5 Days Solo Survival with No Food and Basic Gear

I spent 5 days alone in the woods without food and here's what happened
Testing my skills on my longest challenge yet at a new lake I've never been to, with limited gear, battling bugs, hot weather, and hunger
www.buymeacoffee.com/xanderbu...
Instagram - @xanderbudnick
Canoe - Novacraft P15
Tarp - altongoods.com/products/3mx3m...
Music @afternoonhue
#survival #bushcraft

[@XanderBudnick]

To the 99% of you, sorry for the feet shots at the beginning of the video, to the other 1%, you're welcome

[@Readthisifsmoothbrain]

The first fishing part got me giddy 🎣

[@majawajgelt6457]

Love the footy content❤❤

[@devilsadvocate1441]

🤣🤣

[@VinceEgbalic]

Did u get sick after eating the thing

[@mooseknuckle8334]

I could never understand the foot fetishist.

[@Stella_0reo]

I walked into my local outdoors store and saw your videos playing in the silenced tvs, amazing videos even without sound. I told the guy I knew who you were and he said he loves your videos too. Great job Xander keep doing what you do

[@alanbierhoff6831]

Xander is a legend! 😊

[@XanderBudnick]

That is awesome!

[@channchum3542]

👍👍👍

[@MySurvival-wp9bh]

🥰🥰

[@ShannonSouthAfrica]

I would've said I WANT WHAT HE'S GOT.

[@T-Bone223]

Bro, I was sitting watching this and wanted to let you know that this time last year was a really dark time of my life and your videos was one of the only things that I could escape to and bring me comfort. Thank you buddy

[@lifeisjoyfulbvtravelthewor6698]

Keep it up 👍

[@kyleshaffer7925]

Kindred spirits my friend I hope today is a brighter outlook for you and I send my best vibes thru this comment I hope it reaches you. Also, I would definitely have to take at least 5 grams of reefer with me on this trip 😅

[@OutdoorsHandbook]

Sorry to hear that, Man. 2023 might have been my worst year, also. Not cool. Tried to camp and film when I could, but it's still hard. I know it shows in some of my vids, but I think I hide things well enough. I TRULY hope this year is a better year for you!

[@user-qu4ey5yy3f]

Good to hear things have gotten better for you friend. Let's never forget that Nothing lasts forever! all shall pass. I know, I know, you're probably saying "that's easy for you to say" We must believe this universal Truth even in moments of exuberance as it will keep us grounded. Something Las Vegas, the pastry companies, that pretty girl/guy DON'T WANT US TO DO.

[@Buckenuptyrants]

What type of flint is that you use to start fires with

[@Nazlikestoread]

I know im probably not your intended audience but I love putting on these longform videos in the background while I do my nails, they’re so relaxing 😚🤍 and there’s some funny random commentary occasionally that also takes the cake!!

[@belectronberg8677]

If you didn't record it no one would believe how well you did handline fishing!!! Great video as always!

[@tyrionstrongjaw7729]

I couldn't believe that haul. I've watched so many videos where people attempt to handline fish and catch nothing, so when he started carving I just thought "Guess he's living off blueberries." Was impressed with the small fish. Then they just kept getting bigger and bigger. That last bass would be the catch of the day regardless of what he used, but man just extra awesome that was handline!

[@devinhoward4982]

I don't see a donate button anywhere, or does it update your comment with a donation amount if you use the buymeacoffee link in the description?

[@Ezzero07]

If youre on pc the Thanks is the donation button its next to the share button@@devinhoward4982

[@whoami5177]

​@@devinhoward4982it's in the like and dislike section u can swipe it

[@carlblankenship9501]

The casting was impeccable. And bro beat my pb 3 diff times handfishing lol

[@shaneanagrams]

Oh yes, a long survival video. My favorite.

[@eee15382]

sarcasm or seriousness?

[@shaneanagrams]

@@eee15382 seriousness

[@eee15382]

@@shaneanagrams good good

[@eee15382]

@@shaneanagrams my favorite as well

[@wilbibe]

Me too

[@jbmusic4095]

It was really good how you thanked the fishes for their lives, it's the small things like that that show when someone really is in tune with nature

[@djk1211]

Lolllll. "Thanks for your life mr fishy" **bashes head in with a log**

[@BrianLTanner]

Nah, you thank God if you have any sense of what the earth is about. A fish knows dick about what you’re saying. 😂

[@tponaroll4463]

Under the size limit.

[@rabbithole8592]

​@@tponaroll4463 Even the Big One? Maybe 2 out of 4. The larger the fish, the more parasites and pollutants.

[@tponaroll4463]

@@rabbithole8592 there might be 1 keeper. 14" is the low limit in Michigan. It doesn't matter how clean they are. It's the law. Big $ ticket for undersized fish. Loss of lic. etc.

[@joannconfer1144]

Rain sounds nice. You are an amazing young man. Four great looking fish. Blueberries look really good. Lol, I wouldn’t be able to survive, did you ever get sick from the stuff you eat? Your channel is so interesting. Great entertainment for a 76 year old great grandmother. I enjoy going places and doing things I’ve never done before. I’ve seen so many beautiful places. Thank you. It was fun. 🙋🏻‍♀️🙏😊

[@12345hardy]

Been a long time viewer and thought I’d give back for all the entertainment you’ve provided me. Love the videos!

[@XanderBudnick]

Wow thank you

[@markwood5153]

you likely wont see this, i want to say thank you, several months ago i stumpled upon your channel, since then it has been the greatest motivator to sort my life out, i have quit drugs, quit smoking, started working out and started to go on camping adventures, all because of the inspiration and adventure you instilled in me, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for saving me

[@iwineverygame1995]

I'm not Xander, but I found your comment. Camping and the outdoors are the buzz you're looking for to replace the chemicals. I still drink a beer or two on occasion, but I'm done as well. Hard drugs are gone, and I don't even miss weed. You got this brother. All that money you'll be saving on getting fuctup gets you PREMIUM outdoor equipment. One 8-ball is enough to send you on your way in style.

[@XanderBudnick]

Badass my man!!!!

[@debbieherrera1605]

Love it that you prove you don’t need super expensive gear to catch fish. 👍

[@torukmakto9255]

Xander there are no words how I would describe your channel, such a breathe of fresh air and after hearing your struggles with alcohol and how you've changed your life around is so inspiring, to see you walk this Trailblazing path gives me courage to challenge the world and stand on my own two feet, keep going keep doing what you love and remember that I will always appreciate what you do

[@stateofmissouri5651]

When did he go over this? I would like to watch it is it in this video? I’m 10 minutes in

[@torukmakto9255]

@@stateofmissouri5651 he told in a video that he was having problems with alcohol and was also using, and that he had been sober for quite a time and was trying hard in the early videos

[@SarahBearah2023]

Amen ❤

[@user-qu4ey5yy3f]

@@torukmakto9255 It's my first time running into his video, happy to hear he's taking natures route to help him regain balance. Wish you continued strength young brother! I still wish to hear what protection you're using. Little tip, buy firecrackers which you can set off to chase off Bears.

[@lanecountybigfooters5716]

Out of coffee, out of batteries, time to go home! What an awesome adventure. Simply amazing survival video. And beautiful, too. Thanks for taking us along!

[@guruware8612]

ya, "survival" - you stop it when running out of batteries, sure thing. good luck with that when you really have to survive. this is just an alternative way of a vacation. surviving... 😂 just as a tip for the future: remove your "bleeb"-ing clothes before having a swim, esp when the sun is going down and no more chance of drying them. afraid of someone looking in the 'wild' ?

[@gamingsoups]

​@guruware8612 don't be so crass it isnt necessary

[@papabear9481]

I prefer the longer videos, especially when it's solo, so this is a rare treat.

[@zofiamatyjaszek6773]

I watch your videos to calm down when my anxiety gets bad. Thank you, Xander ❤

[@drummerdrummer]

Calling it now. Xander is practicing for Alone 😏🤙 Thanks for all the great content over the years!

[@ethan________]

Xander, I'm not even halfway done with the video but I gotta stop and comment on the cinematography. From the close-ups of the plants and flowers to the fantastic drone shots of you and the landscape, everything is truly breathtaking!

[@jeremiahallyn4603]

Man, you just made my Monday 100 times better! Looks like you had a great adventure at a location you'd never been to. Many thanks for sharing with us Xander! 🙂🙌

[@francisbrooks9128]

Can’t believe I just watched a full hour of this.. it’s so relaxing, I haven’t watched your channel for a while but I now I remember what I was missing

[@moorshound3243]

Me too

[@jeufuyang6261]

Xander catches more bass than me with just a stick, line, hook. Can’t even catch a bass with all my 10 rods on my kayak. Fell in love with all your videos been binge watching all your videos. Almost done with watching all of them already. Helping me soo much with the outdoors thanks!

[@VirtualUser25]

Yay! Any one here likes solo camping more than camping with others? That too an 1 hr video!!! Thank u xander!

[@ceIIardoor]

A dog along would be heaven 😊

[@kerryhurd7738]

Great adventure Xander loved every second you killed it 🐟

[@sheilaarnold3238]

I just discovered you, Xander. Now, I'm your biggest fan. I love the outdoor and you make surviving in raw nature look so easy. I'm learning and following you. Thanks for sharing

[@zedricgerardo289]

What a peaceful place. I'd really want to go week or month camping myself but I'm a lazy person who just wants to lay down all day so thanks for videos like this 😊

[@janetwhite3768]

Thank you for this journey with you….the simplicity of catching the frog to picking blueberries and eating while you collect was incredible. Loved it Xander, just loved it! 😊

[@manks5491]

Dude your channel is such a gem. So cool to see you get better at production, survival skills, your own style of comedy, editing and everything else that comes with making these terrific videos. Thank you for showcasing our beautiful province, and thank you for your effort in these videos. You kick ass man

[@zeese4216]

Every month or two i remember how awesome this channel is and i just watch the videos and finally relax in a way that only these videos allow me to

[@franjescaj]

I love the sounds of those birds when it was getting dark and you were sitting around the fire I can call them in right next to me. :) Thanks for another great video! Love the adventurous "we'll figure it out" outlook!

[@crazyjoelowe]

Amazing Xander! One of the things I notice about you (and your brother Max) is that the attitude is always gratitude and that's a lot more powerful than people may think. As always, thanks for taking us along on your adventures.

[@annamariaterracciano7283]

Good morning to you Xander, thank you for sharing this awesome solo adventure , love the bird sounds, your nature cinematography is spectacularly , enjoying the fishing and how you prepping the fish, eating blueberries, drinking coffee from a pot lid, oh and the choice of music is spot on, thank you so much ⛺️🛶🪵🐟🎄🪨🫐

[@michaelbroyer3918]

I agree with you anna.

[@channchum3542]

👍👍👍

[@mamabixho]

so happy i found this video and your channel. you are adorable and your videos are different than other survival channels i watch. you show the earth in more of a raw form. you don’t flick away the ants or swat at ginormous flying things. let alone the thousands of mosquitos that swarmed 24/7. you show the bees working hard and know what you’re talking about with wild plants and forgery. truly such an entertaining person and video all together

[@jordanfehr2757]

Didn’t want this video to end. One of your best! Great job Xander

[@louschenn1798]

As someone who cannot get out into the wild as much as I’d like to thank you for your videos!! 😊

[@marcobolduc8142]

We missed those solo camping videos. Thank you for doing this Xander !

[@roguescot13]

This is the first video I've seen of your content and I really like what I'm seeing so far. Knowledge of local plants and edibles when foraging is very important, and detailed explanations of what you're finding are informative and entertaining. Keep up the good work.

[@DonMaJic]

Xander, in late '20/early '21, I was really struggling and your videos helped me get through. This video reminded me of them. An absolute classic. Love from England, thanks, man.

[@julial1938]

I really enjoyed this one, Xander. I lived in the Red Lake area for 10 years and every August was blueberry picking time. We'd take as many ice cream pails as we could, go to our super secret location and spend a few hours picking blueberries. A few times, a bear or two would be picking with us. Nothing compares to the taste of fresh wild blueberries.

[@mariadaviau-wp9sh]

Love how you've learned and implemented foraging into your videos ..it's great to watch you evolve..thanks for making it so damn entertaining.

[@potatoes_yumm]

Theres something so eerie yet beautiful being out in nature alone.

[@rabbithole8592]

Man vs Nature The outcome is uncertain And You never know what will happen next

[@endlesviewing]

The editing from the canoeing to the fire starter in the third quarter of the vid was on point - felt like watching a movie. Damn. So good.

[@OregonMikeH]

Stayed up late to watch this one, far past the time I needed to get to sleep for priorities in the early morning. Absolutely loved every second of it, Xander! Your Host style and mood settings are a lock in for enjoyment of viewing. So well done friend. Thanking you much with many shares. All the Best, .. Mike.

[@chrismelnyk]

Me too😂

[@Critical_Cabbage]

Love the lightly educational style! These survival videos are super cool.

[@SimbaReview9293]

Great adventure... Very nice. These videos always make me grateful for our farmers and fishermen. Thank you for sharing!

[@robbender4129]

Great video Xander...you sure did well with this one...getting so much better at getting food...great nature shots...loved the 🫎 going across the lake...good fishing for what you were working with...very impressive...take care...get some coffee 😊

[@nilsm1415]

Xander, you're becoming a pro. This video is TV production quality!

[@dougguretzki19]

That's like a big bass!! I love this channel, and the connection you have with your viewers. It's so pure and engaging, keep it coming!!

[@bluwtrgypsy]

Wow, bravo, Xander. Wonderful trip, great time of year for foraging. Beautiful location. Truly enjoyed this adventure. I had no doubt you'd ace it. Blessings

[@daavid2860]

It just so relaxing to watch him and be part of his adventure🌲🐿

[@bradlafferty]

Superb storytelling, excellent cinematography and editing! You do an outstanding job on this video, and I really enjoyed learning from your foraging. Thanks, Xander!

[@Humor4U]

Your survival video here is so enriching. Thank you. Beautiful scenery and helpful hints. Love it! 😍

[@shunawestern9153]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching, thank you for sharing the experience one can have on a trip like this. For most of us something like this is never actually going to happen, so all we have is the experience's of others to go by, and felt that yours was a particularly good one. Will now look out for more from you. So a big thank you again. 🥰🇬🇧🐾🐾🌺

[@mancini2020]

These survival videos are definitely incredible. Great job man. The off road skills are on point too! Cheers.

[@terizumbusch8408]

Very lovely video, I love when you go out by yourself and take us along with you and show us all the things you do to survive and share how you're feeling about stuff, Some of my favorite videos. Blessings looking forward to watching the rest.

[@meme115]

I rather choose to watch your videos over movies. Love ur videos Xander all your videos are my favourite.

[@KanuckGaming]

Dude this was unreal. Thank you for sharing, I am slowly building up the gear required to go out on my own, and you're a huge inspiration. The fog in the morning was incredible, and the shots of you fishing. Thank you!

[@michaelhudecek2778]

Thank you Xander! Awesome and very relaxing video! I wish you had a part 2 of this trip! Mike

[@ladybug591]

Very nice. These videos always make me grateful for our farmers and fishermen and all the people who invented and modernized our stoves and things we now take for granted. Some even show contempt for the amazing technology which we should all use with care and respect. Thanks for these beautiful videos taken in such desolate areas - many young people should learn and experience the contrast to what we used to have to do against what we now have. Love all of it so much, historically speaking, as I snuggle down in my warm bed with toast and a hot cuppa. I particularly like to watch the blizzards and snow videos as I live in a humid sub-tropical area. Thanks for your videos and your struggles to fill you belly. Regards to all.

[@louisepotier2784]

Thank-you for your film and sharing it. And a big thank-you for not putting unnecessary loud music or any music. The forest has no music except for wind, bugs and animals calls. That's why I watch these videos. Also the tips on what to eat in the forest were excellent. Blueberries, I would eat bowlfuls up North. Morning noon and night. And walleye. Yum. The way you are filming is hard work and I appreciate it. Have a great day! 🙂

[@MaybeLily1234]

Xander has blessed us with over 1h of content👏👏

[@mcledinnewsman2586]

Fascinating experience. Love how you make the viewer feel like they are right there with you. Great camera work as always. Thanks for taking us on another educational and fun trip. Not surprised about the weight loss.

[@andrewanderson2553]

beautiful, thank you Xander

[@juhovuorenmaa6955]

I like this kind of surviving stuff, just surviving with Basic gear💪

[@Barret-paddles]

Amazing trip Xander! So impressed with your growing and perfecting skill set and putting yourself out there 👊🏻💪🏻 Many thanks! 💜

[@acalmlake]

1:06:53 dude, some of my favorite things about your videos are the cooking segments. I totally enjoyed the camping part, and the braving the elements part, but I think I look forward to the cooking part the most lol. So when I heard you weren’t going to be bringing anything with you I was a little bummed at first. but I really enjoyed watching you fumble your way through and figuring out a way to not only sustain but make it look delicious lol. I really enjoy your content and look forward to the next one.

[@thomass6012]

Ich schaue mir sonst nie solche langen Videos an.Bei denen von dir mache ich gerne eine Ausnahme. Du bist so normal einfach natürlich. Mach weiter so.

[@corydunaway]

That 4th bass was taxidermy worthy

[@mannaminne4279]

I get so relaxed after watching your solo adventures, it's like a meditation, it's so easy to watch and the nature is just so amazing, keep doing these! you are awesome.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Nice job dude! Awesome survival vid!! (You probs know this, but if not, can eat those bunchberry leaves as well!) Really badass trip man! Loved it.

[@XanderBudnick]

Thanks brother and no I didn't know. Thanks for the tip :)

[@lokoooo2668]

@@XanderBudnickyou must boil them up

[@patrickvipond4683]

This is awesome. When I’m having trouble falling asleep I put these on. It works, but I watch the whole video every time.

[@Adventures_of_Bravo]

Absolutely phenomenal content yet again Xander, what an amazing experience to share with us all, especially enjoyed the slow mo shots and the knowledge you portray, thank you

[@RadeenChoudhury]

Learning a lot through you man. Thanks for documenting your adventures, creativity and courage

[@user-ly5si2ci5e]

So enjoyed this video. Thank you for sharing the great out doors!❤❤

[@DonGrigorianFishing]

That was an awesome experience brother! I felt like I was there with you! Looking forward to the next one indeed

[@PhantaxPlays]

Today was a really hard day for me so I can't express the joy I felt after seeing that you had uploaded a video today Xander. This video was the first bit of relief I had from and otherwise overwhelming day. Thank you so much for what you do. P.S. really enjoy the educational bits you add in your videos (like the bit about Giardia)

[@JulianOutdoors]

Another great video Xander, as always! I really enjoy your adventures and amazing content. You are top of the class in adventure trips and videos! Keep them coming buddy! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🤙🏼

[@hiddenvoice27]

This is one of my favorite videos you've ever done. Looks like an absolutely beautiful place to be in, I hope to visit the region someday soon.

[@kite1249]

Watching your videos is like breathing fresh air. I really enjoy your content and your videos in a way have helped me with so much these past few months. I recently lost my dad who was a lot like you, you remind me so much of him and it brings me so much joy watching somebody do what my dad liked. Thank you.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Your videos are always so easy to watch. Great adventures, beautiful scenery and quite possibly the best stick fisherman out there 🤣

[@kegray11]

With how much time you spend out in the wild by yourself, I'd love to hear your weirdest or scariest experiences in one of your videos

[@Tyegnass]

Good call!

[@dareionh6844]

Oh god, the buzzing of the mosquitos had me ITCHY

[@BagasSaputra93]

Always awesome shoot 🙌 always love your video Xander, truly inspiration 😊

[@cheryl5540]

Wow, what a great video. Nature is such a beautiful thing. Good adventure, how you can forage for your food. Blueberries look good yum. 👍

[@josesedano4791]

So happy to have found your channel!! Watched the whole video amazing job!!

[@andysurvival346]

Would never through that fish away, and only eat the filet!? Never! Love the crispy parts.

[@ryantucker5554]

xander its crazy the amount of effort you put into your videos, like when you do a shot where youre paddling away from the camera, you have to set up the camera, paddle away, then paddle back. thank you for these peaceful and serene videos that make my night whenever I get to watch them

[@AdventureLad]

Always pushing the envelope, appreciate your effort brother.

[@travisharrington5819]

Your humility and humbleness has eased my anxiety. Thank you very much for bringing me back 🥺

[@jimscanoe]

Looks like beautiful Canadian Shield country-the best canoeing in the world. Your 15 foot Prospector canoe looks great for a single person out in the woods. Great video-thanks : )

[@shahfahad1285]

Another amazing and relaxing video, keep exploring buddy. And yeah mosquitoes hate you bro 😁

[@CptCanada416]

Hey Xander love your videos man as a fellow Canadian. I was just curious how do you deal with all the bugs and ticks? Long clothing? I know lymes disease is a pretty big deal around my area I was just wondering if the ticks are bad or its a seasonal thing. Cheers

[@johnnypalughi1192]

Great narrative! Well done. So happy i watched. Thanks.

[@karenkoslowski2329]

This is one of the most beautiful and interesting videos I have ever seen. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@allisonwanderland9917]

Almost eight pounds in 5 days?! I have to try this… Grocery list this week: 6 fish, two bunches of asparagus, tons of blueberries, coffee, and one piece of bread (starch). Oh, and I’ll check out the mushrooms but choose not to get any. Awesome, Xander, thanks for this one!

[@amaldev2255]

Keep going bro 😍😍😍

[@mattstephens6137]

That aerial footage is incredible.

[@dreamcatalyst]

Dude. Your commitment to camera work and editing are on another level!!!

[@nascapra5482]

incredible work you put into this videos with all the camera angles and editing.

[@dougjochims7491]

Awesome video! Thank you for sharing your adventure!

[@edgarsjonaitis]

This film is so calming. Even if it’s a vlog or something I can call it a light documentary. This was awesome! Just incredible how you get those shooting angles 😮 and excelent story telling! Next up on my list is your 12 days survival.

[@whiskeypaddlers3052]

Awesome video. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks.