Exactly, buying a fire extinguisher is useless if you dont know how to use it. Buying a car is useless if you dont know how to drive it. Buying a gun is not only useless but dangeroius to you as well as others if you dont know how to use it.
The man said it best when he said "be careful not to make a scenario in your own mind of how its going to go down, because it won't be anything like you think" That is the absolute gospel truth people!
masterpassword2There are no non-preppers. There's just different degrees of prepping. You probably have a spare tire and jumper cables in your car. That's prepping. It just doesn't seem like it because it's prepping for a somewhat likely, not-terrifying event. When the weather report is calling for 4 inches of snow, you probably go out and buy the supplies you might need over the next week or two. Also prepping, just not far enough in advance to really be practical. It doesn't seem nearly as nutty if you start with somewhat likely scenarios. For example, keeping a gallon or two of water and an MRE or two in your car doesn't make you crazy. It makes you prepared. You never know when or where your car will break down or how you might need to use them. I've given an MRE to a homeless guy once. He looked like he really needed a meal and I did what I could at the time. I've used jugs of water to help cool my engine when I had a radiator crack. It wasn't a permanent fix because it still leaked, but it got me to a better place to deal with it.
Big Al Sparks Irony here:) a very simple rule for manifesting dreams: Your have got to hold it in your head, before you can ever hold it in your hands. Are you really suggesting folks to manifest fear? I am not making this up.
Eat-Sleep-Prep good idea . I myself have a basic first aid book as well as the wild edibles for eastern and western United States and I have a book on edible mushrooms and how to identify them from the poisonous ones. I still need to pick up some maps so thank you I had forgot about those .
We ask for God to bless America. It just dawned on me that worship materials are never included in prep videos. This may be the biggest Hole of all in our preps. A small bible and perhaps a song book may go a long way to help guide our families through difficult times. We might need reminded about what's really important. Thanks for these videos.
I would also recommend going to your local college extension program and printing out everything about the plants and wildlife common to your area. There are even web sites that will show you all the fruit trees that are on public land around you. Julia
Be able to swim with what u carry. I live in Greece and last year 800+ Syrians drawned trying to cross from Turkey. A bunch were children... but the majority of the adults went under because they would not abandon whatever they were just not willing to part with. So prioritise and be ready to toss out that expensive kit if it hinders your survival. After all, life is your absolute number 1 to hold on to 😊
scprepper 50 I've been thinking this for a long time, I always keep some lumber around but plywood takes up,lots space in my home but agree this is ideal to have
I see a lot of prepping videos that focus on weapons, first aid kits, go bags, food and water. I suspect not enough people are focusing on sanitation (composting toilets, bars of soap, disposable gloves, bleach or other antibacterial surface cleansers ...). Unsanitary conditions can kill you a lot faster than lack of food.
One thing I have found that works well for my family is Thrive food. They are freeze dried with a 25 year shelf life like Wise or Mountain House, but they are typically a single ingredient meaning you can cook your own recipes with them or just snack directly. The other thing that we use is they have an optional subscription plan where you provide a list of food types you would like to receive and a monthly budget, and they automatically rotate through your list while staying on budget and ship a package of food every month. Much easier on the wallet spread out over time rather than a massive purchase.
A bush axe is a great all purpose tool as well. You can chop down trees, kill snakes, dig holes, etc. If you keep one around, keep a file handy too so you can keep a good edge on it. The same way if you keep a knife in your pack, keep a small handy sharpener too.
I am constantly adding and taking away gear and I learn a lot from you and others here on RUclips plus with my background as a Scout in the army. Keep up the good work
I'm a big believer in balanced prepping and preach it too. But I would say continual prepping and gaining more knowledge of it is the most important thing to me. So thank you sir.
Instead of a bandana I recommend a shemagh. It's bigger but has so many improvised uses that it is a cheap and flexible component to any bug out kit. If on a budget the shemagh can fulfill many holes in a bug out kit until you can improve on those holes at a later date with something more efficient.
I'd strongly suggest the following radios, and I hope that you might review them: For EVERYBODY: 1) Sony SRF-M37W Digital Tuning Weather/FM/AM Stereo Radio Tiny, well built, runs about forever, even the battery compartment is well made. 2) The CC Skywave. A bit larger. Has AM/FM/Weather AND Shortwave! It pulls in EVERYTHING, and that includes fringe stations on all bands! 3) Tecsun PL-660. Longwave/Shortwave/AM/FM Air Band. Air Band not so important. Nor Longwave. (unless the GPS SHTF or EMP) Important: Has SSB. Allows you to listen in to hams, and if YOU are a Ham, listen in for hourse on end without running down your rig. Listed from light to heavy. 73 DE W8LV Bill
I have to say you are one of the best people to talk about prepping. Your videos are right on and I always learn something from your videos. I just wish you were my neighbor. Please keep up the great work you do in keeping us informed. Thanks.
+SensiblePrepper Hey dumb question, im sure you may of answered this in another video, so if you have just point me to it, but if not, What is the reason you prep, alot of people say just because, but they all have some sort of reason in there head? Just curious
+GunsOfPlentyNZ I purposely omitted reasons because there are so many potential threats. Natural disasters, Power outages, Civil unrest, Riots, Terror attacks, financial melt down.... or a personal SHTF. We live in a society that's far too dependent on the system in place. What more is we've lost the skills to survive without that infrastructure. Hopefully, none of this will happen, but if it does, I have a responsibility to my family.
+sootch00 Indeed. I think you're wise to leave it unsaid the exact nature of what the threats are. Let people do their own personal risk assessment, and based on that draw what they will from the preparedness advice you give. But in an era of 9/11, Katrina, Superstorm Sandy, the Oklahoma tornadoes, the Flint water disaster and the Fukushima tsunami/nuclear incident, the vulnerability of modern society has never been more clear.
Thank you Don..your information has led me to be a major prepper...11 years at it...and no one can think of everything..but thanks to you I am confident in my gear and survival needs.
Thank you for helping those who don't know how to help themselves! I have been a prepper for the last 10 years and your videos have helped me fill in the gaps. May the Almighty God The Most High Bless You!
***** It definitely did for me, not even year after I took the class my brother came back from the woods with a stick lodged into his leg, the first aid class taught us exactly what to do in that exact situation, definitely saved him from major blood loss because of that class.
Sorry, I'm slightly ignorant but looking to expand knowledge. Is that certification good for life, or do you have to get it renewed? If it needs renewing, do you have to retake the course?
Balance is definitely the key and is something I still must work on. My prep's are slow and small increments because of my very limited budget, but I'm getting there. Thank you. That definitely fills a lot of holes.
Some great overall advice. I would add making sure to buy non-hybrid seeds or what's known as heirloom seeds. These seeds mean you will always have a continuous supply of seeds each year since you eat the harvest, then take those seeds, plant them, eat the food produced, plant those seeds, etc. With hybrid seeds, each generation of seeds produced becomes a worse and worse gamble of those seeds producing any harvest at all.
@SensiblePrepper / @Sootch00 . I can't express how much I enjoy watching your videos on both of your channels, keep up the great work and the great ideas coming. very useful and helpful information! Thanks
ok...posted before I finished....I carry on me at all times a bic, a zippo, a firesteel, a firesteel in my paracord bracelet ( bracelet sounds kinda girly), and a really neat little fire well. I filled the firewell with fluid 3 months ago and it hasn't evaporated even a little. Neat little device. Lesson here....learn how to start fires in multiple ways.
Great subject matter for a video, Sootch. Following the Rule of Trees, I prioritize in the following order: Air (Filtering Materials and Respirators); Shelter (Protection Against Environmental Conditions and Severe Weather, Predators - 2 and 4 legged, and Other Dangers); Water (Collection, Filtration, Purification and Storage); Food (Storage, Preparation, Cooking, Growing and Preserving). Then, as you stated, there are the categories of preps which transcend the Rule of Threes: Energy (Electrical Power Generation and Storage, Lighting, Liquid and Solid Fuels, and Fire Building Materials and Implements); Security (Detection, Deterrence and Defense); Medical (Emergency Illness and Injury Care, Chronic Condition Management and Preventative Measures); Communications (AM/FM/SW Receivers, Digital Technologies, Multiple Bands of Short and Long Range Two-Way Radio and Old School Alternative Visual Methods) as the basis for all preparedness measures. Further categories include: Intelligence (Gathering and Analysis); Navigation; Travel and Transportation; Sanitation; Hygiene; Housekeeping; Maintenance and Repair; Etc. These priorities are followed in planning and building up all levels of my preps, ranging from home and BOB, through BOV and caches, to BOL and alternate locations. Just some thoughts on the subject. Thanks for sharing yours with us.
Hey just wanted to say thanks for advising me in a previous video to buy heirloom seed storage. I have a couple hundred thousand now and I'm growing about 200 plants now. Thanks for helping us be more self sufficient
This video is so extremly important! Many of us tend you to go to all that cool stuff and forget about all those little things. While cool stuff is nice and we all want to have some fun and nice gear we need to stay focused on the important things for a shtf scenario and all day life. So thumbs WAY up and thank you! God bless you!
Hoping thing will never go belly up but if they do ...Sanitation, getting rid of bodily functions is a major thing . Going to doctor and taking care of your teeth and eyes beforehand and having extra glasses . Soap and water and the ability to keep clean and prevent disease. Storing anti biopics for many common ailments.
Good video! Points made about the gardening. If SHTF lasts for any length gardening a must. Many have never tried it and will fail. I have for fifty years and still have failures. Use heirlooms and learn to save your own seeds. That also allows your varieties to become acclimated to your conditions.
A well thought out and concise video. As a Canadian of course our laws do not permit concealed carry (only a rare few do that) and of course each person and family situation varies. You've imparted items to think about and as the old adage goes, "failing to plan is planning to fail". Good job.
Great ideas here...if I had property, I would plant fruit trees along with other trees and plants that could be used for medicinal purposes. I'd also add some bug spray or bug netting if you live in the hot south and have to open windows in the summer with no ac.
Some great ideas as always, my friend! Living in an apartment in an urban area is a hole in my prep ability in and of itself, because it limits how much I can actually store up due to limited space I have to work with, but I do the best I can. My main plan is to store up at least a week's worth of water, canned/freeze dried food, along with medical supplies, batteries, my solar/rechargeable radio, MSR Pocket Rocket stove with extra canisters, and of course I have a fair amount guns/ammo. And I agree 100% about not bugging out if you don't have to, and you've seen my video discussing that fact! But I do have a bag and a general plan of what to do, DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION, which itself will determine the best course of action! Keep up the good work and videos sir!
Thank you! Obviously well thought out, simply stated, and great basic reminders. Especially when there are so many out there that are in panic mode or just trying to get some attention, you stand head and shoulders above the crowd (which we both know isn't the safest scenario!). Again, thank you for sacrificing some of your privacy to put real info out to those who may need it.
Playing cards, Connect Four, Chest & Checkers. I have yet to have seen a video on preps like this, one I should do myself but don't mind much sharing the idea.
We had a tornado watch a few months ago in my city. Grabbed my purse, my BOB, and some other items and headed downstairs into my basement where I have a lot of preps. It was satisfying to be down there and surrounded by my preps. But I took the time as I waited out the tornado watch to see if I was missing anything. 1. No documents. My birth certificate, etc., was upstairs. My driver's license and SSN is in my purse, but that was it. 2. No way of cooking. I had food, but nothing to prepare it with. 3. No organization. My stuff was everywhere. I had to move five items just to get to one item. Not ideal. That was about it. I'm currently working on fixing those holes. And then I'll be able to work on the other holes that pop up.
I agree, you have to start with your basic needs before you start working on tricking out a rifle. You will need to eat, drink, and breathe but you may not ever need to shoot, and if you are a good you then you will avoid having to shoot at all costs.
If you live in a cold weather area, make sure your bug out gear is ready for winter. Normal water filters break when they freeze, chemicals don't work correctly in the cold. You need a large pot and a way to melt and boil snow. Lighters and batteries won't work if it's cold enough. A candle lantern puts out 1,900 btu. It add a little heat to a tent or igloo. It'll also help keep condensation off everything. Where you live may only get one snowstorm in your lifetime. You need to be prepared for it, most won't be.
Once you've covered the bases you mention, I think the next step is stocking up things to barter -- for the things you forgot and the things you ran out of.
Well I started prepping years ago...., but looks like I'll be in depends underwear and sucking air out of an oxygen tank by the time the people rise up.
You hanging in there pops? im with ya been prepping since way b4 y2k, now after being blown up, half blind, crippled and recently had a freaking heart attack, (doc said my heart was full of scar tissue but looked like a 27 year olds), jeez its just more crap to deal with. That's me with my tactical walking stick humping thru the bush much slower haha don't give in.
TheyKNOWandYOUdont guessing you fellas are older. What I would do is help your family teach them or leave them something in case it happens after you go
Things just never go the way that you think. I got approved for some DOD clearances and got some hospital training that involved putting masks on in case of emergency. I had to do it OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER as I had to put MY MASK ON FIRST AND MY KIDS MASKS ON DEAD LAST. . . . . .over and over. . . .If I didn't put mine on first I would NOT be alive long enough to put theirs on. . . . .
I have most of what is needed, but I also took the time to vacuum seal everything, because water from (floods, bad weather, etc...) would destroy everything. What if you need to evacuate ?? This way, if this happens, I can gather all my supplies and hide them in the woods if that is my only option at the time until I figure out where to take shelter. Rain would then be my biggest concern if it's not protected. The food in cans would start the rust procedure, my pasta, rice, toilet paper would be ruined, and everything would get wet. It would be devastating after spending all that $$, and the time preparing to end up with everything getting ruined because of weather condition. I cannot guarantee that I would NOT have to evacuate my home. Thx for reading, God bless.
It is true how its easier to buy the cool stuff rather than buying other essentials, i noticed that i was doing that, now i am trying to concentrate on upping my food and medical preps. i do tend to shoot quite a bit so ammo seems to be a constant expense. having adequate fire extinguishers i think would also be important.prepping is a daunting but necessary task, I have to get off my ass and do more! great video! thanks for the reality check!
Clear,concise info and no B.S.. Some other folks know what they are doing but don't give much info in the first few minutes. I will have to look into the berky filter.
The only thing that I might add is skills, fitness and health. Get training and practice skills to become proficient. Lose weight. Get fit. Get and stay healthy. Great comprehensive recommendations. We all need to periodically e-evaluate and adjust. Good stuff.
great overview. I missed three things: 1st topic is to have a backup of all your important documents. in xerox and/or usb stick could be very useful. on usb it should be part of your EDC. 1st is any kind of emergency stove to cook/boil water etc., either for a bug out situation or if your regular bug-in place stove doesn't work. At least something minimum like an M71, Esbit Stove, Trangia, collapsible woodgas stove etc. (even though I do not trust in wood since there are plenty of scenarios where you might either not find dry wood or wood at all or not want to spent time to collect natural resources). 2nd thing is anything to protect yourself or your home or at least to decontaminate yourself against/after contact with poisonous stuff in the air (whatever biological or chemical base it is). Having a face mask is basic but not enough. Means on the way you might need something to clean yourself, and in your house you might have something at the entry door to ensure that no unwanted stuff comes in if the door is opened.
Great vid, and great tips. It often amazes me how many outdoors people do not know or plan for the Rule of 3s... for prepping for even just for long trips into the wild.
Don, when you review that hand held SW radio, It also makes a great AA battery recharger if you have the right cable and a solar generator. Mine rides in a bag that includes a GPS and flashlight that both run on AA batteries.
I see a lot about knives, blades and that stuff but I consider the maintance like keep way to sharpen handy, as important as the knife itself. I recommend you emphasize in that in one video. Take care man!
Love God Love your channel Thank you Don for another great video. Came up with one I'd never thought of. So I'll share. Mason canning lids will be like Gold. Stocking up now.
Great advice Don the only thing I would add is along with your preps is get training medical, lethal, and financial. We all love to have all the cool gear but not knowing how to use it is a huge miss. The financial probably should be first, but I put that on the list because your SHTF event may not be end of the world, it could be a job loss. A friend of mine is experiencing that scenario right now after being laid off yesterday. I've also been in that same situation before where I had to choose between gas money/bus fair to go to a job interview, eating, or rent (at the time) they all tie in eventually.
I agree! Local county maps may have roads that are not on most mainstream maps. So I always recommend acquiring County maps. They'll usually have topographical information as well.
My firearms include: Colt LE6920 AR15 in magpul OD Green, Glock 19X 9mm in Flat dark earth, Mossberg 590 tactical 12g shotgun, Remington 700 ACC(older than 2012) bolt action rifle chambered in 308, Ruger 10/22 rifle. My wife has a Sig Sauer M400 Elite AR15 and a CZ75 9mm handgun. We have about 3 months of food and water stored and plan on upgrading to 2 years worth, tons of medical gear from surgery to every day meds. We have an extensive INCH bag/long term bug out system. With our INCH system, we can survive indefinitely. Throw multiple bags and gear into an all terrain cart/wagon and we are ready to bug out. We built our preps in only two years and we're dirt poor. If you want it bad enough, you'll get it done. Also, test your skills and gear as often as you can, once every month or two, we go out and test our gear and ourselves. You find out what you need and what works, additionally, you gain experience and thats priceless. Thats the best advice i can give on prepping/survival.
Dont forget how useful a hand held scanner can be in a grid down situation as the have really great reception,mine can pick up everything from police,marine,air craft,radio stations NOAH radio ect.from 80 miles away.
thank you Sootch, I have some holes that need filling. I am definitely interested in that shortwave radio you mentioned. working on my ham license now. take care sir. God bless you and yours.
one area that is very rarely mentioned but that i feel is vital is PPE. personal protective equipment. having medical supplies to treat an injury is obviously important, but doing what you can to prevent injuries from ever happening is also extremely important. high quality protective goggles for while chopping wood or fire retardant gloves for messing with your heat source... that kind of stuff.
especially when you really don't want to spend the extra energy just to avoid the improbable - at a time of decreased-energy & free-time, while having to look over your shoulder when things seems quiet anyway! But PPE could save a lot of grief, especially if you're hunkered-down and not having to slogg it all over the countryside.
Hi Sooch: I've always enjoyed your videos but thought that I'd ask whether you've ever considered without violating personal OPSEC of going into ways of banding or working together with family, friends and community to deal with crisis situations. You've already come across as both a family man and someone connected to the local community (i.e. your group BOB gathering/video and mention of your church) and I would imagine that all of your minuteman talk assumes working with others as well. I think that might be a different aspect of prepping that you've got experience with that might be worth sharing with your audience.
All that material could and should be protected from fire. Even though metal boxes and fiberglass fire blankets don't much protect from heat, they certainly prevent those preps from catching fire anytime soon.
very good setup you have their man a lot of useful tips there I am getting ready to get money bug out bag to ready because times like this is what scares me so much crazy people out there to protect my family appreciate the tips
Add 'Hard Maps' or paper maps as internet likely to be down and if you have to venture out you need the lay of the land whether in urban or outland areas. Cool site - thanks!
Thank you for these videos, I am new to the prepper world and these videos are a huge help. It can be rather daunting to take on at first but seeing how organize is the big thing. Thank you again.
I'm golden on the supplies but I am lacking in certain skills. My near term plan is to get some additional emergency medical training. I want to make sure I am equipped to deal with any medical issues that may come up. Next on the list is canning. I have the stuff to do it, and I have read a few books on it, but I haven't actually done it. That's going to change as soon as I can find someone to give me a little tutoring.
I believe it should all start at your EDC. After that, have x amount of supplies for x amount of time. I kept track of all the hygiene products, food, water and the like for a month that I used and have that stored away. Then, develop what you think is an adequate system to defend those supplies from your neighbor, your enemies and mother nature. MRE's don't last long in the heat and they're no good to you if your desperate neighbor steals them from your home while you're off. After that, build a system into your vehicle of several days of supplies and a way to defend them that stays in your vehicle. Once all of that is squared away, teach everyone in your home about it all and get them on board. Once that is good to go, add redundancies of it all into your system. Go from 1 month of food to 2 months. 100 rounds for your shotgun or sidearm to 200+. Build upon it while also taking inventory from time to time of it all to make sure nothing has been tampered with or expired. Once you have done all of that... get some simple ways to entertain you and others (Uno, board games, decks of playing cards, checkers). Keeping your mind occupied with games, books, crafting and the like really keep you going. When a hurricane came through a few years back, I went a week without power. I was 'camping' while my roommates were 'dying like peasants'. 😂 I was prepared and they weren't. It's that simple. I'm not a monster. I fed them, had water and whiskey for them as well and we played Uno until we hated it.
Great vid as usual, I'm a big advocate of medical preps, have them in all vehicles as well as my storm room in the basement, Since becoming unemployed recently from the oil field industry I was not prepared for it. Big eye opener , hard to stay positive for the wife and kids , That's the hole in my preps ," The mental aspect"
great video long time watcher and subscriber to both your channels. you've given my wife and I a lot of tips over the year's from edc, to prepping, to buying defense tools, guns,knives, etc. your doin a great job and look forward to your future videos
+sootch00 no thank you! your the reason I went with the glock 19, your videos are the reason I've gotten my trauma and medical supplies stocked up which wasn't much before I found your channel, you doin what you do has made me a better person as far as being prepared for my wife and my two young children. I appreciate the honesty and knowledge that come from watching your videos and reviews. I wouldn't have half the gear and supplies I do if not for your work. so thank you brother
If you plan to have refigeration (and that is what the generator is for), then you need to test,and see how long your refrigerator will stay cold. Base running your generator on that. Calculate gas use per day. Multiply that by how long you expect to be without power. Store enough gas.
The real prep is you.
Don't just focus on buying stuff.
Focus on skills. Learning and mastering skills means everything.
Exactly, buying a fire extinguisher is useless if you dont know how to use it. Buying a car is useless if you dont know how to drive it. Buying a gun is not only useless but dangeroius to you as well as others if you dont know how to use it.
It’s useless to have hundreds of dollars worth of gear or even thousands, if you don’t even know how to use it
Its not rocket science....
The man said it best when he said "be careful not to make a scenario in your own mind of how its going to go down, because it won't be anything like you think" That is the absolute gospel truth people!
Because of my paranoid prepper mindset.... lol jk
So far every day's gone as I, a sane non-prepper, have thought. Maybe I'm doing something wrong
masterpassword2There are no non-preppers. There's just different degrees of prepping. You probably have a spare tire and jumper cables in your car. That's prepping. It just doesn't seem like it because it's prepping for a somewhat likely, not-terrifying event. When the weather report is calling for 4 inches of snow, you probably go out and buy the supplies you might need over the next week or two. Also prepping, just not far enough in advance to really be practical.
It doesn't seem nearly as nutty if you start with somewhat likely scenarios. For example, keeping a gallon or two of water and an MRE or two in your car doesn't make you crazy. It makes you prepared. You never know when or where your car will break down or how you might need to use them. I've given an MRE to a homeless guy once. He looked like he really needed a meal and I did what I could at the time. I've used jugs of water to help cool my engine when I had a radiator crack. It wasn't a permanent fix because it still leaked, but it got me to a better place to deal with it.
Big Al Sparks Irony here:)
a very simple rule for manifesting dreams:
Your have got to hold it in your head, before you can ever hold it in your hands.
Are you really suggesting folks to manifest fear?
I am not making this up.
You're right, It wont be how you think it but how I think it...
I would add books about medical, wild edibles, mushrooms and maps.
yep. I got a few myself
Eat-Sleep-Prep good idea . I myself have a basic first aid book as well as the wild edibles for eastern and western United States and I have a book on edible mushrooms and how to identify them from the poisonous ones. I still need to pick up some maps so thank you I had forgot about those .
We ask for God to bless America. It just dawned on me that worship materials are never included in prep videos. This may be the biggest Hole of all in our preps. A small bible and perhaps a song book may go a long way to help guide our families through difficult times. We might need reminded about what's really important. Thanks for these videos.
Goes in pocket above your heart
God, does not exist. Just realise IT. If religions not exsisted, we wouldn't had any wars.😉
I would also recommend going to your local college extension program and printing out everything about the plants and wildlife common to your area. There are even web sites that will show you all the fruit trees that are on public land around you.
Julia
Be able to swim with what u carry. I live in Greece and last year 800+ Syrians drawned trying to cross from Turkey. A bunch were children... but the majority of the adults went under because they would not abandon whatever they were just not willing to part with. So prioritise and be ready to toss out that expensive kit if it hinders your survival. After all, life is your absolute number 1 to hold on to 😊
+1
i have also added roughly 20 2x4's 15 - 3/4 sheets of good plywood and 30 2x6's just in case i need to make a home repair or to harden my house
now that's thinking ahead,I think that a very good idea.
scprepper 50 I've been thinking this for a long time, I always keep some lumber around but plywood takes up,lots space in my home but agree this is ideal to have
I have mine stored in an out building
I see a lot of prepping videos that focus on weapons, first aid kits, go bags, food and water. I suspect not enough people are focusing on sanitation (composting toilets, bars of soap, disposable gloves, bleach or other antibacterial surface cleansers ...). Unsanitary conditions can kill you a lot faster than lack of food.
leaves and shovels.
And, bleach is cheap. No reason not to have it. However, it's heavy to carry if you do bug out.
Linda Wright I am stocking those type of supplies too. I personally like the nitrite gloves.
Linda Wright people should stock powder beach for long term storage. Liquid beach doesn't have a very good shelf life.
Agreed
I always get a little chuckle when you post the outtakes at the end. I'm sure I would goof up quite a bit.
For warmth as a jacket, blanket, or as a pillow, the a poncho liner is a great item to keep around.
One thing I have found that works well for my family is Thrive food. They are freeze dried with a 25 year shelf life like Wise or Mountain House, but they are typically a single ingredient meaning you can cook your own recipes with them or just snack directly. The other thing that we use is they have an optional subscription plan where you provide a list of food types you would like to receive and a monthly budget, and they automatically rotate through your list while staying on budget and ship a package of food every month. Much easier on the wallet spread out over time rather than a massive purchase.
A bush axe is a great all purpose tool as well. You can chop down trees, kill snakes, dig holes, etc. If you keep one around, keep a file handy too so you can keep a good edge on it. The same way if you keep a knife in your pack, keep a small handy sharpener too.
weather scares me the most, I live in georgia. it can go from 70 to 40 is a blink of a eye. that can not be good on crops.
Great video one thing you didnt mention is tools hand,gardening,axes etc
I am constantly adding and taking away gear and I learn a lot from you and others here on RUclips plus with my background as a Scout in the army. Keep up the good work
I agree 100%, bugging in if possible is the best choice. But as you said, one still must be prepared to hit the road. Nice well thought out video!!!
You are the most balanced prepper on the internet. You don't make me fearful but I feel its all doable. Thank you.
I'm a big believer in balanced prepping and preach it too. But I would say continual prepping and gaining more knowledge of it is the most important thing to me. So thank you sir.
Instead of a bandana I recommend a shemagh. It's bigger but has so many improvised uses that it is a cheap and flexible component to any bug out kit. If on a budget the shemagh can fulfill many holes in a bug out kit until you can improve on those holes at a later date with something more efficient.
I'd strongly suggest the following radios, and I hope that you might review them:
For EVERYBODY:
1) Sony SRF-M37W Digital Tuning Weather/FM/AM Stereo Radio
Tiny, well built, runs about forever, even the battery compartment is well made.
2) The CC Skywave. A bit larger. Has AM/FM/Weather AND Shortwave!
It pulls in EVERYTHING, and that includes fringe stations on all bands!
3) Tecsun PL-660. Longwave/Shortwave/AM/FM Air Band. Air Band not so important. Nor Longwave. (unless the GPS SHTF or EMP)
Important: Has SSB. Allows you to listen in to hams, and if YOU are a Ham, listen in for hourse on end without running down your rig.
Listed from light to heavy.
73 DE W8LV Bill
I have to say you are one of the best people to talk about prepping. Your videos are right on and I always learn something from your videos. I just wish you were my neighbor. Please keep up the great work you do in keeping us informed. Thanks.
Great stuff brother!
+SkinnyMedic Thanks D
+SensiblePrepper Hey dumb question, im sure you may of answered this in another video, so if you have just point me to it, but if not, What is the reason you prep, alot of people say just because, but they all have some sort of reason in there head? Just curious
+GunsOfPlentyNZ I purposely omitted reasons because there are so many potential threats. Natural disasters, Power outages, Civil unrest, Riots, Terror attacks, financial melt down.... or a personal SHTF.
We live in a society that's far too dependent on the system in place. What more is we've lost the skills to survive without that infrastructure. Hopefully, none of this will happen, but if it does, I have a responsibility to my family.
+sootch00 Indeed. I think you're wise to leave it unsaid the exact nature of what the threats are. Let people do their own personal risk assessment, and based on that draw what they will from the preparedness advice you give. But in an era of 9/11, Katrina, Superstorm Sandy, the Oklahoma tornadoes, the Flint water disaster and the Fukushima tsunami/nuclear incident, the vulnerability of modern society has never been more clear.
Thank you Don..your information has led me to be a major prepper...11 years at it...and no one can think of everything..but thanks to you I am confident in my gear and survival needs.
Also, don't forget lots and lots of plastic bags...Lots of uses for them too. Great video, thanks Sootch!
Thank you for helping those who don't know how to help themselves! I have been a prepper for the last 10 years and your videos have helped me fill in the gaps. May the Almighty God The Most High Bless You!
don't forget,keep your septic pumped out.that is something most people don't think about till it is to late.
Money you have to spend on preventable emergencies is money you don't have to spend on preps.
Also, budget $80 and get CPR and First Aid certified by the AHA or Red Cross
+DeePsix I've taken the CPR and First Aid class by the Red Cross, well worth those 80 bucks, they took their time and had multiple teachers.
***** It definitely did for me, not even year after I took the class my brother came back from the woods with a stick lodged into his leg, the first aid class taught us exactly what to do in that exact situation, definitely saved him from major blood loss because of that class.
+Kurtis Jones Take the American Heart Assoc. class. It is recognized by more businesses and Service agencies than the Red Cross.
Sorry, I'm slightly ignorant but looking to expand knowledge. Is that certification good for life, or do you have to get it renewed? If it needs renewing, do you have to retake the course?
Balance is definitely the key and is something I still must work on.
My prep's are slow and small increments because of my very limited budget, but I'm getting there.
Thank you. That definitely fills a lot of holes.
UK peppers look longingly at the rifle
Some great overall advice. I would add making sure to buy non-hybrid seeds or what's known as heirloom seeds. These seeds mean you will always have a continuous supply of seeds each year since you eat the harvest, then take those seeds, plant them, eat the food produced, plant those seeds, etc. With hybrid seeds, each generation of seeds produced becomes a worse and worse gamble of those seeds producing any harvest at all.
@SensiblePrepper / @Sootch00 . I can't express how much I enjoy watching your videos on both of your channels, keep up the great work and the great ideas coming. very useful and helpful information! Thanks
Thank you for your service to this community..
ok...posted before I finished....I carry on me at all times a bic, a zippo, a firesteel, a firesteel in my paracord bracelet ( bracelet sounds kinda girly), and a really neat little fire well. I filled the firewell with fluid 3 months ago and it hasn't evaporated even a little. Neat little device. Lesson here....learn how to start fires in multiple ways.
Great subject matter for a video, Sootch.
Following the Rule of Trees, I prioritize in the following order: Air (Filtering Materials and Respirators); Shelter (Protection Against Environmental Conditions and Severe Weather, Predators - 2 and 4 legged, and Other Dangers); Water (Collection, Filtration, Purification and Storage); Food (Storage, Preparation, Cooking, Growing and Preserving).
Then, as you stated, there are the categories of preps which transcend the Rule of Threes: Energy (Electrical Power Generation and Storage, Lighting, Liquid and Solid Fuels, and Fire Building Materials and Implements); Security (Detection, Deterrence and Defense); Medical (Emergency Illness and Injury Care, Chronic Condition Management and Preventative Measures); Communications (AM/FM/SW Receivers, Digital Technologies, Multiple Bands of Short and Long Range Two-Way Radio and Old School Alternative Visual Methods) as the basis for all preparedness measures.
Further categories include: Intelligence (Gathering and Analysis); Navigation; Travel and Transportation; Sanitation; Hygiene; Housekeeping; Maintenance and Repair; Etc.
These priorities are followed in planning and building up all levels of my preps, ranging from home and BOB, through BOV and caches, to BOL and alternate locations.
Just some thoughts on the subject. Thanks for sharing yours with us.
I'd say keep extra sheets of plywood and 2x4s on hand. When I was in Iraq I could improvise about anything with those.
One of those ENO hammocks is an absolute lifesaver on a campout or even just a hike. Absolutely one of the best purchases I've made.
Fantastic video sootch, I love this channel. Upload more please!!
Mobility is so important, don't forget that. (I own the small white radio receiver, got it from my great-grandfather when he passed away.)
Hey just wanted to say thanks for advising me in a previous video to buy heirloom seed storage. I have a couple hundred thousand now and I'm growing about 200 plants now. Thanks for helping us be more self sufficient
This video is so extremly important!
Many of us tend you to go to all that cool stuff and forget about all those little things.
While cool stuff is nice and we all want to have some fun and nice gear we need to stay focused on the important things for a shtf scenario and all day life.
So thumbs WAY up and thank you!
God bless you!
Hoping thing will never go belly up but if they do ...Sanitation, getting rid of bodily functions is a major thing . Going to doctor and taking care of your teeth and eyes beforehand and having extra glasses . Soap and water and the ability to keep clean and prevent disease. Storing anti biopics for many common ailments.
Good video! Points made about the gardening. If SHTF lasts for any length gardening a must. Many have never tried it and will fail. I have for fifty years and still have failures. Use heirlooms and learn to save your own seeds. That also allows your varieties to become acclimated to your conditions.
A well thought out and concise video. As a Canadian of course our laws do not permit concealed carry (only a rare few do that) and of course each person and family situation varies. You've imparted items to think about and as the old adage goes, "failing to plan is planning to fail". Good job.
Great ideas here...if I had property, I would plant fruit trees along with other trees and plants that could be used for medicinal purposes. I'd also add some bug spray or bug netting if you live in the hot south and have to open windows in the summer with no ac.
Some great ideas as always, my friend! Living in an apartment in an urban area is a hole in my prep ability in and of itself, because it limits how much I can actually store up due to limited space I have to work with, but I do the best I can. My main plan is to store up at least a week's worth of water, canned/freeze dried food, along with medical supplies, batteries, my solar/rechargeable radio, MSR Pocket Rocket stove with extra canisters, and of course I have a fair amount guns/ammo. And I agree 100% about not bugging out if you don't have to, and you've seen my video discussing that fact! But I do have a bag and a general plan of what to do, DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION, which itself will determine the best course of action! Keep up the good work and videos sir!
Thank you! Obviously well thought out, simply stated, and great basic reminders. Especially when there are so many out there that are in panic mode or just trying to get some attention, you stand head and shoulders above the crowd (which we both know isn't the safest scenario!). Again, thank you for sacrificing some of your privacy to put real info out to those who may need it.
Playing cards, Connect Four, Chest & Checkers. I have yet to have seen a video on preps like this, one I should do myself but don't mind much sharing the idea.
We had a tornado watch a few months ago in my city. Grabbed my purse, my BOB, and some other items and headed downstairs into my basement where I have a lot of preps. It was satisfying to be down there and surrounded by my preps. But I took the time as I waited out the tornado watch to see if I was missing anything.
1. No documents. My birth certificate, etc., was upstairs. My driver's license and SSN is in my purse, but that was it.
2. No way of cooking. I had food, but nothing to prepare it with.
3. No organization. My stuff was everywhere. I had to move five items just to get to one item. Not ideal.
That was about it. I'm currently working on fixing those holes. And then I'll be able to work on the other holes that pop up.
I agree, you have to start with your basic needs before you start working on tricking out a rifle. You will need to eat, drink, and breathe but you may not ever need to shoot, and if you are a good you then you will avoid having to shoot at all costs.
If you live in a cold weather area, make sure your bug out gear is ready for winter. Normal water filters break when they freeze, chemicals don't work correctly in the cold. You need a large pot and a way to melt and boil snow.
Lighters and batteries won't work if it's cold enough.
A candle lantern puts out 1,900 btu. It add a little heat to a tent or igloo. It'll also help keep condensation off everything.
Where you live may only get one snowstorm in your lifetime. You need to be prepared for it, most won't be.
Once you've covered the bases you mention, I think the next step is stocking up things to barter -- for the things you forgot and the things you ran out of.
Well I started prepping years ago...., but looks like I'll be in depends underwear and sucking air out of an oxygen tank by the time the people rise up.
TheyKNOWandYOUdont I've been feeling the same as of lately,I'm thinking I will just start living off of food stores due to inevitable death
You hanging in there pops? im with ya been prepping since way b4 y2k, now after being blown up, half blind, crippled and recently had a freaking heart attack, (doc said my heart was full of scar tissue but looked like a 27 year olds), jeez its just more crap to deal with. That's me with my tactical walking stick humping thru the bush much slower haha don't give in.
TheyKNOWandYOUdont guessing you fellas are older. What I would do is help your family teach them or leave them something in case it happens after you go
Things just never go the way that you think. I got approved for some DOD clearances and got some hospital training that involved putting masks on in case of emergency. I had to do it OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER as I had to put MY MASK ON FIRST AND MY KIDS MASKS ON DEAD LAST. . . . . .over and over. . . .If I didn't put mine on first I would NOT be alive long enough to put theirs on. . . . .
I have most of what is needed, but I also took the time to vacuum seal everything, because water from (floods, bad weather, etc...) would destroy everything. What if you need to evacuate ?? This way, if this happens, I can gather all my supplies and hide them in the woods if that is my only option at the time until I figure out where to take shelter. Rain would then be my biggest concern if it's not protected. The food in cans would start the rust procedure, my pasta, rice, toilet paper would be ruined, and everything would get wet. It would be devastating after spending all that $$, and the time preparing to end up with everything getting ruined because of weather condition. I cannot guarantee that I would NOT have to evacuate my home. Thx for reading, God bless.
It is true how its easier to buy the cool stuff rather than buying other essentials, i noticed that i was doing that, now i am trying to concentrate on upping my food and medical preps. i do tend to shoot quite a bit so ammo seems to be a constant expense. having adequate fire extinguishers i think would also be important.prepping is a daunting but necessary task, I have to get off my ass and do more! great video! thanks for the reality check!
Thank you for sharing these shtf survival needs and information friend. May God bless you and your family.
Another good idea is adding baby wipes to your bag ? Those are cheap and easy to get your hands on.
Clear,concise info and no B.S..
Some other folks know what they are doing but
don't give much info in the first few minutes.
I will have to look into the berky filter.
Thanks +SensiblePrepper for including in the 3 seconds with out hope. Most people don't include that, but I think it's the most important!
The only thing that I might add is skills, fitness and health. Get training and practice skills to become proficient. Lose weight. Get fit. Get and stay healthy. Great comprehensive recommendations. We all need to periodically e-evaluate and adjust. Good stuff.
Thank you, Sir....great video...and very important...appreciated...Long Live the Republic!
great overview. I missed three things:
1st topic is to have a backup of all your important documents. in xerox and/or usb stick could be very useful. on usb it should be part of your EDC.
1st is any kind of emergency stove to cook/boil water etc., either for a bug out situation or if your regular bug-in place stove doesn't work. At least something minimum like an M71, Esbit Stove, Trangia, collapsible woodgas stove etc. (even though I do not trust in wood since there are plenty of scenarios where you might either not find dry wood or wood at all or not want to spent time to collect natural resources).
2nd thing is anything to protect yourself or your home or at least to decontaminate yourself against/after contact with poisonous stuff in the air (whatever biological or chemical base it is). Having a face mask is basic but not enough. Means on the way you might need something to clean yourself, and in your house you might have something at the entry door to ensure that no unwanted stuff comes in if the door is opened.
no one in the world can say your not prepared WOW your the man great vid thanks for all the advice.
Life is one big game of balancing. That ending music sounds somewhat like some of the music in The Patriot.
Great vid, and great tips. It often amazes me how many outdoors people do not know or plan for the Rule of 3s... for prepping for even just for long trips into the wild.
one of the better videos on this subject! concise and to the point. no ahhs and ums! good job! had to subscribe!
Awesome job Sootch! I picked up two holes in my prepping I need to address!
you have the right mindset going into all this, thumbs up
super glue, oragel,kanka pen,and fix a dent paste are also great for bug out bags
Don, when you review that hand held SW radio, It also makes a great AA battery recharger if you have the right cable and a solar generator. Mine rides in a bag that includes a GPS and flashlight that both run on AA batteries.
I see a lot about knives, blades and that stuff but I consider the maintance like keep way to sharpen handy, as important as the knife itself. I recommend you emphasize in that in one video. Take care man!
Love God Love your channel Thank you Don for another great video. Came up with one I'd never thought of. So I'll share. Mason canning lids will be like Gold. Stocking up now.
+KK Prepper Yes, canning supplies for sure and lids will be the most scarce. Thanks for the comment.
Mothballs and mouse traps do wonders to prevent holes in your preps ;-)
+Abo Bushcraft Most definitely!
Great advice Don the only thing I would add is along with your preps is get training medical, lethal, and financial. We all love to have all the cool gear but not knowing how to use it is a huge miss. The financial probably should be first, but I put that on the list because your SHTF event may not be end of the world, it could be a job loss. A friend of mine is experiencing that scenario right now after being laid off yesterday. I've also been in that same situation before where I had to choose between gas money/bus fair to go to a job interview, eating, or rent (at the time) they all tie in eventually.
Physical state map.
+John Doe Good addition!
I agree! Local county maps may have roads that are not on most mainstream maps. So I always recommend acquiring County maps. They'll usually have topographical information as well.
Get a spiral bound copy of your State county maps. Shows everything but the game trails. Best
+John Doe The DeLorme state atlases are really good. They have the dirt roads and such on them.
John Doe I got lucky, my family knows the area we live in like the back of their hands lol. Still, a map is a good addition.
My firearms include: Colt LE6920 AR15 in magpul OD Green, Glock 19X 9mm in Flat dark earth, Mossberg 590 tactical 12g shotgun, Remington 700 ACC(older than 2012) bolt action rifle chambered in 308, Ruger 10/22 rifle. My wife has a Sig Sauer M400 Elite AR15 and a CZ75 9mm handgun. We have about 3 months of food and water stored and plan on upgrading to 2 years worth, tons of medical gear from surgery to every day meds. We have an extensive INCH bag/long term bug out system. With our INCH system, we can survive indefinitely. Throw multiple bags and gear into an all terrain cart/wagon and we are ready to bug out. We built our preps in only two years and we're dirt poor. If you want it bad enough, you'll get it done. Also, test your skills and gear as often as you can, once every month or two, we go out and test our gear and ourselves. You find out what you need and what works, additionally, you gain experience and thats priceless. Thats the best advice i can give on prepping/survival.
If you have toilet paper in shtf you are the king of the world
He who controls the Spice, controls the Universe. He who controls the Toilet paper...controls the world.
INDEED, I CERTAINLY WOULD GO FOR THE TP!
Dont forget how useful a hand held scanner can be in a grid down situation as the have really great reception,mine can pick up everything from police,marine,air craft,radio stations NOAH radio ect.from 80 miles away.
thank you Sootch, I have some holes that need filling. I am definitely interested in that shortwave radio you mentioned. working on my ham license now. take care sir. God bless you and yours.
Another valuable prepping "item" is training and knowledge as in medical training self defense training etc.. Great video thumbs up.
one area that is very rarely mentioned but that i feel is vital is PPE. personal protective equipment. having medical supplies to treat an injury is obviously important, but doing what you can to prevent injuries from ever happening is also extremely important. high quality protective goggles for while chopping wood or fire retardant gloves for messing with your heat source... that kind of stuff.
especially when you really don't want to spend the extra energy just to avoid the improbable - at a time of decreased-energy & free-time, while having to look over your shoulder when things seems quiet anyway! But PPE could save a lot of grief, especially if you're hunkered-down and not having to slogg it all over the countryside.
Hi Sooch: I've always enjoyed your videos but thought that I'd ask whether you've ever considered without violating personal OPSEC of going into ways of banding or working together with family, friends and community to deal with crisis situations. You've already come across as both a family man and someone connected to the local community (i.e. your group BOB gathering/video and mention of your church) and I would imagine that all of your minuteman talk assumes working with others as well. I think that might be a different aspect of prepping that you've got experience with that might be worth sharing with your audience.
im a minor can't make money, just getting started,and my parents don't want to spend money on prepping because "well be fine"
At least yer thinkn bout it, and that's a start..🚲..
All that material could and should be protected from fire. Even though metal boxes and fiberglass fire blankets don't much protect from heat, they certainly prevent those preps from catching fire anytime soon.
very good setup you have their man a lot of useful tips there I am getting ready to get money bug out bag to ready because times like this is what scares me so much crazy people out there to protect my family appreciate the tips
And add binoculars to the bag aswell if you happen to have to use or loose eye glasses in a SHTF situation to see incoming dangers or just to have a high point of view of where your heading to. ----(Leagence 17) signing out © *-*
Add 'Hard Maps' or paper maps as internet likely to be down and if you have to venture out you need the lay of the land whether in urban or outland areas.
Cool site - thanks!
Thank you for these videos, I am new to the prepper world and these videos are a huge help. It can be rather daunting to take on at first but seeing how organize is the big thing. Thank you again.
+John Pagdilao Awesome! Build as you can and you'll be prepared before you know it. Thanks!
+SensiblePrepper Do you have any suggestions for important paperwork, say birth certificates and such ?
+John Pagdilao Making copies and keep them in ALok Sack is a smart option. Also keeping them in a fireproof safe.
+SensiblePrepper I will definitely look into these. Thank you again lol
Great video and great advise. Don't forget candles. They store forever and can provide light, warmth, and help start a fire.
I gotta get back to my prepping. Thanks for the kick in the butt Don.
I'm golden on the supplies but I am lacking in certain skills. My near term plan is to get some additional emergency medical training. I want to make sure I am equipped to deal with any medical issues that may come up. Next on the list is canning. I have the stuff to do it, and I have read a few books on it, but I haven't actually done it. That's going to change as soon as I can find someone to give me a little tutoring.
I believe it should all start at your EDC. After that, have x amount of supplies for x amount of time. I kept track of all the hygiene products, food, water and the like for a month that I used and have that stored away. Then, develop what you think is an adequate system to defend those supplies from your neighbor, your enemies and mother nature. MRE's don't last long in the heat and they're no good to you if your desperate neighbor steals them from your home while you're off. After that, build a system into your vehicle of several days of supplies and a way to defend them that stays in your vehicle. Once all of that is squared away, teach everyone in your home about it all and get them on board. Once that is good to go, add redundancies of it all into your system. Go from 1 month of food to 2 months. 100 rounds for your shotgun or sidearm to 200+. Build upon it while also taking inventory from time to time of it all to make sure nothing has been tampered with or expired. Once you have done all of that... get some simple ways to entertain you and others (Uno, board games, decks of playing cards, checkers). Keeping your mind occupied with games, books, crafting and the like really keep you going. When a hurricane came through a few years back, I went a week without power. I was 'camping' while my roommates were 'dying like peasants'. 😂
I was prepared and they weren't. It's that simple. I'm not a monster. I fed them, had water and whiskey for them as well and we played Uno until we hated it.
Quick, comprehensive video. Good job.
I've been waiting for more prepping videos, glad to see you did one!
Great vid as usual, I'm a big advocate of medical preps, have them in all vehicles as well as my storm room in the basement, Since becoming unemployed recently from the oil field industry I was not prepared for it. Big eye opener , hard to stay positive for the wife and kids , That's the hole in my preps ," The mental aspect"
A BIG THANKS! always a great source of info.
My friend, you didn't forget anything . Thanks .
Don, you are THE MAN!
Great video! Keep up the good work!
great video long time watcher and subscriber to both your channels. you've given my wife and I a lot of tips over the year's from edc, to prepping, to buying defense tools, guns,knives, etc. your doin a great job and look forward to your future videos
+Samantha Mock Thanks Brother!
+sootch00 no thank you! your the reason I went with the glock 19, your videos are the reason I've gotten my trauma and medical supplies stocked up which wasn't much before I found your channel, you doin what you do has made me a better person as far as being prepared for my wife and my two young children. I appreciate the honesty and knowledge that come from watching your videos and reviews. I wouldn't have half the gear and supplies I do if not for your work. so thank you brother
If you plan to have refigeration (and that is what the generator is for), then you need to test,and see how long your refrigerator will stay cold. Base running your generator on that. Calculate gas use per day. Multiply that by how long you expect to be without power. Store enough gas.