Our deep interest in this new Discovery series comes from consulting for the company that produced this show for the Discovery Channel. Celeste and I consulted for the Sierra Nevada episode, and I was happily surprised once again when I was called to advise for the Desert Island episode which was to be filmed somewhere in the south pacific.
I was thrilled of course. So off I went exploring the humid jungles, and beaches of paradise. The directors and film crew are great folks to work with and Bear Grylls is a sincere, hard working, and absolutely super guy to be around.
In the very first episode, Bear Grylls survives the heat and rigors of the high desert country of Moab, Utah.
Siera Nevada Episode - Mark Wienert Jr - Survival Consultant
The Discovery Channels new survival series, Man vs Wild with Born Survivor presenter, Bear Grylls.
We would love to hear how you feel about the series, if you are a fan or not. Will be available to answer you’re questions regarding our episodes ( As we like to call them) here on the comments part of this article. If you’re curious about the survival knife Bear Grylls uses or his boots, shoes, North Face pack, canteen, or anything else, (Except his underwear.) will do our best to answer as much as we can.
We look forward to you’re questions on these episodes and our wilderness survival and nature awareness courses.
Do you have what it takes to follow in the footsteps of Bear Grylls and put your survival skills to the test?
Check out our extreme survival adventure camp based on the Man Vs Wild and Born Survivor Discovery Channel series.
Are you ready for – THE EDGE
We are looking forward to hearing from you!
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What type of boot is Bear wearing now?
what socks does bear grylls wear?
I think many on this board are missing the point.
)
I haven’t read all of the posts, there are just too many.
It was posted above that Bear uses a mix of knives to simulate
what you may have with you when you need to survive.
And on Bear’s blog he states that he has punished many knives and
wasn’t happy with any of them.
If you get a diving knife for survival, you won’t like it. It is made of stainless steel and meant to hold up when exposed to salt water. It will not hold an edge, or sharpen up as well as a high carbon steel.
Bear wasn’t using a diving knive because it was the best choice, he was using because he was stranded on a desert island and only had a diving knife with him…..get it?
Have you had a look at his new $750 knife? That’s the knife he recommends when surviving. But for that price you should have bought a plane ticket and stayed out of the woods!
P.S.
You could do worse than Cold Steel’s SRK.
It was designed for survival. I don’t own that particular knife, but do own several CS knives and have found them quite durable.
If you do want a survival knife, a blade of less than six inches will be best. Too much blade makes small chores more difficult. (ie: digging splinters out, or prepping food). Most branches needed for shelter can either be broken off by body weight alone, or cut with the smaller blade. You really don’t want to be felling trees with your belt knife.
And while I’m not a survival expert by any means, I believe that the above is just common sense after handling more than a few knives.
The pants are from a british company and are called the
NOSQUITO MOVE TROUSERS.
http://www.craghoppers.com/CraghoppersSite/product/Mens/CHJ159R.htm
Read Celeste’s review on SOG’S “Hunter Revolver” Knife.
What is the SOG Hunter Revolver? It is a combination bone saw and knife blade with gut hook that revolves or pivots from a center pin on the handle.
http://www.lifesongadventures.com/newsletter/?p=118
Interested in learning how to WIN a FREE extreme survival camp with Mark Wienert and Lifesong Adventures?
Follow this link to learn more-
http://www.lifesongadventures.com/theedge.htm
I have been watching Man VS Wild with some interest and I love the knowledge that I gain from the program, but I am concerned with how many foolish choices Bear takes while supposibly teaching how to survive. I have seen him willingly get soaking wet by jumping into water numerous times, (hypothermia anyone?) careen through the night spured on by what he “thinks” might be a bear. Panicing and running through the night is a great way to sprain an ankle or injure yourself. Anyone who has ever had to rely on their own self and not have a back up team of medical experts would never act as bear does in the woods. I have the greatest suspicion that his whole show is a staged performance.
bear uses a bayleyknife
http://www.bayleyknife.com/beargrylls.htm
Which jacket does he use in the french Alps? The yellow and black one.
Well it has been a while since I posted, nearly 2 months since I have been to the board. I was surprised to see the seeming obsession with Bear’s clothing, down to the socks, which I hope was in sarcasm. Some have said “I didn’t read the entire thing (blog) because it is too long” but many of the questions have been throughly discussed previously, and regardless hold a great deal of information so they are worth a read.
As far as the clothing, I think it comes down to your needs, where you are going, and your budget. You can buy what “Bear wears” but it may not work for you, or your climate, and for most their budget. There are many good companies out there that make this type of gear, the one thing Bear routinely wears which I would endorse as many would is the brand boot he wears, they are spectacular, but pricey if you are looking at a budget entry into outdoor gig (however there are less expensive Merrell boots which are great too) So read the board, be realistic and get what you need and can afford. Just my 2 cents.
Now a question: anyone put a Gerber Harsey Hunter fixed blade through some work? I am looking for something a bit smaller than my beloved K-Bar for fishing and such and this seems like a solid knife with all the features, but was curious if anyone has beat it around.
Hi Edward,
welcome back and thanks for your comments. Gerbers are great knives but I myself have not had the opportunity to try out the Harsey Hunter.
hopefully someone will respond to your question who has used this knife.
This reminds me I need to pick up a K-bar and have it available for my clients at camp this season.
Cheers!
Thanks (Mark?)
I have a variety of Gerber knives and tools and only once or twice found one I didn’t like and typically that was more a folding knife/being left handed issue.
I may just spend the $30 or so and test it out, worst case scenario I throw it in a tool box as a beater.
I wrote a similar comment to Edward’s a few months ago, but left out what he said about the Merrells. I have the chameleon wrap (I think) and they are fantastic! I have a low arch and they are the only shoe/boot that I can walk in for long periods of time without any significant pain in my arches.
Hi all,
we just received a email from a fellow who had a lot of negative things to say about Bear Grylls and the Man Vs Wild show on the Discovery Channel.
Which is fine. My only beef was the lanquage he used.
His email address, “eat my crotch”, what a silly individual, besides his comments let me know that we had another blow hard wasting our time, of course I spamed him.
He did make a point that I have to agree with, “Get out and camp”. Crotch man, thats no doubt the truest words you have ever spoken.
He he.
Crotch man has a great point here. He talked big, no doubt a great armchair survivor. I’m sure he will enter an essay for a chance to win our free extreme edge survival camp.
Maybe he will, and I hope he does. This gives crotch man the opportunity for redemption.
Speaking of the EDGE survival camp, take a chance, face the music, and register. http://www.lifesongadventures.com/theedge.htm
A quick note on Merell chameleon wraps. They fit me great with my high arch, and wide feet.
One of the nicest light hikers I have ever worn.
A really good knife (pocket knife actually) is the Victorinox one handed trekker it is a hair shaver and really sharp especially with those serrations. Its really lightweight and its very strong, i would recommend it to those who don’t want to spend an amount exceeding 50 dollars.
Hi all! I’ve just returned home from that big sandbox well east of Arizona and I’ve got to say I really missed y’all.
I’ve got several more knife field tests to post, but I do want to answer Edward’s question on the Gerber Harsey Hunter here briefly. I purchased a Harsey Hunter to begin field testing last summer. It was listed as a discontinued model so wasn’t sure I should include it in the testing. The lure of the positive locking sheath is what convinced me to buy it and the results are that it is without a doubt a KEEPER. To secure the blade in the sheath you simply slide it in normally. the upper guard will click past a spring loaded stopper and the blade is secured – no other snaps, clasps or straps are required around the handle. To release the blade grasp it normally and push on the release with your thumb. Practice generally gets you to the point of pushing down as you grasp it so no extra steps are necessary. I don’t know if this was ever jump rated by the military but it did survive two jumps and a dozen plus fast rope trips, not to mention daily carry on my left leg by the boot.
For cutting, it was shaving sharp right out of the box (which is what I expect from a manufacturer) and it holds and edge very well and sharpens quickly. I’ve used it as a general utility knife for opening everything from mail to MRE pouches, cutting line and what passes for vegetation in the desert for concealment/camoflage and shelter/observation post building. It also served well in a couple of close quarters situations where it was the closest of my three fixed blades to get to.
The handle offers a positive grip with its rubber coating and ergonomic shape. The palm swells on the sides of the handle are wide, but they fit my large hands very well. Medium or small sized persons may find it an uncomfortable grip but not always. I loaned my black one to a buddy in my outfit who was 5’6″ and about 140-150 pounds and he had no problem with it.
The blade is six inches with a modified clip point and unsharpened false edge. The point is strong and gives good penetration with a strong thrust and the spine is thick enough to make it a lasting piece of equipment.
I liked this knife enough to order another one, the first was black and the second is desert tan. Both have performed well and a Harsey Hunter has in fact officially replaced my Boker Applegate-Fairbairn combat dagger I’d carried on my leg for about ten years. Though it shows as discontinued I’ve had little trouble finding them online – especially on eBay.
Speaking of eBay I’m listing several of my older knives this week along with some of those I tested last summer. My Applegate sold tonight within an hour and a half of listing it – which surprised me as it’s seen a LOT of use over the last ten years but it has been well cared for.
Good to have you back Paladin. As always thanks for the help and great info.
“Anders Says:
February 7th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Which jacket does he use in the french Alps? The yellow and black one.”
The North Face Mountain Light looks to fit the bill. I have a Mountain Light from the ’90s, and it’s very similar, with on a few things different.
Paladin, glad your back and well. Thanks for the input on the Gerber Harsey. I put it in the back of my mind and now reading your post I will pick one up. Ok, maybe two.. My wife calls it “one of my obsessions.” Another being flashlights. At least if the SHTF I will be ok for a while with lights and edged tools.
I should have bought stock in batteries though. Going back to the Merrell Chameleon discussion, I myself do not have a pair but have had over the years several pairs of Merrell shoes and have loved them all, jungle mocs are nice for walking, easy hikes and “camp shoes” also if you got into a situation you could push them pretty hard if needed. My point was more to the fact that buy what your budget allows.
Constantinos- Victorinox knifes are good pocket type knives. I got my first for XMAS when I was 9 years old and still have it. It is a bit rough looking on the casing, but takes and edge and works great. I have a Tinker in a survival box, that if I ever get around to it I will post some pictures of. I am proud of what I have been able to pack into that small case.
Ed
Mr Administator or anyone who can help,
My son is 11 and Man vs Wild and Survivorman are his favorite shows. Can anyone tell me if there is a survival camp in the Southeast that I can send him to or attend with him this summer.
We live in West Georgia and would love to find something in this area
thanks
Johnny
Hi all! Getting ready for a cross country motorcycle trip to help raise awareness for our returning war veterans – soldiers, sailors, and airmen, as well as the contractors who also serve in combat zones.
In getting ready for this trek I’ve posted some updated equipment reviews on my blog (http://paladinswalkabout.blogspot.com/). I have a lot more to post, but time is a fleeting thing with so much going on.
As we remember our veterans, please also remember our contractors who also serve. Contractors provide support that would otherwise require additional military personnel to be deployed. They not only provide security for our bases and convoys but are also truck drivers, cooks, pilots, medics, and teachers among many jobs filled. Some are EOD specialists working on land mine removal and detection/elimination of IEDs, while others are teaching the indiginous military forces so that our own military’s instructors can teach our own forces getting ready to deploy. I know that contractors have received some bad press in recent months (namely Blackwater) but such actions are not the norm. All the contractors are not trigger happy war junkies and without them we’d be seeing about another 20,000 troops deployed. Also, please understand that though the contractors may be paid more while overseas they have no support system once they get home. No VA benefits, nothing, not even mention in the news when killed and not part of the KIA tally. A truck driver suffering PTSD from having his 18-wheeler shot up time after time in convoys because they can’t get an Iraqi or Afghan driver to take the trip is left to provide their own support once returning home.
If y’all see me on the road give a wave or say hi.
JT, contact my buddy Richard Cleveland of Earth School, http://www.lovetheearth.com he’s in South Carolina, tell him I sent you, he has camps for your sons age group. Feel free to drop me an email if you have any questions.
Paladin, thanks for the up date on your motorcycle trip to raise awareness for our returning vets and contractors who have served overseas.
I have been thinking recently about starting a thread for our Men & Women serving overseas, and at home in the armed services. They are going to need all our support and a safe place to talk about stuff and make connections for whatever they will need to adjust back to this crazy world.
I’ll get something going here sometime next week, and maybe when you have time you can post up-dates on your trip, comments and observations, and will keep your link to your blog spot up and going.
Thanks Paladin
Thanks Mark & Celeste! That sounds like a great idea. I added a 2 gallon fuel can to the bike’s load which of course cascaded into a reconfiguring of the load from scratch. I don’t normally travel on the bike with my laptop and have a new wireless internet attachment to hook into a 3G network. The backpack has been removed in favor of a duffel bag to divide the weight horizontally across the rear seat and saddlebags and the laptop case and sleeping bag have been rearranged to sit lower behind me. If I hadn’t made the changes this morning I’d be riding with a load taller than me on the bike. *LOL* This should work though, and as a bonus the sleeping bag will act as a backrest along with the duffle – clothes side toward me and food side toward the rear.
Yeah, you read correctly, the old man is taking a sleeping bag. Not that I’m getting soft in my addled years, but though it’s in the 80′s here during the day there was snow in Flagstaff the other day and as I’m doing a northern and easterly route there’s expected to be hard freezes this week as far east as Kansas City. I decided that the ole Wiggie’s bag could stay in service a few more weeks before moving on to the fleece bag.
Heading out this morning and will post as I can in the evenings. This will be a roughing it trip with no hotel stays planned until I’m on the other side of the Mississipi. I’ll be finding out which truck stops have the best showers and which campgrounds have hot water. *L*
Later, *P
Hi folks,
Only 7 days left to submit your essay for the chance to win the May Edge camp free. To learn more about the EDGE-
http://www.lifesongadventures.com/edgepromo.htm
What possibly could you be waiting for?
Good Luck!
G’day all! I’ve managed to survive the trip so far, though getting the internet communications gear to function all together at the same time has been not as successful. I’ve made the blog updates for the first days of travel and will be getting everything up to date by the end of this weekend. As you’ll note in the first day’s entry my comments on taking a sleeping bag and such didn’t work out as planned. Instead I opted for additional food stuffs to give away to the homeless as I traveled and left the sleeping bag, pad and fuel can behind. As things went I ended up without any hotel stays or stays at campgrounds either as I met with more people and spent more time with folks than planned. That’s one thing I like about this initial excercise, I’ve allotted plenty of time between most way points to allow for unscheduled stops and stays. Comfort is a relative term when catching rest at a rest area picnic table or in a city park. It’s not a suite at the Hilton by any means, but even without the basics you can get the job done.
As Mark posted, don’t forget to get your essays in for the Edge camp! I’ll donate a Cold Steel UWK knife to the second place winner. I’ hope to see some of y’all at the Edge!
Greetings Paladin,
good to hear you have friends, old and new along the way,
we hope the weather is kind along your travel route. I’m packing my gear and will be off to Shasta camp next week. A week of awareness skills, then we begin our preparation’s for The Edge Camp.
The Edge is going to be a great camp and we appreciate your generosity Paladin for throwing in a Cold Steel UWK knife to the second place winner. Thanks! Who knows maybe you will be their to personally award your generous gift.
We will have the winning essayist’s posted, the second of May on The Edge web page.
http://www.lifesongadventures.com/theedge.htm
We also want to thank SOG Knives of Everett WA. for their gift of one of their great knives, and Craghoppers, a very British Company, for their gift of trousers (The new Bear Grylls line.) to the winner!
Monday April 28, is the last day to send in your essay for the Edge camp, but if your interested in attending the Edge we have a few spaces available but we will be closing registration soon.
New Man vs Wild episodes start this Fri night May 2nd!!!
Hey all! I managed to get the 3G connection working along with the laptop on battery power. As Mark had stated earlier I had planned to be at the Edge camp for the awards and to meet everyone attending. In fact, I left Missouri yesterday morning for my trip out. As may have been reported on the news, a severe storm hit the northern area of Kansas City last night, which has damaged or destroyed many homes. One of the homes lost are friends and though I’d just finished getting a rental property ready for occupation by a widow who had lost her husband in the war, I must now race back to get another which had just begun renovation ready for a family of friends who are now homeless. I’ll need to get power and water restored and the kitchen & bathroom fixtures re-installed double time to make it ready for occupation by the family until they can get back on their feet.
I’ll post more as soon as I get back to town and can assess the situation. I’m fine, just had to take shelter from some small hail and heavy rain last night. I’m at a plaza area on the Kansas Turnpike and should be back in the KC area in a couple of hours.
Hey, does anyone know what Jacket Bear is wearing in the “Andes Adventure” on the Patagonian glacier.
It’s Red and Grey, and says AQUA-something on the sides…
Also, does anyone know what boots he is wearing?
Also, what’s the yellow fleece that he’s wearing?
Any help would be cool, Thanks alot : )
love live BEAR GRYLLS!!
your awsome
what kind of knife is bear using now i can’t find it anywhere? you know the side sheath. please help…………………..jeff
I want to know the waist pack bear is using to store his knife in? Can anybody help me out?
hey i was wondering if anyone knew wat watch would be good in any survival situation under $70
Incase you havent figured out yet the knives that Bear Grylls uses here are a list of them…
Buck Iceman
Titanium Pro Dive Knife
Wenger Serrated Mountaineer Knife
Gerber Gator Serrater with Clip Point
Buck Iceman
Titanium Pro Dive Knife
If you are wonder about his knife he uses the most it is a custom made knife that cost about $850.
So I hope that answers all the questions you have about Bears knives.
Noah K.,
you took all the mystery out what knives Bear uses on the Man Vs Wild episodes.
That’s okay, folks will appreciate the info.
See a few pictures from our recent Edge Camp here – http://www.lifesongadventures.com/theedge.htm
I too was curious about the waist pouch Bear has been using lately, I wouldn’t spend $700 bucks on a knife with his name on it, but I do like the little pouch, think it would be a good fit with my micro survival kit…
-J
here is a pic of the sheath he is using in the last couple of episodes.
http://www.bayleyknife.com/images/gallery/06.jpg
hope this helps.
What about Bear’s canteen. I’m sure this has already been brought up I can find it above.
I absolutely love Man vs. Wild. First off to anyone who trash talks Bear, remember he was with the SAS, and has accomplished 3 world records. That says a lot. Anyway, to the real reason to post, Im a camping specialist at REI and there are some really cool items that the survivalist might like to pick up. One is the M.H. Bertucci watch. Whats cool is that its analog (so you can do the compass thing Bear does), its titanium so its really light weight, no pins to be pulled out (the bars are welded in) so its really strong, nylon band for fast drying and lastly, it has a sunken bezel so its harder to scratch the glass.
http://www.rei.com/product/745610
Another cool item is the Benchmade fixed griptilian blade. It’s really strong, the top is thick (so you can baxh a rock on the top with hurting it) and has a nice sheath.
http://www.rei.com/product/745037
Another thing on knives, just remember expensive knives (SOG, Benchmade) tend to have expensive metals/harder metals. This means that they stay really sharp for a long time, however when they become dull they become harder to sharpen. If you go with a cheaper knife (gerber, victorinox, etc) they dull much faster however they are much easier to sharpen on ones own.
Great site btw, Go bear!
I just recently purchased the SOG Seal Pup and the Gerber LMF II. These knives are completely different from each other.
The SOG is nice and small, light and quick, whereas the Gerber is massive and a little heavy with a much bigger handle. While I think I like the SOG better, I prefer the handle on the Gerber as it’s rubber and bigger which makes it realy easy to use. After not too long shaping some wood with the SOG, my hand was spent.
Both seem to have unique advantages though. I wasn’t able to strike my flint with the Gerber which was a smooth knife back, but the SOG has grips all the way long it and makes for easy work with a flint.
The Gerber seems tougher and more like a knife you’d want if you were really in a survival situation as it’s heavy duty. It also has 3 holes on the handle which make it easy to attach to a stick to make a spear.
Anyway, thought I’d share because I know there’s been a lot of question about the two. However you look at it, both knives are awesome.
JOEL!! i agree, my cousin is called Joel and has also recently purchased the Bear Grylls water bottle/canteen from http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com and he has the same problem. I think that ebay is your best bet, however my cousin wont listen to me with the ebay idea.
sas
Regarding Knives:
I do not use a serated edge blade ever ouside of my home.
While they are useful, the serations are designed to protect the cutting edge (the part above the seration). This concept was developed for use in kitchens where using ceramic and other hard surface cutting boards dulled the tradional straight edge knife quickly. Great for the kitchen but not for outdoor expeditions or survival.
I tend to go with what is tried and true.
I have only two knives I use on any outing.
1) U.S.M.C KA-BAR Fighting/Utility Knife
I don’t think you could ever go wrong with this knife by your side.
Blades are Hi-carbon USSI 1095 steel hardened and tempered to resist breaking under severe pressure and to accept and retain a super sharp edge, but also an edge that can be restored with reasonable ease even in the field.
This knife is still a favorite personal knife among many marines today.
Pic:: http://www.armynavyshop.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/3259.jpg
2) USN Mk3 Mod 0 Combat knife:
One of the standard flight knives of US Navy SEALs, combat divers and other special forces.
Pic:: http://www.specwargear.com/images/knife-Mk3-2.jpg
It has a straight edge w/ a serrated saw on the back edge of blade.
Also has a hole at base for attaching a lanyard.
It is a bit on the heavy side, but I happily sacrifice its weight for its balance and dependancy. (it is a solid knife)
And both of these knives I picked up for under $50 each at Army/Navy/Military Surplus stores in pretty good condition (aside from needing some sharpening).
I have a couple that I keep for display and nostalgic reasons, but the others I use, as it is what they were made for.
Hope this info is helpful to some.
Hi, I want to purchase/complete seasons of Man vs Wild; where can I get the episodes Rockies, Moab Desert and Costa Rica?
Are they supposed to be included in the 4-DVD set since they were all part of Season 1? (episodes: Disc A: EUROPEAN ALPS, SIERRA NEVADA; Disc B: ALASKAN MOUNTAIN, AFRICAN SAVANNAH; Disc C: EVERGLADES, ECUADOR, KIMBERLEY; Disc D: MEXICO, ICELAND, SCOTLAND).
Thanks!
8-x
Regarding all of the interest in the Gerber LMF II, and in the SEAL Pup, they are both excellent knives but head-to-head comparisons are impractical as the two knives are worlds apart in their potential applications. A better comparison would be between the SEAL Pup and the GERBER Prodigy(the little brother to the LMF II). These two knives compare somewhat more favorably even if the Prodigy is still a heavier knife. Also, the SOG Field Pup should be given consideration as a competent stash or pack knife. Either manufacturer offers an excellent tool once the parameters of use have been established.
Very well researched information. I\’ve book marked your site.
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