How to make a Cowboy Canvas & Wool Bedroll

How to make a Cowboy Canvas & Wool Bedroll #Cowboy #Bedroll #Survival
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[@Keyboardman88]

An old adage is: same wool under and over. The best thing is to have two layers of wool under you as well as over. That way your body heat is trapped because of the insulation. The tarp is excellent for keeping the moisture off...however, there are many lighter tarps that will do the same thing as this heavier one. By lightening the tarp, you can add a second wool blanket for maximum heat retention.

[@inertproductionsalternate9114]

The nylon tarps always seem to let moisture seep through. Granted I have not used a canvas tarp so I don't know if it has the same issue.

[@harrymills2770]

It's probably warmer under that canvas than it would be under plastic. But any decent, waterproof tarp will do a lot to keep you warm just by being a perfect windbreak. Anyway, he mentioned a couple of times that he first made a bed of leaves underneath, first. Me, I'd go a little bit bigger with tarp and blanket. put my head to one side of the corner or the other, but parallel to the diagonal of the tarp and blanket. Then, facing away from the corner, roll up what's in front of you over you. Then do the same with the larger "half" of the tarp over everything. Makes a natural hood for your head. The size of the man relative to the tarp and blanket setup was a bit large for what I'm talking about.

[@morriganbonegardener500]

Another great feature of this bed roll is the fact that it is still a blanket and a tarp that can be used as a rain jacket or a tent or even as a carrying sack for firewood or anything

[@rfletch62]

Filed under "What every guy should know", whether 1750 or 2021.

[@lise-annedore8935]

This 'guy/ gal' likes this knowledge.

[@jeffreycoulter4095]

I like your filing system

[@Brayne01]

I agree - its good knowledge if, like Rambo, you are lucky to find a piece of rotten canvas. But we are in the 21st century and if you prepare for sleeping outside there are better options.

[@thelasttaarakian]

@@lise-annedore8935 stop making this about a gender thing.

[@jackal6902]

Yeah… naaa

[@MuskratOutdoors]

Back in the 1980's, I slept in one of these in a rainstorm. It wasn't the best night I've ever had, but I was mostly dry, and slept reasonably well. A tent is a huge plus, but this does work.

[@bootmender]

When I was a kid (1950’s) I had a Korean war surplus Canvas bed roll, you could put anything inside you wanted. On the ranch my father would carry a wool army blanket rolled up inside a poncho on the back of his saddle.

[@bradwyrick7513]

I bet your dad new a trick or two.

[@augustsmith9553]

Knew*

[@colegilliam2379]

Was it an M1945 sleeping bag cover??

[@RomeoWhiskey692]

The cowboys working a gathering or on a drive used this , it’s called a soogan ... Some of them got to be pretty elaborate. It stayed in the wagon , and was the bedroll of choice . I’ve slept in one , and stayed warm and dry even in light rain and snow . I’ve woken up with frost on the outside of the tarp many times . We used big safety pins called blanket pins or diaper pins to hold the whole thing together , and rope to tie it up with . Cowboy gear for real .

[@MrQor2]

Where can I buy this canvass tarp?

[@RomeoWhiskey692]

@@MrQor2 It’s not going to be cheap . Academy Outdoors sells canvas tarps … you might find some pieces from a military tent in a surplus store . Catalogues like the Cumberland Store sells canvas , usually cut to order . If your town has an upholsterer or awning shop that might be a place . Places like Tractor’s Supply might have a canvas cover for machinery . Harbor Freight used to sell welding blankets that you could sew together to make a pretty decent tarp .

[@markeverson5849]

@@MrQor2 sweetheart you can call around to some hardware stores if they don't have one in stock ask him if they can order one for you they all have connections you can order stuff like that online watch out for modern-day chemicals. You can make your own heavy painters cotton drop cloth pick and choose the size you want you can also learn how to do waxed canvas yourself go online Google it :-) I'm new to Google and my phone

[@UnlimitedEmeralds]

@@MrQor2I got mine on Amazon. The tarp was the most difficult thing to find. Ended up paying $25 for a 5x7 canvas tarp. I’m on a budget so I can’t afford all those $200-$400 tarps the bushcraft guys have.

[@iamsecond3625]

You can still buy cowboy bedrolls.

[@johnnywick2011]

Made my own but we always have heavy rain where I'm at so I bought a painters canvas dropcloth that weighed 10 oz. When I was done waxing and oiling it weight about 8 lbs. Lmao. Have gotten any wind or water through it... So far. Be blessed. God is king. Everyday.

[@hoopoo3721]

I know this is an old video. But I love the old ways of camping. Shame not to many youtubeérs camp like this.

[@lae52]

As a buckskinner/reenactor, I've long been aware of canvas and blanket combos. Wow, the diagonal orientation sure makes a lot more sense than other arrangements.

[@bradh74]

Yes that tarp and blanket could serve many purposes. That's one of the most practical/useful things I've seen so far. I think I'll look at tractor supply for one. That would be a great set up for the car or truck for everyday safety stuff for winter especially. My parents always had blankets in the trunk when we were kids.

[@mckay2246]

How to turn yourself into a burrito

[@warlockfreak89]

McKay Lipscomb a sootchrito

[@ianraby9228]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@personne799]

👍🤣

[@USMC6976]

it's called bear-burrito.

[@russiansmurf9724]

Bruh

[@valiantgordon762]

One of my most favorite video.Im a Retired Cowboy...Spent 18 hours a day on Horseback doing cattleman's work...How bout a video on useful knots......I spent part of my childhood in Backwoods of Louisiana and Ozarks learning Bushcrafting....Im Also Ex Air Force.....Now semi disabled.....How bout a video on being a survivalist when your handicapped.......(It about training the parts of your body that still work (hands and arms) and a survivor gratitude attitude...) It's 10x Harder when in a wheelchair.......

[@rockingrogershomestead]

I never thought about doing it diagonal! I always did it down the middle. I was never really warm, and couldn't understand why they used this method back in the day. Thank you!

[@just-a-fella3212]

It works, but don't fold the same side over you first as he did. Instead, fold the side with its corner nearest your feet over your first, then fold the side with the corner nearest your head over you. This way the rain cannot run in under the top sheet as it can the way he folded it.

[@ozdavemcgee2079]

We used to call this a Swag in Australia. Until ppl started adding poles, flysceens and flash matresses. Standard gear for camping until 1970s 1980s here died off as sleeping bags got cheaper. But this is the way to go. Ive slept 7 hr in a inch of rain a hour and was dry as next morning

[@gomezy3k]

Back in the 50's we had a canvas bedroll. It was made for either blankets or light sleeping bag. It was sewn across the bottom and part way up the side. The rest had rings and snaps to close the opening. I used it a time or to hunting and it kept me nice and warm.

[@bhoward9378]

That is definitely a Swiss Army surplus wool blanket, probably from late in WW2. I have one. They are the real deal.

[@evelbill1439]

They sell them at a great price on SportsmansGuide.com. They are full size for a single bed.

[@BW-og1vu]

they are not from WW2, we still had them in our basic training in the eighties. But not in the field but as a blanket in the bed.

[@thelasttaarakian]

Most of them aren’t actual swiss army blankets and most of them aren’t from WW2. Usually 60s and 70s.

[@jerridgossett62]

Wow, those old timers were TOUGH! It's an very useful idea, in case of a shtf the sleeping bags are gonna be gone quick. But you can usually find a tarp. Thanks Don. I learned something very useful today. Haha God bless

[@barnastil591]

These are far superior ro sleeping bags. EVERY element you have should have at least 2 or 3 uses

[@nmarbletoe8210]

One thing we forget is that often they had horses or other pack animals. Like we have cars today, in the old days we went with beasts.

[@isacckinney7883]

@@barnastil591 and historically them cowboys would carry a small part of their kit inside the roll, you know like: Shaving kit, toothbrush, etc.

[@NewtonWashinton]

I would recommend in that roll having a light weight 10'x10' plastic tarp for a tent.

[@Jesusandbible]

wont insulate as well

[@markc6207]

and a foam pad

[@SwampDweller67]

@@markc6207 Go ahead and bring your f'n mattress from home while you're at it. Geez.

[@Inlinetodie]

@@SwampDweller67 LOL

[@Army-xn9tj]

@@SwampDweller67 lmao

[@visnuexe]

I took a friend back packing into the Everglades with a similar set up. I used a nalgahyde cotton backed bed cover as the tarp and a thin cotton blanket that could roll up thin since it was fall but still hot in Florida and apt to rain. We used a 2 man army surplus backpacking tent that I still have used for over 10 years. Good thing too because it poured the first night. Nobody told me this was traditional. I had used this for regular camping during the summer.

[@samvittoria9692]

Old school works. It won't get holes in it from the camp fire.

[@jed9615]

Great idea of the old ways that still work! Thanks brother, and as always keep walking with our KING

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Somehow I missed this video...awesome one, Sootch. I love to cowboy camp due to the minimalistic needs and this is vital in stealth camping. My "cowboy roll" includes a canvas tarp, military woobie, a headlamp with red light features, a folding GI stove, 450ml titanium cup with lid, a Bic lighter, a couple of trioxane cubes, a small food pack with usually a noodle meal with favorite ingredients, a collapsible dog bowl, eating utensil, coffee, unfortunately has to be instant and a one liter Smart Water bottle. All of the aforementioned items fit in a tubular cloth bag I sewed with a length of 550 to secure the opening. An old leather luggage strap connects the two leather belts I found at Goodwill to secure the roll. My normal EDC items complete the kit: Bic lighter, an Ontario Rat 1 and a Leatherman Sidekick multitool.

[@fjb4932]

Alex, My EDC includes a .44 Special / .45 ACP, good sharp knife, and an Akubra hat. Cheers, mate . . .

[@royphelps8084]

Back when I was a kid , when I rode for some ranchers , had a old tarpaulin and 2 wool blankets , kept rolled behind my saddle. Borrowed saddle bags from my aunt , id saved enough for a rifle boot . If it got too bad , try making it to a cabin or line shack , feed shack . Sure was nice to have a real mattress to put my roll on

[@moorshound3243]

Your a dieing breed Sir.

[@NasTimeAdventures]

I always thought the old western's bed rolls were smaller. So interesting. Cheers mate.

[@sticktackman]

great demonstration, keep the cowboystuff coming!

[@savagesapper4260]

Never would have thought of this. Thank you. So much more economical than buying a two person sleeping bag.

[@jacksonteller1337]

In the army in the late eighties early nineties we used our pup tent half to make an envelope. That was a similar way to waterproof the sleeping bag in a snow hut when training in Norway. The German army did the same with their Zeltbahn, the Norwegian army had their gear suitable for the climate already they didn't need to improvise.

[@navarrosarah1]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I have learned a lot from your videos.

[@trixiebella5541]

As a horsewoman and tracker and hunter Inflate a bath pillow too as a pillow. But lighter the faster less burden in your horses back

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

ok

[@JeffWallace2009]

Or you can purchase a travel size “My Pillow”. It’s in my pack...

[@daveh7720]

When backpacking I'd put my boots at the head of my sleeping bag and pad them with a rolled up jacket or heavy shirt. I'd put my flashlight and the contents of my pockets in the boots so I could find them in the dark, or when I got up in the morning,.

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

Dave H - Same here . I've put a hot rock from the fire and put inside a damp boot wrapped in a shirt .

[@mr.manson1195]

I just sit by the fire all night.

[@maxwaldburg4286]

This video was exactly what I was looking for. I had a feeling it could be this simple. Obviously I’ll have to actually test it… I hate tents so was thinking of this bedroll with sleeping bag plus tarp overhead. Also hate all the polyester plastic shite that everything seems to be made out of.

[@alfredyu7213]

Awesome idea!!! Thank you for sharing!!!😎 LONG LIVE THE REPUBLIC!!!!

[@2326TX]

good video. it covers the basics. try not rolling it so short, should be about 3 ft. or so long, easier to tie it down to the back housing of your saddle. I use two tarps, one 9x7 and one 8x6, a large wool blanket, a llama wool poncho, my coffee pot and coffee. Also, I usually have my carbine rolled up in it too. My personal items and food are in the pommel bags and tools and such in the cantle bags. Guess you can pack your saddle rig anyway you need to. I'm not a survivalist or prepper, so I reckon you probably have a better idea of what to pack. I ride fence for a living, so my saddle is packed for my daily needs.

[@markeverson5849]

I've dreamed about being on a large Outback wild fence running job do you need any help

[@thereindeertherabbitthebat592]

I thought about doin this same thing w/canvas & the same Swiss wool blanket recently... 😃. Cool

[@danieli7482]

Cheers a simple clear video . I used to use a swag.the only down side can be the weight of canvas but tough!

[@dustin9571]

Very cool, when my kids get a little older I wana do a survival type camping trip with them

[@bowdiersackett6433]

Was looking at this tarp at TSC yesterday to cut and make ground/kneeling pads for camp. It did have a strong smell to it so thought about getting a painters drop cloth and then waxing it waterproof

[@teresaroman3348]

You just "swaddled" yourself. Very good way to keep warm and dry(ish).

[@magicdaveable]

I use a 12ox canvas tarp and my Great Kilt for a sleeping bag. The canvas is waterproofed.

[@springbloom5940]

I do 3 layers - fleece, wool and a plastic tarp. I spent the Texas cold snap outside in it. Woke up thinking it didn't get that bad, until I poked my head out. Got frozen to the ground.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Thanks for the knowledge about Cowboy Canvas bedroll's Sootch00. As always long live the republic my friend.

[@let7771]

I learned something new. Didn't know about about the angled folds. Thanks, got it!

[@martincooper4487]

Very simple but clever system. I always wonderd how they use to manage. Thanks for expert knowledge.

[@jerardorojas7164]

I use a hammock with wool blanket. Seems to work fine too. Just make sure you bring a few extra large nails

[@southern_pride0]

i'm running one of these rn for camping, i'd like to grab one of those that has the inserts for memory foam so i can really sleep anywhere god bless you and your family

[@gerretoutdoors3710]

This video was perfectly timed. I'm looking to build my own roll and I find your video

[@brandonbrown6544]

I don’t know my zero degree down bag weighs nothing and is water resistant. Put down a foam mat and stick that bag in a bivy sack and I’ve slept in literal blizzard and full on rain storms (I was a mountain/ backcountry guide). Cool setup and definitely cool to see how those old timers did it, they were tough as nails. But modern materials and advancements are pretty impressive.

[@thelasttaarakian]

No one said its better. Either you get it or you don’t.

[@bryanmontgomery4050]

Painters drop cloth and wool moving blankets; finish with a nice blanket on the inside.

[@regularfather4708]

I saw the thumbnail and at first I thought this was Townsends or Coalcracker bushcraft.

[@udod6372]

……very Good practical idea.Next Spring time I want to use it. In wintertime or on my boat I use an australian old SWAG ! Thank you Sir

[@ke6ziu]

I have one of those very same blankets! VERY WARM!

[@etnrutledge8461]

I use an old style usgi poncho and a woobie and wool blankets. Same concept.

[@claudiamiller7730]

Every bone in my body began to ache when you got down on the ground to get into your sleep cocoon…bless your heart!!

[@pepejuan2924]

Always good info on your channel, thanks for posting 👍

[@angleralex2427]

I do civil war reenacting and we carry blankets nearly just like that, some carry it with then 24/7 but most leave it at camp.

[@AdirondackAmerican]

The Micronation of Pontonia that’s awesome! I use my wool blanket and the 10x10 oilskin tarp I made.

[@carolynsparks3164]

@@AdirondackAmerican What did you make it out of? If it was deer skin was it very heavy?

[@AdirondackAmerican]

The oil skin tarp is 100% cotton treated heavily with a boiled linseed and mineral spirit solution. I didn’t soak it but rather sprayed it on in about 6 coats. I didn’t add any pigment, so over time it’s turned a dark gold color. The tie outs were however reinforced with goat skin. The tie outs them selves are hurricane lamp wicks. Overall I’d say it weighs in at about a kilo or just over 2 pounds. It rolls up nicely on my pack. Works great even near fire. And looks awesome. In the very near future I’ll be doing a video on tarp pitches for a bushclass series I’m doing.

[@AdirondackAmerican]

I use goat hide for most things. It’s one of the strongest leathers for its weight. Deer hide is very strong and also light weight but the grain is not puncture resistant enough for a lot of my projects. My wife makes gloves and that’s about all I use deer hide for.

[@macgyverbryan1377]

That's some good knowledge to have, often times what people knew 100+ years ago was best. Sadly much was forgotten due to technology.

[@bonniesplace3937]

That would be a good truck/car prep for what if situation

[@jeffpittman8725]

Add an additional fleece blankets and you gain a significant amount of insulation. Great video!

[@chrisadams3668]

So much this. A wool blanket alone will see you freezing to death wondering why it's not warm.

[@jacobusopperman3797]

This useful video has helped me a lot,and I considerder it as one of the most helpful video's on KZbin. 😊

[@DreamwalkerFilms]

This video sold me. I'm heading on a motorcycle cross-country trip for the remainder of this summer/fall. I'm ditching my bulky sleeping bag and awkward tent for this - and it will double as my backrest while on the road. Can't wait.

[@Wolf-Squatch]

How'd it go?

[@shaboz100]

Learn something every day. Thanks.

[@dhession64]

Nicely done. This is likely Mors Korchanski approved lol.....seriously, I've been watching a lot of his videos lately, and the man is brilliant. I do like the way you present it. I'm positive it will work. Keep up the good work, sir.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Real nice. I am going to be on the trail old style. Thanks for sharing. Take care.

[@gexydo]

Great knowledge, thank you for sharing it!

[@mrwdpkr5851]

I'm definately doing this . Thanks !

[@jcottrill1691]

perfect carry away bag lunch for a grizzly

[@ChineseChicken1]

Get one of those camping hammocks. Otherwise known as a Bear Piñata.

[@SwampDweller67]

@Another KZbin Prepper We could except for goobers like "northern range".

[@paulcoy9060]

"Hey Boo Boo, look! A burrito!"

[@greekveteran2715]

Humans are more dangerous than any animal.

[@johnford3553]

Bear burrito, LOL! Spent many nights as a youth camping in bear country. No worries, other than waking up with a snake cuddled up with me.

[@MrHowieZ1973]

Orscheln has these tarps too. We use them to cover our cut tobacco.

[@glenhughes8013]

Your channel, and other's like it, recently became more relevant to many people. Just subscribed.

[@steveferris663]

Good video. Add another blanket and a cotton sheet. Bedroll usually weight about 10 pounds.

[@ChrisHanline]

Looks *very* comfortable.

[@fokkerd3red618]

I think this is a great idea. Thanks for sharing

[@markpoore3260]

Very informative like always keep the good videos coming long live the republic

[@chrisgolden1770]

One thing that works really good for strapping these up are dog collars. They have them at the dollar store and Walmart for under 2 bucks. They work perfect because they already have a carabiner hooks on them

[@peggyhall5363]

Good thinking. Those collars could have multi-use.

[@RogueSmithers]

The only time I've found a sleeping bag comfortable to sleep in has been a mummy bag with fleece blanket inside when snow camping and when you buy 2 identical ones and zip them together into a huge sleeping bag for 2 adults plus 2 kids. Always found a good fleece blanket and a tarp to be best but the tarp is noisy so looking into other potential options besides canvass. Lol. A hammock that's been sprayed with waterproofing does work ok but may as well have a bivvy sack at that point

[@camomarv]

That’s a awesome video! Thank you never thought about it! I probably will try that out tomorrow night right away 🤠😁

[@ghettomama4299]

My grandma taught me to wrap baby dolls that way😀

[@pcer9973]

We're so disconnected. I'm glad I'm looking all of this up.

[@royphelps8084]

We use to cut cedar or pine , freshly cut, leaves and down pine needles, infested with ticks here . I've made a cedar or pine windbreak , and bed down close to it , have awakened with 6 to 8 inches of snow covering my bedding.

[@maxkallio3723]

Interesting! I liked it. Yes you’re right we only knows things that sells in Walmart but how is it being hundreds of years ago we don’t know.. now we do! )

[@1968CudaGuy]

Just pulled my bedrolls out of the trucks and car to wash blankets and air out the canvas. I keep an air pillow and a full sized flat sheet in my rolls for comfort.

[@TRUEEARTHQC]

This giant taco is very ressourceful!

[@robertleslie2467]

Love this system and have done it myself with a surplus US army wool blanket. The only downside is that the fur missile doesn't fit inside too. She'd burrow in and mole up fine but I'd need double the canvas and wool blankey to fit her in and she's only a 35 pound aussie shepard. But what a bed hog!

[@ednagettobed5793]

Never seen that before. Will give it a try. Thanks.

[@eddy4283]

Great advice definitely a need to know for everyone. Thank you so much. I can’t resist this. You could call it a burrito for a grizzly bear lol😂

[@blueballs5150]

Good stuff. I want to go on a traditional minimalist campout. But I’m one of those gotta cover all my 10 Cs guy.

[@capcon6]

Very nice, I'm going to try it instead of buying an expensive bag!

[@valiantgordon762]

Knowledge and PRACTICING WITH YOUR GEAR IN MULTIPLE SITUATIONS......♿🇺🇸⚜️

[@royphelps8084]

When I was a kid, my saddle roll was big enough to cover me like a taco shell ,id cut a limb to make a bow to keep my blankets and tarp off my head while I slept . I left it in the barn when I went to ft Benning, it was ruined by the time I came home . I've gathered up some stuff , that I can remake it . I actually found some thick clear material, to make sure I don't get wet ,if I sleep on the ground now . I got a education at ft Benning, and watching some bushcrafters, ive learned different shelter setups .

[@_Norse_Nomad_]

Before you finish the roll fold the opposite end in to prevent your blanket from getting wet.

[@razieldrakis]

Ladies and Gentlemen. . . . I give you the "Sootch00 Cowboy Prepper Burrito, Supreme!" 😉

[@Zurgo-fl1kx]

I'm sure he's warm though

[@skyclown1]

Poncho liner for the summer instead of the wool blanket.

[@alpinglow]

That could be a nice shelter for homeless folks! Simple, easy to carry and easier to clean than a conventional sleeping bag!

[@fredflintstone1547]

you made that look simple and prudent

[@IMKINDOFABIGDEAL13]

I would definitely not use fleece for this unless it's all you've got. But if you plan on putting together a bedroll to actually use more than once track down some canvas or oil cloth and a nice wool blanket

[@jayfromtexas6718]

Thanks for sharing.

[@theduke9953]

Good stuff partner. 👍🏻🌵🤙🏼

[@gordontyree9858]

Great video! Learned a lot! Thanks

[@johnbrown2163]

Cool Video. Thank you for your hard work.

[@leestephenson4952]

Enjoyed. I really like the feel & smell of organic old school materials over synthetics. That must weight 10 or more pounds??

[@jamesw.5135]

Should be just under 5lbs given the dimensions and material he listed.10 oz 6x8 canvas and surplus wool blanket (typically sub 2lbs itself.)

[@johnnypalamino1761]

Great stuff again!!! Thanks.

[@saintracheljarodm.holy-kay2560]

And keep in mind that the saddle was used,flipped upside down with the saddle blanket too rest your head, and pew-pew's snuggled right next too you under that. It was simple and the saddle bags would have had your most important items. It worked for them then it would work today. Take care and keep safe. And God bless America amen. 🇺🇸