Hooped Bivvy Stealth Wild Camp. Honey Stove Pork Belly. Olight M2R Pro.

In this video, I head out to the woods for a solo stealth wild camp in a Dutch Army hooped bivvy bag. Arriving after dark, I search for a suitable place to set up my low profile camp, using my new Olight M2R Pro Warrior torch. Firewood collection follows so I can cook a tasty dinner of noodles and Pork belly, before settling down to enjoy the sounds of the night accompanied by a couple of beers. The morning brings coffee and breakfast before picking a winner for the Smokey Hut hot tent giveaway competition.
Thank you all for entering and congratulations to the winner - contact me by email or messenger and I’ll get the prize sent out to you!
This wasn’t the intended video for this week - I was meant to be continuing my hike along the Norfolk Coastal Path, but unfortunately I injured my knee at work. That trip is on hold until my knee has recovered - soon hopefully, but I hope you enjoy this video anyway and thanks for watching!
Links
Olight M2R pro Warrior torch (flashlight)
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Honey Stove
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Dutch Army Hooped Bivvy Bag
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Music Back to Portland by TrackTribe

[@markedlington-booth24]

Stealth camping?!?! They could see you from the moon with that torch 😂 Another great video Simon. Thank you 👍

[@jellyfinger]

Totally agree with your philosophy on the "hidden giveaway".

[@jonfisher9214]

For this kind of lightweight overnight camp I've found twig stoves to be perfect. Simon, you said the stove doesn't give off much heat if you're sat in front of it. What I did was buy one of those folding aluminium windshields. It had 10 panels but I took it apart as 5 fit around the stove well. I wrap it tight to help conduct heat to the pot when cooking, or open it out behind the stove for use as a reflector when I want to bounce the heat back in my direction.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Great idea! It gives off enough heat for close proximity (for solo use that’s fine) but the wind shield would make a big difference I’m sure. 👍👍👍 Top tip.

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

Yep I have a twig stove awesome stoves. So many different kinds small medium large

[@philippal7985]

Really cool Intro, Simon. Makes me wanna spend a night out as well. You can see it doesn't take much planning to just get out one night.

[@rickdewitt600]

I enjoy your channel. No drama, you just go out on a hike and camp. Straight forward and interesting. Simplicity is not easy. Thanks.

[@willong1000]

I have to give a thumb's up to your "no drama" comment. There would be a message there for the mostly-Hollywood producers of television series were it not for the apparent mindlessness of the masses. Personally, I'd rather count myself among the 205K subscribers of Simon's serene and informative content than those who opt for more contrived, farcical fare as the nearly 99 Million who are presently subscribed to the WWE channel! I cut the cable TV cord five years ago. In no small part, my action was prompted by the constant trend of so-called "reality" shows to artificially hype and promote conflict in their content. I suspect that you can think of several examples yourself, but one of several that finally soured me on "Reality Television" was the series "American Chopper" that followed upon the popularity of the original documentary that featured custom motorcycle builder Jessie James. I, for one, simply wanted to follow the design concepts and craftsmanship of the builders! When Jessie James' builds were first featured on TV, I remember contacting my late father--he was a WW2 combat veteran who, along with one of his three veteran brothers placed Harley motorcycles on order after returning to civilian life--and telling him: "You've got see this guy. You won't like his personality, but you'll be amazed at his skill and craftsmanship!" Sadly, such television focused increasingly upon outrageous personalities with each new series and episode; and the design concepts and execution became a dwindling fraction of the content! For context, I'm not a fan of "chopper" motorcycles or outlaw bikers--I much preferred what were know as "cafe racer" type bikes in the 1970s; but I do appreciate clever, artistic design and the requisite skills to execute the concepts in metal, fiberglass, leather and paint. Videos which convey information and/or teach skills and techniques embedded in entertaining content are, by far, my preferred fare. Simon suits that preference quite well!

[@johnwessinger7768]

Simon I just want to say that I enjoy the setting, mood and manner in which your videos always turn out. Between you and Cembrer Bushcraft you both do an excellent job of showing gear and different setups. Just a tremendous joy to watch your videos every time you complete one and send it out!!!!! Thanks Mate!

[@angusmcbadger9127]

Simon, thank you. Yours is one of my favorite cooking shows! Your choice of music is always a joy and your photography of the scenery is great. Really beautiful country(s)! I don't get to go out much any more but you help me to relive some happy times out there in God's creation. Thanks again, from Okieland, USA.

[@xaraxania]

oh that bivvy looks really good i wouldn't mind one of those, thanks for that, i like the peacefulness in your films Simon, really great after a long day at work, congrats Captain Phil on winning the hot tent :)

[@qrplife]

Amazing how much energy is stored in a handful of twigs.

[@theresabass685]

Once again Simon you put a nice video out with stealthy equipment this time. Like those lamps especially the head lamp interested in both due to there great luminously. Congratulations to the captain he has a wonderful prize. Until next time.

[@Uglehytten]

Greetings Simon. Thank you for putting out a new video despite your knee injury. I hope you will be okay mate. The setup looks really good and it can actually be quite fun to stealth camp, unless you snore like a camel of course. Stay safe and cheers from Denmark :)

[@jmvreest]

Great video again Simon. I really enjoyed how you postured the contest. And congrats to Captain Phil. 👍

[@hikingwithrosy]

Pork belly on an open flame! Bet that kept you warm 😄. Love the idea of just setting up ‘behind a bush’. Nice vid - thanks. Mark.

[@norfolkyeti]

Great bivis those, I had an x long version and it was ideal for stowing a pack at the foot end to create a tunnel throughout the bivi. Twig stoves are great fun, as personal space heaters they can be improved with a reflector/windshield...I burn a bushbox xl for hours on end sometimes and rate it highly. Thanks for the video.

[@leecutler1527]

Its brilliant that the swigging of the beer gets the serious look

[@brettlashbrook8527]

Great review Simon. Always good to see. Hope your knee is doing well now. All the best Brett.

[@franksmith2583]

Love the shotgun shell holder for a spice kit, Out F**king Standing! Cheers!

[@dimitrisd6847]

These quick overnights are just what you need for a quick brake from the city!Very nice video Simon!

[@SurvivorMetalMan]

Those hooped bivy’s are sweet! Looked like a great time out!

[@perhapsfreddie8434]

Other you tubers don’t give a crap about the comment section, this guys goes through the comments on every video and likes every comment to show how he cares. You don’t know how much it means to us Simon. Love the vids

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Ashley! I do try to keep up with the comments, but if I’m honest, it’s becoming more and more difficult as the views grow! I’m sure it will get to the point when it’s impossible to read them all and that’ll be a shame as I enjoy trading them (most of them! 😂) 👍

[@perhapsfreddie8434]

Nice thx for answering

[@davehaag8175]

Damn...i was really hoping id win...but congrats captian phil!!!

[@CampLifeBushcraft]

Totally agree with you on the thermarest, well worth the money. I’ve heard the complaints about it rustling, can’t say it’s ever bothered me either. Decent video, thanks. ATB Dan

[@drummingearth5326]

Yea but what if it punctures in the night on a thorn? ... your screwed for a warm nights sleep

[@NM-wd7kx]

@@drummingearth5326 sweep your ground, lay out a groundsheet, patch the thing at night, it's not that hard.

[@user-lm7jl4yt3m]

Thanks Simon another good video been a fan for ages. Dave B Thailand

[@paddycarr9537]

Great vid again mate.Pork Belly is definitely nicer on Noodles or Rice glad you remembered them.lol

[@bushlore21]

Excellent video Simon !! Awesome gear on your stealth camp !! All impressive,, Olight Torch 🤔Nov 28-30. I hope you and Maggie are feeling better!! Good night Simon! 🙏

[@johnj6087]

You always have very good peaceful music from the start and quite practical tips for bushcrafting. Thanks

[@TommiNummelin]

Stealthy giveaways area good policy, glad you chose to go that way.

[@cactusbenisboi7330]

Peaceful and enjoyable as always! Cheers mate.

[@biblebeliever4570]

Simon, you have a great sense of humor. Thank you for the overnight. Congratulations to the winner. I was going to have my cook out tonight, but a tenant complained so management told me I'm banned from using my fire pit. This is far from light weight but the volcano grill is great. You can use wood, charcoal, or propane to cook. I've also used it as a fire pit. It's double walled so the outside and bottom do not cause a problem. I even picked it up and moved it while the coals were still hot. A Dutch oven is made for this grill too. I baked a whole chicken in it. Food is excellent cooked outside. I wish we had areas to go to like you that we could camp out. Our state park is closed for the winter in overnight, but remains open for day time walks.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Sorry to hear you’ve been banned from using your fire pit - that is a real bummer! Are there any areas of wilderness within reach of where you live? I dont know how things work over there, in England it is illegal to wild camp - but a lot of us still do - just carefully!! 😁

[@biblebeliever4570]

I may be able to still grill during day time hours at the state park. It might get too cold and have to wait for spring. I sat in the deer stands too long and froze myself waiting for those deer. When I don't have a gun walking through the woods I see them all the time. If I stir them up. They only hop a few leaps and stop to listen because I make the exact sound of a deer calling, no tools. They listen then I paw the ground twice. They will stand for sometimes 10 minutes waiting for me to move or make noise. Deer are very interesting to watch. I also saw flocks of turkeys maybe 40 wandering through people's rural yards, keeping themselves off people's Thanksgiving tables. Happy Thanksgiving if your country celebrates that in any form. It's the biggest day of giving Thanks to God for me. God Bless you Simon. Love to watch your outings.

[@linneekay98]

I love your videos so much, Simon. They are absolutely therapeutic... lol Take care... I hope your knee feels better soon! :-D

[@pembling1]

Nice video Simon and a great giveaway, well done to the winner. See the knee isn’t quite a 100%. All the best mate, good to see you up and about. Speedy recovery Simon 👍🏻🙏🏻🍻

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks mate! 👍

[@cgriggsiv]

Well Simon I am able to watch most of this but I will have to stop and finish watching it later on tonight since I am getting ready to go And for you have yourself a fantastic

[@1990westfalia]

Nice video again. Best on your knee. Skillet.

[@andykjohnsonjohnson7622]

Fabulous Video Simon 👍. Luv the look of the new Stealth camo bivvy bag 😲. AWESOME.

[@michaelwhite1446]

hope you heal quick. Another cracking video. Fortunately Im at the age where I prefer a hammock and tarp. The old bones wont take ground dwelling!

[@ColHatley]

Short and sweet, Simon. It was still a very good video and thanks for sharing. Gotta love the bivy bag it is super nice and light weight. Prayers for your knee Brother, and ATVB to you and yours.

[@markyambler05]

Great video Simon, reminded me of my Army days out in all conditions. Needless to say the kit back then wasn’t as well designed with comfort in mind. Loving it 🤙

[@kevinroberson1985]

Hey friend I found out with the bivy bag like you have I have one also and I have used a couple of pool noodles for children in swimming pools. I cut one to length to make a hoop like at the head of your bivy and put the pool noodles one close to the foot and one half way to hold my bivy up and it really runs water off very nice and you will have lots more room. I put Velcro stick on strips on pool noodles and across inside of my bivy where I place the noodles they are like pipe insulation very lite and I hope you try them because it is really great to have water run off and not puddle because puddles will get water in your bivy and that's not pleasant I have found that out so I made some arches with pool noodles.

[@veronique841]

waking up to that ??omg sure is heaven ! your vids de-stress me ,thank you and ofcourse congrats to Captain Phil!!!

[@Axl_Pose]

Never owned a bivvy but I'm tempted to get one after watching this. That torch looks the business too. Cool vid Si, hope the knee heals soon.

[@johnnybushman651]

Good to see you again Simon , Nice looking sleep System, and torch, Oh yeah , the pork belly that looked good too. Thanks for the video Simon, cheers!

[@Kathy_Is_Blessed]

I love the look and idea of a bivvy . I’ve never tried one myself. Congratulations to the winner! Such a great tent give-away Simon. ♥️ hope your knee is feeling better soon. 🏕 Edited to add....I also always enjoy your music selections for the video. Excellent!

[@antonylong3638]

Thanks for the Vid Simon, really enjoyed the bivvy review, didnt win a tent but got to see your new vid and watched it through in suspense waiting for the draw...Congrats Cap'n Phil, hope the knees on the mend soon...👍👍

[@GAR85120514]

I was lucky enough to discover how cool a good bivy system could be earlier this year.. Nice video. Thanks for the fun give away.

[@josiahhill4993]

i don't think i would be able to stealth camp. i snore.

[@schnickschnack2090]

lol me too

[@greasylimpet5357]

@@schnickschnack2090, 🤣

[@Shane-Singleton]

I had that exact same thought. I snore bigtime. I think I am going to pick one of these Bivy bags up though to put in an emergency camp bag.

[@Pushyhog]

been here over two years, put up $1500 fence, built fire pit over by garage, bought two trig stoves like simons. Start fires like, gotta by more cook gear and rought iron fire hangers.

[@bartplantinga5849]

i am dutch and 14 years old. today is the day i am buying this bivi bag. also i am a prepper. love your videos

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

It’s a good choice Bart! I hope you have many comfortable nights sleep in it! 👍

[@SevenRemedies]

Our favourite beers ghost dance ..good vid ..🐉👍

[@hazzardoutdoors]

Gotta love the dutch army hooped bivvy. Very capable. Only grump is the lack of sitting shelter. Which is why I usually take a poncho to string up too.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers mate - yes, a tarp or poncho is a really good idea - somewhere to sit, take your boots off, store your gear etc. I sometimes just take a tiny tarp to set up over the head end of the bivvy. 👍

[@KentSurvival]

nice little cheeky one mate, glad you still managed to get out for the night! havnt used my hooped bivi in over a year :/

[@exiletsj2570]

Now I’m heading over to you, to watch your newest one, Andy. 😂

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers matey! We should do a hooped bivvy camp - stealth camp somewhere with a bit of risk - central London maybe? 😁

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

I watched while eating my supper and couldn't help wishing I had yours. Great vid, thanks, Simon. 👍🙂

[@lorrimiller835]

My lucky night..... a video from both you and Andy tonight! Hope your knee heals soon!

[@Stringman1950]

Enjoy. It is what you make of it.

[@anndebaldo7381]

Love your videos! Such beautiful photography and so informative! Thanks so very much...I feel like I'm hiking along those trails and footpaths...

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Ann. 👍

[@perhapsfreddie8434]

Lots of people idolise rappers and pop stars. I idolise Simon because he is a normal bloke showing us how it’s done. Keep it up

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you! 😁

[@perhapsfreddie8434]

No thank you simon for inspiring to become a survivor. At school I’m doing a challenge week in the wild and only you could get me to do it cos I get super homesick. I always wanted to ask you this, I went wild camping on Dartmoor once and I found a great spot, I could sent you the location and you could do a vid their. Camping on Dartmoor would be great. And after the video, there is nowhere on the moor 5 minutes from a pub

[@Baldyford]

You've done it again. Great inspiration! Got one of the H1Rs after your review and recommendation and couldn't agree more...a great torch. Am in the market for a bivvy bag too so looking forward to that one. All the best 👍🏻

[@MCMOutdoors]

Lovely video as always Simon. Belly Pork looked amazing - hope the Chinook Pale Ale went down well!

[@rolandsalazar9562]

Always good content and very engaging. Love your adventures. Be safe & God bless 🙏🏼⛺️😎

[@tarrisb2946]

Have just found your channel Simon and love what you do. Have been interested in hiking/camping for a while now but never got round to it. However, watching your channel has inspired me. Keep up the good work and thankyou

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Tarris and welcome to the channel!! 😁😂

[@stevewright210]

Nice kit list for a quick overnight camp. Wood stove is next on my list. This would be great for when taking my twin boys as it would enhance the cooking experience with them collecting twigs, feeding the stove and helping with cooking. Another great video, please keep them coming.

[@DannyTP1888]

Great video Simon and thanks for the heads up on the warrior torch and link, I will be buying one of them on 28th to go with my head torch. Look forward to your next video. 👍

[@Bereit18]

Another great video Simon. 👍👍

[@MasterChief-sl9ro]

That Olight H1R is the best light I have. I had one for years. It takes a beating. I use it everyday...Clip it to my hat. Clip it to my pack. I never even needed the 2 extra batteries I bought. And it all fits in that little bag..

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

They are great -mine is just the only headtorch I use.👍

[@sanctuarywoods7748]

What a beautiful morning to wake up to.

[@kauaijohn]

I love the idea of a bivy bag, but I live and camp in areas that have bears. I know my nylon two-man tent isn’t much better, but I just get nervous thinking about some giant shaggy creature with long claws wandering into my camp at night looking for the source of the pork belly smell! Maybe I need to relocate! Thanks for another great video.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Yes, I think I’d be a bit nervous in a bivvy bag under those conditions too!! We have no predators that are cause for concern here - come and live in the UK! 😁👍

[@garryafurze]

I call the camp fire TV! 😍 Great videos! I’m fast making my way through them! 👌

[@MadCowOutdoors]

I cant help but wonder what job you have Simon, i have seen a few of your vids the last couple of days, (i'm a new subscriber, as i only just stumbled across your channel) and am aware of how creative and skilled you are at making things yourself... loving the content and look forward to many more videos from now.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Richard! I am a carpenter/joiner - love making stuff, not just out of wood. 😁👍

[@jacqueline7118]

Oh, pork bellies! They looked sooo good! Thanks for sharing, hope the knee heals soon!

[@myrtle6179]

The food is missing some bright colors like red and green bell peppers. You're brave being out there at night. Awesome video 👍👍👍👍

[@Peter-lm3ic]

myrtle : At night by yourself in the Army the saying was: Let the night be my friend.

[@heywhotsgoinon8286]

That looks a great kit for the odd night or weekend backpacking, I'd just add a tarp for the great british weather.lol

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Definitely!! 💦

[@kevinroberson1985]

PS I will try and get me a torch like you have looked like a very nice light

[@paulwilson7234]

Great video to watch on a Saturday morning and congratulations to the competition winner.!

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

Nice one Simon, shame your main plans were scuppered but ya made the most of it. Hope the knèes getting better. Nice torch 👍. I've been using an Alkpit head torch for All sorts from the mountains to bushcraft for a year and find that to be a really good bit of kit and only cost £28. Need to get myself a twig stove, makes sense for the extra minimal size and weight. Can't beat that first coffee in the morning 👍.

[@austinpackers100]

Thanks again Simon. I always enjoy your videos.

[@alexpage7292]

Nice video Simon, the torch and headlight look like great quality. All the best mate and hope your knee is on the mend 👍🏻

[@db8314]

Just subscribed, been watching your channel for awhile. Your video on making a wool shirt from a blanket is great! I love the detail you put into your videos! Just a southern boy from the south eastern us! A sincere thank you for what you do!

[@mrwes100]

Ive seen a video or two from you before; although I just recently subbed and I have to say you have great content. Well delivered as well. 👍👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you and thanks for the sub! 👍

[@madman432000]

A bivy alone as an emergency shelter yes, as a camping choice I would want a tarp with it.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Absolutely agree - tarp and bivi is my usual set-up. 👍

[@perebird]

Thanks for taking the trouble to do the film in spite of your knee problem..hope it heals soon 👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Stu! 👍

[@tutusilver8095]

I love how you change up your gear in your videos🏕

[@GraysOutdoors]

Nice little overnighted. Thanks for sharing. Congrats to The Captain

[@johnturner6251]

Another great cud, thanks for taking us on this journey. Gutted not to win but totally agree with the hidden GAW. John

[@KrisCochrane]

That Chinook pale ale is great. Try the William Brothers Rubus grapefruit ale, also from Aldi - it's lovely!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

That was my second can! 😁👍🍺

[@KrisCochrane]

@@simonablokeinthewoods Ha! Never noticed...you should totally do beer reviews as part of your camps!

[@RickallsBushcraft01]

I often use one of these dutch army bivi. Great for camping in England.

[@rjones8455]

Hello, do they have to be pegged out? I'm after a small bivvy/tent for beach camping from my kayak where I cant get pegs in.. Thank you rob.

[@RickallsBushcraft01]

@@rjones8455 not necessarily, depending on the ground and your setup.

[@bushtweak747]

Great video as always Simon. Hope your «wonky» knee recover soon:)

[@jonnV-gl4wi]

Great setup and good camo on the bivi! Thanks.

[@jadeoasis]

thanks for another great adventure in the woods! sorry to hear about your injury. i hope you and maggie get better soon! btw, congratulations to captain phil on winning !

[@rodbennettakakampzite5448]

Another great video! Congratulations to Capt Phil on winning the drawing..( you should have him do a video of his first use...lol). Hope your knee is mending nicely, they can be awfully painful. Looking forward to your next adventure! ATB

[@ThomasJordan-ITW]

Awesome video as always Simon, and congrats to the winner of the giveaway! Cheers

[@KevinOutdoors]

Excellent video Simon! I hope that knee is alright!

[@philipwallis5587]

Hi Simon Great video..hope your knee gets better soon..my doggy knee prevents me somewhat from using a bivy bag or even a one man tent..but I just love my hammock..👍👍 Looks a great setup and as you commented plenty of room inside..and storage..nice !! Looking forward to your next video..take care of that wonky knee 👍👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Phil - it’s on the mend now! Not as comfy as the hammock - r especially wrapped up in some of Ginge’s coziness!! 😁

[@johnramsell1109]

Fantastic little camp great video

[@petersmith6974]

Another good video Simon 👍🏻.

[@hippyswift]

I also have a variety of o-light torches send to me for use & review, never had any issues with anything I have. great chilled out video as always Simon, thanks for sharing your adventure

[@billburr5881]

Stealth camp and cooking pork don't really go together do they? Anyone with a sense of smell would follow the delicious scent. This is a great video - a real inspiration!

[@robertliepe6766]

Your the best my friend 👍👏💯🍻🤓🇺🇸

[@sarahwilks2413]

Congrats to the winner. Hope your knee gets better soon Simon.

[@gordonmccalister1892]

I hope the knee is not serious! Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Gordon - well on the mend! 👍

[@pauloffthewall6367]

Enjoyed that one Simon very fair giveaway looking forward to your next video cheers mate 🔥