What I appreciate about Dave is that he treats survival, bushcraft and sustainable living as being on the same continuum. I like how he makes me think about this interconnectedness.
Man, these older videos stand the test of time because of two reasons. 1. Dave is not portraying a character, or doing some schtick. He's the real deal and these older videos don't look out of place when watched along his current videos. Consistent, clear, and educational to a remarkable degree. It's who he is. 2. The information is BS, sponsor free. I know he's sharing accurate info without the stench of sponsorship. I want to thank Mr. Canterbury for all the choices and the sacrifices he has made to provide FREE rock solid information that helps us understand our roots and history. Get people outdoors, get em' dirty. Dave and the Pathfinder instructors are helping preserve a national and human treasure: Our connection to the land.
Hi Dave, I've been watching many of your videos over and over. It's clear that you've become a huge proponent of wool blankets and that's influencing many people in how they practice woodcraft. I was reading, WOODCRAFT By E. H. KREPS published in 1919 and got very cold weather he made or purchased rabbit skin blankets. He says in the chapter on blankets, "But when zero weather is to be contended with woolen blankets must take a back seat for the Indian's kind, woven from strips of rabbit fur. Nothing that I have ever found will equal or even approach in warmth a rabbit skin blanket." Maybe something for a winter project. I confess I'm intrigued and wanted to share. Benjamin
The 3rd sleeping bag looks very much like the old South African Army sleeping bag in which I spent many nights in the bush. I now use the US sleep system Bivvy with the green intermediate sleeping bag which is way toasty enough for South African conditions. Great channel Dave, keep up the great work.
I have watched many of Dave Canterbury's videos over the seasons and this will be my 1st & only comment on ALL of the info he has helped provide: I love the background history he provides as well the different views & opinions from others he informs us about. And I always walk away feeling as though I have learned something. Even if it isn't about the info I originally was looking for! If I had the money I would attend his school just for learning something new & perhaps a useful/fun skill that may have been lost. Thanks for all....
Something that i've picked up while sleeping in cold weather is that one of the hardest parts is getting out of a warm sleeping bag just to put on cold clothing. if your taking off cloths to stay at your comfort level while sleeping stuff 'em in the bag with you! it keeps them at a constant temp and doesn't give your body a shock when you get them on. if your a real pro then you can even get dressed without leaving the bag. Dave you and your instructors are a fountain of knowledge. keep it going
Great info Dave, thanks. I have the MMS system also. Good to know you don't have to bring the patrol bag with the intermediate bag for cold weather. I need to get a merino wool blanket. I just have the U.S. Army wool blanket, quite scratchy.
I was unable to readily afford an arctic/sub-artic weather rated sleeping bag so I have went with the layering approach. I have a fleece sleeping bag, fleece blanket, thick heavy cotton fiber blanket and a wool blanket along with "space" blankets and tarps. Weight-wise and bulk-wise, it comes out to be roughly the same as an extreme weather rated sleeping bag but arguably with much greater versatility and scalability.
I have to agree with you on the bushcraft/survival topic. I started with survival, and I orient myself with survival in mind in all things I do. I suppose I am the survival one in our group, the other two are more bushcrafting oriented. And the gear and mindset come in to play. Well done Dave.
Dave, you mentioned the scenario with your wife and kids. I am getting into self reliance/bushcraft to teach my kids more about the outdoors. What would change in how you pack your gear if you were to have your family with you? In my scenario I have a 2 and 3 year old. I only have a small pack right now with the first 5 c's and some redundancies. I also keep like kids snacks in it. I have one pocket on it used by the kids for any "treasure", they may find while we are out. Just curious?
Dave I took your advice and got a Gortex Bivy and the intermediate black bag And a queen size wool blanket I've learned alot from you and Blackscout survival .. I live in Yellowknife Canada it gets about -55 Celsius up here, I don't plan to go out in that, -30 no problem. Much respect from Canada!!!!
Dave, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us here in youtube land. Your knack for teaching and experience is a gold mine. Thank you for all you do!
I like the look of the full sleep system and getting mine shipped soon enough the US Forces definately like to sleep well. I think the last bag is an old German bag from the military I seem to recall seeing 1 before believe it is a cold wether issue piece and think it may come with another liner too, I could be wrong though so please don't quote me! Agree with other comments I have seen on many videos too... your opinion is GOLD. Great advise and help for us in the UK too. Thank you Dan
Another awesome video Dave. Very useful. I don't mind the ads haha. Some people will just find anything to gripe about. We all appreciate what you do and teach us and even better you make it free to watch. 2 thumbs up from north east Indiana!
Great video Dave. I haven't been able to land a good wool blanket yet but I've used a $15 sleeping bag with a fleece blanket inside down to the low 30's and been perfectly warm.
Respectfully Dave, I appreciate all you do. I spent thousands between your store and vendors [Duluth, RR, BHK, Empire]. I try to make positive comments regarding videos; answer questions [repeating what I've heard you say] from posters. I consider myself a strong supporter of you, your family, vendors and friends and you are welcome, as you thank us for it in each vid. But- Even I am getting tired of enduring the 30 sec GM ads. Bad enough my taxes bailed the company out. Sorry Dave. JMHO
Used many bags until I got a Wiggy's bag. Never looked back. Bought a 20F and aZero. When it isn't holding its temp rating its time to wash it in the washer. In zero temps or less I use my blanket on the outside of the zero bag. In the morning the underside of the wool has snow on it because the Wiggy;s bag lets your moisture go through it. With that combo I only get to -7 F. Great instructions Dave. I use 2 wool blanket down to 35F with extra clothes. Comfort is relative--so true.
Dave, that Eco-Tac bag works great as a cocoon around the exterior of a hammock during winter time temps to keep you toasty. I use a similar center zip bag with the foot open with a draw string, around the entire hammock and then I can be wrapped up in a wool blanket or bag inside. It creates a cocoon of dead air space for the heat and is a system I've used down to zero degrees. Try it out!
Right on Dave! I've heard stories of how someone's wool blanket was no good.. lol If it's -10 f and all you have is a wool blanket... Great info for a lot of folks! I love how you have evolved Dave over the years and pride myself on being able to adapt also. Closed mindedness will hurt a person. Great video!
Thanks Dave for telling about sleeping bags. I notice on one of your school vids it was cold and it appeared some were freezing there rear with a wool blanket and went on a sleeping bag run or wanted too. I have camped no fire in winter with a sleeping bag, blanket, combo.Many times not enough wood to keep fire going all night and waking up to feed it over and over again.
You're a busy man lately, Dave. You're putting out some really high quality videos and lots of them. Looks like you're bringing things up to date based on experience, and I appreciate that. Take care.
I'm watching this as I pack to head to the shoot at knob creek this weekend. I feel a whole lot better about my choices for my sleeping gear. I'm taking my mms system plus 2 wool blankets 100 percent Italian and a 100 percent gi issue along with a gi mat. I'm pretty sure I'll have any temp range covered. Thanks Dave couldn't have timed this video any better.
Good Video. I've been carrying 2 wool blankets and a base mat in the winter. I've been down to 27 degrees w/o fire and in the snow so far. As long as I was buried in them it wasn't bad at all. Going to continue to try and push them again this year. 1 is German and I believe the other is an Israeli blanket.
Excellent dissertation on Sleep kit. One thing id offer for some of your viewers is Kifaru Woobie, I bought mine many years ago and use it daily even conus, I sleep in the bush all the time rarely indoors and a lot of it in mountains of Afg. its not a single source or common man item item but compacts small in your ruck and adds warmth when needed. MY GF says im a 53 YO man with a security blanket.
Great to see another option for bags. I will have to keep an eye out for that last one. I really like the shape and size. Live the big shoulder room!!!
Love the back to basics series bro. Just had another successful purchase from the pathfinder store. Great shipping and great products. Thanks for all you do my man
Hey Dave I have a German sleep system that is similar to the German bag you have. The one I have has sleeves in it and it also has a rubberized bivy similar to the old style wet weather jackets the army used to use. the cool factor about it other than the sleep system having sleeves is that it has a cross center zipper that allows it to be unzipped and rolled up from the bottom to be worn as a jacket. If you run across one get it you wont be disappointed.
Nice to see an expert using the wool blankets the way i do and used to do. They are so versatile. What i lose in the insulating power of a sleeping bag i gain in the multiuse of a blanket.
the Navy issued woolen blankets ( I had 2) on the ship along with an Emergency Escape Breathing Device [EEBD] as part of a system to evacuate the berthing department in case of fire. The blankets were high wool content and thicker than the shore duty blankets for that reason. I have the three piece sleep system but also use a canvas bag and add a blanket lined canvas bivy that I made. They both have a time and a place.
I will, bro. Just bought some gear from your store and look forward to getting it out into the field for use. Thanks again for providing these informative videos.
Dave, I use the Alpaca alternative, 96x96 on ebay for $90, 4x's warmer, wicks moisture, doesn't pick up dirt or grime, lighter that wool, won't mildew, compresses smaller...works for me in 0 to 10 degree weather here in Nevada in conjunction with Alps pad and 10-30bag. Love your teaching style...John
Another super vid Dave. Up here in Canada as I tend to go solo so much I tend to carry sleeping gear that's relevant to the season. That means some heavy gear in the winter which always leads to the curse of sweating. As soon as the fall hits I wear nothing but layers of wool.
Was someone bashing you for monitizing your channel Dave?? I looked for the comment but didn't see it. I'm sorry you have to deal with those type of people. I love your videos and fully support you brother. Another great video with a wealth of useful info. Your videos will save lives if not already.
depends on the bag. if you have the old style bag (side zipper), the easiest way is to open the bag fully, fold the blanket in half and lay it inside. you could use safety pins to secure the blanket to the upper flap. with a mummy bag (top zip), use the blanket at a diagonal. fold up the corner that will be at your feet, loosely fold the sides and lay it in. unfold the sides, slip in. cover your feet, half wrap the blanket, zip partially and continue until snug as a bug.
As usual right on the money Dave !!! On a canoe trip I tried just my military wool blanket then added my 30 F sleeping bag in 30 F in a tent and it was very chilly. My thermarest saved the day once I brought it out :)
These german military bags are virtualy indestructable ..had a bunch of them (all ~30 and more years old) and they are spotless. No messed up stiches or holes ..the insulation is all in place and all in all ..absolutely BOMBPROOF..(+the convinient center zipper) .I recently bought the USGI MSS also and IMO is warmer than the German bag but I find size zippers very inconvinient - maybe I'll get used to it). Leson learnt: Bag+Wool blanket = have the best things and versatility ! Great video! 10x
That first bag that you showed is awesome, I love the fact that it has a draw string so you can slide it over your hammock and have an under quilt and on over quilt.
I know you were asking Dave, but I had to let you know about those. I know that it is miserable having cold feet when doing something outdoors, especially hunting. I also know that there are probably a bunch of really good boots out there, but the ones I have are the best ones I have ever owed and I have tried many different ones. Any boot that allows your feet to breathe and are water proof are good ones.
Saludos desde España ! Gracias por compartir con nosotros su experiencia , esta haciendo un trabajo umanitario .Se merece un premio Nobel . Muchas gracias Señor Dave.
I camped last night, under a tarp shelter. I had 2 dept. Store sleeping bags and a cheap wool based blanket. I opened the bags up as blankets. On below, one above. Blanket on top of that. Had a foam pad underneath me and then a tarp as a ground cover. Fire was banked heavy, but wasn't large. Only thing cold was my toes. They were away from the fire. It got down below 40 and I slept well all night. Gotta work on the cold toes. Maybe a second pair of socks.
Bought the complete MMS at the local military surplus store for $60. Came with a compression bag that really makes the whole unit pretty small. In summer, I sleep on top the patrol bag in my hammock. When it's snowing, I use both bags in the hammock with a pad & reflective bubble wrap underneath. Maybe if we have an ice storm I'll try the bivvy. Shouldn't store bags compressed. They'll loose lift. To fluff them up a bit, put em in a clothes dryer (on low) with a couple of tennis balls.
David, been watching through your videos here in 2019, and I have to say this is some great stuff. I'm just getting into bushcraft, as a way to not only gain outdoors competence but to reconnect with the experiences of my ancestors. Love these videos. Thanks.
The ecotat might be useful with a hammock since the bottom has a draw string. You can wrap it around the hammock and create loft. And bags designed specifically for that cost hundreds of dollars.
Great video Dave....remember the old Army poncho liners?...kept my 6 warm many a nights!!!.......wife and I still fight over my poncho liner...need to pick up another one!
I have a pair of Rocky's (Bear Claws) 1000 grams of Thinsulate Insulation and Gortex. I have had these for probably 6 years and they are still in great shape. The tread on the bottoms are the best I have ever had. They grip everything and the design makes it to where mud doesn't cake up on the soles. I can wear them if it is cold or warm outside and they are always comfortable. The Gortex allows your feet to breathe and I have never had an issue of sweaty feet or cold feet.
always good insight on this topic. hopefully you can find the time to do a cold weather overnighter this winter, with a tarp, blanket, etc. im sure i would pick up some tips.
MSS is my choice. The goretex bivy is great for shielding and can hide all your gear from the elements while you're inside if you pack light. Doubles as a dog bed lol. I also only carry the black bag and two smaller wool blend blankets (only fall/winter). All inside the compression sack at the bottom of my Duluth #3. Great to create a modified "pod" that makes an under/over quilt for cold hammock sleeping by simply cutting a small hole at the bottom and sew hem and rig the bungees up.
I lucked out and got a -10f MMS bag and stuff sack for 9.00 and the gortex bivy for 15.00 when the Vet Standdown came to town a couple years ago. I bought from a homeless Vet who wanted a bottle of booze and had no interest in camping equipment.
Dave, nice video, but what do you think about quilts? DIY or converting a sleeping bag into a quilt. I have converted my Kelty to a quilt (no zippers, or hood) and if really cold I add a smaller sized wool blanket and always us a cut down Z-Rest.
A benefit of a game cart is that you can use it to haul materials. The more you can lug in one trip, the less trips you need to make. Increasing efficiency. This is true regardless of what you're hauling. Wood, stones, moss, leaves. I hear they're even pretty handy for hauling out deer.
The third sleeping bag is a Swiss standard military issue one. A friend of mine survived a night in a storm when it was raining cats and dogs, without a shelter in November. I also had great experience with it.
Glad you've been to my neck of the woods, the U.P.! I use a G.I. Intermediary bag picked up at St. Vincent DePaul for $10, good for -10*, me (5'10" 180) and my Pitbull (57lbs.) fit in it, in a Claytor jungle hammock.
Very good point at the beginning. Always be prepared for a survival scenario. Even if you go on a hike, bring at least a couple ways to start fire and process wood. Could save you, especially as winter closes in.
That last sleeping is german military. I used one for years. I bought it 6 years about for $30 from the sportsmen guide. Its a very durable an warm bag. I would rate it for 35 degrees.
I recently purchased an 4 piece MMS sleep system off ebay for about $65 used, and its quite heavy in its stuff sack. I will ditch the patrol bag as you suggested unless I plan on camping in -40 weather! I also inheirited an HBC 4 point THICK wool blanket from my great grandfather about 10 years ago. I've used it camping before, before I knew how much they cost now! Do you have any suggestions on how to protect my HBC wool blanket out in the woods if its all I carry. Keep up the great work
You have awesome stuff and I really enjoy watching all your videos. I was wondering if you had ever thought about doing a 21st century longbow man series?
Hi Dave, been a fan for a long while. Anyway, did a little research and the last bag you showed seems to be a swiss military sleeping bag. Its on the keepshooting web site. Even has the yellow tag on the flap. Keep it up and thanks for so much good info.
Mr. Canterbury, what's your thoughts/opinion on game (deer) carts for hauling gear for long term wilderness living? Obviously without a beast of burden at my disposable, I have settled on a two-wheeled Guide Gear Deer Cart with a 300lb load capacity for my solo expedition. I'll be using it to transport around 150lb's of gear and supplies for a winter camp in the northeastern Washington state.
I would recommend the down bags from the company Nunatak. They are made in the USA. I would direct you to their product called Raku which can be used as both a garment and a sleeping system. I myself use their Arc System gear as I am an ultralight backpacker. Both the Raku and Alpinist lines have the center zipper.
I use the IMSS and wool blanket. Just the patrol bag at minimum(i live more south than you), then add the wool with it when its cooler, then add it all when its freezing and below. That I learned from you but I always use the wool blanket on the outside so Ill have to try it on the inside next time unless Im by the fire than Ill keep the wool on the outside. Thanks for another tip.
Ecotat is now now being sold under the name "Freedom Shelter - Super Light". I think they were the original manufacturer of these bags if anyone is looking. They are pricey though!
Wiggy's also makes some extra long center zip sleeping bags with drawstring footboxes in various temperature ratings that can be combined for increased temperature rating. They work great as that pod system you described above on gathered end sleeping bags.
I've got a sleeping bag I doubt Dave would review and would probably laugh at, it's mostly for "truck camping". It's a MONSTER, got it from Cabela's, it's a 5in1 and weighs in at a hefty 24lbs!! I do have lighter, smaller bags, and 3 different wool blankets, but that beast is rated for -40 and will fit a BIG man! You could backpack with it as long as you had a Sherpa guide to haul it for you - LOL!
Eberlestock makes some fantastic center zip bags that can fit together as well. Kifaru slick bags are crazy warm & never have to worry about losing loft. I have both MSS and I believe the ACU version is better, but I think the next 1 has fr added to it.
Keep them coming Brother. I have learned a ton just watching your videos. I would also encourage your subscribers to support the effort by utilizing your "store" whenever possible. True, you can sometimes find some of this stuff a little cheaper elsewhere, but it doesn't come with the free education. Your efforts are much appreciated.
Hey Dave, I'm planing on making myself a 10c survival kit. I would like to ask you what kind of bag or backpack would be good. I know you have made your own Alice pack and you regularly put garbage cans in a backpack but I would like to know what you suggest. Thanks.
Really awesome video dave. I have the MSS and have tried to pack it in my bag. Its hefty. I think im goining to utilize a 30L dry bag, like you. Its much more space efficient and makes sense, since I also have wool blankets. Thanks again.
Hey Dave! Really enjoyed the video. I know temperature tolerance will vary from person to person but what would you say to be the coldest in Fahrenheit you would go for the dutch blanket and for your lighter pathfinder blanket without a fire? I think in the video you mention cold and moderate temperature. Just looking for some numbers. Thanks from BC, Canada!
I believe that green bag is an old swiss army sleeping bag. I remember buying one on eBay about 20 years ago for about £10. I just had a quick look and there is one for sale now for 325 dollars with a bivvy bag. I better try and find out which one of my children borrowed it...
Hey Dave, just wondering if and when you'll be offering the bakers bundles blankets on your site. I sure appreciate the time and energy put into your videos...thanks
Hey Dave, I was hoping that you could do a JMHO about Base-layers I have been having a heck of a time sorting through all the none-sense and Fall/Winter is right around the corner. Been loving these JMHO series the Knife one was my favorite thus far. Keep up the great work!
Would love to get out there, myself- but can't get the traveling set up yet. Would you mind demonstrating how to get into this sleeping bag with the blanket? Can't quite figure how to do it well. Do you wrap yourself in the blanket & then slide the sleeping bag on, then tuck your arms in after it's closed?
What do you think about, wrapping the wool blanket around the outside of the synthetic bag? That way you get the warmth of the synthetic bag with the fire protection that a wool blanket offers, meaning you can get closer to your fire
I like my wool blankets but I had a chance to get a couple of the military 4 pc. sleep systems for under a hundred bucks each and haven't regretted it. My 13 yr old daughter loves hers and for the first month or so when i got them, she used hers on her bed. I actually had to go in while she was at school and roll it up and put it away.
Great video. You said that the 96' x 96' Morino wool blanket would reduce the itch factor with wool. Would that help some one who is very allergic to wool? Thanks for another great video.
How would you do a proper wrap-up with a wool blanket on a raised bed like that? And that Eco-Tat bag with the center zip and foot opening makes for a perfect hammock bag. You can get it all arranged while you're standing, then hop into the hammock and close up the foot hole. Makes middle-o-the night wandering much warmer, too.
This was pointed out in the video. . . But I will add that this is geared more towards down filled bags. Synthetics, like the military sleep system, aren't as vulnerable to a loss in R value like down is. Although it is a very good idea to allow them to air out.
Dave Whats your opinion of the WW2 wool sleeping bag? I don't know if you've ever heard or used one of these but it combines wool with military and in my mind that's the best of both worlds. If you can a review of one of these it would be wonderful. I have seen folks use one of these in freezing rain , using it as the outer shell ,then MSS Bivy, then a down sleeping bag as the bottom layer. curious what your thoughts might be.
Hi Dave. What do you think of canvas bedrolls as part of a person's sleeping system? In some countries like Australia they're pretty traditional. Heck cowboy bedrolls are about as traditional as they get. Not sure if you've done a vid on them, might be an idea? Anyway keep on with the great video's you're doing, love 'em very informative. Thanks. Alex
Thanks again Dave. I had great nights sleep at Knob Creek. Last year I got the MMS system listening to you. then a couple wool blankets for messing with...the combination of them is unbeatable. Black bags have come down a bunch lately...I could have gotten another for 25 bucks down there in reasonable condition, but what I really need is a good zip together system cause in the spring my girl is coming with me. Any suggestions?
