The Tarps I use for Bushcraft and Wild Camping. My Top Five Tarp Shelter Set-ups.

Рет қаралды 1,274,246

2 жыл бұрын

In this video, I head out to the pine woods with my armoury of tarps to show you what I use and why. I love tarps, they are my preferred shelter for camping, so much more versatile than a tent, lighter, more compact and they don’t obstruct your view or experience of being out in nature.
I will be going through the features and merits of six different tarps that I use frequently, each one suitable for different situations and activities. I will also show you my 5 best tarp shelter configurations for wild camping, bushcraft, hammock camping and canoe trips.
I hope you enjoy the video,
Thanks for watching!
Outhaus Fredlig 4x3 tarp
outhaus.co/fredlig-canvas-tar...
British Army Basha
www.militarymart.co.uk/collec...
DD 3x3 Tarp
www.ddhammocks.com/product/dd...
DD Superlight Tarp
www.ddhammocks.com/product/DD...
Warbonnet Superfly Tarp
www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/pro...
Terra Nova Competition 1 Tarp
www.terra-nova.co.uk/tarps/co...
Contact me at:
simonablokeinthewoods@gmail.com
Or by mail at:
Simon, a bloke in the woods
PO Box 384
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 9DB
UK
Facebook - Simon, a bloke in the woods
Simon-a-blok...
Instagram - simon_a_bloke_in_the_woods
simon_a_blo...
Music:
Autumn Sunset By Audionautix
Cats Searching for the Truth By Nat Keefe and Hot Buttered Rum

Пікірлер: 905

@richardstone5241 2 жыл бұрын

I am a 68 year old tarp guy (old school). A tent is a tent and can't be used for anything else, but a tarp or two are extremely versatile and can be used for many things and easy to field repair. Need a hunting blind, make a litter, catch rain water, need a poncho or a sail for a raft? Use a tarp!!!

@sahhull 2 жыл бұрын

I even use a tarp to tidy way the lawn grass clippings... Make a pile of grass on the tarp and drag it to the garden waste bin

@danielhall5554 Жыл бұрын

@@sahhull Tarps are a most useful tool, truly. Attach one to you lawn tractor and drag around good sized brush and limbs.

@sdqsdq6274 Жыл бұрын

well depends on countries , a tarp alone dont work here , need to be match with a mosquito net

@richardstone5241 Жыл бұрын

@@sdqsdq6274 I carry a mosquito net with me and have been to several countries. Sorry I didn't expand my thoughts further. After years of various outdoor experiences (military, contractor and civilian activities) I have settled on the following (2 light weight tarps 10x10, 1 mosquito net, 1 military hammock, 2 wool blankets, 12 lightweight titanium stakes). This has worked well for me regardless of where I am located and offers a tremendous amount of configurations. All of this rolls up easily and stores well in a homemade bag that I carry mounted to the bottom of my ALICE pack.

@ramlebelier8225 Жыл бұрын

we can also wrap our mother in law when we are tired of her

@honestreviewer3283 Жыл бұрын

If you're solo, a tarp combined with a good GoreTex bivvy bag is all you need. Learned this in the infantry. Had some of my best sleeps ever, dry, warm and snug as a bug in ruts left by tanks. Thanks for the video.

@remonchik228 Жыл бұрын

any examples of gore tex bivy please? maybe also with mosquito net

@higherlifts420 11 ай бұрын

@@remonchik228look up the army 4 piece sleeping system. The bivy is just a thin waterproof sleeping bag. Material like a rain jacket

@honestreviewer3283 10 ай бұрын

@@Youaretrapped A tarp keep rain from falling on you, but does nothing to protect your sleeping bag from wet ground, and usually the ground is already wet when you get caught in the rain. And I have to argue about a bivvy bag taking up more room than a tarp. When I was in the infantry I carried both a bivvy bag and a small 4'x8' tarp; everyone did.

@Internetprolet1312 9 ай бұрын

@@remonchik228there are some good bivy bags that you can find in army surplus stores

@beargritter7618 8 ай бұрын

@@honestreviewer3283 And that is why we have roll mats. Not the easiest to carry but it is something between you and the soggy sh!t. Goretex bivi bag and tarp and you are pretty much snug a a bug in a rug.

@remingun7624 Жыл бұрын

13:15 Simple configuration 14:05 Simple configuration with "doors" 15:00 Adirondack shelter 16:05 Plough point shelter 18:10 Tepee tarp tent (no trees) 20:40 Canoe tarp

@markcummings6856 2 жыл бұрын

This was the most thorough and comprehensive video on tarps on KZfaq. Thank you very much, Simon.

@charlielewis3261 Жыл бұрын

You know a video is good when people are still regularly watching it over a year later. I set up a tarp tent for the first time last night. I combined mine or a mosquito net as I was sleeping next to the Norfolk Broads where biting insects are rife. It worked very well and added very little weight.

@tybean Жыл бұрын

I have no intention of buying a tarp or camping in the woods but for some reason, I could watch this for days

@shockwaves215 Жыл бұрын

hi Simon I,m soon coming up 60 yrs old and i did my 1st kayak and camping last year with my brother inlaw down the river wye it was 3 days and 2 nights and thoroughly enjoyed it. ive been watching your youtube videos and it has helped a lot on all aspects on camping. we are planning another trip on the river wye againg but for 4 nights and 5 days. I also watch your good friend Andy kents survival, when nature Pauls and Eze adventure. theres not time like the present to start new adventures. Thanks again for your inspiring videos Simon. Mike Harvey (just and ordinary guy lol)

@Alan-ur9jo 2 жыл бұрын

Great channel, deserves way more subscribers.

@simonablokeinthewoods 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Alan!

@spoonerbooner 2 жыл бұрын

yeah much more!

@lachainemanquante5397 2 жыл бұрын

Done ...

@EdwinDekker71 2 жыл бұрын

@@simonablokeinthewoods subbed!

@richardh1764 2 жыл бұрын

Just got 1 more.

@ianguest3720 Жыл бұрын

As a complete novice this is just what I need to see - easily the most informative and useful video I have watched. Thank you and keep up the good work!

@michaelneuwirth3414 9 ай бұрын

🇬🇧 A very good overview of the different tent canvas concepts. The fact that at the end it was explained straightforwardly when a tent is preferable (in case of extreme wetness, cold and wind as well as stinging insects) is overall evidence of a sober view. With approx. 25 min. not too short and not too long, thank you! 🇩🇪 Eine sehr gute Übersicht der unterschiedlichen Zeltplanen-Konzepte. Dass am Ende schnörkellos darauf eingegangen wurde, wann ein Zelt vorzuziehen ist (bei extremer Nässe, Kälte und Wind sowie stechenden Insekten), zeugt insgesamt von einer nüchternen Sichtweise. Mit ca. 25 min. nicht zu kurz und nicht zu lang, danke!

@BUZZKILLJRJR 11 ай бұрын

I've gone back to this idea again of using a tarp and just so much simpler lighter weight and fun!

@jgstevens5169 2 жыл бұрын

I always appreciate your honesty when you present your submissions. Your chuckle is heart warming. Thank you for your demonstrations & looking forward to your next release.

@outdoorpoormet9447 2 жыл бұрын

Great closing music. Both fitting and comforting.

@ivarwb4115 2 жыл бұрын

Thanx for sharing your thoughts and ideas, this was really informative!

@camdee9916 2 жыл бұрын

I love these instructional videos, you're a natural teacher. Keep them coming!!!

@jsand8301 Жыл бұрын

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed watch some bloke walk through the woods. Really I can’t!

@Sirrehpotsirch 2 жыл бұрын

I really like the concept of setting up the guy lines ahead of time with those slider knots. Time to practice my bush craft! Thanks Simon!

@leslieaustin151 2 жыл бұрын

As always, sound advice and sensible illustrations of what you use. Thank you. Les

@billymoffat4744 2 жыл бұрын

quality advice as always Simon, your one of the best teachers i never had atb.

@simonablokeinthewoods 2 жыл бұрын

Haha - thank you Billy!

@ek-nz Жыл бұрын

Revisiting some videos from the back catalogue. Such good editing! The pace is just spot on, the way the cuts fit with the music, the camera angles and b roll. There are a plethora of bushcraft themed YT channels but Simon, you just have the spark that sets this channel apart.

@antoanto5301 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video Simon, great selection of tarps and different configurations, I doff my cap good sir!

@bigav8r 2 жыл бұрын

This was invaluable tarp skills info. Thank you Simon.

@limejuicy9459 2 ай бұрын

Amazing! You are an architect of the tarp world. I just bought a tarp and will use it for first time. It has super inspired me!

@jameswaddington7350 2 жыл бұрын

A nice little refresher on some different set ups. Nicely in time for a rainy weekend.

@acraen 2 жыл бұрын

I love the combination of showing your favourite tarps and the different setups. My personal preference is still the DD tarp... it's so versatile

@carrdoug99 2 жыл бұрын

"I've forgotten how much room there is in here".👍😃 I love watching videos from a guy who loves tarps as much as I do. A note to everybody on the versatility of these tarps. Along with Simon's great video on using canoe paddles to give you more room in the tarp tent. Nothing prevents you from suspending your tarp tent from a ridgeline and setting it up otherwise as normal. This is my favorite cold weather shelter. Also, remember not to pigeonhole yourself when setting up these configurations. A diamond shelter can be setup off center, so you can shift coverage for better wind and rain protection. This is great to remember when you're using a smaller square tarp like an 8.5' x 8.5'.👍

@simonablokeinthewoods 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Doug 👍👍

@sylvanhemingway9459 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Learned a lot very quickly here. Appreciate the time you put in setting up and explaining all of these types of tarps and how to set them up.

@davinacaine3615 2 жыл бұрын

My first nearly wild camp camp coming up and I’ve bought a tarp to have a play with so great timing with this video, thank you

@1556peterc 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent as always Simon. Quite nostalgic as I don't tarp as much since I moved to Aus, the snakes and spiders encourage more tent or hammock use. When UK based, we regularly did winter cross Scotland canoe trips with trainee instructors. The preferred set up was a circle of canoes on their sides around the fire using the canoe tarp set up although we used 'A' poles at the front from paddles or the 2 piece pole. Nice sociable way to camp and cook and easy to pass the hooch round.

@canuckprogressive.3435 2 жыл бұрын

I don't get out camping that much lately, but have started using a backpacing tarp in the last two years. I agree that it feels more like the being out in nature that I go out for than when I am in a tent. I like that I can have a little fire or use my stove when in slightly rainy weather and stay dry. Speaking of fire, it doesn't seen a good idea and is indeed banned a lot now that things are getting hotter and drier. I carry an eight inch sqaure cake pan, put a bit of sand in the bottom and make a realy smal fire from twigs and pinecones. Works great!

@mobasherkhan7802 2 жыл бұрын

Simon, thank you so much. I've saved this video to review it and learn the various setups that you explained. Your channel is awesome and I really enjoy your videos for both, the knowledge I gain and the cooking/ cinematography of nature that you present. Curry in a rainy day is overdue... All the very best going forward...

@user_MrWhite Жыл бұрын

one of the best videos about tarps i have come across so far

@annebeginn2034 2 жыл бұрын

Bought the dd 3x3 for my hubby and we tried out the tarp tent config he loves it 😁

@xsirdavidianx 9 ай бұрын

Banging video as usual. I've been watching for around a week now, and I have to say I've been thinking about wild camping for a while, and it's as if the gods brought me to your channel to learn how. Perfect, thank you guy in the woods ❤️👍

@user-in2qo5yw7d 8 ай бұрын

Do it ! It will heal you. Make sure to stand barefeet some time. Sleeping sometimes in a Hammock, with good setup, feels like a reborn :)

@xsirdavidianx 8 ай бұрын

@user-in2qo5yw7d oh I will! I can't wait honestly, ty! 😊👍

@bas-canadapreparatistesurv203 2 жыл бұрын

Simon as always you're humble , but you are rich in knowledges !thanks for sharing these with us !

@Mike-kr9ys 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thank you for going to all the trouble of putting up the different configurations - much better for me to see it in real life instead of a line drawing in a book. You made it easier for me to understand all the tarp origami needed for each layout.

@lawrencemartin1113 2 жыл бұрын

Really interesting and helpful as ever Simon. Love the reflection on the Warbonnet tarp cost! I have stopped buying any of my kit from the US now because I cannot afford the stupendous costs involved in paying import duty. I wanted a Lester River Boreal Wool smock....waited years.... finally bought one last year for a lot of money and then, having discovered that Parcel Force had it in a depot and had not informed me (four weeks!) I popped down to collect it...£75 later, I was on my way home feeling like I had been mugged at gunpoint! Never, ever again. It is a fantastic bit of kit which I love, but the cost still makes me wince! I love these set-ups and have been practicing when out with my canoe. Speaking of which, good luck with the Scotland expedition! (Not sure we will manage to get there after all...sad face).

@tobiash5886 10 ай бұрын

Another variation of the tarp tent I was taught is using a ridgeline instead of a centre pole or A-frame, works really well!

@Step-dp6ll 2 жыл бұрын

I recently bought a couple of tarps for quick shelter when out hiking, this has given me so many more options, has to be one of the best and most informative channels I've come across, you have another subscriber! 👍

@jedidiahpavlik6260 2 жыл бұрын

This is great! Thanks for the education on tarps. Never realized the versatility. 👍👍

@thomascraig7230 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. Your "How to" videos are always brilliant. The area you were in looks like it was custom made for camping.

@RobEvansWoodsman 2 жыл бұрын

that's the best tarp tutorial video i've seen, i've used every configuration you've shown and frankly you don't need to know any more, keep up the great work mate.

@simonablokeinthewoods 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers matey! 👍

@wayneneuhofel6744 Жыл бұрын

This is the best tarp shelter video I've ever seen. Just changed the way I'm outfitting my bag.

@billyaitken1713 2 жыл бұрын

Quality as always Simon⛺️🎥👏👏👏. Being an ex-para, I'm a tarp camper. If you need to add a mosquito net, place a 'nut' on the outside & bind one end of some cord to hold the 'nut' in place on the inside- then use the loose end to attach the mozzie net😊👍. I know you love to tinker with set-ups. Look at tarp clamps & sewing on some additional nylon cord loops on the edges to boost your configuration options. That rip-stop heavy tarp is the dog's conkers, it'll take a world of abuse & last decades⛺️👍

@andywhitnell1351 2 жыл бұрын

Evening Simon , brilliant tonight’s vid I’ve got a tarp and never really explored the possibilities, opened my eyes a lot . Keep the Videos coming between you and Kent survival my two favourite relaxing program’s 👍😄😄😄

@alblazashirley8965 2 жыл бұрын

I've only went camping once in my life and that was with a tarp. I was very confused and put off as to the set up of a good shelter.

@TheFLOMAN76 2 жыл бұрын

Good stuff Simon! You know your craft inside and out. Thank you so much sir, for sharing your knowledge! I just got into hammocking about a year ago and I love it! Best nights of my life every time I sleep in one! 🤘

@Heyletsfindout 2 ай бұрын

One of the best tarp shelter setup videos. Thank you!

@ysgolgerlan 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video, I really enjoyed it. I also appreciate your time and effort in making them as they do take up a lot of your time. Thanks again.

@BulldogBadger 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Simon, loved seeing all the different types of tarp and different shelters available you can make from them.. tarps are so versatile and simple and have a lot of relevance even in 2021 when a lot of the gear is pretty advanced 👏🍻

@jonasbeausang3411 11 ай бұрын

Very good, I saw it twice in a row!

@johng9562 2 жыл бұрын

Good one Simon ~ I also prefer tarps for their versatility.

@abdmj4 Ай бұрын

One of my favorite tarp vids. Extesive but curated and really fun

@johnhunt9363 Жыл бұрын

Great video. I watched this a couple of years ago when I first got into tarps shelters and enjoyed it just as much this time now I’m more experienced.

@andy_an_outdoors_guy 2 жыл бұрын

Great rundown of your tarp kit. I really love tarp camping. both light and versatile - but I also like that they sort of get one closer to nature :) I find a simple lean-to for a bit of wind protection and the open side for a view of the area and sky is just fantastic when weather is not extremely windy.

@KimberlyGreen 2 жыл бұрын

To get a bit more airflow through your tarp tent you can change the back-end stake points. With a little slack, you can then slightly elevate center point (with a twig etc) and create a gentle wind tunnel. Useful for warmer evenings.

@simonablokeinthewoods 2 жыл бұрын

Great idea Kimberly! Perfect for a warm balmy evening (or post curry) 😂👍

@sasquatchrosefarts 2 жыл бұрын

@@simonablokeinthewoods real men enjoy spam farts

@canuckprogressive.3435 2 жыл бұрын

@@sasquatchrosefarts But that means having to eat the spam first.

@celticbushcraft89 2 жыл бұрын

Every video you make, makes me feel like I have really been educated. Great work again. Love your channel.

@nickmartino2839 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video!!!!I just wanted to say thank you for doing these videos sometimes we often forget the basics with tarp shelters....its nice to have these to refer back to!!!

@thebubaloomonkey 2 жыл бұрын

Good video. Another alternative to the Terra Nova Competition tarp is the DD Magic Carpet XL. It's a similar size and weight but is only £20.

@simonablokeinthewoods 2 жыл бұрын

Good call! 👍

@BiznessWizard Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the excellent tarp tutorial! So much information there. One could watch it over and over again to glean everything. Great tarp collection I might add!

@oscccar1 10 ай бұрын

I started tarping this summer and I absolutely love it!

@alansteele3757 2 жыл бұрын

Another video full of quality information, Simon thanks very much 👍👍

@hamwhacker 2 жыл бұрын

I take a tarp camping and attach one side to the car roof rack, then use telescoping poles to make a roof to cook/shelter under. We only have a two man tent. But that setup seems to work. You then don’t need a large tent to go on holiday.

@billyaitken1713 2 жыл бұрын

🇳🇿🤠👍, that's the typical Aussie car/van camp set-up🤙

@kcraig51 2 жыл бұрын

Did you just watch Scotty's Gone Walkabouts? He just did a tarp video. Check him out. Great Australian scenery!

@simonablokeinthewoods 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you - I’d not come across him, but now subbed - that first setup of his is genius! Thanks for the recommendation! 😁👍

@ol48spring 2 ай бұрын

Been bicycle camping for years. Switched to tarp and bivy setup a few years ago. So versatile so light. So easy. 👍

@stupefyfilms8052 Жыл бұрын

I just recently picked up a 3m by 3m for some hammock camping I'm looking to do. Thank you for showing the different ways to use a tarp. I found this very insightful and I'm excited to get out and try some of these.

@thegroove2000 2 жыл бұрын

Did you know that TARP is PRAT reversed ?. I only just realized this just now. Anyway I love a good tarp.

@simonablokeinthewoods 2 жыл бұрын

Hahaha - that’s going to stick 😂

@thegroove2000 2 жыл бұрын

@@simonablokeinthewoods ha ha.

@RichardOutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

No cooking? This is just turning into a bushcraft channel.

@stevebayley8624 2 жыл бұрын

I didn't see you cooking much on your canoe-prep video Richard! 😄 Those who live in canvas and nylon houses shouldn't cast stones, err, or something...

@issaoutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

Lovely video..... I ALWAYS carry a tarp with me incase of tent failure or needing a quick shelter from driving rains.... this video gives me tons more uses and setups than my usual a-frame!

@turtlewolfpack6061 2 жыл бұрын

You can't go wrong with a good tarp! My first decent quality tarp was the DD Hammocks 3m x 3m and and is still a go to favorite!

@explorer8888 2 жыл бұрын

For a change, this was a good YT recommendation. Great video! In the past, this was my favorite way of making shelters. Nowadays I backpack and camp in the Caribbean where mosquitoes and other insects want to “eat you alive”, so I spend the nights in a tent without the rain fly on. It gives me more contact with nature and allows me to enjoy the breeze. Of course, I always have the rain fly ready because weather can change without warning. Subscribed!

@michellezevenaar Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this! I like that you show the details of the tarp because I'm making a fabric tarp for my kids to play with at the playground. Great for creating shade in the summer.

@NaturalExplorerNZ 2 жыл бұрын

Mate your channel is a treasure, thanks for all the content and hope your adventures keep coming! Cheers Simon

@bathcolin 2 жыл бұрын

Another great video Simon. Very well explained as per usual. Thank you!

@MrSolplassen 2 жыл бұрын

As always very informativ, nicely filmed and perfect narrated. AND love the music. Keep up the good work Simon👍

@katpatterson8827 2 ай бұрын

My daughter and I Absolutely LOVE this Video!! Thank you so much!!!

@thebikepackingadventurer 2 жыл бұрын

Love it. Going to do a camp in a couple of weeks using the tarp tent setup for the first time. Nice lightweight option for a bikepacking weekend

@tonystrange7224 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Simon, I'm always learning when tuning into your vlogs.

@justinhetrick968 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely excellent video! Very informative and explained in good detail. Was looking for tarp options for hammock and just as a quick shelter and you covered everything and then some. Excellent! Thank you very much!

@brianlykins6663 2 жыл бұрын

Nice tarps, great advice on each. Another good point about tarp camping is ease of setup and tear down in short amount of time. Great video as usual. Enjoy.

@MattGriffiths81 2 жыл бұрын

What an awesome video. Good descriptions, good reasoning, good ideas. Thanks muchly. 💗

@pauljoslyn154 2 жыл бұрын

Another great video, well explained and filmed. always look forward to your videos coming out.

@richardpearson5036 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent as always Simon

@LandElevated 2 жыл бұрын

Contents like this are worth watching. Thanks for sharing this!

@andylowry8439 2 жыл бұрын

I'm thinking of buying a tarp and found this a really exellent tutorial, thank you 👍

@TNice777 2 жыл бұрын

Wow what a great video! Thanks for packing so much tarp info into one video👍

@humboldtjeff Жыл бұрын

Simon, Excellent video! I like your organized tarp town you put up in the woods. Thank you for sharing your vast experience as a tarp camper.

@jchambers1191 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing how those Basha's totally blend into the background. Great work - once again, well done, sir!

@simonablokeinthewoods 2 жыл бұрын

Haha - like one of those invisibility cloaks 😉

@keithshwalbe6981 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Simon. Great job as usual.

@jackprice3364 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Simon! Bought a tarp (3 meter x), but haven’t had a chance to practice with it yet. Perfect video to get me moving.

@tonybownwanderer800 2 жыл бұрын

An excellent presentation Simon. Many thanks.👍

@wildernesslifecraft8180 2 жыл бұрын

That canvas tarp is a monster! You can see the quality of it. Great video, very helpful.

@axiom5150 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Really good tarp options and I love how much information you gave!

@nickwaldron9136 2 жыл бұрын

One of your best videos yet!!!

@mattreid859 10 ай бұрын

Hi there Simon! A great video thank you. Your A-Frame tip was a saviour to create an awning with my 4x4 tarp on the front of our vintage Vango Force10 during a recent wet and windy trip to Wales. Many thanks indeed!

@yfelwulf 2 жыл бұрын

As someone who has spent years under fly tarps well presented 👌

@jacknobrex 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome tarp setups, great work.Thanks for sharring.

@LaconianConcepts 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video brother. I really liked that you showed all the different configurations... that’s the main reason my preferred shelter is always a tarp. Very versatile. Cheers! 🤙🏽