This video literally saved my life 2 nights ago. I am forever in your debt. I had watched this video a long time ago and threw the components in my day pack for the off chance of an emergency. I'm a pretty avid hiker. I go about every weekend and some vacation week-longers when I can. I went on just a little 10 miler in high country, NC. I stayed out too long and it had gotten dark way earlier than I had anticipated. I was hiking back when my headlamp fell and broke. I lost the trail, I mistook a game trail for the trail I was supposed to be on, then sprained my ankle severely on some larger loose rocks, the clouds had rolled in very low and made visibility almost impossible. I couldn't see, I could barely walk with the aid of a stick I had picked up, and it was beginning to get cold and wet from the clouds/fog. I decided to make a VERY make shift shelter by basically leaning some branches and small logs against a tree to help wind break and proceeded to put together the system from the video. The day started out at 71 degrees and was 37 degrees at 3am. I suppose it got even colder but I was shivering too hard to even care about looking at my thermometer. This was easily the most miserable situation I have ever been in. I manage to get a fire going but everything was so damp it it would just smolder after a few minutes. I never slept a wink but as soon as day broke I managed to establish some familiar points and find my way back to the trail which I was maybe only a little over 300 yards from. I don't know if I have, or should say had, become overconfident with my abilities that I had not checked my gear properly and threw too much caution to the wind but my respect for mother nature has been restored 10 fold. It's easy to sit here and make posts about what you would do or wouldn't do until you are actually in the situation. Always have respect. Always be prepared. Don't be cocky even when it comes to a little day hike. I hope this helps somebody out there. And again, thank you so much for this video. I truly owe you.
Joshua Laws ....Thank God! Wow 😲! Scary. *Glad you’re still here and that you survived!!!* Many times I wish I would’ve had a mylar emergency blanket! Damn idiot nasty Selfish asshole Thieves, nearly murdered me because they stole my wool blanket! Mother Nature is not one to fool around with!
Think it depends on how how good the hardshell is containing the heat and if the heat is not blewn away under it. As long as the warmth is kept under your cover, it does not matter what keeps it under there. Best way to find it out is to sit down at a cold night close to your home and try it out i guess.
@GravityToy my family laughs at my pack that goes everywhere with me...until they need something then they are all "this is why we love your dad"...he's PREPARED
As a former Marine that spent 6 months cold weather training in Mount Fuji Japan, I can tell you many different ways to survive in cold climates but I don't have time to type for hours, so I will tell you the most important rule about surviving in cold weather. Stay dry! If you can't find means to stay dry, you will not survive!
One thing I'd like to add: When putting on the mylar blank as your semi-heat barrier you should turn it the other way. Why? Because, if it rains the front of the body will be kept warmer, your pants and boots may be kept drier. The Poncho will keep your back warm. remember this is emergency protection so don't give me flack about kidney and spine stuff.
A supersized industrial garbage bag takes no more room than the emergency poncho and it will cover from head to lower legs. I pack these for picnics, trips to amusement parks, etc. for rain or cold wind. Folding scissors with them make it easy to cut a face hole and arm slits (if you want them.)
For all the people hatin' on this video in the comments: emergency shelters like this one save lives. On a recent thru hike when I was caught above the treeline in a storm, all that stood between me and hypothermia was an emergency blanket. Next time I'll definitely be bringing hand-warmers too. :)
Put the items under the seat of my motorcycle. They came in real handy when the bike broke down and I had to wait in poor weather for the breakdown man to arrive. Thanks for the Vid. It helped me out.
Thanks for this video. I doubt that you could last a long cold evening in freezing temperatures with this set up because your legs are totally exposed and those hand warmers wouldn't last the entire night. I would definitely recommend something like the SOL Thermal or Escape BIVVY with a 9 hour handle that would heat you up really well. Also as an alternative I had a tailor make me Mors Kochanski's survival scarf out of lightweight and waterproof ripstop nylon. I designed it so that it can be a bivvy, scarf, hammock, tarp, sling, bag, groundsheet and mosquito headnet. If I get some time, I'll upload a video of it.
@IdahoJourneys Definitely my friend! Those emergency blankets and hand/body warmers are excellent additions to your car kit. Besides, I'd hate to think of you out there on those backroads that you travel (and love so much) without everything you'd need to keep you safe and sound! Wishing you a wonderful weekend! God Bless!
Well done! I would have made sure that the space blanket also covered my head then put the cap over top. We lose most of our body heat through our heads.
That fanny pack/vest "rib pack" (or whatever he called it) is the bast part of this video for me. It's a PERFECT idea for a survival kit or get-home gear. i've been thinking of building a survival vest for years now.
@simplymy2sense Thanks my friend! Those mountains sure are gorgeous in the Winter aren't they! :-) Had a great day out there, and was fortunate enough to see dozens of mule deer later on after I finished filming this vid... it was awesome!!
Tried this on one of the few days eastern North Carolina had snow (only about 4 inches) and it worked great! One down turn is that the poncho and blanket take up a lot of space after they have been unfolded, but thats easily fixed. Anyways great tip as always keep up with the good work and keep putting out these great videos
John, great video as always. I can tell that you have a great sense of humor, which always adds to the fun. I hope all is well with you and your family !!
@bcm4066 It's a good thing you had those items along buddy... sounds like a miserably cold morning (and a potentially dangerous situation!)... glad it all worked out! I had a very similar experience last Winter when the temps took a massive drop, and those handwarmers tossed in the sleeping bag literally saved the trip! Hope your weekend is off to a great start my friend! Happy trails!
You are a gentle noble character. I wish I knew you in real life. Thanks also for changing the stereotype of who wilderness lovers can be. Wherever you may be, assalamu alaykum peace be unto you! 🤗❤
Thank you so much for your very kind and generous words... they mean a lot to me. You're more than welcome by the way... all of us who love the wilderness find it's joys and rewards in our own deep and personal ways. Peace be unto you as well my friend! :)
Hey John great tip!!! Ive used hand warmers for years for ice-fishing etc-been telling my buddy about the importance of cheap little handwarmers-he always laughs:) Your tip sure helps to reinforce that they do work- Another good tip is to place the warmers in your arm pits or down by the inner thigh close to the skin/artery and in your shoe's/boots as it helps to warm the blood.Good idea to carry at least 6 hand warmers just for that purpose.
I carry an SOL reflective poncho. Quite tough, orange on one side, silver on the other, easily reversible, the sides are sealed shut except for arm holes, extends down to my knees, nice roomy hood, wrap a length of paracord around your waste like a belt if it's windy. They've designed this poncho to be less noisy than typical mylar emergency blankets, too. Great piece of kit, not expensive, re-useable. I've used it as a lean-to also twisting marbles into the corners and twisting for tie-points. No problema.
@ddymnm I agree! I had 2 things I wanted to cover about those garbage bags (full body protection and a makeshift pad), but I was rushing to get through shooting the video so that I could go find some deer to film, lol. Thanks for adding that in your comment my friend!
I think it would be worth the extra weight to carry a garbage bag big enough to put your legs & feet in to keep them dry. If your legs & feet are dry & protected from wind you will be in a far better situation. May even provide a little protection from frostbite, though if you are going out in temperatures that low that there might be risk of that I think I would put in another mylar blanket too.
Great emergency tip John. Ponchos are really good at retaining body heat and adding the space blanket was a great addition. When I was up in North Georgia on my AT adventure in 2009, It was raining when I started out on the hike so I began the hike wearing my poncho. I soon had to take it off because it became like a sauna under that poncho, really warm. BTW, Isn’t it cool how the woods are much more quiet when there’s snow on the ground.
Nice video really like how little prep time is needed for the shelter. As a day hiker usually I will not have enough time after knowing I am lost or realizing I will not make it back to the car today to do the build a shelter and prepare firewood methods. But I have been caught in some unexpected weather and stick in the woods at night and this system is perfect for those situations. Thanks for the lesson!
Those are great items to have and I have the hand warmers myself, and I keep the backpack filled with enough bedding to survive as well. The bad part is that my sleeping bag, and liner is so large until they have to be attached outside the backpack. My first aid kit, fire starter kit, and other necessary items are in my pack. I have an EDC bag which I carry when driving around locally and it contain the items I need to survive and get home with.
@DAYWALKERTWO LOL!! Good one buddy! You should have seen the two hikers that came by halfway through me shooting this video... they thought I was nuts! haha ;-) Hope you have a great weekend Todd! All the best!
Good job John, this time next week all the girls on Rodeo drive will be wearing emergency blankets an see threw yellow ponchos !....You'r such a trend setter.
It's interesting, at first I was like "this video is only 2 minutes long, how good could it be?" Then I was like, "Doh!" Thanks for the great video! It may save my life one day.
Spare ribz in cold weather - not a bad combo at all! You John are an excellent gear chef cookin' up tasty menus week after week ;o) Bon appetit et merci beaucoup! Tim
@wawhiker I agree buddy. We got caught out on the mountain a few years back while on an elk hunting trip and had to do pretty much this very thing. It was a long night, but we made it through just fine of course... and with a good memory to boot... in hindsight at least, lol. ;-) All the best to you and yours Bill!
Man I gotta agree with most of the people here.. This is NOT a shelter. Any heat you are retaining in your upper body is going to be lost through your face and legs. A much better option would be to pack several of the mylar blankets on you - a half dozen of them wouldn't take up any more room than that silly butt pad, they weigh next to nothing, and they cost like a buck apiece.. Bunch up some of that nice soft pine straw into a bed and lay down the first blanket on top of it. That will give you a soft place to lay, with protection from wetness, AND it will reflect heat back to you, rather than the cold wet ground. If the pine straw is dry, put some on top of the blanket too. Unravel your paracord bracelet (you DO have one of those, right?) and string it up between a couple trees/rocks/fallen limbs/whatever, about 2 feet off the ground. Use two more mylar sheets and some rocks (and duct tape if you pack it) to make a tent. Finally open one more sheet, and crawl inside, pulling the top sheet over you. Won't take you more than like 5-10 minutes and it will offer you FAR more protection than your shrink wrap.
Great tip. Have said I really enjoyed the tip of the week? Yeah probably, but so original and even more so with the different introductions week to week. High five brother. Oh wait, sorry you can't high five in that emergency shelter.Ok, fist pump. Oops sorry. Thanks for taking one for the team...Dash
I couldn't agree more brother... sometimes a few simple items can definitely make a huge difference! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment by the way... it's much appreciated!
@Woodenarrows Thanks Jim. I agree buddy, those simple little ponchos do help retain quite a bit of body heat... surprisingly so! The woods are definitely much more serene with a blanket of snow, that's for sure! Plus as an added benefit, there are much less people out and about ;-) I got really lucky after shooting this and saw dozens of mule deer at very close range and got to watch them as they fed and played... it was a spiritual experience my friend :-)
If it rains this will be inadequate. I take a tube tent with me when I go in the woods and it will keep the rain off. Those Mylar blankets never seem big enough. How do they get away with calling them a blanket anyway? Keep the vids coming.
Mylar sheet is all around hard to beat ,besides reg.plastic bags ,diff.sizes ,even got stuck couple times in bad blizzard ,used newspapers under my clothes as insulation. I'm still alive .the idea is as much layers between you and weather . I just subscribed .hey thanks
What continues to amaze me, as I think about it, is that pioneers, native Americans, etc. were able to survive in conditions we would call emergencies without any hi-tech equipment.
Hey John, you look like that stuff sticking out of the top of a gift bag :-) Good tip! A mylar blanket is probably one of the most effective, lightest and inexpensive survival tools out there... everyone should carry one.
Nice concept. Thanks for posting. I like heat pads too but generally I will go with my Zippo hand warmer which pretty much does the same job. Cheers. Alex
Those hand warmers do last a good while. On really cold nights I put one at the foot of the bed and it lasts all night. I can see where in a reduced space it would help. I also keep all those items in my daypack.
Two large garbage bags... one for your lower body & one over the top. Cut a small breathing hole in upper one, (also lets out moisture from your breath). This is what SAR personnel do and recommend. Faster, more efficient, more rain proof, and easier to get into. On our missions, I carry two in my pack along with a 16 hour candle in a small tin can and a spare bag on my person. Before you stow them in your pack, pocket or what ever, mark the open end with bright colored tape, etc, (if you're not using the draw string type), and break the seal a little so you can get them open in the dark with cold numb fingers. Put these on and get into a SMALL debris or thatched shelter with plenty of insulation under you. Try both of these approaches and see which one will keep you dryer and warmer. Space blankets aren't going to get the job done. Be safe and don't half way prepare.
Nice tips John, I just did a vid on the five C's of survival that's about what I carry for my area and the short hikes I do but I never heard of the hand warmers...I think I will add them to my bag. Thanks for sharing!
I would suggest a large black heavy duty trash bag. Cut a face hole down from the corner for a hood. It's heavier for more warmth and longer. Can be bagged and put away for that needed moment. Just a thought.
Your survival blanket should be larger so you can cover yourself entirely, then you just need to manage ventilation (just open or close it enough to avoid condensation or sweating). I've done this for whole nights, I almost didn't slept but I wasn't cold in winter temperatures. Some sitting/sleeping pad is very useful too (the ground sucks your heat and hurts after some time) and if it rains you are not sitting in the mud.
@boomer16323 I agree... I wanted to include info on using the garbage bags (as full body protection as well as a makeshift pad), but I forgot ;-0 Thanks for the excellent tip on using the warmers on the back of your hands... that makes perfect sense! Also, thanks for all you do my friend!
Hey John, don't know if you read these, but I had a question. I'm looking to make a bunch of these to toss in our bags - kids bookbags, wife's purse, my work bag, etc, and I've been trying to vacuum seal the items together. I don't know if the items just have too much bulk, or the Food Saver just doesn't have the horsepower, but I just can't get any suction when I try to seal these three items together, I got the idea from your vacuum sealer vids - making modular packets. Do you have any advice for me? I am trying the impossible, or have you gotten good compression with these three items together? Thanks and keep it up!
Nice outfit... Another good tip brother. I have some hand warmers and some bigger ones you put on your back for pain relief. I guess there are some times of the year we could start carrying these along for an emergency. Can't find the articular now but I know your hands act like a radiator and are ideal for taking in heat to the circulatory system. Saw an invention of heated rods a hypothermia patient holds onto to warm them up faster during transport after being found. Ain't science fun!
I think I would have turned the space blanket, Mylar, around the other way and kept my face and legs covered as much as possible rather than letting it lay on the ground behind me. But what do I know. I get the purpose of the video, but clearly you thought you may be in an emergency situation. I would forget the pad if space and weight is an issue, and ALWAYS BUT ALWAYS take a tarp, a 5 X 7 weighs almost nothing, paracord or string, a days food, water and lighter to start a fire. I'm concerned for any goofballs who may actually think this would be lifesaving in a rain or snow storm that can last for days. I get it, it's a quick shelter video. But how long does it take to throw a tarp over a paracord line, or just over yourself until the storm passes. Sorry.
I'm assuming you have NEVER actually used this "technique"? In my experience those "emergency blankets" tend to cause a person to sweat especially if wrapped in a "plastic bag" / poncho. Now recalling something I heard in Survival School, if you get wet while in the cold, you greatly increase your risk of hypothermia...... Am I missing something here? Am I coming in clearly?
good stuff, if its to late at night to make a better shelter (or if you are missing/lost some parts) then this is probably the sort of thing you'd need to think about doing. personally i always go out with a decent light weight poncho and a survival blanket so adding some hand warmers would be a good idea. I was expecting the bags to get used for sitting on or covering the legs in some way though...
@Winkiedoodles Well... there was that Donner Party thing..... ;-0 Seriously though, that is an excellent point Don. I think that people back then were much more in touch with the land and had knowledge and skills that were simply a part of life (yet we call them "survival skills" today, lol).
@outdoorrat Thanks Brother! P.S. I finally got that downloaded by the way. Thanks. Keep your eye out next week... I think you're gonna get a kick out of that vid... I got a sweet one in the making for it! ;-)
Great information. Everyone should carry this gear in a little day pack when taking a walk in the woods or desert, and should have the same items in your glove compartment in your car for emergencies.. I slid off the road into a ditch years ago in Canada and my little emergency blankets in my purse and glove compartment saved my life. Now I live in So Ca but I carry a jacket, wool cap, gloves, blankets, water, candy bars and dry socks at all times when I take a day hike. Days are hot, but nights are quite cold here. By the way, "Smackontheweb", it is called a lumbar pack. And don't use the term "fanny pack" in England. LOL!
Maybe a painters tarp and some G tape to attach the foil. I would never go for even a hike without min shelter items. Both my tarp and hammock are made out of Polyester Taffeta. Compressable and lightweight. Enjoyed the vid. Thanks
The heat is escaping! It's almost useless in very cold temps. What I would use is a mylar sleeping bag. It covers not only your torso but most importantly your head where much heat escapes. They're $3.50. I would also wear a wool hat, a scarf to cover my mouth to protect my lungs from breathing in the cold. It also helps warm your inhaled air. A surgical mask will suffice if you want something compact. Also a couple of hand warmers & an energy bar as your body uses calories to keep you warm. I got into a mylar sleeping bag and within three minutes I was very warm, when I got out, my body remained very warm for at least 5 minutes. The rain poncho is unnecessary if you're in a waterproof mylar sleeping bag. : )
@houseoffire72 Thanks Brother. I agree, those things are awesome to have along! I had a whole trip saved last Winter by being able to toss a couple of these in the sleeping bag with me when the temps dropped waaaay below what was expected. Thanks for adding the great tips via your comment by the way... excellent points that would make a huge difference! All the best!
Hi John, do you do bachelorette parties too?? LOL!! : o) Thanks a bunch for the wonderful tips, the addition of the hot hands is a fantastic idea for when it gets dark and wet.. : )
NASA spent billions on the Apollo program, yet the 3 Apollo 13 astronauts nearly froze because nobody's thought of issuing them with foil survival blankets for a few bucks..:)
I had wondered if you could survive a cold wet night with just those items. I will now also carry large trashbags. One to sit on and one to sit in. I also carry handwarmers in the car along with blankets.
Had the same idea but after testing it in some crappy weather I ended up spending a bit more and creating 20seconds heated shelter: Lifesystems Thermal bag + heating pad from MRE.
It is true that the mylar blankets break down fairly quickly. But I'm wondering about the hand warmers also and maybe the plastic bags or rain ponchos. The mylar and hand warmers can not really be checked to see if they're still good. How long do they really last?
@cyclist01222 Haha! You should have seen the two hikers that passed by while I was shooting this buddy... they thought I had lost my marbles! lol! Best to ya my friend!
I'd have wrapped my lower half in the blanket, as the handwarmers and poncho would have sufficed for my upper body and those pine needles would be heaped over my feet. You'll understand, I hope, that I'm merely pointing out a different approach to your own. My overall philosophy is be prepared for the worse at all times. Even living in a city, as I do, I always have my survival tin on me at all times and a haversack, abundant with with light, but possibly needed items, when venturing from the concrete jungle. Lol. Safe travels.
No question man if you need to stay warm style goes out the window. Plus rockin the RIBS pack, cool. What do you think of it, can it be a norm for your system? Good stuff man as always......
@dmacken11 I thought you'd like that buddy ;-) The things I do for videos! lol Thanks for all of that excellent info by the way! I never knew that about treating hypothermia patients by warming their hands. Makes sense.... Hope all is well down your way my Brother!
This video literally saved my life 2 nights ago. I am forever in your debt. I had watched this video a long time ago and threw the components in my day pack for the off chance of an emergency. I'm a pretty avid hiker. I go about every weekend and some vacation week-longers when I can. I went on just a little 10 miler in high country, NC. I stayed out too long and it had gotten dark way earlier than I had anticipated. I was hiking back when my headlamp fell and broke. I lost the trail, I mistook a game trail for the trail I was supposed to be on, then sprained my ankle severely on some larger loose rocks, the clouds had rolled in very low and made visibility almost impossible. I couldn't see, I could barely walk with the aid of a stick I had picked up, and it was beginning to get cold and wet from the clouds/fog. I decided to make a VERY make shift shelter by basically leaning some branches and small logs against a tree to help wind break and proceeded to put together the system from the video. The day started out at 71 degrees and was 37 degrees at 3am. I suppose it got even colder but I was shivering too hard to even care about looking at my thermometer. This was easily the most miserable situation I have ever been in. I manage to get a fire going but everything was so damp it it would just smolder after a few minutes. I never slept a wink but as soon as day broke I managed to establish some familiar points and find my way back to the trail which I was maybe only a little over 300 yards from. I don't know if I have, or should say had, become overconfident with my abilities that I had not checked my gear properly and threw too much caution to the wind but my respect for mother nature has been restored 10 fold. It's easy to sit here and make posts about what you would do or wouldn't do until you are actually in the situation. Always have respect. Always be prepared. Don't be cocky even when it comes to a little day hike. I hope this helps somebody out there. And again, thank you so much for this video. I truly owe you.
Joshua Laws ....Thank God! Wow 😲! Scary. *Glad you’re still here and that you survived!!!* Many times I wish I would’ve had a mylar emergency blanket! Damn idiot nasty Selfish asshole Thieves, nearly murdered me because they stole my wool blanket! Mother Nature is not one to fool around with!
So would you recommend bringing the emergency poncho even if you have a waterproof hard shell?
Think it depends on how how good the hardshell is containing the heat and if the heat is not blewn away under it.
As long as the warmth is kept under your cover, it does not matter what keeps it under there.
Best way to find it out is to sit down at a cold night close to your home and try it out i guess.
Been there. I carry at least 2 of everything and 3 lights. I'm glad your ok
@GravityToy my family laughs at my pack that goes everywhere with me...until they need something then they are all "this is why we love your dad"...he's PREPARED
As a former Marine that spent 6 months cold weather training in Mount Fuji Japan, I can tell you many different ways to survive in cold climates but I don't have time to type for hours, so I will tell you the most important rule about surviving in cold weather. Stay dry! If you can't find means to stay dry, you will not survive!
That’s so true staying dry is the key to survival
Old comment
Any recommendations of how one can attain your knowledge without having served? Or will you teach me?
One thing I'd like to add: When putting on the mylar blank as your semi-heat barrier you should turn it the other way. Why? Because, if it rains the front of the body will be kept warmer, your pants and boots may be kept drier. The Poncho will keep your back warm. remember this is emergency protection so don't give me flack about kidney and spine stuff.
A supersized industrial garbage bag takes no more room than the emergency poncho and it will cover from head to lower legs. I pack these for picnics, trips to amusement parks, etc. for rain or cold wind. Folding scissors with them make it easy to cut a face hole and arm slits (if you want them.)
For all the people hatin' on this video in the comments: emergency shelters like this one save lives. On a recent thru hike when I was caught above the treeline in a storm, all that stood between me and hypothermia was an emergency blanket. Next time I'll definitely be bringing hand-warmers too. :)
+AZxTu don't be a dead fool--go prepared
Put the items under the seat of my motorcycle. They came in real handy when the bike broke down and I had to wait in poor weather for the breakdown man to arrive.
Thanks for the Vid. It helped me out.
Thanks for this video. I doubt that you could last a long cold evening in freezing temperatures with this set up because your legs are totally exposed and those hand warmers wouldn't last the entire night. I would definitely recommend something like the SOL Thermal or Escape BIVVY with a 9 hour handle that would heat you up really well. Also as an alternative I had a tailor make me Mors Kochanski's survival scarf out of lightweight and waterproof ripstop nylon. I designed it so that it can be a bivvy, scarf, hammock, tarp, sling, bag, groundsheet and mosquito headnet. If I get some time, I'll upload a video of it.
@IdahoJourneys Definitely my friend! Those emergency blankets and hand/body warmers are excellent additions to your car kit. Besides, I'd hate to think of you out there on those backroads that you travel (and love so much) without everything you'd need to keep you safe and sound!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend! God Bless!
Great video. My only suggestion would be to turn the Mylar blanket around so you can cover your legs and trap more body heat.
Well done! I would have made sure that the space blanket also covered my head then put the cap over top. We lose most of our body heat through our heads.
That fanny pack/vest "rib pack" (or whatever he called it) is the bast part of this video for me. It's a PERFECT idea for a survival kit or get-home gear. i've been thinking of building a survival vest for years now.
@simplymy2sense Thanks my friend! Those mountains sure are gorgeous in the Winter aren't they! :-) Had a great day out there, and was fortunate enough to see dozens of mule deer later on after I finished filming this vid... it was awesome!!
Tried this on one of the few days eastern North Carolina had snow (only about 4 inches) and it worked great! One down turn is that the poncho and blanket take up a lot of space after they have been unfolded, but thats easily fixed. Anyways great tip as always keep up with the good work and keep putting out these great videos
John, great video as always. I can tell that you have a great sense of humor, which always adds to the fun. I hope all is well with you and your family !!
@bcm4066 It's a good thing you had those items along buddy... sounds like a miserably cold morning (and a potentially dangerous situation!)... glad it all worked out! I had a very similar experience last Winter when the temps took a massive drop, and those handwarmers tossed in the sleeping bag literally saved the trip!
Hope your weekend is off to a great start my friend! Happy trails!
You are a gentle noble character. I wish I knew you in real life. Thanks also for changing the stereotype of who wilderness lovers can be. Wherever you may be, assalamu alaykum peace be unto you! 🤗❤
Thank you so much for your very kind and generous words... they mean a lot to me. You're more than welcome by the way... all of us who love the wilderness find it's joys and rewards in our own deep and personal ways. Peace be unto you as well my friend! :)
Simple and effective. Could def. be a morale booster in a bad situation.
Thanks for the tips and have a great weekend!
Hey John great tip!!! Ive used hand warmers for years for ice-fishing etc-been telling my buddy about the importance of cheap little handwarmers-he always laughs:) Your tip sure helps to reinforce that they do work- Another good tip is to place the warmers in your arm pits or down by the inner thigh close to the skin/artery and in your shoe's/boots as it helps to warm the blood.Good idea to carry at least 6 hand warmers just for that purpose.
I carry an SOL reflective poncho. Quite tough, orange on one side, silver on the other, easily reversible, the sides are sealed shut except for arm holes, extends down to my knees, nice roomy hood, wrap a length of paracord around your waste like a belt if it's windy. They've designed this poncho to be less noisy than typical mylar emergency blankets, too. Great piece of kit, not expensive, re-useable. I've used it as a lean-to also twisting marbles into the corners and twisting for tie-points. No problema.
@ddymnm I agree! I had 2 things I wanted to cover about those garbage bags (full body protection and a makeshift pad), but I was rushing to get through shooting the video so that I could go find some deer to film, lol. Thanks for adding that in your comment my friend!
Hey... Don't care how silly it looked or felt? This can help ppl stay alive!! That's the goal, and it rocked!!
I think it would be worth the extra weight to carry a garbage bag big enough to put your legs & feet in to keep them dry. If your legs & feet are dry & protected from wind you will be in a far better situation. May even provide a little protection from frostbite, though if you are going out in temperatures that low that there might be risk of that I think I would put in another mylar blanket too.
@AppalachianFreedom My pleasure. Thanks for watching my friend :-)
Great emergency tip John. Ponchos are really good at retaining body heat and adding the space blanket was a great addition. When I was up in North Georgia on my AT adventure in 2009, It was raining when I started out on the hike so I began the hike wearing my poncho. I soon had to take it off because it became like a sauna under that poncho, really warm. BTW, Isn’t it cool how the woods are much more quiet when there’s snow on the ground.
@Gamermatt99 Thanks for watchin' Matt! Hope your weekend is off to a great start Brother!
Hand warmer are the one thing I haven't added to my system yet! they just went on my wish list, thanks for the tip.
Nice video really like how little prep time is needed for the shelter. As a day hiker usually I will not have enough time after knowing I am lost or realizing I will not make it back to the car today to do the build a shelter and prepare firewood methods. But I have been caught in some unexpected weather and stick in the woods at night and this system is perfect for those situations. Thanks for the lesson!
Those are great items to have and I have the hand warmers myself, and I keep the backpack filled with enough bedding to survive as well. The bad part is that my sleeping bag, and liner is so large until they have to be attached outside the backpack. My first aid kit, fire starter kit, and other necessary items are in my pack. I have an EDC bag which I carry when driving around locally and it contain the items I need to survive and get home with.
@DAYWALKERTWO LOL!! Good one buddy!
You should have seen the two hikers that came by halfway through me shooting this video... they thought I was nuts! haha ;-)
Hope you have a great weekend Todd! All the best!
Good job John, this time next week all the girls on Rodeo drive will be wearing emergency blankets an see threw yellow ponchos !....You'r such a trend setter.
It's interesting, at first I was like "this video is only 2 minutes long, how good could it be?"
Then I was like, "Doh!"
Thanks for the great video! It may save my life one day.
Spare ribz in cold weather - not a bad combo at all!
You John are an excellent gear chef cookin' up tasty menus week after week ;o)
Bon appetit et merci beaucoup!
Tim
@Grubkat Thanks my friend! Hope you have an awesome weekend as well! All the best!
@wawhiker I agree buddy. We got caught out on the mountain a few years back while on an elk hunting trip and had to do pretty much this very thing. It was a long night, but we made it through just fine of course... and with a good memory to boot... in hindsight at least, lol. ;-)
All the best to you and yours Bill!
Man I gotta agree with most of the people here.. This is NOT a shelter. Any heat you are retaining in your upper body is going to be lost through your face and legs. A much better option would be to pack several of the mylar blankets on you - a half dozen of them wouldn't take up any more room than that silly butt pad, they weigh next to nothing, and they cost like a buck apiece.. Bunch up some of that nice soft pine straw into a bed and lay down the first blanket on top of it. That will give you a soft place to lay, with protection from wetness, AND it will reflect heat back to you, rather than the cold wet ground. If the pine straw is dry, put some on top of the blanket too. Unravel your paracord bracelet (you DO have one of those, right?) and string it up between a couple trees/rocks/fallen limbs/whatever, about 2 feet off the ground. Use two more mylar sheets and some rocks (and duct tape if you pack it) to make a tent. Finally open one more sheet, and crawl inside, pulling the top sheet over you. Won't take you more than like 5-10 minutes and it will offer you FAR more protection than your shrink wrap.
+Pfiber Optik Hahahaaa
@debistogs My pleasure Debi :-) Thanks for watching my friend... hope you have a great weekend! Best to ya!
Good idea. They also make full body warmers. Love the tips. Keeps up the good work.
Great tip. Have said I really enjoyed the tip of the week? Yeah probably, but so original and even more so with the different introductions week to week. High five brother. Oh wait, sorry you can't high five in that emergency shelter.Ok, fist pump. Oops sorry. Thanks for taking one for the team...Dash
Simple and effective always a handy thing to have! 😎👍
I couldn't agree more brother... sometimes a few simple items can definitely make a huge difference! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment by the way... it's much appreciated!
@Woodenarrows Thanks Jim. I agree buddy, those simple little ponchos do help retain quite a bit of body heat... surprisingly so!
The woods are definitely much more serene with a blanket of snow, that's for sure! Plus as an added benefit, there are much less people out and about ;-) I got really lucky after shooting this and saw dozens of mule deer at very close range and got to watch them as they fed and played... it was a spiritual experience my friend :-)
If it rains this will be inadequate. I take a tube tent with me when I go in the woods and it will keep the rain off. Those Mylar blankets never seem big enough. How do they get away with calling them a blanket anyway? Keep the vids coming.
Mylar sheet is all around hard to beat ,besides reg.plastic bags ,diff.sizes ,even got stuck couple times in bad blizzard ,used newspapers under my clothes as insulation. I'm still alive .the idea is as much layers between you and weather . I just subscribed .hey thanks
Ah yes the "Hoover"blanket it was known as during the Depression
thank you for the help ful video , keep people thinking , good job my friend ,!
What continues to amaze me, as I think about it, is that pioneers, native Americans, etc. were able to survive in conditions we would call emergencies without any hi-tech equipment.
Simple and fast! Great one John!
Another great tip! Digging the RIBZ pack. Got 2 myself. Keep up the great work & luvin both of your channels!
Take care, Be safe......Scott
Hey John, you look like that stuff sticking out of the top of a gift bag :-) Good tip! A mylar blanket is probably one of the most effective, lightest and inexpensive survival tools out there... everyone should carry one.
Nice concept. Thanks for posting. I like heat pads too but generally I will go with my Zippo hand warmer which pretty much does the same job. Cheers.
Alex
at least in a bear attack the bear wont find your arms ! cool vid nice and simple
cheers
Those hand warmers do last a good while. On really cold nights I put one at the foot of the bed and it lasts all night. I can see where in a reduced space it would help. I also keep all those items in my daypack.
Great Job John! Very good info! I always got hand warmers with me they dont take up any room and they work great!!
@karenchakey Thanks Karen :-)
Thanks for the heads up on your video by the way, I'm looking forward to seeing it!
All the best my friend!
good tip man, I have all of this stuff in my E&E bag. be easy to pack a few of these for family members too.
Nice job. Very good setup for a minimalist to use. Great videography!
Two large garbage bags... one for your lower body & one over the top. Cut a small breathing hole in upper one, (also lets out moisture from your breath). This is what SAR personnel do and recommend. Faster, more efficient, more rain proof, and easier to get into. On our missions, I carry two in my pack along with a 16 hour candle in a small tin can and a spare bag on my person. Before you stow them in your pack, pocket or what ever, mark the open end with bright colored tape, etc, (if you're not using the draw string type), and break the seal a little so you can get them open in the dark with cold numb fingers. Put these on and get into a SMALL debris or thatched shelter with plenty of insulation under you. Try both of these approaches and see which one will keep you dryer and warmer. Space blankets aren't going to get the job done. Be safe and don't half way prepare.
Nice tips John, I just did a vid on the five C's of survival that's about what I carry for my area and the short hikes I do but I never heard of the hand warmers...I think I will add them to my bag. Thanks for sharing!
I would suggest a large black heavy duty trash bag. Cut a face hole down from the corner for a hood. It's heavier for more warmth and longer. Can be bagged and put away for that needed moment. Just a thought.
Your survival blanket should be larger so you can cover yourself entirely, then you just need to manage ventilation (just open or close it enough to avoid condensation or sweating). I've done this for whole nights, I almost didn't slept but I wasn't cold in winter temperatures. Some sitting/sleeping pad is very useful too (the ground sucks your heat and hurts after some time) and if it rains you are not sitting in the mud.
@boomer16323 I agree... I wanted to include info on using the garbage bags (as full body protection as well as a makeshift pad), but I forgot ;-0
Thanks for the excellent tip on using the warmers on the back of your hands... that makes perfect sense! Also, thanks for all you do my friend!
Won't win a fashion contest. However it will do a good job of warming you up when you need it. Like always I love the video.. Definitely helpful
Hey John, don't know if you read these, but I had a question. I'm looking to make a bunch of these to toss in our bags - kids bookbags, wife's purse, my work bag, etc, and I've been trying to vacuum seal the items together. I don't know if the items just have too much bulk, or the Food Saver just doesn't have the horsepower, but I just can't get any suction when I try to seal these three items together, I got the idea from your vacuum sealer vids - making modular packets. Do you have any advice for me? I am trying the impossible, or have you gotten good compression with these three items together? Thanks and keep it up!
Nice outfit... Another good tip brother. I have some hand warmers and some bigger ones you put on your back for pain relief. I guess there are some times of the year we could start carrying these along for an emergency. Can't find the articular now but I know your hands act like a radiator and are ideal for taking in heat to the circulatory system. Saw an invention of heated rods a hypothermia patient holds onto to warm them up faster during transport after being found. Ain't science fun!
Great tip, and nice intro! I love the Idaho mountains!
@MrMycoo Excellent tips my friend... thanks!
I think I would have turned the space blanket, Mylar, around the other way and kept my face and legs covered as much as possible rather than letting it lay on the ground behind me. But what do I know. I get the purpose of the video, but clearly you thought you may be in an emergency situation. I would forget the pad if space and weight is an issue, and ALWAYS BUT ALWAYS take a tarp, a 5 X 7 weighs almost nothing, paracord or string, a days food, water and lighter to start a fire. I'm concerned for any goofballs who may actually think this would be lifesaving in a rain or snow storm that can last for days. I get it, it's a quick shelter video. But how long does it take to throw a tarp over a paracord line, or just over yourself until the storm passes. Sorry.
I'm assuming you have NEVER actually used this "technique"? In my experience those "emergency blankets" tend to cause a person to sweat especially if wrapped in a "plastic bag" / poncho. Now recalling something I heard in Survival School, if you get wet while in the cold, you greatly increase your risk of hypothermia...... Am I missing something here? Am I coming in clearly?
good stuff, if its to late at night to make a better shelter (or if you are missing/lost some parts) then this is probably the sort of thing you'd need to think about doing. personally i always go out with a decent light weight poncho and a survival blanket so adding some hand warmers would be a good idea. I was expecting the bags to get used for sitting on or covering the legs in some way though...
Dude,you're breathin pretty hard for just walkin,take a break :-) p s locks for love would LOVE that ponytail
@Winkiedoodles Well... there was that Donner Party thing..... ;-0
Seriously though, that is an excellent point Don. I think that people back then were much more in touch with the land and had knowledge and skills that were simply a part of life (yet we call them "survival skills" today, lol).
@outdoorrat Thanks Brother!
P.S. I finally got that downloaded by the way. Thanks. Keep your eye out next week... I think you're gonna get a kick out of that vid... I got a sweet one in the making for it! ;-)
john...great video. Thanks for the info...have a great day
Cool 👍
Great information. Everyone should carry this gear in a little day pack when taking a walk in the woods or desert, and should have the same items in your glove compartment in your car for emergencies.. I slid off the road into a ditch years ago in Canada and my little emergency blankets in my purse and glove compartment saved my life. Now I live in So Ca but I carry a jacket, wool cap, gloves, blankets, water, candy bars and dry socks at all times when I take a day hike. Days are hot, but nights are quite cold here.
By the way, "Smackontheweb", it is called a lumbar pack. And don't use the term "fanny pack" in England. LOL!
I do like to have all that but i got about a dozen tiny water purifying tabs too
Maybe a painters tarp and some G tape to attach the foil. I would never go for even a hike without min shelter items. Both my tarp and hammock are made out of Polyester Taffeta. Compressable and lightweight. Enjoyed the vid. Thanks
The heat is escaping! It's almost useless in very cold temps.
What I would use is a mylar sleeping bag. It covers not only your torso but most importantly your head where much heat escapes. They're $3.50. I would also wear a wool hat, a scarf to cover my mouth to protect my lungs from breathing in the cold. It also helps warm your inhaled air. A surgical mask will suffice if you want something compact.
Also a couple of hand warmers & an energy bar as your body uses calories to keep you warm.
I got into a mylar sleeping bag and within three minutes I was very warm, when I got out, my body remained very warm for at least 5 minutes. The rain poncho is unnecessary if you're in a waterproof mylar sleeping bag. : )
May not be the Taj Mahal, but if you need something that quick i think it rocks. Good idea.
@houseoffire72 Thanks Brother. I agree, those things are awesome to have along! I had a whole trip saved last Winter by being able to toss a couple of these in the sleeping bag with me when the temps dropped waaaay below what was expected.
Thanks for adding the great tips via your comment by the way... excellent points that would make a huge difference!
All the best!
Hi John, do you do bachelorette parties too?? LOL!! : o)
Thanks a bunch for the wonderful tips, the addition of the hot hands is a fantastic idea for when it gets dark and wet.. : )
PS: Havin' a rendezvous with a lady from mars, are ya?
5:18 But she wouldn't show up, eh? :o)=)
Thanks for the good laugh! Oh man, was this great!
Nice back up plan. Thanks.
Thanks for another great tip!
@TheLionsDen72 Thanks Scott. Oh yeah, I love my RIBZ pack man... never leave home without it anymore!
All the best my friend!
@steintanz LOL!! Yeah, I don't know why she stood me up buddy.... I'm sure she couldn't miss seeing me out there ;-)
NASA spent billions on the Apollo program, yet the 3 Apollo 13 astronauts nearly froze because nobody's thought of issuing them with foil survival blankets for a few bucks..:)
I had wondered if you could survive a cold wet night with just those items. I will now also carry large trashbags. One to sit on and one to sit in. I also carry handwarmers in the car along with blankets.
Excellent tip -- thank you Sir!
@CrypticCRICKET Thanks my friend. Simpler is usually better, eh? ;-)
All the best!
Had the same idea but after testing it in some crappy weather I ended up spending a bit more and creating 20seconds heated shelter: Lifesystems Thermal bag + heating pad from MRE.
@jediknightofthewoods Will do my friend. Thanks for the heads up Jedi!
All the best!
@phillipriley Thank you my friend :-)
Have a great weekend!
@ridebks Thanks my Brother! Hope your weekend's off to a great start Dave!
It is true that the mylar blankets break down fairly quickly. But I'm wondering about the hand warmers also and maybe the plastic bags or rain ponchos. The mylar and hand warmers can not really be checked to see if they're still good. How long do they really last?
Useful tip! Thanks!
I thought it was a survival SHELTER not just a couple of bags thrown on top of you, but I love your videos
@cyclist01222 Haha! You should have seen the two hikers that passed by while I was shooting this buddy... they thought I had lost my marbles! lol!
Best to ya my friend!
I'd have wrapped my lower half in the blanket, as the handwarmers and poncho would have sufficed for my upper body and those pine needles would be heaped over my feet.
You'll understand, I hope, that I'm merely pointing out a different approach to your own.
My overall philosophy is be prepared for the worse at all times.
Even living in a city, as I do, I always have my survival tin on me at all times and a haversack, abundant with with light, but possibly needed items, when venturing from the concrete jungle. Lol.
Safe travels.
thanks for the tip!
No question man if you need to stay warm style goes out the window. Plus rockin the RIBS pack, cool. What do you think of it, can it be a norm for your system? Good stuff man as always......
What are the trash bags for? They might substitute for the poncho, but they weren't mentioned (unless I missed it).
@dmacken11 I thought you'd like that buddy ;-) The things I do for videos! lol
Thanks for all of that excellent info by the way! I never knew that about treating hypothermia patients by warming their hands. Makes sense....
Hope all is well down your way my Brother!