Budget Bushcraft Overnight Camp. Kit Yourself Out For Less Than £100. Raised Bed. Irish Stew.

[@abefrohman1759]

His kids looking out the window “mom he’s cutting up the trees again.” 🤣😂😆

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂😂

[@wastelandwarrior9738]

😂😂😂

[@papajeff5486]

MOM, MOM, MOM !!!😀😅😂

[@ronaldmoore2336]

I laughed out loud at the end when you threw the finger cutting saw in the trash. I'm still chuckling while I'm having my hot chocolate. It's a tradition for me now, hot chocolate with Simon's on. Great news about Maggie and well done.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

THANKS TO SIMON'S INTRODUCTION, our family always has a pouch or two of OH BOY! cocoa mix in our pantry.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Good to hear! Can’t beat a hot chocolate! 😁

[@garethflower3403]

I laughed too with the saw. If your budget is slightly flexible, definitely go for a Bahco Laplander. Incredible bit of kit for just over twenty quid you can't go wrong.

[@papajeff5486]

@@simonablokeinthewoodsThis old man doesn’t mean any disrespect; however, I would mention that my sweetheart has a recipe for some of the best homemade hot chocolate I’ve ever had. She makes up big batches for me and my grandson. It has a place, it the drawer, next to my cheap coffee. It’s mighty fine…heh, heh…

[@ryanlee6147]

Ok im new to the channel, But I think everyone deserves to have a beer dispensing rock in their yard.

[@hammondauger]

At the beginning of the video I so wanted your neighbour to pop his head over the fence and shout Simon will you turn that bloody banjo music down Lol

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂😂

[@Morio412]

I am actually surprised you still have useable wood left in your garden by this point Simon :D

[@russellgough7801]

He went next door for the wood :-)

[@trakyboy5128]

@@russellgough7801 LoL 😆 👍🏽👍🏽

[@bonpecheur4565]

@@russellgough7801 I was thinking that myself too 😂 his neighbors must wished the end of the restrictions so that the bloke leave their garden alone

[@bobuncle6962]

I wondered if his wife knew he cut down her bush?

[@wrylife57]

lol

[@ggpkgman]

Never thought I'd enjoy watching someone camp out in their backyard so much. Brilliant ending!

[@syncrosimon]

Keep them coming Simon, you are much appreciated, soon be out👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@derekmcmanus8615]

This...☝️

[@drummingearth5326]

You've actually waited lol.

[@syncrosimon]

@@drummingearth5326 for the purposes of KZbin videos, yes😂

[@alexpage7292]

Fair play to you for keeping these videos going and cheering us up Simon during these difficult times. Always good content and I totally forget that you are in your garden! All the best

[@Alan-DPhotos]

That sleeping bag and water bottle bring back memories. The bag especially, is fantastically warm even when in a snow hole in Norway. I just hated carrying the thing lol.

[@gourdarchibald6588]

Per Mare, Per Terram. 👍

[@Alan-DPhotos]

@@gourdarchibald6588 Not quite. I was attached as an honorary boot neck :-)

[@Morio412]

@@Alan-DPhotos Full arms course?

[@Alan-DPhotos]

@@Morio412 nothing that glamorous :-)

[@Morio412]

then either boat crew or air crew on a jungley/merlin

[@richche9433]

3-4 black bin bags filled with leaf debris.. cheap as chips and no more back pain!

[@travisward8319]

Miss these kinds of vids. Budget kit. Less E bike and more getting in the woods. Keep the content coming, cheers!

[@keithhunt4959]

I know this is old. But at least three of the equipment is the best in the world. Mug n bottle, sleeping bag and tarp. Used this regularly when on exercise in Germany.

[@jennyk544]

You bring a sense of calm and peace to your videos. It’s like order out of chaos and I find it very relaxing to watch each week. Keep up the awesome work! Thank you

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!

[@dirtywetdogboatsandsailing6805]

That walk-in though.....must be a killer !

[@lauriebloggs8391]

certainly with that bag, I have one.!! Now only used for as occasional bag in the canoe, lol!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

It was brutal!!! 😂

[@MHarenArt]

What a great video for the beginner campers. Bringing along a thick blanket from home - which I will assume most people have - could be a good solution to the somewhat more comfortable bed. Well, at least that's what I would do.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Good call! 👍👍 Thanks Maggie!

[@darrinrebagliati5365]

A lot of people have the gear already, but don't realize it. My first camps were with cheap tarps, pocket knives and older blankets. Bushcraft, to me, is using what you have to enjoy nature. I've used tin cans as billys, gotta remember to burn em out first! I love the Mora Companion; I only have 7 of them tho, haven't got all the colors yet! I love garage sales and flea markets for finding axes and saws. Have many antique tools found like that in my kits. I don't have an army surplus store near me so that makes military gear hard for me to find, but I drive by 2 when going to visit my parents so I do haveza few items. I find 'liquidation stores' (my name for the modern dollar store) have good cheap gear that you can use for a couple trips; if you pick through what's on the shelf to find a good one. But hardware stores seem to have the best tools, tarps, and camping gear, in my area anyway, relatively reasonably priced if you buy their brand. Packs are one of those things that they really nail you for though. I bought chinese copies of 511 bags on wish that have held up so far 2yrs now. For less than 20% of what 511 wants for the same bag. But my favorite is the one that I made myself out of an old pair of work jeans. Thrift stores are another awesome spot I've found occasional gold star gear for next to nothing! Great video! I like the advice too: if you want to go out, go out with what you have and you'll quickly figure out what you want to have, and what you need.

[@TheBlaert]

When we were kids my dad (an industrial plumber) made us a frame from galvanised piping that just screwed together. And an old piece of canvas draped over the top of it. no base sheets, just a piece of plastic sheeting to keep the damp out. Thinking back it was cold and uncomfortable as hell but we didn't care. A hell of a lot of fun

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Simon . 🐺 Loupis Canis .

[@dominicschaeffer909]

Just ordered an old Italian Rucksack same model. Didn’t want a newfangled super duper hiking pack. It looks HUGE. Though i’ll be mostly carcamping it’ll be nice to fit everything in to one bag- dd tarp and hammock, cooking and sleep systems, etc… recognized the pack immediately and came straight back to this vid to verify. Thanks for the ideas, Simon.

[@bikeroffthebeatentrack]

Another great vid thanks mate. In the army we used to call those sleeping bags ‘bouncing bombs’, due to their shape and Barnes Wallace famous design. Glad to hear Maggie doing well and glad you went with Irish Stew. As a native of Belfast, I can confirm I’ve never had corned beef and cabbage 😂 Happy St Patrick’s Day ☘️

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

And to you sir! 😁👍

[@rogerhudson2814]

Giant Green Maggot.

[@jgstevens5169]

I'm American with Irish heritage, never understood corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick's. The Irish Stew was spot on. Thank you Simon! Btw... Great way to end your video with the saw going into the trash bin!!

[@Thedagda801]

Bacon and cabbage surely!

[@rechuckg]

Great video. The amount we spend on kit is a bit like filling a pack. If you have a 50L pack your have what you need. If you have a 70L pack you have what you can bear to carry. In this case you had what you needed for less than $150 dollars. Perfect.

[@ianknibbs178]

The old bloke I used to work with had a saw similar to that, he scrapped the handle and made himself a new one out of plywood. Great vid.

[@HelenNetoken]

Crossing my fingers for a Kent Survival/Simon Bloke in Woods reunion!!!! Great vid Simon! Very enjoyable 🤘🏻

[@steveb1972]

Be great to see you and Andy misbehaving in the canoes!👍🏻

[@inahuffman6999]

When it gets warm enough you should do a camp in your tree fort. Also I loved the back to basic vid to let young bushcrafters know that you dont have to spend a lot to have fun!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

The tree house is rotten - I’d probably end up in A and E! 😂

[@biblebeliever4570]

@@simonablokeinthewoods and i was going to say the tree house is next to be cut for fire wood.

[@PaulCowcher]

Thank you for being honest on your sleep. Makes it more real.

[@themadking9745]

Discovered this channel today via a recommendation from a friend, and I think I'm hooked! There's something so very wholesome and unfiltered about Simon's videos, it's like coming home after being away for a while... Love it!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you and welcome to the channel! 😁

[@edwardfletcher7790]

You might like Rune Malte Bertram too then....

[@falafel4618]

Really useful video Simon - thanks. Glad to hear Maggie's fighting fit again too!

[@leelucas2532]

Now that’s what I call a Bushcraft film 💯 %👏👍

[@VileVeil]

I have one of those Italian backpacks which I bought in the 90's, still going strong and very roomy. If you were in the wild you could always pad that raised bed with ferns/bracken and it would be more comfortable and, of course, be free and fit in the £100 budget. Great video Simon and glad to hear about Maggie back to her old self.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Definitely - I was eyeing up my hedging thinking it would make a nice soft mattress - not sure Mrs in the woods would have been too impressed though! 😂👍

[@nickw123]

The story of how you know what its like to sleep on a badly made park bench sounds like its worth telling LOL. Great vid as always.

[@samanthamoore2959]

Great video! Can't believe we have to wait another week😅 Great to hear Maggie is doing well too. Keep the videos coming, you are THE most watchable on the topic on you tube! Love watching these, thanks for doing them and bringing the world a little joy.xxxx

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Samantha! 😁

[@ClintThrust-e8r]

Great budget build. I’m always looking for “budget heroes”, like the laplander, that punches way above it weight.

[@hammerhound168]

A trick used by the homeless is to use cardboard to sleep on, a couple of layers would have smothed that raise bed a bit. Can also make a straw tick ( a large clothe bag u stuff with straw or debris and use as a matress). Good to see Maggie better. Thanks for the VID.

[@robertott8467]

Great video sir., Semper Fi., from a US Marine. Toledo, Ohio. USA, Long live Anchovies.,!!

[@nimmichagger165]

Happy Patrick’s Day to everyone! Great news about Maggie, mate. Good, sound advice for all - always worth spending an extra few quid to get decent tools. Another great video, and look forward to watching you and Andy together next month. Cheers, buddy!

[@miffyonabike]

Hi Simon, Great video and the stew was perfect, just how my Irish mother and grandmother made it. I have a few items of budget kit, like a German army day sack with the integral carrymat, never get a wet backside with that around. I also have a Mora companion knife I have had for some years. Swear by it, does me for all sorts of things, carving, battening, gardening and opening Amazon boxes. I will do that mod though for the ferro rod. Got Mr Miffy a bright orange Mora for Christmas because he is always losing things. Congrats again on the video.

[@lizmclure5328]

My husband started watching your channel for the camping tips. I started because of Maggie. We both watch now because it's better than any mindfulness session. Thank you and glad to hear Maggie is on the mend.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Liz!

[@penman8985]

One of your best Simon - superb! 👍👋👍 Simon

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

I would imagine that Mrs A Bloke In The Woods and Mrs Outdoors have quite a chuckle comparing notes whilst describing what their crazy husbands are doing in the back garden....this time. 😉😋👍🙂

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂😂 Mrs in the woods just thinks there’s something wrong with me.....

[@MrHemlock51]

Great to see someone promoting the budget option. So many channels use far too much expensive kit. A lot of my camping stuff comes from Aldi, which is a bit like eBay but you can touch the stuff before you buy (and make sure the folding saw isn't going to eat your fingers 😁). A basic hammock with an underquilt made out of an old summer weight sleeping bag would solve your sleeping comfort problems for very little cost.

[@Hevva67]

I got a great folding saw from Lidls, it was probably only about £8-10..

[@rialobran]

Hack. The gloves have leather tabs inside, put a hole in them and a small karabiner so you can clip them, I use Briers all the time, great gloves. Fiskars do good saws at the same sort of price as the Laplander. I had an Italian Army pack back in the 80's, they're prone to fail after 20 years of hard use...

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Not a bad innings! 👍👍 I’ll bung a carabiner on them gloves too. 👍

[@donnajupe7196]

Excellent ,Simon.

[@thomascraig7230]

Great stuff Simon. That sleeping bag looks very interesting, I'm going to look into one. I would wager you could market the spoon and cutting board. I thought it was very lucky you finding two cans of Guinness in a tree stump... Stay safe.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

My lucky rock! Never know what it will dispense! 😁

[@seanorrick8921]

Love the socks Simon!!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - my purple ones were in the wash 😁

[@GAR85120514]

Must admit my apartment balcony is starting to look good for camping, pigeons and all ;-) thanks

[@chrisv7787]

What a great video Simon! With all the great content on bushcraft, etc. out there it’s so easy to become paralyzed with all the options and ideas that you never get out the door. Well done showing how it’s about the plan and the doing of the thing and doesn’t have to be complicated with tons of gear. Two things: 1) a great inexpensive saw option (at least here in the states) are Corona folding saws, I use them at work and they are very good. And 2) I’m gonna just go ahead and say what has to be on everyone’s minds; when are we gonna get the video of ‘Simon’s Treehouse Adventure’??

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - that treehouse is as rotten as a pear! Thank you mate!

[@chrisv7787]

If we only knew someone with the requisite skills to mend it...🤨

[@jonahtwhale1779]

Thank goodness some kind soul left all that precut timber out for you to find Simon!

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Cracking Video Mutton traditionally and Pearl barley too in Irish Stew. I’m a side sleeper and that would have crippled me on the bench. Great to show newbies what’s doable.

[@alorsherryselen5095]

We love your oranger waterfalls being close by

[@northwestolympics1683]

Out logging when my chew can gets empty I look for pitch wood saw dust when falling. The heart wood of a spruce or doug fir. Wet takes farro rod immediately👍

[@urbanagoge7598]

Great video - good gear run down - almost worth getting a cheap bow saw (6 quid, Wilkos) rather than the finger-taker, though. I think you encapsulated why we all get out into the woods - have a quiet brew, cook a meal, make a thing or two - along with a change of situational awareness and a chance to see the wildlife and the sunrise. I've been out there doing the same, as often as possible for 20 years now, and enjoy every minute of it.

[@firstnamelastname4509]

Thanks for showing the bit where the feather stick didnt catch first strike. Makes me feel better

[@GP452]

I've been watching your videos for about a year now. Seeing you cope with lock-down is educational. Well done. Life as we know it does not have to end.

[@Draculhuhn]

Yes! He has done it again...*makes herself comfy 🤤

[@wpunique]

“I could get a spoon from my kitchen 30 feet away, or I could fashion one out of wood while I wait for this stew to cook over the fire I started next to the bed I made” I assume everyone else wants Simon to be their dad, even if he’s approximately the same age as themselves?

[@wrylife57]

In my case he'd have to be my son but, yeah.

[@lindac7146]

He would be my son too, and I'd find him a treasure. My pride and joy.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you!! (Sondad 😂😂😂)

[@lawnerddownunder3461]

I'd make one out of oleander and wonder wh...

[@papajeff5486]

Simon is a fireman, tending fires all over the UK and Europe. Who knows…

[@riddimchef1]

Top tip on the head torch idea. I just tried it using a bungee as the headband and a rubber band to hold the torch. Worked a bloody treat thanks 🙏🏾👍🏾

[@johnnewhall4919]

Glad to hear Maggie is doing better. They may be pets but they are family, and touch every soul they meet. Love your vid's. Been locked up due to COVID and winter. Cant wait to get out. I live in New England and TBH we just call it a New England Boiled Dinner. I enjoy it, not all do. Keep it up.

[@utubeape]

I got that exact same stainless steel cooking pot, it works well, on coals, open flame, compact gas burning stove and trangia. I made a mod to it, I got a 3" long bit of dowel rod, any stick will do and cut a lengthways notch, then widened out the depth by coping sawing at an angle so that I can wedge the 2 metal handles in to give me something to hold without a glove

[@JEBOOUTDOORS]

Great Video content, simple and detailed! Thank you, Simon!

[@MrAlgar2000]

Thanks for another great video to help ease us through the lockdown. I felt sure you'd add a splash of Guiness to the stew,,,, or maybe that's just a thing done in the North East. Maybe next time?

[@drummingearth5326]

Great music as usual

[@MikeFarnhamGalaxysEdgeGroup]

SIMON! - Mike here from Florida. I suggested the Corned beef & Cabbage. Thanks again for the email reply and food history lesson about the Irish Stew. It looks amazing! Sorry about your finger! All the best to you and your family!

[@PHARRAOH]

nice video. I hope many younger kids see it and decide to leave the b.s. behind and learn these ways

[@dianebannister965]

Glad to hear Maggie is well and running well, looking forward to seeing you and Andy next month on your trip out, hope there is more to come, stay safe x

[@donwalker3949]

Addition. Thanks for the full list of videos Simon. Ive watched and enjoyed the full list and they have been very instrumental in helping me get through the lock down. Love the calm, relaxed attitude you have. Awesome site. Thank you for the effort. Keep it coming.

[@algodonrabo]

Simon, this was an enjoyable video, down to earth suggestions for buying lower-cost kit. I noticed you partially bury a cast-iron cauldron as a fire pit and thought I would suggest something we've done for ours. If you find a discarded steel lorry wheel, the deep ones, you can do the same thing you've done, but with the added benefit of being able to weld a narrow 6mm, or so, steel plate across one edge. This will give you a place to set your kettle or pot where it can heat or just stay warm. We also added a couple of inches of pea-sized crushed-gravel to the bottom to facilitate drainage and this seems to work very well. This is just an alternative you might like. Incidentally, many commercial trucking companies discard these wheels in exchange for lighter, better fuel economy aluminum wheels. Regardless, your videos are informative and many of the tips presented are excellent reminders. Those who view your channel appreciate the effort you've put into creating them.

[@tuskulum1767]

Thanks, that i call, pure Camping with minimal equipment.

[@Andy-walkaboutnutty]

Nice video Simon, this subject is for everyone, not just the one's with cash to spare so it's good to show that. Nice one. 👍

[@daveys]

Great example of how camping doesn’t need to be mega expensive to be enjoyable! £100 is a bit of a challenge, so well done there. Those army arctic bags are brilliant, especially when paired with one of the army GoreTex bivvy bags. I could have told you in advance that the log bed was going to be uncomfortable though!

[@deanmc178]

very interesting to watch simon ,, ive got most things already ,, just need a tarp/tent to sleep in

[@monkeyfistsurvival4207]

This video is living proof that the best things in life, while not necessarily free, don't have to cost much. You just need to focus on the most essential stuff because aside from the money, you also save time from overthinking things.

[@Lightandlovetoyou]

Love this video so much !!! Backyard camping is so fun and mannnn I totally forgot where we were …so please camp here again :)

[@tonywilding9137]

Soon becomes a must watch. Thanks for showing much needed skills.

[@justtesting6185]

You missed a trick not getting some of that Guinness into the stew Simon! Great vid. Keep them coming. Andrew

[@tekpic04]

Too Mrs in the woods, you are a very accommodating lady for Simon's expeditions. An absolute rarity in a woman.👍

[@flashstream7192]

Thanks Simon always excited to see what u have to show us. Well done. Mate.!

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

Love the music at the start of the video. Reminds me of that tv series called Deadwood.

[@bobazevedo9771]

Simon, great video as always, maybe some more Guiness would have helped the sleep? You're too honest. I would have crept in doors and slept in my own bed, then out early in the morning with that cockerel. But then I'm much older than you. When will we know about your trip with Andy? Well done, hope the ribs feel better soon.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Bob! I might have been tempted, by Mrs in the woods locked me out! 😂

[@jiffijoff9780]

@@simonablokeinthewoods No wonder after you cut the bush she loves next to the house. 😂😂

[@gregbueta2079]

That's a long hike from your home to you camp site, Simon.😀😀😀

[@kerrypeabody1417]

Guinness... for strength! I’ll be seeing Mr. Jameson myself this evening. Excellent video.

[@Malarkama]

I really like your work Simon, as others have shared too. I also appreciate your attention to detail with all the information you share in the drop boxes. Thanks for all you do in the background which no-one sees! I hope you and your family are well. My best wishes.

[@erikvanos1273]

Pure, respectful and nspirational . Thumbs up big time!!

[@jasonjohnson6344]

Excellent sleeping bag! Nice meal by the fire. 👍👍

[@nicholashall8294]

Good news about Maggie. Another cracking video. Keep up the good work.

[@henrymoreland8719]

Thanks Simon, I am inspired to hit the Army surplus store after that, well when they reopen.

[@nevillemorley5926]

Nice video. Look forward to seeing you and Andy together again

[@donwalker3949]

Brilliant idea for a program Simon. Showing you don't have to have all the best kit to enjoy a trip to the great outside.

[@trenaallen1613]

I am wanting to thank you Simon for giving me and my hubby alot of joy we are having a rough time and watching you gives us hope we can watch you all day glad Maggie is OK and keep vids coming

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Trena, I’m glad the videos are helping!

[@davidbarnfield9849]

Glad I found your site really enjoying your adventures and the valuable snippets of Bush Craft you pass on. I agree you can't go wrong with the army surplus shops those arctic sleeping bags are excellent although big bulky . Cheers for another enjoyable video. Thailand.

[@benny_mc]

For £100 you could have a night in a Premier Inn and a couple of pints in the bar 😃

[@HandofAnguish]

Where's the fun in that?

[@johnnymc843]

@@HandofAnguish came on to write a comment ant you’ve used my exact words

[@leoreodcinn9153]

I'd take a raised stick bed over a Premier Inn bed anyday... now that I think about it there's not too much difference between the two ;-)

[@stewartsetter3921]

Spent way too many nights in a Premier Inn.. I'd take the camp bed and an open fire over that any day.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - you’d have a long wait for your pint in the bar at the moment! 😉🍻

[@jimspratley4452]

Great video. Nice tidbit about corn beef and cabbage not being an Irish tradition. Enjoyed Looking forward to you getting back on the water.

[@johnkeenan5404]

Great video. As an Irish American, corned beef and cabbage and Guinness makes St. Paddy’s Day. But lamb stew is a great alternative. Slainte.

[@jonathansmith9235]

Just catching up on some of your past episodes. Both you and Andy(or is it, "Andy and yourself"?) are both so personable and friendly. I'm always amazed by the production quality in filming your videos. Here in Canada we have some great channels, such as "My Self Reliance", and "Joe Robinet", dealing with creating a homestead in Northern Ontario, and multiple day excursions in the wilderness. They are both fast approaching 2 million subscribers. Just amazing. It's all great stuff, and almost as good a distraction as Canadian brewed IPA Craft Beer.(lol!) Thanks, Simon.

[@paulaboyland2946]

Hi Simon, I love the way, you have brought your garden into, the woods you really love....so creative and enjoyable to watch....Thankyou 😊💝 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 xxxx

[@garytaverner6504]

Keep going buddy. You got me into it. You’re a top bloke, get back out there!

[@StevePage1]

@41:00 - hahaha! :) Thanks again for another high-caliber video!

[@jennyleef1775]

If your wife is anything like my husband, she will be asking you "Why on earth would you leave a perfectly comfy bed to sleep outside?". I get stir crazy and need a camp every now and then at times I actually can't get away so yep I go outside and set up camp in the backyard. Hubby doesn't like camping so he stays inside but thinks I'm nuts. LOL. Can't wait to see your canoe trip with Andy. I love watching his stuff too. I love looking at how green everything is over there compared to here in Australia.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

My wife is just the same - she doesn’t get it all all! 😂😂 They’re missing out!

[@paulevans-u2o]

Well Simon I thought I'd watched all of your videos been watching for yrs and then I came across this one .KZbin have got a lot to answer for .changed my email 3 times because I kept getting hacked thankfully that hasn't happened on here for a good while so happy .keep up the good work great content as the normal on this channel thanks for sharing 👍

[@michaelslisher4652]

Glad to hear about Maggie. Good video also.