How I set up for Tarp and Bivi Camping

[@AndrewSmith-rp6ee]

i have been using that setup for decades, was able to sleep comfortably in that unishelter at -35 C!

[@blackdog6345]

ah yes the old holden/half pyramid. excellent shelter one of my all time favs, great for both protection and enjoying the view, thanks for the video paul keep up the good work

[@RodneyClang]

Can’t believe Rab doesn’t sell this bivvy anymore. With the bug mesh it seems perfect.

[@edcrosshair]

Sweet set up!! “Electronical” word of the day bro!

[@aaronfuentes5919]

Took me a long time to decide a one person shelter.... Big Agnes 3 wire bivy has lots of mesh and space & no setup required, anywhere. I've never used stakes with it, & sometimes don't use the poles. One& a half pounds. Love it. Fun viddy.

[@chester754]

That's a decent little set up. I was always put off buying a bivi as nowhere to store gear but this is a great solution. Didn't realise you were from Notts Paul, nice to see a fellow Notts man making great content 👍🏼

[@BeyondYourDoorstep]

The tarp to break the wind and rain is crucial! We don't have one yet, and got seriously rained out (making it hard to cook) on one camp, and totally blown out by storm winds on another camp!

[@denisedaly2307]

Love it Paul. I'd really like to see this tested in wind and rain though! ❤

[@garyhudson2017]

Great vlog (again), I was using the newly invented gortex bivi bag (Revolutionary) and tarp (a cape) system back in the early 80s, but not with such lightweight materials or the clever use of the walking pole, but then again it was the 80s and most things I used in Army then were heavy and built to withstand a Russian Winter. Regards Gary

[@backpackingonline]

I like your video because you demonstrate each aspect of your set up. I have a TiGoat Bug Bivy that has the side zipper, and before that I had an OR Bug Bivy, and never used the pole to keep it off my face. I use my hat. I keep my pack and hiking shoes inside at the foot of the bivy as well. I put the hiking shoes inside a plastic bag. I have a 9 x 5’ DCF tarp I pitch without a pole in the center. I use one trekking pole long and one short at the corners in front, the short end near my feet. The bivy is lengthwise under the tarp.

[@nicknickerson4674]

I like this idea about the best! So the head end of tarp just hits the top of bivy?

[@AshOutdoorsUK]

Hey Paul, great video mate. I often use a tarp and bivvy, may have to get the tarp s after watching this! Thanks as always for sharing mate. Stay safe Ash 🏕

[@doughoffart1247]

I've carried my Integral Designs bivy around the world since the 90s with no issues. Rab bought the company around 2011, then basically renamed/rebranded that bivy (and doubled the price!). I don't usually bring a tarp when I'm bivying, I just climb inside and hunker down in bad conditions. Very thorough presentation Paul, as always.

[@sirprancealott2003]

Really enjoyed the video & wish I'd seen it earler !!! I've got the ridge raider and solo wild camped the SDW with it in mid October 2021. The bivvi is great for stealth but I got caught out in a nasty storm at days end on Sutton Down - not having a tarp with me I had to get into te bivvi soaking wet for a miserable night and trudge off soddenly & in low humour to Amberley the next morning. I now have the DD tarp you showed & definitely will take on next wild camp hike - lesson learned.

[@aggyMI]

I only have a British army bivi, and its kind of a love hate relationship. Getting in it is a pain, being exposed to bugs is a pain, pulling it tightly closed in severe weather results in a lot of condensation, you guessed it, a pain. On the plus side very waterproof, useful in a leaky tent and adding a season to your sleeping bag. I'll definitely have to look at a hooped bivi when I find work again. 👍🏽

[@aggyMI]

@Andrew Miller like I said it's a love hate relationship

[@roberthammenrudh]

I have a friend going down that road with ”bivy and tarp”...sent him your very informative and good video! Myself I stick with my Hilleberg Enan. 😊

[@andybennett3122]

Nice set up, but with the total weight being heavier than a lightweight tent, I'd just take a tent. If I bivvy, it would be because I want to travel light weight with minimum items in the rucksack. Like in the summer with no rain forecast, for example. Keep up the videos Paul. You've really helped with getting me through lockdown. All the best.

[@KirstenBayes]

I use a mix of bivi (a Rab eVent Ascent 600g), tarp (a US military poncho 700g) and a light-ish 2-wall 4-season tent (a MacPac Microlight, 1600g). The tarp/bivi set up works really well, and can be used anywhere, snow or rain.The bivi and tarp can also be used with the tent for warmth/more space. There are lighter set ups but I know this is solid so stick with it

[@marcdevanny6423]

I'm the same, I love my microlight, she's 15+ years old now and I know there are lighter options. But she's bomb proof and I know no matter what, she'll look after me when needed. Otherwise I just use a alpkit hunka as my bivvy and a backpacking light tarp. Which is great for adding a bigger vestibule to the microlight.

[@KirstenBayes]

@@marcdevanny6423 I remember when I got it, about the same time you got yours. It really did blow my mind about how light, strong but still quite comfortable the Microlight was. Not cheap, but good.

[@marcdevanny6423]

I love it. Definitely an example of paying for what you get. At the time I think it was about £200 when I got mine. I just googled it and its £350 now. But given all the years of use and the fact its still going strong you have to say its been worth every penny and more. It was my first 'proper' tent, and I think it has proven itself to be a fantastic choice. Apart from new guy lines and replacing the tent pegs with titanium ones. I havent done any repairs to her either. Oh the seam sealing which you have to do when you first get her of course. But yeah, possibly one of the few decisions I got right in the early days :)

[@KirstenBayes]

@@marcdevanny6423 it's been brilliant, even during terrible weather: can't see a time I won't be a fan of the Microlight. To note I now use a British Army Basha as a tarp, but samey same.

[@britinmadrid]

A nice, simple tutorial. Thanks!

[@worldcitizeng6507]

Thanks for showing us beginners how to set up a tent ⛺

[@Paul-dm6zw]

Excellent video, Paul. Informative and professionally made.

[@intheblinkofmyeye7252]

That's a lovely little meadow.

[@krishoogstraat6866]

Never thought of the small pieces of cordage on the tie downs to give you that air space. In the warmer days that’s a Great ! Idea. Thanks for sharing Paul

[@PaulOutdoors]

Superb Paul and similar to my setup when not hanging in the hammock 😁👍

[@rubenalejandrobravoflores5372]

hey you should do a video on all the types of camping you have tried, like bivy , tent, tarp maybe bushcraft.. pros and cons and such,,, which one you like most and why ..

[@kevinoutdoors4861]

hello from Somerset great video very nice setup when I bivy camp I have a similar setup with a Dutch army Gore-Tex bivvy and a terra Nova adventure tarp 1. Although the Dutch army bivvy is very good and spacious the tarp in a low pitched gives you a big area for admin cooking and storage and gives me shelter from the rain when getting in and out of the bivi bag I think it's well worth the wait to carry as it makes life so much easier and as you said I know you can get a lightweight tent that does all of these things I do tent camp as well as hammock sometimes I really like sleeping under a tarp I like to be able to see as well as listen to the outdoors I like being able to get a brew on the go however bad the weather maybe

[@natscat4752]

Hello from another Somerset wild camper ☺️

[@48plaster]

great video and a really good simple tarp set up

[@Pauls2025]

Hi Paul, Your bivi/tarp videos are my favourites on your channel. I wish Rab still made the Unishelter. I did contact them with no joy. Best regards, Paul

[@Pauls2025]

Hi Paul, guess what? I managed to track down a Unishelter. Brand new and arrived this morning! Looking forward to trying it out soon.

[@natscat4752]

@@Pauls2025lucky thing. How is it?

[@Pauls2025]

@@natscat4752 it's a great shelter with plenty of room.

[@rowanblackwood1379]

Nice setup. The DD solo is a great tarp. I exclusively bivvy as I’m far to lazy to mess around with a tent. If setup takes longer than 30 seconds I’m not interested 🤣 I’ve been using the Alpkit Hunka XL for about 2 years and recently the DD magic carpet as a tarp which works great imo. 👌

[@Christopherjamesmurphy21]

I like it. You can throw a hank of para cord in your pack for a ridge line to pitch a tarp between 2 trees. For Even more dry square footage

[@colinbrown4008]

Nice easy set up

[@dcez1370]

I just ordered a DD superlight tarp S from eBay.... can't wait for it to arrive.

[@gordonmculloch4904]

Great way to set up and use the tarp. Cheers 👍

[@mickspain330]

Thanks for sharing your video Paul, good setup you have and as usual great description of everything, see you soon i hope 👍

[@PaulMessner]

If you want to see this TARP & BIVI setup being used in the WIND & RAIN... Check out this video here | kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6CpkpKigb6qp9E

[@BorderRambler]

Nice one Paul , a good refresher vid as I have forgot how the tarp works again lol .....

[@howarthp1]

Super helpful video - thanks Paul

[@olliereader5842]

Just got a new bivi as well. Great timing 👍🏻

[@olliereader5842]

Sticks And Stones 😂, I’ve gotten the OEX salamanda. It’s great as it has some small poles at the foot box with a vent and a flap over it that pegs out and the top has a big mesh or waterproof door and has a storm flap over the zip that it really good size. It is top entrance but that doesn’t bother me as I got in it fairly easily just the sleeping bag is a bit of a pain but it is a really good size and very waterproof. The top of the bivi is 5000hh and the bottom is 7000hh.

[@olliereader5842]

Sticks And Stones if your after a bivi I would get one, cheap and really good

[@LITTLEbigREG]

@@MeekButDeadly - I've just got an Alpkit Hunka. I did an unboxing of it on my channel.

[@dougdixonhull]

I have a DD3X3 tarp and just ordered a ex army gortex bivvy bag. Looking forward to using them. I've still got my tents but as you said in the video, it gives me more options. Great video. Cheers

[@barnett882]

Brilliant as ever Paul - many thanks!!!

[@05Rudey]

Personally, you can't get much better than DD Tarps and RAB Bivy's, A very nice set up.

[@KRT392]

Hello you got me convinced to buy the wild country halm compact 1 only I could not buy it anywhere instead I settled for a Vango carngorn 100 I was gonna get the two man 200. On paper they are good both 6000 floor and 5000hh fly. But good headroom good ventilation. The Vango 100 is about 90 pound and the 200 is about 100 pound. My 1st ever tent and I plan to live in it all year round and give up my apartment.

[@NikkiEvernight]

Good vid, thanks Paul. I reckon a lean to with 2 poles would be more roomy if you pitch it right with the wind. I'm heading out with my new bivvy soon, was looking for ways to set up a little tarp too :)

[@nicknickerson4674]

Kinda the same here. Was thinking maybe a poncho tarp? I can wear it in rain aswell.

[@natscat4752]

@@nicknickerson4674I am looking at one too. Multi-use 😊

[@lewisgardner1660]

Thanks Paul I hope you and yours are keeping safe?

[@lincolndave1966able]

Nice set up. My personal set up is my rab ridge master twin hooped eVent side entry bivi with my 3x3 DD Superlight tarp, set up similar to yours or slung up on a ridge line if in a wooded area. I have also tried my rab bivi inside my trailstar but it's not ideal, it wastes too much space so is best with a normal bivi bag when using the trailstar. Another great video, I watch them all and love them, keep them coming.

[@OscarOutdoors22]

I use the snugpak Stratosphere and Snugpak Stasha. Brilliant set up. Goid video Paul Mate

[@offsetsam]

OSCAR OUTDOORS how’s the breath ability in the stratosphere ? Looks a good setup , thanks 👍

[@wayout6092]

I use a Uni gear 3x3m with a Mountain Warehouse bivvy (£25 from Amazon), in a very similar manner. Nice video.

[@monkeymma5762]

I use a single swag as my bedroll with all my sleeping gear. I take out the foam mattress and sling it across my back when hiking. Have been experimenting with oilskin tarps. I like that they are more natural and may be better for heavy wind.

[@lexster411]

Great video Paul, really enjoyed that one mate

[@markreid2642]

Good information and film paul.

[@lukedorrington7455]

I still do the tarp and bivvy bag all year round, old habit from the army never tried the hooped Bivvy but looks like a good setup

[@malcolmholloway6044]

I use the exact same setup for short trips here in Iceland - Rab Unishelter + 9x5 tarp. The bivi withstands crazy winds, and as Paul points out, the small footprint allows for squeezing into tight spots when looking for shelter. The Unishelter is just large enough for me at 187cm (6ft 1.5in) with a large size Xtherm sleeping pad and a winter quilt. There's not much circulation so I occasionally have patches of condensation on chilly nights. When the temperature dropped to -8C on a recent trip the inside of the bag got quite wet above my head even though the zip was partly open. Nice setup but I don't use it for trips longer than 2-3 nights max.

[@chrisandsamlivingthedream]

Looks great Paul .. I’ve just brought oex phoxx 11 v2 on offer at £59 at go outdoors buzzing my lady putting it up for Christmas lol .. in spring I’ll get a tarp to use as you have over your bivvy .. great for cooking under .. good vid cheers & Sam

[@TonyHobbs]

Love me an MLD Tarp with light bivy. Ordered a wp bivy from Ron.

[@andrewkalinowski778]

A like the way u done this setup ! A dont own the rab but a did have the snugpack stratosphere for a while but a swaped it out for a hawk bivi bag & d&d 3x3 tarp ! With two trecking poles its abought 2kg set up but it's so versatile a cant complain abought weight !

[@rooster7779]

Long beard/shaved head really suits you Paul. Good vid m8. 😀

[@MadDogSurvival]

Good combo brother! Nice one! Best wishes mate 👍🏽👍🏽😎

[@nickmarshall8583]

Tidy. Nicely done.

[@Impalaontrail]

Sweet vid Paul, cant beat a bit of tarp action! I use a couple of different tarps the mld dcf solomid for winter/exposed or the sea to summit escapist medium for sul/ul shorter trips. Theres magic in tarp camping.. As for a bivi i use a katabatic gear bristlecone aint fully waterproof but ands more heat to the sleep system cuts drafts and keeps you dry from spray. I only use the bivi in winter or bug season and instead opt for a sheet of polycro. Saty safe, sane and keep up the good work..

[@UKSpearo]

Awesome to see the setup. I cant wait to get back outdoors after this lockdown 😁👍

[@middy1065]

Thanks Paul, interesting ideas. Just bought an army tarp so hopefully keep the outside of the tent dry for chatting at night. Will consider a bivvy in summer I think...

[@rustyspoonss]

I have a 3x3 DD tarp and a snugpak stratosphere. I really only use the tarp on really bad nights and to make a "communal" area we can all sit under to get out of the harsh weather and have a brew. My 2 person tent weighs a little bit more than the two combo but isnt as spacious for us all to sit in and have a chat.

[@steveh100]

This vid is old ish, but I use a ddtarp 3 x 3 and standard Bivvy bag, thinking of upgrading to a hooped one like this though... thanks for the info Paul.

[@andreasweber7828]

I use a very similar combo that includes a OneTigris poncho and either a carinthia or Defcon5 bivy. Probably not as lightweight as yours though. But with my poncho I can totally keep my backpack from getting soaking wet while hiking

[@obiwanjacobi]

Yep - I use a Tarp and Bivi too, but my Bivi is from a (Dutch) military sleep system. It has no hoops, just an outer shell for your sleeping bag. If I had your type of Bivi I would stake out the back of the tarp a little higher and have the back of the Bivi be the back wall.

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

Excellent, dood. Sometimes I just use a tarp + a matress bag.

[@mpmansell]

My bivi setup is very similar. I use a SeaToSummit Poncho tarp which is a little smaller, and a Yate Bivi bag. The Yate is a huge (1m wide at shoulder), cheap (45euro) bag with a seriously long zip which is ideal given I have limited hip movement after breaking it some years ago) from a Czech supplier (I'm living in Slovakia). When weather is extremely harsh, I will move the bivi completely under the tarp for added rain resistence and the bivi itself is more than big enough to stow my gear while I'm inside. While I normally prefer a tent (and have a Laser Competition at 900g :D ) sometimes the speed, flexibility, simplicity and anonymity of the bivi is unbeatable :)

[@johnbentley1056]

Nice setup. Its about the same size as the Australian hoochie that I use. Don't use a bit at all. I have never felt the need. Never had an issue with creepy crawlies or snakes. I have used this down to -7.

[@jonhulland6365]

Great as always - what are the little yellow pull tags you used to tighten the tarp to the pegs -??

[@richardlippold4281]

I have a bulky us military Gore tex bivy and terranova one man tarp I set up the same way. So much better than a tent. Thinking of switching the tarp out for a poncho tarp though. ☔

[@tysadventures1]

Nice setup!!!!

[@keithguy4288]

Hi Paul I'm a bit old school in my choice of gear, an Army Bivi and Basha make up my kit, a little on the heavy side but very strong.

[@randymcknight7764]

I use the Aqua Quest defender tarp medium, and the Snugpak stratosphere bivy.

[@ronnybru1639]

Great video....

[@iankiff4243]

Nice video paul always a thumbs up from me and you just remember it take a man to admit he don't like bugs and critters 🤪 👍

[@peterkavanagh64]

Thank you

[@GazianoOutdoors]

Nice light weight set up there, the trekking pole looks the biz being the lightest in the world, I could do with a small lightweight tarp like that to use with my British army Bivi bag, not sure I'd be able to set it up as good as that though 😂, ATB 👍⛺

[@Chris66able]

I use a very similar tarp when I'm in the woods burying a cadaver, it stops the whole filling with rain, and partially obscures the view of any passing witnesses.

[@sirforryan]

Hi Paul could you do a how you store your gear. Do you have your bag already packed ready to go?

[@europa1387]

Beards looking good Paul might grow one myself.

[@imeldakennington1047]

for the slight extra weight i would use 3x3 tarp.nice setup though,

[@Jenfromtheblock59]

Good one paul!.👍

[@robertredwood9944]

Hi Paul great video. I’ve just seen the alp kit elan which I am considering I’ve never done a bivi camp and I have a couple of questions. Can you use a left hand zip sleeping bag in a right had side opening bivi. And what mat and bag recommend for three season use.

[@PaulMessner]

You can use opposite zip bags. It's easier if they are the same side though. Bags and mats vary hugely and the price differences are the same. I've done a video on choosing a mat. SLeeping bag video coming soon

[@robertredwood9944]

Paul Messner thank you 😊👍🏻. Looking forward to that video 😊👍🏻

[@WindsongSoundBath]

Nice thank you. What thickness is the cord that you're using?

[@harrywarren5018]

Great vid love your vids.

[@Taffwildmanofthewoods]

Hi Paul, I've started using my MTP basha with my Miltec Bivi or when I use my Blackthorn 1 HMTC. I get up to piss at least twice in the night and it's nice to have a little overhead cover. I've started stealth camping locally to start with before wild camping.

[@paulsoutdooradventures1790]

Great video been trying to find this bivi bag but can’t seem to find it anywhere ur link dose t seem to work anymore either

[@haroldellis9721]

I have a few bivies, starting with a British Army one that is brilliantly simple, and gets the job done. The best one I own is the Cobra Bivi. For a tap, I typically use a BCB Basha, but I have others (yes, I have a problem, but I've leaned to live with it). I usually use one or the other, but have both at the same time.

[@middy1065]

Hi Paul, hope all is well.. can you send a link if possible to we're I can get those tie out points to fix to tarp please?

[@chrisarnold4709]

Decent set up Paul and as you say always good to create a bit of an admin area and a wind break. Kit looks good and I'm a big fan of Rab kit anyway but these are serious dollar so will stick with my issued bivi bag and basha. Dont get the use to justify more expense!

[@jasonmaddison6148]

Great vid paul 👍

[@jasonmaddison6148]

keep the vid up mate . learning alm the time off u buddy stay safe

[@sheepsteef1974]

I'd love a hooped bivy, but for now I'll have to make do with my British army bivy bag. I know it weighs a lot for a fairly small tarp, but I also use a British army basha with the bivy bag. I love my British army gear, it's fairly cheap, very strong but yep it's heavy.

[@johngarroch]

This could be my new setup for bike packing. Thanks Paul. ZzdeadzZ. Has left. His loss. Great video.

[@cosmicavatar773]

Great channel mate, I just subscribed I’m going to be getting an Outdoor Research Bivy I’ll let you know how that turns out. 💚 🏕 🔥 🌲 I’ve been winter camping a lot going to see if I can do 5F in a few days.

[@benson5468]

Paul nice informative video would you use this setup on a long distance hike say the Pennie Way ? many thanks

[@valicourt]

Love the tarp. Not sure about the bodybag tho.

[@Dean_Cooling]

Hi Paul. May I ask a question or two please? Is the foot width the same as the head end on the bivy please? And how much room does it have re allowing a large down Bag to fully loft up please? I’ve got an Exped Waterbloc 1200. My RAB Ridgemaster has given up the ghost, so am currently in a toss up between the Carinthia observer and this bivy. The only reason it’s down to these two is the length and width. Fancy the OR Alpine but it’s too tight at the foot end and would compress my bag with my Neoair Max ( L ) inside it. Thankyou and all the best Dean South Wales

[@PaulMessner]

I have the ridgeraider and unishelter. The ridgeraider has more room inside. The unishelter zipper is a much better means of entry though. It's a toss up which I prefer.

[@Dean_Cooling]

@@PaulMessner cheers Paul. I went with the Carinthia Observer plus in the end. Crikey, it’s huuuuge!! More than enough room for my large pad and sleeping bag. Was pricey but once I got hands on could see why and why all the rave reviews. Gonna be putting a vid up of it soon. Thanks for the reply. Subbed to your channel, last vid I watched last night was you using the £65 tent. If ever you head to South Wales (Brecon Beacons ) and fancy some company feel free to give me a shout. All the best. Dean

[@bugsymalone1660]

I tried out a bivi but It’s not my first choice, I have however owned the DD super light tarp tent for a few years & I’ve camped dozens of times in it. It’s probably as close to a bivi as I like to get, I’ve now bought a similarly designed 3F UL tent and I like it better again than even the DD , they have improved the design by using only one trekking pole & putting it on the inside, also they run a mesh panel on the single skin side where it joins with the floor & it improves the ventilation.

[@andreasweber7828]

Bivy camps are great in small quarters like up high on a ridge of a mountain or for going stealth camping. Myself I prefer tent camping as well. Especially since my 2p tent weighs less than my tarp/bivy or even poncho/bivy combo

[@agnescsorba8895]

What do you do in rainy days?

[@marc20008]

Where can I buy the pole from Paul love your videos

[@PaulMessner]

This is where I got mine from www.newheights.co.uk/product/fizan-compact-green/

[@alpine1609]

Love my wild camping, but now doing winter wild camping as the son has started joining me, 12 year old and living it, he can't wait for a snowy wild camp, my question is bivvy bags, just to give our sleeping bags some protection from condensation etc in our tent, I'm wondering do you get condensation inside of them, some just look like green waterproof none breathable material, some are goretex, I haven't got a big budget, was thinking of getting army surplus goretex bivy, would appreciate some advice thanks