24 Hours on Bug Out Island: Survival Camping
video description
Date: 2025-12-23
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 20
taoutdoors
Calling this survival is incorrect and, frankly, silly. Survival, by definition, implies an unplanned, high-risk situation where a person has no easy exit, limited resources, and is forced to make decisions under real pressure in order to stay alive. None of those conditions apply here.
This is a planned 24-hour stay in the forest, with:
shelter (a bivy-bag,
insulation (a sleeping bag,
food supplies,
a water filter,
above-freezing temperatures,
and, most importantly, the ability to stop at any moment and walk home.
When you can safely end the activity at will, you are not surviving you are training, camping, practicing outdoor skills or call it whatever but not surviving. That distinction matters.
Labeling such an activity as survival diminishes the meaning of real survival situations faced by lost hikers, disaster victims, soldiers, or rescue personnel. It also creates a false sense of hardship where none actually exists.
reply
Calling this survival is incorrect and, frankly, silly. Survival, by definition, implies an unplanned, high-risk situation where a person has no easy exit, limited resources, and is forced to make decisions under real pressure in order to stay alive. None of those conditions apply here.
This is a planned 24-hour stay in the forest, with:
shelter (a bivy-bag,
insulation (a sleeping bag,
food supplies,
a water filter,
above-freezing temperatures,
and, most importantly, the ability to stop at any moment and walk home.
When you can safely end the activity at will, you are not surviving you are training, camping, practicing outdoor skills or call it whatever but not surviving. That distinction matters.
Labeling such an activity as survival diminishes the meaning of real survival situations faced by lost hikers, disaster victims, soldiers, or rescue personnel. It also creates a false sense of hardship where none actually exists.
reply
Craggstone
Maybe not for this series of 'bugouts', but how about a series where you start in a big city with the aim of getting to another location that's maybe 3 or 5 days' walk/hike away or further if you use your packraft on a river or canal So, for episode one - without jumping in a car, bus or taxi - walk out of the city toward the countryside, with a night 'covert camping' on the outskirts of the built environment, then for day 2 a lowland/meadow/river environment, day 3 a more rugged dales-type scenario, day 4 in the mountains, day 5 descent and destination reached. You could do it as a single 'escapade' with one set of gear, or focus on different gear and different set-ups for different environments etc. but still link the episodes by starting from the same location where you stayed the night during the previous episode. You could run through all sorts of bushcraft and navigation skills too.
reply
Maybe not for this series of 'bugouts', but how about a series where you start in a big city with the aim of getting to another location that's maybe 3 or 5 days' walk/hike away or further if you use your packraft on a river or canal So, for episode one - without jumping in a car, bus or taxi - walk out of the city toward the countryside, with a night 'covert camping' on the outskirts of the built environment, then for day 2 a lowland/meadow/river environment, day 3 a more rugged dales-type scenario, day 4 in the mountains, day 5 descent and destination reached. You could do it as a single 'escapade' with one set of gear, or focus on different gear and different set-ups for different environments etc. but still link the episodes by starting from the same location where you stayed the night during the previous episode. You could run through all sorts of bushcraft and navigation skills too.
reply
ModelVroomVrooms
And there we have it, ladies and gentlemen, the reason why Mike is still doing these videos that we all love. His kids and lack of sleep. LMAO JUST KIDDING! In all seriousness though, if you wanted to do a Bug Out SHTF scenario type video, make it a 3 to 7 day video. The first day or 2 would be fueled by MREs and the rest you have to hunt and/or fish for food to survive. As an added challenge, halfway through, have a shelter disaster where your tent is damaged and you have to build an emergency shelter with the damaged remnants of your tent. Hunting could be with either a rifle, bow, snare/trap, or combination of all three. Fishing could be with either a rod and reel, or line attached to a stick (in case the rod/reel breaks, a set line, or trap.
Make it an actual challenge. Otherwise, it's just another survival camping video that we'll still love and watch.
reply
And there we have it, ladies and gentlemen, the reason why Mike is still doing these videos that we all love. His kids and lack of sleep. LMAO JUST KIDDING! In all seriousness though, if you wanted to do a Bug Out SHTF scenario type video, make it a 3 to 7 day video. The first day or 2 would be fueled by MREs and the rest you have to hunt and/or fish for food to survive. As an added challenge, halfway through, have a shelter disaster where your tent is damaged and you have to build an emergency shelter with the damaged remnants of your tent. Hunting could be with either a rifle, bow, snare/trap, or combination of all three. Fishing could be with either a rod and reel, or line attached to a stick (in case the rod/reel breaks, a set line, or trap.
Make it an actual challenge. Otherwise, it's just another survival camping video that we'll still love and watch.
reply
vogonpoet5860
i would like to see one of these survival videos where they do a bug out camp for 3 days. most people could throw up a tarp and eat and hide for 1 night, knowing they are going home next day, even with rain, but 3 full nights would be more realistic. plus as I found out, a tent I PUT UP and was dry over night through rain, I left up and after 3 days of rain I had a mini swimming pool! FOOD ways carrying enough for a night is simple but for 3 nights its bulkier! Unless you're fun camping, no one is bugging out for 1 night, 3 is likely the min. I did a 1 night sim in my back yard easily with a 50L back pack, but when i did a 3 night sim, change of clothes, extra food, extra water etc required an 80L pack and an extra bag.
reply
i would like to see one of these survival videos where they do a bug out camp for 3 days. most people could throw up a tarp and eat and hide for 1 night, knowing they are going home next day, even with rain, but 3 full nights would be more realistic. plus as I found out, a tent I PUT UP and was dry over night through rain, I left up and after 3 days of rain I had a mini swimming pool! FOOD ways carrying enough for a night is simple but for 3 nights its bulkier! Unless you're fun camping, no one is bugging out for 1 night, 3 is likely the min. I did a 1 night sim in my back yard easily with a 50L back pack, but when i did a 3 night sim, change of clothes, extra food, extra water etc required an 80L pack and an extra bag.
reply
jackypearcejustme
I'd like to see a scenario for 3 full days and nights, rather than just an overnight. Same theory, bug out, but only with enough rations for one day and you have to fish or forage the rest of your food, so coastal is always best, to my mind. Simple tools, no fancy rods and reels, just a collapsible rod maybe and a very basic fishing kit that fits in the side pocket of cargo trousers. How would you improve your camp over those few days, working on the theory that you might not know how long you'd have to be there, rather than the finite time we know it will be What would you forage for What would you try to preserve for the winter and how would you do it
reply
I'd like to see a scenario for 3 full days and nights, rather than just an overnight. Same theory, bug out, but only with enough rations for one day and you have to fish or forage the rest of your food, so coastal is always best, to my mind. Simple tools, no fancy rods and reels, just a collapsible rod maybe and a very basic fishing kit that fits in the side pocket of cargo trousers. How would you improve your camp over those few days, working on the theory that you might not know how long you'd have to be there, rather than the finite time we know it will be What would you forage for What would you try to preserve for the winter and how would you do it
reply
Rose. Of. Hizaki
9: 31 - This is incorrect. Its not that they are packed with preservatives, although they'll obviously contain some. But they are super dry because thats what gives them their long shelf life. You could put a few packs of them in a draw and forget about them for 10-30 years and they still might be edible. It depends on the other ingredients the manufacturer has used. i. e If they've used ingredients that contain lard/fat or things like margarine/butter etc etc then this will significantly shorten the shelf life.
reply
9: 31 - This is incorrect. Its not that they are packed with preservatives, although they'll obviously contain some. But they are super dry because thats what gives them their long shelf life. You could put a few packs of them in a draw and forget about them for 10-30 years and they still might be edible. It depends on the other ingredients the manufacturer has used. i. e If they've used ingredients that contain lard/fat or things like margarine/butter etc etc then this will significantly shorten the shelf life.
reply
clivewarren780
I like the idea of a heavy rain camp with gear that you have to grab quick. I think extreme weather causes difficulty in rational thinking on camp priorities. What might seem easy in normal conditions may seem more difficult when you have to hurry for shelter and food etc. I think it would be a good learning lesson to see how to keep your head when the wind is howling and it’s pouring or blizzarding and you only have gear with you that you grabbed quickly.
reply
I like the idea of a heavy rain camp with gear that you have to grab quick. I think extreme weather causes difficulty in rational thinking on camp priorities. What might seem easy in normal conditions may seem more difficult when you have to hurry for shelter and food etc. I think it would be a good learning lesson to see how to keep your head when the wind is howling and it’s pouring or blizzarding and you only have gear with you that you grabbed quickly.
reply
mavsist
Since already have your own forest, have you ever thought about making a series about rebuilding human society after an apocalypse, or even showing how humans progressed over time Not just survival, but long-term rebuilding and thriving tools, shelters, food systems, step by step. From Stone Age to Bronze Age to another, with simple tips, tricks, and forgotten skills. It wouldn’t have to be weekly, just an ongoing series the one you had with your shelter builds.
reply
Since already have your own forest, have you ever thought about making a series about rebuilding human society after an apocalypse, or even showing how humans progressed over time Not just survival, but long-term rebuilding and thriving tools, shelters, food systems, step by step. From Stone Age to Bronze Age to another, with simple tips, tricks, and forgotten skills. It wouldn’t have to be weekly, just an ongoing series the one you had with your shelter builds.
reply
andrewarcher880
Compo sausage was always a favorite with the lads, I hated it! They used to serve compo sausage curry in the mess, foul stuff it was too. Had the consistency of dog food! I called the cook something undesirable once and the Sargent came out shouting who called the cook a CT Some one shouted back Who called the Ct a cook! They aren't cooks any way, they are fitters and turners, they fit the food into a tin and turn it into st!
reply
Compo sausage was always a favorite with the lads, I hated it! They used to serve compo sausage curry in the mess, foul stuff it was too. Had the consistency of dog food! I called the cook something undesirable once and the Sargent came out shouting who called the cook a CT Some one shouted back Who called the Ct a cook! They aren't cooks any way, they are fitters and turners, they fit the food into a tin and turn it into st!
reply
Watson1
If my feet get wet, I’ll heat up some rocks and put them in my boots. These dry from the inside out. Far better than what you had there. I’ve tried that first. And was shown the rocks. Especially when small ones can get into the toe area and larger ones fill up the rest. I also would have fixed the paddle shaft. You had perfect size pine branches on the island for that. Next one, on the coast of Scotland please.
reply
If my feet get wet, I’ll heat up some rocks and put them in my boots. These dry from the inside out. Far better than what you had there. I’ve tried that first. And was shown the rocks. Especially when small ones can get into the toe area and larger ones fill up the rest. I also would have fixed the paddle shaft. You had perfect size pine branches on the island for that. Next one, on the coast of Scotland please.
reply
Barlofontain
There is usually some for of pate or spread to put on the old Biscuits Brown, to stop them from absorbing all the moisture in your body as you try and chew them. haha
Edit: Ok, you found the jam, which was for the biscuits, but used for the rice pudding that you had for breakfast, after having the breakfast for your dinner. I guess it all ends up in the same place, so you go for it
reply
There is usually some for of pate or spread to put on the old Biscuits Brown, to stop them from absorbing all the moisture in your body as you try and chew them. haha
Edit: Ok, you found the jam, which was for the biscuits, but used for the rice pudding that you had for breakfast, after having the breakfast for your dinner. I guess it all ends up in the same place, so you go for it
reply
andrewseymour41
Great bug out episode Mike.
I’d like to see a UK based coastal bug out but also, what you might do if you had to it with the family.
Not suggesting you include them and appreciate you couldn’t carry everything, just maybe another piece of content in your woods with that focus.
Thanks for this post, very interesting as always.
reply
Great bug out episode Mike.
I’d like to see a UK based coastal bug out but also, what you might do if you had to it with the family.
Not suggesting you include them and appreciate you couldn’t carry everything, just maybe another piece of content in your woods with that focus.
Thanks for this post, very interesting as always.
reply
whiskeyinthejar24
I set up a similar kit, but the intention was the opposite. A get home bag.
Kept it in my Hilux any time I went out solo, just in case.
Simple bivvy bag.
Compact down sleeping bag.
Very lightweight tarp.
Two days worth of dried food and two stainless kidney cups, hiking stove etc.
Assorted useful odds and ends.
reply
I set up a similar kit, but the intention was the opposite. A get home bag.
Kept it in my Hilux any time I went out solo, just in case.
Simple bivvy bag.
Compact down sleeping bag.
Very lightweight tarp.
Two days worth of dried food and two stainless kidney cups, hiking stove etc.
Assorted useful odds and ends.
reply
AikiStig
I can't remember if I did leave the comment on a previous video or not but have been wondering if you'd ever do a coastal episode. Mostly as I happen to live down on the SE coast, so have always been curious to what, if any, the differences would be between the classic forest/woodland bush-craft/solo camp scenario and a coastal one would be.
reply
I can't remember if I did leave the comment on a previous video or not but have been wondering if you'd ever do a coastal episode. Mostly as I happen to live down on the SE coast, so have always been curious to what, if any, the differences would be between the classic forest/woodland bush-craft/solo camp scenario and a coastal one would be.
reply
taoutdoors
Would be great to see an Escape and Evasion episode. There must be some friendly hunter force who could chase you down across unknown territory. You having to survive, but also be discrete, and try to cross-country. There's a SERE challenge type thing like this in the US I've seen some videos of. Would be cool to see it done here!
reply
Would be great to see an Escape and Evasion episode. There must be some friendly hunter force who could chase you down across unknown territory. You having to survive, but also be discrete, and try to cross-country. There's a SERE challenge type thing like this in the US I've seen some videos of. Would be cool to see it done here!
reply
ajarrell3919
You're onto it. This will be a good series. Take the survival kits grab a bag and bugout to different types of locations. Go out to the island, go back to the mountains where you took the subaru. The caves on the coast. Locations from many of your past overnight outings. But in a bugout scenario. Just an idea.
reply
You're onto it. This will be a good series. Take the survival kits grab a bag and bugout to different types of locations. Go out to the island, go back to the mountains where you took the subaru. The caves on the coast. Locations from many of your past overnight outings. But in a bugout scenario. Just an idea.
reply
taoutdoors
Very enjoyable video. This man needs his kudos, I am amazed you still manage to get out every week with two young children. I only have one, and manage about one a month. I wonder how many have been cancelled due to sickness bugs etc. Well done and thanks your videos are packed with so many wonderful tips.
reply
Very enjoyable video. This man needs his kudos, I am amazed you still manage to get out every week with two young children. I only have one, and manage about one a month. I wonder how many have been cancelled due to sickness bugs etc. Well done and thanks your videos are packed with so many wonderful tips.
reply
howardhausafus784
I like the feeling of how unique it is to camp on an island; it is like experiencing your own little world. Maybe because you are somewhat sequestered from the rest of the world when it requires more planning and effort to reach this destination. I enjoyed this one and all your other videos.
reply
I like the feeling of how unique it is to camp on an island; it is like experiencing your own little world. Maybe because you are somewhat sequestered from the rest of the world when it requires more planning and effort to reach this destination. I enjoyed this one and all your other videos.
reply
medicus5565
Great video, Mike. I'd be interested in a mountain scenario similar to this one with an added challenge of not being able to have a campfire (wouldn't want to reveal your location, right. These type of videos opens up a host of challenges and contemplation for preparation. Thanks!
reply
Great video, Mike. I'd be interested in a mountain scenario similar to this one with an added challenge of not being able to have a campfire (wouldn't want to reveal your location, right. These type of videos opens up a host of challenges and contemplation for preparation. Thanks!
reply
taoutdoors
HI Mike. Finally bought my GRAYL ULTRAPRESS. How do you find it. id love to see you do a water filter video. comparing taste, useablity etc. I've had a life straw a while but sucking from source is not ideal. Keep up the good work mate. See you hopefully at Bushcraft Show in May.
reply
HI Mike. Finally bought my GRAYL ULTRAPRESS. How do you find it. id love to see you do a water filter video. comparing taste, useablity etc. I've had a life straw a while but sucking from source is not ideal. Keep up the good work mate. See you hopefully at Bushcraft Show in May.
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
