Camp Fire Heat TRUTH vs FICTION How to maximize the Heat from a Fire for Winter Survival and Camping

Camp Fire Heat TRUTH vs FICTION How to maximize the Heat from a Fire for Winter Survival and Camping
In the Seminar we discuss and show the value of actual Science and Physics to utilize the heat from a Camp Fire for Winter Survival and Camping

[@DavidCanterbury]

You can move Convective heat by means of a Fan like on a Stove or in the home, or heat Rocks and use conductive heat like a warm water bottle but we are speaking of directed heat , so for our purpose it is a moot point, Thank you for your comments and Support, Please Like and Subscribe.

[@brotherbreeze8351]

Well done. I know you'll cringe to hear someone articulate this, but you will have a legacy that outlives you for generations, just like Mors, Nessmuk, and Kephart. Your continued curiosity and drive to understand and innovate mark you as one of the greats. I appreciate you, your work, and your skill and willingness to share what you learn. God bless you and yours.

[@markpoore3260]

A four or 5 foot long fire and the Mors Kochanski Super shelter has kept me warm temperatures down around zero several times. It’s a great concept.

[@HuntCreekBushcraft]

I very much like and respect that regardless of what you’re conveying, you site your sources. That lends credibility to what you’re saying, shows humility in giving credit where credit is due and inspires others to dig into those subjects on their own to further broaden their skills and knowledge base. Leaders lead. Teachers teach. And the best of those never stop learning themselves. That would be you, Dave. Always a pleasure to watch your videos.

[@nevertolatetoprepare2802]

I've studied fireplace and chimney design. Your video is the first place I've learned the reason why the blocker/backer has to be taller than the peak of the shelter. Thank you very much.

[@ericsmith1508]

Another great video! I appreciate the fact that you still put out informative, educational videos to teach us these things and give us these tips and tricks and useful information. I appreciate that your videos aren't just basically advertisements for your school. It's not just "Hey, would you like to know how to do this? It's a handy thing to know! Classes start on -Month/Date-! Be sure to reserve your spot!" One of these days, I hope to arrange my schedule around to make it up there at least once to a live class; in person, hands on teaching is always so much better, but it is awesome that, even with classes to offer, your YT videos are still genuinely informative, not just "infomercials" for your school! We appreciate you Dave, and are very thankful for what you do for and offer to the survival/self-reliance/ bushcraft community.

[@dreams2xs]

My first camping experience with the Boy Scouts happened in February of 1974. They took us out into the woods and asked us to build our own shelter. Again, first time out, I haven't even learned to tie any real knot. The weather was -60 wind chill. Not knowing how to lash something together, I did my best. The wind blew my shelter down on top of me in the middle of the night. I stayed in my sleeping bag freezing until morning when someone had restarted the fire. A year later, the next time we did this, we build a shelter with a blocker we lined with aluminum foil to reflect the heat back into the shelter. It felt like 60+ degrees in the shelter.

[@meldeweese6875]

Thanks Dave - SUPER info ! Excellent - Exact , right on as usual. Mtn Mel here . W. Colo. Ret 59-82 USN PR / SERE Inst. I knew Mors K from his first R.S. with Wescott. Olsen - Jaminson - Riggs , etc ( I'm only orig Inst from first 1978 R.S . with Olsen - Jaminson - Riggs, etc. ) At 81 , I treasure your info ! Ha. I knew " Barefooted Hippe Cody " also at his first R.S with Wescott. Sad , Ha. U had some rough shows with him . Funny getting water out of his socks. Oh Boy. Hey ! Keep Up the GREAT info !

[@FueltheFires]

Finally.. Someone spitting truth and common sense backed with science and practicality- good job Dave 🔥

[@MrGarykrishna]

Solid fire science in real life application. Outstanding development on this shelter Dave. Cutting edge. And bless you for the full and heart felt respect for the late great Mors. I’m gonna run with this and combat the cold wet English weather. Awesome.

[@markzeahammer183]

Brother Dave, This is the day I binge watch your weekly posts. Thanks for all you do.

[@clairecelestin8437]

Coming from a science background, there's a lot of legitimate scientific knowledge in this. The differences between conduction, convection, and radiation are all accurate, as are the difference between reflecting versus absorbing radiated heat. You were also spot on about the inverse square law, the shape of the reflector, and how and why smoke will pull towards the tallest obstruction near the fire. But beyond all the scientific theory, your results speak for themselves. The shelter does a great job of making use of the available heat from the fire; without it, almost all of that heat is lost to the environment. Good stuff. Thanks for sharing!

[@meganlalli5450]

Great video, Dave! I keep one of those 'throwaway' emergency blankets in my vehicle. When my truck heater stopped working in the dead of winter, that emergency blanket wrapped around me kept me warm enough to be comfortable for the last 100 miles home until I could get the heater fixed. I didn't throw it away after that use, but refolded it to have on hand again.

[@tom-ehill2713]

Thank you Dave! 73's from Northern WI. where- winter fails- spring is bustin in!!😎

[@reddirt5489]

Very cool. I once seen someone build a Mors Kochanski. Super shelter. He built it exactly as you described. I didn’t understand how knowledgeable he was until now!

[@BigTrucksR4Pedophiles]

This is the best video on the topic I've ever seen. I am nowhere near as knowledgeable on the topic, but I have spent many nights cowboy camping, in northern Wisconsin, during the winter. It's a daunting experience, but I wish more people would give it a try. You can't imagine how nice it is to walk into a warm house after a night in -17 degrees.

[@swnorcraft7971]

Just some real, damn good information. Thanks for giving credit to those great woodcraft pioneers. You have done the legwork and proven that this concept works. Goes to show how valuable a reflective tarp or a cheap mylar space blanket can be in a survival situation. You excel at sharing the knowledge. Love the childlike fascination and excitement you impart into your videos. Keep up the good work. Be well..........

[@johnmichaelkelley3820]

This has seemed obvious to me since I’ve seen fire “reflectors”and Mors drove the point home in the super shelter, but I have struggled to explain radiant heat to youths. Glad to see it covered comprehensively.

[@cathycoff5845]

Just found this channel and I am so glad. I have used reflective blankets on my wind break for years with a curved shelter with dollar space blankets on the inside. I thought I was sooo smart...lol. I will say when sleeping on the ground or raised bed...I started using the raised bed method as it lets that heat go under my sleeping area. What I discovered is you don't even have to make the raised bed very high. When I have made mine I am only about 4 inches off the ground but what a difference when you understand reflective heat. Thanks so much and I have subbed and liked the channel. Now I have to go back and binge watch all the things on this channel. You rock Sir.

[@deroesch]

As an engineer I’ve thought about trapping radiant campfire heat using reflectors for a long time, but I’ve never seen anyone do it. Probably the coolest things I’ve seen in ages. Well done. Gotta get me them poles…

[@MojoMountainMan]

I taped together a couple of dozen potato chip bags with the shiny side all one way of course, and used it to line the inside of my tent. I figured I paid for those bags when I bought the chips and they work almost as well as a mylar "space blanket". A budget do-it-yourself that doesn't cost you anything extra except the tape, time, and saving enough bags for coverage Edit: it also keeps outside eyes from looking through the tent fabric at you when your inside lights are on.

[@CharlesStevens-vi7ky]

Thank you for sharing your experience yet again. Your shelter shares some ideas with the special forces shelter we were taught. Twin rig lines with your poncho on one and your casualty blanket on the other forming an open top A frame tent. By replacing your reflector wall with a second full parabolic lean to you would be cooking with gas. 4 panels would make a heck of a group shelter

[@ExpeditionaryJonny]

Hey, Dave! Really nice job of breaking down all the different vocab and providing good visualizations on how heat moves. I ran a similar set up about 1 1/2 years ago with your super shelter & an el cheapo mylar blanket, and it nice to get the full explanation on why it worked so well. Thanks again for all that you do. Each time you concentrate on an area, that ultimately means a better set up for all of us.

[@user-ci2mn1oy3w]

the Siberian fire lay projects nearly all of its heat in one direction, twice as far as a normal fire. So you can keep the siberian twice as far away from the clear PEVA shower curtain that should form the "face" of your Kohanski super shelter. This is a huge help at preventing popping embers from burning holes in your PEVA. PEVA lets in a lot more radiant heat than VisiKleen and it wont crack in cold temps, which normal plastic sheeting DOES Furthermore, the Siberian, once it's burning well, can't be put out by rain and it will burn green, wet wood, if need be. It also has very few popping embers, cause the flames are burning on the ends of the logs, up in the air. The alternative Swedish fire torch will also burn green wet wood, and can't be put out by rain, once it's burning well. The only dry wood you need is the shavings with which you stuff the empty center of the 4 log bundle of the Swede. A double handful of dry wood scrapings are needed at one end of the Swede. Mix them with magnesium scrapings from you Doans bar and they will always ignite the shavings, which dry out and ignite the 4 logs. YT has vids on both of these types of fire-lay. . I make my Swedes 8" long, out of 3" OD logs. No, you dont need 8 ft long, 8" OD logs for a Siberian.. It can be done with 4 ft long, 4" OD logs. You'll just need 4x as many of the smaller logs and youll have to push them forward into the flames more often. Drive 4 long stakes and stack 3 logs between the stakes, forming a "wall" that's a foot tall. Lay your burn- logs over this wall. You dont want your "wall" to burn, so plaster the fire side of the wall with a 3" thick layer of mud. The fire at the ends of the Siberian's logs has coals drop under the ends of the logs. Thus, the Siberian forms its own shelter from the rain. The charred remains of the Siberian and the Swede reignite easily and 1-2 swedes are easily stowed in your shelter.

[@mikecollins9869]

Thanks a million Dave!! May the Father lay his grace upon your life!!

[@alzathoth]

Dave. i would like to say, THIS video is one of the best videos you have made in a long time. thank you dave.

[@danieledwards7178]

Only camped once in extream cold .. on a fishing trip with bunch of Freinds ( 5 different tents).. the day started out as 70deg .. and that night it dipped to 3Deg. , no one expected it ... I rolled 4, 50lb- 60lb granite stones into the fire , dug a trench , put those stones in the trench , couple inches of dirt over them and moved my tent on top of that ... was Warm All Night .. while all but one other guy hiked back to our trucks in the middle of the night ..

[@alf3553]

Thank you for saying this about the fire wall, I’ve had to argue this point with some people & they just don’t get it. I’ve taken a x-large cheap stainless mixing bowl & put it opposite side of a campfire 🔥 & that makes a big difference, the bowl is also really handy around camp.

[@algodonrabo]

Dave, your video presented an intelligent expiation of how manipulating radiant heat can benefit us on cold nights. You did an excellent job of laying out the easily understood information. Thank you.

[@ARAW-__-]

This was super instructive Dave. I make fire every week, sleeping next to it most often. Love fire !

[@pB-vp3mo]

The verbal instruction left me a little confused. It all came together when you showed the actual structure AT THE END. I bet there were a few that left the video, 30 minutes long, before the end. I know that you probably wouldn't show this if it wasn't well thought out and important information. This was great information and a new concept for most. IMHO a quick picture at the beginning would have been better. Keep up the great work and innovation you always provide.

[@michaeleveleth7979]

Thank you, This makes such perfect sense and helps to understand how the people that live in cold type environments created the style of living areas the way they have.

[@PeterR0035]

I contribute to that, after my own experience of 7 years of sleeping outdoors... ❤

[@AlexWander]

I always admire your deep research and studies on these matters, thanks brother for your priceless sharing!

[@everettgaskins5040]

This is one best one you have put out in last few week an dont get me wrong there all good but this one is best

[@southpawscortz34]

Awesome video. I am planning an overnighter for the weekend. I hope to put some of these techniques to the test. Thanks Dave for all of your hard work and research

[@JackPiercePT]

My thoughts on a simple improvement that will yield better results is to carry a second pair of those poles, put them in the fire reflector/wind break, to get the desired shape, this will result in the radiation effectiveness being improved as this will direct the heat more efficiently towards the center. Great video, I love learning from you and fully intend on joining one of your courses in the future.

[@henryslab]

Absolutely fantastic video Dave! You are certainly tier 1 in this field and a great teacher. Thanks for always providing such great value!

[@thevirginiabushcrafter8833]

Excellent Video, Dave. You know I'll be out in the Bush trying this. Thanks for Sharing

[@jimbender5780]

Great idea I will be giving this a try thank you Dave

[@TheStevenRocha]

I am officially convinced to buying the poncho now. And I'll be getting the poles when their released. This is quiet possibly the best shelter to date. Well done dave and class.

[@davehumpleby3440]

The appliance of science. Love it.

[@donbean]

I'm no survivalist.. I go basic camping once or twice a yr... but Dave at the chalk board is him at his best.. thanks for the videos...

[@diligentsun1154]

Those poles are the Superstar! Packability and reusability is awesome

[@FidoHouse]

Great video. Great info. Love that temp reading at the end. Thanks, Dave!

[@alexlue1611]

Thank you for your hard work and thoughtful considerations on this subject. l will definitely take your lessons with me when next l venture out into the woods during the colder months. Appreciate your efforts and respect you show to those who came before you. You are a credit to bushcraft instruction.

[@user-ur2sc7wn7i]

It is very interesting dave. I was recently discussing real usage of fire in a winter emergency situation. The tipical scenario was a capsizing a canoe in winter. The theory is to light up a fire. In practice in winter it takes a long time for the fire to be big enough to give enough warmth to battle hipothermia and dry up your clothes, we found out that the most viable option is a cavers trick. Cover yourself with mylar and build tiny heat source underneath.

[@josephscharffjr9374]

Thank you for all tribal knowledge.

[@coon3628]

Dave, you never cease to amaze with your knowledge, teaching, and innovation. You have had a major impact in so many people’s lives with your classes, SRO products, and especially your free to the viewer KZbin videos. I, like many of your followers, am an avid outdoorsman and use your teachings and products in the field every time I’m in the bush. Just want you to know how appreciated you are!

[@kkingquad]

I could’ve used this video a few weeks ago. I tried my coldest camp ever in the 30’s. I had two Mylar blankets in my bedding and a heater in my dome tent. I should’ve put one of the Mylar blankets up in the top of my tent to reflect/trap the heat. Guess I’ll have to try again!

[@balinchainly420]

This is one of the best videos I ever seen in this topic period.

[@jefffletcher3376]

Great video explained everything about fire. Just camped on the ground under a tarp low 20s stayed nice and warm next to the fire.

[@B-leafer]

REALLY good, informative content Dave! Ty. Explaining the science behind the fire, and why/how those poles work, and how well they work is outstanding. Well done sir.

[@Roarmeister2]

Mors's design was to use this shelter in the boreal forest. While it can be adapted for other climates, its primary design is for the boreal forest and cold not cool conditions. Using saplings, commonly alder in his region, to create a curved structure to hold the fabrics. It can be used with or without a raised bed constructed of logs and boughs. A properly built long fire is created out front and should only require stoking a couple times in the night. A Mylar blanket (a misnomer if there ever was one) is mounted to the back side of the structure. Then parachute SILK, or other breathable fabric covers the reflective Mylar on the back side and over the sides. Then transparent (or translucent) plastic is used as the barrier across the front to contain the reflected heat. Thin plastic works better for transmission of heat but the downside is that it is less durable. It can be held down and taught by rolling the base of it around another log and thus keeps it from flapping in the wind. The breathable silk is crucial to allow vapour to be transmitted out of the structure otherwise your sweat, breath, and melting of snow will make it feel clammy inside.

[@stefanbertasz4690]

These are true gold nuggets, Dave! You are The Ray Mears for the US. I still can't forgive you for recommending a magnifying glass for emergency fire starting...but maybe someday.😂 much love, brother! 🙏

[@zippitydoodah5693]

Outstanding work, Dave. I can't wait to see this system tightened up a bit. I carry an oversize Arcturus emergency blanket, a 2 mil painters plastic, and a small roll of g-tape in my GAG bag. It has always done me well for the modified Mors SS like you showed here. If you end up with poles like this for sale in your store, don't forget those of us with the 8.5'x12' emergency blankets. I suppose I can just buy tent poles and make my own after seeing the concept. Thank you for always innovating and finding ever better ways to survive and/or be comfortable in adverse conditions. It is a noble thing for a man of experience to share the fruits of his ingenuity for the sake of others. That's why I buy from you first ever chance i get when in need of outdoor/bushcrafting/emergency survival equipment. You more than earn the loyalty from good people. Not-so-good people don't have true loyalty in their character make-up to begin with. Nothing to be done about that.

[@YCIGAFSN]

Nice to see someone do a video on this. I've been doing set ups like this for many years. Mylar with a wind break and a parabolic shelter works wonders.

[@BuckMckawtheotherone]

Excellent video Dave. The Kochanski Supershelter deals with condensation by having a vent on both ends made of nylon, that breathes the moisture out. But this umbrella type structure is a great idea. Bushcraft can evolve for the better if we allow our imagination and inventiveness to shine through, and not be stuck in ruts of tradition for the sake of sentiment. Thank you for all you do.

[@davidlee8551]

Thanks for sharing your results !

[@stpetie7686]

That's one of the better videos I've seen in a long time. Thanks.

[@michaelslater627]

Fantastic, I have learnt so much. We don't have below zero temperatures, even so, this information is extremely useful. Thank you Dave!

[@trooperjinthewoods4538]

I believe the inside of an igloo does the same thing. Great video Dave. I used the alpha poncho shelter in the latter days of my military career with tin foil spray glued to the underside of my poncho originally to aid in map reading in the dark by the glow of my watch light- then I used fiberglass tent poles. Now my secret is out- you must know one of the guys I served with 😂

[@MrJbaker020]

Excellent as always and another great and awesome teaching. Thank you Dave for being awesome

[@user-fl9hj9pg5f]

That's a great idea for people who like to sleep outside! I'm gonna buy the kit if it becomes available for sure. Hopefully its ultra lightweight and packable. Love the camo on the outside too. Thanks Dave!

[@davekelly9657]

Awesome info Dave, thanks again for sharing this with us 💯👍🏻⚓🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@EphemeralRage]

Thanks for the great info!

[@steveallen1340]

A great video with solid scientific knowledge. Something you could do to further drive the point home is explain that radiant heat travels in straight lines just like light does and when it hits a reflective surface the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. Could place a laser pointer at the intended location of the fire then point it at various points on your reflector to see if the reflection is directed at the bedding.

[@mendyviola]

Good information. In hind sight during URI when we lost power for a long time, I should have pulled out my space blanket to put behind us when we were "house camping" next to our fireplace.

[@DamianBloodstone]

Great info. I love the idea of the poles. I'll pick up a set once out. I have your books and have watched nearly every video you have. Some of the things I have done with success. Shelter has always been the hardest for me. This lesson has taught me well. Thank you. Take Care and Stay Safe.

[@jimhale3879]

Thank you the great education on fire and shelter mix!

[@GreatPlainsChaser]

I've been messing with this parabolic concept idea for a bit as well, but was still involving the plastic... I love the idea with the graphite poles and the reflector. One thing I wish, was that they made those mylar blankets a little larger, still wouldn't take up much space for an emergency kit, but that extra coverage could make a huge difference in the shelter construction.... Looking forward to how you process this information Dave, and come up with a new innovative product for us. This is what I love about you and the Pathfinder system. Sorta like the opposum mentality, but also for innovating and always working the problem. Great video!

[@patrickburgmeier7902]

You've explained in detail the design and efficiency of the north American TeePee, and Mongolian Urt. The Teepee trapped all of the radiant heat, and most of the convective heat. It's designed with a natural chimney with flaps to direct the wind, and increase the natural draft.

[@fourbirdsadventures7673]

Looking forward to the video on those poles/system for building the parabola. Really great info - thanks for sharing!

[@jasongarling20]

In the first 6.5 minutes.. the understanding of radiant heat.. super shelter.. clicking... tracking like a tank bear nation? These are facts!

[@georgea.mccall4531]

Thanks, Dave! You are the master!

[@quixototalis]

I used the inside of a Mylar balloon as makeshift gloves to help keep my hands warm after getting my vehicle stuck in the snow and having to walk home. Really amazing what a highly reflective lightweight material can do with even a little heat.

[@redbeard6606]

Looking forward to Friday.

[@Mouse357]

That is awesome, thank you Dave!

[@jackgladish6821]

Hit it out of the ballpark. So the DanPass video poncho tent tilted up on one side a ridge line, combined with a space blanket also under the poles. It’s a great winter variant of an excellent idea. The system as is, fits in the butt pack/ lumbar pack on my belt. The wind brakes are appreciated with tight pressure gradients following frontal passage and also tertiary winds (Mountain/Valley Breeze, Sea Breeze) in the evenings. 🎶Meet me down by the railroad track, track. 🎶

[@montanatacticalhomesteader6623]

Going to have to try this as soon as it stops raining. I’ve been wanting to do more winter camping.

[@adrian030452]

Outstanding everything explains so simple great teacher

[@bradfrancis9473]

Thanks Dave. Outstanding

[@scottangel6462]

Great video Dave and very informative!! I saw Lonnie, over at Far North Bushcraft and Survival do something similar with the mylar fire reflector several yrs ago, except he used a modified super shelter and aluminum foil as the reflector. Outstanding video sir, you never disappoint bro!!

[@StarwaterCWS]

Well, take this one step farther down the road. The elephant is being allowed to walk out of the circus while the trainer is busy capturing all the peanuts. And getting wet in the process. The dry toastier solution is combining Angles with Reflective surfaces. As follows; Convective energy travels in straight waves (the elephant) so by placing a Mylar ‘panel’ above the fire you angle it toward your bed that also has a Mylar ‘panel’ aligned parallel with the other panel. The great thing is you can test this using a kerosene lantern by removing the top to bounce the much hotter convected heat waves in any direction you want. In any case, this video is outstanding knowledge.

[@yoitired]

Dave is still the cutting edge of outdoor skills and tech after all these years.

[@user-vi6wf4gh9x]

Thank you for the wisdom

[@showmemomaineiac32]

I've used the alpha tent with casualty blanket like this but not angled and heated it with a uco candle hanging from the pole cross point. I had to vent with a soup can out the hood portion for condensation. Setting the alpha on the ground like that actually does capture the rising heat and reflects it back down

[@jonmorey3939]

This is an interesting adaptation of Perry Peacock's Poncho shelter. He has this whole set up as a PSS (Poncho Survival Shleter) system. I have done this in Northern Michigan at well below zero for years, and I can say it does work very well!

[@ddthedogmanoutdoors]

This has been a great bit of schooling thanks

[@AlienVisitation]

I can foresee a lot of similar videos coming out showing this parabolic knowledge now that you've covered it. I wonder how many will claim it as their own? Excellent stuff, Dave!

[@sandypidgeon4343]

Sounds like Ron Hoods old tube tent with a small origami space blanket on the back would work - just have to figure out how to attach that to the tent. Great video Dave, especially as people seem to discount capturing those IR waves. Thanks! GOD Bless

[@kauboy9816]

One small thing I'd mention is that the heat being directed toward your shelter horizontally (radiant heat) is moving through air. The air molecules heat up(move more quickly) and bounce into other air molecules in an undirected fashion, transferring a bit of energy as they do. While the vector of the radiant heat waves is indeed horizontal, the motion of the heated air is random. Do not misunderstand me... I am not suggesting any sort of moving air current. I am speaking strictly of the molecular level and how the heat energy is dispersed. So to say that there is zero heat rising inside the shelter when the air is heated by horizontal radiant heat is incorrect. The dissipation of the overall heat will spread in all directions as the air molecules move faster within the shelter from those horizontal radiant waves. It will be slow and inefficient, but it will happen over time. It's a bit semantical, but it's more accurate, and can explain why the underside of a raised cot will indeed eventually heat up. Just not as well as with direct heat.

[@doc3356]

Fantastic information. Great ideas. I'm thinking I'll apply that to the inside of a canvas wall tent. Mylar behind a small tent stove..... thanks!!!

[@Fasnic]

I've camped in the Finish Lapland 8,9 degree nights fire is Life

[@DanielSmith-yu9wq]

It would be helpful if you show how to attach saplings to the mylar to get the parabolic shape.

[@daviddilley8310]

Great video and great concept. The geometry of the parabola means that anything coming into the parabola, at whatever angle, is reflected through the same spot, the "Focus" (which incidentally is Latin for "hearth fire"). The light bulb on a flashlight is at the focus of the parabolic curve that is the back of the flashlight. So ideally the bed should be at or near the focus. Alternately if the fire is at the focus of the parabola, then the heat is reflected in straight lines parallel to the long axis of the parabola. It would be an interesting exercise to work out where that is with the shape these poles create. It shouldn't be that hard.

[@twalk6164]

thanks for your research and explanations. we are all evolving towards compact, lightweight shelters that can save the lost hunter/hiker in the fall/winter. good work

[@cupajoe7258]

Hey @DavidCanterbury what do you think about combining this with a long burning 3 wick candle or something of the like and dropping the mylar/alpha tent down to the ground instead of a lean to with a ground mat? do you think that would work as an impromptu hot tent negating the need for a fire and extra reflector?

[@chrisjames2364]

Thanks Dave, awesome videos !!!!!!

[@iangallaugher3468]

Great takedown of the log 'reflector' - thanks for some real science on the matter! The poles in the poncho idea I first saw back in 2013, on the Alpha Rubicon site, and have used it since. I dont know if they were the first to show it.