7 Uses For An EMERGENCY Group Shelter You Hadn't Considered

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

If you've enjoyed this video and would like to see more from my channel, then please hit that subscribe button 🙏😊

[@robincamps5658]

One extra consideration is that if you are using the Emergency Shelter as an Emergency Shelter and are waiting for the Rescue team to arrive but it is getting dark then leave your torch on, inside the bag. In the dark your torch can be seen from a distance but it only has a narrow beam. If you have your torch on inside the bag, in the dark you are providing a 360 degree iluminated bag that can bee seen for miles. This worked well for me and my group, in South America, when our local guide said "we are lost" he went off to find out where we should be and then came back. Getting back to us was easy as the Emergency shelter (No one was hurt, just tired) was a huge beacon in the dark.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Great tip Robin, thanks for sharing your own experience in this area. Please consider subscribing to the channel if you'd like to see more in the future.

[@michaelbutler1557]

Very valuable for rain collection.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Good point!

[@primus7776]

Superb! Well Done Young Man. Respect.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Thank you. I'll make sure I pass your kind words onto Finlay.

[@Yhoothoob]

I keep mine in the car for motorway breakdown situations. Along with foil blankets, torch, cyalumes, cash, window and seatbelt tool, first aid kit, water and a samsung smartthings tag.

[@jeffreymchoul]

...kudos to Finley for taking the steps toward self-sufficiency and self-reliance that many adults never take. He has followed well in the footsteps of his Father before him. The times that you both share build a lifetime of memories...

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Thanks for your kind words Jeff, they mean a great deal. Enjoy the rest of your weekend 👍

[@lyellclare9365]

I have a Bothy 2 and have set up a system so I can easily set up a ridge line between two trees , thus I don't use my body to hold it up. Works well and makes it more versatile and more comfortable.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Thanks for sharing your own setup. 👍

[@LiseWrigley]

Good on Findlay for doing the independant set up on your own. Good skills to have. And must have felt like a satisfying accomplishment. 😊👍

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

I'll pass your kind words on to Finlay, thank you.

[@jackvoss5841]

A key to camping that is safe, enjoyable, and lighter weight, is “EVERYTHING that we take along must (1) adequately perform multiple tasks, or (2) properly perform one critical task.” As a 13-14 year old, I was learning to be a mechanic. I bought some Crescent wrenches. I was thinking how useful they would be, because they were adjustable to many sizes. And, with limitations, they are. But not very well. Dad sat me down and we talked about some “multi purpose” tools that “did no one thing well, and many things not very well”. He then explained about really good tools that did only one, or a few, things very well. “It’s a balance, son. You have to know what your task is, before you select your tools. Some general purpose tools can be helpful in some circumstances. Special tools may not be needed. And some - many - jobs can be done with only the best of specialized tools.” It’s been over 70 years since Dad sat me down that day. I still have and still use tools that I bought after that advice. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

That's a great story Jack, thank you for sharing your memory with us all. Have a great rest of the weekend 👍

[@swissarmyfan]

Well done Finley!! Great vid, handy bit of kit for sure.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

I'll pass your kind words onto Finlay, thank you. Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.

[@blokeinabluehat241]

Good point about using your gear. Get comfortable with it and where you are. I've seen a few people recently decked out in expensive outdoor clothing etc. but still looking terrified to be outdoors. They were on short safe walks. People are also scared to get their gear dirty. Some are constantly thinking of resale value as well. Unusual usages. I carry a piece of cotton cloth about 2ft x 4ft. I use it as a sun shade like a mini tarp. I use it as cushion. I put it around my legs on days that are too hot for long trousers but too cold for sitting. I drape it around me on very sunny days. I soak it in water on very hot days. I used it the other day to hold baby possums that had fallen from their nest. It kept them warm and safe until we made another nest. Well done Finlay (?) It is great to see kids out and about. Blatant advertising alert. My channel has simple meals to cook outdoors. (I only have 20 subscribers. So I am no competiton.)

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Hey there and thank you as always for taking the time to leave such an insightful and detailed response, I always enjoy reading your responses to my videos. I certainly know what you mean about some people treating their outdoor time more as a photo/modeling shoot then as actual enjoyable outdoors time, each to their own I suppose? I'll pass your good wishes onto Finlay and very best of luck for your up and coming channel 👍👍👍

[@victoriaclark9255]

This has inspired me to do this with my son. What a great modern right of passage. Well done Finley!

[@mozki1]

Used my rucksack as a sledge on the way down to Ladybower Reservoir in the Derbyshire Peak District...saved about ½ an hour 45mins maybe. Fun too and not at all sketchy...honest

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

What could possibly go wrong!? 😉🤣

[@neiljohnston3407]

wrapped around some brush & packs etc - with some careful planning - the bothy bag is also an emergency raft or stretcher. Well done Findlay, hope you enjoyed the experience & keep it up.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Good thinking Neil. I like the idea about the temporary flotation aid 👍 Thanks for the feedback on the video. Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.

[@nigelloftus8544]

I’ve used one as a canoe sail, and as sauna amongst many other ways. Great bit of kit.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

"sauna"! 🤣🤣🤣

[@beatbasher]

I have used a bothy bag in my old tent which was a bit small for me, and my feet would touch the end of the tent and some nights the footbox would get a little damp. I'd just wrap part of the bothy bag around the footbox, no more damp sleeping bag. Well done to your lad for stepping up and being self-sufficient. That's awesome. And well done Dad too.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

That's a great tip! At 6' 2" I also suffer from the footbox of my sleeping bag sometimes becoming damp after being pressed up against the inner/outer, so I'll bear your tip in mind for the future. Thanks also for your kind words about Finlay's adventures, much appreciated. 👍

[@gerharold264]

If you are tight for room inside your tent or especially if you are sharing a tent then you can wrap your rucksacks inside the group shelter & leave them outside the tent.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

That's a great suggestion Ger, thank you for sharing it. Don't forget to subscribe if you'd like to see more for my channel in the future.👍

[@gerharold264]

It doesn't even need to be a large group shelter as the survival bags that cost around €5 will even hold multiple rucksacks.

[@keepthefaith35]

Well done Finley, another young man has started the journey of life. Atb Malcolm 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Thank you for your kind words Malcolm, I'll make sure that Finlay sees it.

[@tactical8842]

Thanks Craig for continually providing excellent, enjoyable and educational content on your channel, always presented in a manner easy to follow by outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Keep up the great work 👍

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

What can I say apart from WOW! I'm genuinely speechless 😶 Thank you so so much for your generosity. It's come at a time when things have been a little tough, so I truly appreciate it many thanks. ♥️♥️♥️

[@tactical8842]

@@TheBushcraftPadawan 👍

[@breiffnihogan4136]

Well said there. Excellent practical uses for group shelter. Good to hear positive and definite speaking. Yes, different uses for one item, real outdoor attitude. :-)

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

+Breiffni Hogan Hi Breiffni Hogan and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers! Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍

[@JW-jc4vi]

Thank you. Interesting. I remember in the late 1980s reading a book about using a large plastic bag (e.g. one used for a sofa) and making some holes in it for ventilation and using it in a similar way to a modern bothy bag. On one occasion in cold conditions, I used it making sure that I sat on my rucksack. This must have been the forerunner of the bothy bag. It made a big difference.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

It's certainly surprising how much of a difference a thin barrier between you and the outside world can make.

[@synappticuser5669]

Crack on Finlay! Your old man has every right to be proud of you. Well done. Best Wishes from Jockland.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

I passed your kind words on. Thank you.

[@geoffminter2927]

You can use the inflation bag for your air pad to collect water. Well done Finlay. A chip of the old block!

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Great idea, thanks for sharing that tip Geoff, much appreciated. 👍

[@jonfrance7201]

Nice video. Been watching a few recently and have subscribe£. Well done Finlay 👍🏻

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Thank you Jon, I'll pass your good wishes on to Finlay.

[@jonholmes1464]

Fiirstly, congrats Fin, great work! Looking forward to the day I can trust Charlie in a similar way, he’s still a little kid, only five, but if he follows your lead he’ll make it I’m sure. 👍👍 Secondly; another awesome video, thank you! Thirdly.. I carry a roll mat, 3/4 length to put under my thermarest. It adds an extra layer of insulation ,and protection. Comes in a canvas draw bag, perfect for stuffing with any excess clothing to make a super comfy pillow

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Hey Jon, thank you for your kind words, I'll make sure that Finlay gets to read it. Best of luck on your adventures with Charlie, start 'em early!

[@christophercarr1331]

well done to your son for being more independent proud of you and can i just say i really enjoyed watching the video it was very interesting

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

+Christopher Carr Hi Christopher Carr and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers! Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍

[@lesdrinkwater490]

Finlay. Brilliant. Well Done!!

[@Martycycleman]

I do like to have gear that has multiple uses, it makes sense, yes, yes. Well-done Finely 🎉

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

+Marty Ja thanks for your kind words, I'll pass them into Finlay.

[@nickpeers9026]

Awesome job Finley! You have a great teacher 👍🏻

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Hi Nick Peers and many thanks as always for supporting my channel by taking the time to drop by, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers! Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍

[@gerricamus2718]

Kudos to your Finn for his great work!

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Thank you for your kind words, I'll let him know,

[@william3781]

Great job team Taylor, and great job Finley!

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Hi William and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the positive feedback, cheers! Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍

[@finbarn4833]

Well done Fin! Great job.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

+Finbar N Hi Finbar N and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment - it's really appreciated. I'll make sure to pass your kind words onto Finlay.

[@winterfell2650]

Well done Finly 👍💪

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Thanks for your kind words, I'll make sure Finlay sees your comment.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

Tip 1 is banging. Always use it. Use it for breaks in inclement weather, use it for when you stop for lunch and need a bit of a windbreak or similar. Get so used to using it, when you're feeling cold and maybe need to take that break in a possible emergency, it becomes second nature to get it out just for a bit of comfort.

[@clivewilkinson5394]

Back packs have foam padding next to your back, if you need extra insulation sit with your back against your pack. Does not matter if your in a sleeping bag or shelter extra insulation. You could if needed wrap a back pack in the shelter to keep everything dry

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Thanks for dropping by and commenting, it's really appreciated. Don't forget to subscribe if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future

[@youraccount7003]

Another great but small and very packable bit of kit is the shamag. It is just a cotton cloth that can be used as a bandana, a face mask , a head scarf, neck scarf, or all of the above at once . It's a bandage , a touraque, an arm sling, a face cloth, a modesty cloth on the beach , a sun/wind protection scarf, a light towel, and anything else you can think of . Brilliant bit of kit. Thousands of soldiers swear by it as an essential part of their everyday gear.

[@dazdeluxe6672]

herb strainer for tea, char cloth in emergency

[@Orchardon241]

I've used my Terra Nova a few times as an ice-fishing shelter. Once you learn how to keep moisture from building up inside, it works very well...

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

+Orchardon241 Hi Orchardon241 and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for sharing your own experience in this area, cheers! Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍

[@erickmo1188]

Great job kid!

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Glad you enjoyed it. Don't forget to subscribe if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.

[@tullochgorum6323]

I recently started a thread on bothy bags on a forum with many highly experienced hikers. Turns out that most people only use them for day- hiking, unlike Bushcraft Padway. If they are carrying a tent or tarp on a multi-day walk they tend to leave the bothy bag at home. In my view the bothy bag does work better for sheltered stops and emergencies - especially if you are walking on terrain that won't take pegs, or if you are solo and might have to rig a shelter with a broken leg or other injury. But is it worth the extra weight when you already have another shelter in your pack? If I was with kids I'd take both, but for my solo use I just take the tarp. The one time I needed to use it in an emergency I improvised and it worked well enough. What do people think?

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

I have to admit that since making this video I have purchased a second bothy bag which uses more modern materials and is much smaller and compact in size, really only providing shelter for 1-2 people as opposed to the one in the video which has a much larger capacity. This makes it much more of a no brainer when it comes to deciding to pack it alongside a tent. Please consider subscribing if you'd like to see more from my channel in the future.

[@tullochgorum6323]

@@TheBushcraftPadawan My bothy bag weighs about 350g, which is only a few sips of water when you think about it. I use a shaped tarp as a sleeping shelter. On multi-day trips in the summer I think that would be enough for emergencies, but if I was doing a solo multi-day walk in severe winter conditions (such as the Cairngorms or Norway) I'd be tempted to take the bothy bag too, because it's so much easier to use for a quick rest or for an emergency.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

@@tullochgorum6323 makes sense 👍

[@chrisk3488]

Those hand warmer sachet thingies for getting your cold gas cannisters going on icy mornings. I've checked and the ones I use barely reach 35-40c so no danger of explosions.... stick it under the cannister to get your bacon sizzling or water nboiled etc...

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Hi Chris K and many thanks for supporting my channel by taking the time to drop by, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. Don't forget to share the video if you think that others in your network might benefit, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍

[@jonfisher9214]

I've used one when walking with a group and we needed to stop and plan the route and lay out maps. So much easier out of the wind.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Hi Jon Fisher and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍

[@JCJ7754]

Well done Finley, good effort 👌 On the other note, I generally don't carry a shelter if I have my tent. Why carry 2 shelters?

[@NNICKKK]

the idea is a bothy bag can simply be deployed around you (or others) who for whatever reason, in an emergency, can not get to or erect a traditional shelter/tent- if they have one. Also, you may not be a camper, and could just be hillwalking.. You could very easily be somewhere, not on level ground, in a storm for instance and need some immediate weather protection. You can't always get a tent up, or be expected to have one.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Apologies I haven't responded to your comment/question sooner Julian. I've just opened the app up to reply and have noticed the above response from NNICKKK which sums it up perfectly.

[@tonyrichardson2637]

its not a tent or a replacement tent, it is a life or death emergency shelter.

[@psocretes8183]

I was wondering why people don't put the sleeping mat under the tent floor. If you have one of these shelters you can wrap it up in that. An advantage of having the mattress under the tent's floor is that it it helps stop puncturing the floor. If the floor fails it keeps it up off the ground and there is less likelihood of water getting in. Just a thought.

[@ianrudd7442]

Why have I not thought to use the emergency shelter as a pillow. I have used the pillow case from my Therm a Rest pillow with a fleece or insulated jacket though. I have just discovered a cover that Petzl make that fits their small head torches and turns them into a lantern. I may be getting one at some point. Another great video Craig.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Hi Ian Rudd and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and comment, it's really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for providing your own tips, cheers! 👍

[@Jarrehead]

Hiya...... I use my goretex bivvy bag as a stuff sack when packing my kit in the back pack.... I guess you could use the group shelter in the same way... Keep your kit dry in bad weather.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Hi Jarrehead and many thanks for taking the time to drop by my channel, watch and share your own experiences, it's good to share! Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already, I'd really appreciate it, cheers! 👍

[@jeanyves8585]

Pretty clever! And hourra for your son!

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

He did really well. Thank you for the kind words.

[@jeanyves8585]

@@TheBushcraftPadawan cheers from France!

[@LiseWrigley]

Three other uses: 1. You are visiting an area with no bathroom and you really have to go. Insta- shelter and a small shovel or sealable container. We carry an old plastic Folgers coffee can. Right now only used in our van for emergencies, but this bag brings new alternatives. 2. You are out hiking and want shelter from the elements to make yourself a cup of tea. 3. You are neurodivergent and at a public gathering and are feeling way too stimulated and need an instant privacy room.

[@JanisAndrade-n9k]

Float device if waterproof.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Good suggestion 👍

[@CarlKem]

What brand do you use, Padawan?

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

I must admit I didn't know off the top of my head, so I've just taken look at the shelter and it's a 'Rosker Refuge.' Please consider subscribing to the channel if you'd like to see more in the future.

[@1790DSh]

Well done Finlay

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Thank you, I'll pass your kind words along...

[@stephenbrewster9488]

Be ok at a windswept rainy bus stop or taxi rank if you had to wait awhile. Or if there are a few of you queing to get in somewhere awhile in a long queue ha

[@quagmirewasere]

No offence ment that is meant for one purpose to literally save you in a storm or when it's needed but that's it it shouldn't be used for anything else in my opinion you should always have emergency foil blankets or those foil sleeping bags with you plus your other kit needed I use all the Ps when going out in the hills proper preparation prevents poor performance used a 4man in a real emergency situation one of my group broke there ankle on a descent it was getting dark on we were in the middle.of nowhere deployed bag did first aid alerted sar we stayed out one night as it was very bad weather that shelter literally saved our arses everyone was fine turned out it was a sprained ankle not broke we navigated back to a village next morning

[@summittaedae2323]

I’ve eaten a few lunches inside mine.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

It's the original 'pop up cafe!

[@GreytOutdoorsMedic]

Use it as a Yanket when you’re out with others. Or when you need privacy for a tactical poo.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

A "pop up loo" - love that idea! ♥️ What's a 'Yanket'?

[@GreytOutdoorsMedic]

@@TheBushcraftPadawan Google it, but not at work or in front of young children.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

Or “American solo bivvy bag”…

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Now, now! 😉

[@pauls466]

It's the worst piece of kit that you can buy. exept as a pillow and yes it is visible.

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

LOL, there's always one!

[@jasonmaddison6148]

saves lives

[@jonholmes1464]

This is “the worst bit of kit you can buy”?!? You sir have clearly not looked around

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

@@jonholmes1464 🤣🤣🤣

[@jasonmaddison6148]

@@jonholmes1464 wat would u buy then fella.

[@bikerbabe12]

Great job Finlay

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

Thanks for the feedback, I'll let him know 👍