35 Best YouTube Prepper Channels and Shows

The rise of prepper channels on platforms like YouTube and social media has revolutionized the way individuals approach preparedness and survival skills. These prepper channels offer a wealth of knowledge, ranging from basic survival techniques to advanced strategies for long-term self-sufficiency. With expert advice, hands-on tutorials, and real-life experiences, they have become a go-to resource for anyone interested in becoming more self-reliant and ready for whatever challenges may come.

This article presents a curated list of the 35 best YouTube prepper channels and shows, each offering unique insights and valuable information to empower viewers on their path to preparedness.

#1 Primitive Technology

Subscribers: 10.9M

Primitive Technology, set in the Australian rainforest, showcases survival skills using natural materials without speaking. This popular channel reveals ancient building techniques and tool-making skills. Viewers can watch the creation of shelters, kilns, and weapons from sticks, stones, and clay. Its minimalist approach and emphasis on self-reliance appeal to preppers and survival enthusiasts, reminding us of our ancestors’ ingenuity.

#2 TA Outdoors

Subscribers: 2.4M

TA Outdoors, hosted by the passionate outdoorsman Mike Pullen, is a haven for those seeking to reconnect with nature and learn traditional skills. The channel is a treasure trove of primitive bushcraft wisdom. It covers everything from wilderness survival and shelter building to woodworking, crafting, and fishing. Mike’s adventures in wild camping and solo bushcraft trips provide a wealth of practical tips and inspiration for those seeking to explore the outdoors.

#3 My Self Reliance

Subscribers: 2.17M

Shawn James, a captivating survival artist, invites viewers into his off-grid life in the Canadian wilderness through his YouTube channel, My Self Reliance. Accompanied by his loyal golden retriever, Cali, Shawn shares his experiences building log cabins, mastering bushcraft skills, and embracing a sustainable lifestyle.

Shawn’s calm demeanor and practical approach to survival make his content both informative and inspiring. My Self Reliance is a must-watch for anyone seeking a deeper connection to nature.

#4 Canadian Prepper

Subscribers: 1.28M

Canadian Prepper offers a unique perspective on emergency preparedness and survival. This channel tailors specifically for the challenges and opportunities faced by Canadians. With a focus on current events analysis, innovative gear reviews, and discussions about potential societal collapse, this channel equips viewers with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in any situation.

#5 Survival Lilly

Subscribers: 1.14M

Survival Lilly, a self-taught survivalist from Austria, has carved a unique niche in the male-dominated world of prepper channels. Her engaging content covers a wide range of topics, from primitive and modern wilderness survival techniques to long-term survival strategies and urban preparedness. Her videos showcase a variety of skills, including shelter building, fire starting, foraging, and water purification. 

#6 Joe Robinet

Subscribers: 1.55M

Joe Robinet, a self-proclaimed “regular Canadian guy,” shares his passion for bushcraft and outdoor adventures through his captivating YouTube channel. Accompanied by his loyal canine companion, Scout, Joe embarks on various camping trips, showcasing the realities of life in the Canadian wilderness.

From constructing impressive natural shelters to mastering fire-starting techniques, Joe’s videos offer a wealth of practical knowledge for outdoor enthusiasts.

#7 City Prepping

Subscribers: 1.06M

City Prepping is a valuable resource for those living in urban and suburban environments, recognizing that the majority of Americans lack the basic skills needed to survive a crisis. This channel focuses on practical, easy-to-implement survival strategies for everyday people. It covers topics such as food and water storage, medical preparedness, and home security. The channel’s creator, drawing from his diverse experiences in outdoor survival and microbiology, brings a unique perspective to urban preparedness.

#8 Sensible Prepper

Subscribers: 867K

Don Porter’s Sensible Prepper channel provides a pragmatic approach to preparedness, blending firearm reviews with practical survival hacks. The channel caters to those who believe in responsible gun ownership as part of their overall preparedness strategy, offering insights into firearm selection, maintenance, and safe handling. Beyond firearms, Sensible Prepper also talks about other survival topics, such as first aid, water purification, and off-grid living. 

#9 David Canterbury

Subscribers: 854K

David Canterbury, a well-known figure in the survival community, has established himself as a leading authority on self-sustainability and outdoor self-reliance. His YouTube channel is full of practical survival advice, delivered clearly and engagingly. Canterbury’s expertise covers a wide range of topics, from wilderness survival skills to bushcraft techniques and emergency preparedness. 

One of Canterbury’s most notable contributions to the survival world is his concept of the 10 C’s of Survival. This comprehensive framework outlines the essential gear and knowledge needed for outdoor survival.

#10 Black Scout Survival

Subscribers: 629K

Black Scout Survival, led by Jack Richland, takes a comprehensive approach to survival, encompassing both wilderness and urban scenarios. Focusing on practical skills and realistic situations, Black Scout Survival equips viewers with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate a variety of challenges. Whether they’re learning how to survive in the wilderness, defend themselves in an urban environment, or prepare for a potential disaster, this channel offers valuable insights and practical advice. 

#11 The Patriot Nurse

Subscribers: 532K

The Patriot Nurse, a passionate advocate for medical preparedness and self-sufficiency, offers a unique perspective on survival through her YouTube channel. Combining her expertise as a nurse with her strong patriotic values, she talks about topics such as emergency medical care, disaster preparedness, and the potential impact of civil unrest on healthcare.

#12 Survival Dispatch

Subscribers: 389K

Survival Dispatch is a network of survival experts offering a comprehensive range of knowledge and skills through its YouTube channel. With a daily schedule of short and long-form videos, it covers a vast array of topics, catering to both beginners and experienced preppers.

Their “Blackout Broadcast” highlights EMPs, CMEs, and grid-down scenarios, while “Fuel The Fires” focus on wilderness and urban survival skills. “Survival Dispatch Academy” provides in-depth tutorials on various survival strategies, and “Open Source Intel” keeps viewers informed about current events and potential threats. 

#13 Far North Bushcraft And Survival

Subscribers: 374K

Far North Bushcraft And Survival, hosted by an experienced woodsman, focuses on the time-honored traditions and skills of the old-time woodsmen. The channel explores a wide range of bushcraft and survival techniques, from building shelters and foraging for wild edibles to utilizing natural medicines and starting fires without modern tools. With a focus on practical knowledge and hands-on demonstrations, Far North Bushcraft And Survival empowers viewers to reconnect with nature and develop the skills needed to thrive in the wilderness. 

#14 Alfie Aesthetics

Subscribers: 357K

Alfie Aesthetics, a British YouTuber with a penchant for witty humor, delivers a unique blend of entertainment and survival knowledge. Each of his videos is packed with valuable information and insightful tips on preparedness and self-reliance. His content covers a wide range of topics, from bushcraft skills and wilderness survival techniques to practical tips for urban preparedness and disaster response. 

#15 The MCQBushcraft Archive

Subscribers: 328K

Michael McQuilton, known online as MCQBushcraft, shares his passion for traditional wilderness survival skills through his YouTube channel, The MCQBushcraft Archive. Based in the UK, Michael draws on his lifelong experiences hunting, fishing, and exploring the outdoors to teach viewers essential skills for self-reliance in nature. His videos cover a wide range of topics, from fire starting and shelter building to foraging for wild edibles and navigating with a map and compass. 

#16 Engineer 775

Subscribers: 329K

Engineer775, hosted by a mechanical engineer with a passion for self-sufficiency, offers a wealth of knowledge on homesteading and sustainable living. With a diverse range of topics, the channel covers everything from renewable energy systems and water management to DIY projects and practical tips for off-grid living. Drawing on his engineering expertise, the channel’s creator shares detailed tutorials and insightful demonstrations, empowering viewers to tackle complex projects and build self-reliant systems.

#17 Southern Prepper 1

Subscribers: 302K

SouthernPrepper1 is a hands-on channel dedicated to practical prepping solutions, showcasing various DIY projects on his country property. This resourceful prepper focuses on creating sustainable systems and essential infrastructure to enhance self-sufficiency and resilience in the face of potential crises. His videos cover a wide range of topics, from building rainwater collection systems and solar power setups to constructing greenhouses and raising livestock.

#18 The Urban Prepper

Subscribers: 291K

The Urban Prepper, a software engineer based in the Seattle area, offers a practical and family-friendly approach to emergency preparedness in urban environments. Focusing on the unique challenges faced by city dwellers, the channel provides detailed tutorials, gear reviews, and project demonstrations aimed at building resilience in the face of potential disasters. With a background in software engineering, The Urban Prepper brings a methodical approach to preparedness, emphasizing planning, organization, and thorough testing. 

#19 Survival On Purpose

Subscribers: 277K

Survival On Purpose, hosted by Bryan Stevens, caters to “regular folks” who are interested in camping, survival, and general preparedness. Drawing from his lifelong love of the outdoors and experience as a Boy Scout leader, Bryan shares practical tips and gear reviews that are accessible and relevant to everyday people. The channel covers a wide range of topics, from basic camping skills and gear recommendations to more advanced survival techniques. 

#20 Survival Russia

Subscribers: 272K

Survival Russia, hosted by Lars, a Danish living in rural Russia, offers a unique window into the outdoor lifestyle in the Siberian wilderness. With a focus on practical survival techniques, Lars shares his knowledge of the Russian long-hunters and Siberian tribesmen, offering insights not often seen outside of Russia. The channel features a wide range of content, from wilderness survival skills and traditional crafts to off-road driving and vehicle modifications.

#21 Prepared Mind 101

Subscribers: 240K

Prepared Mind 101 is a valuable resource for those seeking in-depth reviews and practical insights on prepper gear and everyday carry (EDC) items. The channel’s thorough assessments of new survival gear and EDC equipment provide viewers with valuable information to make informed purchasing decisions. Beyond gear reviews, Prepared Mind 101 also offers preparedness tips and strategies to help viewers enhance their self-reliance and readiness for various situations. 

#22 Native Survival And Bushcraft

Subscribers: 231K

Native Survival and Bushcraft, owned by ALONE finalist Mitch Mitchell, offers a wealth of knowledge gleaned from years of experience in wilderness survival and bushcraft instruction. Through his channel, Mitch shares his expertise in crafting, outdoor gear design, and primitive living skills. Viewers can learn essential techniques for thriving in the wild, from building shelters and fire-making to foraging and tracking. 

#23 Tom Mcelroy – Wild Survival

Subscribers: 230K

Tom McElroy, while not the most frequent uploader, is a survivalist’s goldmine. McElroy delivers in-depth, meticulously crafted survival guides. Take, for instance, his video “How to Survive on a Desert Island.” It’s not just theory – McElroy walks you through the exact steps seasoned survivalists would take to secure water, food, shelter, and signaling in this dire situation.

#24 Sigma 3 Survival School

Subscribers: 219K

Sigma 3 Survival School is a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in mastering a wide range of survival skills. This channel covers everything from wilderness and urban survival techniques to tactical scout skills, wilderness medicine, and home preparedness. With a focus on practical knowledge and real-world application, Sigma 3 Survival School equips viewers with the skills and confidence needed to face a variety of challenges. 

#25 Living Survival

Subscribers: 183K

Living Survival lives up to its motto, offering a library of videos covering everything from bugging out to camping, and beyond. This channel is a one-stop shop for practical survival skills and gear reviews.

What sets Living Survival apart is its focus on adaptability. It doesn’t just teach one way to do things. It explores various methods and tools, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and resourcefulness in any survival scenario. 

#26 ReallyBigMonkey1

Subscribers: 175K

David Pearson, the charismatic host of ReallyBigMonkey1, injects a healthy dose of humor into his informative survival videos. Focusing on budget-friendly DIY gear, David showcases his creativity by crafting his own survival tools and testing them. David’s videos share practical tips and budget-friendly solutions for hikers, backpackers, and hammock campers alike.

#27 Equip 2 Endure

Subscribers: 121K

Equip 2 Endure is a comprehensive resource for all things emergency preparedness and self-reliance. The channel covers a wide range of topics, from wilderness survival, food preservation, and security training. With a focus on practical advice and hands-on demonstrations, Equip 2 Endure empowers viewers to develop the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in any situation. Their motto, “In Omnia Paratus” (Be Prepared in All Things), reflects their commitment to helping viewers achieve a state of readiness for whatever challenges life may throw their way.

#28 Magic Prepper

Subscribers: 163K

Magic Prepper isn’t just about surviving a SHTF scenario—it’s about thriving in a post-apocalyptic world. This channel dives deep into the gear and philosophies necessary to flourish when the world as we know it crumbles.

Magic Prepper’s knowledge and experience are evident as he explores a wide range of topics, from essential survival skills and equipment to the psychological aspects of prepping.

#29 The Provident Prepper

Subscribers: 230K

Kylene and Jonathan, the husband-and-wife team behind The Provident Prepper, offer a wealth of practical advice and education on emergency preparedness, self-reliance, and provident living. Their channel is a valuable resource for anyone looking to take control of their preparedness journey.

The Provident Prepper covers a wide array of topics, from food and water storage to home security and first aid. What sets them apart is their down-to-earth, common-sense approach. They break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand steps, making preparedness accessible to everyone. 

#30 Stay Primal

Subscribers: 61.6K

Stay Primal is a haven for those fascinated by primitive technology and the resourcefulness of our ancestors. This channel showcases the art of crafting tools, shelters, and even cooking implements using only natural materials and skills. Stay Primal also explores the use of traditional camping gear, offering a well-rounded perspective on wilderness living. 

#31 Eat The Weeds

Subscribers: 91.2K

Eat The Weeds is the most watched foraging channel on YouTube, and for good reason. Hosted by a passionate wild food enthusiast, this channel takes viewers on a fascinating journey into the world of edible plants. Through informative videos, Eat The Weeds teaches viewers how to identify a wide array of wild edibles, from common weeds to lesser-known species. With clear explanations and mouthwatering recipes, Eat The Weeds empowers viewers to safely and confidently forage for their own food.

#32 Bushcraft Bear

Subscribers: 256K

Bushcraft Bear, a skilled Hungarian outdoorsman, has garnered a loyal following with his captivating videos showcasing his passion for wilderness survival. While his films rarely feature spoken words, his actions speak volumes. Through his meticulous approach to building shelters, crafting tools, and procuring food, Bushcraft Bear’s deep respect for nature and mastery of survival skills shine through.

#33 Comssprepper

Subscribers: 35K

COMMS Prepper is a niche channel dedicated to the time-tested tradition of amateur radio (ham radio) for emergency communications. With a focus on technology and preparedness, this channel avoids politics and weapons, concentrating on the essentials of staying connected when traditional communication networks fail. The host shares insights on the technical aspects of ham radio, offering tutorials, and equipment reviews.

#34 DEMCAD

Subscribers: 81.5K

DEMCAD is a channel dedicated to raising awareness about disaster preparedness and survival. The host covers a wide range of topics, including food and water storage, home security, and dealing with threats during emergencies.

DEMCAD stands out for its emphasis on community preparedness. The channel focuses on individual survival skills and how to organize and support your community in times of crisis. 

#35 Funky Prepper

Subscribers: 134K

Funky Prepper, a former British Infantry Soldier, brings a unique military perspective to the world of prepping. His channel is a practical guide for those preparing for challenging times, focusing on real-world skills and strategies.

Funky Prepper features a wide range of topics, including bug-out locations, essential gear, vehicle modifications, food storage, and survival techniques. His no-nonsense approach, combined with his military experience, makes his content both informative and engaging. 

Why YouTube is an Ideal Platform for Prepper Education

YouTube has emerged as a powerful tool for prepper education, offering a wealth of resources that cater to a wide range of interests and skill levels. Its accessibility, diverse content, and engaging format make it an ideal platform for learning essential survival skills.

However, it’s important to exercise caution and critically evaluate the information presented. Always cross-reference with trusted sources to ensure the advice you follow is sound and beneficial.

Here are some key reasons why YouTube is a valuable resource for preppers:

Accessibility – With billions of users worldwide, YouTube is easily accessible to anyone with an internet connection. It eliminates the barriers of time and location, allowing prepper channels to post at their own pace and convenience.

Diverse content – The platform hosts a wide array of prepper channels, covering everything from basic survival skills to advanced off-grid living techniques. This diversity allows viewers to tailor their learning experience to their specific interests and needs.

Engaging format – Video content is inherently engaging, making complex concepts easier to grasp. Demonstrations, tutorials, prepper channels, and real-world examples provide a more immersive learning experience than traditional text-based resources.

Community building – YouTube fosters a sense of community among preppers, enabling them to connect with like-minded individuals and share knowledge though prepper channels. This sense of camaraderie can be invaluable in times of crisis.

Conclusion

The world of YouTube prepper channels offers a diverse range of perspectives, skills, and knowledge. Whether you’re interested in primitive survival techniques, modern prepping strategies, or emergency communications, there are prepper channels out there to inspire and educate you.

Remember, preparedness is a journey, not a destination. It’s about continually learning, adapting, and building resilience. By tapping into the vast resources available on YouTube, you can empower yourself to face the unknown with confidence.

So, grab your notebook, fire up your laptop, and start exploring the wealth of knowledge these prepper channels have to offer. Your preparedness journey begins today!

FAQs

Who is the best survival YouTuber?

The “best” survival YouTuber depends on your specific interests and needs. Some prepper channels focus on primitive skills, others on modern prepping, and emergency communications. The prepper channels listed in this article represent a diverse range of expertise and approaches.

Is prepping necessary?

While the necessity of prepping is a personal decision, being prepared for unexpected events can significantly improve your chances of survival. Having the knowledge, skills, and resources to navigate challenging situations can make all the difference.

How do I start prepping for survival?

Start by assessing your specific risks and vulnerabilities. Then, focus on building a foundation of essential skills, such as first aid, water purification, fire-making, and shelter-building. Gradually expand your knowledge and resources to include food storage, emergency communication, self-defense, and other areas relevant to your situation. 

What are the most important skills for preppers?

Some of the most important skills for preppers include first aid and medical knowledge, water purification, fire-making, shelter building, food acquisition and preservation, and navigation.