Building a Wigwam with Natural Materials | Bushcraft Shelter (PART 1)

Join us in the woods as we build a bushcraft wigwam using hazel saplings and cedar bark for the natural cordage and roof. This simple bushcraft shelter was originally built by first nations and north american tribes of the Eastern Woodlands in North America. A Wigwam is a dome or cone shaped primitive hut built using very simple materials. They built this type of shelter as their house because it is easy to construct and disassemble when following herds of game during the cold winter months where they needed to be mobile and put up shelters quickly. Traditionally, the women of the camp would build the shelter while the men would go off hunting food to survive. Typically, this style of domed wigwam would house one small family. They did however, build larger shelters in their camp using a basic timber frame structure.
We are building this bushcraft wigwam using hazel saplings for the frame. These are best when cut green as they still have the moisture in them to help them bend. We then used the inner strands of cedar bark from logs nearby as lashings to hold the frame together. We stored the bark cordage in water to make it pliable and easy to tighten when doing knots.
In Part 2 we will begin to peel the bark from the cedar logs and secure this to the wood frame of the wigwam. Be sure to subscribe to stay up to date with each episode of the series.
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#wigwam #bushcraft #shelter #taoutdoors

[@TAOutdoors]

Excited about this mini-series!! This style of shelter really blends in with the woodland. WATCH PART 2 HERE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iF66ooh8bbagY6c

[@hauntedmythAkari]

So excited for this!

[@gregoryeverson741]

its nice you helped your homeless friend build a house

[@dylan6679]

Rough time scale mate? Cheers

[@spazboy3539]

I have been meaning to ask. Where did you guys get that standing metal plate for cooking on the fire?

[@mikedelacruz3135]

Mike i remember early on you and your Dad saying how hard it was to get, and there would be some Good Stuff in between. Exciting news & uploads since then ✊🏼🧐😎🤙🏼! Good to see you and Dustin back 2gether with your events/moving/expecting & whatnot.. and his uploads of Over- Over Sea’s for me (California Gent 😉🤙🏼), again good to see ya back 2gether. Cant wait to see whats coming, and nice Shelter by the way 👌🏼. Should be Epic, as well as the Feast’s. Regards, -Mike

[@chrisgear3724]

Fantastic series,your dad is quite a character. Have you considered taking two or three day workshops on shelter building, cooking and camping lessons? You are sitting on a wealth of knowledge which people want to know but don't know where to start. It's worth a thought of doing what you love and reaping a handsome return for giving people skills and knowledge that they really want. It's a win win situation. Chris from Western Australia.

[@jojow4216]

Now that I’ve finished school I can dedicate all my time to watching ta outdoors videos

[@TAOutdoors]

Crisps it is 🤙🏻

[@jynxgoxoom]

On both yours and Bushcraft tools video I read wingmans shelter. Nice job. When I was in scouts we made a wigwam but ours was covered in canvas cut to resemble hides. So love watching you build and the feasts are drool worthy.

[@mikehound8315]

I can honestly say I haven’t really been taken by your channel before these buildings series. I think you’ve found your niche. Very very well done!

[@Babarudra]

As a kid I never knew this as "bushcraft", it was always just how my cousin and I built forts. This is the first video I've watched on your channel, I look forward to watching more.

[@SourcePortEntertainment]

*Awesome primitive build Mike! Keep up the good work.*

[@SnowySleet]

Great to see you both back out in the woods together! Looking forward to part 2

[@zekebrunt]

I really love these woodland type builds, hoping to make one of my own this summer...

[@ewengillies9826]

My 2 favorite mates working together again. You guys are legends as a team in these types if vlogs. Awesome little project mini series. Great idea. Of course yo have the Chief Overseer on the job... Amber ... watching you eat the feast n drooling .poor bugger. Thanks for your efforts guys really appreciated to see . Bushyboy Oz.

[@allisonbenfield6104]

Ooofta more Cedar bark peeling! Wigwams were seen being built mainly by Algonquians and are primarily made with birchbark, which is much easier to peel/harvest (might also have used elm bark like a longhouse). Not sure if you have access to any birchbark but try peeling it sometime (you'll never go back to Cedar). They are also primarily built by women for they are temporary shelters for the hunting, gathering, farming season. Each family tended to build a new one each year as they moved from winter to summer grounds. Some good books to read is Native American Architecture by Peter Nabokov and Robert Easton, and Houses of Bark (Native Dwellings) by Bonnie Shemie.

[@prismicwarden5360]

I'm Ojibwe from White Earth and thank you so much for creating this video. I have always wondered how to create a wigwam out of natural materials. Miigwech.

[@BIGTIMBERFILMS]

Excellent!!! Cant wait for part 2.

[@gregoryhare6550]

Thanks for all of your work you are putting to build a home that is completely made fron the all natural material that our mother earth makes so cool

[@tysonmitchell4283]

She:kon from the akwesasne mohawk nation. Awesome work guys!!! My people built long houses. That were shingled with elm bark. The long houses could be 100 feet long!!! And house an entire clan. Which would be like all of your family under the same roof. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents all together. Keep up the great work guys!!! 👊🤙🍻

[@zakkereanderson4355]

I stop whatever I'm doing every time I get the notification for your videos, never disappointed. Keep up the good work.

[@TAOutdoors]

Zakkere Anderson thanks! Glad you like the videos

[@cringe1849]

Another great episode from the both of you

[@buletpoint]

Can't wait for part 2:)

[@andykjohnsonjohnson7622]

Great video guys 👍. See the Bushcraft Chef ( Dusstin ) did Awesome again😋😋😋.

[@pvpanic6119]

..once again - lovin' it!

[@KaylynnStrain]

This is gonna be one epic village ehen it's all done

[@carboncopy2853]

THAKES GUYS. GREAT VIDEO, KEEP IT UP........USA-OHIO !!!!!!!!

[@SilentBushcraft]

Wow, the next amazing project! Great job. ;)

[@funonvancouverisland]

Right on! I'm building a little sweat lodge in the same way . Thanks for sharing brother! Cheers!

[@norbertnunway2597]

Why? Sweat lodges are sacred and is for healing and praying

[@funonvancouverisland]

For those exact reasons. My wife is first Nations Cree, we take part in sweats and many other ceremonies and have wanted to build one for years to clear the mind and find strength as well as to heal the mind, body, and soul.

[@norbertnunway2597]

Aho! I'm sorry for judging. I seen acouple videos of people building sweat lodges or saunas as they call them and I dont think half of them respect that or understand the meaning and importance of a sweat. I hope you and your family find the peace and understanding that yous are searching for

[@funonvancouverisland]

@@norbertnunway2597 hey no problem my friend, I knew exactly what you meant when you responded. I see alot of the same, cultural appropriation without recognition or respect is very abundant and unfortunate. A few of the elders questioned me in the same way and wanted to be sure I had the proper respect for the creator and what it means to "sweat" Thank you for the blessing and I to wish good health and happiness to you and yours

[@sparkyinanissan]

Nice little project. Nice to hear the Saxon house will continue, looking forward to that.

[@macbilling6410]

Bang goes my diet. I'm salivating, OMG

[@thereturningshadow]

"In this episode of TA Outdoors, Mike enjoys Dustin's cooking and beer." -Narrator "Wait! Awe man this one. It's a rerun. I've seen this one many times." - Audience haha

[@garrettk7118]

Your dog is so cute

[@mitchelq.6594]

Your audio is amazing!

[@rossdmcc]

You're back!

[@kennethstensrud669]

A wooden wedge is very helpful when peeling bark off the trunks.

[@myfamilymatters]

We were so excited that you started this project. Great job! The meal looked mouth-watering. You guys are fantastic. Thank you.

[@frankproper4718]

another great video

[@juliemaddux9833]

Love the video. Can't wait for part two.

[@lawson9102]

Really enjoyed your vid good information

[@bellhillforge6119]

There's something satisfying about watching a wigwam go up. I've built a few in my day. You should carve a log peeling spud to make the bark stripping go easier.

[@markschwegler1100]

Can't wait to see how you utilize that bark on the new house?!?! And thanks for the saxon update!!! Really been looking forward to a saxon overnight!!!

[@trace6242]

Minwaakwad iwe waakaa'igan. Traditional materials even! Miigwetch for sharing. btw, have you considered using an adze for peeling all that bark?

[@pauljohnbaker]

So Cool! Please please please keep building & cooking! My favorite vids.

[@BUSHCRAFTTOOLS]

This is gonna be a cosy little shelter!

[@TAOutdoors]

BUSHCRAFT TOOLS sure is man!

[@Gandalf-The-Green]

You and Mike both building a shelter and cooking again, I already knew this was going to be great :)

[@ronizaidenko4983]

amazing video

[@shyamlynn243]

sure do enjoy your shows! The meals always look so good, making me hungry here in British Columbia Canada.

[@Eric-ew8jt]

Just in time for my lunch break!

[@coreyhillman8509]

I think you should build a couple shelters in different styles and make a little bug out place for you and your mates

[@patrioticwildcamper7682]

Great video has always mike keep them coming 🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@kmikem78]

I am enjoying this series! I Looking forward to the rest. I really like the outro music on this video as well.

[@kelliepatterson1142]

I hope you guys aren't getting too many splinters in the process but it is going up quick.good work.

[@joellianedixon6062]

My favorite word is wigwam

[@susanbell2771]

Love it, there is a type of shelter called a bender tent which Gypsy's sometimes use even to this day, although the materials used to cover it would now be tarpaulins or something similar. looking forward to following these mini series.

[@claireomeara2620]

I still make the same mistake, but please remember that to the Roma people "gypsy" is a slur at the same level as n....r

[@susanbell2771]

@@claireomeara2620 Deepest apologies to all Roma for my ignorance, lesson learned, thanks

[@larrypointer3808]

Great work . To answer the question of what was traditionally used . In the upper part of North America birch bark was the most common material . Farther south elm bark and cattail mats were used .

[@meenamaduro3720]

Love love it awesome thumbs up

[@tardismole]

By the way; Hashee is Dutch, not French. It's a staple in winter for every Dutch family. I serve it with onion stew and my children always asked for seconds while they were growing up. They still do when they visit with the grandchildren.

[@CB-xr1eg]

There must be a tool to enable you to peel off the bark quicker? Something shaped like a curved spatula? Ask Graeme, I bet he could make something suitable.

[@burnik7844]

there is a tool. It is called a bark peeler. My area used to be a big bark peeling area and it was used in tanneries to tan hides. Each year we have a bark peelers convention near my home. Actually it is in the next two days.

[@TAOutdoors]

Clive Bindley yes you have bark peelers, but we’ll be making our own in the next episode!

[@CB-xr1eg]

@@TAOutdoors 👍👍

[@rhino5419]

Nice new series. Hope the move is going ok. Good health and stay safe

[@marthachampagne316]

when it comes to bark peeling the season you fell and peel the tree is supposed to make a big difference to how easy it is to peel the bark. also, don't know if you have birch where you live but it keeps sprouting from the stumps and grows fast like hazel. birch bark is a much easier material to work with and can even be folded and stitched into baskets suitable for boiling water in (using hot stones not directly over the fire) if you got them in your area try using them.

[@70agrr]

Another great vid, you guys should also do some more involved food centric vids,the grub you cook up is epic.

[@15274jason]

Love the videos with you,Dustin, and Amber. What diameter is your wigwam approximately? I'd like to do one of my own, just not by peeling bark.

[@myrtlesyd9451]

I guessed Dustin have no choice he has to do some barking.

[@TAOutdoors]

Myrtle Syd 😆

[@Shadow81989]

Yeah, he specifically brought his dog to do some of the barking, but that lazy girl just won't help there :-P

[@lesjones5684]

Get with the program 😂😂

[@theresaglenz8179]

The natives here in Alaska wove baskets, hats and tons of things w/ the inner bark...

[@benwithers9831]

Awesome episode.I have always wondered how these were constructed. You and Dustin should invite some local Cubs/Scouts to the forest. A day out they would never forget.( Sub note. The 50 thumbs down please explain why!!!!!)

[@demilsonp3130]

Muito bom mesmo. Fascinante irmão

[@tattooeddragon]

Loving the mini-series idea, especially enjoying the cooking portion! Now that you are making a wigwam have you ever considered doing a Native American TeePee?

[@evanvancamp2781]

Think in the future youll try a tree house? Would be very interesting!

[@frango1313]

Tô praticando aqui no Brasil

[@Mike-vo8nk]

Hey Mike That’s a really unusual construction on that little footbridge that I have seen before. Is it some sort of prefab concrete or is it timber. I need to build a couple of small bridges on my property that will cope with the occasional flood and if that’s concrete it might work. I can’t figure out though where it gets its support from that’s would stop it bending in the middle. Sorry to be off your topic. I’m enjoying the wigwam construction too :-)

[@petroscephas]

23:00 You guys are starting to compete with Almazan Kitchen. :D

[@crosscountryoutdoors2472]

Great video! Btw wigwam is pronounced wig-wom - or wig-wawm I’m Cherokee from Oklahoma. Soooo- Anyway I’ll be watching the rest of the build. I learned that from my “mum”😂😂😂

[@marcusbates1190]

Is this going to make me hungry? lol EDIT: NVMD. I just scrolled ahead. Oh well. I guess I'll still watch. ;-)

[@tinasearcy4684]

Fun

[@loicbazin1053]

In Canada Birch bark was used extensively

[@aribavel2757]

Great episode! Awesome build and, of course, another epic cook up. I have a question about the “up-and-over” supports. Did you weave them over-and-under each other? Or just tie them down? I couldn’t quite tell.

[@TAOutdoors]

Ari Bavel bit of both. The first supports we put in we weaved in the end to make it more rigid

[@aribavel2757]

TA Outdoors Thank you!

[@bamafan7353]

I’m new to your channel, what country is this in? Also, I liked the video with you and ur dad building the little cabin!

[@pauljohnbaker]

WILL WORK FOR FOOD

[@Duke00x]

Well we have plenty of extra straw in the US maybe soon the Thatch shortage can be fixed.

[@hefestoelherrero3343]

en donde quedan esos bosques y si yo puedo vivir en ellos-esa es mi pregunta

[@jptheberge]

Where did you or Dustin get that firepit pan ? Looks awesome for cooking, I'd love to have something similar for my trips !

[@antonottosson6236]

Awesome video! But Where do you get your information from?

[@grinninggoat5369]

Next, try fiberglass reproductions of mammoth tusks & ribs with pelvis and shoulder blade plating all covered in hide. It would at least look cool, at most rent as a movie prop. Maybe a knuckle & vertebra bone wind chime hanging out front.

[@donaldpearson5845]

Hahaha crazy imagination with you

[@grinninggoat5369]

@@donaldpearson5845 , who, me? Lolol you should see what some are able to do with a wooly rhino, pygmy camel or small horse when nobody's looking!

[@donaldpearson5845]

@@grinninggoat5369 it's a pleasure to see people having fun out in the wilderness creating a nice gentle place to warm the heart fill your belly have a couple beers and wore out plenty of laughter and maybe dance around the fire a little bit

[@MegaSplunker]

Different materials were available in different locations, so some wigwams might be made of birchbark while others were made of grass, brush, rushes, mats, reeds, animal hides, or even cloth. The finished wigwam made a small home that was 8-10 feet tall.

[@arthurbrinkman9833]

Apache living on Tuscarora reservation

[@eskimoassasin6764]

Cook amber next

[@yentlc.wiersma6108]

They used birch bark and woven mats to cover their wigwams 😃

[@davet.4945]

No spruce roots or inner bark of the Lyme?

[@droneliveUK]

its also called a Bender , by British Romany peoples.

[@maxinedurling3425]

Sorry I'm confused but what makes this a wigwam and not a bender (travellers shelter before they got wheels) Though I think you could say Roma's are a first nation people as well

[@trailtrs1]

Tomas are basically of India background. Aryians from India

[@กรณ์จูเนียร์]

🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@OlegPriroda]

Ок.

[@morgini8326]

The bark the anishanabe used was birch bark. Cause yall talked about it.

[@richardturk7162]

Hazoo ? I have heard of cedar

[@winstonbelisle3560]

That's more of a domed hut than a Wigwam. They are built with straight sticks with a hole at top, for a SM fire exhaust inside.

[@lfi1052]

Anybody know what the tool used at 1:28 is (type, brand, etc)? I don't see it in in Gear list.

[@garymucher9590]

You forgot to feed the dog. How can you eat seeing the dog wanting to join in...

[@kristikramer4111]

where are the loin cloths boys?

[@rossdmcc]

Is Graeme going to be working with you?

[@kenshores9900]

To long of time between videos. They are interesting just need more.

[@sharondymond]

Another half hour with 2 broad-shouldered guys. What's not to like?

[@gazza6262]

The title says wigwam, so whats that you,re building ??

[@nycsox987]

Do it for Dale

[@slattvamp5291]

Damn dude i build primitive huts way worse than yours Cool build btw