Cold-Weather Survival: Lessons from the Amish, Homeless and History

[@lysan1445]

My grandmother, who survived a war in winter time, taught me much of this. One more piece of advice she gave me: don't let the wind get into your clothes. Seal off your sleeves, trouser legs, and neck.

[@Thetruth599-1]

As a minimum day to day if it's cold I tuck my shirt into my pants it's crazy how much heat it traps and stops the cold air coming in from there.

[@thomashouse6090]

Best blanket is the good old Army olive drab wool blanket

[@reliableprepper]

Heck yeah!

[@beverlycyrus4306]

Even itchy, they were pretty good.

[@WillieMakeit]

Sew a white flat bed sheet to it. Color really doesn't matter. That hust what I did

[@maryhaney1273]

Im currently moving out of my apartment an nice warm bed to moving into my SUV. i live check to check an rent an other bills including my electric bill is too high especially in the winter an frankly im tired of paying all that on bills. I work full time an have a great job but im unable to prepare for whats coming paying bills so by living in my SUV I can buy things im going to need when the time comes. I want to be prepared as i can be in case I have to bug out in the woods. I see the grid going down my personal opinion or an EMP. If you have the will to live you will survive anything. God bless

[@reliableprepper]

Mary, I really admire your determination and forward-thinking approach. Downsizing to prepare for hard times and stocking up on essentials takes real courage and foresight. Living in your SUV isn’t easy, especially in the winter, but it sounds like you’re doing everything you can to get ready. That will to live makes all the difference, and you're absolutely right-it's about using what we have and staying strong. Wishing you all the best, and God bless!

[@ourtechwriter]

​@reliableprepper No, it's about heat, and not freezing to death! All the cheery ass happy Harry won't stave off the icy fingers of death. Show the real deal; not pie in the sky for clicks!

[@Scriptorsilentum]

i did the better part of three winters in the back of a small pickup with a leaky, uninsulated/unheadlined cap. i survived and that's about it. one thing that helped me immensely is 5x8 storage locker to hold all my possessions i wanted to keep and also served as my warehouse. spare dry foods especially, canned goods, jars did fine - the locker i rented was inside a temp and humidity controlled u-store-it type of place. my wardrobe and dresser were there doing what they normally did it's just that i only accessed them every two weeks. i found i could buy big amounts of food and store them though you must be careful not to let insects/rodents get brought in with it. my pickup was my bedroom. that was all i needed; the storage locker - MUCH cheaper than an apt - was what made it work really well.

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

Keep your housing, and get a roommate. PLEASE. You will surely wish you did, if you don't. Living in a car is no life. Definitely not safe either.

[@BebeAdEmUp]

What about personal hygiene

[@Derakk12062]

In regards to snow houses, an important thing to remember is that snow is basically airtight. If you seal off the entrance to keep wind and cold out, the space will fill with carbon monoxide. You have to poke a hole in the top of the shelter to keep it ventilated.

[@reliableprepper]

Great tips, Richard! Setting up a tent indoors and using hot water bottles can really make a difference when it’s freezing. And you’re so right about ventilation... it’s easy to forget but so important for fresh air, especially with candles or heaters going. Thanks for sharing these helpful ideas, and I’m glad you liked the video!

[@brimac58]

Amen!!

[@TNvegan1958]

Carbon-'monoxide' is (heavier) than air, and tends to SINK, so (seems?) like any (combustion- byproduct 'monoxide') would not? be reliably vented out just a single hole made 'up-top', UNLESS there were also air allowed or caused to ENTER very-LOW, too.. Forming a complete air-'loop'..

[@Derakk12062]

@@TNvegan1958 I think you might be right. Part of the construction of the interior of the snow shelter is a 'T' shape, with two benches/beds and a gap between them, which acts as a "cold sink". Carbon monoxide should sink to the bottom. Two ventilation holes would probably be necessary to create a loop of fresh air.

[@ridgerunner106]

Plus it doesn't get below 32 in the snow. So, if it's down in the negatives outside, you'll be a toasty 32 in a snow shelter. I have been in 90 below twice

[@larryjanson4011]

number one thing is to have backups for your back ups. got wool blankets? gas powered lights? candles. ( not those cheap tea things). water, for two months? food, for two months? medical supplys? those heat pocket packs? home list goes on and on.

[@reliableprepper]

Hey Larry, you're spot on-having backups for your backups is the way to go. That list is solid too, especially the wool blankets and heat packs. Those little things can make all the difference when the temperature drops. And yeah, the home list really does go on and on, but it’s all about staying ready for anything. Thanks for sharing, man!

[@BLAM777]

We have amish near where we are, and I always tell people you want to learn about off grid talk to the amish.

[@reliableprepper]

Absolutely! The Amish are experts when it comes to off-grid living and making do without modern conveniences. They’ve got so much wisdom to share, especially about self-sufficiency. Great advice!

[@KevinToole-d2y]

Be Prepared....... I Learned It In The Scouts.....

[@reliableprepper]

Same here! On my honor...

[@reliableprepper]

Hey everybody

[@CARefugee544]

Back at ya!

[@sunset462]

Hi ya

[@10Flowermuzik]

Thanks for the great and useful content

[@maryhaney1273]

I love ur channel an u have taught me alot an not to be afraid when the time comes thank u very much. Your the best channel on KZbin ❤❤

[@JEpsteinDidntKillHimself]

Hey. I have a hard time being around humans. I consider 9/10 humans to be idiots. Nobody is unplugged... nobody knows anything these days. It's scary. I'm not even old, but I see the change happening in the world. We must stay prepared for the worst. Thank you for your videos. ❤

[@BR54966]

TO ALL in winter states; Prepare, Be Safe , Be Vigilant

[@reliableprepper]

it should be BRRRRRRRR, lol

[@GlennRobert-ix6dj]

Have a wood stove and 2 Winters of wood ( always have seasoned wood ) .and not only survive but thrive . Cozy in Winter .

[@reliableprepper]

Smart setup, GlennRobert! Having a wood stove and enough seasoned wood for a couple of winters is the way to go. Staying warm and cozy in the winter doesn’t just help you survive-it lets you actually thrive. There’s nothing like a well-stocked woodpile to keep things comfortable when it’s freezing outside! Thanks for sharing!

[@tallcedars2310]

Meat builds and repairs muscles while animal fat provides us energy & heat. Vegetables were not around when our ancestors lived. Meat/fat were key to their nutrient needs.

[@reliableprepper]

You’re right-meat and animal fat were essential for survival back in the day, providing both energy and nutrients. Vegetables came later as a supplement, but our ancestors really relied on animal products to keep going. Thanks for sharing that insight!

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

Humans have eaten fresh fruits and nuts right from the beginning, Adam and Eve ate all kinds of fruits in the Garden of Eden. Read the Bible, it tells us what people ate back then. 🍇🍐🍎🍏🍊🍋🍒🥭🫐🍓🥝🥑🥥🫒

[@dutchvanderbilt9969]

Considering I live in the Midwest I feel somewhat uniquely qualified to comment on this subject matter. And if you take anything away from my comment the main takeaway should be do not mess around during winter because things can go pear-shaped quickly even if you don't realize it yet. I also encourage you to invest in good quality Winter Wear particularly if the Winter Wear is black in color as that's a color that naturally absorbs sunlight and will help you to stay warm. And if you live in the open countryside I would also suggest having a balaclava close at hand because as that cold wind is hitting you in the face it's not just going to be cold after a while it starts to physically hurt if your bear faces exposed for long enough. It's also considering having some wool blankets.

[@reliableprepper]

Great advice, Dutch! Winter in the Midwest is no joke, and you’re spot on about not taking it lightly-things can go south fast. Investing in quality winter gear, especially darker colors to soak up sunlight, is a smart tip. A balaclava is a must in open country too; that wind can get brutal, and covering up makes a huge difference. Wool blankets are also a lifesaver for warmth. Thanks for sharing your firsthand knowledge!

[@theshadowprepper]

Thanks for a great video. Hope it will help people to stay ready.

[@reliableprepper]

@@theshadowprepper I appreciate that again. I think your video suggestions are good and I'm going to hopefully start working on one of them relatively soon

[@Philip-wb9mk]

Great video, I believe that you have address the real world important issues of true winter survival with the right amount of information. Thanks for that

[@reliableprepper]

Thanks, Philip! I’m glad you found the video helpful. Winter survival is a serious challenge, and it’s important to focus on the practical, real-world aspects. It’s all about having the right info and being prepared for what the season can throw at you. Appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts! Stay safe and warm out there!

[@RichardAStonemasonNOTfreemason]

"Trust me,... they'll thank you later",.. classic. and, sometimes, they wont thank you at all... No worries, we are always happy to help. One technique to keep warm in extreme cold in da house, particularly for sleeping, is to pitch a tent in the warmest room. If the facility to boil water is available a hot water bottle is a must. Glass bottles can also be used, obviously using common sense when filling and insulating plus ensuring the bottle doesn't leak. Whatever we do, ensure that sealed homes or rooms get occasional ventilation, particularly if burning candles, to refresh the air/oxygen and allow damp air to escape. Cheers Dustin. Great video. Some really COOL images there. #OpSafeWinter

[@mr.diversity2267]

Whenever I watch this channel, I always learn something new, even if it’s just one thing. Thanx RP !!!

[@reliableprepper]

thank you so much!!! That's my goal... :-)

[@DaniDani-vs3by]

Thank you so much for this video. The video are great. Thank you!!! Greetings from Switzerland Daniel

[@reliableprepper]

Hey Daniel, thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! I’m really glad you enjoyed the video. Greetings from Switzerland-that’s amazing! How’s the weather over there right now? I imagine it must be getting chilly this time of year. Stay warm and prepared, and thanks again for taking the time to comment!

[@DaniDani-vs3by]

@reliableprepper Thank you for the lovely antswer.Its very cold in Switzerland,but now snow.I wish you a very nice evening. Greetings from Switzerland Daniel

[@reliableprepper]

@DaniDani-vs3by 🥶☃️❄️. We got our first snow here in Colorado last week. Some areas got over 40 inches/100 centimeters in 3 days. I love the snow but if you're not careful you can get dangerous real quick

[@stevescott8060]

Interesting video. Always good to brush up on all types of Survival and what to do in all environmental conditions!

[@reliableprepper]

Thanks, Steve! Glad you found the video interesting. You’re absolutely right-staying sharp on different survival skills and knowing how to handle any environment is key. Always good to keep learning and adapting!

[@stevescott8060]

@@reliableprepper I learned a lot from the Homeless and the Rail Freight Hobos. And I always gain knowledge from watching videos about Survival Skills, Bushcraft techniques and have tested out a lot of knives. I reside in the S.W. Desert where knowledge of water becomes instinctive. I can't emphasize enough to always boil water. As for the Solar Still thing, it is not effective. I liked the part about the Amish , I don't care for cold weather and their methods of dealing with cold weather are excellent and glad you mention those survival techniques.

[@cameronbrown321]

Dont put plastic in your shoes! Dont forget we sweat alot thru our feet, putting plastic in your shoes will give you trench foot.

[@reliableprepper]

I'm not advocating that. Just using it as a simple example.

[@JohnSmith-d6j5y]

Actually it really depends on how good a seal you use. The vapor barrier method is what makes military "Mickey Mouse" boots work so well.

[@cameronbrown321]

@JohnSmith-d6j5y no it doesnt. You can water proof your shoes and boots but you do not put plastic in the shoe, or wrap your feet in plastic. It will end bad. I was an Infantry soldier for 6 years.

[@Bob-lq9ys]

Another great video

[@reliableprepper]

Thanks again!

[@sorciere...]

I didn't know about the 3 fires or stones. Thank you

[@reliableprepper]

Glad you found it helpful, Sorciere! Those little tricks, like the three fires or stones, can make a big difference in cold-weather survival. Thanks for watching!

[@rudyo8409]

Thanx for sharing, got some good tips and gained some knowledge. Michigan" : )

[@reliableprepper]

hey buddy, I really appreciate that!

[@dandahermitseals5582]

Haha when the power goes out. We been iff grid since 1969 in the mountains above the snowline.

[@reliableprepper]

That's freaking awesome

[@reliableprepper]

i'd love to hear from you more

[@damnhandy]

This is a good time to mention that 12" stainless steel food-grade reciprocating-saw blades are just the thing for butchering frozen roadkill regardless of its size & weight. Cuts right through frozen bones as well. If it's a nuclear war issue, the roadkill will be precooked.

[@travdripdrip382]

Thankfully i live in Florida

[@reliableprepper]

heck yeah. here comes the artic blast, lol

[@2023DodgeRam]

Another banger 👍

[@reliableprepper]

🙌

[@chrisniner8772]

Banger?

[@howieoutdoors]

Good information RP thanks so much

[@reliableprepper]

Any time!

[@christophermitchell7925]

Very good video, hopefully this helps some people this winter!

[@reliableprepper]

I hope so too!

[@reliableprepper]

thank you

[@termelldavis1961]

Very informative

[@reliableprepper]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ourtechwriter]

I didn't see a Dakota fire hole, did you? And the Amish don't wear pretty clothes; instead, blue, gray, and rough clothing!

[@ronbork684]

Excellent advice that we need to take to heart, for many of us may soon be homeless. Strange as it may seem, very soon the governments will relinquish control of their citizens to the United Nations. Revelation 17:17 Any who do not go along with the UN's program will experience what is foretold at Revelation 13:17, "And no one could get a job or even buy in any store without the permit of that mark ..."

[@reliableprepper]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Ron. It’s definitely a sobering reminder of how quickly circumstances can change. Being prepared for scenarios like homelessness or losing control over our basic freedoms is more important than ever. Building skills and self-reliance now can help us navigate whatever comes our way. Appreciate you bringing this up!

[@SW-fm6up]

Thoughs foil blankets are very insulated !! Thank you reliable Prepper for all your very informative and beneficial videos!!!!

[@reliableprepper]

they can definitely mean the difference in whether ya make it or not... Thanks buddy!

[@larryjanson4011]

just today right outside of town just a couple hundred yards from the sheriffs office and the county jail even but a heard of does. and turkeys. free meat.

[@reliableprepper]

Seeing a herd of does and turkeys right by the sheriff’s office? Talk about free meat just walking around. In a pinch, that kind of opportunity could make all the difference. Good eye... Just remember, in a hardcore SHTF situation, I think the amount of wild game would dwindle pretty quickly

[@larryjanson4011]

and a solar still can get you drinking water if your are “lost “ at sea. not much but maybe enough to allow you to survive a day or three longer.

[@reliableprepper]

Hey Larry, that’s a great point about the solar still. It might not give you a ton of water, but just enough to keep going for a few more days can make all the difference. Survival’s all about squeezing every resource you can, and that’s a solid tip. Appreciate you sharing it!

[@mattflannery4448]

❤

[@reliableprepper]

Thanks Matt

[@creedskimmer]

Good video sir, stay frosty, cheer's.

[@reliableprepper]

Always!

[@chrisniner8772]

I grew up in northern maine and have been offgrid since 1997. Most people probably score a 1.5 out of 10 on the preparedness scale... its kind of scary.

[@reliableprepper]

That’s impressive, Chris! Off-grid since '97, that’s serious experience. It’s true, most people are way behind when it comes to preparedness, and it’s definitely something to be concerned about. Glad you’re ahead of the game-thanks for sharing your perspective!

[@talljohn66]

Southern Mainer here. Hikers always losing their lives because they don’t understand how weather changes with altitude.

[@chrisniner8772]

@@talljohn66 altitude in Maine?

[@clairewyndham1971]

Im willing to bet that the majority of people who buy down jackets, vests, quilts have no idea WHAT "down" is, or how to harvest that "Down" .

[@reliableprepper]

That’s an interesting point, Claire! You’re probably right-most folks wearing or using down products likely have no idea it comes from the soft feathers of ducks or geese. And harvesting down? That’s a skill most people haven’t even thought about! It’s a good reminder that knowing how to source and create things we rely on can be just as important as having them. Have you ever looked into harvesting down yourself, or is it something you think more people should learn? It’s definitely a lost skill in our modern world!

[@clairewyndham1971]

@reliableprepper - I learned how to "harvest" down back in 1977 when I was lucky enough to be allowed to go on the USCG ice breaker "Mackinac" for a shake down cruise and was warned about the wind and the cold and I decided to make a down filled jacket- like a pea coat. So, a woman I knew that raised geese taught me how to do it. Yes, it took a long time but she was so wonderful about showing me how to raise the feathers, pull the down, and mark the goose so I didn't try to "pick" the down again to quickly. Since then, I have made 2 down filled comforters for my bed and quilted the down between 2 layers of 100% cotton fabric and using that for quilt batting for my grandchildren ( and several times for young animals caught in a blizzard and needed to warm them up to bring them back around).

[@carolyn9andthecats653]

Feathers. Boom.

[@MichaelM-q2q]

I've dang near frozen to death a couple of times .I moved south.cover your hands,feet, and head. The most it will keep you alive.

[@reliableprepper]

for sure... i'd love to hear from you more

[@sunset462]

I know how to stay warm....😋

[@sunset462]

Informative 😊

[@Z12200P]

So do I 🫦🤭

[@reliableprepper]

😄

[@MariaN-wf1jh]

hi gtsy

[@reliableprepper]

Hey Maria, how are you?

[@louielouie22]

Or do like birds do and simply go south. 😂

[@snakebite4891]

THANKS FOR SHARING👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@reliableprepper]

Thanks for watching

[@howieoutdoors]

Hey all, running late again lol

[@reliableprepper]

;-)

[@sirprepsalot6268]

Great Video, but I think keeping plastic inside your shoe could make your feet wet.

[@reliableprepper]

true, it would need to be short term. very good point

[@dandahermitseals5582]

Most importanty is stay away from cities. Dandahermit

[@reliableprepper]

heck yeah

[@PatchezRagdolls]

Old boondock movies all kind of chips all tricks for winter

[@reliableprepper]

for sure

[@keithkvittum5099]

Comment,view 229

[@reliableprepper]

woot woot

[@mikedendooven6484]

I didn’t see any Amish in this video…

[@reliableprepper]

amish techniques

[@toby-v6i]

lol, you give the amish waaay too much credit, but if it gives a clicks, well, whatever works for ya lol

[@reliableprepper]

lol

[@brianmartin2172]

You lost me at the hygiene part w the little get ur flu shot visual. Bye.

[@reliableprepper]

all my visuals aren't perfect yet, but my content is spot on right?