Surviving a Winter Night in a Snowstorm WITHOUT GEAR! | Survival Shelter + Bushcraft

Surviving a winter snowstorm overnight without any gear. True Bushcraft techniques with No Sleeping Bag, No Tarp, No Axe or Saw, No KNIFE ! I rely on my survival and bushcraft skills to keep myself alive. And test the true limits of my gear!
I make my way to my bushcraft/survival shelter, which I built last year. Im grateful it was still standing with all that snow!
#survival #wintersurvival #wintercamping #outdoors #bushcraft
═════════════════GEAR I USE ══════════════════
The Bear Essentials Handmade Gear:
bearessentialsoutdoors.ca/
━━━━━━━━━━━JACKET━━━━━━━━━━━
Fjallraven Anorak No. 8 Jacket: bit.ly/3tIQoOx
━━━━━━━━━━━PANTS━━━━━━━━━━━━
Revolution Race
STRETCHY SOFT SHELL: amzn.to/3SrWC2o
━━━━━━━━━━━GLOVES━━━━━━━━━━━━
Moose Hide Mitts - Local P.E.I Store: (Not available online)
━━━━━━━━━━━BASELAYERS━━━━━━━━━━━━
BRYNJE MESH BASELAYER: www.brynjeusa.com/product/uni...
ZIPPERED BASELAYER BOTTOMS: amzn.to/4bbjOcx
250 MERINO WOOL QUARTER ZIP TOP: amzn.to/42ejaH0
150 SMARTWOOL BOXERS: bit.ly/3ghtnz6
━━━━━━━━━━FOOTWEAR━━━━━━━━━━━
IRISH SETTER HIKING BOOTS: bit.ly/3SimiwX
THICK WOOL SOCKS: amzn.to/3Zpoq8v
MERINO WOOL TOE SOCKS: amzn.to/3HBGjtF
━━━━━━━━━CAMERA GEAR━━━━━━━━━━━
PELICAN 1200 CASE: bit.ly/3tzLIKA
RODE VIDEO GO MIC: amzn.to/3VgsGVZ
SONY a7C MIRRORLESS CAM: amzn.to/3ZcX8lb
TRIPOD: amzn.to/3JMRMbM
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►DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content!
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【Content Disclaimer:】 This video is not intended to be a guide and is filmed for entertainment purposes only. The author does not recommend repeating the actions shown in this video and is not responsible for the consequences. It can be life threatening.
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[@TheBearEssentials]

*COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED:* Thanks for watching! Keep in mind I was never in any real danger - I had the ability to hike out, communication, and an emergency kit. I did, however, want to get through a scenario that had some fairly strict limitations. *Q: Where can I find your gear links:* They're all linked in the video description. Ask me any specifics you want in these comments or on Instagram DM. *Q: What about friction fire?* You’ll love this video if you want to see the reality of one kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIK0k3ejopmBmrssi=mptKSv3Ll2WGNW_z *Q: How does Snow Make you Dehydrated?* *TL/DR :* Mostly takes more energy for your body to cool the snow down and turn it into water. I don't know the exact science behind the dehydration point (I'm not a scientist by any means!) - but it's just a rule of thumb in survival because the true answer has many layers to it... but if you have 2 minutes to read this I'll try my best to take a stab at it: 1) Snow is essentially frozen water, and when ingested, it's colder than body temperature. 2) When you consume something colder than your body, it requires energy to warm it up to your body temperature - (has the additional negative effect of cooling you down as well), and this energy could otherwise be used for essential bodily functions, including hydration. 3) It could potentially lower your body temperature by eating snow - (if you're not by fire, for example), and in this case, your body might not process fluids as well in the cold, adding to the risk of dehydration. 4) In the event that you're by a fire or regulating your body temps - Snow itself doesn't actually have that much water in it. It's mostly air trapped in ice crystals - So the amount of water you truly get by eating snow, (letting your body cool it down to absorb it etc), is literally not enough to maintain your needs - so you'll slowly dehydrate. 5) The last point is snow contains toxins - even the pure white fresh stuff - so you can also get sick if you eat it. Even melting it down as I did is a risk. Always better to boil, of course. (Additionally, snow often lacks minerals in any high quantity like those you'd find from stream water. just another thing to know) *Q: Was any of this scripted?* Nothing here was pre-scripted. I TRULY wanted to do my original plan and use a Bowdrill or Chaga Fire Plow to build my fire. My biggest hurdle to this was that it would realistically take 1.5 to 2 hours of attempting to get an ember from any of these techniques (based on my past experience). So, with being soaking wet, I just would not have enough time to build a fire big enough to keep that back rock warm and bury the coals, etc, all while maintaining light for filming. The camera considerations are one part that's hard to imagine while watching a video like this but it is a MAJOR factor in all my decisions, possibly the biggest factor. I didn't want the majority of my video to be in darkness, as I don't think it would have provided as much value. - So I'll go out another time to re-attempt this same plan! I also was hit with the big decision out there to change my plan because of the wet clothes and losing light. I spent about 15 minutes contemplating in a boring way - basically just staring at a tree... so It was a very tough decision to change my plan to try and get to that old shelter but to make the video interesting the decision seems to be made very quickly. Believe me I had a mild breakdown at the time lol. Hope you enjoyed and learned something! Your friend, DJ

[@irvingernie]

DJ, thank you so much for this video you put out, it brought back memories of when I was stationed up in Alaska. We couldn't have any open fire 🔥 of any kind especially during our training. But we did have a tent and a gas stove to keep us warm. During the day we would stay busy constantly moving around, building our fighting positions ,marching in place and doing exercises just to stay warm. The only time we got into that tent was when we had to sleep and take turns doing so because we had to maintain security outside our fighting positions while the other soldiers slept. It wasn't easy nor comfortable but we learned to adapt and survive.

[@Zero.0ne.]

Was a gripping survival video, one of my favorites, thanks.

[@zaynevanday142]

Thanks for this upload as an old soldier it was a blast 🔥

[@norwegianstormchaser4515]

what camera gear do you use?

[@norwegianstormchaser4515]

nevermind found out hahaha

[@omathitis8498]

Videos like these make you appreciate how humanity from the beginning of time struggled, innovated and survived everything nature and life itself throws at him. It also makes you feel a great amount of gratitude to our ancestors, the people whose giant shoulders we are all currently standing in to. When we complain that life is tough and rebel, but find ourselves with ACs, heater, dish washer, fridge, phones, meds, fastfood and all the stuff we currently enjoy, it should make us wonder on how soft people have become. Weak individuals make civilizations crumble, so do the entitled, the -ists and woke.

[@TheBearEssentials]

You’re so so right about appreciation for the struggles of humanity. I think we have it the easier in terms of comfort, and getting out like this really makes me appreciate every little thing

[@OregonMikeH]

SUCH A GRAND COMMENT!

[@matildagreene1744]

They didn't have the fancy gear...even now...everyone can't afford top quality gear...LOL wally world specials..🙃 Bet the clothing alone was close to 1,000 $ (shoes, gloves etc)

[@XanderBudnick]

That was a rollercoaster. Bold moves going out there without gear. Glad you had backup plans when things went south. Also glad you stuck it out and made it work with what you had. This video deserves wayyyy more views

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thx Xander! Means a lot coming from you man. It was ambitious to say the least 😅 I’ll be back for redemption on the no gear attempt one of these days. Though the backup is 100% needed

[@nickbennett2915]

Both you and Xander, love these videos, thanks for posting em! Great stuff. Outdoor Boys (Luke) has good ones too. Appreciate you guys posting them, feels like we are out in nature with you all and able to break away from the busyness of life!

[@Christian2496529]

​@@TheBearEssentialsbro pls collab

[@jessfowlie2564]

Fantastic video - I love the breakdown of your gear, so helpful! What an exciting but challenging adventure! Nothing like a little cacciatore to lift your spirits tho hahaha

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks so much for the support Jeeeessssss! 😉😁

[@4est_Trekker]

Yes earned the like on this one, man! Thanks for taking on the challenge to both go through AND shoot this for us.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey Curtis, thx a bunch man. I appreciate you taking the time to thank me for this, although it’s not necessary, it makes me feel that it WAS worth it!! Thx brother

[@4est_Trekker]

You’re welcome. Keeping yourself warm, dry and safe is one thing…tending camera gear in poor weather and setting up duplicate shots while you’re cold and wet is quite another. I wondered how many times you had to crawl in/out of your shelter to get just a few seconds of seamless footage. Plus, thanks for showing and acknowledging all of the low moments.

[@TheBearEssentials]

@@4est_Trekkerthx Curtis, makes it very worth it when I read things like this.. really made my morning. Thx man!

[@d4mdcykey]

Excellent information, sir. Your careful pacing and attention to detail is most impressive. I genuinely appreciate the time and energy you put into this.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Much appreciated! This one was a bit of a stretch from my usual style - with the talking and storytelling i suppose - and that was a big challenge in the edit. Thanks so much for your gratitude, it means a lot to me. - Your friend, DJ

[@aileenpaz310]

This is yet another BEST video! Keeping it real, always educational and lots of takeaways. I ditto all the comments and how you covered your main objective! Assess, Adapt, Act!!! Leaving me wanting to see more from you - always!!!🎉

[@TheBearEssentials]

Aileen, thank you SO SO much. Youve always been such a great support and believer since the first day I launched my channel!! super happy to read this. Thank you!!!!

[@OregonMikeH]

RIGHT ON, XANDER, WE HAVE A WINNER HERE OLD FRIEND. VERY GLAD YOU CHIMED IN! DJ LIKE YOURSELF, IS VERY CREDITABLE. MY GROUP THAT RELIGIOUSLY FOLLOWS YOU WILL BE SUBBED WITH NOTES ON TO D.J.S CH. AS WELL. KEEPING IT REAL OLD FRIEND, THAT'S WHAT ITS ALWAYS BEEN ALL ABOUT. BLESSINGS YOUR WAY MATE AS USUAL, ... MIKE.

[@Loki-and-Thor]

I don’t think I have felt so demoralised and then elated while watching a video as I did here. When your gear was wet and you realised that your top half was soaked through, I felt the despair. Finding the shelter and it being intact and dry, I had a huge grin. I hadn’t heard about using a “clock face”, sun and the time to find a rough compass point. I will definitely be trying this out, although I will have a compass with me too and in a place that I know until I feel confident enough. Your video was full of great information and advice that I am glad that I have learned but hope I will never have to use. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise, this was as fascinating as it was informative and I am so happy that I came across your knots videos and decided to subscribe.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Wow I’m so happy that you take the time to post comments like this. I never know if my vids are actually helping people or not, and this one was a bit more of my personality and my genuine emotion to what’s happening - the ups and downs. So I was a bit anxious to post it! But reading this, I can only feel that it was all very worth it. Thank you for taking the time to write, Your friend, DJ

[@generationxdad]

Your comment about morale really spoke to me, DJ. I think that is honestly what separates people who survive and thrive from everyone else, and that is they can push through and not break down in situations which would otherwise crumble the average person. I recently had an experience while overenthusiastically attempting winter car camping on an impulse decision, and I quickly realized that I was woefully unprepared emotionally, mentally and gear-wise. Looking back on it now I shudder to think how I would be in a situation like yours in this video, and the experience was humbling, to say the least, and has given me cause to learn and improve both personally and generally. Keep up the great content my friend!! 🙌☺️

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey brother, thanks for sharing your own experience, and for the kind words. It takes a lot to be honest and reflect on situations like that, then figuring out where you would want to improve. It’s a really humble and admirable approach. And I’m glad you took the time to share that with me. Thank you. I’ve learned a lot from trial and error, and have been exactly where you were with the unpreparedness, but the worst part is not knowing how to solve it, or not expecting the worst situation to happen - when caught off guard like that it’s really dangerous. Best we can do is always keep learning! Thanks again, my friend.

[@steamer2k319]

Respect to both of you. Getting in over our head is how we learn--the trick is to not get in *too* far over our head 😄. Glad you both made it through. Extra glad to have Bear's video. Hopefully, after watching it, I'll be able to go a little further out before I get in over my head 🥶.

[@Sillyrat_e]

You know what! I am planning to go to the snowy mountains during the holidays and am worried about the equipment. And you came just in time! Everything was just right and perfect! It's like you knew what I’m planning hahah! This is a perfect video! Thank you DJ!!!!!❤

[@TheBearEssentials]

Wow im so happy this will be a help!!! Please let me know how it goes E :)

[@Sillyrat_e]

Sure I will share with you when I come back:D@@TheBearEssentials

[@bluwtrgypsy]

Oh my goodness, DJ, what a challenge. Thank you for undergoing such a test to show us what can happen and how to survive it. The clothing choices were very helpful. Your videos are fantastic and always so helpful. God bless

[@TheBearEssentials]

You are so welcome.. Thank you so so much for watching and taking the time to comment here!!!

[@chas3renity754]

Wow finally some actually valuable content. Thanks so much for what you do! It's interesting, and potentially life saving. You rock.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Oh wow thank you so much for saying this!! Made my day

[@fairanderung7207]

I landed here via your knot videos. So I have no idea about survival things or even camping.. But I do love to go into the forrest (small ones ;)) with my dog and I dont like to stick to paths - I went like 10 times in total (so its something I do not regularly (yet?)). So a view months ago I realized that I should be more prepared because even though the forrests are small, I have cell service nearly everywhere etc. something could happen.. So I try to pick up some helpful things…. I really love your channel! 😊😊 I think it would not have impacted me as much if you just had said that down will soak all the water up and will not get dry and that this can become really dangerous. seeing you experience it and struggling with it changed something.. so thank your for doing that - from now on I will buy wool as a warmth layer😅

[@TheBearEssentials]

Wow, thank you SO much for this nice comment. Makes me feel really good to know that this kind of thing helps people, and the time spent was worth it. Good for you for going out into the forest!! Nothing better than going off path and I bet your doggo loves it!! Thanks again.

[@patriotschannel1336]

Pretending like he didn’t know where his pre built shelter was……….3 stars. Great video!!!! Nothing like a good fire in those conditions

[@jeremyhall7495]

Yep, Golden Globe acting 😊

[@deskmat9874]

Also the dreadful choice of clothing 'breathable clothes'. Your skin doesnt breath, thats what your nose is for, its just cope for not being waterproofed

[@Dover939]

@@deskmat9874 Waterproofing does not matter if you are soaked from the inside of your gear out. Evaporation must happen or you will get cold.

[@ETBtunkey]

​​@@deskmat9874stay at the desk. The rest of us who listened and have common sense understand. Breathable clothes are mandatory to survive. You missed the rest of it and why. Don't voice your opinions if you are foolish with no experience.

[@weston.weston]

DJ, your content is exceptional. Such high quality. Oh my goodness, your solo camera work is awesome.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Glad you enjoy it Weston! The solo camera work adds such a tough aspect. Im toying with the idea of getting some sort of POV cam like a gopro to add in one more layer of shots. Only thing is it takes away a bit of the cinematic nature I like. I'll do a bit of thinking on this one, thanks for the comment!!

[@steamer2k319]

I felt so bad for the camera-man on this one 😅. Bear, your video production is top-notch. I imagine there'd be some cases where it's better to have and not need the extra footage than the reverse.

[@TheBearEssentials]

​@@steamer2k319 haha! Yes! I get about 5-6 hours of footage on these and have to cut it down to what it is here. Some of it is great as I can cut it up for future B roll, but I try to just get as much as I can to tell the story in a way thats exciting and makes sense!

[@OregonMikeH]

RIGHT ON D.J. 100%@@TheBearEssentials

[@SusieLovesJesus]

Thanks for all of the essential basic tips DJ!! What a wonderful survival video 😃 Great job! 🏆

[@TheBearEssentials]

My pleasure Susie! Thanks so much for the kind words and taking the time to comment :)

[@kalebgriffin5438]

The reason why I really enjoyed this video was specifically because he went in there with zero hand tools. We watch these videos with intentions to have gear if we were to go outdoors, but it's always nice to teach ourselves how to be resourceful like this man right here in a life or death freezing situation 🥶

[@WildernessWondersTV1]

Respect for anyone brave enough to camp in these conditions!"

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey thanks so much. It definitely wasn’t easy and I had my share of pitfalls, but it was very rewarding!

[@jdjerew7563]

Damn bro, A+ video, Gangster. You did the bread, the water, the fire, the shelter. Very nicely done. I do the same with the wool base layer, the insulating layers and outer shell. I think if I were in your shoes I would have beefed up the shelter with more pine boughs when you did your initial construction. Beef up the bedding, lash a pine bough door, and maybe make a little more room inside the shelter for wood for in the middle of the night. All ‘n all you nailed it, A+ shelter, A+ gear, Superb video, editing and content. I watched the whole video start to finish and found it very interesting, entertaining and motivating. Anytime I do backpacking trips, boondocking, camping, field craft or bushcraft I’m always trying to make the experience more enjoyable and comfortable. I carry a lot of ultra-light gear DCF/Dyneema composite, wool, 900 fill down, fleece, Nylofume bags for U/L water proofing, titanium cup/bottle/spoon, carbon fiber. Anytime I do any work I always remove layers. Again A+ video!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey brother, first off thanks for the kind words! Secondly, thats great advice, the shelter does need everything you mentioned. I think I'll go back in the spring and revamp it to beef it up a bit more! Also, your strat on removing / adding layers is the exact right one, well done you seem very knowledgeable in this stuff!! Glad to have you here in the community!

[@Deetroiter]

One thing I’d like to add in for people who don’t have enough layers, a trick that we use in Michigan (and will work in most other settings) is that you can take the dry leaves from trees and once you tuck your shirt/pants legs in, you stuff the leaves in between the layers that to do have. It’s extremely crude but it is very effective insulation for a life or death situation where you don’t have enough to keep you warm. Also, if you have any sort of plastic bags, wrap them around your feet and then put your shoes/boots on…will keep your feet socks dry from getting soaked in the freezing cold. This video is awesome and thanks for sharing it with us!! As pointed out, right up there with the most important things is the mindset that you WILL be going home. Those that think they can and those that think they can’t are both usually right!

[@ColinNew-pf5ix]

Well done. What would you have done had there been no birch bark or pine resin? Thanks for your reply. Here on England UK there are forests that are only hardwood. It's near on impossible to get a natural fire accelerator in those forests. So our ancestors would have carried a dry fire kit pouch with birch bark, fine tinder, flint, etc.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Bowdrill fire with cedar if I could find it. Would have been even tougher lol. Worst came to it I would move all night I suppose. Wouldn’t be a good scenario that’s for sure

[@ricoamero6400]

Man the look on your face when you popped out of that shelter in the morning said everything. Lol😂 fantastic info. Thanks!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Any time! Thx for watching, haha that bit cracked me up!

[@PandA-yx5ne]

I haven't done a huge amount in really cold weather. But I think the first mistake people make is OVER dressing, initially. Second is then leaving behind what they didn't wear. Take cold weather stuff, you know if you need it or not. If you live in a place where it can snow like this, you do. This lads ballsy.

[@TheBearEssentials]

100%! Overdressing and thus sweating is probs the most common mistake (the wetness in my clothes was from no waterproof rain layer - not due to sweat) I’m not sure if you meant that by the comment or not. Thx for watching my friend!!

[@charlesmciver897]

Outstanding and informative as usual. It's no wonder that you are closing in on 1 million subs............you deserve it!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Wow, thank you Charles. Can’t believe it myself tbh

[@rickieburke9703]

Man I can't explain how bad I want that kit keep up the good work man I'm proud of you

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thx so much Rickie!!! Which kit, the knot tying one? Or the gear Im using?

[@rickieburke9703]

@@TheBearEssentials I know it's a giveaway but honestly anything I love the outdoors and people who respect nature

[@OregonMikeH]

AMEN TO THAT!!@@rickieburke9703

[@lewisvillalta2492]

That’s was very helpful and serious advice my friend thank you very much God bless you always and stay safe out there

[@TheBearEssentials]

Glad to help, thank you so much

[@DN4E]

Finally got around to watching this. I was especting smooth sailing like in so many other survival videos. I have to say I learned more about this than watching other videos that are two hour long. Love your style of vlogging too. Thanks for not making this the longest video ever and keep giving good advice despite the conditions. I have to say the burnt dough bit cracked me up hahah. Keep up the good work man !

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey thanks so much, reading this really put a smile on my face, I’m glad it was both entertaining and helpful, that’s the mix I’m sorta aiming at, but half the time I have a plan of what I want to cover, and then I just have to see how it all plays out 🤣 so far, nothing has gone entirely according to plan and solving the problems out there I think helps peeps. Also I think it’s less intimidating to newer campers when they see me screw up a bunch too!

[@trayn9443]

"Anything that can go wrong will go wrong" Great video!

[@TheBearEssentials]

100%!!! Thanks so much!!

[@octaviussludberry9016]

2,3 or 4 sticks with the dough spread across, would equate to more even cooking and quicker cooking, which, in a survival situation, would be paramount. Excellent video.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Good point!

[@db.mc275]

Thank you DJ! 👊🏻👍🏻As always Appreciate you my friend 🙏🏻God Bless You always share a wealth of knowledge and it's much appreciated 🙏🏻 Good to know that you're never taking unnecessary risks my friend 👊🏻👍🏻

[@TheBearEssentials]

Ofcourse!! Always testing in scenarios that push my limits but are within my realm of safety :) Thx for commenting as usual. God bless 🙏

[@medvidekmisa]

remember how I was as a kid thrown outside of log house with other kids we formed teams and were left for hours outside, we were given 3 matches a team and tryied to survive and make fire...even tho we collected just the dry tips of branches without snow, and we were given even more matches after few hours we werent able to make fire with our frozen hands, lastly our instructor made fire to show us its possible...but hey...that was really fkin hard to do...that were the good times as a form of tramping for kids, hardcore, but makes you realize few things, also appreciate that you have a house to live in, warm. we also did a lot of river boating with canoes, travele over 1200 kilometers as a teen, carried all with us on the boats, sometimes slept in wet tent in a puddle of water, feels now like it was a war story more than kid summer camp :D we also had funny "brave path" to go onto in absolute darkness under a castle, i literally walked into instructor and he grabbed me, my heart stopped :D, another one another year was into abandoned mine with bats and stuff like that :D

[@alieutier]

Thanks for doing this video! I love watching your content. I'm a fan of down myself, but not as an active layer - I usually get it out of the bag as soon as I stop moving. For the clock face method, it's useful to know that it would work best if your watch is set to solar time (so the sun is perfectly south at noon), which is different from standard time depending on where you are, sometimes by several hours.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks for sharing! Thats great, yeah with Daylight Savings and all that it could throw this method off ! good tip!

[@MrDrakeSirlit]

Awesome video, very entertaining and some good lessons as well!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks a bunch my friend! I try to entertain while also imparting some wisdom! Glad you enjoyed the video and got something out of it.

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. I would say you had a pretty fair adventure. Lucky that the old shelter had not collapsed, and had stood up well.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey thanks!! Ya I had no idea if it would stand, truthfully I’m surprised it did with all that wet snow on top.

[@amandatibbo2583]

Wow ..that was incredible..thanks for sharing and well done

[@TheBearEssentials]

Glad you enjoyed it thx Amanda

[@les3449]

THIS is an outstanding video! I really like the way you approach things. Letting us see "behind the scenes" is also a great teaching tool. I have seen MANY survival and bush craft channels and YOURS is one of the best. Thanks for what you do.

[@journeyman7189]

Definitely a tough challenge DJ and glad to see when things got bad you thought through the problem and came up with a solution. Down is good and so light weight but has that one major limitation and you illustrated that perfectly. Nate

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey Nate!! Thanks a bunch brother. Ya I was really close to turning back. When challenges hit, there’s always the moments where everything feels hopeless. Really glad it all worked out and it ended up being awesome. Thanks a bunch for the kind words man.

[@cougar3220]

Lol the little bird was like...Are you stupid are what? 😂 I loved your video and the best ive seen so far.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hahaha, he just flew in to tell me and then flew away. A little chickadee! And thanks a bunch!

[@thehumanatelier]

Excellent video, what kit and skills do you recommend for surviving a storm ⛈️, specifically rain storm. ❄️💙.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Great question. Jacket should definitely be a waterproof shell. And underneath all synthetic or wool materials.

[@thehumanatelier]

@@TheBearEssentials thank you 🙏

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. Into the woods with no compass, knife, axe, or saw. Pretty brave. Subscribed.

[@brandonedwards1181]

Got my buck saw last week, man what a work of art. Can't wait to put it to some good use soon. Also love your videos, keep coming back to them from time to time

[@mannyg9059]

You certainly taught me what type of inner and outer wear I should not use under similar conditions. I was pulling for you since the amount of wood required to keep your fire going did not appear to be near enough to keep you warm. I also always underestimated how much wood is going to last me. Your pile of wood would only last me about twenty minutes long if that. Under your conditions I doubt that I would risk sleeping at all, constantly thinking that I would not wake up if the fire went out. Thanks for the video.

[@zzanatos2001]

I was in the military for 20 years and have lived in arctic field conditions. I always swore by my Matterhorn boots, wool underlayers and breathable Gore Tex jacket, pants and sleeping bag cover to keep everything nice and dry. I could work in freezing rain for hours and be just fine - but I saw dozens of other guys who were less experienced and didn't have the right gear get hypothermia. If we were in a really nice winter camp, sometimes we would have a GP medium tent that we could heat with an oil heater. That was true luxury.

[@timber4560]

Great video and scenario. I wrestle with clothing choices based on scenarios and weather as well. I have to say that I always learn something from your videos. There are many survival style channels that sometimes put out BS content just for the sake of content. Your knot videos are how I found you and they are awesome, I totally suck at knots and retaining them when I learn them

[@Lukheim]

This video caught my attention after the first second. A really good intro, that stands out from the mass of survival content here on youtube, and made me watch the whole video. Good work. 👍💪

[@TheBearEssentials]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JPMerolla001]

I'm glad you spent so much time explaining your clothing. Because it really is the number one thing when it comes to extreme cold. I do a ton of winter minimalist camping. My record is a night that got down to -24°F not including wind chill factor....but its a toss up between that occasion. Or this past winter when I fell in the water din 18°F and 1 hour till sunset... but often i ask people to go with me... some think they are big time outdoorsmen. They usually end up being unprepared. Or they decline saying they hate the cold. And they really just don't believe me when I tell them " you won't be cold. I promise" but yea. Most of it has to do with knowledge of great cold weather clothing.

[@MimiYouyu]

Outstanding. Well done. ❤

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thank you very much!

[@TailormanUK]

A fascinating video, it was great watching it from the comfort of my comfy little pad because I HATE the cold at the best of times. Thanks for the video.

[@StevenJarrett1961]

Great video. Not sure if ever be in the woods with food, but no knife or at minimum a pistol. This is truly survival. Thanks for the knowledge

[@Themonetvilleboys]

Wow I cannot imagine making a video in life threatening conditions. Great video

[@Victor-mv1od]

what was the firesteel you used ? i'm looking for a better one because mine is trash (but my technique is good). do you have any go-to brands ? models ?

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey Victor! I just use uberleben usually. Lightmyfire is another great brand.

[@Victor-mv1od]

@@TheBearEssentialsthanks for your answer, had a lightmyfire scout before, and it never worked… maybe the army one is better ? Or maybe a defective product ? I think that thicker fire steels are better, I’m looking to get one, is it a good idea ?

[@amandagamess]

Great video! Love the gear breakdown

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thx Amanda!!!

[@PablitoxZ84]

Great adventure and it shows us how hard it could be even for someone with experience 😮 thanks for sharing! Hope to see another surviving video like these some time!

[@georgemacdonald8899]

Tip for breaking larger branches/logs: Find two trees very close together(a few inches), then insert one end of branch in the middle of two trees. Push on the end using the leverage of the long part to increase your ability to break the branch. Big logs can be cracked in half by raising them high overhead and smashing them on a sharp/strong tree root. You could also burn long logs in half until they fit in the fire place, takes a while though

[@williamyoung369]

Good job. I just have one criticism: Who would dawn all that clothing gear & venture out without a knife or other life-saving equipment? Anyone else would probably die of hypothermia. Like that Korean man who got his car stuck with his family way out in Oregon. He didn't know the area, had no pre-made shelter. All good tips here though.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Ya, great points. This was basically just to show even if you know what youre doing, sometimes youve got to completely adapt and change plans and all that can be pretty difficult. Also, even with some great clothing, you can still end up in trouble. Ill do another vid where I stick to the original idea and shelter up in a snowstorm with a quick makeshift one.

[@maximofernandez196]

5:40 I'm curious if this changes depending on the hemisphere you are or not

[@TheBearEssentials]

Ah, yes, my apologies this is for northern hemesphere where the sun is in the southern part of the sky.

[@maximofernandez196]

@@TheBearEssentials Alright, thanks for the answer!

[@WilhelmCazimirovici]

Man, you are great! Finally, now I know how to orientate by sun, I think I heard this 30 times before, but I didn't understood until you explained. I'm 49 yo. You are awesome!

[@hhulkingbugg8060]

wow great video i can see you spend alot of time with your videos keep it up

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks a ton!! I really appreciate the acknowledgement on that part. It goes unseen usually!

[@woodswalker64]

I want to tell you DJ, that this was a riveting video! 👏🏻. This is my second time watching it and tonight will be my third as my roommate wants to see it as well. It is some accomplishment surviving what are probably some of the worst conditions possible, with essentially no gear, while filming the ordeal at the same time! 👊🏻💪🏻 David.

[@Winner8501]

I really appreciate the video; love your channel, I truly learnt a lot.

[@TheBearEssentials]

I appreciate that! Thx a bunch for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@neubert500]

Excellent video Sir! Thank you for posting this!

[@RayH-]

I saw your short video on how to use the time to find direction South. Is there an adjustment for daylight savings time?

[@TheBearEssentials]

Yes it’s approx -1 hr from present time if during DST. So if in dst and it’s like 2pm you would point 1pm at the sun to be more accurate.

[@jamesgregg5663]

Couldn’t you have made a shelter with the tree where you talked about making bundles for your fire. Some pine boughs underneath and overtop like a wickiup?

[@TheBearEssentials]

Yes great idea, I definitely could have done this as an emergency / alternative.

[@marko7969]

Brilliant DJ!

[@jasonjohnson6344]

Like some of the other comments, I found you by accident because your knots videos fed to my iPad. I subbed and finally watched a couple of your videos tonight and they’re amazing. Yep, WOOL!! I learned that the hard way on my first December elk hunt and was wearing layers of COTTON 😳 Been strictly wool ever since. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[@JustinGoodwin84]

I love the video! Im subscribed with all notifications on. Looking forward to venge watching all of your videos to catch up.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Justin you’re awesome man thank you.

[@chaboikiril3846]

Hopefully when I get stuck in a blizzard, I’ll be able to just go to an already built shelter. That seems to help just a bit

[@JoseyWales-ed]

🤣right🫢

[@Raynor88]

Do you own the land you build shelters on or do you just find a spot in the bush somewhere?

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey! This is my friend’s plot of land he has a few hundred acres. Some of my trips are on crown land though!

[@newenglandoutdoorlore]

Informative video! I've been considering doing a video on clothes that I wear in the winter. We seem to have similar ideas. I agree about wearing mittens instead of gloves, dressing in layers wearing wool. I just bought a pair of Big Jon wool pants. My third pair of wool pants. They don't catch fire and retains heat when wet.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Nice, I’ve got micklegard wool trousers and a great boreal mountain wool anorak I’d use in colder weather. This winter has been the strangest one, barely any snow up here, all of it wet and fluctuating. Makes it real tough to get just right!! I hope you make your vid I’d love to watch!

[@newenglandoutdoorlore]

Nice! I will make that video. Thanks! Yeah, we haven't had much snow this year so far. Maybe it's coming later in March. That's happened a few times here. Been in 40's & 50's here past 4 days. Very mild. I went ice fishing today. 45 degrees. 7 inches of soft ice. Drilled the hole in like 5 seconds. Caught two pickerel 18 to 20 inches. Beautiful day to be out. @@TheBearEssentials

[@artursmya2052]

1 serious question about that shelter: It looks pretty enclosed, making the sleeping area and fireplace lower than entrance and all ground around (i assume). Doesn't it get risky in terms of accumulating CO in your sleeping area?

[@TheBearEssentials]

CO has a specific gravity close to air, so it doesn’t accumulate at low spots like you’d think (firefighter here) I bring a mini CO detector with me too, (I show it in my latest 3 day vid) and that goes off if the CO is at dangerous levels. The smoke at the beginning of the burn is bad, after that it was venting out the chinned well, and since there was no door, the flow path of air was through the door then toward the firepit and up and out.

[@westernsoutherner1]

Whew bold move going out there without a rain layer. Those were gnarly conditions. Way to go getting the fire going in that weather. I have build fire in Colorado one time in shit like that and it was tough. That night it got so cold the numbers on my digital watch disappeared.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thx!! Ya it was really greasy out there. Even with the ferro rod and birch I was sweating with how long that fire was taking to go. I could only imagine your Colorado trip, the mountains are a whole different story !! Good on ya, and thanks for taking the time to comment

[@westernsoutherner1]

Keep it up great video!@@TheBearEssentials

[@ChrisFar]

Love this new style of video!!

[@Shewie01]

Cool vid, nice channel, not watched much bushcraft/survival for years. A couple of close growing trees are useful for breaking chunky firewood without tools, birch bark in trouser pockets will warm and dry nicely and take a spark easily. Shelter looked good, handy to have it nearby, going to find that build film now

[@redneckhippy2020]

First video of yours i've seen, so i've subscribed to check you out. My #1 rule for winter shelters is that you need to be able to stand up and stretch, lol. Hiding 3 days from a blizzard can suck if you can't stand up. Keep posting your adventures.

[@seanadams2391]

Good video DJ. Glad you could pull the plug and safely get out at any time. I was wondering why you took time to film everything otherwise...good job documenting some SHTF actions when punched in the face, but safely. Love your informative channel!

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks Sean!! Ya I think I've got to outline the safety considerations so people dont head into the wild and get themselves in a bad spot trying to replicate this etc. Thx for taking the time to comment brother.

[@excalibur1812]

This is just another reason why I live in Texas! We do 112 here, but no sub-zero temps (except in February 2021).

[@paulmayhew9040]

Does the compass work world wide ?

[@TheBearEssentials]

Yes southern hemisphere this type of “compass” Would just have the middle point as north instead of south

[@peterhall2324]

Really enjoyed this post - do not get much snow down here in Tropical Queensland 😂 but it reminded me of my childhood in UK

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks Peter!!! We haven’t gotten that much this year in Canada, it’s been a wild season mainly warmer than usual. I’d love to visit Australia sometime to experience life on the other side of the globe!!

[@peterhall2324]

Thanks DJ - mild weather is good - we had Cyclone Kirrily pass right over 48 hours ago 😮 prefer calm weather haha​@@TheBearEssentials

[@jeffs5093]

Awesome video, thank you.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey Jeff, thanks a bunch man!!

[@FireBird7766]

Not an expert at all (quite the opposite), but does this not underline the limitations of down? Cetainly it's dangerous to be wet and cold in any clothing. But I've heard it said because down loses so much efficacy when wet, it ought not be considered for uses where getting wet is a possibility. Is this view too simplistic? Am I missing something?

[@TheBearEssentials]

Yeah you’re 100% right! Limitations of down are if it gets wet…it’s completely useless! Wool on the other hand retains about 40% of its heat/insulation even when wet and some synthetics maintain insulation too - but those are tricky to dry over an open fire.

[@FireBird7766]

Sorry, you did address this later in the video

[@steamer2k319]

​@@TheBearEssentialsAre there any cases/conditions that you know of where down would be preferable to wool?

[@TheBearEssentials]

@@steamer2k319 Yupp, in pretty much any situation where there isn't a big chance of getting wet. Down is both lighter and warmer than wool, it also packs really really small. Often times you can carry a down jacket stuffed in your backpack just incase you want a little extra warmth. Its also great to switch to once you set up your camp and have some shelter. Its AWESOME, just not in a survival situation id say

[@briangschaefer7048]

Magnificent video. Thank you.

[@MissT167]

Those barks you used for compass already a good stuff to use for shelter roof ,wall etc..

[@tmunday7270001475143]

Wim hoff-hold my beer😂

[@marknthetrails7627]

I guess this is the reason to always have an EDC kit in a metal container, even if it's small. 👍✌🖖🥃

[@TheBearEssentials]

Mark, 10000% true!! (I’m releasing my own Bear paw tins in a couple weeks too!) I’ll feature em in some future vids. What do you keep in yours?

[@marknthetrails7627]

I'm retired 69 and the only trips I've taken are on a Lectric bike and stayed in hotels 😂 but I am considering this summer doing some camping bike trips. I'm not in danger driving from home to town 4-5 miles so the bike saddle bags (paneers) carry all kinds of stuff, I'll be waiting to check out those tins.@@TheBearEssentials

[@blimeythatwasclose]

Sounds like the UK weather in winter - one of the hardest for any bushcraft work

[@travisjones3794]

What hat do you use? Didn’t see that in the gear links.

[@TheBearEssentials]

Oh good call! Honestly it’s just a random one from maybe Sail or something? I’ve had it for years, it’s synthetic fur and some cheap synthetic inside. It’s nothing special - one day I’ll upgrade to a legit one, but this works well for now. Can’t even find the brand name on it

[@elizabethmilos1130]

Do those instructions about N & S bearings apply the same if you’re in the Southern hemisphere?

[@Raynor88]

Loved it. I really want to make one of these shelters and test it out. Only changes I'd make would be a door. Maybe thick cloth or hide. Maybe bug netting on the roof to help keep misquotes out and a Mylar blanket to reflect the heat back above the sleep area. Also if you don't mind me asking, what part of Canada you in? I'm from Ontario.

[@thealicemonster9217]

To quote Ryan Phillippe in Way of the Gun. "A plan is just a list of things that don't happen."

[@Ali.g.97]

Doesn't that compass method change depending on your location? Also the idea of setting up your camera just to walk away from it for a while only to go back for it.. Or vice versa, setting it up just to record yourself walking or falling towards it... Idk 🤣

[@finding.nirvana]

First time watching but loving it so much ❤❤❤

[@IntoTheWildernessBushcraft]

Awesome video, Bud! 🏔️🥾

[@dlbade01]

I don't own any down myself - just synthetic or wool - but I always try to keep the puffy layer for when i really need the warmth (i.e. when I'm no longer very active. ) I would guess for much of the time, you were expending enough energy to stay warm. If you had a place to keep it dry, the down could have been removed. Maybe could have sheltered it under some big chunks of birch bark?

[@TheBearEssentials]

Ya great idea, I wanted to do that when I took the anorak off, but had zero idea how the anorak had been slowly soaking through on my back and shoulders. I found out in that exact moment I removed it that it was soaked.. and just had to deal with it from there.

[@luigi_du_esel]

I’m puzzled by the clothing choices in this video, especially considering the conditions. You layer up with a dual Merino wool base, an additional sweater, a down jacket, and then a Fjällräven parka, but these layers seem underutilized as you end up sweating while collecting firewood. This leads to your gear getting wet, which is quite risky in a snowstorm. It’s intriguing that you still speak highly of your parka even though it’s not waterproof. I think a single, reliable waterproof Gore-Tex jacket might be a more practical choice in such extreme weather. Does anyone else find this contradictory? It’s vital to manage layers effectively to stay dry and safe in the wild.

[@yasinsk9462]

Very nice video . I like it because it was real shots and real happening . Keep going like this brother . 🙏

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks so much! Il make more of this type !

[@smash7777-]

Cool vid bro! First time finding your channel. Will defo watch more! Sub n like well earned 👍

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey thanks a bunch for this, I appreciate it!

[@Canix1O1]

Really good video and really educational I’m just say I think it’s funny when all survival based videos are like I have a certain amount of sunlight and then they take these really nice shots of them walking to the destination and then have to run back and grab the camera and then run back to where they were to keep on track XD. But really it’s a very good video

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thx a bunch!! Ya the behind the scenes is hilarious. Soooo much hidden work involved lol

[@dolphindiver0698]

Great video! I was wondering why you had to use the watch face method to find the direction, since you knew the time and where the sun was. Why couldn’t you have gone “It’s 1 now, the sun will be setting, so that’s west”?

[@TheBearEssentials]

Hey! Yeah the time and sun are the two things required. At 1, the sun is still pretty high in the sky, so if you just look at it's position, you wont know where it is relative to rising and setting. If its closer to sunset, (5pm in this case) then it's easy to tell where west is, and same with sunrise for east, but the midday times you will need the watch face.

[@mashacupoflove]

Awesome video!

[@HAYATISIK-dy8qj]

wonderful video I watched it with great pleasure

[@TheBearEssentials]

Thanks so much!!