EPISODE 4: John Barklow – Be Your Own Rescue: Survival as a Modern Rite of Passage
What This Episode Is About
What happens when the only thing standing between you and disaster… is you?
In this episode of The Last Easy Mile, I sit down with John Barklow—a former Navy deep-sea diver, elite survival instructor, and the Big Game Product Manager at Sitka Gear—for one of the most practical, mind-opening conversations we’ve had yet.
We cover Barklow’s journey from suburban Ohio to training Navy SEALs in underwater combat and cliff assaults, to hunting grizzly bears on Kodiak Island and developing advanced outdoor systems for Sitka. But the focus of this episode is crystal clear:
You are your own rescue.
John’s lessons in preparedness, gear, and mindset go far beyond survival shows or gear reviews. He teaches how to think, move, and act in the field—from creating a “possibles pouch” to understanding why your technical clothing matters more than your GPS.
Whether you’re a weekend hiker, backcountry hunter, suburban dad, or bug-out-minded city dweller, this episode will change how you think about risk, self-reliance, and what it means to be truly ready.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
From Deep Sea to High Peaks
How John went from archery hunting whitetail in Ohio to training Navy SEALs in cold water diving and cliff warfare
The shift from ocean missions to mountainous operations after 9/11
Why Afghanistan’s terrain rewrote the playbook on cold-weather combat survival
The Truth About Technical Gear
What really qualifies as “technical clothing” (spoiler: it’s not your flannel)
Why cotton can kill—and how to layer properly for survival
How Barklow introduced the rewarming drill from the military into the hunting world
Building a ‘Possibles Pouch’
The 7 survival capabilities every outdoorsman should carry
Shelter, water, fire, medical, food, signaling, and repairs—what goes in, what stays out
Why the biggest mistake people make is leaving their gear behind
The Rewarming Drill, Explained
What to do if you fall into freezing water miles from camp or your truck
Why Barklow says “never strip”—and how your gear can save you
Step-by-step breakdown of how to dry your clothes using only body heat and knowledge
Survival in the City
How his training applies to urban environments and bug-out scenarios
What keeps Barklow up at night (hint: it’s not what you think)
How to prepare your vehicle, your kit, and your plan for when things go sideways
Mindset: The Core of Readiness
Why knowledge “weighs nothing”—and is your best tool
How to make decisions under stress
The danger of relying solely on technology
Memorable Quotes from John Barklow
“Knowledge weighs nothing. The more you know, the less gear you need—and the better you perform under pressure.”
“A possibles pouch isn’t a survival kit. It’s your daily insurance against the unexpected.”
“Survival isn’t about gear. It’s about making good decisions with the right mindset before things go bad.”
“If your gear is technical—but your mindset isn’t—you’re not ready.”
Featured Resources
Website: KnowledgeFromStorms.com
Instagram: @jbarklow
Sitka Gear: SitkaGear.com
Montana Knife Company: montanaknifecompany.com
YouTube Channel: Knowledge From Storms
Practical Skills Covered
1. How to Pack a Possibles Pouch
John breaks down his 2.1 lb kit including:
Emergency shelter items (space blanket, cordage, knife)
Fire-starting tools (tinder, lighters, ferro rod)
Water purification (chlorine dioxide tabs)
Signaling (whistle, signal mirror)
Medical (tourniquet, meds, wound care)
2. Rewarming Drill 101
Don’t remove wet clothes
Layer on your insulation and rain gear
Move or hike to generate body heat
Regulate your pace and get into shelter, then worry about fire
3. Urban Bug-Out Tips
Build larger versions of your field kits for your home or vehicle
Think beyond gear: plan routes, roles, and rally points
Prepare to shelter in place—or have a clear exit plan
Listen to the Full Episode
YouTube: Watch Here
EPISODE 5: Nick Melillo – Soul in Smoke: Building Cigars with Craft, Culture & Courage
