3 Camp Hacks to Make Your Survival Shelter More Luxurious

Truckers Hitch:
• How to Tie a One Hande...
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[@jackvoss5841]

For carrying dirty clothes, I use a small-medium bag, made of mesh netting. If stuff isn’t sopping wet, just add it to the bag & hang it from a line, a bush, etc. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@lorus511]

If your tarp shelter doesn't have a loop in the centre you can make one by pressing a marble/cork/stone/mud etc from the inside and tying it up from the outside using a short piece of cord (say one foot/300mm) with a simple knot (clove hitch?), and it will remain secure and above all water tight, which can then be attached to your Ridgeline.

[@OverOnTheWildSide]

I just made a couple videos where I actually camped in one of these in the wind. They’re not nearly as useful as they seem when setting them up for a video. Dan is awesome btw, I’m not knocking him. I’d just like to see more videos of these in use in adverse conditions.

[@Catastrofius]

The toggle! I learned a great tip today.

[@deanoboland]

Your videos are simply outstanding 👍

[@JeffGloverArts]

Single Ridgeline setup = BRILLIANT!

[@chobonzi6664]

I know its am older video but i love the content! And as someone from pa its nice seein someone on YT doin this!

[@kenjones1689]

Dan I watch other bushcraft videos, like Black Hat, and they are good. But your videos are AWESOME. I know it's a lot of work to put out a video, but I want you to know I really appreciate it. Thank you.

[@sonsofliberty3081]

If you put a couple pruisk knots on your ridge line all the time, you can slide it around as needed, if needed, when needed.

[@gregoryluc2876]

I’m telling you, I enjoy your how-to videos. Subsequently my time outside fishing and hunting has improved. Keep up the great work. Also your store is very nice , but I keep my plastic behind plexiglass.

[@kidbach]

When it comes to the topic of tarp config hacks, you got it "covered." Thanks for sharing, Prof.

[@scottpeterson5913]

I just stumbled across you channel and your hacks. All the years of serious camping, I’m 66, I have never used a toggle like that. BRILLIANT! Im now a new subscriber!

[@jackvoss175]

I use a 10’X10’ rain fly from Cooke Custom Sewing. I’ve rigged it over 25 different ways, all of them useful at that time. I understand the lure of getting by with only a simple piece of equipment. I also understand the lure of crawling into my bed, and knowing that I’m going to be the only one in it. Permethrin repels and kills pests lke ticks and mosquitoes. My tent zips up and keeps out other pests like snakes, spiders, rain, etc. It’s a privilege for each of us to be able to choose what we want. I choose a tent that keeps stuff out; others choose tarp shelters that freely circulate stuff through. I’ve learned how to quickly set up a plow point shelter using an 8’ pole, And place my tent next to it for a sheltered relaxing area. Thanks for helping with that.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

These are great suggestions Dan! Thanks so much.

[@ROMAN138]

Dude I love your practical bushcraft tips. Everything just makes sense

[@russellkeith3300]

Instablaster

[@synappticuser5669]

Clear and concise teaching. Another for the memory banks. McIntyre.

[@timrose6152]

Stone and slip knot, golf ball

[@mixmediaproductions]

Three triangles tarp setup😊

[@markduncan6690]

Great Tips! Thankyou!

[@georgerector9252]

Like the short and to the point tips. Many YTers have to show how to tie every knot, every time, etc. So many are redundant but yours are straight to the point. Two thumbs up.

[@jackvoss175]

A DIRTY CLOTHES BAG In the past, whenever I happened to change clothes after a few days, I used to put the dirty clothes in the drybag with the clean clothes. Well, that’s not necessarily the smartest way to do it. So, I snitched one of my wife’s mesh bags used for washing delicate items in the washing machine. Stashing my smelly clothes in that mesh bag, and hanging it up to get dry BEFORE I sealed it into the dry bag made a noticeable difference!

[@jeanmorin3247]

When you have trouble undoing knots that have tightened hard, the pliers of your multitool will undo anything quite easily. Always carry that near your hand.

[@vmwindustries]

I want that tarp! Too bad I'm broke! Maybe you should do give aways, and boost the heck out of your channel! Maybe 1 a few months! Random comments? Who knows, all I know is if you make a big deal about giving them out, tons of people will subscribe. Cheers from Canada.

[@tcar0341]

Good scoop, Dan!

[@edwardstagner1021]

A Preisk loop and toggle Would Work on that straight Ridgeline Would be sweet too! Enjoy your channel!

[@coalcracker]

It does work but If you get the Prussic to tight you don’t have any slack to loosen it. Then you have to drop entire ridge line

[@williamrinehart5337]

If you don't have a fancy tarp with a loop in the middle you can take a small smooth stone or a little handful of duff, bunch your tarp around it and tie it up from there.

[@jackvoss5841]

I like - and trust - what you say. Thanks. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@papajeff5486]

Terrific tool for the toolbox, absolutely one I will use. A clothes line to hang things on, close to the tarp, is out of the way, easily avoided in dim light because of the tarp. Your ease and facility with the truckers hitch shows practiced skill. Well done lesson. Thank you, again. I wish I had a woods craft teacher like you when I was young. I so enjoy the outdoors. We need you for our young people NOW, to get them into the woods, away from their other gods, the tv, and computers (as I text this on a computer). Your advice at the end of all your videos is right on target. Would like to see your son again. As I remember, he was quite the chip off the ol’ block, a fine boy. Texas

[@cww922]

! Dan, I really have to thank you for your great videos. I've been away from camping (backpacking) for years, but your videos have gotten me inspired to "reconnect with the woods". These videos are giving me some great "tools" (that I never tried in my past) which I am now excited to use. I’ve ordered a few items from you already to refine my kit. Wish I lived a little closer to the woods, but Nebraska has more farm land than woods, however I plan to hone my skills by camping at some nearby state parks. Thanks for your videos, knowledge, honesty and great sense of humor. You are the "Mayor" of the woods

[@davehaag8175]

You da man

[@jeromeknasinski3862]

Good job

[@thomaservin1669]

Must be nice to have all those trees. Seeking more info on desert tenting. Poles I guess?

[@reyscottm9]

I like that first option. Very clever!

[@GreencampRhodie]

Good ideas.

[@jackdelancey248]

Nicely informative

[@bobmarwood4232]

Terrific vid. My attempts at plow point shelters always ended up a floppy mess. Followed your instructions and damn if it didn't come out nice. Thank You.

[@HalfPaceOutdoors]

Tarp camping with the king! Great video!

[@capricordcreations1253]

Great stuff!! I would just add that it is good to check trees where branches can fall.

[@rucknruninformation2934]

Middle prusik knot with toggle.

[@tomdane]

Loving the videos :-) Learn the bowline knot for your tarp endpoints - it uses less line, is easy to open after tensioning and eliminates the need for toggles. And you can use it in a MILLION ways. Just a tip from a sailor to a land lugger ;-)

[@supersoni126]

You also could have used that piece of cordage to create a prusik loop on the ridgline with a toggle through your center tie off instead.

[@vancouverislandbushcraft4879]

Great idea..... the last one in particular

[@FindersKeepers88]

Yep!

[@paulhester1904]

Nice hacks, found the tarp at your web site.

[@EPGunman]

Very cool hacks!! I like the multifunctional aspect of it.

[@yarinya13]

That was awesome Dan. Thank you. Can’t wait to practice all of these variations.

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video! Great tips, techniques, tarp configurations.

[@bronxwarrior319]

Good video

[@Jaden48108]

Nice hack.

[@marjiecleveland]

Good to know! Thanks!

[@TheScoundrel70]

Hey Dan! Well look at you, using your big brain and doing the thinking! Very cool!

[@jeremyhicks6367]

Great tips! ThanQ

[@redfaux74]

Ingenuity and beauty combo.

[@gavinbolton4660]

Lekker man!

[@Generic_Username_0331]

Seems like it was just the other day I learned this great trick on tying a truckers hitch.

[@NebulousCat]

The plow point is my favorite. Thanks!

[@jamesbowen5573]

And if you only have one piece and you don't want to do it the second way. You can always take a stick with a reverse y branch. Hook onto your tarp and then put a notch in it that goes down on the Rope. You would have to set it up first to see where you need to put the notch.

[@gonehomewoodsman9059]

Thanks for the video!!!

[@MikeBius]

Really good, Dan! Just pitched my first plow point today.

[@bmc2266]

I knew and used the last one but never tought of your 2nd way of doing it! I like these type of tips. Thanks man!

[@mglennon5535]

Good stuff

[@roddinandracin1153]

Loop knots and toggles, I use them more than anything, wether it's shelter, my trotlines fishing, or tying stuff down in the back of the pickup! I keep a collection of sticks about 4-8 inches long and about 1/2-3/4 of an inch around in bed of pickup

[@charlesbrightman4237]

Where soil conditions allow, make a 'scout hole' or a 'fox hole', and if have an angled roof with a poncho, tarp or plastic, could route any accumulated moisture to a water collection area, of which, might even attract critters (food delivered to you). A 3 in 1 Shelter. Shelter, Water and Food. Work smarter, not necessarily harder. But, smarter and harder might take one farther.

[@charlesbrightman4237]

@Paul Taylor Thanks. I watch far too many KZbin videos and think about things way too much, or so I think. :-D I did a search here on YT concerning 'fox holes' and didn't find too much, at least as it relates to bush crafting. So, a whole bunch of videos could be made concerning 'scout holes' and 'fox holes'. Consider just some of the possibilities, (and I am sure there are a lot more): a. Small 'scout hole', covered or uncovered. b. Small 'fox hole', covered or uncovered. And if covered, a flat roof or a slanted roof. c. If a slanted roof, and a water collection area is made, the potential exists for having water close by the shelter. The water also potentially attracting critters that could potentially be utilized for food. d. The fox hole could have a cold sink area if cold is an issue, plus the cold sink area could be utilized as a sort of 'indoor fridge' to some extent. e. Could have a raised wooden floor in the fox hole. f. Could have a raised built in bed, with or without wood to lay on. (Especially if the fox hole were wider). g. Could have wooden sides. h. Could have a built in fire place with chimney. i. Could have built in chairs and/or shelves. j. Could have reflective blankets or tarps for the ceiling or walls. k. Could have steps out of the fox hole if too deep, or a ladder, and have those steps or ladder area even covered over with an covered entrance way. l. Could run a solar power collector to feed electricity 'indoors', to run a computer, to include watching KZbin videos of course. * Just so many possibilities just waiting to be 'dug up'. And then of course also, that other video referenced above that I just watched today. A log over a river to potentially funnel 'food' to wherever you want that 'food' to be. Work smarter, not necessarily harder. But smarter and harder might take one farther. These are all just more 'tools for the tool box' if ever needed. Be creative. Enjoy life while we have it to enjoy.

[@semperintrepidus16]

Now you got me shaming myself for not doing something like that a few times on my last multi-month hike. I do realize the main issue: E-tools don't go on such hikes, so it's a lot of work for a poop trowel. Still, under certain conditions (I'm partly thinking cold wind) including very diggable ground/snow, it would be the right trick. I have put substantial work digging numerous dual hole fire pits with good reward for the effort. I think the day will come when a sleep/recliner pit will be a reward as well.

[@charlesbrightman4237]

@Paul Taylor Yep, I am subscribed to Shawn on his Corporals Corner YT channel also and have watched many of his videos including his fox hole video. I really liked his bunk bed video set up which isn't really seen on other bush craft channels. People who 'think outside of the normal box', including those who make various bush craft tools in the field. And sure, the fox hole set up won't work everywhere, but it is just another tool in the tool box. And a 'scout hole' would just be a shallow fox hole which could possibly be quickly dug and covered over. I have only found one YT video so far concerning 'scout holes' and not many concerning 'fox holes', so those appear to be unexplored possibilities for future videos. Another added advantage not mentioned above could be, depending upon how deep the hole was, the stability of the temperature underground. It's also possible that a hole could be dug and covered over faster than a natural built shelter above ground could be done, depending upon resources available.

[@charlesbrightman4237]

@@semperintrepidus16 Consider that the military has been doing it for a long time now. Time and military tested and approved. Learn from the best who have been doing it the longest. And for a shallow 'scout hole', all that might be needed would be a digging stick, here again, depending upon soil conditions. A quick over nighter might only need a shallow 'scout hole'. A longer stay could have a 'fox hole', decked out with water collection, built in fire place, bed, chair, insulation, etc. Just more tools for the tool box to consider. A basic premise, 'If life sucks, try to make it better and then it might not suck so bad." Enjoy life, happy trails.

[@semperintrepidus16]

@@charlesbrightman4237 actually, the harder things for me to adjust since my transfer to the 1st Civ Div is the need to drop weight and a balanced compliance with civilian rules of conduct. My biggest suprise, however, was that based largely on my grunt life experience, I was actually better skilled for life in the woods than 95 - 98% of the hikers out there these days (and I was pretty much counting...it might even be 99%) My willingness to continually learn and expand those skills is my constant. Mountains and weather don't care and can humble even the best. It's disturbing to see people now who equate dependence on electronics (apps especially) or miles per day to wilderness experience. Those are the kind who keep the rescue helicopters very busy. At least some of the most popular KZbinrs have majorly toned down their ultralight BS (a few of them are starting to grow up)

[@ravin747]

Good points thanks

[@darrylarsenault5005]

thanks Dan. love the quick tips

[@msupigeonbd]

Nice

[@cww922]

Dan, I really have to thank you for your great videos. I've been away from camping (backpacking) for years, but your videos have gotten me inspired to "reconnect with the woods". These videos are giving me some great "tools" (that I never tried in my past) which I am now excited to use. I’ve ordered a few items from you already to refine my kit. Wish I lived a little closer to the woods, but Nebraska has more farm land than woods, however I plan to hone my skills by camping at some nearby state parks. Thanks for your videos, knowledge, honesty and great sense of humor. You are the "Mayor" of the woods!

[@bnalive5077]

You should do one of these but 18c style and material.

[@konradrueb1567]

Thanks Dan good tips !! Besafe and keep your fire lit . Konrad

[@shadomane]

Thanks for the video Dan. Good stuff.

[@therealdrecu]

So glad i found your channel, your tips are straight to the point and easy to follow! Love the second camping hack, definitly gonna try that next time !

[@danokitemanotoo1791]

You could also use a toggle with a prusik knot on the clothes line set up. I think it would be easier & less prone to slippage .

[@coalcracker]

You can’t once you tighten it that way it’s so tight you can’t loosen it unless you take the ridge line down. You need to create slack in the line to relieve a prusik knot

[@MSato123]

You made it so simple and easy. Subbed.

[@jeffclarkofclarklesparkle3103]

Never thought I'd look for help getting it up.. hah

[@thomasnugent7602]

Very good ideas, Thank you very much

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Good video. I just found your channel not long ago, and you produce some great content. Thanks for your effort.

[@KTMitchell1953]

I've been subscribed and live in the Pittsburgh area. I thoroughly enjoy your channel and tips

[@nt91222]

Q&A for next week...where did you come up with the name Coalcracker? Thanks. Be safe and take care.

[@mtlicq]

Thurston J. Howell the Third's version : ) What about a barrier between the cold and/or wet ground and your warm body (& clothes) trying to stay warm & dry? some waterproof barrier on the ground can also help REDUCE the chance / or the speed of being detected and attacked by ants, nematodes, parasitic worms, etc>>>

[@Joex51x]

a fourth would be to run the ridge line with the toggle to the other tree then use the end of that back to you center point and tension it back

[@pithon3d477]

My question is ..... considering most tarps are 8x10 or 10x12 ..... I'd like to see you demo that type of setup. Particularily a 10 x 12 plowpoint. I guess we'll see if you read this?

[@BackcountryTripper]

Great video thank you for sharing this info!

[@davesanders9203]

Shawn Kelly sent me here.

[@jameswaters5888]

I don't remember you covering using a tarp that doesn't have a center point, and you utilize using a stone or acorn to make a tie out center point. Not everyone has a fancy tarp with a pre made center point.

[@katanatac]

Dan, you forgot to mention checking the trees for "widow makers" first.

[@jasontindell6734]

God Bless everyone!!!! Jesus Loves you all very much!!!!

[@kimberlyduncan1053]

Nice explanations. Thank you!!

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this valuable information. You're a wealth of great ideas. 🤗

[@brycerobinson880]

Bro...where did you get that jacket?!

[@ravin747]

Toggles do make it easier

[@ugh_not_him]

I love how you make survival approachable. But let's be realistic. Almost nobody carries a tarp, blanket, paracord and fire kit. They'd be lucky if they even had a knife in their pocket. I'd love to see some videos on truly realistic survival for someone who doesn't have all that fancy gear.

[@gregbarry5875]

How often do you rewax your oilcoths? Waxing duck cloth ( Carhartt Jacket) has always been a mystery to me. Can the fabric still breath? Can I wash it in a washing machine? Please unravel the mystique of "oilcloth"

[@mrbluesteen]

Hey dan, will you be at the Georgia bushcraft gathering in march?

[@semperintrepidus16]

Anything like that in the West?

[@emildebeer7645]

Dan what tarp shelter setup would you suggest in windy weather especially winter

[@billaheimer3147]

Most helpful Bushcraft tips I’ve come across. I’m in PA. GOnna check out a class in the future. Where did you get that awesome wool Jac shirt?

[@trailtrashoutdoors8173]

Man that is a nice tarp. You sell those on your website? I tried to purchase 2 of your handy little repair kits about a month or so ago but was having trouble with the check out.

[@coalcracker]

Yes we make Them And sell them and repair kits are back in stock

[@AlainBoyer]

Very nice tips. What do you do if your tarp does not have any center tie out points?

[@georges3242]

As a subscriber enjoying your videos, I wonder if “coalcracker” has some special meaning? Never heard the term here in Texas.

[@ryewhiskeyfan5946]

When used as two words it is slang and refers to those who live in and work in the coal mining area of PA. I do not know if it is considered derogatory.

[@Hoonozit]

Good question. I have just assumed - someone who works the coal mines cracking\chipping coal to be gathered.

[@markchryssanthou6199]

“Coalcracker“: Affectionate term for a resident of Northeastern Pennsylvania, but particularly of the Anthracite (coal) Region (Scranton to the Lehigh Valley to Schuylkill County). With the expansion of the mining and railroad industries.

[@stephensapp7233]

Tarp shelter sleeping on the ground in a wool blanket. What about snakes coming into the shelter? I live in Georgia and we have several species of poisonous snakes.

[@GetUrPhil]

Will have to try these tips. What are the name of those tarps?