Celebrating 15 Years: Free Winter Camping Class as a Thank You!

[@PlayaSinNombre]

Thank you so much for sharing this wisdom. It is particularly timely given that a KZbinr in Europe recently died from exposure filming a survival video in a blizzard. Everybody stay safe and warm out there,

[@MarkusMöttus-x7j]

Yeah poor dude.. From what I gather he had a concussion which made him make a very bad decision... And then the windchill gave him hypothermia, truly a crappy way to go... Much love from Sweden and safe journeys to you! 🙏❤

[@isomer13]

Thanks, Blackie. If you're new here and don't know, you need to listen to this man. He will not steer you wrong.

[@peterslabinger6221]

Great video Blackie, I have done a lot of fall and spring camping in the Chicago area. Night can get down to the 20’s at time of year. I owned zero degree sleeping bags and they are probably comfortable up to the high 30’s by themself with an insulated thermorest pad. I usually have in my gear for that weather an army wool blanket, a polar fleece sleeping bag liner, and a reflective survival blanket as a ground cover with the reflective side facing me. Plus, I have the proper sleeping clothing. New wool socks, fresh sweatpants, fresh polar fleece jacket just for sleeping and a pull over hood. Those toboggan hats do not stay on my head. I like to roll around on my sleep. When cold weather camping you really need to be prepared better to have extra gear than not enough. Freezing all night long sucks. Awesome video Blackie.

[@farmtrout66]

No need to apologize for range noise 💥💥😎👍🙏🇺🇸 Thanks for sharing

[@PlayaSinNombre]

The sound of freedom needs no apology.

[@offthecouch1999]

Those are the souunds of freedom folks that dont like it should go to another xountry where there are no feedoms

[@moparmarkstpac]

Thanks Blackie! You sound back to normal, The Lord has blessed you greatly my friend!

[@seanfitzgibbon235]

Great advice Blackie. The key is proper layering in the right orders, staying dry and insulating from the cold ground and surfaces.

[@patriotpreacher43]

Very good practical advice, thank you Blackie!

[@pB-vp3mo]

Great video Blackie! This is a very good explanation of layering. A quick rule of thumb is HEAT SEEKS COLD. I'm glad to see you doing so good.

[@terrycheek4097]

Thank you for being so kind in sharing the free class.

[@ostekuste3646]

I used to hate cold weather but since I hit my 50s I tolerate it much better. I rarely wear a heavy coat unless it’s below freezing, I sleep hot, and I love a good swim in the winter. There are a couple nice waterfall grottoes that are perfect for an icy swim when the snow is flying. I don’t seem to have trouble staying warm outside anymore, maybe due to better gear (mostly old school wool) or maybe just getting smarter.

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

Happy 15 year Anniversary, looking forward to 15 more.

[@JoeCool-mj1so]

Wow great job Blackie! Take care of yourself. Yoh are a medical oddity to be recovering so well. So happy for you. Merry Christmas Sir!AND many more!!!!!

[@JFearlessJourneys2112]

Awesome video! Growing up in Minnesota, I am glad I listened to my mentors when I was young. All we had was military surplus gear, but used in combinations like you stated here is key to staying warm. With the equipment and gear we have today, -20 is not that bad! Thank you Blackie!

[@knifelore1647]

As always I love your videos, If I may, My brother in law, from Florala Alabama has passed on to the good Lord! His name is Steve Byrd. Please all pray for his family! He truly was a great guy! Blackie just so ya know his Granddaddy, Is the Byrd on the National Guard just east of Florala on Hwy 54! Thanks for all you do, you and your family are in our prayers! Roll Tide! War Eagle! For you and Steve!

[@thankmelater1254]

I'm putting more thinking toward use of reflective material within the tent because when you have no heaters or electric clothing but do have some insulating materials of clothes sleeping bag and folding foam mat and air mattress, then you could use reflective stuff, maybe mirror-coated mylar, to suspend in a floating blanket a few inches above and to the sides - and why not underneath the folding mattress as well. The highly reflective stuff can be very lightweight and compact and probably offers more heat retention for its weight and bulk than the insulating materials do.

[@Old-man-of-the-forrest]

Great video Blackie. I tend to sleep well when the temperature is low. All of my family, however, think they are going to freeze if the temperature is below 75. I don't want to be cold when I sleep, but I do like to be cool and comfortable.

[@jeffrichards5106]

Thanks for the free class, Blackie. Look forward to part 2. 👍

[@57WillysCJ]

Great class. My experience this last week with walking 5 miles a day. Two days had -30 windchills. Above zero with a wind I wear a slightly loose fitting leather jacket. Windproof and big enough for an air pocket underneath. With the really cold temeratures the first day the temperature dropped 10 degrees and the wind picked up. I was caught wearing a long john shirt, wool shirt, wool sweater with a canvas vest that is slightly insulated over the top. I had a merino wool buff on my neck and a wool thinsulate watch cap on. I got by, with my arms a little cold but the wind was cutting through teh cap. Pulled the buff up so it was not only around my neck but over my head then put the cap on. That imptoved a lot. Next day the same temps but I wore my fur and leather ushanka hat and a down parka. I had just a thin long john shirt on. Plenty warm enough. Again the down parka makes a great envelope pocket. I have to change my upper shirt as it is always pretty wet. I need to try a fishnet long john shirt as a base layer. One thing I would add that before going to sleep make your morning beverage and put it in a thermos and tuck it in. I never understand people getting up early and building a fire for coffee or tea. Also keep your tinder and kindling within your reach so you can easily get the fire started without need to move much.

[@PaulDekleva]

An apt and appropriate video given the current season in the Northern Hemisphere. I’ve thought long and hard about the 2/3s principle and I think bottom layering is the key. I have used a 50mm (2 inch) high density foam rubber mattress under me is a great start. Under that I have either cardboard or layers of newspapers (this idea is for car camping). I’ve seen click together rubber squares that would work well. If in really cold conditions, I think a small tarp that has a silver side should be placed underneath your sleeping bag (silver side up). Merry Christmas to you and yours, Blackie.

[@outbackowl3040]

Hi Blackie, greeting from Australia 🇦🇺, thank you for your time to make these videos, muchly appreciated thank you

[@cal9064]

Always enjoy your highly practical and informative videos. Thanks for sharing your great depth of knowledge and expertise. I am delighted to see that you've bounced back so well, from your recent health concerns. Hoping you enjoy a joyful holiday season.

[@ianhepburn6555]

Thank you so much for this awesome video Blackie! Cheers from the now cold north of Canada!

[@apar1560]

Awesome awesomeness at its best 👌 THANKS Blackie

[@jeffmccausland3569]

Congratulations Blackie and thank you so much for the class!

[@jeffunderwood672]

Thanks Blackie for the tips

[@DetraDearmas]

Can't wait for part 2!

[@DaleMorris-t3n]

Great advice! Be safe, be safe, be well!

[@jerrydonnelly6134]

Thank you. Lots of useful information. I learned a lot. Your are back to your old self.

[@anthonysarni2207]

Good stuff Blackie! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

[@smoothvern165]

This is really good advice and very timely. Thank you!

[@Jerrylance-d6n]

Mt man here watching 👍✔️ and I approve of this message

[@jimssurvival4994]

Good video Blackie, glad to see your doing good. Thanks for sharing this info

[@DamianBloodstone]

Thanks for the excellent info. I always learn a lot from your and Bear's vids. Take Care and Stay Safe.

[@kennethwilson8633]

Glad to see you looking better every video..,have fun stay safe.

[@Flashahol]

This is like a masterclass!

[@DeepSouthExperience]

Great video Blackie. Hope you have a very Merry Christmas! - S

[@benjaminscout7090]

Awesome information. Appreciate it, Blackie.

[@dannyfoxworth3113]

Great Christmas present Blackie! I hope you and mrs. Blackie have an amazing Christmas as well!

[@woodsinme]

Looking good Blackie. Good information on not freezing your nards, haha. I hear the voice of experience, of not sleeping. Conduction is real, throw in a little condensation or moisture from the ground and you have a recipe. I've read we should sleep with warm feet and a cool head. Something to strive for right? Personally I have slept comfortably in my hammock at 25° or so in a sleeping bag (35°) with a second zipped closed bag under me. Also toboggan and long johns etc. and a tarp over (taught line). Knees, elbows and shoulders, lol. The slightly swinging let cool fresh air in and it was nice on my nose as that was about all that was exposed. Good to see you Blackie.

[@DavidWilliams-uj2rb]

👍 thanks for sharing your experience

[@oldminer5387]

Thank you Blackie, great information.

[@ronaldgreene2759]

Great information Blackie, thank you for sharing!

[@remjax1]

Thank you,Good information! So glad God kept you, .

[@MichaelR58]

Good informational video Blackie, thanks for sharing, YAH bless !

[@FaceSmushEvil]

Great info. Thanks Blackie!

[@DavidarthurEdwards]

Excellent 👍 great info thanks have a great Christmas and a happy new year take life A bit slower look after your self Buddy thanks for your video,

[@thevirginiabushcrafter8833]

Great information, thanks for sharing.

[@PhillipStewart-k7f]

Thanks brother be blessed amen ❤

[@ScottCarlson-cz7wj]

Great video Blackie. I'm going to watch this again and write these tips in my pocket camping notebook. Thanks!

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Thanks Blackie😊

[@Reeceeeyyyy]

That was great. Such a wealth of knowledge thank you for sharing in your free time much appreciated from across the pond where it does still get cold ha ha

[@misolgit69]

back in the days when British Army ration packs had chocolate in them, sadly no more (administrative decision), the advice was to eat the choccy bar while setting up your bedding then get in and burrow down for the night

[@timpearce4255]

Great instruction

[@joebazooka-w7k]

Great info & easy to follow 👍

[@clifffromme6162]

it does help if you work outdoors for camping and hunting

[@Hoggy1963]

Thanks for sharing your wisdom

[@earlshaner4441]

Congratulations brother

[@Ozarkwonderer]

Two weeks ago i did an over night in a teepee me an my buddy made. I need to tweek it so it vents better. But, i had a three log fire going and slept well for three hours at a time between needing to tend it....which i was up anyways answering natures call. It was a last minute outing and i hadnt drank and eaten like i would have otherwise. But with bags full of leaves two for pads and another behind me against the tent wall for a draft block, a 40 degree sleeping bag and a hoody for head cover and pillow. I did well for a 20 degree night. Got about as good asleep as home....minus a stiff back for an uneven spot i found the tail end of the night as my pads flatend down. Just need to adjust that bit next time

[@Kent4OughtAldridge]

Thanks Blackie

[@davidtaberer3146]

I was always told if you're cold when you get in your sleeping bag you won't get warm

[@Cetok01]

Blackie: I've watched a LOT of camping, woodcraft and survival videos by a lot of very experienced people, but no one provides the depth of knowledge and detail that you do. In my humble opinion you are the "new" Mors Kochanski. I've just acquired the Jerven Original and the Jerven King poncho/tarp/shelters, and I wondered if you have any opinion on them, particularly pertaining to winter use.

[@kennymcelheney8470]

Thanks for sharing.

[@RavenwoodsSurvival]

I myself is doing some winter camping now.

[@danieljones2183]

Very informative

[@mattflannery4448]

❤

[@david6920-r6z]

Good stuff 🇺🇸 🇳🇿

[@MarkusMöttus-x7j]

MANY thanks to you Mr Thomas for sharing this invaluable information on this topic! I just recently started to build/gather on my winter gear, so getting this information too is just such a boon! Thank you so incredibly much Mr Thomas!😊 And as always, keep on keeping on and cheers from across the pond in southern Sweden 🇸🇪🙏

[@earlshaner4441]

A fact and truth brother

[@Patriot-American]

WTG Blackie and so very glad you are back. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us. Great stuff and very appreciated ...

[@neitzsche5150]

Blackie, Wiggy's of Grand Junction, CO has the best insulation in the industry. He has written extensively about the myth of "breathable, waterproof, wind proof" fabrics and why they don't work, i.e., GoreTex.

[@tomritter493]

Again load of great info hey brother is bear ok ??

[@derekneumann]

2 ounces of Olive Oil before bed contains 500 calories of slow-burning, 100% fat sourced, 9 kcal/gram heat. An easy additive to give a warmth boost when sleeping.

[@stefanklaus1652]

awesome to see you Sir and god bless you

[@GrandFatherOutdoors]

Enjoyed the video, I know you said the Dr. said you had brain damage? Mr. I don't see it, some folks say God doesn't do miracles anymore, Well Sir you are a walking, talking miracles, if I've ever seen one! Take care, God bless.

[@peskybobcat]

You should see my old lady you will never need a heater again

[@MichiganSilverBack]

Up here in Michigan, I really like to use the brown military long underwear tops and bottoms with a fleece watch cap and wool socks. Sleep like a baby in that down mountain bag. Sometimes I will layer sweats with a hoody as well.. but the brown poly pros dry and breath real well too.

[@moparmarkstpac]

Thanks Blackie! You sound back to normal, The Lord has blessed you greatly my friend!