Bushcraft Survival Australia: How to setup an Aussie Army Hoochie

[@douglasreeves9938]

When I was stationed aboard an aircraft carrier in the USN, we did a Westpac for ~9 months. We deployed to the Port of Freemantle at the end of the deployment. Several other CPO's and I spent a few days in Cottlesloe near Perth. A friend of mine and I took a long walk thru the countryside and along the beach. After awhile, we realized we were lost. We happened upon an Australian SAS Base front gate. We explained to the young soldier on watch our predicament and he called for the OFIC. We asked if we could call for a taxi to take us back to our hotel and he said "No way, mate. I'll have the duty driver take you wherever you need to go." I don't remember a time when I have felt more welcomed in a foreign country. Also, the first day inport, we were required to wear summer whites to go ashore. We could not buy a drink in any pub we went into. Everyone was so kind and hospitable. Thank you, Aussies. MMC(SS) USN Ret. Also, thank you for your service, mate.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

That’s nice to ear, I’m glad you had such a positive and memorable experience in Australia. I have had a similar reaction when in far flung country places in the states....everyone is so friendly.....if they can understand the accent! Thank you for the positive feedback.....much appreciated.

[@victorwaddell6530]

@@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia The best steak I ever had the pleasure of eating was in a Mom and Pop restaraunt in Esperance South Australia . While in the US Navy I've been on liberty in Sydney , Adelade , Brisbane , Townsville , and Esperance . Of all the many countries I've been to in my years in the US Navy , Australia was the best . Thank You for sharing your knowledge and making this video . Cheers !

[@Sapper-X]

If you’re out in the scrub with a few mates and you’ve got an extra hoochie or two you can go all out and rig up a good ol’ Tajma-hoochie. It’s an old tried and true every aussie army diggers “non-tactical” favourite that’s just like upgrading from a backpackers to the Hilton 😎👍

[@benalchin4720]

Enjoy watching you channel very informative and it's good to see something relevant to the Australian Bush

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thank you for your comments and I’m glad you enjoy the Aussie spin on things. Gordon

[@BradGryphonn]

I've been doing tarp taut hitches since I was a kid but never knew it had a name. Learning something new every day. Cheers.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for watching and your feedback. There are many different common names for many knots, which can be confusing, the same holds true for other subject areas as well.

[@bladeuser101]

great instructional vid, love the straight forward no nonsense practical approach, simple and effective.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks so much for the positive feedback...much appreciated, I will make sure I keep them coming. Gordon

[@stephendrummond7885]

Hi Gorden I did nine years in the british Army (Black Watch) love the video mate i love being outside with nature part of the elements still got alot of my survival skills intact keep em coming be safe.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for that, I’m glad you liked it. There is nothing like sleeping under a tarp....it gets you so close to nature. The only thing that tops it is sleeping in a natural shelter you have made yourself. Gordon

[@johnanderson350]

This is great, my son is just starting cadets and learning how to setup a hutchie correctly. These tips from an expert is great!

[@wormwoodbush3537]

Excellent video! Love the knot info, I'm going to re-watch this and learn those knots! Thanks

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thank you for your kind words, I’m glad you found the knot tying sections helpful. Gordon

[@garryjtaylor]

Great video presentation Gordo. I especially like the use of the prussik knots on the ridge line. Your relaxed style made the video easy to watch, whilst your thoroughness left no questions unanswered. Great work mate.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks Garry for your honest positive feedback, I’m glad you enjoy the presentation style. Gordon

[@jeanparker4666]

Great vid! I'll be playing this back and practicing setting up and packing up my hoochie in the lounge room so I know what I'm doing when I go camping in a couple of weeks haha.

[@paulrudd1063]

Great video Gordon. I really like your down to earth presentation manner, and Australian content. Its been about thirty years since I was in the army. Time marches on even if we don't! Our old Vietnam era hootchies were a little different. We had a little eyelet that was situated about halfway between the midline and the corner. These were used to tie out the mozzie net. Just made things easier. You could leave the hootchie more or less permanently set up with the net and deploy it in one fell swoop. These new plastic hootchies don't seem to have the eyelets built-in. If I was deploying a hootchie regularly in an area with mozzies, I'd seriously think about modding it with a few eyelets. Also, I have been soaking wet in a hoochie, quite a few times!! In wet weather, we used to carry a small piece of plastic pre-cut into the shape of the end of the hootchie and use a couple of clothes pegs to hold it in place. What a lifesaver. Those days of driving rain in the high country... It will come in on any and every angle and once your gear is wet, you stay wet and damp for days. One year, a few of us even got trench foot. (Our gear was really crap in the eighties). I also experimented with using WW1 kit. Even in the rain, with temperatures down to -5 or so, a greatcoat, battle dress and a simple blanket will keep you pretty warm. The trick is to keep the rain off your head. I have slept in the snow with just a greatcoat and regular clothes and it kept me fairly comfortable. A bit cold but nothing you can't shiver through. I have also experimented using a hoochie over a great pile of grass, which I hastily piled up as it was getting dark. Even though the next morning the outside of the hoochie was thickly frozen with frost, I slept lovely and warm. I just had to learn to ignore the insects and spiders (and maybe a few field mice) crawling all over me during the night! Its an old Aboriginal survival technique and works bloody well. Sometimes you just have to take what you can get.

[@mitchdevitt8545]

Thanks for the video. Good to see a true aussie bushman showing the world what a great place Australia is. 👍👍

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

I’m glad you like the Aussie spin on things. Many techniques are similar all over the world, it’s just a matter of adapting them to each new environment. Thank you for your kind words. Gordon

[@alexfraser7199]

awesome video for weekend camping/tutorial but the PL Sgt would destroy a hootch that high! biv bag is defiantly a must in my opinion. nice knots too mate! good vid, subscribed!!

[@michaelodonoghue7464]

I started Camping when I was doing The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, back in High School, then continued it through Volunteer Service in an Emergency Service Organisation and whilst embedded as an Officer of the Crown in the Australian Military, chiefly although not exclusively, the Australian Army. Now aged 63 I still have and use a Canvas Bed Roll Swag for sleeping Outdoors whenever I can, generally with a Rifle alongside Me. Nothing beats Open Air and Under the Stars.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Yes a swag is a very comfortable method of camping out and I use them often when vehicle based camping and outdoor guiding around Darwin. Definitely a vehicle camping option as they are too big to be practical to carry anywhere. For trekking and bushcraft I prefer a more lightweight and portable option. Thanks for your service and for watching the channel.

[@jimnicoll6459]

Great video. Bought my hoochi 15 years ago never used it. Away out next week with cheers.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thank you, I’m glad you liked it. They are a simple piece of kit that work well.

[@theamazingfreak]

G'day Gordon. Thanks for another great video. I have been in the ADF for way too long to think about, lol. I still have an old OD Hootchie and the old rubberised groundsheet. I have not so fond memories of starching jungle greens until they would stand up by themselves and give you a rash everywhere you didn't want one. Good times my friend. PS I am still in.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for watching and I’m glad you like the videos. I remember spit pollishing boots etc in cadets at school but thankfully when I actually joined the army, those days were gone and the field boots didn’t need it! They found plenty of other things for us to do though!

[@Danger3512]

Mate great instructional vid. I spent 26 years in the Aust army, never properly shown how to do a set up like yours, I am getting back into back pack hunts in the Vic bush, normally use a hootchie even with vehicle camping, I was shown just to tie off to the apex loop, not a ridge line, would tie off to a tree for the corners but did the hitch back at the corner loop or the big O ring, the excess I would not tie up but let dangle down, where I would place an empty water bottle to collect rain water overnight. Water runs of the hootch down the line and straight into the bottle, can fill 4-6 bottles overnight, as it will over flow throug the night any leaves and stick float out.

[@9tachikomas]

As always, great stuff! I really this episode mate. I haven't seen that adjustable knot before, brilliant! An Australian Army Mosquito Net video would be great to see set up as a stand alone for clear hot weather and also in conjunction with a hootchie. Really keen to see if I could improve. Thanks.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks again for watching. I am intending to do a video using a hoochie and an army box style mozzie net. Hopefully in the near future. It’s the editing which takes the time. Gordon

[@richardrichards5982]

Mate, an exceptional video. I really like the Australian Army instructional method for these tasks. When you are under stress you need to be able to set up your camp quickly and efficently. This doesn't only apply to the military, but also to hiking in the Oz bush, working in northern Oz, and all the potential situations you can experience in these environments. So, the KISS principle works really well. Will try to find your set up for northern Australia. I have my own set up, but it relies on the swag and mossie net, so only good for vehicle movements. Regards.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for the positive feedback. I’m a big believer in KISS. This method of setting up the hootchie is not an Aussie one! It. comes from Ray Mears Woodlore School.They use Aussie army hootchies in their lessons as does Paul Kirtley and configure them this way. It works very well so I adopted it.

[@dylanwight5764]

If for no other reason, I have to show my appreciation to you for demonstrating the Siberian hitch as a starting fastener. Any self-tighting fast release knot will do the job, but the Siberian hitch feels much more secure than most, especially on flimsier trees you might be forced to work with. Better yet, it's such an easy knot to work with regardless of the type of rope used, though I have always preferred regular hoochie cord to any type of paracord or thicker rope.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

I appreciate your input. The Siberian hitch is a great hitch and it’s an easy one to teach...people seem to learn it faster than others. It’s always easy to add another loop in at the end for greater security. Thanks for watching

[@GlizzyWax]

Your channel is a godsend. I'm brand new to Bushcraft, the information and detail you provide about the Australian bush just doesnt exist in this accessibility anywhere else. Thank you for your experience

[@janhermfelt8231]

Excellent video! Love the knot info, I'm going to re-watch this and learn those knots! Thanks from Sweden!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

My pleasure. I'm glad the extra detail is useful. Also check out Paul Kirtley as I learnt a lot if my knowledge from him. Thanks for watching.

[@backwoodstrails]

Certainly makes more sense to put your adjustable knot a the tarp corner and the fixed knot at the tree or stake. This way if it is raining and you need to adjust your tension, you simply reach out from under your tarp as opposed to having to get out completely to walk to the tree or stake to adjust and get wet.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

It's a good system that they teach on the Woodlore and Frontier Bushcraft courses in the UK. Thanks for watching.

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

Great presentation Gordon, very simple and lightweight. Thanks.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thank you for the positive feedback.

[@keieichsee]

Good on you Gordon for the video. Yours probably is better than one which I saw and which was produced by Forces TV of the UK on how to set up a basha. Thank you.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thank you for the positive feedback, I’m glad the video was helpful. Gordon

[@gazman4673]

Once again, excellent content. I learnt this very set up from Ray's video's and used it in my infantry days. I slightly modified it to include a loop of bungee rope on the ends of my hootchie, I found it really helped reduce stress on my hootchie in high winds and also reduced wind noise in tac environments. I used the prussock knot on the ends close to the hootchie and used the Siberian hitch on the long ends. I found that no matter how fatigued I was or how cold my hands were, I could still set up very quickly in all situ's. Too many diggers these days use short cuts like cords instead of good knot use. Word of advise to lids, the Q store ain't back filling you with Bungee cord in the field. I'd love to do a trip with you if you get down to Vic mate. The high country is magnificent, drop me a line if you are keen.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Great stuff. I learnt these knots from Rays courses in England a few years ago and adopted them straight away. They work really well and I use them all the time. You don’t learn this kind of detail in the army...it’s not taught, so people just tie lots of granny knots. Thanks for your feedback and support. Please feel free to share the channel and help spread the word.

[@VLcommodore1987]

Absolutely love the video, thanks Gordon! Wish you were my instructor when I did Kapooka 👌 everything is so rushed and hard to digest all the information. This makes me feel much more confident.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

I know exactly what you mean. The army has a tendency to rush a lot of things and to expose you to a lot of things in a short time, but the cost of that is detail. They also don’t teach you how to tie knots properly or set up a hootchies correctly.. not from what I have seen anyway...it’s paid off! It also depends on the instructor you have....some are great, some good and some should not be instructing or teaching at all! Learn from as many people as you can, take what you can and is applicable and discard the rest. You can always glean 5% from any source.

[@regular_guy70s]

First time I’ve seen the adjustable knot. Can’t wait to try it!!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

It's a brilliant knot and applicable in so many different applications. Thanks for watching.

[@stephenfewson7188]

Honestly...I never thought I'd miss sleeping under a hutchie, but I do now. What a great reminder to crack out the old gear and take the kids bush for the weekend. Simple really, isn't it!? Nice work mate. 🇦🇺😉

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Much appreciated, thanks for watching and your support.

[@lukesay3265]

Nice vid my good fellow! Love seeing the aussie spin on Bushcraft!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thank you for your kind words and positive feedback. Gordon

[@hadzid1]

Thanks the valuable video. Hello from Brunei Rtd Military.

[@ErosAlvaradoRuiz]

Very handy video

[@Cer-i9e]

Another amazing video, Gordon! :)

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks. More on their way soon.

[@MTwoodsrunner]

Wonderfully explained and demonstrated as always!...much appreciated Gordon!...atb...David

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

I’m glad you enjoyed it and very thankful for your nice comments. Gordon

[@MrChadillac89]

That was great! In the future I plan on going back to Australia and will definitely use this information when I do. Thank You!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thank you. Hope you get to try all that stuff out and one day come back to oz.

[@phrayzar]

All solid info here. I would suggest that anyone regularly sleeping out under a tarp to use a silnylon tarp rather than a basha poly tarp. Silnylon will give you a much larger shelter for size and weight and a much easier pitch, as it stretches, where poly will pucker. All the knots and other info are spot on, but if you want a protective adaptable tarp, go silnylon.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for the great feedback. I often use an ENO sil nylon tarp and they are a great piece of kit. It doesn’t really matter what you use as the principles of bushcraft are about knowledge rather than equipment and using what you have at hand. Hootchies, although not always ADF spec, are easily obtainable and teach you to use more “less sophisticated” equipment... however hard to find in larger sizes!

[@rocklobster112]

Thanks heeps for these videos, really helpful. Knot tying seems to be seldom taught now days, even in the Army.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Yes I agree, that is true, straps gadgets and gizmos have replaced knowledge and basic skills. Even the scouting movement seem to have let basic skills such as knot tying fall by the wayside in favour of more “entertaining” activities...sadly more so in Australia. I recently had someone show me a thing called a “blow poker”. Something to blow your fire to life with so you don‘t have to bend down and get smoke in your face...how ridiculous! A gadget for something there should not be a gadget for! Next we will have a gadget that helps people tie their own shoe laces! Thanks for watching and. Your support.

[@magila1]

Keep it Gordon loving your videos.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks again. I appreciate your positive feedback.

[@bensturgess3170]

Great knots. Thanks for a clear explanation

[@rtodd279]

I totally agree that sleeping under a tarp brings you soooo much closer to nature. I prefer to be in a hammock though as mine has a mozzie net because I hate mosquitoes buzzing around my face all night.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

How bad the mosquitos are really depends on where you are and what the temperature is. Cooler weather generally keeps them away and a light breeze blowing through your camp disperses them as well.

[@pigdogproductions]

Nice vid there Gordon, now off to re-roll my hootchie ; )

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Cool, make it nice and neat. Thanks for watching.

[@thomasfalconer6476]

loving the videos gordon, keep em coming!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for the great feedback. Gordon

[@daveedwards6567]

Thanks 👍 another great video 👍 I will use that next time I set up my basha once again thanks

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

👍thanks again for watching

[@CDPOutdoors]

Great video Gordon. Clive

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks Clive, I’m glad you liked it. Gordon

[@Vancesmith69]

Excellent video ,

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thank you, please feel free to share it and spread it around.

[@survive_thrive]

Hey Gordon, nice explanations. Just wondering, with heavy tarps the wisdom is to make sure you have springs, or some kind of shock absorption in the line between tarp and tree/tent peg. Shouldn't you have some shock cord in your lines to help with winds and stress on the hootchie, or your tie out points will stress... What are your thoughts?

[@DavidSmith-bd1ct]

Enjoying watching your videos on your channel Gordon, I like your no fuss informative style, also kudos to you for acknowledging your information sources in this video. Best Wishes David, in the U.K.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks David, I appreciate your kind words. It's important to me to acknowledge where and who you get your information from. These are not new skills and many have used them before me.so it's important to give credit where credit is due. Thanks for watching and your support

[@sticksnstones5407]

I much preferred to use Okiey straps on my Hootchie I had them permanently fixed to my Hoothie and it took me less than a minute to set up.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

I often use "okky" straps during army patrols etc when time is really critical. However I prefer to use hitches and certain knots at all other times (as well as teach them) as they are a very important skill set. Our reliance on gadgets and quick devices stops people learning certain important skills and is one of the reasons people can't tie knots and hitches anymore. Short cut gadgets have a place but shouldn't I believe replace the skill set they were designed to short cut. Thanks for your input and thanks for watching.

[@AlainStewart]

Thanks mate. Great tips on how to setup and pack down the hoochie in a systematic and tidy way. Gonna start implementing your lessons in my practice. I've subscribed.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for the feedback, I'm glad the video was a help. It's a fantastic method of packing up a hootchie which I learnt from Pail Kirtley and Woodlore.. thank you for watching

[@khakicaptures5759]

Just found your channel. Great to have an Aussie doing this stuff, really enjoyed the video, filming and presentation awesome. Cheers

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for watching and I really appreciate the kind feedback. A few more are on their way.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

I really appreciate the kind feedback. Thanks so much for watching.

[@neelpawar4096]

Great video. Love all the info on the knots and how to setup. I am definitely going to use it all on my next cadet camp.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for the great feedback and I’m glad you got something out of it. So many gadgets and straps are replacing knots these days...simply because people don’t know how to tie them. I’m sure a gadget will come along soon that will tie our shoe laces for us! Thanks for watching. Please feel free to share.

[@woodlandsnorth]

Nice demonstration, thanks for this.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thank you, you are very welcome. Gordon

[@BushCraftBums]

Awesome Video! Nice demo! Thanks for sharing ! Stay Blessed!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thank you for watching and your kind words...much appreciated. Gordon

[@kayakcobber524]

Use this setup hundred of times....from -20 till 40 Celsius. Way to go. Only have little bungees and then the cord...saves the tarp in heavy winds and not that noisy. FB is: kayak cobber

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated.

[@yanknoz9710]

Excellent video. Well presented. Cheers

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks again. Please feel free to share them to help spread the word. I’m glad you enjoy them.

[@123colinfrost]

Only just found your channel Gordon. Great lecture technique and clear demonstration. Should be able to get up from Canberra and do a course with you in the New Year.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for the positive feedback. I guess my experience as a school teacher helps with this! Be great to have you along for a course. The first Sydney course will be run in April.

[@billyaitken1713]

Some awesome knots😎🤠👍

[@charlim1505]

Thanks for that Gordon. I have been struggling with my ridge line knots, so will give this a go. I was also putting the hootchie over the line rather than running it through the tabs. Can you tell me what cordage you use for the ridge line. I generally hammock camp so my ridge line is a bit higher off the ground.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for watching. The hoochie works much better when the ridge line is put through the loops. The knots used for the hoochie (Siberian hitch and tarp taut hitch) also work equally well for a hammock. The cordage I’m using for the ridge line is just some thicker cord I got from a camping store...nothing specific. The guy lines are army hoochie cord which is a braided cord. Gordon

[@TheBushcraftPadawan]

G'day Gordo!!! Good to see you out in the bush again! Looks like soldiers the world over all follow similar practices, although perhaps we're used to rigging them up much lower 😉. Try taking a look at the "how to hack your sleeping system" video on my channel as I think you'll enjoy some of the hacks.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks mate, I guess there are loads of similarities with what different forces do. As you said though, on patrol they are erected much lower to keep a low profile and immediately “struck” at morning stand-too ready to move. On an army course at the moment so will check out when I get a chance. Gordo

[@100mmtubeofjustice7]

very interesting sir, now it looks like I'm gonna have to find an AUS tarp. LOL!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

I’m glad you enjoyed it. You can pick up ex army hootchies from army disposal stores. There are also other Milspec brands that are not made by ADI. Good luck in your search. Gordon

[@100mmtubeofjustice7]

lol! well, as I'm here in the states I might just end up making one, and to be honest sir I have enjoyed watching all of your vids,

[@PabloP169]

I know there are several adjustable hitches, rolling hitch, tautline hitch being the most common, but have you considered using the Farrimond hitch instead of your "Adjustable knot", as when using the Farrmond, you don't have to thread all the cordage through and it is therefore quicker and actually easiest of the hitches to dissassemble. As you say, you have to make sure that you dress the hitch properly.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for the comment, i am not familiar with the Farrimond hitch but will check it out. Thanks for watching.

[@renatthestarbase]

Great vid. Can you do one on setting up an Aussie mil bivvy? I’ve just got one and without a poles it’s not obvious how it works! Also, in a bush camp is there a risk of being disturbed by the wildlife in Victoria? Deer, pigs, dogs, roos, foxes, snakes, spiders, so do I need a fire all night?

[@jonowoodgo]

Very insightful video a big thank you sir and now i know why my father was big on knots being ex army and a sailor.👍

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Knots are really quite simple. We have so many gadgets now that have taken the place of these simple and essential skills...mainly through laziness and the fact that people don't know how to tie them. I'm sure before long, someone will come up with another unnecessary gadget that ties your shoes. Thanks for watching.

[@pawel_tips911]

Thanks, only one notice, UK basha=/=US poncho , basha - is just a smaller tarp

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

No worries, I often hear it called both in military circles. It could have been a voice slip when filming too.. thanks for watching.

[@serwombles8816]

Great vid thanks :) why not use the Siberian hitch at both ends?

[@trib22]

Gordon, this a fab setup and very similar to that which my stepdad (30 years artillery) and partner (she did 12 years RAAF) run. One thing I'm keen to know is what bivy sack you use - I'm struggling to find something that's just right.

[@hammu351]

Hi Gordon, fantastic video. You have a great eye for the aesthetic nature of bushcraft as well as practicality. My only query was does the thickness of the cord matter much? I purchased the same hoochie you have from a surplus store but the cordage they sold me was much thinner than yours (it is labelled as hoochie cord). Thanks so much for the wonderful channel and I'd hope you come to Perth in the future for one of your workshops.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Hoochie cord is the thinner braided cord for the guy lines. It's called hootchie cord in the army. The cord for the ridge line I'm using is a thicker 4-5 mil braided cord. You could also use parachute (parracord) for this. The ridge line cord ideally should be thicker than the guy lines. Thanks for watching

[@michaelstott5473]

Struth we were never aloud to set them up that high ;-)

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

No, you would never set a hootchie up this high in a military setting, but Im not out on patrol with the army in this video, it’s a civilian bushcraft video! It works just as well a little lower. Thanks for watching.

[@hanoitripper1809]

Great vid with good tips. What about snakes tho when u sleep on the ground?

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

I've never had an issue with snakes while sleeping out on the ground ever and that is the experience of most people . They want nothing to do with us. If you have sited your camp Isrea correctly, clear it from debris and , have a small cooking fire (if safe to do so), then you should not have an issue. Seriously, it's an exaggerated myth and you have more chance of being struck by lightning. I appreciate the question and thanks for watching.

[@davestuddert4392]

Hey Gordon, I thoroughly enjoy your instructional vids. Are you familiar with the Special Forces Stretcher Hammock on issue to Aussies & the Brits? I don't know if you got one on issue when you were serving. They're not a bad piece of kit being multi-use. If you have one, perhaps you can do an instructional video on the use of this versatile bit of gear. I reckon people would appreciate being shown its multiple configurations by someone who knows what he's doing ( rigged under a hootchie with / without a mozzie net ) Keep up the great work mate!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Hi Dave, yes I have used these before and always have one in my pack as an emergency stretcher which I still use on Norforce patrols. I will be using one this week. I’m not a huge fan of hammocks as I sleep better on the ground, however in a jungle environment I definitely sleep in one. I will put it on my list of things to do but I have a few other tasks to ta Kyle first. Thanks for your support and for watching.

[@jdee4462]

Does the ridge-line help vs just tying from both sides straight around the tree?

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Not really, you can do either. The ridge line allows you to throw your sleeping bag over the top of the tarp to dry in the sun as there is more support. Thanks for the question and thanks for watching.

[@elvinsmatthew]

just curious i got me one of those Hoochies for if im going to say camp at a dam for a day or 2 that way no need to muck around with a tent. but naturally the camp grounds dont have trees. how big a metal pole would i need to use to keep them up? or how would you set up a hoochie if you have to set up in open ground with no trees? i love using mine when im rock fishing. when its high 30s or low 40s on the rocks those things are worth there weight in gold.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

I wouldn’t bother with metal poles, that defeats the purpose of using a hootchie (unless you are camping near a vehicle) and you may as well have a tent. Better to find two study straight branches (preferably dead) and use those. I never use camp grounds but In instances where there are no trees, I just usually use a good breathable bivvi bag (waterproof cover for sleeping bag) or if vehicle camping...a swag. Thanks for watching and your support.

[@insanebrain213]

What about snakes getting into your sleeping bag or spiders crawling over your face? I really like the idea of sleeping like this but just unsure about snakes etc. Won't my body heat attract snakes? Do you have episodes on this topic? I looked but found nothing. Cheers. Edit: I found your interview video which covered the topic called Snake Bit First Aid.

[@davef5916]

Hey Gordo, in NSW is a box net or bug bivy worth lugging around? I haven't done much camping since cadets and wonder how often one might have issues with snakes/spiders/mossies/ants etc. Or is that largely to do with site selection?

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

I never have any issues with snakes and spiders, especially if you clear the area. Mosquitos can be a problem though. The colder it is though, the less mosquitos so it depends on the temperature.A lightweight box style mosquito net is such a small item so it's not really an issue so I would always pack one anyway.

[@easyrider95]

G'day Gordon, may I ask what kind of cord you're using in this video? I've been using a 2mm - 8 strand paracord in my setup. Cheers. All the best, Al

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

I'm using a thicker braided cord made by "Bushtracks" but parracord takes much less room and is what I regular,y use. Thanks for the question and thanks for watching..

[@X_explorer]

Good movie!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thank for watching.

[@logik1677]

Perfect video!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thank you!

[@arianahou6383]

That was so interesting

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

I’m glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@bigbreath]

Fantastic clip Gordon - really enjoyed it. Silly question, but how effective is the bivy in keeping out creepy crawlies (eg spiders). Or do they normally leave you alone?

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Like a sleeping bag, a bivvi left open won’t stop anything crawling into it. If you know what is poisonous and what isn’t you know what you don’t have to worry about or fear! I have never had a problem and I make sure I clear the ground and set up in a safe and well chosen position. There maybe the odd creepy crawly that crawls over you but I’m usually asleep so don’t know. A bivvi bag is designed to keep out the rain and wind and it traps an extra layer of air to keep you warm. Thanks for watching and your support.

[@feuerjager6]

Hey Gordon, do you know any online stores which sells good quality bushcraft supplies to Australians? I have been searching forever for an Auscam hoochie but it is either not available online or out of stock. Thanks

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

The best I can think of would be Platatac in Melbourne, Victoria. They make a lot of mil spec gear and I’m sure they do a hootchie.

[@feuerjager6]

Thanks cobber

[@alreadytracer8864]

Hey Gordon, what pants are those mate? Cheers Hudson

[@swanseamale47]

Found your channel by accident looking for a hoochie, subscribed and will be working through your videos. Can I ask what size the standard hoochie is? I'd be guessing around 3x2 yards? looking at the video but it's hard to tell. Regards Wayne

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Yes that's it. 2x 3 metres aporox. I've been using them for years and don't know the exact answer. It's worked fine for the army and many other A list survival schools overseas such as Woodlore and Frontier Bushcraft. Its been around for years, so that's a pretty good test of time in my books. Thanks for watching.

[@irfanahmed9112]

Easy understand

[@asesinodezombis2077]

Can you provide a reliable web site that sells the Hoochie?

[@pjriddell]

How many years do you think a standard hoochie lasts in good quality?

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

It depends on how you look after it. I have a couple of hootchies that i have had for over 15 years and they work just fine.

[@sarawnat6631]

Australia is a dry area with severe forest fires. How can it be done to camp without forest fires?

[@jamesmccann355]

Hi I'm from the UK. Do you run course's. As I'm interested in doing bushcraft in Australia. Could you send me information

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Hi James, yes we do run courses. Please visit our website to view all the courses we offer: www.bushcraftsurvivalaustralia.com.au Thanks for watching.

[@gregholt]

Gordon, you clothing like everything you do is smart and appropriate. What kind of shirt and pants are you wearing?

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Fjallraven. Vida pro trousers, Singi trekking shirts and various other clothing purpose built for Bushcraft use. That's what it was made for but sadly as we all know, everything is grossly overpriced in Australia so good luck! Thanks for watching.

[@TaralgaBushAdventure]

Thanks Gordon. I'm looking to try a tarp shelter at my bushland property in October, and I've learnt good tips and knots from you. Please try my channel to see some of my adventures. Cheers and thanks again!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Will do. Thank you for the feedback.

[@TaralgaBushAdventure]

Hi Gordon @@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia , I nominated you for the 'Show Us Your Steak' Challenge, as I wanted to show off some Aussie channels. Please have a look at my video, and look at the details for the background - hope to see you campfire cooking a steak and supporting Men's mental health. Cheers! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4qtmKxjhZyri80

[@irfanahmed9112]

Are u Austrslian,,?

[@ethanhall8117]

Snakes and boars ect will come and give you a kiss 😂 aren't you worried about those things moving right next to you and even trying to attack you?

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

The more you know about the creatures and their habits, the less you have to worry. Most creatures want nothing to do with us and if you site your camp correctly and safely you should not have a problem. A small fire also helps to deter a lot of animals etc. thanks for watching and the feedback.

[@dunno6442]

Bought my genuine hoochie second hand on eBay for $30 then lost the bugger.. can't find any others that aren't brand new for $120 😂

[@dreggan]

If you want a fast and dirty way from a former soldier - get some occy straps :)

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

For speed, that’s exactly what I have used in the army for years and still use when I’m out on patrol or exercise with Norforce. However I prefer to use cordage and a few simple knots at all other times as it keeps your knot tying skills honed and is much more rewarding. Thanks for watching.

[@mickme8914]

Gday Gorden, a wombat

[@adamdean4363]

What happens when you wake up to a snake next to you

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

It's never happened and probably about as much chance of happening as being struck by lightening! You face a much higher chance of having a car accident every time you get into a car everyday yet we don't even consider it! Perspective. I appreciate your comments and thanks for watching.

[@Nevertrustabaldbarber]

Yea, sir, but I'm tired from patrolling with pack to this harbor. So this lazy grunt uses bungie straps.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

I know the feeling. I also use bungee (ocky)) straps when doing army stuff as it's definitely quicker but prefer to use proper knots and hitches etc at other times so as not to become lazy and forget important skills. Thanks for watching.