Whether it’s the backcountry of South Africa or the sub-zero mountains of Wyoming, survival expert Dave Canterbury knows the ins and outs of living in the wilderness. With almost 40 years of experience in the outdoors, Dave has put his knowledge to good use by writing guide books, instructing at schools, educational videos and producing high-quality gear. Here’s his story:
Meet Dave Canterbury
Dave was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on September 19, 1963. Having been interested in the outdoors his whole life, it was only natural that he joined the U.S. Army in 1981, where he served for six years.
After Dave left the military, he worked private-sector jobs, including a reptile farm and as a commercial fisherman/diver in Florida. There, he was able to apply skills he’d learned in the military to his real-life work. Applying what he’d learned in the military was easy. Dave says it’s all about repetition. “Repetition is the key to owning a skill,” he said in an interview. “This proved true for me in the military and in life. If you can’t repeat a skill in your sleep, you don’t own that skill.”
Now, he has several projects under his belt as the founder and co-owner of the Pathfinder School, co-founder of Self Reliance Outfitters, NYT Best Selling Author and starring roles on a variety of survival-based television shows.
SURVIVAL TELEVISION/ENTERTAINMENT
Dave took his real-life survival skills to the screens of the Discovery Channel and National Geographic. He starred in episodes of survival based shows like Dirty Rotten Survival, Dual Survival and an episode of Shark Week – How Sharks Hunt.
BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Dave is someone that is truly vested in teaching. The next logical step to continue to connect with the masses was to put pen to paper and share his wealth of knowledge with the ever-growing bushcraft community. The first in what would become a series of titles is New York Times bestseller Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival, offering particular expertise on essential basics - and how to reconnect with nature. Described as the “ultimate resource to experiencing the backcountry,” Dave stresses the “must-have gear” when embarking on a trip into the woods. He has tagged these items as the 5 C’s of Survivability. With these five resources and the proper knowledge, you can not only survive but thrive in the wilderness.
Dave is also the author of The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping, Gathering, & Cooking in the Wild, Bushcraft First Aid, and Advanced Bushcraft and Bushcraft Illustrated.
HANDS-ON INSTRUCTING AT THE PATHFINDER SCHOOL
Dave has always thrived on teaching others the fundamentals of survival, which is why he opened the Pathfinder School in southeast Ohio. As a survival-based program, the Pathfinder School offers a variety of opportunities for everyone from the novice to highly skilled outdoor person. Dave loves teaching these fundamental skills at the school - and the students who admit they are new or fairly new to bushcraft are some of his favourites. Dave says this is because they are essentially a blank slate. Less previous experience lends itself to an open-minded approach and willingness to think outside the box.
The Pathfinder School is genuinely open to all skill levels, where students can learn basic and advanced skill sets and is considered one of the best in the U.S.
SHARING EXPERTISE AND TIPS
With an undying passion for nature and the outdoors, Dave is naturally drawn to passing on these skills. “I’m spreading that knowledge because I think it’s important for people to have those skills in this day and age,” he says.
Dave’s initial leap and outreach to the outdoor survival community were through YouTube. Dave created a YouTube channel where he posts survival-themed instructional videos. Just from his homepage, you’ll find a variety of lessons and tutorials such as primitive skills, blacksmith lessons, making fire using nature’s resources.
SUPPLYING THE BEST GEAR - SELF RELIANCE OUTFITTERS
Self Reliance Outfitters is a one-stop-shop for anything survival tool-related. With a plethora of outdoor gear for outdoor people, you can find everything from outdoor cooking tools, cutting tools, trapping gear and more.
You’ll also find helpful guides, which include Dave’s books, information on first aid kits and waterproof notebooks.
Self Reliance Outfitters has been in business for over 10 years and has thrived by providing high-quality gear and tools for all outdoor adventure-seekers.
Conclusion
With more than 40 years’ experience of mastering survival techniques, Dave Canterbury remains one of North America’s leading survival experts. At the end of the day, he wants nothing more than to share these fundamental skills with people of all levels and ages. To stay updated on his videos and classes, you can find Dave on Instagram and Facebook.
At
Colonel Mustard we're proud to be the largest retailer of Dave Canterbury's products in Canada. We have recently heard (April 2022) that we cannot obtain a wholesale discount on some items that we have been importing and retailing so sadly you may see some items disappearing over the next few months but we will still continue to stock core products.
We tend to keep pretty high stocks but if
you are looking for a higher volume of an individual Pathfinder product
than we are currently stocking, please email us with your requirements as we will be happy to
bring them in for you.
When it comes to survival, core temperature control is a very high priority. A Bivvy sack that traps and reflects body heat, that is also water proof, durable, and light weight is a must have in your emergency kit or bugout bag.
Tarred Nylon Twine - 1 lb. spool - approximately 1645 linear feet with a 101 lb. breaking strength. This twine is especially black treated and dried before it's put on a reusable plastic spool. It's dry, easy-to-tie, and holds knots well. Self Reliance Outfitters (SRO) Pathfinder SRO-01760.
Enjoy the luxury of a heavy duty tripod without the need to carry large tripod irons. This kit is perfect for the heavy lifting around camp, like large cast iron pots. Assembly is quick and easy. You only need 3 poles off the landscape to have the stability you need in a simple adjustable kit.
New! A versatile set of camping cookware includes a 32oz (1 litre) Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Bottle with Flat Cap; 25oz Stainless Steel Cup with "bat wing" handles; Stainless Steel Cup Lid with straining holes, Stainless Steel Stove that can also be used as a small grill.
A Haversack is ideal for day hikes, walking the trap line, gathering resources, carrying small game. The size is ideal and easy to carry, offering protective, durable rip-stop waxed canvas to protect your gear. Self Reliance Outfitters (Pathfinder) SRO-PFWCH-C.
600 Denier polyester. Front zippered outside pouch 8" H x 5.25" W. Adjustable shoulder strap with shoulder pad. MOLLE with two integrated PALS straps. Holds up to a 64oz bottle - Main inside compartment is 11" H x 5.5" D. Earth Brown. Self Reliance Outfitters (Pathfinder) SRO-PF-WBB-BRN.
An excellent choice for our Canteen Cook Set, as well as a variety of other gear. The large bucket provides a means to carry a substantial amount of gear while the adjustable shoulder strap provides comfort on the go. Earth Brown. Self Reliance Outfitters (Pathfinder) SRO-PF-MB-BRN.
A quality tarp is a must-have and the Pathfinder Nylon Tarp does not disappoint - 19 tie-outs provide the means to create the shelter design necessary for your particular situation, weather conditions and environment. At 7’8” x 7’8” it’s a perfect complement to a hammock / tarp setup providing shelter from inclement weather. Earth Brown.
The Self Reliance Outfitters Pathfinder Jungle Hammock offers a new way of camping. Double-wide 70D Parachute Nylon hammock offers plenty of room and strength for almost all shapes and sizes, includes a bug net and has a easy set up and take down system. Earth Brown.
A quality tarp is a must-have and the Pathfinder Nylon Tarp does not disappoint - 19 tie-outs provide the means to create the shelter design necessary for your particular situation, weather conditions and environment. At 7’8” x 7’8” it’s a perfect complement to a hammock / tarp setup providing shelter from inclement weather. OD Green.
7 Strand 550 lbs Paracord - Made in the USA by Atwood Rope Manufacturing. Paracord has almost endless uses and qualities. Great For survival bracelets, camping, backpacking, military, survival kits / bug out bags, etc. Tan. SRO-75509TAN.
A perfect combination - Lightweight and durable. Perfect for backpacking. The Pathfinder Titanium Stove is powerful and efficient and makes an excellent companion to the PathfinderTi series of products.
Originally designed for waterproofing leather, Fix'n Wax has many more uses. Over a dozen uses found so far such as bowstring wax, skin and lip protectant, trap wax, patch lube, and coal extender. Each ingredient is 100% natural and non-toxic.
The Self Reliance Outfitters Pathfinder Jungle Hammock offers a new way of camping. Double-wide 70D Parachute Nylon hammock offers plenty of room and strength for almost all shapes and sizes, includes a bug net and has a easy set up and take down system. OD Green.
Not all eating tools are created equal. The Pathfinder Ti Spork offers you an ultralight fork/spoon, bottle opener and pot hook. This Spork is truly a multi-functional tool that weighs only 14gm.
The Pathfinder 20 Liter dry bag is useful far beyond just protecting your gear from rain/wet conditions. The 20 Liter bag offers ample room for all of your gear and is comfortable to carry as a back pack. From water collection, to use as a flotation device, a pack liner, pillow, a dry mat for processing tinder or surface to kneel on...the list goes on and on.
The Pathfinder 5 Liter dry bag is useful far beyond just protecting your gear from rain/wet conditions. The size is excellent and easy to carry for a day hike. From water collection, to use as a flotation device, a pack liner, pillow, a dry mat for processing tinder, or dry surface to kneel on... the list goes on and on.
The Pathfinder 10 Liter dry bag is useful far beyond just protecting your gear from rain/wet conditions. The size is excellent and easy to carry for a day hike. From water collection, to use as a flotation device, a pack liner, pillow, a dry mat for processing tinder, or dry surface to kneel on... the list goes on and on.
The Pathfinder Self Reliance Outfitters HD6 Ferro Rod with tungsten striker has a 6 inch rod that helps create a blanket of sparkers making your fire starting process that much easier!
These Pathfinder Stainless Steel Camp Tongs provide several tools in one and are a great compliment to your camp cooking kit. You have a spatula, serving or mixing spoon, tongs for turning items and a fork when needed. The serrated edge of the spatula can be used as a meat tenderizer or bread knife.
A perfect companion to the Pathfinder 64oz. Bush Pot. This stove can be used as a stable above coal pot stand, stand alone bio stove, stand alone grill top or in tandem with an alcohol stove to maximize the heat transfer to the cook pot.
An excellent choice for our Canteen Cook Set, as well as a variety of other gear. The large bucket provides a means to carry a substantial amount of gear while the adjustable shoulder strap provides comfort on the go. Coyote Tan. Self Reliance Outfitters (Pathfinder) SRO-PF-MB-TAN.
600 Denier polyester. Front zippered outside pouch 8" H x 5.25" W. Adjustable shoulder strap with shoulder pad. MOLLE with two integrated PALS straps. Holds up to a 64oz bottle - Main inside compartment is 11" H x 5.5" D. Coyote Tan. Self Reliance Outfitters (Pathfinder) SRO-PF-WBB-TAN.
Renowned outdoors expert and New York Times bestselling author Dave Canterbury provides you with all you need to know about packing, trapping, and preparing food for your treks and wilderness travels. Whether you're headed out for a day hike or a week-long expedition, you'll find everything you need to survive--and eat well--out in the wild. Printed in the USA. Self Reliance Outfitters (Pathfinder) SRO-R3048.
In this valuable guide, survivalist Dave Canterbury goes beyond bushcraft basics to teach you how to survive in the backcountry with little or no equipment.
Bushcraft 101 gets you ready for your next backcountry trip with advice on making the most of your time outdoors. Based on the 5Cs of Survivability--cutting tools, covering, combustion devices, containers, and cordages--this valuable guide offers only the most important survival skills to help you craft resources from your surroundings and truly experience the beauty and thrill of the wilderness. Printed in the USA. Self Reliance Outfitters (Pathfinder) SRO-099BC101.
An excellent choice for our Canteen Cook Set, as well as a variety of other gear. The large bucket provides a means to carry a substantial amount of gear while the adjustable shoulder strap provides comfort on the go. Black. Self Reliance Outfitters (Pathfinder) SRO-PF-MBB.
600 Denier polyester. Front zippered outside pouch 8" H x 5.25" W. Adjustable shoulder strap with shoulder pad. MOLLE with two integrated PALS straps. Holds up to a 64oz bottle - Main inside compartment is 11" H x 5.5" D. Black. Self Reliance Outfitters (Pathfinder) SRO-PF-WBB-B.
Stainless Steel 64oz Bush Pot & Lid Whether you are in a survival situation or out on a leisurely hike with your family, at some point the dinner bell is going to ring. The Pathfinder Stainless Steel Bush Pot is light weight and has the capacity to cook a hearty meal for a small family.
A versatile set of camping cookware includes a 32oz (1 litre) Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Bottle with Flat Cap; 25oz Stainless Steel Cup with "bat wing" handles; Stainless Steel Cup Lid with straining holes. Self Reliance Outfitters (Pathfinder) SRO-099GEN3BC-PF.
Your camping cookware equipment isn't complete without the Stainless Steel Bottle Stove! A perfect companion to the 32oz Pathfinder Bottle and Cup set. Compatible with the Pathfinder GEN2 and GEN3 Bottle and Cup Sets. Self Reliance Outfitters (Pathfinder) SRO-1179-PF.
When cooking outdoors, use the bottle hanger to safely remove your bottle from the fire. Manganese/spring steel, rust-resistant and will maintain elasticity. Fits Klean Kanteen Wide Mouth Bottles; The Pathfinder 32oz and 64oz Bottles; 25oz and 48oz Cups and Pathfinder Canteen. Self Reliance Outfitters (Pathfinder) SRO-1324-PF.
Mini Inferno Tinder makes starting a fire quick and easy. Tear a disc to expose the fibres and hit it with a spark. Each disc burns for 5-7 minutes. 100% Waterproof, 6 Mini Inferno Discs, extremely long shelf life. Tin diameter 2½ inches. Self Reliance Outfitters (Pathfinder) SRO-0991000-PF.
Set includes 1 Cup and 1 Lid - 25oz Stainless Steel Cup with heavy duty "bat wing" handles; Stainless Steel Cup Lid with straining holes. Self Reliance Outfitters (Pathfinder) SRO-PFCUPLID-PF.
This lid fits GSI Glacier Cup! Strainer Holes, 304 Stainless Steel, Cut outs to use in conjunction with the Bottle Hanger. Fits GEN3 Pathfinder 25oz Cup, GEN2 Pathfinder 25oz Cup, Stanley Adventure Cup, GSI Glacier Cup (both sizes). Self Reliance Outfitters (Pathfinder) SRO-099SSCL-PF.
Set includes 1 Cup and 1 Lid - 48oz Stainless Steel Cup with "bat wing" handles; Stainless Steel Cup Lid with straining holes. Self Reliance Outfitters (Pathfinder) SRO-09948NCLS-PF.
64oz. (1.9 litre) Stainless Steel Pathfinder Widemouth Water Bottle. Fits perfectly inside the Pathfinder 48 oz stainless steel cup (not included) and everything fits in the bottle bag (not included). Self Reliance Outfitters (Pathfinder) SRO-09964WMBC-PF.