Introducing The MKC SURVIVAL GUIDE

With John Barklow

Introducing the MKC Survival Guide Series with John Barklow. John Barklow has dedicated his career to teaching special operations forces and rescue groups how to survive in the world’s toughest environments and the MKC Survival Guide series is going to cover survival skills in all sorts of situations and across multiple different topics.

With over 20 years of military experience, he’s transformed complex survival skills into practical, real-world knowledge that works when it matters most. Barklow understands that survival depends on proper training and understanding how integrated systems work together. His approach is straightforward: teach not just what works but why it works so people can adapt when conditions change.

Hands holding a small notebook for recording field notes to improve backcountry skills.

How to Become a Better Outdoorsman: Turn Field Notes Into Year-Round Improvement

Military-inspired lessons learned techniques help outdoorsmen document field observations and build targeted training plans for continuous improvement.
Man holding clothing repair kits for fixing and maintaining outdoor rain gear.

How to Wash Rain Gear and Keep It Performing in the Backcountry

Knowing how to wash rain gear properly keeps your waterproof clothing breathing and performing reliably through DWR restoration and simple maintenance.
Man holding a hiking boot and its insole, preparing his feet to prevent hot spots and blisters.

How to Treat Hot Spots on Your Feet Before They Become Blisters: A Hiker’s Guide

Prevent blisters and foot pain on backcountry hunts with proper boot fit, quality wool socks, and smart prevention strategies for multi-day hiking trips.
Hunter in black jacket holds camouflage gear bag outdoors with fall foliage.

Three Backcountry Essentials You Should Never Leave Behind

Discover three overlooked backcountry essentials that could save your life: puffy jacket, rain gear, and possibles pouch. Non-negotiable wilderness gear.
Man holding survival gear in an outdoor setting.

How to Survive Natural Disasters: Backcountry Hunters Already Have the Skills

How to survive natural disasters using backcountry hunting skills for shelter, water purification, and warmth to protect your family and community.
Outdoorsman in green jacket holding yellow waterproof bag by cold water.

Cold Water Survival: What Every Outdoorsman Needs to Know Before Hitting the Water

Cold water kills faster than you think. Essential survival gear, hypothermia timelines, and life-saving preparation for hunters and outdoor adventurers.
Man standing outdoors beside a tent in a remote backcountry setting, illustrating proper tent anchor setup.

Tent Anchors: Why Proper Shelter Anchoring Can Save Your Hunt

Learn proper tent anchor techniques for desert, snow, and rocky terrain to prevent shelter loss and stay safe during backcountry hunts.
A camper in a light green hoodie sits under tarp in wilderness, seeking shade during extreme heat.

Hot Weather Camping: How to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat

Prevent dehydration, heat stroke, and sunburn with proven hydration systems, sun protection strategies, and smart timing for hot weather camping.
Man standing in a wooded area holding a compact bivy sack, preparing for a minimalist overnight camp.

What Is a Bivy? Seasonal Bivy Camp Setups for Outdoor Adventurers

Master lightweight bivy camp setups that keep backcountry hunters and backpackers mobile without losing prime position overnight.
Backcountry hunter holding trekking pole in forest.

Why Trekking Poles Are Your Best Backcountry Hunting Tool

Trekking poles improve efficiency and safety while backcountry hunting. Choose the right poles and use them as multi-purpose tools to enhance your hunt.
Hunter in full gear walking uphill on grassy terrain, viewed from behind.

The Stalking Pack for Hunting: Stay on Your Animal in Any Weather

Stay on the stalk longer with a hunting stalking pack. Learn the essential gear to pack for each season and tips for lightweight, weatherproof organization.
Man in a Montana Knife Company shirt holding a game bag, ready for backcountry field dressing and game processing.

What Is a Kill Kit? Essential Hunting Gear for Field Processing

Assemble an efficient hunting kill kit for backcountry game processing. Discover the essential tools and customization tips for a successful field dressing.
Man holding insect repellent and tick removal tools, showcasing how to prevent ticks while hiking with proven strategies.

How to Prevent Ticks While Hiking: Field-Tested Strategies That Work

Learn proven strategies to prevent tick bites while hiking, including permethrin-treated clothing, thorough tick checks, and safe removal techniques.
Coiled rattlesnake on rocky ground.

What to Do If Bitten by a Snake While Hiking: Field-Tested Survival Protocols

Learn critical steps for surviving a snake bite while hiking, from immediate treatment to evacuation. Plus, get tips on prevention and essential kit items.
Man hiking through snowy terrain at high elevation, illustrating the challenges of high-altitude hiking.

High-Altitude Hiking: How to Prevent Altitude Sickness Above 8,000 Feet

High-altitude hiking challenges hunters with hidden risks — learn how to prepare, adapt, and stay safe.
Man in snowy forest with backpack and gear.

Harsh Backcountry Weather Can Kill You in Minutes. Here’s How to Survive.

Navigate dangerous backcountry weather with these essential strategies. Master the four-degree rule, eight-piece clothing system, and survival tactics.
Hands holding a water bottle equipped with a backcountry water purification filter.

How to Purify Water While Camping: Backcountry Water Purification Methods

Master backcountry water purification with proven methods for filtering, boiling, and treating backpacking water to prevent illness during remote trips.
A man outdoors holds a liquid fuel stove and metal fuel bottle toward the camera.

Why a Liquid Fuel Stove Beats Canisters for Serious Backcountry Hunting

Why liquid fuel camp stoves outperform canister stoves in cold weather and high altitude. Learn fuel planning and field maintenance for expeditions.
A man holding MSR canister stove outdoors.

The Truth About Canister Stoves: When They Work and When They Fail

Evaluate canister stove performance with expert guidance on cold-weather limitations, fuel planning, and field-tested methods for backcountry hunting success.
A person in a green shirt using an MSR stove on a wooden surface, illustrating backcountry cooking gear.

Your Complete Backcountry Kitchen: Backcountry Cooking Gear That Won’t Fail You

Build a complete backcountry cooking system with essential gear configurations that prevent kitchen failures and maintain hunting performance in the field.
Man hiking through a snowy forest with a backpack, illustrating the importance of backpacking weight

Cut Backpacking Weight, Not Capability: A Hunter’s Guide

How much should your backpack weigh for a hunt? Learn proven strategies to reduce weight while maintaining safety and hunting capability.