Middle Earth Ranger Forum

Far North Bushcraft and Survival has a video showing a slightly modified version of that fire lay where the logs are stacked, instead of laying next to each other on the ground. It makes the fire self-feeding, to an extent.

That is an interesting fire lay.

I think that you have to be sure that the wood used for the logs is good and dead or else it might not last when the kindling burns down.

One thing that I would disagree with is that he recommends about 3' of log per person. I think that, as a minimum, you would want the length of the logs (for this kind of fire) to be equal to your height--say 6' long.

Simple. Effective. Good to know in a pinch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr3G2NUyQKE

A 6' long fire, while seeming practical due to one's height, I would see as excessive and hazardous. The head and torso are the most important parts to keep warm...the limbs can manage themselves alright with much less.

Add to that the increased risk of rolling into/onto your fire when it's 6' long, and you've got a serious issue. Keeping enough fuel up for that big of a fire would be a challenge, too, and managing to leave the area looking unused would be next to impossible. I'd err on the side of caution, and keep fires a more manageable size. If you need your heat dispersed more widely, get creative with some heat reflector rocks.

The Long Log Fire is meant for survival or really cold weather. I think the guy in the first video was in Maine during the Winter and using a wool blanket and tarp. A smaller fire wouldn't have been very effective in those conditions. He even makes a normal campfire towards the end of the video in order to make the comparison.

No question, it will definitely require a lot of wood.

I don't know that a 6' fire is any more dangerous to a sleeper than a 3' fire. Also, you should keep a fire like that a good arms length away. Close enough to stoke but still allowing for safety. Also, you should only consider a set up like this while using/wearing wool. Wool is fire retardant.

I absolutely agree with you on the reflectors.

Greg had expressed some legitimate concerns regarding the manageability, amount of fuel and the "leave no trace" problems associated with a Long Log Fire.

The Long Log Fire is meant for survival or for a wool blanket shelter set-up in really cold weather.

This is a Self Feeding Fire Lay which can be used for more temperate conditions. The Self Feeding Fire Lay was a favorite of Nessmuk's (George Washington Sears).

Here is a good version of one:

Here is a simple hammock that can be made with items that a Ranger typically carries in his kit:



This would be good in a situation where it is raining. CBS (Cold Butt Syndrome) is the biggest problem with hammocks. Obviously, you would need a strong blanket for this kind of set up.

Mind you, the rocks will pick up ashes from the fire and will deposit the ashes into your water.

I actually noticed this video linked in the Youtube channel of another one of the videos you posted. Definitely looks like a good setup - I just don't think I'd want to carry around that sheepskin, haha. But overall, I may have to think about trying out something similar this summer.

Here is a real quick video on some wild Spring edibles:



Rangers would know this.

Here is one way to filter water from a water source:



I would let the sediment settle until it was clear. Then I would boil it.

There are other mechanical methods using filtering different layers of media, but this one is good to know.

Here is a procedure to make an emergency pocket water filter:



I would still boil the water.

There is an easy "trick" to cutting down a sapling with a knife:

Continuing on the topic of potable water...



I would still boil the water to kill any organics that made it through.

Great tip, thanks!