Top 10 Survivalist YouTube Channels to Follow

Why YouTube is the Ultimate Resource for Survival Skills

In today’s digital age, YouTube has become an invaluable platform for learning survival skills from experienced outdoorsmen and women. These channels offer free, high-quality content that covers everything from basic bushcraft to advanced wilderness survival techniques. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the fundamentals or an experienced survivalist seeking to refine your skills, these top 10 YouTube channels provide expert guidance, practical demonstrations, and a wealth of knowledge that could one day save your life.

1. Survival Lilly

With over 2 million subscribers, Survival Lilly is one of the most popular survival channels on YouTube. Run by an Austrian survivalist, this channel focuses on practical survival skills, gear reviews, and outdoor adventures. Lilly’s approach is hands-on and realistic, often testing gear in harsh conditions and demonstrating techniques that actually work in the field.

What makes it great: Her videos cover a wide range of topics including fire starting, shelter building, water purification, and wilderness cooking. She’s particularly known for her honest gear reviews and her ability to explain complex techniques in an easy-to-understand manner.

Best for: Beginners to intermediate survivalists looking for practical, tested advice.

2. Dave Canterbury – Self Reliance Outfitters

Dave Canterbury is a survival expert and co-founder of The Pathfinder School. His channel focuses on bushcraft, wilderness survival, and self-reliance skills. With decades of experience, Dave brings a wealth of knowledge and a teaching style that emphasizes the fundamentals.

What makes it great: Dave’s “5 C’s of Survivability” (Cutting, Combustion, Cover, Container, and Cordage) framework provides a solid foundation for anyone learning survival skills. His videos are detailed, methodical, and backed by years of field experience.

Best for: Those interested in bushcraft and traditional survival skills with a focus on self-reliance.

3. Corporals Corner

Corporals Corner, run by survival instructor and former military member, offers comprehensive survival training videos. The channel covers everything from primitive skills to modern survival techniques, with a strong emphasis on practical application.

What makes it great: The content is well-organized, thoroughly researched, and presented in a clear, educational format. Videos often include step-by-step instructions and real-world scenarios that help viewers understand how to apply the skills they’re learning.

Best for: Serious students of survival who want in-depth, comprehensive instruction.

4. MCQBushcraft

MCQBushcraft is run by a UK-based bushcraft enthusiast who shares his passion for wilderness skills and outdoor living. The channel features beautiful cinematography combined with practical bushcraft demonstrations.

What makes it great: The production quality is exceptional, making the videos both educational and enjoyable to watch. Topics include shelter building, fire craft, foraging, and traditional bushcraft techniques. The channel also features multi-day wilderness trips that showcase skills in action.

Best for: Bushcraft enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality production and traditional wilderness skills.

5. TA Outdoors

TA Outdoors is one of the most entertaining survival channels on YouTube, combining bushcraft skills with adventure and exploration. The host’s enthusiasm and genuine love for the outdoors shine through in every video.

What makes it great: The channel offers a perfect blend of education and entertainment. Videos often feature challenges, experiments, and multi-day wilderness adventures that keep viewers engaged while teaching valuable survival skills.

Best for: Those who want to be entertained while learning survival skills, and anyone interested in wilderness adventures.

6. Coalcracker Bushcraft

Coalcracker Bushcraft focuses on primitive and traditional bushcraft skills. The channel emphasizes doing more with less and mastering fundamental techniques that have been used for centuries.

What makes it great: The host’s calm demeanor and thorough explanations make complex skills accessible. The channel covers topics like friction fire, primitive shelters, stone tools, and traditional woodcraft with impressive depth.

Best for: Those interested in primitive skills and traditional bushcraft techniques.

7. Alfieaesthetics

Alfieaesthetics is a UK-based channel that combines survival skills, bushcraft, and outdoor adventures. The host brings a youthful energy and modern perspective to traditional wilderness skills.

What makes it great: The channel offers a fresh take on survival content with excellent cinematography and engaging storytelling. Videos cover practical skills while also showcasing the beauty and adventure of outdoor living.

Best for: Younger audiences and those looking for a modern approach to bushcraft and survival.

8. Survival Russia

Survival Russia offers a unique perspective on survival skills from the Russian wilderness. The channel covers extreme cold weather survival, foraging, hunting, and living off the land in harsh conditions.

What makes it great: The content provides insights into survival techniques specific to cold climates and showcases skills that are tested in some of the world’s most challenging environments. The cultural perspective adds valuable diversity to survival knowledge.

Best for: Those interested in cold weather survival and learning from different cultural approaches to wilderness living.

9. The Wooded Beardsman

The Wooded Beardsman is a Canadian bushcraft and survival channel that focuses on wilderness skills, gear reviews, and outdoor adventures in the Canadian wilderness.

What makes it great: The host’s expertise in cold weather survival and his thorough approach to teaching make this channel invaluable for anyone interested in northern wilderness skills. The production quality is excellent, and the content is both informative and inspiring.

Best for: Cold weather survival enthusiasts and those interested in Canadian wilderness skills.

10. Gray Bearded Green Beret

Run by a former Green Beret, this channel brings military survival expertise to the civilian world. The content covers tactical survival skills, emergency preparedness, and practical self-reliance techniques.

What makes it great: The military background brings a unique perspective on survival, with emphasis on planning, preparation, and mental toughness. The channel covers both wilderness survival and urban emergency preparedness.

Best for: Those interested in tactical survival skills and military-style preparedness training.

What You’ll Learn from These Channels

Across these top 10 survivalist YouTube channels, you’ll gain knowledge in:

• Fire Starting: Multiple methods including friction fire, flint and steel, and modern fire starters
• Shelter Building: From primitive debris shelters to more advanced bushcraft structures
• Water Procurement: Finding, collecting, and purifying water in various environments
• Foraging: Identifying edible plants, mushrooms, and other wild foods
• Navigation: Using maps, compasses, and natural navigation techniques
• Gear Selection: Honest reviews and recommendations for survival equipment
• First Aid: Wilderness medical skills and emergency care
• Hunting and Trapping: Ethical and effective methods for procuring food
• Knot Tying: Essential knots for survival situations
• Mental Preparedness: The psychological aspects of survival

Tips for Getting the Most from These Channels

Start with the Basics

Don’t jump straight into advanced techniques. Begin with fundamental skills like fire starting, basic shelter building, and water purification. Master these before moving on to more complex topics.

Practice What You Learn

Watching videos is just the first step. The real learning happens when you practice these skills in the field. Start in safe, controlled environments before attempting more challenging scenarios.

Subscribe and Engage

Subscribe to multiple channels to get diverse perspectives on survival skills. Engage with the community through comments, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Most creators are happy to help their viewers learn.

Create a Learning Plan

Develop a structured approach to learning survival skills. Focus on one skill at a time, watch multiple videos on that topic from different channels, then practice until you’re proficient before moving on.

Respect Nature and Local Laws

Always practice survival skills responsibly. Follow Leave No Trace principles, respect private property, and be aware of local regulations regarding foraging, fire building, and camping.

Building Your Survival Knowledge

These 10 YouTube channels represent some of the best survival and bushcraft content available online. Each brings a unique perspective, teaching style, and area of expertise. By following multiple channels, you’ll develop a well-rounded understanding of survival skills that draws from various traditions, climates, and approaches.

Remember that survival skills are perishable – they require regular practice to maintain. Use these channels not just for entertainment, but as a starting point for your own hands-on learning journey. The knowledge you gain could prove invaluable in emergency situations, enhance your outdoor adventures, and deepen your connection with the natural world.

Whether you’re preparing for worst-case scenarios, planning wilderness adventures, or simply interested in self-reliance, these channels offer a wealth of free, high-quality education. Start watching, start practicing, and start building the skills that could one day save your life.

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Specifications
Brand	HIHEGD	XKASE	XIFOZA	Skywod	Uhoolly
Weight	‎4.5 Pounds	1.8 ounces	N/A	N/A	‎2.5 Pounds
Dimensions	‎8.9 x 6.8 x 5.9 inches	9.17 x 6.89 x 2.93 inches	N/A	‎15.35 x 11.02 x 7.48 inches	‎10.47 x 7.87 x 5.47 inches
Material	‎Aluminum, Nylon, Plastic	Stainless Steel	N/A	‎Plastic	‎Metal
Capacity	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Efficiency	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Waterproof	N/A	Yes	N/A	Yes	N/A