INFANTRYMAN'S GUIDE: Individual Considerations for Wet Cold Environment
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- Опубліковано 18 січ 2024
- In this episode of Infantryman's guide we will look at a some individual considerations for operating in a wet cold environment. Wet cold environments are one of the most dangerous to operate in and if you do not have the know how or proper gear, the environment will get you long before the enemy ever has a chance.
Want more information about winter operations? Check out some of my other videos on the topic and check out S&S Training Solutions. S&S holds a training event called "Winter Forge" once every two years. That event is one of the best training exercises outside of the military that you can attend for wet cold force on force training: www.sstrainingsolutions.com/ - Розваги
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Hey brother I added some more of that pic rail spike bayonet content if you want to check it out
They won't even let you do livestreams anymore. Even soldiers are no longer able to speak freely. Much less air a grievance. Blessed be to you, Brother.
ua-cam.com/video/sm-RbPcoYrs/v-deo.htmlsi=Wr5hikw9yVo_ETUE
It is not military or civilian power than can sort this mess out. When the chips fall, I expect we will stand together.
Don't forget best book, Winter Survival handbook. Military edition.
If you wore N95 mask under ski mask you get no freeze. Also Nitrate gloves and a leather baseball gloves are great combo.
I agree with a lot of the other comments. There’s no such thing as a “lite fighter” in those conditions. My ruck goes from about 30lbs to about 50lbs in winter conditions.
Staying warm, dry, and fed is more challenging than most people think. Doing it for a weekend is hard. Doing it for a week is dangerous. Doing it for two to three weeks is practically impossible.
You can’t carry enough calories into the field to sustain yourself. Batteries die faster. Cooking and heating fuel runs out faster.
And on one final note…
Get long wool socks that extend above your boots. Pull them on over your base layer. The socks being outside the boots and the base layer will help wick the sweat away from your feet inside your boots. You still need to dry your feet at every opportunity, but giving your socks an evaporation path will help a little bit.
50 pounds on the light end of winter loads too lol
Wet cold is the worst. -5 to 5 degrees just suck because once something is wet in aint getting dry without an effort. If its colder the snow wont melt on you instanly and you can easily brush it off. But that death zone will just creep into your bones.
If anyone for any reason would like to experience this constantly, I 'warmly' invite you to the UK in January 😂 Seriously though, I think it's the best environment to make you a switched on, unflappable person - You have to constantly, forever, always be on top of your game, or you'll get colder and wetter and eventually become a big problem.
I'd rather a dry -20 than -1 and damp. Pure evil lol
Imagine the trenches in Ukraine right now. Christ. Those temps + constant artillery/drones + I’m scared and got to shit. Oof feels bad for those folks
@@SPiderman-rh2zk In Scotland we refer to this type of weather as being ‘Dreich’ (adj). Long- drawn-out, protracted, hence tedious, wearisome; damp, wet grey weather all occurring at the same time. Truly dull and gloomy to have to endure.
Wet cold is the devil. Dry cold further down isn't so bad except when you are active and then come to a sudden stop and all your sweat starts to freeze and you feel like shit. I remember seeing royal marine mountain leaders stripping naked to dig shelters in arctic Norway so they wouldn't get sweaty, and its smart honestly. Being wet is just miserable, wet dry drills are just so mentally depressing, getting your wet kit on to stag and then lying in the cold for half an hour cuddling your mate for warmth...
Great video as always! Love watching the instructional stuff.
Hey Brent, I don't think people would mind much longer videos, don't underestimate people's attention span when it comes to interesting subjects.
True. Brent don’t him haw around. To the point.
Fuken A! Keep talkin XD XD
Or another option is to make several in depth but focused videos on the subjects. a 30 minute video on cold weather clothing, 30 minute video on cold weather tactics ect.
You cant sweat... then freeze... work in this weather for 43years and still at it.... be grateful thankful for a life you live no matter where there you are, be humble. Always think ahead understand the partnership repecting the weather it is your ally. Be centered, carry on life is grand.
Wet = 😐
Cold = 😐
Wet & Cold = 😖
Great information as always!
As an infantryman in the Norwegian army, I have discovered an effective method for conserving water during cold winter. Using a CamelBak fixed around the chest and extending the drinking hose through the right arm provides easy access. This arrangement capitalizes on body heat to maintain warm water temperature,
This approach ensures a consistently warm temperature for a more comfortable hydration experience.
However, when using this approach, it is necessary to expel the water back into the tank after drinking to prevent spillage into your gloves or the water freezing solid.
That's slick bro! I like it!
I'm glad you hammered down on the fact you can't pack light and expect to live in a cold weather involvement. I recommend folks get in better shape so you can carry what's necessary instead of sacrificing gear and possibly your life. Good stuff buddy!
My first thought when faced with cold AO is always “fuck me I need a million things I can hear my knees popping already” 😂
"Ask not for a lighter load, but for broader shoulders"
Exactly what I'm doing now..57 and retired 2/508. I'm rucking and weight lifting everyday.
@@victorygarden556 ain't that the truth brother! Lolol
As a Floridian this was very helpful for me because we have been getting temperatures as low as 59 degrees and this really helps thx Brent.
Lmao.. amazing comment
No seriously I lack knowledge in cold weather survival and Brent really taught me the entry knowledge like Gore Tex.
59 degrees is summer where I live, we're still walking around in t-shirts!
Great to see a fellow retired Infantry Senior NCO pass on our skills to good people. There’s a good reason why new enlistees tell their Recruiter; “I’ll take any job but Infantry!”. You have to change your mindset when going into various field environments because none of them are easy to operate in. Cold weather is a serious environment to function in, you must put on and remove layers of clothing as the temperature changes for when you’re indoors and outdoors, never get lazy and skip this. Old school Grunts would use thick ladies panty hose underneath their BDU trousers and it kept them nice and warm while we wondered why they weren’t freezing. Just buy a large size so they’re not so tight like the ladies wear them. The other benefit with those pantyhose is they take up very little space and are lightweight in the ruck and you can stuff a couple pair in the ruck with minimal impact. Proper boots is priority number one, NEVER assume a damn thing when it comes to footwear, KNOW that they’ll keep you warm and you can ruck march in them without getting blisters. The old Mickey Mouse boots are excellent for when you’re sitting in an LP/OP, sitting in a vehicle or minimal walking distance, those things are amazing and worth the investment. The Army issued us black colored “silk weight” underwear and they work great. For gloves, have a couple pair since you may lose, damage or get them wet and need another pair to prevent cold weather injuries. Some would use a Goretex liner but then you have to make sure the gloves are a size larger to fit over the Goretex liners. Little things like reliving yourself in the woods can be a pain in the ass since it takes a minute to open everything up and hope you didn’t get crap on something, lol.
The plus side is that the enemy is also sucking in this environment and will make a lot of mistakes like missing small things that would normally alert them to an ambush or claymore mine on their trail. Always remember that sound will travel up to 3 times farther in cold weather so practice tighter noise discipline and when on patrol stop periodically to listen to the environment, you’ll be able to hear a lot since there’s almost no critters making noise we usually hear in the summer months. When we sleep, keep one boot on and the other nearby so if you have to get up in an emergency you won’t be completely screwed. Your MRE’s will also become frozen when left out in the cold so there’s many ways to get them warm without the heaters but just pull out the MRE parts that need to be warmed up and put them in the bottom of your fart sack or near the Yukon stove but know which ones are yours to prevent drama, sticking a couple of them in your boot by the stove is one way. If you’re using a Yukon stove it’s wise to put a little bit of Mogas with the 5 gallon diesel can, about 3/4 of a gallon in the 5 gallon container is fine, this makes it burn cleaner and easier to adjust. So many other small skills to mention on this topic but this is the broad strokes of the subject based on my experience and I hope it helps you.
SFC DeVos 1983-2009.
11H/11BB4
@echohunter4199 sgt im a 19D PFC could we speak?
@@theexperimental8671 no problem young man. Forgive me though, I’ve never figured out how to use the private message features on this app.
I don't do any infantry style stuff anymore but as an outdoorsman and hunter I use layer system also. First layer is moisture wicking (silk weights). For pants I wear Coleman fleece lined pants. Upper layer moisture wicking, long sleeved shirt, and then the Polar Tec black fleece. Camo breathable neck gaiter and brown fleece watch cap. I usually have gloves with me but don't always wear them. I like being able to feel the trigger.
PCSed to Alaska from New Mexico last August. I’ve been learning to live in the snow. As a native Texan I always just thought snow was snow. I never understood the difference between dry and wet snow until I moved here. Now I wear my gortex no matter what. Water resistant stuff is a death trap. If it’s not fully waterproof I don’t want it. I can strip off my lower under levels to cool off but my outer waterproof shell stays on. I’m not risking getting wet anymore.
I can't stand the heat, but I have a lot of respect for the cold! Thanks for your information. I'm not a member of the military, but I'm a nature lover and a so-called bushcrafter. That's why I can learn and apply a few things from your videos (especially when it comes to a backpack, or clothing or something like that). Thanks for this Brent!
Greetings Torsten
You are an absolute national treasure, and I would love for all of your videos to be hours and hours long!
Recently did an operation in the wet cold. Got barely below freezing, but man is he right about it being a bigger threat than the enemy itself. Also, I'll admit I was today years old when I learned about that winter trigger feature.
My biggest issue in the cold when it gets windy is my eyes start watering up like the first time i saw dad slap mom at the supper table. Also sunglasses are a must when the sun starts reflecting off the snow
Sorry about your dick dad
I wear the big classic sand, wind n dust goggles with the tinted lense for snow
I think this is a really important topic. Staying comfortable and avoiding being a heat casualty is one thing, beings able to function in cold wet to extreme cold environments is much more difficult.
Gosh, I hate wet cold- living in country that has relatively mild winters jumping from 0C up to -15C on average and experiencing it every late fall and winter. I remember one guy who was my fathers friend and served in Siberia in Soviet army said that the cold didn't felt that bad there, because it was dry. Thanks for sharing usefull information.
Hey, Brent I really like your channel. I have recently subbed to it, and Randall over at Grunt proof, and Bill Stokermatic have both mentioned you, and are the reason I found your channel. Good guys. It is hard to find trained people with experience, and a like mindedness in our approach to when things go bad. There are so many teaching people things that could for sure get them killed. I am glad you do what you do, and happy to be a part of your channel. I really like the mouth on that French canteen. I'm glad you brought that up.
Welcome aboard brother.
Brent, you are the Man brother. Thank you for sharing your passion!!!
With respect to boots, I switch from a rough-out leather (Danner Desert Acadia ) in the dry, to a full-grain leather (Danner Ft. Lewis insulated and Sno-Sealed) in the wet. I find the rough-out leather gets completely soaked and cold quickly.
Ive been getting my guys ready for cold/wet weather ops for an upcoming milsim airsoft event in march and i can only cover so much from my experiences in the Corps. Ive been referring them to a lot of your videos and I love having a direct grunt type of application since thats exactly what we're doing. Thanks Brent and im looking forward to more content!!!
As a swedish soldier we try to always keep at thermos full with hot water. When you use some, you fill it with new hot water. If you keep the waterbottle near the only heat source there is, the body it wont freece and you will always have it close. You can always melt snow that way aswell. Always boil water and ad to the field bottle and use it for extra heat when sleeping, that way you can replentish what the body looses. Thanks for the video.
please keep this sort of stuff up. Knowing SOP type info helps a ton for when I am in these places
I love how you talk like you’re giving a hip pocket class to a bunch of Marines. I feel like my team leader is about to bitch at me for not having my note taking gear lol.
Deployed to Norway, lived in Colorado, hunted in Alaska but the coldest ive been? Virginia. Wet, rainy winters that bounce between 20 to 40 in a constant cycle of freezing and thawing.
A battle of the Bulge vet told me that he'd dry his socks by sticking them inside his jacket and shirt close to his body. He'd rotate his socks that way. They also melted snow to fill their canteens in a pinch -probably wouldn't do that today, haha.
Regular boots go in your sleeping bag at night not next to it during freezing temps or they will freeze by morning. Hot rocks in old wool socks will definitely help them dry, or hanging them over a stove for 20-30 minutes can help. otherwise cleaning them and putting them loosely on your feet to sleep in is another option. Bringing leather sneakers to change into while you dry your boots, and to sleep in, really helps as well to not only keep your feet warm but to allow you to get up quickly in the night. Below 28F down booties are a must. You can’t sleep with frozen feet. If you take care of your head, hands and feet, life is a whole lot easier. Also placing insulated foam foil inserts from Walmart to stop the cold from coming up through the bottom of your boots or sneakers is also a must. As is standing on bows and sitting on foam pad to conserve heat loss. Below 40F I now use rubber boots and Wiggys socks or liners. No need for regular socks as moisture goes through them keeping my feet warm. I wear the same pair against my skin 24hours for 2-3 days camping. No more trying to get my warm feet into frozen boots. With a suspenders and ALICE or war belt rig, one or two canteens can go inside your jacket or coat and will not fall out or freeze. I also separate drink mix into small sandwich baggies to mix with my 1 quart canteens to keep my water intake up. And I keep a 2 quart GI flexible canteen in my assault pack. And an old 3 cup thermos in my main pack for hot water . I bring a detachable DIY fleece hood if it’s really cold or to sleep in. And often use a base ball cap and fleece watch cap over or under it, and some times two fleece watch caps with a fleece neck gaiter if really cold. I also use GI wool glove inserts in rubber gloves for wet work, and GI wool inserts in leather gloves for general tasks and weapon use. Which works down to 28F. I will use the inserts in mitts if temps drop below 28 down to as low -8F. Fleece gloves are great if stationary above 30F or for sleeping. And I use either a 2 or 3 lb down sleeping bag down to 40 or 30F. And a wiggys 20F or zero bag if needed. i also bring both a foam camo painted folding zip matt air and compact air matt. Air matt is placed in the bag. Sun glasses are also a must. I bring peanut butter as it is high in fat and calories.
Perfect timing Brent! Keep up the good work on the infantrymans guide videos
Good video. Was just watching the video on wet weather gear the other day and thinking “I hope he covers cold weather stuff at some point.” Wonderful timing. Thanks for all the good videos. I went and got a medium woodland ALICE pack and a tricolor desert USGI Goretex Parka, both in great condition, because of your gear recommendations in other videos. Gonna use both of those things for camping. Keep it up with the interesting videos.
Great stuff as always Brent
Thanks for these videos Brent! Most of my gear has been acquired directly from your advice.
I don’t have as much experience as a lot of y’all but the one thing ik is that if my feet, hands, and face are warm and dry I’m a happy camper 😂. Speaking of water one thing I’ve been playing with is wearing the qore ice plate inside my shell layer so my body heat keeps it relatively warm and allows me to still drink on the move. Only issue is if I want to wear body armor that system doesn’t work.
Powdered graphite is your weapon's friend in cold environments. Petroleum based lubricants turn to glue in cold environments. Clean it all off and use the graphite.
Great points made. Always look forward to your videos Brent, thank you!
Many great points here. Went out for a ruck in the low teens today in my surplus gear, and confirmed a lot of what I knew from prior experiences. Base layer with a goretex shell (Ecwcs level 6) works great for me during movement (ninja bottoms and grid fleece top). Throwing the level 7 on top when stationary for an extended period kept me toasty warm. Remember to drink and consume more calories than usual.
Very helpful refresher! Thank you.
Excellent information, Brent. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Brent.
Thank you, I was looking for a good source of information like this
Great video as always.
20 degrees and below is the beast for me. Everyone has a different beast level.
Great video! Keep em coming
What you would consider to be basic knowledge is gold to me, I would welcome 3 hour videos that pass on your knowledge. IMT's, tactics and the correct use of gear even in a basic form is like college to me. Shoot, move and communicate. If you can spare the time please consider making those 3 hour videos on basic stuff, if possible. Christmas videos are awesome, good music choices. God bless.
As usual, great job.
Great video, thanks!
That looks like a badass training bro
I was walking around Anchorage Alaska today getting myself some winter training perfect timing for this video someday I hope to come down and do some winter training with you guys
Awesome video brother.
Good stuff!!!!
Great video and information yet again. Bummed to not be seeing you this year at winter forge. You pushed me to my limit and inspired me to train harder for this years winter forge. I look forward to seeing you at the next winter forge.
Next time brother! 👊🇺🇸
Sweet video, I'd recommend gaitors that go over the end of your pants and boots, especially in wet enviroments like this. Turtleneck shirts are also a good substitute for upper underlayers.
My grandfather( 1st Sgt Army 31st Infantry Division) left me his 1950’s canteen, things solid as can be..wish they still made things like that nowadays
Good video as always though!
Thank you...
Very well done, some great tips here.
Great video thanks 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧
Great tips and tricks Brent. I made the mistake of only bring one extra pair of gloves one time. Only made that mistake once. Frostbite sucks.
Nate
Awesome info, always referencing your videos to the guys when were doing ftx's
👊🇺🇸
I don't know if the US Army/Marines have anything similar, but the CAF issues us with goretex socks which just go over your actual socks and then under your boot, and they reach all the way up to just below your knees, it's an absolute lifesaver. On an ex recently, it was only -10 and we were on a patrol and had to cross a frozen creek, the ice broke under my feet and the water went all the way up to my shins, but I was completely fine solely because of the goretex socks which stopped the water from actually getting to my socks. One of my buddies wasn't wearing his goretex socks since he was never issued them, and he almost had to be pulled from the ex because he went hypothermic after the ice broke on him and he fell through. My feet were nice and dry (my boots weren't, which made my feet colder, but it was just uncomfortably cold rather than freezing cold.)
I also love my goretex socks in the tent, our 10 man tents don't have floors and putting groundsheets in the tent causes them to freeze to the ground overnight as your stove melts the snow and then it refreezes when you turn the stove off the next day. (You can't have your stove running without someone inside on stovewatch, otherwise there's a very high risk of the tent burning down. As a result, whenever you're doing a stand-to, you have to turn your stove off.) As a result, our tent "floors" end up being pretty wet and miserable, so having goretex socks on until you slip into your bivy bag is wonderful when you're in that uncomfortable spot when you're stripping down to slip into your fartsack. The only issue with the goretex socks is that your sweat can't escape your feet, so you have to change your socks more often, but I was personally completely fine only changing my socks twice a day.
Also, when you're on stovewatch, it's the perfect time to put your boots just over the stove to just dry them ever-so-slightly, your boots WILL freeze from being wet and cold when your feet aren't in them if they aren't next to the stove.
I've also heard of people getting goretex overboots, but it's not issued kit and I've never worn them personally, but I imagine they're pretty gucci too.
One trick to prevent water in your canteen from freezing is to use a shoelace or a similar rope to tie the canteen around your neck. Tying it around your neck allows you to carry it inside your clothing thus keeping the water warm. I was taugh this trick during my time as a conscript. Especially useful technique when using skis.
walking around with full canteen as a necklace sounds like a frigging nightmare. I'd deuce a guy to get a metal canteen if I had to wear a canteen necklace.
Awesome...
I think the cold / wet, where maybe it’s just above freezing during the day, then in the teens at night is the hardest. That oscillating temperature really makes everything tough.
Because you have to manage the cold, but then everything keeps getting wet which makes it harder. At least if it just holds in the teens or below it just stays cold, but it doesn’t thaw out and soak stuff all the time.
HotHands disposable hand warmers in your boots at night. Hand warmers for gloves, body, weapons, everything. Take lots!
Good one man!
Very good video/ very good information
Thanks
Not sure if this was covered but I’ll say it here In case it wasn’t, if you are in a position where you take your boots off at night and it’s freezing, the moisture from your feet that has accumulated inside of your boots will freeze and make them almost impossible to get back on in the morning. Stuffing your boots with paper or a sacrificial pair of socks to absorb moisture isn’t a bad idea if you are going to take your boots off at night.
Drop a comment if you ever trained @ the Marine Mountain Warfare Training Center aka Pickle Meadows near Bridgeport, CA. My Dad was the CO in the mid to late 80s... he's the one who was smart enough to install a tow rope so Marines didn't waste time packing skis uphill just to learn to ski. My Dad was also the test model for that wool sweater they adopted from the British military. Semper fi.
GOD BLESS EVERYONE ..
Awesome video ❤❤❤
Washington and Oregon States Pacific NorthWest Coastal Mountains from November 20 until March 1st is the toughest place to Survive in The lower 48 States. If you want to test your gear and Survival Skills that is the Place.
Working on the farm listing to Brent say "force yourself to drink water" while forcing myself to drink water because it's 35°.
Awesome video, thanks brother. How heavy are your packs?
Very good advice there. I regulalry do winter treks in Scottish highlands. Wet cold is normal here and I agree, without proper gear, you are going to succumb to elements in no time. What's even worse is when you add wind to the mix. It will reduce your survivability window dramatically.
Merino wool and waterproof layers is what will keep you alive. Protect your feet, hands and... knees. Knees is what people never take in to considerstion and they always pay the price in a wet, cold and windy environment.
I haven’t seen the trigger mitts forever. Couldn’t find 1 thing wrong. Exact same as I operated in the far north. The layers of clothes as described do actually work down past -50c with warm up periods.
We had a "bear suit" in Korea, looked like the outfit the kid in "A Christmas Story" had, "I can't put my arms down". We also got issued Matterhorn boots. For me as long as my feet are dry I'm good to go.
I'd love a several hour video to go deeper in depth
Thanks Brent! If u don't mind. At what temp while moving are u wearing the wicking layer and gortex only!
My tip for any liquid, is to put it in my sleeping bag with me, if you dont have a heat source.
Great stuff!!!
So cool👍♥️
I have spent some seriously wet and miserable nights in foxholes, and Let Me Tell You Folks it absolutely sucks.
Thanks and be blessed, old squid here.
I was doing winter warfare in the military in the 1980"s and we survived fine without the gore tex. The problem with gore tex in the winter is it is very noisy when on the move.
Awesome vid. Also an artificial (polartec or acrylic) light hat for active time and heavy wool for static. My worst memories are light Lurpin excercise in cold wet enviro. One night we had rain then below zero (C) my friends fatex snaped , and frozen pouches turned into plastic. We had to move all the time to survive , eventualy we raided over 50 miles in 24h. Glory days! XD XD My toes and tighs itch when i recall that LOL
What i do with skiing is i wear the 3 hole balaclava and a neck gaiter to protect your lips from cold winds. The moment the piece of cloth in front of your mouth is frozen you turn your gaiter a little.
I just recently picked up a pair of those intermediate cold wet boots, came with the inserts, with my socks and gaiters my feet should be nice and warm while operating. Or shoveling snow, which is far more likely.
You are operating snow..... Even operators need a clean driveway.
My personal guide for what to do should I find myself somewhere wet and cold:
Step 1) Leave.
Boots and Gloves are extremely essential nothing f**ks me up more than cold feet and hands. A real morale breaker. German Army standard issue canteen has always been metal, warm them up a little at the fire, pack them in your sleeping bag and you´ll sleep like heaven.
I know we're talking wet cold here, but if we're talking extreme cold, where there's not a big risk of stuff melting, I have to caution against gortex boots. Ive been in extreme cold environments with warm gortex boots. You say it in this vjdeo, but in that environment your feet will sweat, the boot will get wet, it wont dry out, and your feet will freeze. Wet cold is a different story, though.
Solid advice, much appreciated.
Especially about keeping weapons outside of heated tents and such. Did not know that this was a thing.
Just a thought, if you were to take a canteen cup and heat it via campfire (or the flaming wreckage of the BTR that you just destroyed) or whatever, could you then use that to thaw it out by placing the plastic canteen inside? Or would it just melt or somehow damage the plastic canteen?
If you feel like doing an experiment (you know, for science) would be interested to hear the results.
The modern infantryman, (either by themselves or with a group), MUST learn how to effectively use AND defend against UAV, aka “drones”, otherwise you will be toast in a fight.
From December 25th until now, we've gotten snowed on or sub-zero temperatures. How bloody (AACHOOO!!) convenient! 🥶
I learn SO much and apply it !! ☝️☝️
Especially; with the recent California 💦💦 !! 😮👍💪💯
🙏🇺🇸🙏
You can easily unfreeze a USGI canteen in the extreme cold… even if it is a solid block of ice. You need some air space in the canteen (which is why they should never be completely full if there is a chance of freezing… also to prevent the canteen from bursting when frozen because ice expands to a greater volume than liquid water) to start the process and you will need a heat source and a canteen cup. Heat up just a tiny amount of water (like a shot glass or 1 oz). Then pour the water into the canteen and put the cap on and shake it… then dump back into the canteen cup and heat… repeat this process a few times and eventually you will have a canteen that is liquid again. Be cautious with not melting the canteen with boiling water. Nalgene water bottles are good in the cold weather because they are so durable that even if accidentally frozen while full… they often will survive. Plus they have the wide mouth. Also Nalgenes (so can USGI standard canteens but careful to not put 212 degree water inside or you could melt the canteen and it will deform) can be filled with boiling water (or very hot) safely to stow in a sleeping bag to add more warmth at night. The ideal is getting one of the stainless steel Nalgene (Or the new USGI issued arctic stainless steel canteen (not the Vaccum double walled round older version which you can’t put directly on a heat source becaue it’s a Vaccum bottle)). The new USGI arctic canteen has a removable “lid” and an adapter that will close with a standard USGI canteen NBC gas mask drink cap.
alternatively. . . . get a metal canteen.
@@LongFatJohnston Yes the standard issue “arctic canteen” has a plastic spout with the standard canteen cap/gas mask drinking tube adapter… but it is removable. So you can take it off and directly heat up the steel canteen in a fire or with some other heat source. The military abandoned the concept of the double walled bottle with the intention of preventing freezing. The old school arctic canteen was a “vacuum” double walled bottle and could not be placed over an open flame. Most Marine infantryman will never see the new “high speed” arctic canteen however… that’s for “big army” with a bigger budget. I currently use a stainless steel Nalgene and it can be heated over a flame. However many people will still find themselves with a plastic Nalgene or a standard issue canteen and cup and should understand how to utilize it in extreme cold. Another trick is to bury your plastic Nalgene or canteen upside down in the snow. The snow is a great insulator and will keep water liquid even over some extremely cold night temps… just have to remember and mark where it is buried. Another alternative is to stow the canteen in a pocket of the parka close to the body. At night the canteens can be stowed in a sleeping bag. Also you need to leave space in whatever container you’re using so that if the water does freeze (and expand)… it won’t “burst” the container or destroy it or push off the top. I also have used multiple Nalgene filled with boiling water and then stuffed inside of multiple socks (to prevent burning of the skin) and then placed into a cold sleeping bag some time before getting inside. They radiate that lovely heat for a few hours… enough to get a few hours of decent sleep.
People have no clue how hard survival in the cold is.
Your hands wanna fall off, fingers dont work anymore, you re cold. Your toes hurt.
Anything fine motor skills is a no go after an hour or 2-3.
You’ve never been cold till you’ve been Infantry Cold. 🥶
Any sugestions how to, at least try, to stay warm in area with high snow and around -30C with fast recon/assault mission?
Good video, few questions. What do you do for Water? What do you do if someone wet? Also Nitrate gloves are great secondary cold and wet resistant gloves. Also how long your batteries last in the cold? All electronics are horrible in the cold.
I agree with your sentiment on cold weather boots, countless benefits when weather indicates and most cons are mitigated by, like you said, changing socks (SOP!)
I disagree with your sentiment about stay dry or die (paraphrasing here, 7:45). Getting wet sucks, but staying warm is what really matters. The PCU system was designed to get wet and use that retained warmth to dry out the layers from the inside out.
I am curious about how you see where the wind layer (level 4) fits in the system. If you wear it under the bdus as is usually advised, does that mean you would downgrade your field top if you got too hot? that seems off to me.
@Brent0331 how did you find those BCB fire dragon stoves behaving in the winter? I used it in the early autumn so far, and it seems to be good enough to boil 0.5L of water on one gel block. I wonder if this is the case in the winter, too?
Small amount of pure cornstarch powder is good to use, but not too much as it’ll cake up with moisture.
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