Bushcraft - Essential Winter Fire Lighting Techniques

[@mjallenuk]

Whenever I'm struggling with stress/pain I find my way here. Just a few videos or podcasts and I feel a bit better.

[@ultrat7]

I enjoyed a lot how you shot the video alone. All these different angles. Must have been an effort.

[@PaulKirtley]

Taavi Tuisk Hi Taavi, thanks for your compliments on the style of the video. Yes, taking all the different shots and angles does take time but I try to make videos I would want to watch. Getting different perspectives really helps to see what's going on with the techniques as well as the wider environment and context of where they are being applied. I hope you got a sense of the place I was in too. Thanks for taking the time to let me know you liked this. It's much appreciated. All the best, Paul

[@Scotland_my]

Great video bud. Those deleted scenes left me in tears with laughter. Keep on keeping on. X

[@nacholibre1962]

4:10 Good luck with that in the British Columbia interior where we have eight feet of snow! A green bough platform can help.

[@simonli8744]

As a person who lives in Sweden I found your video immensly helpful! cheers sir!

[@PaulKirtley]

+Simon Li Thank you Simon. Glad you found it directly useful! Warm regards, Paul

[@zoharalon963]

Wonderful! Loved how you get into the small detales, and make sure that who tries to learn, really gets what he needs! I'm inspired.

[@tanchungzhen2178]

Thanks, Paul! I really liked how you used different angles so it was easier to imagine how I would have to start a fire similar to sth around when I need to :)

[@AnyDayNow360]

Another great tutorial. I enjoyed the effort you put into filming and editing and loved the "deleted scenes/outtakes." It was quite funny and definitely reflective of the environment you are in!

[@bryanhovorka9802]

Do you have a " wet Weather" fire starting video...?

[@robcullingworth]

I've lit a squillion fires but when i'm indoors, I like to watch you do it! Cheers Paul!

[@Macovic]

Miss the cold days. Now so warm in Scandinavia.

[@crazyhorseranchaz]

Thanks Paul, Don't get much snow in Tucson AZ, but we sure do up in the White mountains here. It's very helpful information if we get up there in winter. I hope I run across a video you've made in a desert cituation. It's totally different for us out here. No snow, but it does really get cold at night in winter. SOME cactus, when dead have wood inside and can be used. You learn quickly to search for a area showing green, then you know water is near by, which means of course trees like cotton woods are growing and they give fire starting materials. But still very rare. Could walk for days before seeing such a site. Very difficult to bush craft, could use some help in survival of the desert. Thanks Paul great tips on winter fire starting. I do believe you could survive any where, any time, with hardly any tools or food and equipment.

[@johngo6283]

Paul, this is a very informative video on an important topic. Thank you for taking the time to post it.

[@PaulKirtley]

johngo6283 My pleasure. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. ATB, Paul

[@davidspassage]

Loved the deleted scenes :-) Great video! Keep up the good work!

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks's David. Good to hear from you. I hope your travels are going well. Warm regards, Paul.

[@davidspassage]

We Just got home last week. Hoping to post more as I am able to sit down and edit.

[@PaulKirtley]

Great stuff!!

[@WanderingTheWild]

Great video Paul! There is a great sense of achievement when lighting a fire in a damp/wintry scenario, really makes you realise what is needed! Bill

[@PaulKirtley]

WanderingThe Wild Hi Bill, thanks for your comment - I'm pleased you enjoyed the video. I agree there's nothing more satisfying than the warmth of a fire when you really need it. All the best, Paul

[@MancsGonewild]

😂😂😂 the deleted scenes made me giggle 🤣 thanks for the tips and this video definitely goes hand in hand with the elementary course… next time I’m up in the highlands I will try with Lycan… thanks for sharing Paul 🙌🏻

[@filmic1]

Your technique/advice on how to use a knife /ferro rod works terrific. Generates a superb amt of sparks.

[@timlipinski2571]

The coldest place I have been is Chicago because of the humidity ! A +20 F days was very warm and could function very easy. A lot of birch trees in Colorado, must gather some of the birch bark and give it a try for fire starting. Where can one find the lichen ? Tethered to my Swedish Fire Steel is the large yellow plastic C. H, Hanson Pencil Sharpener from Home Depot to make tinder from a twig or Fatwood. (One winter in Chicago snowed in for three days before the roads were opened. Another winter -29 F and Wind Chill of -79 F-was working that day...) Nice to see some real snow ! Thank you for the video ! tjl

[@christopherwhite3549]

Great tips Paul! And super quality videos, I will be using some of these to update my wilderness skills. Greetings from the Finnish northern wilderness !

[@ronaldshepherd5992]

Thank you for the info. I live in very wet climate and it is good to know how to light a fire in a environment.

[@davidanstey1449]

You are bang on that you need minimal processing of firewood to get a good fire going in the boreal forest. I would go one step further though and suggest the most efficient approach would be to build what is known here as an upside down fire consisting of the type of fire you started in the first section of your video on top of a base of three or four layers of larger wood such as standing deadwood. While a saw helps, you can also process such wood into smaller pieces by levering it between two trees. There is no need to process the wood any further than that. I have found that even wet wood will dry by the time you are down to the bottom layer.

[@Macovic]

I also find the small dry spruce twigs sitting on spruce branches in under spruce threes really god accelerators and extenders much like the birch bark. It is necessary to think of the fire lighting in steps. Something useful to catch the spark, somthing useful to move the spark to flames, to accelerate it and extend it and then building it up with larger and larger peices. Not jumping steps or cooling it with to wet or frozen stuff

[@gregboutin]

Really enjoyed the video - thanks for putting it together Paul. I'm trying to pick up more winter camping skills so I can go camping in cold weather up here in Canada. This was very helpful, and my daughter also laughed at the deleted scenes :)

[@allabouttheoutdoors5997]

great vid paul,loved the deleted scenes too.

[@PaulKirtley]

+Danny Barrett Haha glad you liked it Danny :-)

[@Barbarossa4U]

Great video and the deleted scenes are always a nice touch for a good laugh. Nice that you have a good sense of humor.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks. Glad they gave you a laugh. You always have to have a sense of humour. It gets you through a lot in life ;)

[@mikevargas809]

you really have one of the very best bushcraft channels. Well done sir.

[@PaulKirtley]

+Snow Leopard Thank you sir :-)

[@funkyprepper]

very good video - loved the out takes too :) subbed

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you my friend.

[@maddaveuk]

Great info and well delivered Paul. And the outtakes made me proper giggle. I fell over in my snow shoes last year and just couldn't get back up, snow was too deep so had to call to my mate to save me having to "swim" to the nearest tree.

[@PaulKirtley]

Mad Dave Delany Hi Dave, thanks for your comment. Glad you enjoyed the vid and could relate to the deep snow issue. I didn't actually have snow shoes on while those out-takes happened. I was walking on snow I had compacted the previous day and kept breaking through the crust at the wrong moment ;) Not quite as bad as skiing down from a hut in Norway a few years ago when my partner and I both left the trail one after another and into a frozen stream. We both ended up on our backs in a shallow ditch wearing skis and bergans. I was like a beetle on its back that couldn't get up... ;)

[@alphapatriot8405]

Oh yeah !!! Awesomeness this is a truly professional instructor 💯 thnxs so much 4 uploading and sharing this realistic experience

[@Dutch_Prepper]

This is by far my favourite bushcraft video, I've seen in a while. Compliments! Also the decent length (~20 minutes) made me watch it with much more joy. I simply don't like all these 3 - 5 minute bushcraft videos that are around. Thank you , from The Netherlands.

[@PaulKirtley]

Martin Hey Martin, thank you for your very kind compliment. I'm glad you enjoy this video so much. It was fun to make and I'm glad so many people have gained something from it. Thanks again and warm regards, Paul.

[@stacysscottishadventures851]

Lmao at the deleted scenes 🤣 great video! You really explain things in a way that makes it easy to understand. Thanks Paul!

[@PrimalEdge]

LOVE the deleted scenes! LOL. great video, all around. thanks for sharing, Paul!

[@PaulKirtley]

ml eates Thanks. Glad you enjoyed a laugh at my expense ;) haha. All the best, Paul

[@doctorbea]

Brilliant work, Paul! Very concise and professionally done!

[@PaulKirtley]

+doctorbea Thank you!

[@SurvivalMicha]

Pretty amazing video! Beautiful snow!

[@VinceR3000]

Do you have a video on how to best light a fire inside a tent, without the use of a stove and a chimney? How to ensure the smoke goes up, the use of stone reflector etc. size of the fire comes to mind to. I´d really like to hear your insights.

[@PaulKirtley]

VinceR3000 Hi Vince, thanks for your question. No, I'm afraid I haven't made a video on that subject. Interesting suggestion though. Thanks.

[@yamaeraahdc821]

absolutely awesome deleted scenes and vid.good job!

[@PaulKirtley]

Jan Kiniv Hi and thanks for your comment. Glad you liked the video and I hope the deleted scenes made you smile :-) All the best, Paul

[@yamaeraahdc821]

That was awesome.Thx.

[@PatrickBoening]

The most important scene (for me) that I really wanted to see, you elegantly covered with your arm (13:45)...thanks!

[@Jeffrey1978]

@ Patrick J. Boening. You don't have to miss it. Here is exactly what he is doing with his ferro rod. Watch his video titled "How To Create Really Big Sparks With A Swedish Firesteel". That will explain more detail than you will ever need.

[@wornmatt]

Spark lighting of birch bark took place behind your elbow. Do you move the knife against the ferro rod or draw the ferro rod from beneath the knife blade?

[@MolotovBg]

I loved the video, and the deleted scenes were so funny! You should've started with them in the first place, I think you can use those to your advantage and make the videos even more entertaining :)

[@LexLuthor1234]

Thanks again Paul, for some further good learning 👍

[@kullcraven]

You did a great job with this video, very professional and great tips. I'm going to check out more vids. Subbed

[@PaulKirtley]

Kullcraven Bushcraft Thank you my friend and welcome to my channel. All the best, Paul.

[@alzathoth]

Brilliant video! :) I rarely get out in the winter months, I HATE being cold. I suspect this will change for me soon! :)

[@PaulKirtley]

alzathoth Hey, thanks for your comment. I hate being cold too! :) Being out in winter is great as long as you are prepared and take care in extreme cold. I'm glad you enjoyed this video. ATB, Paul

[@PIPERJIM2024]

Great Video Paul.I always enjoy watching your videos. I hope we have some real snow this year so i can try out my winter skills.

[@X_explorer]

Amazing video! I love observing earth, explore and calm down...

[@Ajourneyintobushcraft]

Watched first time this afternoon when you first put it up, and just watched again. Superb really great instruction Paul. I really like how in depth your videos are they are a great base for both beginners and those who have been wandering the woods for some time! All the best Danny

[@PaulKirtley]

journeyintobushcraft Hi Danny, that's very kind of you. I'm flattered you watched it twice. I sometimes worry that the detail/length is going to put people off. It may well deter the casual KZbin browser but it's heartening to see the guys like yourself who are serious about their skills taking the time to watch. I hope the techniques serve you well. Cheers, Paul.

[@Ajourneyintobushcraft]

Paul Kirtley Please dont change the format,the more clear instruction that is available for the youtube community followers the better, im the first to admit im no expert, but i see so many people doing dangerous and silly techniques and bad habits because theyve never been shown properly and its channels and videos like yours that may prevent them from serious injury! All the best Danny

[@PaulKirtley]

journeyintobushcraft Thanks for your support Danny. I'll keep on keeping on. :) All the best, Paul.

[@Ernie.Cantor]

Great Video Mr. Paul Kirtley,I enjoy it very much; the bloopers were hilarious...! and that small clip of you splitting wood it showed such an amazing back ground.maybe you will put more of that in your next video, I will keep an eye ball out for it.thank you for bringing such an amazing place to my life...

[@PaulKirtley]

+Ernie Cantor Hi Ernie, thanks for your comments. I'm glad you enjoyed this video - both the skills content and the fun bloopers. And yes, the setting is stunning. There is a bit more of it in some of my other winter videos. None of the footage really does justice to how beautiful this area is though. Thanks for watching and I look forward to hearing from you again in future. Warm regards, Paul

[@mukashibanashi123]

This kind of videos are totally useful...thanks for uploading.

[@PaulKirtley]

mukashibanashi123 My pleasure. Thanks for your feedback.

[@ChanChan3255]

Excellent. You should host a television show if you haven't already.

[@PaulKirtley]

I do. It's here :-)

[@mcleodharry]

HI Paul, this is an fantastic video, i really like the british way of bushcrafting, because the brits keep things very simple, Happy new Year and greetings from Austria, Harry

[@PaulKirtley]

Harry Mcleod Happy New Year Harry and thanks for your praise. I'm glad you enjoyed it. What are you up to in Austria? ATB, Paul

[@appalachiahiker853]

faultroy screw you moron! We are the best

[@SlyDz420]

Love the videos. Keep up all the great work. Knowledge is power and should be spread.

[@johngrealey359]

Good video. Lots of information .in deep winter.well worth watching. Clever man .

[@PaulKirtley]

John Grealey Glad you liked it John. Thanks.

[@max_fjellstorm]

Hey Paul, with what kind of device are you suspending your Kōsa from your belt?

[@UrbangardensurvivalPlan]

Enjoyed the video... Really glad it doesn't snow here in Australia (well for the most part at least).... Some good tips, thanks for the video :)

[@PaulKirtley]

Urban Garden Survival Hi there, thanks for your comment. I'm glad you picked up some tips here despite the difference in conditions where you are. The deep cold and snow bring with them some particular difficulties but then every environment does and - as I know you are well aware - Australia has its own challenges which I'm glad we don't have in our northern bush - Lawyer vines, giant stinging trees and Eastern brown snakes to name a few. Don't get me wrong, I love Australia; you just learn to appreciate the differences... :)

[@UrbangardensurvivalPlan]

Lol... very true :) Although the Lawyer vines and giant stinging trees are both in rainforest, and most of Australia isn't rainforest... The Eastern Brown however, can turn up nearly anywhere (not quite) but where it doesn't turn up, there are plenty of others instead. Snakes I believe would be perhaps the biggest threat here, even in Suburbia, but then again, a big male kangaroo can also attack you (not often though). I actually love snow... but that is because I don't have to deal with it unless I go to the Snowy Mountains and I have not been there in years. I think you are totally right though... it is about appreciating the differences... For sure :) Will be checking out more of your videos, and sharing them as well... Cheers

[@PaulKirtley]

Urban Garden Survival Yes, I was thinking of Tropical North Queensland when I wrote my reply. But I forgot to mention marine stingers, salties and sharks. And then there are those nasty introduced cane toads, not to mention all the horrible spiders you have over there :) I'm joking - I think Australia has amazing landscapes and environments, with fascinating flora and fauna. Many people are surprised at the diversity - from desert to rainforest. I've never experienced snow in Australia, so I'll have to add the snowy mountains to my list. My biggest concerns in more arid areas of Australia are dehydration and heatstroke and - by extension - vehicle breakdown. Snakes and roos would be lower down the list :) Similar to the Canadian wilderness, where people worry about bears while making canoe trips. You are much more likely to do die from drowning or hypothermia... Thanks for checking out my videos and sharing them. Please do keep in touch! Cheers, Paul

[@nationalginagraphic5462]

That is awesome!!! I'm amazed... I am just learning backcountry skills. I'll be trekking Tibet... no birch that I know of, nor lichen. But plenty of yak dung. I'll have a starter, but wonder what other initial fuel I can use before the piles of small twigs, then larger? Thank you! Looking forward to your other vids! Cheers from China!

[@pnyarrow]

Another really good informative presentation. Thanks for sharing with everyone. Keep up the good work

[@PaulKirtley]

pnyarrow Thank you my friend. All the best, Paul.

[@deanstirling2089]

Really interesting and informative, thank you once again Paul!

[@robinpohl2702]

5:10 was wondering if that might happen with all the snow nice to have confirmation

[@rhaef]

Great video Paul. Loved the out takes 🤣

[@Wintertrekker]

Well done Paul. The forest there looks very much like where I go in northwestern Ontario - spruce dominated. I also use the spruce twig technique most of the time. We cannot rely on the lichen supply as much in all areas, but birch bark is always available, even in pure conifer stands. Splits made with the axe are also standard technique, although I like log cabin stacking method rather than the angle lay method. I go entire winter camps without using my knife, since my axe and saw do all my work for me in the boreal wood supply condition. Question: What boots are your wearing there? Is that square toe front 75mm ski binding compatible? The toe box looks big, which is a boot attribute I look for, but can't find here in a ski boot.

[@PaulKirtley]

Wintertrekker Hi there, it's good to hear from you. Yes, these techniques do seem to be pretty much universally applicable within the boreal forest. You comment regarding axe vs knife use completely echoes my experience. There is no question the axe is the more important tool. In answer to your question, the boots are made by a little-known Swedish manufacturer, Jörnkängan. The model with the large toe box is 'Antifrys'. The NN75 square toe is not standard but something you can request. All the boots are hand-made and the quality of both materials and manufacture is excellent.

[@Wintertrekker]

Paul Kirtley Thanks Paul! I will look up that boot manufacturer.

[@kirkwochner8271]

Very well done. Thank you for the refresher.

[@PaulKirtley]

My pleasure!

[@ourtechwriter]

Thanks, Paul! Very important nfo to me. Outstanding!

[@musicconnelly]

I don't know how you were able to spark and get a fire going so quickly! I was out today in the foothills just outside of Calgary Alberta, and it took me forever to get my fire going. And the lichen we have here doesn't work in the cold. There's also no birch but aspen which doesn't light up quickly either. Great video by the way!

[@michaeltupper250]

nice video do you have this type using a bow drill that is made on site. to start a fire from start to finish. love to watch,if you have one thanks.

[@fearosphere]

Informations are good, deleted scenes are good :))))

[@chasq1]

The deleted sceens where the best !

[@PaulKirtley]

+Chas Waldron :-)

[@MrChrisdixon1]

excellent stuff.will use.love end out takes too

[@dreamerity6626]

Hi there, such great tips. Thank you so much. I wish I have seem this before our winter camping trip about a month ago where we had a rouhh time making that fire in snow. I really liked your video with Mike Pullen which actually got me here as well. Subscribing…. Loving those deleted scenes 😅 Greetings from Czech Republic

[@Hoinar9]

Thanks for the tips, are verry good. The last part with " deleted scenes " was verry funny :)))))))))

[@PaulKirtley]

Hoinar Thanks for your comment. I'm glad you thought this video was both useful and entertaining :-)

[@Hoinar9]

Paul Kirtley i`m in your mailing list, it is too bat we are so far away. If i was in UK, for sure i come to your clases. ;)

[@WiltshireMan]

Very interesting and enjoyable Paul. Sometimes though I think the conditions are tougher in our native British deciduous woodlands during the winter for fire lighting than most other places. It was interesting to learn of the Lichen (Beard) for use as a fire starter. Best wishes for Christmas and the new year. Sandy

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi Sandy, good to hear from you. Yes, I'd agree that cold-damp conditions provide one of the biggest fire-lighting challenges. We can moan about the weather here in blighty but it provides a great training ground. This then comes in useful in the boreal forest in late summer/early autumn, which provides similar conditions to the UK in winter, as per this article here: paulkirtley.co.uk/2013/boreal-forest-foray/ All the best to you and yours for the festive season. Paul.

[@tommoran23]

it can be hard sometimes i agree. i tend to use the exact method Paul uses here though my inital tinder varies with the season/my mood. im lucky where i go in wiltshire as there is a lot of decent wood around and not many bushcrafters

[@gorillaukbushcraft1306]

Paul Kirtley hi mate, bit of a random question but where did you get that jacket? what make ect, got an artic trip next winter and that looks the business

[@Johny40Se7en]

Enjoyed this a lot and fair play to you putting the bloopers in at the end =P

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks Johny :-)

[@matt4270]

Great video! The first tinder pile would be great on top of an upside down fire stack.

[@PaulKirtley]

matt4270 Thanks Matt. Yes, that sort of pile is great for getting most things burning. Warm regards, Paul

[@appalachiahiker853]

Great vid buddy!

[@josmunpav]

Loved the deleted scenes :D

[@Nananah86]

Very well presented! Great job!

[@PaulKirtley]

Nananah86 Thank you!

[@isracqueen8591]

Good work Paul we'll done keep up the good work

[@PaulKirtley]

Isracqueen Thank you. If you keep watching, I'll keep filming...

[@DuyenNguyen-mp7yo]

What other tinder lights well from Swedish firesteel besides lichen and birch bark. We are in located in the southern states of the United States and do not have birch trees nearby.

[@PaulKirtley]

Duyen Nguyen Good question. As you move from one environment to another, you will indeed have to change what you are looking for. In general look for fibrous outer and inner barks (e.g. Honeysuckle species outer barks, Clematis species outer barks, oaks (inner bark), chestnuts (inner bark), Juniper species outer bark and similar shedding fibrous barks such as Clifrose (Cowania) or Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) that can be made into a birds nest of fibres; Also look for downy seed heads of plants such as thistles, milkweeds, fireweeds, cat-tails (Typha), some willows and poplars (aka Cottonwood). You can also get fibres from the bases of some palms as well as Yucca. Hope this helps. All the best, Paul

[@davidevans3175]

Enjoyed your video very much. Thank you!

[@austingillem5312]

Hi Paul, I know this is an old video now. Just wanted to ask what knife you’re using here? Looks like it has a nice brass bolster

[@petercseszarik6552]

Great video Paul. Thanks . I loved the deleted scenes hahahaha :)

[@robertgoss4842]

You Brits have very cool way of going about things...even bushcrafting. Muy hip music bed, by the way.

[@yngvark]

i knew most of this, but great quality of video, so subbed

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks

[@Finkldorkin]

Very helpful video Paul. I just recently subscribed and I am really enjoying your sharing of excellent experience that you have! Thank you!

[@survivalapache7331]

What do you keep in your belt pouch?

[@maritimespook]

Paul great tutorial as always brother ! Cheers from NB Canada !!

[@PaulKirtley]

maritimespook Thank you my friend. Cheers!!

[@armedwithinformation]

Great information; thank you.

[@PaulKirtley]

***** You're very welcome. Thanks for letting me know it was useful.

[@Pawoodsman]

Great tips Paul. so were you staying in your snowtrekker this trip ?

[@PaulKirtley]

Pawoodsman Hi there, glad you liked the video. Yes, we were based in the Snowtrekker. Some of us did nights out in various shelters. We were out for 16 days with all supplies. Warm regards, Paul

[@mattwernecke2342]

How do you keep from sweating during the laborius snow removal?

[@tecnolover2642]

Great lessons! Thank you.

[@ronaldshepherd5992]

Can you please explain what can be use for fire lighting if birch bark and lichen is not available.

[@PaulKirtley]

Ronald Shepherd Hi Ronald, thanks for your comments. A good skill to have when there are limited resources for firelighting, particularly in wet environments, is being able to create and light feathersticks. Please check out my article here: paulkirtley.co.uk/2013/how-to-make-fantastic-feathersticks/ Warm regards, Paul

[@daleskidmore1685]

Sunk right up to the kuksa. I like the upside down fire, it seems to need less fine kindling to get going, but have only used it in less extreme conditions as you show here. The fire thong sounds interesting, what ever that is. Keep on keeping on.

[@PaulKirtley]

Dale Skidmore Thanks Dale. Glad you liked this. Thanks for your comment. Keep in touch. Cheers, Paul.

[@daleskidmore1685]

Will do.

[@bushputz]

5:06 - a bit of payback...

[@PaulKirtley]

bushputz Yup :-)

[@rowanfernsler9725]

Lmao

[@chelseafeth]

Hello just subbed your channel, great vid on the fire but the deleted scenes was just great lol

[@PaulKirtley]

chelseafeth hehe glad you liked the fun at the end :-) Thanks for your sub. Keep in touch. Cheers, Paul

[@darrangarson1376]

great video and the deleted scenes made me laugh I will definitely check out more of your videos :)

[@PaulKirtley]

Darran Garson Thanks Darran :-)

[@pesarirooni62]

OMG you look Just like Ray Mears LOL I was like, wait a minute :D beautiful video man

[@snaponjohn100]

Great job Paul! I live in NY. I have never seen lichen growing on trees here. Is it way up in Canada?

[@PaulKirtley]

snaponjohn100 Hi there, thanks for your comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. There are many beard lichens such as these.These type of lichens are a boreal forest species. They are sensitive to air pollution too. This was filmed in northern Sweden.

[@TheDrakenZ]

canada...? are you fucking kidding me? lol

[@snaponjohn100]

***** Is the (lichens) way up in Canada? I said that I lived in NY I'm south of Canada! I said that I had never seen any around me. I was asking if he knew if it grew in Northern Canada.

[@PaulKirtley]

snaponjohn100 Hi again John, yes there are plenty of Alectoria and Usnea species in North America: www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/~esslinge/chcklst/chcklst7.htm

[@PaulKirtley]

snaponjohn100 But it is the Bryoria which will probably interest you the most. There is much ethographical evidence of use by first nations. Here's a list of some found in North America: lichens.digitalmycology.com/macrolichens/Bryoria.html

[@boblangevin685]

Thank you for the tips Paul... I enjoyed the last few minutes, filming in the deep snow is pretty, funny thank you. One question please... It looked like your were striking your fire steal with the blade of your knife, did I see that wrong? I like the double handed scrape to avoid disrupting your tinder, but have since focused on a stationary knife and pulling the fire-steel to create a large splash of sparks in a well aimed small area and this also keeps my tinder safe.

[@boblangevin685]

Hi Paul... I just watched your other video on making big sparks with the Swedish Firesteel... I see what you are doing now. Thanks for both videos... I did see that wrong... I didn't notice until I saw the next video.. Great method, thanks again. Cheers.

[@PaulKirtley]

Bob Langevin Hi Bob, I'm just catching up with comments so apologies for the delay in getting back to you. Thanks for your comments/questions and I'm glad you found the answer to your question in another of my videos :-) I hope these techniques serve you well. Warm regards, Paul

[@andrewshaw6901]

Here in Minnesota it's been regularly well below 0 F but I find my lighters don't work below -30F and I have to use my firesteel. Anyone else?

[@PaulKirtley]

***** Yup. Lighters don't work well in the cold. The cheap plastic ones have been known to crack in the cold when the fluid freezes. This then becomes hazardous when you enter a warmer environment such as a heated tent or cabin....

[@andrewshaw6901]

Dang, yeah haven't had that happen yet. Keep the vids coming, great stuff

[@PaulKirtley]

***** Thanks. Will do!

[@tonyenglish7176]

Excellent video very informative and useful. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@PaulKirtley]

Tony English Thanks Tony. Glad you liked this.

[@lupodelpratomagno]

HI..I discover your channel now.... GREAT!

[@PaulKirtley]

lupodelpratomagno Fantastic! I'm glad you made it. Welcome!

[@samleak8213]

great video, remind me of Ray mears. going for my winter trip upto to Galloway soon. any tips on legal wild camping locations in UK. thanks

[@PaulKirtley]

I used to work with him lol :-)

[@PaulKirtley]

On the camping side of things: paulkirtley.co.uk/2014/how-to-find-a-place-to-practice-bushcraft-skills-in-the-uk/

[@samleak8213]

Paul Kirtley really useful blog, clarifies a lot of things. I wish the laws in the England and Wales were similar to Scotland. We have an amazing country to explore. thanks for the help.

[@samleak8213]

Paul Kirtley lol I seng this great word to him. Waldeinsamkeit German word that means the feeling of being alone in the woods. Can be described as wonderful, poetic, peaceful, calm, relaxed, at one with the universe, infinite, free, loving, meditative.