Surviving in wild places if things go wrong..
My Survival Essentials
Here's a few items that I always take out with me in the wild places, just in case..
Personal Locator Beacon (I'm using a Garmin Inreach Mini)
Some form of PLB is absolutely essential as you often won't have reception. With my Garmin, I'm also able to get weather forecasts, navigate, message friends & family and I'd also be able to initiate a rescue, all when I don't have phone signal
Whistle
For drawing attention to yourself in an emergency
Lightweight Bivi Bag
To protect my sleeping bag from tent condensation, but also as a life-saving emergency shelter in event of tent failure or loss
Hand Warmers
I always chuck a pair of Hot Hands in my rucksack. Having heat available in a bad situation can make all the difference.
Water Purification Tablets
They weigh next to nothing and provide you with safe water to drink if you break, lose or freeze your water filter
Fire Kit
Some way of making fire - either matches & striker in a watertight sealed baggy, or a ferro rod & striker
Med Kit
Whatever you feel you need to make life easier for yourself if you become sick or injured. Pain relief, a small bandage, wound dressing, alcohol rub, plasters, skin closure strips, antihistamine. This will vary from person-to-person
Knife
Just a small one - they have so many uses from cutting to fire starting
Cordage
A length of some form of cordage can be invaluable - from fixing broken gear, replacing broken bootlaces or securing a makeshift wound dressing
Small Mirror
For tick-checking areas of your body that you can't otherwise see, and can also be used to reflect the sun to create a visible flash signal to rescue teams
EMERGENCY SHELTER
For day hikes when you aren't carrying a sleeping bag, mat or any of your overnight gear, always bring some form of emergency shelter. Using this in an emergency situation will not be an easy or pleasant experience - but it will help you retain some warmth and keep some of the weather off you
Personal Locator Beacon (I'm using a Garmin Inreach Mini)
Some form of PLB is absolutely essential as you often won't have reception. With my Garmin, I'm also able to get weather forecasts, navigate, message friends & family and I'd also be able to initiate a rescue, all when I don't have phone signal
Whistle
For drawing attention to yourself in an emergency
Lightweight Bivi Bag
To protect my sleeping bag from tent condensation, but also as a life-saving emergency shelter in event of tent failure or loss
Hand Warmers
I always chuck a pair of Hot Hands in my rucksack. Having heat available in a bad situation can make all the difference.
Water Purification Tablets
They weigh next to nothing and provide you with safe water to drink if you break, lose or freeze your water filter
Fire Kit
Some way of making fire - either matches & striker in a watertight sealed baggy, or a ferro rod & striker
Med Kit
Whatever you feel you need to make life easier for yourself if you become sick or injured. Pain relief, a small bandage, wound dressing, alcohol rub, plasters, skin closure strips, antihistamine. This will vary from person-to-person
Knife
Just a small one - they have so many uses from cutting to fire starting
Cordage
A length of some form of cordage can be invaluable - from fixing broken gear, replacing broken bootlaces or securing a makeshift wound dressing
Small Mirror
For tick-checking areas of your body that you can't otherwise see, and can also be used to reflect the sun to create a visible flash signal to rescue teams
EMERGENCY SHELTER
For day hikes when you aren't carrying a sleeping bag, mat or any of your overnight gear, always bring some form of emergency shelter. Using this in an emergency situation will not be an easy or pleasant experience - but it will help you retain some warmth and keep some of the weather off you
Night in a survival shelter - gear list
This gear list contains amazon affiliate links. This means that WildBeare makes a small commission from any sales made via these links, at no extra cost to yourself - a great way to support the channel. Thank you
You can also find lots of my gear in my Amazon Gear Shop :)
*I choose not to be sponsored, affiliated with any particular brands, and have not accepted any of this gear as a gift. Every piece of gear that I’m using is something that I have chosen to buy for myself – my opinions on it and experiences with it are completely impartial
EMERGENCY SHELTER
Lifesystems (no affiliation) 2 Person Survival Shelter https://amzn.to/3ONZ7K6
DD Magic Carpet as ground sheet https://amzn.to/3xObUVl
TREKKING POLE
Fizan Compact https://amzn.to/3ggE1Gj
Light AF Mat https://outdoorgearessentials.co.uk
RUCKSACK & PACKING
Deuter Aircontact 60+10L SL Women’s Rucksack https://amzn.to/3MqRvcW
Exped Dry Bags https://amzn.to/33OmrDu
DCF Zip Pouches & Dry Bags https://WildSkyGear.co.uk
WATER & HYDRATION
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter https://amzn.to/4bERwqe
1L Filter Bag https://amzn.to/3NkJsPF
Osprey 2L Water Bladder https://amzn.to/3V6C2Gg
CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
Boots Peter Storm Caldbeck https://amzn.to/3JtYPFp
Scholl Liquiflex Insoles https://amzn.to/3QjoX9z
Sealskinz Waterproof Knee Length Socks https://amzn.to/3ZCxUgU
Fine Merino Socks https://amzn.to/3F66vvp
Waterproofs Decathlon
Trespass Jacket Olive https://amzn.to/4aAOjHZ
Leggings https://amzn.to/41Rplko
Merino Thermal Under-Trousers Decathlon
Merino Mix Vest Decathlon
Rab Women’s Capacitor Hoody https://amzn.to/3oRpJ2Y
Step One Lady Boxers https://amzn.to/3Zfg9Fe
Down Puffy Decathlon
Microfibre Towel
COOKING
Stove https://amzn.to/3cM173q
Gas 230g https://amzn.to/3z5qV5L
Stand https://amzn.to/3GLhHh4
Toaks 900ml Titanium Pot https://amzn.to/3j5Mwot
Lighter
XBands https://amzn.to/43SVFE8
Microfibre cloth https://amzn.to/47ltZIq
Opinel Pocket Knife No.5 https://amzn.to/45P33RH
Tito Titanium Spoon https://amzn.to/3xgwcqi
Bag for rubbish
MED KIT
Pain relief
Antihistamine
Plasters
Blister plasters https://amzn.to/3qvrzHA
Torniquet (only use with knowledge of how to use safely)
Wound Dressing
Small Bandage https://amzn.to/401pHUI
Alcohol Wipes
Med kit pouch https://www.wildskygear.co.uk/
TOILETRIES & PERSONAL CARE
Tissue
Baby wipes
Hand sanitiser
Trowel https://amzn.to/3etBVz9
Palm Hair Brush https://amzn.to/3QIUumd
Hair band
Lip balm
Talc
Toothpaste
Tiny mirror
Mini Tweezers
Tiny Pots https://amzn.to/3aJytgC
Toothbrush https://amzn.to/2LqwgxY
Sleep Mask https://amzn.to/3tD2lUs
Ear Plugs https://amzn.to/40swCVh
TICK, MOZZIE & MIDGE PREVENTION
Lifesystems Ex4 (tick treatment for outer clothing coming into contact with long grass etc) https://amzn.to/38XozuB
Tick Removal Tool https://amzn.to/3rHfkFp
Head Bug Net https://amzn.to/3J0OAZf
HEAT
Hot Hands (didn’t need to use – but always a good idea to carry a heat source in case of emergency) https://amzn.to/3q1iiTp
ELECTRONICS
20,100 mAh Anker Power Bank https://amzn.to/3jqTQr2
Headtorch Decathlon Bivouac USB (100 lumen)
Thermometer https://amzn.to/3TMdw9n
GPS / NAVIGATION / PLB / EMERGENCY
Garmin Inreach Mini https://amzn.to/3sVBi9f
Garmin Backpack Tether https://amzn.to/3sTRibM
Compass
Phone https://amzn.to/3An5PQ7
Waterproof Phone Case https://amzn.to/3K7956B
Whistle https://amzn.to/3uRvwbM
FILMED WITH..
Camera Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/3t4VamJ
Ulanzi Wide Angle & Macro Lens https://amzn.to/3CC6Jaq
ZV1 Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3tYOnPA
Rode Lav Mic https://amzn.to/44Qte8M
Lav Mic Wind Muffs & Clips https://amzn.to/3TkNQUJ
3.6m Aux Audio Cable https://amzn.to/3W4YYqe
128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/3tckuY8
Tripod https://amzn.to/3nxGg7p
Mini Ball Head Smallrig https://amzn.to/3UYGBlD
Rain Cover https://amzn.to/3VctprU
x2 GoPro 10’s https://amzn.to/3T9CDUB
Wind Shields https://amzn.to/3TesuWA
Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3ww70Lf
Selfie Stick https://amzn.to/3zRjDTh
Rucksack Mount https://amzn.to/32Ojy4M
128GB Micro SD Card https://amzn.to/3p8XQ0v
Gorrillapod Tripod https://amzn.to/3u9Tb3j
Sml LED Waterproof Light https://amzn.to/3GUwzLL
Lge LED Waterproof Light https://amzn.to/3EPqTQC
SAM the drone:
DJI Mavic Mini Drone https://amzn.to/3rvF0SZ
+ an old iphone to control it – my phone not compatible
128GB Micro SD Card https://amzn.to/3p8XQ0v
TRAIL CAM
GardePro A3 Wildlife Camera https://amzn.to/3LOa8Y0
AA Batteries https://amzn.to/3jkj5w7
128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/37xKebX
EDITED WITH..
Editing Program – Davinci Resolve Studio
Headphones Sony MDR-7506
PC Vibox VIII https://amzn.to/3WaIUTG
Monitor LG Ultrafine 32” https://amzn.to/3H6lXsg
Studio Speakers https://amzn.to/4f2FOIs
Seagate 12TB External Hard Drive https://amzn.to/42cSW7U
MY HAPPY HELPER
(Frank) https://amzn.to/3s4b5H
You can also find lots of my gear in my Amazon Gear Shop :)
*I choose not to be sponsored, affiliated with any particular brands, and have not accepted any of this gear as a gift. Every piece of gear that I’m using is something that I have chosen to buy for myself – my opinions on it and experiences with it are completely impartial
EMERGENCY SHELTER
Lifesystems (no affiliation) 2 Person Survival Shelter https://amzn.to/3ONZ7K6
DD Magic Carpet as ground sheet https://amzn.to/3xObUVl
TREKKING POLE
Fizan Compact https://amzn.to/3ggE1Gj
Light AF Mat https://outdoorgearessentials.co.uk
RUCKSACK & PACKING
Deuter Aircontact 60+10L SL Women’s Rucksack https://amzn.to/3MqRvcW
Exped Dry Bags https://amzn.to/33OmrDu
DCF Zip Pouches & Dry Bags https://WildSkyGear.co.uk
WATER & HYDRATION
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter https://amzn.to/4bERwqe
1L Filter Bag https://amzn.to/3NkJsPF
Osprey 2L Water Bladder https://amzn.to/3V6C2Gg
CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
Boots Peter Storm Caldbeck https://amzn.to/3JtYPFp
Scholl Liquiflex Insoles https://amzn.to/3QjoX9z
Sealskinz Waterproof Knee Length Socks https://amzn.to/3ZCxUgU
Fine Merino Socks https://amzn.to/3F66vvp
Waterproofs Decathlon
Trespass Jacket Olive https://amzn.to/4aAOjHZ
Leggings https://amzn.to/41Rplko
Merino Thermal Under-Trousers Decathlon
Merino Mix Vest Decathlon
Rab Women’s Capacitor Hoody https://amzn.to/3oRpJ2Y
Step One Lady Boxers https://amzn.to/3Zfg9Fe
Down Puffy Decathlon
Microfibre Towel
COOKING
Stove https://amzn.to/3cM173q
Gas 230g https://amzn.to/3z5qV5L
Stand https://amzn.to/3GLhHh4
Toaks 900ml Titanium Pot https://amzn.to/3j5Mwot
Lighter
XBands https://amzn.to/43SVFE8
Microfibre cloth https://amzn.to/47ltZIq
Opinel Pocket Knife No.5 https://amzn.to/45P33RH
Tito Titanium Spoon https://amzn.to/3xgwcqi
Bag for rubbish
MED KIT
Pain relief
Antihistamine
Plasters
Blister plasters https://amzn.to/3qvrzHA
Torniquet (only use with knowledge of how to use safely)
Wound Dressing
Small Bandage https://amzn.to/401pHUI
Alcohol Wipes
Med kit pouch https://www.wildskygear.co.uk/
TOILETRIES & PERSONAL CARE
Tissue
Baby wipes
Hand sanitiser
Trowel https://amzn.to/3etBVz9
Palm Hair Brush https://amzn.to/3QIUumd
Hair band
Lip balm
Talc
Toothpaste
Tiny mirror
Mini Tweezers
Tiny Pots https://amzn.to/3aJytgC
Toothbrush https://amzn.to/2LqwgxY
Sleep Mask https://amzn.to/3tD2lUs
Ear Plugs https://amzn.to/40swCVh
TICK, MOZZIE & MIDGE PREVENTION
Lifesystems Ex4 (tick treatment for outer clothing coming into contact with long grass etc) https://amzn.to/38XozuB
Tick Removal Tool https://amzn.to/3rHfkFp
Head Bug Net https://amzn.to/3J0OAZf
HEAT
Hot Hands (didn’t need to use – but always a good idea to carry a heat source in case of emergency) https://amzn.to/3q1iiTp
ELECTRONICS
20,100 mAh Anker Power Bank https://amzn.to/3jqTQr2
Headtorch Decathlon Bivouac USB (100 lumen)
Thermometer https://amzn.to/3TMdw9n
GPS / NAVIGATION / PLB / EMERGENCY
Garmin Inreach Mini https://amzn.to/3sVBi9f
Garmin Backpack Tether https://amzn.to/3sTRibM
Compass
Phone https://amzn.to/3An5PQ7
Waterproof Phone Case https://amzn.to/3K7956B
Whistle https://amzn.to/3uRvwbM
FILMED WITH..
Camera Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/3t4VamJ
Ulanzi Wide Angle & Macro Lens https://amzn.to/3CC6Jaq
ZV1 Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3tYOnPA
Rode Lav Mic https://amzn.to/44Qte8M
Lav Mic Wind Muffs & Clips https://amzn.to/3TkNQUJ
3.6m Aux Audio Cable https://amzn.to/3W4YYqe
128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/3tckuY8
Tripod https://amzn.to/3nxGg7p
Mini Ball Head Smallrig https://amzn.to/3UYGBlD
Rain Cover https://amzn.to/3VctprU
x2 GoPro 10’s https://amzn.to/3T9CDUB
Wind Shields https://amzn.to/3TesuWA
Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3ww70Lf
Selfie Stick https://amzn.to/3zRjDTh
Rucksack Mount https://amzn.to/32Ojy4M
128GB Micro SD Card https://amzn.to/3p8XQ0v
Gorrillapod Tripod https://amzn.to/3u9Tb3j
Sml LED Waterproof Light https://amzn.to/3GUwzLL
Lge LED Waterproof Light https://amzn.to/3EPqTQC
SAM the drone:
DJI Mavic Mini Drone https://amzn.to/3rvF0SZ
+ an old iphone to control it – my phone not compatible
128GB Micro SD Card https://amzn.to/3p8XQ0v
TRAIL CAM
GardePro A3 Wildlife Camera https://amzn.to/3LOa8Y0
AA Batteries https://amzn.to/3jkj5w7
128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/37xKebX
EDITED WITH..
Editing Program – Davinci Resolve Studio
Headphones Sony MDR-7506
PC Vibox VIII https://amzn.to/3WaIUTG
Monitor LG Ultrafine 32” https://amzn.to/3H6lXsg
Studio Speakers https://amzn.to/4f2FOIs
Seagate 12TB External Hard Drive https://amzn.to/42cSW7U
MY HAPPY HELPER
(Frank) https://amzn.to/3s4b5H
My Thoughts
On a chilly evening in July, I headed out to the mountains with Frank to try out another survival shelter – this time it was the Lifesystems 2. I had just my day hiking stuff, so no sleeping bag etc, to see how I’d do with this shelter had I become lost or injured and had to unexpectedly spend a night in the hills
Having never had it out before, I was surprised how small it was, especially for a 2-person shelter. However, we both fit in ok squished up (although I have to say, if Frank were bigger and had his own rucksack, this would have been quite a challenge haha!)
But due to the small size and sturdy construction, this thing held in an unbelievable amount of heat. I tested the inside/outside temperatures twice, and both times got a difference of over 6°C, which I think is the biggest temperature difference I’ve ever recorded so far
This is a well-made shelter, which is not prone to ripping or tearing unlike the last survival shelter I tried, but it remains light enough to chuck in a day bag at 345g. Frank and I got to try it out in the rain, got eaten alive by midges and had a pretty cosy (ok, cramped) night in this lil thing. Condensation will always be an issue of course, so you’ll still need waterproofs, and no sleep was had due to the uncomfortable conditions, but it kept me perfectly warm with no sleeping bag (very rare for a coldy like me!) and could have saved my life in an actual emergency
There’s a window, an air vent, reflective strips, and 2 lil bum-seat areas so that you don’t have to park your rear directly onto wet ground (yay). The bright orange colour is great for attracting attention if you're in a dire situation & awaiting rescue. It’s also real simple, not requiring any hanging-from-trees or creating ridgelines; you simply put it over your head and wait out the weather. I imagine it would also be handy for sandwich stops on wet days. It’s deffo my new fav emergency shelter to carry in my day hiking bag
I was pretty close to my car for this in case it went wrong – not a good idea to do silly stuff in the mountains without a solid back up plan :)
Having never had it out before, I was surprised how small it was, especially for a 2-person shelter. However, we both fit in ok squished up (although I have to say, if Frank were bigger and had his own rucksack, this would have been quite a challenge haha!)
But due to the small size and sturdy construction, this thing held in an unbelievable amount of heat. I tested the inside/outside temperatures twice, and both times got a difference of over 6°C, which I think is the biggest temperature difference I’ve ever recorded so far
This is a well-made shelter, which is not prone to ripping or tearing unlike the last survival shelter I tried, but it remains light enough to chuck in a day bag at 345g. Frank and I got to try it out in the rain, got eaten alive by midges and had a pretty cosy (ok, cramped) night in this lil thing. Condensation will always be an issue of course, so you’ll still need waterproofs, and no sleep was had due to the uncomfortable conditions, but it kept me perfectly warm with no sleeping bag (very rare for a coldy like me!) and could have saved my life in an actual emergency
There’s a window, an air vent, reflective strips, and 2 lil bum-seat areas so that you don’t have to park your rear directly onto wet ground (yay). The bright orange colour is great for attracting attention if you're in a dire situation & awaiting rescue. It’s also real simple, not requiring any hanging-from-trees or creating ridgelines; you simply put it over your head and wait out the weather. I imagine it would also be handy for sandwich stops on wet days. It’s deffo my new fav emergency shelter to carry in my day hiking bag
I was pretty close to my car for this in case it went wrong – not a good idea to do silly stuff in the mountains without a solid back up plan :)
Music in this video
Thank you to these amazing artists for producing such great music..
Hazy Sky – Nuer Self
Goodnight Everybody – Sémø
The Glory That Awaits – Tom Meira Armony
Debussy - Suite Bergamasque Clair de lune – Mira Ma
Chopin Nocturne No.2 in E Flat – Aaron Paul
All from Artlist, Epidemic Sound and Uppbeat with license
Hazy Sky – Nuer Self
Goodnight Everybody – Sémø
The Glory That Awaits – Tom Meira Armony
Debussy - Suite Bergamasque Clair de lune – Mira Ma
Chopin Nocturne No.2 in E Flat – Aaron Paul
All from Artlist, Epidemic Sound and Uppbeat with license
SURVIVAL SHELTER Gear LIST
This gear list contains amazon affiliate links. This means that WildBeare makes a small commission from any sales made via these links, at no extra cost to yourself - a great way to support the channel. Thank you
You can also see lots of my gear in my Amazon Gear Shop :)
*I choose not to be sponsored, affiliated with any particular brands, and have not accepted any free gear to try since summer of 2021. Every piece of gear that I’m using is something that I have chosen to buy for myself – my opinions on it and experiences with it are completely impartial.
EMERGENCY SHELTER - Life Tent https://amzn.to/3HUZ3Ex
TREKKING POLE - Fizan Compact https://amzn.to/3ggE1Gj
20L RUCKSACK - Decathlon
Trekrite Pack Liner https://amzn.to/3Ota5nb
Half of a Light AF Mat https://outdoorgearessentials.co.uk
DCF Zip Pouches & Dry Bags https://WildSkyGear.co.uk
Hiking Stove https://amzn.to/3cM173q
Jetboil Gas 230g https://amzn.to/3z5qV5L
Gas Canister Stand https://amzn.to/3GLhHh4
Toaks 900ml Titanium Pot https://amzn.to/3j5Mwot
Matches https://amzn.to/3t0eRzN
Tin https://amzn.to/41RpTGY + Match Striker https://amzn.to/3UblInq
Lighter
XBand https://amzn.to/43SVFE8
Microfibre cloth https://amzn.to/47ltZIq
Opinel Pocket Knife No.5 https://amzn.to/45P33RH
Tito Titanium Spoon https://amzn.to/3xgwcqi
Bag for rubbish
LifeStraw 650m Filter Squeeze Bottle https://amzn.to/3TSeDVe
Tissue
Baby wipes
Hair Bands
Hand sanitiser
Hot Hands https://amzn.to/3q1iiTp
Anker Power Bank https://amzn.to/3jqTQr2
Headtorch Decathlon
Thermometer https://amzn.to/3TMdw9n
MED KIT
Pain relief
Antihistamine
Plasters
Blister plasters https://amzn.to/3qvrzHA
Torniquet (only use with knowledge of how to use safely)
Wound Dressing
Small Bandage https://amzn.to/401pHUI
Alcohol Wipes
Med kit pouch https://www.wildskygear.co.uk/
PLB
Garmin Inreach Mini https://amzn.to/3sVBi9f
Tether https://amzn.to/3sTRibM
Phone https://amzn.to/3An5PQ7
Whistle https://amzn.to/3uRvwbM
CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
High Ankle Boots Haix Nature One GTX https://amzn.to/47fnxmV
Sealskinz Waterproof Knee Length Winter Socks https://amzn.to/3ZCxUgU
Fine Merino Socks https://amzn.to/3F66vvp
Montane Levity Women’s Gortex Rain Jacket https://amzn.to/3NaZn5l
Rab Downpour Eco Pants https://amzn.to/47laBvg
High Waist Leggings https://amzn.to/3tEH5Tj
Merino Thermal Under-Trousers Decathlon
Rab Women’s Capacitor Hoody https://amzn.to/3oRpJ2Y
Step One Lady Boxers https://amzn.to/3Zfg9Fe
Merino Wool Vest https://amzn.to/44R0ZrH
Waterproof Gloves Sealskinz https://amzn.to/3s48ucX
Down Puffy Decathlon
Fleece hat, gloves & neck warmer Decathlon
FILMING
Camera Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/3t4VamJ
Ulanzi Wide Angle & Macro Lens https://amzn.to/3CC6Jaq
ZV1 Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3tYOnPA
Rode Lav Mic https://amzn.to/44Qte8M
Lav Mic Wind Muffs & Clips https://amzn.to/3TkNQUJ
128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/3tckuY8
Light Clip https://amzn.to/2MZjCGK
Tripod https://amzn.to/3nxGg7p
Ball Head https://amzn.to/3G3obrL
Rain Cover https://amzn.to/3VctprU
x2 GoPro 10’s https://amzn.to/3T9CDUB
Wind Shields https://amzn.to/3TesuWA
Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3ww70Lf
Selfie Stick https://amzn.to/3zRjDTh
Rucksack Mount https://amzn.to/32Ojy4M
128GB Micro SD Card https://amzn.to/3p8XQ0v
Gorrillapod Tripod https://amzn.to/3u9Tb3j
Suptig Sml LED Waterproof Light https://amzn.to/3GUwzLL
Suptig Lge LED Waterproof Light https://amzn.to/3EPqTQC
TRAIL CAM
GardePro A3 Wildlife Camera https://amzn.to/3LOa8Y0
AA Batteries https://amzn.to/3jkj5w7
128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/37xKebX
COMPUTER & EDITING
Editing Program – Davinci (Free)
Headphones Audio-Technica https://amzn.to/3Hbtk1J
Headphone Stand https://amzn.to/3TSgKfn
Mouse https://amzn.to/3yjY24t
Personalised Mouse Mat https://amzn.to/414UsZ5
Dell PC https://amzn.to/3CAp3mX
Monitor LG Ultrafine 32” https://amzn.to/3H6lXsg
Seagate 12TB External Hard Drive https://amzn.to/42cSW7U
XP Pen Graphic Drawing Tablet https://amzn.to/479ghZE
You can also see lots of my gear in my Amazon Gear Shop :)
*I choose not to be sponsored, affiliated with any particular brands, and have not accepted any free gear to try since summer of 2021. Every piece of gear that I’m using is something that I have chosen to buy for myself – my opinions on it and experiences with it are completely impartial.
EMERGENCY SHELTER - Life Tent https://amzn.to/3HUZ3Ex
TREKKING POLE - Fizan Compact https://amzn.to/3ggE1Gj
20L RUCKSACK - Decathlon
Trekrite Pack Liner https://amzn.to/3Ota5nb
Half of a Light AF Mat https://outdoorgearessentials.co.uk
DCF Zip Pouches & Dry Bags https://WildSkyGear.co.uk
Hiking Stove https://amzn.to/3cM173q
Jetboil Gas 230g https://amzn.to/3z5qV5L
Gas Canister Stand https://amzn.to/3GLhHh4
Toaks 900ml Titanium Pot https://amzn.to/3j5Mwot
Matches https://amzn.to/3t0eRzN
Tin https://amzn.to/41RpTGY + Match Striker https://amzn.to/3UblInq
Lighter
XBand https://amzn.to/43SVFE8
Microfibre cloth https://amzn.to/47ltZIq
Opinel Pocket Knife No.5 https://amzn.to/45P33RH
Tito Titanium Spoon https://amzn.to/3xgwcqi
Bag for rubbish
LifeStraw 650m Filter Squeeze Bottle https://amzn.to/3TSeDVe
Tissue
Baby wipes
Hair Bands
Hand sanitiser
Hot Hands https://amzn.to/3q1iiTp
Anker Power Bank https://amzn.to/3jqTQr2
Headtorch Decathlon
Thermometer https://amzn.to/3TMdw9n
MED KIT
Pain relief
Antihistamine
Plasters
Blister plasters https://amzn.to/3qvrzHA
Torniquet (only use with knowledge of how to use safely)
Wound Dressing
Small Bandage https://amzn.to/401pHUI
Alcohol Wipes
Med kit pouch https://www.wildskygear.co.uk/
PLB
Garmin Inreach Mini https://amzn.to/3sVBi9f
Tether https://amzn.to/3sTRibM
Phone https://amzn.to/3An5PQ7
Whistle https://amzn.to/3uRvwbM
CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
High Ankle Boots Haix Nature One GTX https://amzn.to/47fnxmV
Sealskinz Waterproof Knee Length Winter Socks https://amzn.to/3ZCxUgU
Fine Merino Socks https://amzn.to/3F66vvp
Montane Levity Women’s Gortex Rain Jacket https://amzn.to/3NaZn5l
Rab Downpour Eco Pants https://amzn.to/47laBvg
High Waist Leggings https://amzn.to/3tEH5Tj
Merino Thermal Under-Trousers Decathlon
Rab Women’s Capacitor Hoody https://amzn.to/3oRpJ2Y
Step One Lady Boxers https://amzn.to/3Zfg9Fe
Merino Wool Vest https://amzn.to/44R0ZrH
Waterproof Gloves Sealskinz https://amzn.to/3s48ucX
Down Puffy Decathlon
Fleece hat, gloves & neck warmer Decathlon
FILMING
Camera Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/3t4VamJ
Ulanzi Wide Angle & Macro Lens https://amzn.to/3CC6Jaq
ZV1 Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3tYOnPA
Rode Lav Mic https://amzn.to/44Qte8M
Lav Mic Wind Muffs & Clips https://amzn.to/3TkNQUJ
128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/3tckuY8
Light Clip https://amzn.to/2MZjCGK
Tripod https://amzn.to/3nxGg7p
Ball Head https://amzn.to/3G3obrL
Rain Cover https://amzn.to/3VctprU
x2 GoPro 10’s https://amzn.to/3T9CDUB
Wind Shields https://amzn.to/3TesuWA
Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3ww70Lf
Selfie Stick https://amzn.to/3zRjDTh
Rucksack Mount https://amzn.to/32Ojy4M
128GB Micro SD Card https://amzn.to/3p8XQ0v
Gorrillapod Tripod https://amzn.to/3u9Tb3j
Suptig Sml LED Waterproof Light https://amzn.to/3GUwzLL
Suptig Lge LED Waterproof Light https://amzn.to/3EPqTQC
TRAIL CAM
GardePro A3 Wildlife Camera https://amzn.to/3LOa8Y0
AA Batteries https://amzn.to/3jkj5w7
128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/37xKebX
COMPUTER & EDITING
Editing Program – Davinci (Free)
Headphones Audio-Technica https://amzn.to/3Hbtk1J
Headphone Stand https://amzn.to/3TSgKfn
Mouse https://amzn.to/3yjY24t
Personalised Mouse Mat https://amzn.to/414UsZ5
Dell PC https://amzn.to/3CAp3mX
Monitor LG Ultrafine 32” https://amzn.to/3H6lXsg
Seagate 12TB External Hard Drive https://amzn.to/42cSW7U
XP Pen Graphic Drawing Tablet https://amzn.to/479ghZE
JOURNAL - MY THOUGHTS
9 Hours in a Survival Shelter.. this was grim! But a real eye-opener
It was a sopping wet, rainy day in February and thought I’d see what it would be like to find myself lost in the wild and having to spend an unexpected night out, using only what was in my day-hiking rucksack. For this scenario, I had my usual day hiking bits & bobs.. food, stove, head torch, something to sit on, my down puffy, waterproof pack liner, med kit, hand warmers and an emergency shelter
This time my shelter was a ‘Life Tent’ – a tiny lil thing, not much bigger than a drinks can and weighing around 300g. Something that I would chuck into a day pack, probably never think about again and *hopefully* never have to actually use. But for this scenario I did have to use it, so I found a spot between 2 trees where I would be able to string it up and got to work
The shelter was simple enough to put up, it’s basically a bag on a string.. a thin, tubular sheet of mylar plastic, with a 20ft length of paracord included. I crawled inside the shelter before the light started to fade. It was 4:18pm and the ordeal had begun!
Firstly, I decided to close the back end with a hair band, to stop the breeze coming through. This would make it a condensation hell of course, but that didn’t really matter, because I was already wet and the inside of the shelter was already wet. Everything was wet. So I decided that heat retention was now the priority
I decided to make a hot meal, but my pot slid off my stove, sending half of my noodles and all of the flavour into the mud. No bother, I made some sandwiches instead. But it wasn’t long before I started to feel chilly. The shelter was protecting me from the rain and the wind, but I was already damp, so staying warm was going to be difficult. I realised I had to keep moving, and started periodically having little workouts inside the shelter – pumping my arms and legs back and forth to keep my temperature up - but not to the point where I would start to sweat and make myself wetter
I realised I would be warmer further back in the shelter, so removed my boots and retreated. I was surprised to find that there was more than 2°C temperature difference between outside the shelter and inside! (9°C outside and over 11°C inside). This shelter claims to reflect back 90% of your own body heat.. I can’t say if that's true or not, but this heat difference was impressive, and could make all the difference in a real emergency situation
As the hours wore on, I grew tired from having to stay active in the tiny shelter. At one point the back of the shelter where I was sitting suddenly let a load of water in, which soaked me from the waist down. Having to keep moving was draining, and although I was able to keep my body temperature normal, I felt cold in my wet clothes
I fashioned my own heated blanket by placing my hand warmers inside my waterproof pack liner. The handwarmers warmed the air in the pack liner, and I draped this over myself and enjoyed some slight warmth. I tried resting for a short time under my makeshift blanket, but it was not to be.. my body wanted me up and alert and moving and handling the situation. There would be no rest here.
I made it over 9 hours this way, deciding some time around 2am that I’d well and truly had enough. My car, along with my car bed, warm dry clothes and other comfortable things, was parked close in a layby within sight of where I was trying this scenario. The pull of comfort and sleep was too strong, and whatever mental toughness that had got me through the first 9 hours suddenly left me. I was mentally and physically drained, but, I was alive and well, and successfully kept hypothermia at bay, despite being wet
So, this exercise taught me a few things. Firstly – it’s definitely worth taking along some form of emergency shelter on day hikes, just in case the worst happens. The extra 2 degrees of warmth provided by the shelter made a huge difference – this is more heat retention than many of my tents can provide. While it felt miserable at the time being inside the shelter, as soon as I emerged to pack it away, I started shivering. Only then could I really feel and appreciate the difference it had made.
Secondly, that an emergency shelter isn’t enough. Survival is hard, especially if you’re wet with no way of drying yourself, you’re gonna have to work – you cannot stop moving for long. It requires mental stamina, and it's physically tiring. This was a mild winter night too.. if it had been colder, this would have been a relentless fight against the cold and there’s no chance I would have chosen to endure 9 hours of it
Thirdly – clothing matters, specifically, the fabrics you choose to wear. In winter I’m wearing merino layers. As well as being comparatively quick drying compared to cotton for example, merino also has a very useful quality of being able to help you retain heat even when it’s damp. On the other hand, wearing damp cotton in this situation could be catastrophic, as it would just suck the heat from your body. I was also really grateful for my down puffy. I don’t wear this hiking as it needs to stay dry, but carrying it in my rucksack in a dry bag proved to be valuable. It did get slightly damp but has since been floofed back up by a tumble in the dryer
And lastly, it taught me another valuable lesson in gratitude. For those simple things that are so easy to take for granted.. a warm, dry bed. A roof over my head.
Overall, I guess the main take away is that survival is never going to be easy, but some form of emergency shelter will give you more of a fighting chance.
I had such a lovely sleep in my car bed that night!
It was a sopping wet, rainy day in February and thought I’d see what it would be like to find myself lost in the wild and having to spend an unexpected night out, using only what was in my day-hiking rucksack. For this scenario, I had my usual day hiking bits & bobs.. food, stove, head torch, something to sit on, my down puffy, waterproof pack liner, med kit, hand warmers and an emergency shelter
This time my shelter was a ‘Life Tent’ – a tiny lil thing, not much bigger than a drinks can and weighing around 300g. Something that I would chuck into a day pack, probably never think about again and *hopefully* never have to actually use. But for this scenario I did have to use it, so I found a spot between 2 trees where I would be able to string it up and got to work
The shelter was simple enough to put up, it’s basically a bag on a string.. a thin, tubular sheet of mylar plastic, with a 20ft length of paracord included. I crawled inside the shelter before the light started to fade. It was 4:18pm and the ordeal had begun!
Firstly, I decided to close the back end with a hair band, to stop the breeze coming through. This would make it a condensation hell of course, but that didn’t really matter, because I was already wet and the inside of the shelter was already wet. Everything was wet. So I decided that heat retention was now the priority
I decided to make a hot meal, but my pot slid off my stove, sending half of my noodles and all of the flavour into the mud. No bother, I made some sandwiches instead. But it wasn’t long before I started to feel chilly. The shelter was protecting me from the rain and the wind, but I was already damp, so staying warm was going to be difficult. I realised I had to keep moving, and started periodically having little workouts inside the shelter – pumping my arms and legs back and forth to keep my temperature up - but not to the point where I would start to sweat and make myself wetter
I realised I would be warmer further back in the shelter, so removed my boots and retreated. I was surprised to find that there was more than 2°C temperature difference between outside the shelter and inside! (9°C outside and over 11°C inside). This shelter claims to reflect back 90% of your own body heat.. I can’t say if that's true or not, but this heat difference was impressive, and could make all the difference in a real emergency situation
As the hours wore on, I grew tired from having to stay active in the tiny shelter. At one point the back of the shelter where I was sitting suddenly let a load of water in, which soaked me from the waist down. Having to keep moving was draining, and although I was able to keep my body temperature normal, I felt cold in my wet clothes
I fashioned my own heated blanket by placing my hand warmers inside my waterproof pack liner. The handwarmers warmed the air in the pack liner, and I draped this over myself and enjoyed some slight warmth. I tried resting for a short time under my makeshift blanket, but it was not to be.. my body wanted me up and alert and moving and handling the situation. There would be no rest here.
I made it over 9 hours this way, deciding some time around 2am that I’d well and truly had enough. My car, along with my car bed, warm dry clothes and other comfortable things, was parked close in a layby within sight of where I was trying this scenario. The pull of comfort and sleep was too strong, and whatever mental toughness that had got me through the first 9 hours suddenly left me. I was mentally and physically drained, but, I was alive and well, and successfully kept hypothermia at bay, despite being wet
So, this exercise taught me a few things. Firstly – it’s definitely worth taking along some form of emergency shelter on day hikes, just in case the worst happens. The extra 2 degrees of warmth provided by the shelter made a huge difference – this is more heat retention than many of my tents can provide. While it felt miserable at the time being inside the shelter, as soon as I emerged to pack it away, I started shivering. Only then could I really feel and appreciate the difference it had made.
Secondly, that an emergency shelter isn’t enough. Survival is hard, especially if you’re wet with no way of drying yourself, you’re gonna have to work – you cannot stop moving for long. It requires mental stamina, and it's physically tiring. This was a mild winter night too.. if it had been colder, this would have been a relentless fight against the cold and there’s no chance I would have chosen to endure 9 hours of it
Thirdly – clothing matters, specifically, the fabrics you choose to wear. In winter I’m wearing merino layers. As well as being comparatively quick drying compared to cotton for example, merino also has a very useful quality of being able to help you retain heat even when it’s damp. On the other hand, wearing damp cotton in this situation could be catastrophic, as it would just suck the heat from your body. I was also really grateful for my down puffy. I don’t wear this hiking as it needs to stay dry, but carrying it in my rucksack in a dry bag proved to be valuable. It did get slightly damp but has since been floofed back up by a tumble in the dryer
And lastly, it taught me another valuable lesson in gratitude. For those simple things that are so easy to take for granted.. a warm, dry bed. A roof over my head.
Overall, I guess the main take away is that survival is never going to be easy, but some form of emergency shelter will give you more of a fighting chance.
I had such a lovely sleep in my car bed that night!
I buy my own gear. I choose not to be sponsored, affiliated with any particular brands, and don't accept free gear to try or gifts. Every piece of gear that I’m using is something that I've chosen to buy for myself – my opinions on it & experiences with it are completely impartial..
MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
Thank you to these amazing artists for producing such great music!
Adrián Berenguer – Premiere
IamDayLight - Seine River
Life in Colour - Waking Up
Loya - Another Green World
Rotem Cinamon - Saving a Rainforest
Sémø - Eternal Play
All from Artlist with license
Adrián Berenguer – Premiere
IamDayLight - Seine River
Life in Colour - Waking Up
Loya - Another Green World
Rotem Cinamon - Saving a Rainforest
Sémø - Eternal Play
All from Artlist with license
GEAR LIST - 16 Hours in a Bivi bag
This gear list contains affiliate links. This means that WildBeare makes a small commission from any sales made via these links, at no extra cost to yourself - a great way to support the channel. Thank you
You can also see lots of my gear in my Amazon Gear Shop :)
*I choose not to be sponsored, affiliated with any particular brands, and have not accepted any free gear to try since summer of 2021. Every piece of gear that I’m using is something that I have chosen to buy for myself – my opinions on it and experiences with it are completely impartial.
SLEEP SYSTEM
Sleeping Bag Rab Ascent 1100 https://amzn.to/3ATy3lM
Winter Sleep Mat Neoair Thermarest Xtherm Max https://amzn.to/3uSjiLt
Trekology Aluft Delux Pillow https://amzn.to/3xwuhM1
Alpkit Kloke Bivi Bag https://amzn.to/3rb1nCK
TREKKING POLE
Fizan Compact https://amzn.to/3ggE1Gj
RUCKSACK & PACKING
Deuter Aircontact 60+10L SL Women’s Rucksack https://amzn.to/3MqRvcW
Exped Dry Bags https://amzn.to/33OmrDu
Nylofume Pack Liner - https://outdoorgearessentials.co.uk
DCF Zip Pouches & Dry Bags https://WildSkyGear.co.uk
CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
High Ankle Boots Haix Nature One GTX https://amzn.to/47fnxmV
Grangers Natural Beeswax for Boots https://amzn.to/44bT0Ft
Sealskinz Waterproof Knee Length Winter Socks https://amzn.to/3ZCxUgU
Fine Merino Socks https://amzn.to/3F66vvp
Hikenture Gaiters https://amzn.to/49idbo1
Montane Levity Women’s Gortex Rain Jacket https://amzn.to/3NaZn5l
Rab Downpour Eco Pants https://amzn.to/47laBvg
North Ridge Convect Women’s Merino Base Layer https://amzn.to/3MPqbrw
Rab Women’s Capacitor Hoody https://amzn.to/3oRpJ2Y
Merino Wool Vest https://amzn.to/44R0ZrH
Gloves Sealskinz https://amzn.to/3s48ucX
WATER
x2 1L Bottles
LifeStraw 650m Filter Squeeze Bottle https://amzn.to/3TSeDVe
TOILETRIES & PERSONAL CARE
Tissue
Baby wipes
Hand sanitiser
Trowel https://amzn.to/3etBVz9
Palm Hair Brush https://amzn.to/3QIUumd
Hair band
Lip balm
Talc
Toothpaste
Tiny mirror
Mini Tweezers
Tiny Pots https://amzn.to/3aJytgC
Toothbrush https://amzn.to/2LqwgxY
Sleep Mask https://amzn.to/3tD2lUs
Ear Plugs https://amzn.to/40swCVh
MED KIT
Pain relief
Antihistamine
Plasters
Blister plasters https://amzn.to/3qvrzHA
Torniquet (only use with knowledge of how to use safely)
Wound Dressing
Small Bandage https://amzn.to/401pHUI
Alcohol Wipes
Med kit pouch https://www.wildskygear.co.uk/
TICK & BUG PROTECTION
Lifesystems Ex4 (tick treatment for outer clothing coming into contact with long grass etc) https://amzn.to/38XozuB
Head Bug Net https://amzn.to/3u7JbeD
HEAT
Ocoopa Electronic Hand Warmer https://amzn.to/3BDyels
ELECTRONICS
20,100 mAh Anker Power Bank https://amzn.to/3jqTQr2
Headtorch Decathlon
GPS / NAVIGATION / PLB / EMERGENCY
Garmin Inreach Mini https://amzn.to/3sVBi9f
Garmin Backpack Tether https://amzn.to/3sTRibM
Phone https://amzn.to/3An5PQ7
Whistle https://amzn.to/3uRvwbM
FILMING
Camera Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/3t4VamJ
Ulanzi Wide Angle & Macro Lens https://amzn.to/3CC6Jaq
ZV1 Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3tYOnPA
Rode Lav Mic https://amzn.to/44Qte8M
Lav Mic Wind Muffs & Clips https://amzn.to/3TkNQUJ
128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/3tckuY8
Light Clip https://amzn.to/2MZjCGK
Tripod https://amzn.to/3nxGg7p
Ball Head https://amzn.to/3G3obrL
Rain Cover https://amzn.to/3VctprU
x2 GoPro 10’s https://amzn.to/3T9CDUB
Wind Shields https://amzn.to/3TesuWA
Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3ww70Lf
Chest Mount https://amzn.to/2TlfxQI
Selfie Stick https://amzn.to/3zRjDTh
Rucksack Mount https://amzn.to/32Ojy4M
128GB Micro SD Card https://amzn.to/3p8XQ0v
Gorrillapod Tripod https://amzn.to/3u9Tb3j
Suptig Sml LED Waterproof Light https://amzn.to/3GUwzLL
Suptig Lge LED Waterproof Light https://amzn.to/3EPqTQC
TRAIL CAM
GardePro A3 Wildlife Camera https://amzn.to/3LOa8Y0
AA Batteries https://amzn.to/3jkj5w7
128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/37xKebX
COMPUTER & EDITING
Editing Program – Davinci (Free)
Headphones Audio-Technica https://amzn.to/3Hbtk1J
Headphone Stand https://amzn.to/3TSgKfn
Mouse https://amzn.to/3yjY24t
Personalised Mouse Mat https://amzn.to/414UsZ5
Dell PC https://amzn.to/3CAp3mX
Monitor LG Ultrafine 32” https://amzn.to/3H6lXsg
Seagate 10TB External Hard Drive https://amzn.to/3MnK4Vj
XP Pen Graphic Drawing Tablet https://amzn.to/479ghZE
You can also see lots of my gear in my Amazon Gear Shop :)
*I choose not to be sponsored, affiliated with any particular brands, and have not accepted any free gear to try since summer of 2021. Every piece of gear that I’m using is something that I have chosen to buy for myself – my opinions on it and experiences with it are completely impartial.
SLEEP SYSTEM
Sleeping Bag Rab Ascent 1100 https://amzn.to/3ATy3lM
Winter Sleep Mat Neoair Thermarest Xtherm Max https://amzn.to/3uSjiLt
Trekology Aluft Delux Pillow https://amzn.to/3xwuhM1
Alpkit Kloke Bivi Bag https://amzn.to/3rb1nCK
TREKKING POLE
Fizan Compact https://amzn.to/3ggE1Gj
RUCKSACK & PACKING
Deuter Aircontact 60+10L SL Women’s Rucksack https://amzn.to/3MqRvcW
Exped Dry Bags https://amzn.to/33OmrDu
Nylofume Pack Liner - https://outdoorgearessentials.co.uk
DCF Zip Pouches & Dry Bags https://WildSkyGear.co.uk
CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
High Ankle Boots Haix Nature One GTX https://amzn.to/47fnxmV
Grangers Natural Beeswax for Boots https://amzn.to/44bT0Ft
Sealskinz Waterproof Knee Length Winter Socks https://amzn.to/3ZCxUgU
Fine Merino Socks https://amzn.to/3F66vvp
Hikenture Gaiters https://amzn.to/49idbo1
Montane Levity Women’s Gortex Rain Jacket https://amzn.to/3NaZn5l
Rab Downpour Eco Pants https://amzn.to/47laBvg
North Ridge Convect Women’s Merino Base Layer https://amzn.to/3MPqbrw
Rab Women’s Capacitor Hoody https://amzn.to/3oRpJ2Y
Merino Wool Vest https://amzn.to/44R0ZrH
Gloves Sealskinz https://amzn.to/3s48ucX
WATER
x2 1L Bottles
LifeStraw 650m Filter Squeeze Bottle https://amzn.to/3TSeDVe
TOILETRIES & PERSONAL CARE
Tissue
Baby wipes
Hand sanitiser
Trowel https://amzn.to/3etBVz9
Palm Hair Brush https://amzn.to/3QIUumd
Hair band
Lip balm
Talc
Toothpaste
Tiny mirror
Mini Tweezers
Tiny Pots https://amzn.to/3aJytgC
Toothbrush https://amzn.to/2LqwgxY
Sleep Mask https://amzn.to/3tD2lUs
Ear Plugs https://amzn.to/40swCVh
MED KIT
Pain relief
Antihistamine
Plasters
Blister plasters https://amzn.to/3qvrzHA
Torniquet (only use with knowledge of how to use safely)
Wound Dressing
Small Bandage https://amzn.to/401pHUI
Alcohol Wipes
Med kit pouch https://www.wildskygear.co.uk/
TICK & BUG PROTECTION
Lifesystems Ex4 (tick treatment for outer clothing coming into contact with long grass etc) https://amzn.to/38XozuB
Head Bug Net https://amzn.to/3u7JbeD
HEAT
Ocoopa Electronic Hand Warmer https://amzn.to/3BDyels
ELECTRONICS
20,100 mAh Anker Power Bank https://amzn.to/3jqTQr2
Headtorch Decathlon
GPS / NAVIGATION / PLB / EMERGENCY
Garmin Inreach Mini https://amzn.to/3sVBi9f
Garmin Backpack Tether https://amzn.to/3sTRibM
Phone https://amzn.to/3An5PQ7
Whistle https://amzn.to/3uRvwbM
FILMING
Camera Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/3t4VamJ
Ulanzi Wide Angle & Macro Lens https://amzn.to/3CC6Jaq
ZV1 Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3tYOnPA
Rode Lav Mic https://amzn.to/44Qte8M
Lav Mic Wind Muffs & Clips https://amzn.to/3TkNQUJ
128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/3tckuY8
Light Clip https://amzn.to/2MZjCGK
Tripod https://amzn.to/3nxGg7p
Ball Head https://amzn.to/3G3obrL
Rain Cover https://amzn.to/3VctprU
x2 GoPro 10’s https://amzn.to/3T9CDUB
Wind Shields https://amzn.to/3TesuWA
Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3ww70Lf
Chest Mount https://amzn.to/2TlfxQI
Selfie Stick https://amzn.to/3zRjDTh
Rucksack Mount https://amzn.to/32Ojy4M
128GB Micro SD Card https://amzn.to/3p8XQ0v
Gorrillapod Tripod https://amzn.to/3u9Tb3j
Suptig Sml LED Waterproof Light https://amzn.to/3GUwzLL
Suptig Lge LED Waterproof Light https://amzn.to/3EPqTQC
TRAIL CAM
GardePro A3 Wildlife Camera https://amzn.to/3LOa8Y0
AA Batteries https://amzn.to/3jkj5w7
128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/37xKebX
COMPUTER & EDITING
Editing Program – Davinci (Free)
Headphones Audio-Technica https://amzn.to/3Hbtk1J
Headphone Stand https://amzn.to/3TSgKfn
Mouse https://amzn.to/3yjY24t
Personalised Mouse Mat https://amzn.to/414UsZ5
Dell PC https://amzn.to/3CAp3mX
Monitor LG Ultrafine 32” https://amzn.to/3H6lXsg
Seagate 10TB External Hard Drive https://amzn.to/3MnK4Vj
XP Pen Graphic Drawing Tablet https://amzn.to/479ghZE
MY THOUGHTS
Ahh, 16 hours in a bivi bag in wind and rain. I imagined that I had lost my tent off a cliff in a gale and had to survive the night in the mountains without it. How would that go, making do with just my emergency lightweight bivi bag for a shelter?
I always have one in my rucksack, but usually I’m using it just to protect my sleeping bag from condensation in the tent. With no tent, I intended to find out why it’s so important to carry one of these
I expected this to be an utterly grim experience, but actually, it was pretty wonderful.
I was fortunate enough to start out in dry conditions with only the wind to contend with, and picked a sweet lil nook among the rocks, where I’d be able to rest propped up and comfortable. I popped up for a quick look at the sunset (one of the most beautiful I’ve seen), and got myself settled into the bag. Rucksack next to me, using the waterproof liner as my storage compartment
The rain came and I simply pulled the big rain hood over my head and waited it out. No bother. It felt strange to feel so cosy and warm while laying out in that weather, with the wind booming through the mountains like a freight train
And then the wind changed direction and started hitting me head-on.. no longer sheltered by my little nook, it was quite amusing, watching all the random debris of broken grass and twigs flying around in the air
As I dozed, sometimes the clouds would part, and I would stir and find myself under a sky of bright, sparkly stars.
The wind eased off after midnight, and I slept deeply for 7 hours, waking up to morning rain. Well rested and still warm and dry, the only dislike was having cold hands in the morning. Oh and trying to pack it up in the rain. My sleeping bag was slightly wet on the outside, but not enough to penetrate, and I had survived a bad weather winter night on the mountain, safe and well.
It’s nice to know I have this option if things go wrong. And it reminds me why I always carry a bivi bag of some kind – this one is 285g that could save my life
Bivi Chat! 🤓 The wetness inside the bivi bag on this occasion is not condensation – a week later I put the dry bivi bag outside in light rain for a few hours (all zipped up without me in it) and it again got wet on the inside where water had seeped through the fabric. Not through the seams specifically, but all over, through the fabric itself. I had also placed a dry towel inside, which got damp. Here's a few pics of how the inside looked after it had been out a while, you can see that it isn't dry..
I always have one in my rucksack, but usually I’m using it just to protect my sleeping bag from condensation in the tent. With no tent, I intended to find out why it’s so important to carry one of these
I expected this to be an utterly grim experience, but actually, it was pretty wonderful.
I was fortunate enough to start out in dry conditions with only the wind to contend with, and picked a sweet lil nook among the rocks, where I’d be able to rest propped up and comfortable. I popped up for a quick look at the sunset (one of the most beautiful I’ve seen), and got myself settled into the bag. Rucksack next to me, using the waterproof liner as my storage compartment
The rain came and I simply pulled the big rain hood over my head and waited it out. No bother. It felt strange to feel so cosy and warm while laying out in that weather, with the wind booming through the mountains like a freight train
And then the wind changed direction and started hitting me head-on.. no longer sheltered by my little nook, it was quite amusing, watching all the random debris of broken grass and twigs flying around in the air
As I dozed, sometimes the clouds would part, and I would stir and find myself under a sky of bright, sparkly stars.
The wind eased off after midnight, and I slept deeply for 7 hours, waking up to morning rain. Well rested and still warm and dry, the only dislike was having cold hands in the morning. Oh and trying to pack it up in the rain. My sleeping bag was slightly wet on the outside, but not enough to penetrate, and I had survived a bad weather winter night on the mountain, safe and well.
It’s nice to know I have this option if things go wrong. And it reminds me why I always carry a bivi bag of some kind – this one is 285g that could save my life
Bivi Chat! 🤓 The wetness inside the bivi bag on this occasion is not condensation – a week later I put the dry bivi bag outside in light rain for a few hours (all zipped up without me in it) and it again got wet on the inside where water had seeped through the fabric. Not through the seams specifically, but all over, through the fabric itself. I had also placed a dry towel inside, which got damp. Here's a few pics of how the inside looked after it had been out a while, you can see that it isn't dry..
This (Alpkit Kloke) is a very lightweight /285g, breathable bivi bag and so a small amount of water does eventually seep through if you are in prolonged wet conditions. However, in my experience it is a small amount, and not enough to penetrate through the down of the sleeping bag, but the outside of the sleeping bag becomes wet.
The large storm hood is also ridiculously helpful when sheltering from the elements – a feature that my more robust & waterproof bivi bags don’t have. My Alpkit Hunka bivi bags for example, are heavier, thicker, and do seem to be more waterproof. But they don’t have a storm hood, so I imagine it would be quite difficult (maybe impossible?) to stop rain water coming in through the head/face opening instead. And that would make for a difficult and uncomfortable night when no other shelter is available.
I don’t tend to get condensation in my bivi bags, maybe because I’m such a coldy, but if you aren’t as much of a cold-blooded vampire as me and are prone to getting condensation inside them, it’s worth bearing in mind that the more waterproof your bivi bag is, the more condensation you’re gonna get. Your sleeping bag might actually get just as damp or wet from condensation in a very waterproof bag, as it might in a breathable bag that doesn’t cause much condensation but lets a little water through instead
I’m unsure how this bivi bag would perform in prolonged, heavy, relentless rain that didn’t stop all night, but I suspect it would still be enough of a barrier to prevent hypothermia and keep you alive in a bad situation. Alpkit call this bivi bag ‘waterproof’, which I think is a bit misleading. ‘Water resistant’ would be a more accurate description, but I still think it’s a great bit of kit, and currently it’s always in my rucksack on my multi-night trips, to protect my sleeping bag from condensation in the tent and as a backup in case of emergency.
I’m looking for other bivi bags to try – my ideal would be one that is as robust and waterproof as the Hunka’s, with the low weight and storm hood of the Kloke (a girl can dream, right?!)
The large storm hood is also ridiculously helpful when sheltering from the elements – a feature that my more robust & waterproof bivi bags don’t have. My Alpkit Hunka bivi bags for example, are heavier, thicker, and do seem to be more waterproof. But they don’t have a storm hood, so I imagine it would be quite difficult (maybe impossible?) to stop rain water coming in through the head/face opening instead. And that would make for a difficult and uncomfortable night when no other shelter is available.
I don’t tend to get condensation in my bivi bags, maybe because I’m such a coldy, but if you aren’t as much of a cold-blooded vampire as me and are prone to getting condensation inside them, it’s worth bearing in mind that the more waterproof your bivi bag is, the more condensation you’re gonna get. Your sleeping bag might actually get just as damp or wet from condensation in a very waterproof bag, as it might in a breathable bag that doesn’t cause much condensation but lets a little water through instead
I’m unsure how this bivi bag would perform in prolonged, heavy, relentless rain that didn’t stop all night, but I suspect it would still be enough of a barrier to prevent hypothermia and keep you alive in a bad situation. Alpkit call this bivi bag ‘waterproof’, which I think is a bit misleading. ‘Water resistant’ would be a more accurate description, but I still think it’s a great bit of kit, and currently it’s always in my rucksack on my multi-night trips, to protect my sleeping bag from condensation in the tent and as a backup in case of emergency.
I’m looking for other bivi bags to try – my ideal would be one that is as robust and waterproof as the Hunka’s, with the low weight and storm hood of the Kloke (a girl can dream, right?!)
MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO
Thank you to these amazing artists for producing such great music..
Romi Kopelman – Gymnopédie no 1
Steven Beddall – Restless Mind
Yoav Llan – Sky Blue
Yoed Nir – Cello Suite No1 in G Major
Ziggy – Harvest Moon Waltz
Spearfisher ft. Cicely Parnas – Lullabye
All from Artlist & Bensound with license
Romi Kopelman – Gymnopédie no 1
Steven Beddall – Restless Mind
Yoav Llan – Sky Blue
Yoed Nir – Cello Suite No1 in G Major
Ziggy – Harvest Moon Waltz
Spearfisher ft. Cicely Parnas – Lullabye
All from Artlist & Bensound with license
Emergency Bivi Camp - Gear List
This gear list contains affiliate links. This means that WildBeare makes a small commission from any sales made via these links, at no extra cost to yourself - a great way to support the channel. Thank you so much!
You can also find lots of my gear in my Amazon Gear Shop :)
SHELTER
Alpkit Kloke Lightweight Bivi Bag
Paracord - Kombat 3mm Olive Green https://amzn.to/3yfsN8I
SLEEP SYSTEM
Sleeping Bag Leviathan OEX 900 https://amzn.to/3CEQriw
Winter Sleep Mat Neoair Thermarest Xtherm Max https://amzn.to/3uSjiLt
Trekology Aluft Delux Pillow https://amzn.to/3xwuhM1
RUCKSACK & PACKING
Deuter Aircontact 60+10L SL Women’s Rucksack https://amzn.to/3MqRvcW
Exped Dry Bags https://amzn.to/33OmrDu
Nylofume Pack Liner - https://outdoorgearessentials.co.uk
GPS NAVIGATION / SOS SAFETY DEVICE
Garmin Inreach Mini https://amzn.to/3sVBi9f
Garmin Backpack Tether https://amzn.to/3sTRibM
FIELD REPAIRS
Tenacious Tape https://amzn.to/2PmjxOq
Duct Tape (I wrap it around my trekking pole) https://amzn.to/3qPKFEF
COOKING
Ferro Rod https://amzn.to/3eVXUOF
Matches https://amzn.to/3t0eRzN
Opinel Pocket Knife No.6 https://amzn.to/3ad0HAo
Toaks 900ml Titanium Pot https://amzn.to/3j5Mwot
Hiking Stove https://amzn.to/3cM173q
Colemans Gas https://amzn.to/3rsp6bW
Jetboil Gas 230g https://amzn.to/3z5qV5L
Folding Gas Canister Stand https://amzn.to/3rvsnHz
Tito Titanium Spoon https://amzn.to/3xgwcqi
Bag for rubbish
WATER & HYDRATION
Carried in
TOILETRIES & PERSONAL CARE
Tissue
Baby wipes
Hand sanitiser
Trowel https://amzn.to/3etBVz9
Hair band
Lip balm
Talc
Toothpaste
Tiny mirror
Mini Tweezers
Tiny Pots https://amzn.to/3aJytgC
Toothbrush https://amzn.to/2LqwgxY
Sleep Mask https://amzn.to/3tD2lUs
Latex Glove https://amzn.to/2YSBHJ9
Cheap Sunglasses
MED KIT
Pain relief
Antihistamine
Plasters & blister plasters
Torniquet (only use with knowledge of how to use safely)
Wound Dressing & Small Bandage
Alcohol Wipes
CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
Boots Regatta https://amzn.to/3jufjj0
Merino layers - Decathlon
ELECTRONICS
Power Bank Anker PowerCore https://amzn.to/3jqTQr2
Headtorch – Decathlon Bivouac USB (100 lumen)
Thermometer https://amzn.to/3TMdw9n
Charger Cables
Microfibre Cloth for drying hands & electronics in wet weather https://amzn.to/3rHZYyf
FILMING
Camera – Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/3t4VamJ
Ulanzi Wide Angle & Macro Lens https://amzn.to/3CC6Jaq
ZV1 Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3tYOnPA
Sony Lavalier Mic https://amzn.to/3OOtvlC
128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/3tckuY8
GoPro Hero 8 https://amzn.to/3hjvtec
Foam Wind Shield https://amzn.to/3nr2ys1
Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3PsxRA0
GoPro 10 https://amzn.to/3T9CDUB
Foam Wind Shield https://amzn.to/3TesuWA
Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3ww70Lf
Chest Mount https://amzn.to/2TlfxQI
Selfie Stick https://amzn.to/3zRjDTh
Rucksack Mount https://amzn.to/32Ojy4M
Sandisk Extreme 128GB Micro SD Card https://amzn.to/3p8XQ0v
Suptig Small LED Waterproof Light https://amzn.to/3GUwzLL
Suptig Large LED Waterproof Light https://amzn.to/3EPqTQC
Ring Light Clips https://amzn.to/2MZjCGK
Basic Tripod https://amzn.to/3nxGg7p
Mini Ball Heads https://amzn.to/32Zb87n
Gorrillapod Flexible Mini Tripod https://amzn.to/3u9Tb3j
TRAIL CAM
GardePro A3 https://amzn.to/3LOa8Y0
AA Batteries https://amzn.to/3jkj5w7
128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/37xKebX
COMPUTER & EDITING
Editing Program – Davinci (Free)
Sony Headphones https://amzn.to/3yds75R
HP Wireless Keyboard
Mouse https://amzn.to/3yjY24t
Dell PC https://amzn.to/3CAp3mX
Seagate 10TB External Hard Drive https://amzn.to/3MnK4Vj
You can also find lots of my gear in my Amazon Gear Shop :)
SHELTER
Alpkit Kloke Lightweight Bivi Bag
Paracord - Kombat 3mm Olive Green https://amzn.to/3yfsN8I
SLEEP SYSTEM
Sleeping Bag Leviathan OEX 900 https://amzn.to/3CEQriw
Winter Sleep Mat Neoair Thermarest Xtherm Max https://amzn.to/3uSjiLt
Trekology Aluft Delux Pillow https://amzn.to/3xwuhM1
RUCKSACK & PACKING
Deuter Aircontact 60+10L SL Women’s Rucksack https://amzn.to/3MqRvcW
Exped Dry Bags https://amzn.to/33OmrDu
Nylofume Pack Liner - https://outdoorgearessentials.co.uk
GPS NAVIGATION / SOS SAFETY DEVICE
Garmin Inreach Mini https://amzn.to/3sVBi9f
Garmin Backpack Tether https://amzn.to/3sTRibM
FIELD REPAIRS
Tenacious Tape https://amzn.to/2PmjxOq
Duct Tape (I wrap it around my trekking pole) https://amzn.to/3qPKFEF
COOKING
Ferro Rod https://amzn.to/3eVXUOF
Matches https://amzn.to/3t0eRzN
Opinel Pocket Knife No.6 https://amzn.to/3ad0HAo
Toaks 900ml Titanium Pot https://amzn.to/3j5Mwot
Hiking Stove https://amzn.to/3cM173q
Colemans Gas https://amzn.to/3rsp6bW
Jetboil Gas 230g https://amzn.to/3z5qV5L
Folding Gas Canister Stand https://amzn.to/3rvsnHz
Tito Titanium Spoon https://amzn.to/3xgwcqi
Bag for rubbish
WATER & HYDRATION
Carried in
TOILETRIES & PERSONAL CARE
Tissue
Baby wipes
Hand sanitiser
Trowel https://amzn.to/3etBVz9
Hair band
Lip balm
Talc
Toothpaste
Tiny mirror
Mini Tweezers
Tiny Pots https://amzn.to/3aJytgC
Toothbrush https://amzn.to/2LqwgxY
Sleep Mask https://amzn.to/3tD2lUs
Latex Glove https://amzn.to/2YSBHJ9
Cheap Sunglasses
MED KIT
Pain relief
Antihistamine
Plasters & blister plasters
Torniquet (only use with knowledge of how to use safely)
Wound Dressing & Small Bandage
Alcohol Wipes
CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
Boots Regatta https://amzn.to/3jufjj0
Merino layers - Decathlon
ELECTRONICS
Power Bank Anker PowerCore https://amzn.to/3jqTQr2
Headtorch – Decathlon Bivouac USB (100 lumen)
Thermometer https://amzn.to/3TMdw9n
Charger Cables
Microfibre Cloth for drying hands & electronics in wet weather https://amzn.to/3rHZYyf
FILMING
Camera – Sony ZV1 https://amzn.to/3t4VamJ
Ulanzi Wide Angle & Macro Lens https://amzn.to/3CC6Jaq
ZV1 Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3tYOnPA
Sony Lavalier Mic https://amzn.to/3OOtvlC
128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/3tckuY8
GoPro Hero 8 https://amzn.to/3hjvtec
Foam Wind Shield https://amzn.to/3nr2ys1
Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3PsxRA0
GoPro 10 https://amzn.to/3T9CDUB
Foam Wind Shield https://amzn.to/3TesuWA
Screen Protectors https://amzn.to/3ww70Lf
Chest Mount https://amzn.to/2TlfxQI
Selfie Stick https://amzn.to/3zRjDTh
Rucksack Mount https://amzn.to/32Ojy4M
Sandisk Extreme 128GB Micro SD Card https://amzn.to/3p8XQ0v
Suptig Small LED Waterproof Light https://amzn.to/3GUwzLL
Suptig Large LED Waterproof Light https://amzn.to/3EPqTQC
Ring Light Clips https://amzn.to/2MZjCGK
Basic Tripod https://amzn.to/3nxGg7p
Mini Ball Heads https://amzn.to/32Zb87n
Gorrillapod Flexible Mini Tripod https://amzn.to/3u9Tb3j
TRAIL CAM
GardePro A3 https://amzn.to/3LOa8Y0
AA Batteries https://amzn.to/3jkj5w7
128GB SD Card https://amzn.to/37xKebX
COMPUTER & EDITING
Editing Program – Davinci (Free)
Sony Headphones https://amzn.to/3yds75R
HP Wireless Keyboard
Mouse https://amzn.to/3yjY24t
Dell PC https://amzn.to/3CAp3mX
Seagate 10TB External Hard Drive https://amzn.to/3MnK4Vj
My Thoughts..
I tried a bivi bag camp in the rain to see how effective it would be in an emergency situation.
This was over 12 hours in wet, rainy conditions in a bivi bag with no other shelter and temps between 5°C and 7.5°C. I filmed this close to my car in case it went wrong (never clever to intentionally risk hypothermia)
I used the Alpkit Kloke lightweight bivi bag. It was not as entirely waterproof as I would have hoped, but I did still stay warm and dry, so would have survived unscathed and well in an actual emergency situation. The features of this bag (big hood, zip-up entrance hole) meant that no rain water came in the entrance hole - a big plus!
My sleeping bag - Leviathan OEX 900 - got wet on the outside. Not enough water came through the bivi bag to penetrate through my sleeping bag, so I was unaware that any water had come in until I was packing away the next morning. Mr Leviathan seems to have recovered from the ordeal haha! I used him for a camp in the woods a couple days ago and was lovely and warm, although it is mild at the moment. Hopefully no damage done 🤞
I had been putting this camp off for months as I thought it was going to be horrendous and uncomfortable but actually, I had a magical time. Now and again the clouds would clear and I would be sat, propped up against the roots of the fallen tree all warm and cosy, under the most beautiful sky full of stars. Then when the rain came, I'd duck back into the bivi bag, zip myself in and hide out. It was a wonderful experience, although not something I would normally chose to do in rain as the risk of the sleeping bag getting wrecked is quite high, and doing this over multiple wet nights would not be a good idea at all.
This was over 12 hours in wet, rainy conditions in a bivi bag with no other shelter and temps between 5°C and 7.5°C. I filmed this close to my car in case it went wrong (never clever to intentionally risk hypothermia)
I used the Alpkit Kloke lightweight bivi bag. It was not as entirely waterproof as I would have hoped, but I did still stay warm and dry, so would have survived unscathed and well in an actual emergency situation. The features of this bag (big hood, zip-up entrance hole) meant that no rain water came in the entrance hole - a big plus!
My sleeping bag - Leviathan OEX 900 - got wet on the outside. Not enough water came through the bivi bag to penetrate through my sleeping bag, so I was unaware that any water had come in until I was packing away the next morning. Mr Leviathan seems to have recovered from the ordeal haha! I used him for a camp in the woods a couple days ago and was lovely and warm, although it is mild at the moment. Hopefully no damage done 🤞
I had been putting this camp off for months as I thought it was going to be horrendous and uncomfortable but actually, I had a magical time. Now and again the clouds would clear and I would be sat, propped up against the roots of the fallen tree all warm and cosy, under the most beautiful sky full of stars. Then when the rain came, I'd duck back into the bivi bag, zip myself in and hide out. It was a wonderful experience, although not something I would normally chose to do in rain as the risk of the sleeping bag getting wrecked is quite high, and doing this over multiple wet nights would not be a good idea at all.
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