Solo Overnight In A Foxhole - Camping Underground using the Individual Protection Kit for an improvised shelter. Instagram: treedeepoutdoors Donate: Buy Me A Coffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/treedeep #soloovernight #campinginthewoods
I had a gulf War vet tell me they would dig a hole and set their tent up over it then sleep in the hole. They said it was for protection from small arms fire
The best way to avoid it collapsing is adding branches along the top that are long enough to reach the pegs and put the tarp over that. That gives you a fairly solid surface that can withstand someone/thing walking across it and with enough sticks, prevent any single breaking point from causing potential catastrophic damage.
That's a good idea, with enough time you could build a pretty big hole, shore up the sides, build a solid roof with logs and tarps and earth, and create a covered entrance point that keeps out rain, a nice drainage system around the dug out would help too. Obviously these are supposed to be quick made shelters, but the technique is pretty cool and can be expanded on to create a long term shelter. With a little ingenuity you might even get a rudimentary fire place and chimney.
I made these when I went on exercise in 1982 in Deepcut, surrey. The earth on top should be about 18 inches and the whole setup is designed to.protect you in the event of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare. We tested them by driving the Landrover over them. The strength that those little pegs provide is quite amazing.
In reconnaissance we had to build a radio cache for 3. We dug the hole deep enough to sit up. Lined it with tarp. Cut trees down at the base so that it wasn’t obvious that a bunch of trees were cut down. Used the trees across the roof. Covered it all up again with soil and then leaves and redistributed the soil around the terrain so as not to make it evident that excavation had taken place. By the time it was finished at the end of the day it was completely hidden from the rest of the terrain even if you walked over it. We spent the whole 5 days in it sending Morse coded messages. (Morse code was just to make it hard. In a real situation we used devices to send encoded messages in bursts).
@@L8rCloud then you came home and handed all your guns over to your masters like a bunch of women. What happened to you people! Met a lot of great Aussies in duty. Damn shame how you caved.
Where I live, considering the water table being at sea level, fire ants and snakes, yup, hell no. Inland a bit is as bad since it is all dry white sand so the hole fills in as fast as you dig.
Mate, you go to all that trouble to dig the foxhole etc, you earned my subscription. I'm a disabled veteran in the States. That hole would have taken an entire day for me. Good show !
I always love how easy it's is to dig in these locations. Me living in the Sonoran desert, the ground is as hard as concrete and takes mechanical tools to do any real work.
Who are you kidding, it’s basically an underground coffin. All jokes aside, it was really cool to see you set up this military style sleep system for trench use. If I were to try out this system, I’d have to make the underground portion much larger due to being slightly claustrophobic.
Thank you Arch Angel! Very much appreciated my friend and I agree with you! If I happen to do another overnight using this method, I’ll definitely be making it larger 👍
Put your air pad in your bivy cover, helps keep your air pad clean and puts it inside with you adding to your insulation vs on the outside exposed to the elements, also not in this situation but as you move around you won’t slide off of it. Earned a subscriber for digging that hole with just an E-Tool
When I was in Vietnam in the highlands we had an engineer unit come in and decide to build underground dwellings with their bulldozer in the monsoon season. It was predictable. By morning they had the best underground swimming pool in Vietnam. There are just some areas underground dwellings don’t work.
As a kid we would dig these holes big enough for 5-6 kids, cover them with scrap wood and cover that up with dirt. Sometimes making side compartments. Don't recall spending the night in them but be in them most of the day. at least until some ones parents found out. Now days I can't say I'm a fan of confind spaces.
I knew a guy that lived in on the run , but he dug a big hole 4ft down and raised bed , covered it with 4in logs and a rubber tarp then soil , then a stairway in to it. Lived their for 6 years
I could see this being useful in snowy, high wind environments, especially where you can merely dig into the snow and set up the exact same type of shelter, or barren terrain like badlands, drylands, even some desert terrain where being hidden is key. Though, I'd not enjoy digging into hard, dry packed earth like that. Definitely a useful addition to the repertoire. Soldiers were trained to prepare these in the event of nuclear fallout, as they would protect from the majority of falling particles. Or, at least, give the soldiers hope and drive for as long as possible. They'd dig a half-pipe shape into the ground big enough to sit up in and then place a roof over it using branches or whatever they can find, and then cover it with tarp, soil, whatever's handy.
Middle of the night some animal collapsing it as it stood on top of the shelter!! In a snowy environment “GROUND FROST” would make it impossible to dig with a Etool, Also in heavy rainfall that would fill up like a bath tub! 🤧
@@eastrockaway3358 That's why it's one type of shelter among many. And soldiers have and most certainly did dig these in frozen ground in Europe during both WWI and WWII, along with miles of trenches stretched between them. They didn't have any other option. The Japanese dug entire underground complexes in frozen ground. People today are just soft.
Even with the cord I would of used a few support logs for the top. Being in Michigan I would also be concerned if it rained. I remember making ponds and swimming holes in a similar fashion. Though I have heard of people using a fox hole, but only as a last resort. Edited part: I will defiantly be checking your channel out now, this was awesome. It was nice to have some memories from my childhood pop up.
Haven’t seen one of those kits in years,(army) trouble with them was if it rains at night the soil get’s soaked becomes heavy fills with water a falls in during the night ,use branches and cover with leaves better.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again , but your channel is my favourite outdoor channel so different ! You never fail to surprise me with your content .
Got to say you gave it a good shot mate. But back in the day, two guys would team up to dig and we used to lay additional support line's across , even branches if we could get our hands on them before the sheet went on. As for the sides, deepening on the ground state we used to rough stakes and logs if we had them, or just good luck ! Never had one come down on me and I was in them a lot ! Good video bud keep them coming.
Thank you Moosey! I can only hope you had a better shovel than myself when you carried it out 😂 I appreciate the info on how you did it, I’m sure this isn’t the last time I attempt this so I will definitely remember to lay additional support and I’ll definitely be digging deeper! Thanks again my friend, hope you’re well 👍
*Moosey rambling* Yeah, a bit of extra support to the walls and ceiling never go amiss. Leaves or spruce branches, as additional mattrress, make it more comfy and smell a wee bit less earthy, too.
I wonder if the designer thought about the reality of rain while sleeping in a hole? Imagine sleeping in a puddle that deep in cold weather with wind. I'd take my chances wrapped up on top of the dirt unless we're hiding. People are going to wonder about that hole for a long time 😂.
I was familiarized with the "Individual Protection Kit" at Fort Irwin in 1984...I opted for 10×10' 6mm vapor barrier in my own kit, more versatile and compact.
The IPK was primarily used to provide a stable, weather proof cover over an infantry fire-trench, that would hold emough earth to protect troops from over head artillery bursts. If laid out correctly it can take a lot of weight without collapsing. A very useful peice of kit 👍
Excellent video - I like this idea for colder climates. When the SHTF this looks like a quick way to make a place to sleep as long as the ground isn't frozen.
It's similar like a shell scrape we did in the army, make 1 end deeper so the cold air or water gets trapped down there and not where ur lying. We just a sheet across the top so u could see in every direction. But that does look awesome 👌
I've got one of those, mititary surplus. It claims a tank can drive over it and it won't break. I've still got mine somewhere amongst 20 years of hiking and bushcraft equipment.
Totally cool idea! I thought it would be interesting to make an underground shelter a little more permanent such as using 4" diameter posts laid over the trench followed by a tarp and earth covering. It would likely be much warmer than outside in the winter when it's say -15° Fahrenheit. But you really did it! Kudos!
Nice work! Thanks for doing this! I'm older, and not into digging a full trench; however, I saw another vid where they guy made one of these from from scratch...into a slight incline/hillside. Saved half the digging. (he also showed how to waterproof). Using an IPK, would save another half the time...getting in and under sooner; and I can always add to it to support or reinforce. Great vid, and can't thank you enough for doing this.
Hey Jim! Thank you for the comment sir! Digging into a hillside would save a lot of time thinking about it! I’ll definitely be considering that for any future videos involving this method. Thanks again Jim, much appreciated 👍
Good on you mate. Totally would’ve been impressed just by the process of seeing you build that, then you went on and spent the night in there. No doubt you’ve got my sub. Looking forward to watching the rest of your videos and what you put out in the future as well. Cheers and be safe out there!
I've heard the phrase, "he's digging his own grave," but I didn't expect him to sleep in it. It's obvious from the instructions in the kit that that whoever came up with this kit never spent a night in the hole of his own design...
Neat video. When digging with an entrenching tool, it's easier to break up the earth with the spade angled 90 degrees, then straighten it to scoop out the loose dirt.
Also when you have a bunch of large dirt clods or rocks, it is actually easier and much faster to toss them by hand instead of trying to gather them up on a small shovel.
Something you may not have considered for the average grunt such a shelter offers protection from being crushed by a track vehicle while sleeping. It does happen. Because of the length of the track and weight distribution it wouldn't crush the hole in on you. In the field I would look for natural depressions to turn into a sleeping spot for that reason and easier to dig out if need be. Most times on patrol you don't have time to dig in a new night time defensive position.
This is crazy. We used to string our poncho between two close trees and cover with loose foliage and use a waterproof sleeping bag. Took about 5 minutes.
Similar to stuff I built years back. I'd never heard of "Foxholes" and I called them "Dens", but mine differed a bit from yours - I laid straight branches across the top instead of using cord.
Awe! I feel the backpain seeing you digging your trench! These sets originally were made to cover the trench for fallout protecting. Too bad the e-tool bent. The original US ones are the best. Almost impossible to destruct. The newer version made by Gerber are lighter and as strong. Thanks for bringing us along!
Hey Erik! The backache was real! I could barely move the day after 😂 I appreciate the info as always sir, you sure know you’re stuff and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us! I doubt this will be the last time I attempt one of these shelters so I will be looking into acquiring either a US variant or the newer Gerber one! Thanks for your comment as always my friend, hope you and yours are all well 👍
Before putting the tarp in the hole, soften up the earth below, make sure there are no stones \ roots \ etc. Half fill the holes with leaves, then cover with tarp and so on.
This is just one example of why I volunteered for the US Navy instead of the Army or Marines. Aboard ship, we had climate controlled berthing, hot meals and showers, and real toilets in the 'head'! In my youth I was a Boy Scout and still do enjoy camping, but never slept in a hole...
I could actually see this being useful if trying to avoid thermal imaging. Mylar sheet/space blanket over the top for extra credit. Other than that, I can't see many practical applications. Thank you for testing it so we don't have to!
It’s unlikely you’ll be able to hide from thermal if you stay in position for any length of time also SAR is becoming more prevalent so hiding from it is a lot harder.
@@sid35gb Thats why, Night Vision, FLIR, long range Ballistic weapons and Anti-Aircraft Systems not only need to be in Civilian hands, but are covered under the 2 A. The Kyle Writen-House case showed that Government Agencies are BLATANTLY using FLIR equipped Stealth Drones to Spy on the American People. For how long we dont know but its a good bet its been a lot longer than Drone Technology has been available to Civilians. :/
Mylar will hide your signature from flir for a time, but eventually your body heat will warm the sheet enough that it’ll stand out. With enough dirt on top acting as thermal mass, you might be able to make it and few hours, but it’d be tough.
Outstanding idea, mate, but what's going to happen if mother nature conjures up a category 4 rainstorm? I'm thinking ir would be like a soaking wet trench in France in 1917...
Dude, what the hell?!? That is insane, I thought you camping out in thunderstorms in really cheap tents was pretty extreme, this is another level! You’re a braver man than I am, how did you sleep? Did you manage to get any real decent sleep at all?
Hey Mark! I sure had insane backache the following day 😂. In all honesty I didn’t sleep well, it was a little eerie lowering myself below the dirt and being new to this kind of shelter, the idea of having it collapse on me stayed with me throughout the night so no real decent sleep, waking up every hour or two to make sure I’m not being crushed 😂 thanks for watching and commenting as always sir, hope you’re doing well 👍
You've obviously never been in the military. Sleeping directly on the ground is a common thing. Snow-caves, fighting holes are all part of the experience
Next time bring sandbags to brace the walls so you'll have no worries of collapse. It's also a great way to remove the dirt from the hole. Also in most forests, if you dig to the proper depth (5-6 feet deep). Once you get under the top soil/clay, you'll hit a layer of actual sand. You'll also be below most of the thicker roots. Much easier on the back. I've had some of the best sleep ever in the bottom of a foxhole. If it's the proper depth, the ground provides excellent insulation. It can be -40 outside, but barely 32 in the bottom of a foxhole. They're also very nice in the heat. The ground is like natural ac.
School of infantry taught us to dig 2-man fighting holes. The standard fighting hole was designed to be at shoulder level. Me being 6’6” I had to dig a 6’ fighting hole. Fun times.
This is an interesting and very honest video. Kudos! I would never have thought to have laced roof support from cordage. I know that a cave temperature is in the mid-60s F all year which is better than sub-freezing temperatures that might be outside but I would think that just a tarp and sleeping bag on the dirt would sort of suck the heat out of your body. What if you dug it a bit deeper and lined it with leaves or evergreen branches before you put your liner tarp down?
A real full sized foxhole is supposed to be at least 5-6 feet deep. This 3 foot hole is called a hasty fighting position. It won't protect you from close artillery fire. That being said, digging one of these with an e tool only like this is brutal. He likely gave up halfway, and I don't blame him. In basic training we used to dig these in 2 man battle buddy teams, and it would still take 4-5 hours of non stop digging switching off.
Did I miss something , how in the world did you stand and walk on the sheet covered with dirt if the sheet was only supported by the string that you laid out ? I'm new to the channel and I'm now subscribed. This was amazing.
Imagine walking peacefully through your local woods, puffing contentedly on a pipeful of sticky icky, and a ginger head pops out of the ground. It would take at least five minutes to convince myself I'm not hallucinating a leprechaun.
If it would rain would come through your entrance if someone should be walking by they'll step right through on to you. Here's the fix: small logs as wide as Trench then lay plastic over, cover with dirt then leaves. Then make door from same type wood for the entrance. As you said go a foot deeper. This should keep you pretty secure and if someone should happen to step on it it would be hard like the ground and they would keep going hopefully. There's a lot more to do to the area but you get the message. Have a great day and stay safe and keep your powder dry!
I did 8.5 years in the U.S. Army Infantry and I never was taught to sleep in a grave like that! If it rains your screwed! Pretty sure above the ground would be better!
Sounds like the pictures of playing on the beach, where the children cover the dad with sand … up to his neck. HE CAN’T MOVE. It’s a good thing that they are there to dig him out! You are a trooper! Interesting.
