent its fine i believe . i always to tend to think worst case senatio like katrina in new Orleans....
homeless use stuyrofoam from fri8ge or appliances
first!! great video
Excellent video! but... In an urban survival situation the goal is always, in each and every case, either going to be to get to governmental organized shelter and rescue "or" to escape the apocalypse, which means extended periods of movement. For that you want your shelter and your warmth to be mobile on your back, = Military Poncho, Military Poncho Liner, Wool Blanket Poncho Liner, Gortex Pants and Hiking/Waterproof Footwear, supplemented with whatever clothing is appropriate for the local weather. Then, if you can, add a Gortex Military Bivy. Grab your gun and as much ammo as you can carry to protect yourself against Democrats and go!
+John Q. Public I would definitely like to see your military style shelter setup! I always have a hard time leveraging those type of supplies and still keeping weight/real estate down. I'm sure you have some tips.
+TheUrbanPrepper - I'm saying there is a significant and distinct difference between camping and survival. In survival tents and camping gear go out the window. Mobility and finesse supersede comfort. Make the poncho and its liners each persons shelter and leave the tent and any superfluous gear in the garage. Think instead of going with a crowbar and or a hammer!
heyyy
Why not just walk into a Walmart they are 24 hours
+Not Required I think a Walmart would be a great bug in location for a zombie threat. So many useful supplies there.
I assume you have a home why do you need a tent you’ll never use it
busy background. distracting from what you are saying. had to listen hard, at times.
It's been 5 days since the latest vid... I'm bored!!
+Dying2selfDaily LOL! Sorry. Filming around 7 videos simultaneously. Next video will go live on Saturday.
+TheUrbanPrepper yes!!
in a shtf or disaster situation wouldnt you want to escape the city due to people and there brutality and the want of your stuff in a panicked desprate state
+Merritt McDowell what would make it any safer as everyone is doing the same?8) What if most of the bridge are destroy by earthquake? what if your injured and you need to recover before you can continue your journey? I think people sometime exaggerate how bad urban survival can be. Take for example the present Syrian crisis, there a lots of violence and danger at borders far from urban area.Just as we consider rule of 3 for a lot of preps we should also be prepare to survive in 3 different type of environment: urban, suburban and austere. Depending of what kind of disaster one strategy may work better then others.
I live in a realitivly small city so as far as getting out of town isent an issue for us i would much rather take my chances deep in a forest away from the temptation of others to kill over whats on your back. Thats kind of my point if theres no food water and utilities it will be like how the south went down during those floods where cops took your guns for no reason and forced you from your homes and people taking from others it will only get worst the more time that passes
Not tryin to start an argument or anything here
lol me neither. just answering your question 8)
i would hope people would be decent and help each other but theres always those few that wont and will take your food when your laying there with a broken leg