Testing the Army ICS Tent in Extreme Wind & MRE Lunch

[@donprater3768]

As a mid 80's grunt the concept of a self heating MRE is a bit stunning. We would just put them in our shirt right over the heart while we moved so they would be warm. Also, a tent of that quality for a soldier was just unfathomable, that's just fancy as f. :)

[@GruntProof]

I haven't taken you all along on a trip of mine in a while. Let me know what your thoughts are on these longer adventures.

[@williamschutter8465]

Wish I could accompany you. I am totally disabled and a Germanophile. No luck at all.

[@pipebear7036]

@@Matthew_Australia I agree :-)

[@pisuarez]

It's awesome to see you going out (specially in bad conditions like on this video) using your gear, cooking up a meal or M.R.E. 👍🏼

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@0bserver416]

Love your channel. What do you think of ECWCS Gen2 parka for spring and autumn periods? Or are there any better alternatives for that price?

[@Namesi]

I dig the long videos - good knowledge, product testing and a bit of an escape from my home office version of groundhog day.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@Iknowonlywhatimtaught]

The military taught me to be a realist. I can relate. I love Germany. I had a great time being Guest.

[@danielkini7322]

I have been a realist since I don't know when, prep for the worst, hope for the best but be ready.

[@jbro4779]

You're an excellent speaker. I learned a few things here through your storytelling. I enjoy hearing your take on military field exercises and combat experiences in all weather conditions.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@azhomeboy2000]

Hell yeah 43 minutes!👍🏼👍🏼

[@invictus3598]

It looks like perfect weather - a little breezy, but no problem. Thank you for sharing your adventure and acquired wisdom!

[@completesalvation1755]

I always carry very small heat source. In the 70s I had a bottle of alcohol a can and a canteen cup for food and coffee. Today I use the very small 100 gram size propane tank and the small burner. It is indispensable in weather like that for comfort and weighs very little. It heats the tent, your hands and face and a steaming cup of coffee or chocolate warms your core body temperature and changes your whole feeling of well-being. Another reason is that there is no better feeling than hot water to shave and wash up your body and feet you feel so so much better. 😊

[@darthsarcastus1064]

My time in the British Army Infantry, you never got comfy ready to bed down until the seconds before you were actually going to get into your bag. Tarp shelters only went up if it was raining or predicted to rain, couple of times I woke up in the night with rain hitting my face and had to rush a tarp shelter before I got soaked. The ICS looks "The mutts nuts" but it's not something us austere Brits would ever entertain. Saying that, I'd have one and use it if I could, fortunately my days of deploying into the field are numbered.

[@robertbeale2606]

Awesome hike! Haven't done one of those in a while! All my hikes lately are 5 miles or less! Btw, I actually like the longer videos. We get to see and hear more personal comments about the gear! Keep on trucking man!

[@qtrendsetter3853]

Just ran into your channel and interested what type of gear the Army now has. Froze all my extremities and now suffer residuals to cold weather injuries spent winter of 1986 1987 and 1988 in West Germany our gear at the time pup tent canvas shelter half and your poncho the other half to give you some cover was brutal in the wet cold freezing temp. Wool liners with leather gloves didn't offer much protection and the leather boots had no insulation we are talking pre gortex. Gortex didn't make it on scene till 89/90 and mre didn't have any heaters. I bought a German esbit stove to heat up coffee and water. You all have some great gear now issued to you all now. Your video just brought chills thru my hold body remembering. Thanks for your service. Look forward to viewing more of your video's.

[@oldtrooper8320]

You’re not lying brother… I was there for REFORGER 88 and got trench foot from all the rain… it took over ten years to get over it completely. All the other time I was in was in the desert. Welcome home bro

[@ajaxmaxxer]

I can't wait to see your video ! I recently discoverd your channel, and i watch all your videos it's very interesting, thank you for sharing all your knowledge and experience !! Love from France.

[@GruntProof]

Merci!!

[@NickandRachel]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing

[@GruntProof]

Thanks for watching

[@NickandRachel]

@@GruntProof you're welcome! We really enjoy making outdoor content also

[@thomasnewbery7449]

What makes Grunts special? The fact that you chose/are a "grunt". Thank you for your service! I'm a retired USAF E7 Aircraft Instrument and Flight Controls System Specialist, Vietnam era. Worked on F105s through F-16s... and I'd do it all over again! I salute you all for all the CRAP you had to put up with and you toughed it out. Compared to you guys and gals, my 20 year stint was a cake walk....

[@jeffburnham6611]

I remember camping with the BSA one time we had a nasty wind storm blow through. Those that had their tents staked, had them destroyed when the wind ripped the stakes free from the grommets. Those that that unstaked their tents survived with no damage. None of the tents were as low profile as the one you had, we had simple 2-3 man domed tents and standard pup-style tents, but I think the decision to unstake the tents saved them from being destroyed in the wind.

[@YinYangSchamael]

I definitely like these kinds of videos! Seeing you do things the way that you do is a great learning opportunity as well as entertaining, and the stories and explanations you give are really interesting too. Keep 'em coming!

[@jeffrichards5106]

Nice adventure Randall! thanks for the tips. I remember you told me that there are too many Alice Pack videos, I know there's a gazillion of them out there, but it's just people showing their packs. For once, what I always wanted to see, is someone actually using Alice out in the field, thank you for that! I like the longer videos and trips also.👍

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!! ALICE is all I use in the winter. You can find it in those camping videos. I think one is called"subzero camping"

[@Happyheart146]

Respect, for your dedication and enthusiasm. For your memories. You definitely opened my eyes to a different world. The things you have seen will be with you always. I'm English, but thank you for your service anyway. The tips I'm learning here will not be forgotten. Thank you.

[@GruntProof]

Thank you!

[@lessharratt8719]

Chucklehead= unexpected opportunity to test your equipment. At least you know now the tent is good to go.

[@trollmcclure1884]

this channel has become gold. I knew it since the begining. I have my old Czech army ECWCS waterproof gloves. I never use them. I should put them into test, let them fail and finally buy neoprene gloves and socks. ... but lol, they are a valuable item waiting for SHTF or war. I can sqeeze them for minutes under water without a leak. I'm thinking that once the membrane fails I could wax them. I'm testing the wax coat used on car chassis on my boots now but rather in the city. Best wax ever and really cheap. It's hard to force myself into the woods for weeks like in the past tho. It takes time to see the gear and men fail. In theory even neoprene will crack or something after couple of years. Maybe it sucks without a cotton layer or it restricts the blood flow in the fingers. Thanks for the inspiration btw

[@GruntProof]

Thanks man!

[@trollmcclure1884]

@@GruntProof In the mean time I've found a non-Chinese brand under 50 bucks. Some models even under 10 Britt bucks. You could test them out for us. This and socks. 🙂Lomo Triathlon swimming gloves: www.amazon.co.uk/Lomo-Triathlon-swimming-gloves-XXL/dp/B00STKSBD6/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

[@GruntProof]

Cool!

[@rodneyvallette938]

Thank you for your service and all the cool videos with great info . God Bless you and your family.

[@DarkMetaOFFICIAL]

When i go backpacking with the intent to endure bad weather, first, all my gear inside my bag is always inside some kind of drybag no matter what, (main one being a marine drybag) so i could have my entire pack submerged underwater and nothing would ever get wet. So, besides that, my pack itself is waterproof and sealed, along with a raincover i can deploy lol. Nothing in there is getting wet. On top of that i will wear my USGI Military Poncho, which covers the bag and me, (totally waterproof) and if i really need it, i always carry a small compact umbrella, and a strong oversized umbrella. Which is pretty unconventional but i'm super ocd about staying bone dry lol. Doing this, i can walk in any rainstorm downpour and not have a care in the world. i even attached some tie off points on my big umbrella so i attach 2 short bungee straps to the front edge, and to my pack straps so it doesn't blow around in strong winds. it works awesome. 😂 i was in a bad hurricane, with a really long story to it, and ever since then, i have this stuff with me at all times, with my survival pack, shelter n sleep system, and other emergency stuff. Which i always carry. So hiking around with it is normal anyways xD

[@pipebear7036]

You’re right about those “widow maker” trees. However we used to target tightly packed young fir trees (about ~15ft) near dry stone walls in Wales, where the wind was always tear-arse’ing around :-D Depends on the terrain of course but it’s sometimes possible to recce young plantations/plus contour lines, in advance with a good map :-)

[@Jason-iz6ob]

When I was in basic in 95 MRE’s didn’t have heaters. I think technically the new ones did by then, but not the old dark brown wrapper ones we were getting. My very first field problem at a real unit was to NTC. And I don’t think we had them then either. But they did let us keep everything that came in them. I would always make Ranger pudding. Especially since we had no way to heat up water for the coffee. Made me look forward to the field.

[@robertdutcher8081]

Great video. So much good info. Good stories as well. Thanks.

[@GruntProof]

thanks!

[@Sporadicifre]

Legit grunt proofs favorite thing - "surface area"

[@rbakken2999]

Just came in the house from -30f weather and started watching this video about dealing with high winds and cold weather. It was hard not to laugh a little. Good advice about using mittens. I'll use them if I'm going to be out for extended periods. If I take them off, I stuff them under my jacket by my armpits. Then I have warm mittens to put back on with frozen fingers. And if you want to drink water. Canteens stay upside down. Camelbacks always have air in the line. My two cents, lol.

[@GruntProof]

Good idea

[@davidwoolard1264]

When I was in Germany in 82 we had k-rations marked 1945.

[@JoseyStranded]

I absolutely agree with you about the mittens being the best option in cold weather. I usually choose the mittens over gloves when it gets to about -5 degrees Celsius (23 F). Naturally you need good gloves too for the more delicate work, but you can't do that for very long.

[@rustygibson2949]

I ate my MRE's cold by choice, I thought they tasted better that way. They never took away anything that was in our MREs though. Although in the 80s, we did not have any cinnamon buns. We did have hard nasty chocolate bars. We used the heater to make things blow up. lol

[@sakssaks5743]

Before i believe 2 month's ago see first time a video from you i was thought "i like this crazy guy" from today i say you are a "grunt proof crazy guy" with this blizzard to go outside. Great video's simple and realistic. Keep going 💪💪💪

[@chrishartleroad5827]

Thanks so much for doing this video. I have the same tent. I dyed my tent a kelly green and Apple green. It worked to help with a woodland dignal pattern.

[@XHollisWood]

Excellent field research GP,! Thank you for sharing 👍 Love you’re Vlogs ❤️

[@aar5pj]

You have the best military channel on You-Tube.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@neil_castell]

packing up in the rain or a storm is one of the things i really hate, i usually have a poncho handy as a rain cover or bivi shelter (or cover for the dog) while i'm busy packing my ruck and shelter, the poncho when done is just stuffed somewhere (pack/pouch/pocket) at the last minute as i head off.

[@concretecowboy4212]

Thnxs 4 sharing

[@SurvivorMetalMan]

Excellent video brother! Great talk, great location, perfect weather, snow and rain!

[@GruntProof]

Thanks man!

[@LoneWolf051]

you should add a sternum strap for ur ALICE pack, also you should make a paracord carry handle and attach it to the top of the frame

[@filstewart2380]

Would you not leave your guy-lines attached and "hank" them ready for swift deployment? It's what I do with every tent I own. (ex Women's Royal Army Corps.)

[@GruntProof]

Yes, that's how all my tarps are set up. Thanks

[@ourtechwriter]

That was tough! I’m learning... thank you.

[@scout7198]

Thank you for sharing experiences and knowledge. I enjoyed the details of MREs and tent placement. US Grunts are the toughest on the planet and I'm thankful for their sacrifices.

[@GruntProof]

Thanks!

[@USAdystopia]

To replace sections or complete poles for virtually any tent...see Tentpole Technologies. Always have spare gloves. Recommend Showa 282 or 282-02 for wet environments. When in bear country, never eat in your tent.

[@GruntProof]

Cool thanks

[@gregwright392]

Germany was so nice when my father was in the army in the sixties

[@torsten4757]

Hello Randall, I like the length of the video, I like more of it. It is interesting to see how some things are done in the army and to benefit from your many years of experience. Thanks for sharing this! The roll on your backpack, was that some kind of bedroll? It sort of looked like a sleeping bag wrapped in a woodland poncho. I'm looking forward to the New Years Day excursion video. Ciao Torsten

[@GruntProof]

Thanks man! That roll is a special item that I'll show you all very soon 😎

[@torsten4757]

@@GruntProof okay, ich bin gespannt 👍

[@cmcer1995]

Good information. I totally agree with taking a bivy at all times, even packing a 4-season tent. Mine is made of Gortex and it is the ultimate back-up sleep shelter. Yes, I am called a pessimist too, but I am prepared, plan for the best, prepare for the worst. I think neoprene gloves would be handy with wet conditions and wet gloves or the old reliable Wool Finger/Mitten Gloves. Good video and educational as well.

[@GruntProof]

👊🏻

[@silverbucket8046]

Just found your channel and subd,great video and content.

[@Bikepacking]

This is the video I’ve been searching for for for the pass year wanted to see this tent in actions thanks

[@TheTarotCardGuy]

I remember when i was on my first Infantry ex and we spent the night on the top of a mountain in subzero temperatures with our bivies. I woke up toasty warm and comfortable, and when i emerged from the bivie, there was almost 5inches of snow on top of me. THAT ALONE made me a believer.

[@GruntProof]

Yup!

[@irondog8250]

I was out for 2 .5 hours with the dog in the warm 2 degrees C so I at least have some idea of your conditions, l had my new "Performance hood " on and a 40 year old North face with a broken zip, 2 pairs of thermals, under some sas wind proof trousers. That mitten info is really good l wondered why my gloves are useless! I did 2 × 55 push ups in 15 minutes, close hand position and wide hand position. All the best!

[@fiendeng]

I used to keep the MRE pouch in my armpit as we hiked in the winter. as soon as we busted camp I could eat and not wait for the stove or whatever

[@dantony2134]

Great video! I wanna more 40 minutes adventures!!

[@canadafree2087]

Always nice to hear the reality of MREs in the field. I prefer MREs over IMPs due to more variety. Just for camping I like the side dishes like bread and P&J as snacks on the rub in between meals, so I take those out for later. I think we are only seeing IMPs on the market in 2021/22 because they are changing the package to allow for self-heaters. Imagine that, still no heaters years after the USA had them.

[@rps714]

Yesss the emergency escape bivy pod

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

My Solognac trousers are absolutely one of my favourite pieces of gear ever, and a bargain price too

[@JM-iy6wm]

Where do you buy the solognak rain gear the web sight gets me confused, old salt lol

[@GruntProof]

Search for "Solognac WP100"

[@Nimbus495]

Great video. Lots of good info. Stationed in Germany for 2 years. Really enjoyed it.

[@GruntProof]

Danke!

[@timothyedmiston8756]

We used the old shelter halves, and put 2 of them end to end long enough for 4 guys

[@gonetoheck]

Keeping hands dry in cold weather is something guys like me take very seriously...as I'm a professional window washer and have been doing this through 30 plus winters so far. The best hand wear I've found so far is a pair of gloves from Harbor Freight "PVC Coated Safety Orange Gloves" which have a warm fleece inner lining...and the gloves go half way up my wrist...and are great for larger hands. I wish they came in different colors...but they haven't failed me yet at keeping my hands warm even in 0 degree F weather...as long as I don't keep my hands higher than heart level for too long...as doing extension pole work on 2nd floor windows does get my hands cold after a few minutes. Anyway, for only $8.49 a pair, and use of fingers while performing tasks...give them a try sometime. Spray paint them a different color if you like. I've never seen a window washer wearing mittens LMAO !

[@GruntProof]

Interesting. I'll have to get a pair

[@MrBallen114]

As a aviation line mechanic, both military and civilian, when the temps dropped, handling cold tools was bone chilling, especially when there was wind involved, I found using military glove inserts with disposable latex gloves over the inserts help by keeping the cold rain off of my skin. With the gloves and inserts on I could use the tools and be able to install small nuts and bolts. impossible to do with mittens on. I always had hand warmers in my pockets too!

[@helly8800]

Hi there! Did I hear right, 60 pound? My wife always tells me I'm carring to much, glad I'm not allone with big rucks... :D Nice video... ;) If I heard you rigth at 28:24 , bear bag? I don't use a bear bag. We don't have any bears where I live or hike. But I love to be out in bad wether and in storms, when nature shows it's muscles. All ways safe! ;)

[@GruntProof]

Yea but this weight was sort of special. I wouldn't hump that around long term or very far

[@m1t2a1]

Canada says, If your IMP (MRE) is frozen, bring it inside for a while. Jam it in your jacket. Let's get this out on a tray. Not very stealthy. You need a step two. Under your armpits are the easiest way to self warm your hands. Fun to watch this video.

[@pipebear7036]

Really enjoyed your video. I laughed when you mentioned that the instructors removed the sweets from the MRE’s and just left the main course at Ft. Benning. I think the reason is that young recruits straight from home/civvy life would tend to resort to eating just the sweets and not bothering with the main meal when tired and knackered. So this practice forces the practice of eating the most nutritious parts. That said I remember in working units, we’d raid the 10 man ration packs (British Army issue) for the fruit cake and ditch the rest, supplementing it with take away curry and beer at Sennelager :-)

[@zachariahlee3393]

Great video Brother..relate to the the cold Germany winds..cold hands suck..you went in when I got Out... RETIRED into Rehab from Mogadishu. Now days they have hand warmers you can wopp on your leather Personal carriers to heat up..back the day I carried this butane hand warmers...that just didn't work at the most needed times. FYI ..KEEP ON Stepping On Bro..enjoy your Grunt Proof Personality

[@petesheppard1709]

Well, that was a fast 43 minutes... :) 6:30 Note the 'LESS miserable'...not 'NOT miserable'...

[@5695q]

Just think, you could've had a box full of cans to open for your meal and heated it on a trioxane stove. Field rations have come a ways.

[@bruceyung70]

The heater works 100x better with a smaller amount of water with the liquid side down at a 45-degree angle. Btw, I did the same thing with MRE to heat me during cold lol.

[@Grizzly907LA]

That's was nasty weather you were in. Reminds me of the typhoon we went through, when we were coming back from the Gulf in 1990. I was working the flight deck that day, and got soaked to the bone because the officers snagged all of the rain jackets. A shower at the hottest water setting could not warm me up. I had covers piled on me and I was still cold. I learned what the meaning of bone cold was, on that day. Got a bad flu bug as a result, but I'm still on this side of the dirt. To all of the kiddo's out...embrace the suck. PS: Funny story. It got down to 50 degrees during the day in LA, for about a week back in 2013. People emptied the shelves of thermals, and socks. I was riding my bicycle around DTLA, in a pair of shorts and a hoodie. Good times.

[@petelucchini1168]

Ramadi? Sort of like sitting near the El Paso Juarez Mexico border at night during Drug Cartel battles.

[@aarondavis5535]

Gront proof like the name you know some can break a bowling ball in a sandbox is that tent that really expensive one

[@SoundWave209]

I’ve got a pair of seal skin gloves that have endured many seasons rain wind or snow they haven’t disappointed

[@savage22bolt32]

You said that magic word. Pizza. Now I have to have one.

[@CRDODGE47]

When I was in we used heat tabs not fimuarmer with the meal heat system your using. How does it work . But again we also had c ration also and k ration and merimac meals delivered occasionally

[@DarkMetaOFFICIAL]

Hunkering down is always the best idea during bad weather unless you really have to be mobile. in my opinion.. unless of course that's why you're there, then it's just called fun lol

[@paulwise3001]

I would sometimes put it all in my jacket and it would also heat up my core of my body. I am sure 0311 and Brovo 3 are the same when it comes to chow. Sometimes I would use the heater packs a lot to keep me warm on long cold nights in fighting pos

[@stealthandysteath1069]

Morning, always something good putting ya shit up in bad weather. Wind rain. Mid Wales in winter, all good fun nothing else is like it. Pointless in dry weather you don't learn anything. When you're wet cold feeling shit. All I think about is coffee an my bag 👍😁🇬🇧. Happy New year buddy

[@couchcamperTM]

Andy you are everywhere! nice to see you in this comments section mate!

[@stealthandysteath1069]

@@couchcamperTM ya us lot, us lot like to play out in the mad season 😁👍. Hope you an family are OK

[@couchcamperTM]

@@stealthandysteath1069 oh boy! you guessed it, we are all sick from the "healthy" Christmas food :D With such weather conditions we have a good excuse for fat, savory stuff. at least! xD

[@gerdymanos9571]

Nice long Video. Danke...

[@bigkev73]

Just bought brand new ICS from eBay UK. 4 remaining. Woodland cam.

[@RedWhineman]

Question, if you are trekking in open country, no trees, and you have a rifle and pack with some sort of metal frame, and a lightning storm rolls over you, how do you protect yourself from lightning strikes with all that metal sticking up into the air? Thank you and great video!

[@GruntProof]

I guess you're just screwed 🤣

[@michaelpepper7230]

Totally agree on bringing the bivvy, even if I'm in my hammock I always have my bivvy bag just in case. Also a good quality space blanket.

[@couchcamperTM]

@@Matthew_Australia the Swagman can replace a light sleeping bag, but not a space blanket, which can be tarp, groundsheet/kneeling pad and reflective barrier around the swagman. it's best when combined. Swagman, poncho, bivy, space blanket (Grabber, not some flimsy Chinese foil). On top, because where I live we have 300 days of rain: umbrella and rain chaps^^

[@couchcamperTM]

@@Matthew_Australia my bad, I was thinking of the swagman by Helikon-Tex, the poncho liner thingie, not exactly the same thing^^

[@GruntProof]

I have that. Did a Grunt Proof review on it

[@couchcamperTM]

@@Matthew_Australia it's a pimped poncho liner and can be used as bag or blanket, like every other poncho liner, but it has a hood and a zipper, and better insulation, which makes it worth the price. it's not a tarp in my eyes, and would make for a poor hammock^^ ( a bit on the short side) Imho it's a nice to have, not a must have, and I would prefer a real tarp or poncho so I don't have to use my poncho liner as my roof ;-) (rephrasing Men at Work: I come from a land gone under, where the skies are made of water, ...) And no, it's not the UK^^

[@haroldcotten1840]

Is the tent one man or two, I like the tent, I just bought a lit fighter one man tent, and it looks like the one you used

[@GruntProof]

One man plus gear

[@kukaliemikalie8157]

In Finland we have this saying "Pessimisti ei pety" it means a pessimist will never be disappointed. We're fun at parties too.

[@thomasguerrero7289]

Did you ever do a video on your watch and what is it ?

[@GruntProof]

Tactix Bravo

[@mikeholly9436]

I am looking for a OPS. Trying to decide between the Lite Fighter 1 and the ICS. Prefer to go with the ICS but concerned with condensation. I trust you vast experience with the ICS. Please advise.

[@GruntProof]

They can both be bad in cold environments, but I don't think that's avoidable with tough, 4 season tents. The ICS is typically cheaper

[@mikeholly9436]

@@GruntProof ICS is bigger also. Correct?

[@flyingdoctor99]

what about wraping the gloves round your heating MRE to dry them a bit faster?

[@GruntProof]

Might work if you can get it to stand, so that the water doesn't spill out. Would definitely warm them up

[@kevinlytle6215]

Great video. In the 1980s Germany 2nd Armored Cav I did some grunt proofing of my own. You do it better. My job was helo crew chief. One winter on an exercise called squadron clash whichbwe called crash as someone always wrecked a bird or truck etc... It was so cold I had to safety wire a part. Not allowed to use gloves. Did it went inside to the pot belly heater and warmed up. My fingers were cut to the bone and bled like crazy! I did after that buy good German mittens, waxed canvas and leather. With long thin canvas gauntlets. I pulled them inside out and sewed in 1/4" quality wool on backs of finger and hand part. Then bought really nice aluminized gloves so thin I could use as liners to army leather gloves. Bought thin quality wool and silk blend thermals top and bottoms and made a sleep sack of similar material with buttons so it would work as poncho/liner and blanket. Bought Lowe Special Forces pack that had webbing for Alice clips. It had a main compartment with the shoulder straps and belt with seperatable top and bottom bags that made a fanny bag and day pack that could zip together for 24 hour minimum gear pack. Made huge difference. I did some border work where we slept out and bought extra ponchos to make tent like shelter. 3 total with 2 fiberglass poles that broke down to 2 20 inch or so halves. Worked ok.

[@bartwalker6093]

Randall I really did like this longer video. I love watching you use the gear and show how to set it up and all the tricks and tips you give us. Can you say where you are in E. Germany or is that not allowed right now? That would maybe explain why there are so many open fields and clearings and COOL places to hike and camp. Love the channel and the videos. Keep up the great work!!

[@GruntProof]

Thanks a lot. I'm in the state of Saarland. Nice area

[@bartwalker6093]

@@GruntProof I agree! It's gorgeous. I'm used to seeing sage and scrub oak and pines or no trees above the tree line in the western USA not deciduous trees and wide open meadows and cute little villages and pathways. It's just awesome. I may have to and visit the fatherland briefly.

[@johnsteele2986]

Have you ever thought about replacing or upgrading your ALICE frame or straps?

[@GruntProof]

Nope! The only mod I did was add buckles to the closure straps

[@johnsteele2986]

@@GruntProof fastex on all buckles is a MUST! I use the later style woodland shoulder straps on my ALICE I find them very comfortable.

[@stevecallaway8457]

Can you use the heater from your meal to warm hands for trip home.

[@GruntProof]

I wouldn't. It's pretty hard to use it on the move without hot water spilling every where

[@couchcamperTM]

I think in the same "realistic" way. hope for the best and prepare for the worst is not pessimistic at all. this German "winter" really sux, it's not cold enough for snow but it's mindnumbingly gray, humid and windy for weeks. More like hardcore autumn. I prefer sunny days with minus 10-20°C and snow. in short: all I never get^^

[@LuisRuiz-sv2mz]

I can relate to them shelter halves grunt.

[@johnmbrown6627]

Who's mittens are those? Are they available in the US?

[@GruntProof]

Maybe on Decathlon. They are from Solognac

[@dwaynestewart411]

Hey Randall I need your help with something. My proved combat shelter I guess has been in that bag for a while . When I tried to put the pole through the fly sheet the material is stuck together and I don't want to force it. What should I do? Dwayne

[@GruntProof]

I don't know. It's tough so I'd just force it. Must have been stored wet

[@dwaynestewart411]

@@GruntProof Roger that Thanks bro. Dwayne

[@petelucchini1168]

MRE Entries I've never found a bad one that was outdated.. The crackers, candy bars and other shit gets stale .... I'm zipping up that tent or shoving that in my sleeping bag while it's cooking so you can catch the heat in your tent or bag. That chemical stinks so a little venting is a good thing.

[@ferdinandstauder3388]

I'm not sure but did you say in the winterstuff vid that These gloves are from decathlon. If you are able to, can i get the name of the gloves becouse i always struggle with good gloves. But i love the Winter outdoors action.

[@torsten4757]

Look here: www.decathlon.de/search?Ntt=F%C3%A4ustlinge

[@GruntProof]

Yup!

[@raymondspencer3771]

What kind of knife did you have in the video? Brand, blade length etc ?

[@GruntProof]

Kbar, man size 😂 It's cheap and tough as hell

[@IndyRockStar]

I think we were at Benning at the same time.

[@GruntProof]

Yea?

[@rodneydongerfield5378]

Did you move to Germany or did you just get stationed here and they forgot you? Jk, originally found your channel looking for rucking advice and looks like 2 years later your still in country. Sprichst du auch Deutsch? Grüße und Glück ab!

[@GruntProof]

Na klar spreche ich Deutsch! Ich war in Deutschland stationiert, und jetzt wohne ich hier als Reservist

[@cdc19845]

Like the video but you make them MREs look real good. I guess cause it's outside and it's a little rough.

[@B-leafer]

Outstanding channel bro

[@staceytoepfert7684]

Heating your mre’s??? Didn’t have that in the Marine Corp and definitely NOT in Boot Camp. Lol

[@GruntProof]

Yeah in basic they took them and all the snacks from us. And in the field or deployed I didn't want to wait. Plus the Iraqi sun heated them for us

[@staceytoepfert7684]

We got them sealed and there weren’t anything hardly in them. We weren’t allowed to have the cheese and dessert either. No special packet with extra stuff either and that was in the early 90’s. Lol. What fun that was. Love watching your channel, it brings back fond memories 😂🍻

[@GruntProof]

Thanks! I plan on doing more MRE vids, for fun and nostalgia

[@bartwalker6093]

How much does that half tent thing weigh? It looks awesome! I wish I had one.

[@GruntProof]

The rain fly? Maybe 1.5 pounds

[@bartwalker6093]

@@GruntProof I meant the whole ICS and rainfly with stakes and poles? All in, is it about 4 or 5 pounds?

[@GruntProof]

Yea 5 lbs

[@Micckola]

What Pants you have ?

[@GruntProof]

TAD Guide Pants

[@Micckola]

@@GruntProof On this video to? ;)

[@GruntProof]

No in the MRE video it's the Solognac WP500 pants. My bad