Most people doing this professionally make deals with the people owning the property, with a little bit of money thrown in. Thing is, property owners don't really mind if you use the area as long as they don't destroy it, and if they let people in willy nilly it would soon end up as a trash dump. With idiots cutting down fresh wood for fire, toilet paper, bottles, plastic wrap and fire places everywhere. And then someone would put fire to it. So the property owners treat everyone the same, unless they prove they can actually take care of the area. And if one of those few sane naturalists would pay a little for using the place, doing little damage and teaching people to treat nature with care, it could be a deal. It wouldn't be the worst kind of pension, I guess Dave. It wouldn't make you a millionaire but I do think you have the trust needed to make an income.
Thinking of the young woman that went hiking alone up in the mountains last month, no hat, wearing running shoes, knowing there was a chance of bad weather, deviates off the trail and froze to death the first night and it is mentioned that she went through survival training. I wish she had watched your videos and gone hiking better prepared and lived. You are my #1 favorite creator. A trial run of a minimalist pack is an excellent idea rather than trying it for the first time under duress and watch the video about how to use a compass. I would add an extra pair of socks to the kit you created. Thank you for another great video. Love to you and yours from New Jersey.
Right, and it's tragic people push their luck too far and find out the hard way they should have taken more precautions. I've seen it over and over, thankfully nothing fatal but one bad experience can put people off outdoor activities for life.
@@Reallybigmonkey1 That's an intelligent insight when you say: "Maybe her survival training gave her a false sense of security?" Likely so. Knowledge and skills are virtually worthless if one does not put them into play early enough. Hypothermia and darkness make a deadly combination when one can barely stay on their feet or strike a match for trembling and cannot see to gather fuel or materials to build a survival shelter. The "pocket survival kit" for those inexperienced ones who never practiced the requisite skills provides that same false security.
You and Corporals Corner were the first two channels I subscribed to when I discovered TH-cam several years ago. He uses it as a source of important income and often complains about YT screwing him over. Since you have a reliable job you’re out there keeping it as real as real can be…LOVE IT! Thanks for all you do!
We all use TH-cam differently. I'm very thankful I have a job and don't depend on this for a living. I love using it just for fun. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching
@@JJUnohu Dave is a national treasure for sure…one of the first videos of his I ever watched he reached for his “Alabama Hammer”, a big rock! I laughed and laughed and have watched ever since.
The Survival Tin thing is a strange one. The great Lofty Wiseman recommended a survival tin for Special Forces, something about half the size of an ammo pouch for regular forces and a full sized ammo pouch for civilians. Most people totally ignore this and go for the survival tin including myself as a child, was obsessed with them. This was developed from shoot and skoot missions and rescue folks who would not have packs just skeleton webbing, so I'm presuming that you are absolutely correct, the kits are meant to be supplemental with what you have on skeleton webbing. These days, I also prefer the backpack sized survival kits.
Very well said! I'm sure a fully trained special forces soldier could get by with whatever is on them or in their pockets plus a survival tin. Civilian hikers definitely need more gear. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching
The pouch with mess tin in it was the second tier kit, carried on a belt. The survival tin in a tobacco tin was the first tier kit to be carried in the pocket. You're right about them being supplemental to skeleton order.
I had my book signed by John Lofty Wiseman a few years ago and last year he came and sat down at the table I was at at the Bushcraft Show in the UK. Absolute gent. From his presentation there last year it reflected around having a year of food and things you can do like having a pond for water and a possible meal. His whole aim was to never be hungry in the wilderness.
@@davidcann6021 Yes, Lofty should have got the same recognition Ray Mears got but he was about a decade too soon. No matter, had an eventful career, sold a lot of books, got his big red Jag and is a legend.
It would be interesting to see Dave's take on the survival tin. I created one myself as a thought exercise. For me, the biggest challenges are: adequate cutting tool, useful container and shelter (I had to cheat and attach my shelter to the outside and I used a larger than normal tin.)
Hey Dave! You're videos are some of THE BEST out there. Very informative, professional, and some humor thrown in for good measure! The legendary Mors Kochanski said, "The more you know the less you carry." That wisdom holds true, as in the construction of the super shelter. Thank you for all your dedication in making your videos.The information that you put out does make a difference and will save lives! Keep up the great work!
So so true!! A while back Dave put out a video very respectfully addressing the tragedy of geraldine largay, who was the woman who tragically disappeared up in maine off of the AT. A hunter found her over a year later. The pointers that Dave pointed out were if you find yourself disoriented, just stop, hang something brightly colored in a tree and take your compass out and shoot a bearing for due north and walk in that direction a certain distance. No trail? Shoot bearing back to bright colored item, go back, shoot bearing to due east go certain distance, no trail? Go back to brightly colored item. Keep going around all four cardinal directions and increase your distance that you walk on a bearing each go around. The point of this exercise is that eventually you should have no choice but to run back into the trail. This scenario is for if one goes off the trail to poop or whatever and they get disoriented on the way back. DAVE- I’m just wondering if you and Nick could do another video where you guys show how this works? The White Mtns up here in New England have taken a lot of souls this winter, sadly, good people too! So what’s my point with all this? I was addressing the fact that Dave’s wisdom DOES save lives. This particular skill requires a working knowledge of a compass which many hikers lack these days. Using east/west coast declination and lining up your map to the terrain so you can properly identify features in the landscape which is nothing more than the Arbys on the corner turn left then turn right at the walmart😁. Dave- do you and Nick have time to do a vid on this? This would be a great refresher after so much loss up here. Thanks all. NQU
Hey, Dave! This is the stuff that makes YOU one of the greatest youtubers out there. The fact that you are out there practicing what you preach, and even showing your failures sometimes, showing the world how to. It doesn't get any better than that, IMO. It's definitely a minimalist kit, and you made it work! That's awesome in my book. I am sick as a dog, laying in bed going in and out of consciousness, but I got out of bed just to type this. You made my day, bub. Rock on!
@@whoever6458 Thanks! Yes I am much better now, and it turns out I was actually just severely dehydrated, to the point where I actually passed out and busted my head. It feels like a severe cold at the onset and can be extremely bad, but especially so if you are a diabetic like me. After getting the notification of your reply, I watched this video again and it's even satisfying to see Old Dave enjoying that nice warm cup of broth, haha! That stuff really does wonders for you, and I end up drinking a lot of it because, as a diabetic, I find myself peeing out so much of my electrolytes that I become dehydrated quite often. Gotta sometimes search for those bullion cubes, but they are worth their weight in gold! Cheers! :)
@@NorthGeorgiaSurvival I get dehydrated too because it's too hot here and I sometimes border on type 2 diabetes. Once, when I was homeless, I passed out from the heat and probably only survived because I passed out around sunset and so it cooled off. If I had done that at like 3 pm, I doubt I would have survived. I usually bring about as much heavy food and water as I bring heavy woodworking tools so that has served me thus far in the fort I'm building. When I was homeless, I was already in a desperate situation but mostly unprepared so that was a big reason I had problems. It's absolutely essential for me to be able to get out of the heat, which is why my fort is near the wash that always has at least some water in it.
Good video Dave, and the best part is you spent the night out with the kit and actually used it for real. You make a good point - you have to practice using this stuff to really know what it can do. One thing that I found really makes a difference to your comfort and wellbeing with minimal gear is the weather. Where I am (Scotland) it's wet all year round so you need to make sure you can keep warm even if your gear and environment is drenched.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Good point on what the climate or environment will be. This kit worked perfectly but wet leaves might have been a game changer. Thanks for watching
@Reallybigmonkey1 in which case of a cold rain what would you add to his kit to keep warm? I live in a wet climate too, only where I am, Florida, it can be unbearably hot and wet! But in the winter it can rain on a dime and with it a cold spell can descend to nearly freezing with a brisk wind!
@@visnuexe The ugly truth is you can't reply on a minimalist kit in wet cold conditions. I'll explain, with a minimal kit the E blankets supply reflective qualities and you are relying on natural materials like leaves to be insulation. In wet conditions, those wet leaves won't work so you have to Bring materials with insulative qualities. Some will say start a fire and dry everything out. Depending on amount and length of rain you can not risk your life relying on a fire in those conditions.
Great video. This minimum kit reminds me of a setup that I put together some years ago for myself. I didn’t have a lot of money to spend. So I Used a US military waist belt with the H suspenders, a military butt pack, a drop pouch, a one liter military canteen, a canteen cup, some cordage, and a military poncho. It was all OD green in color. That butt pack would hold about everything I needed to make it a couple of days in the woods. Your kit seems smaller, more compact. The impressive part about your video is that you actually deployed the kit, and put it to work for you in the woods. Dave, you’ve always done a great job of demonstrating your ideas on video. I look forward to seeing more. Thanks.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. I have always loved the H suspended butt pack set up. I've got mine in green, black and woodland camo. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching brother
Another great video with actual use of your survival components. Thanks. I, like another commenter, use a military waist belt and I use the military “Y” suspenders which distributes the load between your shoulders and waIst. This is much more comfortable than just the waist belt. I like your belt and you may be able to add some form of suspenders to it to get in the “comfort zone.” I also have a minimum of three ways to start a fire. I do need to add some bullion cubes as that sounds like a good idea and makes sense and adds minimal weight.
I never worry about how long your videos are, I watch them because I enjoy the content and checking out your ideas. I'm 64 years old and even though I've been woodcrafting and practicing survival techniques(hunting, fishing, trapping, prepping) for almost 60 years( since 1965) and I of course still have things I can learn and like to learn and from this community. I've been subbed to and watching your channel for years now, and it is one that I can depend on for honesty and fresh ideas. Keep up the great work Dave and thanks for the video, all your efforts and research and for sharing. P.S. A little tip....a bag of beef jerky and 1/2 - 3/4 of a quart zip-lock freezer bag of regular oatmeal weighs next to nothing and will fit into your pockets easily. Tear or cut a few pieces of the jerky into smaller pieces and add to your bullion cube broth boil/simmer to tender and then add 2-3 heaping tbsp. of oatmeal.....it makes a great survival breakfast meal.
My funny is he is the first USA person I ever seen using that pouch. Why no tinnie? It really doesn’t add much weight and gives an extra pot to cook/boil water. And why no metal canteen? I prefer Biltong to jerky As for salts…use them! We were doing a very very rough x and I fd up I almost passed out and was drinking lots o water but neglected adding electrolytes to my water. Never doing that again! I use a brand name now that adds not only electrolytes but a bunch ove vitamins and minerals.
You're videos have so much depth Dave because you focus on PRINCIPLES more over gear and techniques. It will always be the survival principles that will carry anybody through. No better example than this video. Well done for the compendium of your work.
@@Reallybigmonkey1 what Colin said. Great job Dave:) Also if your living in swampy humid places those tealight candles are smart... heck i live in a semi desert zone but ive had a couple in my pack forever..just incase of rain or flood ...which happens occasionally even here for weeks at a time sometimes. if everything is damp and your in for a cold night u cant spend hours trying to dry out wet wood and tinder when a cold night is comming.
URGENT. Received a message purporting to be from Dave asking me to make contact on a WhatsApp number. Thinking it to be legit, I engaged in a chat. I soon got invited to invest in a business opportunity- which I turned down. Asks for pics - I suggest a video conference - which is turned down as he is in a “meeting”. Does not sound like Dave at all. Has all the hallmarks of a con. BE WARNED.
Thanks for posting this. Some spam troll account answered several comments on this video and I blocked and reported that account. Im pinning your comment so other can see it.
Thanks Man'. I got one too. ~ ha, I near wanna get a prepaid phone as temp. and a bottle of J. Walker 'n have some fun with it. I can't help it. I was half raised by Bugs Bunny. (-:
For the little bit of weight of everything you carried (whether used or not) this is a magnificent kit! It allowed you to create a shelter, stay warm, and pretty comfortable for a survival situation. It also allowed for extra gear in case you needed to modify or add things depending on your needs. I don't think I would change anything with that kit. If anything, possibly a small saw such as a silky or such but with what you had, a bow saw could easily be crafted if you had a blade. Great video! I also liked that you said where to attach the kit and hang it on yourself in the small of your back. As a backpacker, I always cringe when I see someone hanging a bunch of things on their shoulders. Most backpacking packs are designed to shift the weight of the load to your hips. What you did in this video is exactly that. Carrying the weight there helps maintain balance and use your core strength to carry the load virtually unencumbered. I know this kit is only about 4ish lbs but over time it would feel much heavier if carried by hand or from the shoulders.
I am earnestly thanking you for this video. Your survival videos are the best around. Most other "survivalists" involve the waste of a lot of calories and use techniques involving lots of paracord, digging, clearing, chopping, sawing, and other caloric using activities. In a real survival situation, economy of energy, supplies, nutrients and hydration are of the utmost importance. May I suggest that you add a couple of things to your kit: a few binder clips and an extra pair of socks. You should change out your socks each night. My dad was a WWII Army Lt, and he taught me the importance of clean, dry socks. If you develop blisters, that could become life threatening for a lot of reasons. God bless!!! Sorry it took me a while to find this video. I meant to watch it a while ago, but life got in the way, lol.
You are very welcome and I'm glad you liked it! And I agree with your comments 100%! In a real deal survival situation you will not be in the state of mind to build some kind of elaborate shelter. Shelter up for the night as easily as possible then move on the next day. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching
Yes, I agree. We call everything a "survival kit" but those pocket kits don't compare to a minimalist kit like the one you used here. IMHO the pocket kits or Altoid survival kits are good for a person to have in a pocket, or otherwise on their person. There are cases where someone loses their pack. Or they leave the trail to pee (etc) and can't find their way back. If something like that happens then the pocket kit could give them some chance to survive. But realistically, a person would want more. Yes, I agree. Few people have actually tried to camp out with their mini kit. They should. There are safe ways to do it. Camp in your own back yard, or a friend's back yard for example. Thanks, Dave for the awesome video. I believe it will help keep people safe. Also it was a lot of fun to watch as always.
Thanks Brother and very well said! Tins help out but, they definitely ain't a complete kit. And always always camp with your chosen kit so you can see if it works. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching brother Doug!
I had a soldier that went forward (?why?) of our defensive positions to take a shit just at sunset (with just his M-4, an e-tool and some TP). While he was doing his business, it got dark and he got turned around. He didn't tell his fire-team leader where he was going, and no one reported him missing until stand-to... he wandered all night, and was returned to us in the morning. He felt so stupid, and his buddies razzed him relentlessly. Thank god we were in PA instead of AFG! BTW, as the PSG I got a good ass-chewing from the 1SG, and his FTL got demoted! Anyway, that little tin might have come in handy?!
What an awesome video Dave! Shelter building, survival kit testing, overnighter. That was a real good one, you set the tone for 2023 :) Your shelter and bed setup looked so cozy. Take care
"....you're not a survivalist, you're a hiker." 😂 Love that line brother! 👍 Seriously though... it's great to see you out there in your element doing what you do Dave! You totally nailed this one (as always). Really got a kick out of seeing that coffee pack in your kit there by the way... that would DEFINITELY be among the top items in my survival kit without a doubt, haha ;) Gotta have that mornin' coffee man! Thanks for sharing this one buddy!
Lol, I'm glad you liked it brother! That coffee pack is definitely a emergency survival comfort item when things get bad. Always great to hear from you and thanks for watching Brother
Thanks for bringing me along again Dave! :) I can't imagine it was a restful night, but a sight better than curled up next to a tree out in the open. Those little tins can hold an adequate fire kit, or a round airgun pellet tin can hold a fishing kit. Very hard to get all you need into one of them tins. In Florida you need shelter and/or bug juice to survive, water and/or water purification is also a big priority.
You are very welcome tim and Im glad you liked it. A lot of folks dont believe it but, laying on them leaf filled bags is as comfortable as a bed! Thanks for watching
Good morning Dave. I enjoyed this. I've led a 4-H club for years and have always tried to walk the line of trying to figure out what the kids are willing to take (while they are beginning to learn) and what is practical. And, I'm always looking for ways to tweak things a bit. You had a more serious tone on this video so I'll try to give constructive feedback today. Your minimalist kit has a lot of good stuff & might have crossed the line of being so big it is better suited for a backpack (at least if wearing a jacket). Good job on the debris shelter. My 4-H kids set up something similar. When it comes to debris shelters, it is important to talk about time as a resource IMHO, which leads to the discussion about what is really practical. Once you've made & slept in a debris shelter, one quickly figures out it is better to carry a good tarp. For 1st aid, I carry band-aids, ointment & alcohol swabs in my Wazoo cache cap & belt. I carry a whistle & mini ferro rod on my keychain so a lot of those items are always on me at all times (lighter in my pocket). Great point about water. It took a bit of work for me to find a single-walled stainless steel water bottle that fits the side pockets on my el cheapo backpack. I remember that lady on the radio; someone having to boil water is not going to overhydrate. I like the bouillon cube idea and usually carry some Gatorade style packets to replace electrolytes. I like your point about your jacket because our clothing is an important part of our shelter system. I like your thought process about not wanting to get up in the middle of the night and understanding how you will feel in the morning. Your thoughts on Mylar are realistic. I've watched your other Mylar tests & you do a good job of letting people know what reality will be like. LOL😆🤣Yeah, it sure gets difficult to record inside a shelter. I had to bring some supplemental lighting for the 5 item challenge and didn't get a lot of sleep from feeding the fire all night. I remember waking up with leaves all over me. I wasn't able to bring a garbage back because of the 5 item limit. Glad you stayed warm brother! Yeah, I like to capture my breath like that to keep in the heat. I really appreciate you putting yourself out there Dave. I know it took a lot of time & energy to put this together. I imagine you were pretty tired the next day so I get the sacrifice you made. Yes! The great the suck factor the better a warm drink tastes. Great job! See you on the next one!
Theres a fine line in everything we do. Is a kit too small to be effective? Is it too big that its considered camping and not a survival kit? Is it small enough that one is willing to carry it or is it a pain to tote along. In a temperate climate one can sleep and walk out with not kit but in a freezing winter situation or a hot muggy bug infested summer scenario the same kit wont work. These questions can not be addressed in one video. Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching Brother
@@Reallybigmonkey1 Couldn't agree more Dave! The more I get out and the older I get, the more $$ I'm willing to spend for comfort & safety so what works for me might not work for someone else. You were 100% right when you said at the end of your video for folks with kits to get out and test them to make sure that it works for them. I hope I didn't take too much of a serious tone Dave. I really like your channel and how fun you keep things. I'll be seeing you on your next video!
So many theorise about all this stuff, and show it in videos when the gears clearly never been used. Youre one of the great Dave, you always show things practically, with honesty and without bullshit. Thanks for all your work.
@@Reallybigmonkey1 absolutely man. Just as an aside, i just got a second hand DCF ultra light tarp (7 x 9) it weighs like 5 ounces. While it doesn't compact down as tight as a silnylon, it's so light I always throw it in my day bag. Worth the money I reckon, and not as fragile as some people think. The best emergency shelter is one you're willing to carry!
Thank you for sacrificing your mind, body & soul so we the viewers may understand what it takes to survive in the wood with bery little. A great revision for most of us. Could we have more of this overnight camping, cooking & coffee etc.? Cheers cobber. Greetings from Australia.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. I don't film many overnighters because most are very boring camping trips. Lol. I figured this one would be interesting. Thanks for watching
Dave, this video was amazing. I’ve been watching for years and I never miss one, but this video really stands out. I’d love to see more like this. My other favorite was the bug out bag that was sent in for you to review as they’re both similar in a way. They both naturally push out your knowledge into words and have you casually give great tips and tricks. Thank you for all the great content.
Thanks, Im glad you liked it that much! I may show more kits tailored to different times of year. This kit was just a dry cold condition kit. Thanks for watching
hello dave I'm really looking forward to seeing the new video. Really very good content you always produce. Thanks for that and greetings from good old Germany.
Great kit for an emergency. You've got the basics covered for sure. As you mentioned it's a good idea to always have those items with you, preferably on your person when wandering in wild places. Enjoyed watching you give that kit a try!
I feel the altoidtinkit is for all a symbolic thing, for people to tell themselves that they can survive with just little stuff. It feels Great to have a self-composed little tin box in your pocket that gives you a (false) sense of savety. I'm 57 now but even though a girl I've always carried 'stuff' around in my pockets that 'might come in handy', like Huckelberry Finn did. Piece of rope, an elastic band, a small stone, a compas (I'm talking 7 years old, living in a big city ..) a pencil, small notebook, some wire, a nail, some gorp and a swiss pocketknive. I felt ready to face everything 😂 My pack is a lot bigger now, I actually have more packs (for on horse/the car/walking/on bike/public transport) and I Love to see what others, like you, find important, so thanks! for the video.
Very well said! Symbolic, and supplemental to a real kit at most. The more gear you have the easier it gets but if not actually backpacking how much is the average person willing to carry? Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching
Nice one. I too carry bouillon cubes as a electrolyte and comfort drink. Coffee and tea are good but the bouillon is so much better. I think you should do it again with Nick. Help define the ultimate minamalist kit. Thanks for sharing your night with us.
Hi J H. When you pack for a roll out don't use coffee just tea as coffee will dehydrate you.Tea, even though it has caffeine in it doesn't dehydrate you as coffee does. Happy trails!
Thanks. Hard to say what the ultimate minimalist kit would be. Simply because the ultimate would cover all 4 seasons and it would be tough to make that versatility minimal. Thanks for watching
@@airborne101pathfinder7 It's a myth. Caffeine is diuretic but unless you take it in powder form you can count coffee into your daily water intake. Especially when you are used to it. You wont pee two coffees out. The bouillon cubes are BS. Unless you make your own it's mostly salt and sodium glutamate. I saw one with only 0,1% of meat product in it so it was a scam. Salt is good. MSG is not too bad either but a good coffee with a lot of sugar and fat is better
Brother Dave, I've followed your channel for a decade give or take a day. This is one of your best videos yet, and that's saying alots because all you're videos have been very interesting and informative. Excellent setup you had. As for electrolyte replacement, the bouillon cubes is smart! I agree with you on replacing the electrolytes and what a good and tasty way of doing it. Thank you so much for sharing, and bringing us along with you on the overnighter. I needed this. Best I can do is a Thumbs up, and Sir you've earned that! See you next time. God's blessings Bro~John
Brother John I know you've been with me pretty much since the beginning and I appreciate all the years of comments views and support. With that said, I'm glad you liked this one that much! Take care and thanks for watching brother
Great info David. The chicken stock cubes were excellent. I tried that sleeping bag with military poncho in cold. It might be best option, but I got to my jeep fast to thaw out.
It's always a great thing how someone who's done the same sort of things their whole life can always learn more tricks from watching other people. I've rarely used my canteen stove because of not having room for a fire but digging a hole under it is something I never did think of. Lmao.. Thanks buddy
I really liked the vibe of this video. You had all that you needed to survive a cold night. Adjusting my kits today for my next trip into the woods. It is always good to be prepared.
Hey Dave, What I like the Best about you is that you tell it like it is. No sugar coating, just the Plain dry facts. Keeping it Real... Keep it up Buddy.
hey Dave, Hope all is well with you & the family. I see that you guys are going to get a bit of a cold snap down there, here in Southeren Oregon (I moved back in 2020 from Dunsmuir, CA, & I brought a 1300sf manufactured home up in Klamath Falls wth some inheritance $$ from my Late Mom & Uncle, and moved with my 9 kitties). Been thinking about you guys. Later,
All is well here! We have had several cold snaps but our biggest issues now are too much rain and muddy sloppy conditions around here. I'm guessing your new area is a beautiful scenic type area? Take care and thanks for watching
That is one awesome set up, Dave! Love how small the bivy is, the boss leaf bed, and all the goodies in your kit. My cat is interested in that whistle! 👍🇨🇦😎
Thanks, Im glad you liked it Marian! I think this is about a minimalistic as you can really go and still be useful. That whistle honestly hurt my own ears! Thanks for watching
You are 100% right Dave..... a looot of folks live in fantasy land, and it's not completely their fault. They have been listening to folks who have never actually spent time in the woods/elements. Your practicality is refreshing! God Bless Brother
Very well said! A lot of that stuff on Discovery channel and certain TH-cam channels have made survival look simple and easy. It is more serious than they make it out to be. Thanks for watching and may God bless you too
Remember, anything that takes a battery will tend to not work as well in cold conditions. It's worth keeping your light in the bag with you. Best regards from frozen northern New England! :)
Speaking from experience, trying out my survival rig a couple times made a huge difference when it came time to use it. Was out on a lone day hike when a kidney stone made an unscheduled appearance. Couldn't get back to the truck before dark. Used my ham radio to let the wife know what happened, couple buddies came the next day to give me a hand out. Having used and perfected the survival rig made the somewhat miserable night in the mountains way easier.
Catching up on some Dave videos is just what I needed this weekend. As a high school secretary, there is something really special about Spring Break. Unfortunately, we have a full on blizzard here in Minot, ND at the moment, and all I can think about is my next trip to visit my son at The University of Alabama. We plan to drive to the beach and I honestly can not wait! Being snowed in is not what I was looking forward to, but it has allowed me to catch up on some TH-cam and your channel is the first one I turned to. I enjoy your down-to-earth videos and you always give us some take aways - this time, for me, it's the bouillon cubes. I'll be taking a trip to Isle Royale National park in late June/early July and I will definitely pack some cubes! Thanks for putting together such informative videos! I can't help but wonder if you ever wake up to a snake snuggled up to you for warmth.
Always great to hear from you Shannon and bring us some snow! I know its horrible being snowed in but we never get any snow in Georgia or Alabama. Anyway, enjoy the videos and thanks for watching my friend!
Dave, once again thanks for actually going out and using a survival kit . One thing I noticed is they say " you have to have a 3 mil or even now 6 mil 55 gallon drum liner. I do keep (2) 3 mil in mine but you proved that for one night those thinner mil garbage bags work just fine. Also, now you know your feet got cold, maybe you could bring an extra pair of socks or even use that blanket you have to wrap them up ( at least for winter) . Thanks buddy
Well, I was showing my step dad this video. I wanted him to see this so if he had to leave his truck for any reason, he could have a small set up like this to clip around his waist and go. I want my mother to see it also for her vehicle. If you seen on the news a few years ago, here in PA on the turnpike we had bad snow storm and people where stuck there fir over 24 hours at least. I want to encourage them to carry a set up like yours where they can use the emergency blankets to stay warm in the vehicle and have something to snack on and water or carry it if they have to leave thier vegicles
Oops! Vehicles I meant. ANYWAY, you had that two quart canteen and u thought " hmm Dave is a pretty good fabricator, I bet he can make a stainless steel cup that the 2 quart canteen can nest into like the other canteens do" . Dave, I am on disability now, just turned 55 this month. I do what I can but, my tools are in storage and most of my bushcraft and camping gear is also. I kinda live vicariously thru you for now lol. I just thought maybe it's sumthin you'd like to try
Hey Dave, It seems to me that the only thing you'd need to add is a second pair of woolen socks to keep your feet warm at night. If your feet are cold, the rest of you is cold. Oh, and the good thing about the bullion cubes is that it could act as a base for adding anything you could forage and add to it. They also last forever! I think it's a good idea to bring them along. Great suggestion.
Yep, trhats pretty much the only bad part was cold feet. Very good point on the bouillion cubes! One could add leaves roots or berries and kinda make a stew. Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching Dr. Tom!
Winter camping in Boy Scouts in Minnesota, we always changed into dry socks for at night. I remember watching my feet steam when I took off the daytime socks.
@Dr. Tom Gio it would get sub zero on those trips, but we used big home made 9 man tents with army cots and could preheat the tent . We were a troop of farm kids. Going out with snowmobiles pulling dog sleds. We were prepared. Chain saws for wood too. There would be a half cord of wood stacked when we left.
@@RonOrud Now, that's something I think I would have enjoyed! The closest thing we got to was the Jersey Pines under about a foot of snow with a patchwork of Army surplus equipment between us, two-person canvas tents, a Playboy magazine stolen from one of our fathers, and campfire stories about the Jersey Devil. Oh, and hot chocolate! Man, I wouldn't give up those memories for anything.
I enjoyed it. I had some fun. Yes, see ya in the next one. I sooooo appreciate your diligence & hard work in putting these videos together for us. I ALWAYS learn something, so thank you, kind sir!!
Thanks for another great video! I have a few of those Survival Frog "Tact Bivvi" bags, love 'em! I tested mine in 0° temps but I used my Walmart "50°" sleeping bag inside of it, slept in my underwear and sweated like a hog! I also have a VERY lightweight fleece sleeping bag. It works amazing inside the mylar bag in below freezing temps. I've also used the little mylar blankets as a reflector for my fire to keep my shelter heated. Between the two I've never been unbearably cold just using a baby fire like you used to boil your water. Thank you for sharing what you do! Have an amazing day!
Thanks Phillip! Im glad you liked it. Sounds like good use of your equipment. Im amazed at the versatility of that tact bivy sack, it makes a huge difference when used outside a regular bag. Thanks for watching
The only person I know who can reliably get any sort of camping gear back into its bag is my mom. lol I like the newer bags that have some straps to tighten it down after you manage to get it back into the bag. It sure saves a lot of four letter words for me.
I know that it's best to try out your survival gear before you actually need it so you are at least confident in what you have . I keep Ramen noodles and a diabetic glucose tablets because I'm diabetic. That's pretty much the only difference. Thanks Dave for a great informative video as always Dave! 👍 take care and stay safe my friend !!!
Food for thought. A survival kit (any size) is under the presumption you may need it. I agree one should always be prepared depending on the situation you are about to enter. Being prepared can only go so far. The best survival kit is your brain and your EDC. As you stand watching your car burn with your survival kit inside and may miles away from help, what have you got besides your positive attitude. I have my EDC a positive attitude and what I have learned from you and channels like yours. My EDC is 3 folding knives (each has a purpose), flashlight, lighter (have not smoked in years) ferro rod and striker, clothes appropriate for weather. Firearm sometimes optional. What you present is extremely relevant and helpful. Thank you for sharing with us.
All your videos are great but this was one of those stand out one's for me! A simple kit turned into a comfortable night's sleep, or as good as, in a simple but excellent shelter.... It, of course, comes down to the knowledge and skills of the bushcrafter, proving once again that carrying knowledge is the best kit to have with you in tricky situations. I was glad you stayed to make coffee as that added to the video...🔥. I have this very stove.. A crusader stove... and it works well. It was good seeing how you set it up for the morning 😃👍. Many thanks for a great hours viewing from what was an excellent video using minimal kit. You don't need all the fancy equipment, nice as it is, just good knowledge and the basics. Thanks again, and oh, don't forget to replace the candle 🕯️🕯️🕯️😊👍. Stay well, Spencer.
Thanks Spencer! I'm glad you like the videos so much. Often times survival is miserable but sometimes even with minimal kit it can be somewhat comfortable. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching
Very interesting small kit you made. I feel a person could get lost while out walking or hiking then it become a survival situation. I've heard of that happening. To me a survival situation is where you weren't prepared for anything then you wind up in a survival situation. Like if someone if your girlfriend gets mad at you and leaves you out in the middle of nowhere. Or you get robbed and dropped off out in the middle of nowhere. When you're on a trip and wind up broke down in the middle of nowhere. Now what do you do then. If all you got is just what's in your pockets like your keys, wallet, you know EDC stuff. I always do my best to try and carry a little with me everyday. What do you think? Thank you Dave for the video very much. I'll see you on the next one brother.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. I'm always preaching about outdoors people being prepared. The scenarios you mentioned are extremely scary situations! Surviving with absolutely nothing but minor items in your pockets can be done in a temperate climate but when it gets down below freezing? Mixed with rain or snow? That's truly a deadly situation that most wouldn't do well. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching brother
I EDC knife and / or multitool, peanut lighter and flashlight on my keychain. But I've also taken into account situations like you say, getting robbed even of the gear in your pockets. It's based on the Wazoo cache belt but made it myself from a cheapo nylon zipped moneybelt. Got things like a last ditch back up knife (Ruike S11), storm matches, and water purification tabs in it. Bit of bank line too. Difficult to cover shelter and a container, I've got a plastic bag for water collection and purification. But I live in the UK and unless you're in the middle of the Scottish Highlands there's always litter/trash around unfortunately, so you can always find some plastic sheeting of some kind, and empty cans and bottles. Survival Dispatch / On Three channel did a couple of great vids practicing survival only from what's in his pockets.
Greetings from Maine. This video is terrific. Brings up fond memories of building forts in the woods with my dad and brother. Your video is a breath of fresh air compared to "survival" TH-camrs who are using the latest and greatest gear, and essentially camping on camera, not surviving. This video is such an important reminder that tried and true methods for survival should not be ignored. The mantra, "pack light, freeze at night" comes to mind. Don't leave the basic principles of a good survival kit at home just to save a few ounces when you go hiking, hunting, fishing, etc. You don't get to choose when an emergency strikes, but you DO get to choose what you bring with you to stack the odds of survival in your favor. Thank you again for a great video!
Hello from Georgia and I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for the comments and I love your saying of you can't choose when a situation happens but you can choose what to carry!
When I was a teenager at school, two of us drank a LOT of water (exactly how much I don't remember), We got 'drunk' on it. Couldn't stop giggling. Couldn't stand etc. At the time we didn't know what it was and we ended up ok. Looking back I wonder just how near death we were!
Great stuff mate. The mylar blanket and sleeping bag are in my EDC if I'm carrying a bag. Using the blanket like you did with natural materials is the way to go.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. There's no lighter weight option that I know off. Throw in leaves and it's the ultimate option. Thanks for watching my friend
Thanks for another great video and inspiration to try my own kits and skills. I'm 66 but a tough old bird. I'll be using a lot of what I learned from you. I'll mainly be hammock camping but still trying more primitive skills to see how I fair. Thanks for all the tips and tricks. Keep them coming. You are great appreciated.
I’ve always advocated that people should try out your survival gear, in a controlled environment . That way you can adjust and find out what works, and what doesn’t. Great video. Cheers from Winnipeg
HI I want to thank you for what you said in a videos. It was done about 10 months ago called Estate Sales, Militarty Surplus and the sergeant Majors Ax. My husband passed last year in Feb., and it was after he passed that I found out that he had received all of these medals from when he was in Vietnam. One of those medals was the purple heart. In our 40 years together he never talked about those days and I never asked. You made a comment about maybe this guy did not want to remember those days. It finally hit me that I think that maybe why I have never seen any of those medals. Thank you for opening my eyes. We have always enjoyed watching your videos and I will continue to enjoy watching them and hopefully learn something from them. And I would not wear the hat I would make a trophy of it. Thanks again and take care. Diana
Thanks for sharing that Diana and I'm sorry to hear he passed. Some of us have bad days at work. Bad customers, bad forklifts, bad inventories, bad machines. I couldn't even fathom what a bad day was for a combat veteran so I understand completely why they would rather just forget the past. Take care and thanks for watching Diana
Knowledge Is Key & You Got That Brother Davey, We're Going To Have Extreme Lows This Evening -35'C Gonna Wear My Fur Lined Britches To Bed ! Great Video Brother ! Hay Nick ! ATB T God Bless
Dave, you said it, it was a success! Actually, if you consider an emergency situation and you wake up in the next morning, it was definitely a real success!... Great video! Thanks!
This is the #1 video for the average person.I think thee biggest problem with a survival kit is bringing too much or too little and not what you really need. I bet that many people who die in the woods have great geer at home but left behind because they get overwhelmed trying to pare it down. I loved it when you pulled out a candle and a big to make a fire. Bless you for keeping it simple. Honestly I hope many others copy your ideas here to spread the word on TH-cam to save more lives.
Thank you Cynthia! Sadly, tv survival shows and a few youtubers has seriously misrepresented what actual wilderness survival is. Survive as easily as possible, get out and get home. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching
@@Reallybigmonkey1 Dave, sadly "survival" has come to equal easy money, and I would say most are in it for the money. I am going to make this kit now that I can simplify. Like you, by survival priorities, not the 10 Cs. Shelter (inc warmth,and fire - I live in Vermont) ,medical, signaling, navigation, food and water, I added food because becoming weak never helps, and I become weak when I don't eat. And, lol, coffee. I become stupid when I don't drink it, never helps to become more stupid. Wish I were your neighbor. I've been watching you forever and this is the video I've always needed from you. Best always.
Hi Dave! I had to stop the video at 6:29 Being told that Dave Fun in the Woods Pearson is not toting a machete is like being told a feller can't find boiled peanuts in Georgia! Like your other videos, there is plenty to learn, but my biggest takeaway is the value and importance of field testing one's ideas. As you point out, a real survival kit is one that is practical, gives one options, and has been field tested to see if it meets the need. If I am going to discover that my kit is a dud, I want that to happen when I have the option of getting my butt in my truck and getting warm rather than being in a real emergency and suffering or worse. All the best to you and Nick!
Hello and nope, no machete this go round. I had to test the no chopping tool minimalist kit to see if it's viable. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching my friend!
Hi Dave, looked at this a bit late. Great video as usual, and kudos for sacrificing comfort to test a minimal kit in practice. Loved your reaction to that hot cup of bouillon in the morning! Good tip about not drinking coffee and keeping up electrolytes. I should put less coffee and more soup in my kits... ;-)
Hello Frank and I'm glad you liked it! I'm used to a decent camp breakfast along with a lot of gear. That hot bouillon was excellent, I guess because I knew it was all I had. Lol. Thanks for watching brother
I was very happy to see you had posted a video this morning. I agree with almost everything you said in the vid including the fact that if a kit is too big, most people won't carry it constantly. Even though the kit you put together is minimal, I believe it is too big to carry all the time. I guess it comes down to a decision between "survival" and survival with some creature comforts. The comfort items can take up a lot of space.
Excellent video Dave !!! Been waiting for this one 👍. The only things I’d add to the kit is a few packs of sugar and 4 hand warmers. 😃 See ya on the next one.
I have seen A LOT of videos from many different people regarding the bush craft/survival topic. This is next level and hands down the best survival video that I have seen yet. If anyone could only watch ONE survival video it should be this one. Great no nonsense style and content!! Thankyou.
Nicely done, Dave! You are one of the very few You Tubers who actually tested his own survival kit. I use to stealth camp at a Virginia state park (well away from the actual campgrounds at $30 a night) using a minimalist pack: military poncho, woobie, red light headlamp, no fire, a liter of water and a couple of energy Clif bars. I fashioned a wood bed frame and filled it with leaves. I layered up in clothing. I slept with my boots on after changing my socks for heavy wool socks. Ticks were an issue. I found two of them on my back.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it and I think if you carry a kit, it needs to be tested. This is my winter kit, in the summer I use a small hammock because of the very thing you mentioned. Ticks!
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Dave, I think if you were to ever open up a survival bushcraft fun in the woods class, you would become a billionaire. Wonderful videos 👍😊
Oh if I had the property and spare time I'd love to do that! Thanks for watching my friend
Most people doing this professionally make deals with the people owning the property, with a little bit of money thrown in.
Thing is, property owners don't really mind if you use the area as long as they don't destroy it, and if they let people in willy nilly it would soon end up as a trash dump. With idiots cutting down fresh wood for fire, toilet paper, bottles, plastic wrap and fire places everywhere. And then someone would put fire to it.
So the property owners treat everyone the same, unless they prove they can actually take care of the area. And if one of those few sane naturalists would pay a little for using the place, doing little damage and teaching people to treat nature with care, it could be a deal.
It wouldn't be the worst kind of pension, I guess Dave. It wouldn't make you a millionaire but I do think you have the trust needed to make an income.
100%....
But he probably gets into the woods to get away from people! Lol😆
I agree
I absolutely would!!!
Thinking of the young woman that went hiking alone up in the mountains last month, no hat, wearing running shoes, knowing there was a chance of bad weather, deviates off the trail and froze to death the first night and it is mentioned that she went through survival training. I wish she had watched your videos and gone hiking better prepared and lived. You are my #1 favorite creator. A trial run of a minimalist pack is an excellent idea rather than trying it for the first time under duress and watch the video about how to use a compass. I would add an extra pair of socks to the kit you created. Thank you for another great video. Love to you and yours from New Jersey.
Right, and it's tragic people push their luck too far and find out the hard way they should have taken more precautions. I've seen it over and over, thankfully nothing fatal but one bad experience can put people off outdoor activities for life.
I carry more than Dave has a for a day hike! Be prepared!
Thats sad about that woman. Maybe her survival training gave her a false sense of security? Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
@@Reallybigmonkey1 That's an intelligent insight when you say: "Maybe her survival training gave her a false sense of security?" Likely so. Knowledge and skills are virtually worthless if one does not put them into play early enough. Hypothermia and darkness make a deadly combination when one can barely stay on their feet or strike a match for trembling and cannot see to gather fuel or materials to build a survival shelter. The "pocket survival kit" for those inexperienced ones who never practiced the requisite skills provides that same false security.
That’s just awful.Just the ability to make fire could have saved her life that night.
You and Corporals Corner were the first two channels I subscribed to when I discovered TH-cam several years ago. He uses it as a source of important income and often complains about YT screwing him over. Since you have a reliable job you’re out there keeping it as real as real can be…LOVE IT! Thanks for all you do!
We all use TH-cam differently. I'm very thankful I have a job and don't depend on this for a living. I love using it just for fun. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching
The corporal takes himself too seriously....this guy has personality....
@@JJUnohu Dave is a national treasure for sure…one of the first videos of his I ever watched he reached for his “Alabama Hammer”, a big rock! I laughed and laughed and have watched ever since.
Corporate corners is a scam artist hack!! Real garbage on his channel😅
@@JJUnohu
The corporal takes it all very seriously in my opinion.. but I have learned a few invaluable things from his channel as well..
The Survival Tin thing is a strange one. The great Lofty Wiseman recommended a survival tin for Special Forces, something about half the size of an ammo pouch for regular forces and a full sized ammo pouch for civilians. Most people totally ignore this and go for the survival tin including myself as a child, was obsessed with them. This was developed from shoot and skoot missions and rescue folks who would not have packs just skeleton webbing, so I'm presuming that you are absolutely correct, the kits are meant to be supplemental with what you have on skeleton webbing. These days, I also prefer the backpack sized survival kits.
Very well said! I'm sure a fully trained special forces soldier could get by with whatever is on them or in their pockets plus a survival tin. Civilian hikers definitely need more gear. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching
The pouch with mess tin in it was the second tier kit, carried on a belt. The survival tin in a tobacco tin was the first tier kit to be carried in the pocket. You're right about them being supplemental to skeleton order.
I had my book signed by John Lofty Wiseman a few years ago and last year he came and sat down at the table I was at at the Bushcraft Show in the UK. Absolute gent. From his presentation there last year it reflected around having a year of food and things you can do like having a pond for water and a possible meal. His whole aim was to never be hungry in the wilderness.
@@davidcann6021 Yes, Lofty should have got the same recognition Ray Mears got but he was about a decade too soon. No matter, had an eventful career, sold a lot of books, got his big red Jag and is a legend.
It would be interesting to see Dave's take on the survival tin. I created one myself as a thought exercise. For me, the biggest challenges are: adequate cutting tool, useful container and shelter (I had to cheat and attach my shelter to the outside and I used a larger than normal tin.)
Best over night survival video yet. Yes. Test your stuff or you can or will be sorry . Keep these excellent videos coming dave. 👍
Thanks Scott, I'm glad you liked it. Absolutely brother, if you carry a kit you should test it. Take care and thanks for watching
Hey Dave! You're videos are some of THE BEST out there. Very informative, professional, and some humor thrown in for good measure! The legendary Mors Kochanski said, "The more you know the less you carry." That wisdom holds true, as in the construction of the super shelter. Thank you for all your dedication in making your videos.The information that you put out does make a difference and will save lives! Keep up the great work!
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it that much! Mors Kochanski is my hero! I'd love to think my videos could save lives. Thanks for watching my friend
So so true!! A while back Dave put out a video very respectfully addressing the tragedy of geraldine largay, who was the woman who tragically disappeared up in maine off of the AT. A hunter found her over a year later. The pointers that Dave pointed out were if you find yourself disoriented, just stop, hang something brightly colored in a tree and take your compass out and shoot a bearing for due north and walk in that direction a certain distance. No trail? Shoot bearing back to bright colored item, go back, shoot bearing to due east go certain distance, no trail? Go back to brightly colored item. Keep going around all four cardinal directions and increase your distance that you walk on a bearing each go around. The point of this exercise is that eventually you should have no choice but to run back into the trail. This scenario is for if one goes off the trail to poop or whatever and they get disoriented on the way back. DAVE- I’m just wondering if you and Nick could do another video where you guys show how this works? The White Mtns up here in New England have taken a lot of souls this winter, sadly, good people too!
So what’s my point with all this? I was addressing the fact that Dave’s wisdom DOES save lives. This particular skill requires a working knowledge of a compass which many hikers lack these days. Using east/west coast declination and lining up your map to the terrain so you can properly identify features in the landscape which is nothing more than the Arbys on the corner turn left then turn right at the walmart😁.
Dave- do you and Nick have time to do a vid on this? This would be a great refresher after so much loss up here.
Thanks all. NQU
@@notquiteultralight1701 That sounds like a good idea! We may do an updated video in extremely hilly terrain
@@Reallybigmonkey1 that would be awesome Dave!! Thank you sir!NQU
@@Reallybigmonkey1 This sounds like a wonderful idea. I don't remember that video though...
Hey, Dave! This is the stuff that makes YOU one of the greatest youtubers out there. The fact that you are out there practicing what you preach, and even showing your failures sometimes, showing the world how to. It doesn't get any better than that, IMO. It's definitely a minimalist kit, and you made it work! That's awesome in my book. I am sick as a dog, laying in bed going in and out of consciousness, but I got out of bed just to type this. You made my day, bub. Rock on!
Thanks, Im glad you liked it. that much! I try to keep it as realistic as possible! Get well soon and Thanks for watching
I hope you got better! I watch wilderness videos when I'm sick too because I'm always wishing I could get back out there in the wild.
@@whoever6458 Thanks! Yes I am much better now, and it turns out I was actually just severely dehydrated, to the point where I actually passed out and busted my head. It feels like a severe cold at the onset and can be extremely bad, but especially so if you are a diabetic like me. After getting the notification of your reply, I watched this video again and it's even satisfying to see Old Dave enjoying that nice warm cup of broth, haha! That stuff really does wonders for you, and I end up drinking a lot of it because, as a diabetic, I find myself peeing out so much of my electrolytes that I become dehydrated quite often. Gotta sometimes search for those bullion cubes, but they are worth their weight in gold! Cheers! :)
@@NorthGeorgiaSurvival I get dehydrated too because it's too hot here and I sometimes border on type 2 diabetes. Once, when I was homeless, I passed out from the heat and probably only survived because I passed out around sunset and so it cooled off. If I had done that at like 3 pm, I doubt I would have survived. I usually bring about as much heavy food and water as I bring heavy woodworking tools so that has served me thus far in the fort I'm building. When I was homeless, I was already in a desperate situation but mostly unprepared so that was a big reason I had problems. It's absolutely essential for me to be able to get out of the heat, which is why my fort is near the wash that always has at least some water in it.
T Y for the dehydration details.
Good video Dave, and the best part is you spent the night out with the kit and actually used it for real. You make a good point - you have to practice using this stuff to really know what it can do. One thing that I found really makes a difference to your comfort and wellbeing with minimal gear is the weather. Where I am (Scotland) it's wet all year round so you need to make sure you can keep warm even if your gear and environment is drenched.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. Good point on what the climate or environment will be. This kit worked perfectly but wet leaves might have been a game changer. Thanks for watching
I'm in the UK too, and yes, once you're damp you're cold and everything is miserable 😄
@Reallybigmonkey1 in which case of a cold rain what would you add to his kit to keep warm? I live in a wet climate too, only where I am, Florida, it can be unbearably hot and wet! But in the winter it can rain on a dime and with it a cold spell can descend to nearly freezing with a brisk wind!
@@visnuexe The ugly truth is you can't reply on a minimalist kit in wet cold conditions. I'll explain, with a minimal kit the E blankets supply reflective qualities and you are relying on natural materials like leaves to be insulation. In wet conditions, those wet leaves won't work so you have to Bring materials with insulative qualities. Some will say start a fire and dry everything out. Depending on amount and length of rain you can not risk your life relying on a fire in those conditions.
Great video. This minimum kit reminds me of a setup that I put together some years ago for myself. I didn’t have a lot of money to spend. So I Used a US military waist belt with the H suspenders, a military butt pack, a drop pouch, a one liter military canteen, a canteen cup, some cordage, and a military poncho. It was all OD green in color. That butt pack would hold about everything I needed to make it a couple of days in the woods. Your kit seems smaller, more compact. The impressive part about your video is that you actually deployed the kit, and put it to work for you in the woods. Dave, you’ve always done a great job of demonstrating your ideas on video. I look forward to seeing more. Thanks.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. I have always loved the H suspended butt pack set up. I've got mine in green, black and woodland camo. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching brother
Another great video with actual use of your survival components. Thanks. I, like another commenter, use a military waist belt and I use the military “Y” suspenders which distributes the load between your shoulders and waIst. This is much more comfortable than just the waist belt. I like your belt and you may be able to add some form of suspenders to it to get in the “comfort zone.” I also have a minimum of three ways to start a fire. I do need to add some bullion cubes as that sounds like a good idea and makes sense and adds minimal weight.
You might add a spork to your canteen kit.
I never worry about how long your videos are, I watch them because I enjoy the content and checking out your ideas. I'm 64 years old and even though I've been woodcrafting and practicing survival techniques(hunting, fishing, trapping, prepping) for almost 60 years( since 1965) and I of course still have things I can learn and like to learn and from this community. I've been subbed to and watching your channel for years now, and it is one that I can depend on for honesty and fresh ideas. Keep up the great work Dave and thanks for the video, all your efforts and research and for sharing.
P.S. A little tip....a bag of beef jerky and 1/2 - 3/4 of a quart zip-lock freezer bag of regular oatmeal weighs next to nothing and will fit into your pockets easily. Tear or cut a few pieces of the jerky into smaller pieces and add to your bullion cube broth boil/simmer to tender and then add 2-3 heaping tbsp. of oatmeal.....it makes a great survival breakfast meal.
Fantastic to hear that my friend! For years I've tore off small pieces of jerky and added it to my grits rice and oatmeal
Interesting to hear and learn even though I won't go backpacking. Entertaining.
My funny is he is the first USA person I ever seen using that pouch. Why no tinnie? It really doesn’t add much weight and gives an extra pot to cook/boil water. And why no metal canteen? I prefer Biltong to jerky As for salts…use them! We were doing a very very rough x and I fd up I almost passed out and was drinking lots o water but neglected adding electrolytes to my water. Never doing that again! I use a brand name now that adds not only electrolytes but a bunch ove vitamins and minerals.
T Y
You're videos have so much depth Dave because you focus on PRINCIPLES more over gear and techniques. It will always be the survival principles that will carry anybody through.
No better example than this video. Well done for the compendium of your work.
Thank you Colin!
@@Reallybigmonkey1 what Colin said. Great job Dave:) Also if your living in swampy humid places those tealight candles are smart... heck i live in a semi desert zone but ive had a couple in my pack forever..just incase of rain or flood ...which happens occasionally even here for weeks at a time sometimes. if everything is damp and your in for a cold night u cant spend hours trying to dry out wet wood and tinder when a cold night is comming.
URGENT.
Received a message purporting to be from Dave asking me to make contact on a WhatsApp number.
Thinking it to be legit, I engaged in a chat. I soon got invited to invest in a business opportunity- which I turned down.
Asks for pics - I suggest a video conference - which is turned down as he is in a “meeting”.
Does not sound like Dave at all. Has all the hallmarks of a con.
BE WARNED.
Thanks for posting this. Some spam troll account answered several comments on this video and I blocked and reported that account. Im pinning your comment so other can see it.
I received it as well. Didn't engage!
Thanks for the heads up.
Yep, every now and again I get this sort of BS. I just ignore it.
Thanks Man'. I got one too.
~ ha, I near wanna get a prepaid phone as temp. and a bottle of J. Walker 'n have some fun with it.
I can't help it. I was half raised by Bugs Bunny. (-:
It musta been that BIYG, CAYUT! He's freakin me out again.
For the little bit of weight of everything you carried (whether used or not) this is a magnificent kit! It allowed you to create a shelter, stay warm, and pretty comfortable for a survival situation. It also allowed for extra gear in case you needed to modify or add things depending on your needs. I don't think I would change anything with that kit. If anything, possibly a small saw such as a silky or such but with what you had, a bow saw could easily be crafted if you had a blade. Great video! I also liked that you said where to attach the kit and hang it on yourself in the small of your back. As a backpacker, I always cringe when I see someone hanging a bunch of things on their shoulders. Most backpacking packs are designed to shift the weight of the load to your hips. What you did in this video is exactly that. Carrying the weight there helps maintain balance and use your core strength to carry the load virtually unencumbered. I know this kit is only about 4ish lbs but over time it would feel much heavier if carried by hand or from the shoulders.
Thanks, Im glad you liked the kit and the video! Thanks for the input and Thanks for watching
I am earnestly thanking you for this video. Your survival videos are the best around. Most other "survivalists" involve the waste of a lot of calories and use techniques involving lots of paracord, digging, clearing, chopping, sawing, and other caloric using activities. In a real survival situation, economy of energy, supplies, nutrients and hydration are of the utmost importance. May I suggest that you add a couple of things to your kit: a few binder clips and an extra pair of socks. You should change out your socks each night. My dad was a WWII Army Lt, and he taught me the importance of clean, dry socks. If you develop blisters, that could become life threatening for a lot of reasons. God bless!!! Sorry it took me a while to find this video. I meant to watch it a while ago, but life got in the way, lol.
You are very welcome and I'm glad you liked it! And I agree with your comments 100%! In a real deal survival situation you will not be in the state of mind to build some kind of elaborate shelter. Shelter up for the night as easily as possible then move on the next day. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching
Yes, I agree. We call everything a "survival kit" but those pocket kits don't compare to a minimalist kit like the one you used here. IMHO the pocket kits or Altoid survival kits are good for a person to have in a pocket, or otherwise on their person. There are cases where someone loses their pack. Or they leave the trail to pee (etc) and can't find their way back. If something like that happens then the pocket kit could give them some chance to survive. But realistically, a person would want more. Yes, I agree. Few people have actually tried to camp out with their mini kit. They should. There are safe ways to do it. Camp in your own back yard, or a friend's back yard for example. Thanks, Dave for the awesome video. I believe it will help keep people safe. Also it was a lot of fun to watch as always.
Thanks Brother and very well said! Tins help out but, they definitely ain't a complete kit. And always always camp with your chosen kit so you can see if it works. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching brother Doug!
I had a soldier that went forward (?why?) of our defensive positions to take a shit just at sunset (with just his M-4, an e-tool and some TP). While he was doing his business, it got dark and he got turned around. He didn't tell his fire-team leader where he was going, and no one reported him missing until stand-to... he wandered all night, and was returned to us in the morning. He felt so stupid, and his buddies razzed him relentlessly. Thank god we were in PA instead of AFG! BTW, as the PSG I got a good ass-chewing from the 1SG, and his FTL got demoted! Anyway, that little tin might have come in handy?!
@@cardiacbob In his situation? A tin would have been better than nothing.
😂 leave trail to pee and cant find there way back. Well they better off out of the gene pool.
What an awesome video Dave! Shelter building, survival kit testing, overnighter. That was a real good one, you set the tone for 2023 :) Your shelter and bed setup looked so cozy. Take care
Thanks Andy! Im glad you liked it. I may do more versions of this. Thanks for watching
One of the best videos about the topic. Practical, common sense. Thanks!
Thank you my friend!
"....you're not a survivalist, you're a hiker." 😂 Love that line brother! 👍
Seriously though... it's great to see you out there in your element doing what you do Dave! You totally nailed this one (as always). Really got a kick out of seeing that coffee pack in your kit there by the way... that would DEFINITELY be among the top items in my survival kit without a doubt, haha ;) Gotta have that mornin' coffee man! Thanks for sharing this one buddy!
Lol, I'm glad you liked it brother! That coffee pack is definitely a emergency survival comfort item when things get bad. Always great to hear from you and thanks for watching Brother
@@Reallybigmonkey1 Absolutely! It's always a pleasure my brother!
Have been watching for many years, been in the woods for 40 yrs but a refresher is mandatory thank you David , stay safe.
Fantastic to hear that and thanks for watching my friend!
That was awesome!!…..and fun, as usual. Thanks for bringing us along.😊
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it and I'm always happy to have y'all along
Excellent job. A very good reference for anyone putting together a kit for the woods. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it my friend
Thanks for bringing me along again Dave! :) I can't imagine it was a restful night, but a sight better than curled up next to a tree out in the open. Those little tins can hold an adequate fire kit, or a round airgun pellet tin can hold a fishing kit. Very hard to get all you need into one of them tins. In Florida you need shelter and/or bug juice to survive, water and/or water purification is also a big priority.
You are very welcome tim and Im glad you liked it. A lot of folks dont believe it but, laying on them leaf filled bags is as comfortable as a bed! Thanks for watching
Good tip on the pellet tin.
Good morning Dave. I enjoyed this. I've led a 4-H club for years and have always tried to walk the line of trying to figure out what the kids are willing to take (while they are beginning to learn) and what is practical. And, I'm always looking for ways to tweak things a bit. You had a more serious tone on this video so I'll try to give constructive feedback today. Your minimalist kit has a lot of good stuff & might have crossed the line of being so big it is better suited for a backpack (at least if wearing a jacket). Good job on the debris shelter. My 4-H kids set up something similar. When it comes to debris shelters, it is important to talk about time as a resource IMHO, which leads to the discussion about what is really practical. Once you've made & slept in a debris shelter, one quickly figures out it is better to carry a good tarp. For 1st aid, I carry band-aids, ointment & alcohol swabs in my Wazoo cache cap & belt. I carry a whistle & mini ferro rod on my keychain so a lot of those items are always on me at all times (lighter in my pocket). Great point about water. It took a bit of work for me to find a single-walled stainless steel water bottle that fits the side pockets on my el cheapo backpack. I remember that lady on the radio; someone having to boil water is not going to overhydrate. I like the bouillon cube idea and usually carry some Gatorade style packets to replace electrolytes. I like your point about your jacket because our clothing is an important part of our shelter system. I like your thought process about not wanting to get up in the middle of the night and understanding how you will feel in the morning. Your thoughts on Mylar are realistic. I've watched your other Mylar tests & you do a good job of letting people know what reality will be like. LOL😆🤣Yeah, it sure gets difficult to record inside a shelter. I had to bring some supplemental lighting for the 5 item challenge and didn't get a lot of sleep from feeding the fire all night. I remember waking up with leaves all over me. I wasn't able to bring a garbage back because of the 5 item limit. Glad you stayed warm brother! Yeah, I like to capture my breath like that to keep in the heat. I really appreciate you putting yourself out there Dave. I know it took a lot of time & energy to put this together. I imagine you were pretty tired the next day so I get the sacrifice you made. Yes! The great the suck factor the better a warm drink tastes. Great job! See you on the next one!
Theres a fine line in everything we do. Is a kit too small to be effective? Is it too big that its considered camping and not a survival kit? Is it small enough that one is willing to carry it or is it a pain to tote along. In a temperate climate one can sleep and walk out with not kit but in a freezing winter situation or a hot muggy bug infested summer scenario the same kit wont work. These questions can not be addressed in one video. Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching Brother
@@Reallybigmonkey1 Couldn't agree more Dave! The more I get out and the older I get, the more $$ I'm willing to spend for comfort & safety so what works for me might not work for someone else. You were 100% right when you said at the end of your video for folks with kits to get out and test them to make sure that it works for them. I hope I didn't take too much of a serious tone Dave. I really like your channel and how fun you keep things. I'll be seeing you on your next video!
So many theorise about all this stuff, and show it in videos when the gears clearly never been used. Youre one of the great Dave, you always show things practically, with honesty and without bullshit. Thanks for all your work.
Thank you Dave! I try to keep it as realistic as possible when lives can be at risk.
@@Reallybigmonkey1 absolutely man. Just as an aside, i just got a second hand DCF ultra light tarp (7 x 9) it weighs like 5 ounces. While it doesn't compact down as tight as a silnylon, it's so light I always throw it in my day bag. Worth the money I reckon, and not as fragile as some people think. The best emergency shelter is one you're willing to carry!
Thank you for sacrificing your mind, body & soul so we the viewers may understand what it takes to survive in the wood with bery little. A great revision for most of us. Could we have more of this overnight camping, cooking & coffee etc.? Cheers cobber. Greetings from Australia.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. I don't film many overnighters because most are very boring camping trips. Lol. I figured this one would be interesting. Thanks for watching
This sounds great. Can't wait to get home so I can watch this. Thanks for the video Dave! 👍
Thanks Ian!
Dave, this video was amazing. I’ve been watching for years and I never miss one, but this video really stands out. I’d love to see more like this. My other favorite was the bug out bag that was sent in for you to review as they’re both similar in a way. They both naturally push out your knowledge into words and have you casually give great tips and tricks. Thank you for all the great content.
Thanks, Im glad you liked it that much! I may show more kits tailored to different times of year. This kit was just a dry cold condition kit. Thanks for watching
hello dave I'm really looking forward to seeing the new video. Really very good content you always produce. Thanks for that and greetings from good old Germany.
Thank you and greetings from Georgia in the USA!
Great kit for an emergency. You've got the basics covered for sure. As you mentioned it's a good idea to always have those items with you, preferably on your person when wandering in wild places. Enjoyed watching you give that kit a try!
Thanks Jim, Im glad you liked it. Yep, always be prepared! Thanks for watching
This is one of my favorite of your "kit" videos. I think because you actually used it in addition to just setting it up to demonstrate. Good stuff.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked
I feel the altoidtinkit is for all a symbolic thing, for people to tell themselves that they can survive with just little stuff. It feels Great to have a self-composed little tin box in your pocket that gives you a (false) sense of savety. I'm 57 now but even though a girl I've always carried 'stuff' around in my pockets that 'might come in handy', like Huckelberry Finn did. Piece of rope, an elastic band, a small stone, a compas (I'm talking 7 years old, living in a big city ..) a pencil, small notebook, some wire, a nail, some gorp and a swiss pocketknive. I felt ready to face everything 😂 My pack is a lot bigger now, I actually have more packs (for on horse/the car/walking/on bike/public transport) and I Love to see what others, like you, find important, so thanks! for the video.
:-) * Sending well wishes from Scotland*
@@nseight Holland here, and thanks 😊
Very well said! Symbolic, and supplemental to a real kit at most. The more gear you have the easier it gets but if not actually backpacking how much is the average person willing to carry? Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching
Nice one. I too carry bouillon cubes as a electrolyte and comfort drink. Coffee and tea are good but the bouillon is so much better.
I think you should do it again with Nick. Help define the ultimate minamalist kit.
Thanks for sharing your night with us.
I wonder how Nick will feel about being "volunteered" like this... 😂
Hi J H. When you pack for a roll out don't use coffee just tea as coffee will dehydrate you.Tea, even though it has caffeine in it doesn't dehydrate you as coffee does. Happy trails!
Thanks. Hard to say what the ultimate minimalist kit would be. Simply because the ultimate would cover all 4 seasons and it would be tough to make that versatility minimal. Thanks for watching
@@airborne101pathfinder7 It's a myth. Caffeine is diuretic but unless you take it in powder form you can count coffee into your daily water intake. Especially when you are used to it. You wont pee two coffees out. The bouillon cubes are BS. Unless you make your own it's mostly salt and sodium glutamate. I saw one with only 0,1% of meat product in it so it was a scam. Salt is good. MSG is not too bad either but a good coffee with a lot of sugar and fat is better
Brother Dave, I've followed your channel for a decade give or take a day. This is one of your best videos yet, and that's saying alots because all you're videos have been very interesting and informative. Excellent setup you had. As for electrolyte replacement, the bouillon cubes is smart! I agree with you on replacing the electrolytes and what a good and tasty way of doing it. Thank you so much for sharing, and bringing us along with you on the overnighter. I needed this. Best I can do is a Thumbs up, and Sir you've earned that! See you next time. God's blessings Bro~John
Brother John I know you've been with me pretty much since the beginning and I appreciate all the years of comments views and support. With that said, I'm glad you liked this one that much! Take care and thanks for watching brother
Dave you are the only person who could possably keep the interest going for an hour your the man . Happy Trails
Thank you Mike!
One of your BEST videos yet! This answers a lot of questions about small kits and what to put in them😃
Thanks David! I'm glad you liked it that much!
Great info David. The chicken stock cubes were excellent. I tried that sleeping bag with military poncho in cold. It might be best option, but I got to my jeep fast to thaw out.
Thanks, Im glad you liked it. That mylar bivy is excellent when paired with other insulation.Thanks for watching
It's always a great thing how someone who's done the same sort of things their whole life can always learn more tricks from watching other people. I've rarely used my canteen stove because of not having room for a fire but digging a hole under it is something I never did think of. Lmao.. Thanks buddy
Fantastic to hear you picked up a tip Brother! As always, thanks for stopping by Jerry
I really liked the vibe of this video. You had all that you needed to survive a cold night. Adjusting my kits today for my next trip into the woods. It is always good to be prepared.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. Definitely tweak your kit as you go along, only carry what you'll use. Thanks for watching my friend
Respect. There's tonnes of kit-based TH-cam videos, but this is the first I've seen where someone actually uses a small kit.
Thank you my friend!
Hey Dave, What I like the Best about you is that you tell it like it is. No sugar coating, just the Plain dry facts. Keeping it Real... Keep it up Buddy.
Thanks! If there's the possibility of peoples lives at risk, I'll keep it as realistic as possible! Thanks for watching
hey Dave, Hope all is well with you & the family. I see that you guys are going to get a bit of a cold snap down there, here in Southeren Oregon (I moved back in 2020 from Dunsmuir, CA, & I brought a 1300sf manufactured home up in Klamath Falls wth some inheritance $$ from my Late Mom & Uncle, and moved with my 9 kitties). Been thinking about you guys. Later,
All is well here! We have had several cold snaps but our biggest issues now are too much rain and muddy sloppy conditions around here. I'm guessing your new area is a beautiful scenic type area? Take care and thanks for watching
How come nobody else ever talks about hot snap's... lol
@@ronaldstarkey4336 lol, I don't know but down south our entire summer is a hot snap
That is one awesome set up, Dave! Love how small the bivy is, the boss leaf bed, and all the goodies in your kit. My cat is interested in that whistle! 👍🇨🇦😎
Thanks, Im glad you liked it Marian! I think this is about a minimalistic as you can really go and still be useful. That whistle honestly hurt my own ears! Thanks for watching
Ann.
4:25 AM in Yuma Arizona 🌵.
Great to see y'all again 😊
Always great to hear from you!
You are 100% right Dave..... a looot of folks live in fantasy land, and it's not completely their fault. They have been listening to folks who have never actually spent time in the woods/elements. Your practicality is refreshing! God Bless Brother
Very well said! A lot of that stuff on Discovery channel and certain TH-cam channels have made survival look simple and easy. It is more serious than they make it out to be. Thanks for watching and may God bless you too
Dave just as good the second time around...brilliant stuff!
@@brianjameson8261 Thank you Brian!
Can't miss that 'heyyyy everybody😊' Keep sharing 😊👍
Heyyy and good morning
Remember, anything that takes a battery will tend to not work as well in cold conditions. It's worth keeping your light in the bag with you. Best regards from frozen northern New England! :)
Yes, thats so true! Probably another good reason for candles.
Speaking from experience, trying out my survival rig a couple times made a huge difference when it came time to use it. Was out on a lone day hike when a kidney stone made an unscheduled appearance. Couldn't get back to the truck before dark. Used my ham radio to let the wife know what happened, couple buddies came the next day to give me a hand out. Having used and perfected the survival rig made the somewhat miserable night in the mountains way easier.
Fantastic to hear that! Everyone needs to practice exactly as you did. Thanks for sharing that my friend
My kidney stone was on Mt Rainer.
Kidney stones are an absolute bitch. Ask me!
Catching up on some Dave videos is just what I needed this weekend. As a high school secretary, there is something really special about Spring Break. Unfortunately, we have a full on blizzard here in Minot, ND at the moment, and all I can think about is my next trip to visit my son at The University of Alabama. We plan to drive to the beach and I honestly can not wait! Being snowed in is not what I was looking forward to, but it has allowed me to catch up on some TH-cam and your channel is the first one I turned to. I enjoy your down-to-earth videos and you always give us some take aways - this time, for me, it's the bouillon cubes. I'll be taking a trip to Isle Royale National park in late June/early July and I will definitely pack some cubes! Thanks for putting together such informative videos! I can't help but wonder if you ever wake up to a snake snuggled up to you for warmth.
Always great to hear from you Shannon and bring us some snow! I know its horrible being snowed in but we never get any snow in Georgia or Alabama. Anyway, enjoy the videos and thanks for watching my friend!
You have to watch out for them snow snakes•••they wait until you doze off...then they crawl up your ass and freeze you to death... lol
❤❤❤❤❤long time viewer, fan and friend, Dave. Thanks for all your time sharing with us.
You are very welcome my friend and thanks for the comments and thanks for watching!
Dave, once again thanks for actually going out and using a survival kit . One thing I noticed is they say " you have to have a 3 mil or even now 6 mil 55 gallon drum liner. I do keep (2) 3 mil in mine but you proved that for one night those thinner mil garbage bags work just fine. Also, now you know your feet got cold, maybe you could bring an extra pair of socks or even use that blanket you have to wrap them up ( at least for winter) . Thanks buddy
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it John. Yep, one night maybe two for the thin bags. The thick ones definitely last longer. Thanks for watching brother
Well, I was showing my step dad this video. I wanted him to see this so if he had to leave his truck for any reason, he could have a small set up like this to clip around his waist and go. I want my mother to see it also for her vehicle. If you seen on the news a few years ago, here in PA on the turnpike we had bad snow storm and people where stuck there fir over 24 hours at least. I want to encourage them to carry a set up like yours where they can use the emergency blankets to stay warm in the vehicle and have something to snack on and water or carry it if they have to leave thier vegicles
Oops! Vehicles I meant. ANYWAY, you had that two quart canteen and u thought " hmm Dave is a pretty good fabricator, I bet he can make a stainless steel cup that the 2 quart canteen can nest into like the other canteens do" . Dave, I am on disability now, just turned 55 this month. I do what I can but, my tools are in storage and most of my bushcraft and camping gear is also. I kinda live vicariously thru you for now lol. I just thought maybe it's sumthin you'd like to try
Once Again another exellent video Dave.😁👊 Bravo.😝🤘 Thanks from New Zealand.🌏🌿🌿🌿 exellent Well Thought Out Kit and Components.👏👏👏👍
Thanks Jason! I'm glad you liked it brother
@@Reallybigmonkey1 I always love your content Dave. And your Accent bro. Are you from Down South?
Hey Dave, It seems to me that the only thing you'd need to add is a second pair of woolen socks to keep your feet warm at night. If your feet are cold, the rest of you is cold. Oh, and the good thing about the bullion cubes is that it could act as a base for adding anything you could forage and add to it. They also last forever! I think it's a good idea to bring them along. Great suggestion.
Yep, trhats pretty much the only bad part was cold feet. Very good point on the bouillion cubes! One could add leaves roots or berries and kinda make a stew. Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching Dr. Tom!
Winter camping in Boy Scouts in Minnesota, we always changed into dry socks for at night. I remember watching my feet steam when I took off the daytime socks.
@@RonOrud Hey Ron, the same in South Jersey, but I can't imagine having the cold you guys got up in Minnesota!
@Dr. Tom Gio it would get sub zero on those trips, but we used big home made 9 man tents with army cots and could preheat the tent . We were a troop of farm kids. Going out with snowmobiles pulling dog sleds. We were prepared. Chain saws for wood too. There would be a half cord of wood stacked when we left.
@@RonOrud Now, that's something I think I would have enjoyed! The closest thing we got to was the Jersey Pines under about a foot of snow with a patchwork of Army surplus equipment between us, two-person canvas tents, a Playboy magazine stolen from one of our fathers, and campfire stories about the Jersey Devil. Oh, and hot chocolate! Man, I wouldn't give up those memories for anything.
I enjoyed it. I had some fun. Yes, see ya in the next one. I sooooo appreciate your diligence & hard work in putting these videos together for us. I ALWAYS learn something, so thank you, kind sir!!
Fantastic to hear that Lorene and I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for watching
Great video! Thank you Dave, I always learn from and enjoy watching your channel.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it and that's fantastic to hear that!
Thanks for another great video! I have a few of those Survival Frog "Tact Bivvi" bags, love 'em! I tested mine in 0° temps but I used my Walmart "50°" sleeping bag inside of it, slept in my underwear and sweated like a hog! I also have a VERY lightweight fleece sleeping bag. It works amazing inside the mylar bag in below freezing temps. I've also used the little mylar blankets as a reflector for my fire to keep my shelter heated. Between the two I've never been unbearably cold just using a baby fire like you used to boil your water. Thank you for sharing what you do! Have an amazing day!
Thanks Phillip! Im glad you liked it. Sounds like good use of your equipment. Im amazed at the versatility of that tact bivy sack, it makes a huge difference when used outside a regular bag. Thanks for watching
Haven't watched to the end yet, but I'm looking forward to watching David fold that mylar blanket back up :)
Lol! It got wadded up and pocketed.
The only person I know who can reliably get any sort of camping gear back into its bag is my mom. lol I like the newer bags that have some straps to tighten it down after you manage to get it back into the bag. It sure saves a lot of four letter words for me.
I know that it's best to try out your survival gear before you actually need it so you are at least confident in what you have . I keep Ramen noodles and a diabetic glucose tablets because I'm diabetic. That's pretty much the only difference. Thanks Dave for a great informative video as always Dave! 👍 take care and stay safe my friend !!!
Verry well said Troy and I agree! A diabetic has to tailor a kit to warrant for blood sugar fluctuation. Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
Food for thought. A survival kit (any size) is under the presumption you may need it. I agree one should always be prepared depending on the situation you are about to enter. Being prepared can only go so far. The best survival kit is your brain and your EDC. As you stand watching your car burn with your survival kit inside and may miles away from help, what have you got besides your positive attitude. I have my EDC a positive attitude and what I have learned from you and channels like yours. My EDC is 3 folding knives (each has a purpose), flashlight, lighter (have not smoked in years) ferro rod and striker, clothes appropriate for weather. Firearm sometimes optional. What you present is extremely relevant and helpful. Thank you for sharing with us.
Good point. Never depend on a kit 100% but, it sure does make things easier!
All your videos are great but this was one of those stand out one's for me! A simple kit turned into a comfortable night's sleep, or as good as, in a simple but excellent shelter.... It, of course, comes down to the knowledge and skills of the bushcrafter, proving once again that carrying knowledge is the best kit to have with you in tricky situations. I was glad you stayed to make coffee as that added to the video...🔥. I have this very stove.. A crusader stove... and it works well. It was good seeing how you set it up for the morning 😃👍. Many thanks for a great hours viewing from what was an excellent video using minimal kit. You don't need all the fancy equipment, nice as it is, just good knowledge and the basics. Thanks again, and oh, don't forget to replace the candle 🕯️🕯️🕯️😊👍. Stay well, Spencer.
Thanks Spencer! I'm glad you like the videos so much. Often times survival is miserable but sometimes even with minimal kit it can be somewhat comfortable. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching
Outstanding video Dave
Thanks Dean!
Greetings from South Germany. Thanks for your great Content... Over the Years!👍
Greetings from Georgia in the USA and thanks for watching!
Cool stuff, Dave!
Thank you Doug!
It's good to see some one actually use such a kit. Often YT'bers show them but never prove if they would work!
I agree! Showing one and showing how to use one is a totally different animal
Love it, Dave! I really like the overnight shelter videos. Very instructive and fun to watch! See you in the next one!
Thanks Ken! I'm glad you liked it brother
Very interesting small kit you made. I feel a person could get lost while out walking or hiking then it become a survival situation. I've heard of that happening. To me a survival situation is where you weren't prepared for anything then you wind up in a survival situation. Like if someone if your girlfriend gets mad at you and leaves you out in the middle of nowhere. Or you get robbed and dropped off out in the middle of nowhere. When you're on a trip and wind up broke down in the middle of nowhere. Now what do you do then. If all you got is just what's in your pockets like your keys, wallet, you know EDC stuff. I always do my best to try and carry a little with me everyday. What do you think? Thank you Dave for the video very much. I'll see you on the next one brother.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. I'm always preaching about outdoors people being prepared. The scenarios you mentioned are extremely scary situations! Surviving with absolutely nothing but minor items in your pockets can be done in a temperate climate but when it gets down below freezing? Mixed with rain or snow? That's truly a deadly situation that most wouldn't do well. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching brother
I EDC knife and / or multitool, peanut lighter and flashlight on my keychain. But I've also taken into account situations like you say, getting robbed even of the gear in your pockets. It's based on the Wazoo cache belt but made it myself from a cheapo nylon zipped moneybelt. Got things like a last ditch back up knife (Ruike S11), storm matches, and water purification tabs in it. Bit of bank line too. Difficult to cover shelter and a container, I've got a plastic bag for water collection and purification. But I live in the UK and unless you're in the middle of the Scottish Highlands there's always litter/trash around unfortunately, so you can always find some plastic sheeting of some kind, and empty cans and bottles. Survival Dispatch / On Three channel did a couple of great vids practicing survival only from what's in his pockets.
Greetings from Maine. This video is terrific. Brings up fond memories of building forts in the woods with my dad and brother. Your video is a breath of fresh air compared to "survival" TH-camrs who are using the latest and greatest gear, and essentially camping on camera, not surviving.
This video is such an important reminder that tried and true methods for survival should not be ignored. The mantra, "pack light, freeze at night" comes to mind. Don't leave the basic principles of a good survival kit at home just to save a few ounces when you go hiking, hunting, fishing, etc. You don't get to choose when an emergency strikes, but you DO get to choose what you bring with you to stack the odds of survival in your favor.
Thank you again for a great video!
Hello from Georgia and I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for the comments and I love your saying of you can't choose when a situation happens but you can choose what to carry!
When I was a teenager at school, two of us drank a LOT of water (exactly how much I don't remember), We got 'drunk' on it. Couldn't stop giggling. Couldn't stand etc. At the time we didn't know what it was and we ended up ok. Looking back I wonder just how near death we were!
Ah wow! Yes, you was very near death! Thanks for sharing that
You are too funny! Haven't watched your vids in a few years, so just catching some newer ones. Love your quirkiness.. makes things fun!
Thanks, I'm glad you like the way I do things and it's great to hear from you again!
Mtn man here 👍👍 he did a fine job keep up the good work pouring rain here again in the mtns stay safe and dry
Thank you my friend!
Great stuff mate. The mylar blanket and sleeping bag are in my EDC if I'm carrying a bag. Using the blanket like you did with natural materials is the way to go.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. There's no lighter weight option that I know off. Throw in leaves and it's the ultimate option. Thanks for watching my friend
Thanks for another great video and inspiration to try my own kits and skills. I'm 66 but a tough old bird. I'll be using a lot of what I learned from you. I'll mainly be hammock camping but still trying more primitive skills to see how I fair. Thanks for all the tips and tricks. Keep them coming. You are great appreciated.
You are very welcome Frank and Im glad you liked it. Youre never too old to test kits or enjoy the outdoors in my opinion! Thanks for watching
Always, and I do mean always, a treat to watch a new video from you. Thank you!
Thank you my friend!
Thanks for your time Dave !!
Thanks for watching Glenn!
This was worth watching twice. Short term memory loss is NOT a wonderful thing.
Thanks for watching again George!
I love my tan waffle shirt and pants. Wear them a lot in the winter months. Waffle top paired with a wool sweater is pure magic. IMO
Oh I agree! I love mine in the winter. Thanks for watching Jacob
The cotton in the whistle is for your ears.
Now that's a good use for it!
I’ve always advocated that people should try out your survival gear, in a controlled environment . That way you can adjust and find out what works, and what doesn’t. Great video. Cheers from Winnipeg
I agree! If you carry it, test it. Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
HI I want to thank you for what you said in a videos. It was done about 10 months ago called Estate Sales, Militarty Surplus and the sergeant Majors Ax. My husband passed last year in Feb., and it was after he passed that I found out that he had received all of these medals from when he was in Vietnam. One of those medals was the purple heart. In our 40 years together he never talked about those days and I never asked. You made a comment about maybe this guy did not want to remember those days. It finally hit me that I think that maybe why I have never seen any of those medals. Thank you for opening my eyes. We have always enjoyed watching your videos and I will continue to enjoy watching them and hopefully learn something from them. And I would not wear the hat I would make a trophy of it. Thanks again and take care. Diana
Thanks for sharing that Diana and I'm sorry to hear he passed. Some of us have bad days at work. Bad customers, bad forklifts, bad inventories, bad machines. I couldn't even fathom what a bad day was for a combat veteran so I understand completely why they would rather just forget the past. Take care and thanks for watching Diana
Good morning
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Good morning Hiram!
Good morning
Knowledge Is Key & You Got That Brother Davey, We're Going To Have Extreme Lows This Evening -35'C Gonna Wear My Fur Lined Britches To Bed ! Great Video Brother ! Hay Nick ! ATB T God Bless
Thanks Terry! Stay warm brother, thanks for watching and may God bless you too!
My ears bigmonkey ha ha ha at least we know it works peace and love from 1 leg UK England
Lol, thanks for watching my friend!
Dave, you said it, it was a success! Actually, if you consider an emergency situation and you wake up in the next morning, it was definitely a real success!... Great video! Thanks!
Very well said! Yep, if you stay alive throughout the ordeal it's a success. Thanks for watching my friend
This is the #1 video for the average person.I think thee biggest problem with a survival kit is bringing too much or too little and not what you really need. I bet that many people who die in the woods have great geer at home but left behind because they get overwhelmed trying to pare it down. I loved it when you pulled out a candle and a big to make a fire. Bless you for keeping it simple. Honestly I hope many others copy your ideas here to spread the word on TH-cam to save more lives.
Thank you Cynthia! Sadly, tv survival shows and a few youtubers has seriously misrepresented what actual wilderness survival is. Survive as easily as possible, get out and get home. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching
@@Reallybigmonkey1 Dave, sadly "survival" has come to equal easy money, and I would say most are in it for the money. I am going to make this kit now that I can simplify. Like you, by survival priorities, not the 10 Cs. Shelter (inc warmth,and fire - I live in Vermont) ,medical, signaling, navigation, food and water, I added food because becoming weak never helps, and I become weak when I don't eat. And, lol, coffee. I become stupid when I don't drink it, never helps to become more stupid. Wish I were your neighbor. I've been watching you forever and this is the video I've always needed from you. Best always.
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Thanks
I really enjoyed your real take and presentation! Thanka-thanka!
I'm glad you liked it and thanks for watching Loren
Hi Dave! I had to stop the video at 6:29 Being told that Dave Fun in the Woods Pearson is not toting a machete is like being told a feller can't find boiled peanuts in Georgia! Like your other videos, there is plenty to learn, but my biggest takeaway is the value and importance of field testing one's ideas. As you point out, a real survival kit is one that is practical, gives one options, and has been field tested to see if it meets the need. If I am going to discover that my kit is a dud, I want that to happen when I have the option of getting my butt in my truck and getting warm rather than being in a real emergency and suffering or worse. All the best to you and Nick!
Hello and nope, no machete this go round. I had to test the no chopping tool minimalist kit to see if it's viable. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching my friend!
Hi Dave, looked at this a bit late. Great video as usual, and kudos for sacrificing comfort to test a minimal kit in practice. Loved your reaction to that hot cup of bouillon in the morning! Good tip about not drinking coffee and keeping up electrolytes. I should put less coffee and more soup in my kits... ;-)
Hello Frank and I'm glad you liked it! I'm used to a decent camp breakfast along with a lot of gear. That hot bouillon was excellent, I guess because I knew it was all I had. Lol. Thanks for watching brother
I was very happy to see you had posted a video this morning. I agree with almost everything you said in the vid including the fact that if a kit is too big, most people won't carry it constantly. Even though the kit you put together is minimal, I believe it is too big to carry all the time. I guess it comes down to a decision between "survival" and survival with some creature comforts. The comfort items can take up a lot of space.
Im glad you liked it Mark. Theres a fine line between a kit thats too big to carry and too small to be effective. Thanks for watching
Excellent video Dave !!! Been waiting for this one 👍. The only things I’d add to the kit is a few packs of sugar and 4 hand warmers. 😃 See ya on the next one.
Thanks, Im glad you liked it. Those both sound like good additions! Thanks for watching
Outstanding video Dave, lots of great tips there, thanks for your hard work,
Thanks, Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching Peter
I have seen A LOT of videos from many different people regarding the bush craft/survival topic. This is next level and hands down the best survival video that I have seen yet. If anyone could only watch ONE survival video it should be this one. Great no nonsense style and content!! Thankyou.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it that much! I tried to keep it as realistic as possible. Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching
Dave, I've watched your channel progress from way back. Interesting, informative and presented well. We all know you're a good guy. Blessings to you.
Thank you Albert! And Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
What an awesome adventure Dave. Thank you for sharing this and we shall see you in the next one.
Thanks, Im glad you liked it. Thanks for watching
No matter what and how serious it is u always have fun in the woods. U show everyone with a good mindset one will survive if the situation arises!
Absolutely! Thanks for watching Gunter
Great video Dave we really enjoyed it. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😄😄😄😄😄😄
Thanks Michelle! Im glad you enjoyed it
As always. Thank you so much! Your wisdom and advice is priceless. Thank you for sharing so much with us all.
I'm always happy to share and thanks for watching brother!
Like the unvarnished honesty with practical advice
Thank you Tom!
Glad your back, always been my favorite!!!
Thank you Ron!
Nicely done, Dave! You are one of the very few You Tubers who actually tested his own survival kit. I use to stealth camp at a Virginia state park (well away from the actual campgrounds at $30 a night) using a minimalist pack: military poncho, woobie, red light headlamp, no fire, a liter of water and a couple of energy Clif bars. I fashioned a wood bed frame and filled it with leaves. I layered up in clothing. I slept with my boots on after changing my socks for heavy wool socks. Ticks were an issue. I found two of them on my back.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it and I think if you carry a kit, it needs to be tested. This is my winter kit, in the summer I use a small hammock because of the very thing you mentioned. Ticks!