I am a survival expert. I've provided official training to the United States Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Department of Defense, LAPD, CA Dept of Justice and more, as a civilian. I am a former Fire/Rescue Helicopter Crewmember in SO CAL. People ...

What is the most common mistake made by someone lost in the wilderness?

Not carrying any type of kit at all, even a pocket kit. The most common victim of an outdoor survival situations are day hikers. They carry nothing and have nothing if anything goes wrong. This is why the #1 killer is exposure.

EDIT: Also, nobody ever forms a signal. Helicopters flying over looking, ground teams, all that, and people hope rescuers trip over them. Always form/initiate a rescue signal as soon as possible.

To expand on this, what would you keep in a pocket kit for a day hiker?

2 Fire cubes (esbit, wet fire, fast fire, etc) uco storm matches, aqua tabs chlorine tabs, strip of bright ribbon & pocket signal mirror, streamlight clip on all weather light, BZK wipes, gauze roll, HEATSHEET.

What do you mean by a "kit" or "pocket kit." What's in such a kit?

See comment above. if I make it easy for you to carry you are more likely to on a short hike. It should fit in the common pockets of hiking pants, and be enough to fight of exposure for a night or two.

What's the biggest piece of survival misinformation you'd like to set the record straight on?

Firesteels suck ass. Always carry storm matches and an accelerant. Don't use fire steels for emergency situations.

People play the “what-I-would-do-in-a-zombie-apocalypse?” game all the time, but it sounds like you’re the expert. What would you do, assuming you’re starting in a mid level urban one bedroom apartment when things go south?

Store some water, cheap power banks for your phone, a walmart super cold rated sleeping bag if heat is off, small usb powered fan for heat, med kit, canned food from the dollar store, something for home defense. Ok start I'd say. EDIT: this is a brief example of a very inexpensive set up to get you stare and keep you alive in the short term

What is a common "seen on TV" survival tip (ie- skin a bear and sleep in it to avoid the cold) that is not accurate? Or, what is something that people often assume about survival in extreme conditions that is incorrect?

You can't just "tough it out". In extreme conditions you need some type of gear and training. You can't expect to build a snow cave by clawing with ungloved hands, etc.

What's the one thing people should just have on them every day?

Other than the pocket taco, a multi tool.

Any particular multi tool you would recommend?

I only go the Victornox Swiss Tool and Leatherman models. In my teaching and training experience they hold up the best. Leathrman has a wide price range... the Swiss Tools- my favorite- are $100+ and worth every penny. You can hand them down to your children.

Have you ever been in a situation you were 100% confident wasnt going to end in your survival? How did you survive?

I've been close enough a few times. I was doing a little bouldering in the Sierras, and climbed onto a table top rock that met a trail. As I stepped over a 8" crack I began to hear a lot of rattlesnakes begin to buzz. I began to scan the rock and saw a lot of fissures, everyone I stepped over began to buzz. I was in a nest. I slowed everything down. I knew if I began to run or step blindly I could be bitten, but I felt like there was no way I wouldn't be bitten anyway. I was ready to dodge. I kind of ninja walked of the boulder, luckily none struck at me. My adrenaline was so high however, that as soon as I hit the trail, and was safe... I just had to sprint for a 100 meters or so to let the adrenaline out. I knew I was safe, but it was so dam hard not to freak out, now that it was safe to I had to freak out and sprint lol.

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EDIT: SPELLING

Guess you must've been pretty rattled

Oh no you didn't!

Holy fuck, I've never actually seen a rattlesnake, but I had a dream of basically this a few months ago. Except it was the shrub-steppe outside town that definitely does have rattlesnakes. Now I want to go hiking even less this summer...

Luckily north american pit viper bites are rarely fatal!

I was hiking with my headphones in not paying attention in AZ, switching a song and just as I put my phone down I saw a big rattlesnake on the trail, it's head was in striking position and I stumbled back into a full sprint I came very close to getting bit and as a native Arizonan should have known better. I always hike with one earphone out now, it was a super close call, but I love seeing rattlesnakes super cool animal.

agreed, gorgeous to look at and rarely aggressive.

What is the most obscure/craziest experience you had or trained people for?

AR-15 orientation in extreme cold weather with snowshoe and arctic shelter training.

Training teams that hunt cartel members who do illicit deeds on federal wildlands.

What are the most important items a family with small children should have on hand for emergencies/natural disasters?

A way to purify urban water- high chemical and virus removal capability, a specialized med kit (for long term care - medical honey dressing or other calcium alginate for long term non stick application, benzoklonium chloride, ace bandages, and extra medication that is taken daily, etc), a way to form a micro climate if the grid is down- catalytic room heater, fans, etc), communications capability-shortwave is best because it works "over the horizon", but most of all a good plan and training. You don't want to form an emergency plan on the fly- there's enough hard decisions to make in any disaster already, and you don't want your first time using your gear to be in an emergency... train with your gear. Hygiene kits are also essential, germs are everywhere. Also grub is good lol

Can you recommend a purification system?

Sawyer S3 Water bottle, first need filter, ability to distill, aquatabs.

Thanks. It’s hard to sift through the bs sometimes when I’m looking at stuff like that.

Anytime!

I have several life straws in my emergency kit, Are they any good? Could I drink water from my pool with them?

They are awesome in streams but you wan't a filter with carbon to trap the chlorine for pool water. Some filters are meant to remove chlorine from pre treatment tabs. Maybe not those. Urban water systems for urban water, wilderness for wild.

What are your must have survival items when venturing into the wilderness?

All weather fire capability, water treatment capability, signaling capability, broad spectrum medical kit, shelter capability (even a heatsheet is ok for most places), light, knife. Scale, quantity, and models vary based on climate, terrain, activity, and group size. Here's some recs https://www.californiasurvivaltraining.com/gear

Have you ever actually been lost somewhere and used your skills?

At 15 I had SAR dispatched on me in the mountains after becoming lost. I used an escape azimuth- natural route finding- to hike into town over 6 hours, and drank from springs as I knew protozoa infections (the most common in the outdoors) take days to kick in but the heat would kill me quickly. I was the typical day hiker with no mountain experience with nothing. I began to hitchhike when I hit the first major road, got home, and called search and rescue and told them I was ok.

Did you end up getting a Protozoa infection?

luckily no, but oddly enough not everyone gets symptomatic. Maybe now I'm just a carrier! lol

Is that what got you into survival training? 😂

sort of ;)

What advice would you give someone considering a first responder type of job as a career?

Train hard. People's lives depend on you showing up as the best version of you. High and fucking tight. Take all the advice on growing and becoming better, and explore mental/emotional coping mechanisms right away. You're going to see some shit. Be sure you have ways to deal with it effectively.

What survival scenario scares you the most and why is it bears?

Because they are ambush style hyper-predators who pounce from the tall tall trees and can smell a drop of blood 3 clicks away.

Is Bear Grylls actually any good?

As a a source for survival info? eh, who knows, tv is tv and host say who the tv guys want. But he is a legit stud. Former SAS, summited everest, does intense expeditions, rock climbs well, successful as shit, seems like a good dude. Also his school hired me once so I like him lol.

Yeah but he drinks his own pee.

That's food coloring lol

What TV survival "technique" bugs you the most for being misleading or unrealistic?

I saw a guy claim to make a fire with a ziplock bag of piss as a magnifying glass on cable tv and I wanted to punch him in his solar plexus.

Would you do Naked and Afraid?

No but I've trained some contestants.

Which temperature do you hate the most: Extreme cold or extreme heat?

Cold. Fuck cold. Yet... I teach in Alaska, summer and winter.

In your opinion what separates the good trainees from the best trainees?

Enthusiasm in tough times.

Should I be carrying radios with me out in the bush or just an InReach beacon? Any radios you’d recommend over others?

Motorola rules. I prefer ACR over any other type of beacon but that's just me... and the US Coast Guard. There is also the bivy stick now, and tech options are constantly appearing. Just be sure what you get is reliable and rugged.

Edit: Bivy not ivy

Should everyone have a "go bag?", If so, what should be in it?

A readiness kit yes, and no reason not to make it portable. I always recommend and expedition style backpack- 65 liters plus- for a comfortable carry. Deuter brand and osprey are my go to's. Medical needs, water treatment, signals/comms, self defense measure, money/barter, id documents, tools, light, sleeping bag and tent or tarp, a bit of grub.

Cocaaaaiiinnnnnn!!!!

And yes, don't forget the candy for the zombie party.

What got you into the line of work that you're in?

My love of the outdoors and coming to people's aid combined in one awesome profession where I am my own boss. Not to mention the constant challenges to learn, grow, and perform. It keeps me young and happy!

What are easy mistakes to make that threaten ones survival? I’m sure it depends by situation, but are there general things you see people do that could be surprisingly dangerous?

I've seen so many people on trails with no gear whatsoever and dressed poorly. Lobsters hiking by in flip flops and no shirts on desert trails, that kind of thing. Exposure is the #1 killer in outdoor emergencies, at least dress for the outdoors.

What do you look for in a general use knife?

Full tang, drop point, scan grind, micarta or g10 handle. Thanks for the question!

What types of non-American groups and military units have trained under you? Do you have to sign NDAs when training specific units? What was the most intense and/or frustrating moment in your training history? Thanks!

Some groups, government and private, require non disclosures. Especially movies/tv. It would cost me millions to even imply the unit, country, movie house, whatever.

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The scariest thing I've done in training is make a friction fire kit in the rain at the US Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Center while their survival instructors watched. I was training them on a 10 day course and it was our first event. Rain can suck lol, but it worked. Until it did I was terrified however. Went forage to fire in sub 30min.

US Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Center

Bridgeport?

Yep. Pickle Meadows and all. https://www.californiasurvivaltraining.com/awards

What’s the single most important tip you can give someone?

Always carry what you need to spend the night in an emergency when headed to outdoor or remote areas, even in your vehicle.

How legit is the SERE school in Spokane?

If it is military- legit as fuck. Civilian, I have no idea. But I think you are referencing where the Air Force trains it's own instructors. Air Fore SERE guys are legit as fuck, they do high volume, as do I.

I did SERE in the army and in the classroom portion they were going over what plants you can eat and ones you cant. After the end of that lesson the instructor told us that when dealing with plants dont eat any of them unless it is last resort. That a lot of plants can be lookalikes and instead of being the good ones, can make you rather sick. They told us to stick with grubs, larvae, grasshoppers and things like that for the protien they carry. Do you agree with their sentiments?

Yes, food is your last concerns. It takes weeks to starve to death. Don't forage unless you are 100% sure.

You wake up in the middle of the desert in the middle of the day wearing a T-shirt, jeans, and street shoes. You have no other articles or equipment. What are the first 5 things you’d do?

Stop. Put your feet a few inches apart. Go up on your toes. Then click your heels and repeat "there's no place like home" until you wake up back in your bed.

what do you do when nighttime is coming and you havent killed three sheep to make a bed yet to sleep before the monsters come out?

Fall asleep cold wake up dead, it's the freddy kruger rule of outdoor survival. If you can't make a fire or creat insulation you have to exercise in some way until daylight. Survival burpees rule.

Thank you for doing an AMA!! How can I tell the difference between a sprain and a fracture, and how should I take care of both?

Also, what are some of the things you believe everyone should have with them pretty much at all times?

Generally the amount of pain, if it is weight bering, if there is tenting or deformation, range of motion, things like that. Here is the thing however, when it doubt splint the area. It won't hurt and will protect either injury. And stop using it asap!

Do you believe in having a rifle, pistol in your go bag? Do you carry and conceal?

Yes, and I am in Cali so no. A take down 22 will go a long way for food and defense.

I commute to work an hour each way. My biggest fear is being stranded in the winter. Any items you prefer to stock in your car as must haves for survival kits?

Catalytic propane heater (small one) and a sleeping bag. Throw in a few handwarmes and some snacks and you're good to go.

1) What is the best book for beginner/intermediate survival skills?

2) How do I best learn to start a fire without matches/ferrorod/etc.?

Not that many good manuals out there. You have to read a few, watch some vids, and take what's useful and discard what's not. I take my advice very seriously, lives may depend on it, so I don't recommend information likely. I have a bow drill vid that will make you successful on youtube here: https://youtu.be/NOofPX4t8jQ https://youtu.be/SRGy1ekwsN4 https://youtu.be/T-g1_19lAog

I know there’s a lot of interest in terms of outdoor/wilderness survival, but I’m curious what your thoughts are on surviving urban situations such as an earthquake, a fire, or even as a hostage or during a terrorist incident (shooting, bomb, etc.). Is it better to stay put or to make a run for it, etc.?

In a dense population center standard evacuation may be impossible. I teach people to identify water ways and aqueducts-which often have frontage areas- as options. Also, you are trying to place the grid, on a small, scale, for a short period of time. It's gear intensive so be ready. Have water, medical gear, hygiene needs, self defense, comms, your id documents, tools, etc ready to go. In my urban disaster course we teach assembly of portable solar generators for cheap as well. Shelter in place vs evacuated is highly dependent on location and event.

Is it all worth it? The stress and all that.

Hell to the yes. Being my own boss relieve a lot of that. And nature heals.

Can you train me? I don't have money but I have lots of hugs and cookies.

I'll do it for the cookies... don't touch me. ;)

What are the most important survival knots to know?

Outside of trying to make some sort of slip trap out of 550 cord to catch squirrels or other small animals, what’s the best way to get meat without weapons?

Sure know and the double overhand slider/fisherman's know. But here's the thing, if you can't tie knots tie lots ;)

Is there any conceivable survival situation in which the wisest course of action would be to drink your own piss?

If you carry a bit of plastic in your kit, like a plastic painters tarp- small and light, you can distill your pee into drinking water. Crystal clear, with just a bit of plastic, a hole, and the sunlight. Can do it in posts and pans to. Water is a big deal, when without it too long people will drink anything. Prisoners in cells where water supply was interrupted even drank toilets dry. https://www.cnn.com/2013/07/30/justice/california-dea-settlement/index.html

What survival mistakes do you typically see in otherwise realistic movies?

Good luck rubbing sticks together for a fire!

Who trains the trainer? Where do you get your skills training? And have you checked out Survival Russia's channel? https://www.youtube.com/user/Moscowprepper

I train the trainer. My greatest teachers have been pain and humiliation.

What’s your best advice for dealing with sickness, particularly diarrhea, in survival situations?

Stay hydrated and consume electrolytes the best you can. Try to keep some fluids inside.

What "psh that'll never happen to me" scenario do you most often see people fall victim to?

Being forced to spend the night outdoors when setting out for a sample day hike after becoming lost or injured for sure. Also, heat exhaustion is right up there too.

A few recommendations: https://www.californiasurvivaltraining.com/awards

If you were lost in a tundra or frigid area, what would be the best course of action for survival?

Use the birch trees to make fire. Their bark burns hot in the wettest of conditions and will keep you warm.

If you could have one specific breed of dog to survive with in the wilderness with you, which would it be? It could be practical, just because you really like a certain dog or whatever reason.

Irish Wolfhound. You can basically ride the things and their cuddles will definitely keep you warm lol.

What are you go-to primary snares and traps? What edible plants would you go for first?

Pauite Deadfall by far. It gets the job done. Also stinging nettles are the most energizing nutrias plants I've ever lived off of. Outstanding food.

Can you explain how to make a fire after it's just rained all day/all night? Your only tool is a little Bic lighter.

If you can put it in terms that a 5-year old would understand, that'd be even better. Thanks.

Forage under the densest growths of tree/bush branches and debris piles for the driest tinder and branches. Use wood from needle bearing trees and dead needles when possible, as their resins block some water absorption and light more easily.

What's your first real survival experience?

On one of the first question I recount being lost at 15 when search and rescue was dispatched lol.

What is the one skill everyone should know about? Also, was The Rock's character in San Andreas loosely based on you? :)

How to make a fire. It is liberating as a human.

Extremely loosely. Thanks you made my night.

What is you best survival tip for someone trying to raise a family and make ends meet in California with no tech-based qualifications?

Move to Texas.

Les Stroud vs. Bear Grylls: who wins in a survive-off?

Surprise twist: Big foot is real and surprised to find them crashing his home turf.

Second surprise twist: no harmonicas or piss drinking allowed.

Bear Grylls. Survivor man would get too hungry and leave early lmao.

How is the pay for providing training to police and soldiers? I’m thinking I may want to get in on the action. I’m somewhat of a survival expert myself. If I don’t die before July 4th, I will have 55 years of continuous survival under my belt. My Granddad was the real expert though. 98 years! Dude knew his shit.

Not very good. I'm generally part of a wishlist on discretionary funds. I have to give them good deals to get it approved. Corporate training however, mush better.

What is the most important piece of survival advice you think everyone should know?

Never give up and stop trying to problem solve no matter how seemingly hopeless. We are stronger and smarter than we think.

Any type of kits you'd recommend?

Adventure Medical Kits have a lot of what I recommend, as do some of the better SOL brand kits. Always customize a kit for needs, climate, terrain, activity, but as far as off the shelf goes these are great.