Solo Bushcraft in the Rain | Unique Bowdrill, Bushcraft Chair Build, Campfire Inside Tent

[@nelsonw2096]

I’m impressed by your fire tenacity. At hour 2 I would have gone with “and in my other pocket I always carry a big lighter in a ziplock. Let’s use it now. “ 😅

[@cibablea]

Ditto!

[@kimcox6497]

I'm just an old woman who loves watching outdoor survival type shows, and will likely never be faced with actually having to survive in the wild. However, this video has thoroughly convinced me of the importance of carrying EASY firestarter tools, like matches and lighters 😂 Really admire your grit!!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey Kim, thx for sharing that!! Yes so so important to carry the right tools. These skills are somewhat of a last resort! Good to know but hope to never HAVE to rely on them!

[@magster6022]

I second that!

[@brianyoung8731]

I've made a bowdrill fire once (at home, perfect conditions). Now I make sure I have three ways to get a fire started without a bowdrill 😂 Your video taught me a valuable lesson but not necessarily about firestarting. I learned the value of remaining calm, utilizing experience + resources, and being persistent to achieve success!

[@Winner8501]

I really like you videos, because you're not making things look easier than they really are. It's honest and that makes it great. This has convinced me to always, under all circumstances, carry a ferro rod because I could never succeed with the bow drill, lol.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks so much! They make the videos a bit longer and slower sequences, but I think showing that side provides a lot of value!!

[@camiloquiroga516]

When I see people making fire with the drill in a 5 minute video I imagine I could do it in half an hour or maybe an hour. But after seeing your video I realize it is not that simple and it takes a lot of patience. This definitely shows why it's a necessity to have more than one source of fire in your backpack. I also liked how you used a tinder of the night to create the morning fire and the seat. Great video DJ

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thx a bunch!! It was a big dilemma to throw this one in because of how much of the video the bowdrill sequence took up..But I figured people would want to see what the realism of it was, so they don' think they just suck when they go out and try it. Rather, even if youre very experienced, it can still take many may hours!

[@d4mdcykey]

For me, the most detailed, professional, and useful information for real outdoor encounters of any channel on YT. Excellent work as always, sir.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Wow, as always, you made my day reading this. Thanks so so much for taking the time to both watch, and comment.

[@grimgranite]

Awesome use of the tree to hold the tinder! Such a cool video, DJ!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thx brother!!! I almost lost it all after a few steps 🤣 glad to recover it

[@mmmsurvivalfinland7842]

Love the reality of the struggle you have on fire making. To become a master in any field needs huge amounts of failures :) I went just a week ago to the woods and made a simple fire to our firebox and got it on to video. That simple video reminded me about the struggles we had with the same firebox 5 years ago. When we first tried to make fire into it. Only then after many years of experience and failures you realise your own growth in some skills.

[@TheBearEssentials]

So true!! I learn the most by trial and error. Worst part when starting is not knowing what exactly is going wrong!

[@toddolson573]

Well deserved supper! I build a smaller area off the main fire that's acts as a second burner to which I cook, and add coals as necessary.

[@TheBearEssentials]

That’s a great idea! The coals are always the best to cook on, and I often burn my meals from the flame when I’m careless about it

[@ervinslens]

Absolutely breathtaking solo journey bud, your cinematography is simply flawless! 👏👏👏

[@TheBearEssentials]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for the words. Always trying to find the balance in pacing and cinematography!

[@avargs3505]

Some of those shots were so good …I felt bad thinking to myself “dang he’s gotta go retrieve that camera “ …like the rain setting and the ice water bucket off the cliff with the camera on the frozen lake with two angles!!

[@osmia]

Thank you for keeping that all in - reality

[@TheBearEssentials]

You’re welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it and appreciated the struggle of it all!

[@PineMartyn]

Lots of outside-the-box thinking for that bow-drill ignition! I doubt it would have occurred to me to press a leather glove into service as a bearing block as I would have assumed it would have been holed rather quickly from the friction. I might have to try it. I have a question about using that stump. I have used larger diameter stumps before with mixed results. More specifically, I found that with a stump, holding the bearing block and spindle vertical and without excessive wobbling was more difficult using a stump and proved more tiring than using the traditional hearth board-under-the-foot technique. Do you think you would have had more luck if you had done that or not? Thanks for showing the difficulties and trouble-shooting skills required for a bow-drill fire. Cheers! - Martin

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey Martin, first off, for anyone reading this comment, I have to say Martin is a VERY experienced outdoorsman!! (Check out his stuff!!) Honestly the stump is mainly only good because you can stand, in my opinion. The wobbling was a problem, I had to pin the tree between my legs at points. The traditional fireboard under your foot is a better method in my opinion. The board doesn’t wobble, and your left wrist is pinned against your leg instead of against your stomach - so it’s a bit less effort. I suppose the only benefit here is the standing and being off the ground, as well as the time to split and make sure I have a dry base for the hearth board. Overall, I think it mainly took so long because the stump was a bit spongy. Poor selection on my part. Thanks so much for commenting brother! Your friend, DJ

[@PineMartyn]

@@TheBearEssentials Thanks for taking the time to answer, DJ, and for those kind opening words. Keep up the great work! - Martin

[@db.mc2]

Great to hear from you DJ! 👊🏻👍🏻 Thank you my friend 🙏🏻 God Bless Appreciate you brother!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Eyyyy!! I was waiting for this one. Thx for watching, and your support!!

[@aileenpaz310]

Love the way you explained "bearing block"... patience pays off! Shows how adapting when plan A doesn't work. Also like seeing more of 'you'. Glad you didn't edit those segments 👍

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks Aileen!!! I always look forward to your comments and our chats about the videos. Much appreciated!!!

[@DougAdams-uo1ee]

Yes. As a ranger commander I usually use a flint and steel. Love your show.

[@garbagebaby]

IMPRESSIVE. A true test of tenacity. Thank you for sharing the entire struggle, it’s compelling. Flipping over the first pizza pocket and then finding the first half baked… 😢

[@ThisSentenceIsFalse]

An eye-opening and highly educational video. Thank you for making it.

[@RiZZOBE4R]

LOL the satisfaction when you broke the rock in half. Thank you for the video!

[@jeffreyphillips3419]

Thanks!

[@TheBearEssentials]

And thank you so much for this as well!!!

[@martwilman]

Thanks DJ, your efforts are appreciated! I find it cool you showed us the struggle with the Bowdrill and didn't just edit it out. I am an outdoor enthusiast and I know how difficult these things can be to achieve. Lots of KZbinrs just edit out the difficult parts so thanks for your honesty. Keep up the good work, 👍 Martin

[@oddstuff]

Great perseverance there on the fire!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks a bunch!!!

[@benmoffitt7524]

Great video - I’m impressed with how well the tent held up!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Me too, that thing is an absolute beast. The winds were RIPPING on that cliffside and it was perfect.

[@cibablea]

Outstanding realistic instruction and depiction of that lifestyle. Your positive patience is golden. #respect

[@OutdoorAcademyAustralia]

Thanks for showing trials and the reality of bushcraft. So many showing first attempt bow drill which in reality doesn't happen often in less than ideal conditions. Good vid mate.

[@mattr6056]

the most realistic bushcraft experience I ever watched The Bear Essentials channel is awesome

[@jfreedman3799]

So excited to watch this video!!! The world needs as much, and more, Bear Essentials as we can get. You are becoming an elite and my favourite member of the outdoor community Sir!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Wow, thank you! This honestly means so much to me. I really appreciate that!

[@SQ228]

DJ you are a beautiful soul. I wish most people are like you. You are both inspiring and therapeutic to watch. How you remained calm and composed during those failed attempts at fire starting just floors me. I mean I was cussing and swearing for you ! .... I'm a fairly 'as a matter of fact' kinda guy. Seinfeld is probably the only person in the world that can make me laugh but when that camera fell for the second time I tell ya ! omg 🤣! Thank you so much for your content and G'day from Australia !

[@afasmbura1881]

Don't give up man keep on trying on that bowdril

[@classylady1947]

You are truly amazing I would never think of the things you have done while camping. Maybe in my younger days but I guess you could say I'm a glamping women at 77. I do love your videos, thanks for that.

[@avargs3505]

42:12 was the look of a super satisfying meal …after seeing it I believe it!! Such a great video and thanks for sharing your experience…love me some winter snow camping

[@TheBearEssentials]

It really was!! I was thoroughly satisfied and ready to just curl up in that sleeping bag haha. No better feeling. Thx for watching and commenting!!

[@MavrikWillowbough]

This dude is doing all the right things. Seriously his website is outstanding as is service, the knot vids, LOVE IT

[@iskatoysen]

oh man, you're my hero, thank you for sharing moments with us! at least at videos like this one

[@ArtOfAdventures]

This is some hardcore stuff! Amazing video as always!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thx man!!! I can only describe it as a rewarding struggle 🤣

[@GetUpTheMountains]

That elevated triple dunk was a thing of beauty.

[@dna2gether]

DJ, Is pretty cold blooded an LOVE THE FIRE

[@bythemountain]

Hello DJ I've learned a ton through your channel and put some good practice in building muscle-memory for my knots for the first time of my life! I just wanted to tell you that I really appreciate your work and it's a true blessing! Cheers from Quebec! (PS: my wife and I screamed out loud like crazy when you manage to bring that fire to life xD)

[@avargs3505]

I learned one of your knots from your top 10 before my winter trip to sequoia …went in between snow storms last month and it was magical … your video on knots for visual learners was huge because I could picture it as I was doing it when the temps were dropping below freezing Luckily no wind, no people…the absolute most quiet night I have ever experienced in my life

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey Nicolas!! Thanks so much. Wow this is so nice to hear. I’m glad I could help!! Oh I was just in Montreal last weekend too!! You’ve got some beautiful wilderness there. And thanks for cheering for me in the vid!!! I was over the moon happy with finally getting it after all that time!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey thx so much!! Im so glad that video helped you out. I do the same too, muscle memory and visualizing the cues and then i could remember them. No wind, no people, wow what a fantastic time!! Thx for sharing that, my friend!

[@JoeSmoe-uy8oh]

Matches and orr lighter always my first choice

[@SusieLovesJesus]

Oh come on man, You are in the most absolutely perfect spot... And I LOVE that tent! ☺️ My morning coffee consists of coffe, hot chocolate, dried/ground serrano pepper and a splash of milk if there's any ☕ Yummy 🤤 I left you an email & got my Knot Tying Kit ordered... Yay! Thank you 😁 Great video my brother! See ya next time 🤗

[@ko95]

Cool chair!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thx!! Glad I got to use it even just for a bit

[@richardblank563]

Awesome video! This place looks a lot like the Swedish forest.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks Richard! Ah that’s so cool, I always admired the Scandinavian forests too!!

[@jjjvclub]

Great video. So realistic as well!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks!!! It was a bit slower paced bc I wanted to keep the struggle in there. But I’m glad I did, everyone seems to enjoy the realness of this one!

[@michaellucas8927]

Did anyone else find themselves trying to blow on the ember to help get it started? 😂

[@peterhall2324]

Yep lol

[@ThisSentenceIsFalse]

I was hand waving bc I know the moisture from my breath can kill a coal.

[@tiborposer487]

loved it, keep it up. I will try that chair next time

[@TheBearEssentials]

You should, and please let me now how it went!

[@jackiego1]

So satisfying to watch you finally get it. Aaaand now we don’t have to.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hahaha, gave me a good laugh, thx Jackie

[@alisdar1234]

Really enjoyed that. Goodness, your perseverance with the bow drill! What would you have done differently?

[@mikeinthewoods2193]

Sweet video DJ. Patience is truly when handling a bow drill. Like the new variant in using the dead standing tree as health board. Well done 👍😀

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey Mike! Thanks a bunch, i saw it a long time ago maybe on a more kochanski video, I forget where exactly. Way better than kneeling at least in the winter

[@alisdar1234]

Might be a far north bushcraft and survival video.

[@GeraldKolsteren]

I really enjoyed the video ,I like your tent cause of the open fire inside I've camped out in a tee pee for the weekend and it was amazing,

[@gambarusso]

Truly inspiring.

[@Nicole-oi6il]

What a determined young man! I would have given up a long time ago, then froze to death. 🤣

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks Nicole!!! I did it to show people sometimes even when you know what you’re doing it can take a long time… and many different attempts. So no one should feel bad if it takes them a while or can’t get it

[@rusticlivingbushcraft]

Wow, thanks for showing the true level of effort that it can take and how you just have to persist and conquer the task. Great job!! I have yet to try the bow drill and I liked your idea of using an existing tree stump like that! Really enjoyed watching and thanks for showing everything! 🇨🇦💕🏕️

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thx a bunch! When you give it a try, dont expect to get it quick or even at all on the first few attempts. If you do thats amazing, but dont feel like a failure if you dont get it bc its a skill that takes many many many frustrated outings haha!

[@chrisconklin8085]

DJ, Really enjoyed the video. Very nice spot to camp, very scenic. Kudos for sticking with the bow drill - success!!!! Keep up the good work.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey Chris, thanks man, ya I loved this spot. I’m the summer you can jump off the cliff into some deep water too. Thx for the words brother.

[@PascaleBourdages]

Wow, such a great video as always! I am sooooo looking forward to try bowdrill again. Made an attempt last year and never gotnit right.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks so much. I was pretty lucky to get it going here tbh. That tree was waaaay too punky, but I was just too stubborn about it. So glad it finally worked 🤣 Goodluck when you go for it again!!

[@Tosadar_Outdoors]

Everything was perfect, I really enjoyed it, your videos are like professional documentaries 👌🔥🤘❤️🍻💯

[@TheBearEssentials]

Wow this is a really really nice compliment. Thank you

[@Flaxalf]

Wizard level! great job bud

[@jeffreyphillips3419]

Awesome and Peaceful Video... Felt like I was there! (Learned a few things as well ;) )

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks Jeff for coming along for the ride!! Much appreciated :)

[@Sillyrat_e]

I came here to learn English 🤣 and this is the only creator from whom I can understand all the words without looking at the subtitles!😜😜😜

[@TheBearEssentials]

You’re the best E!! Thank you for watching!! 🙏🙏

[@Sillyrat_e]

I got really hungry when I saw the macaroni. . .which even with cheese! ! !@@TheBearEssentials

[@noog8756]

Oh my god I was rooting for you! Massive smile on my face when you ignited the nest! Great channel! hahaha and then pissed myself laughing when the pizza went on the floor XD

[@marknthetrails7627]

I feel I watched what really happens with making that fire. 👍✌🖖🥃

[@melikey4398]

Yes...yes...yes... Nice job man bad ass

[@ChrisFar]

watching the struggle of making a friction fire reminds me to always pack a couple extra lighters 😂. Great perseverance getting that going👌

[@journeyman7189]

Awesome trip DJ. Way to preserver on that bowdrill. Never seen a raise hearth board before, genius. Great tent/tipi, who makes it? Pomoly? With the tipis I've used I never can seem to weigh them down enough with rocks if I can't stake into he ground. More practice is needed lol Nate

[@y.a.s.h_16]

You deserve more subscribers

[@TheBearEssentials]

That’s really nice of ya to say. Thanks! Steadily growing :)

[@maxgotts5895]

How only 900 likes. This is incredible.

[@jeffs5093]

Great video

[@YommiOfficial]

Great vid man. You went through a lot for this one hahaha

[@rodrigocappato4207]

Nice trip! Does the ax get dull when breaking ice? :)

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thx! No it doesn’t dull down, or atleast doesn’t chip like if you were to hit a rock for instance

[@Bananeisafree]

This is the best PSA to always remember to carry 3 lighters, 3 backup lifters, a ferrorod, a set of matches, backup matches, plus some more lighters ever created. This is not meant as a jab to you or your skills, quite the contrary. As you said, bow-drill fire is an exercise in frustration ... I managed to light one ONCE, in a practice situation, and the only thing I took out of that experience was : "NEVER AGAIN !" ... So yeah, as some might say : GG WP No re :p

[@apar1560]

👍👍👍 THANKS

[@mikerogers8297]

Awesome video! Hey what kind of pot and size in litres?

[@TheBearEssentials]

This is a zebra billy pot (stainless steel) it’s really great. 2L I believe? The 14cm version

[@MrYabber]

“Hunger is the best spice” boy ain’t that the truth 😂😂

[@undio]

great video keep up the good work :)

[@kitkitkit3]

This is much real than Bear Grylls

[@SpiderDice]

My first time camping 👶⛺

[@Moz122333]

It's hard to inagine the sheer amount of stamina required to go through that 3-day trip WHILE recording youself. Amazing, great work my friend.

[@Der.stille.Beobachter]

Man, this is me! Tried a friction fire for 2 days. I was frustrated af

[@TheBearEssentials]

Ah it’s truly a test of patience more than anything

[@ReefMimic]

Throw in some ice fishing next time:)

[@TheBearEssentials]

Next time for sure! If I had one more day I would have!

[@HGg-fw6vf]

Cool video, but it's oh so very dark, making it difficult to enjoy as much, I turned brightness up all the way on my side, and yet it is difficult to make out easily. Thanks for your videos nonetheless, may God bless you.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Sorry about that!! Will try to lighten up future ones!! Thx for watching!

[@salahad-din4114]

Always been curious how others would set up to catch wild rabbits and hares along with any wild birds that are actually OK to eat in a survival situation

[@TheBearEssentials]

Yeah! I don't do much hunting or trapping on this channel at all. BUT offline I have done a bunch. For Hare/Rabbit, setting a number of snares or spring snares are the best. You find rabbit runs (paths they frequently take) and set up a snare in a funnel so they are somewhat forced through that way. For birds, the main one is Grouse around here. More northern and you get Ptarmigan. For those, you can get pretty close before they flush and run, so you have to make a sort of projectile usually, although a pole snare if youre really good can work too!

[@dna2gether]

I JUST FOUND YOU. THANK YOU. ILL BE WATCHING ALL YA GOT ! I’m DJ

[@dna2gether]

That L👀Ked really good DJ! GoodMorning

[@DougAdams-uo1ee]

You need to expand your menu!

[@netez5252]

At about 8 minutes in.. could you potentially saw down a tree to make the stand for the teepee? Sorry if that's a dumb question.

[@TheBearEssentials]

No worries, no dumb questions. The middle pole is from a sawn down tree - if that’s what you’re talking about? Sry if I’m misunderstanding this

[@netez5252]

@@TheBearEssentials Oh I mean like, saw down the tree to the length you want your pole to be so you don't have to hammer it back into the ground, since it's already in the ground.

[@williampierce5579]

What’s up with your belt? I’ve personally always kinda liked that longer style because it reminds me of Gandalf, but is there an actual use for it?

[@TheBearEssentials]

I made it this long initially for my expected time on the ALONE TV show. I used a stropping compound on the flesh side of the belt too. I would cut it and use it as a strop when needed, among other things. Now, it holds my anorak body heat in nicely, as well as all my gear gear on it. If I need to strop (sharpen) my knife, I have a long part dedicated specifically for that.

[@williampierce5579]

@@TheBearEssentials oh you were on alone? What season? That’s awesome I was actually wondering if you would based on your videos lol Oh okay that makes sense! I’m a leatherworker myself as well and I’m always looking for creative uses for it. Thanks for replying!

[@TheBearEssentials]

⁠no problem. I was an alternate for season 9 in Labrador.

[@aceofspoons8382]

35:52 Biodegragable wet wipes are a must! My hands get filthy uncountable time a day when I'm camping and I couldn't do without them Also was anyone else stressing the hell out as the fire refused to light? Just me then??

[@skydog71]

What is the make/model of this tent? I’d be interested in purchasing one

[@TheBearEssentials]

It’s a Tschum 4p light Katun. It’s a family run business from German, the owner is Florian and he’s a very very nice person. I reached out to him to chat and find out more about his company after a lot of research on winter canvas tents. Decided it was the one that would last a lifetime and be versatile enough for 3 seasons - so I purchased it. This isn’t any affiliate link, I’m just happy to support this guy, he’s great and the tent is unreal! tschum.de/en/Tschum-4P-light-KATUN.html

[@dna2gether]

I did! Then went to Amazon

[@mengopidirumah]

🥈

[@mattlast4093]

that tiny point of light @17:17...and God said....Let there Be.......what was it again?

[@TheBearEssentials]

🤣 I felt this

[@ricky2516]

As an Australian watching you sticking your hands in that hollowed out tree 6:00 in made me nervous

[@TheBearEssentials]

Oh man I bet.. Ya we don’t have anything poisonous here in Ontario really!

[@RAYxBONES]

At some point you gotta just pull the lighter out. Save it for another video my dude… 😂 I get it. It’s the principal. Principalities! Alas, success!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Wouldn’t have done anyone any good to pull a lighter out. 😁 If someone didn’t have one, and they saw this, they likely wouldn’t get as discouraged as if I just gave up and pulled a lighter. They’d knot they were in for a looooong go but there’s a chance! Never give up my friend!

[@Tanaruck]

first

[@backyardstrummer3856]

My tennis disc golf elbow started to hurt just watching.... i think ill put my 8yo son in charge of this lol

[@Todoolidoo]

You look like Eminem in the thumbnail

[@TheBearEssentials]

Life goal achieved!! 🤣 the real slim shady!!

[@averagejim6424]

Where did you get that hoodie?

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hoodie is from Peru :) in Cusco you can find one for about $15

[@stevenensminger5737]

I will say this much you are a persistent son of a bitch I would have given up on that bow drill after 20 minutes. Any how what's up dj back in the bush again awesome always looking forward to seeing your videos there the best on KZbin by far your knowledge in bushcraft and wilderness survival is off the wall. That's what makes your outings so worth watching. Stay safe out there my friend 🌲🔥⛺

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey Steven!! Man, thanks so much, Stubborn or Persistent... this time it paid off haha! Thanks for watching, and furthermore taking the time to comment and give me a laugh. I always appreciate it my friend.

[@stormtrooper2170]

After 3 hard difficult hours for a fire. Next time just bring a lighter..😊😊

[@BFI1788]

Is it just me or does the thumbnail photo of DJ make him look like Ron Livingston in Band of Brothers More specifically ep9 when he tells the boys bad mustache man is dead

[@TheBearEssentials]

🤣🤣 I actually see it.

[@wootenbasset8631]

Did you plan to drop your pizza just for drama sake?😂

[@TheBearEssentials]

Lol, ofcourse not.

[@GerryFolf]

Не, это гениально - взять налобный фонарик, и забыть спички, зажигалку, и прочие атрибуты разведения огня. Чтобы он дела под снегом, ветром, дождём?

[@paddor]

Bow drilling definitely requires a lot of patience. I’ve never even attempted it during my camps. Always using fat wood and a ferro rod. For what it’s worth, Victorinox’s new fixed blade knife has a built in bearing in the handle. EDIT: typo (auto correct is so useless)

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thats really sweet! I love the idea of the bearing block handle!! Ive actually never had success with a rock yet. But Fatwood, a Deer Antlers, Animal bones, and regular Wood with crushed up pine needles to lubricate have worked well.

[@ДмитрийБровин-б3к]

Ох ебатеньки тентик то 1.450,00 EUR . Но за Идею спасибо.Давно обдумывал вариант как сделать верхюю дыхалку. Теперь сделаю такое же сам и обойдется , думаю не больше 200 -300 EUR , и будет непромокаемой после любого ливня .