Use these Cold Weather Water Bottle Hacks: Survival Skills, Backpacking Basics, Camping Tips

[@searcher2328]

Hey Dan, 73 years young, been interested in survival skills since I was 10- 12 yo, going out in the bush with a can of beans and a potato using the empty can to cook crayfish , been watching your channel for years, Thought I knew a lot, but an old dog is learning new tricks, thanks Dan, BTW, from Ringtown Valley

[@slappp6163]

God bless

[@pedro_claro]

Keep it up good sir! Though please don't cook on canned food cans, they usually have plastic linings and they're not made of food grade metal, but instead cheap ones.

[@markashlock9017]

I find that one shot of vodka per water bottle prevents freezing even in the coldest temps. Have also discovered that I drink much more water using this technique. Great vid. Thanks!

[@robertsanders339]

I know I would lol

[@lauriemclean1131]

Wish I'd read your comment before asking this question, Mark Ashlock. Thought that might be a help.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

That said, alcohol increases the probability of hypothermia way before you get enough to feel any intoxication. Then again, it numbs the involountary micro twitches humans always have otherwise, which is why it's considdered a chemical cheat in any precision shooting sport.

[@beinghuman3225]

Ha! Old school winter survival kit were I'm from, is a bottle of 180 in the glove box 😁

[@PP-uv1kw]

@@SonsOfLorgar SO........IT WORKS....🤪

[@danielkutcher5704]

People have questioned my stainless bottle...until I put it into the fire and purify water instead of risking freezing and cracking my filter. I use it almost every cold night as a hot water bottle, and, early in the morning, my water boils on my alcohol stove almost as quickly as theirs does on their canister stoves (quicker, if they didn't sleep with warm water and their canister). Nalgene quart bottles are almost as heavy as my stainless one, and can shatter if you regularly put hot water into them. I use a long 35mm padded lens case on my pack belt to hold the bottle, to have ready drinking water at my disposal on days below freezing and few water sources. Good to see this knowledge passed on by fellow outdoors people. Thanks!

[@NeilCWCampbell]

Why are you carrying a filter if you never use it?

[@rkf2746]

Another "hack", that has worked well for me is making water bottle koozie's from an aluminum windshield cover. The kind that is similar to thin bubble wrap. I can carry water bottles all day in my pack without them freezing. They have been winter field-tested here in the Colorado mountains. 🤠 Stay safe. Be well.. Happy Trails!!! Roger

[@adlockhungry304]

That’s an awesome tip.

[@garyminick1050]

Great reply

[@brownwolf3218]

one othe trick is turn the bottle upside down and like keep it 85% full so that the water dont freeze near the lid so u can still drink it

[@robertsanders339]

Never thought of that .. thanks

[@brownwolf3218]

@@robertsanders339 your welcome it comes in handy also try keeping like dan said a smaller bottle near ur body

[@robertsanders339]

@@brownwolf3218 yep .. I never thought of that one either .. I have an old flask I am going to carry from now on .. thanks agian

[@cpg0000]

thats an old mountain climbing trick too! keeping nalgene upside down in bottle holder koozie when high in mountains. those nalgene tops can freeze on quick if they are right way up

[@brownwolf3218]

@@robertsanders339 your welcome

[@Pointtostones]

I just started watching the Townsend channel. I was surprised to see you on there. Im digging the content and wisdom that you share.

[@madgardener5820]

I did the same, only round the other way

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

Another option is making a cozy from a reflective windshield sun shade. This also allows one to warm soak meals or steep tea while on the move.

[@BrosephRussell]

I like the wool sock idea , doesn't really freeze much here in Southern California but a great tool to use when i venture to other areas

[@SonsOfLorgar]

I bet the higher deserts can get quite frosty at night even in southern California

[@scottskiles7779]

I really enjoy your vids. Keep up the good work. When I was a soldier stationed in Alaska we had the plastic 1qt canteens. If we wore them on our belt in the cold we wore them upside down which helped keep the neck from freezing a little. But hung across the shoulder under my coat was best and also, dont leave that joker out over night or it'll maybe never thaw-- put it in your sleeping bag with you.

[@andrewbrown6522]

I use a water bladder when hunting. I also keep a space blanket. In the heat, the space blanket goes between water and body. In the cold, the water goes between blanket and body. i am usually near streams but am trying to put together a system for transport.

[@tylerjohnson6992]

If you don't have to worry about staying traditional, slap an adhesive hand warmer to the side of the bottle

[@kejadventures241]

Well if you have a single piece stainless steel water bottle you're already not traditional.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

@@kejadventures241 lol

[@nvskorpio]

I think those hot hands packets are a gift from the gods

[@tylerjohnson6992]

@@kejadventures241 you do have a point

[@rkf2746]

Staying "traditional" just get's channels like this clicks. As I suspect you already know, whatever works the best for you is all that counts, not what is seen on a youtube channel. 😉 Stay safe!!

[@KDawgKy]

Excellent tip on the socks! Another tip to keep water from freezing, place a few sterilized marbles or smooth round pebbles in water bottle. While moving, the jostling around of them will break up forming ice crystals...also add an ounce of your famous Boilo or an ounce of Blanton’s Bourbon 🥃

[@titanium162]

Definitely have done this. If you have to remain stationary in the cold, a hot bottle of water inside a pair of socks helps keep the hands and core comfortable. Can be kept under your coat by your belly. Northern canadian winters are cold, and can make even a short stint outside uncomfortable. These tips have all been very useful over the years, thanks for sharing.

[@mercier300]

that flask was awesome !

[@rossplunkett9940]

Two other tips I use in cold Canadian winters. 1)Get a molle water bottle holder. Their insulated so it takes longer for your water to freeze. 2) Pack the bottle upside down. Ice forms at the top so if the bottle is upside down you can still drink the non frozen water plus you can thaw it in your fire without an ice plug making it unsafe to boil.

[@Sflynn74]

Used to do a lot of winter backpacking/CC sking in northern WI and always carried my waterbottle upside down inside my pack to keep the mouth from freezing. Also carried an empty bottle clearly labeled (multiple times on all sides!) with P2O. This was the night time last pee before hitting the sack which would stay warm in the foot of my sleeping bag when the temps dipped below -15F. P2O bottle was empty when hiking, so nice and light, but made the evenings that little more comfortable.

[@Calibri57]

I am just adding a comment because I want to support your channel. Love your common sense tricks. You might want to mention about metal water bottles...get the kind with no seams, especially bottom seams. They all develop leaks when heated or dropped.

[@ROE1300]

👍 High 60s here on the Coastal Bend in Texas, but I put these tips in my mental tool box.

[@shadowscout9872]

When it's not getting too much below freezing , I store my water bottle upside down. This way if it freezes partialy the water can still be gotten out because it freezes at the upper side, which is the bottom. Clear as mud.

[@OverdoneAndUnderpaid]

@@finfish260 it freezes top down because water expands (becomes less dense) when solid and so it floats to/stays on the top.

[@billpetersen298]

@@finfish260 On a lake, that’s where the cold air is, on top. And like the other guy said, ice floats.

[@henryganzer4685]

You should use two socks for your waterbottle, it will give you: A) a double isolation B) an emergency reserve pair of socks in case you have cold frozen feets or wet feets example you breaking in ice . . .

[@trollmcclure1884]

I wanted to say that a vacuum flask is a no brainer. You cant dry socks with it tho. Btw I'm pretty sure there are better options like some thinsulate cover with styrofoam granules in it etc. I've seen a home-made vacuum flask too. If they had a one way valve like those in tires and some helium it'd actually work like the real thing

[@zsimon9427]

@@trollmcclure1884 You can not boil water in vacuum flasks over fire - it insulates water from heat also

[@Benwandeer]

@@zsimon9427 in the winter then also carry a canteen cup. You can also store water on your hip, and if there is room in it it will slosh and that energy added will retard freezing

[@McFartsnatcher]

Great suggestion! Thanks

[@haleystewart259]

@@trollmcclure1884 please do not boil water in a double walled bottle. It will explode

[@papaiiipr]

Love this guy, it's 82° here in Puerto Rico. Might go down to 77° tonight. Take care and Happy New Year!

[@johnfoster4414]

Here is a tip for you Dan. If the temp is going down at night and you will want coffee or other hot beverage in the morning put the water in your coffee pot at night. Let it freeze. In the morning place your frozen coffee pot in the fire. You will have hot coffee soon. Buckskinner tip!

[@zendoken5177]

A great tip ive used myself is making a necklace for my bottle and kepping it inside my jacket, easy access and the water wont freeze.

[@ladyofthemasque]

Everyone knows they need to drink water when it's hot out, to replace sweat...but did y'all know you NEED to drink water in winter, too? It helps the body burn fat, which means water helps keep you warm. Plus you can still dehydrate even in winter, as the air is very dry, with very low humidity in most places. That means every time you breathe, it's stripping moisture from your nose & mouth to try to moisturize that incoming, body-warming air before it hits your lungs. If you're not sure why, well, it's meteorlogy/weather science. The colder air gets, the less moisture it can hold; conversely, the warmer it gets, the more moisture the air can hold. Our lungs need a certain amount of moisture to be able to process oxygen from the air into our bloodstream. If the air isn't moist enough, it'll rob moisture from whatever it can find...including from your lungs. Conversely, your lungs breathe easier on a humid day, even if you're drenched in sweat. This is also why when you have a bad dry cough, you'll want to steam yourself: towel-draped head over a sink full of hot water, run a steamy hot shower without the fan running, use a humidifier in your bedroom at night, whatever works best. If the air is cold and dry--and below freezing tends to be very dry--then you'll want to replace the moisture you exhale with each breath. That means drinking water. Inuit folk way up north have known that water is life for thousands of years, and there are many tales of hunters caught out late on long-distance hunting trips who would break up their dogsleds for the wood for a fire, just to melt enough snow to drink, to keep themselves going...because drinking ice in subfreezing teperatures consumes more bodily energy than making a fire to melt and heat it enough to drink properly. Stay hydrated, and you can--as Dan says--stay in the woods!

[@nathanbailey9153]

Your comment really needs pinned. It's super important to drink plenty of water when it's really cold out, but people rarely do.

[@garyminick1050]

Great info

[@bovinicusdivinicus]

Keep a melt bottle hanging around your neck inside your coat And as you drink from it just replace it with snow as you go. Your body heat will keep melting it

[@danielworley2273]

I like using double walled insulated bottles. They maintain temperature very well.

[@woodstrekker6345]

Thanks for all you do.

[@jaykay8570]

Mpemba effect-- hot water freezes faster than cold water. I knew that doesn't make sense, but it's true. Also, as you walk, the sloshing inside the container will slow the freezing process because of thermal and kinetic energy-- same reason a fast flowing stream might have ice only around the edges. I love those pint/375 ml Yukon Jack plastic flasks in cold weather. Those fit nicely in my wool shirt pockets. In ridiculously cold weather, I'll take a double walled 20 oz Zojirushi vacuum bottle too. Those things are amazing. Great vid, thanks.

[@cmeist1]

Swiss canteen works great for keeping in your coat

[@josemarin3847]

you are good mate!!, all the best from the south of Spain.

[@jjdogbutte]

Skiing or snowshoeing here in Alaska, I use insulated bottles, plus bottle jackets or wrapping them in extra clothes in a pack. I often place them upside down to keep the cap from freezing on. A small nalgene on a strap under clothes also keeps H2O handy.

[@markthrasher6770]

Places like Walmart and dollar stores have pretty cool looking all purpose stainless steel flask! They're some of the few places you can find traditional pocket flasks.... outside of way over priced souvenir stores and boutiques. Maybe military surplus and sporting goods stores with camping sections will have some, but those may run alittle pricey too.

[@robertdonnelly5861]

Try also adding a hand warmer or two to your wool sock bottle insulation. Works really well.

[@bryanreilly1290]

Whisky is glorious! Nice tips, thank you

[@glennfyfe1357]

Thanks, Happy New Year!

[@mep4488]

Great tips, thank you!

[@williammccaslin8527]

I got a "COUGHLINS" 20 oz plastic flask that fits in my vest chest pocket for carrying whiskey, but good to know that I could turn it into a winter canteen if I had to, another tool for the toolbox, thx for the vid.

[@ManWithTheBanjo]

I carry a surplus us metal canteen with it's carrier on my belt and Stanly flask that I have filled with whisky or rum for drinking and for putting into my canteen to keep it fresh and help prevent it from freezing in the cold Adirondack winters

[@garyminick1050]

This is the exact type of educational videos that we need, keep um coming

[@MrBilld75]

Love your videos man! My wife and I watched your 10 camping hacks and loved how Y branches are so versatile!

[@Rooster1964]

Yep, been cold in Texas too. It got down to 45 deg

[@feelsman7837]

Lol

[@JoshSurber]

The other day it hit 38 in DFW.

[@asmith7876]

I knew I'd been in the desert in El Paso too long when it would 100 during the day wearing all that Army crap and I was fine, got 50 at night and I'd freeze!

[@shovelhead8]

Thank you for the tips, Dan. Stay safe and stay warm

[@johnkowall2629]

Thank you

[@floydyoung7329]

I thought I was the only nut that hiked in the snow last night. I'm in a bordering county from you and I love you channel

[@alexanderweaver4838]

I absolutely love my 32oz Pathfinder water bottle, the fish mouth hanger and the nesting cup with lid. They go on every hike and even on overland camping trips. My hack for insulating the Pathfinder as a hot water bottle is using a large hunter's thick wool sock, bringing it up from the bottom of the bottle to the top, twist it and bring it back down over the bottle thereby effecting a cozie of sorts. I can insert the bottle into my sleeping bag without fear of the material being melted. I also have two Stanley 550ml single wall containers and they are covered with two cozie's that fit perfectly. I haven't experienced any water freezing issues so far. My Sawyer and Katadyn kits are maintained in well insulated pouches. Recently I found the Ocoopa rechargeable hand warmers that possess four levels of heat indicated by blue LED lights. They came with nice fleece-like pouches which makes "cuddling" one more comfortable. Another will go in my footbox.

[@sir.phillip2697]

you could also bring a thermal water bottle and a normal one with water in it so you have one for drinking and some extra water that you can heat up later for food etc. i recommend one of the us army ones as it was its own cup and cover

[@TheOutdoorSeeker]

Good tips. I also use a thermos that I fill with hot chocolate or hot tea.

[@briansabo2348]

You can always get a late 40's canteen with a fleece lined cover too.

[@matthewserkert4401]

The fleece cover is for hot weather. Wet it, and as the water evaporates it keeps your water cooler.

[@thirdenvoqation7735]

Zippo Handwarmers are great for stopping water supplies freezing if you're overnight camping in wintery conditions. Alternatively find an old army surplus winter(also known as Artic) water bottle designed for Arctic conditions, you can often find them cheap on Ebay or in Army Surplus stores, there's two types the more common pill shaped from the 80s and then the newer traditional style water bottle from the late 90s but these are harder to find.

[@nilsschenkel7149]

Looks like those oldtimey felt covers aren´t that silly after all... They also have the added uses of acting as a koozie, protecting your other gear from soot, or being able to convection cool your flask in a hot climate when wet.

[@rw7594]

Every time I hike or hunt I have a backpack. When it's cold I still have the hydrapack but keep the tube inside the pack. Even with my layers on the back of the pack is where the hydrapack pouch is and that prevents freezing. I do like the small flask just inside the coat idea.

[@ericstoever9577]

Feeling good about these tips. I used almost all of them today... then saw them on the video...

[@davidjacobs828]

Another excellent video.

[@detestthehero]

Good tip, never thought of that.

[@briangraham367]

Great tips! Thank you for sharing. Be safe.

[@0BRAINS0]

Just found this channel and definitely is quality content. SUBSCRIBED

[@jakelancey4769]

That's a fancy handmade flask you have there

[@RetroFirepower]

Love all your videos, has made me get in the woods again and can’t wait for winter to end so me and my boys can get in the woods. Keep up the good work. X

[@danielslater4092]

Idk it's pretty nice out today here in PA lol a balmy 40

[@GraysOutdoors]

Good tips. Another is always store your bottle upside down as water freezes from the top down hence if half your water is frozen you will still have access to the other half. ATB. Grays

[@theoutdoortraditionalist]

Conversely in the Summer l stand a bottle half filled with water upright in the freezer and then top it up the next day...Cool water in hot weather.😁

[@AnnihilatorAirguns]

Just so everyone knows. Hot water will not freeze faster in a sealed bottle. Mpemba effect only occurs if it's an open container. Mpemba occurs because of evaporation leaving less mass in the boiling water thus less water to freeze.

[@hanreality.7266]

Annihilator Airguns Oh, I was just wondering about all that! Ta.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Thanks Dan, take care.

[@CaptainAiryca]

I like the flask tip, thanks! I know this defeats the boilable waterbottle thing, but a hydroflask or other insulated style waterbottle full of warm or hot water for a day trip works super well. but that's not as traditional or cool lol!

[@tinderkeep5652]

Not really "bushcrafty" but you could put a couple of the small hand warmers in that sock with the bottle.

[@hanreality.7266]

TinderKeep sure it is!

[@mikeriley8546]

great ideas man thanks!!!

[@James-ke5sx]

Cool video.

[@outdoorsqc107]

You can also put a tiny bit of salt in your water. It will make it freeze at colder temperatures than normal. Of course not enough to dehydrate yourself. One teaspoon of salt per L works for me

[@Millstone_Firewood]

You can also add some rum to the water and make a weak grog. Takes longer to freeze and adds a little flavor.

[@kurtnorrell]

Crazy...here in Texas we have the opposite problem....our water starts to boil as soon as you step out of the a/c....hehe...

[@debjohansen7867]

Enjoy your informative videos. Liked and subscribed, thanks!

[@lewisward4359]

I had a SS liter bottle that I used for work for several years. It crashed around and the bottom became unstable. A friend who owned a car body repair shop, took a spoon, tapping the bottle and within 10 minutes had it back for use. Still sits nice 12 years later. I more serious blow out would take longer to work.

[@cbb1362]

Carry it upside down if it's in an outer pouch. If it then begins to freeze and you need water when you turn it the right way up, the ice will be at the bottom. British army taught me that in the 70's. Great channel. CBB.

[@PP-uv1kw]

METAL JUG FREEZES RADIALLY ..... WALLS TO CENTER.....

[@scottdanielson264]

Have you used a millbank bag to filter water, can you use blue jeans for the same thing

[@jakeells66]

"not every day, during a trail hike we are gonna be drinking whiskey" You don't know me.

[@one-of-us9939]

Isn't that what hikes were invented for... to go drink whiskey? Just ask any clansman.

[@gringo3009]

Cool! (I like slightly warmer weather.)

[@wuipx]

Actually warm water freezes quicker than cold water :( What I do on Long distance hikes during winter, is that I have a thermo one liter flask and then I find some fresh snow and put it in my cup, then I add the hot water. So far I’ve had no trouble with it and it makes my water last way longer :) Though the downside is that I do have to have some kind of kelly kettle or trangia field kitchen with me to Boil more water if I need it :) Im new to the channel by the way, and you’re doing a great job :)

[@kingdomcome9693]

Nice

[@HoosierDaddy304]

please make videos about what gear you use and like!!!

[@brushbum7508]

Thanks Dan. Go get warmd up. TAKE CARE..

[@johnfortwengler4496]

Don't FORGET not to freeze your water filter

[@garyminick1050]

Great point that could be easily forgotten

[@andrewbrown6522]

Renders them useless as the pores expand.

[@hiddenwoodsben]

aye, good point

[@diggie9598]

The warm water in the flask, which you warmed up with your body warmth, keeps your body warm. I find that an interesting way to look at things. 😁

[@Flashahol]

Also, wide mouth bottles are less likely to freeze at the mouth to the point of sealing in the rest of the water. Yes, I found that out the hard way... I also found the hard way that a water bladder is not a good idea... the tube is too small, so you have to drink more to move that water before it's too late, but insulated tubes do help.

[@hiddenwoodsben]

can anyone tell me were to get such a glorious shirt?

[@thx5001]

Is carrying your bottle inverted a good idea? So you have the air gap now at the bottom of the bottle and that would freeze before the water next to your cap. Then turn the bottle over to have a drink and all should be well with any frozen water at the bottom of the bottle.

[@murphy13295]

I suggest putting your warmed bottle in a bubble /blister shipping envelope . Light weight , reusable . Now that I think of it , keep a few handy short term insulation for hands and feet

[@dash8465]

Handwarmers.. cheap, light, and they work. Also, switch to a backpack/bladder combo and a half-full stainless bottle on the side. Your back keeps it warm(er), plus they're rubbery and not overly prone to bursting if your pack's straps and cushioning keep it far away from your back. Move the hose into the pack or it'll freeze if left on the strap and possibly break a plastic fitting. Worst case, a hand warmer in with a 2-3 liter bladder guarantees lots of running water..

[@68thBC]

Side note: if you have water filter, say a Sawyer, don't let it freeze. Ice crystals may damage the membrane.

[@Inkling777]

Years ago I climbed glaciered mountains in the summer. During the day the air temperature was well above freezing, so freezing the water in my bottle was not an issue. The issue was that climbing at high altitude dehydrates. Rather than carry a lot of water, we depended on the ever-present snow. The trick was to never empty the bottle. Snow melts slowly even with an air temperature of 60 degrees. Snow mixed about 50-50 with water will melt quickly. When a bottle got half empty, we filled it with snow and drank from a second bottle. When the second bottle was half-empty, we filled it with snow and turned back to the first. The water was a bit colder than I liked, but it certainly beat trying to eat snow.

[@jeffarcher400]

Snow can make you sick unless you boil it. Fresh snow is usually ok but it's cleaning up the air as it falls so it's still questionable.

[@llywyllngryffyn8053]

If it is cold enough to freeze your water bottle, the heat from warming the water wont last long at all. If you can position the bottle in a place with a natural heat vent, like on your head, or example, you can keep it warm with body heat. Also, the whiskey idea isn't bad; alcohol lowers the freezing temp of the fluid, so strong drinks freeze at much lower temperatures.

[@jojodiver8706]

Where did you get that cool metal lid on your bottle I want one, or five.

[@jethrofiero4846]

4:55 Lol I thought you were about to end with the euphemism "I'm freezing my camera batteries off!"

[@MiscMitz]

Good tips as usual

[@toddcaskey9984]

Did u make the flask , very cool

[@bradhoilman1743]

How about putting hand warmer in the sock?

[@phylbeeme2476]

Grab a few Hot Hands hand warmers. Put one in with the warmed water in the wool sock.

[@502deth]

my solution: i use a military canteen. its plastic so freezing and blowing out is severely lessened, it sits in an insulated sleeve already, with a steel cup inside. so i still have the fireproof vessel, and a small stand, so if i dont want to do a full fire, i could throe some triox or what have you under it. and there is a small pouch on the outside i stow a couple of purification tabs, just in case. it is probably a lot heavier and bulkier solution though. everything is a trade off.

[@mafitzg]

So luv all the survival tips. Have an idea to make a video like this go viral? Have a buddy in a Big Foot costume walk past in the trees. You stop and look the other way "What was that?" Big Foot passes off camera. You look in its diection, always just missing him. "That was weird" and go on w video like nothing happened. Instant internet classic.

[@HarshmanHills]

Some great knowledge to have

[@bwillan]

If you have a secondary metal cup/pot in your cook kit, carry your water in a vacuum insulated bottle. Very little chance of it freezing in the coldest of temperatures.

[@emmonschmucker9945]

Great video Dan! Always look forward your tips and solutions using what we already have available. As opposed to (most videos) we need to buy some gadget to solve the problem.