Winter Survival Camping with Emergency 22 Item Survival Kit
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Date: 2026-01-23
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Comments and reviews: 20
Drrayoldman
I enjoy your videos. But I’d like to give you some professional advice. As a former wilderness and big game hunting guide from the Rocky Mountains of Northwest Montana here’s a suggestion that could save your life.
Anytime, and I mean anytime that you make a decision to set up camp you’re number one priority should be to start a fire and gather wood.
Should you have any type of injury that would prevent you from gathering firewood you would already be prepared. Should darkness close on you as you’re building your shelter you’ve already got light. Should the temperature drop as you’re building your shelter You can warm yourself by the fire. Additionally, once your fire is going if there’s any damp wood, you can stack it around the fire to dry out.
Build yourself a firewall of logs at least waist high on the opposite side of the fire that will be facing your shelter to reflect the heat back to you.
As you’re gathering material for your shelter and darkness, clothes in the fire will easily lead you back to your camp.
This is just a suggestion. But of the hundred overnight excursions that I have been on solo starting a fire and having ample wood has always been my number one priority before I set up camp.
Keep the videos coming I love them
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I enjoy your videos. But I’d like to give you some professional advice. As a former wilderness and big game hunting guide from the Rocky Mountains of Northwest Montana here’s a suggestion that could save your life.
Anytime, and I mean anytime that you make a decision to set up camp you’re number one priority should be to start a fire and gather wood.
Should you have any type of injury that would prevent you from gathering firewood you would already be prepared. Should darkness close on you as you’re building your shelter you’ve already got light. Should the temperature drop as you’re building your shelter You can warm yourself by the fire. Additionally, once your fire is going if there’s any damp wood, you can stack it around the fire to dry out.
Build yourself a firewall of logs at least waist high on the opposite side of the fire that will be facing your shelter to reflect the heat back to you.
As you’re gathering material for your shelter and darkness, clothes in the fire will easily lead you back to your camp.
This is just a suggestion. But of the hundred overnight excursions that I have been on solo starting a fire and having ample wood has always been my number one priority before I set up camp.
Keep the videos coming I love them
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auger2012
Thanks for sharing, you've not been showing in my to watch list for a while. very well demonstrated tip for blowing air into fire 10/10. I don't know why they put the car Ariel in kit, must be stock somewhere from when i was a kid getting repurposed lmao. very surprised no tips sheet, in my day BCB & others always came with a sheet of what to do and rescue info. that's the best way to use them wire saws even cheap ones can then cut 1 wood 10/10 must have snapped 5 before i learnt. Personally i think the political correctness / safety culture is main cause of the bad kits now, AHHH don't let them cut them selves. my note on 1 piece of that, kit, my credit tool has been in wallet / mini kits for years and has been sharpened so a blade cutting edge so if that had been the same you would have had a blade that could at least gut fish & cut the cord and the cord on it would have done for the shelter attachments. and if replaced with like mine with survival cord, provided tinder fishing snare wire and cordage. keep up the great content this year
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Thanks for sharing, you've not been showing in my to watch list for a while. very well demonstrated tip for blowing air into fire 10/10. I don't know why they put the car Ariel in kit, must be stock somewhere from when i was a kid getting repurposed lmao. very surprised no tips sheet, in my day BCB & others always came with a sheet of what to do and rescue info. that's the best way to use them wire saws even cheap ones can then cut 1 wood 10/10 must have snapped 5 before i learnt. Personally i think the political correctness / safety culture is main cause of the bad kits now, AHHH don't let them cut them selves. my note on 1 piece of that, kit, my credit tool has been in wallet / mini kits for years and has been sharpened so a blade cutting edge so if that had been the same you would have had a blade that could at least gut fish & cut the cord and the cord on it would have done for the shelter attachments. and if replaced with like mine with survival cord, provided tinder fishing snare wire and cordage. keep up the great content this year
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P_RO_
I'll never understand why most of these kits overlook water. You need means to purify it as well as transport at least a liter of it. A Ziploc freezer bag and some Aquapur tabs are cheap and compact so why don't these have them And flashlights/torches- they almost never have batteries and if they do they're cheap junk, dead, or both. Lithium primary cells are costly but very good for this purpose with a 10-year shelf life so add those yourself. Staying dry is another often found issue. A cheap small mylar blanket alone won't do in any real storm. Bigger sizes or a poncho is a minimum.
It's awesome that you actually test these in real life and show how things work (or don't. My advice is to watch these vids then build your own kit. You'll then know what you need and know that it will work. You only get one chance to survive.
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I'll never understand why most of these kits overlook water. You need means to purify it as well as transport at least a liter of it. A Ziploc freezer bag and some Aquapur tabs are cheap and compact so why don't these have them And flashlights/torches- they almost never have batteries and if they do they're cheap junk, dead, or both. Lithium primary cells are costly but very good for this purpose with a 10-year shelf life so add those yourself. Staying dry is another often found issue. A cheap small mylar blanket alone won't do in any real storm. Bigger sizes or a poncho is a minimum.
It's awesome that you actually test these in real life and show how things work (or don't. My advice is to watch these vids then build your own kit. You'll then know what you need and know that it will work. You only get one chance to survive.
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matt79de
While i love You testing survival kits for us so we can lean back and have some popcorn, i'm a stout supporter of just cutting the crap and building your own. The pre-made kits contain a bunch of pointless items and more often than not lack basic stuff (like this one, which lacks a cutting implement but has one of those pointless credit-card-shaped tools. Also, i advocate for the personal survival kit being purpose-built for a trip (or a range of trips): A trip to antarctica will clearly raise different issues than a trip through the brazilian jungle would. And most peolpe rarely end up stranded in the woods. Instead they may find themselves doing an overnighter in their car on a highway or whatever. Long story short: Don't buy pre-made survival kits and thank me later.
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While i love You testing survival kits for us so we can lean back and have some popcorn, i'm a stout supporter of just cutting the crap and building your own. The pre-made kits contain a bunch of pointless items and more often than not lack basic stuff (like this one, which lacks a cutting implement but has one of those pointless credit-card-shaped tools. Also, i advocate for the personal survival kit being purpose-built for a trip (or a range of trips): A trip to antarctica will clearly raise different issues than a trip through the brazilian jungle would. And most peolpe rarely end up stranded in the woods. Instead they may find themselves doing an overnighter in their car on a highway or whatever. Long story short: Don't buy pre-made survival kits and thank me later.
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alaskantimberwolf
Nicely executed! Those All-in-One Survival kits are pretty gimmicky. A lot of useless filler with a few actually useful items thrown in (even though those items are usually REALLY cheap. I don't recommend them to anyone actually looking to own a survival kit, you're way better off just putting together your own kit with the equipment you actually need and leaving out the fluff.
Given what you had to work with, you made the best of your bad situation (thanks for showing how it needs to be correctly done, and pointing out that you needed to bring along those tools/equipment, etc. that are needed for actual survival, but not included in the kit.
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Nicely executed! Those All-in-One Survival kits are pretty gimmicky. A lot of useless filler with a few actually useful items thrown in (even though those items are usually REALLY cheap. I don't recommend them to anyone actually looking to own a survival kit, you're way better off just putting together your own kit with the equipment you actually need and leaving out the fluff.
Given what you had to work with, you made the best of your bad situation (thanks for showing how it needs to be correctly done, and pointing out that you needed to bring along those tools/equipment, etc. that are needed for actual survival, but not included in the kit.
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Josh. Proctor
I think the pocket bellows serves a better purpose in recovering coals from under ash. Even after a fire has gone out, there are often still warm coals under the ash. Blowing the top ash away with the bellows and then sticking it into the coals (carefully not inhaling after it's in the coals) and then blow gently to heat them back up, set new tinder on top, and keep blowing until ignited. That being said, I saw a guy make one from a straight stick. He cut it down the center, carved out a bit of the center on each side, and then tie the stick halves back together.
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I think the pocket bellows serves a better purpose in recovering coals from under ash. Even after a fire has gone out, there are often still warm coals under the ash. Blowing the top ash away with the bellows and then sticking it into the coals (carefully not inhaling after it's in the coals) and then blow gently to heat them back up, set new tinder on top, and keep blowing until ignited. That being said, I saw a guy make one from a straight stick. He cut it down the center, carved out a bit of the center on each side, and then tie the stick halves back together.
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Alex-y2x2g
I like building these kits. I built out a most random bit of kit I really wasn't sure about was a e lighter with a torch built on from temu saved me in the wind when my standard lighter went nar not today. Want to show of my survival shoulder bag from kombat uk. Then I can swap most of that to the raf gas mask bag for the day bag that I just chuck in food stove and gas. I found a system that works, still a new be. Still saving for my first aid and trauma first aid. Then really want to try a sar course. New year resolution is to get at least 2 done
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I like building these kits. I built out a most random bit of kit I really wasn't sure about was a e lighter with a torch built on from temu saved me in the wind when my standard lighter went nar not today. Want to show of my survival shoulder bag from kombat uk. Then I can swap most of that to the raf gas mask bag for the day bag that I just chuck in food stove and gas. I found a system that works, still a new be. Still saving for my first aid and trauma first aid. Then really want to try a sar course. New year resolution is to get at least 2 done
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corbenj
I’d love to see some actual survival kits (not bushcraft kits.
This Christmas i bought my mum -64yo- a little kit for when she goes out on her hikes. It contained a Lifesystems Heat Sheet, some air activated hand warmers, a whistle and a couple of light sticks.
Most people just need rescuing and aren’t going to -or know how to- build a primitive shelter, start a fire, go fishing etc.
A proper survival kit should be something that an 8 year old, or 80 year old, novice should be able to use to keep them alive.
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I’d love to see some actual survival kits (not bushcraft kits.
This Christmas i bought my mum -64yo- a little kit for when she goes out on her hikes. It contained a Lifesystems Heat Sheet, some air activated hand warmers, a whistle and a couple of light sticks.
Most people just need rescuing and aren’t going to -or know how to- build a primitive shelter, start a fire, go fishing etc.
A proper survival kit should be something that an 8 year old, or 80 year old, novice should be able to use to keep them alive.
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teddysmith457
you’re British people are weird. Young man that’s a flashlight where I come from and my world not a torch a torch is something on a stick or something like that that you lie on fire like a big giant candle or possibly a cutting torch for cutting iron or a soldering torch for soldering copper pipes lol. Also I might add here in my country. Our automobiles don’t have bonnets. We either have rear hatches or hatch, lids, or engine compartment hoods lol little girls were bonnets on their heads in this country
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you’re British people are weird. Young man that’s a flashlight where I come from and my world not a torch a torch is something on a stick or something like that that you lie on fire like a big giant candle or possibly a cutting torch for cutting iron or a soldering torch for soldering copper pipes lol. Also I might add here in my country. Our automobiles don’t have bonnets. We either have rear hatches or hatch, lids, or engine compartment hoods lol little girls were bonnets on their heads in this country
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taoutdoors
I dont get survival kits. I did as a kid, (I had a Aitor Jungle knife 2) but they just aren't practical in my opinion. Who carries one just in case No one. You need it in a plane crash if you happen to survive! But who takes a survival on holiday! Lol. All you need is a olight head torch, small battery bank, a flint wheel, spare flints, and firebuds. Include a compass if hiking in the outback. You dont need saws, axes or knives. The plan is to keep warm and dry and then navigate your way to civilisation asap.
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I dont get survival kits. I did as a kid, (I had a Aitor Jungle knife 2) but they just aren't practical in my opinion. Who carries one just in case No one. You need it in a plane crash if you happen to survive! But who takes a survival on holiday! Lol. All you need is a olight head torch, small battery bank, a flint wheel, spare flints, and firebuds. Include a compass if hiking in the outback. You dont need saws, axes or knives. The plan is to keep warm and dry and then navigate your way to civilisation asap.
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mrhalfstep
Love these real case use videos. I was surprised to see how much wood you bucked up to burn and build with. I would have expected the saw to break early on, so you showed it to be a much more useful tool than I ever imagined. That was good to learn, so thanks. Two questions: Was that the multiple twisted wire type saw or the military one that is a single strand with raised rings down its length to form the cutting teeth How many cuts would you say you made for the video
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Love these real case use videos. I was surprised to see how much wood you bucked up to burn and build with. I would have expected the saw to break early on, so you showed it to be a much more useful tool than I ever imagined. That was good to learn, so thanks. Two questions: Was that the multiple twisted wire type saw or the military one that is a single strand with raised rings down its length to form the cutting teeth How many cuts would you say you made for the video
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VennerAdventures
Love these survival kit videos. After watching last year Shaun bought me (Em) one of the kits you featured, and I love it. Items in there I carry a lot of the time, others I have for my garden / farm kit. Admittedly some are still in the carry case, but for someone who doesn't camp out it has so much useful stuff anyway. I suppose being a Girl Guide many moons ago I love the always be prepared ethos.
Looking forward to more of your videos Mike in 2026.
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Love these survival kit videos. After watching last year Shaun bought me (Em) one of the kits you featured, and I love it. Items in there I carry a lot of the time, others I have for my garden / farm kit. Admittedly some are still in the carry case, but for someone who doesn't camp out it has so much useful stuff anyway. I suppose being a Girl Guide many moons ago I love the always be prepared ethos.
Looking forward to more of your videos Mike in 2026.
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AndyKnight-x9i
Great video again, Mike.
Love the way you explain everything in detail, but not enough to get bogged down with unnecessary stuff.
That trick, blowing through the pinched fingers is top notch. I frequently have to hold my beard out the way, when I'm trying to get a struggling fire going, with my head in the smoke, otherwise I'll end up looking like a toddler, not Merlin!
Looking forward to the longer videos too
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Great video again, Mike.
Love the way you explain everything in detail, but not enough to get bogged down with unnecessary stuff.
That trick, blowing through the pinched fingers is top notch. I frequently have to hold my beard out the way, when I'm trying to get a struggling fire going, with my head in the smoke, otherwise I'll end up looking like a toddler, not Merlin!
Looking forward to the longer videos too
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Rockhopper1
the silva compass uses a semi precious stone wafer as the bearing for the pintle which is why they are expensive but good. Never use one with a bubble in the oil, or allow bored teenagers to swing one on the string, your emergency poncho if you stuff it with brambles and a our bedding you can hug it whilst sleeping it soon warms you up. The surgical bone saw you notice it heats up if you wet it whilst using it last longer.
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the silva compass uses a semi precious stone wafer as the bearing for the pintle which is why they are expensive but good. Never use one with a bubble in the oil, or allow bored teenagers to swing one on the string, your emergency poncho if you stuff it with brambles and a our bedding you can hug it whilst sleeping it soon warms you up. The surgical bone saw you notice it heats up if you wet it whilst using it last longer.
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Crenlas
First person I've ever seen that doesn't call that string saw a piece of garbage and automatically throw it away, and not just that but shows two functional ways to use it. This is why I watch British survival shows instead of American because the American survivalist all try to teach the same thing, literally out of the same playbook, nothing new, and yet here we are with simple common sense something like this. SMH.
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First person I've ever seen that doesn't call that string saw a piece of garbage and automatically throw it away, and not just that but shows two functional ways to use it. This is why I watch British survival shows instead of American because the American survivalist all try to teach the same thing, literally out of the same playbook, nothing new, and yet here we are with simple common sense something like this. SMH.
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trabiracer
I just started to following you not a long time ago and your videos are really good. Usually I'm watching Andy (KentSurvival)with my little daughter as she loves camping and the style of his videos. This how I found you as well. All of your tricks, hints are really helpful and smart.
Also just a question. The jacket what you are wearing is which kind Really like it.
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I just started to following you not a long time ago and your videos are really good. Usually I'm watching Andy (KentSurvival)with my little daughter as she loves camping and the style of his videos. This how I found you as well. All of your tricks, hints are really helpful and smart.
Also just a question. The jacket what you are wearing is which kind Really like it.
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KellyH479
A small detail that I like about your videos is when you explain things in a step-by-step way. The way you explained how you prepare a MRE, for example! For a complete novice, like me, it really does help get a better understanding of the smaller details of camping and survival, that often gets taken for grated by those more experienced. Happy new Year - great video!
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A small detail that I like about your videos is when you explain things in a step-by-step way. The way you explained how you prepare a MRE, for example! For a complete novice, like me, it really does help get a better understanding of the smaller details of camping and survival, that often gets taken for grated by those more experienced. Happy new Year - great video!
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lymskiUK
About half way through and I’ve always thought but never mentioned (and I mean this as a compliment) I think you’d be great at presenting programmes for young people. You’re articulate, thorough, don’t carry any ego. I think you’re a great role model for any younger viewers. Not doing anything for clout or to look cool. Genuinely refreshing!
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About half way through and I’ve always thought but never mentioned (and I mean this as a compliment) I think you’d be great at presenting programmes for young people. You’re articulate, thorough, don’t carry any ego. I think you’re a great role model for any younger viewers. Not doing anything for clout or to look cool. Genuinely refreshing!
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jenkinsmig
So I have tried to use those wire saws before and was told to make a bow saw of it but never really bothered thought they were useless but I will now be digging one out to give that a try! And your diamond blow trick I have a fire bellows and they are great for what they are but can't wait to try this trick out so cheers mike off to the wood I go
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So I have tried to use those wire saws before and was told to make a bow saw of it but never really bothered thought they were useless but I will now be digging one out to give that a try! And your diamond blow trick I have a fire bellows and they are great for what they are but can't wait to try this trick out so cheers mike off to the wood I go
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BrianAllison-k5k
Great video! Surprised there's no signaling mirror. And what. no toilet paper. lol. Made a similar shelter the first time taking my son, 7 years old, camping. He wakes me up and says he has to go to bathroom, said, okay, just go a short way from the tent and go. Note to shelf. next time. ask if he has to go number one or number two!
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Great video! Surprised there's no signaling mirror. And what. no toilet paper. lol. Made a similar shelter the first time taking my son, 7 years old, camping. He wakes me up and says he has to go to bathroom, said, okay, just go a short way from the tent and go. Note to shelf. next time. ask if he has to go number one or number two!
reply
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