Went on a backpacking trip with a friend who left her insulating pad in the car because she brought frozen food making her pack too heavy. After hiking 5 miles up in the mountains, we gathered wood, built a fire, ate our meal, had a shot or two of schnapps, and went to sleep. It was an open lean-to setup with mesh bunks above ground. I stayed awake until the flames went down. My friend didn't change her socks, so they were damp. She didn't have her insulation pad, and her sleeping bag was not enough to keep her warm. The alcohol lowered her body temperature, too. Heat exits the body from our heads and our feet... I don't believe she had a hat on her head. She woke up in a panic, shaking uncontrollably, in the beginnings of hypothermia! I got the fire stoked back up while she got her pack down from the tree, so she could put on her thinsulate rain gear. She had to go pee, so she took her flashlight and went far enough behind the trees, the light of the campfire was blocked by the lean-to. I could hear her calling my name in a panic, watching her walk back and forth on a ridge, clueless where she was in the dark. I guided her back to camp. With the fire going, wearing her thinsulate, she was able to warm up enough to stop the shaking and ward off full blown hypothermia. Five miles up the mountain on a pitch black night, a tricky trail in parts... and we didn't have cell phones back then... it was damn scary! After that event, I took a Wilderness Basics Training and vowed to never backpack with anyone who did not have similar training. It's just too risky to hike with unaware people.

Sweet Baby Jesus, HE HAS RETURNED!

"The forest has eyes everywhere.. . you won't get away with it". Best line!! Glad your posting again, sir!

Do not put those emergency space thermal blankets close to your body like that. Since they’re non-vapor permeable, all of your perspiration will accumulate on the underside and soak into your clothing or your blanket. They’re much better to use as a ground sheet or draped loosely above your sleeping configuration, so there is room for the vapor to escape.

alfie is king

Great beginners guide! I would add: 1. Sleeping bag ratings are tested on dummies with a base layer on. 2. Eat before sleep 3. Check batteries in lamps ( recommend headlamps) 4. Tell someone you are in regular contact with what your plans are an when you plan to be back in case of emergency 5. Have a waterproof bag with spare clothes and essential gear Thanks for the video Alfie

Was listening and logging in to Amazon to buy that emergency blanket I've been meaning to get, when I just had to pause and marvel at the line at 12:15, "Think of yourself as a temporarily homeless person who identifies as a tortoise, and you will have the correct mindset." Alfie Zen. 💮🙏

Alfie is love, Alfie is life. Be like Alfie.

You brighten many a persons day with your videos!!! So glad you are back.

I can't believe it, another tremendous sermon from the forest God. Alfie you are responsible for me getting into bushcraft, which then gave me the confidence to go wild camping in the mountains. Can't thank you enough, you literally changed my life.

Good vid! I’ve seen lots of these mistakes. One note: when setting up your tent make SURE your ground cloth does NOT stick out! If the ground cloth sticks out from under the tent floor, rain falls on the ground cloth & migrates under your tent between the tent floor & ground cloth, creating a very cold puddle under you. Tuck in your ground cloth!

I always bring extra socks. Clean dry socks are always nice in the morning

So many things mentioned that I never would have even thought about! Brilliant survivalist, that is why you are a king❤

Omg I love your videos!!!! As SOON as this popped up I clicked!! I didn't realize you'd posted in the last couple of months!! Welcome back! You're amazing!

He's the David Attenborough of camping! That video is absolutely brilliant. Inspiring with humour thrown in. After years of wild camping, can say you've covered the main parts. Well done that man!

Identify as a tortoise 🤣 I heard a story while on a course, a guy with lots of expensive gear set up his bivvy over a mouse hole, woke up terrified as it had eaten it's way through to escape, toilet paper wasn't enough to save him. So always check your not setting up camp on someone else's house.

The water one is huge! People forget that animals can bathe and use the water as a toilet🤮 I hate when Jigsaw is roaming around outside while I'm trying to sleep!

While hiking the king's trail in northern Sweden, I set up camp along a river. The following morning, while enjoying my morning tea, I spotted a herd of reindeer on the other side of the river, so I stayed very still as not to disturb them. They stopped right across the river from my tent, and then one entered the water. Then another. Then they ALL STARTED RUNNING ACROSS THE RIVER TOWARDS MY TENT! I had set up camp right by a natural river crossing spot! Thankfully I was able to make enough of a ruckus to make them go around, a stomped tent would've put a rather large damper on my mood. I still wonder what would have happened if I had set my alarm for an hour later... Bit of a unique experience, but do keep animal trails in mind when setting up camp, lest you be awakened by a hoof on your sternum.

30odd years ago, we were taking a trip down the Danube river, in a cheap inflatable boat. Looking for a proper place for spending the night, we went into the old side-arms .. pulled up the boat, secured it to a handy tree, and hiked a couple hundred meters until we found a bit of dry sandbank that was raised about half a meter above the rest. Set up the tent, went to sleep. At around 3am I got up to relieve myself, zipped open the tent flap, shone my light around ... well, we were on an island. A visibly shrinking island at that. Wet and miserable hilarity ensued. Lesson learned: if camping near flowing water, look for flood marks - and then go a couple meters higher. At least.

He always returns when we need him most!

My heart warms, Alfie is making videos again, all is well with the World 🌎 👍

REMINDER than 100% of waterways within the continental United States test positive for Giardia. YES, 100%. Water filters are not optional.

Water info is essential..no matter how near to the spring head its can still be dodgy...a rotting stag laying over a spring got myself learned.

I'm in the wood as of watching this, I'd happily use my precious phone battery charge to watch Alfie, any day

Love these kinda videos mate makes me wanna get out there 💪

its good having you back

Cracking video. Good to see you back. Top tip take some strong pain killers with you co codamol strength. Had a hammock rip on me once and fell out landing on a rock breaking a few ribs a 2 mile hike back to car across a log over stream for more fun was not nice. Plus you get to see all the dragons and fairy’s the more you take. Tip 2 don’t place your hammock over a rock!!!!

THE KING HAS RETURNED!!!!

Love the comedy 😂 been camping every day the last 2 years love it🌞

For me it was the night time temperature. Space blankets and wool socks for life!

Awesome We have been waiting a long time for another video Glad you're out making 1 for us all

I love that you came back.

"That's exactly what bacteria want you to think!"😀😂

I often take a large and solid trash bag, especially for one day hikes. It can be used for sitting on something dry when it rained, as a liner inside your backpack to protect your stuff from long or torrential rain. It can even be used as some shelter if you cut it and use it as a tarp or cover. You can wear it by cutting holes for your head and harms. You could even carry water in it if you are lost in some hot, dry area...

Brilliant safety content, as usual! Thanks for keeping us alive!

Snowed a bunch today.. this warmed up my day! Thanks AA

Thank you for coming back to us!

I am saving this for tomorrow night, just to be able to fully enjoy it, and I cannot express how excited I am about that, nor the anticipation I feel in my core.

Been a long day at work, looking forward to watching this one!

The odds of me seeing the notification are crazy low. I turned on an old phone that had it enabled 3 minutes ago. Welcome back! I've got a couple vids to catch up on I guess

Alfie, you're a star mate. Keep shining whenever the need takes you

You are truely back my friend, i love it.

DAMN THE KING IS BAAACK 3 VIDEOS IN THIS YEAR

My favourite fungi is back

I sleep like a baby in the woods immediately after sundown, expecialy if i listen to a werewolf or vampire story and i wake up in the morning when the birds start to sing . It is so relaxing

Excellent tips. It has taken me more than a decade to realise most of those and you added a good few on top. I've got pretty well near hypothermia on a few occasions and been lucky to avoid being hit by a falling tree or branch. Imposible to tell for sure when a tree is in a dangerous condition; even solid looking ones will sometimes succumb to an overnight storm. One tip. I've never had any ill effects from using dead leaves or moss, where plentiful for what you suggest taking paper for. Always dig a small depression in the ground first, just like a badger does, and cover after.

Excellent tips. I scout alternate locations nearby...contingency plans are always good. I usually spend a day or two preparing my next campsite ahead of time if I'm able to. It always helps. Being firesafe and wildlife safe are huge as well as weather/sun/wind/shade/route selections. Saw backed machete, a good knife, flashlight are absolute musts. (Jute or Paracord are good to pack too.) I always carry several bic lighters and a few match books. Keep your tent closed as much as possible, don't need creepy crawlies or snakes in your bed at night. Very good video.

I knew I stayed subscribed for a reason. Two years ago my wife and I went camping in an area neither of us were familiar with. The entire area was soft and muddy like marsh lands. We ended up scrapping the entire trip as my wife wasn’t wearing proper hiking shoes and ended up ruining her sneakers. Highly recommend camping in areas that have either been used for camping and recommended or in areas that you’re familiar with the terrain.

so glad your back

There is a local mountain that we hiked up quite regularly. Every time we sleep at the top, we are WAY over prepared and carry to much stuff. One trip, we all decided to skip over the shelter since it was middle of summer. We learned right quick that it can get VERY windy. I've been camping in middle of winter on much bigger mountains before. This was still one of the coldest I have ever felt. I emptied my backpack and was huddled against rocks to try and keep myself warm. None of us slept that night. We started hiking back home at ~5am since we did not want to be on that mountain for another minute.

I agree with all the small items that become essentials, even in a laptop bag on a working day. Colleagues or yourself might just need some pain killers or respite from unpredictable bowels.😅

amazing beginners guide!! i would also like to add that hand warmers or body warmers are SO good when your sleeping bag isn’t warm enough. they definitely saved me the last time i was in the bush

Re: Setting camp next to streams/brooks, it doesn't have to be raining at your location to cause sudden floods. You may have no idea that a surge is coming from upstream weather.

HE’S BACK

lol everyone is so stoked he’s back. Me too. Can’t believe it.

SO GLAD YOU ARE BACK !! You helped me through a lot those last years with your video. Thanks a lot for everything :).

13:00 eating before sleeping also keeps you warmer at night.

huge amounts of advice for all of us to just have? thank you!

His majesty has returned with another one.... GG well played

Broooo I remember watching your stuff ages agoooo good memories lol and nice to see you still uploading

Woo more Alfie content

"Your mission is to get from point A to point B, dry. because you're carrying all the toilet paper. We want you dry." Best line ever!

Awesome! One of the few creators for whom I drop everything I'm doing to watch when they upload.

Such a welcome sight. Thank you Alfie! 😊

You coming back to youtube brings me great joy. Thank you.

This video is GOLD for the beginners and a good reminder for the more advanced...we've come to expect nothing less from Alfie. Thanks for the upload mate.

The attitude of the presenter is very much appreciated. This video has a lot of good advice for visitors to the forest.

Thanks for taking the time to do more videos! Greatly missed and appreciated! Cheers Newfoundland, Canada!

No way!! He’s back!! I used to watch these with my mates having a smoke. Now I’m sat with my 7 year old getting tips!!! Props Alfie!!! ❤

It is very good to see you. I hope you have been well. Love your info, especially your humor.

omg👀 me fan-girling right now alfie lol😅 love your humor, your storytelling-style aaand! omg your VOICE! 🥰 the man, the myth, the legend! God bless you Alfie!🥳 Peace❤️🕊️

🍜🌌 I try to always have a small towel, clean pair of underwear and clean socks no matter where I'm at.. they're often the difference between being super uncomfortable and being cozy and happy. No one ever regretted ever bringing extra socks, clean undies or a towel.

Just did my first (almost) solo camp last night! Didn’t sleep much but it was a great time! I brought 4 liters of drinking water and it lasted me perfectly. Some canned soup, tangerines, and readywise morning sunrise blueberry oats were good to keep me well fed. Was really hot, need to figure out how to sleep cooler. Maybe atop a hill would give me more wind, but it would make me more visible.

"Identities as a tortoise" hahaha😂😂😂😂 brilliant. Great video, straight to the point with life saving info. Thanks

My favourite british man, thank you!

Nice one buddy. Good to hear from you

Another reason to not pitch your tent near bodies of water or under tall trees is if an unexpected lightning storm crops up. They are both locations where lightning strikes first.

Outstanding compilation of important, and in some cases, life saving information. Thank you.

Great to see you back and a great video!

Glad you're still around kiddo. Good info and good stuff. Former beaver-cub-scout-venturer here.

Alfie, love your videos. Clean simple logic with dry british humor. I love it. Glad your back. More pls

You've really hit on the important majors, with the right degree of well-described reasons for the warnings!

Just made my year!!! Thank you ALFIE. Been watching the intro to #14 for years. You know, the “she fell over” one. Got the wife and I through the rough lockdown years bro! We LOVE YOU!

I am in total agreement with all of Alfie's edicts! To paraphrase, "Thou shall neosporin any cut no matter how seemingly trivial it is", or "Bring though one's own torch for thy friends are somewhat forgetful or assume they will be `out of the woods` by nightfall". I can add one or two if I may. If you camp with others, bring your own stove too, for additional sources of hot water will make one feel useful (and you don't have to wait in line for the hot cocoa!)

Is he back !!!???? Missed Ya Alfie 😂❤

Always glad when you post a video Alphie!! Missed ya...

Awesome video man. And great tips all the way around! So glad to have you dispersing knowledge again.🔥

It is better to have and not need than to need and not have. I experienced hypothermia once on a motorcycle camping trip in Texas in the middle of summer. It was 90 F, temp dropped into the 60s as some rain blew through, Wet clothes, a nice breeze and a 30 degree drop in temperature soon had me shivering uncontrollably. It was a miserable few hours until I got dry enough and warm enough to stop shaking.

Awesome you're back, hope you keep posting. I actually straight away drop everything to try and watch your videos when I get the notification.

YES THANK GOD THE MYTH IS BACK!!!

The excitement

I'm glad to see you uploading again when I used to watch you I was 14 I'm 19 now you're a real one

Very good video, clear, didactic and simple! Thanks to share so good material!!

Love the Canadian lore reference "or run from the Wendigo"

3:20 I dug a shallow grave for myself and filled it with leaves, and slept in a wool blanket with some outer layers, including a hat and gloves. stayed warm all night :) The dirt around me acted as a wind barrier, leaves for insulation, as well as my wool blanket. no sleeping bag, no tent. it was about 10 Celsius at night. My problem was that I got eaten alive with ticks, and contracted a full body rash that lasted a month. My friend slept in his tent with one blanket, and shivered the whole night with no sleep. I probably could've avoided most of the ticks if I bagged up the leaves in a contractor trash bag and used that as a matress.

Great to see you back mate . Always one of the best for your content . Keep it up im sure youve being missed by many 👍

You just made my day Alfie! I Love learning from you :)

British backpacking hammock camper here - now in my fifties, but started camping when 11yrs old. FWIW, I agree with everything you have said and greatly enjoyed your presentation style (...and you ain’t looking and feeling like Golum...!). In my experience, your comments about siting your pitch, obvious dangers, widowmakers, CO, the risk of losing your camp when gathering water, etc. are fantastic pieces of advice. I have suffered from a few of these over the years and have seen others fall foul as well. FWIIW: I have found a lightweight but sturdy plastic bivvy bag to be a great backup should your shelter leak or be lost completely. It can also be used for emergencies, including for other people. Check off ALL items on a list kept on your mobile before any trip. I pack a small torch every time I go out, but I have never used it - I can do things such as cook or even pack away in the “dark” ( you need to give your eyes plenty of time with no artificial light exposures to reach “night vision” ). I use a silent “fancy feast” meths stove to cook, but always carry the ability to make a camp fire should I run out of meths. My first aid kit has helped me out a few times, but has been ABSOLUTELY VITAL for others on two occasions. Mistakes of my own? Forgetting pretty important things quite a few times in the past - hence my use of comprehensive lists every trip now!

Awesome to see a video from ya bro. Thanks for the upload.. full watch and enjoyed.

One of the first channels to got me into bushcraft and sorts. Thank you Alfie for still uploading! You’re gold!