I Spent The Night Under A Rock Outcrop - 18th Century Camping

In this video, I put my historical gear to the test on an overnight trip to a rock outcrop in the Hocking Hills region of my home state of Ohio. It's been more than a year since my last camping video, and a lot has changed. If you are curious about my gear, you can watch this comprehensive gear review video ( • 18th Century Frontier ... ) to see what I am carrying. Please keep in mind that this 18th-Century camping series is merely a glimpse into my development at the time of publishing - I am actively improving and welcome your suggestions in the comments section.
Here are some of the improvements I have made to the channel while I have been away this past year:
NEW MODERN EQUIPMENT:
- New tripod, which will yield slightly better camera stability
- New head mount for my camera so that I can shoot in point of view (POV) perspective. I think POV footage of fire starting, cooking, and some shelter building (all action scenes) will be more engaging and immersive
- New good quality mic to record better audio. This should mitigate wind noise and help out a lot with the overall quality of the video
- I have an array of lights for nighttime fire scenes and a new battery pack to power my equipment and keep me from having to make trips out to a vehicle. This allows me to be completely self-sufficient and really get out far from other people in these camps
NEW PERIOD EQUIPMENT:
- True winter moccasins with an 18th-century waterproofing recipe with wool foot wrappers for added warmth (will eventually provide an overview and review of this setup - it was far too warm to wear these on this particular camp)
- New hand-knit, completely authentic wool hat, gloves, and two pairs of socks from South Union Mills (will be reviewing these products in the future)
- Much better-researched foods to eat, including coffee and chocolate. I am including a cooler in my camera bag to safely bring fresh meat and milk to my site in this video. These are luxuries that I would not need if I were doing things authentically - I just wanted to try something new on this trip.
- Newly hand-sewn, 100% authentic market wallets for use carrying assorted gear inside my bedroll - some small elements of my gear are newly upgraded
- New authentic "hussif" sewing kit and related supplies
- New buffalo hide to sleep in, and for use as a robe during the daytime. This hide is heavy and I carried it to the site ahead of time along with my camera equipment - this is a piece of gear I would have to bring out on a horse or canoe in the time period.
- New hand-woven tumpline
- Some new clothing, notably newly sewn leggins, garters, and a new linen shirt. Cut and sewed the sleeves on my hunting shirt to allow me to roll the sleeves up per a comment from Wallace Gusler.
- New knife, powder horn, shot pouch, and "cows-knee" lock cover
- New canteen with beeswaxed interior
I have also spent a LOT of time studying some new film techniques and shot this video in more of a "vlog" format, including footage of my prep for the video, my drive to the property, and a little bit of the aftermath and gear maintenance. There is a lot of research and prep that would be helpful to viewers that I have previously left out because it is not in a historical setting. To me, this transition marks a shift away from trying to pretend the entire channel is happening inside an 18th-century bubble and embracing my modern life that runs parallel to my historical interest - I think that this will ultimately make my content more relatable and hopefully make this type of living history seem more accessible to any that have the inkling to try it themselves. I don't want to overdo it with extraneous footage, the goal is to include what is immediately relevant and what would help the viewer feel like they are along for the trip. Let me know how I did in the comments section.
Interview with Peter of the Woodland Escape Channel:
• The School of the Long...
Learn more about the School of the Longhunter:
www.prickettsfort.org/store/p...
Video Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:48 - 1 Year Recap
04:53 - Hiking In
07:30 - The Outcrop
09:03 - Ax’s & Making Wood
11:40 - Fire Starting
14:20 - Making Dinner
18:10 - Morning & Breakfast
21:16 - Running Ball
24:00 - Char & Whetstones
Music Licensed In This Production:
- Track 1, "Painted Feather," provided by williamlpearson / Pond5.com
- Track 2, "Flight of the Eagles Minimal," provided by BlackTaima / Pond5.com
- Track 3, "East Mountain Fiddlers," provided by BIGALTX / Pond5.com
- Track 4, "Haystack," provided by BIGALTX / Pond5.com
- Track 5, by SANDRA MARTELEUR, Titled Malvas Polska, courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
- Track 6, "Homestead Blues," provided by williamlpearson / Pond5.com

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

Want to support the channel? Feedback is critical as I learn and grow, and I appreciate any feedback -- positive or negative -- here in the comments section. You can support me financially by pledging $3, $5, or $10 per month toward FTC on Patreon ($10 will get your name in the comments section at the end of each video). Still want to support? Copy the link to this video and share it with a friend! Be sure to check out the video description for useful links and information!

[@nford3886]

I am a forager and think it would be a great skill to enhance your woodland experience, both in edible and medicinal knowledge.

[@kgbear3662]

Hawken! Young man I’m sixty. I’ve aspired for years to follow through with kindred passions . Humility and transparency are oozing from this video. (my first one , I’m new here) . My son is your age and I kept him in the woods and on the water every opportunity I had . The God given spirit , that dwells in us , is regenerated and charged from being in nature, we are made of dirt ourselves and we glean energy from greeting our hands in it. Your content is most refreshing and I both subscribed and hit the like button as well as the notification bell. Ecclesiastes 11:9 Proverbs 3:5-6 Take care and keep your powder dry and coffee ( chocolate) hot.

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

This means so much. Thank you for the kind words and I appreciate you watching to the end!

[@musar03580]

Hocking. (I thought you said "hawking" at first, then I saw "Hocking Hills" in your description and realized it is the name of a place.) I enjoy your content and hope you continue.

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching to the end!

[@dougm5341]

Fabulous video. Well done for such a young man. It’s good you are aware of Peter and his wife Cathy. His channel is first rate.

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

Absolutely agree! They are killing it! Thanks for the comment, more content to come!

[@yorukkizigeziyor]

Very beautiful 😊👍👍

[@williamqueen8790]

I just found your video and love it. I should have took the path you have taken and live my life that way, I was just born 200 years to late, I’m 67 now divorced and live in a camper right next to the wood and enjoy as much of the old way as I can. I can’t hunt like I used to because of bad knees and hips but I do garden and can when I can. Still cook outside over the fire and in my Dutch oven. Keep the good videos coming it brings out my time in West Virginia before moving to Virginia, be safe and God bless.

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

I'll be thinking about this comment while I film my next video this weekend. Really appreciate this. Keep that dutch oven in the fire!! God bless!

[@charlesbraun8867]

I got into this along time ago. Still have everything. Shirts,hunting frok ,and loincloth , i got from a trading company called oyo . That was how the French spelled ohio back on the frontier. Their place was a little past yellow springs. Made my leggings myself. My sash, leg ties,and strap for my pouch were all made on a inkel [not sure about spelling] loom , by the sister of the women who owned oyo. I dyed some of my clothing using walnut hulls. My dad and i made my 50 flint. Has all browned iron furniture. I have taken two deer with it. A good friend who does outstanding leather work made my pouch . Has the weeping heart on the flap, not really frontier , more fur trade era. Dave made it and i like it and thats that. I wear dyer double soled trail mocks , so not really period correct. Well got to go ,maybe I’ll see at friendship someday. Keep the wind in your face and your powder dry.

[@johnnyriddle1059]

Glade to see you back as for the sugar in the coffee I believe most at that time used a pinch of salt which will remove the bitter taste.

[@moorshound3243]

Good tip.

[@the18thcenturygardener57]

Hocking... Your BEST video yet! Very enjoyable 30 minutes.

[@randallross7683]

Great video

[@wildphil64]

In England, we do a thing called wild camping. I say this with the greatest respect to all the other channels I’ve ever watched, amateur and professional alike, but this one kept my interest all the way through. It’s the sheer amount of respect that you have for our ancestors that struck me the most. I really can’t wait for the next vid, when you get even closer to the real thing. Well done 👍

[@mc909a]

Thanks for this video. It was super wholesome. You have a new subscriber

[@2gpowell]

Nice to see ya back. Enjoyed the premiere keep up the good work!

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

Thank you!

[@johnovanic9560]

Glad you're back at it and I love the content.

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

Thanks!!

[@Numismaniac_Canada]

Very enjoyable video! Thank you for sharing😊

[@Nannaof10]

Hocking. What a blessing to have that land to camp in

[@Darkwolfe.]

Hawken! My young friend, you are on the right path to doing what was,, as this world is headed that way again if things don't change. However, I am 73 and will be 74 on Halloween. I have been in 2 wars and grew up in the Bayou of La. I am a master knife/Hatchett maker, but you can't guess what is the best knife sharpener you carry with you? Sand stone is fine, but your leather belt is king in this case. Just take it off turn it over on it's rough side stand on one end and sharpen like a razor. I have skinned a lot of hides in my life and still do, try it😸🦝🐊

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

This is a fantastic idea. Absolutely fantastic. You will see this mentioned in future content. Thank you! And I appreciate you watching to the end!

[@ipodwalker]

HAWKEN -Great video hope you continue to improving your skills and accouterments good luck on job search. well done

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching to the end!

[@northwoodstrapper8778]

Great video very good perspective on the frontier long-hunter. Keep up the great work. .

[@scottpayne7575]

ASMR videos are overrated. Your dialogue is very welcome in your videos.

[@robmarshallofficial]

Very interesting video. Thank you for this. I would love for you to show how you use the wet stones if at all possible?

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

I will make a note of this for a future video! Thank you!

[@Flintlock85]

Hocking - Very nice job Alex on your gear and video! Hope to see you again at School of the Long hunter!!

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

I will be there!! Thanks for watching to the end!

[@72buffaloman]

I've always wanted to camp in a rock overhang. But I'll never forget in muzzleloader magazine when Mark Baker wrote about a rock over hmag he slept in and when he returned to camp there I think a year later the roof had collapsed.

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

I read a similar account of a hunter who lost their life in an incident like that. Awful, awful story and was definitely in the back of my mind. My understanding is that warming the cold rock with a fire, especially in the winter, increases the chances of such a thing happening. I won’t be making any big fires in front of this rock face, I can tell you that! Appreciate you watching and thanks for the comment. Settling in tonight with Baker’s Pilgrim’s Journey books!

[@jakedistlehorst6190]

I am jealous of what you do and enjoy your videos. Continue the great work and videos. I wish you Godspeed and safety on your adventures.

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

Really appreciate this. Thank you. What I do isn’t so hard if you can find a place to do it and some people to guide you!

[@chadwright7614]

Great video young man

[@timwoods9579]

Hocking is like 1 hour from me beautiful place I think you did an incredible job I like how you go into detail with everything love your new video brother keep them coming !!!!

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

Thanks! Make sure you get out there these next few weeks, the leaves are about to pop!

[@timwoods9579]

@@FrontierTradingCompany definitely will it will be beautiful !!!!

[@Honk21]

Awesome video! Thank you.

[@HawkenHorse]

Fantastic video!!

[@kenc9236]

Awesome video. Bravo!

[@billmazzocco5275]

Outstanding! Live it!

[@BR549-2]

Great video!

[@Pooch1953]

I really enjoyed this video, and one thing you said made me think. You said you doubted that back them they would have been burning cloth to use to start fires and I totally agree, cloth would be to valuable and expensive. One thing i have thought, never have really seen reference to it though, is something I have done in the past, I used burnt wood from a cold fire, to use to spark the next one. You can gather a few choice pieces to carry with you and use them to catch a spark when you are ready for your next fire, just like you would if you use punk would to char it. Also when you commented on hot chocolate and whether they used sugar or not, I would imagine sugar was used, but more likely than not in the settlements or in the home, not so much on the trail. Possibly they carried some when first starting out, if they had canoes or pack animals, even maybe for a day or two on the trail packing on their back, but the extra weight even then was like now, ounces equal pounds. On the breakfast and getting moving, I agree, they most likely woke, packed and moved on, eating cold on the move or possibly stopping later to cook something. I read somewhere years ago where even at night, they would stop before dark, not where they were going to camp, cook a meal on a small fire, unless it was to dangerous for a fire, finish, put out the fire then move on to their camp spot. This way the smell of a fire, or food cooking, would not be the same place they bedded down for the night, so as to be harder to locate. Keep on with your journey, as an older man, I can tell you, time flies by very fast, especially the older you get, I got my first black powder firearm in 1966, this hobby you have can give you much satisfaction now in your youth and when you are older, but starting young gives you so much more time to enjoy it. I know you are enjoying it and I hope to be around to continue watching you move forward. Thank you for sharing your adventure.

[@donwaldroopoutdoors3665]

Great new video , keep it up

[@robertcarignan2983]

That was a joy to watch. Thank you very much.

[@warrenharrison9490]

Thank you for sharing your adventures. 👍

[@vegasrider2246]

I appreciate the time you take to produce these videos so I may enjoy them.

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

Appreciate it!

[@dylanmcgarry1221]

Loved the video! Keep making content great stuff!

[@Chipito2005]

If you ever want some padding in your moccasins I'd recommend an old native trick. As a Native American myself who does 18th century reenactments in my traditional regalia. I use either moss or leaves in my moccasins to pad my feet. It feels weird at first but eventually you get use to it. You can use animal fur hides also. Make sure after every use of your Bison hide to get check it for any ticks, fleas, or other insects that will try to hide inside the fur. I have one and I take either a flea comb or something and comb the fur real good.

[@duaneharshaw2080]

Outstanding Video....Thanks

[@rotaman8555]

Good to see you back!

[@richardhobin2813]

Good on you man. Cool video!

[@stevefisher2121]

Excellent video - so good to see you back out in the woods. I also love the Woodland Escape Channel.

[@CoyoteWorks01]

Nice my friend. Really enjoyed your little adventure. I’ve always been interested in the more traditional ways of the woods as well. Cheers!

[@allanburt5250]

Fantastic, thanks for sharing this one with us. Look forward to seeing more

[@kellydiver]

Great video! I love that you’re giving more thought to the availability of resources and how they would have actually been used. I am not a reenactor, but I would definitely take classes from you on what you’ve learned over the years. Keep it up!

[@leehofmann2417]

nice one, what a great video keep it up

[@williamqueen8790]

Can’t wait to see the new video

[@basecampbravo8954]

Awesome love it

[@theredflannelchannel7820]

Good work young Buck! If you ever make it up to northern Idaho you can stop in my camp anytime. I live in Lewis and Clark country!

[@justblev]

How cool and informative. Nice job. 👍🏼

[@sotconsulting3842]

Great video.

[@KnifeCrazzzzy]

Hawken! Great video bro! 🙌🏻

[@tallgrassoutdoors8944]

The woodland escape is an extraordinary channel!! I would love to see videos in the future about all the things you have made over the last year as well!!

[@oldsouthernpine]

Well done! What an awesome video! As someone who spent years around the Hocking Hills, loving its history and trying to incorporate it into my channel, I’ve loved this video! Great job!

[@jblocker6613]

Nice video, thanks for sharing.

[@chrisfritz6720]

Well done

[@SugarMapleForge]

Man I love these videos! Keep up the awesome work! Not enough young guys like us interested in living history!

[@Belthazar1113]

welcome back

[@awayinthewilderness4319]

Hocking, I really enjoyed this video. You seem to be very knowledgeable of the time period and you definitely have respect for the land. Keep up the great work! New sub! God bless. Looking forward to watching more.

[@khamen723]

Your passion is inspiring

[@mikechrane6840]

Hocking! Thanks for taking us along on this adventure with you. It is awesome to see you develop your 18th century skills and gear. Your videos are educational, refreshing, and very much appreciated. Thank you

[@Rebellion1776]

You need to make more content like this! Love the gear, journey, and overall info you put into this vid! Well done!

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

Appreciate it! Hoping to get another fall vid out next month! Filming this coming weekend!

[@jeffs5093]

Hocking, awesome video glad to see you're back.

[@GordonShumway1910]

Keep up the old ways brother! So awesome

[@nathankobuck616]

Hocking! Great job as always man

[@pendantblade6361]

Subbed to you a couple months ago, glad to see this channel is still alive! I'm not American, but I find frontier life and indigenous culture interesting. Please continue your hard work!

[@MrDannidy]

HAWKING LOVE UR WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Mr07191963]

Hawken, great video good job

[@glennwilliamson7911]

Hawken. Your videos are a great motivation to me; to get out into the woods more than when I’m hunting. Thank you for your concern with being truly authentic. Keep up the good work and God bless everything you put your hands to.

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

hawking, what a great video. i love the content.

[@galilee3tv]

Hawken... truly refreshing video, this was something different to watch than your normal bushcraft videos. It held my attention an kept me fully engaged. Keep up the good work young man

[@DanielGBenesScienceShows]

I loved this video (right to the Hawking end) and the respect you show for the past and for the land is heartwarming. I’ve taught the “science” of outdoor wilderness/Bushcraft survival and have competed in the Archeolympics Primitive Skills Competition here in Texas, and this video brings back some great memories. Subbed.

[@giulianotoniolo]

Dude, that is a great video and experience. Thank you for sharing it. Greetings from Brazil.

[@tylerjohn9139]

this is my first video watching this style of camping and its sick keep doin it fam.

[@jaybird4610]

Hawken ! Great vid thanks for sharing.

[@lyonforge3077]

Very good video and information share, envious of your little piece of time travel property. Your camp and kit are coming together nicely, looking to weave a tump line this winter.

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

Really appreciate it, thanks for watching and good luck on the tumpline!

[@palonghunter3608]

Hocking. Nice excursion. I have a buffalo hide. But have yet to trek with it.

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

They’re heavy but I recommend it! Truly nothing better to sleep in. I would take mine over my modern 20 degree sleeping bag from the old Boy Scout days. Thanks for watching to the end!

[@ebony5766]

Hocking! Great video, well filmed and thought out.

[@togytogathan1302]

Really respect you finding the time to enjoy such an awesome hobby. If I could do this same thing, I absolutely would.

[@315jonc]

Hawken! Excellent video!

[@user-nt1sk9pd2i]

Amazing video..

[@davidwilliams1383]

Hocking! Great information, great video. Thank you for living your dream and sharing it.

[@peterott-tn6pf]

Hawking!! Man its so good to see you filming again my friend! I hooe school went well for you and i absolutely can not wait to see what's in store!! Thisbwas an awesome overnighter! Great content as always!!!!!

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

Really appreciate it and thanks for watching to the end! Wrapped up school on a good note and am enjoying a new job, new place, and a lot more time to work on future videos like this one. Have another camp coming up in about two weeks, actually! Thanks again!

[@Rusty10speed]

I love this sort of thing so it's great to see you out there having fun doing it.

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

It’s a win-win! I like doing it, folks like watching it, and together we build a community! Appreciate the comment and thanks for watching!

[@claytownsend5997]

I am super stoked I happened across your channel. I grew up doing black powder camps, rendezvous, and AMM related events with my grandparents here in KY. I fell out of it for a while but I am now getting my items and kits back in order and will be attending Events again soon. I couldn’t be happier thinking about spending time out with like minded individuals doing something I love.

[@Qigate]

I just discovered your channel... how wonderful !

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

Thumbs up! You seem to have it sorted.

[@earlshaner4441]

That mold for the ball has to be warm to get a good musket ball

[@thomaswhisnant6573]

Awesome video!!

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

Appreciate it!

[@gregorypennell1755]

Another great video…they just keep getting better! Now that summer heat is giving way to cooler temperatures, I think it’s about time to fire up my great-grandfather’s forge, and make some improvements to my own kit…

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

Heck yeah! I’m getting back out onto this same land in a few weeks once the leaves turn. This is the best season for it! Thanks for watching!

[@jaredmpp7633]

Hawking. Great video. Living history is always fascinating to watch. Keep up the great work.

[@bigflopsofuq]

This is awesome, I am looking forward and I have great hopes for your channel. Hawking!

[@loneranger4113]

Hawken very nice video. thank you for sharing.

[@WW2Explained]

Hawken. Great video, I can’t wait to see more from you! I’d love to see a video on the moccasins and how you make them and decided on a pattern

[@jeffreyrobinson3555]

What a good vid I have been historic treking for fifty years and the last ten in the eighteenth century. Nothing beats it.

[@mathewweeks9069]

Your awesome and awesome video be safe out there

[@randymicallef3545]

Happy to see you back out there learning those skills that people take for granted these days. Keep on doing that thing you do and we'll keep watching!

[@FrontierTradingCompany]

Appreciate you!

[@oimissed1292]

Hocking. Glad to see a new episode ,hopefully you will have time to make more content I personally don't think all kit needs to be 100% accurate but I like to hear your insights thank you. Happy journey

[@pretary1845]

This was a really fun watch, Hot King. :) I really appreciate anything that helps me get that itch to go back out in nature again. Sometimes I need it!

[@almartin9500]

Another great video!!! I watched this just now, as I am in a hunting camp in the Sierra Nevadas, just myself and 6 year old grandson! Keep up the good work, and when he wakes up in the morning, I’ll show him this video!!!! Oh, I do my 18thC “primitive” hunt in two weeks.

[@JunkyardFox]

incredible video! been watching your stuff for a few years now and this video was easily your best and most professional, outstanding stuff!