Hobo Water Heater - Really Works!

The Hobo Water Heater is an inexpensive way to have lots of hot water at camp for coffee, hot cereal or for doing dishes etc. It's easy to make and can be sourced from cast off materials in almost any urban environment.
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[@WayPointSurvival]

This is a really fun project to make and works quite well for those in-camp hot water needs. As long as you keep the fire going and continue to pour water in, it's going to give you a relatively endless supply of hot water. Thanks for watching and please leave me a comment in the section below!

[@Valorius]

Cool video thanks for posting!

[@tobystrickland5986]

It's amazing what God can do! I learned something New! Thanks brother! That's really a smart thing to keep around!

[@DaeViZ0n3]

James, you are doing a great job! I certainly wouldn‘t be mad of you turned this channel into a hobo version of that 5-minute-craft“ channel (before they only came up with nonsense). Your level of enthusiasm and energy, paired with your skills and charisma makes this channel a channel to come back to every other day :)

[@KittyF80]

@@DaeViZ0n3 That's exactly what I think of when I see a new video posted. 5 minute survival.

[@pfallen8067]

Excellent idea! As always! Thanks

[@davkrod]

In Australia these are known as "Donkey Systems" and are still widely used in shearing sheds and droving camps. They are usually 10 or 20 gallon drums.

[@user-by8dr4it8w]

From a retired hobo with 50 years under his belt. Super impressed. I used a gallon can to heat water for wash, cooking , etc but your design is top shelf. What we used to call a 1000 mile " " . As most hobos rode the local freight to the next town a long trip was known as 1000 mile. Example ; 1000 mile paper. Thick paper was used to line boxcars sometimes. You could cut a big sheet and use for a blanket, ground clothe, or cut into strips to help start a fire. So you might call this a 1000 mile water heater.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so very much!

[@bondee5865]

Thanks for sharing

[@wrongfootmcgee]

so you would steal from your ride? seems counter productive... its one thing to drag around on the rails but stealing is just being a homeless thief

[@user-by8dr4it8w]

What are you talking about exactly ? The paper lining I referred to hasn't been used since WW2. And it was removed and tossed after a couple of uses by the railroad.anyway. But some of the old timers that rode during the Great Depression told me about it, plus I saw a photo of a paper lined boxcar from the 1920s in an old book about a railroad company that no longer exists. @@wrongfootmcgee

[@simontenkate9601]

​@@wrongfootmcgeeever heard about the Phareseans?

[@Muggalomaniac]

This hobo series is really fun! I hope it continues for many episodes!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much!

[@jeromeknasinski3862]

Fantastic Idea Great Explanation My dad showed me and my brother how to do that with 1 gallon gas cans. He never talked about it but I always wondered if wasn't some kind of a hobo during the depression. He taught us hobo signs as well.

[@WayPointSurvival]

He very well could have been, it certainly sounds like it. Thank you for watching!

[@cheeto.1]

Im never disappointed when I stop by Waypoint Survival. Good stuff always

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@greasylimpet3323]

That's a great idea! Once you get it going, it would be a lot faster than boiling a cup of water each time you needed one. Thanks for all your videos; your enthusiasm makes them all the better. Best wishes from Australia 🇦🇺

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much and I'm glad you liked it!

[@FidoHouse]

I KNEW I could do something worthwhile with that olive oil can! Thank you!!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@ritakisil1669]

Maybe I go buy olive oil in a can☺...happy new year 2024

[@cotteeskid]

that is a great idea just to use as a permanent feature for camp - especially if you have your own bug out location. You could upscale it to use a small keg or similar made from stainless steel.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Indeed you could. Thanks for watching!

[@jimcy1318]

Thought that myself, but I also thought there was a fly on my screen 🤣

[@andrewallason4530]

Australian Army has used a version of this since WW1 known as the Elephant. It utilises a heavy drum about the size of a 44 gallon tank, with the ‘funnel’ piped direct to the bottom. There is enough delay that you can pour into the funnel and then collect from the faucet with the one vessel, be it a bucket or a mug.

[@cotteeskid]

@@andrewallason4530 As an Aussie, I wish I knew this. Thanks

[@paulriggs42]

We used to do a similar method back in the 80’s in scouts…. We used 5 gallon food oil drums and extended the outlet with a pipe just to make it a little safer (outlet further from the fire). Great to see these older methods being used today ! Awesome video, thanks !

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching, it really is a good option for a static camp.

[@col470]

We had the same in cub scouts in the 90s with 20 litre drums. (Australia)

[@myvids1415]

Same here, in our troop we called it the water otter, because it made the water hotter.

[@TheAtarashiiKaze]

This is a great idea! It would be best for a camp methinks because it would take up a lot of empty space in a rucksack. If. I were going to carry this item regularly I would make the 'funnel hole' about 4 inches wide and I would load all of my tools or other stuff in it. That way it wouldn't take up empty space in my carry bag. It could get some ashes or something in the water, but you could flatten out a tiny can to cover the hole when heating the water.

[@foxybrown1g]

This hot water heater was so clever! Imagine having 3 of your friends camping with you and for breakfast they all want coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Using this method, you’d never run out of hot water because with every mug of coffee, the water gets totally replaced. This is so ingenious!

[@D4Clout]

Or just use a tea kettle?

[@kevin60718]

That's Genius. I'm gonna attempt this one day and I can't wait. The slightly perpetual system of one cup cold in is one cup hot out is perfect for getting away for longer.

[@johndoogan3712]

This takes hobo water heaters to the next level. I'm sure the guys at Black Rifle Coffee would love ❤️ to see this one.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Maybe they'll watch it! Lol.

[@dragonslayer7587]

I love this idea as well as strong coffee. Thanks so much!! You are genius!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching!

[@rljpdx]

glad i watched this. can never have too many survival skills.

[@melaniemiller4567]

that's the coolest little build i've seen in a while👍

[@redpillnibbler4423]

This is proper recycling 👍🎯

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@parkerazz4385]

My life goal is to be a hobo and live nomadic with no bills and no job. Instantly subscribed

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching and welcome aboard!

[@zacharycolton267]

No, you want to be a homeless vagrant bum- hobos have jobs

[@BennyCFD]

You know you can be a Hobo at your home if you don't go inside.....

[@oldrabidus2230]

Let’s not bring millennials into this…😏

[@parkerazz4385]

@@oldrabidus2230 Then why dud you?

[@charlenepinola4310]

I used to teach survival to people who wanted to learn how to "rough"it out in wilds .it's always a good thing to learn new things from others.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Indeed!

[@Squirrel200]

As a 60+ old Explorer I love the old school video! Thanks for keeping the old ways alive! Hugs🤗🤗

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much and I'm glad that you liked it!

[@Squirrel200]

The world needs more people like you! 🤗🤗

[@kalstreksandtrails7606]

For a permanent camp this is a great ideal. Awesome video my friend

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@jimcy1318]

what a great project, we used to have a similar system in the army made from a 40 gallon steel drum when we were around the HQ area, but I never saw this system used on a smaller, more portable scale.🇺🇸🇬🇧👍 superb.

[@rodbowden9086]

In the Australian Military as well. Usually at the ablution facilities. They were called Jumbos I suppose due the the size of the drum and the spout fitted to the drum.

[@jimcy1318]

@@rodbowden9086 cheers Rod same thing for us pom's, best regards 👍

[@WayPointSurvival]

Yes, this is just a miniature variation. Thanks for watching!

[@brucebennett5759]

I saw this on a Boy Scout camping trip LONG ago. Another troop had one made from a +/- 5 gallon cylinder. (in metric, that's 20 quarts). It lay on its side with a foot-long (again, in metric, that's 1/3 of a yard) pour spout welded to it. I was very jealous. (Much like many of you are upon seeing my skill at converting English (imperial) to metric.)

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video; it has convinced me that, if one wishes to do bushcraft, one would be well-advised to study all that is known about hobo life.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Well said!

[@oldgoat8861]

61yrs old......and being taught something that I knew but couldn't put into a practical use of how to do it. Always learning, and a great video.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much, glad you liked it!

[@workingstiffdiogenes2195]

More hobo projects! This one is so simple and yet so ingenious.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much!

[@jayscorpionjba]

I love this lifestyle hack, can't wait to teach my kids this amazing hiking and camping trick. Thanks for sharing.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much for watching and I'm glad you liked it!

[@darkxenonature]

The info with hotwater rises and cold water sinks.. is amazing thank you!! your technique is amazing!!! Thanks for this AMAZING Video :D

[@jimwulstan8592]

Two cups for extra insulation is a gem of an idea.

[@steffanoswald7917]

You show really cool ideas that some of us have never seen before. This is inventive. I need a food grade tin. This idea has so much potential.

[@WayPointSurvival]

I believe you can order them online or you can pick up one that contains something like denatured alcohol or olive oil which is already relatively clean.

[@haggis525]

Outstanding, James! I've used many of the things you've posted on your channel... I reckon that this is the next one! I enjoy "living rough" with minimal gear and this seems almost luxury to me. That said; I'm not averse to a wee bit of luxury in my camp. Thanks so much for another wonderful idea! I'm a big fan of yours, James, and if it were possible I'd certainly support the channel with $$$ too. I live on a rather modest disability pension so all I can do is watch, like and comment... I hope that's enough. Be well and stay safe.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much and I appreciate all the support!

[@michaelpease4056]

i watched this video on your hobo hot water heater and i remembered something that i learned in boy scouts on how to heat your bed roll on cold night or winter camping with 2 hot water bottles and fill them with hot water from the fire and place them in your bed about 20 to 30 minutes before going to be and if you need fill them again just before bed and put them in with you for a little bite. this was a great video and brought back another memory from my grandfather and my days scouting

[@WayPointSurvival]

Great! Good old fashioned ideas and thank you for sharing them and for watching the video!

[@sodomyte]

It is amazing at how any brilliant minds have developed so many slick tricks to get by. This is very unique.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@margaretadler6162]

Great idea and fun project! Thanks, James!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@mikeyfrederick1232]

Just got to say you make some really great content sir...its fun, interesting and super educational..you have really cool positive energy.. thanks for all the hard work you put into your channel..it def shows.. I plan on making a few of your builds for camping this summer..or for future survival scenarios lol ya know what I mean? lol

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much!

[@quintork4100]

beside your very cool practical inventions!seeing you in full hobo gear with a sunny"hello!"naturally puts the biggest smile on my face your positivity is truly infectous!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much, my friend!

[@jackhill436]

I used to be a locomotive engineer but after hitting a loaded cement truck I was medically retired I ran through freight out of Houston and then out of New Orleans for 14 months I had 20 years in when I had my accident seeing this video makes me miss running those engines maybe I’ll just start living the hobo life like my millionaire great grandfather I talked about in a comment on one of your previous videos

[@WayPointSurvival]

Sorry to hear about that. Be safe out here!

[@boundsgreenboy8354]

Yet another great hobo tip, just love the simplicity, thanks again James. 👌

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@boundsgreenboy8354]

@@WayPointSurvival yes sir I am constantly fascinated by the number of devices and tip's tricks and techniques you share, love the wayfarer series too, thanks.

[@peterott9162]

Absolutely love the hobo series! This one was just fantastic James. Can't wait till the next one, wonder what's next?🤔

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching, I think you'll like the next several videos!

[@studiobencivengamarcusbenc5272]

Not for my drinking water BUT for washing in field this is a good idea !

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@redpillnibbler4423]

Excellent for nice cup of English breakfast tea and a slice of Victoria sponge old bean 👍

[@WayPointSurvival]

Indeed, thanks for watching!

[@edwardstagner1021]

Very resourceful I would never would’ve thought of that! Enjoy the channel

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching, glad you liked it!

[@galenmullenax4039]

Excellent as always and extremely efficient!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge to us! God bless!!❤

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching and God bless you too!

[@Adder-zo4fy]

I just ran across this guy's videos and I already can't wait to try some of these items specially for the hobo stove. Totally amazing

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much and I'm glad that you are enjoying the channel!

[@mallyredfearn6834]

Really enjoying this series. I've studied the hobo lifestyle for years. This was called a lazymans boiler if my memory serves me correctly? All these little bits and bobs you're showing us how to make were covered in a book called "Roughing it Easy." I has this book many years ago and found it interesting. I used some of the methods myself. It's great to see a lot of it coming to life here. I need to see if that book is still available. Think it was around the 90s that I had it.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Yes, that book is one of the reference sources that I use for some of the ideas among many others.

[@davidwilliams9795]

Useful idea for a small group. Thanks for sharing.💥👍

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching!

[@alisadickson225]

I can watch these video all day

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much!

[@CHDean]

That is simply-brilliant.

[@learntechwithruth2147]

That’s so cool! Thank you for showing us how to do that.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@jimhale3879]

Thank you for another Great Video! I like watching your channel because you always come up with very neat and useful projects to do with supplies that just about anyone has laying around, repurpose of items.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching!

[@shootingsportstransparency7461]

Simplicity at his best

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@joannekeefe426]

Incredibly awesome

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@Canadian_Craftsman]

I used the same gallon tin to make a mini woodstove for a tent and aluminum beer bottles for the chimney works very well, I would recommend a alcohol tin so kinda sterile already thanks James!!😁✌️💚✊️🔥

[@WayPointSurvival]

Yes, there are quite a few options for good tins for this project. Thank you for watching!

[@RobertsBulgaria]

Did you make a video on it? I checked out your channel, but didn't see it only some Titanium Stove in a Lavvu.

[@Canadian_Craftsman]

It's poor audio quality just working with what I got I have allot more diy stuff just no time to film thanks for ur interest btw!!😁✌️💚

[@RobertsBulgaria]

@@Canadian_Craftsman I'm always interested in thinking outside of the box and workable cheap safe hacks. I really didn't see the point of this video, much easier to just boil water in a cup, but this is YT where views count more than logic sometimes.

[@Canadian_Craftsman]

@@RobertsBulgaria haha very funny and true that's my main reason I'm not consistent with cheesy uploads just something wholesome!!

[@57WillysCJ]

These can were really popular until plastic came a long. As useful as the tin can to guys in the back country from the lower 48 to Alsaska. I believe in the Dick Proenneke video you will see him hauling gravel to his cabin with a pair. Some had better steel than others. I believe some of the old big game guides even turned them in to a grill with their pocket knife.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Yes. There are still quite a few products sold in tins.

[@puddleduck5734]

loved that movie

[@J777Adventures]

Cool idea, I always wanted to be a ramblin man, hearing stories about hobos and travelling the rails all over.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@broomeroaf2155]

In the British army we used 45 gallon oil drum over the the top of a brick fire .called a lazy man's boiler .perfect for troops morning cup of tea/coffee and for morning wash and shave

[@WayPointSurvival]

Excellent. Thanks for watching!

[@damonledford180]

A couple of videos deep and they're all so good. I'm using these to teach myself to teach my scouts. Learning is never-ending and thank you!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much, glad you are enjoying the channel!

[@tomjjackson21]

I wonder if there's any Hobo's watching thinking, "Hmmm, great advice." I worked in Bellevue WA for years, which I believe is the richest city in America. Bill Gates home was a few miles from my office. Anyways the "Hobo's" in Bellevue are so well off, they pull out card readers on their iPhones while asking for spare change, "Sorry sir I don't carry cash." Him, "No problem. I actually have a card reader." Lol, I'm dead serious... I have a really cool packable stove that has the water heater attachment. I just purchased it from an estate sale auction last weekend, and I'm actually really excited to use it.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Excellent. Yes, many of the hobos today are nothing like their ancestral counterparts. Thanks for watching!

[@fookingsog]

Is the stove you got anything like the "Kelly Kettle"???🤔

[@studiobencivengamarcusbenc5272]

Yeah only a few steps to Seattle and while scenario is another matter 😂stay there and tell them to stay polite 🍳☕️🙋🏻‍♂️

[@PeaceJourney...]

@@fookingsog now that's a really cool item. Hot water from twigs in ten minutes.

[@fookingsog]

@@PeaceJourney... If you need 500mL (16.9 FL Oz.) boiled in about 5 minutes, there's a "RUCAS HD" alcohol stove that's super lightweight and crush proof. Uses 2 Oz. or less of denatured alcohol for the boil. If memory serves me correctly, I think it will even fit inside of the Stanley Kit!!! Just a note that it is waaay more durable and safe than the diy soft drink can alcohol stoves!!!😁👍🏻

[@radram157]

Ohh, I'm doing this!!! Adding to my gear!! Thank you!!

[@johanvanbeek7138]

i like the science of it, very clever.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@terryqueen3233]

James I believe you must have been a hobo in your past life but this doesn't have to be for a hobo it can be for a campsite especially if you're there for some time. Leave it up to you James, you the man. Thank you so much for the video have a great day and stay safe and keep your powder dry! PS is there any more to your Frontier story?

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching! I am building the cabin so it's taking me quite a while to get the next episodes filmed.

[@terryqueen3233]

I await it anxiously!

[@jenandjim149]

we love the hobo series

[@zakthewarcat3172]

Genius, pure genius

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@bondee5865]

Thank you James; great instructions; this might help in different situations too... disasters, rolling-blackouts. It seems the best option for a family or a group of people; they're not picking up a scalding container of water. Plus you ALWAYS have a cup of hot water available; no need to wait!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Indeed. The military even made large-scale ones from 55 gallon drums.

[@markhough7770]

That's a crazy useful invention! Excellent video.

[@fatmanfaffing4116]

In the Australian Army we used to do the same with a 44 gallon drum, called the elephant. One bucket in gave one bucket out for your shower.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Excellent!

[@mindlesscreatures]

That's great, simple to make

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching,glad you liked it!

[@krishoogstraat6866]

Awesome! Just an awesome idea James !! Thanks for sharing!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you, my friend!

[@mtstream55n]

Wow. That is amazing.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@miguelpimentel8539]

Really great idea

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@greasey520]

That’s a great one to give a try! I’d love to see more Hobo cooking.

[@cathybobalek8069]

thank you for the videos.i remember making the hobo soup to stew. camping.doing the hobo stove.was fun.and easy to do was the best part.HaveA wonderful day.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Excellent, thanks for watching!

[@brngrofdeth]

Awesome idea! Thank you. Love and blessings!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching and glad you liked it!

[@BBQDad463]

Looks like a great idea! Thanks for this video.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@danieljones2183]

Another excellent demonstration.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@mbarr1029]

Cool , Thanks James

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@norsealaskan6834]

This was fantastic!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much!

[@jplamb77]

Excellent Video James,,,,, Works exactly like my Bunn drip coffee unit,,,, Really creative,,,!!!! Thanks Joshua

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching and I'm glad you liked it!

[@backdraft916]

Outstanding!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@shadomane]

That's a very neat idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching!

[@davidderr2662]

I wish was there . Strong coffee, smart person. God bless.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you, and God-bless you too!

[@JesusSaves86AB]

A great idea with many other potential uses.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Indeed. Thank you for watching!

[@conorgraafpietermaritzburg3720]

Very practical, thanks. I am going to make one.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Excellent, thanks for watching!

[@lourdevegeta]

That was ingenious!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@jennyriede5372]

Thanks for teaching this.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@brendarueda8460]

Great plan, can't wait to try this.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@AdaM48state]

Love coffee out camping. Thanks for the idea!!!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@timebandit2951]

Way to go, James, a hot cup of black coffee coming into twilight and then nite. Nothing better. Thanks for another 👍 video.

[@WayPointSurvival]

You're very welcome!

[@lareneandpipsqueeksully]

That is awesome! Thank you!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@chickenprepper236]

I literally get mesmerized when you show us your new invention , i just love to watch , your incredible , lol I'm so happy lol thank you so much for your shares , stay safe , God Bless , till next time

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much for watching, God-bless you too!

[@MerTop1]

That’s cool . 👍will be making one .

[@Olyphoto7]

Nice simple project, well done 👍

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@reneelosie2644]

I did it again I fell into a bucket of knowledge from you thank you. My brain is starting to hurt quit. 😁

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@suebryant1188]

That’s so clever! Thanks for demonstrating. 😊

[@WayPointSurvival]

You are so welcome!

[@keithstegall1961]

Good idea.

[@dirtyd7931]

Awesome channel. This guy is so pumped about learning and teaching. Great content thank you sir.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Much appreciated, glad you like it!

[@simontenkate9601]

Genius. Simple and effective! Thanx!

[@WayPointSurvival]

You're welcome!

[@zikend]

This channel is so great, thanks for sharing all of this.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@richschwartz8004]

Nice project. Thanks for sharing. God bless and stay safe.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@Hoppesno9er]

I’ll be trying that for sure! Thanks again!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@fuzzywu260]

Enjoyed it greatly. Two or three cans at a time three times into large container with a privacy tent and its bath time

[@WayPointSurvival]

Indeed. This can even be scaled up to a 55 gallon drum.