Survival In The Forest

Want a stronger, more secure tarp shelter without adding expensive hardware? In this YouTube Short, I demonstrate an old-school shelter trick that improves tarp tension, protects your ridgeline, and makes camp setup more reliable. Simple techniques often outperform modern gadgets, and this is one every camper, bushcrafter, and survival enthusiast should know. If you enjoy

What’s the best fire starter for beginners? The answer depends on your skill level, environment, weather conditions, and intended use. In this video, I compare several of the most common fire-starting methods—including ferro rods, disposable lighters, stormproof matches, tinder, and emergency signaling devices—and explain the strengths and weaknesses of each. As a survival and bushcraft

Step back in time as we build a classic Retro Camp featuring authentic mid-20th century camping gear. From vintage canvas shelters and lanterns to steel camp boxes, axes, and timeless outdoor equipment, we’ll explore the tools that defined generations of woodsmen and campers. Many of these designs remain just as practical today as they were

Some of the best outdoor gear was designed decades ago, and much of it still outperforms modern alternatives. In this video, I take a closer look at a unique vintage knife sharpener from the 20th century that was truly ahead of its time. We’ll examine its design, how it works, and why old-school woodsmen trusted

In this video, I take the Deeper Sonar onto the water and show exactly how I use it to locate bait, identify structure, and find schools of crappie before making a single cast. You’ll see real sonar screenshots alongside real catches so you can understand what the sonar is showing and how to interpret it.

Should you carry an axe or a saw into the woods? It’s one of the most common questions asked by new bushcrafters, campers, and survival enthusiasts. In Part 1 of this beginner series, I break down the strengths and weaknesses of each tool and explain when one clearly outperforms the other. We’ll discuss: * When

Should you carry an axe, a saw… or maybe both? In Part 2 of this beginner series, Dave Canterbury explains why the answer isn’t always one or the other. Different environments, different trips, and different objectives call for different tools. Learn how experienced woodsmen decide what to carry, when both tools make sense, and how

This course combines the 16 hour Red Cross WFA requirements with another 24 Hours of Pathfinder School Enhanced tracing for a more well rounded, realistic, and Hands on Wilderness First Aid Course To train with us check out our courses under the training tab at Selfrelianceoutfitters.com

A great canteen cup cook set should do much more than boil water. In this video, I show you how I build a multi-functional, user-friendly USGI Canteen Cup Cook Set that is compact, efficient, and designed for real use in the woods. We’ll cover why every component is included, how the new “D” Ring handle

Can you find direction without GPS or even a compass? In this YouTube Short, I demonstrate one of the oldest and most reliable navigation techniques—the single shadow method. Using nothing more than the sun, a stick, and a little patience, you can establish an East-West line and orient yourself almost anywhere. This is a foundational

There’s nothing better than fresh catfish fillets and homemade hushpuppies cooked outdoors after a successful day on the water. In this Catch & Cook episode, I head to the lake, catch quality channel catfish, clean them, and prepare a traditional southern-style meal using simple ingredients and a classic camp stove. Whether you’re into bushcraft, camping,

Learning knots can be frustrating—unless you understand the transition between each step. In this instructional video, I teach 10 essential camp knots using the Transition Teaching Method, a proven way to simplify complex knot tying by focusing on how one movement naturally leads to the next. Instead of memorizing finished knots, you’ll understand why each

What is the best knife for bushcraft, camping, or survival? It’s one of the most common questions I get from new outdoorsmen, and the answer isn’t as simple as buying the most expensive knife on the market. In this video, I’ll explain the differences between fixed blade and folding knives, how blade length affects performance,

batoning wood with a knife a good idea? In this video I explain why, when, and how to baton wood safely and effectively, along with the situations where you should avoid it. As a survival instructor, I’ve seen countless misconceptions about knife batoning. We’ll discuss proper knife selection, choosing the right wood, understanding grain direction,

If you’re new to bushcraft, survival, or camping, you’ve probably wondered, “What gear do I really need?” In this video, I answer one of the most common questions I receive from beginners and explain the difference between wants, needs, and skills. We’ll discuss: * The essential gear every beginner should own * The difference between

Here’s a great Base Camp or Car Camping Hack most don’t know. The Sawyer mini will fit a standard Jerry Can for Gravity Filtration

Many people use the terms Bushcraft, Survival, and Camping interchangeably—but they’re not the same thing. In this video, I break down the real differences between these three outdoor disciplines and explain why they overlap. Whether you’re just getting started or have years of experience outdoors, understanding the purpose and mindset behind each one will help

There are three things that never disappoint after a successful day on the water: Crappie, Cornbread, and Coffee. In this video I head out to catch fresh crappie, then cook up one of my favorite traditional camp meals. Fresh fried crappie, homemade cornbread baked in camp, and a hot cup of coffee—simple ingredients that have