Survival Instructor | Former Navy Diver | Technical Gear Expert
John Barklow is a renowned survival instructor, former Navy diver, and technical gear expert who has spent his life preparing others for the world’s harshest environments. With over two decades in the U.S. Navy, including training Navy SEALs in cold weather warfare and mountain operations post-9/11, John brings unparalleled experience in backcountry readiness and human performance under stress.
After retiring from the military, John transitioned into the outdoor industry, where he became the Big Game Product Manager at SITKA Gear. There, he helped pioneer cutting-edge layering systems and brought military-grade testing standards to hunting apparel.
John now leads Knowledge from Storms, an educational platform dedicated to outdoor self-reliance, mindset, and survival. Through online content, seminars, and partnerships with brands like Montana Knife Company, he teaches practical skills for real-world situations—from building a possibles pouch to rewarming after full submersion in freezing conditions.
Equal parts teacher and practitioner, John is a passionate hunter, mountain athlete, and lifelong student of resilience. Whether he’s chasing Cape buffalo in Africa or testing gear in sub-zero Alaskan wilderness, his mission remains the same: help people be their own rescue.