My Channel SUCKS! | Everything Changes in 2025 - Get Ready

[@JunkyardFox]

Great video! I was in a similar rut a few years back. At first, gear reviews are fun, but sooner or later, it starts to become a drag. I started pivoting more towards actually having outdoor adventures and filming them. Sometimes it’s a bare bones minimalist adventure, sometimes it’s a more relaxing car camp video, etc. Not only do you get to film, but actually get outdoors and enjoy yourself, win-win. But the gear being tested is shown in use and you are forming your opinion on it as the adventures build. Then once you actually film the reviews, you have not only your opinion formed, but also a ton of b roll from past trips.

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

I appreciate the feedback!

[@FloridaBoyBushcraftSurvival]

Everyone's channel sucks now. Let's face it, we have all saturated the niche with just about every video that can be made. After all, how many videos can you watch about "My 5 favorite tarp setups" or "my 10 Favorite Bushcraft knots"? Most of the so called "experts" and "instructors" actually learned from guys like us on youtube lol, now they run schools and charge for nothing lol. Just be yourself and do the videos that you want. We will always watch....

[@HuntCreekBushcraft]

Well said.

[@jackredd7088]

I just started making edc back videos could you give me a few pointers please?

[@themodernminuteman2557]

Good for you Wendell for refocusing for 2025! Ill keep inviting you out to my place.

[@remjax1]

I enjoy your down to earth approach. Your new avenue sounds good. At 68 I enjoy watching and gaining skills that I can do and learning what I can't do any longer (sadly). You have my support

[@CowboySurvival]

66 and counting.....us "old" guys got to stick together!

[@Voledc]

Glad your not giving up. You have some of the best outdoor content on KZbin. I have learned tons from your channel and appreciate all you do. Thank you.

[@roostershooter76]

Fieldcraft skills and Primitive camping skills. …. I like it. I think a genre locks you in a box, like you mentioned.

[@bobc9744]

I always watch and enjoy your videos. I think your idea for 2025 is right on. Keep em coming and we'll all watch and appreciate your efforts. Happy Holidays brother.

[@shawnscotchman3761]

Okay, you got me...Just subscribed because you said you are going to test those kits and items to see if they actually work. So many show kits, micro kits, get home bags, etc. etc. but many never actually show if they work in actual situations. I think of that one new outdoor adventurer who froze to death in Europe.

[@onethiefsurplus]

Many people live vicariously through the internet. Building the experience/adventure for them will get you to that 100k mark and you will likely enjoy it a lot more as well. Keep it up friend! You got this!

[@webkickstart7298]

Good job pushing on. 8 years of grinding and not getting the goal you want is tough. I gave you a sub to help you hit your goal. I'm glad your going more into USING stuff rather than shilling stuff for companies. I understand that people need to see the stuff you are using but so many youtuber today get a free items they are never going to use and tell everyone out there how great it is. The youtuber then thinks that people will sub them for opening up a box with a knife in it. That is not entertainment that is distraction, nothing learned other than what it looks like in the box? I never got that, and hate those videos. Good luck in 2025!

[@TheDankFarmer]

Been following for a long time, still remember your videos on BCUSA way way back lol - hoping things start to line up in 2025, Happy Holidays!

[@MrStefanDeLano]

Sounds like a good plan . I look forwards to the new content. Practical application of what you can get ahold of easily, whether you fail at the specific goal or not would be interesting to watch . Failures would be really helpful honestly.

[@eddiewelder1416]

Have run into many so called experts over the years, one actually had a saying, I read it in a book, he could tell you how to do the task but couldn't do it himself. We never stop learning, I even enjoy watching a novice, sometimes they teach without knowing it. Keep us in the loop, gear, tactics, field craft, outdoor adventures, it's all interesting.

[@jamesh1641]

Thank you for posting this content and putting yourself out there. Here’s some feedback that you asked for: - You have all the channel analytics of what we watch on your channel. What does that tell you? From what I see with the views what you’re doing in the future won’t drive you higher. Your product reviews and some targeted content do really well. Most other do not. - 100,000 is a number. It’s a label. You don’t like labels. Who cares. What’s important is engagement and doing what you feel passionate about. I suspect that is why you didn’t do any polling to see what we want more or less of. That will drive your number that you want. Hodgepodge and more small pouches will not. - be more serious. Put together a modest studio. Have some content format that’s reliable and repeatable. Stay on a posting schedule. Ask for feedback always. - polish up. You want more of what you don’t have to get to 100,000. Work on some fitness and curb appeal. Some discipline around mind and body. Not just skill training. - understand there is so much of this content. You’re older and quite frankly I came to know your channel only seeking product reviews I guess. But I stayed. Demographic. Find your zone and stay in it.

[@alanrice39]

This will be a nice change for your channel, nothing like being in the outdoors. Personally I enjoy that over gear. Probably cause I’m old school that’s goes out to the woods very simple, I’m more of a low tech type, most of my gear is military surplus. Learning and doing skills in the bush is great, I really like to explore the flora and fauna, identifying, plants, trees and anything that creeps and craws. I’ve been tied down lately with family issues , hopefully in the next month or two i can get back in the woods. Looking forward to your videos next year

[@Jenks78]

Love the channel currently and looking forward to the changes. I like a good mix of reviews and skill learning. Your video on the Vanquest Dendrite was what sold me on it for edc on vacation in Florida. Looking forward to learning on your new stuff. After almost getting trapped on the I71 in Kentucky a couple years ago and going days without power from the Tornados in March, I’m really taking the preparation and self reliance way more seriously. Plus I’ll always support a fellow Ohioan. Looking forward to what you have coming in 2025!

[@thelasthuntsmanoutdoors]

I’ve been feeling the same, I will always do reviews but this coming year I want to do more adventures, overnights, camping, hunting, tactics, and maybe more pew stuff. Thanks for the videos

[@Paul-z5v7w]

Good luck with the new channel direction, I’m looking forward to it. As far as gear reviews, I don’t watch most of them. If the product wasn’t purchased by the reviewer it’s just an infomercial. A recent example, “i’m not being paid for this review, so & so company sent me this pack for evaluation”. Yeah dude you got a free $650 pack.

[@CowboySurvival]

What I enjoy most about making vids is that I am constantly learning. Whether it is learning about new products, learning how to do things outside, getting into nature, or even how to make better vids.....this stimulates my brain in ways that my work does not. Keep up the good work!

[@redsorgum]

One thing to add to your channel, is leaving a heart on comments indicating that you’ve read the comments. Post what you want, but don’t post just to get views. You have great content. ✌️

[@thevirginiabushcrafter8833]

I know exactly what you're saying. That is why I go into the Bush about four times a month. It is one thing to tell on camera but totally different to go out and do the thing. Stay Safe.

[@spparr6051]

Yessir, I've enjoyed your channel for years, always look forward to your uploads. Don't give up! Things will turn around. I am glad you are thinking about the long term. I live in the Ozarks, and I agree, skills is much better than gear. Alot of gear is beneficial but only if you can use it to maximum efficiency. You are a godsend my friend. I look forward to seeing you evolve your videos and skills in the woods. I have been an outdoorsman and woodsrunner since I was big enough to carry my own pocket knife, lighter, and small pack of essentials. Keep up the good work man! I admire you and your tenacity, honesty, and friendly manner.

[@gar351]

Your videos are solid! I do like most of your gear items you have reviewed, but what your saying is absolutely correct, you don't need these free gear/sponsor gear provided. You have the personality to do anything in the outdoor video areas. Keep it up and been subscribed for a long time. Thanks for what you do, I enjoy it!

[@Olympic_Survival_and_bushcraft]

Dude, please never stop your channel is great! Personally I think your right getting out and doing over nights and gear reviews i.e survival kit overnight. Would be great I remember when you reviewed the esee advanced kit you had said you wanted to take that kit and do an overnight. And we been waiting for that video!!! Ether way we are here to watch the great content your creativity will bring us the viewers!!! Happy holidays and skill videos are always awesome. Thank and have an awesome day

[@ethanlearn8846]

Enjoyed meeting you at Central Ohio Outdoor Gathering. You gave a good class for survival shelters.

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

Thank you!

[@mikereynolds5753]

Like your vids, you’re knowledgeable and can tell you enjoy doing them. Support you and your ideas for change, looking forward to it!!!

[@Old-man-of-the-forrest]

I've been watching your videos for a while now. I'm glad you're going in this new direction. I'm not so much into the reviews, but I am a subscriber. Whatever you do, you can't be everything for everyone. So just get out there and do what you love. As for classes, you could take them from Blackie Thomas and James Bender. They are very knowledgeable about woodscraft. I believe you could pick up a lot from those two. I'm not sure when they do their school. I wish you good luck with your journey into a new direction. Happy holidays to you. I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with in 2025.

[@WoodyAndy]

Great news - getting out is what it's all about. Looking forward to seeing the practical application of all your kit and skills and continued progress. Let more adventures begin! atb Andy

[@nazaninnaderi3783]

Love your channel already, but must say will be looking forward to "in field" practice. Good idea.

[@chriswilson9230]

You never know everything. I like the review videos, but really like the going out and using skills; hands on. Keep up the great job. A student of the craft.

[@JohnKalkowsky-je5pr]

Wendell, You have a very good channel, and have given away much knowledge through the channel, as a subscriber thank you. Fieldcraft........when you think about it, you have just summed up the art of putting bushcraft, survival , prepardness and general outdoorsmanship into motion. Looking forward to your expanding your channel in the upcoming year

[@trenthawkes9945]

Glad to hear you are going to continue your journey. I love the content you provide. Can’t wait to see what you come up with in the new year! Thanks for everything!

[@VigilantJak]

You're doing good. Doing real videos in the field is the best way to do things. I wish you the best

[@bobsloane684]

Love your channel. I think you are moving in the right direction for future content. Keep up the good work.

[@ModernRefugee]

As a fellow KZbinr and one of your subscribers I will give you this advice. Always be yourself. Peace. I wish happiness and success in 25’.

[@flingshotlife]

Do a 24 hr LIVE. Obviously in the woods

[@ManInTheWoods76]

5 acres in East Tennessee. Welcome anytime to shoot vids (even guns.) No strings attached. There's no water on it fwiw. Wooded.

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

Thank you!

[@CowboySurvival]

Hey! Another Tennessean!

[@dmdavis4551]

Yay, looking forward to your changes and hoping it is a successful way of learning and teaching.

[@MartysRamblings2024]

I don't think your channel sucks at all, and I have always enjoyed your videos. Just do what you enjoy. I have a very small channel and I've been doing it for over 10 years, but I don't make a penny from it and I don't care about subscriber count, I'm thankful for each person who gets something out of my videos. I work 70 hours a week and still make videos. I don't do reviews, I just like sharing woodworking projects and adventures outdoors etc. But everybody does it for different reasons. I just enjoy making videos and sharing my life and I hope it's a blessing to others. I like watching outdoor videos when I can't be out there enjoying it myself. I agree, never stop learning and practicing. My advice for what it's worth; just do what you enjoy, and others will enjoy it too.🙂

[@Jeremy2A]

I subscribed today to see you hit 100k!

[@NewHampshireJack]

My family agrees that it is important to train and practice preparedness while keeping in mind your operating environment. I grabbed an early retirement in the Republic of the Philippine Islands. Many skills are useful anywhere in the world. For example, we have no lack of water. You had better know how to treat that water before consuming it! Operating in a jungle environment does pose challenges for a guy from northern New England. My suggestion, if ever you want to try something different is this school in Subic Bay. US troops trained here: "The Jungle Environment Survival Training (JEST) Camp is located in the Subic Bay Naval Base, which was previously operated by the U.S. Navy. The JEST Camp offers a hands-on learning experience where participants can learn indigenous skills and responsibly interact with nature."

[@KaylynnStrain]

collabs with others may e just tbe ticket to help you and the channel grow. looking forward to what you get into next year

[@Rankin-z4n]

I love your videos and your info. You are a great guy. Please keep in up. ❤. The New Year will be better.

[@davidleasure9138]

I have enjoyed and trusted your reviews. Glad you are continuing the channel. Like to see the actual how to videos and practical applications. Do some cooking in the outdoors and share camping recipes

[@OldManSurvival]

Thank you for the content you’ve provided and what your plans are for 2025! Awesome videos!

[@markbrandli]

I have only been watching for a few months. I will be here, I like the honest reviews . I'm too old to keep trying gear, I will only use new gear and methods that work for me.

[@chrish1050]

Thanks for the loop gear flashlight recommendation

[@mattchaffin1133]

Will be praying for you and the channel. Always learing is a great thing.

[@williammcginley3448]

EXCELLENT video! I'll keep watching! I subscribed years ago.

[@katiekuchar6014]

I love the new direction!

[@edgewalkerfieldcraft1900]

Sounds like some good content is incoming! I know a guy with a place for training.....

[@irvingernie]

Hey Wendell, I enjoy watching your channel and your condor in what you have and can do. You mentioned something about taking classes on field craft. Well, I thought of two places you could be interested in. The first one, Dave Canterbury's Pathfinder school and the second would be Sigma III. They both have a wide range of diversity in what they teach and price ranges to your liking. The Pathfinder school is in Ohio while Sigma III, I believe is either in Missouri or in Arkansas. We'll I hope this will help and God bless you 🙏 ❤️ 😊, Wendell.

[@Skills2survive]

I hear you brother. Do what makes you happy. I would love to meet up sometime eventually for a camp. Any class from Nature Reliance would be good IMO 👍👍😁

[@OutpourOutdoors]

Dude…… this is crazy! I was literally gonna make a video saying thr same exact thing! AWESOME!! Nothing but love for you since the beginning of my journey you’ve been an awesome help!

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

Thanks bro! Keep up the good work

[@OutpourOutdoors]

@@ThePreparedWanderer Campcraft is where I spent time at and learned a ton!! Complete changed my outlook. Also did a bit of hands on training with Jake Trent. He’s a great dude. Bless you brother. Hope we meet sometime! 2025 let’s goooo

[@agaig9812]

Not a whole of older hiker channels and perhaps you can add this to your goals. When I say older I refer to guys like you and I who are older and need advice and practices that would benefit the older audiences.

[@LUVDOGS1954]

Self-reflection and analysis of your content....excellent. Produce, review, adjust/adapt. Excellent sir.

[@survivalcommando]

You are right, the armchair expert channels are a traffic jam for the internet. I am out there in the bush more now.

[@MikeJohnson-z7n]

Your Channel is great, Relaxing. You speak calmly. I'm a war veteran. You are a great positive utuber!!

[@SubUrbanOutdoors-no2kp]

Moreknife reviews tactical /survival. Hit the field and start using your kits.

[@YAHSHAYA777]

Hi My friend! This New Yorker truly learn from you please do not disappear! You have a gift to give wisdom to the people to prepare and the most high God in Christ are watching you for what you doing!!! Keep doing it!!

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

Thanks, I appreciate the support!

[@WarrenKimpel]

another nice video THANKS ; I see you having the same problem as some other KZbin presenters. it take a lot of time to make a video , I thank you for making good videos , best of luck going forward , some others have found they had to quit.

[@pamelasmith6459]

I believe I commented already but I want to say again that I love your channel. I did not grow up camping and now have grandkids. I worry about how the world is and want to keep the kids safe in an emergency which means I need to learn skills. I am working on go bags and I think about things like water filters and fire starting now. I like the survival stuff way more than the firearms. I'm not a fan of guns. Keep teaching us and THANK YOU!!!

[@badaxesurvival8186]

I love your well thought out plan and we def wanna see raw video your right it's a better way to learn if we see everything in a perfect setting when reality hits this means nothing great deal look forward to this I am always learning something new from your videos

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

Thank you appreciate it

[@flingshotlife]

Do a 24hr live, where audience is choosing your adventure. Hunt the good

[@thetruthhershelcyphers]

Sounds like a good plan.

[@pinetree9343]

I prefer you just getting outdoors and do stuff. Camp, hike etc I took a NOLS advanced first aid course. It was extremely basic, even though the course description said advanced. I was an EMT-1 back in the early 1980's while in college. I knew more than she did. I was disappointed.

[@ivexcalibur24k27]

Your awesome brother you got this 👍👍👍👍👍👍 o

[@godsgrid]

I think a lot of channels are good but seem to have gone in the direction of "infomercial" type videos. Things they sell or just reviews of other people's things. I mean it's fine if that's what you like. However, as you i think mentioned, a lot of channels that have been out for years built their audience by actually doing over nighters or weekends. Not saying you have to but I feel it's what the majority want to see. I really think it's the only way for channels like this can thrive. Hope it works out for you as you continue on.

[@danield7300]

I really respect people who put their time, effort and heart in making videos. I especially appreciate your videos! Kudos for having the courage to adapt .

[@danielhuff1397]

Field Craft. I like it.

[@skookum696]

Can you do a 2025 update on your tracker? Do you still consider it as relevant as you did 8 years ago? Thanks!

[@jenngoquek4762]

Yes..bro, will continue support your channel, just go out and do more survival type of video.. less just sit down review gear ,do video like when get lost ..in the wood/jungle ,city or a vacation trip to anyway and really spend a night out there and show how to survive with the minima gear ,food water ,cloth you bring with you ,i think most viewer like and learn from survival type of video ,thanks and take care 🤠🏕🏞🏜🔥🪓🗡🫕

[@earlelzy9975]

Consider yourself accountable to me and yourself. Keep pushing forward.

[@davidwright5580]

I have to thank you and Blackie and corporals Corner and the rest of bushcraft survival family to get me back into bushcraft survival again I have been missing this for a long time now. I want to start helping people and kids with bushcraft survival because we had one hunter go missing in hunting season and they still havenet fand him and a hicker go missing in October fond him last month a live

[@jamescrosby4615]

You have my support 100% keep up the great work you do

[@constantineverros212]

I enjoy your videos, and thanks to your reviews have bought some equipment

[@apprenticegilligan1635]

Mostly for me ALL KZbin channels become basically commercials instead of reviews of products actually used a lot. So for me it is like scrolling through Mostly content made as a commercial. My favorite videos are DIY how to videos.

[@mattsteed8015]

God 1st, family 2nd and then enjoy doing what’s on your heart,being in Gods great outdoors and having fun. Keep it practical and realistic. I am excited to see what you come up with,I think your headed in a good direction.

[@MichiganSilverBack]

The how to skills vids are really popular.

[@joshuabomar6974]

It sounds to me like your plans are solid for next year.

[@denofearthundertheeverlast5138]

I dont think your ch sucks bro..I watch your videos all the time.

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

Appreciate that, glad you're enjoying them.

[@roberthoffman5951]

Keep going I enjoy your videos.

[@johnlhigh]

Its all good. Do watcha like as i will keep watching. 👍

[@benterwellen]

I would like to see less gear, and more cooking videos, not freeze dried foods…..

[@ruzzellp]

Good ideas.

[@ljaysperspective1775]

Doing the same thing once is great doing the same thing a thousand times. Well (sigh) , it's not so great. Add the other thousands of people doing the same thing, and the task gets harder. Creativity is a real thing. Review, revise, and dont repeat, lol! I've watched your content, and i enjoyed it. I've also watched other youtubers videos of informative reviews, on items such as, bags, pouches, knives, etc. I realized that the more i watch, the more money i spend... I have a ton of gear and no time to enjoy it......am i ready for just about any critical apocalyptic emergency yeah definitely, but after 5, 10, 15 years of watching youtube videos something has to give 😂 you basically waste your time and your money away (not really) .....kinda anyways......In the event that anything does take place.

[@jackredd7088]

I just started making edc back videos could you give me a few pointers please?

[@MichiganSilverBack]

Great idea. Put to use alot of the gear you reviewed.. like "here's one year of hard use on bag xyz"...

[@MichiganSilverBack]

Have you ever done any giveaways to up subs? If so how did that go?

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

I’ve done many giveaways. It has a marginal effect. Content is what brings folks to watch but I am not worried about getting more views. I just want to produce better content.

[@arthurross9437]

First and foremost be true to yourself.

[@flindersadventures]

Still one of my favourite channels brother 🍻🙌

[@bruce5648]

Good video

[@josephnicosia4559]

I like your product reviews

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

Thank you I appreciate that

[@vafornow]

I'm sure doing alot of gear reviews could be annoying, if there is something you want to review, take it out with you in the field, film it, then you would be able to say yes or no

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

Yeah I do

[@JohnnyMillion-y1d]

I haven't subscribed to you because I've watched alot of your videos and they are product reviews of gear I can't afford.

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

You may want to look at all my videos. Plenty of budget gear videos

[@MichiganSilverBack]

Mod Min man is fun channel but more a fashion show, know what I mean?

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

Don’t agree with that. He trains and shares it

[@MichaelR58]

Sounds good, thanks for sharing ,YAH bless !