Military Winter Survival Kit and Skills!

[@joshuaconklin4885]

For those who don't know, the wrench style opening in the head of the Spax is designed to open fire hydrants, making it a great survival tool to have in urban settings as well 🤙

[@truck3696]

Sillcock key is also a very good tool for similar reasons.

[@ScottyD0578]

Spanner wrench and Axe = Spax lol.

[@whereswaldo5740]

It has a slot to turn on or off natural gas valves.

[@DMZwerg]

@@ScottyD0578 odd, I would think shovel-pick-axe = Spax, but then again I am an American so we don't always use English words to indicate various items ;)

[@SurvivalCraft-s7y]

like

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Hello from British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦👋👍❤️🌲

[@smartjbrfd]

Please post your school information please. Would like to come out

[@benterwellen]

Good stuff here takes me back to the 70’s-90’s, it is great to see the old stand by survival tips being used, you do a fantastic job putting it all together, one observation after all of these years c-rats and more era, yes we had the p38’s with the CRATs, and the same lousy matches forever, always wondered why they never upgraded to better matches, a mini bic, or the wheel and flint spark lighters, maybe not in every pack but several in each box of the mre’s, just for all of us that like fire….

[@eireanneruss9325]

Frozen CRATS meant we were having the most fun ever…just ask Top.

[@keithcronk7980]

@@eireanneruss9325 got that right

[@dangudgeon3833]

Another great video! Thankyou. I do miss your videos in Colorado, my back yard. I am fascinated with the "mil spec" issued gear and how some of it has evolved. I have heard stories from friends of some interesting mods or improvisations while working in harms way. The other uses for C-4(heating meals) and airway securing with a large safety pin, just to recall two. Could you share any unorthodox/non-regulation experiences in a future video? Thanks again

[@douglasmckee4982]

Thanks Andrew !! That really rocked !! Old school with new school information that will go into my kit. The snow shoes are ablast from the past, artic & mountain warfare school at Ft Wainwright Alaska in 1981..

[@rythmicwarrior]

Very cool. We got about 8" here in my neck of the woods with temps down to -10f with wind chill. Unfortunately, it's melting away already but was fun while it lasted!

[@stevenkeithley4336]

Great to see another video Andrew, I look forward to them all. Keep em coming bud. Stay safe and be well, Strength and Honor...

[@lowieapitz8575]

Gonna do the watching, commenting and liking back home. I am always riveted when a new video of yours is out.

[@davidjacobs828]

There are many survival instructors on yt major. Many demonstrate similar skills to you . However ,they all do yt full time .All your fans are fully aware of the fact that you're an active service ,special forces operations officer and you manage to pack all these excellent videos into a very limited time window. This feat truly separates you from the rest . We all appreciate your efforts . 😎👍

[@JH-6]

Love the recipes, keep 'em coming. I haven't seen anyone creating a Yupik snow google in a long while, basic Boy Scout 101. Great device when you face snow blindness when you don't have sunglasses. Thanks for sharing.

[@twalk6164]

I had to make one of these once in the seventies, was nearly snow blind. Worked great, could not have continued without. The cardboard/tape/paracord method looks perfect, since carving one took a while.

[@donaldstrader7241]

If you have a Mylar sheet as shown, or scrounge a downed helium balloon from some far away party, you can also use that as an improvised snow goggle. Not sure how good the vision would be or which would be preferred, but another potential technique/source is always good. I have tried it and recall I could see through it, but it has been so long I don't recall how badly it degraded one's vision. Might be a quick fix though in the middle of a snow field with limited equipment. Andrew, a great video as always.

[@johnkline5930]

Great class Andrew! Great overview on using leaves for ad hoc insulation for the feet and space blanket as a vapor barrier! Same principle could be applied to the core as well! I’ve always been curious about the SPAX, never owned one, but I always though they’d be a good truck tool with the universal wrench opening in the head… got to check eBay now…lol. I always enjoyed MREs in winter FTXs… plenty of calories to keep one warm, helps to have some imagination to dress it up some like you demonstrated! The new Army kids now days just don’t know the pain in the 90’s of the old brown bag MREs with limited choices…ala the Five Fingers of Death or beef hot dogs…lol. The snow shoe tip is awesome, makes total sense using the material to our advantage like the magnesium fire starter in flight crew survival kits. Keep up the Fire!!!

[@dmtnw4480]

When we were kids we saved all bread bags(plastic bags) and we put them on our feet before we put boots on his extra warmth sometimes we put 2 bags on each foot so we could stay outside longer

[@dannyh9010]

Haha! We did that, too!

[@judiehavard4903]

Or old newspaper lining the bottoms!!😊

[@LisaTurner-d1b]

I keep empty bags in my kits just for that purpose. You can always use a good strong g like the ones they send your meds in via the mail.

[@jeffhowell3310]

A lot of people don't know about or understand magnesium as a fire source; you might explain why next time. I know on the ships that if we had magnesium fires, it got jettisoned overboard and watch it burn under warter. Excellent fire source and hot, too. I've never seen the shovelaxe tool before, very interesting.

[@jamescrowe7892]

Can't be put out. AFFF, PKP, water, CO2; nothing puts it out. It burns until completely consumed.

[@jeffhowell3310]

@James Crowe that is true

[@jasonprairie9968]

Nice Andrew, I found a Vietnam Era air crew survival machete (woodsman pal) at a flea market, I need to pick up a Spax. Is that made by Ontario knife?

[@RangerSurvivalandFieldCraft]

Yeah, Ontario. I picked this one up at a surplus shop for 1/3 the cost. Definitely recommend scouting out surplus shops!

[@michaellee6167]

Great tips....used them when I was a 19delta with the 82nd....great video....freedom for all people..

[@ComicBookUniversity]

Where the hell is your Patreon page, man? I don't even need extra content, I just want to support what you're doing. TAKE MY MONEY :D

[@luisjennings6319]

Awesome video. Took me back to my Scout PLT days in Alaska during the 90's... You and Corporal's Corner make great relevant bushcraft videos.

[@arctodussimus6198]

I went through the USMC Mountain Warfare School in Bridgeport CA in 1979. We did a little bit of winter survival training. I learned more winter survival techniques from this video than I did during the MWS training. The mosquito head net for snow melting is genius! Always wanted to make a Swedish torch... you’ve inspired me now... I don’t have a spax, but I have a TOPS Wolf pAX 2.Which should work okay. Thanks for the inspiration. 👍🏻👍🏻 Semper Fi Ranger

[@Curtislow2]

Now as soon as Corporal posts, my day will be started off well.

[@randyevartsjr4729]

I love my military snow shoes! Plenty of snow here in Maine. Just used mine yesterday. Great video again. Always learn something from you. Thanks again. C U next Sunday.

[@dannyh9010]

Awesome wooden snow shades!

[@cindyjean3208]

Always look forward to your Sunday posts… I’m a little late in the day watching this… Excellent video… It’s a very nice added touch when you narrate what you’re doing with added info… Double socks… makes me wonder if that knowledge would help with double shirts ? Double other clothing?Just wondering… It was amazing when you brought up the Scottish torch… I couldn’t remember it by name but then I was making it along with you.. remembering everything you had taught me in previous videos… Repetition helps me remember… I’ve said this before.. You are an excellent /natural teacher … What a blessing you are… See you next week🥰

[@brandyhouston2105]

Excellent video! You're a smart man glad you're on our side.🇺🇸 And now, my smart ass comment, I see that neon green stuff is zombie blood on biscuit and you want me to follow you for more recipes? Lol... Thanks for making the video.

[@maryspeight2840]

Best part of Sunday "fun in the outdoors " along with an "improvised " snack ! Beats Micky Dee's anytime . RLTW 😁 Guy Speight

[@chrismoore600]

Oh snap MRE cooking recipes. It takes me back. 😝

[@adrianzara3852]

This is the real survival channel... solid knowledge, common sense, useful tips Thank you Sir, i really enjoy every video! Greetings from Argentina

[@robertherron3002]

Thank you. Find all your videos helpful and relevant. Respects from an old sailor who's prior survival experience was a baloney sandwich during general quarters.

[@joshua-s]

Another sweet video. Always was curious about that Spax, looks like a very useful tool. Culinary tips too! Keep up the awesome work. Take care

[@MikesFitnessGoals]

Excellent video, thanks Andrew! I stuffed pine needles in my field jacket one cold night on Parris Island, years back. your double socks brought me back and taught me something new, so many great tips and references here, Follow Me, love it!

[@ScottWilliams323]

love the channel. Some really great tips and gear

[@Lvelace1]

Found this channel a few days ago. I like it!

[@chrismoore600]

Scout job with the 82 airborne best job in the world.

[@Dreoilin]

Great video, I do alot of activities in the snow and very cold Temps and have a few hacks to share with you or anyone. Feet: the reflective car windshield things make great insoles if you trace and cut them. Polypropylene liners inside good wool socks are great. Double wool socks can be worn with extra oilskin fabric. Or there are ways to make waterproof fabric from bed sheets using silicone on the cheap. When using double wool socks you could also make primitive irish bog-shoes or pampooties from leather to fit double socks and sno-seal the leather.

[@timcope6685]

First Thank You for your service!! Second , the debri double sock and the MRE recipe were Outstanding AF!! These are the things that military training and experience can help the common person in emergency survival situations. Another Great learning experience had by all!!! Lets keep rolling Andrew can't wait till next week!!

[@nauticalknotcraft]

Excellent lesson today Andrew. Love the spax. A multi-tool with no moving parts. I appreciate and respect what you do for us. Sharing knowledge keeps us together and moving forward. This is what leadership is all about, imho. Thank you.

[@THEECRAZYMEXICAN13]

I've never heard of that tool before. Pretty Cool.

[@antoanto5301]

Thanks again for another interesting and enlightening video Andrew! Great content!

[@jasonhaney108]

Another great video and different tips I've never thought about or seen before. Yours and Corporal Corner's channel are the two best channels out there for this kind of information. Thanks again!

[@Misanti888]

Love how you consider multi functionality and improvisation of whatever possible resource available, sir. More of these pls. Stay safe...🙏✌️

[@renegadearms]

That’s cool with the snowshoe I remember in Alaska when we switched from those to the new MSR

[@feathersky860]

Excellent info. Just joined your Channel ! 🇺🇸 🦅

[@hangfirejp1197]

Thanks for the great video. Very useful information. Always look forward to your videos. Stay safe stay true to the republic.

[@wtr7]

Great vid. Familiar with the shelter. Would like to of seen more detail on how small fire can keep you warmer at night. I know you were not doing an overnight. Thanks.

[@charlesborum3910]

This is a great video, it took me back when I was in the Infantry in Panama for 2 and a half years training gorilla warfare and survival training. great video we can always continue to learn a lot from other Brothers and sisters in the military from their experiences and training thank you brother.

[@keithcronk7980]

That was a great COURSE DARN SHAME THEY don't have it no more

[@davidcarothers3311]

@@keithcronk7980 I attended the "Jungle Expert " School at Ft. Sherman in March of 1975. An interesting course!! As the platoon medic I always got to "bed" well after dark, so I had No Light to put up my hammock!! Slept on the jungle floor. Lol...

[@josephscroggins1071]

Andrew, thank you so much for sharing you knowledge with us. In 1991 I got my infantry cord at Ft Benning. I wanted to go in the Rangers with my best friend. His dad was in Nam in the Ashau valley and asked him not to so I didn't join Rangers. I wish I had. Thank you for your service and thanks for the Gold(lessons)

[@OtherThanIntendedPurpose]

another good recipe is MRE brownies. mix 2 of the cocoa powders, 1 coffee powder, 1 creamer, and half a packet of sugar in your canteen cup, with just barely enough water to make it thick batter texture. cook it over a fire, or trioxane tab until you can drop your mess kit fork in and pull it out mostly clean. then let it cool for about 5-10 minutes, and you have brownies.

[@twalk6164]

A ton of great, solid ideas here. Three suggestions: 1)cut off a portion of the spike on the Spax to make it safer, and 2)make a fire on the bed ground first, then scrape coals off before putting down pine boughs, and 3) a Dakota fire hole will heat the shelter, and heated rocks can be coaxed under the pine boughs for night warmth. Great vid.

[@Jaden48108]

Good to know (I think) . . . creating a "Ghostbuster's Slime" for nourishment. It's my observation Rangers are naturally possessed with the imperative to avoid appetite fatique.

[@LisaTurner-d1b]

Wha?t You do not carry kool-aid in your packs. You know water treated with those pills will tase horrible so you have to mix in some powder like kool-aid to cover up the taste.

[@krisanderson4137]

Thanks for sharing your skills

[@halfbreedchuck3311]

Thanks for sharing Andrew

[@michaeljones5395]

The MRE part always brings back memories of being in the field. It was always interesting to see how my troops (Especially the Scout Platoon) would make improvisational MRE enhancements with all the non used extra items after a couple of weeks in the bush. I initially grew up on C-Rats fist, then transitioned into MREs. I sure do miss the John Wayne Crackers and Candy tin and the canned fruit. I remember one year up at FT. Drum in the mid 1980's we ended up with a surplus of SPAM in the Hot A rations that needed to be consumed. The S4 made a boo-boo on ordering too much of it in the ration cycle. We we're having SPAM at every Hot A meal in the field and back in contolment. God helped the solider who got the SPAM in the C-Rat handout after STAND-TO and the morning LOGPAC . LOL everyone was trying to keep up the spirits by reciting the Monty Python SPAM song. LOL Great video!

[@johnnybushman651]

Thanks Sir, for a very outstanding class . I been hunting for 49 years and not one time did I ever thought about deodorant on my feed to cut down on wet feet, socks and boots , now I know thanks to you . Doing good on these videos, really enjoyed and I been going to all the old ones and watching them also. I recommend very one to start at the bottom of the video list and start watching , some really good stuff to learn , especially ( Poop in the woods) when you said , there’s a special place for these people , I lost it, never have I ever laughed so hard in my life . Be safe out there !

[@RickBelt]

20:43 Radioactive meal.... only for survivals! 👍😂

[@tracycannaday1406]

How about e&e hide positions? Awesome instructional thanks

[@DJHAMON-ir3hr]

Wood goggles will be the new trend 😎

[@LisaTurner-d1b]

I'm not that patient. I will just pick up some of those plastic shades the eye doc has for you after they dilate your eyes.

[@robhill1072]

Dude, the SPAX...now I'm gonna have to dig mine out and revisit the thing. I thought it was useless when I was issued it, but never thought about simple mods to make it a good tool. Thanks!

[@MarcMallary]

Excellent ideas Andrew, especially the double socks. I've used dry bags over my feet and I've even used shopping bags. I've put them over my hands like mittens too.

[@Jasper0o0]

Looked like radioactive pound cake haha. Great vid!

[@RangerSurvivalandFieldCraft]

Tasted like a cold chewed up skittle!

[@jameslambert1044]

Really enjoy the video's you put out. I have many of the tools but the techniques add an all new perspective on how to put together a kit with these tips in mind. Thanks

[@hiramhaji7813]

Outstanding video

[@HobbiesAndSunshine]

Absolutely brilliant, thank you Andrew.

[@bobelot6302]

Nicely done sir!

[@williammccaslin8527]

Old hunters trick here, use spray on dry deodarant on your feet to keep them dry in the winter, way better than a roll on deoderant, I learned from a bunch of guys that hunt deer in the same neck of the woods where your at, when I was there, hope this helps. Thx for the vid

[@mbarr1029]

Yes I see this would be much less messy. I always carry lots of food service gloves just for messy tasks. Sanitation is in my blood.

[@tinsoldier5621]

First comment

[@TheSaneHatter]

Interesting item, this "Spax": a bit funky-looking, but it seems like a sound option for some car/truck emergency kits.

[@PlayaSinNombre]

I’ve seen them on some of the surplus sites recently.

[@robertevans8126]

shared

[@kenbarrett6466]

I sure wish when I was in service we had some instruction on these tips and techniques ..

[@dmtnw4480]

Thank you sharing these useful tips, great video

[@ronniehenwood8580]

Love this channel glad I found it!

[@michaelcavender6883]

Another great video and teaching skills thank you for sharing this to all. Keep up with the great content. I used to use plastic from the bread loafs to keep my feet warm when hunting in the cold weather of Michigan long time ago.

[@wmluna381]

The ones from the sliced bread at Aldi are great. Surprisingly 'thick'.

[@asmith7876]

I love those snow shoes. I considered buying a pair a few years ago even though it rarely snows enough here to even dream of learning how to use them but I thought why not. They used to go on sale for $26 and I was going to wait for the next sale. It never came. They're now nearly unobtainable and last time I saw some it was for over $70.00. Oh well! Snooze, ya lose!

[@thomasapplewhite8672]

Another enjoyable informative video. I’ve seen a SPAX but have not seen one in use before. The double socks and Swedish torch were also good tips. I subscribe to many outdoor channels but like yours the best.

[@LisaTurner-d1b]

I carry shredded paper that is vacuumed packed to use instead of leaves like you are using with your socks. The shredded paper also serves as tinder for your fire. I would also suggest a few plastic bags from wallmart. Eye protection: For the eyes I use those little plastic shades the eye doc gives you. Sorry but give me C-rations over MRE's any day of the week.

[@cardiacbob]

I do have a question that I've casually pondered before... Why are the Snowshoes made from magnesium?

[@RangerSurvivalandFieldCraft]

From what I understand they are made out of magnesium because of its light weight properties and ability to take weight as a load when supporting a soldier and combat gear, it also has a good dissipation that makes it so it transfers heat and cold more easily which reduces discomfort in Arctic condition. Magnesium is very rigid while being lightweight which makes great military snow shoes that don’t weigh a lot to carry and offer durable support in snow. I think the fact it can be used as a Fire starter was secondary to the material’s strength value.

[@cardiacbob]

@@RangerSurvivalandFieldCraft Thanks Major. HOOAH!

[@backyardoutdoorsman8282]

Well done Sir. Another instructional video jam packed with great information. I really appreciate your style of teaching. Thanks Major.

[@bobbyhans-n5t]

I served in the Norwegian Army (like most guys 18-26 ) national service and most of this he is showing is that basic survival for winter conditions and if you can do this you have a small chance of survival in arctic conditions .. HERE IS A VIDEO YOU MAY FIND INTRS, Winter Warfare Training in Norway kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJrRiWiHoNV5bpY&ab_channel=NATO

[@garyblucker3206]

You are quickly becoming my favorite/go-to source for educational videos. Keep up the great work sir. Thank you very much!

[@marcinszypulski8707]

As always, a great and practical video for this with explanations. Excellently ! 👍 I cordially greet you and wish you all the best.

[@nitay8248]

Always learn something new!🙂❤️

[@blzahz7633]

This channel is pure gold.

[@friendofcoal]

You presented some great tips sir.

[@michaelcarswell3812]

Enjoyed your second video on axe or hatchet for bushcraft/survival. It IS worth looking at Council Tools in Dayton Ohio USA they make affordable axes and hatchets all purpose as well as firefighting and industrial applications. Price is right and American Made company in Business since 1886 note Hudson Bay axes in 26" handle wood and 2Lb head for hatchet classic design FYI

[@grumpyuncle.]

52K subscribers in under three years. Well done! No doubt you’ve put in the hours packing gear and cameras into the woods. Thank you for the awesome content!!

[@IronSharpensIron127]

Sir, from an NCO to an Officer. With all due respect, that lemonlime cornbread looks atrocious.😂

[@guymcmullan9297]

Smoke bomb Hill,camp McCall,recondo school,,,camp McCoy Wisconsin,,, I will always appreciate the simple ranger way,except travel light and freeze at night part, I know personally that part is unnecessarily rough on the hide,rangers lead the way brother 🐓

[@billb9806]

Love the channel Brother! Lots of knowledge! Much appreciated! Keep it coming

[@davidjacobs828]

Another truly superb video major. I particularly enjoyed your excellent xi Jin ping Impression...lol. Joking aside , Absolutely inspirational demo of your phenomenal skillsets. Again. Many thanks sir.

[@mixmediaproductions]

Every WAY is different. I reccomend Super shelter. I also EDC survival tent and sleeping wraps. Wool blanket. You should get a couple of knives along with an edc saw. An Axe can help, but you are trying to get out of a survival situation. If you make an EDC bag, put food stuff in it for any unforseen accidents.

[@papasfunnyfarm9703]

Andrew, when I heard your “voice-over” in a couple of places in this video, I thought, “Hey!, Andrew sounds like Rod Serling, from the old Twighlight Zone TV show!”

[@StabbinJoeScarborough]

I love my SPAX , had it for years , keep it in my 4WD , Also that blacked capped STROBE is a fantastic piece of kit. Also the GEN 1 Gortex Sleeping bag is probably my favorite piece of Army gear , keep me warm MANY MANY times ! Thanks Major , youre a solid follow

[@greyscout01]

Been looking at the Spax but I'm curious about how it serves specifically as a shovel. How's it done for you.

[@StabbinJoeScarborough]

@@greyscout01 Minimal , still might want that e tool

[@greyscout01]

@@StabbinJoeScarborough Thanks. That's exactly what I was wondering.

[@richardrocha702]

Dude ...you are a great speaker, I bet them fellers pay attention when you speak. At certain points your speech cadence is reminiscent of the love child of Bob Dylan and Christopher Walken. Engaging. Shawn Kelley was correct, any who want to know, need to be HERE.

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Andrew, that sure is a neat method with the socks mate, I have seen similar strategies with the torso but never would have thought of that in a million years. You can just about guarantee wet boots, lol. Dig that shelter config, especially with the emergency blanket. I'm think'n another piece, (maybe just plastic sheet, a bin liner or anything WP really), suspended over the top like a chimney witches hat to keep the rain out. The spax is very versatile, interesting history there too. Hahaha "mystery" RE. Never tried one, very pricey here, and I'm sure some are better than others, but the US versions appear to be pretty good. Cheers Duke.

[@billjames3148]

Spax dad had one under the seat of the car (always ) the snow shoes...Magnesium frame,shave off some flakes add to tinder hot really quick. I carry extra binding for the snow shoes, But the frosting on corn cake #2 on the list # 1 in ranger puddin. Thanks Andrew for the video.

[@kjpierson1152]

I think...this is the first time you've ever made my stomach flip watching something you've prepared for food....congratulations! Something about that green reminds me of that slime from the 80s LOL. *mourns that poor cornbread*

[@Hayyothhakodesh]

Thankyou for all ur great shows and energy. I come from a military family my parents were officers. My mom was a Lt that trained with the army rangers and my dad was a major for the marine corps. And I was being taught this stuff by age 5. I feel military parents r different with their kids then civilians.!! I was born on marine Corp camp pendleton in San Diego . I cudnt enlist or go rotc due to health reasons. It made me very sad. Im.43 now but I love learning military skills Even tho I was never in. When I work out I listen to cadences usually army rangers. Or airborne. Thankyou for the vids!

[@irvingernie]

Andrew, thanks for the winter survival video you provided. This video reminded me so much of the time I was stationed at Ft Wainwright, Alaska before I went to Ranger school. All new incoming soldier's had to go through 8 hours of fledgling training in how to survive in a winter environment in order to survive mother natures hostile environment. Keep up the great work, Rangers lead the way, hoo-aah!

[@kristopherkatsch8056]

Definitely time has changed old school graduation in 1999 as a ranger and airborne and graduated to SOF! Love the new tactics techniques and procedures 👍🇺🇸keep on track and rocking it 🦾🫡👌

[@johnstratmanprogramadopara7250]

😎💀💀💀✌✌✌👊👊👊👊 IN SURVIVOR SITUACION !!!!! SHOWUP FATWOOD !!!!!!!! FIRE EASY !!!!!!😎👊👊👊👊👊

[@zippitydoodah5693]

If it's winter, I'm making a Kohanski Shelter every time. I'm finding the best naturally protected spot ( _in my area that means beneath a rock overhang out of the wind_ ) and I'm building a Super Shelter. I have never found its equal for staying warm with a fire. It's all about knowing your area and the natural resources generally found in it.