Survival Training The Pathfinder Scout Course - A Review, How to be Successful, and Earn that Patch!

The Pathfinder School Scout/Intermediate Course is no joke! One must be physically and mentally prepared and have all the necessary prerequisite skills to be successful. This is a review of the gear I took into the course, some tips and tricks, deliverables in the course that are required to pass, and a little motivation for those intending to attend the course in the future. Know the basics and be ready to execute advanced skills in this course! Enjoy!
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Check out these links to my gear! Disclaimer: there is no added cost to you for purchase. I receive a commission through the Amazon Affiliate Program.
Solo Stove Pot 1800:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Mora Garberg:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Leatherman Surge:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Bahco 24" Buck Saw Blade Green Wood:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
ESEE Fire Steel:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Ferro Rod:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Alpaca Wool Blanket:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Black Diamond 400 Lumen Headlamp:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Suunto MC-2:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Rite in the Rain 8.5 x 11" Note Book:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Tarred Mariner's Line:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Mechanix Camo Gloves:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...

[@shocktroop0351]

Hey brother, Great review, I’m really enjoying your channel! To the other viewers: I was at the same course and Andrew is telling the truth 100% about the class. Pay special attention to his 5 tips, I personally couldn’t agree more and Andrew wasn’t just another guy trying to make it to the end, he truly set the example at the class and I appreciated getting to train alongside him. He brought some things to my attention during our discussions pertaining to character and mental toughness that really got me to take notice, and Andrew is 100% the lead by example real deal. While there is a technical side to the skills being taught there, learning to manage your mental state and your physical discomfort are huge. Stay positive and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. It sucks for everyone but you have control over your reaction.

[@cantstartafire]

Move with a sense of purpose. Absolutely. That can't be stressed enough. Great channel, Cheers!

[@MrSupertim996]

Spot on! My pops drilled that into me as a kid. I did that with my sons. Truer words were never spoken.

[@penniechrispickard728]

I'm 51. 18 years in national guard. Was med boarded out. Looking at your videos to learn and for mental and physical healing. I'm from southern Missouri and am used to the outdoors. Really enjoy your training videos. Thanks. Hooah!!

[@ventureoutbushcraft6378]

Congratulations on the patch. This is probably the best breakdown and tips video I've seen. This guy is spot on. Thanks. Subscribed !!!

[@RangerSurvivalandFieldCraft]

Thank you! I’ll work hard to keep that sub!

[@daddysharkadventures1638]

Thank you ,major,for the motivational comments on one's sense of purpose. One of the most awesomely motivating things I've heard in a long time.

[@trailtrashoutdoors8173]

I've always wanted to attend the course just to get some compound learning and see if this old dog can learn new tricks! Thanks for sharing!

[@greengofishing]

What an inspiration! I’m a 52 y.o. Eagle Scout who still loves the outdoors and challenges. Watching this really stoked me to start getting back into better form and set this course as a goal. Excellent channel sir. Keep up the hard work and videos. Really enjoy ‘em.

[@shawnmaginness9872]

I grew up camping and playing in and around beaver creek in Amherst, OH. As time goes by and I experience more places, I'm more and more grateful for having grown up there at that time. I think most kids now live such drastically different lives and don't develop the kinds of skills that can help you survive out there. Hell, the power goes out for an hour during a storm and they lose their minds! I can remember getting excited when the power went out, because it meant we got to play with flashlights and tell scary stories! And moving with a sense of purpose is probably the most difficult thing to get kids to grasp these days. At least, in my experience. At first, I thought it was just my kids, but after spending time around their friends... It seems to be a common thread. Awesome work, as always! I absolutely love your videos! Thank you for all the knowledge!

[@59CRUISER1]

Excellent video Andrew. Tip number #5 alone is psychology 101, dig deep. Sense of purpose ignites motivation, motivation fuels purpose / reason. The greater the sense of purpose the greater the motivational energy (mental fortitude). Therefore, failure is not a option. I'd have you on my team any day.

[@firemanforever3000]

Condensed, useful, no Bull info. I’m glad that the Corporal recommended your channel.

[@fishingthe910]

Congrats on passing the course, I've heard its one of the best and hardest set of schools you can attend in the civilian world. There's no way I could pass it. I know my way around the woods, but have become comfortable with some of the new age products but bushcrafting is something I enjoy watching and learning about.

[@sdr22630]

Congratulations on doing something I could not. I loved hearing about it and will have to settle for a vicarious experience in lieu of the real thing. I appreciate, as I’m sure others do, your straightforward , no BS review and helpful instructions. 👍

[@55Quirll]

Same here, being in Thailand now and not in Virginia, my home state, it would make taking the course difficult.

[@flyyinryan]

getting caught up on your older videos during some downtime. I have struggled to find an effective way to motivate some of the knuckleheads I work with. They waste time walking in circles or talking in between tasks, then become so distracted they forget what they were trying to accomplish. When you said to "move with a sense of purpose" it clicked in my head. I have always known and practiced that in my work and interests, to the point that I thought it was common knowledge. Hearing you say it out loud in this video made me realize that there are A LOT of people out there just walking in circles being distracted and wasting time, going through the motions without a sense of purpose. Thank you for the "AH-HA" moment..!!

[@IronSharpensIron127]

Man you don't know how much I miss the Army. God bless

[@rogerrodgersen7702]

Awesome, Great work, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Edit G’day from Australia Keep on keeping on 👍👍👍👍👍

[@layer8man]

Great review and job in the course! It was a real pleasure getting to meet you there and look forward to seeing you in the Advanced class!

[@RangerSurvivalandFieldCraft]

Thanks! You too!

[@user-ci2mn1oy3w]

The Siberian fire lay projects all of its heat in one direction, twice as far as a normal fire. Up in a hammock, 6" off of the ground (if it's cold) your synthetic materials are adequately protected from popping embers. Rain cannot extinguish a Siberian once it's burning well. So you can have it safely outside of your canopy and still get its warmth and ability to dry things out. YT has vids about the "improved' and "alternative' Swedish fire torch which is what you use to ignite the Siberian or to cook when all is wet. You can keep a swede or 2 dry under your canopy or under some primitive shelter. Both fire lays will burn green, wet wood. The only dry wood you need is to make the shavings with which you stuff the empty center of the 4-log Swede. Steel wire is best for assembling a Swede bundle.

[@theaveragewoodsman6002]

Excellent review and gear list. I passed the Pathfinder Basic last year, went to Randall's Adventure and Training Advanced Bushcrafter Course earlier this year and plan to attend the Pathfinder Intermediate Course in September. This video was helpful in understanding what to expect. Thanks!

[@EPGunman]

Congrats on passing the course. I had a physical setback (broken leg lol) so I was not able to attend this year but I am hoping soon that I can get there. Thanks for the nuggets of wisdom!!! Again congrats and it pays to be comfortable being uncomfortable sometimes

[@maryspeight2840]

Very well done. The phrase " Move with a sense of purpose " was a catch phrase that was instilled in me by my dad very early on in my childhood. This will be my "new" mantra for 2021 almost 50 yrs later. Truth is never changed , it always the truth. RLTW Guy Speight

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Very good summary of the intermediate course brother. I have been there for many of them and each one is slightly different. The one you attended was one of the more difficult ones that I remember. You did an outstanding job all the way around. I look forward to seeing you come back for Advanced class when it works out for you to do so. Take care brother and keep up the good work!

[@RangerSurvivalandFieldCraft]

Thank you sir, and for the instruction during the course. I had a great time at the class and look forward to coming back!

[@DDiskin69]

This was, by far, your best video! The information was clear and concise, and the explanations of why some gear worked and some did not, was excellent. I was also impressed by your candid discussion of what to expect, without sugar coating the discomforts. Your advice is critically important and straightforward, which is a blessing. I am about to embark on my first class at Pathfinders, and I am looking forward to experience with great anticipation. Thank you again for this video!

[@mvincent5621]

Another great video, Mr Canterburys videos were among the first videos I started watching on you tube. I think its great that even with all your hard earned practical knowledge, you are open learning more from others. To me that's a sign of good character. Great idea showing everyone what southern ohio terrain will do to your gear. Another excellent video , thank you and keep up the good work.

[@drcsep]

Congrats amigo. Your words are full of honesty. Thanks for the advice. Enjoy the rest of Turkey Day. Blessings 🙏🏻

[@carlm7764]

HA! "move with purpose" love it. I tell the kids at work that "I move with purpose" Good vid

[@unfi6798]

Another Cowabunga vids matey. You're correct about being mentally & physically prepared & moving with a purpose. I can see you in the future carrying DC baton. Cheers matey.

[@user-ci2mn1oy3w]

replace the SS serrated knife blade in the Crunch with one made from an Old Hickory paring knife. Toss the SS file and Phillips blades and replace them with real deal files by Nicholson. One should be a 3 sided file, for sharpening the saw teeth. The medium flathead becomes a chisel and a scoop knife. The small flathead becomes and awl and two edged drill, so you can use it to make mounting holes in the various shovel handles that you make. You're carrying at least 8 lbs and a lot of bulk that is superfluous. You should go with a buttpack and a daypack, so you can empty them out, stuff them with dry debris and use them as sleeping pads, preferably up in the hammock. You'll have to add a much wider, stiffer belt to the buttpack. Your spare socks become the pads for your shoulder harness. Your spare T shirt and boxer shorts are your hip pads.

[@pack44tv85]

Congratulations!!! Your insight and tips are very much appreciated Sir!!

[@de8851]

Wow! I am so glad to here someone else say that. Forth most point of contact!!!! Love it man!!!

[@pearleelife]

Congrats and thanks for what you do to educate!

[@johnfernandez3166]

Man thank you so much for all the info you're given out I'm learning a lot from you and someday soon plan on taking those courses I need this

[@nestoryaguareteaba4694]

Thanks for all the videos, I learn a lot. Cheers from Buenos Aires, Argentina

[@jayjenkins4721]

CPL Kelly told me to give you a shot, but little did he know I've already seen a couple of your videos. Watched a few more tonight and sub'd mainly on this one since being USAF and ANG since 1986 (A-10 maintenance Crew Chief for the past 11 years (OIF, OEF, OIR)) understand 100% your 5 tips and practice them in daily life...well, other than the basic course tip since I haven't done it, so okay 4 tips...heh. The Pathfinder courses has to be better than the SERE CBT courses we took to be deployed (just kidding) and some sort of hands on should have been taught to everyone heading downrange. Great info and great video sir.

[@richardgummere84]

Congratulations on passing the course. Thanks for the tips and info. Happy Thanksgiving, Brother!

[@IntoTheWildernessBushcraft]

Your videos are always top notch. Thanks, Andrew! 👊🏼🥾🏔

[@claybogle]

I love your lessons brother! I appreciate all you are sharing with us. Thanks for your teaching and for your hard work. Shalom.

[@craigmooring2091]

Congratulations! I had no doubt you would make it. Good of you to pass on those tips.

[@DisabledPrepper]

I learned so much! Thank you Major.

[@glynnellis5050]

Thank you Andrew, another great video.

[@chasenolot5195]

Congratulations on your new accomplishment. Always enjoy your informative and instructional videos. Looking forward to the next one

[@rodyewell2267]

Good job man thanks for this video and all the information.

[@erickmo1188]

Great job brother! Looking forward to attending a class myself. Hopefully you’ll make it up to an instructor school and possibly provide some of the same experiences in your eco system. I think the pathfinder school system is definitely the most comprehensive wilderness survival course available as of right now.

[@mathewhenderson5757]

Solid video. Great content for the community. Excellent period of instruction

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Congratulations on completing the SRO Scout Course! Good video too! Your 5 tips remind me of the tips I was given prior to Ranger School (class 11/77) - RLTW

[@nomad211d]

Andrew, of all of your videos that I've watched this is my favorite. I have a digital notepad I use for work that I keep track of my tasking projects, important notes, etc. At the top, I've got a few of my favorite motivational quotes. I've just added "Move with a sense of purpose" because hearing you say it really struck home with how I like to operate. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. Wish you the very best sir.

[@edcrowley1726]

thank you for sharing your knowledge of the course......it was excellent

[@dennisyoung4496]

Glad you did well in the course. And again thank you for sharing what you've learned and added tips. At 72 I don't see me going, but I love to learn different things. In these times survival is at the top of the list.

[@mikelychock0310]

Great, informative video! Thanks for making and sharing, sure many future students and survival enthusiasts will benefit from it.

[@johnblocher8431]

Great review of the course - a lot of excellent information and great 5 tips at the end. So true.

[@juancamilolovo2546]

Very motivating reflections for everything in life! Your rock 🤘🏻

[@journeyman7189]

Great breakdown Andrew and congrats on passing the course. Move with a sense of purpose is great advise. Nate

[@ryanphillips2380]

Congratulations on the patch major great video

[@colewiggins2955]

Congratulations! You motivate me. Hope I can make it to the course one day. Happy thanksgiving!

[@concretecowboy4212]

Congratulations ! Bow drill frm white pine. Humm ! Obviously white pine doesn't hve the resin of yellow. Outstanding !!

[@user-ci2mn1oy3w]

modify the shovel, so you can swap out various lengths and configurations of handles for it, made on-site. It can become a paddle, a 2 handed axe (with stone weight) a spear, a stand up shovel, or an adze/pick/rake/hoe, a vertical ice-chipper/post-hole differ. Without any handle, it's a "big knife', prybar, trowel and SKILLET. Alter the handle to be oval, like a hatchet. This greatly increases the accuracy of your strikes when chopping and also greatly reduces the stress on your hands, wrists and forearms when chopping. Except for trimming small branches, or clearing jungle growth, the saw blades are much safer, quieter and more efficient than any chopping tool. You want a pair of 10" saw blades, a big toothed one for ripping with the grain or green wood and a much finer-toothed one for cross cutting hard wood. You dont want to have to dig with your axe or a stick, folks.

[@pacediver2594]

Very well spoken and informative,great advice for someone who what’s to attend those courses

[@peterperfect1625]

Excellent video, Clear and concise , thoroughly entertaining. Thankyou

[@user-gu1bu9em8f]

Great tip on the pace beads. I broke a bead on mine when i droped my pack on the concrete while preparing to load out for Desert Storm in 1990. After watching your vidio i felt down right stupid that i never thought about useing rubber to replace it. That makes perfect sence to me. I am now going to make all new beads for myself and my grandkids. Thank you so much for this and all the other great videos you and your instructors provide.

[@nateplissken3019]

Man that course sounds awesome! Outstanding AAR! Definitely a course that I will look into thanks to this video. Thanks for sharing.

[@robman247]

Like I always say Nice show and tell keep it up and congratulations on you patching, Happy thanksgiving to you and all

[@bowdiersackett6433]

Great information and congratulations. I did Basic Oct 2 to 4th and wanted to do this class..a few guys going for instructor in my class where in this one..but i didn't have enough time to learn bowdrill, bucksaw and work on PAUL navigation before class..next year for me 👍

[@frankvega4993]

Great video a so much information on what expect on the course👍🏼👍🏼

[@ebony5766]

This was a really great video. I came across it by chance, and am glad I did.

[@survivalapache7331]

Thanks for sharing Andrew

[@xionix4]

I am loving your channel. Thank you and thanks to Corporal's Corner for sharing your channel with me. :)

[@weschaffin]

35 mins well worth burning if this type of stuff interests you. Thanks Andrew....Congrats on Scout!

[@peterbogart4531]

This is a convicting video, Skipper. Getting a little of the reason why you do this stuff. When the going gets tough, the tough get going, all right. One item I want to find or make is a light camping tarpaulin really tough enough to resist Arizona desert thorns and cactus, to put under my small, light umbrella tent. I am talking about protection from cholla, prickly pear, goat heads , etc. Also, I somewhat respect raccoons and don't want to cook or eat the little bandits. I would admit that eating them would beat starvation or cannibalism, though. Could also help preserve some crops. Please note, though, that the older they get as pets, the more likely they are to eat a baby's ears off, or something. Just an FYI to raccoon domesticators. Wild IS wild. Turnabout is fair play, too.

[@user-sl5qz3lg2e]

Another great video. Your presentation and information are very enjoyable.

[@joshbomar7162]

Good information & presentation. Anyone planning to take a serious surival school course like the Pathfinder scout course would definitely benefit from watching your video. I like your enthusiasm . Congrats on the patch.

[@nathanharris5197]

Do they let you use polypropylene thermal underwear top & bottoms? Do they allow you to wear gortex outer jacket & pants? I'm "Doc Harris" Ex-10th Mountain Division 3/14 Infantry Ft. Drum, N.Y. I wanted to go for Pathfinder Patch/Badge, but at the time all the battalion SFC's took up the slots and as an E-5, I just got put on the list and was low man on the totem pole. I wanted to tell you though, your S.E.R.E. blocks of instructions are dead center, keep FFE with your information. It's all spot on. You've probably saved lives or kept civilians from injuring themselves with your information. Great Job Troop! 🤠😎👊🏾👍🏾 In "The Mountain" we did S.E.R.E. every single day, that's why I know your on point. I didn't get to go to Pathfinder course though. It was ETS time. But damn I wanted that patch though. Oh well, that was then this is now and it wasn't meant to be.

[@dangudgeon3833]

Thanks for the review. Congratulations on patching, I had no doubt you would succeed! Enjoy your time in the midwest. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@Pug351]

Good review. You're videos are one of the few channels I've enjoyed on survival. My family is Apache from the rez in NM/AZ area. I've been doing " survival" skills since the 60s before most of these "experts" were born. I know and have met most of the early pioneers in the industry decades ago. My problem with Canterbury is his integrity. Yes, he has some good info but he is a liar and can't be trusted. He's admitted himself he lied to bring in money. I wouldn't give the man a dime for any of his classes or store. Survival is about tribe. Not some ego boosting weekend adventure for a bunch of white boys that want to play mountain man. A tribe must insure ALL survive, including infants and the elderly. Cantebury always has a gimmick going. Taking people out to starve and get them to quit is NOT "survival".

[@Romulu5]

No disrespect, but there are a lot of 'white boys', hard men all over the world, doing 'survival' for decades, as a way of life. Mountain areas come to mind. Although, I tend to agree Canterbury is kinda shaddy. Take care.

[@michaelhrivnak1719]

Your right in many ways, about the tribe mentality. But you are fortunate to have people around you who have the knowledge, skills, and wisdom to teach you. Most of us do not. I believe this course is designed to replicate the hardships encountered in real life survival. And maybe you may not have a support group around you to help. It would be wonderful to learn skills the way you learned. From your elders. Skills learned, and tested thru time. As opposed to "crash courses". As to Mr. Canterbury, I felt the same as you. He did his best to make things right. Trust does not come easy, after losing it. But whether you like him or not, trust him or not, he does have many good skill sets. That's my bottom line! Will I attend his schools? No. But not because of anything that happened in the past. We can't change the past. Would I go to learn Native American ways of living off the land? In a heart beat! Take good care sir. The best of everything to you and your family!

[@nickcasolino8903]

WOW! It sounds like an amazing course. Love it.

[@kennethvalerio1294]

Nice work ty for the valuable information.

[@nancygreggpasiecznik4673]

Ranger, this was an excellent video.

[@SKAbada]

09:08 « my buddy was already on his b… on his fourth point of contact » 😅👏

[@claudeoverstreet8791]

I have been watching your videos and learning a lot. I deeply appreciate you sharing your skills and knowledge! Congratulations on your accomplishment!

[@RangerSurvivalandFieldCraft]

Thank you!

[@wazza2903]

Well done Andrew, I've been waiting for this video 👍🏻🍻🇦🇺

[@SavageVoyageur]

Congrats on earning that patch. Great video. I learned a lot that I will keep for the future.

[@gerardmartyn7596]

Good information. Thank you. Plan on taking the course soon. Be safe.😎

[@williammoore4646]

Another Awesome Video Andrew!

[@zongongo]

Big thumbs up for sharing your pep talk / philosophy, 👍🏻

[@bruceclyne5254]

Greetings from Alabama! This was one of your best videos: focused on “the down and dirty” information needed to successfully complete the course. Rangers lead the way. 🇺🇸

[@karlshook4586]

Thanks for replying. I think the basic coarse is where I want to start. Good luck with the advanced course but after watching a few of your videos I think you’re going to crush it.

[@MrTimbok1]

Awesome video. Thanks for the info!

[@hossain-alkabir2725]

Thank you very much for your advices. I will hair your these advices again and again to apply my life when go for long time tour our countries villages and hilly areas.

[@edwardledesma2283]

Great video well detailed. I like the do’s and don’t.

[@maryfrederickson2526]

Well, my favorite quote of the day is : " You always know a steely-eyed killer by the suppleness of his lips." Probably will find a use for that saying in the next few days! On another note, thanks for the always great info. Something new is learned each time I tune you in.

[@jparker4293]

Thank you for this video, I enjoyed it immensely. I plan on taking the basic class sometime and then accordingly the advanced classes after. I live on the west coast so it may be some time before I am able to take them. But I want to be as prepared as I can be when I do. Again Thank you for sharing your experience and advice.

[@SurvivalLiving]

I am signing up for the September Course at the end of the month. I have been training with what gear I do have and ordered alot more that they have posted necessary items. I do appreciate your information here. I have been working on crafting the items you have show and been working nearly every day on my bow drill.

[@chevelless1428]

Thank you for your input....very helpful

[@tacticalcornbread3506]

I like the interchangeable saw blade on the surge it uses standard t slot jigsaw blades. I think you can order a standard saw for it on the Leatherman website. Great video and congrats on completing the course.

[@KnifeCrazzzzy]

Great review of the course! 🙌🏻

[@mudpuppy1431]

Your 5 tips were awesome.

[@jimhale3879]

Thank you! Out standing

[@xingmenneigong]

thank you, loved this vid, please make more videos on mental toughness, move with a sense of purpose, creating the right attitude etc. thanks again

[@richardlobb6027]

Good video , keep'em coming!!

[@clayjohnson9498]

Outstanding video!

[@dangudgeon3833]

Congratulations on your latest achievement in Ohio! I didn't know you were going so soon. I will be there in June for the basic class. Thanks for all your videos that have helped me prepare for the class. Looking forward to your next video! Dan

[@capefearcapt4679]

Great video, thanks for sharing.