Minimalist Survival Kit - 5 Piece Survival Kit!

[@TheRichtaber]

One reason I like Andrew’s videos is that he’s not trying to hustle us into buying some alleged must needed item which is available only from them!

[@keithcronk7980]

THE MAJOR HAS HONOR AMONGST OTHER QUALITY'S BROTHER

[@overthehill9415]

@@redoak3809 for what? I've been doing this type stuff for years and only heard of Canterbury this year. My teachers were Louis L'Amour, Dick Proeneke, and my dad and bro (both military). Canterbury is good, but I haven't really gotten much from him that I didn't already learn from experience. Andrew might be the same. I dunno.

[@tacticalhomestead]

I actually did a video about that very issue.

[@alexanderjosefsson4729]

One is knowlege and one is gear heads. The only thing a have got from any KZbinr is primitive technologys book.

[@tacticalhomestead]

@@alexanderjosefsson4729 Dave Canterbury?

[@Ray72106]

This man doesn’t just talk about survival, he does it. Great content!

[@johnburgin7478]

Hard to go wrong with the 5 c’s . I’m getting older now so the 11th c comes into play , comfort . Excellent presentation . Have a great evening

[@lukedorrington7455]

I think comfort should always be included as comfort boosts morale, I've had some rough, uncomfortable, sleepless nights and my thought process the next day was hugely affected by it.

[@ec6052]

All of the old fishermen in my area carry a knife, black tape and a lighter in their pocket at all times(Sometimes a piece of line) and I've been doing it since my teens. Mainly for working with rope but there's endless things those few things will do for you in survival or just daily life and you can carry at all times without raising eyebrows. Which makes it more likely you'll have it on you when needed!

[@milesgardner1224]

One place I worked out in Alaska, they wouldn't let you on the boat unless you had your rope knife and electrical tape.

[@arctodussimus6198]

An outstanding minimalist kit! My son and I used to have “Survival Kit Campouts” We would spend two nights with nothing but the clothes on our backs and a small Survival Kit. It was the three night camps that really put it to the test. All my ‘survival’ kits have fishing gear now. I even carry hooks and line in my wallet.

[@charlessalmond7076]

Same on fishing gear. 12 hooks & 85' of 84lb test Kevlar trip wire.( its about as thick as dental floss but black in color, and a bit stronger.)

[@tenchraven]

And needles? But adding fishing gear to this would violate both the spirit and the letter of the Five Item Test rule.

[@middknightdream1577]

@@tenchraven nah just cap off the ends of the bank line roll's tube and insert the fishing tackle inside it like a hobo reel.

[@MarcMallary]

You can make a fish trap too and catch some tiny fish. Some make them out of plastic bottles, or you could use sticks.

[@jadedillon5201]

As a previous commenter said, I would definitely add fishing hooks and line. They take up basically no space and no weight and would be very hard to create in a minimalist survival scenario.

[@mudsslinger]

the gorge needle is a type of fishing hook

[@tenchraven]

The purpose of this kind of kit in training it to show you how much it sucks to not have everything you think you need.

[@achange999]

Best Survival Channel

[@mikehendricks2933]

L O V E your intro Andrew! Yup! EVERYBODY is Daniel Boone UNTIL it's time to leave the livingroom... 😉👍

[@RSpuhl]

Dude! I’m a former army SERE instructor, but you rock!!! I’m really enjoying you videos…reminds me of a lot I’ve forgotten in the decades since (though I’m quite the prepper). God speed Captain…keep it up!

[@cardiacbob]

A couple of hooks wouldn't hurt. I've made and used that frog gig, and it works. Making a hook is a different thing altogether.

[@juansmith3169]

I just want to say how very much I enjoy these videos of yours. Building these kits is an exercise in problem-solving and efficiency and your reasoning is sound. I must have watched each of your videos at least twice. Thanks for making youtube a more sane place, and thanks for serving.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 my outdoors friend. Your videos are always a great source of vital survival information. All the best to you for your good health and safety. Please keep your informative videos coming along. 🤗

[@KT_survival]

I am a minimalist in life, not extreme, but I don't like having a lot of things. In the wilderness minimalism doesn't work as good, going there tool heavy is a lot better idea. Andrew, could you please make a video in the future about improvised "clothes" in the wilderness and insulating what we have in case of an emergency? Stay strong and safe!

[@LeeJames7346]

I would like to see this too, keep up the great work ranger!

[@yakfishin4912]

Did this video ever happen?

[@jeremiahjensen8864]

Can you do a video solely on the gill net? A more hands on how to.

[@danielcotts8673]

Several instructional videos already exist on KZbin.

[@MrMigido]

@@danielcotts8673 Vids that Andrew has done ? where?

[@carrdoug99]

Another great video. Thumbs up on this list of minimal gear. Your mention of Mors Kochanski reminds of a quote I think is attributed to him, "the more you know, the less you need". A heads up for the bowie knife and loincloth crowd. I can't remember ever seeing a video where he extolled the virtues of the one tool option. In fact, the essential survival kit he recommended is among the most inclusive of any I can think of. In addition to that, he's famous for saying you should be able to stave off hypothermia for 72 hrs. with just the clothes your wearing. All this translates to, The competent outdoorsman knows what minimal is.

[@cindyjean3208]

Thanks for this video... What do they say? “The more knowledgeable/experienced a person is in survival technique, The less tools they actually need to survive? “ I like the idea to get up off the ground, getting away from the “creepy crawlies “ would you consider making more videos as a continuation to this one??? May God bless you and your viewers... Times appear to be getting more interesting and intense...

[@TheSaneHatter]

The expression you're looking for is, "The more you know, the less you carry," probably by way of Mors Kochanski. Interpreting that idea is a complex matter, however.

[@OldNavajoTricks]

You can add sticky sap or resin bands to bed legs above the ground, any creepies that DO brave it get caught up and can't get to you.

[@joeday4498]

The most encouraging thing I heard you say was that you have trouble keeping your shavings on a feather stick. Coming from you, someone with such great training and experience, it helps me feel better about my own level of skills. Thank you.

[@jasonprairie9968]

Right on Andrew, I have spent many days in the woods with that kit.👍👍

[@asmith7876]

That opening line is one of the funniest and truest of statements, especially given the number of armchair QB, chair-borne ranger bushcraft experts out there. Love it!

[@thomasmusso1147]

True 😊.

[@jamescooper2618]

"Chairborne Ranger"? That's pretty good!

[@asmith7876]

@@jamescooper2618 I’d love to claim it but that expression is probably as old as the first paratrooper!

[@KirstenBayes]

Terrific stuff, as ever. It shows how resource rich forests are, leveraging that core kit.

[@lucjean5610]

Andrew, thank you for this video. My survival kit is exactly your kit plus trash bags, folding saw and fishing hooks and line. Could you show how to prepare frogs in US... In France we cook the legs only.

[@dannyh9010]

Same in the US. Use the rest for trap bait.

[@badnana1833]

Every video you make is awesome and it's impossible to have a favorite but this is definitely in the top 5..... no top 10..... no top 15..... see how hard you make it for us to have just 1 favorite, or 5 or 10 or 15 which many of us are very thankful.

[@Wardrumsnetwork]

Your channel is a treasure of information 🏆

[@jamesstanley4764]

X U.S.Army Grunt here. Thank you for you and what you have to offer. Stay safe Brother.

[@simontenkate9601]

Watching from Europe. Very very practical advice. Impressive simplicity. One of the best survival sites on the net. Thanks! Respect!

[@adamwilson6037]

Andrew love the minimalist videos because they teach skills that need to be used and used to stay sharp. The thing is gear will die and batteries will also die so know the basics. The one comment about clothing that would really help. As always thank you for your time. Treck far and be safe.

[@timhuffman5311]

Great job. Direct and to the point. No pontificating and endless talking to make a single point. Good content.

[@journeyman7189]

Solid stuff as always Andrew. That net making is pretty cool and useful skill to have. Nate

[@blackboardbloke]

Great video. The only problem with using a poncho to pack your gear up on a pack frame is that then you can't wear it without having something else to keep your gear in on the pack frame, maybe make a bank line net up to contain it would work as the poncho could cover that as an outer layer and will fit over the netted gear when you wear it. A poncho liner would be handy as well, so maybe item 6?. Although I don't do the extreme minimalist stuff, for decades I've used two USGI ponchos for normal backpacking/wild camping in preference to a tent because they are far more adaptable/flexible to set up in different conditions, whereas a tent can only be set up one way. One as an extra waterproof in heavy rain over a lightweight windbreak/showerproof jacket and as a minimal fair weather shelter, or two studded together for a larger tarp or to make a fully enclosed shelter for cold or foul weather. Your digging stick would also function well as a low level support pole for the poncho.

[@kellymoulton3792]

Outstanding work, as always, Andrew! Absolutely Love the use of the canteen inside the nesting cup to create char material!!! ❤ I've been studying these types of skills for nearly 50 yrs & still learning from you & others who put out these vids. Being a desert dawdler I've always been a big fan of the digging stick but also throwing clubs (work pretty good on rabbits). A Snake Stick/Walking Staff/Club is a paramount item for me. About 5 feet in length if I can find a suitable piece, Flat pointed 'V' top for trapping a snake by the neck, with a heavier butt-end cut just below a branch off so the dense knot-wood is used on the ground. Leaving a couple inches of the branch turns the butt into a brush hook which is a useful aid in climbing up slopes & enhances its usefulness as a weapon. In more temperate areas I fabricate a two pointed Gaff on the top instead of the flattened tops for the snake stick but in reality the gaff points would probably be just fine for snake trapping - just me being a bit picky-goofy. As Always, Bravo Zulu Ranger!!! 👍👍👍

[@alanrice39]

I always carry those 5 items in the bush , great kit , making bush tools to aid in survival is great idea. I really enjoyed this video, thanks Andrew.

[@UCBoxer]

Not only are your videos relaxing, I always learn something.

[@a.wilson1979]

Keep America strong, land of the brave, home of the free. If we have to survive with only our hands, knowledge is essential and you are providing it to us. Thanks

[@tamadrummer001]

I am the furthest thing from a minimalist! I carry things to be back ups to back ups. That said, this is (as always!!!!!!) an excellent video to help keep focus on survival in a bad situation! Thanks for the work you do every single week!!

[@mikejeffsteel]

This has to be the best survival video on YT and I've seen thousands! Well done!

[@flyinggyros9745]

Learning how to make a basket would be very helpful. Using it as a backpack would free up the poncho for what it’s intended for.

[@DougPalumbo]

Great instruction and explanation on the importance and usage of a minimalist kit!

[@chrismoore600]

The man has skill, knowledge, a few tools and can of whoop@$$ well done.

[@jasonbrown8899]

I found this video direct and accurate. I was in S.O. and all we had was our basic gear. I always carried a small axe plus my blade. I can make shelter very quickly and hunt without firearms.

[@dalecarr5445]

I love your videos. This one is especially good. I’ve never made a gill net but it is an interesting idea.

[@paulzimmerman3895]

Phenomenal! Deep country stuff! You are becoming a legend in your own time. Great research and concise points. Appreciate the effort you make every week sir!

[@lazyjackass77]

Thank you for mentioning Mors Kochanski. He was truly amazing. The only other person I've heard mention his name was Ron Hood who was also truly amazing and is also no longer with us. God rest their eternal souls.

[@theprophetez1357]

I liked that opening line about everyone wanting to be a minimalist until they have to be a minimalist. That is why my INCH bag is heavy because it will make life much better.

[@JAEUFM]

Better to have it and not need it, as the saying goes, and if you discover you don't have a use for it, discard it and make you load lighter.

[@theprophetez1357]

@@JAEUFM You sure got that right and of course I have considered that. I have carried it for distances, but don't know just how far I could go with it. I figured if it was too heavy I would remove some items and stash them. Then if necessary I could return to get those items. My biggest weight is food, but I have enough to sustain me for 30 days without a problem. That way I would have plenty until I could get established and live off the land. Then my food would be supplemental and would help sustain me comfortably for a long time.

[@badgirlclub4712]

As things get used the load will get lighter.

[@stevesims2243]

Very informative! Items #5 & 6; The large baggie and the char tin. Which brings up the point that containers take a long time to fabricate.

[@ludwiglehmann2059]

Man, your videos are awesome. More advanced stuff please! The more you know the less you carry. Best regards from germany!

[@davidjacobs828]

Major, your knowledge is truly phenomenal. You and dave Canterbury are two of the very few living instructors whose expertise rival that of the late, great, Mors Kochansky. We're all privileged to have the opportunity to learn from you guys. Thanks for all your hard work, honour and integrity sir.

[@RangerSurvivalandFieldCraft]

Wow, thanks!

[@davidpalmer9091]

Lots of good information! Those 5 items with that knowledge, provides a better chance of survival with minimal items! Thanks for sharing!

[@johnnybeanz1296]

Another nice vid. The likelihood that at my age (over 70) I would ever get caught in the wilderness in a true survival situation is near zero. Regardless all these vids are interesting in sort of training a person mentally in dealing with new situations even when actual survival might not be the issue. Thanks.

[@johnnybeanz1296]

I’d like a vid that discusses how you know when you’re in the deep doo doo I.e. an actual survival situation instead of a temporary inconvenience and how exactly do you go about planning on what to do about it. Some of it is probably obvious but some may not be. Stay where you are? Go for help? Just a thought.

[@davidburns6000]

Andrew, I am a very big fan of your channel. I am a proponent of cross loading since I was introduced to the concept by an old SAS buddy. One item that appears to be overlooked by most folks is a packet of wet wipes. They are invaluable. even if you don't have to throw that deuce they are handy for generally cleaning up when no water is available. After a few days out almost anyone would love to have a nice clean, refreshing swipes with a wet wipe.

[@LeeJames7346]

One thing I would like to see from you tho, using me for example, I don't have a lot of money, so trying to create even a minimalist pack is hard, especially with the items you listed.. Could you make a a video about cheap tools that you would recommend? Thank you

[@jameskelly1680]

Mora knife, bahco laplander saw, paracord, a Nalgene bottle with a fitting stainless steel cup, a poncho, an emergency space blanket tarp with grommets, a Bic lighter, a pack of stormproof matches, and a ferrocerrium rod. When you have additional funds, upgrade these items and add a headlamp, a cotton bandana, a compass, a large sail needle, and a roll of Gorilla duct tape. This is the 10 Cs method. Can be done relatively cheap, and you can upgrade your equipment later as funds allow.

[@treerat6959]

Tin cup, small to med Gatorade bottle for a canteen, tarp,old butcher knife, dollar store twine and lighters.

[@mrmustachio6297]

Nalgene bottles are heavy and a waste of money

[@herbsmith6871]

Great stuff Andrew! Thanks 🤠

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

I seen allot of great gear at thrift store cheap, have you looked there.

[@Unknown39485]

One of the best video from this Author

[@redcardoor56]

Of all your videos Ive seen, this is by far my favorite! keep up the great work!

[@jeffechols5302]

Very good comprehensive small kit

[@monsutagema]

Good video Major. Nice weather out there ☀️🌲🌳 Have a good day.

[@redriver6541]

So true....everyone wants to be....until it's time to do..... That's so true. I'm guilty of it myself.

[@mikepayne8948]

A very good video showing how knowledge (as minimalist as you can get) can stretch your resources with very little kit.

[@Modulus0]

Your videos are the the absolute best for this type of material. Very short, easy to understand, and to the point. Very, very useful information. Your power is keeping your information in a small amount of time, but chalk full of information that is easy to understand for anybody. Thank you for your channel!

[@kellylybbert8677]

A lot of videos talk about the importance of a large needle. Before you put it in your pack take a strong fridge magnet and stroke it from end to point about twenty times. It will be magnetized and serve as a makeshift compass when placed on a leaf and set to float on still water. Verify the tip points North before stowing in your gear

[@artoliver8740]

A large upholstery needle never comes up. The curved needles come in different sizes for use with that tough upholstery thread. Thread a guy could fish with.

[@CreachterZ]

Very nice. One suggestion. Replace your bank line with Kevlar line. It doesn’t stink, is super strong, nothing to melt, and is almost impossible to burn. And it’s cheap.

[@rickkerans8485]

Really good survival techniques with minimal tools but a great deal of knowledge.

[@Oli_5.56]

You may braid your bank line and create a shepherd sling for hunting.Thanks for all your helpful input, cheers from Germany.

[@Doodlefisher]

Always great videos! So many times I spent in the woods wondering what crafts i can do to get the most out of nature besides just watching the trees sway and birds chirp. Reason gives us goals and ability helps us reach them. Thanks!

[@markkoehler5110]

Excellent video. I have a very similar kit. I add a small Silky Pocketboy saw to it as well as a backup to the knife and to aid shelter making and increase firewood harvesting efficiency.

[@davidfoster5787]

Like the 5. But I will go heavier if can to start. I can always lighten the load. Or trade. Good video.

[@pnyarrow]

Hi Andrew just one word - outstanding! Tahnk you. Stay safe. ATB. Nigel

[@mistermirror8064]

Thank you for the frog gig idea. I've been relying on makeshift fishing poles and small game snares. I like the informative way you make your videos 👍

[@stuartniven2401]

Thanks Andrew!!

[@NickFrom1228]

One thing about char cloth is it can be sensitive to moisture. So, if you have a vacuum packer you can vacuum pack char cloth to keep moisture out. You can pack a lot of cloth in a small space with the vacuum packer. You can even just throw the whole altoids tin full of cloth into the packer. A tin full of cloth and a small separate vacuum packed bag of extra cloth is small, light and easy to make and carry. Then when the bag is empty you can reuse it for collecting berries, etc.

[@lukedorrington7455]

If you don't have a vacuum packer you can just use zip lock bags seal them up almost all the way then place a straw into the bag and suck the air out yourself then seal the bag fully, works OK it's how I used to waterproof my kit in the army

[@RangerSurvivalandFieldCraft]

That was actually the riskiest part of the pathfinder school advanced training. We made char day one and had to carry it and protect it for three days until the final exercise day 4. Luckily we made a ton of it and still had viable pieces.

[@NickFrom1228]

@@RangerSurvivalandFieldCraft That would not surprise me at all. Something I have thought about with char cloth etc is not just a tin but possibly a char roll. Char spread out on parchment paper or plastic and then rolled up like a carpet will significantly reduce the amount of surface area that can get wet. With parchment paper you can even burn that if needed (but its not great). The problem is char is rather fragile so it's not the simplest thing to spread out but I think it's worth the effort to try out. I'm liking your videos and learning a lot. Many thanks for the work you put into these.

[@kingsclownvideos]

You are helping a lot of people. Thank You.

[@charlesquick3091]

A friend of my grandfather used a digging stick when we went hunting mushrooms when I was a kid.... His had a kind of wedge end to dig with that he had harden with fire, the top was rounded a little too fit the palm, and his was as long as a cain to help him walking up or down steep areas said it was his extra leg. He also had measurements on one side, animal foot drawings on the other side said it was for tracking game and identifying tracks... Funny what you remember from watching a video... Thanks!

[@jimhale3879]

Fantastic video on the five C's plus. Thank you!

[@Chass9999]

Your frog gig can also be used to catch snakes for food as well...

[@kevinedward1234]

Andrew, great video and info, nice looking water front area!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@paulmcdonald1968]

Love the water bottle toggle. have never seen it before.

[@garyjohnson4608]

Outstanding video, as always. I am curious about that guage and needle set. I've never seen or heard of that before. I'd like to know more about that.

[@RangerSurvivalandFieldCraft]

You’re in luck! New video today is all about needle and gauge skills, plus a few tips!

[@Eric-ew8jt]

Always look forward to your videos Andrew. I could and have binge watch them. Enjoy your week and blessings to you and your family

[@dannythomas648]

Yep. Knock out video. Never thought of this . the top 5 of a kit. Hooah. Keep keading the way SIR

[@thomasbrandon5111]

Good food for thought Col. Like the digging stick and can see if it was a bit long the extra use as walking stick. I look forward to your info. T

[@jimstillwell4668]

Excellent video. Very informative. Simple and very well explained. I have built a few kits with your information. Now I am going to build one from this video. Thanks Buddy

[@charlesmckinney]

Outstanding! Great content delivered by a great instructor that loves his subject. Bank line is great cordage. I use #36 and #12 (14 if 12 not available). I use green #12 for traps and snares. Noise makers mostly. Used to always use poncho for fly for my hammock. I just bought a 10x10x' tarp. Nice!

[@michealchartrand1437]

Great material and outstanding instructions on the gear. I've seen a few of your other videos and great knowledge shared. BTW corporal Kelly sent me to watch and give you a shout out

[@scottanthony1616]

Andrew, thank you for the very educational video, it is definitely food for thought, i may just have to make a kit with just the 5 C's. Take care, stay healthy an God bless you and your Family...

[@michaelschneider6106]

In a true survival situation forget about the fishing and game laws. You can at least eat until "caught", and if you are, you're also rescued!

[@soisitimpossible]

I'm a 100% pro conservation and 100% anti poaching, but that being said if one is legitimately lost it's whatever it takes to make it. I certainly see no harm in taking a fish or anything really to stay alive till a means of rescue can be found or until rescued.

[@OldNavajoTricks]

"You're under arrest Son..." Wohoo!! We gots us a strange one here Paw, prep the comfortable cell :-D

[@tenchraven]

Three things to do your second day you realize you're lost. One, start a small smokey fire. Two, toss your fishing license in the fire, then throw a fish hook in the water. Three, break out a deck of cards and start playing solitaire by your fire. In the first thirty minutes, one of three things will happen: a forest ranger will try to write you ticket for your fire, a game warden will try to write you a ticket for fishing without a license, or some busy body will tell you to play the black 9 on the red 10. Never fails.

[@mikha007]

I like the pocket boy saw...dont forget a stone for your knife

[@bilakos1987]

Less is more indeed. Fantastic video, Andrew. Thanks again. I have to practice making feathersticks and will work with my bowdrill set more. The net you made was great, please consider a tutorial video for making the parts and the net itself.

[@jamescrowe7892]

Enjoy your content as usual. Always informative and I learn something new each time.

[@josephbraskie4070]

Great tip on the bearing block

[@monlonlabe5016]

Hello !! Another interesting kit and with knowledge on how to use it for maximum effect, great ! I admit my first toughts when I saw the title was a 50 grams kit, like the one in my wallet...I guess minimalist is not always lightweight haha !! Just comparing my minimalist Firesteel, a toothpick size for Victorinox (Firefly 5 grams), to your gigantic firesteel is fun !

[@runningriverbushcraft]

Andrew another fantastic video 📹 👏 on survival great tips & tricks of the Bush..👊

[@davidenochs601]

Your channel is very informative, thank you for all you do.

[@Jesusandbible]

An Orange tape cover is better for the fire flint . Remember that guy on Alone who went home when he lost the firesteel?

[@stevenhess5616]

Great minimalist video. Biggest suggestion to better the content would be to show much sharper, fire-hardened tips on the gig. Love the channel! Keep up the great work! From an old "survivalist/prepper" before anyone had ever even heard the terms. Semper Fi!

[@kendralynn2490]

Not a minimalist...... yet. You make it look too easy. Thank you for another one!

[@BFett-ri8kt]

Excellent information thanks Andrew, the idea like making tools ie digging/multitool stick are gold. Unfortunately in my vicinity we have no chirt or flint maybe some quartz and oxidizing is a major issue so sometimes stainless is our best knife option . Looking forward to more of this

[@Wdstroud]

Thank you for all your help and very good advice. Great videos, and instruction. 👍👍

[@ericathompsen8110]

Epic video I enjoyed watching it please keep doing what you're doing you're amazing. Watching your videos is always the highlight of my day.

[@m005kennedy]

Very good content. Both the picture quality and sound were excellent as well

[@earlelzy7243]

This was a great video. You really laid it out thoroughly to show what you can do with what you have to survive. I wish you would have said practice those skills to get proficient and not wait until you need to use them. Outstanding!

[@ourtechwriter]

Thanks for all the thinking going into this!

[@marktapp5408]

Excellent tutorial. All this info is , of course, highly useful. Thanks Andrew!