Surviving the Night Under a Rock in the Snow - no sleeping bag

Went out with the hopes of creating a shelter out of a natural formation and found this incredible location. slept in this cave, in the dirt with heavy snow and a snowstorm outside
Smoke at beginning of Video:
I used a clip at 0:47 that I took later in the day because it looked good at that part not realizing that there was clearly smoke showing in the background. I used the same clip at 3:44 which is when I took the video
Instagram: @XanderBudnick
My Camera Gear:
Microphone - Rode Video Micro - amzn.to/3shQxW8
Camera - Sony A7iii - amzn.to/3t6M3CN
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Camera Clip - Peak Designs - amzn.to/3dVcm8G
Camping Gear:
Headlamp - Fenix HM50R
Tarp - Aqua Quest Guide Tarp - amzn.to/3JvqvZg
Tent - Zpacks Duplex - zpacks.com/products/duplex-tent
Camp Light - Luminaid - amzn.to/3g0pR9L or amzn.to/3mIPsWa
Fire Starter - Ferro Rod amzn.to/2PXvNpd
Pocket Bellows - amzn.to/3daPh2H
Paracord - amzn.to/3dYB5Zx
Orange Tarp Gear Ties - Night Ize - amzn.to/3vdIknA
Black Winter Sleeping Bag - MEC Talon -30
Orange Winter Sleeping Bag - MEC Talon -10
Red Summer Sleeping Bag - MEC Talon +5
Sleeping Bag Liner - Sea to Summit Fleece liner
Sleeping Pad - Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra
Sleeping Mat - Nemo Switchback
Sleeping Mat 2 - Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol - amzn.to/2SlbwLa
Axe - Grandfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest Axe
Huge Saw - Silky Katanaboy 500 - amzn.to/3eVHu8U
Large Saw - Silky Big Boy - amzn.to/3tgTxCD
Small Saw - Silky Gomboy - amzn.to/3tgTxCD
Frying Pan - GSI glacier frying pan
Backpack - Gregory Baltoro 75L
Fixed Blade Knife - Gerber Big Rock
Small Folding Knife - Benchmade mini Griptillian
Food Dehydrator - amzn.to/3njSQIO
#Bushcraft #Survival #Winter

[@archi-mendel]

I have experience sleeping several nights next to fire. I would suggest several things: 1. Build a wooden bench - regular foam sleeping pad is not enough to insulate from frozen ground or frozen rock. Also, when you're staying low, you get much less warmth from coals. Ideally, the bench should be 30-40 cm high. Make sure to have a bench which is your length or more so that you could stretch (most of the times you will sleep curled, but it is a huge relief when you can stretch for couple minutes before curling back. 2. Build a long fire - your length or a bit shorter. Three logs fire will do. Logs should be 16-20 cm thick. Only start this long fire just before going to sleep. You will need around 6-7 such logs to spend a night. You will only have to wake up once per 1-2 hours to replace the burnt logs. 3. Lean to tarp setup is a must (rock works as a lean to, but it should be flat enough so that it is at the same distance for the whole your body). Btw, spruce twigs are awful for insulation as they have a lot of moisture in their needles. Even if you decide to build a spruce twigs bed, make sure to only take dry (dead) ones. And it actually is always looking much more simple when we watch videos. It is quite easy to think about the ways to do stuff properly, but after moving for several hours in deep snow and having little daytime left, it is very hard to make yourself do everything right and avoid choosing shortcuts. We then have to pay for this by spending miserable nights :) Cheers from Karelia, Russia. We have landscape quite similar to yours - rocks moved by glacier, thousands of lakes created by glacier, a lot of spruce.

[@XanderBudnick]

Thanks for sharing love the tips

[@sam-qt7ur]

I wish i could be there

[@archi-mendel]

​ @Patrik hey Patrick. For the Siberian fire (aka boreal fire, hunters fire, etc. - "Siberian fire" and "Evenks fire" is actually purely KZbin thing), you can just have more logs on top of the base one so that they form a longer fire. With classic hunters fire you want to use some big lying dead tree as a base, thus you have a bit less flexibility in choosing the place for your sleep and a bit of an extra hustle with lean-to setup (as there could be no trees to tie your tarp to). I've also used "cannon" fire lay (similar to hunter fire, but using thinner logs regularly) for night fires. It has much less hustle in preparing firewood as you could use pretty thin (8-10 cm) dead standing for it, but it requires some adjustments done every 40-60 minutes which is not the best for a good sleep. It works perfectly for when you don't have enough daylight to build decent night fire or when you are exhausted. Decent night-long fire takes 1+ hours to prepare firewood and build the fire, and it requires a lot of efforts, especially in snowy conditions. For the tarp - any setup which is more enclosed could lead smoke to get inside your enclosed tarp shelter and stay there. I've tried Siberian log fire with A-frame tarp setup and I failed miserably. Even in classic open lean-to you could wake up in a clouds of smoke as soon as fire or coals reach snow/wet ground. Anyways, from my experience - you need to really get used to sleeping next to fire to feel good at morning. If you do this 1-2 times a year, you are going to feel miserable. So, I opt-in to always taking decent sleeping bag with me. It's great that I know I can survive next to fire in below freezing temperatures, but I actually like good 8-9 hours of sleep, even if it is -20C outside :) P.S. If you're going to try sleeping next to fire in winter, please make sure that you're doing this close to your car or that you have decent sleeping bag with you. Things could quickly lead to real survival case in winter with all the deep snow, short daylight hours and freezing temperatures - I've been there :)

[@archi-mendel]

​ @Patrik yep, I had experience hiking in Alps, we've crossed Austrian-Swiss border, were sleeping in a tent, but above tree level and locals have advices to stay out of sight, especially out of sight of shelters, not to get complaints. I am mostly hiking in the woods. In winter I have only camped in a tent couple times in the woods - doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I prefer tarps + and a log bench in such conditions. Mountains and tree-less areas (like shore of Arctic Ocean for instance) is a whole different story though - weather conditions are changing dramatically and string winds may pick very quickly. As a lawful guy, I cannot even imagine sleeping next to fire in Switzerland wilderness. But this is what I could do any time in Russia (now that's in past as I had to leave 6 months ago - funny enough, it looks like this happened couple days after I've left the first comment of this thread).

[@user-up7qx8dg2t]

Все правильно написал. Я сначала удивился но дочитав до конца понял, что это писал земляк. Привет из Забайкалья! У нас климат гораздо жёстче, чем в Карелии, и ночевать зимой под открытым небом - невероятный риск. Охотники, даже самые опытные стараются до зимовья дойти, и только в самом крайнем случае рискуют ночевать у костра.

[@rare.phukin.spotted.halibut]

Buddy, that is the life! considering most of us are surrounded by concrete, and climate-controlled rooms 100% of the time. Even if its doesn't always go as planned, this is a breath of fresh air. Thank you for another one.

[@snusgat7087]

Great speech!👍👏

[@kennethsshelby3301]

Q

[@kahel4308]

Getting fresh air? Haha ya nothing more healthy for your lungs than breathing in cariogenic fumes from the fire.

[@ThatGuyAJ_1]

@@kahel4308 stay indoors and do the dishes then buddy

[@waterdog9500]

Not a single littlefoot encounter either lol

[@704pat]

Your respect towards nature is amazing. Not taking from the trees or disturbing the rock with fire shows what kind of person you are.

[@MrDmadness]

True, though this is very unrealistic for a survival channel

[@fernandosaavedra4864]

Mmmhhh, He killed a lot of trees for a youtube video

[@bernisweltredsun1245]

disturbing the rock with fire?

[@704pat]

@@bernisweltredsun1245 it's just respect towards nature. He doesn't want to permanently alter the area he's in and it says a lot about him.

[@guyreurtt3860]

@@fernandosaavedra4864 he cut down dead standing hardwoods, big difference.

[@Lakeland_IV]

We're very fortunate to live in a time where we have the freedom to choose a balance between struggle and comfort. As nice as it is to sleep under a rock in the freezing cold, I'm glad I always have a nice warm bed to retreat to. Videos like these really make you appreciate the simple amenities in life our ancestors worked so hard for us to enjoy today.

[@praisejesusrepentorlikewis6218]

Repent to Jesus Christ “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭40:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ L

[@The_Bad_Guy.]

@@praisejesusrepentorlikewis6218 what the hell does that have to do with anything at all?

[@ryangray9881]

@@The_Bad_Guy. Dudes a Bible thumbing moe. Leave him alone or he'll tell fairy tails. Better off reporting for spam with guys like this.

[@george2113]

It appears these freedoms are rapidly coming to an end.

[@lordorochimaru6185]

@@The_Bad_Guy. are people not allowed to share the good news?

[@georgesouthwick7000]

Bringing emergency gear is something everyone should carry, regardless of how long they intend to be out. Some of the most serious situations occur during a day hike, when something happens to terribly wrong. So good to see you setting a good example for others.

[@MHarenArt]

"I like my cave." "That was absolutely miserable" Not surprised by either statement. What a crazy adventure.

[@leosantoro1852]

so much respect for you. not ripping off the branches because the trees need it more and even thinking about the rock and burning the fire near it. what a top bloke

[@moorshound3243]

Yes but when you see what the logging guys are doing to whole mountain sides then your little beds worth doesn't really matter.

[@jeffstrongman7889]

It was miserable because you were worried about scorching a damn rock and taking boughs from trees. If you plan on being any sort of outdoorsman you better lose the tree hugger attitude.

[@mikkelsen9446]

Taking a trip like this must be so good for the mind and soul.

[@yesdude3914]

Please do research if you attempt this shit lol

[@theyenvylamar]

@@yesdude3914 why?

[@msalsa1828]

@@theyenvylamar you could die without the knowledge and know how’s

[@an0nscroller]

10:02 I can literally feel this moment here. I've felt the cold around my face and around me, the scorching fire burning you. It's a real sobering feeling, alertness, instinctual, gratitude. Such a good angle Xander you've been the best

[@moneym3]

"Xan, get your boy dawg"

[@an0nscroller]

@@moneym3 😂😂😂

[@stephenrally2432]

This was probably the most relaxing and peaceful camping I have seen you do. Awesome. I mean other than the rough sleep lol.

[@hanreality.7266]

He ALWAYS has a rough sleep! 😂

[@vmm5163]

Did anyone else get a stab of fear looking at that thumbnail? I expected that fire to melt ice in the rock and it all collapse on him 😫

[@mr.channel6467]

I think it be weird to fucking subscribe and follow this guy. honestly. Get a life. Halfway through this video I’m annoyed as fuck

[@praisejesusrepentorlikewis6218]

Repent to Jesus Christ “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭40:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ I

[@george2113]

@@vmm5163 I was a bit concerned about some of the rock cracks dropping rock on him

[@cameronmoore136]

Snow is so beautiful. The way it falls slowly makes me feel so relaxed.

[@nightrider5109]

This is a guy who not only understands nature but respects her as well

[@dominusetdeus060644]

The fact that you decided not to strip the small spruce trees of branches and needles has bumped you up respect wise in my eyes so much. Stay safe and stay strong out there man.

[@PacNorthOR]

Thank you for being legit, and showing people you aren’t stupid and brought a lot with you just in case. You da man!

[@alfreddunn03]

When I watch this my heart rate drops and I feel so calm, so relaxing..great vid.

[@cjm-nd2mn]

Lyeo it's great for watching before sleep

[@pamb.7753]

Out of desperation I once discovered the use to 2 trees to break up stubborn wood. Seeing you do the same made me smile. You like challenge more than I do. Fun to watch your antics.

[@jacobcastellon9294]

Out of all the KZbinrs in the world. There’s few who I genuinely wish would never quit making and uploading, you’re one of them man

[@XanderBudnick]

Thank you :D

[@frasiersplace]

Man, seeing you suffer a rough night of sleep seemed brutal. I actually more enjoy that you have your comforts with you or can pass the time having fun like fishing or kayaking. These limited gear vids are cool but it sucks seeing you so uncomfortable. I feel the more you have fun, the more I do too and encourages me to have fun. Thanks for awesome content 👌

[@maybeme8783]

Man I love the canadians and especially this huy, the fact that at 5:15 he prefers to not burn the rock despite possibly being colder during the night really shows how caring and thoughtful he is. Really nice and calming video btw, I subscribed right away

[@stevenjames4173]

I LOVE how you paid respect to the rock as you left. Very humble.

[@Biggsy2008]

Absolutely love your videos brother. Thanks for helping us all through these tough times and the quality education you offer.

[@samglennie3864]

Such an inspiration content creator with such a story behind him. Incredible video once again, Xander. Thank you.

[@LyriixLKE]

Indeed I totally agree with you I love his story and that is why I watch him not only because he is really good at what he does but because I really like him as a person.

[@bigstreetguns6619]

@@LyriixLKE where can I read about his story?

[@drockdrockdrock]

@@bigstreetguns6619 watch all his videos. You learn his “story” from all of them. I don’t believe there is a book where you can read his life story. (Yet). 😉

[@bigstreetguns6619]

@@drockdrockdrock that's not very helpful.

[@BowserTheSnapper]

@@bigstreetguns6619 well you asked and I gave you the most accurate answer ,that I am aware of, someone can correct me if they know of a place to read his life story....? if you watch all his videos he drops little bits of personal info in them, his struggles, his achievements etc...you get to "know" him. that's it. sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

[@peteyboy74]

Man, I dig you & your videos young brother. Got a great spirit, and your dedication to pushing your own limits of comfortability is inspiring. Keep on keeping in, my man. Much love, PFG

[@samchu4508]

Hey Xander, you probably get this a lot! I recently found your channel and have been binging your videos. I'd love to see a video, even raw and unedited, of how you prep for trips. Packing gear, going to stores for food and supplies, planning the trip, etc. I'm from the tropics and don't really have any options for wild camping, so all this is wonderful content. Also, congrats on sobriety! I've battled off alcohol addiction and know that it's no easy task. Keep on keeping on, stay safe. Love from the Philippines.

[@rebelnz7837]

Another awesome adventure! Thanks for taking the time and effort to bring us all along. Hope you enjoyed that one as much as we did :)

[@scotthiggins375]

Thank you for a.) having an emergency kit, and, b.) divulging you have an emergency kit, and most of all, c.) not cutting and using spruce boughs in your KZbin vid, which is indeed another great video. Love the respect you try to show for nature, and for others.

[@tomlorenzen4062]

Spruce bow shortage?

[@scotthiggins375]

@@tomlorenzen4062 no buddy, they're endless. I still like it when they don't use them in KZbin videos just for fun and/or profit.

[@BLTV_Photoshop]

Excellent!!! Love your videography.

[@nostalgiclamb7510]

And when I feel at my lowest, Xander makes it back into my KZbin feed. Truly comforting videos ❤

[@simonbrown1486]

“That was absolutely miserable” - I laughed out loud when you said that! Thanks Xander.

[@XanderBudnick]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@simonbrown1486]

I enjoyed it as someone whose spent miserable nights out in the cold, but this time it wasn’t me! 🤣

[@hanzdnb]

Hey Xander, i've been watching all of your videos lately and i really like them. They are really inspiring to me and a lot of other people. Keep up the good work! :)

[@GoldenC0de]

I admire your journey and the fact that you did this by choice. I belive it made you appreciate what you have. And thank you for being kind to your surroundings

[@DerkkaHD]

Only just stumbled on this channel a few days ago, working from home lately has me watching all kinds of stuff but these videos have been keeping the time passing for sure. Love your stuff dude! Love from New Brunswick

[@xXCol3manXx]

Appreciate the content Xander. Hope all is well

[@notesfromtheforest]

We really have no concept of how important fire was to our ancestors... Great video, as always.

[@randomteacher]

Really love that you make a plan and go for the experience. Most over think a situation while life passes them by.

[@tedwoe]

The scenery was absolutely beautiful. So serene with the snow falling in the forest. Cool video. Thanks

[@dclnmre]

Anyone else drooling over how sweet this would be for bouldering ? I live close to this area, and really wanna go there haha

[@MoritzK1]

Exactly my thoughts haha

[@Jon95McC]

Where is this?

[@leemurray4095]

The time lapse was worth the whole experience. Awesome video. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@soonerfrac4611]

It always makes me nervous having a fire under a large rock overhang. It makes sense to be there, it holds and reflects the heat. But the differential heating can cause a slab to calve off, especially with that one already having a large piece with an exposed crack.

[@tk72231968]

I'm glad someone else mentioned this. People have died from making that mistake.

[@sherryjohnson3804]

Also spiders and insects drop😳

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

It is not absorbing s lot of heat as most the heat goes out. Not like in a real over hang cave.

[@papabear9481]

@@adventureswithfrodo2721 Yes, yes it is. It can be very dangerous

[@jessdriscoll1056]

i mean dude the guy is sleeping in the frozen wilderness without a sleeping bag or tent, among all the other usual risks... life is chance no matter what, and the risk he took with the rock kept away other more riskier risks.

[@nicksheridan9865]

Your camping videos have helped me so much. My dad loved camping and we go almost everyday we had free time. He recently went to Michigan for a couple months to study and I just miss the sound of that crackling fire while we would sip beers next to the lake and just chill for an entire night. Thank you!

[@user-xs4pi4ss4h]

As usual, another incredible video! Thank you! I really enjoyed watching you make use of your surroundings and the cinematography is as always amazing. Looking forward to your next adventure!

[@MitchMcLean]

The smiles and happiness at 3:55 while admiring the surrounding area really put a smile on my face. Thank you Xander for the excellent trip yet again :D

[@iryanriddle]

My favorite part of every video- the 'goodbye' shot. There's something about knowing that you have to turn back to get the camera that just kills me. Reminds me of all the Les Stroud I used to watch. Thanks Xander- your videos are what I needed to get back out there.

[@ryanwagner2355]

Love how you care for the nature ❤need more people like that

[@JonUchaczOutdoors]

Great video, again! Was really looking forward to seeing how this went. I wondered if the snow would’ve melted and dropped down on you, but I guess that turned out to be the least of your worries. Worth the experiment and experience. Thanks, Xander!

[@arcticfoam5480]

Thank you for yet another great video. Your content makes me want to get outside so badly, I really respect all the skills you have both with camping and video

[@donnaedwards2490]

Absolutely love your videos 😊 Cannot wait for the next one x Hope you are keeping well x

[@robertguest3046]

Loved the way you said it was miserable! Great video and time! Thank you

[@gregpenny4384]

Thank you for a great video. My fear for you is that sometimes putting heat to rocks like that when they are that cold is they some times shatter and pieces a ton or more fall on you, stay safe.

[@tonyf9984]

Smiled at the confession about the duplicated clip. Says two things about Xander: an out-and out perfectionist (which makes the videos technically a joy to watch) - and a thoroughly nice guy with no pretensions. Another superb little story ... thanks!

[@XanderBudnick]

i dont usually swap around the timeline of my clips and heres a good reason why :p

[@BricksAndSparrows]

From our warm homes, we watch people go out into the cold wilderness and we marvel at how quickly and efficiently they can make to cold wilderness more like our warm homes. And this inspires us to want to leave our warm homes and try ourselves in the cold wilderness to see if we can make it more like the warm homes we have left behind.

[@markanthony2274]

Xander are you the first are you the thousandth are you the 500 how many people have been there where you are right now thinking what you're thinking in that cave You're a part of history now brother. That shit is amazing !!!!!

[@northernembersoutdoors1045]

Love all your videos here, how you camp out in the cold and snow is awesome, smart taking that emergency kit, good idea, loved the sleep time=lapse always an enjoyable watch, cheers.

[@connor8036]

Getting a notification that you posted makes me so excited everytime, I absolutely love your vids and you always make my day! I’m 17 and love camping and getting out in nature whenever possible! Watching your vids has taught me so much and makes me love nature so much more! Much love bro❤️Keep up the amazing work!

[@AriThecraftydragon]

Thank you for showing a way to break the log into smaller pieces. The idea or knowledge was already in the back of my mind but this brought it more to the forefront as a real solution.

[@434yamaha]

Am I the only one who likes to watch camping videos while camping just to add more camping to camping? There's something cool about watching his campfire while watching my own 😂

[@lexgoss6505]

Loved this as always- You’re a trooper!! ❤️❤️ I feel like some of the absolute best nights/adventures are filled with uncomfortableness and sleepless nights -plus the snow scenery alone was stunning 😊😊

[@YeahBass3k]

I'm surprised by how attracted I am to these videos. Deep down we humans crave nature. Seeing you break yourself for a full day in nature, tire your body, then build a small shelter, start a fire, and ultimately prepare a delicious meal - it's such a journey. We were not built to live in concrete boxes staring at LED screens all day. These videos are a breath of fresh air Xander

[@dygon7663]

You should probably watch until the very end where he says he's happy to leave the cave and understand why we sleep in homes and how uncomfortable it was sleeping in that cave :p.

[@tempestzz5682]

We are ment to do as we see fit,we have free Will,if you want to sleep in a hole,enjoy your self,i much prefer sleeping in a worm bed haha

[@YeahBass3k]

@@dygon7663 I think you missed my point, but that's alright

[@YeahBass3k]

@@tempestzz5682 we are definitely not meant to do as we "see fit". Your body has been shaped by thousands of years of evolution driven by environment. The technological boom in the past 150 years that enables us to live like parasites is not something we're built for, as evidenced by the obesity rates, rates of unhealthy people, etc etc. But yeah I get your point. A warm bed is an awesome thing no doubt about it.

[@davidjones8934]

It’s sound so peaceful that when you divided the deadfall it sounded like gunfire 😊 Another great video. Thanks for sharing

[@JoseGarcia-ev2wb]

Thank you for taking us on this journey

[@strawbertexisting4058]

Xander your videos help me so much and im happy i found your channel, it makes my day better every day, and youve inspired me to go on my first backpacking trip with some more experienced friends in a few weeks, thank you for the inspiration, i really appreciate you

[@Pyrochase]

If I may offer a recommendation or suggestion for the next time you attempt something like this, adding a reflective barrier for the heat may help a great deal with this sort of challenge. You can take some logs and stack them on the side of the fire you are not on so the heat reflects back from those logs and stays more contained. Don't put them too close to the fire but close enough they don't burn and in a sort of U shape. If you build the wall about 2 to 3 feet (.6 to .9 meter) high, a great deal of the heat radiating from the fire will reflect back in your direction. Glad you survived the night, that's a rough survival challenge.

[@Allforthelaughs]

Figured I had better scroll through the comments first before echoing this sentiment! I'm sure there is so many other things you've learned too that film doesn't capture. Thank you for your content Xander

[@bobbyspain905]

You also could a piece of that rock fall on your head from the fire heating up the rock that could have been cracked by ice freezing an expanding with the only thing holding said cracked rock could be the ice or even by thermal shock or by water in the rock getting turned in to water vapor suddenly causing the rock to explode.

[@jeremiahallyn4603]

I like your cave too. How cool is it that you found the perfect spot to set up camp? Your adventures in nature are so fun to watch. Thanks for sharing it with us bro ❤✌

[@BaskinBoga]

Love how the experience was so honestly relayed. Great job.

[@goldiloks08]

Starting at 13:00, it’s SO cool to see the blue around the edges of the screen as the sun rises. Thanks for another beautiful video!

[@gauravthakur3105]

Bro You're slowly becoming real life "Man vs Wild" From a solo camper But yes i love how you respect the nature, and shown the purity and beauty of nature that's just incredible. Love your videos thanks for another one❤

[@delanemajeski7790]

This is true primitive camping, clearing your head - and your heart - getting in touch with your 'core' .. . 👍🇺🇲

[@guermeisterdoodlebug7980]

I actually laughed out loud when you woke up and admitted it was absolutely miserable. Good on you for toughing it out and sharing with us.

[@nicholaslamoureux4756]

Great video man, really highlights how relaxing nature can be, and also punishing. Cheers from Ottawa, keep doing what you do!

[@frankvanbeek4786]

Hey man, I’ve been watching u for some time with some other KZbinrs. And it literally became a dream for me to sleep in the nature and set up my own camp etc like u guys do. So I decided to go hiking from Breda to Rome in 2 months which path will go trough Austria and Italy. So excited, much love🏆

[@lostbehindwords]

It’s absolutely stunning reading those words that you’ve dreamed of sleeping in nature. These are our roots. We should be able to return to them at anytime. Just an eye opener reading that. I’ve spent much of my life camping next to a fire with amenities. I hope your trip served you well!

[@frankvanbeek4786]

@@lostbehindwords thank you brother. And your absolutely right, it’s in our roots. I’ve been wild camping in the Dolomites in Italy, and it was amazing to sleep there and wake up.

[@MichealBacon]

Very much enjoying your winter series. Your overnight video sequences are surreal.

[@steveholloway8576]

Thank you sir ,you're very knowledgeable in outdoors.

[@felixcat9318]

You had my absolute respect when you displayed a very high degree of consideration for the natural elements around you. That you declined to strip those trees and showed consideration for not wanting to scorch the rockface was really good to see, and by explaining your decision you planted that thought into the minds of your viewers. You found an excellent location, and whilst not comfortable you were able to remain relatively warm and sheltered. Your cooking was fantastic to see and doubtless hugely enjoyable. I also liked your energy saving method of splitting firewood! Due to my surroundings I watched your video muted, with captions and it was still hugely enjoyable. Suffice to say that I am really pleased to have found your channel and have subscribed.

[@nikox703]

I thought to myself awesome time lapse. Your first words after were ‘that was absolutely miserable.’ 😂 Thanks Xander for another good one!

[@TuorUlmondil]

I really appreciate that you bring extra gear because it’s a KZbin video meant to have fun, but you also want to be safe. Respect ✊

[@northstar_7]

Great find, I’m glad you decided on that spot, it really was natures treat.

[@framerguy]

You have no idea how much enjoyment I got from this video, Xander! I saw myself in you about 50 years ago when I truly enjoyed going on such adventures to test myself and also to thoroughly become engrossed in all that nature had to offer me in any sort of environment or weather. As I watched the video for the second time, I wondered how many other people had the foggiest notion of what pleasure you can have with little or none of the so called "modern" conveniences at hand to buffer the environment surrounding you. The sounds of the woods, the crackling of that only source of warmth keeping you from utter misery, and the things you noticed around you, the textures, the shapes, the massive strength of that boulder lying there just waiting for you to come and make it your home for the evening?? Man, what a proper way to experience a cold winter's evening than to go and spend it with a campfire and a good meal under a big rock!! I can't say that I would have gone out without a few more items in case of an unexpected change of plans but you did OK with items you did take with you. [I always had my dog to keep me company!] I have spent many many fulfilling hours and days living in makeshift shelters, a few real caves, and other natural or DIY shelters, when I simply could not find anything to suit my fancy and I can tell that you are really enjoying doing your "thing" with challenges such as this one. The areas where I frequented my weekend winter forays, was a hardwood mix with evergreens, such as you were in on this overnighter, and I remember hiking in one cloudy Friday afternoon for a weekend with my young chocolate lab puppy, he was about 7 or 8 months old and it was the 1st winter trip I took, with him along, and I wasn't sure what to expect as the snow started falling before I ever got my gear out of the Land Cruiser. But as we got moving down the trailhead for a 4 mile hike to the place I planned to camp that weekend, Robbie was having a ball biting at large snowflakes as they floated by his nose, and I was laughing at his antics for a mile before I realized that we were in for a royal snowfall that evening. I had planned to camp behind a rather small waterfall which was spring fed from somewhere above the bluff from which it flowed and, as my light flashed on the falls, it was stunning what mother nature had prepared for us to enjoy! The cascade had frozen solid from probably 30' above our heads all the way down to the rock floor of the falls and there was a beautiful column of freeform ice standing where the water was falling the last time I visited! By the time I got enough wood together and started a fire, both the dog and I were tuckered out. But I didn't come to sleep, I came to enjoy this special spot with my special new camping bud and so we did just that. It is amazing how quiet the woods gets during a fresh snowfall. As I pushed down hung trees, which had rotted off or were blown over in storms, I almost felt like I was intruding on the "sounds of silence", a term from a well known Simon & Garfunkle song which I felt suited the quiet of the night we were having as the snow kept falling covering the woods in a blanket of white. I was tired and the fire was warm and Robbie had already claimed my sleeping bag for his own, but I sat up until I couldn't keep my eyes open and listened to the crackling of the fire, the soft sounds of the night as clumps of snow fell off of limbs somewhere overhead with a muffled "flump" as they hit the snow below. I have been outside in blizzard conditions, wind howling and driving snow almost horizontally, and I have been in whiteouts where I couldn't see my house from the barn, only 40' away. But there is something about a quiet night, not even a whisper of a breeze, and large white flakes of snow slowly drifting down and covering everything, that is almost magical to this old outdoorsman! I cherish such moments in my treks out to renew my connection with nature and all its beauty. BTW, this setting was under a bluff which overhung the spot where the waterfall dropped to the ground below by probably 20' and we camped behind the frozen falls that weekend. It was perfect, like your rock "notch", for the job needing to be done! The forest floor rose up behind the waterfall and was littered with dry leaves 2' deep and quite dry for a perfect place to camp! I will be watching your future videos in hopes that you will keep the adventures coming, as I cannot now enjoy those trips like I once did. It seems that the older I get the more my old legs and back tell me to stay put and watch someone else "do it" for a change! I will also search out any other videos you have to see what you have done so far. Thanks for the time it takes to put these pieces of your life out for all to see and enjoy.

[@jeffmiller3150]

You should make a video of what you described!

[@RustySchoolBus]

love the content man, would love to see some more no food solo camping videos when the weather is more appropriate. thank you for the great content

[@petersterling5334]

I got one of those folding Saws after seeing you use them!They are Awesome!! Thanks for the Videos Xander. You Rock

[@willmorrison5950]

Thanks Xander! Glad you had fun! Informative and entertaining! I am a new subscriber and will be watching out for new videos. ❤️🙏

[@CorvusNumber6]

Great video! If it were a life threatening situation, you'd definitely be using the Spruce boughs. You made the right decision to keep yourself between the fire and the rock, at least that way the rock was acting as a heat reflector for your back. You may have had a miserable night, but at least you did it! Liked and subbed! Dave.

[@kadnam222]

I sware to God, every video of yours is an experience! I seriously feel like I was there with you and at the end I just miss the place, even though I wasn't really there. Thank you good sir!

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this excellent video. 😎 Lots of insights into natural shelter.

[@adamdevine7609]

Hey man just wanted to say I really appreciate your videos, I’ve broken my hand really bad a few weeks ago and my whole life has kinda stopped and your videos bring back a sort of normality and calm. Thank you ✌️

[@XanderBudnick]

heal up my brother

[@zerious1016]

This is the first vid of yours that I seen and it was recommended by KZbin because I also watches other campers. I love camping myself, but there no camping area where I live, so yes, you and all those campers are living my dreams for me. Thanks a lot for that. I also notice how much you care about natures and what is around you, which it is nice. Always use what you need and leave others along if not needed. Awesome video. You got my like.

[@herniagaming]

"I like this hole, but I'm not gonna miss it" "Yep, time to go" *gets up* *cuts to dumping a shit ton of snow on the fire* Bro such unintentionally funny scenes, top tier content, thank you.

[@edwardsharpe6234]

yes dumping the snow on the fire was the real finale of the absolutely miserable adventure.

[@mariamarshall6116]

Love the honesty about the discomfort.

[@virus_v73]

"I like this hole, but I'm not going to miss it." Words we can all love by. Very quotable 😀

[@tHaH4x0r]

Seeing the fire close to the rock face where you are sleeping under made me so nervous. I have heard of rocks cracking due to heat expansion of a campfire.... Not sure how often it happens, probably not often, but it sure makes me nervous!

[@finntech531]

Rocks can explode if there's water inside and it gets heated too much.

[@Kamau1865]

Hi Xander, really good to stumble across your content. I would like to incorporate some of this outdoor adventure/lifestyle into my own life, but as things are now I'm a million miles from doing it. With winter coming up here in England, I might look into some kind of training or course to give me some of the essential skills I need to engage with nature in such a meaningful way. If you ever decide to come over to the UK there really are a lot of places that offer wonderful countryside and scenery, especially up in the Highlands of Scotland, in Northern Ireland and parts of Wales. England is mostly urban and metropolitan, overcrowded also, so it's best to look elsewhere. Would be happy to point you in the right direction. Thanks for the video, I will check out some of your other content over the coming days.

[@johnjenkins4788]

Golem hole is the best description of your cave! Great video mate, it's made me want to go camping.

[@MorewithMat]

If you listed this boulder on Airbnb I'm sure you could charge a healthy price per night! Another awesome video Xander making me want to not sleep in my bed as often! 😂

[@LexyThomas134]

3:53 we have giant rocks like that in the woods right behind our house, and on top of one of them is an imprint of a pretty big Dinosaur egg. It's pretty cool and deep into the rock, I remember finding it when I was a kid. Its a perfect egg shape too.

[@yolodemo6315]

i had a lot of anxiety and your video help me sleep every night, thx you so much for content

[@AliAnsari-cv6pc]

You are doing some amazing stuff man!

[@BLACKWILD7]

Nice video would like to camping in the snow ❄️ one day

[@hanta8475]

me too 😊

[@archer721]

Bring a nice wool blanket! Even if it gets wet, it will keep you warm.

[@unitedstatesofmordor]

Fist video of likely many I'll watch. Found you through your association with Lost Lakes, and subscribed. Happy trails!

[@aaronv6091]

What I appreciated most was your minimum expenditure of energy. A lot of people go out with the mistaken belief that they have to carry a saw and an axe and a hatchet, etc. I like how you demonstrated that the elements and surroundings can be your best tools.

[@TheRealTedBaird]

Dude sick spot and great Vid. I honestly have way less back pain sleeping in shelters etc. after Alone my back was great its beds that do me in lol. Also that pot Jim has the set but Ive never been able to find it again with the bail arm you know where to get it? Cheers

[@XanderBudnick]

Thanks brother. Really that's interesting, were definitely not designed to sleep on fluffy surfaces. We picked up these pots probably from MEC back in 2009 when we did the missinabi. Honestly they're the best and will last a lifetime

[@TheRealTedBaird]

@@XanderBudnick Ya I remember they were from MEC but never found since. Its a sick set the lids hold so well also almost lost many important meals when they feel but lid stayed on. Anyway ill keep searching...cheers

[@pamalvestad3848]

Ted maybe Ebay or REI could be a source ? Through it out on Facebook that your looking for a set. My son was looking for a item to replace in his hiking gear and posted on Facebook he ended up with two at a fair price. Just thinking out load

[@TheRealTedBaird]

@@pamalvestad3848 Thanks Pam

[@Augustusnimbus]

@@XanderBudnick Always wanted to ask; aren't there any wolves in your camping areas? If there are, how do you sleep in the open like that without any fear mate? Awesome solid work. Keep it up. Always helps relax and sleep at night's. Thank you for that. Respect and support from Australia 🇦🇺

[@donlitos]

Xander love your videos obviously what you did here was very risky that rock might have been there for 20,000 years without moving yet not with fire creating a geothermal event that was changing the chemistry of the rock through the night maybe enough to drop a slab on your head. Or worse. Obviously you are a risk taker. Keep going brother!

[@kevincomery1634]

Yes my thought in England few years back some scouts camping had a fire under a huge boulder like they had since forever ago well it cracked this night n one of the scouts died under a huge amount of rock scares me shitless watching love the vids dude stay safe stay free