58 pattern poncho camp out and grey squirrel patrol also featuring one of the first bivvy bags

I got my hands on a couple of 58 pattern ponchos and one of the first bivvy bags to come out. I camp out using the ponchos. I will apologise in advance to any veterans if I have made mistakes or said anything stupid. I also take a walk looking for evil invasive American grey squirrels.

[@simonh6371]

Rainproof gear was issued in the British Army, at least from the late 80s when I served, but we weren't always allowed to wear raincoat and trousers as they rustled a lot and were noisy so getting wet was common, so we never wore the poncho, it was always rolled up on our webbing with the hood tied up tightly with the drawstring, and was used to make a basha (shelter), generally to cover 2 guys, with the second poncho used as a groundsheet. This poncho was a revised 58 pattern so not identical to that used in 58 and thru the 60s, the older one was heaver I think. We also got bivvi bags in the early 90s, a bit different to the one you have, these were breathable although not original Gore-Tex. I still use a bivibag/poncho setup for wild/stealth camping and bushcrafting, it's ideal because you can set up a shelter where it doesn't matter if your legs stick out as they're protected by the bivibag! I do lean-to or plough point configurations to get a bit more living space to sit and brew up or cook in, and lower the profile when I go to sleep if I need to be stealthy.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Hi Simon. I reckon you guys were wet a time or two if you were two to a poncho, they are not very big. What bivibag do you use nowadays? There's a chap I follow called BASHA Dweller (Link here kzbin.info/door/H23qEjODIe8K08HXSv4bwA) He is a medic in the British Army ( You might enjoy his channel) Anyway he is using the US bivvy which has a zip. I'm waiting for his verdict and if he likes it I might pick one up. Thanks very much for watching and for the information 🙂

[@slick_slicers]

We used to pair off and make ‘basher’ with one as a groundsheet, and the other as the ‘tent’. We would carry paracord and a few long, thin bungees. Then you’d share your army issue sleeping bad with your rifle, or in my case, a Bren gun! The foot end would be lowered flat to the ground, and in to the wind, the head end would be around a foot or 18" off the ground and the cord of the hood tied to an over growing branch. Two slept under it... very cosy!

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

I would say very "cosy" Eric, they are not that big :-) The basha is quite an improvement methinks

[@gunnBUNNYMADNESS1]

The poncho brings me back 🙈 when setting up a bivvy, a good tip for inclement weather was to put a clothes peg on the bungee (half way down) This stops the water running off your tree flowing down the bungee and onto the eyelit of the poncho where you'll have your bergan stashed. I learned the hard way as usual, 🙈🤣

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Were you in the Free Clothes Association Bryan? 😀

[@gunnBUNNYMADNESS1]

@@vinniesdayoff3968 😂 best layer in the regiment 😎

[@davidleavy2016]

Nice one vinnie , I must say I wouldn’t have the balls to sleep in the woods at night I come from a long line of cowards😀

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

I settled in at eight and came wide awake at half three or so. However, earlier on, a German shepherd was out straying that night and gave a good big bark when he came across me. They say there is no such thing as an atheist in a foxhole when he is under fire. Well the same applies in a tiny tent in the dead of night in the middle of nowhere when a big Alsatian gives a good old bark a few feet away!

[@jeffnix3270]

If you look at the British 58 ponco you will notice 3 press studs together, these line up with 3 on the 58 pattern sleeping bag. This makes a makeshift bivibag.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Thanks Jeff, I did not know that. Unfortunately I don't have access to a 58 pattern sleeping bag. that was my first time using the 58 pattern poncho.

[@lenniet]

That's how I remember mine!

[@barryolaith]

Hello Vinnie, just discovered your films. Lovely style. Just to mention that the Greys not only out-compete the Reds on size but they carry a Pox virus which does not affect them but gives the Reds a slow, painful death. Never heard of it affecting dogs or people. In the UK the Reds are almost entirely confined to Scotland, mainly the Cairngorms. Greys are all over the South of Scotland. The Greys are also a problem in some parts of Northern Italy having been introduced by an ill-informed American ambassador for his garden. Like you I found out the hard way that a non-breathable bivvy bag is worse than nothing if you are under cover. You can get unissued British Army MVP (Goretex) bags on eBay for maybe £30 or so and they are very good. The British Army 'basha' is a very well made if slightly heavy tarp and these can be had also on eBay for the same money (DPM or MTP pattern, or Desert DPM if you don't mind sticking out). If you are carrying everything on your back the Australian Army 'hutchie' tarp is much lighter, but hard to get and twice the price. Hope I'm not coming across as a 'know-all', I'm just interested in some of the same things as yourself and wanted to share. Thanks for posting. Slan.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

You are coming across as a sound bloke Barry. I have a Basha, that's why I said it would be better. I've been eying bivvy bags for a while. Another bloke you might find interesting is Shaun or Basha Dweller on KZbin. He recently got an American bivvy that zips up and I am waiting to see what he says about them. Thanks very much for watching and for your comment 👍

[@dude93able]

Great video Vinnie. Had a similar poncho issued to me a few times when I was in the Marines. We were told it could be used as a tent in a pinch, kind of glad we never had to though. It is neat seeing how it would've went.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Hi Dude. Spare a thought for the poor guys in the Irish and British armies that often spent days living in those in very bad weather. I would not fancy it, I can tell you.

[@hackneeey]

Great film Vinnie, the bivi was interesting to see, we've come a long way since! In the warmer months I use a poncho I think it works best as a lean to or pitch it in a diamond shape into the wind ,if you drape a scarf or something similar over your face if catches the condensation.i just put all my gear in a bin bag . Regards Mick

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Someone is using their head anyway! Simple solutions always work best. The Americans spent a shed load of money developing a pen that would write in space. The Russians gave their astronauts a pencil!

[@BASHADweller]

Interesting video Vinnie. Good to see how the old kit works in the elements. We certainly have come a long way since then, the kit is so much better now. Thanks for sharing. Atb Shaun

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Thanks Shaun, the basha was a big step forward. Do you happen to know when they were introduced?

[@BASHADweller]

Early nineties I believe but I couldn't pin point it to an exact date. Atb Shaun

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Ta

[@EdwardHurst2323]

That bivibag designed for the artic down sleeping bag obviously it doesn’t rain but condensation would still ruin it

[@OKBushcraft]

Thanks for the outing Vinnie. I have one of the Brit pattern 58 ponchos as well. Heavy duty. I also have a Brit desert basha and a knock off Aussie hootchie. They are much better than my poncho especially for hammock camping. We dont use the word slicker much anymore. Usually poncho or rain jacket. Funny how things change in a short span. All the best, John.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Hi John, I got a basha too and I like it very much. I grew up reading Louis L'Amour and he always called them slickers if memory serves, that was probably why I threw that in. Thanks for watching.

[@OKBushcraft]

vinniesdayoff When I was young Louis L'Amoure and Westerns were the thing and yes slicker was a common term. Im an older parent of young kids and getting them to watch a western isnt going to happen. Ahhh, memories....

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Mr L'Amours books were better than the films

[@TheZogsvengali]

oddly enough I found a pattern 58 poncho roll today in a thrift store in Kentucky of all places.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

It did a bit of travelling for sure 🙂

[@Simon-lj8bb]

I really like the way you do things and the way you think. Keep doing what you do, man, we need more people like you in the world. Also I am a beginner knife maker and, as such, the main question I wish answered is:”will my knife do it’s job well?”. I am planning to make my first folder knife very soon, and if it’s ok to you, I really would like to send it to you for a real field test, and as a present for you to keep.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Thank you very much for the kind words Simone. I decided recently not to take gifts of knives as I felt I would be taking advantage of people, however I can see your reason. I am a VERY beginner knife maker ( I made one knife) and you do like to know if it will function well. If you would like to go ahead with your plan we will make arrangements. I will certainly post the knife back to you when I am finished if you would like that too.

[@Simon-lj8bb]

It’s very nice to hear that! A fellow kifemaker! I made 3 knives untill now, so yes, I am a very beginner too. Also I make little use of power tools and so it takes time to make 1, in the free time. I would be really pleased to post you one of my first folders, it would also help me a lot in understanding whats good and what has to be improved in my design, so that would be a do ut des. Let’s put it this way: if you like the knife you can definitely keep it, else you will post it back so I can make it better!

[@jelkel25]

I have a memory of putting another line on the hood then tying that to a branch above the shelter (if possible), that small amount of extra height inside the shelter might have made things more comfortable or it helped the rain run off the shelter better?? Can't quite remember! The greys are terrible in the UK, they eat nearly all the chestnuts before they're ripe and the hazelnuts not to mention what they did to the reds, you're right to not let them get a foot hold there.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Hi Jekel, I actually did that with the hood but did not show it. Condensation on the poncho was not that bad, but condensation in the bivvy was heavier, still it probably helped with warmth and the sleeping bag was not damp

[@kukuri007]

How does an American squirrel come to be in Britain and Ireland? I swear, We didn’t teach them to do this! Maybe squirrel see, squirrel do?

[@jelkel25]

kukuri007 It's the fault of cheap internet flights and freeze dried peanuts!

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

They were released in England in the 1870's by wealthy menagerie owners to the best of my knowledge and were released in Ireland around 1910 for the same reasons. Just a handful multiplied into a very large population. Or maybe they falsified their passports :-)

[@Hoonozit]

I'm not much with social media. I hear that "liking" and "commenting" helps spread a video. So here you go. Thanks for the video.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Thanks Hoonozit. Don't worry too much about that, KZbin is only a hobby for me. I do enjoy chatting with people though. Thanks for dropping by and thanks for helping.

[@jeffnix3270]

Enjoyed the video and subscribed.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Thank you Jeff, I am honoured. Are you a military man?

[@minktrappingpaddy]

We have both red and grey here Vinnie. We also have lots of marten and mink. I found a beautiful red on the road a couple a weeks ago. Hardly a mark on him.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

I would nail a grey to the barn door if I got half a chance Eddie. I had a red coming to my bird peanut feeder for a while. I have not seen him for a good while

[@minktrappingpaddy]

vinniesdayoff I see the Greys regularly. Land is part of Charleville castle, and they don't allow any hunting or trapping, so the Greys are safe.

[@aoifecarroll4281]

Great scenes

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Truly fast my love!

[@chrisosh9574]

You found the only problem with using the 58 poncho as a basha, too short/narrow.Usually, either your feet or your head ends up sticking out into the weather. We used to buddy up and try to find a spot where one side is closed off by a bank , rock wall or similar and then fit two together, that way you could gain a lot of extra width as well as length but you had to be lucky. The 58s were good for keeping the top of you dry, just had to use every chance to dry your feet on a rainy exercise. The modern kit is so much better than in the '70s and '80s. The bivvy bags would make a big difference in wet and windy weather, when the rain would drive in under a basha but they could leave you nearly as wet as not having one in some conditions with the condensation inside.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Hi Chris. I think it is just a bit too skimpy. I could well imagine everything being wet and damp after a few days living in ponchos. The experience made me respect the people that went through that. Thank you for watching.

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

I use and love both the Mil-tec copy of the American poncho and the West German poncho but Im a smaller fellow at 168cm. I usually pitch them in a sort of plowshare.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

I have been looking at Mil-tec videos and I saw from your comments you have been using it for a while J.C. Does the ploughshare work well with the rain?I got a basha a while back and I like it a lot.

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

vinniesdayoff the plowshare does allow for more room inside and it does okay in the rain, the British basha is an awesome bullet proof peice of kit. I got to play with one a while back but dont own one myself. I do own and use the DD 3x3 tarp and that is an excellent shelter sheet that opens up a lot of options. Varusteleka actually sells a 2.5x2.5 DD tarp under their own brand that should be even better than the 3x3 for solo adventures.

[@ripnlipstv]

Nice video man!!!

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Thanks very much ripnlips. What an apt KZbin name you have!

[@gavingaming123]

I still have some 58 patt kit and was interested to see your findings. Certainly breathable fabrics such as Goretex are better and you certainly can see the advances made in keeping you dry. As always you show exactly how it is. Gladdened to see a fellow controller of the greys on patrol. We still have reds and in some area due to culling the greys the reds are picking up. Thanks again for sharing, is it a Beretta o/u your using ? All the best from Scotland. Garry

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Thanks Garry. According to the boffins pine martens are increasing and this is beating back the greys big time. The grey squirrels are heavier and the martens can catch them. Even if they don't catch them they keep them so harassed that they don't thrive. Pine martens have certainly become more common locally. They are a protected species here. It is a Beretta ultralight o/u. I traded in a pedretti shotgun for it and I am still sorry I did it.

[@edwardshea5084]

Nice video ! The dog is a solid 8/10

[@turboconqueringmegaeagle9006]

Every man's dog is the best dog in the world! I've still not found a woman that loves me enough to lick my face.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

He is always stealing the limelight! Never work with children or dogs! Thanks Edward.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

They would have to love you a great deal Turbo!

[@Traderjoe]

How did the grey squirrels get there from here? Did people bring them for some reason? Also, my dog, a Boston Terrier absolutely despises squirrels haha

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

They were released by Victorian aristocrats because they thought they were cute I suppose. Our red squirrel is a much more attractive little fella. They are within five miles of my area but not in "my" woods so far. My hound is now quiet interested in squirrels too. The Boston is a pretty attractive little dog Joe.

[@turboconqueringmegaeagle9006]

My brother uses a down sleeping bag, I use a 4 seasons poly bag, he gets on a lot better with bivy bags and condensation than I do, I don't think you could have done any better with that poncho, was a smart job. Did you get your eggs and toast?

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Hi Turbo, the difference ye find with the sleeping bags is very interesting. I never heard anyone make that point before. If I had not nailed the poncho down tight the rain would have got me. I had copious eggs and slices of toast!

[@turboconqueringmegaeagle9006]

Down sleeping bags are deer, i wouldn't be willing to spend £150 on a bag because i fish would rather have something that washes easily, but my brother used to do a lot of touring on a bicycle, its very delicate and absolutely rubbish if it does get wet but packs down very small and it keeps him warm, he's a bit skinny you know and gets cold quickly! As always, i hope you get some more days off soon as I always enjoy your videos!

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Yeah, this bag I have is very bulky, but it suits for roughing about. They need to be washable but small is nice. Thanks for the kind comment and I wait with bated breath for the next mega conquering technological masterpiece. Maybe a helicopter made from a piece of wire and some washers!

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

That's my boy! When the anti tank crossbow didn't blow up in your face you will have no problems with a cardboard and gaffa aepoplane

[@irishwanderer4206]

how much would ya get one of them for id do an overnighter up the comeraghs?

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

I don't know. they should not be too expensive. They are small enough though, you would be a lot better off with something like a 6 or 8 foot by 9 foot tarp which you could get for small money in a hardware or they come on special in Lidl betimes

[@irishwanderer4206]

would you believe i picked up a cheap tarp the other day i picked up a 6x4 tarp for 1.50 im gonna get another one and put them together for the shelter im building because i want it to hold off rain

[@johnjames218]

The only problem with the pattern 58 is it’s like wearing a crisp bag it’s that noisy

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

It is John. It's also fairly heavy compared to ordinary rain gear. Strong though

[@fadingmargins]

The Basha is indeed roomier thought if you have to double up I think it might be debatable. Condensation is tough to beat even with Goretex. If you would like to try a Basha give me a shout I am sure we could arrange a loan.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

I appreciate the offer very much but I have a Basha. Thanks indeed 👍

[@JH_1095]

The forest you set up camp in is a planted forest?? Another awesome video!!! Film more!

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Thanks JH. It is a planted forest, that is generally where the soldiers would camp. Much of the forests in Ireland are commercial plantations unfortunately.

[@JH_1095]

vinniesdayoff perfect rows...better than no forest...Keep the great videos coming..

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Thank you my complimentary friend!

[@emmaking6564]

A good video and I like how you work. I will subscribe to your subcribe channel

[@TheVocalMale]

Try the Polish Lavvu if you haven't already. They are simply massive. Two ponchos make the tipi tent or one makes a half shelter. Very versatile and you can use a hot stove in them no problem.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

I have one but I couldn't stay in it in the Summer heat as it stank to high heaven of military surplus. I washed it a number of times and it's been airing in my garage for nearly two years. I must see if the smell has been reduced :-)

[@aircommando505]

Save the native red and fry up the greys. A win on both counts.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Sounds good to me! On both counts 👍

[@rclaws1347]

What do you do with the squirrels when you kill some? We eat them here in the Southeast Appalachians, in fact I was raised on squrrel and dumplins or squirrel fried crispy with gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits supplying a lotta evening meals. By the way a feist dog, much like the terrier you have, makes a really good squirrel dog. They run ahead and start barking when they have one treed, then all you have to do is sneak in, find the squirrel in the treetops and pick him off; we usually use a rifle for that. I like your video's so keep making them.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

To be honest I have never got one. Our native squirrel is a protected animal. I have only seen one of the invasive American grey squirrels some years ago and I have not seen one since. I keep looking because I don't want them to get established here under any circumstances. If I ever get one I will do a cook up video! Crispy fried with gravy and mash sounds really delicious. My Jack Russell has gotten to know what squirrels are since I made that video and he lets me know if they are about now. You guys have a few breeds of dogs I like a lot, like the fiests, the rat terriers and the various cur dogs. Keep them away from the kennel club and keep working them! Thanks very much for watching and for your kind comment.

[@rclaws1347]

I grew up with feists and have always hunted with them. I'm 70 years old now and not able to roam the mountains, but I still have one. Almost every family here had at least one feist 50 years ago, but now there aren't so many of them. Both of my grandpa's were what you would think of as “real mountain men” and as such hunted for food and profit and had used feists or curs all their lives. By the way both of them carried Case trapper knives like in one of your video's, I also carry one; I found your site by looking at Case knives. I'll be looking for that cooking video.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

If your grandpas had made videos (and indeed your good self) about their lives and hunting, I would be glued to the screen. I actually looked up feist dogs hunting on KZbin and I have found a good number of videos to watch. I don't know why I never thought to do that before.I have nothing but admiration for those little dogs which are similar to some of the dogs I have been blessed to own. Country bred dogs from a working background are so different in every way from show bred dogs. I would love to sit down and have a few beers with you!

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

I have just been watching Squirrel Hunting with Steve and Ellie May - The Amazing Mountain Feist. Fantastic stuff and Ellie May looks just like a little red dog I owned and I used to have to pick her up and carry her away when she found a squirrel!

[@rclaws1347]

My grandpa's never even had a camera, but both of them were great story tellers. When I was young I would sit and listen to them tell about hunting for bears on the grandfather (Grandfather Mountain). They would stay for days camping out under rock formations. When they went to the fields to work their dogs went with them. My paternal grandpa said they would lay a blanket on the ground for the babies and his feist would circle the blanket looking for snakes. If he found one he would bay it, barking until someone came to check it out. When he was satisfied there were no snakes he would come and lay on the blanket with the babies. I could write a good book about the things I learned from my grandpa's and my dad. If you ever get to the states I'd love to sit and have a few beers.

[@edg3718]

Over here we don't have the grey squirrel yet , only the reds overhere , do ye still have the red ones in Eire ? Cos i was in northern italy some years back and they had little red ones left , i was told . I don't hunt myself , only i like to go ratting . And sometimes shoot some woody's with an airgun beeing a weihrauch 80k .22 that delivers about 18 ftp ...luv that gun . Again what can i say 👍🍻

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

We still have a good population of red squirrels Ed but grey squirrels are common too. I have seen them quite often in an area perhaps five miles from where I live. The greys have been driven back in much of the country because pine martens have increased and can kill greys. Weihrauch make very good air rifles. Where do you live if you don't mind me asking? 🏆🥇

[@edg3718]

I don't mind vin😃 i live in flanders near Antwerp

[@edg3718]

Yes i heard ye told that about the marters but i would think that they would kill reds al so...

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

@@edg3718 The Red squirrels are much lighter and can run out on very thin branches. I suppose the martens catch a few but they can catch many more of the grey squirrels

[@edg3718]

Oow ok i didn' t know that them grey were bigger , never seen one myself , but that explains a lot and sounds logical 👍

[@JH_1095]

I need another video Vinnie

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

Hi JH. One coming very shortly. maybe in eight hours time. I turned to the dark side though. It's a Swiss army knife. Do not underestimate the POWER of the dark side!

[@JH_1095]

vinniesdayoff oh no?? Lol I have allot of SAK'S.. there awesome but I prefer traditional folders... have you had the pleasure of using a GEC?

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

I got the two blade Hayn' Helper. I'm still playing with it

[@JH_1095]

vinniesdayoff sweet love to see that put to work.. which Swiss Army knife?

[@mickeywilsonbushcraftandsu2513]

Good video pretty cool.I subbed in come check out my channel if you want. Until the next one atb Mickey