You hit the nail on the head! A lot of skills have been lost in the last hundred years!! I was fortunate, my dad was almost 60 when I was born in the early 50s! He taught me all he could about living without most conveniences! We had electricity on the farm and running water, but that's about it! We canned everything from the garden, and mom made lye soap! I wouldn't trade my early years for anything! I learned farming, woodworking, metal work, mechanics, and animal husbandry! I was in 4H, FFA, etc! He taught me hunting, fishing, and trapping!

Funny survival story that happened to me in winter here in Kauai is i got stranded after work from flooding one night and only with shorts and a t-shirt for covering. The only thing i could come up with was a large garbage bag covering me with a few holes so as not to get asphyxiation. It poured rain all night and got cold yet that bag helped keep me from getting soaked and potential hypothermia . It wasnt fun but it worked , so now ever since i keep an Xlarge bag handy ,just in case 😅 .

@jaimhaas5170

4 ай бұрын

Good story.

I am a 73 year old woman. I live in a studio apt in the downtown of a small city. I have an urban bug out bag. A separate bag with 3 days of food and water. I made a old rolling suitcase into a survival bag with tent, quilt, water purification, etc. for a major event. I am a life-long woods tramper. I believe survival knowlege is the best prep for the unexpected event. Knowing how to use what is at hand to survive.

@shipjumper6068

4 ай бұрын

Make sure you have some sort of protection in your survival pack. Being older makes you a target to have your resources taken, but if you can offer a hot led sandwich 🥪 to possible thieves will let them know not to mess with grandma.

@ithacacomments4811

4 ай бұрын

@@shipjumper6068 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

@bernadetteevans2

3 ай бұрын

A very good way to be! I’m also a Senior woman (65), and I am also a widow, so learning new skills to make myself more self reliant is a necessity to me

@ithacacomments4811

3 ай бұрын

@@annking1576 "Bug In"....is the way to go ....if you can.

@annking1576

3 ай бұрын

@shipjumper6068. I have habanero hot sauce put through na sieve & added some water & put in small powerful sprayer. Get that in your eyes & you'll be screaming for pain relief! And I truly don't care if I blind someone trying to harm me!

A willingness to keep pushing past your comfort zone is absolutely necessary.

Being prior military Special Forces. E&E Xscape invasion is what I was trained in. Your channel is more into Self Reliance which I totally enjoy. Thank You🇺🇲

Shawn, I' m a huge fan, on everything you offer. I'm a proud member of your Patreon channel. I am a professional chef and have a fishing and cooking channel on youtube "From the Tide To Your Table". Survival can have many perspectives. I have given lectures on food and nutrition to a variety of audiences. I love your most recent focus on personal wellbeing on nutrition and diet. One of the most concerning aspects of long term survival albeit even urban is diet. I have spoken to Urban Elementary School Students who have never tasted a fresh vegetable like green bean or broccoli. The sad truth is that all of the processed food most have grown to live on is killing us with cancer and other non survivable health issues. Most should worry less about a surviving a plane crash and more about eating food that fuels and protects our bodies in a wholesome way. Thanks for all you offer. Be well and safe. Chef Mike

@venessagoulet3372

4 ай бұрын

My daughter and son-in-law ate at your restaurant 👍

Shawn, your channel is about self reliance and now more than ever People are realizing in this current environment how important working towards that is!! 'Thanks for continuing to share your time, channel and the things your doing to improve your property and the work towards you and your families goals.

Shawn it would be fun to hear what you keep in your car as basic need if something were to happen. I think back to the 70's when I was a teen and the gear I kept in my old beater Oldsmobile. My kids keep none of that now. They only need the phone.

around here we call the white undergloves as "pricess gloves", and when everything outside was completely wet, melting snow and stuff, i used cooking rubber gloves on top of them just to keep atleast 1 set of gloves dry if everything else was going to get completely saturated in water from melting snow while doing stuff outside

Always a great day when you drop another video. Thanks Shawn, appreciate your time.

My husband & I appreciate your channel, Shawn- Our cabin is Up North from where we live, and we so enjoy spending time there in late spring, summer and fall- in the middle of rehabbing our cabin and “wintering it in” so we can enjoy it in the colder months as well- but as we grow older, we do love our early spring temps where we live presently- Your cabins are superb in their construction - my husband is a contractor and owns our garage door business as well- and I worked as a cardiac diagnostics nurse before retirement- We live a life of adventure in many ways still and implement our ideas in our cabin- God bless you, brother as you do what you do, and bless your wife and family

My husband and I have recently made survival kits for our vehicles. We live in MI and can easily get caught in weather and not get back home. Both of our vehicles are able to keep our kits and we would be able to "camp out" in our vehicles.

@glockparaastra

4 ай бұрын

A good habit is to always fill up with gas when your tank gets to half.

@jaimhaas5170

4 ай бұрын

Love it. I do something like this. Live in SE WI.

@catinaray4013

4 ай бұрын

We do that as well. @@glockparaastra

I'm so over the labels... I JUST LOVE THE CHANNEL !!! It is a little bit of EVERYTHING. I am never bored. I have watched your videos over and over and over. THANK YOU !!!

@CroMagnon42

4 ай бұрын

What they said ^ 🔱🔥🔱

Wool is the best insulator for sure. Homesteading off-grid in the cold as you do qualifies as being about survival. Your knowledge and skills make this life seem bearable and second nature. I watch and learn all I can from channels such as this not only for the immersive escape, but to facilitate a life “quasi-off-grid” someday. You make self sustainability an attraction.

My number one survival skill is calming my wife down when she freaks about the bears, foxes, outhouses and fire that goes out in the middle of the night. 😅 Thanks Shawn for the continued content.

@ingridhohmann3523

4 ай бұрын

😅funny 😁 👍

@damogranheart5521

4 ай бұрын

Too true. Dealing with a panicking individual takes finesse.

@shipjumper6068

4 ай бұрын

Leave your wife alone when she freaks out and ask her if she still believes in the feminist movement. My wife was born in raised in a traditional country, so I don’t have those problems thankfully.

@talljohn66

4 ай бұрын

Mine is calming my wife down after she finds out how much I just spent on survival gear. 😀

@schnitzelschnizel9448

3 ай бұрын

I hope that you are a heterosexual.

Hey Shawn my husband thought that he’d seen almost everything about survival and being prepared, because he’s spent a great deal of time teaching our 3 sons but when I ran across you and some of your friends I can’t keep him away from the tv. Thanks so much for sharing! 👏👏👏🤩🤩🤩💯💯💯

Correct, see to self in the first instance. Cheers Shawn.

I see you as living your dream and yours 💞 is as your family's. The James' are living the good life😊❤

Thanks Shawn! Never entered my mind about the clothing for warmth! Passing this on to my sons! Looking forward the next video! God bless you! Appreciate so much for your wisdom!☘️☘️☘️❤️🙏

You ought to take a tip from Emily and try Blundstone boots sometime. As a zookeeper and outdoorsman, I have been wearing them for 30 years or so, I swear by them for comfort and waterproofing. In 30 years I have killed about 6 pair. Each to their own though.

Aloha Kakahiaka! Good morning Shawn 🌴

The #1 survival skill will always always always be do not Panic. #2 Your brain can hold so much more in knowledge then all the books, videos in the world and the weight on your back is much less to haul around. Happy having fun outdoors. 🙂

Drive them bonkers and call it doing what you want when you want! Everyone has the ability to survive, few have the ambition to acquire the skills to servive. You have done an amazing job with all your accomplishments.

Awesome looking forward to this series! Yea I've found that if I can keep my face, hands, and feet warm I can put up with the cold without complaining too much. That older video you linked is one of my favorites you looked like you had a lot of fun recording it, even during the harsh weather conditions. The bannock on the stick 😂

Hello from Alabama love seeing calli, she is so happy out side.👏👍

Great topic! Survival Skills can be different based on the situation...urban vs suburban vs wilderness. Anticipating potential emergencies and being prepared is key. Thank you Shawn for presenting this topic...it empowers your audience to think about these concepts now, before they are needed. When we snowmobile in the wilds of Maine, I always have four things: A small tarp to help build a shelter, the tools to make a fire, a Meal, Ready to Eat (MRE), and water. In the north woods, help can be a day or more away, knowing you can survive a night or possibly two makes all the difference. The mindset to recognize and decide that you are in a survival situation and the forethought in having a plan in place, go a long way in ensuring calmness, the execution of your plan and your survival. Thank you for running this series!

Lots of great information Shawn! Thanks!❤

Refreshing logic. Thanks for sharing.

Glad to have you back with your family and much appreciation for the content you have.😎

Well spoken..and right on.!

Thank You Shwan, such excellent points indeed. I've not considered a dry suite before but will keep one in mind now. Your points of generational skills and knowledge lost to modern living is the golden point, I feel. Many will benefit that take these points to heart. I'll be looking forward to your series on this topic very much. As Always, wishing rich blessings your way. Mike.

Thank you for sharing the video.

Most people to day are not even able to survive without medicines. My #1 survival skill is knowing how to stay fit and healthy without medicine, and knowing what is proper nutrition for a human. #2 survival skill is knowing how to stay warm and at the same time be able to tolerate cold conditions. #3 survival skill is to be able to fix all my stuff when it’s broken. #4 is work in progress. That’s my hunting lisence and a big ass shotgun to hunt my meat. I live in an off grid cabin out in the woods and in my car if I travel. Works fine so far👍🙂

Continually enjoy watching all of your videos over the years THANK YOU for sharing life skills Cali doing Good!

Hello, Shawn, I have not seen you as much. I enjoy you talking to us. And, you are an amazing smart, hard working man. And you have a beautiful family... I love in western PA..❤

Doing what i enjoy, and making a Good living doing it.......Does not get much better!....Very calming and enjoyable, Well done Sir!.

Self reliance is more about thriving than surviving. Once you establish that mindset and acquire the necessary skills you are not affected by the fragile system we are part of.

It would be super helpful if you could do a real nuts and bolts video on how to transform an on grid home to a hybrid off grid homestead. Like, how many solar panels, batteries, using 12 volt appliances, keeping the water in your water collection tank from freezing in the winter, food production and storage, and so much more.

@deerwoodretreat

4 ай бұрын

Another question: If you lack acreage, alternatives to using firewood to cook and heat. Are there sustainable solar-based solutions?

@lonnieslick9313

4 ай бұрын

Actually Sean has videos on most if not all you’ve mentioned

Thanks brother

thanks Shawn

Shawn James,como não entendo seu idioma,a única coisa que lhe digo, e que és muito lindo 🥰🙏😘🤗

This is where I am glad I am married to a former Boy Scout. The skills he has from that are unbelievable.

C'est sur qu'avec votre expérience à vivre dans les bois, par tous les temps, vous savez ce qui vous convient le mieux, en terme d'habillement!..Et comme vous êtes très actif, ils doivent être faciles à enlever, si vous commencez à transpirer!...Ces vêtements ne seront pas les mêmes pour une personne vivant en bord de mer...merci pour cette vidéo Shawn 🙂

Super helpful information regarding how to dress appropriately. Love, love this kind of info. Thank you so very much! Cheers from NE Texas. ❣️🍀

We are all surviving every day. Different environment, different skills. Many people have trouble to survive sudden change of the environment.

Shawn Your channel. I’ve followed you since the first cabin, even had to resubscribe twice. It is a man building a home with elder knowledge. Watching you build the first cabin without power tools was heart breaking when you had to start over with the new spot. Happy to see this property coming along. It is a self reliance hunting/ trapping cabin. My wife watches to see Kalie. Inspiration, and relaxation. You are more comfortable talking to us now a days, and we appreciate it. your classic ASMR building videos are your bread and butter.

THIS IS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER.)

Well, the way things are going in canada and america, you're probably going to be able to say it's a survival channel. It's going to be a survival of the fittest and most prepared in my opinion. And you're both fit & prepared.

Thanks for the great video Shawn. I think it''s less about people's lack of interest in wilderness skills but rather society not giving most people the option to learn a lot of these skills. For instance, I live in a 1 bedroom apartment without a lot of sunlight and no outdoor space. I can't even grow tomatoes if I wanted to. Certainly I'm trying to get into a better situation but it doesn't change the fact that on the aggregate society doesn't allow most people to build a lot of outdoor skills that used to be necessary to survive. The flip side to that of course is camping and hiking. If you're stuck in an apartment like I am I highly recommend getting into long distance hiking, especially if you can find the equipment cheap at yard sales, craigslist, etc.

Thanks again for another great and informative video. I agree that wool is the best but the most expensive. Synthetic is the next best and a little more budget friendly. Cotton is good as long as you keep it dry. Down here in Alabama a good set of rain gear is a must. Seems to me that knowledge and the skill to use it is your best survival asset.

When I moved from SoCal to Washington State back in the mid 70's, the shock to my system was pretty severe, it seemed like I was always wet and cold. I quickly learned the value of wool and of layering: long underwear, double socks, heavy sealed/waterproof boots, cotton knit turtlenecks, wool shirts, knitted wool caps, hooded jackets, knitted wool sweaters, etc. Western Washington doesn't often get all that cold (snow at lower elevations is fairly rare), but heavy sideways rain at temps just a few degrees above freezing is common in the winters, it can suck the warmth out of a body really fast. After 45+ years in the PNW, I've grown acclimatized and I don't layer up like I used to and now rarely feel the need to resort to long underwear or double socks, but I still have what I need, should the weather get really cold. I agree with you 100%, proper clothing for the conditions you find yourself in is the #1 most important survival skill.

I think your channel is how to live the old way. The way our grandparents lived. My grandfather passed in 1987 and had electricity for less than 10 years and still did not have running water or indoor plumbing. We did the laundry in a washtub outside and bathed in the same tub. Had a heat stove similar to the one you have. What was the chicken house when I was growing up was the structure my father had been born in.

You are The MAN!

👍, Only thing I would add is a merino neck gaiter/buff.

My 3 kids would find it difficult to survive without their phones. I don't even use one. For me it dumbs us down. Sure if I'm driving might need one but in 30 yrs never did.

That was very interesting thanks for that. 👍

Good tips.

I live in a multi-family rental high-rise building in a big city, I think having good relations with my neighbors is a great survival skill. We will work together and make it thru a crisis :)

@jaimhaas5170

4 ай бұрын

You will need it. What about the other 99% that won't feel the same toward you? Urban areas are so rat infested now.

It’s essential for people to have a knowledge of survival skills even in this day and age. Living in a winter climate or a hot climate you should know how to survive in that type of environment and have a basic knowledge of how to survive on little means. Common sense goes a long ways but for many people who are not familiar with any kind of survival skills are often not going to have a good outcome. Learn how to survive by taking the time to prepare for emergencies and learning a few skills can be helpful.

That was an excellent presentation and explanation of layering. I learned a lot for a seventy nine year old, although I doubt that I will ever use that knowledge in the few short years I have left. All your shows are a joy to watch.

Interesting and informative video well done.

This sounds interesting and practical .. thanks. Myself the independence "is the comfort zone". Being vulnerable is what makes me uncomfortable.

Dressing in layers is an excellent idea. They keep you warm, plus you get the eggs!

Survival skills. Water, gas, jumper cables, food, sleeping bag, tools, flashlight, lighter, matches, candle, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, AAA, and cash in your car. Same at home just more of it. Wilderness a subset plus a satellite phone text device.

For me, the most important survival skills in life are self discipline, and being mentally and physically strong and healthy. Most of the challenges we will face in this life can be overcome with those three qualities.

Clothing is the first survival skill ❤

Alternate dream living!

merci JAMES

I wish nice day

Dry, damp proof, draught proof : )

Thanks Shawn very informative info all the best fr an Ontario Can sub.

SHAWN, I AM A VERY BIG FANFROM PORTUGAL, IN WAT YOU DO. GOD JESUS BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY CONTACT

I came upon two older women who were sisters that were homeless in the winter I did reach out to help them they’re lack of trust and fear they’re dogs would be taken led them to only accept minimal help since then I thought out emergency shelter but your right Sean keeping warm clothing on hand is the first shelter and is doable

Obrigada pelo vídeo maravilhoso 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

I think your channel is about living a good wholesome intuitive life. 😊 The way folks used to live before we became a nation of consumers instead of creators.

@jaimhaas5170

4 ай бұрын

I have never been a good consumer but I sure have people around me and in my neighborhood that make up for me. Hard to stomach when garbage day comes and I see how much is thrown out. Just horrible.

From climbing in winter and snow camping Polly pro stinks less than silk, recycled 2 liter bottle spun polly pro fleece, ( i have the old north face red color wind blocker light and expedition weight sets from years past that still works), does not soak up any moister and can be hand rung nearly dry if it gets wet and feels dry to touch as wool will hold some moisture until body heat drives it out. prevent sweeting by layer and temp control. Polly pro sock liners slip to eliminate blisters in boots hiking in hot or cold with a hiking or med weight sock over them. no cotton on body / in pack. I practiced with friends on Mt. Rainear lower glaciers till I learned what worked for my activity levels.

Your channel is the original Mcgyver show😉💪😊

When I was in the military and stationed at Minot AFB in North Dakota I learned to always always always keep a extra cold weather gear and food and such emergency supplies in my car summer and winter. We got a surprise blizzard in late May, 36” of snow in 36 hrs. People were blown off the highway and trapped in their vehicles and tried to get out and walk to where they thought they saw lights in a blizzard and some got lucky and some died. Over the past forty years I’ve been teased and even verbally abused because I always over pack even for a day trip. But it’s something I refuse to give up doing and I don’t care if people call me “the bag lady” until I die. It’s helped me out at times and I’ve helped others out who weren’t prepared. I haven’t been in any situation since I was young that was life threatening but if it ever does I know I have the ability & knowledge to survive many situations.

Proficiant with arms and other tools. A hunter gatherer.

👋BE BLESSED 🤲🌬🌐⚖️.good looking out

The topic of your channel: "Making a self-sufficient life." 😁

In Canada and USA there was never any kind of war or crisis but it looks like those times are over . We all see that the entire world is changing for worse .

Cali snaking down from the hill 😁

I think what constitutes a ‘survival skill’ is mostly a function of one’s environment. When I was young, I lived on an island. My father (who was from South Dakota) decided it was important for his kids to learn to swim. And he took some considerable pains to ensure that - we all got swim lessons. Today, I live in the desert Southwest… Which has reduced the importance of swimming as a ‘survival skill’, for me, to almost zero.

@jeffatkinson3288

4 ай бұрын

Until the person has a heart attack and falls onto a pool. But golly gee, you know how to swim and jump in and save the day. Suddenly your a hero. Hopefully your Dad is still alive so you can thank him 😉

@tomreichardt6044

4 ай бұрын

@@jeffatkinson3288 Have you EVER been to a desert? I have yet to see a pool here deeper then the width of your head. 😶

@jeffatkinson3288

4 ай бұрын

@@tomreichardt6044 deserts are where they have pools.🤣 have you never been to Arizona, Nevada, California?

@tomreichardt6044

4 ай бұрын

@@jeffatkinson3288 Oh, I am sorry. You think suburbia is the same as the desert?

@jeffatkinson3288

4 ай бұрын

@@tomreichardt6044 🤣🤣🤣 you have fun baking under your desert rock. Glad your not my neighbor.

Thank you Shawn for this type of content as well as your podcast. The beauty with the videography and sound on your My Self Reliance channel is amazing, but I think having this type of content is so incredibly valuable. We appreciate your time and sharing your knowledge. It is so crucial in times like these- or any time actually. 🙏🏻

Coats made with a camel wool insulation is even warmer that goose down. I have a coat rated for the artic and the insulation in it is Camel wool. It is the warmest coat I have ever owned.

👍

it's optimism.

When it comes to a survival situation failure is not an option

I emphasize that survival skills come in different levels. In today's world, we seem to lack even the most fundamental level. Imagine you're out and about, and something unexpected happens, like the debit or credit system crashing. Knowing simple skills such as carrying cash or being aware of your location and how to navigate home without relying on technology like a taxi or GPS becomes crucial. The next level involves situations where you might find yourself needing to spend a night somewhere unplanned, perhaps at an airport or stranded on the side of the road. What items do you need to make this situation more comfortable and manageable? Moving beyond that, there are scenarios where survival stretches over multiple nights. While not necessarily life-threatening because you have some form of shelter and maybe access to food, you need to consider essentials like cash and warm clothing. Then, there are more dire circumstances where your life is directly threatened, such as being caught in severe weather without immediate shelter. How can you mitigate the effects of elements like wind, cold, or rain? Then from there the level keep increasing and require a lot more skills to survive. In the past, basic skills were typically learned as part of growing up. However, in today's world, it seems we spend more time immersed in virtual realities like video games than preparing for real-world situations. As a result, many lack the ability to cope effectively when faced with real-life challenges.

Unfortunately, I have a nasty contact allergy to any kind of wool. Even alpaca makes me break out in hives. That having been said, I was pleasantly surprised by how well satin works for a base layer.

👍🏾👍🏾

I see as Shawn James and your lifestyle of living in Canada

Your channel is about how you are living your life and is very interesting.

When civil unrest reaches a point like in Haiti then there are other skills you'll need to survive.

@jaimhaas5170

4 ай бұрын

Not likely here in our two countries. We got it good.

👍😎✌️

Is there a chance you would share the brand of certain wool clothing? It’s hard to find or know which ones are good. The silk glove liners as well!?

Meu Amado 😂😂😂

Saludos apreciado amigo Shawn. Excelente video. Soy fiel seguidor de tu canal. Me e gustaría que hiciera la traducción en español. Una recomendación

What are your thoughts on Crud gloves? thanks