The Survival Skill of Making Fire in the Rain

[@chrisl4762]

I like to collect the dryer lint from home. I fill up empty toilet paper rolls until I can't pack anymore and tape the ends. It makes a great tinder.

[@kerrylenny8239]

Great idea! Thanks. Anyone else concerned that he built a fire on the forest floor? Maybe I have a little PTSD from the CA fires ;)

[@chrisl4762]

@@kerrylenny8239 I know you guys have to deal with that every year like us Floridians have to deal with hurricanes.

[@peadookie]

@@kerrylenny8239 it's literally raining.

[@kerrylenny8239]

@@peadookie point taken, but the man made fire in the rain ;)

[@peadookie]

@@kerrylenny8239 Could he have cleared some leaves? Ya, but overall, a tiny fire for demonstration like that has essentially no chance of lighting other stuff off in the conditions he was in. Decades-long drought conditions with a fuel surplus like you've got in CA in a mostly pine region with high or Santa Anna winds is certainly a different story. Not every place or time is as flammable as CA. Certainly, you'd agree that there'd be less chance of sparking a secondary fire in Antarctica. I'd recommend voting whoever in charge of your state out, they've clearly done nothing to fix CA or its wildfires.

[@robertanderson1015]

Man, I am learning so much from you. At age 63 I was diagnosed with diabetes. New diet, exercise has me off injections. I’m starting to hike. Will soon be able to start some simple bushcraft close to town. Thanks for your teachings.

[@qwertyuiopforkspoon]

Mate good on you! You should be proud of yourself. Have a look at the ketogenic or carnivore diet. Optimal diet for T2DM. Have a look at the videos by Dr Paul Mason. Good luck!

[@confidential5743]

Robert Anderson That’s awesome man, sometimes the best medicine is just getting around

[@nudist1033]

ALWAYS carry a FRESH 9 volt battery and a few clumps of steel wool. Steel wool will always catch in the rain even if other materials won't.

[@billyjeanvogul7770]

@@skibum4207 awesome recommendation!

[@finnmacky7106]

That's great!

[@spaceninjasteve3356]

When camping under trees always check for widow makers(dead limbs, potential falling objects) be safe out there fellas.

[@devinm.6149]

How do you know if the limb is dead?

[@traceygauntlett2679]

@@devinm.6149 if it doesn't talk back to u then it's dead

[@devinm.6149]

@@traceygauntlett2679 I'll have to remember that the next time I commune with the forest.

[@spaceninjasteve3356]

Devin M. But for real a dead limb will have brown leaves or no leaves while the rest of the tree is green. Or the whole tree could be dead. Just pay attention to whats above you.

[@devinm.6149]

@@spaceninjasteve3356 okay, thank you.

[@PaulSchortemeyer]

I really enjoyed the real life presentation - out in the rain - showing actual wet wood - well done!

[@kurtannis8637]

You said Wet Wood 😦😯😆😆😆😆

[@larsvab3690]

@@kurtannis8637 hAhA fUnNNy wOrDs

[@Earthether]

I love this channel I learn so mich

[@clear4156]

In real life situations most people will not be carrying a 6" knife if stranded or lost. In real life without the knife you should use dead green briars and dead sassafras and cedar bark shavings that do not retain water.

[@Praise___YaH]

Here is the Original Semitic Text. HERE is The REAL Savior YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF” From the Ancient Semitic Scroll: "Yad He Vav He" is what Moses wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3) Ancient Semitic Direct Translation Yad - "Behold The Hand" He - "Behold the Breath" Vav - "Behold The NAIL"

[@TheMuddyfun]

One of the best and most useful thing I learned through Boy Scouts is how to start a fire in any weather. After two matches, it cost you 5 push ups per match.

[@proxy90909]

I with that rule i'd be tired and cold

[@Praise___YaH]

Here is the Original Semitic Text. HERE is The TRUE Savior YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF” From the Ancient Semitic Scroll: "Yad He Vav He" is what Moses wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3) Ancient Semitic Direct Translation Yad - "Behold The Hand" He - "Behold the Breath" Vav - "Behold The NAIL"

[@junovhs4646]

@@Praise___YaH You know a lot of educated people believe all these texts were written about psychedelic trips that to them seemed derived from the gods and they wrote all this mythology and stuff as a way to interpret it and apply life lessons from it... but you’re just 100% all in on buying the actual literal mythology of dead men’s words translated over 1000s of times like it’s the secret knowledge... it ain’t, you’re just gullible

[@paddlefar9175]

@@Praise___YaH No thanks to your stupid blather, when we are trying to get away from predatory Religious bunk and other useless preaching.

[@4faxache935]

Here's something to dwell on, everybody generally speaking follows the religion of 1- their parents and 2- depending on the country they're born in. So how do you determine the one true religion?????? There has been many more religions before "christianity" so what makes you so sure yours is right???? Bearing in mind, had you been born in a different country thousands of years ago you would be claiming the religion you followed back then was the only true religion. Only through a quirk of birth and in what year you were born determines which of all the "Fairytales" you believe.

[@ty88]

love the recap at the end. nobody does that in any genre and its so important

[@tiltil9442]

It's good. The medium offers repeatability, though.

[@chasbodaniels1744]

I agree about the recap. This guy is excellent at simplifying his explanations. No wasted words.

[@ZorinInc]

I use cotton balls, balled up in beeswax. Waterproof, fit in a pocket, and start with a striker. 👍

[@alswearengen6427]

Great video. One other little tip is to collect dead branches from trees that are upright. They will be far less saturated than wood that's been lying on the ground.

[@wdtripps44]

Used to know a Jason Swearengen. Are you in north Florida?

[@alswearengen6427]

@@wdtripps44 Al Swearengen is the main character in the HBO series, Deadwood. Greatest character and greatest show I've ever seen.

[@wdtripps44]

@@alswearengen6427 lol wow I should have known. Thanks for the reply however!

[@bobm7275]

great plan.

[@Dreyno]

“begins to rain”. I had to listen to that a few times. Are you saying it sometimes isn’t raining? Asking on behalf of everyone here in Ireland.

[@albertbatfinder5240]

What’s rain? Asking on behalf of Australians.

[@Dreyno]

@@albertbatfinder5240 It’s the never ending, unrelenting, grey misery that falls from the sky on a daily basis in northern climes. I believe Tasmanians are familiar with the scenario.

[@spencerhale9702]

visited Ireland for 2 weeks... it only sprinkled. Talking from Utah, which is a desert. (I LOVED Ireland and want to move there someday)

[@Praise___YaH]

Here is the Original Semitic Text. HERE is The TRUE Savior YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF” From the Ancient Semitic Scroll: "Yad He Vav He" is what Moses wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3) Ancient Semitic Direct Translation Yad - "Behold The Hand" He - "Behold the Breath" Vav - "Behold The NAIL"

[@amphitrichous]

@@Praise___YaH I think you accidentally commented on the wrong video.

[@michaelsupple6081]

Excellent video. Direct to the point with no extra BS. Thanks for sharing.

[@rulsey23]

Great old school KZbin content. Useful. We'll presented. Expertise. No hidden agenda. Subscribed 👍

[@nelsondiaz4344]

I've built fires in downpours, snow storms and more. You've explained the essential concept that is used for any condition and you've done it well. Thank you. Great job!

[@TBOR101]

Nice!.. carry a trash bag and aluminum foil, weighs next to nothing, but really helps in the case of making fire in the rain..you can cover your fire preps with the bag and the foil will hold your tinder off the ground.

[@nogbadthebad2609]

I am not a "camping in the wilderness” kind of guy, but I am loving this channel.

[@gharrett2092]

I love how the fire rises wile you are talking. Good job you are a credible teacher.

[@ServantofBaal]

I've done camping at reenactments and one year it was a very cold rain (November, hypothermia conditions) I dug a fire hole, built the starter, and laid the larger, wet lumber on the top. The lumber acted to protect the fire from the pouring rain while the fire began drying the lumber, with the added benefit that it was creating steam, which was warm. As I was at a medieval reenactment, I brought my heavy wool cloak, which was excellent for insulation and additional fire protection and I was able to use it to funnel the steam and warm my numb appendages. Felt like quite an achievement, being able to get a fire going without using chemicals like someone else just up the trail

[@moirahill6397]

Fantastic!

[@getsmart3701]

Well done mate...it has always amazed me how many of the YT "experts" don't do real life, out in the rain fire builds. Camping life in Ireland is; fires made in the rain. I use a system much like yours and find it spot on, well done.

[@bretelliott3882]

Eloquent, Humble, and absolutely badass. Thank you for your knowledge!

[@Carterironworks]

Perhaps another recommendation would be practice practice practice. Do it in the rain at home so if you struggle it's no big deal if you can do it at home in the rain with damp or wet wood in an emergency it will be that much easier. Just a thought

[@blueridgebushcraft8294]

Fat wood. Pine cones. Fire lay. Excellent video. If you’re not a purist and really need a fire to save your life the fuel tablets for stoves work great to get started.

[@rahuldoes]

James Gilstrap, what/who/why is s purist, anyway?

[@carlpop2324]

I like this guy. He gives intelligent detailed explanations.

[@noodlam]

Electric tape thumb bandage I have used many times as a lineman. Just found you. Great stuff explained simply. Thanks.

[@williambranham6249]

Very nice! With my style of backpacking, I've taken the easy way out and used an alcohol or coleman fuel stove. I have always carried more than one type of firestarter just in case but have never needed. My other strategy was to camp near Boy Scout troop. They always make a fire and kids are good collectors of wood. HaHa! I was actually trying to get a fire started on the AT in Georgia in Feb. No Luck. A hiker came in who as a child played on the weekend in Louisiana swamps with his brothers. He saw I was struggling and had a fire going in a few minutes. He used all the tips in this video. Thank you. I'm a new subscriber.

[@Dazuk2023]

Birthday candles are quite good for starting a fire and BBQ due to the wax coating the surrounding and helping it start to burn. The video is great. Shelter, heat and a way to cook in no time.

[@scoutingfreegermany]

Finally someone makes a fire in the rain instead of just talking about it! Great video! Cheers, Marc

[@charleswalter2902]

Check out Survival Russia, Lars does a good job of starting a fire with wet material also.

[@jimmieblue6262]

Check out a video called Corporals corner. He shows you how they start fire in the rain in the army.

[@lucaslupido7971]

@@jimmieblue6262 I checked it out and he isn't making a fire while it's raining

[@dannyh9010]

When you were speaking at the end and the small fire grew it was a good example of when you build a proper fire lay, you can leave it alone and it will grow on its own.

[@alansmith2203]

This guy is worth his weight in gold....great explanations as to how you think and thorough demonstration under actual conditions of rain. Excellent video

[@rxpusher131]

Living in the PNW the reality of most of our year. I’m always having to build fire in the rain. I appreciate your videos because they so relevant to my time in the woods.

[@rickcoona]

Cotton balls loaded with petroleum jelly provide a longer lasting fire starter to hold a hot flame on damp tinder as do fire starter pucks made with sawdust impregnated with wax set in paper cupcake wrappers make a good foundation for rainy weather fire making.

[@jaymacpherson8167]

Great advice. Was hiking the Appalachian Trail and it started to rain like a banshee with temps in the low 30s (perfect for hypothermia). Needed to keep hiking to stay on schedule. By the time we stopped, everything was wet. We used shavings to get the fire started, stacked rocks to make a rain shield, and once the fire was rolling, we chopped deadwood logs into 8 ft lengths, placing the ends into the fire. Would take hot rocks and place them in our cover area, replacing them at the rain shield. Still had burning logs in the morning!

[@theheck5176]

Oh no - The Appalachian Trail is where hikers always goes missing. Don't be material for MrBallen ;)

[@jaymacpherson8167]

@@theheck5176 interesting you mention this…I did much of my Appalachian trail hiking from 1970 to 1982 and ALWAYS was on he alert for psychopaths.

[@corablue5569]

@@theheck5176 Yay! A fellow Mr. Ballen follower 😊

[@SteamShinobi]

Honestly, it's the "that I talked about in a previous video" that sells me. Its a consistent practice and methodology that shows its not just for show; it's and constsntly going back to the same basic principles and expanding them into unique situations. Love to see it, thanks for the videos these are amazing.

[@shadowx8405]

Good instructor. He is quite adept at tackling common anxieties, like making fire in a rainstorm, and teaching the solutions in a way that’s not only informative, but deftly dismantles the causes of those very anxieties.

[@partalaiskiainen]

This was a great video! I make similar videos myself and I have learned one thing. Getting enough fuel for an extended fire in that type of weather is the real enemy. Getting the fire going is important and you explained it very well. I love how you reminded people to keep those extra tools and materials with them if possible, because this is honestly a very difficult situation even with the proper equipment. If you were to keep yourself warm for hours, the amount of firewood needed is ridiculous. So it's really important to ask yourself the question: "What do I need a fire for?" if I need to cook/heat something, then a simple bushcraft twig stove is necessary. But if you need warmth, then really take some extra time to make sure that you waste as little heat as possible and get as much fuel as possible.

[@BackcountryForward]

A fellow KZbin just suggested your channel! I’m really wanting to get into more bushcraft and I think your channel might be just what I need! Especially since I’m going on an incredibly wet trip through the West Coast Trail on Vancouver island! Thanks! Keep Moving Forward!

[@erinedwards646]

Great video. I live in a rainforest so always have in my pack some cotton balls in vaseline to help me start a fire.

[@mikes7446]

The rain falling on your shelter is relaxing.

[@toddlehman928]

KZbin has many videos featuring falling rain and thunderstorms. I put them on to sleep every single night

[@tomboyd7109]

Spoken like a man whose roof does not leak! ;-)

[@toocleanpappas5397]

Good tips. One thing I have never heard anyone else talk about is this. No matter if it's pouring down rain, if you are in a forest, look for a fallen tree. You can always find dry sticks and leaves on the underside of the downed tree if it isn't too small. Use a stick to poke under it first. As well as dry kindling you can also find snakes. haha

[@slapshot1373]

An impromptu backpack trip last month proved how this basic knowledge could be life saving. In September I tagged along with friend up into the remoteness of Tioga County, PA. First night was unusually warm and great…but the morning brought hours and hours of rain. We were so deep into the mountains and soaked when I realized how serious this could get. Fortunately my backpacking partner had the basic skills you just shared. I was shocked when what I thought was a futile effort turn into a pretty nice fire.

[@thinkingoutloud6741]

Thank you for this video. Excellent. And thanks to all the commenters for adding to the value. There was some great added info and good off topic comedy. (Why do people want to be laughed at?) Key take-always for me: 1. Skin off wet outer layer to get to dry inner wood for your shavings. 2. Some kind of platform up off the wet ground. 3. From comments: standing dead wood better than that laying on ground. 4. From experience: camping skills are not the same as survival skills, and planning is critical in both.

[@erikperrott7302]

Never thought of scraping the wet outside layer. Makes a whole lot of sense but I always just used it. Having lighters and lifeboat matches is also common sense.

[@josephdillon5203]

Keep the outside shavings, they will dry up and u can use them to start another fire

[@ColoradoStreaming]

The best tool you can have is a small tea light candle. It makes a huge difference to just light a little candle with a single match then use the candle to light kindling or put it under the kindling to dry it out and light then pull the candle back and blow it out once the fire is started. I cant stress enough how much easier it makes fire-starting in the woods.

[@BG-xq5jg]

I was the only one in the troop that got the camping merit badge... right after we pitched our tents I went and collected all my wood for the fire and stacked it in the back of my tent late in the afternoon we had a thunderstorm come through after that the scoutmaster immediately told everybody to build a fire while everyone was out in the woods looking for dry wood I was making a fire... thanks to my dad I lived the motto... always be prepared

[@donm2067]

I've started a fire while it was a torrential down pour all day, took me 45 minutes but I did it. I had to start the fire on my dinner plate

[@Sillymarin]

Yo're the real deal survivor. One of the best on internet. I know already some of the thing you show, but you know so much details to do it better. Yo're the real deal. Short and precise. Thank you. I learned some incredible things from your short and rich videos.

[@eastxbbqman]

Just watched this and got inspired to start a fire in the rain. 20 minutes later I'm back on KZbin in the heat with no fire outside. Gonna call this a win.

[@robdickie9215]

Lol so true

[@MZ-mu6om]

Excellent tutorial in wet weather conditions, really gives me an inkling of confidence with all the steps having been explained thoroughly and put in order from start to finish. THANK YOU !!!

[@goodbonezz1289]

This is one of those videos where it is a total mystery how and why someone could give a thumbs down.. Awesome video, thanks!

[@duggydugg3937]

Good Bonezz threre are some crazy ppl out there

[@potetstappe666]

126 people as we speak. What's not to like?

[@jennaozzy6863]

There is just a tiny percentage of people who have issues and always dislike videos on the internet. Honestly it's like the rain, unavoidable and to be ignored (unless you are camping/survivaling in it! :P )

[@zanecosgrove4820]

It's because the title says making fire in the rain but it doesn't cover enough scenarios, suggestions or options. The video is good, but it doesn't go into enough detail and doesn't show other options

[@marcusp863]

@@zanecosgrove4820 meh, that's why there's tons of videos on the subject. You could do an hour long or ten hour long video on the matter but that doesn't mean you have to. Thanks for at least voicing what you want to see instead of blindly hating.

[@Aramis419]

Now that it's hurricane season here in PA, what tips to do you have when in the woods and the weather gets REALLY bad? A few years back, my buddy and I went up to camp this little valley green along the Schrader Creek in Bradford County. Beautiful September day, not a cloud in the sky, so we didn't prep the camp for bad weather, went out for a hike in the woods, and we were five hours out when the skies OPENED UP on us. When we got back to the camp, a bunch of our supplies has simply washed away, and even the truck had a good 2 inches of water in the cab. Apparently, the area got hit by a stray band of weather from a tropical storm or something. Obviously, we survived, since I'm here, but I'll tell you what - when we were finally able to get a fire started and cook that pork loin we saved from the flood waters - that was the best meal we've ever had. Probably because we were starving and near-hypothermic.

[@cautious1343]

Great story aramis: allow me to weigh in. Look for pine trees with big dead branches. Closer to the trunk those branches will be fat wood, which will not soak in the rain. And it burns long and hot. Do like he did here with backstop, platform etc. If you can find a downed pine with big dead limbs you're really in business. Use the trunk of the tree as backstop.

[@Aramis419]

@@cautious1343 Thanks for the tip!

[@redrockcrf4663]

What about getting your wet wood near the beginning of the fire - use residual heat to dry the outside of your next additions

[@zanecosgrove4820]

Exactly...

[@bitjammer3042]

I always bank the next additions near the fire to warm them up/dry them out (at each stage of the fire)

[@zanecosgrove4820]

@@bitjammer3042 great advice!

[@redrockcrf4663]

@@bitjammer3042 yup - that's the way to do it

[@ColoradoStreaming]

@@bitjammer3042 I always used to do this as well. Sometimes they will get too hot and burst into flames randomly too which was kind of cool.

[@azhomeboy2000]

You are an excellent teacher. Enthusiastic, sincere, and knowledgable. Thanks for the video!

[@illuminatedcrosshairs7865]

Fat wood! Fat wood! Fat wood! Don’t ever leave home without it!! Great video man!👍

[@clivenewton7609]

Birch bark, birch bark, birch bark, both these fire starters suppose certain species of tree are available, unless of course you have envisaged you are going to have an emergency! If you take matches/lighter/fire steel etc. TAKE a FIRELIGHTER😂 simple.

[@maxgilbert18]

Or cotton balls soaked in vaseline....

[@marvinmeredith2193]

Excellent educational video! I’m 63 was raised in rural Oklahoma, spent lots of time hunting and fishing. My Dad taught me the invaluable skills of fire building at a young age. His main method was based on rich pine( fat wood) but also taught similar method as yours. I’m so thankful for that skill set and enjoy passing it to others. I find it somewhat alarming that it is so overlooked by the majority of the backpacking community. My dad said” Never go into the woods without a pocketknife, matches and a compass”.

[@irvingbluff5158]

I know right? Never worried about a fire ever, and I don’t carry it with me either. I’ve never had a single problem finding it no matter where I’ve been in the country. What part of the country are you from. I’m curious because we call it lighter pine in Louisiana.

[@RonsardMoolman]

Meterial is the funniest word ever when talking about fire........ Kind regards from South Africa.

[@wpala]

Learned long time ago that the best material to start fire is a birch bark has kind of paper texture wth some resin in it starts quick burns quite hot and you can start it when wet that is a beauty of it

[@n-signia1087]

wpala that “resin” is called Terpenoids. That’s the same stuff that’s in pine sap and cedar’s inner red wood if I remember correctly. Also, main component in mineral spirits. Weird trick, but there’s documented cases of people actually using birch bark instead of paper for things like medical reports in a bind. So if you really need to leave someone a message birch bark is always an option Birch trees don’t grow where I live but that stuff is amazing. I left another comment here on a recipe for terpenoids based fire starters if you’re interested in learning more.

[@wpala]

@@n-signia1087 My grandfather I remember was using a pine roots they are full of that resin you just have to have sharp enough knife to cut away and expose the flesh of the root

[@PapajosTraders]

@@n-signia1087 on one of our trips my kids made me a birthday card from a chunk of birch bark. That was the BEST card I've ever got! Still have it after all these years.

[@matthewbittenbender9191]

Ash is good too. You can actually cut pieces from a tree and burn it as it doesn’t need seasoning.

[@njcranes]

Great information but the most important thing is your delivery. A definite natural teacher. Look forward to maybe coming up for one of your classes

[@lanedexter6303]

Good video. As a native of the great Pacific NorthWET, I know that cold rain is the most common challenge.

[@JohnDeslatte]

I always carry one of those small troop Bibles with me. Great paper for starting fires. Plus reading material

[@trudiswanson9855]

First time viewer. Great lesson. Deeply appreciated you going through the activity again, point by point. 👍🐞

[@7707JohnnyGuitar]

In the rain, if you do not have access to any sort of covering, be sure to have EVERYTHING ready to go so that once you have processed your material you can immediately place those shavings and ignite.

[@SwampValley]

I discovered a cool thing, the moss brolly is a tripod you put over your fire to catch the rain and channel it down the tripod legs, works amazingly well 👍 I made a video if you're interested.

[@suoppsdn9751]

Thanks for sharing. I sometimes look for dead leaves that's hanging from branches in the trees. The if I find no leaves that's hanging I will gather small twigs to splinter them into kindling. If I have a knife which most the time I do I shave the wood as you done.

[@n-signia1087]

A little trick I picked up for an easy, cheap fire starter. I’m no good with a ferro rod, but this is one thing I actually can get going. Get yourself an old plastic container, wider is better than taller, like a tupperware box. Then get some manilla rope, diameter doesn’t matter but I use 3/4 inch. Cut the rope into 2-4” sections, and set them in the container, or break the segments down and fluff them up into a birds nest. Finally pour some mineral spirits (terpentine or even boiled linseed oil works too) into the container enough to cover the bits but not to the brim. Cover it up to avoid stinking up your whole house and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. Carefully pour out the MS into a separate container if you want to make more units, it’ll still work for that but it’s not gonna work as intended again on account of the liquid turning brown and cloudy. Then leave the finished units uncovered in direct sunlight for a few hours to squeeze out any excess liquid, the parts you want are already inside the manilla fibers. In my research I’ve found a 1 inch segment to burn for about 3-4 minutes with some coaxing. Plenty of time to get a fire going. Just be sure to avoid leakage or your bag will catch on fire. Double bag that stuff, seriously. Doesn’t smell too good but Mineral Spirits are primarily made of cedar, which is lethal to ticks and they know to avoid the scent, so it doubles as tick REPELLENT not PROTECTION. I’ve gotten really good results from this and it’s dirt cheap to get. Most places you can get a foot of rope for about $0.50 and mineral spirits are like $5. So ten bucks will make plenty of this stuff. Be safe and happy trails!

[@JugglesGrenades]

Or....melt some paraffin, drop in some jutte string, then pull the string out and let it harden. When you want to start fire, cut off 3 or 4 inches of jutte, fluff it up, and use your ferro rod to start your fire. Not as messy as using mineral spirits.

[@StephanieHussey-kk9mw]

was looking on line to see how this was done. What I really like is that it is not perfect and you worked with what you had and how it went along. Great for showing kids i work with - patience, resiliance and perfection is not needed to make something functional.

[@unionse7en]

tip: when you break the bundle in hald , expose the ends (they are drier) to the fire rather than placing the middle of the bundle on the fire with the dry interior wood hanging outboard. You can even bundle/hold them veritably with the cracked ends in the fire.

[@charleswalter2902]

Thanks for that.

[@LEO1WOLF]

Thanks for your suggestion my Friend! I added the following blurb to his original comment section: Just a thought more than a tip: Once you've broken some if that kindling in-hand, hold some of the freshly exposed wood straight down in the flame until it catches as well. You would not believe how much faster the bundles spark, because the flames go up from bottom to top - - faster than if they try to spread bilaterally (ref. how much faster a match burns after lighting it, by holding the lit match head straight down).

[@charleswalter2902]

I know I'm denigrating myself, but how is "thanks for that" a highlighted reply? I'm trapped in some algorithm that keeps giving me highlighted replies for the most inane posts. Somebody's trying to drive me nuts & it's starting to work. WTF?

[@ralphhenderson5276]

Charles walter , Could you be seeing ‘Highlighted’ because an email link took you to it? Your post does not say ‘Highlighted’ to me right now, but I see that on any posts I look up from email links.

[@RossL1946]

@@charleswalter2902 The Boogey Man is out to get you!

[@rjtoolman]

Thanks, Dan! Keeping an old man alive and warm in the woods!

[@whiggerhunter4268]

I always bring a couple cans of Sterno when i camp. Makes a fire start super quick, then i surround the flames with any damp wood which eventually drys out .

[@johnnytarponds9292]

Birch bark makes things pretty easy. Awesome video!

[@Wdstroud]

That was really great. Thanks for taking it step by step and going through the thought process.

[@x13xmonkey]

THIS IS THE WAY!

[@Jaden48108]

The key is to get some sort of cover up quickly which means having a ready made ridge line with an easy access tarp. Lately tarpology is my favorite subject.

[@59LPGibson]

Checkout far north bushcraft. That guy has so many tarp videos it will take you a week to see them all!

[@Jaden48108]

@@59LPGibson Roger that. Thanks. You should see my backyard. Ridgelines and tarps everywhere. I think I have tarp problem.

[@doodledaddle231]

I didn't know tarpology was a thing and now my new obsession beging. Thanks for seeding it. :)

[@grandpa9607]

Coalcracker you rock: your great at explaining things. Not a lot of useless bullshit. Just subscribed can't wait to see what's next.

[@RobMacKendrick]

Having spent most of my life in rural parts of the North Pacific coast, I never go anywhere without my tube of fire paste. (Sometimes called "fire-ribbon".) The stuff is miraculous, you can get it anywhere camping supplies are sold - the tube I've carried for the last 10 years came from a big-box store - and one tube lasts forever, because it only takes about half an inch to make a fire anywhere. You still need to know how to build fires without it, because it's certain you'll need a fire the one time you don't have it, but fire paste will get you warm and dry anytime, anywhere, right now, in the rainforest. It literally burns in water; you can light some in a cup of water, and it'll burn there, floating, till it's gone. Thanks for the great video! If I had a nickel for every time...

[@williamdroom5789]

I'd be interested in knowing how to keep from getting chiggers and ticks when sleeping in pine boughs and debris shelters, etc.

[@oleopathic]

Same.

[@backfortysurvival1309]

Permethrin sfr spray boots for when you are walking also spray your socks and pants and shirts before you go on your outdoor adventure you can also spray your hammock or tarp or tent also permethrin is safe for humans plus it will last for days in your clothing and on your gear.

[@papa_squat]

If you're trying to be primitive about it, I've had success burning green material like fresh pine boughs to make a thick smoke and let it smoke out the shelter. Typically bugs hiding in the brush will flee.

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

Permethrin and/or a wet, green, smoky fire near your sleeping area. The one time I actually made a ‘bushcraft’ bed, I also used peeled ash saplings instead of pine limbs, as I felt that would prevent any critters from being on it. Seemed to work, though ash is getting pretty rare these days, at least here in Appalachia. Other hardwoods aren’t usually as springy or dense, though harder maple might work well.

[@mrbleak9873]

I’ve heard HORROR stories of waking up covered in ticks. Yikes!

[@magnethomewood]

I used to go camping a lot when I was younger, but now I'm at the age where comfort and ease are top priority. Even so, I love this kind of video! Thanks for your channel!

[@randallmartin3370]

Nice. Thanks, but if you’re among pine, look for fat wood or as I call it, sapwood. Pine sap is your best friend in the pines.

[@zanecosgrove4820]

How could you miss that important detail?

[@marvinmeredith2193]

I concur 💯, we call it rich pine in southeastern OK.

[@Anomander888]

Dude ,my friend had this waterproof blanket thing he used to collect firewood in as he walked around and could carry it on his back and used to say always carry as much wood as you can even 30 mins before u set up camp in case of rain. But he also used to keep a pringles (crisp)tube full of dry shavings to start a fire in case of the rain. I don't know if you agree , but he said getting wet can bust your spirit before anything else even begins to happen always try your best to stay dry . He would 20 mins out of the way just so he wouldn't get his feet wet ha . Thanks for all you advice on this channel 👍

[@cautious1343]

Great job. Now do it when it's been raining for days. 4 or 5 inches of rain and varying wind. I went out after such a rain and cut down standing dead 6 in in diameter, and it was wet all the way through. Take it up a notch coalcracker. It's raining hard with heavy winds, and it has been for day's.

[@aaronp5197]

Your videos are definitely top notch. One of my favorite Bushcraft channels!

[@JACKYOUTUBE]

I'd like to see you create the flame without matches too would be cool.

[@steveg6978]

9volt battery,,,steel wool

[@connorlyons2376]

I am 15 and am going to move onto some land in the foreseeable future, this teaches me many important skills so thank you, do more with shelters and animals cleaning, storing please

[@forglory9537]

You can collect larger firewood, too. Just remember that the transition to larger fuel takes longer since you have to dry it out first. You can stack it close to and around the fire so that the heat from the fire dries out the wood and the fuel stack also acts like a wind break. If the goal is to have a bigger fire, then you don’t need to worry about stacking the fuel close to it as long as the fire is able to breathe.

[@denisefrontino1101]

...i like that suggestion. Makes great sense 🌼

[@grimreaper6042]

You are a great instructor you break things down and show not necessarily the sexiest things about bush craft But the important things about bush craft 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@CliffEmAll100]

I really liked this video. Thank you. I appreciate you and what you do.

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Thx Dan! To the point... love ur style!

[@cuchanu]

I love in the Northwest and unless you only camp during the summer you'll be starting fires with wet wood. After months of rain even the thumb sized stuff can be soaked. So an additional tip would be to use the bottom of fallen trees (unless there sitting on wet ground). If you carry firestarter with you it's pretty easy to start a fire under almost any condition.

[@MichaelR58]

Thanks for sharing, God bless !

[@Flashahol]

I like the way you kept this simple. I finally found a bunch of Birches an hour walk away. Literally just bent down and got Birch bark cylinders off the ground ; I got hopelessly wet logs started that way. Just something you didn't mention.

[@joeltower5964]

Got yourself another sub with that one! :) God bless you, great video.

[@stumpgrinder13]

Thanks again, brother. Here's another video from you that's taught me about bushcraft. I learned how to start a fire with my boot lace ( a fire drill or bow drill)

[@imnotaloneheswithme7061]

If you’re going in the woods on a regular bases then be prepared. I like to soak cardboard in used motor oil, then let it drip in an other container. Along with old bicycle inner tubes or tires, I’ve cut into small strips. Neither are heavy and not too bulky. Guarantied to work, no matter how wet the woods may be.

[@imnotaloneheswithme7061]

Maranda K Okay, you’re obviously into Gaia worship, I’m not. Please read my post again, carefully. Do you see where I said to let it drain? No, I’m not taking motor oil with me, just cardboard soaked in oil, well drained and dry, except for a film of oil. Besides, we’re talking about survival not frolicking, communing with mother earth. Peace

[@n-signia1087]

Imnotalone Heswithme Another trick that I’ve used, manilla rope soaked in mineral spirits. An inch long section will burn for about four minutes. Not smolder BURN and then smolder for a while. Also has the benefit of being able to break down the fibers into finer bits to use over time or as a nest for coals. Also I’d assume this method is a lot cheaper than buying motor oil. Lol

[@imnotaloneheswithme7061]

Colton A Good idea. I knew about soaking a roll of toilet paper in alcohol to use as heat or light. I’ll have to give it a try, thanks

[@bdubs3775]

Thank you for this video! I live in the PNW and have tried to start fires in the rain before. This is very helpful

[@AlanKidd4life]

Great video! Building and maintaining a fire in the rain is tricky, especially if it becomes a heavy rain. I hope my comments below may be useful to someone down the road. I’m not looking for a pat on the back. Just thought it might add value to the video and keep someone fire from going out. I learned a new skill and or tool this summer 2019. I was camping and the fire ring was a few steps away from our canopy so the fire itself wasn’t sheltered, initially. A storm began to move in and before it started to rain...and pour, we had time to gather extra firewood. As it started to rain, I built the fire to hopefully offset the water. And then...it poured a torrential rain, so much that it quickly began to put our fire out. I gathered some green branches and built a very simple domed framework over the fire (more like drowning coals), which I then shingle-layered the large green leaves from Burdock plants that are in abundance in my area. The fire came back to life and the Burdock leaves kept the rain out. They dried out slowly but I kept the fire low now. A few leaves eventually dried and burned through, so I just removed and replaced with new leaves between rain downpours. My point is, if you have lots of large leafed plants, they may be of use to cover the fire. Happy camping.

[@n-signia1087]

Alan Kidd I wish I knew two things a few weeks ago. The first is this trick, the second is what a Burdock tree was. I tried and almost succeeded with a similar method using heavy duty tin foil. Just made a platform with dead stuff about an inch and a half high then put the tin foil down and started building. The rain knocked over my fire lay and just for good measure rained so hard that the inch and half platform was submerged. Never trust those little barbecue pit things they have on campsites. They never work in your favor!

[@sakurukira1]

You are the ONLY video I could find about this! Thank you!!! I was canoing under the rain for 3 hours a couple days ago and when we finally decided to take a break and make a fire, it took us forever to light on a fire with wet wood.. I will definitely practice this method over and over again so that never again I'll be cold and wet as I was. Thanks again!

[@luke-te3sr]

I vacuum seal 3 road flares and keep them in my pack whenever I go back country hunting

[@believe8263]

This and 2 gallons of gasoline helps me.

[@richardrogers8254]

Dan, thank you for these educational videos. You make these things look so easy in your teaching style is great. ❤

[@beaugrylls7771]

It would be awesome to see another straightforward guide to using a firesteel in wet conditions. That seems to be a killer for me because the high humidity seems to make feathersticks just damp enough that they dont want to light

[@coalcracker]

Next rain storm I’m on it for you!

[@n-signia1087]

Man just a good video on firesteels would be nice! I can’t get ANYTHING to light!

[@udaiangolahill6140]

Don't give up. Carry your fire starter kit with you everywhere you go. When it's convenient, take time out to practice starting a fire. Char cloth is a must with any kind of spark generating method. Birch bark is a natural accelerant, keep some in your kit, don't rely on finding it when you need it. Practice your primitive fire starting techniques incrementally, Summer day Summer day wet Summer night Summer night wet Winter day Winter day wet Winter night Winter night wet My flint and steel kit has gotten smaller over time, it now fits inside an Altoids tin. Two pieces of flint, a striker, birch bark, untreated jute cord, couple of small birthday candles and a smaller tin of char cloth.

[@klrguy690]

Great stuff, don't pay attention to the haters with their 45+ minute videos lol - keep the channel rocking! I am learning a lot here. Subscribed!

[@mrmrsk219]

Looks like 2 people didn't get a fire started lol

[@jarrodchambers8185]

Lol- 257 now.

[@toobnoobify]

@1:20 The Taj Mahal is a tomb, so that may not be the best analogy to use for a shelter. Great video, thanks!

[@supersherazi5755]

My girl needs to hear 2:14

[@billmafturack8189]

Second tip if birch bark is available use a bigger piece as a base then use dead pine pine branches off the tree .. scrape more birch bark to fuzzy shavings and mix with your pine twigs and light. I personally grab a handful of birch bark ( driest I can find) from the first larger birch tree I see that day and stuff into a pocket for this reason … 💙🇨🇦

[@stillwater62]

That was a nice knife you had making those shavings. Would you mind sharing the brand name?

[@massbassin4554]

Stillwater62 ## yeah, that would be great

[@Goatbeez]

I like him. Not too overwhelmingly instructive, but very informative