Anthony Porter

Outdoorsman and Survival Expert

Anthony Porter is a nature educator, archer, and outdoorsman based in South Lake Tahoe, California. He is an Outdoor Survival expert, and educates millions around the world through his social media presence as “Outdoor Anthony”. He is the current Communications Director of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, promoting wildlife stewardship and preservation on print media, TV, and radio. Anthony has also showcased his outdoor prowess as a recurring yearly TV athlete as NBC's the Archery Ninja on American Ninja Warrior. He is also the producer, editor and Host of the Orangutan Podcast, discussing rainforest conservation initiatives with Dr. Gary Shapiro, famous for teaching orangutans symbolic sign language. As a professional educator for the better part of a decade, Anthony has explored 20 countries, taught people of all ages across the United States, and is always looking to dive right into the next adventure.

Education

Master's in Business Administration with a concentration in sustainable Marketing, Cal Poly Pomona
BS, Parks and Recreation Management, Northern Arizona University

Professional Achievements

Viral Video maker with 40 Million+ views
Combined over 400k followers on TikTok and Instagram
Longstanding nature educator
Author, "My Epic Nature Journal"

Certifications & Organizations

Wilderness First Responder
Eagle Scout
4x American Ninja Warrior

Favorite Piece of Advice

The outdoors is not a place to try and survive, and grind through. Coexist with the environment, and aim to live happily.

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Forum Comments (2)

What's essential to prepare for a hike?

I recommend making a checklist.
1. Weather: What does the weather look like?

Make sure to look for wind, moisture, and low temperatures at night.

2. Gear: Assemble the gear you have and make a list of what gear you also need.

Prioritize sleeping bag, sleeping pad, food, water, first aid. Bring a knife, flashlight, and comfortable shoes. Not intense new leather hiking boots, most backpackers just wear good running shoes. Rope is very helpful too.
Bring extra water and layers.
Insider tip: bring Chapstick

3. Vehicle: Have plenty of gas in your car, more than you think you would need.

4. Dogs: Do you have a dog? What are the leash restrictions and rules? No matter how well-trained your dog is, approaching aggressive dogs can still attack. Having that leash will give you a way to pull your dog away. Please bring poop bags for the dog. Nature does not like dog poop. It is full of unhealthy preservatives, and there is an overabundance of it, which contaminates natural waterways.

How do you survive if you get lost or stranded in the wilderness?

Nature is dangerous. But the most dangerous thing is inaction and panic. The first step is to calm yourself and follow these steps:

First, check in with what resources you have:

Phone battery - Even with no service, emergency GPS may still work. Check with your phone plan and operating system.
Clothing - What are your warmth layers? Are you dedicated to walking through the night, or posting up somewhere to sleep?
Water - how much water do you have?

Other things to consider:

How high is the sun? Where was the sun when you started the trip? The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. This will help you gauge which direction to start moving.

Then, look back to the last place you remember being. You are now a detective. Trace your footprints, try to remember landmarks. Oftentimes, it is easiest to remember which direction the highway or road was, then walk directly that way. Once you get to a road, you can walk to your car or find help.

Q&A Comments (18)

How do I make a homemade bow?

First, look for a branch that’s free of knots, twists, or limbs, and it should be thicker at the center for more strength. Woods like juniper, mulberry, or ash are great choices because they can bend without breaking. Once you have your wood, use a drawknife to shape it. Carve it so the bow tapers from the center (the handle) out toward the tips. Be sure to create a slight curve, allowing the limbs to flex evenly when drawn. Sand the wood smooth to prevent splinters and test its flexibility gradually to ensure it doesn't crack under tension. For the string, choose a strong, non-stretch material like nylon. Cut the string slightly shorter than the bow’s length, and tie secure loops at each end. Notch the tips of your bow to hold the string in place, and string it carefully to avoid putting uneven pressure on the limbs. Test your bow’s draw weight by pulling it back gently. Then adjust any uneven spots by shaving or sanding them down.

How do I make arrows for my crossbow?

For precision and reliability, you’re usually better off buying professionally made arrows. Carbon fiber arrows are especially popular because of their strength, longevity, and cost-effectiveness compared to aluminum ones. These arrows are crafted with specialized tools that ensure perfect balance and consistent quality—something hard to achieve with DIY methods. But if you do choose to make your own, cutting carbon arrows at home can be very tricky. Don't use household tools like knives or basic saws, as they can create uneven cuts and damage the material. Professionals use fine-toothed circular saws specifically designed for this task. If you’re determined to make your own, use the finest-toothed saw you can find and measure carefully to make precise cuts. Also, your arrows should be the right length for your draw. When fully drawn, the arrow should extend about an inch past the end of the crossbow's shelf. As a general guide, someone shooting 27½-inch arrows may be around 5'8", but you should refer to charts that match height and draw length to arrow size. The arrow's diameter is also crucial: thicker arrows are built for stronger crossbows, while thinner ones are better for less powerful models. Remember, thinner arrows are less sturdy, much like uncooked spaghetti noodles that they can break more easily under high force.

How do I assist someone when I'm also injured?

The first thing you need to do is take care of your own injuries. By looking after yourself first, you make sure you’re in good enough shape to help others without making things worse for yourself. For example, if your arm is injured, secure yourself first by making a temporary splint using sturdy sticks and a piece of fabric or a shirt. This gives your limb enough support to allow you to use your other hand or continue moving. You need to stabilize yourself first so you can think clearly and act decisively. Once you’ve taken care of your immediate needs, shift your attention to the person who needs help. If they require a splint or a bandage, use your knowledge and available resources to improvise. Clothing, branches, and other materials from the environment can become lifesaving tools. Keeping the injured person calm and reassuring them goes a long way in emergencies—and assess whether evacuation is necessary or if it’s better to stay put until further help arrives.

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