Winter Overnight as a 17th Century Highlander - Historical Survival Skills

[@FandabiDozi]

I meant to put a title saying that the tree I used as a mattress is a "Western Hemlock" which is a highly invasive species of tree in Scotland. It shades out native species and is actively removed by conservation organisations because of this. Therefore, I didnt mind cutting branches from it.

[@stephenclarke2206]

I noticed that I'm not sure it would have been around in the 17th century

[@Theiliteritesbian]

A tree is a tree with 1% of species we will ever encounter as the exception. This idea that we have to let nature sit without interference is so inconsistent with the rest of how we decide to live 100% of our life I find it a laughable concept. Sure, once or twice a year you leave the landscape 'as you found it', but that is only for the person's emotions at that time. Its a weird self absorbed view of nature - that if we cut some branches or don't cut some branches anything or significant will result from it. Cut away.

[@o80y1]

Socrates’ favourite

[@Jen999]

Thanks for the note.. we wondered about that.. hated to see it go since Scotland is so devoid of trees.. we knew you would have a reason though.. lived this video💜💙😊

[@bushcraftmyway]

​@@o80y1 nope... that's another hemlock.

[@Lochlann13]

One of the reasons I love being in the outdoors is that, if you get out far enough, it's quite possible you're seeing the same terrain that your ancestors saw hundreds of years ago.

[@СеверинКрячко]

Absolutely right!

[@k9six185]

I like to go and find a huge oak tree and sit against it and wonder who else may have leaned against it 200 years ago

[@jordanwalsh1691]

In certain parts of the world, you can be the first human being to set foot in that specific spot, since the dawn of time.

[@PBGetson]

@@jordanwalsh1691 I can attest to that. I live in the Yukon Territory, northern Canada, and I'm sure I could go to within a few miles away and stand on spots that have never been trod upon.

[@jordanwalsh1691]

@@PBGetson I'm in Newfoundland, Canada. Seems like the recipe for untouched wilderness is simply: low population density, difficult terrain, lack of resources that can be exploited on foot, and not an efficient route between two points of interest. If those conditions are met, then few would ever have cause to traverse the area, and fewer still a specific route. Plenty of wild spaces like that where I am, and even more in your neck of the woods.

[@mackenziew]

Ok but now we need a new series called Fandabi Cozi about how to stay comfy in the 17th century Scottish way

[@gungho1345]

I've practiced minimalist camping for quite a few years. Tarp, hammock a good wool blanket and a wee dog for extra warmth . My good boy is pushing 17 and always up for a hike and a night by the fire.

[@peterwebb8732]

Dogs for warmth are very worthwhile. I haven’t used an electric blanket for decades.

[@RS-xq6je]

I have a whippet that can't handle colder temps so she has a fleece and additional lined coat but for being so light 8kg she gives off a lot of heat and can fit in a hammock no worries. Dog got dumped on me but she's lush and has her uses 😂

[@peterwebb8732]

@@RS-xq6je Self-heating hot-water bottle.

[@garymitchell5899]

Hmm yeah your dog doesn't get in a hammock with you. If you do yourself ofc.

[@RS-xq6je]

@@garymitchell5899 yes she does. ✌️

[@WhojoMojo]

Hei Tom, I live in Norway and we have comparable outdoor conditions here. For the last years I most often use a reindeer hide to sleep on. The quality of the hide has much to say on how many hair it sheds. By the looks of yours it seems unprocessed, which is good (those bought in souvenir shops and the like are not meant to be used outdoors). I learnt that what you want is the raw material, sundried and nothing more. This does not make the inner part waterproof, but a bit resistant, and if you are dedicated to allow it to dry properly as soon as possible it shouldn't rot (which would cause more hairs to be shed). On the other hand your hide looks very flexible and pliable, which makes me suspect that the hide has been treated, hence making it more likely to shed hairs. Hides like the one I'm talking about have a cardboard-like feel to them, unless they have been very actively used for a long time, which will soften it significantly. All in all I think that if you have a good hide and u treat it well it will make an excellent mattress, with superb thermal and aesthetic qualities, plus the feeling of historical attunement which you seek. But of course a few hairs will fall anyways, it is part of the nature of such materials and perhaps part of their charm :) nothing lasts forever Keep making these inspiring videos!

[@FandabiDozi]

Thanks for your comments regarding the reindeer hide. My girlfriend got me it as a present off the internet somewhere. I believe it has been treated with Alum or similar modern tanning agent. I then rubbed some tea on it to make it less white and clean looking haha. Thanks again

[@dooleyfussle8634]

​@FandabiDozi yes, the best way to keep the hair from shedding is to tan the hide the old way with brains. Make a paste by mashing up the brains in a little water and oat flakes ( I use a food processor or blender) and spreading the paste on the flesh side. Fold the hide over on itself and leave for several days. Then scrape off the paste and work the hide by stretching it with your hands and knees as it dries. It may take all day but you can hold the hide if need be by putting it in a plastic bag and into the freezer. If you're squeamish about the brains then use a natural/ unscented soap instead (not detergent).

[@Picasso_Picante92]

@@dooleyfussle8634 Wait. Did you say "brains"? Lamb brains? with Oat flour? How and why would this work? Interesting.

[@dooleyfussle8634]

@Picasso_Picante92 yeah, old saying: " every animal has just enough brains to tan it's own hide"! You can use which ever brains your butcher has, lamb, pig, beef etc. Since mad cow disease I've been using soap, which has many of the same chemicals as brains.

[@sdpicturecard6858]

I like how you thanked the space where you spent the night. Respect.

[@crow4936]

It's a pagan thing pity he never asked the trees for the branches he took...

[@Jen999]

Noticed that too.. maybe it was because that Hemlock is an invasive species.. and most wish it gone., admit we felt bad initially because Scotland has so few trees left.. and it seemed a healthy specimen..poor tree😭💜💙

[@TulkOrkan]

It's amazing how simple things can be really complex tools if you have the right knowledge.

[@Heywoodthepeckerwood]

As someone who works outside in the mountains, I’ve worked in -34° C to 44°C and can tell you the worst is when it’s around 1°c and raining, especially if it’s windy. It soaks into your bones and makes you miserable. Testing kit and skills in this weather is much harder than in extreme conditions.

[@BrotherOfTheTemplars1312]

Fandabi dozi your one of the greatest KZbinrs in history I love to learn about the highlands and how people survived don't let a small channel like yours get you down you'll be big one day I know it.

[@journeyman7189]

Excellent night out Tom. Nothing feels better than getting a tough fire started when you're cold and wet. Nate

[@veild546]

Lovely video! Always excited to see a new highlander 17th century highlander upload. It's a dream of mine to put together a full historical kit some time in the future, and yours is a great inspiration!

[@petergreening4810]

I love the combination of the running water and the flute music.

[@didgeridooblue]

I've never liked camping next to water when it's damp outside, it always feels colder.

[@Frecks-n-Specks]

Yep and it forces the cold right through you

[@behindthespotlight7983]

Basic survival doctrine. 👍🏼

[@rhys5567]

Cold falls. So does water.

[@mack8488]

The continious noice is irritating too🤤

[@Panzer_the_Merganser]

Was thinking the same thing. The chill from that stream insidious and creep into everything in your kit and bedding. Conversely I thought he may have picked that spot to be out of the wind; it looked very sheltered.

[@JM-ot8zn]

Hi Tom, I am a Canadian who has spent many many nights beneath the stars. Right around freezing has always felt the coldest, to be wet and then have ambient drop below freezing is less than ideal. I can attest that even with "modern" gear it is a struggle to stay dry, day by day. Fire first, the rest will follow. Your content is both interesting and informative. Hit me up if you want to try the big woods. Much respect. -J

[@leodesforges161]

This is where thick fleece is so good. Super bulky but is nearly unaffected by the damp.

[@AntoniusVladislavius]

What a lovely camping spot! And those Uilleann Pipes at dawn where just epic.

[@andrewgreen7996]

Love the videos mate that's what I call hard core wild camping mate great too see somebody showing how people survived out in the Highlands in winter in the 17th 👍💯

[@davemc9268]

I'm watching this thinking "but it's not winter now, it's spring". Then I remembered it's Scotland. Which only has two seasons. Winter. And slightly not Winter.

[@RS-xq6je]

I'd call that anywhere that isn't the South of the UK 😂

[@FandabiDozi]

Haha! Winter does seem to linger here till end of April, but I also did film this start of February. I guess i should of mentioned that in the video

[@rippedtorn2310]

Was out in my vest today ...fine weather

[@atomic_wait]

Weather in western Washington State where I'm from can be similar to the Highlands, not much snow at the lower altitudes in the winter but lots and lots of cold, dreary rain. Like for weeks straight sometimes, constant low level rain.

[@live4thehunttoday678]

It's snowing hard in Arizona still. Been plowing snow for 2 days!

[@ianhamilton4497]

Man your out there doing it ,great watch again ,love back ground music.

[@artawhirler]

Excellent video as always! Congratulations for doing such a great job in such cold wet conditions!

[@cecilfaircloth7826]

In the old days, native American tribes used to smoke the leather of the insoles of their moccasins to waterproof them. Try smoking the leather like you would smoke meat. Not only will it waterproof it, but it will also make it stiff and last longer.

[@twwtb]

Aside from what I think is an accurate illustration of Highland kit in the olden days, this is probably the best view I will be able to have of the Highlands themselves. Thank you for that!

[@daveburklund2295]

If you can stay warm and cozy at around the freezing point when it's damp, your kit is pretty awesome.

[@fion1flatout]

Totally agree, I've heard that medical statistics back that up too

[@ModernKnight]

Enjoyed this one, that environment looks tough!

[@GaiaCarney]

My heart leapt out of my chest when his fire took light in the dark and cold 🔥 Thank You @FandabiDozi

[@Jen999]

We sure bet you were happy to get that fire started 🔥💜💙

[@NoMatureContent]

Just going into winter here in Vic Australia. Despite popular misconceptions, everything is also wet all the time here. That was an impressive attempt to start a fire.

[@leroybabcock6652]

The land is looking quite beautiful there

[@johnbaldwin143]

Love your work. Keep it all alive!

[@vonsprague7913]

Excellent! I just couldn't live without my modern boots, tarp and a cup of coffee in the morning so well done. Slainte!

[@ivans3806]

Interesting choice of place to sleep. In blog posts by Andrew Skurka - he mentioned that being too close to water source like a creek means lower temps at night.

[@CheGenasim]

Absolutely so, but on the other hand no wind. If there was one.

[@nathancovington1792]

You gotta also consider the wind. It’s easier to deal with a place being very cold with no wind than it is to have it be decently cold with wind.

[@android582]

A good reminder how long it takes to get your camp set up before darkness falls (in winter less light)

[@garymitchell5899]

Useful to know there's less light in winter 👍

[@android582]

​@@garymitchell5899 probably need to start making camp around 1pm to collect enough firewood, cook your tea and set camp before it's dark at 4pm ( dry your clothes too)

[@RetroFirepower]

I just got back from an over night wild camp and watched this. I smiled cos that wet wood is a pain but what a feeling when you get it going pure ecstasy

[@PerryEllis-j7u]

About your reindeer hide shedding-afraid you’re doomed, my friend. Their winter hair is hollow, which makes it super warm. But the hair is also super brittle. It’ll keep shedding, but look on the bright side, in 3 or 4 years you’ll have a bunch of leather….. Summer hair isn’t hollow, and stays on the hide much longer, but it isn’t nearly as warm. Thanks for another excellent video!

[@josephr9551]

Loved your video, wish it was longer.

[@melodybales2038]

The hides are warmer when you wear the leather side down (the deer hide specifically). It's less cozy but if you have wool there anyhow it shouldn't affect the feeling too much. That's how the Indigenous American's did it way back when. Very interesting video thank you for sharing!

[@madtitan9639]

Fandabi Toesies! Having lived and worked outdoors in both North Dakota and Western Washington I say with confidence that just above freezing, in a humid climate, is the absolute fucking worst.

[@kencoffman7145]

Wet and cold is terrible but people don't have a clue about cold until they've been in NoDak or NE Montana.

[@Sr89hot]

The wind in North Dakota never stops. It rips away your body heat. I was stationed at GFAFB two winters working in the missile field in the 80’s.

[@CW-nt1sd]

Here in Brisbane Australia it’s winter and I’m freezing in 15 deg c

[@behindthespotlight7983]

Smartest lesson in this brief adventure? “It’s freezing but lighting fires makes sweat” and strip off those layers BEFORE. Fire craft, from gathering to processing wood to spinning up an ember, is the one wilderness pursuit when no matter how methodical you are, if you’re crafting primitive fire you’re gonna sweat. In present day gear I cannot recall how many times I got the wrist thick branches going then excused myself to grab a micro towel and get as dry as possible and into new flannel wool as quickly as possible. Remember team, wet conducts body heat away 25x faster than dry. And your head loses 50% of your overall body warmth. A good method is to carry two Touks. Wearing 2 employs the same thermal layer benefit as Tom’s “2 bonnets” hack

[@thegreenman3213]

I had a buddy who was doing a survival trek in the Yukon. He was working hard to make a qui-glue. Basically a borrow in the snow. By the time he finished he didn’t realize but he was soaked with sweat. When he walked outside of the shelter his sweat almost immediately froze. If it wasn’t for the life saving measures of his team to warm him up he would’ve died. Sweating in the cold is no joke.

[@Garethprice1979]

The rest is true, but you DO NOT lose 50% heat from your head

[@TeaVR]

Impressive! Great to see someone camping out in such a humid environment. I see so many videos where the KZbinr camps out in cold but very dry climates (where starting a fire seems easy).

[@antonwearsakilt5209]

Looks like fun time's, thank you for sharing. Happy Easter MMXXIV God Speed

[@PaletoB]

Meeting this on a hiking trail would be awesome 😅

[@james94666]

I'm from Scotland Highlands and love the outdoors great video love your passion for being a pureist some great tips and tricks thanks..

[@richardjames9091]

I was down here in West Yorkshire when this was filmed and it was cold here in the Pennines's so must have been much colder up there. Fair play to you Love the music and thanks for sharing..

[@moa0074]

Thanks Tom, another cracking video. Love the winter moccasins. Reminded me of NZ army basic winter training in the 90s - cept you have slightly better kit 😊. Best wishes

[@danieldelgado3659]

Excellent video Fandabi Dozi, congratulations, all the videos are very good, good food, beautiful landscapes and a good life in general, thank you, much success!¡¡¡¡¡

[@zerowastecalifornia]

This looked very challenging but it was very interesting to watch! I was very fortunate that I was able to live in Scotland for a couple years in my 20s. Such an amazing place.

[@AdianGess]

Hi Tom, brave man, good video, nice music with water running in back ground. Bloody soaking brilliant yer hardy

[@jessedphillips]

Exciting

[@zdravkostankov255]

Absolutely adorable video ❤

[@LukasToya]

That shot of you lighting a fire in the dark, was cool af. 👏

[@Nyctophora]

Thank you for another lesson in living history!

[@shermer75]

That was great, more of those please!

[@bluemike807]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing all your adventures with us

[@TCP87]

Great video, thank you for you hard enjoyable work and insight.

[@Zaggrippas]

This is great ❤ just the thing I was looking for. U doing a great thing here! Greetings from the woods of Sweden 👋🇸🇪

[@CJ-uf6xl]

Such an evocative video 👍 Really enjoyed it.

[@steagathebeach]

Great grandfather crossed the pond in 1900, here north of Montréal in the Laurentians i've recently wondered this winter on warmer days how lads lived daily in a kilt for centuries...

[@gorillanogin]

Awesome mate love it Got to get out side We walked the great glen way September ish last year Wild camped n completed it I used a festival ponshow as a roll mat Completed it n survived I blame you 😶 It worked 👍👌

[@davidneal6920]

Incredible skills getting that fire going and maintained in those conditions Brother 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🇳🇿

[@jimmyh8090]

Hi tom , well done getting the fire going i was expecting a quiet sod it and the use of a lighter 😂 , could you do a show about what they lived on and the food they eat day to day . Thanks Jim

[@tedt666]

As a medieval Norse reenactor, I learned you can't really do anything about reindeer hides shedding their hair. The hairs are "hollow", which makes them better at insulating, but this also makes them break easier, therefore the pelts are prone to shedding. I always heard summer coats are better to use as pelts, because they tend to shed less hair than winter coats. Just enjoy the pelt, but you'll have to take the loose hairs for granted :) Thank you for the videos, keep up the great work!

[@rngriff1]

Good video, I always enjoy your videos! Take Care!

[@tuerkefechi]

Wonderful, my friend, as usual 👍🏼

[@tonyg25]

I made your bannock bread for a hunt in nz a few weeeks ago, 10/10 will make again. I agree that cold and wet is the worst. Give me frozen any day.

[@UrsulaPainter]

Thank you for a wonderful glimpse of the "guid" life.

[@Mikatus1]

Today I was out wandering in the woods and something huge happened. I walked in a completely wild part of the forest where there was no path and huge bushes and densely packed trees. I was thinking about everything thing around me but suddenly a huge creature burst out of a bush in front of me, it was a boar 🐗. I would have panicked probably but thanks to the fact that I had watched your video about surviving the 21 century I knew about the flight or fight hormones and I controlled my self and didn’t do anything. The boar jumped 3 times in the opposite direction so I turned and ran so fast that my socks went down(really fast). I jumped into a cow pen where I sat down and collected my self. Thank you fandabi dozi for educating me more about the fight or flight hormones that helped me to control my self during this encounter and have a great Easter! Greetings from Scania/southern Sweden

[@malfunction8165]

We have a loot of boars where we live, and most of them drink in my local.

[@RS-xq6je]

​@@malfunction8165I took a few of them home for the night when I was a pup 😂

[@fion1flatout]

So pleased people are out there doing this stuff instead of saying 'we think there was some ritual significance' 😊

[@williamstamper5395]

Here again we have the great Dozi in survival's true ways, the Army has a somewhat same only no Tartan, darn!. Five years or so ago I would dive in, until the hip replacement and the shorter leg issue, but I'm still going to watch anyway,😃 Thanks as always.

[@stephengarrett8076]

Outstanding vid great information 👍i like your persistence with the fire . Thank you 👍

[@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156]

I'm watching this while eating dinner: rumbledethumps and bangers. I love your channel, Cheers!

[@twinlights11]

I as well; leftovers from yesterday ;) minus the bangers...

[@BryanKoenig379]

Yes I was craving a video from you since you posted that you was going to make one thank you❤

[@PAULWICKS-xy6kt]

fair play dude.! I find about 7 degrees is as cold as tolerable including getting in the stream in the morning to wash and wake up.! Well impressive kit you’ve put together.

[@weekendstuff]

Nice episode. Thanks fot sharing. ❤

[@storbunlimitedbushcraft6996]

Great job

[@madpixie02]

Very nice. I love the smallpipes background music. :)

[@caribooskidoo3997]

Dude, awesome. Wish I was there hangin' with ya.

[@MassimilianoBiagetti]

Bravissimo, molto bella questa rivisitazione

[@tomad4051]

Nice Ambiance, my bones are still chilled 🥰🥰🥰

[@jonathanliddell4220]

Those winter moccasins look fantastic Tom. I'd be very curious to hear how they held up!

[@DrDanTDC]

Very cool stuff! I love it.

[@jeffhenson183]

Beautiful location! Good video.

[@AdamBell-yj4dq]

Hi, regarding the loop at the top of the plaid. Perhaps it is an end of a knot used to tie your shirt/hood configuration. Also if you pull the hood cloth from the sides it will pull in the sleeve cloth in tight allowing free movement of the arms. Do this while sitting down so none of the bottom cloth gets pulled up. This wider hood cloth when gathered up and tied at the top locks the plaid in place, stopping it coming undone and making you more aerodynamic in the heat of battle. This may be the loop in the picture. I think they would have carried cordage with a loop at both ends for tying up their plaid. For carrying already pleated over the shoulder when not being worn. Then one loop can be undone and you could hang it from a tree branch at the perfect height to get your belt on. This could be a fast way to get your plaid on, maybe even while on the move if you held the cordage in your teeth. Great videos man. Hope this sparks an idea or two for you. Look forward to your next instalment.

[@moorshound3243]

On the reindeer fur thing, you need to get a fur that has been killed in the dead of winter, apparently that's the best furs as the cold holds the fur for longer?

[@crazyscotsman9327]

I got cold just watching that. But I imagine it was amazing when the fire started.

[@v0w1x2]

As a Scots born man I find this interesting (and also the Canadian/Alaskan stuff). Primarily because when it is a -ve temperature here, it may be +30 in the daytime. Western Australia I love it.

[@thekraken48]

Excellent video. Thanks

[@LuxisAlukard]

Great stuff on this channel! :)

[@DSWL_]

well done mate

[@erikhoff5010]

Very good information and sharing of your knowledge. I liked the idea of the waterproofed shoes lined with sheepskin. In using animal fat for that, I recall that the fat has to be rendered with wax to make it work. Lanolin, a natural oil in sheepskin has to be rendered with sheep fat to make the wax. It's been many years since I made some, I will have to find my notes. Skal

[@wullieg7269]

that grass if you can find it is 1rst priority a thick green leaf with dried underneath like palm tree perfect in worst rain

[@stephenmckay6968]

Check out Matt Richard’s pH vs hide swelling curve for bark tanned hide solutions. pH can be managed for removing fur (in the case of making leather) or retaining fur (in the case of fur-on hides).

[@simplylifeau]

Nice one, well done Tom…👍

[@stephentosterud9375]

You should come to the highlands of North Carolina for your British North American fans(US) for one of your classes. I would go. Scotland is just a little to far.

[@EL-gu8fv]

Lots of Scots settled there, so we aren't so different.

[@jekylthorn8969]

That bloke playing the flute could at least have helped build the fire!

[@William_the_great17]

Top tier mate

[@aonghassprangach333]

Great stuff thanks tom

[@Batmanananana]

Thnx for the great vid!

[@_Rib_tree_]

I love the music!!!

[@mdrubelhossien7710]

Beautiful

[@Cyclone243]

Living in London makes me feel like a prisoner sometimes, its hard to find the time for me to do activities like this, I miss it dearly. I need to get some kit together for solo wilderness survival, most likely I will do this in Scotland :)

[@MrMisuma]

New fan from Denmark here 🇩🇰😄

[@mountaingirlzstuff4314]

This is a fun adventure!