8 Firestarting Hacks You NEED to Know Before Your Next Survival Adventure

Master fire starting and build your skillset with survival expert Greg Ovens. The more you know, the more likely you'll make it out alive in a survival situation.
Greg is a self-taught survivalist from Canal Flats, British Colombia, who, since he was a boy, has read nearly every book on the topic. When he is not out in the wilderness, he is a professional dry-waller. He started his first bow drill fire when he was thirteen and spent the next forty years learning bushcraft and studying plants and edibles. He has even developed some of his own survival techniques and is a skilled hunter with both a bow and a slingshot.
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[@themidnightrider6805]

Thank you! What a bunch of knowledge you just put out I appreciate it!

[@claudioviolajr]

Perfect vídeo, i always impress with your knowledge!!! Great hugs from Brazil

[@ArtistFormerlyKnownAsShitlord]

Finn: "I love my dad, Greg, but he keeps burning my toys!"

[@DeanMonaghan]

Love the accuracy of the profile pic

[@jules3048]

That was so freaking cute!!

[@TheCradM]

Hahahahahahahha

[@mralien4710]

Take the cap off the bic lighter you got 60 more flames 🔥:) cheers. Your a good man !

[@kenwalker2868]

Your best video yet. I might never need this but, it's great to have the ability to start a fire when you have to.

[@grizzlgrnMike]

Hey Greg! Love the videos man and appreciate all the hard work you put into them. This another great video and I'll definitely be learning how to do some of these tricks. I thought about something when you lit that last fire in the video with a lighter that had no fluid it became very apparent how quick big forest fires can start. I'm sure you know all about that and I'm also sure you've dealt with them actually.. I know y'all have because I watch your videos lol. Just an idea but using a lit cigarette and showing viewers how easy a forest fire can start by flicking a cigarette out the window of a car or even walking a trail in the woods or something, I just think that would be a awesome video and bring awareness to ppl how easy these fires can start. Even using these seeds you using in this video and or the dandy lion heads, Dry grass etc... Thanks for being awesome man give Fin a big hug for me it's always cool to see him. I'm disabled and can't really get out and about but if I'm ever able to It'd be cool to do a overnight survival or even just meet up and do some fishing or lobster catching lol. Have a blessed day and be safe out there. 😎💪💯 26:21

[@16prospector]

Great messaging and demos Greg! I like your videos that get right to the basics. Keep up the good work!

[@DanielBelliveau-y5x]

Thank you very much Mr. Ovens for showing me how I can still do the bow drill with your log method, I have hip problems and find it difficult to to it the regular way now, though I had succeeded in the past , now I can try a new way which some day could be a lifesaver.

[@indiareiss434]

I just love this man! He is the sweetest most resilient and ingenuitive outdoor fellow. Making a fire with a sandwich bag who would have thought lol?!

[@debrawilley6960]

Me too.

[@northernkingdomprincess7384]

Me three

[@sosteve9113]

@@northernkingdomprincess7384 lol

[@elizabethstolz9780]

Greg Ovens thought that's who!

[@peteodonnell2142]

These videos are always very informative. Keep it up, Greg

[@annapelczer2740]

Hi Greg, if you remove the metalpiece from your lighter you have still a chance for a little flame. Put the lighter in your hand for a while to warm it up. Now press the gas permanent with your left thumb and ignite with your other hand, and you get a very little flame. By removing the 'metalpiece' there is more oxygen around, and you can start a fire. Stay well and a big PETRI

[@soulgamerman]

Good tip anna

[@mama_duck_on_the_lake7510]

Great Video Greg. I make my kids watch some of your best videos (short attention spans LOL), because I always worry about my kids. Want to make sure they can survive through the worst times. Appreciate all your knowledge and ideas made into these lovely tutorials. Best Wishes Always. RY-Michigan

[@nickivanaltena923]

I absolutely appreciate these hacks, Greg! Very Cool

[@jimbunda46]

Thanks Greg! Love your videos! Appreciate all you share!

[@communityevolution8230]

Ive recently discovered that Greg must be the long lost doppelganger of my father. You are an absolute inspiration Mr Ovens. Great video

[@lucassuzuki8997]

Hello Greg, are you going to make the berry's wine video? Love your food videos!!!

[@jeremy-ez6nd]

would be great content

[@jfields343]

I totally agree that starting fire is the most important survival skill. Warmth, boiling water, cooking and light. Without the basic knowledge of creating fire civilization wouldn't be what it is today.

[@jaegerolfa]

My high school philosophy teacher asked us one time: “What differentiates Man from beast?” His answer: “Fire”

[@normazarr3106]

Hey Greg; LOL, TO Me, Means Lots of Love! Butt-Ya had me LOL, everyone uses), at halfway through when you mentioned BPt! From an old Hippie, I can see that you're a Manly-Man,-Man. "My" Favorite of all Survivalists!😊 You are also one of the best Teachers, ya stay cool, calm, and have the Patience for what you do! Your information, may very well save a Life-Lives! So very happy for you that you, and Fin found each other! He is very special/as You, if he would only bring his favorite Toy straight to you!😂 what a Team! 🐕🧔! GBU.,SM.,NZ., ☮🥰🤗🙏👍😎

[@elsiekinsella4776]

I’ve watched everyone of your videos and I always look forward to your next one. Your one smart cookie Greg. My husband would have loved your show. But he passed away 3 1/2 years ago. 😔 Stay safe 💗

[@Williamleo71]

Great video! Informative and entertaining as always.

[@SootSootSooty]

Awww 😂 poor darling Finn. He thinks, ‘every time I bring Dad a new toy he burns it!’ His optimism is eternal.

[@bay9876]

His hard hunted New toys go up in smoke. But the cooked trout/salmon tastes good.

[@turdfurgeson8006]

I was sitting in a vehicle one time and waiting for my Sister to get her mail at the post office. Hot day and had the window open. I wear reading glasses around my neck. I was sitting there waiting and I kept feeling my arm burning. I look down and the sun was magnified through the readers burning my arm. Lol

[@eightyblox6829]

Greg, thank you. You really help a lot of people get through their day.

[@expertscav89]

Always love the useful knowledge Greg brings us great video as always hope too see you back in another video soon Greg and team fowler.

[@MadDogSurvival]

Just for info….. if you’re going to short your battery out disconnect the leads first or you will damage the alternator and lose charging capacity!

[@Silvrspatz]

Loving the chance to store up all this knowledge! Thanks for all you do and for bringing Findlay along to make me 😁

[@OwenF1988]

Awesome tips. Ive used almost all. I remember Les Stroud [Survivorman] used a bit of chocolate to polish the bottom of a pop tin, angle it to focus the rays and then left it on a tinder bundle while he went looking for food and it was smoking when he got back

[@juliekatona7932]

Love your videos! We need more. I finally found the Alone season 3 on freevee. Hypothermia is no joke. I would like to see more videos as I learn so much and get to laugh at you and Finn at the same time! Make more please!!

[@Izmawan]

Very good video

[@johnnyharperscoutstable5386]

This is great learning. I seen this guy on KZbin, the king of fire. His names David west. He polished the bottom of a coke can and started one with that. Awesome stuff 🐸🍺🔪🔥

[@brandonbaader2246]

Awsome also tripped me out to run into this guy at my home town walmart love the content an good luck fishing Greg!!!!

[@martinX71055]

Hiya greg. Thanx for the lessons oh fire master. Enjoyed ur video as ever. Martin london england

[@liamlapierre329]

Love you man! So enjoy your knowledge and wisdom! Your adventures are awesome! Truly...Thank you!

[@bay9876]

Morel mushroom bonanzas in forest fire areas. Maybe a video on some of the Morel harvest areas since forest fires have been raging for months, now.

[@Reichsadler-Germania]

This movie is one of the best and most valuable fire making guides I have ever seen! You can tell that the man passes on his experience 100%, for which I am very grateful! Best regards from Germany!

[@pinkgrandma402]

How do you know when you should or shouldn't build a fire in the woods? I am terrified of starting a forest fire. Maybe you could do a short vid about that. ps. I LOVE your channel.

[@juneduffy4502]

I wouldn’t light a fire in a pine forest or woods 🌲

[@ronnieard2521]

Thank you for making this video. It has a lot of great information, I shared it with my family. Question, I had a stroke last year, and I have partial paralysis on my left side. Is there a method other than a lighter that could be used to get a fire going?

[@karennewbury6430]

This video will be a quick reference for anyone needing fire building tips. I do (still) keep a lighter with me at all times. ... Great to see Finn becoming a vital survival companion. I look forward to your next video. Bee 🐝 well, both of you.

[@douggibson9084]

Thanks great information, Greg👍👍

[@dynastibowen7143]

Love your videos and you!!! Wish I could join in the fun!!

[@Minuteman_Expeditions-wo2cp]

2 is 1 and 1 is none! Carry 2 lighters!

[@SirZachariahlll]

Learned so much from this channel

[@mikegeo408]

Met Greg today CR. Very cordial

[@vashmatrix5769]

Love the fire helper montage.

[@michaellee8815]

10:50 RED GREEN!!

[@paulhammons7077]

Keep your stick on the ice. Duck tape!.. ... 😅

[@KEVINNOAD1]

Great Information on Fire Starting ... Greg .... When You pass to the other side ... You will be shown the butterfly effect to all humanity you saved and touched from your unconditional knowledge dedication and Love. God Bless You Brother....

[@YONDERMOUNTAINADVENTURES]

New to your channel! Awesome advice and content. Working my way through your back catalogue ATB from Northumberland 👌👍

[@ismellya]

Damn straight! Handy trumps handsome every time!!! But having both qualities.......though ideal .... extremely rare! Loving the Finnster!

[@RHYGAR1]

That Sandwich bag fire starter was utterly amazing.. that's one i never saw previously... Good show.. ty

[@jayscott4513]

Finn ❤ what a character 😂

[@johnguest9881]

And you DON'T EVER light a fire under a Evergreen tree(Unless youwantto start a forest fire!). Especially if there's snow on the ground & it's a survival situation. The heat will weaken the snow above & drop on the fire!! This is deadly, if that was your last fire making material!

[@Stinger9516]

That cut scene at 11:08 was really good😂. Another great video with helpful ideas.

[@hemansr3893]

Pro tip: NEVER START A FIRE ON YOUR VEHICLE'S BATTERY!!! You can do the same thing on the ground with Jumper Cables!!!

[@tWoforgamenot1]

cool Thank You . :)

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

Lol!😂😂😂Bring the Firewood 🐕🐕🐕🪵🪵🪵🪵🔥🔥🔥🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦😝🤘work in progress!🤣👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@lonewolf56308]

Wanted for questioning, Long haired, handsome, handyman about starting 150.000 acre fire. LMAO

[@carrieb5776]

But dad...wood is for chewing, not burning. Yummy wood. No Burn. Lol I read dog minds, kinda. Lol Finn is the cutest! Awesome fire tips, Greg! TY💜

[@sosteve9113]

Very nice explained Greg,I,m looking always looking for tinder to start a fire. Dry rotting stumps are great indeed

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

Have you explored ashed punkwood greg? Great setup for bowdrill.😁👊🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 thanks from New Zealand 🇳🇿🌏🌏🌏🌿🌿🌿🥝🥝🥝

[@damien9761]

So folks always travel with a sandwich baggy, 9v battery, 12vdc car battery from and old nova(lol), lighter fluid with lighter(lol) and his other steps! So the point being your screwed because no one packs those things for any survival trips!

[@carriedolha788]

To be honest, I use to love Brad Pitt. As I grew up, my ideals changed. Looking for the skilled, practiced, outdoors man. This is awesome stuff.

[@nancyl3843]

My goodness! Finn is handsome AND handy (you, too)! I'm going to store sandwich bags, pine needles, dry branches, grasses, and cedar in my car. I have a lot of lighters. Grateful for this video. Thank you.

[@SehxualPanda]

Greg Ovens is a gift that keeps on giving

[@billydee1879]

Thank you.

[@Squirrel200]

To this old cave woman you are rustic 📸📸 Perfect. Good video thanks and I still Where Army boots at 60 plus. Keep up the Good old-fashioned common sense thank you and God bless you and yours.

[@jasongarling20]

Hey buddies, I'd add broken bottles/jars/etc.. you don't necessarily need the whole thing.. and as Ole DC showed decades ago, urine..before you are dehydrated! Lol! Sad but true!

[@SunTours-Adventures]

Fire with a sandwich bag: I was impressed by how well that worked. But it also shows how dangerous it is to leave rubbish in nature that can focus the sun's rays in the same way: a forest fire can break out in no time! A plastic bottle, a piece of glass, maybe even a piece of metal that reflects the sun... there is so much rubbish in nature... If I find something similar in nature, I will no longer leave it lying around, but will collect it and throw it in a proper rubbish bin somewhere. If I can't take it with me, then I can at least bury it to make it harmless.

[@northernkingdomprincess7384]

I keep a lighter in my purse and in my car. Ill always remember these hacks you've taught us out here especially us women. Much love from Comanche Nation✌🏾❤

[@diannew5264]

Good Vids! However, I've always questioned Y people start their coal, then carry it 2 where their fire is. Does it not make more sense 2start it right next2 where Ur going2 have Ur fire. Or when they get their coal going on their bow drill/plow etc. then pick it up & drop in2/on2 something else, then carry it several feet2 their kindling.

[@rtoguidver3651]

I carry a fuel can w/ Diesel & Coleman fuel along w/ a 12" wick in the can... I cut a small piece of wick & the slightest spark sets it off & the diesel burns slow. Guaranteed Fire.

[@patrickflowers9140]

Awesome video compilation. Thanks so much for sharing, you've likely saved some lives with this information.

[@johnloyd3996]

EXCELLENT VIDEO ON FIRE LIGHTING! Thanks for posting!!👍👌

[@CaroleeLaGrone]

Why would you listen to someone who can't. Be taught the difference between a pick up truck and his SUV??😊?

[@carltonlhulings3815]

Nearly forty yrs ago, whenever coming down to the flatlands, would pick up any lighters as I walked along the road. Generally the trek back would be in the dark. Holding a lighter out in front and shielding your eyes with a cupped hand, the spark would light your way. Could end up with a sore thumb but better than falling off the trail. Mountainman Carl

[@stephanie8327]

I don’t need Brad Pitt or anyone else to have the skills- I got ‘em!!!! 💪🏼 thanks so much for all you have taught me Greg ☺️🙏🏼

[@2phirekronic444]

I 2 LOVE FIRE !!!! Great video man Love em all 30 days 7 or 1 or something new theyre all great hope to see you Greg by the fireside with Finn ! oh little bush hack for the tower fire or the stacked one it can also be a stove use green wood for the parallel logs oh short circuit fires can be started with basically anything electrical like a torch lighter ,once its out its still zapps, a AA battery n steel wooll even, etc . for anyone wondering ,might wanna save the car battery for last resort ahah luckily im am Phire so im not worried about getting cold Stay Golden everyone !! oh anyone know of more ways to make fire with radiation process? like the magnifying glass method

[@finfish260]

Powder in the lighter is a good one. I just spent five weeks hiking in Idaho. I can't walk past the hundreds of down and rotting stumps without thinking about your hacks. My hiking partner thinks I'm nuts but it makes a hike so much more enjoyable grinding up some powder and kicking stumps looking for fatwood - smells great. I need a partner like Finley. My Shepard / Lab mix dog died a few days before you drove up to pick up Finley. I miss her so much.

[@jlakatos524]

I wear glasses and have for a great deal of my life. As kids, we used to use our glasses to fry ants. I love your videos by the way! You aren't here trying to look cute or talk about yourself 80%of the time! You get to the point and it's greatly appreciated! Keep up the great work giving knowledge and may the gods bless you and keep you safe!

[@ChrisDraussen]

Cool video, really. Maybe an idea would be if you have a Victorinox with a magnifying glass. Probably this works too.

[@petabindoff4618]

Nice bit of antibiotics on those dry twigs lol..Usnea is better than man made antibiotics made into a tea or tincture, obviously if out in the forest/bush then tea will be the thing. At least it looks to be unseat? If it's the correct one it will have elasticity in the core when tugged.. the other doesn't and will snap off if tugged. Just thought I'd mention lol

[@420kloud5]

dude I love your videos< I have built multiple survival huts and shacks just from the surrounding's in the wooded area I was in< I don't have luck or chance to go to the real deal(mountain man type stuff) no encounters with any dangerous animals like a bear or bob cat or just any wild animal capable of making a survival experience an actual experience. I just need the opportunity you have and just take it. i was gonna start taking your advice on different material but like I said I'm limited due to the wooded surrounding im in

[@williamwalsh3779]

We need a team-up vid with Greg and Brad Pitt on a survival challenge!

[@ollin8754]

I think a cool video idea would be, "How to find your way back".. to the trail when your lost in the bush. I'm not experienced at all but love the videos, what if I cant find my way back home? lol

[@davidwilson-zs5xd]

Further to my last comment, I was in the UK military, and have survival training, deployed in several awkward places, await your reply

[@petermajor4599]

HELLO GREG! 💎💎💎🍀🍀🍀 KIND REGARDS FROM GERMANY. 👏👏💪💪💪💗 THANK YOU SO MUCH ! YOU ARE GREAT ! PETER FROM MUNICH👋👋👋👋🐻🐻🐻🐻

[@NewHampshireJack]

When attempting any solar ignition, may I suggest wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes? At the least, keep a few pair of those disposable shades often handed to you after a dilated exam at the optometrist's office. Using the "floating log" to keep pressure on the drill while bow drilling was brilliant. I have not seen that trick before.

[@joker0206]

A condom works like the sandwhich bag. It can also hold 1.5 litres of water. Handy in an emergency. Or if a water fight breaks out.

[@Diggzthecarnivore]

Hello Greg, I was wondering What would it take to do a survival trip with you, so that I can learn some skills, and Learn about different plants and bushcraft etc.

[@davieguns]

I thought I turned on a new episode of Ovens and holy survival, got McGyver! 🤯😀 Great content

[@DavidAyres-fz7xk]

That was an awesome video. Thanks Greg for sharing. Some great lessons. My favorite is the sandwich bag hac😊

[@Mr.T-BAGGIN-UR-MOM]

I love extra information like this. Thanks for the tips Greg. Also u could grow a sick mustache if u tried..

[@haydenblack5648]

Greg! I think it would be absolutely awesome to see you do some videos in the Appalachian mountains…. The terrain is different, the plants are different, and a lot of us down here love your videos but most of the things you do are not applicable to us. Anyway, you would do really well of course I would just love to see it

[@ismellya]

OMG.... for a minute there I thought you had a dead bird laying next to your coal in the "water in a baggy" fire starting hack! LOL!

[@CobCeo]

I love watching your videos. Thank you for the information. Your blue eyes brighten my day. You are handsome and handy. Great tip for the young men, Greg.

[@forgedinfire8137]

Very cool Greg. Great info. i especially like your bow drill technique. very smart idea. I did see the original video you did but had forgotten that tip

[@bugerlugs63]

Just found your channel ! Catching up binge watching … what a man 🤪💕✌️ Just wow! I might be a little obsessed x

[@kellyarms1959]

love u greg many xs wish i can b w u on ur journeys ..im glad u stay bushcraft fowler gotoffthe wagon tygreg forstayingtruen u looking to more videos im kelly n im 58 yrs old

[@dirtriders3615]

Your an awesome man Greg but unhook your truck from the battery before shorting it out to start a fire. Computers really hate being shorted could damage the vehicle. Keep it up brother look forward to your videos.

[@billg7101]

It worried me seeing you hold the firewood when you swung the ax. Good way to get hurt very bad. I've been there when people hit their hand doing that same thing. Please be careful man. People love you and look up to you

[@RickDavis-g4b]

Love the video buddy keep up the great work!! You ve been doing a great job! Love your knowledge!!! Thx