How to select the right gear for the outdoors, survival and emergencies

[@les3449]

When I was in my 20s I went through Army Infantry training (1980s). It was during the summer in the South. I was so tired one evening I fell asleep on my poncho spread over rocks. I woke up a few hours later ready to go! I carried the PRC77 radio and its steel back plate, NOT fun. I say all that to say that now, in my 60s, heat casualty and cancer survivor, I CAN'T physically do that anymore. I need LIGHT equipment and techniques that make hiking and camping FUN, not destructive. THIS young man has many good points and ways of evaluating his potential gear. Listen and ask him questions.

[@williamrussell9460mountainman]

I use a lot of military surplus, but still research and watch reviews on KZbin. The Outdoor Gear Review is a great resource for beginners looking to buy gear that has been tested !! I’m 61 and ex military. Wished I’d gotten into this before I got old and worn out ! Lol ! Just got a push a little harder !

[@Swish82]

Good to see you back on the Tube.

[@Flashahol]

I find that there is a learning curve to any and all activities, the best way is to get informed and just go out there and do it to figure out what works for you. Unless you try, your pack is probably too heavy with useless gear. The 5 steps of the learning curve based on my personal experience: (1 and 2 usually happen right away) 1- Find out you're not in good enough shape 2- Find out you picked the wrong gear / your pack is too heavy 3- Gain experience, carry better gear and get in better shape 4- Realize you are still cheaping out on your gear and buy your 3rd or 4th set 5- Dump the stuff you don't use and add injury prevention or comfort items (6- Sell/give away your cheap old gear or transfer that to a car survival kit or get home bag)

[@bowdiersackett6433]

Great discussion, great seeing you back

[@nauticalknotcraft]

Good job on a tuff topic. Bravo Paul.

[@MichaelR58]

Good video Paul , thanks for sharing, God bless !

[@GuitarPeep]

I love this. Everything is case specific but the thought process is just so important

[@thomasoverton7131]

Good gear is expensive. Buy once cry once. And getting gear for the seasons in the area you'll be frequenting most should be common knowledge but unfortunately its not. Awesome video Paul. Thanks for sharing brother 👍

[@kayak_scott6136]

Thanks for the tips.

[@sdsi68]

Great informative video Paul, I took a lot of info from it 👍, studdering and brain farts are what makes a video real, keep up the great work 🤙🤙🤙

[@jeffhowell3310]

Very good video. Well, put on a lot of the info

[@kalstreksandtrails7606]

Awesome video my friend

[@hollisterfarms4882]

Great video. 👍

[@davidtaberer3146]

Very good info

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Excellent video Paul, glad to see you back my friend! This is what I teach, specifically to beginners. And since I often work with scout troops, it's mostly directed towards their parents. Grated the scouts are required to follow BSA guidelines, but the parents aren't. I use Dave Canterbury's list of 10-Cs +2 (Care [1st aid/medical] and Calories [food]) as it is a great starting point. I also teach the 8-Ps of Preparedness: Proper Prior Planning and Preparation Prevents Poor Performance and Panic! Another downside to ultra-light gear is that some of it is not very durable. I too follow all kinds of camping channels here on YT, but have found that for gear reviews, Luke with the Outdoor Gear Review is probably the most honest. Being a veteran, I do prefer mil-spec gear, which are typically not the lightest but is durable. My favorite packs are made by Eberlestock, with their 35 liter Halftrack being my favorite.

[@jasonheflin9856]

The bad thing about selecting gear is taking consideration for different weather that can move in you expensively when you're out for a couple of days and no cell service and bad radio signal for weather reports

[@dangudgeon3833]

Thank you for another great video. Have you experienced a failure with any inflatable sleeping pads? I have an original thermarest self inflating pad and have had no issues. I see the ultralight inflatable pads and I see expensive but also see fragile. I also live in a place that freezes but also have the mountains that can be cold year round. I am trying to pare down my gear, some of which hasn't been used in years. Can you do a video showing your storage system for your gear? I am currently using Rubbermaid action packers and one large Pelican case. I have stoves for backpacking and car camping. I even have conversion kits to enable the use of alternative fuels. My background also influences my preparedness mindset. Thanks again, be well.

[@GLEN1061]

Regarding gear selection:- Number 1 above and beyond anything else is correct clothing and footwear for the prevailing / expected weather conditions and the environment!

[@markbeutel9797]

Is there any place in Wisconsin Like pathfinder???

[@adaptablesurvival]

Not yet, but I'm working on something so hopefully soon.

[@OPSTuT]

Shawn is always using that thermarest sleeping pad and sleeping on rocks and uncomfortable piles of wood. I would be paralyzed.

[@adaptablesurvival]

That boy ain't right lol