SILVER WOLVES keep them hands and feet warm !!

[@timpearce4255]

👍 good instruction! I have noticed when viewing your earlier work (binge watching), You are very good at presenting an organized lesson plan that stays on the topic points, holds my interest and is not at all like setting thru a sermon. This is something I like greatly about you.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thank you very much

[@OsborneOutdoors1]

Yeah I like that about his videos also.

[@eugenethaden6316]

Sitting around a campfire on a cold evening in a camp chair with space under it, put a scoop of coals from the fire under your chair. It is unbelievable how well this warms a person up.

[@ManInTheWoods76]

I second this. I do it all the time.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

true

[@timlacy2284]

Blackie, Great Tip and Trick on keeping Us Silver Wolves. I once was told That I Was Well Seasoned, not old. Thanks Again For Sharing Your Knowledge, Wisdom, Experience and Passing On The Craft Also Giving Of Your Time. God Bless You and Mrs Blackie.

[@thomasoverton7131]

Great tips and tricks Blackie, as always . Thanks for sharing 👍 God bless

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Glad to help

[@trishshepherd6952]

I learned somewhere that if you re- seal those hand warmers in a zip lock, it will temporarily stop the chemical reaction. Sometimes I just need them for a few short times, so it's nice little trick to be able to turn them off and on, so to speak. I sure enjoy your channel😊

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Thanks for the info!

[@bretjohnson6188]

Have you personally ever done this to confirm that it works? I don't mean anything derogatory by asking, but I have run across a lot of "facts" that didn't actually pan out when needed.

[@trishshepherd6952]

@bretjohnson6188 Good question, and yes, I have, many times. Still, it's prudent to take extras and test these things out for yourself. Stay safe!

[@bretjohnson6188]

@@trishshepherd6952 Thank you!

[@mikedendooven6484]

@@bretjohnson6188 I second this. Tried it a few weekends ago, it does work. Be sure to get out as much air as possible. I use the bags with the blue plastic zipper.

[@larrywarembourg7847]

Fantastic video Blackie. I'm 73 and love to camp. I watch all your videos.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

That is awesome!

[@smoothvern165]

Great tips! I can’t believe how much colder my hands and feet get now that I’m older than the hills!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i hear ya as a young guy i slept with my feet out from under the covers not any more

[@Flashahol]

Great stuff. I find the most underrated piece of gear is gaiters. A Good pair of Gore-Tex boot gaiters easily replaces thick socks, wool wrist gaiters will keep your fingers a lot warmer and I never leave home without a double-layer neck gaiter. I actually can go from cold to sweaty by just adding wrist gaiters on my evening walks.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

sounds good

[@ManInTheWoods76]

I have kevlar wrist gaiters. They are for cut resistance. 💯 Required.

[@MrGratefulEd]

I really enjoy your content Blackie. You deliver common sense information in a way that is a pleasure to watch and listen to as opposed to those instruction manuals written in Mandarin! Keep up the good work.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Much appreciated

[@JohnSneyd]

I really love his video content

[@OsborneOutdoors1]

I really appreciate your videos Mr. Thomas Sir. I ALWAYS learn something new, no matter the topic. I never knew that there was a hand warmer type product that lasts 72 hours..That could be a life saver. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.👍👍

[@preacherman9018]

All good points IMHO. All I can add is that a campfire helps dry and get the hands warm. WALKING gets the circulation going. There's a balance before bed as you don't feel like a walk, it's dangerous without a good light and too much can make it harder to sleep. What you want is a leisurely hike of short distance that can get the blood flowing. Then don dry socks while the hikers are hanging up to dry. I've found a piece of clothing works 24/7. A Neck warmer is on through the day. At night it comes off and covers the eyes and head. Keeps things dark and head warm. Wool is THE best! I have northern European of fine wool. They depend on their clothing for life. A neck warmer can be worn 3 seasons all the time if fine wool. That's my ¢4 adjusted for inflation.

[@ManInTheWoods76]

1. Kevlar wrist gaiters (cut resistance but also insanely warm.) 2. Boiled water into silicone or metal container. About quart size. Roll up in a shirt or towel. Bed buddy for 6 hours. All container components have to be heat rated (seals too.) 3. Drink a hot drink too before bed. 4. Always cover that head and neck. 5. Do not cover mouth and nose, you'll wet the fabric. 6. Never wear the days socks to bed. Fresh dry or none is better than damp. Unless it's wool, but damp wool is not so nice. 7. Put your extra socks in the sleep system with you to dry them. Consider putting your boots in your bag too if it's below 32F/0C... Cold or frozen boots in the morning are awful.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

good stuff

[@CharlesStevens-vi7ky]

I grew up in Cave Creek Arizona but my first duty station was Aschaffenburg West Germany. Froze my but off in Grafenwoehr a few times (Frost bit my hands and feet in 86). The classic advice for cold weather, wicking base layer, loose layers etc. (Aplies to hands and feet as well) but of note, if you feel restrictive in movement you may have to tight or layers (crushes the insulation, like wearing to much in a to small sleeping bag). Now all things being equal, mittens beat gloves, to tight of boots will lead to cold feet (I wear moccasins in dry cold) and a vest will help the hat keep your hands warm.

[@poppavein1]

A couple decades ago, I bought an electrically heated jacket liner and gloves so I could ride my motorcycle year round. (Also, upgraded my seat to be heated.) You can now buy heated clothing that uses rechargeable battery packs. You can even have heated socks and heated pants. I saw a comment where a guy used this in his deer stand. When I got it, I balked at the upfront cost. But after I got them, I kicked myself for not getting them years earlier.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i have seen those might be a good idea up in snow country

[@outbackowl3040]

Hi Blackie, greeting from Australia 🇦🇺, thank you for your time to make these videos.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

My pleasure!

[@thomasoverton7131]

Great tips and tricks as always Blackie . As an older feller myself, I dont like being cold in my sleeping bag. After all, who enjoys freezing their ass off by choice?😅 Thanks for sharing brother. God bless

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks for watching

[@oldminer5387]

Good ideas Blackie , thank you.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Glad you like them!

[@MichaelR58]

Good informational video Blackie , thanks for sharing YAH bless !

[@redsorgum]

As soon as I saw the title, it reminded me of when I was in basic training, and we watch the old school films about trench foot and frostbite.✌️🇺🇸

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

yep time tested wisdom

[@joehealey6209]

I’ve got a min pin/Chihuahua mix that loves sleeping in my top quilt between my knees best foot warmer I’ve ever had.

[@JohnTBlock]

Great information as usual, Blackie. Thanks for your experience and insight, Brother!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

glad to help

[@markfletcher5457]

Good advice. It's over looked until it's to late. I get cold easily these days.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Exactly!

[@stevencunningham4680]

Wearing mittens instead of gloves will keep your hands warmer. Having the fingers all in one space is better than wrapping the fingers individually like a glove does. Plus if you're a trapper mittens are easier to get off and on like when baiting traps.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

very true

[@ostekuste3646]

I find as I get older (now 50) I hate hot weather. I used to love summer in the south, I’d spend hours out mountain biking and hiking in the worst heat and humidity. Now I feel miserable in the heat. Winter comes and I’m out in the cold rarely wearing a jacket. I go hiking when it’s freezing or below, and one of my favorite things to do is find a good swimming hole and take a dip. Seems I’m backwards, instead of thinking about moving to Florida to retire I’m looking at Maine!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thats me i can find ways to cope with the cold but the heat is making it tough on me

[@thankmelater1254]

For an inner sock, dollar store diabetic socks are non restricting and smooth. Then merino wool socks over them.

[@charlesroth986]

Spent a fair amount of time camping in cool/cold weather. In line with your idea of eating a meal before bed, I;ve found that eating and energy bar - like a cliff bar or a candy bar tends to keep the body producing heatwhle you sleep. I also in really cold weather keep a couple of them with my canteen for consumption during the night if the need comes up...

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Great tip!

[@jdedmnds1]

I made a fleece bag liner for my mummy bag and it made it much warmer in cold weather. In a 15 degree bag, I slept in 17 degree weather and stayed warm all night and was able to sleep most of the night without any problem. I have heard that a silk liner will do the same thing but fleece is cheaper and easier to find.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Sounds great!

[@greywuuf]

You are correct about having "fuel" through the night, however one needs to be careful as digestion pulls extra blood to the core and can actually worsen the fingers and toes situation.... it isnfine before a good sleeping bag ...but not before a sit in a deer stand. Continuous light ( readily available sugars ) snacking is better for exposed cold.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

good advice

[@TheAngryDracolope]

''He's taking a 10-100.'' ''Well at least it's better than a 10-200.'' I'm certain y'all will get the reference. Gotta say Blackie I'm really enjoying your content I should have subscribed sooner.

[@preparedsurvivalist2245]

I got a pair of those USB powered hand warmer devices off Amazon. Wow, those things heat up almost instantly. I've found that gloves don't work if your hands are already cold. They just keep them dry and from getting frost bite, but they isolate your fingers and offer no actual heat. Gloves are only slightly better. So get these hand warmers and carry a power bank to recharge them. And not just for camping or whatever, but getting into a cold car or just being out and about in the cold anywhere.

[@billvan5219]

Peppermint tea and therma care wraps!

[@Captain-Electro]

I'm glad i don't work outside anymore. There was a time i had a hot hands packet in every pocket 😂 i had the body warmer in the bag a couple nights ago. It worked well.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

THANKS FOR WATCHING

[@jeffrichards5106]

I have to get some more of those warmers, Haven't used them in a long time. I have one of those Zippo pocket hand warmers that run on fuel. They're supposed to run for 12 hrs. although I've never tested them for that long. They come with a little felt bag to put the unit in. I haven't tried them in a sleeping bag. But I think they would work well. I have a fleece hoodie that I wear to sleep on cold nights, which helps a lot by having your head covered. Sleeping with thermals on and warm socks really helps too. I'm a cold sleeper even though I've lived in Michigan all my life. 👍

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i had one of the fuel types back when i was a kid

[@jeffrichards5106]

@@BLACKIETHOMAS Yeah, me too, I think it was called Jone and they made their own brand fuel too..

[@markgibbs904]

A tidbit about chemical reactions; plaster of Paris hardens at 40 degrees higher than the water added to it.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

nice!

[@pemekd6369]

Hi, I've just learned that there is something like wool-felt liners for the rubber rain boots, they're super cheap where I live, will be trying them out soon

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Interesting!

[@nicholasbenedetto6319]

Head is #1 spot for heat loss. I use wool hat and hood. Keeps cold air off neck. Also mittens are better than glives. Worked outside in January and found that coveralls helped a lot to keep warm.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks for watching

[@asmith7876]

I have a down sleeping bag that has a special pocket in the foot just for holding those heating packs. It’s awesome.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

very cool

[@merlin9619]

another idea for these with hammock use... place them down the length of your under-quilt if you have it... and if not be a good idea to get one.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

true

[@hiramhaji7813]

Great video

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@57WillysCJ]

Good thoughts. I have a couple of those lighter fluid pocket heaters that I have used. I have put one in my shirt pocket over the heart to keep the pump and blood warm. For my feet, I use two different types of boots. If I am on the move then a mostly wool sock and a pair of water proof duty boots. They are only good for me in the winter as in the warm/hot months my feet are to warm. When I really need warm boots is when I am standing/sitting around outside in the winter. I rarely do that. I can walk at -20 with just a pair of leather shoes and gaiters. I use wool gloves for walking. Biggest problem in the winter is keeping them dry. You clean snow off a vehicle, run a snowblower or get firewood and gloves get wet fast. Water proof gloves and mittens are okay if they have a liner, if not they are as bad as no gloves. Even worse they get wet inside and are hard to dry. For the very coldest of weather I have a pair of surplus US army wool lined mittens. One of the best things for your fingers is moving them like you are exercising them and sticking them in a vest or coat pocket. To help your body stay warm wear a neck scarf or a Buff like tube. Think of the areas where the arteries are big enough to cause you to bleed out fast. Neck, wrists and thighs. Keep those warm as they are close to the surface. Getting out and use to the cold is helpful as well as finding how far you have to go before your body comes up to work temperature.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

good info

[@BigSeppiWen]

Having something warm in the small of your back makes for a good nights sleep. That can be a dog or a heat pad.

[@Atkrdu]

Putting plastic bags over the socks works well. A tarp folded over the sleeping bag can actually be hot (fold over the feet, over & under one side, then over & under on the other- good for hypothermia). Also a flexible water bottle with something hot in it over the heart is good for moving around (especially if used with a piece of blanket wrapped around the waist, which works well on its own).

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

very true back in the day i would fold a poncho over my feet area to add to the warmth of a sleeping bag

[@darlenehoover6577]

That cold goes clear to the bone after you reach a certain age. Awful feeling. Ive never used the heat patches. But i do take a regular heat pouch in a sock and put it next to my feet when my shoes are off. I have a bad foot that gets ice cold at the onset of fall. But after i use one of the heat pouches in a sock, im good for the rest of the season. Thank you for sharing. 🙂 Paydays coming up and im going to get me a variety of them and test them out.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

after my bypass the leg they took the vein out of stays ice cold so i have to pay attention to it

[@earlshaner4441]

Good afternoon from Syracuse NY brother and I use hand warmers for 8 or 12 hours run time

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

stay safe

[@earlshaner4441]

Safety first always brother

[@jstutzman1301]

Watch out! Some warmers are meant to work confined areas with less oxygen they can get quite hot when exposed to more oxygen. Test your warmers for the areas you may use them. Stay safe.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

good to know thanks

[@kenbarrett6466]

As a plumber and knowing laws and regulations for water heaters ,, tap water hot side should not be over 125 degrees unless it’s in a commercial kitchen used for sterilization ,, 180 degree tap water will cause instant skin damage and within 1 minute will be second degree burn on human skin - but water temp and air temp are 2 very different creatures ,, 60 degree water will be cold instantly ,, 60 degree air most people will say it’s just cool maybe a little chilly ,, the reasoning ,, molecular structure of water is tighter than air ..

[@kennethwilson8633]

Rubber overboots with the heater pads inside…you do need to pull them out and shake them to get air when they stop making heat…if it’s really cold nothing in the wind cover all skin. Move around to warm up before you lay or sit down. Wet clothes can kill you try and put on dry clothes before bed.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

nice

[@kennethwilson8633]

@@BLACKIETHOMAS it actually gets cold in Michigan I’ve served in Georgia and only wore a field jacket and gloves when it was the uniform of the day.

[@waynethompson9635]

I’m up in Alaska, I wish we could talk about some of these things.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

lol i know its hard to relate

[@ScottCarlson-cz7wj]

Thanks Blackie, I will have to try warmers in the bag. I've found that wool liner gloves inside of leather chopper mitts are the warmest for the hands. I've got a balaclava helmet liner inside a bomber hat for the head. Thxs agn.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks for watching

[@micheletremonti2434]

They have those on amazon

[@misolgit69]

the Father in the Outdoor Boys channel uses a 32 ounce Nalgene filled with boiling water in his sleeping bag he spends a lot of time ou in snow, the pads have another use Being careful how I say this, for wives and other ladies who don't own a hot water bottle l, traditional or microwaveable who 'suffer' every four weeks use a heat pad between PJs and your nice thick robe wrap up in a blanket and hopefully snuggle

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i have used my nalgene canteen to act as a hot water bottle a few times

[@debatablelands_ratcher6354]

Good crack blackie, I cut the arms off woolly jumpers Iv shrunk in the wash , as socks , nice and warm

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

nice

[@VE3RKP]

What about using a hot water bottle to pee in? You won't have to leave your sleeping bag. Then place it down at your feet to keep warm 🙂

[@ManInTheWoods76]

For those not in the know: 10-100 is the potty 10-200 is the poo Ten codes 😆

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

lol

[@worm_vaquero]

10-4

[@1acroyear1]

10-100? That's a new one on me. Old cb talk?

[@davidr.8999]

yep, potty break.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

yep 10-100 pee brake 10-200 poop 10-300 puke

[@custombuilder1]

Grest video! Research Uhtoffs Syndrome and Raynauds Syndrome when time permits plz sir...

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks

[@ROE1300]

What is with this “old guys” talk? I’m 73 and don’t have any of these cold weather issues that a pair of wool long johns, gloves, and socks won’t fix. Just what is the age range of your ‘Silver Wolves’?

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

lol well the oldest at the class was 85

[@ROE1300]

@@BLACKIETHOMAS Good for the 85 year old, he has set a goal for all us younger guys by example.

[@Stryker176]

Snowing in southern Michigan right now. Spent the weekend swapping out my vehicle camp kit with my winter emergency kit. As always sir, I appreciate you. Looking forward to seeing you again at the OSS bootcamp / PF Gathering in May. Take care.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Sounds great!