5 Tips to Camping with a Wool blanket and Tarp

[@Theeggfly]

I’m a Michigan cold weather steelhead fisherman. I can tell you that drying your feet and changing your socks is a massive game changer. I few years back, I slept in my hammock in the mid teens. I changed my socks after drying my feet at bed time and I was plenty warm. Moisture equals cold. Stay dry, stay warm.

[@yomamaso100]

There is nothing more comfortable than putting on a fresh pair of socks

[@stroop3666]

Thanks

[@george2113]

@@yomamaso100 particularly wool night socks

[@niccbeans2939]

Michigan in the house 🤣🤣

[@amorales9613]

True

[@JakeEpooh]

Dude, I freaking love this guy. He's not constantly trying to beat you over the head with how cool and tough and hard-core he is. Instead, he's competent and practical, while never losing sight of the fact this is all supposed to be mostly something we do for fun adventures.

[@SuperDuty23XL]

Well said.

[@freehermanjose5816]

But if it was me, it would be impossible, because I'm cool, and tough and hardcore.That's why I stay home in the sofa.

[@jamesmurphy5570]

Always cool stuff you share

[@mikaelp9826]

In Norway we always wear wool outside. Wool under, wool over, wool socks and thin wool gloves, wool balaclava… makes a world of difference

[@Paul-ik8fm]

That would be itchy

[@andrewmaranto5254]

Modern wool isn't itchy.​@@Paul-ik8fm

[@CragScrambler]

Same in north west coast UK wool is king because of wet weather and damp setting in after a few days.

[@CragScrambler]

​@@Paul-ik8fm Merino isn't itchy

[@eloquentsarcasm]

Thanks to my years in the Army, camping as a civilian is heaven. So many options, it's amazing. A watch cap and woobie (poncho liner) were common in the Army, a GP Medium tent was luxury. Getting off the ground is probably the biggest thing I've learned over the years, the thickest blanket doesn't mean much if all your body heat gets drained by the cold ground.

[@MorganSharp_stolenlives]

Thank you for your service, brother.

[@irvsstella]

Ex Army too, its a breeze. Looking for artic cam nets now so I can go out in the snow, no bother..... Found some Artic Whites on fleabay, might just get them too!

[@MrCobb-rq8iv]

10-4 clue #1: get OFF the ground, period, build a bed, hang a hammock, stay in car............. stay home........; synthetics; sleep pad, sleeping bag, woobie blankets everywhere.

[@FredHenry1850]

Growing up in Northern Wisconsin, it was common knowledge in my community to sleep with loose wool socks and a winter cap on cold winter nights. For me, it is a no brainer to apply this to when I actually sleep outside on cooler nights.

[@minnil7927]

Northwoods for life

[@klayvonisme]

Cable Hayward area!

[@AutomationDnD]

I hear That!!!! I grew up in Northern New York / Canadian border ................ _SAME THING_ !!! at the height of winters we usually had a few weeks that were utterly frigid & I grew up with wood stoves & a house with no insulation Now I Live on Long Island... & it is perpetually HUMID here, even in winters. People here THINK it is "cold" when it's a balmy 20-degrees with sun & no wind But MOST of the time, in winters we barely have snow & it's usually rainy wet & cold/cool at approx 30degrees or a warm winter here is nearly a perpetual 40-degrees & rain ---- but IF polar air from Canada DOES come down over the boarder and manage to push all the way south-east to Long Island THEN it does get chilly & stays that way till the atlantic weather (wet & cold) pushes back on the North Polar / Canadian Air --- usually, the North Atlantic is what dominates the Air here since we're a short ways off the continental border

[@PerfectionInMotion69]

@@AutomationDnD Man you just blabbed about a whole lot of nothing 😂🤦🏼

[@66block84]

Duluth, Mn. boyscouts 1960's, Winter camping in a canvas tent. Yes it was cold.

[@jerebigler7520]

Speaking of fire...Native Americans use to say that "White men build a big fire, stand far away and burn lots of wood. Indians build a small fire, stand close and burn much less wood. " Lots of wood equals lots of work and vice versa. Makes sense to me. Smaller fire can be nearer the shelter making it easier to tend in the night even though it may be an extra time or two. Enjoy the videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@strongbear9304]

What do you mean “use to”? WE STILL DO! Something’s don’t change….

[@jerebigler7520]

@@strongbear9304 Ha Ha Ha Ha I'd hope so 'cause it is still true! Great response!

[@shannonbarattini5772]

UGH LOL

[@jerebigler7520]

@@shannonbarattini5772 HaHaHaHa! Love it!

[@MrJeronlewis]

White man like big lump on log

[@ShadowNobody-y5l]

LOL... "Adventurous spirit." I laugh because it reminded me of when I was a kid, and a heavy storm would knock out our electricity. The grown-ups would grumble. But my siblings and I were thrilled! My parents would light a couple of kerosene lanterns, and place candles throughout the house. We'd make Shadow puppets with flashlights, cook hotdogs and make s'mores in the fireplace, play dominoes. It. Was. AWESOME! Then, after a few hours, the lights would come back on. 😢 It's sad that most people forget about those kind of things. I never did. Sad. So, I feel ya', lol.

[@steveowens398]

Great tips Dan! It's hard to convince beginning campers how important clean, dry socks are for a good night's sleep. Those socks you've been slogging around in all day are mildly damp due to perspiration and on cool to cold evenings they will leave your feet frozen if you sleep in them. You can turn them inside out and keep them under the blanket with you during the night to help draw off that moisture - just don't wear them. The same is true for t-shirts and underwear, if you sleep in those.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Clean, comfortable dry wool socks are a blessing after a day of sweaty hiking in damp socks and damp boots.

[@woodknotts6050]

Im big on keeping Marino wool hunting socks in all my packs !!!.......also have 3 pairs in my bedroom for nites during the winter..... I only wear them for bed , the ones for my boots are 80% blends .....nothing better than a pair of 100% wool socks and down booties for camping or cold winter nite sleeping

[@monogamousbonobo3923]

Ha, sounds like the army medic... Change your socks!

[@kissurviva8035]

Bushcraft is what I did before I had camping equipment. I spent a fair amount of time in the military sleeping on the ground during inclement weather of all types. I can appreciate the Bushcraft aspects I have a choice of many different tent shelters as well as sleep systems, if i know there's even a chance for the temperature dropping below 15° I've got a cotton moving pad that I use with a military wool blanket and a dog we stay absolutely comfortable fire or no fire. I enjoy your content because it always reminds me of when I was much younger with way less equipment after 45 years of being out in the woods also went camping while in the military when I'd go on leave this just wholesome content.

[@hagman1077]

Good tips- He is 110% correct when mentioning the more insulation between you and the ground, the better. Ive camped out in sub-zero weather using the old school OD green army "mummy" bag with a wool blanket inside the bag and have always been fine. Usually just used a sleeping mat on top of the snow, but with more time, you would want some sort of insulation on the ground- i.e... pine boughs, leaves, ect... Cool vids- keep up the good work-

[@Emanemoston]

When it was cold I would take the Whilly Pete bag, the water proof bag that we carried our mummy sleeping bag in, and slip it over the foot of my sleeping bag. Makes you toasty warm. Turn it inside out, moisture will build up on the inside of it, turning it inside out then when you get upturn it back so your bag stays dry.

[@bigoldgrizzly]

You learn the heat leakage lesson real quick if, as a teenager, you end up sleeping in a cast Iron bath after a skin-full at a party. Can you guess how I know ??

[@i_am_a_freespirit]

Love it 😍 thank you... Camping I used to take my three little dogs along...one kept my knees warm under the covers, the other slept in my arms like a baby and the third one always laid above my head...having three little Portable heaters is always good to have, plus they are real fur...and real fur is always warmer then anything man-made... (of course you got to feed that fur)!🤣😂🤣

[@Db121mb]

Your comment on “ we’re bushcrafters, we walk a couple hundred yards and set up camp” was awesome. Same with your woods equals home comfort

[@justjonoutdoors]

I have a dedicated pair of thick wool socks that I use solely for sleeping in. A buff and a beanie also help. When the weather is super-cold, I’ve got down booties and a down balaclava that make my 27 degree sleeping back keep me adequately warm down to about 10 degrees. Good points all around!

[@robertsherman4597]

What's a balaclava?

[@justjonoutdoors]

@@robertsherman4597 Basically a stand-alone hood. There are numerous variations on the style. The one I have is from Outdoor Vitals. (I would post a link, but then YT would eat my comment…)

[@captainjimolchs]

@@robertsherman4597 Picture a long ski mask with a single face opening. Very popular with British soldiers in Crimea, named after the town of Balaclava, famous for the charge of the light brigade. --HJS studios shows knitting and photographs of some WW1 styles, and Red Cross posts WW2 styles. Ladies would obtain wool yarn and knitting patterns from the local Red Cross, knit them for soldiers. --The one pictured in the video is of knitted ragg wool, almost impossible to find, now-days. --Once on MASH TV, I saw a nurse wearing an exact version of a sweater patterned by the Red Cross. --How soon they forget!

[@dropshot1967]

amazing how most bushcraft tips bring out a reaction like "Yeah, I knew that", because most of it is simple common sense and basic problem solving. The problem with that is that a lot of people think that watching a lot of these videos is a substitute for actual practice. There is a reason that all bushcraft channels keep telling us to go out in the woods and practice. So I really appreciate you for making that call to practice with the gear we have and get used to different situations. Great video. Your channel is one of the few I where I have clicked on the bell.

[@randy-9842]

@Jelle Baris - Absolutely true! I grew up in the Boy Scouts with lots of fun and educational camping experience. I'm now in my 70's and, while I often say "I knew that" - the truth is, I haven't practiced any of it for a long, long time and much of the muscle memory "do it by habit" stuff needs a lot of refreshing! Great comment! I'm not likely to spend nearly as much time in the woods as Dan (or _any_ of the commenters) do, but I sure enjoy living those experiences - _once again_ - if only vicariously through Dan's videos. Outdoors = good times / great memories!!

[@darinmullins4770]

An old man i met who sold everything to travel america in a wagon pulled by a mule , he was also on the johnny carson show about his life style , told me how you stay warm is to dig out a bed shape in the dirt and line it with coals and stones from your fire cover it back with dirt and make your bed on top and it will keep you warm all night .

[@captainjimolchs]

Jerimia Johnson tried that once. Didn't put enough dirt down.

[@HickSquatch]

Good stuff, right on brother! This old greybeard has tarp and blanket camped since I was a kid. Groundcover is key, as is setting the tarp to block the wind. It sure doesn’t help if your tarp is catching the cool night breeze. I like a nice bough or debris pile then a USGI shelter half tarp under me. One of the best night sleeps ever was in the rain, under a tarp on a bed of jackrabbit droppings mixed with leaves and duff. Was soft and warm. Another one was middle of Montana winter: well below zero and snowed a couple feet on us. In my bedroll and tarp under the fresh powder snow, I was comfortable warm!! The adventurous spirit is definitely imperative!! Without that: camping is a motel and roughing it is a Motel 6 lol. I refuse to use a tent because I want to be outside, not in a nylon hotel room.

[@baoqibaba2512]

I started, and continue watching, your material because of how you present the information. I wish we had someone like you to teach in the Mojave Desert.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

GREAT REALISM and PRACTICAL advice here! For several years, I have used a 'Ninja Suit' of 2-piece knit wool and a Balaclava type of hood to supplement my sleeping bag in Fall and early Spring weather. My preferred wool blanket is a queen-sized waffle weave item that traps a lot of warm air. Generations of Classic Woodcraft 'Outers' have discovered that a looser weave works better as an insulator than thick, densely woven wool blankets.

[@kristenvincent3622]

The biggest benefit I find to the densely woven blankets is the water resistant qualities of wool, especially in wetter climates.

[@ukpiktonraq9811]

Let's see, you say location, we lay on snow and ice above the Arctic Circle. No forest around us. In permafrost region. Yes, only a small reflective Tarp. Yes, I use a wool blanket. I carry a 5" air mat. Of course we are usually hunting caribou. Because of this, I have 6 malimutes. These dogs love to sleep around me. Being surrounded by 6 extra large dogs. You'll stay very warm. Also, you made a comment about skills. I'll say this, many of you need to know how to build a simple all night fire.

[@williamrobinson4265]

I've heard of people not to rely on inflatables in extreme cold

[@brucemcpherson3075]

Why are you not using caribou hide?

[@jefffriedberg]

This guy is so casual, I love this guy! 😀

[@Moose_of_the_Ages]

I recently started assembling what I need for a wool blanket and canvas tarp bed roll. These tips will come in handy. Thanks.

[@cripplers8]

I’ve been sleeping with a beanie on in the winter for years since I was a kid camping as well as in the house at night when the thermostat is lowered. It definitely makes a difference with the amount of body heat you lose from your head.

[@captainjimolchs]

Mama in her kerchief, and I in my cap.

[@seanfitzgibbon235]

Great tips as always…it’s the little things and attention to detail that make ALL the difference in a little bit of comfort…goes a LONG WAY!

[@Barrett_Fodder]

A hat, loose mittens, and fresh socks along with a simple tarp bivi including a wool blanket and inflatable sleep pad set up under the low branches of a cedar tree allowed me to sleep without a fire for several nights on an alpine predator hunt down to single digit temps. Great advice across in this video. I would add; don't be afraid to sleep in those cloths, wool base layers are like adding more wool blankets when you sleep so you can do yourself a lot of favors by dressing right too. I took off my outer layers of coveralls and used them as further insulation from the ground. It also helps keep your inner layers breathing, fresh, and the outer layers have some warmth for when you redress in the morning.

[@theluth9046]

Your Bushcraft channel is the best of the best that I have seen. I learn so much from watching your videos and practice when I can. My grandson is really got an interest in bushcrafting and I have put him on to your channel so that he can really learn something that is very useful. That means camping as well as survival. Thanks again for sharing all your knowledge with us it's very much appreciated!

[@Miner-49]

I’ve experimented with sewing a wool blanket into a piece of Tyvek. I stayed warm down to the mid 30’s with lightweight thermals. It’s cheap, light and helps keep blanket clean.

[@ronfox5519]

That a great idea. Did you cut up a suit or did you find sheets of it somewhere? Did it breathe at all?

[@Miner-49]

@@ronfox5519 I picked up a half roll at Lowes. House wrap is a common name for it and it breathes really well.

[@ronfox5519]

@@Miner-49 very nice? I used tjo wear tyvek suits outside in the winter. It was suprising how warm they were.

[@Miner-49]

@@ronfox5519 I work in maintenance and wear them from time to time. That’s what give me the idea.

[@ronfox5519]

@@Miner-49 Same here.

[@timberdogz]

Heading out this week up in the Delaware State Forrest! Weather is getting perfect! I’m stoked to be using your wool blanket! Thanks for the tips/reminders!

[@davefarnsworth3020]

Doin winter in a 12x14 wall tent in North panhandle Idaho again. Love my wool blankets.

[@danieljones2183]

Love the tip of sewing two twin blankets together. I use two blankets and pin them with exta extra large "safety" pins.

[@Miner-49]

Pinning them inside a poncho or Tyvek works great also.

[@artemisameretsu6905]

@Boxing Bot hey safety pins means having more potential material for use elsewhere if needs be Tbf tho sewing is pretty easy, sewing pretty is hard. Basically learn how to do a blanket stitch (it's super easy and one I use for everything I do by hand bc I don't want that shit coming apart until well after I'm dead) It's a hem stitch which means it's meant to keep the fabric from unraveling and pulling the stitches lose. Learning how to sew is also a practical skill to know when it comes to stitches, which I've also had to give myself, it's not fun, but knowing some basic sewing helps

[@arthurrsaker8893]

@Boxing Bot you worry too much.

[@captainjimolchs]

There was a time when "blanket pins" were available. Some use wooden turkey skewers.

[@peterslabinger6221]

Camping with my Boy Scout troop in February in the 1980’s. We cowboy camped in the Chicago area , outside with a layer of hay. It was actually warmer than sleeping in a tent in the spring. The only problem was my boots frozen because I didn’t put them under my sleeping bag at night.

[@captainjimolchs]

Or bring them in the bag with you.

[@ambermorris3773]

I just wanted to tell you that your pretty awesome. I read a post you wrote not long ago and it really touched my heart. I've been praying for you and praying that you keep gods favor and blessings on your life. You have an amazing personality and drive! Keep on keeping on! God bless! ❤️💪🕊️💯🙏

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. You make great points! Yes, insulation between you and the ground is critical. The ground can absorb far more heat than you can ever generate. Insulation from the ground, a stout, wool blanket, a tarp to block the breeze, and a Siberian Log Fire, and you have pretty much done all you can. I especially like the tip about gloves, socks, a gaiter, and a hat. I have found these to be very important to my own comfortable sleep. Again, many thanks for this video.

[@aok4128]

Great video, perfect timing. I'm going camping in a couple of weeks. Haven't cold camped in ages, so 5 good ideas for me to think about now, rather than later. Thanks!

[@BrokenChains77]

Great video which realistically addresses what is probably the number one camping issue. The debris bedding is certainly a key to warm sleeping but I worry about ticks and spiders crawling onto me out of the debris. The answer to this is to bring a couple of the super-large, heavy-duty garbage bags and stuff the debris into them, then sleep on top of these "mattresses". Or you can bring a large sheet of plastic and throw it over the debris pile.

[@captainjimolchs]

Bugs are not a problem in the cold.

[@philokrnotch387]

That was awesome...greetings from the FLXNF. Basics covered. I didn't do this at home... Well your not at home. We're bush crafters, Build it. Teach the next generation.

[@markbrown9781]

Yep I have all these kinds of techniques to stay warm in north of Minnesota especially during Hunting season! Keep all ideas coming for educate others who used these ideas. Carry on!

[@williamlaxton6345]

That was awesome, thanks! I really am going to get the socks gloves and beanie for this season! I was reminded of the importance of prepping additional wood for the fire ar night. All your points are really helpful. Cheers

[@AndreFavron]

seriously Dan - no hype or BS, just a straight-up compliment to a KZbinr who deserves it... this video, and almost all of the ones I have seen from you are WHY you are definitely in my top 3 subscriptions. The pragmatic wisdom you teach with just the right amount of humour and respect makes learning from you very pleasant. About two years ago I decided that I wanted to get into bushcrafting, which led my wife and I to start hiking. Since I am off work for four months a year (I drive dump truck and get the winter off) and I love to study (thank God for things like the internet and KZbin) and I have 24 hours a day to do what I want to do, I spend hours every day and night just watching these types of videos. You are one of my most favourite to watch. Thanks, and please keep up the good work :-)

[@richardduvall6512]

Went last weekend down by Spuce knob lake in WV got down to 42 was awesome was comfy and loved the sound of the water fall and nature around me

[@earlshaner4441]

Wearing a warm hat while sleeping during a cold night

[@terryc47]

I practice this all the time, even at home, cannot recommend it enough. This year I also went with merino socks on at night. Both total game changer, warmth level magnified.

[@earlshaner4441]

I have other little tricks that I use when camping in cold weather like putting aluminum foil on my pad then my sleeping bag

[@dannydenham8141]

@@terryc47 I’ve been wearing Marino wool socks to bed for several years, also use a good fleece blanket, helps old man stay warm.

[@tinsoldier5621]

@@earlshaner4441 your sleeping bag?

[@earlshaner4441]

I use a mummy bag and wool blanket and aluminum foil shinny side up on my pad and 12 hours hand warmers because no stove in the tent

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

Great advice Dan. keep warm, stay dry and live.

[@Seamus3051]

Many thanks Dan, for sharing your wisdom with us. As always, a very useful video, particularly the reminder that sleeping on the trail will, in no way, ever, compare with the comforts of sleeping at home .. Cheers.

[@linedwell]

Wool blanket is great in the warm weather in the UK. Say May up to early November... Then it's airmat and sleeping bag, cause I'm a baby. 😂

[@jimneice2644]

Thanks!

[@myepicjourney8275]

I like the hat, wool socks, and gloves

[@kristenvincent3622]

I implement most of these tips “indoors” November through March-April. Granted I’m boondocking in an RV in Canada and routinely wake up in sub-freezing temperatures. Yes, good socks are going to set you back $30+, but so worth it.

[@bigoldgrizzly]

Yep they last years if you look after them and don't felt them up by hard or hot washing, or God forbid, wringing them out. I'm way too old and broken to camp out now, heck, I've had to sleep in a chair these last 20 years, but I still know how to look after my feet ... and I do ;

[@marklovelace297]

Excellent tips, have used all of these many times!

[@antondahl8945]

us bushcrafters only hike in a hundred yards or so...haha love the honesty! great advice thanks! i intentionally sleep in rough conditions by a fire,just to keep my body toughened.

[@tanegravatt3940]

“It’s a three dog night”. Aussie advice for sleeping in your ‘swag’.

[@captainjimolchs]

Or bringing three in with you.

[@drewschumann1]

​@@captainjimolchs I have three dogs. It works

[@drewschumann1]

It's not Aussie at all. The American/Canadian hunters travelled with dogs and joked about how many dogs was required to stay warm. Which they did, BTW.

[@captainjimolchs]

@@drewschumann1 Whatever heats your igloo.

[@tanegravatt3940]

@@drewschumann1 a quick Google search of ‘three dog night’ brought up more references to Australian Aboriginals than anything else with one author even saying the idiom was not popularised in America until the band ‘Three Dog Night’ from California chose the name from an article on Aborigines in the magazine ‘Mankind’. Even the ‘U.S. Dictionary Online’ credits the sayings Australian origins, but mentions Inuit practiced taking dogs to bed. Not sure if you’re questioning the origin of the PHRASE or the PRACTICE (which is obviously ancient) but I think it’s a little dismissive to say the phrase couldn’t have an independent origin in Australia.

[@troybranaman316]

Awesome tips on how to make it comfortable. Thanks for the tools for the toolbox Dan!! Take care and stay safe my friend!!

[@johnelder4273]

Great video dude! I know it's a year old but it just came up on my feed (probobly because I've been looking st surplus blankets). I love the attitude "It's supposed to be an adventure, stop whining and do it better". At least that was what I got out of it. I'm a big guy (6'4") and I'm absolutely going to sew two blankets together as you suggested. I bought 6 old Swiss Army blankets years ago, real cheap, and two sewn together should do the trick.

[@lauraweiss7875]

So much amazing information packed into 15 minutes. Thank you!

[@SparkSurvival]

I know the vid has to be brief and you've covered it before. But, shelter factors like prevailing wind, size and configuration of shelter, and opening seem to matter a lot as well. Keep up the wonderful content Dan.

[@sundelinklas]

Good and sound tips all the way in this video! I do a bit of camping in Norway and here it often gets quite cold. wearing clean socks, gloves, scarf and a beanie is the way to go! In addition I can highly recommend heating water on the fire and pouring it on a bottle you bring with you under the blanket or in the sleeping bag. it will really help you staying warm! (as long as you make sure the lid is firmly on. If you make your bedding wet you will have a very uncomfortable night. )

[@captainjimolchs]

Once, I had a metal Boy Scout canteen that I used, wrapped in a towel, of course. --These days, I take a bottle of water to jump-start the frozen stuff.

[@Grip_ItandrRip_It]

Well said. I did my first ever tarp camping last night in low 50F and wind up to 30 MPH. Standard early spring weather. The tarp took it to a whole new level! It was amazing to feel a soft breeze blow under the tarp or across your face while seeing a great view is almost indescribable. I could peek my head out and see the treetops swaying the wind...and the wind in the trees sounds almost like surf at the ocean. Really incredible! I used a cheap like $10 'fleece' blanket and a cheap walmart nysil type tarp 5ft X8ft. and a cheap yoga mat. Fantastic experience. My mistakes: A beanie would have kept me warmer, and so would some gloves- even dollar store gloves are better than nothing. And I didn't wear socks. Nice wool socks would have been nice. I had doubts going in, but the tarp experience won me over! You need to try it!

[@jakqup]

"At the end of the day, bushcraft is just a bunch of little problems we have to solve, in order to make life better" I'll tattoo this on my arm

[@robertking6865]

Great tips for some, and reminders for others. I appreciate what you present and that you do so in a fun way

[@SylvanusTheGreenMan]

I live in a small RV with no electric or running water; in an area with sub zero Winter temps. Often it gets well below freezing inside the RV. Here's a few more tips: 1) Layers ~ try clothing combinations you find comfortable even when layered. I have two soft hoodie shirts I alternate and sleep in & wear long underwear. I also wear a soft neck gator and knit beanie underneath the hoodie. If my winter socks aren't clean, I layer socks. I might even double up on winter socks. 2) Heat batteries ~ while your fire is going, set a few 1lb (+/-) rocks near enough to the fire that they get thoroughly warm (avoid extreme hot); when ready for bed, wrap rocks inside a hand towel and place inside the wool blanket you sleep in. You can also do this with certain metal water bottles, but beware that lid gaskets may not survive excess heat exposure. I have two suitable water bottles and slip each one inside a spare sock. Often these bottles are still warm by morning. 3) Mylar survival sheets ~ BUT learn how to use them. Do NOT place them in close layers to your body as they trap body moisture and can literally result in wetness which can accelerate hypothermia. With a little duct tape you can secure them on the inside of the tarp in a way to reflect ambient heat back towards you. 4) location location location ~ select a spot to bed down with maximum sun exposure; that day heat is stored in the earth material and lessens the cold draw from your body; when the sun rises you will gain warmth faster. Rig your tarp so you can lift open the sunny side and allow daylight to heat up the interior. It can give you an extra hour of peaceful sleep. Every degree you can save and gain adds up!

[@richardwysocki8300]

I always enjoy your videos because of the well-presented information and your engaging style, a perfect balance between serious and not-so-serious. Thank you, Dan.

[@OldPackMule]

I'm so glad you said that the first night outside after leaving your previous sleeping arrangement will be restless. It's true for most campers as well.

[@AustN92]

Great video. You put out some good content! I actually bought the Polish shovel off your website without knowing it was your site at first 🤣 I knew the name, but didn’t put it together until I saw you pop up on KZbin. That’s actually what made me pull the trigger and buy it. Gotta say, that shovel is BADASSSS. Sharp as a knife, light and seems good quality. Putting it to the first test over Christmas- new year on a 5 day winter camping trip. A hike in, base camp and then explore the surrounding areas. Definitely not just rocking a wool blanket though lol but I won’t camp without one now. Especially in cold weather. Makes such a good, warm ground floor over my sleeping pad. And obviously, the versatility that comes with the wool blanket. I don’t skimp on sleep comfort! Especially on a 5 day trip 😂. Insulated Wide- long sleeping pad, closed cell foam pad, and a fluffy quilt w/ a hood. I do want to try a more survival type trip though with just my dog and I and the few basics. But maybe a fall or spring trip to start.

[@TheLittleBlue-Bird]

This is awesome. When I tell people of my camping experience, they ask me "Why do I even do it, you have a house", and honestly, I don't have a perfect answer for them. I love nature and bushcraft, just spending hours looking at the stars, but nowadays, it's hard to find people who share that same interest. Thank you so much for the tips and for inspiring us all.

[@peterott9162]

Awesome video Dan!!! Some very solid tips that most of us look over.

[@wickeddubz]

Fresh grass and branches have a lot of moisture, they are not good choice for making bed, as they will drain heat. The better choice: dry grass, plants, leaves. The best one: to make simple bed from dead wood and raise it above the ground. Dry wood isolates you from cold ground and prevents heat drain. With fire and heat reflector it’s a great combo to stay warm

[@wazzeradk9398]

Dan, one of your best videos!

[@jasonjjordan1075]

Helpful direction, as always/much thanks!

[@VinlandAlchemist]

THIS was very informative, and necessary - thanks so much, Dan! 😃 👍

[@visnuexe]

Super i.portant Info that folks should not forget! Great presentation! Gonna make a world of a difference this winter as we try to run a course house too!

[@eladlutz]

I like that , "well your not at home"...you gotta be smarter than the outdoors.

[@hip2bsquareguitar]

First class tips that stink of common sense. Brilliant stuff. Great refresher course for the coming months. Off to the Scottish borders next week hiking and camping. Can't wait. Regards from the North East of England.

[@Christopherjamesmurphy21]

Smart watch idea is great. Silent alarms are amazing

[@jeromeknasinski3862]

I love your enthusiasm

[@MisSorryforthespam]

Absolutely agree about bringing a sleeping pad. Honestly in chilly/cool weather, if I had to choose between my high R value mat or a blanket. I'd take the mat. I use the Ascend frog creek from Bass Pro. It was the best gift.

[@LittlehorseReynolds]

Thank you for these tips and your videos, I love seeing them.

[@gizemnaz6372]

😂❤fun video with your singing and great stuff, thanks.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Thanks Dan, I will be out in my hammock tomorrow night. Love good wool socks. Take care.

[@philippejoyal8065]

As always, very motivating vid. Thanks brother, may you stay in the woods as long as you want!!!

[@gaiusaelius9613]

Thank you for your instructions.

[@crazynok5511]

Medical problems put me and my wife on the streets for some time and I promise what you said is true about the ground sucking your body heat out . We figured out quick you best have a good thick bed to lay on .

[@shadomane]

Excellent video Dan. Very good advice. These are the things that must be done and or considered for this type of camping. Thanks for the video and for sharing your thoughts, ideas and experience with us.

[@MatthewPhillips-il2vq]

Very good advice here on covering your head. I have always found that when I wear my wool jeep cap in cooler weather I can sleep comfy and actually use a lighter sleeping bag/blanket.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

Man! I would love to have access to a patch o woods where I could throw up a nice 9x9 plow point canvas, lay some leaves down, roll out a woolly, build a fire reflector, get a nice long fire going for the night. I have to stick with state park campgrounds where either you need a coleman tent with the tarp bathtub floor or a hammock system because when it rains substantially the whole site turns into a pond.😅. They fill these tentsites with crusher run in hopes that it drains but it doesn’t all that well. Great vid sir for sure! I really enjoyed it! Thank you!!

[@ingrainedquark474]

The thrill that winter is coming is worth all the money :) There's nothing like the smell of winter, eh?

[@shaynecarter-murray3127]

Casual tent camper here, a few things I've learned that helped me be reasonably comfortable line up with what you're saying. -Even a cheap yoga mat as a sleeping pad makes a HUGE difference. Even Just to stop the pokey bits, it helps alot. -Military surplus beanies are perfect, they don't take up much space and cost like $5. -Have a separate pair of socks for sleeping. Decent thick boot socks are again around $5. This way you have dry socks to sleep in and can dry your day socks overnight -learn one of the self-feeding fire methods. Even if it only doubles the times between refueling the fire, three hours of rest at a time beats 1.5 hours. -dont cheap out on your sleep system. Whether you're using a wool blanket or a sleeping bag, read the reviews and talk to people who are familiar with the products. Cheap ones tend to crush and trap sweat, ruining their comfort value - pajamas. You again want something dry and with no pokey bits like buttons and zippers to change into. Decent thermal pants/shirts aren't very expensive and take up little pack space. Even your favorite old sweatpants and a pullover will work, if space isn't a concern. Just having a distinct separate set of sleep clothes makes it easier to sleep, maybe from the comfort and dryness but probably also from the psychological "these are pajamas" aspect. I'm no expert, but these have helped me. Packing in a few extra pounds of stuff helps get much better sleep and is totally worth it if you're not doing long hikes to get to your site.

[@mikafoxx2717]

Siberian log fire. Least work and the most warmth. Thanks for the other info.

[@CampfireKodiak]

Good tips! I like to sleep in a sweatshirt hoodie with the hoodie on. It's especially nice when I need to sleep with a bug net on. I have a dedicated pair of wool socks for sleeping. I also wear thermal long johns. This way when I have to get up in the middle of the night I'm not cold. As you get older you have to get up more if you know what I mean.

[@WillieMakeit]

finally found a very good condition wool blanket and a wisco down sleeping bag. these two items helped top off my kit

[@ricksilk485]

Nice work Coalcracker , I have half a dozen large safety pins which can make blanket like a sleeping bag

[@willmack6010]

Yo, sick knuck tatz Dan 🤘

[@RobertFulton-o9j]

I got a couple of pair of kneegi wool socks , total game changer for work and camping etc

[@ShinyStickEC]

this video was wooltastic!

[@Nigglebaun]

I love how everything gets tossed to the side like it's a bad magic trick 🤣. thanks for all the tips.

[@muskyman1018]

The clean dry socks is a trick I didn’t learn until later in life. But that’s ok, I’ve done much more cold weather camping these days than when I was a kid. Good vid Dan.

[@gregwebb1107]

Thanks Dan! I love the larger wool blanket and wool socks w/gloves. I've used these for years.

[@captnchiprebelman9586]

In other words, Embrace The Suck, Buttercup! Hahaaaa, Love your no B.S. straight to the point vids my friend, I grew up in PA and you are the real deal there. Thanks for always keeping it real.

[@tpharo34]

Yes, this video pumps me up Let’s GO! Can’t wait to take a class 👍

[@chewminem2044]

Thanks for the great tips. I do car camping so fire might not be needed much but everything else applies

[@jneadventures2726]

Hey there Dan, I’m headed out into the backwoods around me here in the mountains of SE Oklahoma this week for a Thanksgiving bushcrafting week long trip with friends and family. We are doing Boilo for thanksgiving again this year. We done it last year for the neighbors and everyone loved it. I’m sure we will have a ton of people show up for Boilo again this year! Love your channel bro. Thanks!🏴‍☠️

[@mrspleasants8529]

I did an overnight trip with only a wool blanket in a hammock...my first and last hammock use. I ended up sleeping on the ground with a small pad and was warm enough for most of the night. I woke up cold, put on more clothes and did fine after that. I personally like a better sleep system, but know that in a pinch my dad's old army blanket will do just fine.

[@southernlandsolo7839]

Awesome Dan!! Great info, love your teaching style and to-the-point videos.

[@jmvreest]

This is great.. as usual!!. So right out of the gate @2:15 you make it clear what NOT to expect. Funny thing about that for me is, I’ve spent many uncomfortable nights in the bush due to bed/shelter build, weather etc. And I kind of apply the same logic oppositely when I have a restless night at home in my own bed.. frustrated I have a big day tomorrow, can’t sleep blah blah. Then I think about those uncomfortable nights in the bush.. suddenly I relax, appreciate the pillow top and I’m out like a light 😂