I was in cold weather training in the Marines. This technique was taught with one change. We dug around the tree and wrapped the tarp like a roof attached to the tree. It’s astonishing how warm a single candle makes. I slept like a baby .Update I looked through all my old Marine stuff and found the section. Called The TREE PIT SHELTER is another form of immediate shelter.
Question… how do you reduce the amount of moisture from the breath and body? Would I do tarp first, than blanket? Or would I do a wool Or alpaca blanket? Material matters I’m sure for keeping moisture from permeating our clothing.
I've done that in freezing temps for two days with just body heat also you can cover your mouth with a bandana it will filter the fumes and warm you up even faster ,but I would put my head out now and then to breath fresh air.
I was homeless for 10 years and spent most of that time living in a tent in woodland. During cold periods I used to use tealight candles to warm my tent and I've no doubt it stopped me freezing to death.
I've been homeless over 2 years, and I sleep in my car. No where to put up a tent in this overcrowded city, nor is it allowed... It's been cold at night and I turn my car on and do my best to heat it up.
I did it for 5 year's.. I used a tarp, and made like a triangle tent one side tied on a fence or tree and the other to my bag.. I would light a small candle. Kept me very warm... Slept good.. cardboard also helped to sleep on.. generate a lot of heat..
65 yr old Indigenous woman here. Lived in the woods in a tent for about 15 yrs. Knew how to insulate my tent with snow, had a few old cookie tins full of votive candles and bee's wax. Was able to get the temp in the tent around 60°. This turned the snow packed closest to the tent into ice which helped even more. Knowledge learned from my elders.
I appreciate learning from elders and people like yourself who share their practical wisdom. It’s amazing how “stupid” we (younger generations) are becoming because of modern day society (I.e. how tents all come with warnings now to avoid open flame, so we grow up accustomed to that). We’ve lost the ways when we are not taught. Thank you and God bless.
I appreciate learning from elders and people like yourself who share their practical wisdom. It’s amazing how “stupid” we (younger generations) are becoming because of modern day society (I.e. how tents all come with warnings now to avoid open flame, so we grow up accustomed to that). We’ve lost the ways when we are not taught. Thank you and God bless.
I appreciate learning from elders and people like yourself who share their practical wisdom. It’s amazing how “stupid” we (younger generations) are becoming because of modern day society (I.e. how tents all come with warnings now to avoid open flame, so we grow up accustomed to that). We’ve lost the ways when we are not taught. Thank you and God bless.
25 years ago I was homeless and it was winter. I had a 1977 Dodge pickup with no heater. I had a large candle maybe 6 in tall by maybe 3 in wide or something like that. I would open the glove box light it and let it warm up the cab of the truck. would have a blanket and my dog. after it warmed up a little bit and it would just took some candle. I would blow it out and go to sleep. on a really cold nights I might have to do that two more times before morning. but it allowed me to survive relatively decently even on the coldest nights and that was heating up the whole truck cab. this method works very well. glad you brought it to the public attention. namaste
When I was younger, I asked my dad if I could accompany him to help turn on the wind machines one cold, cold January night. If the temperature dipped too low, all the citrus in the groves froze, and had to go to juice rather than fresh fruit for eating. Farmers initially used "smudge pots" or even irrigation to try to save their crops from freez8ng. Wind machines tended to work better but took a lot of care and monitoring sometimes. My dad had been doing this for years and went out just about every winter. I always wanted to see what he had to do. Finally, I was old enough to go. That night, it froze, and as I sat in his truck at 2 am, I began to shake so hard my teeth were chattering, and I couldn't control my body functions. All I could think was that my dad was out there in the cold. I tried to move but couldn't. Suddenly, the door flew open and my dad jumped in. He grabbed his thermos and poured a hot cup of coffee and said, " Drink this. (The Coffee was bitter) Then, he started up the truck and turned on the heater. After awhile, I asked him how he could stand it? He laughed and said, " Yeah. Your mom's coffee is better. " I never had more respect and admiration for my hard- working father as that night I felt I almost froze my behind off trying to be tough like him. ❤ Stay warm any way you can, everyone. RIP Dad. ❤
Losing control of bodily functions is the sign of an emergency medical situation. The body of a child is much more susceptible to harm from cold than an adult's. While you may see this story as positive, I had a similar experience with my own father and I still hate him for letting me nearly freeze to death.
Interesting, after watching the video I got curious and looked at the science behind this technique and apparently candles give off way more heat than I would have guessed. A single candle produces 80W of heat, a resting human male produces about 100W of heat. So that little candle is almost the equivalent of having an entire second person huddled under that blanket with you.
@@johnwayne7290 lmao. This is one of the funniest comments I've ever heard of. It's true though, I definitely haven't, or at least not my entire body. Just my hands. Yep, it's fire alright though, shit will straight up burn you if you're not careful with it 😂
I'm 62 years old, and my grandfather taught me this trick when I was eight. You tell people that you can warm yourself up with a candle outside in the snow, 99% of the people won't believe you. Good video.
I carry a supply of tea lights for this. Often you need 2 as the flame is smaller than a normal candle. I personally use tarps rather than wool blankets but I believe wool blankets could be the better option for this.
Very cool tip. Thanks! As Yukon bushcrafter Dick Person used to say: "The more knowledge you carry in your head, the less gear you need to carry on your back."
Everyone with a minimum of sense will still carry the gear or stay the fuck out of the woods. I can't really think of any scenario that will leave you in the winter woods with just a tarp, a blanket, a lighter and a candle but nothing else unless you completely fucked up your packing and planning. This technique will likely stop you from freezing to death for some hours, but you'll suffer frostbite in your feet, be cramped all over and not be able to do much after the candle burns out. And then what?
As a Marine, I went through the winter cold weather survival training program - the candle trick was never mentioned. But we did have a lot of wool blankets. I recently graduated from the Advanced Mountaineering class by the Colorado Mountain Club - the candle trick was never mentioned. I do however carry several Beeswax candles in my winter survival kit. I'd stay away from the Paraffin candles that black smoke you see is toxic - especially under a blanket!
We live in our van and use a similar technique. We light a three candle lantern. Crack a front window a bit, and use a USB fan to keep the ambient air reasonably warm. We also utilize wool blankets and good clothing. But in a smaller area it's a viable option to help stay warm. Put a couple space blankets in the windows, insulate yourself best as possible if you ever find yourself stranded in your vehicle. This type of technique can save your life. One safety rule, never forgot you are dealing with an open flame. Always respect that
Nicely done. This technique was taught to us in USAF SERE school in the 90s. Very simple but effective way to warm up without giving away your position.
I train RAF pilots SERE training and haven’t seen this come up as we don’t issue them woollen blankets. What kind of blankets did you have for your training?
Morgan C - our pilots don’t have blankets either, but if they kept a panel of their parachute or have a poncho or survival map - that can be used in place of this wool blanket. Also, if they have some plastic sheeting or insulation from their aircraft (from a cargo plane) then they could use that in place of the blanket.
I've heard a lot of people carry a candle in their cars/vans in Alaska just in case they get stuck in the snow for the same reason. You just light the candle and depending on the size of a candle it should last a few hours and keep the inside of the car above freezing.
We always keep packs of hot hands/ hot feet packs in our cars, during colder months, just in case they're needed, bc they're so great at instantly warming people up 🙂 When we're in the heat, we keep instant ice packs & frozen water bottles in our car, anytime we go anywhere, just in case we break down. I also keep a few other things (like 1st aid kit, collapsible cones, high visibility cloths, led strobe light, etc...), just in case they're needed. My kids always teased me about them, but I always told them it's better to be safe, than sorry, so we prepared for car breakdowns, same as we prepare our house, for hurricanes... they finally appreciated my preparations, after we'd broken down in both extreme temps (obviously, on separate occasions😉), but having the instant heat and instant cold packs, made such huge differences, while we were stuck for hours in those temps🙂
I've been doing this in my bed since I was a kid, just without the candle, only using the warm air that leaves my nose/mouth under the blanket, especially now that I live in a apartment that gets cold af during winter due to no proper insulation. Never knew that it was a survival technique, lol.
I used this method in the Danish army back in the 90's, also to dry out my uniform a bit. There is a better way to do it. Sit on a tree stump, your helmet, log or what not. Use a poncho instead of a blanket, or use the tarp on top of the blanket. I would say a wool blanket will let a lot of pass through it. Anyway, tie the cord for the hood around your neck (not too tight LOL), place the lit candle on the ground and keep the poncho closed. Open the poncho now and then in order to let the steam from your clothes out. Works in moderately cold weather. This will not warm your feet though.
Привет-привет из Россия-Сибирь-Алтай, подписан на тебя, с удовольствием смотрю твои видосы. А я всё думал, почему у тебя такой прикольный акцент. Желаю успехов! )))
Left out one thing. Once the space has warmed up open up your outer layers. That way you can warm your core faster with the warm air in the blanket rather than having your clothing layers warm up first before it gets to your core. Little trick I learned in my Canadian army days camping out in -40 weather.
I've snowboarded 1000 times. A few when we were caught in 40 below. This works while smoking a bowl. Bundle up with a candle. And I love that flannel lol My Shell jacket is lined with that only in my head and shoulder area.
two of us got soaked on top of the Unita mountains once. After the rain passed, we sat down on a boulder facing each other and pulled a poncho liner around our shoulders forming a tent with both of us inside; except our heads where outside at the top. We put the heat in the middle. In a matter of minutes, steam from our wet clothing was pouring out. Saved us from a cold miserable situation.
@Petal Pusher yes very true. I think the main thing here is keeping a blanket with you, I spent many cold nights in an undesirable place and the only thing to keep me warm was pulling a blanket over my head and using my breath to warm up the "tent"
@Petal Pusher Personally I carry about 100 ordinary matches, 50 storm matches, a ferrorod or two a butane lighter and a zippo equivalent. The whole lot asses together is 120g or a bit under 4.5 Oz.
ALWAYS HAVE CANDLES ...MASON JAR ...AND MATCHES AND LIGHTERS IN YOUR CAR AT ALL TIMES....THE CAB ACTS AS YOUR DOME...IN AN ACCIDENT OR LOSS OF POWER OR GAS....YOU WONT FREEZE TO DEATH.
Just told my son to keep a couple of candles in his truck. He's a hiker and sno-boarder and loves being outside in New England winters. This could be a lifesaver. Also suggested he subscribe to Coalcracker Bushcraft. Thanks.
@@tbyoda9475 I made a video about making candles from grease leftover from cooking. I'm sure they'd work the same way! We also used to use a metal can, a roll of t.p. and a bottle of alcohol as a heater, though the smoke would probably be worse.
Just came across this vid. I used to do something similar to this back when I was a kid. I lived out in the deep woods. During the year I would have a few lean tos placed around in various locations across the acres. In winter time you would have to know right where they were under the snow. Them me and my brothers would sneak candles in each one and when we got too cold we would hop in and chill for about 20 min and warm up easy. At one point my mom said she did not understand how we could be out in the cold for hours and yet whenever she checked us out we were toasty. Good times. Great video.
Dan, I did this for three years, on six to eight week deployments of training areas in Germany, back in the 1970’s. Temperatures below zero Fahrenheit, snow one to three feet deep, I’d squat, back against a tree, on my heels. With my poncho over my head, I’d light a little can of Sterno between my feet. When I felt sleepy I’d slip the lid on, fire out and sleep for 30 - 40 minutes. It worked fine. I’d wake up, go check security, radios, the men, and go back for another sleep. It’s not great; but, it’ll get you through a few weeks and you don’t have to have a sleeping bag. Texas
As a teen, we were out in a snow cave. My friend woke my up in the middle of the night shivering and getting close to hypothermia. I lit two tea candles and after just a couple minutes, all of us were warm and safe. Candles are great to have along for any kit or trip.
Snow or ice works better because water is a phase change material. It will keep the surface at 32 degrees regardless of how much colder the is temperature outside.
Alan Kidd : About 30 years ago when I was dating my soon-to-be-wife,she took me to see this outdoor shrine. It was at night in the middle of winter and bitterly cold. But in this outdoor shrine people had lit candles and it was actually quite warm.Almost to warm with all the winter clothes we had on. That illustrated to me the power of a small flame.
Finnish tip, make a temporary shelter and use pine tree branches to keep your bottom dry. Top of the shelter branches with snow. You can keep warm at any temperature and sleep in if you have a fire. Summer version is to use moss as toppings instead of snow, and you can sleep in it down to -1 degree Celsius.
i was wondering if anyone knew about the rabit hole shelter. the way this guy dose it, is a slow but sure death if not rescued or he falls asleep or starts a fire
I’ve been living outside in northern Maine for the last nine months or so. My main thing is eat a high calorie meal right before bed. It really stokes your metabolism especially on nights when the weather is too cruddy for a fire. Quick materials observation, a beeswax candle burns hotter than a paraffin one, and the smoke is cleaner. Too, a wool blanket is the best choice since wool is flame resistant as well as warm even when damp.
I went through the Arctic Survival Course in the Air Force years ago in Alaska and this like a lot of other techniques are very effective even down to 60 below zero F. You can make or buy a small enclosed lantern that uses the large candles and decrease the likelihood of flame against your clothes or blanket and if you don't like the smell of the candle or the possibility of CO inhalation you can tuck the blanket around your face and allow a small passageway to breathe through to the outside air. Lots of options and very effective to survive in seriously cold environments.
i’m glad you have a lot more experience than u do. is condensation an issue in extreme low temps? it’s been an issue with a lot of “extreme” camps i’ve been doing with other small flammable heat source.
I would be great at this because I can stand outside in jeans and short sleeves for hours at 0-10°f already and not get that cold. Cold isn't real, but it can kill you. I use to be able to swim in an ice pool for hours no problem. Idk why, but cold doesn't really bother me for 2-3 hours. Then it gets annoying and starts to hurt a little especially my hands.
@@eric-mouse In the extreme cold with temps below 0 F and down into the -40-60 there is no humidity and the moisture from your breath freezes almost instantly until the temps inside your hide or cave climbs above 0 deg. That is one of the reasons I suggested breathing through a tunnel in the blanket to the outside so that moisture is not trapped inside. If there is enough snow cover, it is best to make a snow cave and use that instead of the blanket for your shelter. You still have to watch when temps inside get above freezing inside as the moisture and the surface layer of snow will melt and trickle down but if you arch the ceiling it will run down the sides and refreeze. Actually quite cozy inside even with just your body heat and breath to warm the place up. It helps to have a waterproof poncho to cover up with and sit or lie on as well. In the extreme cold, there is no convection heat transfer to speak of, just radiant heat. You can stand next to fire and be hot on one side and freezing on the other at the same time.
I've done this at home a lot. Most seem to know it, they just don't realize how much it actually does. Not only can it be game changing, but life changing as well
I spent a night in Northern VT like this. Got lost going from 1 camp to another. Didn't want to walk at night and chance getting more turned around. My dad always taught me to be ready to sleep where I am just encase. It saved my life
I'm sure you are a very tough guy Eric , but don't the army operate at night too? Anyway bud don't get too camp you can make-up for it and im sure one of the other guys in one of your outfits will man up on your behalf. Stay strong soldier 🦾🦿🤳
It’s middle of winter it might be a little more difficult to find them than if it was Fall, but being in the woods…tuck your shirt and jacket into your pants waistband then stuff tree leaves in between the layerings of your shirt and jacket. The leaves will insulate like crazy and keep your core temperature properly warm where it needs to be. Old and gritty survival technique but extremely effective
I used that method once. I was so tired and fell asleep. The candle lit the blanket on fire. Wasn’t that bad even though. Another thing I use is dried sap from a pine tree. If you don’t have a candle and you’re near pine trees look for dried sap on the trunk of the tree. Clump it and liqht it up...burns just like a candle...good fire starter too..🎚🇺🇸🇺🇸🎚🎚🇺🇸😎
Won't happen with a merino wool blanket fortunately...although I think when it smolders it gives off some pretty unpleasant toxins(?)/gases(?)...stuff..
@@AchillesWrath1In Boy Scouts decades ago we called it lighter pine and used sticks of it as kindling fire starters. Amazing how it burns. Used it camping near Econ Fina in the Florida Panhandle. Best taken from a dead pine stump.
My granddaddy was born in 1899. His father was a Confederate soldier. My granddaddy was a WW1 veteran. He raised rabbits, honey bees, and grew three 1 acre victory gardens and worked as a postman for the USPS all through the Great Depression and WW2 Home Front shortages and supported 9 people. He taught me a lot about " pioneer skills." He passed away in 1989.
When I was young we made snowcastles and put candles in the walls. Outside temperature was between -10 to -20'C and it was actually quite comfy inside the castle with few candles. We usually put some spruce branches in front of the "frontdoor" to get some wind coverage.
And we can be without shirt outside easily when it is -5 c outside nice warm temperature to us and when it is -20 c we go to sauna . I love winter more than summer you can't hide from the heat but you can protect yourself from the cold much better
I've been binge watching your channel for 3 weeks now and I've got to say, you are the best teacher on UA-cam by far. Since watching your channel, I have now made myself a haversack for when I go scouting and I also made myself a canvas tarp with tie outs. Im currently waiting for my red iron oxide to show up in the mail so I can start oil painting my tarp. Your a great guy with great content. Thank you and please keep it up
Spot on, Dustin! Dan is an outstanding teacher. The content contained in his videos is useful and easily put into practice. Unlike far too many others on the Tube, Dan delivers and quickly! Learn something useful and smile in no time at all. Thank you, Dan!!!
@@tylerfoss3346 Definitely, I've yet to watch anyone else on UA-cam that gets right to point without confusing you 5+ times on the way. And the bit of humor he adds in makes it that much more enjoyable to watch
This makes very good sense. I don't have heat for overnight and have found that when I go to bed I can simply pull the covers over my head, breathe deeply (not too quickly)and be warm in minutes.
You can make a bed tent. Use a blanket and tuck it all around the mattress and over your head board. You then get less condensation but still are a lot warmer.
👏🏻 I learned about this trick a while ago, but try to do it with a silver emergency blanket, you will warm up extremely fast even in Alaskan type temperatures.
I read somewhere that Simon Kenton, a frontier contemporary of Daniel Boone, used this same system to stay warm and undetected while exploring alone in the Ohio and Kentucky areas. Instead of a candle, he would dig a hole in the ground, build a small fire that could be fed with tree bark, sit with the fire between his legs and pull a blanket over top of himself. For Simon, it was a way to stay warm and reduce the chance of being found by Indians.
@charles I was thinking the same thing. I remember that book, amazing stories from Simon Kenton and Daniel Boone. I think they said they used sycamore because it didn’t create a lot of smoke.
@@dandeleona4760 Some of the firemen I worked with over the years claim that to be true...I only had my tank fail once and my female paramedic partner dragged my butt to safety - when I regained consciousness she was standing over me saying "You need to lose some weight fat boy." ELLEN wasn't a smoker, but a great partner.
we were always taught growing up in Canada, to travel with candles in the car - in case you are stranded in the winter, you light that candle and it will help you survive. My friend grew up with a single parent ( her mom) and they had to use this method when they were stranded in the 80's and they had no prob staying warm until help came.
I was taught that by my grandpa when I was a kid. But honestly, I forgot all about it until you kick started my memory. Thank you. Nice to be reminded of knowledge forgotten in age.
When I lived in the canadians rockies, we always had blankets and candles in our cars for exactly that purpose. When we got snowed in on the road we would do this when gas was too low.
Actually did this during a big freeze and power outage here in eastern ky a while back although I was inside. I used another hack I had learned too, and that was taking a long candle and sticking it in a can of crisco or any can of shortening. It provides light and heat from 24-36 hours, and it's odorless.
I have an Alaskan buddy who told me they were also taught to use a snow drift to make a small igloo and poke a small hole in the top with a stick and use this same technique. He Said itd get +40 or 50 but when it was -30 outside it was the difference between freezing to death and living. Apparently this was because out in the bush if your snow machine broke down you were a dead man. (No cell phones back then). Awesome video man
Yes, I have slept in such. Snow is very good insulator and a small snow cave will warm up when people are inside, even without candles. This trick was nice, very quick setup.
When I served in the Canadian military every Arctic survival kit had a red arctic candle in them. I currently carry 2 in my truck. I’ve. Used the candle and blanket method plenty.
@@r3gret2079 31yrs. Would do it again tomorrow. Spent plenty of time with my brothers (and women) in arms from the USA, in some pretty horrible places. Thankx for your kind words. The world needs more of it
Thanks for mentioning NESSMUK (George Washington Sears). He was an Adirondack guide and conservationist in the late 1800's who wrote the book: "Woodcraft and Camping" that gives his tips on hunting, fishing, camping and survival techniques. My late father was a big fan of Nessmuk and introduced me to his book decades ago. I highly recommend his book for anyone who spends time in the woods.
Great video. For anyone worried about soot, I’ll add that you should trim the wick on the candle to 1/8 inch. Doing so it will reduce the amount of soot, and the candle will burn longer. Though it won’t creat as much heat. I use my UCO candle lantern in my 2 man tent in the winter. With a trimmed wick the candle burns steady all night long without melting wax everywhere. It’s warm enough to hang out in a t shirt. I’ve read that the flame will extinguish before the oxygen levels get too low (for anyone worried about it). Thanks for the video, dude. :)
This presentation appears to be for 3 kinds of men and women whom lived under these frigid temperatures and survived. The current and ex-military, those who live and hunt on the frontier, and the homeless communities. Thumbs Up for this no-frills remedy to survive the cold weather!
Put two tealights in an Altoids can. The lid can be made to stand perpendicular to the bottom by jamming a large gem clip into the hinge. Use a few drops of wax to fasten the candles into the can. The can will warm you and can be used as a light because the lid acts as a reflector. Use with a Heatsheet Emergency blanket over and around you so that your face is exposed. Good video. Good Luck, Rick
This works. I used a small closed cell foam pad to sit on, and a space blanket which reflects lots of heat. Perfectly comfortable in light fleece jacket in -9 degrees weather. Hello Colorado!
There is an old trick that saved my life once with an old army great coat. Boots off, feet down the arm holes, boots back on and flip the coat over you. I woke up with several inches of snow over me but I'm typing this now. People with four walls and a roof don't really appreciate it until it's gone.
I actually used this to save my life and my brothers life, when we were about 16. He's my stepbrother. We would have frozen to death, for sure, being lost trying to find our camp, in backwoods Vermont, during hunting season. We made it until light, and made it to the camp a couple hours later. My brother was impressed with my survival skills.
Teach this same technique to any young ones in or outside of the family bloodline incase they are ever in a situation like you & your brother were. Dark days will sadly be coming soon for us here in the US.
This is actually a method I have planned for if my home loses all heat in the winter. I've got a freestanding dome tent with a complete snow fly and a candle lantern. That thing will get toasty with a couple of people in it quite quickly.
The other option is a proper tea light heater. Inner ceramic pot with no hole. Outer ceramic pot about 2 inched bigger diameter bigger with a hole. You also need a ceramic tray or holder that gives about 2 inches spacing under the pots. Light the tea light and then put the small pot over it. This catches most of the soot increasing air quality. Put the other pot centred over the first and you have a candle powered convection heater. You can put up to 3 candles underneath without a problem. The thing to watch for is if the inner pot has not been fired 100% correctly it can cause enough stresses to explode. I recommend testing each pot outside with 3 candles. If you use 3 candles it's enough to take the chill off a small room.
I always keep 3+ fleece blankets in my car, I have 3 children, my youngest 5yrs, I usually bring her a blanket when traveling so enough for each of us and a gal of fresh water. (Should be 1 gal per person when traveling). In cases of a breakdown, both are important (minus food- but most parents travel with snacks for their [young] kids). But now, I think candle sticks will be something I keep in my trunk with the blankets 💕
We used to make ice caves and with just a candle we could warm up our caves to 60+ in about an hour and it really did not matter how cold it was outside, so long as you ensured you could close off your entrance or make it so the wind would not draft in. Plus the warm air would condense on the sides of the ice cave, freeze and make it that much stronger.
This video caught my attention, because I'm currently reading the accounts of some of the Andes plane crash survivors in 1972, sixteen of whom managed to live for 72 days at 11,000 feet. I'm fascinated by and enthralled with these heroes of endurance who finally were rescued when two of them hiked roughly 40 miles up and down sheer mountains until they were able to raise the alarm.
They ate the dead, it's called Andes long pork. Not making light, it's happened enough that it's not as "Shocking" as it once was. I live in one of the hottest places on earth, if I had to choose it would without thought or question 1000% the COLD. I HATE the desert! every life form bites or stings you, they view us, humans, as ugly bags of mostly water, and what is more valuable than life, because without it is Death ....its water lol Trust me once the temperatures rise to 120 degrees and above during the day and never falling below 90 degrees at night your body is in survival mode, it a triggers a weather warning, well we got hit with 9 months of the hottest since we started taking records...fries your brain..great what's I even talking about...
Incredible piece of info. I can bet this might save a life or two. Nothing is worse than being wet and cold and trying to build a sleep shelter. I was taught that in the arctic, the hierarchy of survival is shelter, water, food. Fire falls near the bottom as its not necessary in the first hours. I know, I was just as skeptical until the airman's survival course (cool school) proved it.
Thank you. Knowledge like that gives you an instant sub. The Reindeer herders in Siberia do the same thing. The only difference is their in Siberia, and they use two plastic sheets a few feet apart to trap the air, and this set up they use under their Teepee type tents. They also weave a ball, a large ball, of reeds together when sudden blizzards happen, and just using body heat from two people survive inside of it. Good to know.
As a young man I usex to build Athabascan quinzees for winter snow shelters. All I ever used for heat was a single candle... and you could maintain a temp above 40 F even in -30 degree weather (Manitoba winters!). Candles work and their cheap!
I saw Perry Peacock from wilderness innovations demonstrate this method using one of their excellent ponchos with the added advantage you have some control over the ventilation. Says it kept him warm all night! Thanks for all your hard work bringing us these great videos. Regards from deepest Dorset England 👍
Clive, check out the candle & flowerpot heaters they used to use in the home air raid shelters during WW2 in the UK....🤔 but it's not like everyone carries a terracotta flowerpot camping😖😞. I've stacked small stones round the hexamine burner, then put the stones in my pockets to warm up & dry out my trousers before...... ah, Brecon!!!⚔️🇬🇧😞
also, don't underestimate the heat of your breath. even just trapping that without a candle is very useful. cover your head and try to trap all the heat your body is radiating.
This is why I keep blankets, candles, and a coffee can in my truck. I wrap a wool blanket around me with a mover's blanket outside that, then put a candle down into the coffee can. For hiking, I swap out the full-size can for an empty soup tin.
I've experimented with this trick a little bit ... it really does work. Since I mostly carry a Trangia stove with me I got curious and tried another thing: When heating water for my coffee, I just (CAREFULLY) pull a poncho over my knees and stick my head inside. I can guarantee you a Trangia stove gives up an immense amount of heat. It heats up the inside of the poncho so fast that I have used this methode to dry wet sweaty underwear on my body. You have the feeling of being in a hot room. Once my water is ready I put the simmer ring on the trangia and let it continue to burn with a smaller flame. That way it acts like a huge candle. So in summary you can use an alcohol stove for this as well.
Yeah, good stuff. I can rate this technique. Used to live out in a tent and during the winters, a few candles burning saved me from some really miserable situations.
When I lived where it was very cold used to have a survival kit in the back of the car. A big part of it was an old coffee can with a couple holes poked in the bott, a couple of candles and a blanket. The can helps funnel the heat, but also makes it easier to use inside a car. It's surprisingly warm.
We started making ' buddy burners' when my son was in beaver scouts. Empty can, leftover wax and cardboard. I couldn't believe how well they work. Coalcracker got me into the woolly blankets and clothes and now I don't fear 'death by cold' as much as I used to. Cheers from Edmonton aka Santa's south 40.
Another outstanding video. 50 is still cold if you are stuck in it for days on in like my wife and I were recently without power in 8 degree texas weather, but if you are already 24 degrees outside, a jump to 50 would be a god send!
I am loving this channel. I recently became homeless for 1st time (female,in my 50s), due to layoff; death of my landlord/ the property got sold; lost my beloved dog too. (Plus skin cancer.) I'm partly living in my truck , I'm gonna try this candle technique , as it's getting down to 35 F nights. Great community of smart survivalists here. Dont fear a thing. 2 Timothy 1:7 . love and light 2 you~~
You're comment made me sad. I'm very sorry to hear about your misfortune. I'll do a metta meditation for you tonight. Hopefully you live in a country where you can apply for emergency benefits?
Mors kochanski taught about candle use for warmth when I took a class of his several years ago he said that a candle puts off the same heat as a persons body heat does. great tip
I think the best thing I ever heard and read Mors talk about was the clothes on your back should be sufficient enough to get you through a full 3-4 days of subzero temps WITHOUT shelter or fire. Like you can literally sit under a pine tree, pull your hood over your head and survive multiple days just sitting there. If your clothing can't do that then you're not dressed appropriately enough for the conditions and area. It's mind-numbing how many folks I've seen in my life that go to have a "little adventure" out in the woods and all they have on them is flip-flops, shorts, a sleeveless Tshirt, and not even a single bottle of water....🙄 Basically naked. Might as well just be naked. Also the same exact folks that run into me asking for all kinds of gear and a few sips from my canteen. I've always obliged to help but it's happened so many times to me I'm starting to get p-off about it. Gonna start being "mean" and cutting folks off my gravy train...😕 No school like Hard Knocks University.
@@landofwolves Well, yeah, obviously you shouldn't be wearing every layer you have on if you're moving out somewhere. Tie it up with some cordage and sling it on your back until you get stationary again. But it's entirely possible to have that appropriate type clothing if you know what you need and what you don't without it being a ridiculous amount of clothing. Getting a true winter "ECWCS" type parka goes a long way with this goal. Propper waterproof and windproof pants/overalls. Waterproof insulated boots with 2 layers of wool socks and a spare pair. Entirely possible. I've done it myself. I haven't went a full 4 days because that's just torture and I'd rather be doing something else than just sitting around in the cold but you can do it. His main point being many folks are just not properly clothed for the conditions or possible conditions they may encounter. Yes, essentially you're wearing/bringing a sleeping bag that's not a sleeping bag. Mors was also big on his "super shelters"...the materials needed to make one can easily fit inside the pockets of your parka and/or cargo pockets....the rest you get from the woods. Even without a fire those bad boys are warm if facing the sun. Sling a sleeping bag or HBC type wool blanket (queen size minimum), an axe, pocket knife (maybe small saw), and a canteen with a lightweight pot and that's all you really need to pull off weeks of deep winter survival if you have the additional knowledge and experience. It's not fun but it's possible. I'd say take it up with Mors if you think he's full of it but old man is passed now...RIP, pops. Mors certainly has been surviving in much colder winters than I'm used to here in Northern PA. I don't think he's messing with you. 😉
@@landofwolves I think the idea is that you have the clothes necessary to survive. It doesn't mean you have to wear then the whole time. The point is you should have the clothes that will sustain you when your inactive and sitting. When you get active you shed a few layers and then out then back in when your at rest. Also if you able to create some shelter it will help to trap your body heat and maintain your temperature. Along side of that it doesn't mean you will survive indefinitely. It just means for a few days which will hopefully buy you time to be rescued or to find resources to help you survive longer or allow you time to hike out.
@@TCM3273 Yep .. what people fail to realise is that going out in weather like that for extended periods is going to entail a certain amount of Clothing 'On and Off' depending on the Activity and access to effective Shelter. Keeping this in mind could be essential for their Survival or at the very least, overall Comfort and Enjoyment of the chosen Activity.
@@pennsyltuckyreb9800 Isn't it amazing? People in the wilderness with no equipment to speak of? 10 foot tall and bulletproof, huh? I ran into a guy once in the middle of Everglades NP in a Bay known for Bull Sharks, crocodiles and alligators in a tiny kayak and I was thinking... a croc slides uo and says hello lunch!
Lol omg I was born and raised here in Alaska and I’ve never used that trick. Nice to know! I once got swept off my four wheeler while crossing the matsu river, I barely made it out but I lost my transportation and my supplies so I had a 8-10 hour hike to get back. I knew Immediately I wasn’t going to make it back by nightfall I only had about 3 hours left of sunlight left so I decided to make a fire. My wet clothes were already starting to freeze so I had to take them off. I needed to get warm and dry off my clothes, using a method my Native American uncle taught me, I used the very ice from the river to create fire. I had to find the clearest ice, mold it into a lens, use the lens as my magnifying glass to focus the sunlight and started the fire. I managed to dry my clothes and gather more brush before it got dark and a few other riders found me that night, they said the spotted the fire from a mile away. Thank god they could see my fire!
@@michaelvogler9798 As someone living in Alaska right now, there is about a month where it's still cold as balls but the sun hangs high until 1900-2000. It does seem a bit far fetched, but I do believe they could have had enough light! Would love to see that method in action if it's true.
I lived in Anchorage, Alaska for years and did a lot of winter camping with a 4 Season North Face tent as my cover and used candles a lot. It also helps having a black lab to sleep with lol
My furnace broke down last winter I only had a tiny space heater that could keep the first whole first floor warm. It’s a horribly insulated house. I lit several candles and it actually helped out quite a bit. At night the little heater was enough to keep one room warm.
I would add: Wool blankets are fairly fire resistant, others may not be. Used poncho and liner in NWTC, Ft Greely AK. Also, A small clay pot ot ceramic housing for the candle gives you some thermal mass and seems to work better
Yes. I live in Ireland and I see lots of sheep. I have never seen many on fire. Wool does shrink though. That's why the sheep in spring look tiny. When they thaw out and dry out by summertime they can be quite large again. Sheep rock.
@@jimmymcjimmyvich9052 Thanks for that. I was wondering about how they can make it while burning all the time. I'm glad that they're safe. Especially after thawing!
Excellent piece of wisdom. Being in Texas right now this is what is in my mind and why your video caught my attention. Seeing other families freezing in their homes, and having our electricity go out for 16 hours with a wife and 5 kids makes you think about making sure you know all the tricks if survival in the cold is needed. Thanks for sharing!
In the winter I carry a tin coffee can with a large candle, matches and a roll of tolite paper in the car in case I get stranded. you can use the tolite paper and can for bathroom and when you're not light the candle in the can and it heats the car until help arrives
Great idea, wool blanket is probably the best since it's not able to burn in the open atmosphere. Would definitely have to be a bigger blanket on a windy day though. Good stuff dan, thanks for a great tip
Tried that in the tent as well with a girl friend, woke up to something on fire and the tent filled with toxic fumes, caught a quick breath of fumes and choked which woke me up thanks to God and managed to rip the tent open and got us out.
Make sure the blanket is wool, because wool doesn't burn and you can even use it to smother out a fire. Also wool will keep you warm even when wet. Love my wool socks.
I'm definitely gonna do this! Only I'll use a beeswax candle, less chemicals, (I already had cancer, I don't do unnecessary chemicals. ) I'm almost always cold. I live ( in BC, Canada ) it's usually a wet cold so it feels really cold, but I just got a wool blanket and I recently made some beeswax candles, so I'll try this out for sure. Tomorrow maybe. It's 11:00 @ night right now. I'm super stoked!
I was in cold weather training in the Marines. This technique was taught with one change. We dug around the tree and wrapped the tarp like a roof attached to the tree. It’s astonishing how warm a single candle makes. I slept like a baby .Update I looked through all my old Marine stuff and found the section. Called The TREE PIT SHELTER is another form of immediate shelter.
Thank you for serving 🇺🇲
Thanks For Your Service
Thanks for that advice, you just never know
Question… how do you reduce the amount of moisture from the breath and body? Would I do tarp first, than blanket? Or would I do a wool Or alpaca blanket? Material matters I’m sure for keeping moisture from permeating our clothing.
I've done that in freezing temps for two days with just body heat also you can cover your mouth with a bandana it will filter the fumes and warm you up even faster ,but I would put my head out now and then to breath fresh air.
I was homeless for 10 years and spent most of that time living in a tent in woodland.
During cold periods I used to use tealight candles to warm my tent and I've no doubt it stopped me freezing to death.
WOW! How did you end your homelessness?
I've been homeless over 2 years, and I sleep in my car. No where to put up a tent in this overcrowded city, nor is it allowed... It's been cold at night and I turn my car on and do my best to heat it up.
How did you cook your heroin?
I did it for 5 year's.. I used a tarp, and made like a triangle tent one side tied on a fence or tree and the other to my bag.. I would light a small candle. Kept me very warm... Slept good.. cardboard also helped to sleep on.. generate a lot of heat..
ZERO reason to be HOMELESS in the U ASS A !!
65 yr old Indigenous woman here. Lived in the woods in a tent for about 15 yrs. Knew how to insulate my tent with snow, had a few old cookie tins full of votive candles and bee's wax. Was able to get the temp in the tent around 60°. This turned the snow packed closest to the tent into ice which helped even more. Knowledge learned from my elders.
I appreciate learning from elders and people like yourself who share their practical wisdom. It’s amazing how “stupid” we (younger generations) are becoming because of modern day society (I.e. how tents all come with warnings now to avoid open flame, so we grow up accustomed to that). We’ve lost the ways when we are not taught. Thank you and God bless.
I appreciate learning from elders and people like yourself who share their practical wisdom. It’s amazing how “stupid” we (younger generations) are becoming because of modern day society (I.e. how tents all come with warnings now to avoid open flame, so we grow up accustomed to that). We’ve lost the ways when we are not taught. Thank you and God bless.
I appreciate learning from elders and people like yourself who share their practical wisdom. It’s amazing how “stupid” we (younger generations) are becoming because of modern day society (I.e. how tents all come with warnings now to avoid open flame, so we grow up accustomed to that). We’ve lost the ways when we are not taught. Thank you and God bless.
@NaziLover99 bro 😭
Of course I also built a leanto (small) for my wood and cook pit.
25 years ago I was homeless and it was winter. I had a 1977 Dodge pickup with no heater. I had a large candle maybe 6 in tall by maybe 3 in wide or something like that. I would open the glove box light it and let it warm up the cab of the truck. would have a blanket and my dog. after it warmed up a little bit and it would just took some candle. I would blow it out and go to sleep. on a really cold nights I might have to do that two more times before morning. but it allowed me to survive relatively decently even on the coldest nights and that was heating up the whole truck cab. this method works very well. glad you brought it to the public attention. namaste
When I was younger, I asked my dad if I could accompany him to help turn on the wind machines one cold, cold January night. If the temperature dipped too low, all the citrus in the groves froze, and had to go to juice rather than fresh fruit for eating. Farmers initially used "smudge pots" or even irrigation to try to save their crops from freez8ng.
Wind machines tended to work better but took a lot of care and monitoring sometimes.
My dad had been doing this for years and went out just about every winter. I always wanted to see what he had to do. Finally, I was old enough to go.
That night, it froze, and as I sat in his truck at 2 am, I began to shake so hard my teeth were chattering, and I couldn't control my body functions. All I could think was that my dad was out there in the cold. I tried to move but couldn't.
Suddenly, the door flew open and my dad jumped in. He grabbed his thermos and poured a hot cup of coffee and said, " Drink this. (The Coffee was bitter)
Then, he started up the truck and turned on the heater.
After awhile, I asked him how he could stand it? He laughed and said, " Yeah. Your mom's coffee is better. "
I never had more respect and admiration for my hard- working father as that night I felt I almost froze my behind off trying to be tough like him. ❤
Stay warm any way you can, everyone.
RIP Dad. ❤
Thank you for sharing that story. It sounds like your dad was very tough with a good sense of humor. Your mom's coffee is better lol.
Thank's for sharing. The things we remember...
Thanks for sharing, hope you and your family are in good spirits!
Really uplifting story. Thanks.
Losing control of bodily functions is the sign of an emergency medical situation. The body of a child is much more susceptible to harm from cold than an adult's. While you may see this story as positive, I had a similar experience with my own father and I still hate him for letting me nearly freeze to death.
Watched your channel for 3 seconds. That’s all I needed. No fluff, no drama, no ego. This is a breath of fresh air.
Size?
@@RETIREDAMATUER
Six inches
So breathing in fumes from burning a candle is "fresh air".....???? .....ok..anyone's pleasure ...I guess...
Ironically a breath of Fresh air is the one thing you won’t get from this video 😂
@@xpost9381 it's part of the fun no?!?
I usually just apologize and the wife lets me come back inside
So it's apologizing that works. I've been doing it wrong this whole time. 😔
Lol
Underrated comment 🤣😂
HaHaHa😁
"Never apologize, it is a sign of weakness." - Some guy on a tv show.
Interesting, after watching the video I got curious and looked at the science behind this technique and apparently candles give off way more heat than I would have guessed. A single candle produces 80W of heat, a resting human male produces about 100W of heat. So that little candle is almost the equivalent of having an entire second person huddled under that blanket with you.
Yes it’s concentrated fire lol 😂 haven’t you seen a candle in real life ??
@@knighter2776 It's not really surprising. Most people don't realize how much heat a candle makes because most people never used one to warm up
@@johnwayne7290 lmao. This is one of the funniest comments I've ever heard of. It's true though, I definitely haven't, or at least not my entire body. Just my hands. Yep, it's fire alright though, shit will straight up burn you if you're not careful with it 😂
Take a little clay pot and place it upside down over the candle and you made yourself a very effective space heater.
So why need a girlfriend
I'm 62 years old, and my grandfather taught me this trick when I was eight. You tell people that you can warm yourself up with a candle outside in the snow, 99% of the people won't believe you. Good video.
This is definitely worth knowing, if you go deep into the woods, and you're right I can't believe a candle can generate that much heat.
Do you tell them you can warm yourself up with a candle, a wool blanket, and a tarp? Or just a candle?
I carry a supply of tea lights for this. Often you need 2 as the flame is smaller than a normal candle. I personally use tarps rather than wool blankets but I believe wool blankets could be the better option for this.
@@gordonlawrence1448 I would expect the wool blankets to insulate better than a tarp, yes
Where did your grandfather learn it?
Very cool tip. Thanks! As Yukon bushcrafter Dick Person used to say: "The more knowledge you carry in your head, the less gear you need to carry on your back."
Totally agree!!
SO true.
Wisdom weighs nothing....
Everyone with a minimum of sense will still carry the gear or stay the fuck out of the woods. I can't really think of any scenario that will leave you in the winter woods with just a tarp, a blanket, a lighter and a candle but nothing else unless you completely fucked up your packing and planning.
This technique will likely stop you from freezing to death for some hours, but you'll suffer frostbite in your feet, be cramped all over and not be able to do much after the candle burns out. And then what?
Excellent
@@DH-rj2kv then you lived a few hours longer than without it.
As a Marine, I went through the winter cold weather survival training program - the candle trick was never mentioned. But we did have a lot of wool blankets. I recently graduated from the Advanced Mountaineering class by the Colorado Mountain Club - the candle trick was never mentioned. I do however carry several Beeswax candles in my winter survival kit. I'd stay away from the Paraffin candles that black smoke you see is toxic - especially under a blanket!
Thank you for serving!❤️🤍💙
Good advice thank you
Like everything becoming apparent. The closer to nature, the better is is for us in general.
We live in our van and use a similar technique. We light a three candle lantern. Crack a front window a bit, and use a USB fan to keep the ambient air reasonably warm. We also utilize wool blankets and good clothing. But in a smaller area it's a viable option to help stay warm. Put a couple space blankets in the windows, insulate yourself best as possible if you ever find yourself stranded in your vehicle.
This type of technique can save your life.
One safety rule, never forgot you are dealing with an open flame. Always respect that
wool blanket does not burn in fact it will smother out a fire.
Nicely done. This technique was taught to us in USAF SERE school in the 90s. Very simple but effective way to warm up without giving away your position.
I train RAF pilots SERE training and haven’t seen this come up as we don’t issue them woollen blankets. What kind of blankets did you have for your training?
Morgan C - our pilots don’t have blankets either, but if they kept a panel of their parachute or have a poncho or survival map - that can be used in place of this wool blanket. Also, if they have some plastic sheeting or insulation from their aircraft (from a cargo plane) then they could use that in place of the blanket.
I trained in my moms backyard, Northern Canada. Can agree, this works.
@@K0UM0M I trained in my bed, Earth I can say it's effective too
ARMY Medic 68W
I agree with you.
Im curious what "FM" (field manual) issued taught this specific SERE survival tip?
I've heard a lot of people carry a candle in their cars/vans in Alaska just in case they get stuck in the snow for the same reason. You just light the candle and depending on the size of a candle it should last a few hours and keep the inside of the car above freezing.
really?
@@hughsmith790 many are trying to learn about survival in these end times. God bless
@@hughsmith790 What size of candle did you use and how long did it last?
We always keep packs of hot hands/ hot feet packs in our cars, during colder months, just in case they're needed, bc they're so great at instantly warming people up 🙂 When we're in the heat, we keep instant ice packs & frozen water bottles in our car, anytime we go anywhere, just in case we break down. I also keep a few other things (like 1st aid kit, collapsible cones, high visibility cloths, led strobe light, etc...), just in case they're needed. My kids always teased me about them, but I always told them it's better to be safe, than sorry, so we prepared for car breakdowns, same as we prepare our house, for hurricanes... they finally appreciated my preparations, after we'd broken down in both extreme temps (obviously, on separate occasions😉), but having the instant heat and instant cold packs, made such huge differences, while we were stuck for hours in those temps🙂
@@Anita-uz1mi These end times? 🤨
Gee, refreshing to hear the word 'trick' instead of 'hack' for once!
So right. Often wonder if folks actually know the meaning of hack?
Right . I've called a few people hack and it's not a compliment lol
ProTip: sure, thats because it really was a "trick", he had heat from the electronics driving up the temp, not his tiny lil candle.
NPC Zoomed says Hack
@Vlad Semko roofing is my reference lol
I've been doing this in my bed since I was a kid, just without the candle, only using the warm air that leaves my nose/mouth under the blanket, especially now that I live in a apartment that gets cold af during winter due to no proper insulation. Never knew that it was a survival technique, lol.
Lmao same 😂😂 I just did it by instinct
Thank god you didn't burn the house down...😂
I used this method in the Danish army back in the 90's, also to dry out my uniform a bit. There is a better way to do it. Sit on a tree stump, your helmet, log or what not. Use a poncho instead of a blanket, or use the tarp on top of the blanket. I would say a wool blanket will let a lot of pass through it. Anyway, tie the cord for the hood around your neck (not too tight LOL), place the lit candle on the ground and keep the poncho closed. Open the poncho now and then in order to let the steam from your clothes out. Works in moderately cold weather. This will not warm your feet though.
Velkendt tip i den danske hær når man er old school, som os Lars :)
@@johnborup4575 Helt sikkert! Det spiller bare.
You was in Danish Army? Are You not Russian?
I enjoy your channel. It is neat to see you follow other winter survival channels. More tank camping. Lol.
Привет-привет из Россия-Сибирь-Алтай, подписан на тебя, с удовольствием смотрю твои видосы. А я всё думал, почему у тебя такой прикольный акцент. Желаю успехов! )))
Left out one thing. Once the space has warmed up open up your outer layers. That way you can warm your core faster with the warm air in the blanket rather than having your clothing layers warm up first before it gets to your core. Little trick I learned in my Canadian army days camping out in -40 weather.
Yes. Wearing coat,, etc also insulates you from the warmth.
@@Lili-xq9sn well yea. But the point was to warm up as fast as possible I believe. That’s why you open up.
@@_RobBanks read it again m8
@@Dankuzmeemusmaximus I caught that too, lol
I've snowboarded 1000 times. A few when we were caught in 40 below. This works while smoking a bowl. Bundle up with a candle. And I love that flannel lol My Shell jacket is lined with that only in my head and shoulder area.
To avoid the fumes from a candle made with petroleum products, use one made from beeswax.
👊🏻very true
@Adrian T well he ain’t wrong and when I hunt the Rockies I use them in my tent to warm it and beeswax has no smell 😎
Or go medieval and use a rushlight, soaked in bacon grease.
Never mind the petroleum products, the carbon monoxide will kill you no matter which you burn, unless you ventilate of course!
@@clivenewton7609 👍🏻
Nobody can hold a candle to you! Keep up the great work!
two of us got soaked on top of the Unita mountains once. After the rain passed, we sat down on a boulder facing each other and pulled a poncho liner around our shoulders forming a tent with both of us inside; except our heads where outside at the top. We put the heat in the middle. In a matter of minutes, steam from our wet clothing was pouring out. Saved us from a cold miserable situation.
I am now keeping a slow burning candle in my pack with me on all my winter adventures. Awesome tip man
@Petal Pusher yes very true. I think the main thing here is keeping a blanket with you, I spent many cold nights in an undesirable place and the only thing to keep me warm was pulling a blanket over my head and using my breath to warm up the "tent"
@Petal Pusher Personally I carry about 100 ordinary matches, 50 storm matches, a ferrorod or two a butane lighter and a zippo equivalent. The whole lot asses together is 120g or a bit under 4.5 Oz.
@@gordonlawrence1448 1 is none and 5 is some. Seem like are packs R similar that way.
@Petal Pusher shake the lighter if it wont light.
ALWAYS HAVE CANDLES ...MASON JAR ...AND MATCHES AND LIGHTERS IN YOUR CAR AT ALL TIMES....THE CAB ACTS AS YOUR DOME...IN AN ACCIDENT OR LOSS OF POWER OR GAS....YOU WONT FREEZE TO DEATH.
Just told my son to keep a couple of candles in his truck. He's a hiker and sno-boarder and loves being outside in New England winters. This could be a lifesaver. Also suggested he subscribe to Coalcracker Bushcraft. Thanks.
Yeah but he should take the candles with him while he's doing those things. Having them in the truck while he's hiking isn't gonna' help.
Candles are a great way to get a fire started without burning out your lighter or matches
Keep a small can of crisco with lantern wick pushed down into it. heat and light. place a ceramic pot over and it is a better heater.
@@tbyoda9475 I made a video about making candles from grease leftover from cooking. I'm sure they'd work the same way! We also used to use a metal can, a roll of t.p. and a bottle of alcohol as a heater, though the smoke would probably be worse.
My grandfather used to carry an old metal flashlight that was broken but he filled the interior with wax and candle wick
All of you service men and women in here, thank you for all you've done for us.
@@ms16648 nothing, we served the bankers.
Just came across this vid. I used to do something similar to this back when I was a kid. I lived out in the deep woods. During the year I would have a few lean tos placed around in various locations across the acres. In winter time you would have to know right where they were under the snow. Them me and my brothers would sneak candles in each one and when we got too cold we would hop in and chill for about 20 min and warm up easy. At one point my mom said she did not understand how we could be out in the cold for hours and yet whenever she checked us out we were toasty. Good times. Great video.
I never used a candle...I just watched what the animals did...and did that lol. I was in the woods constantly as a kid. I miss it
Nice choice of word for "relax" in that context: "chill"!
Sasquatch out there? Serious question
@@HollerAtcherBoi what do you need
@@HollerAtcherBoi yes. Its Dan.
Dan, I did this for three years, on six to eight week deployments of training areas in Germany, back in the 1970’s. Temperatures below zero Fahrenheit, snow one to three feet deep, I’d squat, back against a tree, on my heels. With my poncho over my head, I’d light a little can of Sterno between my feet. When I felt sleepy I’d slip the lid on, fire out and sleep for 30 - 40 minutes. It worked fine. I’d wake up, go check security, radios, the men, and go back for another sleep. It’s not great; but, it’ll get you through a few weeks and you don’t have to have a sleeping bag. Texas
Grafenwoehr?
That kinda shit will turn you into a man
Graf, Hohenfels, Wildflecken
Would this work with a hurricane lamp in a well ventilated shelter?
As a teen, we were out in a snow cave. My friend woke my up in the middle of the night shivering and getting close to hypothermia. I lit two tea candles and after just a couple minutes, all of us were warm and safe. Candles are great to have along for any kit or trip.
Snow or ice works better because water is a phase change material. It will keep the surface at 32 degrees regardless of how much colder the is temperature outside.
Must have in any winter survival kit. That and always a small mirror.
Use scented candles(vanallia my favorite) to ward off hunger.
Alan Kidd : About 30 years ago when I was dating my soon-to-be-wife,she took me to see this outdoor shrine.
It was at night in the middle of winter and bitterly cold.
But in this outdoor shrine people had lit candles and it was actually quite warm.Almost to warm with all the winter clothes we had on.
That illustrated to me the power of a small flame.
@@stanleycronk4136 hehehe
Handy trick to know. I'm a trucker and I have broke down in Wyoming. I used three candles in a coffee can to warm the truck sleeper.
Finnish tip, make a temporary shelter and use pine tree branches to keep your bottom dry. Top of the shelter branches with snow. You can keep warm at any temperature and sleep in if you have a fire. Summer version is to use moss as toppings instead of snow, and you can sleep in it down to -1 degree Celsius.
i was wondering if anyone knew about the rabit hole shelter. the way this guy dose it, is a slow but sure death if not rescued or he falls asleep or starts a fire
@@joeydepalmer4457 If your in extreme conditions your going to go anyway, this is a good life hack.
@@kathrynstewart-mcdonald Every comrade gangsta until the snow says saatana perkele
@@kathrynstewart-mcdonald Finnish Simo Häyhä, the deadliest WWll sniper, was credited with 542 kills. Amazing!
Don't be ridiculous, not at any temperature. That trick wouldn't work at absolute zero (zero kelvin).
I’ve been living outside in northern Maine for the last nine months or so. My main thing is eat a high calorie meal right before bed. It really stokes your metabolism especially on nights when the weather is too cruddy for a fire.
Quick materials observation, a beeswax candle burns hotter than a paraffin one, and the smoke is cleaner. Too, a wool blanket is the best choice since wool is flame resistant as well as warm even when damp.
TBH, I would have thought beans would help 😅
Good point about wool being more fireproof.
Fellow mainer here. It's getting warmer!
I live outside to with my pack
I went through the Arctic Survival Course in the Air Force years ago in Alaska and this like a lot of other techniques are very effective even down to 60 below zero F. You can make or buy a small enclosed lantern that uses the large candles and decrease the likelihood of flame against your clothes or blanket and if you don't like the smell of the candle or the possibility of CO inhalation you can tuck the blanket around your face and allow a small passageway to breathe through to the outside air. Lots of options and very effective to survive in seriously cold environments.
i’m glad you have a lot more experience than u do. is condensation an issue in extreme low temps? it’s been an issue with a lot of “extreme” camps i’ve been doing with other small flammable heat source.
I would be great at this because I can stand outside in jeans and short sleeves for hours at 0-10°f already and not get that cold. Cold isn't real, but it can kill you. I use to be able to swim in an ice pool for hours no problem. Idk why, but cold doesn't really bother me for 2-3 hours. Then it gets annoying and starts to hurt a little especially my hands.
Small terracotta pot and an empty aluminum can are a great impromptu "lantern" for your candle heater
@@eric-mouse In the extreme cold with temps below 0 F and down into the -40-60 there is no humidity and the moisture from your breath freezes almost instantly until the temps inside your hide or cave climbs above 0 deg. That is one of the reasons I suggested breathing through a tunnel in the blanket to the outside so that moisture is not trapped inside. If there is enough snow cover, it is best to make a snow cave and use that instead of the blanket for your shelter. You still have to watch when temps inside get above freezing inside as the moisture and the surface layer of snow will melt and trickle down but if you arch the ceiling it will run down the sides and refreeze. Actually quite cozy inside even with just your body heat and breath to warm the place up. It helps to have a waterproof poncho to cover up with and sit or lie on as well. In the extreme cold, there is no convection heat transfer to speak of, just radiant heat. You can stand next to fire and be hot on one side and freezing on the other at the same time.
@@chroniccrypto5621 Sounds like your thermostat is turned up very high. You would probably suffer here in the south during the summer.
I've done this at home a lot. Most seem to know it, they just don't realize how much it actually does.
Not only can it be game changing, but life changing as well
Game changing lolz
" i think they died when they were 40 something anyway." 😂😂😂 I love this guy!
Ask him when he is 40 something. He must be thinking this is never gonna happen! As we all know it happens at the blink of an eye.
That was a hoot! . . At 2:05 tehehe Reason why I even stayed n watched the rest of his video!
Many perished in blanket fires.
well to be fair, he was referencing what they did back in the days. most people only lived to 50 i believe
@@senerzen lol
I'm doing this right now in my living room! Seriously the power has been out, I'm using lots of the little tricks my grandpappy taught me.
I spent a night in Northern VT like this. Got lost going from 1 camp to another. Didn't want to walk at night and chance getting more turned around. My dad always taught me to be ready to sleep where I am just encase. It saved my life
Smart father
In case. Unless you were encased in snow.
@@b4ds33d
Yes.
I'm sure you are a very tough guy Eric , but don't the army operate at night too?
Anyway bud don't get too camp you can make-up for it and im sure one of the other guys in one of your outfits will man up on your behalf.
Stay strong soldier 🦾🦿🤳
@@breakfast917 who's Eric?
It’s middle of winter it might be a little more difficult to find them than if it was Fall, but being in the woods…tuck your shirt and jacket into your pants waistband then stuff tree leaves in between the layerings of your shirt and jacket. The leaves will insulate like crazy and keep your core temperature properly warm where it needs to be. Old and gritty survival technique but extremely effective
I used that method once. I was so tired and fell asleep. The candle lit the blanket on fire. Wasn’t that bad even though. Another thing I use is dried sap from a pine tree. If you don’t have a candle and you’re near pine trees look for dried sap on the trunk of the tree. Clump it and liqht it up...burns just like a candle...good fire starter too..🎚🇺🇸🇺🇸🎚🎚🇺🇸😎
Won't happen with a merino wool blanket fortunately...although I think when it smolders it gives off some pretty unpleasant toxins(?)/gases(?)...stuff..
Isn't that what they call fat wood?
As the great Terry Pratchett said "Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life."
Don't Eskimos use seal fat hanging over an oil lamp to warm igloos?
@@AchillesWrath1In Boy Scouts decades ago we called it lighter pine and used sticks of it as kindling fire starters. Amazing how it burns. Used it camping near Econ Fina in the Florida Panhandle. Best taken from a dead pine stump.
Done that with a poncho, put candle (tea light) inside metal cup to reduce chance of flame touching poncho. Works really well
We always used a candle or two when in Norway doing Arctic Training, in snow holes and in our tent sheets, amazing how much of a difference it makes.
I prefer a reusable hot pouch. Gets very warm and boil to reuse. I carry four of them. They stay warm up to three hours or more.
Awesome! Thank you for your service! Tusen tusen Takk! I have Norwegian cousins outside of Bergen! Beautiful country in Vestland! Wonderful people!
Oh yeah? Are ya training up to go get the fraud out of the whitehouse?
Torsten Norgate, you have the most awesome Norwegian name, if you have encountered a cooler name I'd like to hear it!
@@OrangeDiamond33 You mean the orange one? He's already gone. If you like him, you can train to get him out of jail...
My granddaddy was born in 1899. His father was a Confederate soldier. My granddaddy was a WW1 veteran. He raised rabbits, honey bees, and grew three 1 acre victory gardens and worked as a postman for the USPS all through the Great Depression and WW2 Home Front shortages and supported 9 people. He taught me a lot about " pioneer skills." He passed away in 1989.
When I was young we made snowcastles and put candles in the walls. Outside temperature was between -10 to -20'C and it was actually quite comfy inside the castle with few candles. We usually put some spruce branches in front of the "frontdoor" to get some wind coverage.
Where were you born and what year ?
Yes!
Snow forts, front door coverage and candles!
@@julesking8355 1985 in Finland 👍🏻
😊
And we can be without shirt outside easily when it is -5 c outside nice warm temperature to us and when it is -20 c we go to sauna . I love winter more than summer you can't hide from the heat but you can protect yourself from the cold much better
We used to do this, but under a US poncho in the army in the 80's during the cold war
lol, cold war
LOL Ew-rah! So did it become a warm-war?
@@bluenoteone Nope, the soviets lost without a fight :D
But its a good tip, it helps a lot here in skandinavia in the winter
75-78 Panzer Kaserne Boblingen Germany. Apc driver. No heater in it. We did not know to do this. We sat on top of the exhaust grate. Hey brother!
Did y’all have a woobie to go w the poncho?
I've been binge watching your channel for 3 weeks now and I've got to say, you are the best teacher on UA-cam by far. Since watching your channel, I have now made myself a haversack for when I go scouting and I also made myself a canvas tarp with tie outs. Im currently waiting for my red iron oxide to show up in the mail so I can start oil painting my tarp. Your a great guy with great content. Thank you and please keep it up
Spot on, Dustin!
Dan is an outstanding teacher. The content contained in his videos is useful and easily put into practice. Unlike far too many others on the Tube, Dan delivers and quickly! Learn something useful and smile in no time at all. Thank you, Dan!!!
@@tylerfoss3346 Definitely, I've yet to watch anyone else on UA-cam that gets right to point without confusing you 5+ times on the way. And the bit of humor he adds in makes it that much more enjoyable to watch
Great life saving technique. Thank you. I am sharing this with all my friends who are outdoor enthusiasts
This makes very good sense. I don't have
heat for overnight and have found that when I go to bed I can simply pull the covers over my head, breathe deeply (not too quickly)and be warm in minutes.
You can make a bed tent. Use a blanket and tuck it all around the mattress and over your head board. You then get less condensation but still are a lot warmer.
Yup, works really well. It's not enough for anything below 15 degrees outside but wi do just fine at 30-50 temperatures.
Watch out with tucking your head in.
Your breath expels liquid vapors and will freeze if you're not careful.
👏🏻 I learned about this trick a while ago, but try to do it with a silver emergency blanket, you will warm up extremely fast even in Alaskan type temperatures.
I read somewhere that Simon Kenton, a frontier contemporary of Daniel Boone, used this same system to stay warm and undetected while exploring alone in the Ohio and Kentucky areas. Instead of a candle, he would dig a hole in the ground, build a small fire that could be fed with tree bark, sit with the fire between his legs and pull a blanket over top of himself. For Simon, it was a way to stay warm and reduce the chance of being found by Indians.
Good tip for stealth provided the candle is smokeless. You can smell smoke a mile away.
Good thing, eh? improves our chances of surviving a fire :D
yep a fire between the legs warming your femoral artery and therefore your blood is a great tip, thanks for your coment
@charles I was thinking the same thing. I remember that book, amazing stories from Simon Kenton and Daniel Boone. I think they said they used sycamore because it didn’t create a lot of smoke.
risk of carbon monoxide poisoning?
@@dandeleona4760 Some of the firemen I worked with over the years claim that to be true...I only had my tank fail once and my female paramedic partner dragged my butt to safety - when I regained consciousness she was standing over me saying "You need to lose some weight fat boy." ELLEN wasn't a smoker, but a great partner.
we were always taught growing up in Canada, to travel with candles in the car - in case you are stranded in the winter, you light that candle and it will help you survive. My friend grew up with a single parent ( her mom) and they had to use this method when they were stranded in the 80's and they had no prob staying warm until help came.
I was taught that by my grandpa when I was a kid. But honestly, I forgot all about it until you kick started my memory. Thank you. Nice to be reminded of knowledge forgotten in age.
Yup. I had some really excellent summer camps that taught us really good stuff. Good times...
When I lived in the canadians rockies, we always had blankets and candles in our cars for exactly that purpose. When we got snowed in on the road we would do this when gas was too low.
Actually did this during a big freeze and power outage here in eastern ky a while back although I was inside.
I used another hack I had learned too, and that was taking a long candle and sticking it in a can of crisco or any can of shortening. It provides light and heat from 24-36 hours, and it's odorless.
Do that with flower pots and metal exhaust tubing and a computer fan, or stove top fan.
Hey, we're neighbors 👍
@@YAHsWay
Don't you need electricity for the fan?
@@horizontide568 you ky, WV, or Ohio?
@@jeffreyb6165 SE KY
I have an Alaskan buddy who told me they were also taught to use a snow drift to make a small igloo and poke a small hole in the top with a stick and use this same technique. He Said itd get +40 or 50 but when it was -30 outside it was the difference between freezing to death and living. Apparently this was because out in the bush if your snow machine broke down you were a dead man. (No cell phones back then). Awesome video man
Yes, I have slept in such. Snow is very good insulator and a small snow cave will warm up when people are inside, even without candles. This trick was nice, very quick setup.
When I served in the Canadian military every Arctic survival kit had a red arctic candle in them. I currently carry 2 in my truck. I’ve. Used the candle and blanket method plenty.
Much love from the USA 💪🏾🇺🇸
how well does this work when it is -10C and the wind is blowing?
From your neighbor to the south, thank you for your service. I appreciate you.
@@r3gret2079 31yrs. Would do it again tomorrow. Spent plenty of time with my brothers (and women) in arms from the USA, in some pretty horrible places. Thankx for your kind words. The world needs more of it
@@bishop198666 I’ve used this method in -40*F/C..if your skilled and compact you’ll get it up to -20c
Thanks for mentioning NESSMUK (George Washington Sears). He was an Adirondack guide and conservationist in the late 1800's who wrote the book: "Woodcraft and Camping" that gives his tips on hunting, fishing, camping and survival techniques. My late father was a big fan of Nessmuk and introduced me to his book decades ago. I highly recommend his book for anyone who spends time in the woods.
Thank you. I'll be checking this book out! Have you ever looked at the Foxfire books?
Great video. For anyone worried about soot, I’ll add that you should trim the wick on the candle to 1/8 inch. Doing so it will reduce the amount of soot, and the candle will burn longer. Though it won’t creat as much heat.
I use my UCO candle lantern in my 2 man tent in the winter. With a trimmed wick the candle burns steady all night long without melting wax everywhere. It’s warm enough to hang out in a t shirt. I’ve read that the flame will extinguish before the oxygen levels get too low (for anyone worried about it). Thanks for the video, dude. :)
A bit more pricey but you can use beeswax candles too as they produce little to no smoke.
It's a tent, it's not airtight
Any danger to breathing in fumes while sleeping? Don't want to wake up dead.
@@PaulDo22 I sure hate it when I wake up dead. Good luck dude!
@@PaulDo22 if you're dead,don't worry you won't wake up.
I love the videos on UA-cam which make people talk about their life and experiences. I enjoy hearing about peoples history
This presentation appears to be for 3 kinds of men and women whom lived under these frigid temperatures and survived.
The current and ex-military, those who live and hunt on the frontier, and the homeless communities.
Thumbs Up for this no-frills remedy to survive the cold weather!
So true...God, bless them all.
@@nickc8819 Mr. Nick, who you telling.
I will use this next time I'm in my camper shell and the temps drop to below freezing!
@@jamesbinns8528 Mr. Binns, GOOD LUCK! Also, have a backup plan if that does not work.
Put two tealights in an Altoids can. The lid can be made to stand perpendicular to the bottom by jamming a large gem clip into the hinge. Use a few drops of wax to fasten the candles into the can. The can will warm you and can be used as a light because the lid acts as a reflector. Use with a Heatsheet Emergency blanket over and around you so that your face is exposed. Good video. Good Luck, Rick
Learned this in Army ECW school. When you start getting cold this is a life saver..... literally. Love the cold
This works. I used a small closed cell foam pad to sit on, and a space blanket which reflects lots of heat. Perfectly comfortable in light fleece jacket in -9 degrees weather. Hello Colorado!
There is an old trick that saved my life once with an old army great coat. Boots off, feet down the arm holes, boots back on and flip the coat over you. I woke up with several inches of snow over me but I'm typing this now. People with four walls and a roof don't really appreciate it until it's gone.
You got that rite. Stay strong my friend
Yooo, I used to pass out drunk n stay alive the exact same way. I still miss that coat!
....being in decent shape.
They should be grateful, I'm homeless and live in survival mode every day.
When I think of our ancestors I thank God I live in a house, with electricity, and running water. Life was rough.
You got that last part right.
I actually used this to save my life and my brothers life, when we were about 16. He's my stepbrother. We would have frozen to death, for sure, being lost trying to find our camp, in backwoods Vermont, during hunting season. We made it until light, and made it to the camp a couple hours later. My brother was impressed with my survival skills.
Proud of you champ! Blessings were with you that day!
Teach this same technique to any young ones in or outside of the family bloodline incase they are ever in a situation like you & your brother were. Dark days will sadly be coming soon for us here in the US.
@the black spot haha, that part made me stop for a moment^^, i got step sibblings myself
@@brandonconstantine3853 What dark days brotha man?
lies
This is actually a method I have planned for if my home loses all heat in the winter. I've got a freestanding dome tent with a complete snow fly and a candle lantern. That thing will get toasty with a couple of people in it quite quickly.
The other option is a proper tea light heater. Inner ceramic pot with no hole. Outer ceramic pot about 2 inched bigger diameter bigger with a hole. You also need a ceramic tray or holder that gives about 2 inches spacing under the pots. Light the tea light and then put the small pot over it. This catches most of the soot increasing air quality. Put the other pot centred over the first and you have a candle powered convection heater. You can put up to 3 candles underneath without a problem. The thing to watch for is if the inner pot has not been fired 100% correctly it can cause enough stresses to explode. I recommend testing each pot outside with 3 candles. If you use 3 candles it's enough to take the chill off a small room.
I have my baby's pack n play. I can turn it upside down.
Good thinking.
@@Another-Address city patterns...come on man or girl...that's doesn't work grey or black and blue
I always keep 3+ fleece blankets in my car, I have 3 children, my youngest 5yrs, I usually bring her a blanket when traveling so enough for each of us and a gal of fresh water. (Should be 1 gal per person when traveling). In cases of a breakdown, both are important (minus food- but most parents travel with snacks for their [young] kids). But now, I think candle sticks will be something I keep in my trunk with the blankets 💕
We used to make ice caves and with just a candle we could warm up our caves to 60+ in about an hour and it really did not matter how cold it was outside, so long as you ensured you could close off your entrance or make it so the wind would not draft in. Plus the warm air would condense on the sides of the ice cave, freeze and make it that much stronger.
This video caught my attention, because I'm currently reading the accounts of some of the Andes plane crash survivors in 1972, sixteen of whom managed to live for 72 days at 11,000 feet. I'm fascinated by and enthralled with these heroes of endurance who finally were rescued when two of them hiked roughly 40 miles up and down sheer mountains until they were able to raise the alarm.
the plot sickens ~ ice nine kills
They also resorted to cannibalism, but that's another story.
@@fredsilvers1427 yeah but a tasty one .. .. ..
They ate the dead, it's called Andes long pork. Not making light, it's happened enough that it's not as "Shocking" as it once was. I live in one of the hottest places on earth, if I had to choose it would without thought or question 1000% the COLD. I HATE the desert! every life form bites or stings you, they view us, humans, as ugly bags of mostly water, and what is more valuable than life, because without it is Death ....its water lol Trust me once the temperatures rise to 120 degrees and above during the day and never falling below 90 degrees at night your body is in survival mode, it a triggers a weather warning, well we got hit with 9 months of the hottest since we started taking records...fries your brain..great what's I even talking about...
@@Alethiometer can't you move to a colder place? Lots space here in Canada.... also..why are you watching this video? Lol
Incredible piece of info. I can bet this might save a life or two. Nothing is worse than being wet and cold and trying to build a sleep shelter. I was taught that in the arctic, the hierarchy of survival is shelter, water, food. Fire falls near the bottom as its not necessary in the first hours. I know, I was just as skeptical until the airman's survival course (cool school) proved it.
Thank you. Knowledge like that gives you an instant sub. The Reindeer herders in Siberia do the same thing. The only difference is their in Siberia, and they use two plastic sheets a few feet apart to trap the air, and this set up they use under their Teepee type tents. They also weave a ball, a large ball, of reeds together when sudden blizzards happen, and just using body heat from two people survive inside of it. Good to know.
This seems so simple yet I would have never thought to do it. Thank you sir.
As a young man I usex to build Athabascan quinzees for winter snow shelters. All I ever used for heat was a single candle... and you could maintain a temp above 40 F even in -30 degree weather (Manitoba winters!). Candles work and their cheap!
I saw Perry Peacock from wilderness innovations demonstrate this method using one of their excellent ponchos with the added advantage you have some control over the ventilation. Says it kept him warm all night! Thanks for all your hard work bringing us these great videos. Regards from deepest Dorset England 👍
Clive, check out the candle & flowerpot heaters they used to use in the home air raid shelters during WW2 in the UK....🤔 but it's not like everyone carries a terracotta flowerpot camping😖😞.
I've stacked small stones round the hexamine burner, then put the stones in my pockets to warm up & dry out my trousers before...... ah, Brecon!!!⚔️🇬🇧😞
a good tip and trick to survival. Overall, ALWAYS be prepared when living or going to any place that would kill you if you were stranded outside.
I always carry some storm candles in my winter car kit, wont keep you warm indefinitely but will help take the chill out of your bones for sure.
also, don't underestimate the heat of your breath. even just trapping that without a candle is very useful. cover your head and try to trap all the heat your body is radiating.
Considered dangerous by survivalist to use your exhale for warmth due to the moisture that can freeze
This is why I keep blankets, candles, and a coffee can in my truck. I wrap a wool blanket around me with a mover's blanket outside that, then put a candle down into the coffee can. For hiking, I swap out the full-size can for an empty soup tin.
I've experimented with this trick a little bit ... it really does work.
Since I mostly carry a Trangia stove with me I got curious and tried another thing: When heating water for my coffee, I just (CAREFULLY) pull a poncho over my knees and stick my head inside. I can guarantee you a Trangia stove gives up an immense amount of heat. It heats up the inside of the poncho so fast that I have used this methode to dry wet sweaty underwear on my body. You have the feeling of being in a hot room. Once my water is ready I put the simmer ring on the trangia and let it continue to burn with a smaller flame. That way it acts like a huge candle.
So in summary you can use an alcohol stove for this as well.
Yeah, good stuff. I can rate this technique. Used to live out in a tent and during the winters, a few candles burning saved me from some really miserable situations.
When I lived where it was very cold used to have a survival kit in the back of the car. A big part of it was an old coffee can with a couple holes poked in the bott, a couple of candles and a blanket. The can helps funnel the heat, but also makes it easier to use inside a car. It's surprisingly warm.
We started making ' buddy burners' when my son was in beaver scouts. Empty can, leftover wax and cardboard. I couldn't believe how well they work. Coalcracker got me into the woolly blankets and clothes and now I don't fear 'death by cold' as much as I used to. Cheers from Edmonton aka Santa's south 40.
Another outstanding video. 50 is still cold if you are stuck in it for days on in like my wife and I were recently without power in 8 degree texas weather, but if you are already 24 degrees outside, a jump to 50 would be a god send!
I am loving this channel.
I recently became homeless for 1st time (female,in my 50s), due to layoff; death of my landlord/ the property got sold; lost my beloved dog too. (Plus skin cancer.) I'm partly living in my truck , I'm gonna try this candle technique , as it's getting down to 35 F nights. Great community of smart survivalists here. Dont fear a thing. 2 Timothy 1:7 . love and light 2 you~~
You're comment made me sad. I'm very sorry to hear about your misfortune. I'll do a metta meditation for you tonight. Hopefully you live in a country where you can apply for emergency benefits?
Mors kochanski taught about candle use for warmth when I took a class of his several years ago he said that a candle puts off the same heat as a persons body heat does. great tip
I think the best thing I ever heard and read Mors talk about was the clothes on your back should be sufficient enough to get you through a full 3-4 days of subzero temps WITHOUT shelter or fire. Like you can literally sit under a pine tree, pull your hood over your head and survive multiple days just sitting there.
If your clothing can't do that then you're not dressed appropriately enough for the conditions and area. It's mind-numbing how many folks I've seen in my life that go to have a "little adventure" out in the woods and all they have on them is flip-flops, shorts, a sleeveless Tshirt, and not even a single bottle of water....🙄
Basically naked. Might as well just be naked.
Also the same exact folks that run into me asking for all kinds of gear and a few sips from my canteen. I've always obliged to help but it's happened so many times to me I'm starting to get p-off about it. Gonna start being "mean" and cutting folks off my gravy train...😕
No school like Hard Knocks University.
@@landofwolves Well, yeah, obviously you shouldn't be wearing every layer you have on if you're moving out somewhere. Tie it up with some cordage and sling it on your back until you get stationary again.
But it's entirely possible to have that appropriate type clothing if you know what you need and what you don't without it being a ridiculous amount of clothing. Getting a true winter "ECWCS" type parka goes a long way with this goal. Propper waterproof and windproof pants/overalls. Waterproof insulated boots with 2 layers of wool socks and a spare pair. Entirely possible. I've done it myself. I haven't went a full 4 days because that's just torture and I'd rather be doing something else than just sitting around in the cold but you can do it.
His main point being many folks are just not properly clothed for the conditions or possible conditions they may encounter.
Yes, essentially you're wearing/bringing a sleeping bag that's not a sleeping bag.
Mors was also big on his "super shelters"...the materials needed to make one can easily fit inside the pockets of your parka and/or cargo pockets....the rest you get from the woods. Even without a fire those bad boys are warm if facing the sun.
Sling a sleeping bag or HBC type wool blanket (queen size minimum), an axe, pocket knife (maybe small saw), and a canteen with a lightweight pot and that's all you really need to pull off weeks of deep winter survival if you have the additional knowledge and experience.
It's not fun but it's possible. I'd say take it up with Mors if you think he's full of it but old man is passed now...RIP, pops.
Mors certainly has been surviving in much colder winters than I'm used to here in Northern PA. I don't think he's messing with you. 😉
@@landofwolves I think the idea is that you have the clothes necessary to survive. It doesn't mean you have to wear then the whole time.
The point is you should have the clothes that will sustain you when your inactive and sitting. When you get active you shed a few layers and then out then back in when your at rest.
Also if you able to create some shelter it will help to trap your body heat and maintain your temperature.
Along side of that it doesn't mean you will survive indefinitely. It just means for a few days which will hopefully buy you time to be rescued or to find resources to help you survive longer or allow you time to hike out.
@@TCM3273 Yep .. what people fail to realise is that going out in weather like that for extended periods is going to entail a certain amount of Clothing 'On and Off' depending on the Activity and access to effective Shelter. Keeping this in mind could be essential for their Survival or at the very least, overall Comfort and Enjoyment of the chosen Activity.
@@pennsyltuckyreb9800 Isn't it amazing? People in the wilderness with no equipment to speak of? 10 foot tall and bulletproof, huh? I ran into a guy once in the middle of Everglades NP in a Bay known for Bull Sharks, crocodiles and alligators in a tiny kayak and I was thinking... a croc slides uo and says hello lunch!
Lol omg I was born and raised here in Alaska and I’ve never used that trick. Nice to know! I once got swept off my four wheeler while crossing the matsu river, I barely made it out but I lost my transportation and my supplies so I had a 8-10 hour hike to get back. I knew Immediately I wasn’t going to make it back by nightfall I only had about 3 hours left of sunlight left so I decided to make a fire. My wet clothes were already starting to freeze so I had to take them off. I needed to get warm and dry off my clothes, using a method my Native American uncle taught me, I used the very ice from the river to create fire. I had to find the clearest ice, mold it into a lens, use the lens as my magnifying glass to focus the sunlight and started the fire. I managed to dry my clothes and gather more brush before it got dark and a few other riders found me that night, they said the spotted the fire from a mile away. Thank god they could see my fire!
You got the best fuel all around you upthere = Pine tree resin!!!!! You welcome!
This has to be a troll post?
@@John_14v6 Yeah complete BS.
You "molded" river ice into a magnifying lens with enough power to focus the light of a setting sun...lol sure
@@michaelvogler9798 As someone living in Alaska right now, there is about a month where it's still cold as balls but the sun hangs high until 1900-2000. It does seem a bit far fetched, but I do believe they could have had enough light! Would love to see that method in action if it's true.
I used this technique when living rough in my tent in the woods it's a life saver 👍👍
That's how my ancestors kept warm! Great trick to know...👍🏻
I lived in Anchorage, Alaska for years and did a lot of winter camping with a 4 Season North Face tent as my cover and used candles a lot. It also helps having a black lab to sleep with lol
Lol
Damn, I miss my Lab.
I'll get rid of my lab and get a black one then.
How did you keep yourself and the dog from knocking the candles over while you slept? I would be worried I would accidently light myself on fire..
@@graciepie7124 you dont really sleep, it's more like passing out for minutes at a time lol
My furnace broke down last winter I only had a tiny space heater that could keep the first whole first floor warm. It’s a horribly insulated house. I lit several candles and it actually helped out quite a bit. At night the little heater was enough to keep one room warm.
Just earned yourself a subscriber man , this trick saved me many times!! Cant wait to binge watch your content
I like your cat.
I would add: Wool blankets are fairly fire resistant, others may not be. Used poncho and liner in NWTC, Ft Greely AK. Also, A small clay pot ot ceramic housing for the candle gives you some thermal mass and seems to work better
Yes. I live in Ireland and I see lots of sheep. I have never seen many on fire. Wool does shrink though. That's why the sheep in spring look tiny. When they thaw out and dry out by summertime they can be quite large again. Sheep rock.
@@jimmymcjimmyvich9052 Thanks for that. I was wondering about how they can make it while burning all the time. I'm glad that they're safe. Especially after thawing!
you want a wool blanket because it retains heat even when wet.
Ft Greely, did you do any hunting near delta junction while you were up here?
My father was a marine and in winter training they would buy all the candles they could get to keep there shelter warmer
Yes as a Royal Marine was the normal practice to keep candle in snow hole and under tent sheets kept above 0 very nicely.
@@markburgess3512 if it’s good enough for RM it’s good enough for me.
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I get more smoke in my lungs when the wind changes on the campfire.
That's why the indians danced around the campfire. They were actually just avoiding the smoke.
Excellent piece of wisdom. Being in Texas right now this is what is in my mind and why your video caught my attention. Seeing other families freezing in their homes, and having our electricity go out for 16 hours with a wife and 5 kids makes you think about making sure you know all the tricks if survival in the cold is needed.
Thanks for sharing!
Bedankt
In the winter I carry a tin coffee can with a large candle, matches and a roll of tolite paper in the car in case I get stranded. you can use the tolite paper and can for bathroom and when you're not light the candle in the can and it heats the car until help arrives
Great idea, wool blanket is probably the best since it's not able to burn in the open atmosphere. Would definitely have to be a bigger blanket on a windy day though. Good stuff dan, thanks for a great tip
Wool also has a ability to retain warmth even when wet.
Many a cold winter night in Germany, I used a candle to heat my tent and even under my poncho similar to your blanket trick.
Tried that in the tent as well with a girl friend, woke up to something on fire and the tent filled with toxic fumes, caught a quick breath of fumes and choked which woke me up thanks to God and managed to rip the tent open and got us out.
@@CyborgVampireBell I’m pretty sure your not supposed to fall asleep until the tent is warmed up enough and you extinguish the flame
@@MrSheckstr lesson learned a little too late lol. Thx anyway. God bless.
Make sure the blanket is wool, because wool doesn't burn and you can even use it to smother out a fire. Also wool will keep you warm even when wet. Love my wool socks.
I'm definitely gonna do this! Only I'll use a beeswax candle, less chemicals, (I already had cancer, I don't do unnecessary chemicals. ) I'm almost always cold. I live ( in BC, Canada ) it's usually a wet cold so it feels really cold, but I just got a wool blanket and I recently made some beeswax candles, so I'll try this out for sure. Tomorrow maybe. It's 11:00 @ night right now. I'm super stoked!
I live at tropical land, but seeing this man share his knowledge i couldn't say no to watch it.
Aren't you supposed to kill a horse or Tauntaun and climb inside the carcass ?
Then light a candle
@@vincenttavani6380 The Khyber crystals are a great source of heat actually
I usually just drink warm urine.
Oh, you mean when You're trying to survive and not just on the regular...
Stuff the horse into the Tauntaun. Climb inside the horse. Bake at 350 for eight hours. Have Taunhorsedude sandwiches for like a year.
@@vincenttavani6380 hahaha
This is AWESOME, thank you! So remember to always have a candle, a lighter, a huge wool blanket, and a tarp to sit on.👍