Bushcraft Tarp Camp (4/5) - Gear Overview

This is the fourth episode of the Bushcraft Tarp Camping mini-series. Throughout this series I will be completing the setup of a semi-permanent camp that I can return to throughout the future to complete a variety of bushcraft trips and projects. In this fourth episode I go over the gear I brought with me for this trip.
Thank you to everyone who watches, I hope you all enjoy!
Extra Info/Gear List:
Included in my first aid bag is a small bottle of insect repellant I use to help deal with the mosquitoes, midges, and chiggers.
To maintain my knife and hatchet I usually strop them once or twice a day (depending on how heavily they are used). I rarely use my sharpening stones and only do so if an edge becomes damaged.
Including food and a full bottle of water my pack weighed 32 lbs for this trip.
My pipe was bought previously owned/used. I restored it and now it’s a great little smoker.
My strop was purchased from an antique store for a few dollars. It’s a small double-sided strop that fits nicely in my pack.
Backpack: Rothco Double Strap Duffle Bag.
Wool Blankets: 2x queen size 100% wool blankets (no brand info available).
Sleep Pad: 3/8” green foam sleep pad (no brand info available).
Food Bag: Woods brand 10L roll-top dry bag.
Tarp: 8’x8’ waxed cotton tarp made from a 600 thread count king-sized bed sheet. Tie outs made from 1” cotton lamp wick material. Tie outs reinforced with a heavy canvas material. Waxed with a 7:1 ratio of paraffin to beeswax mixture (measured by weight).
Saw Blade: 21” Bahco peg tooth saw blade.
Belt Knife: Helle Sigmund.
Hatchet: 1.5 lb hatchet (no brand info available).
Extra Clothing: 100% wool sweater tan colour (no brand info available). 85% cotton 15% wool sweater black colour (no brand info available). 80% wool 20% synthetic wool pants (home made, here’s a link to the video showing how I made them: • Wool Pants DIY - Winte... )
Bear Spray: Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray.
Ditty Bag Contents: Pipe tobacco (Virginia flake with perique), pipe kit (pipe, pipe cleaners, tamp), small double-sided strop, repair kit (needles, thread, wool yarn, small saw file, knife sharpening stone, pencil, block of beeswax), Energizer brand headlamp, Silva brand compass, waxed cotton rope (approx. 12 ft.), rope bag (paracord, cotton twine, bankline, synthetic sinew thread), puck-style axe sharpening stone (brand unknown)
Camera Bag Contents: Olympus TOUGH TG-6 camera, Zoom H1n Audio Recorder, 60000 mAH of battery banks, battery chargers (for camera and audio recorder), 5x extra memory cards, 6x extra camera batteries, 6x extra audio recorder batteries, VIJIM brand small battery-powered light (for night filming)
Cookware: Large pot and frying pan from Wealers Stainless Steel Campfire Cooking Pots and Pans Combo Kit (shown in the video are the smaller pot and frying pan from the set). Small kettle/cooking pot is an
Uberleben Kessel. Water bottle is a 1L Stainless Steel Nalgene bottle.
Pillow: Homemade from an old pant leg. Stuffed with synthetic pillow stuffing and sewn closed.

[@DavidPyro]

US Military packing hack....Put your untied sleep pad in first, and let it expand so it goes around the inside if your pack with a cavity in the middle. Suddenly it takes up a LOT less room and acts as a flexible internal frame for the pack itself. Great videos. Keep 'em coming.

[@KuskBushcraft]

When I first got this pack I messed around with that idea a bit. I can't remember why I opted for a different packing method... honestly until reading your comment I completely forgot about it. I'll have to give it another try and see if it works better for me. Thanks for watching! Happy trails.

[@blackratoutsiders]

I came to make the same comment. It's the method I always opt for when using a roll mat. A bonus also when laying the mat at camp, it tends not to frustratingy recoil so much

[@moorshound3243]

I tired that once it just left me with no room to put anything?

[@thatoneguywithtwothumbs]

Nice. I needed this I have a German alpine pack and I was struggling with my sleep pad

[@aranha9365]

That is what I was going to say, specially because with the mat in one side, the bag got heavier on the other side... not good for your back on the long run.

[@user-kj2hf9qt8x]

I’ve watched many bush-crafters but I really like the way you do things. The focus on long lasting durable things and sustainable solutions like non inflation gear, crafting a bowsaw handle and wool/cotton waxed material. The focus on the ways of old that have lasted. God bless enjoy the bush.

[@greyscout01]

Love the old school thinking. Durability is what I believe in too. Nothing worse than having a piece of gear fail you when you need it the most.

[@doberski6855]

Surprised by the lack of rain gear, I remember the video on how you weatherproof your clothing. Still expected some kind of light rain jacket. Also the lack of spare clothing, I assumed you would carry one full set of extra clothing in case of getting soaked and needing to dry out. Love your choice of backpack as well! All those external zippered pockets I have seen on other sacks, always felt like an issue waiting to happen. Ripped or damaged and loosing gear while on the trail, or zippers breaking. Everything secured inside the backpack is a great decision! Will mention again how much I am enjoying and learning from this series sir! Thank you.

[@KuskBushcraft]

I usually carry a rain poncho in my pack but I lost it while hiking last summer and have yet to replace it. As for worrying about getting soaked, I could've worn my wool sweater and wool pants had my day clothes gotten wet. They stayed under my tarp throughout the duration of the trip so there was very little risk of them getting wet. Being properly prepared with rain gear and backup clothes would've been the smart decision though. Thank you very much for tuning in! Happy trails.

[@davidinghram2494]

Ahh, a good old sea bag. For what you need, as good as anything and tough.

[@dannysanders9338]

You are an ex-salior. 😊 Ex-savior my self.

[@redbassist5590]

Been considering making a tarp like yours for myself. Would love a video on the process of making it.

[@naturesketches126]

Yes, please! That would be super helpful.

[@xingmenneigong]

Thanks for showing us your gear from the 1920s!!! ;) I like the traditional hard wearing durable gear too. I like that you use a real size pot and pan. I see people with the 700ml-1L pots they must spend all day boiling water in the woods lol

[@KayBeee]

Great video. Simple and effective kit. No useless gadgets 👍

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@lawrencefieselman3803]

Your videos are always instructive and interesting and this one is, in my humble opinion, one of the best. You are easy to listen to and obviously experienced and skilled in what you do. Thanks for all the information.

[@KuskBushcraft]

Wow thank you very much! I really appreciate you watching!

[@bluwtrgypsy]

Great system. Thank you. Glad to see the bear spray on the outside. 😀Stay safe. blessings

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thank you! Happy trails!

[@rev.dennisp.sepulveda5965]

It’s videos like these that are so helpful when you want to get some insight on camping. There are a lot of people who create videos that are very nice to watch but yours are valuable because they’re so instructional and you get the sense that you have learned something from it.

[@Biomass1]

A foam pool noodle and some tape would make those thin straps waaay more comfortable. Of course heavy clothing helps alot.

[@victorzaidan6493]

The backpack looks really good, it would be nice to have one or two external pockets, just one would be good, to have more important things at hand, like a flashlight, tobacco, bandaid, and maybe a snack, of course, other important things can be carried in your pocket or belt

[@herbsmith6871]

Old school... Very nice my friend! Sure have enjoyed this series. More please 🤠

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thank you for watching! Next episode will be up on Tuesday!

[@Artwork930]

I enjoy your video everytime Very knowledgeable very satisfying to watch ❤

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thank you for watching!

[@emmiebl6605]

I have to say, I find your videos very inspiring - I’m not sure I’m as hardy as you are, but I like your attention to using sustainable materials and your lack of ‘waffling’ during your videos! 🌲

[@timberdogz]

Awesome gear load out! Well thought out, durable and keeping it simple!

[@rickwhitson2804]

I really like your gear. At my age I've got to have a air mattresses. My old bones hurt. LOL 😅

[@awayinthewilderness4319]

Great kit, man!

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thanks for watching!

[@pipewithwires9463]

Thank you so much for sharing, teacher!

[@a-Tom-ic]

Would love to see a video of you maintaining your tools, they look so sharp and clean

[@dazzaoutandabout4870]

Great kit and packing method.

[@paddor]

I've also been using a seabag/dufflebag like that for daily life, but not yet for camping. I only attached one strap to it which I wear diagonally across my chest, so an actual camping load could feel a bit heavy on one shoulder. Maybe I'll modify it to have two straps, or just reduce my load lol. 15kg isn't much at all! For me it's usually around 20kg.

[@KuskBushcraft]

Sounds like a good system you have! Yes 15kg is quite comfortable for me to carry. I try to keep it to 15kg or less.. sometimes when I pack more tools for specific projects it can get up to 20kg. Still fine to carry but 15kg is a lot nicer haha. Thanks for watching!

[@toms2145]

Thank you for making these videos. ✌️❤️

[@sdsi68]

Great video Riley, good info 👍, I have that pack too and I always had a hard time trying to pack it, your video will be put to good use 😁🤙🤙🤙

[@kingrafa3938]

Really enjoyed watching this video.

[@nutthrower4415]

Everyone has pretty much touched on everything. Really enjoyed this one as I have all the others you have done. I am not at this stage of my life packing in but have always preferred an open pack, one with no individual pockets, I like separate bags as you have here easier to locate items. Thanks for this it was very informative

[@elevatorman7750]

Great video

[@floundergearjam]

Loving these new uploads. Keep them coming.

[@nm-ge4tb]

🙏🙏✌✌👍👍cool well thought out , and used for real , God Bless you and your family Ryley

[@terrym1065]

Practicality, utility, simple and well thought out, good job. Of course every journey requires different items specific to the needs of such particular trek, this is a great way to address your individual situation. There are many single cavity bags out there but an old school duffel seems choice in application, smart. Thanks for the work. Enjoy!

[@benl8704]

Fantastic video, thank you!

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thank you for watching!

[@en.mohammdrezaa7905]

بسیار آموزنده وعالی...thanks man,very good🙏💐

[@drakenulla]

Thank you, that was intressting 👍

[@proximap2151]

very nice ty!

[@scottiebunch]

Interesting choice of gear. I would say you have everything you would need. I am looking for a couple 100% wool blankets I use the MMS sleep system it is heavy but effective in stand alone or under a shelter. Thanks for sharing man and can't wait for the next adventure.

[@user-vs2hp5vt3r]

Am a hermit that doesnt even go out often but i do thoroughly enjoy your channel. Watching a camping anime made me realise how ridiculously expensive outdoor camping was and im surprised to find out how much cheaper it could have been if you knew sewing and waxing your own things.

[@blackbeardsdelight]

A camping anime sounds so awesome! What’s the name!? I need to watch haha

[@4trialsin]

Cant beat a single chamber backpack. I love my Duluth pack and it seen over 30 years in the Adirondacks. Great video

[@isvaraov]

Sweet gear... I need several thing for my self

[@cmh8133]

Great prevention. I am a wool fan.

[@lewisvillalta2492]

Simple but practical sometimes that’s all you need

[@majordave4789]

This was helpful. I just bought an expensive Osprey 55l backpack. Cant seem to fit that much in it. Who would have known a simple sea bag. Thats what we called them in the Navy. Really good video sir.

[@rodrigocappato4207]

Nice video!! You can't go wrong with traditional gear. Its simplicity and effectiveness (if you know what you are doing:)) have been proven through centuries!

[@KuskBushcraft]

Agreed! Thanks for watching.

[@donaldhofman5257]

Awesome kit and bag!

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thank you!

[@conexaooutdoor616]

Muito bom!! Parabéns pelo ótimo vídeo 👏👏

[@lorenzonerantzis6204]

Very inspiring video mate! It makes you realise we don't need all that fancy gear to go to the trails

[@coltonkruse2313]

Cool to see the full kit. When you had the sharpening tools it answered a question i had. Which was if you needed to sharpen your knife and hatchet for how much you use them during a trip. Cool stuff really been enjoying the videos.

[@wisconsinwoodsman1987]

Great kit. Interested in how you keep your dishes clean and your hygiene kit. Also, love to see a video on how you sharpen that saw blade. Good bless!

[@potsmashgaming3196]

Would also really love it if you went over the types of gear you wear out on your adventures. Like boots and stuff. Love the videos

[@corleyoutdoors2887]

Informative and beneficial video!

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thanks!

[@aaronzierke9920]

I have a older version of that. Green. That being said. I have long backpack frames. One with a fold out bottom rack. Put mine on that and set it up like Alice or well the belt system. Way more comfortable. Way easier to deal with and it seems like less wait. My duffel bag is large. You can strap it on with ease.

[@dancl4227]

Nice to see what items you take and how to store . Gives me inspiration in my own hikes although Britain has less beastly wildlife other than badgers and hedgehogs 😂

[@moorshound3243]

Hay man a badger will proper mess you up, don't mess with old Broc. Down here in Somerset we have big cats roaming about, no-one believes me but we do.

[@theforestandme_outdoor]

I like the backpack 😍

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@JensVanDeAarde]

next time i burn myself i‘ll remember that with the spruce resin and charcoal! awesome kit, love it! 👍🏼

[@seedy-waney-bonnie4906]

When you have a backpack and you have stuff tied on the out side of the pack, going through heavy, thick brush, you can lose stuff. So I am liking duffel bag.

[@frogmorepipester7490]

I Grandma Gatewood’ed my way through. Loads of outdoor adventures with fool Proof. Gear. Forty-five plus years in the out of doors. I am now fifty-six. Never more than twenty five pounds. The rest of the weight was carried in my brain. Cheers from the South Carolina Lowcountry.

[@HonkyTonkHellraiser]

I still use my blue foam sleep mat I've had for like 30 years

[@9tailed_ev4]

nice

[@WilliamTheDestroyer.]

I really like your blankets, they look like they are made very well. Have you considered adding a side pocket for your water bottle? Very handy for long hikes on hot days.

[@szeryf7983]

Dziękuję pozdrawiam serdecznie 🤗👍👏💪🐺🐾🏞️🥇☕🍰🧸💚🙌

[@robertwood6297]

my top 2 channel

[@KuskBushcraft]

Much appreciated!

[@RandyDavis2500]

Another GREAT video... Thank you. I understand that "it depends" but on average what would you guess is a typical distance you carry your packed kit? I really appreciate you and your videos. Thank you!!!

[@truecrimefan837]

I love that duffle bag, i need one.

[@steverusso177]

Love it. What about rain layer ?

[@drehfehler_]

fun fact (maybe you dont know about?) "uberleben" or "überleben" means "to survive" in german :D

[@KuskBushcraft]

I did not know that! Thanks!

[@LJMpictures]

Jeez the flies, if i hadn't seen your previous vids (And known your accent) I'd think you are here in Australia

[@KuskBushcraft]

The flies have been brutal this year. Usually it's the mosquitoes that are a pain to deal with but this year the flies are winning in that regard haha. Thanks for watching!

[@DistortedSmiles]

Out of curiosity why not bring a few needles and a small amount of thread? If you can bring a file you can bring a tiny sewing kit. I bring a sewing kit with me, it weighs nothing and I have had a situation like yours and fixed it fairly quickly. Well "fixed it" enough to get to where I can settle then added a bit more to truly reinforce it. Enjoying your video by the way, going back to hit play lol Jesus Never MIND I gotta stop commenting so early!

[@EatCheese11]

Can you continue the series where you built a house

[@moorshound3243]

Probably one of the best kits I have ever seen. However why do you not carry a firearm instead of that spray stuff, and where are the spare socks and hipflask of whiskey or rum? Other then that best kit ever. Thanks for posting.

[@musquito195]

Come to Brazil, an event called "Hupur Bushcraft"

[@user-fn5vk4hi1j]

Would love to know your camping story... how did you get into tarp camping and wood carving? Did you have any mentors? Who taught you? Books? etc., etc...

[@user-fn5vk4hi1j]

Didn't see toilet paper on your list... you got a special bushcraft trick you're not telling us?? 😄

[@KuskBushcraft]

I forgot to mention that the TP is in the same bag as my first aid kit. I almost always have TP with me when I'm in the outdoors.

[@chrishamilton2527]

I love durable kit but it must be fit for purpose. That thin foam pad could kill - it has virtually no insulating quality. It might well be ok for three season use but is useless for sub-zero use. A good quality inflatable mattress will not have a leaky valve and as long as you’re sensible about where you place it it will not suffer. I have had my thermarest for over 30 years without any issues.

[@thatoneguywithtwothumbs]

could you make a video on how you went about making your kuska?

[@kekipark77]

timeless kit. i was taught to put heavier items on top, and lighter bulky stuff on bottom, especially when hiking. have you tried?

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thanks for watching! I've never concerned myself too much with packing items based on their weight. I pack my bag so the items I need to get at first are the ones packed towards the top. But to each their own. Packing based on weight would likely make for a better hiking experience. Happy trails!

[@dobrofool]

Love your content bro. So, big question here: “R Value… R-Value…R-Value”!!! We get pounded so much about R-value for sleeping matts… and I am guessing that mat is a wopping R-2 (??) at best. Soooo… how do you stay “warm” on winter ground with just that and wool (are you using some of the wool UNDER as well?) What temps do you sleep down to with that setup, and does this set up only work with an all night fire reflecting back? Inquiring minds really want to know.. 😂 I’m in the process of ordering a used military self inflating pad (made by Thermarest to military specs) for the durability factor.. they are dirt cheap.. but I can’t get any info on an R-value for them 🙄 Any chance you have a video buried in your uploads going over your sleep system? 😁 Thanks, Best and Lord bless 👍

[@christinecoughlan4699]

👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼✌🏼✊🏼

[@user-xk7wt6zb6g]

I would like to know how a wool blanket is ballet proof?

[@JimmyDevere]

I know you are based in CA, but I was wondering what your thoughts were about sleeping in a tarp in an area with venomous snakes, vs a tent? I live in AZ and tried the tarp method but a Ranger told me the area was in had a high population of rattle snakes and recommended a tent as they will be attracted to body heat at night. Just wondering if you had any suggestions. Thanks.

[@marks9738]

Maybe I’m showing my nativity here, but do you carry any sort of emergency communication tool?

[@amosb1452]

comment for the comment god!

[@ferdimro2755]

no sheepskins?

[@Mike990920]

Ever inquire into how old your soul is?

[@KuskBushcraft]

Can't be much older than I am.

[@gabosvirec]

Subtitles???

[@o-matt3570]

Real nigga right here! Great to see a masculine and god-fearing man from my own neck of the woods. God bless.

[@carlklein3346]

Too much preliminary blah blah, get to it and cut the video down to 10 minutes.

[@woodsmanwanderer6897]

You could skip ahead. Or go watch a short.

[@jeffrdnck7973]

Your kit suits what you do perfectly and I do admire the self made bits. I will say this, I’ll wager as you get older some of your gear will be lighter and more modern so to speak. At 60 I’ve come to love my Exo Mountain pack and if need be I can utilize the meat shelf to haul quite heavy loads. Thanks for another excellent video

[@colincalloway5257]

Great video

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thank you!

[@colincalloway5257]

@@KuskBushcraft I must ask, what's the best way to start out buschcraft camping? I've never done it but it is easily the #1 most viewed category that I watch on KZbin