How To Stay Dry Under A Tarp

[@nacholibre1962]

I've been in the Army for 39 years and joined well before the advent of bivi bags or Gore Tex, etc. I've also spent innumerable days and nights under tarps (as civilians call them) - probably close to 2000. In my case, tactical considerations within the team regarding the likely direction of enemy threat and proximity to the enemy, the lay of the land, and the correct positioning of specific weapons systems within the team dictated where your tarp went. Usually your "tarp" was simply to cover your sleeping position on the inner perimeter (it was never allowed to be higher than 18") and your "stand to" or fighting position was on the outer perimeter. So we got wet...a lot! When you're out in the field for several weeks and your sleeping bag gets wet on the first night, that sucks. The appearance of the waterproof bivi bag and the improvements in sleeping bag and sleeping mat technology have revolutionized things in the military. Nevertheless, the considerations that Paul is talking about still very much apply and that is how we roll whenever possible. Most of it is just common sense, but we all know that commodity is not common at all, so videos like this are necessary. Thanks, Paul. Ignore the idiots!

[@fatmanfaffing4116]

I did my service so long ago we didn't even have sunny days! Bivvy bags were not a thing for Australian troops in the 70s and 80s but we made our own simply because as you said, too often we got wet because the focus was not on comfort but tactical necessity. Camping as a civvy is so much easier and more comfortable and if it isn;t... what are you doing out there? Cheers.

[@m.k.7199]

While serving in the Special Forces, I slept under a poncho/tarp 99% of the time. We used a bag in a bivy under the cover. Our bivy sites were always tactically sound and always selected with wind and drainage in mind. I don't remember ever getting the bag wet.

[@billybackfire2977]

This is just about the only channel anyone would need imo. You are obviously very experienced and there is no substitute for experience, excellent Paul.

[@graceygrumble]

Tarp, mozzie net and bivy. You can go wrong and no-one can deny it. But, with experience, you can adjust your set-up to handle any weather conditions and when the weather is good, there is no better place to be. Even in pouring rain, while other folks are sitting hunched up, hiding in their airless shells, you can sit in comfort, watching the rain. Your wet clothes will be drying on a line under your tarp and you can stand, brew in hand. It is easier and lighter to carry an ultralight tent - is the general consensus. But, when you listen to the reasons why people choose particular tents, they talk of head height, floor space, storage, vestibule area, condensation, the addition of extra guy lines, more/different pegs, footprints, seam sealing, ventilation etc. and it makes me think "Are they really that much easier and lighter?" and "I have none of these concerns!". So, I will stick with my trinity.

[@nickhindle7289]

Ex army, used bashas frequently. Trial and error. I've been in a bash a in some Bad conditions. An additional goretex bivvy bag over your dossbag is the perfect combo. Nice and low in bad weather, different angles when as required to weather conditions. Elastic bungee are a godsend!

[@simonh6371]

Same here, but we only had the old olive green poncho and for most of my service no bivvy bags. Recently I started using the more modern army basha rather than poncho, in DPM (don't like this MTP) and it's like a luxury pad lol. Plus I bought a British Army bivvy bag so I'm dry and toasty. I also use bungees as we used to do with the ponchos, a bit heavier and bulkier than just paracord but well worth it.

[@nickhindle7289]

Before bivvy bags, a bin liner went over the foot of my fart sack

[@liamgadd1331]

Good advice paul. I admit I have used a hammock a lot recently and do like them but still love being in my bivvy too! People should try it as it really is not bad at all. I personally think it is warmer than a tent I like the fact that I wake up out in the open, I once woke to a deer walking past me only a few metres away, she must have known I was there but I obviously didnt distrurb her, if I was in a tent I wouldn't have that experience. People I think are so used to there four walls that the idea of being so out in the open makes them feel vulnerable.

[@MetePurphy]

Great point about the 4 walls. Personally I love being able to look out and around where I camp. In the UK I know there are no dangerous predators but when I see an the reflection in the eyes of an owl, fox or rabbit it really makes the experience the outdoors more rewarding.

[@GreybeardMakes]

Great reminder for practicing "situational awareness". Also good to mention that the angle of the eaves and guy lines will have a good effect on how much moisture gets under your tarp. For ground sleeping a tarp laid flat and low will move the edges further away from you. On one outing when it was especially nasty out I ran a trench just inside the perimeter of my tarp as I was on a slight incline. Not sure if it was necessary but I sure felt clever in my actions :)

[@hermit6208]

Yup, makes sense, a little trench to prevent any runoff from moving under your shelter. I've tried it myself.

[@robertbates6057]

Living and camping in N GA (there is no flat ground) all of my life. It often rains HARD here. I learned the hard way early in life to 1) don't camp in low spots / flow ways 2) secure your tarp / tent well 3) trench around your tarp / tent to carry water around and away from your covered area 4) do not let your ground cloth extend beyond your tent / tarp. It will funnel water into / under your cover 5} keep some dry tinder / wood under your tarp and lol, don't build your fire in a hole. I know, some will say...but I keep my fire in a hole to keep it from spreading or...it's too visible.

[@JimRodgers]

Smart set up of a tarp will keep you dry. I love using tarps for camping and backpacking. They are versatile, allowing for setup in a variety of ways to meet a variety of weather conditions. You are absolutely right - choose the wrong location, or use the wrong set up method, and you will get wet. But do it right, and it's better than a tent. Great video, thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587]

this has convinced me to get a tarp. I like the knowledge of the surrounding area that goes behind setting one up. means you have to be more aware of your surroundings and you learn from past mistakes. I love the idea of it.

[@IsleofWightBushcraft]

I always check forecast beforehand, take pack off as you say, survey, think of any potential problems, ask myself have I covered all bases, then configure tarp accordingly. Never had a problem. Very interesting chat.

[@19ghost73]

100% useful advice, as always from You! My 3x3m tarp + homemade TYVEK-Bivybag kept me dry during real thunderstorms and heavy downpours, while many tent-people got soaking wet due to unsuitable placement of their tents... Also my sleeping-bag stays much dryer under a trap due to the much better ventilation compared to any tent. BR, Gereon

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks for your positive words Gereon. And a good point regarding ventilation and moisture. Warm regards, Paul.

[@russellmoore1533]

I spent three months cycling around Britain and western Europe in 1991, and all I had was a nylon tarp to sleep under. The only time I failed to keep dry was when I pitched the tarp against the side of a church in Scotland and a huge thunderstorm showed up in the early morning. I had to hurriedly repitch the way I had done most other times. Lesson learnt that night! My pitch was somewhat like this (end on view) \ so a small wall to the left, a floor, and a sloped roof that actually came over all the floor area. I___I I used some small aluminium poles and cord to set it up.

[@tracegreathouse3295]

My experiences depended on the tarp set up and of course location. The classic lean to works pretty well especially under a good broadleaf canopy. There was some seepage, not much, and one time when a sudden gust sent rain in sideways. The A-frame is almost tent like and will withstand heavier downpours. Don't pitch it too high, stake the sides down and fill in with leaf litter to direct the water away. My favorite is stringing up a hammock with an A frame tarp with the ends of the tarp practically ground level. Keeps me dry, warm, and off the ground. Cheers m8

[@scottscott9150]

Paul I know this is a very old video, but what I hear you saying, is "be mindful of where you put your tarp so that water doesn't affect you. But HOW you do that is the video I'm looking for. I don't think saying "don't put your tarp in a low spot is enough. You might have moved on from this type of video, but what would be most useful, is going through the woods and showing scenarios that might look good but aren't, or show spots that would look bad but are actually good. Everyone thinks they can pick a good spot but most get wet under a tarp. People don't have your expertise. Every time I camped as a kid in scouts or just camping i got wet in a tent in the rain. Even when I dug a literal trench around the tent. Lately some tents have bathtub floors which helped immensely, but i think you underestimate how difficult staying dry is under a tarp for most people. You might have talked about the differences of putting your tent on dirt vs moss vs grass vs pine needles, what sort of canopy etc. Aspects of wind, elevation etc etc Much more the physics rather than just "I stay dry".

[@Longtack55]

Paul, you articulate your experience and knowledge very well. I have abandoned all inflating mattresses in favour of close-cell foam mats - usually two 375gm 10mm types. They never deflate, are always insulating and reliable. I fold them into three and attach them to the outside of my pack. Hammocks are excellent torture devices.

[@dogakacknlar9066]

This question or comment is similar in context to a comment like "a knife is good until you have something to cut" or "can you use a knife to cut stuff?". I think the ones who ask such questions are armchair bushcrafters. I use a tent to sleep in but if I expect it to rain I also bring a tarp IN ADDITION to a tent so I have a dry working and living area outside my tent. I also build the fire under it. you can also ditch the tent and completely rely on a tarp (as you do). the whole point of a tarp is to get protected from the rain. so the question is completely nonesense.

[@simonh6371]

Exactly if you have a bivvy bag you don't need the tent. I wouldn't go out without a bivvy bag, even with a tent, so there's no point in having one for me.

[@nigelgregory4777]

Hi Paul, and viewers. The thing to take from this,, is this blokes been doing it years and probably got it wrong in his early years aswell, the point is you have to practice to be perfect, it's like training for a job, train yourself to use a tarp or any other equipment before you go on multi day trips, I need to train myself to use one, but I'll only be about 20 minutes from the car if it goes wrong, that way I am safe and can try again another day, still trying to learn the knots, but this is what Pauls videos are about, keep going back and he will help you learn for free, how many outward bound organisations do that. Many thanks Mr K. Nige. Ps hope my grammar wasn't too bad, 😀.

[@lindahodgkins4197]

I like the phrase, "Its just Physics" and "Intelligence". Lots of good qualities and plenty of actual experience with the topics you teach.

[@HippyJohnWales]

I don't understand these mockers. Everything you say in your Vids is Common Sense. I was taught wood craft by one uncle who was a Forrester and another who was a Poacher. Any fool can be cold, wet, and uncomfortable. It only takes a little knowledge and common sense to be Warm, Dry, and Comfortable. I'm 6'3" and can configure my tarp to deal with most situations. (and I'm a novice with a tarp). My Tarp, Pegs/Rope, Bivvi Bag, Sleeping bag, Mozzie Net, Walking Sticks, Fishing Rod and Gear, Hygiene Gear, Cooking Gear, Solar phone chargers, ETC, weigh in at less than 10Kg. With another 1Kg for a sealed bag of Clean/Dry Clothes. Spending Money won't make up for a lack of Knowledge.

[@susanpowell4684]

well done you, that is ultralight....my grandad was a poacher to and i learned early on how to set snares and ferret lol cos i was his number one fan

[@Longtack55]

So all your Woodcraft knowledge was cancelled out?

[@Longtack55]

And often knowledge comes from experience Grasshopper.

[@fcernst]

I think the macro to micro procedural thinking was really helpful.. A lot of times you're too tired and go quickly micro at first picking a spot, and may miss the dangers of being safe from large falling trees, and poor tributary surface runoff characteristics.

[@TheRealSteveEllis]

Great vid Paul, inspired to watch your back catalogue by your recent vid on bringing back ask paul!

[@jeffreyking3807]

I think that some don't realize that when it storms rain. It's not that comfy In the tent thing. I would rather have the tarp I can hunker the sides down or raise up to watch. Love your channel. Love your knowledge. Thank you for your lessons.

[@RayGoodwinCanoe]

A gold mine of useful information. Brilliant breakdown of how to site a camp/bivi.

[@susanpowell4684]

id thought a lot of this is common sense, but then mabey thats just me,and i am learning so many new ideas from watching good channels and getting out there..plus the gear has changed so much over the years,..im disabled now and as i dont drive i dont go far...but then im lucky enough to not too...good advice from a knowledgable man...i have wild camped all my life and im 64...but always used a tent...so looking forward to a tarp outing now..thank you for uploading have subbed

[@backwoodstrails]

There is way more "theory" than "experience" on KZbin - I certainly appreciate your experience!

[@bushcraftpiper]

Been in the British Army. It works great: British Army Poncho close to the ground bivi bag and a good sleeping bag! This def keeps you in good stead. I enjoyed this video

[@johncrouch8988]

Brian Gillies Thankyou for your service! 👍

[@frozeneye100]

Big question with tarp setups, how would one minimize issues with snakes? Here where I am in Japan, there are some pretty poisonous snakes which I do not think I will be able to remain calm and move slowly when it is against my leg. Lol. Any tips?

[@liammalarky3483]

In that case, I'd say you need to be off the ground in a hammock, just like sleeping in the jungle?

[@tornadokat]

Great video Paul! I'd like to add that how you pitch your tarp is going to make a difference as well. Your other video shows it well off the ground because the rain is gentle and coming straight down and people said well yeah what about blowing rain? Some tarp pitches can handle a nasty storm better than most tents.

[@bossamood6536]

DD do a hammock/waterproof bivvy bag and mozzie net combined, so you have the choice of sleeping in either a hammock or in waterproof ground bivvy bag and once you are in it you can put the rods in the mozzie net and zip it over you. On mine it says the the DD travel hammock and bivvi MK 7, with mozzie net, so the best of both worlds. But having been in the military we would always have our basha's set up as low as possible to the ground mainly for concealment in a combat area. I think the main thing is that the further away you have the egdes of the tarp from your sleeping area the less water you will have coming inside. And if you are going to be spending more than two or more days under it you might want to dig a 'dry moat' or 'drip gulley' (6" deep by 6" wide in the ground around the edge of the tarp just where the water will run off, then at intervals along the gulley, dig out channels from the gulley outwards, so that any rain will collect in the gulley and run away outwards rather than inwards. This was common during the Bronze and Iron-Ages in round house construction and I think the Saxons used to do it as well (I also trained as an Archaeologist in 2009). But there's nothing like checking the weather first before you do anything!

[@DunkelRuhrOutdoors]

Absolutely correct, and a good advice with the Rucksack. The best way to stay dry under a tarp is in a combination with a bivy bag! The Dutch bivy bag is amazing for that. Thanks and greetings from Germany!

[@mikelychock0310]

Awesome lesson! Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@montyhobbs6266]

another thing to note is any bivi bag that doesnt cost the earth will develop condensation, any will really i think. so leaving ventilation regardless of if it can be sealed is a good idea. also as ronald turnbull explained well, conditions need to be correct to bivi with minimal suffering; a breeze needs to be going over the bag to avoid excessive condensation, it must be more humid inside than outside to allow the material to breath, and your breath inside the bag is a sure way to create huge amounts of condensation! also, the book of the bivvy is a bloody good book and the knowledge inside it is amazing.

[@OldNavajoTricks]

A tarps just a tool, and tools are of most value to those with the wit to utilise them to the best of their knowledge, conditions and environment.

[@PaulOutdoors]

Practical tried and tested advice. gleaned from many hours of experience. Priceless. I love my Brit Army bivvy bag combined with sleeping bag and sleep mat when sleeping on the ground. At other times it is a hammock for me. Thank you Paul :)

[@jackinthegreen1000]

Hi, which bivvy bag do you recommend? Is there different types of Brit army bag?Thanks!

[@PaulOutdoors]

Duncan Noel Hello Duncan...I use this one pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=222256184975&globalID=EBAY-GB British Army Goretex. I hope this helps :)

[@deanc.5984]

I have a tarp in my bugout bag. Easy, simple and Dry! Dont let the negative comments bother you. Alot more people agree with you but we dont all post it. Thank you. 😎👍

[@danofiremano]

A friend and I sat under my Kelty Noah-12 for 3 hours of heavy rain with our gear and stayed dry because we erected it between two trees that had a nice rise in the dirt between them!

[@PaulKirtley]

Careful now. That'll be the common sense coming to the fore again... :-)

[@__GALLANT__]

Glad that worked out for you. However, there is no way to look up at a tree and tell whether a limb is going to fall from that tree during the upcoming storm. I'd stay away from the "between the trees" position as I'd rather get a little damp if unavoidable than a lot unconscious after that 3 hr storm stops blowing around.

[@WorldSurvivalist]

Never got wet under a tarp, but to be fair tarps are mostly a woodland thing. if I'm out in an exposed place I'd make a tent tarp

[@modestadventurers]

Paul I can only say that in my very very limited experience that if you start to get water ingress from a tarp. Adjust the tarp and Ofc don't put it in anywhere silly in the first place. Atb and stay dry and warm.

[@GreencampRhodie]

EXCELLENT guidance from THE Ambassador.

[@fschiller4189]

I used to use a tarp fairly often, however, a modern tarp-tent weighs only slightly more than a tarp while keeping the bugs out and giving you a bathtub.

[@greg5478]

The most wet that I've got was using a bivy bag. There was so much condensation inside... it was like raining inside the bag itself. Very fortunately, my sleeping bag still does a very good job even when it's wet so it saved my night but then there's still the concern of how do I do to pack it back in my bag without getting mold.

[@dananorth895]

Upon arriving home you should always air out bags/bivies anyway. Preferably in a warm area with air circulation, especially when wet and a driers not available. The newer bivys can be had in gortex, and I would highly recommend the American military bivy bags. The old style woodland are my favorite....their waterproof gortex and breath out any moisture and make a nice light weather bag/shelter. I combine mine with a surplus Korean war era down winter sleeping bag for 4 season camping. And their both roomy enough to sprawl when sleeping....I hate mummy bags. Lol

[@danlettuce8429]

Good knowledgeable guy spoke alot of sense to me. Explained well .

[@ArjuRahman]

when I learned camping in my high school I used to dig narrow canals around the tent just below where the tent touches the ground. canals were used to bypass the rain water to the sloppy area and thus inside of the tent remained dry. It was a big 8 person military tent and too heavy. and the material was water soaking and there was no floor material with the tent.

[@urbansherpa]

Arju Rahman ....or pitch the tarp on a crest (hump) of the land, so the precipitation runs away from the sleeping area.

[@ArjuRahman]

@@urbansherpa In my country its mostly plain land, though if i got any crest the wind might be massive. may be...

[@simonh6371]

@@ArjuRahman Yep digging a channel around the outside is old school and the most effective way, it's in the book ''Scouting for boys'' by Baden-Powell which was written more than a century ago. I think people with expensive modern tents don't want to believe that you can stay outside without one i.e. in an old-school tent or just under a tarp. I stayed in smaller tents when I was younger and wish I'd known about tarps back then, it's miserable sitting in a small tent in the rain and you can't even warm yourself up with a hot drink or meal, whereas with a tarp you can create a living space and heat it with a stove.

[@ArjuRahman]

@@simonh6371 I used plenty of straw on the floor inside the tent. that helped to clear out the moisture from the air also. also that is a good insulator. stove in canvas is luxury.... :-D

[@k956upg]

I love the Dutch hooped bivvie & have slept in heavy rain & woke up with puddles on it but I was dry...next I built a shelter over it but that leaked so every evening I went back to my bivvie & there was puddles on it but my sleep system inside was dry...I have just got a dad superlight tarp now so that should go over me but I have to say that Dutch hooped bag is far superior to the British one that becomes airless in about 30 seconds if you close it up.....Dutch one also has a bug net over your face so it's nice to not wake up with slugs on your face or a days worth of insects crept into your bed while you were out..it's only second to a knife in importance in my book.

[@christopherellis2663]

I have done plenty of under a tarp overnighters, not suspended, simply as a cover. Except for ground water flow in a heavy downpour (downhill ), no problem. I tend to use shrubbery and landforms as extra shelter. Garbage bags keep pack and sleeping bag dry. Condensation can be a problem.

[@sorianosoul]

All the things this man talks about is true. i also know by trying everything. Good tips !

[@beardedperson6666]

I've been using the same tarp for the last 5 years and only once I got wet as I set it up on a slope but I just prefer using it over a tent as it's more lightweight and compact

[@PaulKirtley]

Yep, they work if set up appropriately. Cheers for adding another voice to this message.

[@purleybelter7344]

Just found you Paul. top bloke 👍🏻

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Great advice Paul...tired of people making the same stupid comments about getting wet under a tarp over here. I’m going to forward your link to any new silly question contenders from now on. Gordo

[@PaulKirtley]

Cheers Gordo. It's largely based on fear and a lack of experience but it doesn't make it less annoying.

[@rickgreen626]

Paul I am a big fan of all your videos,Thanks for the easy to follow advice.

[@amonster8mymother]

I out urban wild camping this summer again from about beginning of April right through until mid november. Hello from Canada. :)

[@alphapatriot8405]

Thnxs 4 sharing your experience and knowledge Great channel

[@cannerfelt]

How did you come across you Swedish military shirt?

[@sayuas4293]

Just the thought of bivy bags makes me feel claustrophobic. I'd hate not being able to move my arms. Are they big enough to allow for some flexibility in sleeping positions?

[@sconjaoutdoors7658]

If it's flexibility you need then you are best looking at a military bivi bag as they are a lot bigger ,tougher and cheaper in price and better quality than commercial bivi bags like rab or the north face. British Army bivi on ebay would be a good start

[@johncampbell335]

The 2Go Trifecta bivy is large enough that I can toss and turn my 6'2" frame in it easily, even with a thick ground pad. It can also be re-purposed as a tarp or thermal blanket.

[@Xios505]

I picked up a grade 1 used British Army bivi for £35 from an army surplus. Very roomy.

[@corleyoutdoors2887]

Informative and beneficial video

[@russelljoyce4904]

More sage advice as ever!

[@asmera4547]

lol Kwaidan...tongue in cheek obviously..I love his videos, I've learned alot while "chair camping" but now I know how to stay dry when I do get out into the wild.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks.

[@munchh2007]

Im looking at somwthing like a british army mosquito tent to go under a tarp, like the one that goes on the army cot. Do you use anything like this?

[@Scotland_my]

You briefly mentioned that sleeping on the floor was better for your kidneys what do you mean? Is it a chill thing?

[@backpackingonline]

I have a full length bug bivy I could tie up with an elastic cord, I suppose, to the tarp ridgeline if I ran the ridgeline under the tarp. I seldom use the tarp. I select a good site: if it rains I flop the entire bivy (and me) entirely over to the other side. The ground is dry under the bivy. The bottem of the bivy is now the top, shedding rain. It is fully waterproof, so I prop up one corner a little so I can breathe. Tarps are nice. ..that said, the wind and rain swirl around and change directions in the mountains near me so I pitch one side ti the ground, one corner low at my feet and one corner a little higher so I can look out from under the tarp. ..either that, or a flying diamond pitch. It is okay to sit out a rain squall with the tarp pitched high, otherwise the bivy has to do the job. ..and the tarp has to not get carried away or shredded. The Rocky Mountains, Montana

[@billyjoedenny]

thanks for the pod cast paul, i listen when i can.. thanks for the tarp talk my friend , i always gain something from your experience in nature. take care. ..bill

[@WhatsUpWithSheila]

I love common sense.. it always blows the naysayers out of the conversation👍 ...sheila

[@weeringjohnny]

This guy knows what he's talking about.

[@macca999311]

Been a while since I've done over night hikes.But about to get back to it.I have tarp and bivvy set up and I'm going to get a lightweight tent.My question is,how would I know to take the tarp or tent ? As I have no idea,when I might be eaten alive and wish I'd taken a tent.Any advice or sites I should pre check before setting off

[@RJM1011]

Thank you for the video Paul.

[@BushmanOutdoors]

cool video, thanks for the info Paul. all the best, Josh

[@thevirginiabushcrafter8833]

Thanks for Sharing

[@fog360]

Some people need to man up , camp out in bad weather , no matter how good you set a tarp up or even tent you will get damp. Normal people are wet setting up and don't dry out before getting in under.

[@alfredthebigasshousespider9650]

rain poncho: am i a joke to you? :|

[@ronaldrose7593]

Great information Paul, thank you for sharing. Take care out there and be safe. 🤗

[@sorianosoul]

where can i buy that tarp you use in the superlight setup video tut

[@alfredthebigasshousespider9650]

dd made ultralight tarp, you should check out varusteleka site

[@MACK13]

Excellent advice. Thankyou

[@rad4627]

This dude takes like 80% of the video time to explain something simple

[@1Selous]

After full service, in armed services, 90% of my time when way is under a poncho / Tarp, only in late 80's early 90's did we get bivi bag, but tarp / poncho still used. can only say I got wet under tarp / poncho on one hand, dont get the choice sometimes where to place tarp / poncho

[@simonh6371]

I served in the late 80s/early 90s too. With the modern issued basha (but in good ol DPM, don't like that MTP stuff) it's like a luxury pad in the woods lol.

[@scouttroop291]

My first camping trip was 1975. And camped from. The Baja to Canada. Think got you there and trained in SAR. Opss. Pich low in bad weather trinch out the eage of the tarp. Hi winds pack grass leafs on the in side. Keep heat in

[@MAXCOBRALAZERFACE]

I’m working on a tarp with mosquito protection.

[@toktokwan6317]

Nothing beat experience and good common sense...ignore them mockers.

[@Trekblazer1911]

What kind of pants do you have? where can I get some?

[@alfredthebigasshousespider9650]

cmiiaw but i think it's one of the fjallraven's trouser? good stuff, but a bit pricey, if you're on a budget you should check out Särmä outdoor trouser

[@derealovesurvival7549]

Good video Paul thanks for sharing and God bless you always

[@SeanKimStyle]

So I have a sincere question. I live in California. We have black bears, cayotes and mountain lions. If I start backpacking with a Tarp, arent I more vulnerable for an animal attack? Whereas with a tent, at least I can get a warning. I'm really curious to know, because I just got a tarp lol

[@roberteads9995]

"Rather sleep on the ground than in a hammock" Don't believe I've ever heard those words spoken til now.

[@neemancallender9092]

this is all about a lesson in choosing a campsite

[@tristanfox609]

What bivy bag do you recommend?

[@jamesbrennan3744]

OR

[@kbbjedi]

Great knowledge and discussion as always. Experience is the best teacher. Aloha.

[@majesllarroc4143]

just to say that i often hang my water bottles on my tarp to catch the rain water. in Scotland that can mean 2 ltrs a night lol

[@crazyhorseranchaz]

I'd like to know how you keep things like snakes from crawling in with you when sleeping on the ground Paul. Thanks, God Bless, TUCSON AZ We have more than enough Rattle Snakes here.

[@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32]

a bug net that is pegged to the ground will work, a bivvy bag that can be zipped up completely will also work.

[@ozdavemcgee2079]

I'min Australia. We have hraps of snakes. They just tend to stay away. Snakes here only attack when threatened. Seems your rattlres are a bit territorial..410 derringer perhaps

[@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32]

I have had snakes investigate me while I was laying down still during the late afternoon here in Australia NSW, I simply stayed still and their curiosity was sated and it left.

[@alfredthebigasshousespider9650]

@@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32 lol that is scary and funny at the same time xD can you imagine if the snake just take a look at your sleeping bag (or worse, trouser) and think "it's free real estate" ? :D

[@dananorth895]

​@@alfredthebigasshousespider9650yep... always check boots and bags etc. for critters.

[@eny68]

Perfect advice Paul 👍🏼

[@dwaynerobertson383]

I hope you can take having to prove and explain yourself to complete strangers on the internet as a compliment. I couldn't...but I hope you can. Wow. "Of course they brought forth juniper berries! They're juniper bushes, what do you expect??!!!" Sometimes ya' just gotta' say 'All the best...'. Good video. 25 years? I'll take your advice.

[@studiobencivengamarcusbenc5272]

I trust a tarp & a poncho tarp & drybag (for cushion 😳)- bivvy bag goes without saying 🤗☕️ good advice !

[@OkoYT]

you mentioned courses, i just searched your name as i saw in a video previously you mentioned Gatwick (i live very close to there) but your 6 day courses are fully booked :( i'll keep checking up

[@roundthebend22]

Great information!

[@manothewoods6759]

good job in keeping a straight face Paul! hahaha

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks :-)

[@astrogypsy]

Isn't that the point of a tarp i n the first place? Just found your awesome channel, loved the 7 day diet vid.

[@suemcfarlane4199]

Are you sa prepped as well

[@miker1645]

I use two short branches with 4 long ones going across. Knock off the notches and Lay a mat on them with me sleeping bag under a tarp, works fine. Cold nights need a big fire, hot meal before bed, hot drinks and Wiskey or rum, not forgetting a bottle to pi55 in. Just shove that down the sleeping bag as a hot water bottle ha

[@freddierowe-crowder7178]

probaly help if you set it up right so in a lean two or an a frame

[@Ichinin]

People still on about tarps? What are they doing now, setting them up vertically or eating them and complaining that they are getting wet?

[@southernohiohiking]

Poured last night. Slept in my Dutchware double chameleon set up w bonded xenon sil poly tarp. Me, my stuff, insulation… Dry as a bone.

[@larrykramer6057]

Often the ground is already wet, and then I use Tyvek to help the bivy bag and give me sitting space. Maybe there is a similar construction product in the UK. And it weighs nothing. I thought a lot of this video was for dumb people as you said.

[@fishtales2597]

Simple make your tarp into a hammock an stuff your sleeping bag in it. Sorted :)

[@shawnsoutdoorsurvival8017]

I'll still keep my tent, tarps are great to keep the rain out of my tent. With the tent you also don't have to share your bed with bugs or whatever. With the tarp thing, well, here in Florida, as soon as the ground gets wet it will leach it's way in. In Arizona, the ground is so hard it won't absorb water, it will run in no matter what. Don't try to did a ditch around it, it's just to hard of ground for that. Hell even tent stakes don't work you have to use rocks ! Maybe I'm not a "PRO" with 25 years, but I think my 10 + years is plenty. TENT

[@crazyhorseranchaz]

Shawn McBride AS I LIVE IN TUCSON AZ i can agree on the hard hard desert soil, plenty of rocks though. Up in the White mts. Though it is much easier and after living in the desert it's a nice get away from the heat of summer. Plus more trees for wood, water, shade, etc, I enjoy Mt. Camping much more, but still camp in the desert, if I can I set up a camp in a river wash, but if anyone does that make damn sure Rain is NOT In the forcast. Lots of folks have lost their lives camping in the wash and it rains. It may not even rain where you are camping, but it's raining in the mts. And the run off comes roaring down the wash before you wake up and sends you and your family and camp down the wash and end up dead and you're found in Mexico. Happens nearly every year to pilgrims new to the desert. Best of luck in your camping adventures, and enjoy the mountains in summer

[@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32]

So because a tarp does not work in your very specific, very unusual part of the world then tarps should be ruled out?