The Truth Is... We are NOT TOUGH ENOUGH for OFF GRID LIFE.

[@MrDavidlfields]

I think the biggest difference is a family vs a single college kit. It is one thing to chase and invent who YOU want YOURSELF to be. It is entirely different when also choosing to try and build the whole family. Stay Gold. I’m pray you find where you are happy.

[@jmessick8163]

Exactly!! Less is demanded when it’s just one or two adults but when children are added to the equation things are a lot different. My family did it for a few years then came to the consensus it’s doable but why put our bodies and our children to such existence. Maybe if you have endless money to throw at problems as they arise because they will, it’s not such a glamorous and peaceful life. We are the only family in our small community that went on grid so I still see the struggles of my neighbors. Everyday I am thankful to not have to worry about power or water on a regular basis just to survive the next 24 hours, no trips into town to fill up water. My family’s time is better used to thrive and enjoy one another😊

[@michaelcogley3150]

Agree. I'm 53 years old with three adult children and it was hard enough raising those kids living in cushy suburbia. It's hard to equate the challenges of a single man vs a man (and wife) raising a family. To be clear, I don't believe that's the intent of the content producer. He knows very well the challenges of raising kids. At 7 years old I was captivated watching the television series Grizzly Adams and I knew at that age I wanted that life. Maybe 2-3 years later I read the book My Side of the Mountain and I was mesmerized. And, of course, there's Dick Proenneke. I've never made it out of suburbia, although I do take time for myself to go adventuring away from civilization. I have a lovely wife, but it's not her thing. I'm afraid I'm stuck in suburbia forever. I'm not looking for sympathy; I don't have a bad life. Just saying there's somewhere else I'd rather be:) Best wishes for the success of this family.

[@y-yyy]

This! Not to mention that this family has not one kid, but SIX! That is insane. Honestly, in my eyes they are extremely brave for even trying out this off-grid summer experiment.

[@AuntNutmeg]

My dream is to live on grid, on a homestead, but to have backup systems for emergencies/ contingencies. Electric down? No sweat, cook on the wood burning stove. Heat out? No problem, warm up the place with a wood burning stove/fire place, etc. Under a boil water advisory? Use the collected rain water and a filter system. I want a resilient home in which my husband and I can be comfortable and help neighbors, family, and friends.

[@Sophisticlesenergy]

Now this is a goal that is a lot more achievable and a goal that is genuinely sustainable for the masses. Good on you.

[@uarestrong76]

I do that rn in a major city and it's GREAT. 50x100sqft lot. 1300sq ft ranch home. 3bed2ba, woodstove with electric heat and window AC. had a 6 day winter storm this january and comfortably heated our home with wood the whole time. Actually Power company started charging +20% this year, went up so much that we've moved to primarily wood heating now. Dropped the bill by 150bucks. There's tons of wood for free on craigslist or delivered by arbor companies.. Run out of water. No problem got a rain barrel that's always full by the garden, extra potable water containers and a berkey filter in the shed. Got months of food stored up in our ceiling high pantry and two full small chest freezers which we stock with grass fed beef and lamb every few yrs. Unfortunately we fucked up our solar emergency backup but that's something we'll fix in the future. And we don't have any NEED for power that's more a comfort thing lke being able to charge a phone or something. I don't think we're ever gonna move. I used to dream about off grid but got diagnosed young with some chronic/genetic health issues and I need to be close to my friends, doctors etc.

[@LittleKi1]

My entire life in the lower-48 has been a gloriously cushy existence compared to my childhood in Alaska. I never get tired of it and don't feel remotely bad about it! Your kids will look back on this as a great adventure they will remember the rest of their lives.

[@jotairpontes]

Great content. My family (grandmother and mother as a kid) came from a very simple "off the grid life" (not because it was cool, because it was what it was), living in a really small house, no electricity, washing dishes by a small river, outhouse, hours to get to a doctor or market, no refrigerator, etc. Eventually they went out of this rural area in search of more opportunities and more quality of life. So I grew up with stories of how tough things are off the grid and, as a kid and teen, we visited a lot of grandma friends that still lived that life for a while and got to experience a lot of that (even if only for one or two days at a time), so I find kinda funny when some people say they really want to live off the grid in a very simple way (ie no electricity, washing machine, etc) and they have no idea what they are going into, specially if you are married, even more if you have kids. Some of these people never even camped, don't even know what an outhouse is. My mother says she would never go back and that "it's easy to get used to better things, not the other way around". So if you never had washing machines, warm showers, refrigerator, toilets, etc., once you have it, you don't want to lose that; but if you always had it, you might think that you don't really need it... until you lose it, then you understand how great it is. Could you get used to living without any of that? I'm sure you could, but it's easier if you never had it in the first place. What is being sold today is just this ''mythical view" of the ''old ways'' and how ''simple things were better'', and while I think there is some truth here and there, that we could adjust some stuff, a lot of that is just bs. Speaking for myself, I enjoy camping with my wife for a day sometimes, going for small hikes here and there, but at the end of the day I want my warm shower, in a hot day I want my A/C, my refrigerator with meat, fruits, etc., because I've heard from grandma and mom, and I've experienced - briefly as a kid and teen - what it's like without any of that, and while there are fun moments and good memories, the reality is that a lot of that just sucks.

[@lizpecone2801]

Really appreciate your transparency with this journey. It has been really illuminating to watch you all experience the realities of this life we all think (thought?) we want(ed).

[@jmrivera83]

"What kind of question is that". Best quote ever! Kids are so brutally honest... wish adults could be like that too. 🤔 Then maybe I wouldn't be looking into homesteading.

[@preschoolhomestead]

"Remembering Aust" had me laughing so hard. 😂😂😂 Can't wait to see the episode!

[@tazgirlak69]

Being an Alaskan myself I can appreciate your series on finding out if Off grid is for you.. The title I feel isn't click bait at all. I feel you are showing appropriate thoughts and feelings you and your family are having. You are discovering that its not something that happens at a snap of a finger. Even people who go off grid for van life or what not most have taken some prep of some kind. Your tile was spot on. You asked a question or made a statement, however you want to look, at it in just a few words. You even say the words out loud. I am glad that you met up with Matt. And finding out its a process. I would love to see a bunch of videos from your trip in a short amount of time. But I appreciate and enjoy the time you are taking on each episodes and know the areas you are staying or stayed in and access to upload might not have been great. How did you all enjoy the long days of light? Did you find it helpful to get things done?

[@redtesta]

The story on this guy he kept painting as " this 17 year old, had nothing ,no money" then he had $500 dollars. Then went to school. Every time the guy in the story talked about what he did he actually kept saying WE. We this We that and then all the pictures show multiple people like at 24.31. Not to take away he followed his dream but i got the impression it was just him doing all of this. Beginning he had no tools or money but that isn't when he built lol. He had money, then "went to school" and then " got a job" then had money to buy all the tools and equipment where then , it looks like , multiple people were involved in building it. Again, i don't want to take away from the roughing it aspect but having "help" or multiple people helping you build it all vs just himself is a hugeeee difference. Just an observation.

[@ALMill11]

Matt doesn't have kids. And he started when he had nothing to lose. I mean, he is inspiring but it isn't the same for those of us who are already established with obligations and responsibilities.

[@lashhimes2570]

I’m genuinely concerned for this family once winter hits.

[@aliciaz4682]

You are not a KZbinr, you are a film maker. That was phenomenal. The storytelling, the edits, the unexpected music that conveyed jokes. You genuinely made me laugh out loud and also made me very quiet. Excellent excellent job

[@Homesteadyshow]

🥲 Alicia this comment makes me smile so much. When I was 12 in school I had to pick a famous person to do a report that we wanted to grow up to be like… I picked Steven Spielberg. Always wanted to be a film maker. Thanks for noticing the little things that take so so so much time and work 😁

[@aliciaz4682]

Anyone who has studied Spielberg knows as a young man he was filming his friends and everyone he could, using practical effects, getting as much practice as he could in. There is little doubt in my mind that he would be on KZbin if he had been born in a different era. You have put your talents to good use.

[@lisabakos9291]

Agreed! I actually laughed out loud at parts and got emotional at others. Great job editing this story! 👍👏

[@laurameno9595]

This will be such an amazing adventure memory for your kids! Way to go trying it and deciding it wasn’t for you. It will teach your children grit, Pride, perseverance, and family bonding among other great qualities. There is a lot to say about the words “We did that’s.

[@danshenmama]

Agreed

[@jamesking1033]

I know I've said this before, but I would just like to tell you guys how much we love the evolution of this channel, and your journey. I can't believe I used to laugh at your failures, and shake my head, and now I'm crying during one of your videos, and rooting for your success in what it is you want to accomplish.

[@Homesteadyshow]

James, that warms my heart for real man. Big smile on my face :)

[@jamesking1033]

Awesome!@@Homesteadyshow

[@Anomalyy666]

​@@Homesteadyshowyo I think I'm the Antichrist and I think your videos are original and interesting.

[@hamakuahomestead7741]

I need to stop for a second and just praise you guys. Content and the real story aside (as good as they are)... The video is like a professionally made documentary. IT IS SO GOOD! Professional even. Thank you for taking your time and energy (both of you) to make these for us. I mean WOW. You make all your videos so well. The editing, the voice, the story telling... everything.

[@FarmerBecca]

Your videos have always been fun to watch, but recently they’ve been beautiful as well. While I’d love more content more often, taking the extra time to create this docu-series is proving to be worth it. Thank you.

[@Homesteadyshow]

😊 thank you Becca, that means a lot! These versions do take a lot longer to produce, and are much more work, but we’re really happy with the results and most of all we are happy to know people are enjoying them!

[@MountainMariner]

I live remote off-grid in Alaska. Ten years doing it solo. It’s challenging but rewarding. Good video.

[@christinepemberton5077]

We camp out every year for Feast of Tabernacles. It's a 10 day camp out. It's actually so much fun and the greatest time of the year. Even with it being so much fun and great fellowship, you just get tired! I'm thankful to get back to my home with electric and hot water! An endless camping trip is tough! I really feel for the people who are homeless! I get to go back home. For them, they are home! I do know that chopping wood is very hard work! 😊 You guys sit down and talk to each other. You get out and hike and fish with your children. That's a much better life than everybody staring at their phones and no one talking to each other!

[@philippopov3496]

You can’t jump in both feet and it works no problem, toughness is built over time, your in the blister phase you need to get to the callus phase

[@fhrainerjahn9865]

100%

[@carriemartellWDW]

The Darth Vader edit! 😂 Seriously all your edits are hilarious! I give you guys credit… I could never! I think Robert would be the only one of the Martells who would even try! 😂 Also I can’t get over how big your kids have gotten 😱 Our girls will both officially be adult’s tomorrow 😭! Love the video Austin! Love you Kendra!

[@Oldfarmlady]

I have been watching y'all since the very beginning & This offgrid series is my absolute favorite. ❤❤❤ yes I'm biased but it's so honest about off grid life . Especially homesteading while offgrid. It is hard, ridiculously hard. I love that you're not sugar coating it.

[@CupofGlow]

I absolutely love watching your videos, so different than the other stuff I find on KZbin- it’s entertaining, educational, and beautiful to watch all at once. I genuinely look forward to your videos and seeing your family’s journey. I can only imagine how priceless these beautiful videos will be years down when you can look back and watch when your kids are older ❤

[@hollymccloud839]

This was such a great episode. Thank you! Love this reminder, Live in the moment and dont let fear stop you. 💗

[@beverlybennington9041]

Go ahead you live that way but don’t force your kids into it

[@ChaosGenerator]

All of these challenges are going to help your children grow up into well-adjusted adults. Easy access to modern conveniences have had a detrimental effect on society in a lot of ways but they sure are nice. You have a beautiful family, you have true grit, and your content is among my new favorites. Godspeed and God bless!

[@aaaaaa2206]

Matt should build a rocket mass heater. It is the cheapest way to heat ones home. It would be practically free heating for him because he has access to a lot of wood in the forest.

[@foreverlovemountainhomeste5657]

My husband and I (him an engineer, myself RN)…….we sold everything back in 2016 and moved across country to 10 acres on the side of a mountain in Northern Idaho! Now in 2024, our 8th year off grid….( wood heat, well, septic and propane tank for generator for lithium batteries)…….it’s about prioritizing and creating the lifestyle you desire, simple 😊 No rules, do you and live your best life!!!💫 We have gardens, fruit trees, berries, chickens (eggs/meat), geese and pigs! Will be adding dairy in the spring! Be open to learn & grow into your best self!

[@Bob_Adkins]

Even when I was 16-18 years old, I just shook my head when I heard people say they wanted to "find themselves". I perceived that as weakness and a lack of vision. (can't believe I'm agreeing with Bob Dylan here!).

[@JeremyWamhoff]

I was very young when I lived in Alaska (under 4 years old) but the thing I remember besides the snow, the dogs, the sleds, etc is the Dang Mosquitos! I don't think people who haven't experianced it in Alaska have any clue how crazy bad they are in the Summer. I remember my neighboors mom putting mosquito repleant on me so I wouldn't get eaten going home.

[@buddymoore6504]

my mom decided this was the case and we moved into the woods and my dad built a log cabin out of rock and logs, we lived in a tent for months together, it was not aways a good experience, not sure what I learned other than, when I was living there I never once thought about starving or having enough water, my parents worked from dawn till dark to keep me alive, they never failed to mention it when they were mad at me, three people on a mountain 24/7 for 11 years, still not as bad as being in a boat with my parents, for some reason boat rides never went well I can tell you the book would not be that memorable or uplifting, but I survived, so life in the world is scary for different reasons everywhere you go. I fully support the grid with my hard earned cash, I chose to have access to power from the plug, the good stuff

[@vivienneschnell4717]

well, you could survive, but the truth is that this whole concept works better with community, and shared tasks. Its much harder to do EVERYTHING yourself.

[@fhrainerjahn9865]

especially cause they have young kids

[@EOTG_AK]

I have friends who have off grid cabins and spending time at their places made it clear to me that when we finally pulled the trigger on a remote cabin it would be as close to off grid as you could get while still being on it.

[@journeymanadventure]

That was another great episode, you tell a good story. Those of us who have also taken this path can see and understand your journey and the education that goes with it. It's also interesting to read the comments and see those who don't but they are watching and over time they took may understand the story you are telling. I had no access to video or KZbin when I made my off grid experience which is both a shame and a good thing. I've come to think that the more settled and comfortable our lives become thanks to grid life the less for filling our lives can become so challenging ourselves creates a balance. I feel sorry for folks in comfortable million dollar houses with all the toys who spend their lives swinging leaf blowers and trying to buy happiness on Amazon

[@NoCaping]

You are so gifted at story telling this is truly your calling ❤. Love Matt's channel as well been following him for 2 years now

[@DonaldAridas]

It's admirable that you're willing to post the negative experiences as well as the positive. Thank you!

[@anneturner2018]

The question is “why do you want to live off grid”? My suggestion is you live “on grid” with the training and capacity to live “off grid” if need be. Also, one can live off grid without going to Alaska (the land of giant mosquitoes).

[@fhrainerjahn9865]

yeah idk why they wanted to live with mosquitos and grizzlies and cold weather.

[@scottm.4238]

Thanks for this episode. I discovered your channel about a month ago and devoured a bunch of your content. Your channel is very inspirational and informative as I contemplate my own desire to live in harmony with a piece of land. Wishing you the best!

[@brianh2287]

You can live in harmony with a piece of land while you are near civilization and even being on the grid.

[@Shelleys4Seasons]

Ive been following mat for awhile and its a great video. Great video, very moving. We've been talking about this for about 9 years now and finally taking the steps to do so. Dont wait!

[@Sotzrem2007]

Told when I was 17 you can’t do that for a living. So being stuburn I doubled down and now 17 years later those same people are like wow what a fun job I am jealous. I work as a Film & Theatrical Technician specializing in Lighting. Follow your dreams.

[@myra7273]

Thanks for making these videos! I appreciate your candor and humor. I'm too old and physically limited to live in remote, off-grid, subsistence-level conditions, but I know a lot about it. Some thoughts your videos made me recall. INFORMATION IS YOUR GREATEST ALLY. Trying things out with someone who's already doing it is your 2nd. Too many folks think that travel & living in unconventional housing situations is a breezy, big adventure, & their heads are filled with vague snippets of fantasies. Those who do these things successfully (and who also have a happy self, family, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc.) are usually those who are hard-core info nerds more than they are fantasists. Especially those who do it with children, groups, etc... It takes a long time to learn what people should know before they try to live in a tiny house, RV, boat, or in anything off-grid. I've lived in a variety of unconventional residences, including a cruising catamaran and a remote mountain cabin high in the Rockies. I've learned a lot, enjoyed a lot of it, & have nearly been killed by it. I've been injured many times, and had the bejeezus scared out of me many times. I've survived some seriously sucky days and nights. I'm grateful for what I've learned. And, as others have learned, I learned that major projects cost more and take longer than planned. If you can, spend at least 3,000 hours learning before making any decisions about leaving conventional living for something else. You'll still find there's a lot to learn once you do get started, & from then on. Read a lot of books/mags, & watch a lot of KZbin videos. Remember that none of them tell everything that will be relevant to you. Keep the jewels, leave the dross. MOST OF ALL: Speak with a lot of people who know important stuff about anything you don't know a lot abouut. GO LOOK AT THEIR PLACES, and their inventions--that's worth its weight in gold. Some places, or components of their places will be great, some awful, some too costly, some too complicated, some just right for you. HAVE FUN PLANNING AND VISITING PEOPLE & PLACES--from building supply stores, generator, tool, solar, & other suppliers who have things you want to learn about--to people's homesteads, boats, RV. Take a picnic, and treat these research trips like mini-vacations. Enjoy the preparation for your journey into unconventional living as a welcome, fun part of the journey itself, and avoid rushing through it. You'll be glad, later. You need a huge collection of info to winnow it down to info you can be confident in following to create a place that fits your needs & budget. Talk to your family & friends about it a lot. You'll gain new inspirations by covering the same ground from time to time, because new ideas can pop into mind when you all think about things multiple times. Make spreadsheets or other types of "logs" in which you write down what you will need, what it will cost, how you'll get it, etc... Any time you get new info about any of these things, immediately put it into your log. It will help you keep track of the whole picture, & avoid many types of mistakes. You might need to have at least 3 chainsaw blades and a Dremel or drill bit whetstone for them, if you are in a remote location & plan to use a chainsaw to cut a lot of wood to build a cabin or for firewood, for example, or if you plan to cut hardwood. Writing stuff like this into a log as soon as you figure it out can be invaluable. I make tables for each category of stuff I discover I need, & other info, such as how to get medical care, order stuff that has to be shipped, etc. Will it benefit you to have a HAM radio & get a license? Or a VHF? The more you explore texts, videos, on-site visits, the more questions you'll generate, and a log helps keep it all easy to recall & work with. Instead of committing yourself to a permanent residence, self-sufficient homestead with gardens and livestock, RV, or boat, temporarily move into one that is already set up in a way that you think is well-suited to you. Ensure it's located as close as possible to the location you want to live in for the longer term. You may discover that you'll be happier spending summers staying at and helping an off grid farm, commune, or remote beach vacation spot, or to be a summertime off-grid RVer, than a full-time off-the-grid homesteader. Be aware that kids often can't handle as much disruption & stress as well as adults--especially very young children. They need to have a lot of fun, & a sense of security & continuity in routines to do well in new & more challenging surroundings. They also need to feel like they are part of decision-making and helping activities whenever possible. They're more likely to become prone to increased illness & accidents if they're more "stressed out" on a regular basis. Good luck, and happy journeys!

[@Murray-KristineHuxtable]

I have no inkling to take our homestead off grid but I still love following this journey with you. We're actually on the back end...Empty nest homesteading...no free labour. lol

[@amy.the.sanctuarian]

I love this series and it really appeals to me. I love the presentation and storytelling, just excellent. I'm about to move offgrid and I have really learned a lot from you both. Thank you for the tremendous effort producing something of this quality takes.

[@NadesikoRose]

You could also get in touch with Matt Raney and his family, they live in Alaska and are completely off grid… Matt and two of his kids are the hosts of the show ‘Homestead Rescue’, one of my favourite shows…

[@louise3993]

I think it is really hard in kids especially the older ones when you take comfort convenience away. If they start out really young and are born into living off grid that is all they know they adapt to living off grid easier. Heck i believe it’s just as hard on adults to change up and go off grid. If that makes sense. IMO.

[@Nitehawke]

I will tell you, having grown up with one, the one thing I would absolutely want living off grid is a wood fired cook stove. Yes, in addition to a propane stove. It saves your cooking fuel and you get double usage from the heat from your wood stove. There are also propane toilets. Turning everything to ash is the next best thing to flushing, so that's another thing you might want to add to your list of things to look into. Keep chasing your dream. Your kids will cherish the memories.

[@KAStodgell]

I love Matt’s channel. I am enjoying your process also. Matt didn’t have a big family to make happy in the process.

[@jennalampe6558]

Okay. You had me laughing out loud in the middle and then crying at the end. Beautiful video with some really important points. Thank you.

[@laurelmountainsoaps1102]

I can’t wait to see the next episode! You guys are awesome for diving in and sticking with it so far. ❤

[@xanmontes8715]

I am preparing to become a homesteader. Once I'm done with my degree, I'm genuinely going to save up and go around to find a good place.

[@sarahleehazel24]

Well done! Great insight. Also I would like to say I have watched/followed for quite a while now, haven’t seen all but a far number. I don’t recall Kates story being shared before. I have always regarded her as a tough person with all the hats she wears and a mom through it all. But now I have a deeper respect for her with knowing a little bit more of her story. Wow, truly miraculous!!

[@HalleluYahfarm]

I just love this its such an inspiring episode and as Matt and you wanted it definitely translates to more. For me its knowing i can make my honestead farm dream happen. Knowing I can make it happen the way I envision is so beautiful ❤️ Knowing I can learn, knowing i can do this and want to do this keeps me moving forward with no experience yet putting my plan into action anyway.

[@justme-uw6bz]

Just get an off grid cabin for the holidays, but not so isolated

[@kellijomo]

I laughed out loud, I sat pensive and considered our dream, and was inspired to not stop...even in the middle of the 'suck.' Thanks for sharing the journey. We are 💯 routing for you!

[@deanhinther2206]

The fire shown is the 2015 Sockeye fire (which didn't start on Sockeye Rd, but Sockeye is the intersection with the Parks Hwy closest to fire start). Fun fact, there was an episode of Building Alaska shot on the road on the right side of the screen (pause at 19:44) which is just north of that fire. The fire started right where you see it burning and ran several miles to the south to Willow. Many people lost their houses that week due to poor junk pile burning practices.

[@ivegotmoxie986]

There you go again, another masterful presentation! I enjoyed it immensely. I laughed and cried, both at the antics as well as the all-important message. Thank you for this piece of work.

[@KatRoyalOfficial]

One of your best videos yet. I’m so vested in your story now and can’t wait to continue watching.

[@SJ-fj5jz]

Very inspiring. I have been watching you guys for years... best video you've ever made. Thank you.

[@thedude8798]

Thank you for this! 🙏🏽 the wildfire of life is coming for all of us…. But great beauty follows in its tracks! 😢

[@missykuss9975]

I think this was a smart trial, but of course you know that you can do things differently on your own place. Building the necessary infrastructure to house your family of 8, putting in the systems; adequate water catchment, filtration, storage, solar electric with adequate battery storage, alternate generator system, etc… planning for it, implementing things from a building standpoint, it doesn’t have to be this dreadful temporary deprivation.

[@eugenejackson1358]

As someone watching from Olympia wa... I get why the middle of nowhere is appealing to Matt.

[@DDOBellasera]

I am so sorry you had your adventure during one of the worst summer I have seen in the 58 years I have been in Alaska. In the 80s my husband and I lived off grid with our two kids so we could save up money. It was interesting, an odd mix of pride we could do and regret, after a few years we bought an on grid house. At night when I would get up to check on things I would pat the thermostat. Its a hard job being able to grow tomatoes in your window with wood heat when it is 40 blow out side lol.

[@Homesteadyshow]

It was a rough summer!! Hope you all have a better one (warmer and sunnier) this year.

[@fadedrose100]

Love the image of patting the thermostat!

[@jmsierra04]

I was born in the Caribbean; grew up poor, no hot showers, scarce electricity and no indoor plumbing. Until you lived like this you wont realized how great are the little things like a clothes washer. Living off the grid is possible but you have to plan and prepared for it.

[@amandabrook5089]

Love this series! Also you guys have really gotten better at making videos over the years. Really, great job guys!

[@OurMountainHome316]

WOW! I am blown away at how well this video is put together. You guys do an amazing job!! Sorry the off-grid thing isn't going to work out. It is much harder when you have children, especially when you have a LOT of children. 10 gallons of water may be enough to get a single person through a few days. But I bet your family can drink nearly 10 gallons a day let alone, cooking, cleaning, and such. I think if y'all had the right set up, you could do it, AND be comfortable. The off-grid life is not as easy as it looks on KZbin. And it takes a lot of adjusting. Lol I grew up off-grid in the Sierra Nevada mountains in Cali when I was a kid. I remember how hard it was for my parents. My family bought off-grid land in Arkansas and we will be moving there this spring.. We are going to build an "Earthship" type home. Our goal is to be off-grid and self-sustaining, but we plan to enjoy some of the modern conveniences for as long as they are available. Great job guys, I love your channel. P.s. I don't think your title or thumbnail are click-baity at all. It was 100% related to your content. Don't pay any mind to the jerks. Lol

[@notquitea]

Being truly “offgrid” is pretty much impossible for almost everyone. If you were 100% offgrid, you wouldn’t be driving a car to your cabin. Or purchasing items that required ongrid energy to produce. Or using propane you bought at a store. I find it limiting to pigeonhole myself into some words like homesteading or offgrid. True freedom is being able to do what you want to do when you want to do it. And if that requires some modern conveniences, I feel that it is fine. But call it like it is.

[@runningfromabear8354]

I wonder about some of the policing going on with the term "offgrid". We decided to sell our house in Toronto and build a house. My husband wanted to run on solar and we negotiated. Robust solar and battery banks that are up to the challenge of meeting the demands our family have from our usual power company. In addition, a propane generator for emergency backup. The location of our build would cost almost $100k to hook us up to regular power. During the planning stages we looked into other people already off-grid and hoped to find out more about building adequate system so we won't miss any modern conveniences. To my surprise, the bulk of off-grid people policing it saying it "should" be hard and should involve sacrifices. 😮 I really don't see their point or why would want to suffer. We want a happy home for our kids. We've spent a lot of time working with an architect and have finished a final draft. We're getting building planning and suppliers for materials, contractors etc... It would have been simpler to just buy a house here but none of the houses for sale here have enough bedrooms or the view. I don't know. I'm just curious why it's being policed as some rugged outdoorsy thing. We still want to live like we're on the grid. Only we're taking responsibility for our own power, heat and water. I'd love to see examples of off-grid without roughing it.

[@notquitea]

​@@runningfromabear8354 The offgrid policing thing is pretty silly. Why don't you mine your own minerals, extract the silicone to create solar panels from the land, to make it really hard, lol! Who gets to decide what's "hard" enough? It should be you! Everyone has different desires, likes, dislikes, life goals, ability to afford things, etc. For some people hardship is desirable. Some people want everything done for them. Most people are somewhere in between. It's ok to fall into any of these spectrums. It's also ok to change your mind.

[@AlexeiMikhailBoleslav]

It seems like a lot of people have been really mean and hard on you guys and the Alaska series. I think it’s a good series! You guys wanted to try something new, document your experiences, and that’s what you’ve done. The kids are definitely going to remember the summer in Alaska the rest of their lives, too. I think y’all did a great job on this series, and I’m looking forward to what’s coming next

[@deborahlklenke7474]

Jason, one person can't do all you are doing. I'm 71 and working a full time job plus building shelters for the animals. Most of what I do, I do by myself but sometimes I am able to find someone who wants to make a little extra money and is willing to work. I get them to help me do my most needed job and I work with them, as hard as I can to get it done. The animals always come first and they are the best thing in my life. You will get it done. Have faith in yourself. I have faith in you. BTW, I'm originally from Green Bay. It is always nice to see you and Danielle in Packer gear.

[@MyAlaska12]

Excellent video! I look forward to seeing the rest of the series. Thanks for sharing.

[@Hukkavei]

To get a nice sauna temperature going you need to let the burner burn for good few hours and make sure to check in every 15 minutes or so that the fire hasn't gone out, until the temperature reaches to the point that you actually start sweating without clothes on in there.

[@ChilSc]

Please get over Alaska and bring back Homesteady… you guys are the most down to earth honest people on KZbin. If you guys give up on the community that has learned so much from you, it will be a huge disappointment and take all the encouragement away from myself and so many others that count on you and your family to bring life from dirt and share it with everyone around us

[@Homesteadyshow]

Hey, thanks for the kind words, we're not planning on giving up on our community! This was a learning experiment for all of us in the Homesteady Community, off grid life is another direction some choose in their journey to more Self Sufficiency, and we want to share our learnings about off grid life with our Community!

[@ChilSc]

@@Homesteadyshow My bad, I think I was a little drunk.

[@leannecolephotography]

why can't you live in an off grid house with a massive solar system, have a septic system, and a well. You don't have to live so basic. Look at Wild Wonderful Off Grid, They live off grid, but they have all the modern conveniences.

[@marcturmel924]

Well, you are tougher than 99% of the population so don't be so hard on yourselves. We still love you guys!

[@FlatTireFarmHomesteadingAlaska]

Cuz what kind of question is that? I love it! Be blessed friends.

[@healingnaturegirl333]

There’s a family that helps people that embark on these ventures and get them to a point of functioning& more stable.

[@kaylaaddison3269]

I haven't gotten to the end yet but I just have to jump on and say that if you went off-grid on your own homestead you'd be able to build a good solar system. I spent my teenage years living off grid with 14 solar panels, a generator for the cloudy days, and an old forklift battery. We lived a perfectly normal life. The only thing we didn't regularly use was a blow dryer and a microwave. You can totally live a comfortable off-grid life. IMO it's MORE comfortable because once you have your setup dialed in the power never goes out (like it does if you're on-grid), and if you have your own spring or well you never run out of water either. It's totally doable to live a great off-grid life with as many conveniences as you want. Just get more solar panels. ;)

[@kaylaaddison3269]

Absolutely loved Matt's story and the insights he shared! Thank you for sharing vunerably about your thought processes. This was an awesome episode.

[@OffGridWithGinaThi]

Love your videos. We currently live off grid and can relate to the many challenges. Luckily we have a lot of the conveniences like a hot shower and being able to plug something if we need to. So far it's been a good experience for us.

[@treyfred3247]

Loved the video. I am an expert in computer technology, and I have experience in installing solar systems. With the all in one inverters, batteries, and solar panels these days, you can have an off-grid cabin in Alaska with ALL THE AMENITIES of the typical American Home. Yes it costs some money, but today in 2023, you can set up any home in America so that it does not NEED THE GRID, and can run all the technology needed to live like a regular American. (Off Grid Home with -- 12 kilowatts of Power in inverters, batteries, and solar panels, will run the typical 240v, and 110 appliances used in the typical home, as well as a Well system.

[@crazy808ish]

It costs some money, but solar is continuously cheaper than ever. The price per watt of solar paneling, and the availability of deep cycle batteries now compared to 10 or 20 years ago, is absolutely insane.

[@kimmyheadlee481]

This was so thought provoking. We all have a wildfire coming...a change not the end

[@jamesking1033]

Fantastic video! My dream is to have our place built to be offgrid capable, but not full time. We homestead, and work full time, but the house we live in is old, electric, and not really one you would want to do offgrid in, and we really want to build an a frame, or a log cabin instead with a wood stove, and solar power, but also hooked up to the grid with power, heat, and air. We have a well, and prefer that over city water, but would like to make the pump house offgrid capable also. Maybe someday we will have the funds, but for now we will work hard with what we have.

[@jamesbrown8718]

So great to see you all, I B was just thinking about you all last night, and hope your adventure was going? I see the kids are missing home and especially running water, bathrooms and electricity. But it’s all the convenience of home. If you all don’t make it off grid I don’t think anyone is going to throw you all under the bus and down you all for it. Not everyone is made for that lifestyle. You ask are people that love being around other people. Most of grid people are loners like to be alone and not have much contact with the outside world. Your children are social butterflies

[@Homesteadyshow]

Thanks, James. We actually just did this off grid challenge for the summer, to learn from the cabins we stayed in and the people we talked to. We learned a lot and are happy to start planning our off grid homestead in the lower 48.

[@jamesbrown8718]

@@Homesteadyshow oh I thought you ask were planning on moving to Alaska theater for a minute. lol so glad you got the experience, I so enjoy your channel, enjoy your content and been watching you for a long time now. And I hadn’t seen you all for a long while on here. And so glad you and your family got the experience and hope it helps you in establishing your own off grid homestead.

[@faithsrvtrip8768]

This is my 4th year living in a 30-foot Class C RV. It's hard. Temperatures here in east Texas are finally above freezing. But I woke up this morning with a wicked sore throat. Theraflu replaced coffee. Been flushing toilet with gal jug because water froze here. I need electricity. I have solar panels but they are not adequate for full-time living in RV. Would never get solar again. Luckily fridge and hot water have a switch between elec / propane. I watched the hills of Pomona California go up in flames as a kid. Fire is my worst nightmare.

[@brittanyash8340]

Missed you all. I'm so glad to watch this one. 😊

[@mypawfectfamily]

I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS EPISODE!! Grabbing my snacks. Also, the production quality is IMMACULATE

[@justinflott5133]

Man that drone shot of the cabin looks like raspberry rock

[@chelsea2690]

Your story telling is amazing. Love tuning in thank you!

[@AlexG___]

its so different when you bring kids people who are dependent on you into the picture. That and utilities

[@ilovegreen0150]

When people go rural they forget about bushfires and floods until it hits them❤️💔

[@charlesmckenzie9211]

Wow! I tip my hat to you all. I envy your sense of adventure and drive. I did a lot of traveling in the states, and often fantasized about moving off grid. I thought I was tough. But, then this tough guy had a serious stomach ache while in Pensacola Beach and nearly had a panic attack because he knew the closest hospital was 20 miles and more than half an hour away in local traffic. I'm spoiled. I could almost throw a rock from my roof and hit a hospital, ER or Urgent Care today. Having had a serious medical episode in the past, do you worry about getting prompt medical attention if you needed to? Good luck on your continuing adventure.

[@hetaes]

Great message, folks. Thanks for sharing.

[@brianc1651]

Congrats on your anniversary and good lick with whatever you choose. This was obviously a great learning experience. I was thinking about all the problems you guys ran into and thought those are all issues that can be fixed if you make something your own.

[@SuperDuperYTsecret]

God Bless you all!

[@chrishoffman7636]

First, I hope your wife is okay. Second, I admire your grit and willingness to throw convention to the wind and try something new and out of the box. That said, watching your videos, I couldn't help but think of my mother. She grew up on a substance farm in Iowa during the Depression. "Off the grid" was not a choice. When she was really young, they had no electricity or running water. My grandparents grew and raised virtually all their food, which meant unending chores and drudgery. My mom churned butter by hand, weeded crops, took care of chickens and other animals and helped butcher the pig they raised each year. My grandmother made most of their clothes. In summer, my mom and her siblings went barefoot to save on shoe leather. There was no indoor plumbing or central heating. This was before global warming when winter temperatures in Iowa routinely plunged below zero Fahrenheit. My mother hated it. With a passion. She fled at 18 and never went back. She told me repeatedly that I was never, ever, ever, ever to romanticize farm life. To be totally honest, she'd think you are crazy. I am sure this life has its rewards. My grandmother loved her life, as hard as it was. That said, maybe this is for you or maybe it's not. There's no shame in deciding it's not.

[@Homesteadyshow]

Your Mother sounds like my Grandfather. He grew up on a Dairy farm, and at 17 he left it for the Navy because as he put it, "the Navy was a cake walk compared to the Farm...". He thought anyone who left modern life to try farming was crazy, and his advice to them was "Don't quit your day job"😂 but he did get a kick out of us trying it on our property.

[@chrishoffman7636]

Sounds like your grandfather and my mom would have gotten along great. I think they would have been two peas in a pod. 😄Given our society's increasing madness and disconnection from reality, especially from the physical world, I get why you are doing what you are doing. But it's very hard and requires a level of sacrifice that is hard for anyone who has not experienced it to grasp. A sincere good luck to you and your family as you try to figure this out. @@Homesteadyshow

[@StonerSmurfin]

The thing is that if you have a well or large enough water catchment system set up you can have a flushing toilet and water for all your needs, enough batteries and solar panels and you can have light and power all day and night even if it's cloudy for a few days. It just takes time and money to get started and a bit of adjustment in how you live to make it work. It won't happen overnight or in a few months but it can happen.

[@WoolandFlax]

What mini series this is i love it. So well made and honest!

[@AlsanPine]

those wild fires are there to purify the gold. when i first started heating exclusively with wood (including hot water), i spent a miserable winter splitting wood in rain, mud, snow, ice, etc. the following summer i built a roof over the place and that winter things were much more pleasant. then i extended the roofed area and covered the walls with salvaged wood pallets and salvaged metal roofing. now i have plenty of room to store and split enough wood for two years and still have room to park the backhoe, large area for splitting wood and plenty of room for the animals. the entire thing cost me $2000 and a lot of time. i built it and improved it over 3 years. the key to living independently is to note your needs and design solutions that would meet those needs, then implement it. any challenges just help you refine your solution until it is awesome. it takes patience, perseverance, endurance, knowledge, wisdom, faith, drive, and willingness to fail and learn from it. it is not for every one. but having lived it for a couple of decades i can tell you this: those who do it are shaped by it and bettered by it. it brings you closer to nature and gives you confidence and peace. and you do not have to be in the middle of no where either. you just need enough land to get by. you can grow most of your own food on 1 acre space. that is far better than being dependent on the "system" to work perfectly for you to survive. live well 🙂

[@moniquem783]

Another incredible episode. Sorry I missed the livestream. I actually haven’t even opened the laptop here yet 😂 The lights on Matt’s cabin are gorgeous! Something I think people forget, is that you can go off grid and still have modern conveniences. Want a flushing toilet? Fine. Septic is off grid. Want to be able to have lots of kitchen appliances to make meal prep easier or a big tv or lots of computers? Fine. Have enough solar panels and batteries to enable using those appliances. How hard you make it is a choice. Yes finances are a factor, but it’s not that you’re not considered off grid if you have a flushing toilet rather than an outdoor dunny with bog roll on a stick! I have no gas. I have septic. I have rainwater catchment. I don’t even have kerbside garbage collection. But I am on the power grid. When I get solar, I will make sure I have enough to run my appliances. I love my appliances. I’m not giving them up ever! But when I do that, bloody oath I’ll be saying I’m off grid! Because I will be!

[@Homesteadyshow]

Next off grid challenge... Thinking Down Under? What do you say Monique?

[@JudySnyder-dv5ld]

Why Alaska, where the mosquitos are huge and the weather is extremely cold year round. There are plenty of states where you could live off grid with milder weather and have plenty of wild resourceful.

[@Homesteadyshow]

Because, for the summer, it gave us the chance to learn about different off grid systems and interview Alaskans who live off grid.

[@petertipster7800]

Thanks for once again amazing content! Can't wait for the next episode already

[@taktakoriginal]

Absolutely beautiful. Out done yourself on this video.

[@NedDenver]

New sub here. Loved the last two videos; they were both eye-opening and humbling. You guys have an amazing way of story telling and I can't wait to see what's in store for you next.

[@mikekares-b8q]

Off Grid seams like quite the challenge , Not every one can do it .I live rural but have all the modern convenience.If I want a taste of off grid all I got to do is walk into my woods on my property .My Wife would not go for it especially now at Age 71 . But it doesn't hurt to dream ,I've always been a bit of a Dreamer anyhow.

[@CleverGirlAAH]

I truly think Off-Grid stuff can work best... when you have a tiny community to lean on, as well. Neighbors who might be a football field away, perhaps. Sharing those common goals, and borrowing that cup of RV battery power, so to speak, can go a long way. 😉

[@mnm11922]

THIS WAS BEAUTIFUL! Great message at the end!