Cold Weather Camp Setup: Survival Shelter, Fire, Debris Bed

[@DivergingUnity]

It's so funny going back and watching these basic videos, because when I was watching them a year ago it seemed like I would never be able to survive out there or be comfortable. Now that I have the experience, it feels silly that I was so doubtful of myself. And I can tell as time passes how helpful channels like this have been for me to learn and get comfortable out there. Cheers bro

[@BlueToad6456]

Thanks for writing that, I'm in a similar spot to where you used to be - stuck at college and wishing I could get out into the woods to try some stuff, but very hesitant and doubtful. Your comment gives me hope!

[@SmossyYT]

I'm transitioning myself into getting comfortable with sleeping partially exposed by myself in the woods. Not sure why its been such an issue, Mostly creatures on 2 legs keep me at edge.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

@@SmossyYTthat’s my biggest fear out there. Next one is the bear visit at 2am!

[@MarkelBeverley]

Taking a sh** in the woods was my problem,

[@bushcraftchip]

I absolutely love going out in foul weather to practice my skill sets. Not everyday is 85 and sunny. Great video, great points. .. until next time, I'll be in the woods...lol

[@MrSIXGUNZ]

You have a God given talent to teach!! Thanks much for sharing this great video. Blessings 😇🇺🇸

[@Thatsmisteroldguytou]

Mrsigunzxx nailed it!

[@jasontindell6734]

God Bless you!!!!

[@titusamos8893]

A trick: you can watch series at flixzone. Been using it for watching a lot of movies recently.

[@angelokaiden7196]

@Titus Amos Definitely, been using Flixzone for since december myself =)

[@iconix21]

"The more you know....... the less you need" Thank you bredren......!!!!

[@Tuxdaddy]

Great stuff as always !! Don't forget to close up the bottom of that tarp . so you don't have to worry about the wind there either ..

[@iancunningham2503]

Camping in Algonquin park (snow shoes and toboggan) I carry a piece of heavy duty aluminum foil for a reflector fire. It seems to double the heat out put of the fire and weighs almost nothing. Sat around all evening chatting at -10C. Life can’t get better

[@mr.fisher3973]

As Dave would say - quick down and dirty!!! - Great video - great teacher!!!

[@outdoordauber]

If you add a heavy duty trash bag (contractor bag) to your kit, you have a vapor barrier to put between you and the snowy / icy boughs. Just an FYI for any who don't already know... I love how you discuss adjusting priorities as conditions change!!

[@Evan-gz3cf]

Outdoor Dauber Great idea that is like you said doesn’t take much weight at all

[@gastondoumerc7863]

They make great rain ponchos as well!

[@holgualoxford3871]

@@gastondoumerc7863 Hiking and 4 wheeling as a kid in the rockies with my grandparents. We would take these trash bags as makeshift ponchos since every evening it tended to sprinkle. Sounds like a good 2-way deal to use as a raincoat or a bed liner.

[@timdeboer8804]

I carry three of those heavy duty bags. Two of them to make a debris mattress with and one to use as a poncho. And yes, they weigh so little that I often forget they are even in my bag.

[@Zachary-]

Or a second lightweight tarp.

[@williampysell2819]

Good video, Dan. As always, you do a very good job of explaining the entire process for doing something and the reasons for your particular decisions. I am a fan!

[@backdoor5993]

Good job! I like how you emphasize the prioritization of goals for the environment. Shelter, fire, water. Well done!

[@joshuabrooks555]

Best essential camp set up video when you become stuck. I have added a 5x7 tarp to my winter pack for the just in case I am spending the night in the White Mountains. Great bed explanation.

[@bushcrafft-pesca-matoelaze699]

I'm from Brazil and I love channels geared towards bushcraft.

[@recall5811]

YESsssssss

[@dogrescuer1321]

Love your videos, I am disabled and can't get out and do most of what you do but I enjoyed learning thanks.

[@junkinthebrain]

So useful! I live in Wisconsin. It's nice to see how you set up a quick camp! I am going to try this soon! (well as soon as it gets back up to 25 degrees...) In the spring 25 degrees seems nice after surviving winter.

[@martinkerker1190]

Same here, I live in Fence, WI. about 16 miles west of Iron Mountain, MI. There are plenty of winter days that I would wish that it would warm up to 25 above.

[@theoriginalkeepercreek]

Really cool about putting evergreen branches up-side-down. Never thought about it! Good to know.

[@johnjohns2333]

Thank you for the video that’s definitely some extreme conditions, Great pointers!!

[@phoebewoodruff1101]

A favor? Think about the vanilla cupcakes, look into the camera, and say my name. (No disrespect to the family; I love you guys. I just need to remember that someday I will be someone's vanilla cupcake.) Love the video as always. You have such a knack for explaining in clear terms while keeping everything joyful and light. Truly appreciate this channel.

[@FT4Freedom]

Being well hydrated adds a lot of heat. Dehydration drops metabolism.

[@riverrockproductions]

My 20-month old daughter says, "Watch Co'cracka!" every time I turn on one of your videos. :)

[@gvdz3395]

Adorable!

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing another very informative video. You brought out some great pointers. Be safe out there and always have fun. 🤗

[@troydodson4837]

Just found your channel, I love how you teach while doing, I subscribed and turned on notifications!

[@Smartskaft2]

I do not know if you've mentioned it in another video. But taking your time with those branches and forcing them into the ground, one on top of eachother, really helps to lift you up from the ground. A bit like fish scales, or fur. I've spend quite a few nights outdoors, and it really gives better comfort than just laying the branches flat on the ground.

[@Smartskaft2]

Might be tricky in winter time though...

[@heathenshaunt681]

@@Smartskaft2 definitely depends on where you are the perme frost in Alaska for example can really add to the cold and difficulties ice can make for good shelter especially to insulate from it.

[@lorriewatson7423]

I live in PA, you are not kidding about the weather!

[@Ramonsanchez1015]

Great information! Awesome points talked about during this video. Like having your fire 3 feet away from your emergency blanket. I like how you explained how priorities change depending on the situation. Looking forward to seeing a lot more of your videos

[@nicko9969]

Very nice mate, great vid. It's a hell of alot different here in Australia. Certain parts here, you wouldn't even get that opportunity for any shelter, water, food or fire. No matter what you do.. better to go bush with a plan in mind, under no circumstances should you ever go anywhere, without ample water, food, fire equipment, extra fuel, and supplies for a week. Even if you're not planning on being stuck, prepare to be. It will save your life. Too often it happens. Usually due to inexperienced people. You can die in 30 minutes in the 50 degree plus Celsius out back heat, or the minus 25 degree Celsius mountain ranges.

[@MiddleIrvington]

I would (of course) shake each Hemlock bough and then dry it by the fire before laying it below/inside the tarp. I'd also look for a short log, stump or rock to sit on (softened by my sack or blanket) while I dry the boughs. It also seems obvious that being well above the area low-point (because of possible rain/flooding) and, lacking a full tent, windbreaks from trees in EVERY direction are important. Lastly, I've found that 4x as much firewood as expected is often what's important for security. [My preferred method for providing firewood is to create a fulcrum setup. First, find 3-41/2 inch diameter dead, upright trees that can be snapped off at the base (no chopping needed). Next, find two strong trees close together that can be used for leverage to snap off pieces of firewood from the dead trees. If the tree snap setup cannot be arranged, a fulcrum can be made by placing the firewood trees between the ground and a boulder. Caution: Do this carefully! Find 3 heavy, different sized rocks (10-50 lbs+ each) that you can safely lift over your head. Snap off the dead branches/tinder from your firewood tree(s), then, break off as much of the top of each firewood tree as possible by hand, next, break the firewood trees into the appropriate size for your fulcrum. Last, drop the large rocks on the appropriately trimmed firewood trees. BE AWARE of the direction that the wood and rocks will move. The snapped wood WILL swing UP and out. Snap as much dead tree wood as needed. When done carefully, it is no exaggeration to say that, using this method, firewood for a day or more can be provided in less than 30 minutes... -and with no tools!]

[@clydegray9714]

Very detailed and informative.

[@MiddleIrvington]

@@clydegray9714 Thanks!

[@wmluna381]

Re: firewood...sounds like a quicker / viable option compared to endless sawing.

[@tennesseesmoky9012]

Great demonstration of the survival priorities and the work that has to be done as you develop this camp. I think that accomplishing all of these task with only the basic items that you had with you brings the importance of preparedness and the basic kit to the forefront. This video is an excellent “how to” implement what it is that you know needs to done from your training and experience. Important information. Thanks - Tennessee Smoky

[@MidwestWoodcraft]

You make a great point by saying to look down. Ive looked around at the canopy, seemed good to go, then set up camp only to notice a pine with a hole almost all the way through it at waist level. Love your vids man, vegging out this morning, then headed out myself.

[@tullfanll]

I really like Dan's vids as they are short and concise. but following on from what you said, I feel the same setup would have been better under the overhanging branches of the tree in the background which has less snow on the ground and would have given more cover

[@frankdorman5056]

Thank you, you are literally saving lives with the basics you teach. Keep up the great work, God bless you.

[@southernlandsolo7839]

Great teaching style Dan. Easy to follow, understand and remember. Thanks.

[@jimmccoys5778]

Love it brother. Simple easy, and practical

[@grantwagner8442]

One of your classes would be fun I’m sure, you seem to have a pretty good hang on this forte. Glad you teach people that don’t have the same experience

[@quadcomtelekom5814]

Cool stuff, two mentions: Close any gap behind the tarp with snow, if you have time, use some logs to close the sides, and take a small dd magic carpet over the pine insulation, less moisture, more warming.

[@firebreathingmoonbeam3961]

What is a 'dd small magic carpet'?

[@Roddo731]

Good stuff Dan found you a couple months ago really enjoy your teaching… I have a buddy and need more PA that used to teach survival his name is Bob Barr. Learned a lot from him, enjoy what you have to offer

[@johnnivek9653]

The way this man walked towards the camera at the beginning activated my fight response.

[@shanemccauley8354]

Master of demonstration, you live it love watching thanks

[@dennispenton2052]

Excellent. I recommend your teaching videos to new adventurers. Well presented. Pursue your passion knowing that others benefit. Thank you

[@darrellreedy9265]

Good video Dan..stay warm!

[@larryeddings3185]

Simple, practical approach to dealing with the conditions. Excellent video.

[@simonlovick7673]

Yet another fantastic video Dan!! Helps with snow over here in Scotland ⛄

[@olvisimmigration]

You cannot help but like this guy, I would like to meet him in person sometime

[@kz900dohc]

Yep That's Mother Nature She knows how to through a curve ball! ;) Great video Dan!

[@kerryirwin5581]

Love the videos...very easy to watch very easy to learn , not interested in any others , when your onto a good thing you stick to it !🐺🐾

[@JapanScott1]

Grabber needs to make you an extra long survival blanket!

[@Gamegurufreak]

I love it 🥰 Nice work!! Salute from holland ✌🏼💪🏼👊

[@eltigredetejas2328]

I did this back in college at Jarvis Christian College 2011 💪🏿 you don’t know your vulnerabilities until your in the situation experiencing your vulnerability.

[@wmluna381]

What was your biggest takeaway specific to the situation (shelter, fire, weather points)? Or how do you do things differently now as a result?

[@eltigredetejas2328]

@@wmluna381 that I wasn’t as prepared as I thought I was … I was only a half mile away in the woods … and I went back home for items multiple times… and learning to start a fire with wet logs is a Challange…. Fire starters and a way to chop wood to get to the dry fibers are key.

[@wmluna381]

@@eltigredetejas2328 Nice! Definitely things to think about. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

[@REV0_01]

One of the best walk-throughs I’ve seen in this type of scenario..great work

[@brandondaniel47]

You have the best Bushcraft Channel. Not saying you have better information than anybody but you get straight to the point and you go over intricacies and I really appreciate that

[@jackvoss5841]

On top of the pine bough bed, on of those inexpensive, blue, closed cell pads from Walmart would be a blessing. Wares proof and high R value. And inexpensive. Is also a comfy place to sit, and lean against a tree, I’ve been told Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@lisatadlock384]

Good job

[@michalurbanful]

I return to this video every winter. :D Thanks! :)

[@johnshorba]

great intro, clean, fast, and unique

[@WayPointSurvival]

Great video! I like the set up and the information is useful and well presented!

[@samueljlarson]

This is a well made video and I'm a big fan of the channel but one thing I might try in this situation is to camp out under a tree, like the natural shelter in the right of the screen and start a small, long fire to stay warm. In the situation in the video, if it snowed hard or rained the fire would struggle to put of heat and could go out during the night. I just wonder if starting the fire under the tree and using a wool blanket for warmth and the tarp as a moisture barrier or loosely drape over your shoulders and back, would work. Fun to think about.

[@shannonbradley9590]

Thank you so much for the knowledge I'm currently binge watching

[@billmafturack8189]

A few things I would do differently is set up tighter to the pines to lessen wind and tie the tarp tight against a large tree it’s now part of a windbreak on one end and can be built up easily with a small tree or larger branch and filled in with pine boughs and sealed with snow piled up against it from the outside creating a three walled shelter in very little time 👍💙🇨🇦

[@Rickshaw881]

Good stuff. I recall being caught out in the woods during winter. I survived but had a buttocks amputation due to frost bite.

[@myentertainment55]

I think great idea would be to build some sort of wind barrier at the bottom of the tarp, we can see reasonable gap a the bottom. Probably from the snow (if it's not going to melt very soon) or debris.

[@richardpancake1487]

Great video 👍👍

[@broncpal4244]

Hi Mate. I've only just discovered your bushcraft vids on utube. I watch a lot of this type of vid, and have done so for a long time, so I don't know where your vids have been hiding. I've also done a lot of bush camping myself, and consider myself to be very experienced without (definitely) being an expert and I find just about every vid of this type I watch to be mostly bullshit, usually being how a 'city slicker' perceives it should be done after reading a couple of books or watching a couple of the other bullshit vids on the subject. Although, having said that, there are a couple of really good contributors out there, but they are scarce. I find your vids to be absolutely 'spot on' in every practical detail with no bullshit at all. They are fantastic, even through my critical eye, so congratulations on well produced and entertaining vids which move along at a good pace and that are just crammed full of critical tips and useful information. Keep 'em coming, 'cause I can't get enough of them.

[@alimbo9436]

I'm doing my first overnight next weekend. Watching this as it just started snowing in London. My family thinks I'm absolutely bonkers.

[@wmluna381]

How did it go?

[@alimbo9436]

@@wmluna381 Couldn't get a fire started, but at least I had company. I originally planned to go alone but my friend joined me last minute. Lucky he did as I would have been scared shitless!

[@wmluna381]

@@alimbo9436 At least you tried it out! I'm sure it will get better from there with a few more gos. I went out by myself a couple of times here in Michigan late in the season last year when there was hardly anyone around. It was at a official campground, however. I did that on purpose because I hate being in areas full of people in the outdoors. I've never done that by myself before and gave me a chance to practice some things. 😊 I found that dried cat tail fluff wasn't too great as tinder, even when mixed with other things. Highly overated.

[@alimbo9436]

@@wmluna381 I ventured more recently alone and it was a different story. Dry wood meant a big fire and one happy guy! I think it's good you did it on a camping ground, it's much safer than doing it in the middle of nowhere. I'm jealous how much land you Americans have compared to us in little old London.

[@koori3085]

Dude, good tips. Looked kinda like your wind shifted on you. As for quick and simple gets the job done, well done. ✔

[@mr.mudcatslim3420]

On number 16 and almost done with all 20, keep up the great job your doing man.

[@aztec999999]

Love this one......love them all actually

[@pnyarrow]

Hi Dan. Thanks so much for sharing a great video once again. ATB. Nigel.

[@rdaugherty52]

Maybe just me but I would have tunneled under the big pine trees behind you then broke off a few dead limbs to set up a plow point shelter underneath if it snows 3 ft deep it will uselly be clear underneath anyway hot as crap here so like looking at the snow .

[@linklesstennessee2078]

Good information Dan

[@eielson1978]

Morning All. 3 Years and 10 Days Later and Here in the Northeast the weather isn't much Different. 11 Deg. overnight and we've had wind Gusts up over 30 MPH. and regular winds around 20 MPH. So, a Great Video that could come in handy at ANY TIME!!

[@hemansr3893]

Good video Dan, remember to not mess around under those white pines when there is a heavy/wet snow on their branches!! :>)>

[@bushecho7281]

Great video. Always well produced. Cheers.

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

Excellent. The only thing that you didn't mention, that I kept on thinking about was clearing the snow and leaves out first. You did that but didn't mention it. Still an excellent video

[@JoeXTheXJuggalo1]

Perfect couldn't have done it better myself. That may not look like much but that's a five star hotel to me. When you're in a survival situation you can't rely on luxuries. Start with a Bare Essentials that will at least get you through that first crucial night.

[@MrJbaker020]

Always excellent. Thx 👍

[@johnmercer947]

Thank you for your video. Very informative.

[@JTMinnesota]

I like the attention to shifting priorities depending on current weather conditions. Great video. You got a new subscriber.

[@mikevargas809]

excellent presentation

[@steveowens398]

I really enjoy these videos - they are well done and very informative. Can you tell me why you didn't use snow to build up a wind break at the bottom of the tarp? Seems the natural thing to do.

[@TonyNelsonCamping]

Great vid Dan! 🌟👌

[@ConcertDocs]

I am just honesty impressed your knee health. I would not be able to hold squats like that.

[@kholtzen1]

Nice compilation of great information..... Thanks !

[@luisvera7993]

great Vedic love it learned much, thank you

[@OO-nb2kt]

This trick here that I’m about to tell you is a life saver! Head home and turn on the heater! You’re welcome!

[@justjames1111]

Wouldn't you pile up snow/dirt etc onto your shelter at the bottom to keep the wind from blowing through? I saw some nomadic Inuit doing this every time they set up camp.

[@matthewclarke6624]

Loved this video. Useful information for me. Thanks coalcracker!

[@troymanning3150]

Thanks Dan! Another very informative well taught video

[@randomgrinn]

Makes me glad I grew up when you were still allowed to have a tent and sleeping bag! I would get zero sleep in that. Cool for emergencies I guess.

[@grimreaper6557]

another awesome idea and lesson in survival thanks dan

[@notquiteultralight1701]

Thanks Dan.

[@dansmith6508]

Well done sir.

[@lavonprince3530]

Thanks for the information....

[@MsIpodqwerty]

great video with helpful tips

[@kenc9236]

Building my toolbox thanks to your videos. I hope I never have to use them in a real deal.

[@cautious1343]

You could dry the bough's over the fire.

[@willdoesbjj0514]

Thanks man this information will come in handy

[@southernman142]

A great fire starter to take in the woods is collect dryer lint, about the size of a large lemon. Wrap it in Cling Wrap and place in your pack. I

[@alco4884]

It’s Pennsylvania I live in Pittsburgh by the time I get to your side of the state I will drive thru all four seasons in 5 hours.

[@karl3349]

Great videos and information. In this scenario, would you have spent the night sleeping in your clothes on top of the wool blanket like you demonstrated, or would you have wrapped yourself in it? Do you let the fire burn all night to keep you warm? Thanks from Western PA!!

[@novoscotia]

If wind is blowing the smoke away from you, does that mean the heat from the fire is also blowing away from you? Could you use snow to make a wind shield?

[@blyle9371]

Great vids; watched a bunch-only wish I could actually afford some of the backpacks u use...