Fan vs. Wild

Thu, Mar 18, 2010

Think you’ve got what it takes to hang tough with television’s baddest survivalist? Here’s your chance to test your wilderness mettle alongside Bear Grylls.

One of Bear Grylls first forays into television was an advertisement he did eight years ago for Sure/Degree Men. It was, in part, the big break that eventually landed him his hit show Man vs. Wild on the Discovery Channel. Teaming up once again, Degree and Grylls have decided to give a select group of amateur survivalists a similar opportunity.

Read The Bear Grylls Survival Manual from the April ‘09 issue of Men’s Journal.

If you fancy yourself an adventurer, you’re in luck. From now until April 30, you can enter for a chance to be one of four guys to take part in a wilderness boot camp led by Bear Grylls. If selected, your summer adventures — and inevitable mishaps — will be filmed from a remote location. Before your television debut, however, you’ll first have to prove yourself to a group of pro athlete mentors, as well as Grylls himself, as they assess your ability to cope with the challenges set before you.

In August, the world will watch you test your limits on a web series at www.FanVsWild.com. No sense in being bashful though — something tells us that the fear of public scrutiny will be the least of your worries once left to your own devices in the wild. This fall, one of the winning four will be featured in a special one-hour episode Fan vs. Wild on Discovery.

Visit www.FanVsWild.com to submit a photo and essay explaining why adventure is in your blood, and why you’re the best candidate for the show.



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MJ - who has written 219 posts on Men’s Journal.


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49 Comments For This Post

  1. kris preitauer Says:

    love the show and i just saw the camersiol about my opertunity to be on the show with bear. i think it would be an amazing experienc and i realy enjoy the wilderness. i am 20 years old in good shape and have always wanted to get lost anywhere just to survive and live to tell about it.

    [Reply]

    pete Reply:

    maybe instead of trying to survive in the wild kris, you should try to survive a spelling test. i’m telling you as nice as i know how that i don’t think bear would invite you along because you would be a mental and intellectual burden. i think reading up on basic english grammar could be an amazing experience too. we do have one thing in common though, i also want you to get lost.

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    Burke Reply:

    Wow, Pete, so much anger! Did someone steal your baby blanket when you were a toddler? Or was it that your daddy didn’t attend any of your school plays? Anyway chump, on the intranets, flexing your little ePeen by being the grammar police is pretty lame, since everyone knows English isn’t the world’s only language.

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    pete Reply:

    burke, you misunderstand. im not angry, im just pushing him to be better. yes, i am aware of my hypocrisy in not using proper punctuation. but, i think as long as everyone is aware that i choose not to use proper punctuation and capitalization, i wont lose any sleep. i agree with you about lame grammar police though. i wanted to see what it would be like to be a jerk like 98% of the world is on a daily basis. how did i do? although it was funny, its not for me. now that that is cleared up, i would be remiss if i didnt tell you that you misspelled “champ”. you mistakenly used a “u” instead of an “a”. i am a bit curious seeing as how i am not very computer savvy. what are the “intranets”. im glad that we both know that english isnt the only language in the world, but since we are all conversing in english i didnt consider the others. i will admit to that mistake. im not convinced that you would agree, but i thought this witty banter was kind of fun.
    p.s. you didnt happen to see my blankie did you?

    [Reply]

    pete Reply:

    never mind, i just looked up intranet and epeen. that was funny. for this joke to work, im going to assume that burke is a girls name. burke, you should know that my wife says its not the size of my epeen, its how i use it. if for some reason burke is a dudes name, i will show you my epeen, if you show me yours.

    Fupete Reply:

    LOL STFU PETE U NO LIFE FAG, STOP GOING AROUND CORRECTING PEOPLE BECAUSE YOU HAVE A SMALL DICK AND NO GIRL FRIEND! LOLOL JUST GOT HAVE SEX WITH YOUR MOM OMG PWNT

  2. Kenny Boyer Says:

    I am possitive I have what it takes to survive in the wilderness and fit for any obsticles. I can physically push my body to it’s limits if you would give me a chance.

    [Reply]

  3. marco betancourt Says:

    nobody has what i got. survival mode.all day everyday.

    [Reply]

  4. tim conboy Says:

    watch the show everyday its on , and ive always wanted to survive on my on in the middle of no where and i think i got what it takes to survive

    [Reply]

    pete Reply:

    lovin’, is what i got. i said remember that. lovin’, is what i got, i got, i got, i got.

    [Reply]

  5. Tiomthy Vazquez Says:

    Im 23 crazy about the show and the woods, Im a UNITED STATED MARINE
    so I got the skills to do what it takes in the dirt.

    [Reply]

  6. Becca Says:

    How come women can not apply… not fair.

    [Reply]

    Jake Reply:

    Women aren’t included because it’s an advertising bit for Degree MEN, not because they can’t hack it.

    [Reply]

    pete Reply:

    women can’t play because bear won’t stop so that you can paint your nails. besides, if women are in the woods, who is going to clean the house and birth the chillins?

    [Reply]

    Sean Reply:

    I agree Becca, because I know several women who would make men look like clowns, so I’m on your side.

    [Reply]

    John Reply:

    Heh Becca,
    Why not give Bear a little competition…start your own program ?
    Show people that a woman is at least as good as a man.

    [Reply]

  7. Kevin Salter Says:

    Wow!! I can survive in the wilderness, and I use proper grammer/spelling. PICK ME!!!!

    [Reply]

    Bucko Reply:

    hmmmmmm….GRAMMAR IS SPELLED WITH AN -AR, Mr. I know how to spell.

    [Reply]

  8. ryan mckee Says:

    I’m a cook and looking for a experience of a life time get a
    hold of me my man

    [Reply]

  9. W00f Says:

    Apparently this guy’s fans can’t read well enough to understand how to enter the contest. “No, pick me! I tuf! me! mE”

    [Reply]

  10. Adam Says:

    Pick this guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOYMUYVhPV0

    [Reply]

    Lucas Robison Reply:

    that was actually preety funny

    [Reply]

  11. Melody Pugh Says:

    My son is a fan of yours, he is 19 years old and enjoys adventure’s he really enjoys learning how you survive in the wild. He has never had a father, he has learned most of what he knows from people just like you! I know he would love to go on an adventure with you, he is always looking for adventure’s on his own. as a single mother if you do not choose my son i would still like to thank you for all you teach the children out here who don’t have a father to show them how to do the things you do!

    Sincerely
    Pat’s Mom

    [Reply]

    John Reply:

    Melody,
    Did you check out the following web site ?

    http://www.fanvswild.com

    [Reply]

  12. Jennifer Says:

    With a name like Bear he needs a beard.

    [Reply]

  13. Haywood Jablowme Says:

    i think i should go because well im a boss lol..seriously i think i should go because i love wilderness the outdoors and nature and i love bear grylss he is just so amazing especially with his acsent and i just can’t get enough of man vs wild! only thing is im 15…but i am up for anything!

    [Reply]

  14. Ronnie Walton Says:

    Me And My 11 Year Old Son Watch Your Show Alot And To Prove That We Can Be Adventours And We Are Honored That You Are Our Mentor.

    [Reply]

  15. Izzy Loney Says:

    I have always wanted to do this . I am a pure nature Lover I am 32 years of age and have the strength and courage of a 18 year old . I am a survivor and will accept any challenge thrown in my way . March 31 will be my 33rd birthday and that would be the best present ever . Thanks IZZY Go Bear

    [Reply]

  16. jacob turner Says:

    hey bear grylls i would like to be on your show and i would like to be on a journey with you i live in somerville tn i like your show and your awesome and i got some skills

    [Reply]

  17. Lucas Robison Says:

    hi im lucas robison and i watch this show all the time. i have always wanted to go to the many places and do the many things bear has done. when i saw the comerical i ran rite downstairs and hoped on the website. i am 14 years old, play sports, go to the gym everyday, eat healthy, and has what it takes to be one a episode with bear. thank you.

    [Reply]

  18. Thomas S Molea Says:

    I offer my out of shape 40 plus old carcass to your show. I watch it and Ive got to say Great enema programming! Hey if you want the the promo to work you need to drag along a sorry slob like myself.Now thats survival.

    [Reply]

  19. Cindy T Says:

    Hello, Im a 23 year old female in Georgia, who worships the show. I am a private assitant to an orthopaedic surgeon, in which I replace total joints . I hope that you will take my request into consideration, I watch this show all the time! I’m a tuff girl who is up for a challenge. Thanks, Cindy

    [Reply]

    John Reply:

    Cindy,
    Did you check out the following website ?

    http://www.fanvswild.com

    [Reply]

  20. Eric Batcsics Says:

    i am a 15 teen years old i watch your show all the time i would love to be on it. i am such a big fan i try and do the stuff you do on the show. I even went to the woods behind my house and surived 3 days easyly. i would love to be on the show with you so much. i would defenly be tough enough i go to the gym like every day so ya PLEASE PICK ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    [Reply]

  21. Michael Says:

    Hi, what I can say is, the first time I was in an airplane, I jumped out of it.My favorite things are hiking and camping out into the wilderness, alone.I am up for any challenge and would JUMP at the chance to be pushed to my limits and see what I am really made of.

    [Reply]

  22. Bruce L. Says:

    I’m retired U.S. Army, been in the fire service for 25 years. I work out daily and practice survival skills and push myself to the utmost extremes. When I camp I take a hunting knife and a gallon of water and the clothes I’m wearing, thats it. I would be a prime candidate. I have learned so much from Bears show. I’m also involved in extreme sports. ie. surfing, motocross, mountain biking, rock climbing.
    Thanks Bear for a great show…

    [Reply]

  23. Bill Knorr Says:

    … I AM FAN VS WILD, I Love the outdoors, and eating exotic items for means of survival. Did i mention that i can mountain climb, tree climb, and i have no fears when it comes to outdoor….. ANYTHING.

    [Reply]

  24. steven benjamin Says:

    Hey my name is Steven i love your show iam 14 years old and im very fit for my age i play football and a lot of other sports that make me move around a lot and i know you move at a fast pace so i can keep up.

    [Reply]

  25. seanrulz Says:

    Im only 12 years old and I admire Bear so much!!!!!
    Im not sure if Im old enough to go with Bear
    It looks very cool

    [Reply]

  26. Christian O'Brien Says:

    Bear I personaly have watched and studied every episode of ur television show and love it. I think your a complete badass and would die to survive right next to you. I’ve got what it takes, i am in pristeine shape, and can push my body to its limits and furthur. This would be a dream come true and I hope it happens. Keep doing what you do best (surviving).

    [Reply]

  27. William Knorr Says:

    Hi, I am a 18 year old soccer player. I have survival knowhow, i am nothing like Bear Or Les; however, it comes natural for me to be out in the woods. I love being in extreme situations. Especially being in trees I have even slept in a tree. I have enough experience so that Bear would not have to baby sit me. I love the show, and would love to be a part of it. Thanks.

    P.S. Nothing is more important to me than my personal safety.

    [Reply]

  28. david browning Says:

    i would love to hang with bear. BUT good luck to you all

    [Reply]

  29. maul Says:

    Fucking dumbasses. This isn’t where you put your fucking application. FUCK people are dumb as shit.

    [Reply]

    Sean Reply:

    Well, I’ve submitted my info. Let’s see what happens. Probably don’t stand a chance because of the amount of people, but I’ll be upset if someone goes on the show with Bear and can’t man-up to the challenge!

    [Reply]

    pete Reply:

    maul, this site is a moron filter. if they see an app here, they know that applicant isnt smart enough to make it in the wild.

    [Reply]

  30. William Shepherd Says:

    I am a fan but that is not why i want to do your challange.
    I want to do it so i have more knowledge to pass on to my children.
    I am a proud father of four wonderful children, and i have taught them everything i know so far. I am 36 years old, and i know what it takes to survive in the wild.I am from the mountains of eastern Kentucky,and surviving is what i have done all my life.But i would love to learn more…

    [Reply]

  31. jay parks Says:

    I have done it before 3 days of escape and evasion in the desert after my family tryed to have me commited for no lawful reason. i was not captured either. I nearly blundered into a drug lab in the mexican bush. I smelled the opium being cooked into herion and sneaked off before the guys with Ak,s saw me. Bears show would be easy a mistake there would not be fatal. I dont care what i eat and how often i get to eat. I would be fine for two weeks with just a knife and set with a 100 feet of paracord

    [Reply]

  32. Jim Grindley Says:

    I believe I got what it takes since I play Australian Football, Soccer and Basketball on a daily basis. Im originally from Chile and have been to the Andes, swimmed in the ocean. I have also been on the deserts of Nigeria. I have hiked in the redwoods from SF. There is so much left for me to do and this would be the greatest adventure that could change my life in a positive way.

    [Reply]

  33. Tony Mantello Says:

    I KNOW I can survive on that show I live in the woods i a cabin i had to survie over night alone stuck i the woods and i knew this show was perfect bring me along with you i want to try your show.

    [Reply]

  34. jw Says:

    this guy is a PHONY !!!! “television’s baddest survivalist” <— laughable !!! Go stay in some more hotels and get a bigger crew.

    [Reply]

  35. Austin Says:

    Hello I know that I am not old enough but If I was older I know for a fact that I would be awesome on the show. People look at me and say that I’m the weakest person alive. Well I prove them wrong everyday. If I had to eat anything I would for sure. I know that I can survive because even though I am 14 everybody said that if we were in a survival situation they would want to be with me.

    [Reply]

  36. Adah Babicke Says:

    Man vs wild is insane. I remember that one where he was freezing and starving and snatched that fish out of the water and started chewing pieces off of it before he even killed it. I can’t even imagine how horrible that would taste. WELL MAYBE NOT SO BAD WHEN YOU ARE STARVING!
    Anyway, this guy is a determined sob and if any of you think you can hang, i would love to see it. By the way, if any of you need to know about hand arthritis relief, then this place is the best! The info helped me tremendously.

    [Reply]

  37. Scott McRae Says:

    Would love to adventure with you. My boys and I watch you all the time and hike/adventure, geocache as often as possible. The boys and I even build improvised shelters out of fallen trees/debris in the yard just for fun. I am active duty military and ready for any challenge/adventure you dream up. Hope to be given the oppurtunity to adventure with you and give my kids a real tale to tell. Scotty McRae

    [Reply]

  38. John England Ross Deuel IV Says:

    Hi I watch your show and it often inspires some of my shinanigans I’m in the US army I have basic survival training but I would like to put myself to the test. Thank you for your time.

    [Reply]

  39. zack lance Says:

    hi my name is Zack i may only be 15 years old but i am in exellent physical condition i have been to 3 survival schools hiked the ap mountains for 20 days eaten gross food and climbed trees and mountains since i was 6 i think it would be really cool to have an opportunity to do something like this because it would be a great experience and bear you are my idol i would love to meet you i know if you read this your probably thinking he is just a 15 year old who thinks he is good but cant do it, i know i could do it i have been trained properly and i am in bethel high schooll navy junior reserve officers training corps and we were taught survival by out commander Mark Dwinells and master sergeant Joeseph Meehan and i am ready to meet any challenges that you have in store please consider this

    [Reply]

  40. chris Says:

    hey my name is chris im 27 years old. i work in the oilfield in louisiana. ive been in the oilfield for about 6 years and you got to be pretty tough to work in the oilfield.i would love to do this to just prove to myself that i can do it.and also i would love to meet bear thank you for your consideration

    [Reply]

  41. Kevin Tripp Says:

    I LOVE your show…going with you would be my ultimate dream!

    [Reply]

  42. Dave Says:

    Man Vs. Wild, Fan Vs. Wild… I’d be more like Slob Vs. Wild LOL

    All-in-all t’would be a great experience for anyone to make it as far as the initial 4 candidates let alone be the final selectee.

    I’m a huge fan (no pun intended) of survivalist programes from Australia’s Les Hiddins (Bush Tuckerman) to Bear, Les Stroud & Ray Mears finding all demonstrated techniques informative whilst remaining interesting.

    [Reply]

    Anthony Reply:

    i love your show my son loves to watch your show and asks me if i could do it i tell him i wish i know my son and family would be proud of me if i could go with you

    [Reply]

  43. exercises Says:

    I love this guy’s show as well. But if was hiking with him and get lost in the wilderness somewhere, I would watch my back because I think I could be dinner for him if things get really bad…lol :-)

    [Reply]

  44. brandon jarvis Says:

    this is 1 of my fav shows i got tee shirts and seen all the episods i whould love to meet him

    [Reply]

  45. Jake Says:

    Hey everyone unless you have been lost and lived to talk about it DON’T APPLY. It was 1994 I was 19, hunting on property that I didn’t know. My good buddy was about 100 yards away. I had shot a doe we tracked it for 45 mins. It got dark, and yes we did get LOST!!! Temps dropped to 16 degrees with snow comming down. We stopped wondering around and stayed put. I had some jolly rancher candy that I brought along on the hunt. Good thing cuz we were hungry with no real food so we used the candy sparingly. We made a bed with pine branches on the ground and built up sticks and laid pine over those to keep the snow off us overnight. It was a LONG & COLD night but we did SURVIVE we found are way out at 10:45 the next morning. We were 6.5 miles away from where we entered the woods the night before…

    [Reply]

    zack lance Reply:

    wow ur so cool you survived one night in the woods congrats not like no one else could do that you must be like super survivor or something because you lived to talk about it wow thats amazing u should be on i shouldnt be alive nottttt

    [Reply]

  46. nathan Says:

    HI MY NAME IS NATHAN AND I HAVE GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO GO THROUGH HARSH ENVIRONMENTS AND I CAN PUSH MY BODY TO EAT BUGS AND OTHER ANIMALS AND CAN GO THROUGH ANY TERRAIN. AND I THINK I CAN KEEP UP WITH BEAR.
    I KNOW I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES.
    I AM 15 I DONT KNOW HOW OLD YOU HAVE TO BE BUT I CAN DO IT

    [Reply]

  47. penus Says:

    No way man, I prefer to watch this guy from the safety of my house.

    [Reply]

  48. outdoorsurvivalclothes.com Says:

    bear, you rule! come visit my site dedicated to you and yer gear! http://www.outdoorsurvivalclothes.com

    keep it real…yall will see me on tv no doubt. mark my words losers.

    j

    [Reply]

  49. Dominic Taverniti Says:

    The Fan vs Wild survival challenge has been a huge success . . . even if only measured by the number of entries submitted. Opening up the possibility of getting on the show to its primary audience segment has spawned online dialog and excited the most avid viewers - like myself. This has in turn produced a tremendous swell of word-of-mouth advertising that has undoubtedly increased the viewership of the show.

    My Fan vs Wild entry included the standard text fields on the submission form (”why should you be the fan” and “share your most extreme adventure”) as well as two adventure videos and a link to my adventure blog.
    http://appliedvitals.com/963/fan-vs-wild-video-entry/
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObNA3jE67VQ
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qycggtHNiI8

    A quick search on YouTube will produce more video submissions than you can possibly watch. Some are very well done and highly produced. Hats off to those that were able to get some backup or at least a camera man while filming their adventures.

    My videos on the other hand are quite rough since I either held the camera at arm’s length or set it on a tripod. Polish wasn’t my objective though. I opted to bring the camera along on fairly lengthy adventure racing training sessions, rather than pack all the survival skills into a scripted storyline.

    I think both approaches work. I’m hopeful that my approach works best. Fingers crossed.

    [Reply]

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