Man, this guy covers all the angles. Not only does he have his bugout vehicle fully prepped, but it's a Subaru. That way, if he's followed, he can lose the tail at an Indigo Girls concert.
Lol..yeah .. Own a prep car but lives with 75 ppl in building that will act totally civil when the arrest starts lol ...haha you ppl make me laugh sometimes
@BrassFacts Improvise. Adapt. Overcome. I like it. You're gonna come out the other side of whatever we're talking about for sure! Might wanna throw some purple hair dye and patchouli oil in your preps tho. Just to stay on the safe side.
yeah, that's a big pet peeve of mine. Cars are generally not all that useful for full collapse, so min-maxing for that specifically is a bit silly. I'll do it one day for sure. but realistically, those cars are not good daily drivers for normal people. Nor do you want your daily driver configured in that fashion.
Good stuff. I would consider adding a tool kit with some wrenches, sockets/ratchet, screwdrivers, pliers, safety wire, zip ties, hammer, maybe a crowbar, etc.
@@pkake1319In that case, most tools would be there to fix/maintain other things. So things like a precision screwdriver set and extra batteries will be more used than a crowbar or a wrench
@@pkake1319 I can tell you for a fact, a lot of behicle problems can be fixed just by taking it apart and cleaning it, I say this for pre 2000 vehicles. even pre 90s vehicles is better. If you cant find a 70s truck in 4wd anywhere for 3k you have a skill issue.
hey dude, this'll probably be lost forever in a sea of comments, but you truly deserve so much more from this platform. The channel is criminally underrated. Never stop with the content, even if its random bullshit, it's always a good watch, thanks man.
One suggestion is a lightweight rain jacket, typically really good for insulating, and I know that every time I've had a flat or something of that nature it's been in the rain and cold and I didn't have a rain jacket and got soaked and or froze half to death.
Thanks for the shoutout bro! Great to have you and Hop out for some good training. Vehicle Defense is an important piece to the preparedness game. Look forward to linking up again!
Great video as always, Brass Facts. Couple things I would like to add. 1: Learn basic mechanics. While it's true the newer cars get the harder it is to work on them, it's not a golden rule. Mechanical knowledge is a skill that fewer and fewer people learn every year. In a shtf scenario vehicles are going to be ridden hard and put away wet. They are going to break down often, no matter the make or model. Sure you can change a tire, but what if your spare blows too? What if you bust a brake line? Can you run basic diagnostics on a vehicle that suddenly won't start? How confident are you that you can get it back on the road? These are things that need to be learned and practiced just as much as your shooting skills. If not more so. The dude with gucci gear and no training "becoming a loot drop", and the dude with great firearms training and cardio that died of dehydration because his cars radiator sprung a leak he couldn't fix while he was in the middle of the desert, are in the same category. 2: Make sure you TEST those battery jump packs IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS before you trust them. I can't count how many of those battery bank jump starters have failed to jump a car for me in the winter, (when you actually need it). Sure they advertise the ability to do so, but maybe that's only with a car battery that's just barely too weak to work normally, and in warm weather. What if the battery is completely stone dead and it's 10 below zero? Does it have the juice to jump the car on its own? Did you know many types of lithium batteries straight up will not send any power at all when they get below freezing? Did you consider that hooking a fully charged battery jump pack up to a completely dead battery is going to probably cut the available amps of the battery pack in half? Always get the biggest and best battery jump starter you can afford. (Noco Boost jump packs have done great in my personal experience) These are all things that need to be considered
I've already jumped the car before because I'm a idiot didn't realize I didn't turn on the engine, turned the defroster on, and left it while packing up.
They don't make it anymore, but I had a Stanley brand jump pack and that thing fucked. The only times I used it was in below freezing conditions, and while granted the car battery still had *some* juice leftover, after a few minutes plugged into the pack the numerous cars I've helped have never failed to start. It would last for 5 or 6 "jumps" (not actually jumping the car, more like giving the car battery a few extra watts), and 2 years between charges, lol. Didn't even need to pop the hood either, as it charged the car battery through the 12v plug in the cab. RIP Stanley jump pack. You will be sorely missed.
One of the best, most realistic vehicle load outs I have seen. I carry a lot more tools in my truck, but the basics you are showing are great baseline to go off of!
The cell phone thing he referred to. DHS will shut off all communication services in a wrol emergency. A great item to add to your vehicle is a large towel, and a few magnets. I use it to cover my windshield during below freezing weather. Being able to just hop in your truck/car and just go is SO nice.
I might have missed it, but i have the following in mine: Dashboard sized solar panel, throwable fire extinguisher, road flares, handheld or CB radio, 10x10 tarp, 1000' spool of Paracord, full spare set of clothes and rain gear.
Good tips. I like how no one is going to read the title! I like to also have a bit of spare fluids onboard; trans, engine oil, windshield wiper fluid, etc ; def some isopropyl alcohol. (My car/truck don't leak, but I know enough people... plus stuff happens). The alcohol is for melting ice in locks or to unstick a door. With a US GI canteen cup and stove stand, some cotton balls, make a quick fire to warm up water for drinking or coffee.
Great advice! I would also add a light bulb kit with headlights and tail lights. Also some sort of signaling device like road flares or led strobes. It would suck to get smacked by a car while changing a tire because someone didn’t see you. The last thing would be hot hands. They’re cheap and small but they can be placed on your core or junctions to help maintain your body temp if you get stranded
In addition, I have a get home bag with the typical stuff tou mentioned in my truck. I usually take an AR with me, I'm heavy on trauma/medical since I'm a paramedic for decades.
My 2008 RAV4 "4wd" v6 has been amazing for this type of purpose! Daily driver with 20+ mpg and a surprising amount of capabilities! Pulled through snow/ice with ease, through deep sand, mud... all kinds of adverse terrain. Spare tire on the back means more space under the comparment in the back. 10/10 would recommend.
I love this. I feel like everyone I've ever talked to about bugging out has never considered where they're actually going to bug out to, what would cause them to determine bugging out is the best choice, what adverse scenario they are bugging out and preparing for, and how they will handle a road system being 100% clogged and unpassable, and gas stations not functioning. If your massive vehicle can leave through city streets or has a clear wooded passable path to your destination, great. If your destination is open wilderness to start a homestead on land you didn't previously own or know, it won't end well. You also won't be alone. What happens if you can't buy gas, can't get your vehicle through the roads the rest of the city suddenly wants to leave on with you, or everywhere you go you are unwelcome?
one underrated problem in the Oregon area is that almost ALL of our states fuel storage and distribution is located on the "tank farm" so if a natural disaster happens like the looming megathrust earthquake, there just wont be fuel for almost the whole state for quite some time because liquefaction + the airport damage is going to leave your own gas tank as all your gas for the next weeks or even months so that will be quite rough
A stock tacoma trd off road or frontier pro 4x with a good hard cover and either BFG KO2's or Duratrac's is my go to set up. Good capability and dependability, and the rear locker adds a ton of capability without the look of a heavily modded vehicle.
I think every vehicle needs a small tool kit in it. 1/4 or 3/8 drive metric socket set, combination wrench set, some sort of changable bit screw driver, needle nose pliers and a vice grips. Not enough to fix everything, but enough to handle your normal small breakdowns or quick fixes. And whatever you need for that vehicle to replace the belts on the engine.
Makes perfect sense. Well done. Sure you can definitely have more but hey we are all growing. Very grey man. I myself drive a large E350 Econoline cargo van. It's got solar, small power supply, diesel heater, food, water, clothes, boots, ammo, power tools that gets recharged from the power supply, backup firearm, sleeping bag and cot, hygiene supplies, spare tires, and..... don't judge me..... candy. Had to add that last bit for laughs but then I remembered Halloween and I still have candy so......crap
I really appreciate you keeping the BS out of your videos. Information without the moral virtue signalling, religious polarity, or fruitless griping. You take the time to evaluate things many preach for or against. I dig the commitment to being reasonably objective.
Dude the subaru forester is invisible while still being able to carry most of the stuff i want to carry 99% of the time. It's gotten me anywhere i wanted to go in the cascades in winter as well as the white mountains.
Yes, but so is an ordinary pickup-the big takeaway is don't advertise all of your overlanding stuff. I honestly wouldn't trust the reliability past 150k, especially if it has a boxer engine. I would not be comfortable with a Unibody, AWD and a CVT for the long haul, just my 2 cents.
@acem82 not to mention that the vast majority of people will have a use for that second vehicle long before they have a use for night vision. Not to say people shouldn't get night vision, but it sits pretty low on my priority list relative to its cost.
Fair point, but with a 2nd vehicle comes more maintenance costs. More insurance. And you can’t just park it and expect it to work when you need it. You better be driving it every few weeks to shake the cobwebs out of it and keep the rubber from rotting.
@@fishymacaroon6 I bought a used TNVC L3 thin filmed GP PVS14 for 2k. Most cars are more than that. I agree on the use part. A second vehicle would probably come in handy more than NV but I mean c’mon, it’s NV. Who doesn’t want to own NV?😂
This used to be the case, I'm not sure anymore. The world isn't exactly exploding with $1000 shitboxes just waiting for someone with some mechanical ability and a nearby autozone. These newer cars just simply don't last, and either can't be repaired, or aren't worth repairing.
Jumper cables are definitely recommended, especially with larger engines. Besides, you can't use one of those USB/light boxes to energize potential sources of information you recently captured.
There are some newer ones out there that use supercaps that charge off what remains in the battery, and then provides current when the time comes. Not perfect, but might be a good solution in some circumstances. The guy on the Soft Roading The West demoed one a while ago.
Cool load out. Regarding the candles, I have read that having a small used/washed out tin can that you can drop the tea candles in will result in great heating.
If you own a set of power tools most manufacturers usually make a usb adapter their batteries. Its a cheaper option for a power bank for anyone that already has the batteries. They work to jumpstart a car in a pinch as well.
I have a similar load out in my truck. May I recommend a small mechanics tool kit. Having some sockets and other tools to work on a car on the side of the road or a trail comes in handy. I had a chunk of filament come loose on a spark plug on a newish car and the car wouldn't go above 30mph and was shuddering itself to death. A socket removed the plug, tapped the plug till the loose filament fell out and the car ran fine until I got home. Random things like a little roll of chicken wire for tire traction in sand or mud and a tire knocker also come in handy. Good video!
I’ve really subscribed to the same thinking on equipping your daily driver to do “most things well” kind of like a GPR. I’m lucky that my place of work and my home, in relation to my wife and sons location is within 7 miles round trip. That being said, those can be a grueling 7 miles of unpredictable circumstances without basic to advanced provisions. There are times I hate driving a truck for the mortgage payment I spend weekly at the pump, however, the utilitarian abilities of having additional storage (and also an in bed toolbox) has given me the ability to be less “choosy” and the result of this has not only helped myself but others in distress. Love the mindset, and the content.
@@LMarshall73 right, and I do agree with that, but like what Brass Facts said, it's not the end-all-be-all of preparedness like what so many people think
@@benjamingingrich9192while he had some valid points, that may be relevant to his AO, his concept still falls short. As someone that has been a “prepper” since before prepping was a thing, all of my vehicles for the last 20 years have been selected for a purpose and have been outfitted to suit applicable bugout scenarios. A proper overland vehicle ticks all of the boxes. The definition of overland is long term vehicle dependent sustainability. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Forrester (which I have owned and worked well for where I was living) or a Tacoma (which I currently own and have outfitted to meet my current needs).
@@sportytaco2153 which I do fully understand! I think it's great that you have that, but for a lot of people, it's either just not in the financial deck of cards or it just doesn't make sense for their AO. A lot of prepping overlanders think that preppers HAVE to have an overlander to be properly prepared, which I'm trying to say is flawed logic, not that overlanding is a flawed concept. All, I'm saying is it's not for everyone, and if you don't have one, that is okay, you can still be adequately prepared. Just gotta secure your 4 necessities for life first. Food, Water, Shelter, and lastly, Security
Hard pill to swallow, I was only able to swallow after losing my FJ and hoping into a Subaru. FJ was slow, terrible range, and it stood out like a sore thumb. My Subaru can go pretty much anywhere I took my FJ anyways, it blends into society, and it has much MUCH better range!
Love the video. I also had a Forester with damn near the same contents for most of its life. However, I have to disagree with your overlanding take. If I had to bug out and leave for an unknown amount of time, I'm taking most of my overlanding gear with me. Not everything, but close to. Most youtubers overlanding gear (4x4 campers, hot showers, overbuilt rigs, popup tents, etc) are pretty rare. Most ordinary overlanders such as myself head out with a tent, food, water, cooking supplies and sleeping supplies. Aka everything I'd want to take if I had to dip.
Ryobi makes some interesting car stuff that uses cordless drill batteries. The air compressor has been very good and pasted a while. The jump starter i havent used yet my dad has used it a few times and likes it. Id suggest just adding something like an etool. It takes up no space and shovels are always handy. I would say tools as well (common ratchet, wrench, or driver set) just because it's pretty handy and some of the new bags roll up to take up little cubic space
5:20 BF, we drop air pressure in my wife's stock CR-V all the time for rough Appalachian back roads. Totally fine to go down to 20 or 15 psi. You have a compressor. Test it.
Just found your channel this past weekend. Love your style. How you have a lot of footage rolling while you’re talking over it. It really gets my dopamine going.
Tire patch kit and compressor are absolute bare minimum. I've patched and inflated tires on my own on the side of the road at least a dozen times. I don't understand how people survive otherwise.
@@breckfreeride nor should you forget the constant valve cover leaks, burning your hand on the exhaust every oil change, and having to pull the engine to change spark plugs!
@@basedWisco715 Superlesbaru motor is the only reason I didn't buy a gr86... The excess, loose rtv plugs up the oil pickup screen and trashes the motors!
@@breckfreeride I read about that. As if they weren’t unreliable enough to begin with It’s too bad too, because the GT86 would have been the best sports car on the market with a modern Toyota unkillable straight 6
Aside from the debt aspect of a lot of vehicle preparedness stuff most people also think their overlanding/very lifted vehicle can not only carry everything they need when theres simply not enough space even with a semi truck. But also that it's very low profile when it's became a meme about how much they stick out with such a vehicle, any actual shtf scenario they're probably gonna be the 1st person stopped by any authorities while trying to leave or just shot by someone for their stuff
Yep. Saw an older toyota camrie the other day, that had a "come and take it" bumper sticker. Which is a shame because it's a perfectly low-profile car. Wouldn't have looked twice at it otherwise.
I drive a ford focus hatchback that has my camping bag and those coast guard rations in it. Thank you for helping me not get drawn into thinking overlanding is preparedness. I would love a rig but you definitely helped me feel better at my preparedness.
I chose a Subaru Outback 3.6R over another jeep wrangler for some of the reasons listed. I also added a 2” lift AT tires a nice roof basket and Wilco hitch gate tire carrier with a two 5 gal Jerry can holder a 6 ft rack mounted awning and some ditch lights. I have an ARB Sliding storage boxes in the back along with a 12v fridge and 1024wh 2000w Solar Gen with 160w foldable panel. The mileage and comfort is much better then my jeep and it takes me almost everywhere my jeep did. I do a lot of primitive camping so I use all the gear and aftermarket accessories regularly. No regrets.. ok, occasionally I’ll see a jeep with a n ursa minor top and I get jealous lol.
I was thinking something like a couple bear spray canisters under the frame rail set to dispense all around the vehicle at the push of a button! On a serious note, I run a nvg head harness if I need nvgs in a more compact package.
You need to test your jack and lug wrench. My father and I had trucks that were 5 years apart and different manufacturers, and both of our factory lug wrenches did fit our lug nuts. Good idea to just get a 4-way lug wrench
This video came at a good time. I would also suggest a hidden spare key and plb. I am generally well prepared having most all these items permanently in our vehicle, however yesterday while out with the family 4 wheeling in the backcountry in a rarely traversed area 22 miles from cell service and the nearest habitation we misplaced the car key just as we were packing up at sundown. After a methodical search and just as i was prepared to begin a long hike in the dark leaving them behind in the safety and supplies in the vehicle we found the key. Not a good feeling. Ive walked 11 miles after a breakdown in the past and i know how long it takes to walk that distance. I was alone then so there wasnt the stress of leaving anyone, especially children who cannot walk that distance behind. All the suppilies you can think of wont help if you cant turn that ignition. Lesson learned.
Get a fullsize spare (if you only have a space-saver) in case you have an unrepairable blow-out. Maybe an extra wiper and headlight bulb would also be prudent in consideration of your regular offroad excursions.
4:30 One advantage of a "low capability" vehicle is that you're less likely to need a helicopter to get you unstuck. Carry 100' of plain old 1/2" nylon three strand rope from the hardware store and learn a few basic knots. *ANY* other vehicle will be able to tug you out of any hole you can get stuck in. It's literally the same stuff as the bougie recovery ropes, minus the fancy packaging. Not so with a built 4x4!! You can get verrry stuck with those. Everyone gets stuck eventually - it is inevitable.
You have a much cooler PDW than I do and a whole lot better first aid stuff but otherwise we're pretty similar in kit. I have a 300 blackout ar pistol which will fit in a tennis racket case or other similar. I have a tow strap in addition to the come along and during the winter I tend to keep a duffle in there with basically snow stuff. Like those stretchy cleats that go over your shoes. Another thing that goes in during the winter is a cordless sawzall with a couple batteries and a basically a pruning blade as well as a few metal cutting. Between all that crap I can get a car or log off the road or cut open pretty quickly. I generally value being the kind of guy who will stop for somebody who's stuck on the side of the road. One thing that comes up a lot is people who don't have stuff tied down properly so I keep some rope I don't care about to help them sort it out. I've given away a few blankets to when people were in car wrecks and out in the cold. I also need to get a fire extinguisher. I know that I have been lacking in that area. And I generally only keep a few water bottles in a few packets of ramen in the trunk. Supposed to get you through a rough night but they're not going to be suitable for your evac scenario. I'm middle-aged and not as fit as you so I keep trecking poles with my day pack and boots. Have the wiser precision qiuck sticks, which are my single favorite hunting accessory. Look them up they are really excellent. One tool I'm going to have anyway now does a couple other jobs very well.
Hop is absolutely the unnamed lesbian. Those two boys love flannel plaid, tending the closest gash, and growing whatever body hair will bless them. Just wanna say I'm grateful for you bro. Hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving. Keep it going!!
Look into the fire escape biner from Outdoor Element. It's what I use now, seatbelt cutter window breaker and striker wheel to light my stove with. If you have a rollover your strap cutter is still attached to the key in the ignition. If you get stranded in the woods your fire starter is on your keychain
Two easy improvements: 1) Never ever put the "slime" or "goop" into a tire. Get a pack of rope plugs and learn to install them. A pack of ten is the size of a pack of playing cards, much smaller and lighter than a can of "slime", and it is a permanent fix that should last the life of the tire, whereas the "slime" is a temporary fix if it even works, and makes repairing the tire properly a nightmare. 2: If you are willing to spend a bit extra, replace that heavy, bulky fire extinguisher with a solid-state Element extinguisher. They're A-B-C-K rated, tiny, lightweight, and are available in 50-second and 100-second run time sizes. Plus you can leave them in a car forever without losing pressure because there's no compressed propellant.
THANK YOU! I’ve seen so many of these vehicle prep videos that are completely unreasonable and unrealistic for everyday use. Loading a vehicle down with all of that stuff kills MPG and more importantly, where do your kids sit?
The Forester is a bad ass little vehicle! Good on gas, decent amount of power (depending on the engine displacement). The Forester has a decent AWD system and many companies make electric differentials for the damn thing lol. Many night my wife and I spent sleeping in the back of one with the rear sheets down on twin bed while visiting many state parks. Also holds up well in a head on collision (don’t ask how I know) all and all I’m a fan. So much so that the wife wants to trade in the 4Runner (witch was suppose to be a better replacement) for a newer Forester!
A saw is a good idea. I travel a lot of remote areas for work and have to move trees off public roads at least a couple times a month. That is with the DOT operating in any shtf no one is coming to clear them
This reminds me I need to get a map book or some maps in general of my area, and areas I wanna head to in case things go sideways. I generally know where I need to go (because preplanning) but it is best to have alternative routes like you said.
This may be a good reminder.. Bass frequencies are omnidirectional and dissipate over distance much closer to the sound source than mid and high range frequencies. Have your buddy stand at the end of your street and yell. Then whisper in your ear. Thats also why everyone thinks their voice is deeper than it is. Bass frequencies ignore or amplify on/through barriers. Mid freqs and highs reflect off, bounce around, etc. Volume increases the performance of all waveforms. So... Impact on cover from a larger round causes bass tones. The physically resisting or absorbing properties of the cover have similar affects on sound. Proximity to explosions increases perception of all frequencies. Silencers vastly reduce all frequencies, but the sound emitted by an explosion is dependent largely on how long your barrel is and how much powder is consumed before the projectile exits the barrel and sound from the combustion is permitted to leave the barrel behind it. Larger projectiles generally require more propellent to move and thus transmit "bass" through moving matter around them and whatever they contact. Thus, felt explosions from cannons being bassy. The larger the projectile down range causing sound barrier cracks, the louder they will be and the wider range of frequencies they will carry. 5.56 guns we are most familiar with emit a much louder report of high frequencies both from initial barrel departure and from supersonic cracks than some other combinations of calibers and barrel lengths found commonly in the wild. Bare in mind also that sound emitting from unsuppressed guns get louder based first on initial pressure and volume, thus generally the larger a gun is to accommodate a larger projectile and more propellant at a higher initial pressure from combustion, the louder it will be. Consciously knowing this can help you recognize sound signatures and distances with additional effort and testing.
I good thing to have (if theres room) is a flat board. If you try to jack up your car sometimes the juck just sinks into the mud/Gravel/sand but the wide base of the boads will stop it from sinking
Good point on the overlanding taking over, it does get silly. But you can split the difference. Something like an old Jeep XJ can be nicely upgraded on the cheap and gets good enough mpg (~20) to be a daily driver while adding a couple jerry cans will greatly improve your range in ways worth discussing. It's not large enough to really be an "overlanding vehicle" but it's larger than most cars, more capable, has a lot of upgrade options from bumpers to lights to intakes and ignition and is easy to work on yourself so you can save up for those NVGs. You can trick it out, go lowpro or somewhere in between.
Jeep XJ driver here. It’s nowhere near that fuel efficient and I have done everything I can to improve it lol. Agree with everything else though, mine always has problems but parts are so cheap and easy to replace I wouldn’t have it any other way. I removed all my seats so I can lie down inside and sleep with all my gear.
@FroopLoop Your highway mpg is nowhere near 20? Did you add a stupid amount of mass to the vehicle as a trail rig? Mine are both 18-20 highway with nothing done to improve mpg.
I appreciate the honest admission of why you bring NV with you. While I'm trying to justify it with all the normal reasons most people think of, but in reality, I'm equally likely to get a public intox with my NVGs as I am to save my life or someone else's.
I always have a shovel, a blanket, a full change of clothes in an old back pack, a silcock key, water bottle, etc. Assume anything in a car can get stolen.
I've also got a subaru forester, but mine is built up for overlanding and offroading (winch, skids and sliders, tire carrier, lift and oversized ATs), and yea, as long as I'm not rock crawling, it's small enough, and lightweight enough that it will keep up with the jeeps. That being said, it does also have similar preps to what you have, with a few extras, or some of the stuff being higher quality like my air compressor since I will air down to 15-20psi, so a powerful compressor was a must. Not the best vehicle, but ya know what? It's good on gas, it's comfy enough to sleep inside, and it's capable enough to take me well off the beaten path.
@BrassFacts dang, even with the seats moved forward? I've got the current gen wilderness and have more than enough space for an 80 inch camping mattress
Nothing wrong with a Subaru Forester, I had a 2010 Forester. Very capable vehicles and one of the best all wheel drive systems. I installed a simple 2 inch lift kit and slightly bigger wheels and it made it even more capable and is a great daily driver
I have one of the 12v plug in compressors, and it works, but I would recommend getting the ryobi compressor/blower combo, or the handheld compressor. I have both, used the hell out of them, and they’re great.
Really glad to see someone else with a "real" setup. Too many fake ones simply for youtube. I have a suburban So I hear a bit more room and a few more items, but I also have 2 small kids and a wife to consider
I'm in Australia, different situation both climate wise and what "threats" I face, daily driver is a Holden (Chevy) Colorado extra cab 4x4 "Tray Back", 2.8L TD, cheap to run, 140L of fuel on board (dual tanks) and while not a dedicated "Overlander", I do have a Slide On camper with onboard solar and water that can be mounted and loaded in about 10 mins in a bug out situation, fully loaded mileage highway is 11L/100km or 21mpg as tested...
brass 1 thing I'd like to comment about your go bag, although lighters are so convenient, you should 100% carry matches. what I learned in northern Alaska, butane will not evaporate and making the lighter useless
Matchbox makes a black Subaru Forester. That's my 3 year old's favorite car. Every time he sees one at the store, he has to have it. He has four black Subaru Foresters in his fleet, so far (and one red one). So take that for what it's worth. Some little kid in Idaho thinks you drive the coolest car ever. 😄
I just lost my FJ in an accident I absolutely loved it, it was completely done up for overlanding. I ended up getting a Subaru Crosstrek and frankly I think it’s more practical for blending in, it can handle dirt roads just fine, and has longer range. I actually believe that my Subaru is a better SHTF vehicle.
I think there’s a very fine line between prepared daily driver and an overlander. Without going into details, my vehicle has all wheel drive and as currently loaded gets right at 23 miles per gallon with a range of 380 miles give or tank 20 miles depending upon how the vehicle is driven on just one tank. Still need to add a solar and a jackery other than that I can sleep comfortably in the back and still have ample cargo space. Loved the video tho
If you’re going the dedicated rout mentioned at 1:10, go with the SSRTV or TOMCAR, literally anything other than the M-RZR. I’d rather have rollerblades than an M-RZR.
I use the siphon to fill my tank from cans more than anything. It beats trying to hold a 5 gal can up with some stupid safety spout on it while trying to get it to pour.
Certainly the Wrangler would be better, especially if it was the 4.0 with the 5 speed. No one will want an AWD Subaru with a CVT haha, but I get the point. I recommend every single person maintain their vehicle themselves, especially in this golden era of free advice and tutorials of forums and youtube. I keep all of my emergency stuff behind the seat of my regular cab Taco which includes spare hand tools, monkey wrench, battery jump pack, jumper cables, tire plug kit, spare hose clamps, tape, glue, JB weld, zip ties, flash light, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, spare serpentine belt, oil and coolant, etc.
With so many cars these days eliminating a spare (be it donut or full size), a jack is something most people will need to buy. They'll also need to make sure that the jack they get has the lifting capability to lift their vehicle (a car jack won't left an SUV, etc.)
People talk crap about Subarus. But they are incredibly capable vehicles and pretty well reliable as well. Fyi on the battery jump packs... dont leave them in your car, if it gets cold those lithium batteries become absolutely worthless... do not rely on them. Ask me how i know.
So, lifelong Yukoner, licensed auto mechanic, bit of a prepper, thought id mention a few things -- Car selection. If, at all, one is considering bugging out/SHTF/etc, factor that into what car you buy. You note you sold your jeep for a Lezburu? Im kinda curious why. Regardless -- id be weighing out fuel efficiency, reliability, all/four wheel drive capability, serviceability (separate from reliability) and so on. Im probably not one to talk - i own a fleet of Dodges including a 13 JKUR which is lifted, winched and kitted reasonably well aside of no snorkel, several old Dodge Trucks, an old motorhome converted into a Deck Van/Lorry (which, if i could, i WOULD convert into a 4x4, the thing would be beyond epic if i did) and so on. Once selected, LEARN YOUR CAR. Everything you can. Where the battery is, basic maintenance, checking fluids, knowing where the spare is, preferably a full size spare, buy a Chilton or Haynes repair manual for the car and have it IN the car. If its anything at all modern, having a pocket code reader, and the list of codes with explanations is an excellent idea. Take out the spare tire, tools etc, and swap the tire at home. Put the spare on, check it, drive it, then put the normal wheel back; so you KNOW it works. Its worth investing in a 4 way tire lug wrench and a second jack that works for your car - scissor jacks are cheap, if you need to destroy it to save your car, easy to replace. Also, tire selection plays a massive part here, especially if yer somewhere that sees snow, ice etc. In the topic of tires, if the car has only a donut spare or undersize spare, know that your speed and distances are dramatically limited, especially if the car is all wheel drive - on front drive cars, the manual usually states to ensure that the donut goes on the back wheel and just play musical tires to keep full size tires up front to prevent driveline damage. Mudflaps are also a good idea to prevent damages, as are skidplates if the car doesnt have them. Another thought to know about your car specifically is where the battery is - if you plan to park someplace, disconnect the battery to ensure its preserved a week or month later, but also help counter potential theft. Spare components for your car. Admittedly, this was much more an old vehicle thing (Dodges like mine always had a spare ECU, voltage regulator, ballast resistor etc on board), but having spare fuses, spare headlamp bulbs (and the tools to change them!) spare washer fluid, spare engine oil, spare coolant, all can go into one smaller ish toolbox that lives with the car, that is checked before every big trip. I would also include things like bailing wire/farmers/mechanics wire, duct and gorilla tape, electrical tape/PVC tape, spare electrical wire rolls and tools for wiring in this too. If you are mechanically inclined, might be an idea to have a set of spare lug nuts and studs as applicable, should you ruin them with a bad wheel incident. Non-Mechanical tools for the car. Such things as tow ropes, the new extraction ropes (AKA Kinetic Recovery Ropes), knowing where the tow points are on your car so you dont rip it apart or break it in extraction, if your car has a hitch you do NOT use the tow ball but invest in a recovery shackle for said recoveries, if yer at all in winter-possible areas having sand, chains etc. Are you mounting a radio, GPS or so on within? Battery booster packs are huge nowadays, but how about solar? Honestly, even with all, all the stuff ive cited above, maaaybe 50 pounds on the outside? Size will be more an issue than weight; well worth either way,. Anyway, thought you might be interested.
The fact that I own the exact same vehicle and within the first 2 minutes you mentioned "lesmobile" is hilarious. If you had any idea how many times I have had my car called that by different people, it would put a smile on your face too 😂.
I second the Refuge Medical kits as being pretty good gear. I have several; My jeep has a winch, straps, and some basic mats to get traction in less than optimal conditions. On a trip from Texas to Utah during an ice storm, I pulled two gals from California who got stuck in a ditch in Moab, and their van was is a bad spot. NO one was stopping to help, until I and another guy did what was needed in about half an hour in a snowstorm. The other guy's girl should be cloned, she was all about diving in and getting muddy, no second thoughts about it. I grew up in Utah, so wasn't anything new. It's better to be ready for things that happen. Be an asset, not a liability. I showed the 2 gals how to use the strap and then gave it to them, in case they needed it moving forward, pun intended.
I’ve also wondered about the market for plate’s specifically designed for cars, perhaps lightweight composites that don’t have to make as many sacrifices due to a lesser focus on thickness and size requirements.
My police department tried putting some old vests inside the doors of some plain cars years ago. Over time, problems developed with the hinges because of the additional weight.
Most cellphone GPS apps are passive, they don't require cell towers. Paper maps are essential, but if Utah is like my state the paper is usually out of date and/or don't show construction zones and other potential hazard zones
Man, this guy covers all the angles. Not only does he have his bugout vehicle fully prepped, but it's a Subaru. That way, if he's followed, he can lose the tail at an Indigo Girls concert.
it's 100% grey(wo)man.
They'll think im a full blown lesbian.
@@BrassFactswith Hop riding shotgun? 100%
Lol..yeah .. Own a prep car but lives with 75 ppl in building that will act totally civil when the arrest starts lol ...haha you ppl make me laugh sometimes
@BrassFacts Improvise. Adapt. Overcome. I like it. You're gonna come out the other side of whatever we're talking about for sure! Might wanna throw some purple hair dye and patchouli oil in your preps tho. Just to stay on the safe side.
@@Matt-xc6spwe both know what Hop is riding when they are together post stream 😉
Very based, was expecting unhinged overpreparedness but u chose items proportional to the probability you'd need them
yeah, that's a big pet peeve of mine.
Cars are generally not all that useful for full collapse, so min-maxing for that specifically is a bit silly.
I'll do it one day for sure. but realistically, those cars are not good daily drivers for normal people. Nor do you want your daily driver configured in that fashion.
Good stuff. I would consider adding a tool kit with some wrenches, sockets/ratchet, screwdrivers, pliers, safety wire, zip ties, hammer, maybe a crowbar, etc.
Everyone should have a Leatherman if you ask me!
yeah I have one, I replaced the one that came with the car with one. It seemed so basic i forgot to mention it.
The issue is this: how many tools do you need if you aren't also stocked up on spare parts as well?
@@pkake1319In that case, most tools would be there to fix/maintain other things. So things like a precision screwdriver set and extra batteries will be more used than a crowbar or a wrench
@@pkake1319 I can tell you for a fact, a lot of behicle problems can be fixed just by taking it apart and cleaning it, I say this for pre 2000 vehicles. even pre 90s vehicles is better.
If you cant find a 70s truck in 4wd anywhere for 3k you have a skill issue.
hey dude, this'll probably be lost forever in a sea of comments, but you truly deserve so much more from this platform. The channel is criminally underrated. Never stop with the content, even if its random bullshit, it's always a good watch, thanks man.
One suggestion is a lightweight rain jacket, typically really good for insulating, and I know that every time I've had a flat or something of that nature it's been in the rain and cold and I didn't have a rain jacket and got soaked and or froze half to death.
mylar emergency blanket is a good option to have in addition
Thanks for the shoutout bro! Great to have you and Hop out for some good training. Vehicle Defense is an important piece to the preparedness game. Look forward to linking up again!
Great video as always, Brass Facts. Couple things I would like to add.
1: Learn basic mechanics.
While it's true the newer cars get the harder it is to work on them, it's not a golden rule. Mechanical knowledge is a skill that fewer and fewer people learn every year. In a shtf scenario vehicles are going to be ridden hard and put away wet. They are going to break down often, no matter the make or model.
Sure you can change a tire, but what if your spare blows too? What if you bust a brake line? Can you run basic diagnostics on a vehicle that suddenly won't start? How confident are you that you can get it back on the road?
These are things that need to be learned and practiced just as much as your shooting skills. If not more so.
The dude with gucci gear and no training "becoming a loot drop", and the dude with great firearms training and cardio that died of dehydration because his cars radiator sprung a leak he couldn't fix while he was in the middle of the desert, are in the same category.
2: Make sure you TEST those battery jump packs IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS before you trust them.
I can't count how many of those battery bank jump starters have failed to jump a car for me in the winter, (when you actually need it). Sure they advertise the ability to do so, but maybe that's only with a car battery that's just barely too weak to work normally, and in warm weather.
What if the battery is completely stone dead and it's 10 below zero? Does it have the juice to jump the car on its own? Did you know many types of lithium batteries straight up will not send any power at all when they get below freezing? Did you consider that hooking a fully charged battery jump pack up to a completely dead battery is going to probably cut the available amps of the battery pack in half? Always get the biggest and best battery jump starter you can afford. (Noco Boost jump packs have done great in my personal experience)
These are all things that need to be considered
I've already jumped the car before because I'm a idiot
didn't realize I didn't turn on the engine, turned the defroster on, and left it while packing up.
@@BrassFacts awesome
They don't make it anymore, but I had a Stanley brand jump pack and that thing fucked. The only times I used it was in below freezing conditions, and while granted the car battery still had *some* juice leftover, after a few minutes plugged into the pack the numerous cars I've helped have never failed to start. It would last for 5 or 6 "jumps" (not actually jumping the car, more like giving the car battery a few extra watts), and 2 years between charges, lol. Didn't even need to pop the hood either, as it charged the car battery through the 12v plug in the cab.
RIP Stanley jump pack. You will be sorely missed.
@@josephkerking8638 Thats awesome haha
@OyBOY-ig9bpI wish! 😉 Supercapacitors.
3:13 canonically first woman sighting in a brass facts video
omfg.
Fact-check false: Hop has been in many of brassfacts videos.
One of the best, most realistic vehicle load outs I have seen. I carry a lot more tools in my truck, but the basics you are showing are great baseline to go off of!
You took it to the next level with this one. Very well done and great info all the way around.
Will take tip on using NVG to pickup girls at parties.
works way better than you think.
Turns out women really LOVE looking at stars. And Nods are basically the ultimate stargazing tool.
The cell phone thing he referred to. DHS will shut off all communication services in a wrol emergency. A great item to add to your vehicle is a large towel, and a few magnets. I use it to cover my windshield during below freezing weather. Being able to just hop in your truck/car and just go is SO nice.
I might have missed it, but i have the following in mine: Dashboard sized solar panel, throwable fire extinguisher, road flares, handheld or CB radio, 10x10 tarp, 1000' spool of Paracord, full spare set of clothes and rain gear.
Good tips. I like how no one is going to read the title!
I like to also have a bit of spare fluids onboard; trans, engine oil, windshield wiper fluid, etc ; def some isopropyl alcohol.
(My car/truck don't leak, but I know enough people... plus stuff happens).
The alcohol is for melting ice in locks or to unstick a door. With a US GI canteen cup and stove stand, some cotton balls, make a quick fire to warm up water for drinking or coffee.
Big fan of BearIndependent's Refuge Medical. I have one of the headrest kits in each vehicle, plus I have them on my cool-guy kit and get-home bag.
I did there complete combat medic responder training and man that's some seriously intense training and it drilled that info into my brain deep
Bear briefs need to be a thing in there 🤣
Great advice! I would also add a light bulb kit with headlights and tail lights. Also some sort of signaling device like road flares or led strobes. It would suck to get smacked by a car while changing a tire because someone didn’t see you. The last thing would be hot hands. They’re cheap and small but they can be placed on your core or junctions to help maintain your body temp if you get stranded
In addition, I have a get home bag with the typical stuff tou mentioned in my truck.
I usually take an AR with me, I'm heavy on trauma/medical since I'm a paramedic for decades.
I keep a case of MREs and 4 gallons of water in my car, that way if i get snowed in i have food and water
As well as a wool blanket
My 2008 RAV4 "4wd" v6 has been amazing for this type of purpose! Daily driver with 20+ mpg and a surprising amount of capabilities! Pulled through snow/ice with ease, through deep sand, mud... all kinds of adverse terrain. Spare tire on the back means more space under the comparment in the back. 10/10 would recommend.
I love this. I feel like everyone I've ever talked to about bugging out has never considered where they're actually going to bug out to, what would cause them to determine bugging out is the best choice, what adverse scenario they are bugging out and preparing for, and how they will handle a road system being 100% clogged and unpassable, and gas stations not functioning.
If your massive vehicle can leave through city streets or has a clear wooded passable path to your destination, great. If your destination is open wilderness to start a homestead on land you didn't previously own or know, it won't end well. You also won't be alone.
What happens if you can't buy gas, can't get your vehicle through the roads the rest of the city suddenly wants to leave on with you, or everywhere you go you are unwelcome?
one underrated problem in the Oregon area is that almost ALL of our states fuel storage and distribution is located on the "tank farm" so if a natural disaster happens like the looming megathrust earthquake, there just wont be fuel for almost the whole state for quite some time because liquefaction + the airport damage is going to leave your own gas tank as all your gas for the next weeks or even months so that will be quite rough
A stock tacoma trd off road or frontier pro 4x with a good hard cover and either BFG KO2's or Duratrac's is my go to set up. Good capability and dependability, and the rear locker adds a ton of capability without the look of a heavily modded vehicle.
I think every vehicle needs a small tool kit in it. 1/4 or 3/8 drive metric socket set, combination wrench set, some sort of changable bit screw driver, needle nose pliers and a vice grips. Not enough to fix everything, but enough to handle your normal small breakdowns or quick fixes. And whatever you need for that vehicle to replace the belts on the engine.
hoseclamps can be lifesavers.
Makes perfect sense. Well done. Sure you can definitely have more but hey we are all growing. Very grey man. I myself drive a large E350 Econoline cargo van. It's got solar, small power supply, diesel heater, food, water, clothes, boots, ammo, power tools that gets recharged from the power supply, backup firearm, sleeping bag and cot, hygiene supplies, spare tires, and..... don't judge me..... candy. Had to add that last bit for laughs but then I remembered Halloween and I still have candy so......crap
I really appreciate you keeping the BS out of your videos. Information without the moral virtue signalling, religious polarity, or fruitless griping. You take the time to evaluate things many preach for or against. I dig the commitment to being reasonably objective.
Dude the subaru forester is invisible while still being able to carry most of the stuff i want to carry 99% of the time. It's gotten me anywhere i wanted to go in the cascades in winter as well as the white mountains.
Big g(r)ayman vibes
@@allanjarnagin3540 yeah all the game wardens just think I'm in the woods sunning my butthole, they never try to stop me to check my tags and license.
Yes, but so is an ordinary pickup-the big takeaway is don't advertise all of your overlanding stuff. I honestly wouldn't trust the reliability past 150k, especially if it has a boxer engine. I would not be comfortable with a Unibody, AWD and a CVT for the long haul, just my 2 cents.
@@ExtremelyAverageMan an ordinary pickup blends in but the forester specifically looks like a non-threat
I mean a Volkswagen Beetle is pretty non-threatening too, but ill-equipped for the tasks at hand.@@destroyerofgear
I feel like night vision is often more expensive than a second vehicle, depending on what you choose.
I was just about to write this. I've never spent that much on a vehicle in my life.
@acem82 not to mention that the vast majority of people will have a use for that second vehicle long before they have a use for night vision. Not to say people shouldn't get night vision, but it sits pretty low on my priority list relative to its cost.
Fair point, but with a 2nd vehicle comes more maintenance costs. More insurance. And you can’t just park it and expect it to work when you need it. You better be driving it every few weeks to shake the cobwebs out of it and keep the rubber from rotting.
@@fishymacaroon6 I bought a used TNVC L3 thin filmed GP PVS14 for 2k. Most cars are more than that. I agree on the use part. A second vehicle would probably come in handy more than NV but I mean c’mon, it’s NV. Who doesn’t want to own NV?😂
This used to be the case, I'm not sure anymore. The world isn't exactly exploding with $1000 shitboxes just waiting for someone with some mechanical ability and a nearby autozone. These newer cars just simply don't last, and either can't be repaired, or aren't worth repairing.
Jumper cables are definitely recommended, especially with larger engines.
Besides, you can't use one of those USB/light boxes to energize potential sources of information you recently captured.
There are some newer ones out there that use supercaps that charge off what remains in the battery, and then provides current when the time comes. Not perfect, but might be a good solution in some circumstances. The guy on the Soft Roading The West demoed one a while ago.
@YouveBeenMiddled lolled at your linguistics. Stay frosty.
I feel the contact lens fluid thing in my soul. LASIK, g, it's life-changing
yeah, soon.
Cool load out. Regarding the candles, I have read that having a small used/washed out tin can that you can drop the tea candles in will result in great heating.
If you own a set of power tools most manufacturers usually make a usb adapter their batteries. Its a cheaper option for a power bank for anyone that already has the batteries. They work to jumpstart a car in a pinch as well.
I have a similar load out in my truck. May I recommend a small mechanics tool kit. Having some sockets and other tools to work on a car on the side of the road or a trail comes in handy. I had a chunk of filament come loose on a spark plug on a newish car and the car wouldn't go above 30mph and was shuddering itself to death. A socket removed the plug, tapped the plug till the loose filament fell out and the car ran fine until I got home. Random things like a little roll of chicken wire for tire traction in sand or mud and a tire knocker also come in handy. Good video!
I’ve really subscribed to the same thinking on equipping your daily driver to do “most things well” kind of like a GPR. I’m lucky that my place of work and my home, in relation to my wife and sons location is within 7 miles round trip. That being said, those can be a grueling 7 miles of unpredictable circumstances without basic to advanced provisions. There are times I hate driving a truck for the mortgage payment I spend weekly at the pump, however, the utilitarian abilities of having additional storage (and also an in bed toolbox) has given me the ability to be less “choosy” and the result of this has not only helped myself but others in distress.
Love the mindset, and the content.
Finally! Someone who understands that not all overlanding vehicles are the best prepper vehicles!
That is true, but there are a lot of concepts from overlanding that spill over into prepping/bug out scenarios.
@@LMarshall73 right, and I do agree with that, but like what Brass Facts said, it's not the end-all-be-all of preparedness like what so many people think
@@benjamingingrich9192while he had some valid points, that may be relevant to his AO, his concept still falls short. As someone that has been a “prepper” since before prepping was a thing, all of my vehicles for the last 20 years have been selected for a purpose and have been outfitted to suit applicable bugout scenarios. A proper overland vehicle ticks all of the boxes. The definition of overland is long term vehicle dependent sustainability. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Forrester (which I have owned and worked well for where I was living) or a Tacoma (which I currently own and have outfitted to meet my current needs).
@@sportytaco2153 which I do fully understand! I think it's great that you have that, but for a lot of people, it's either just not in the financial deck of cards or it just doesn't make sense for their AO. A lot of prepping overlanders think that preppers HAVE to have an overlander to be properly prepared, which I'm trying to say is flawed logic, not that overlanding is a flawed concept. All, I'm saying is it's not for everyone, and if you don't have one, that is okay, you can still be adequately prepared. Just gotta secure your 4 necessities for life first. Food, Water, Shelter, and lastly, Security
Hard pill to swallow, I was only able to swallow after losing my FJ and hoping into a Subaru. FJ was slow, terrible range, and it stood out like a sore thumb. My Subaru can go pretty much anywhere I took my FJ anyways, it blends into society, and it has much MUCH better range!
Love the video. I also had a Forester with damn near the same contents for most of its life. However, I have to disagree with your overlanding take. If I had to bug out and leave for an unknown amount of time, I'm taking most of my overlanding gear with me. Not everything, but close to. Most youtubers overlanding gear (4x4 campers, hot showers, overbuilt rigs, popup tents, etc) are pretty rare. Most ordinary overlanders such as myself head out with a tent, food, water, cooking supplies and sleeping supplies. Aka everything I'd want to take if I had to dip.
Ryobi makes some interesting car stuff that uses cordless drill batteries. The air compressor has been very good and pasted a while. The jump starter i havent used yet my dad has used it a few times and likes it.
Id suggest just adding something like an etool. It takes up no space and shovels are always handy. I would say tools as well (common ratchet, wrench, or driver set) just because it's pretty handy and some of the new bags roll up to take up little cubic space
Gotta agree with the egress scenario; gas is going to be gold.
Unless your bicycle does not require gasoline.
5:20 BF, we drop air pressure in my wife's stock CR-V all the time for rough Appalachian back roads. Totally fine to go down to 20 or 15 psi. You have a compressor. Test it.
Just found your channel this past weekend. Love your style. How you have a lot of footage rolling while you’re talking over it. It really gets my dopamine going.
Tire patch kit and compressor are absolute bare minimum. I've patched and inflated tires on my own on the side of the road at least a dozen times. I don't understand how people survive otherwise.
Car preparedness 101: don’t buy a vehicle that blows head gaskets and grenades differentials like it’s a job lmao
Dont forget the interference valves and short skirt piston slap!
@@breckfreeride nor should you forget the constant valve cover leaks, burning your hand on the exhaust every oil change, and having to pull the engine to change spark plugs!
@@basedWisco715 Superlesbaru motor is the only reason I didn't buy a gr86... The excess, loose rtv plugs up the oil pickup screen and trashes the motors!
@@breckfreeride I read about that. As if they weren’t unreliable enough to begin with
It’s too bad too, because the GT86 would have been the best sports car on the market with a modern Toyota unkillable straight 6
@@basedWisco715 it's why I'm still rocking my 7th gen GTS Celica!
Aside from the debt aspect of a lot of vehicle preparedness stuff most people also think their overlanding/very lifted vehicle can not only carry everything they need when theres simply not enough space even with a semi truck. But also that it's very low profile when it's became a meme about how much they stick out with such a vehicle, any actual shtf scenario they're probably gonna be the 1st person stopped by any authorities while trying to leave or just shot by someone for their stuff
Yep. Saw an older toyota camrie the other day, that had a "come and take it" bumper sticker. Which is a shame because it's a perfectly low-profile car. Wouldn't have looked twice at it otherwise.
I drive a ford focus hatchback that has my camping bag and those coast guard rations in it. Thank you for helping me not get drawn into thinking overlanding is preparedness. I would love a rig but you definitely helped me feel better at my preparedness.
6:53 instant respect ksp forever!
Primitive racing makes a really good seat mount for that fire extinguisher where it'll stay out of the way but still be super accessible
The “beaaaaaar independence” line got me! Hilarious!
I chose a Subaru Outback 3.6R over another jeep wrangler for some of the reasons listed. I also added a 2” lift AT tires a nice roof basket and Wilco hitch gate tire carrier with a two 5 gal Jerry can holder a 6 ft rack mounted awning and some ditch lights. I have an ARB Sliding storage boxes in the back along with a 12v fridge and 1024wh 2000w Solar Gen with 160w foldable panel. The mileage and comfort is much better then my jeep and it takes me almost everywhere my jeep did. I do a lot of primitive camping so I use all the gear and aftermarket accessories regularly. No regrets.. ok, occasionally I’ll see a jeep with a n ursa minor top and I get jealous lol.
carpeps
Hi
Mr. Hop I think your Subaru is HOTT!
I was thinking something like a couple bear spray canisters under the frame rail set to dispense all around the vehicle at the push of a button! On a serious note, I run a nvg head harness if I need nvgs in a more compact package.
You need to test your jack and lug wrench. My father and I had trucks that were 5 years apart and different manufacturers, and both of our factory lug wrenches did fit our lug nuts. Good idea to just get a 4-way lug wrench
This video came at a good time. I would also suggest a hidden spare key and plb. I am generally well prepared having most all these items permanently in our vehicle, however yesterday while out with the family 4 wheeling in the backcountry in a rarely traversed area 22 miles from cell service and the nearest habitation we misplaced the car key just as we were packing up at sundown. After a methodical search and just as i was prepared to begin a long hike in the dark leaving them behind in the safety and supplies in the vehicle we found the key. Not a good feeling. Ive walked 11 miles after a breakdown in the past and i know how long it takes to walk that distance. I was alone then so there wasnt the stress of leaving anyone, especially children who cannot walk that distance behind. All the suppilies you can think of wont help if you cant turn that ignition. Lesson learned.
Get a fullsize spare (if you only have a space-saver) in case you have an unrepairable blow-out. Maybe an extra wiper and headlight bulb would also be prudent in consideration of your regular offroad excursions.
4:30 One advantage of a "low capability" vehicle is that you're less likely to need a helicopter to get you unstuck. Carry 100' of plain old 1/2" nylon three strand rope from the hardware store and learn a few basic knots. *ANY* other vehicle will be able to tug you out of any hole you can get stuck in. It's literally the same stuff as the bougie recovery ropes, minus the fancy packaging.
Not so with a built 4x4!! You can get verrry stuck with those. Everyone gets stuck eventually - it is inevitable.
Never owned a subaru, but a lesbian friend of mine had one and It was amazingly sure footed! I was impressed with it.
You have a much cooler PDW than I do and a whole lot better first aid stuff but otherwise we're pretty similar in kit. I have a 300 blackout ar pistol which will fit in a tennis racket case or other similar.
I have a tow strap in addition to the come along and during the winter I tend to keep a duffle in there with basically snow stuff. Like those stretchy cleats that go over your shoes. Another thing that goes in during the winter is a cordless sawzall with a couple batteries and a basically a pruning blade as well as a few metal cutting. Between all that crap I can get a car or log off the road or cut open pretty quickly.
I generally value being the kind of guy who will stop for somebody who's stuck on the side of the road. One thing that comes up a lot is people who don't have stuff tied down properly so I keep some rope I don't care about to help them sort it out. I've given away a few blankets to when people were in car wrecks and out in the cold.
I also need to get a fire extinguisher. I know that I have been lacking in that area. And I generally only keep a few water bottles in a few packets of ramen in the trunk. Supposed to get you through a rough night but they're not going to be suitable for your evac scenario.
I'm middle-aged and not as fit as you so I keep trecking poles with my day pack and boots. Have the wiser precision qiuck sticks, which are my single favorite hunting accessory. Look them up they are really excellent. One tool I'm going to have anyway now does a couple other jobs very well.
Hop is absolutely the unnamed lesbian. Those two boys love flannel plaid, tending the closest gash, and growing whatever body hair will bless them. Just wanna say I'm grateful for you bro. Hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving. Keep it going!!
Isn't oregon where they all come from?
Look into the fire escape biner from Outdoor Element. It's what I use now, seatbelt cutter window breaker and striker wheel to light my stove with. If you have a rollover your strap cutter is still attached to the key in the ignition. If you get stranded in the woods your fire starter is on your keychain
Two easy improvements:
1) Never ever put the "slime" or "goop" into a tire. Get a pack of rope plugs and learn to install them. A pack of ten is the size of a pack of playing cards, much smaller and lighter than a can of "slime", and it is a permanent fix that should last the life of the tire, whereas the "slime" is a temporary fix if it even works, and makes repairing the tire properly a nightmare.
2: If you are willing to spend a bit extra, replace that heavy, bulky fire extinguisher with a solid-state Element extinguisher. They're A-B-C-K rated, tiny, lightweight, and are available in 50-second and 100-second run time sizes. Plus you can leave them in a car forever without losing pressure because there's no compressed propellant.
THANK YOU! I’ve seen so many of these vehicle prep videos that are completely unreasonable and unrealistic for everyday use. Loading a vehicle down with all of that stuff kills MPG and more importantly, where do your kids sit?
The Forester is a bad ass little vehicle! Good on gas, decent amount of power (depending on the engine displacement). The Forester has a decent AWD system and many companies make electric differentials for the damn thing lol. Many night my wife and I spent sleeping in the back of one with the rear sheets down on twin bed while visiting many state parks. Also holds up well in a head on collision (don’t ask how I know) all and all I’m a fan. So much so that the wife wants to trade in the 4Runner (witch was suppose to be a better replacement) for a newer Forester!
A saw is a good idea. I travel a lot of remote areas for work and have to move trees off public roads at least a couple times a month. That is with the DOT operating in any shtf no one is coming to clear them
This reminds me I need to get a map book or some maps in general of my area, and areas I wanna head to in case things go sideways. I generally know where I need to go (because preplanning) but it is best to have alternative routes like you said.
This may be a good reminder.. Bass frequencies are omnidirectional and dissipate over distance much closer to the sound source than mid and high range frequencies.
Have your buddy stand at the end of your street and yell. Then whisper in your ear.
Thats also why everyone thinks their voice is deeper than it is. Bass frequencies ignore or amplify on/through barriers. Mid freqs and highs reflect off, bounce around, etc. Volume increases the performance of all waveforms.
So... Impact on cover from a larger round causes bass tones. The physically resisting or absorbing properties of the cover have similar affects on sound.
Proximity to explosions increases perception of all frequencies.
Silencers vastly reduce all frequencies, but the sound emitted by an explosion is dependent largely on how long your barrel is and how much powder is consumed before the projectile exits the barrel and sound from the combustion is permitted to leave the barrel behind it.
Larger projectiles generally require more propellent to move and thus transmit "bass" through moving matter around them and whatever they contact. Thus, felt explosions from cannons being bassy.
The larger the projectile down range causing sound barrier cracks, the louder they will be and the wider range of frequencies they will carry.
5.56 guns we are most familiar with emit a much louder report of high frequencies both from initial barrel departure and from supersonic cracks than some other combinations of calibers and barrel lengths found commonly in the wild.
Bare in mind also that sound emitting from unsuppressed guns get louder based first on initial pressure and volume, thus generally the larger a gun is to accommodate a larger projectile and more propellant at a higher initial pressure from combustion, the louder it will be.
Consciously knowing this can help you recognize sound signatures and distances with additional effort and testing.
These smaller car kits work well for my wifes car. I drive an old pick up loaded with tools and camping gear, heavy on tools.
I good thing to have (if theres room) is a flat board. If you try to jack up your car sometimes the juck just sinks into the mud/Gravel/sand but the wide base of the boads will stop it from sinking
I also love my Forester. Thanks for the video, you always have good info
Good video. Giving me some ideas for for my daily driver. So Thanks.
Good point on the overlanding taking over, it does get silly. But you can split the difference.
Something like an old Jeep XJ can be nicely upgraded on the cheap and gets good enough mpg (~20) to be a daily driver while adding a couple jerry cans will greatly improve your range in ways worth discussing. It's not large enough to really be an "overlanding vehicle" but it's larger than most cars, more capable, has a lot of upgrade options from bumpers to lights to intakes and ignition and is easy to work on yourself so you can save up for those NVGs. You can trick it out, go lowpro or somewhere in between.
Jeep XJ driver here. It’s nowhere near that fuel efficient and I have done everything I can to improve it lol. Agree with everything else though, mine always has problems but parts are so cheap and easy to replace I wouldn’t have it any other way. I removed all my seats so I can lie down inside and sleep with all my gear.
@FroopLoop Your highway mpg is nowhere near 20? Did you add a stupid amount of mass to the vehicle as a trail rig?
Mine are both 18-20 highway with nothing done to improve mpg.
Thank for the wise words about the overlanding dilemma!
I appreciate the honest admission of why you bring NV with you. While I'm trying to justify it with all the normal reasons most people think of, but in reality, I'm equally likely to get a public intox with my NVGs as I am to save my life or someone else's.
I just created an idea list for car EDC this morning. What appropriate timing!
Car prep must be IN. Nutn and his multi-part VBOK series and now BF. Fun!
Subarus have the best all wheel drive systems. If you live in the mounatins and theres some snow/ice, they smash through especially with good tires
Why
I love that Freddy Mucury's son followed his passion in life, too.
I always have a shovel, a blanket, a full change of clothes in an old back pack, a silcock key, water bottle, etc. Assume anything in a car can get stolen.
Love my FJ cruiser not over lander build. Just take it off road and camping as well as find nice shooting spots in the middle of no where.
I've also got a subaru forester, but mine is built up for overlanding and offroading (winch, skids and sliders, tire carrier, lift and oversized ATs), and yea, as long as I'm not rock crawling, it's small enough, and lightweight enough that it will keep up with the jeeps. That being said, it does also have similar preps to what you have, with a few extras, or some of the stuff being higher quality like my air compressor since I will air down to 15-20psi, so a powerful compressor was a must. Not the best vehicle, but ya know what? It's good on gas, it's comfy enough to sleep inside, and it's capable enough to take me well off the beaten path.
sometimes I wish I got a outback. I'm about 2-3" to tall to sleep in the back.
@BrassFacts dang, even with the seats moved forward? I've got the current gen wilderness and have more than enough space for an 80 inch camping mattress
@@JDS-Dalton yep. The seats also don't go fully flat, so I have to have a little elevation thing.
Definitely got some entertainment and solid info at the same time. Brilliant.
Nothing wrong with a Subaru Forester, I had a 2010 Forester. Very capable vehicles and one of the best all wheel drive systems. I installed a simple 2 inch lift kit and slightly bigger wheels and it made it even more capable and is a great daily driver
I have one of the 12v plug in compressors, and it works, but I would recommend getting the ryobi compressor/blower combo, or the handheld compressor. I have both, used the hell out of them, and they’re great.
Really glad to see someone else with a "real" setup. Too many fake ones simply for youtube. I have a suburban So I hear a bit more room and a few more items, but I also have 2 small kids and a wife to consider
I'm in Australia, different situation both climate wise and what "threats" I face, daily driver is a Holden (Chevy) Colorado extra cab 4x4 "Tray Back", 2.8L TD, cheap to run, 140L of fuel on board (dual tanks) and while not a dedicated "Overlander", I do have a Slide On camper with onboard solar and water that can be mounted and loaded in about 10 mins in a bug out situation, fully loaded mileage highway is 11L/100km or 21mpg as tested...
Add an old pair of running shoes and socks. We don't always wear sensible shoes and walking is sometimes the best fix.
I have two Merc W124 sedans, I'm not doing any off-roading lol. Though i do keep a tool kit, extinguisher, jumpers, spare fluids, etc in it.
brass 1 thing I'd like to comment about your go bag, although lighters are so convenient, you should 100% carry matches. what I learned in northern Alaska, butane will not evaporate and making the lighter useless
my bigger bags carry it. I'll be real though, I've used bic lighters like 5 years later and they still work.
Matchbox makes a black Subaru Forester. That's my 3 year old's favorite car. Every time he sees one at the store, he has to have it. He has four black Subaru Foresters in his fleet, so far (and one red one). So take that for what it's worth. Some little kid in Idaho thinks you drive the coolest car ever. 😄
I just lost my FJ in an accident I absolutely loved it, it was completely done up for overlanding. I ended up getting a Subaru Crosstrek and frankly I think it’s more practical for blending in, it can handle dirt roads just fine, and has longer range. I actually believe that my Subaru is a better SHTF vehicle.
I think there’s a very fine line between prepared daily driver and an overlander. Without going into details, my vehicle has all wheel drive and as currently loaded gets right at 23 miles per gallon with a range of 380 miles give or tank 20 miles depending upon how the vehicle is driven on just one tank. Still need to add a solar and a jackery other than that I can sleep comfortably in the back and still have ample cargo space.
Loved the video tho
My lesbo mobile is on a 2" lift and 235/70R16s. Really like the extra space compared to my wrangler and the creature comforts.
If you’re going the dedicated rout mentioned at 1:10, go with the SSRTV or TOMCAR, literally anything other than the M-RZR. I’d rather have rollerblades than an M-RZR.
I use the siphon to fill my tank from cans more than anything. It beats trying to hold a 5 gal can up with some stupid safety spout on it while trying to get it to pour.
yep, especially with the new style of car tanks (new being like the last 10 years)
A polarized lens filter is best for filming through glass.
I had one on.
Hilarious I tried to do a drill with it later.
And it the shot timer just showed up blank on film
Certainly the Wrangler would be better, especially if it was the 4.0 with the 5 speed. No one will want an AWD Subaru with a CVT haha, but I get the point. I recommend every single person maintain their vehicle themselves, especially in this golden era of free advice and tutorials of forums and youtube. I keep all of my emergency stuff behind the seat of my regular cab Taco which includes spare hand tools, monkey wrench, battery jump pack, jumper cables, tire plug kit, spare hose clamps, tape, glue, JB weld, zip ties, flash light, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, spare serpentine belt, oil and coolant, etc.
With so many cars these days eliminating a spare (be it donut or full size), a jack is something most people will need to buy. They'll also need to make sure that the jack they get has the lifting capability to lift their vehicle (a car jack won't left an SUV, etc.)
The KSP reference makes my day
People talk crap about Subarus. But they are incredibly capable vehicles and pretty well reliable as well. Fyi on the battery jump packs... dont leave them in your car, if it gets cold those lithium batteries become absolutely worthless... do not rely on them. Ask me how i know.
I found they were fine last winter, probably insulated sufficiently.
People that talk crap about Subaru's have probably never owned one.
So, lifelong Yukoner, licensed auto mechanic, bit of a prepper, thought id mention a few things --
Car selection. If, at all, one is considering bugging out/SHTF/etc, factor that into what car you buy. You note you sold your jeep for a Lezburu? Im kinda curious why. Regardless -- id be weighing out fuel efficiency, reliability, all/four wheel drive capability, serviceability (separate from reliability) and so on. Im probably not one to talk - i own a fleet of Dodges including a 13 JKUR which is lifted, winched and kitted reasonably well aside of no snorkel, several old Dodge Trucks, an old motorhome converted into a Deck Van/Lorry (which, if i could, i WOULD convert into a 4x4, the thing would be beyond epic if i did) and so on.
Once selected, LEARN YOUR CAR. Everything you can. Where the battery is, basic maintenance, checking fluids, knowing where the spare is, preferably a full size spare, buy a Chilton or Haynes repair manual for the car and have it IN the car. If its anything at all modern, having a pocket code reader, and the list of codes with explanations is an excellent idea. Take out the spare tire, tools etc, and swap the tire at home. Put the spare on, check it, drive it, then put the normal wheel back; so you KNOW it works. Its worth investing in a 4 way tire lug wrench and a second jack that works for your car - scissor jacks are cheap, if you need to destroy it to save your car, easy to replace. Also, tire selection plays a massive part here, especially if yer somewhere that sees snow, ice etc. In the topic of tires, if the car has only a donut spare or undersize spare, know that your speed and distances are dramatically limited, especially if the car is all wheel drive - on front drive cars, the manual usually states to ensure that the donut goes on the back wheel and just play musical tires to keep full size tires up front to prevent driveline damage. Mudflaps are also a good idea to prevent damages, as are skidplates if the car doesnt have them. Another thought to know about your car specifically is where the battery is - if you plan to park someplace, disconnect the battery to ensure its preserved a week or month later, but also help counter potential theft.
Spare components for your car. Admittedly, this was much more an old vehicle thing (Dodges like mine always had a spare ECU, voltage regulator, ballast resistor etc on board), but having spare fuses, spare headlamp bulbs (and the tools to change them!) spare washer fluid, spare engine oil, spare coolant, all can go into one smaller ish toolbox that lives with the car, that is checked before every big trip. I would also include things like bailing wire/farmers/mechanics wire, duct and gorilla tape, electrical tape/PVC tape, spare electrical wire rolls and tools for wiring in this too. If you are mechanically inclined, might be an idea to have a set of spare lug nuts and studs as applicable, should you ruin them with a bad wheel incident.
Non-Mechanical tools for the car. Such things as tow ropes, the new extraction ropes (AKA Kinetic Recovery Ropes), knowing where the tow points are on your car so you dont rip it apart or break it in extraction, if your car has a hitch you do NOT use the tow ball but invest in a recovery shackle for said recoveries, if yer at all in winter-possible areas having sand, chains etc. Are you mounting a radio, GPS or so on within? Battery booster packs are huge nowadays, but how about solar? Honestly, even with all, all the stuff ive cited above, maaaybe 50 pounds on the outside? Size will be more an issue than weight; well worth either way,.
Anyway, thought you might be interested.
The fact that I own the exact same vehicle and within the first 2 minutes you mentioned "lesmobile" is hilarious. If you had any idea how many times I have had my car called that by different people, it would put a smile on your face too 😂.
I second the Refuge Medical kits as being pretty good gear. I have several; My jeep has a winch, straps, and some basic mats to get traction in less than optimal conditions. On a trip from Texas to Utah during an ice storm, I pulled two gals from California who got stuck in a ditch in Moab, and their van was is a bad spot. NO one was stopping to help, until I and another guy did what was needed in about half an hour in a snowstorm. The other guy's girl should be cloned, she was all about diving in and getting muddy, no second thoughts about it. I grew up in Utah, so wasn't anything new. It's better to be ready for things that happen. Be an asset, not a liability. I showed the 2 gals how to use the strap and then gave it to them, in case they needed it moving forward, pun intended.
Ive always thought it would be a good idea to plate the inside of the car pamels
I’ve also wondered about the market for plate’s specifically designed for cars, perhaps lightweight composites that don’t have to make as many sacrifices due to a lesser focus on thickness and size requirements.
My police department tried putting some old vests inside the doors of some plain cars years ago. Over time, problems developed with the hinges because of the additional weight.
Most cellphone GPS apps are passive, they don't require cell towers. Paper maps are essential, but if Utah is like my state the paper is usually out of date and/or don't show construction zones and other potential hazard zones