Part Two Survival Vacation

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Well the grill can be made to any size. I usually make them to fit what ever pocket or pouch you have. I'll add the grill to my to do list. The rice steamer is a different story. I made it out of junk I got at the thrift store. I doubt I could ever find the right stuff to make another one of them. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@wtr7 only one problem, no dog to pee on the sandwhiches! LOL I loved all those national lampoon movies.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! Im glad you liked it. I did have a lot of stuff in my pack but it was a challenge to use it all because I wouldnt have packed some of it and would have brought other stuff. The last three parts I started getting kinda tired in. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool ! Im glad you liked it enough to watch it again. I hope youtube is still around and my grand kids can come here and see all the fun I had. Man, I loved this trip. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@johncreen5957]

Hey David, another great vid, great to see you still useing the same cup as your Grandfather. Brilliant.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Sounds good bro. Making vids is a ton of fun. I just try to be myself and have fun. Maybe teach a little here and there. If you go on a trip like this one, send me the video so I dont miss it. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Oh man it was rough. A few folks thought it was easy because I brought food but believe me, the conditions were rough to deal with. After this crap, I got my cooking done during daylight the rest of the trip. Yes, my Grandad was in WW2 in the 331st Combat Team but he says he wasnt a hero. He was at the Forest of Hurtgen and the Roer valley so he was a hero in my eyes. Yes, he and others survived daily. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Im glad you liked it. Yep, alot of folks just see whats on TV and think its no big deal. What I did here was sorta like improvised camping but it was still very rough. True surviving is very very ugly. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@1620416204 Your very welcome Tom. I never would have thought of trying this before your students suggested it. I learned alot on this trip about how heavy this stuff can be on the mind when all that seperates you from rain, thunder and lightning is a garbage bag.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! Im glad you liked it. I couldnt believe it when my Grandad handed me his cup and stove that he actually carried in WW2. Im glad to have it. I dont carry it often but sometimes I do, I know he would love for me to use it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@loreneknight9755]

Everything's so dad gum wet! I LOVE your southern twang. Good thing your a good sport, otherwise Nick could be on the business side of a knuckle sandwich, right? Haha. Hope all gors well. I know if anyone can do this...it's you. You got this, Dave!!!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Lorene! Lol, just remember, I asked Nick to dump me off somewhere so it was all my fault. Thanks for watching!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

It all depends on where Im going or how I feel. I sometimes bring a large ruck filled with tons of gear and sometimes I bring almost nothing.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked it, Ive been hoping I can get some more free time to do another trip like this before I become an old man. LOL. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! Im glad you liked most of it. This was early in my youtube career so I really didnt know much about cameras or filming. It was tough getting used to filming myself. Im still learning with every video I make. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@MrGraemeb2022]

Hi Dave, I've just discovered your channel and " ah jest lurve it". Especially that good ol' southern boy accent. And you have just so many good tips and advice - and your sense of humour just starts my day off with a smile! Keep 'em coming. I'm lovin' it. All the best from Geoff in lil ol' England.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

+Geoff Warren Thanks Geoff, I'm glad you liked it all. Im just a southern boy who loves what hes does! Take care and Thanks for watching.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Mock bugout practice is a very good thing to do. Its amazing that even if you have a fire starter if everythings wet, its near impossible. I try my best to batton into some wood then scrape some fine shavings off to use during wet times. It doesnt always work tho, ha ha. Practice is important in that area. Lots of people say I have an unusual accent, If it attracts viewers then thats good! LOL. Im glad you liked it, thanks for watching my friend.

[@erickwest8817]

Let me start by saying that I love all your videos; You're my favorite bushcrafter on KZbin. But what I'd really like to see is a similar survival vacation video, but one where you've got all your tarps, rope, etc. I think a lot of us would really enjoy seeing how you set up camp when you're in your element and have your favorite gear on hand. Don't get me wrong -- your videos are informative no matter what. I'm just interested to see what your ideal camp set-up looks like for a multiple-day trip. I realize I'm just another person commenting on one of your videos and you may not even see this, but thanks for making these videos. I can honestly say you've helped introduce me to bushcrafting as a hobby, and I've enjoyed every minute of it. By the way, I love yesterday's knife-care and sharpening video.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

+Erick West Thanks Erick, I'm glad you like the vids and all that I do. What you mentioned would be a hard camp set up to settle on. All my set ups depend on where I am, the climate, terrain, season and weather. I would say any combo of shelters and cooksets you have seen in past videos are the ones I use. I have a few more in my bog o tricks I plan to film tho. LOL. Thanks for watching.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I was happily surprised that he did. I figured he would make the old man suffer, ha ha. Plastic bags and duct tape are truly awesome. I have seen them aluminized windshield reflectors before and halfway wondered if they worked good. I need to try that. Thanks for the tip and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

When I was at the thrift store, I found several stainless steel bowls and I managed to get one that fit inside another one. I took the inner one and drilled several holes in it to hold the rice. I put the water in the bigger bowl and as it boiled, the steam rose up through the holes and cooked the rice. Its a pretty neat set up. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

It was kinda tough but pretty fun at the same time. I'm glad you like the videos. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Well it was pretty ugly compared to normal camping standards and gear. LOL. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool, Im glad you tried it. Not only is that a good fire starter but you never can tell when its going to be a good antiseptic. Be sure and use the 90%. anything lower doesnt burn well. Hard plastic bottles are great for storing all kinds of items for survival. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@kenneyshambaugh]

You are the most real guy for survival that anyone could watch. I love all your vids, and dont mind at all how long they are. You have taught me so much. The reason I believe we do such videos is to get the word out to be more in the knowledge of self survival. You have hands down the most creative ways to do stuff. Everyday materials to survive in real life situations, you are doing it right. I have built a Fire piston and it works great, however I have not yet come across a great fire bundle. I have tried an actual birds nest, dryer lint with cat fur, feathering some fire wood, and some vasiline soaked cotton balls. what is your best advice to create a flame out of a fire piston ember?

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you. Im glad you liked it, more videos on the way. Greeting back to you from Georgia in the USA. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@ironeagle1945]

Really liked the idea of alcohol on the cardboard strips. Took a second and made some myself. Have plenty of pill bottles around here and am filling them with hooks, sinkers, etc. Keep on keeping on!

[@CVObservatory]

It is so awesome that you practice what you preach and use what you build. I enjoy watching your channel so much. Thanks.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks man, I try to keep it as real and down to earth as I can. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Denatured alcohol Gel? Thats cool! I havent heard of that one but I like it. I have always thought liquid alcohol could be kinda dangerous at times. I really like the Gel idea.I'll look it up. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Im glad you like them, more in the works! Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Nick, my son, wanted me to see if I could do without using the poncho for the shelter as long as I could. I broke down and used it in the last two parts of this series. Im not ex military but both my mentors were that trained me. Their use of old military gear just kinda stuck with me. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks bro! Not only is it a fool proof fire starter for wet or cold weather but, If you absolutely had to, it could be used as a first aid type item if you use isopropyl alcohol. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

How true my friend. I do bring gear with me but thats all a part of preparedness but just like you say about conditions, I sometimes try to pick the absolute wort possible places to camp on purpose to see how it really is. I'm glad you like the videos and the channel. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool! Yep, I love to use the gear and the set ups that I come up with. Theres no reason to buy everything when you can make a lot of it. thats half the fun there. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

The rain, the plastic roof, and the glow all bothered me. I was starving so, the food made the crummy situation all ok, ha ha. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Yes, I absolutely do. Thats one of the big reasons that I hate sleeping right on the ground. In most of my shelters I am off the ground but I was a little off guard with this one. At least it was pretty cold so the bugs werent too bad. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I do love flint and steel the best whenever I have charcloth with me. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@Heavyb2u I got tired of constantly replacing the tuna can steamers because of rust. I found those stainless pots that stacked perfectly, drilled holes in the small one, then got a pillow case pouch from wal-mart that held it perfectly.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I used to make them out of T shirts but now I just go buy fabric from the fabric store so that it will be big enough to be cut right. T shirts are sometimes not big enough. I show the dimensions to cut to and how to tie it in my video called "The Gear video" if you want to make some. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks man, too many people train for and prepare for bad sitiations to happen. Its so much more fun and helpful to just get out and do it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@CRAllen083A]

With the woods in my "backyard", I grew up doing this for a week at a time before the age of 12. Absolutely true using every thing you have and can find and living large. In a survival situation, one can not "always be prepared". Learning and practicing the skills is most important tool you can have.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

+C. R. Allen Sounds like you had a fantastic childhood! What a great way to spend time. One an never practice this stuff enough

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Sounds cool. I show how to cut and wrap the do rags in "The Gear Video" in case you want to see how I do it. I had my bowl cooker out just last weekend. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool, its good that I make you wanna go. Its tons of fun and relaxing. thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@Gevedon Ha ha, thats pretty cool. them beavers can be very loud. I do love boats too. Thanks for watching Gev.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@TheMountainRN Thanks man, Im glad you liked it, and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! Im glad you liked it, Thanks for watching my friend.

[@WORRO]

@Reallybigmonkey1 hey man,, i read your post and had to think about my cup a sec,,, went and looked, it's a 1918, just to clear that up... The canteen is a 43, and the cup is an 18, but yeah man, aint that cool! I dont know the history of these two items, but they've been here a day or two. You having your Grand paw's equipment is really awesome, you KNOW where that cup came from!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Because Im just about as southern as the south gets. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thats very cool, you know how much fun this is. You should try to get a camera and film it if you ever get the chance. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@brianwofford3831]

Again good video,very realistic, I enjoyed the experiential aspect of it. Man, I am so glad Ican watch this so I don't have to do it. I am so hooked on modern day hammock camping!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Brian! I love modern gear but sometimes camping with assorted junk like this is adventurous.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I have crawled inside a bag full of leaves but never a bag in a bag. Thats a very good idea tho, theres all kinds of crap in them leaves. Thanks for the idea and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Well I had to cook with whatever was in the pack. I didnt pack any of the gear, my son packed it, dumped me out and left me there to try and make do with what I had. Trangia does make some excellent cookware. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Ive heard of the vaseline cotton balls about a million times and Ive never cared for them. For me, sometimes they dont want to light. The ole alcohol always burns. I never thought about ramen seasoning for the rice. Thats a good idea because I always have about a half a pack left over anyway. I never use the full pack on noodle. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@ez2curanut Coals, yes. Thats because I like small fires so I can keep them manageable and I can have my steamer almost directly on it. Takes less wood too.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are welcome. Thank you for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@houseoffire72 That idea came from the disgusting fact, ha ha , that every time I get cut in the wild, there is dirt in the cut. The cardboard in the rubbing alcohol is a good way to scrape the dirt out of a cut, and a cool firestarter. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@DannyWalker1949]

I like the weather and rain and lightening.....that stuff has never bothered me, darn I wish I was there and enjoy it myself.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Rain and cold is ok but the lightening has bothered me ever since I saw it hit a tree right in front of me once. Man, it is some serious power!

[@DannyWalker1949]

I was once in a field and it was storm'n and there was 16 cow's under a tree not to far from me appox 600 ft and I seen the Lighting strike hit the tree and it killed everyone of the cows. It can and will do alot of damage. I kinda know what you feel.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@LindaJ121 I love that grill because It fits in my pack or my pants leg pocket. That makes it easier to find for a quick cup of coffee.

[@ricklindsey3150]

Hello david, I have started watching these again. Great job ,as always.

[@Gevedon]

Yay! That ole beaver again. Once after a small rating trip, we were floating along in the dark, my brother in the front of the boat... all of the sudden ole beaver came up out of the water behind my bro and slapped his tail... scared the livin' daylights out of him! So funny, good times..... I miss having a boat! :)

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

No main survival kit. My pack and the contents always are tailored for the environment. It varies for the woods, the swamp, the wetlands or the mountains. It also varies for if its one day or three. I work full time as a machinist and Im 45 years old.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@medicjimr I could tell Im getting old too. I actually used to sleep in trees! Ha Ha, yes Jim, if you get a chance, pack some gear and go out by yourself. It is amazing.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Im David, Mike is Bushcratbartons. LOL. I do love all surplus gear.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Well I'd say bring some gear to keep from being miserable. Since its near a river bring some kinda bug protection and watch out for snakes. they are coming outta the wood work this time of year. With the 12 Ga. you should have no problems. All I had was a machete and a knife. God luck brother.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Northwest Georgia. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I gotta tell ya, the sounds not far from that rver at night were so peaceful. A recording wouldnt do justice to really being there. Nope, I did not add a Laura Branigan video. I do put a lo of her videos in my favorites tho, Laura is my favorite singer of all time. Funny thing, my sister looks just like Trisha Yearwood! Thanks for watching my friend.

[@JustInCases72]

I think rough in the wood is better than being at home on the couch

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

+John Reynolds Absolutely John!

[@WinStunSmith]

Amen!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@545allec Very good to hear, I wish I could make them for a living. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Danny00201]

Hey man got to say I love your vids down to earth and showing the none glamerous sid of things but still able to enjoy yourself and see the bright side of it. I am fixing to do the same thing soon hope to post it on my page see what people think. Thanks for posting man.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Yes, I did not pack the pack. I dont even own any sleeping bags or fancy hammocks. I have one of the lousy jungle net hammocks that I use sometimes. I normally carry a bivy sack and or a wool blanket. The sleeping bags I had in the past werent waterproof as far as I know. I trust a bivy sack for its waterproof qualities.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@WORRO01 Well the idea came from a guy that used to carry cardboard strips as a firestarter. I like to carry alcohol for cuts and scrapes, I just carry them together! I have my granddads cup,stove,stand and fuel carrier. I do not like bringing his world war 2 cup in the field but, Knowing I would be away from my home and my son and alone, the cup gave me a safe feeling. You got a 1914? That is very cool! Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Absolutely. Some times ya gotta work with what you have and make the best of it. Or at least tell yourself that, lol. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@KLeverage29]

These survival vacation videos are excellent!! I like the way you didn't pack your own bag and I thing it was good that you didn't like the place you were staying but you made do with what you had :) great video man!!

[@jnyt81]

I know this was hard for you, but the main thing you had .... A great attitude to it. You made me smile. Great videos

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I agree completely! This southern boy would be in bad shape in the winter in Washington. Snow in Georgia is about as rare as three dollar bill, LOL. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool, thats good to hear. On T.V. they go with no food or no gear. In real life, you can go with minimal food and a pack full of unrelated gear and have fun and still test yourself. I'd like to do more things like this one but, finding the time to get away for more than one day is getting hard to do. Yes, get out and try this, it will be a cool memory youll have forever.Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks man! Thats always good to hear stuff like that, my coworkers think Im weird, ha ha. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@antonmalinenlind6308]

Have you tried filling a large garbage bag full with leafs and then putting another garbage bag inside it which you crawl into so that the leafs act as an insulating layer? Like a sleeping bag... Works good even if the leafs are wet.

[@WORRO]

Well something I never heard of, and learned, alcohol swabs using cardboard, man what a great idea, never even considered that, so thanks for the info. The cup you used that was your Granddaddies was very cool! I have an old 1943 US canteen I carry, it has the cup its a 1914 cup(old), both in great shape, and guess where it was made lol :) great vid's man IM enjoying this stuff! Thumbs up~John

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Youve got all the base covered, thats cool. youre more perpared than most.

[@WhatsUpWithSheila]

I LOVE THIS...tough conditions, good series 👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I have some great memories from this trip!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I had no idea what was packied in the backpack and I had to work with what I was given.

[@JBreeze4598]

"Ugly Reality" sounds like a good name for a 80's Punk Rock band, Cool find/ repurpose on the home made rice cooker Awesome on your Granddads Cup, I have my Granddads WWII Army issued knife , but it is for show not carried . on to part 3.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Lol, cool name! I've since retired carrying my grandfather's cup. It's irreplaceable. Thanks for watching brother

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@windyhillpatriot Well it might sound bad but, on one nighters, I use nothing.Two or more nights, and I use a toothbrush thats been cut in half and one of them small travel size tubes of toothpase.I also carry them little plastic tooth pick type dental floss forks. When I have nothing with me, I cut a fresh piece of any evergreen tree, carve it into alittle fuzz stick and scrub my teeth with that and some water. hope that helps someday, take care man!

[@ArizonaDesertGypsy]

Great Video, can't wait to see the rest, one word of advice, carry some Denatured alcohol gel (like you get in a Sterno burner) works great for getting a fire going in wet conditions. Saved my ass about a year ago on the Mogollon Rim. In a pitch you can use Hand Sanitizer gel as long as it is the kinda w/o aloe.

[@SouthernBear71]

keep in mind, in a survival situation, things are not going to be 5 star conditions. the worse conditions possible makes for the truth of survival preparedness. great videos. love your channel

[@wtr7]

Survival Vacation 2, Hey I thought this was going to be a Chevy Chase movie, what gives - kidding lol. Thanks for the videos. wtr7

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

LOL, man I have heard that before. Ive been told that machine that converts language has trouble understanding my southern accent. Ha Ha. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@HikeordieTV]

Nice work friend. People don't understand how uncomfortable survival is until they do it. That's the advantage that we have by putting ourselves in less than ideal situations.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@enjoythewildUSA I am allergic to it I guess because I do catch it. I never use any chemicals or other products to stop it, I just always wear long sleeves and gloves and pants. I know most normal hikers wear shorts and T-shirts and I would too if i was hiking trails where I didnt have to walk through or rub up against so much crap. I absolutley have to cover up, in the summer I at least have started wearing breathable polyester. And yes, poison ivy covers this area of the south.

[@timwolford4802]

Pocket bellows is wonderful no kneeling down to blow on the fire. $20 but you could use a car antenna if they still make them.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Sometimes I use a short length of stainless tubing

[@westone4u]

cotton balls rubbed in vaseline make a good fire starter too and you can carry 100 in a small baggy,also the I was hoping you would add a little bit of the ramen seasoning to the rice for some flavor,great video,I have been watching them for a few hours :)!

[@Pawoodsman]

Really Nice Dave I can remember roughing it years ago maybe I need to do it every once in awhile to stir the soul . But damn I am getting old lol

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@WORRO01 You dont know who had it but, theres probably some seroius history in that cup. I just got back from a weekend trip and I brought my grand dads cup for my son to drink out of because you kinda reminded me of it. It will be in the next video. Take care man.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@BeneliM1014 Ha Ha, I would have to guess hes from the south then. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

@uncoolkid2 Glad you asked, yes there is a couple of guys that I think are into sending out survival challenges. Their channel name is FloridaAdventurers. PM them and ask if they are still doing that. They may or may not. If not, maybe you could put out a video asking another youtuber to trade challenge packages with you. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@OHpink]

Dhave you tried the Biolite stove. I am thinking about buying one. It is around $129. It has a charger on it that runs on the fire burning. You can burn small sticks and pinecones.

[@jestragon]

For sure. Generally I carry (1) a small Bic lighter in my pocket, (2) a firesteel either in my leatherman charge pouch in the top compartment of my pack or on my person, depending on the situation (3) 35mm film can of waterproof matches, bicycle innertube sleeve on the can, permanently in my pack, + scraps of innertube in my pack and innertube also protecting the bottom inches of my golok sheath (4) I can make fire by friction

[@robertcritch9896]

I have watched a lot of your videos over the years, and have always said" I like your Style". But your shelter in this video made me laugh. Thankfully the was not much wind. Dragonheartsurvival.

[@erickwest8817]

Hey, trash bags are waterproof and in a pinch, a hell of a lot better than nothing.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Its good to have a back to your back up, aint it?

[@EarthBlue2]

You have excellent Ideas. I give you 5 stars.Sincerely Whispering Cloud.