Wow! This is one of the best videos you've ever made and EXACTLY what I needed. Thank you so much for all you do. With that said, I have a couple questions...why put the plastic bag over the base layer instead of over the outside layer? Is using the plastic bag to sleep in like that better than sleeping in your Gore-Tex camo jacket?
@wildernessoutfitters Also, wouldn't putting the emergency blanket over top of the mat keep you just as dry as placing it below the mat? Is the only difference that the mat gets a little damp? I'm wondering how all this would work with just leaves as well (no mat).
WOW you don't see videos like this one, it may be common sense to you Dave. I used to put my feet in bread bags and then put my soxs on when i worked construction to keep my feet from getting cold, My feet would sweat and with in the first 30 minutes my toes would be like Ice. but I never thought to use the trash bag to do that. You just can't beat practical experience.
Also Thank You for your service to this great country and to all those who served and are serving.
i put a hobo stove made out of a kerosene can in my old spider shelter. made a nice heat source the only problem is that the whole shelter got swept away by a flood.
cold feet: it's a deal breaker!! once the digits are painfully cold and going numb, moral goes out the window, fast!! What was the procedure for moisture barrier inside the boot? can't find the video that explaned foot care... as every grunt knows; wet feet can take you down as sure as anything can!! Big expensive boots aren't the answer I'm looking for.
Trying to learn how to stay warm down to -30. The plastic bag trick is probably good. In rubber Bunny Boots you can sweat but because the inslation is isolated from the foot , it continues to keep you warm even though you are sweating inside the boots. They say you can bust though ice, fill up the boot and it will still warm up. Just dump the water and keep going. Awesome boots. The same princple can help a bag to retain it's insulative properties. Moisture is a big problem in a bag.
Hi Dave, a tip I think worth mentioning to your viewers is that if you only have a disposable lighter and it's cold out , it may be hard to get it to work(pretty scary). It's as if the lighter is out of fuel but actually the fuel is just cold and has contracted, therefore the gas pressure has dropped. Just warm the lighter in your hand and it will work. Google "Charle's law" for a full explanation. And don't give up on the lighter. Thanks for the vids Dave,they're great.
I realize that this may be considered common knowledge but unless you use lighters in the cold a lot like I do(I'm Canadian and a smoker) it may not occur to you. Itcould leave you cold and wet with no fire becauseyou think your lighter is dead.
Logically with that setup you can stay good and warm with your layers. Theoretically with an additional two you're almost set for winter. I'll have to try that because I've trying to avoid getting a 0-degree sleeping bag due to the space it takes up.
Dave can you talk a little more about the fire pit in the shelter as far as where the smoke goes. Does it just seep out or is there a hole for it to escape. Sorry if you've already been over this as I haven't seen all the videos yet. Keep on keepin on.
i love your videos SO MUCH! you always put so much effort into your videos and so much care into what you do that i have to always give you 5/5. i also would love to come camping with you because we are both on the same page with like wilderness survival. you should make hoodies with the pathfinder logo on them.
Oh forgot: the drum liner is not such a good idea in my book. Would sooner stuff wet (not too wet ;-) leaves under my outer layer of clothes. They will dry during the night and the moisture will evaporate away from your body.
BTW: do you use any special way to wrap yourself in your wool blanket? My feet always keep poking out and I'd be tucking them in 2-3 times a night.
I really appreciate the effort you put into these videos, Dave. Thanx very much.
Wrap yourself in it diagonally. Tuck the bottom corner up over your feet then wrap the two side corners around you. You should end up with two layers of wool all round your body and your feet should not poke out the bottom.
I've tried that but the feet still pop out ;-) I think my blanket is also too small to really wrap in diagonally. Last time I just tried lying on the ends, that worked fine (but feet still popping out ;-). Thanx!
Dave, a garbage bag as a personal moisture barrier is a powerful idea! I am going to use that trick next time I am out in the woods. It is worth noting that cheap e-blankets work by the same principle. Sealed off they are warm but if you open it up so you don't get sweaty you will be cold. Thanks for the great video!
Couple of things I noticed. You've already said that you needed a stash of fire wood in the shelter. Another thing is that you can dry out your fire wood around an already burning fire. So baby sitting is kept to a minimum. Also the space blanked stuck out of the shelter. If you really have bad weather that will actually get wet and guide the water to your bed. So tuck it back in/under once you lay in your bed.
Dave you wear a Wick-a-way shirt to remove the moisture away from your body. Dosnt putting a plasic bag over you defeat that by keeping the moisture locked in the fabric? I havent tried your method but it seems like that would drop your body temp, and keep you damp.
Nice video. Assuming that you spent the night there and this wasn't just a demonstration, can you tell us what the temps went down to and how you fared throughout the night? Thanks for all of your work on these videos.
Good Morning, the temps were fair last night and not near cold enough for this method, had to shed the bag late in the evening to prevent sweating as temps were in the high 30's, this method is best for temp of 10 degrees or less in my opinion. The clothes I had on and the wool blanket are enough in a small enclosed shelter for 30 degree comfort easily.
Personally, I have found the method successful in temperatures around 30 F and below. The big thing that most people dont realize is that their sleeping gear will inevitably become wet from insensible sweat if they are outdoors for long periods of time—such might be the case in a long term self-reliant situation. But if a person is outdoors for only one or two days, theres really no problem with insensible sweat.
interesting idea,you use a plastic bag to prevent your sweat from evaporating(which is how the body cools itself)so instead of having a chill factor from the wind,you have a warming factor instead?and since any sweat that does form is trapped inside the bag,it can't make it's way into the airspace of your outer clothing,so your outer clothing retains it's insulation too while the heat from your body easily radiates through the bag into it,I'm definitely going to try this one
I have used vapor barriers for years. They are absolutely critical in long term survival situations. Most people dont understand the concept; hence they are very vulnerable if they have to remain outdoors for many days.
do you also use plain plastic bags?or is there anything that you have found works better?I notice that some army survival kits are starting to have sturdy garden bags included in them as emergency sleeping bags,but just assumed they were only to prevent the air space between the fibers of clothing from filling with water,and so maintaining its insulation.From what I understand,water in the fibers of clothing displaces the warm air,while also evaporating like sweat resulting in unwanted cooling?
Nice vid dave. Five stars as always. Great to see a video on how to protect yourself from the cold once ones turned in for the night. Exited to go out one of these days and do some winter camping. thanks again
I get so excited when you say "and were going to talk about that right now." hahahha. But i gotta say that the garbage bag thing is a great idea, could come very in handy in a survival situation!
Great tip! I think you just gave me the missing piece I needed to do an overnight in a treehouse I just built for my kids. My gear (up until now) has really only been good down to about 50 degrees, so another 15 degrees will really help this time of year.
Nice. I was thinking that with the way your fire pit inside the shelter is lined with rock by having a fire in there first and letting thoses stones heat up real good they would provide some nice heat for a little while.
I'm outside all day long gardening and I think about vbloging but never have the time and yet it amazes me the amount of time you put into these videos, one after another.. Don't know how you are doing it... The nearest I can figure is you have a team of elves following you around editing, downloading and commenting on the videos... Great work, it is something to watch
You know some people use tarps for tents etc. but I was thinking wouldn't that stuff they wrap houses in be better to carry with you instead of a heavy tent? You could line your spider shelter with it and be extra cozy - just a thought.
It's called Tyvex, and if he put it on the outside of the shelter it might work tarp style, but like others have stated, it could melt if exposed to fire! Plus the garbage bag is sealed on the edges. Tyvex would be just in a single sheet he would have to use like the wool blanket and wouldn't be able to use the same way under a shirt. Tyvex does make a very nice super lightweight tarp though and you can buy sheets of it on ebay for about $1.75 a foot.
Wow! This is one of the best videos you've ever made and EXACTLY what I needed. Thank you so much for all you do. With that said, I have a couple questions...why put the plastic bag over the base layer instead of over the outside layer? Is using the plastic bag to sleep in like that better than sleeping in your Gore-Tex camo jacket?
BoJoMo47 1 month ago
@wildernessoutfitters Also, wouldn't putting the emergency blanket over top of the mat keep you just as dry as placing it below the mat? Is the only difference that the mat gets a little damp? I'm wondering how all this would work with just leaves as well (no mat).
BoJoMo47 1 month ago
WOW you don't see videos like this one, it may be common sense to you Dave. I used to put my feet in bread bags and then put my soxs on when i worked construction to keep my feet from getting cold, My feet would sweat and with in the first 30 minutes my toes would be like Ice. but I never thought to use the trash bag to do that. You just can't beat practical experience.
Also Thank You for your service to this great country and to all those who served and are serving.
leachbiker 7 months ago
i put a hobo stove made out of a kerosene can in my old spider shelter. made a nice heat source the only problem is that the whole shelter got swept away by a flood.
KillerFlyingFish 9 months ago
cold feet: it's a deal breaker!! once the digits are painfully cold and going numb, moral goes out the window, fast!! What was the procedure for moisture barrier inside the boot? can't find the video that explaned foot care... as every grunt knows; wet feet can take you down as sure as anything can!! Big expensive boots aren't the answer I'm looking for.
threepercenter03 1 year ago
HAHAHAAHAHHA THIS COMPLETES ME I LOVE THIS GUY!
3385maddy 1 year ago
Trying to learn how to stay warm down to -30. The plastic bag trick is probably good. In rubber Bunny Boots you can sweat but because the inslation is isolated from the foot , it continues to keep you warm even though you are sweating inside the boots. They say you can bust though ice, fill up the boot and it will still warm up. Just dump the water and keep going. Awesome boots. The same princple can help a bag to retain it's insulative properties. Moisture is a big problem in a bag.
InTheSticks1881 2 years ago
I don't understand how the pillow problem is handled. Without a good solution, I will have a wicked neck ache in the morning.
jjakejones 2 years ago
Hi Dave, a tip I think worth mentioning to your viewers is that if you only have a disposable lighter and it's cold out , it may be hard to get it to work(pretty scary). It's as if the lighter is out of fuel but actually the fuel is just cold and has contracted, therefore the gas pressure has dropped. Just warm the lighter in your hand and it will work. Google "Charle's law" for a full explanation. And don't give up on the lighter. Thanks for the vids Dave,they're great.
-NL Hunter
NLHNTR 2 years ago
I realize that this may be considered common knowledge but unless you use lighters in the cold a lot like I do(I'm Canadian and a smoker) it may not occur to you. Itcould leave you cold and wet with no fire becauseyou think your lighter is dead.
NLHNTR 2 years ago
Thanks Wolf...cat won't work but the other just might.
pappyhighlife 2 years ago
wondering why you didn't baton some wood to get into the dry stuff for yr fire. great vids Dave learning right beside you man. thanks
timberfoxct 2 years ago
Logically with that setup you can stay good and warm with your layers. Theoretically with an additional two you're almost set for winter. I'll have to try that because I've trying to avoid getting a 0-degree sleeping bag due to the space it takes up.
Thanks Dave... also, is that a wood axe?
YouMockMe 2 years ago
Dave can you talk a little more about the fire pit in the shelter as far as where the smoke goes. Does it just seep out or is there a hole for it to escape. Sorry if you've already been over this as I haven't seen all the videos yet. Keep on keepin on.
Bmtt1 2 years ago
what is the shelter video called i wanna watch it
stelth1hunter2 2 years ago
spider shelter or something like that
JustinBaker2567 2 years ago 4
i love your videos SO MUCH! you always put so much effort into your videos and so much care into what you do that i have to always give you 5/5. i also would love to come camping with you because we are both on the same page with like wilderness survival. you should make hoodies with the pathfinder logo on them.
huronhorde 2 years ago
i agree with the hoodie idea but he cant make any more pathfinder materials
swadet20 2 years ago
Oh forgot: the drum liner is not such a good idea in my book. Would sooner stuff wet (not too wet ;-) leaves under my outer layer of clothes. They will dry during the night and the moisture will evaporate away from your body.
BTW: do you use any special way to wrap yourself in your wool blanket? My feet always keep poking out and I'd be tucking them in 2-3 times a night.
I really appreciate the effort you put into these videos, Dave. Thanx very much.
marcjacobi 2 years ago
@marcjacobi
Wrap yourself in it diagonally. Tuck the bottom corner up over your feet then wrap the two side corners around you. You should end up with two layers of wool all round your body and your feet should not poke out the bottom.
seanmulhall 2 years ago 2
Hi sean (watch your vids too ;-)
I've tried that but the feet still pop out ;-) I think my blanket is also too small to really wrap in diagonally. Last time I just tried lying on the ends, that worked fine (but feet still popping out ;-). Thanx!
marcjacobi 2 years ago
Dave, a garbage bag as a personal moisture barrier is a powerful idea! I am going to use that trick next time I am out in the woods. It is worth noting that cheap e-blankets work by the same principle. Sealed off they are warm but if you open it up so you don't get sweaty you will be cold. Thanks for the great video!
kovacs00 2 years ago
Couple of things I noticed. You've already said that you needed a stash of fire wood in the shelter. Another thing is that you can dry out your fire wood around an already burning fire. So baby sitting is kept to a minimum. Also the space blanked stuck out of the shelter. If you really have bad weather that will actually get wet and guide the water to your bed. So tuck it back in/under once you lay in your bed.
marcjacobi 2 years ago
Dave you wear a Wick-a-way shirt to remove the moisture away from your body. Dosnt putting a plasic bag over you defeat that by keeping the moisture locked in the fabric? I havent tried your method but it seems like that would drop your body temp, and keep you damp.
madmedicdoc 2 years ago
thank Dave for the infor!
swlewis07 2 years ago
Thats what I was wondering, you had a mouse. We had big a** Norwegian rats.
Smoking got rid of the critters but not their dropping's which were everywhere.
We had to destroy the shelter the droppings are diseased laden. Is there anything else we could have done to protect the shelter while we were away?
pappyhighlife 2 years ago
Get a cat or sprinkle urine from a predator animal around.
WolfTimmington 2 years ago
Nice video. Assuming that you spent the night there and this wasn't just a demonstration, can you tell us what the temps went down to and how you fared throughout the night? Thanks for all of your work on these videos.
Barefoothikercom 2 years ago
Good Morning, the temps were fair last night and not near cold enough for this method, had to shed the bag late in the evening to prevent sweating as temps were in the high 30's, this method is best for temp of 10 degrees or less in my opinion. The clothes I had on and the wool blanket are enough in a small enclosed shelter for 30 degree comfort easily.
wildernessoutfitters 2 years ago
Personally, I have found the method successful in temperatures around 30 F and below. The big thing that most people dont realize is that their sleeping gear will inevitably become wet from insensible sweat if they are outdoors for long periods of time—such might be the case in a long term self-reliant situation. But if a person is outdoors for only one or two days, theres really no problem with insensible sweat.
royce2u 2 years ago
interesting idea,you use a plastic bag to prevent your sweat from evaporating(which is how the body cools itself)so instead of having a chill factor from the wind,you have a warming factor instead?and since any sweat that does form is trapped inside the bag,it can't make it's way into the airspace of your outer clothing,so your outer clothing retains it's insulation too while the heat from your body easily radiates through the bag into it,I'm definitely going to try this one
mlndstream 2 years ago
top notch davey boy
sweetypie000 2 years ago
That is going to be sooo warm...
bassfuryvi 2 years ago
good night!
daskraut 2 years ago
love it 5/5 again
GopanBushcraft 2 years ago
Comment removed
bladeimm 2 years ago 3
he was, not sure of which branch though
darkcolmar 2 years ago
Great job, Dave.
I have used vapor barriers for years. They are absolutely critical in long term survival situations. Most people dont understand the concept; hence they are very vulnerable if they have to remain outdoors for many days.
royce2u 2 years ago
do you also use plain plastic bags?or is there anything that you have found works better?I notice that some army survival kits are starting to have sturdy garden bags included in them as emergency sleeping bags,but just assumed they were only to prevent the air space between the fibers of clothing from filling with water,and so maintaining its insulation.From what I understand,water in the fibers of clothing displaces the warm air,while also evaporating like sweat resulting in unwanted cooling?
mlndstream 2 years ago
That was just great! Good ideas even if you're in a cabin and don't have much heat.
elai23ne 2 years ago
Too bad we can only give you 5 stars!
USNERDOC 2 years ago 8
Excellent stuff Dave! Thanks.
USNERDOC 2 years ago
Quick question Dave, do you sleep with your boots on or off when inside the spider shelter? Thanks, and Good night Dave.
savannafc 2 years ago 2
Nice vid dave. Five stars as always. Great to see a video on how to protect yourself from the cold once ones turned in for the night. Exited to go out one of these days and do some winter camping. thanks again
kingboru121 2 years ago
I get so excited when you say "and were going to talk about that right now." hahahha. But i gotta say that the garbage bag thing is a great idea, could come very in handy in a survival situation!
EvergreenBushcraft 2 years ago
Goodnight Dave.
oregonmikes 2 years ago
Good night Dave
Sheridan3511 2 years ago
Excellent presentation, start to finish.
AnotherBrotherMark 2 years ago
Great vid Dave! You looked down right cozy in there!
Zarthalad 2 years ago
Great tip! I think you just gave me the missing piece I needed to do an overnight in a treehouse I just built for my kids. My gear (up until now) has really only been good down to about 50 degrees, so another 15 degrees will really help this time of year.
jokertim777 2 years ago
Nice. I was thinking that with the way your fire pit inside the shelter is lined with rock by having a fire in there first and letting thoses stones heat up real good they would provide some nice heat for a little while.
darthwelt 2 years ago
Great stuff really good to know
osgkar 2 years ago
I'm outside all day long gardening and I think about vbloging but never have the time and yet it amazes me the amount of time you put into these videos, one after another.. Don't know how you are doing it... The nearest I can figure is you have a team of elves following you around editing, downloading and commenting on the videos... Great work, it is something to watch
btigtime2 2 years ago
Hope you had a good nights sleep Dave. I'm glad someone finally got to sleep over night in their semi permanent shelter. Looks good
bigjim379 2 years ago
Lol I'd be more worried about the mice than the spiders... Although there are no poisonous spiders where I am...
ledzeppie 2 years ago
I checked a few dumsters and found half a roll of that tyvek and it is very strong and very lightweight.
The only drawback I can see is the staRk white color.
59Gretsch 2 years ago
Love the vomit-cam.
032125 2 years ago
Great tips Dave. Thanks!
sraike 2 years ago
eh could use the house stuff called poly to do that but i mite melt if he had a fire
rubberducky511 2 years ago
thanks Dave really appreciate the video. great information!
ThatOneGuy8904 2 years ago
You know some people use tarps for tents etc. but I was thinking wouldn't that stuff they wrap houses in be better to carry with you instead of a heavy tent? You could line your spider shelter with it and be extra cozy - just a thought.
digitalX198 2 years ago
It's called Tyvex, and if he put it on the outside of the shelter it might work tarp style, but like others have stated, it could melt if exposed to fire! Plus the garbage bag is sealed on the edges. Tyvex would be just in a single sheet he would have to use like the wool blanket and wouldn't be able to use the same way under a shirt. Tyvex does make a very nice super lightweight tarp though and you can buy sheets of it on ebay for about $1.75 a foot.
TC38Cole 2 years ago
Thanks for the excellent feedback!
digitalX198 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
first view rating and comment no replyz plz also nice vid
spenfisher2 2 years ago