More Tips for Crafting the Perfect Bedroll

Hello and welcome back to the channel! Not long ago, I did a video on bedrolls. Today, I'm sharing a few more thoughts on what makes a great bedroll. If you like this content, please like, share, and subscribe. Until next time, safe journeys!
Bedroll Tips
Crafting the Perfect Bedroll
Camping Gear
Outdoor Sleeping Solutions
Bedroll Review
Bushcraft Bedroll
Camping Essentials
Bedroll Setup
Adventure Sleeping Gear
Bedroll Comparison
Camping Comfort
Bedroll Ideas
Outdoor Sleeping Tips
Bedroll Guide
Camping Bedroll

[@jmv2902]

leaf ticks in central AZ are usually filled with cactus spines! ( Yeah, we some tough old coots out here)🤣. But if I have to be on the ground, I use old rubberized yellow tarps, they seem to last for a good while.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

good to know

[@paul7754]

Most of the 'woodsmen' and 'bushcrafters' on YT know little to nothing about the desert environment. Some of their info can be applied but the lack of trees, wood and water in the desert requires changes in priorities and skill set.

[@PaulDekleva]

In Australia, people have taken the idea of a bedroll called a swag here and have transformed it into a free standing shelter. Originally the swag was a bedroll that would have a blanket or two and an outer cover that was canvas. There are still swags like this around, others have a thin mattress in them and the newest type have a frame to hold the canvas upper off the individual. It also incorporates anti- bug mesh (it’s become a canvas tent without being a true tent).

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

very nice

[@markbrandli]

I really enjoy your videos. I have switched to alpaca wool blankets... I found that one alpaca blanket is comparable to 2 Whitney blankets, and I have used 2 Whitney blankets down to the low 20's very comfortably.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Thanks for sharing!

[@mattflannery4448]

I made a bedroll as you described in an early video to keep in my truck for emergency. I’m too old to purposefully take a bed roll to sleep in and on when I have better options. It being always in my truck is one less thing to worry about

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i am glad its there and i hope you never "have" to use it

[@generator6946]

Too old for this! For me now, a bed roll is when I get up three times a night to go Anyway I enjoy your videos!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

lol i hear ya i am a fire tender now as well

[@M.R.T.V.Videos]

😂😂😂😂😂 very funny

[@kvonzwild8979]

Blackie, IMO you are the GOAT. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Best wishes for health and happiness for u & yours in the new year too!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

lol well thank you

[@RAINSMAN79]

I have a military modular sleep system for vehicle and camp in a stationary situation. It’s too heavy for hiking but perfect as an emergency shelter if I have car problems.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

sounds right

[@MM-gw3vx]

Blackie, have you considered adding a bedsheet to a wool blanket as part of your bedroll? It doesn’t add much weight or bulk. Simply roll it up in your wool blanket. As you mentioned in your video you’ve got to try to trap the heat from escaping. A bedsheet clings to your body more than a wool blanket. Keeps the drafts out and the heat in. Plus you can regulate your heat so that you don’t get too hot and start sweating by partially pulling the blanket away but remaining covered by the sheet. I also fold a Shemagh into a triangle shape and drape it over my head with the point facing down over my neck and upper back. You don’t even have to tie it. Simply drape it over your head and you’ll be amazed how much warmer you’ll be due to the heat that you are not losing through your head plus it stops those cold breezes from going down your neck.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

a flannel sheet works very well

[@moorshound3243]

Well said

[@merlinlucas8280]

I hear you on the Fords. I went through about 8 before I discovered Toyota trucks, (1984-1994.) The one I drive now I bought used 15 years ago with 165000 miles on it.I abuse it in the New Mexico desert. No problem ever. It's a 1994 4wd. I'm 75, and probably won't ever need to buy another.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

That is a great truck. Toyota makes great vehicles.

[@earlshaner4441]

Thank you for sharing brother the facts and truth brother

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Thanks for listening

[@earlshaner4441]

@BLACKIETHOMAS you are welcome brother

[@DaleMorris-t3n]

Another great video! Be safe, be well, be blessed!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Thanks, you too!

[@outbackowl3040]

Hi Blackie, greeting from Australia 🇦🇺, thank you for your time to make these videos, muchly appreciated thank you

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thank you for watching

[@jamessotherden5909]

I never heard of the ranger roll. I will have to check that out . Thanks for the video.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i got a few videos on the making of it look in the groundpounder list i think

[@jamessotherden5909]

@@BLACKIETHOMAS I found that video on the ranger roll. Lots of great info. thank you for pointing it out.

[@rickyfargason8859]

Blackie, remember this? FORD = Fix Or Repair Daily FORD = Found On Road Dead FORD = Fu*ked Over Rebuilt Dodge Or FORD = First On Race Day 😂 I've owned Ford's and Chevys. (Mustangs, Camaros and trucks). They both break down, but both are still good vehicles. USA. American made 🇺🇸 😎 Great video, Blackie! Everyone loves knives and axes, but bed rolls are probably the most important items you can carry in the woods. Without sleep and warmth you're in big trouble.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i agree never skimp on what you need to really sleep well

[@JoeCool-mj1so]

Great job Blackie! Very interesting. Happy new year. I hope you can stay healthy. Get rid of that cough.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

happy new year

[@isomer13]

Always top shelf advice. Have a Happy New Year. Thanks, Blackie.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Happy new year!

[@remjax1]

Thank you for the great information. Glad you are well and am praying you have a great and healthy 2025

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks you

[@outbackowl3040]

Hi Blackie, wishing you and your family a happy new year for 2025.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Happy new year!

[@moorshound3243]

Great video thanks for posting

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Seamus3051]

Thank you, Mr Thomas for another instructive and informative video. Your experience is quite valuable for the rest of us. Be well and stay safe. Cheers😄😄

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

So nice of you

[@brianvannorman1465]

As a former service member, I had to spend time outside on a cold rainy South Korean fall. I was also in my dress blues which was a 100% wool. I can fully attest to the efficacy of heat retention in that uniform.

[@Jusoon]

It is great to see you up and out in the woods! I hope you have a very happy New Year.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Happy new year!

[@jeffrichards5106]

Great tips, Blackie. Thanks! I would definitely be needing something pretty bulky for the Michigan weather. 👍🏻

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Right on!

[@joebazooka-w7k]

Good Stuff. Thanks for sharing

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Thanks for watching!

[@reneschaap8091]

GOEDENAVOND BLACKIE . een heel goed uiteinde en een geweldig begin gewenst !!!!👍

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks

[@joebazooka-w7k]

Good info

[@tjfm59]

one other factor to consider in your style of bedroll. do you have restless legs. i.e. you kick & move your legs all night. have the ecws bags, carry them in the truck. used them on a overnighter one time. had a terrible night sleeping as my legs wanted to move around. conclusion for me is no more mummy style bag. i need a regular rectangle bag that gives me some leg movement.

[@moorshound3243]

With a wool blanket I found a few big old nappy pins you can pin up the bottom and half way up the wool blanket and you will not kick out during the night. Takes about 40 seconds to do costs nothing.

[@apar1560]

Thanks Sir Blackie... very good information and knowledge/ experience handed down 👍👍👍❤

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

glad to do it

[@MichaelR58]

Good video Blackie, thanks for sharing, YAH bless !

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks for watching

[@lens7859]

Another great video, thanks Blackie and Happy New Year!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Happy new year!

[@jimssurvival4994]

Happy New Year Blackie, my 2025 bring us all good health...great video thanks for sharing 😊

[@M.R.T.V.Videos]

What's a pill ah ?

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Happy new year!!

[@M.R.T.V.Videos]

@@BLACKIETHOMAS happy new year 🎉 ✨️

[@JohnnyHildebrand1969]

Great video, Blackie. God bless you and your family.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Appreciate that, you too!

[@randypyatt5649]

It good to see out doing the stuff you like to do.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks

[@desperadodeluxe2292]

If you have a thick warm coat all you need is a blanket and a tarp. Both of wich can be used as clothing items for extreme conditions. Being outside your going to want clothes that keep you warm and are resistant to wind to wear all the time and be as comfortable as possible. A poncho liner would be best outside a wool blanket it repels water better and the camo is a bonus. 10:06 Wool crushes also but can be re-fluffed by washing and putting in the dryer for a short time. Or wind whipping it. (Your not supposed to put in the machine.) The quality of wool varies a lot whether it's woven vs pressed and what percent is actual wool. 11:53 that looks like a swiss blanket those and polish ones can be found at the surplus. They're really heavy and best for winter.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

I agree, it's always good to have layers and things that can serve multiple purposes.

[@MiClLC]

I would like to see a part two of this Blackie, you talked about keeping your body warm, but what can we do to prevent our face from freezing. Do you layer face masks? How do you address condensation?

[@paulmarren7970]

They say as knowledge increases so our kit gets smaller, and our reliance upon gadgets and trifles become less necessary. I personally love a good nights sleep. the better the sleep the more i enjoy the outdoors. regardless of fire water etc, this particular information from blackie the knowledgeable on a sleeping system comes top on you tube and i watch alot of people related to the subject. its those little blackie nuggets of knowhow that seperate him and his videos apart. keep it on sir🖖

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thank you for your kind words

[@succubusstop]

Where were you filming Blackie - Beirut? Great content, obviously filmed at great personal risk!

[@kamaeq]

No, just down South in the woods.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

near my local shooting range

[@DaBeech]

As always,great stuff, Cheers God's blessings on you and yours.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

God bless you too.

[@ryimscaith1593]

Best bedroll I've found from five decades of walking this Earth is a Great Kilt. Utilized correctly, it can be clothing, shelter, and/or a bedding. If not used as clothing during the day, it can be quite heavy, however. So it's choice is subject to change. Or to put in it context, I'd not want to carry it with a Bug Out Bag and a combat kit. However, if you're just looking for a hike and a camping outing, I would suggest giving it a try.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i wore a kilt in living history for many years it is a great outdoor wear

[@smoothvern165]

Lots of great information there! Thanks, Blackie!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks

[@Garry-t7r]

Daaaaaaaamn, you're awesome! I've watched your videos for a long time. Ty. I wish would come camping with me in the mountains of Wyoming. Lol. Ty.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Maybe one day!

[@johnmeyers541]

Good video, Blackie. Happy New Year,

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Happy new year!

[@lessharratt8719]

Been watching your channel for a while now. Referred by Corporal Kelly I believe. Finally subbed and belled so I will get notifications of your straight forward no nonsense edgucational videos. I have been a wilderness trekker for 40 years. Prospector and hunter. Although I no longer hunt I still enjoy hunting without the killing part. Still prospecting and really enjoy getting out with the minimal yet safe and comfortable gear. Looking forward to your next vid. Merry Christmas and all that stuff.

[@magnusdarkhan974]

Extra points for appropriate use of "BEHOOVE".

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

lol

[@martinhafner2201]

Yes, the down sleeping bag is very compact. But to be fair, you need to compare the bedroll to a down sleeping bag, sleeping pad and some kind of weather cover, such as a light tarp. The sleeping bag doesn't do well on its own and the expectation is for it to have some other provided ground and wind protection.

[@OldManSurvival]

Great breakdown on all the parts of bedrolls and how they provide heat/warming. Happy New Year to and your family!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Happy New Year to you too!

[@patriotpreacher43]

Thanks for the info, Blackie!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

my pleasure

[@KarenBlystone]

Hi, Blackie, Pa wander wishing you and yours a happy, and healthy new year.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

same to you

[@MattThompson-x3u]

Great info Sir thanks

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

My pleasure!

[@Wolfram762]

Great content as always brother!! Very sound advice too!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks

[@Wolfram762]

@BLACKIETHOMAS no problem sir!

[@observationpostcharlie1365]

Bless you brother great video

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks brother

[@jerryashook7531]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

glad to do it

[@WayPointSurvival]

Excellent video!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Thank you very much!

[@WayPointSurvival]

@BLACKIETHOMAS You're welcome!

[@57WillysCJ]

I have two wool blankets, not US army and all wool. I also have a fleece sleeping bag liner. It's thin but it's not only a layer but removes the itch. I have a alpaca blanket that has 80% alpaca and it is a great piece It probably weighs in at 5 lbs. and I use it in my unheated bedroom. The thing about bedrolls is they were not carried. Yeah a guy on foot would carry a blanket to help but on long journies that heavy bedroll was in a wagon or on a pack horse. It's not what the TV and movies show with a tidy little roll on the back of the saddle. Army had that with a shelter half but on the front of the saddle was a heavy wool coat. Drover's chuck wagon held all the men's blanket rolls as well as extra food. They were large and bulky. Old Daniel boon had horses, one for riding as well as pack animals.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

sound like a good set up

[@johnbland1422]

Many of the cowboy bedrolls on cattle drives actually had a mattress, and probably ole Daniel Boone did also

[@david6920-r6z]

Good stuff Blackie 🇺🇸 🇳🇿

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks

[@paul7754]

Mummy bags are designed to reduce free air space and maximize body heat efficiency. The MSS excels at that and it can be carried in a winter size pack. That said I'm not a fan of them either unless it's below freezing. The MSS bivy is a key component in a good sleep system.

[@adrianwhite358]

I have a 1943 us army wool blanket..it amazes me how it's in good condition for it's year.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i have a wool blanket from new Zeeland army 1943 and its still good

[@nelson5523]

No confundan acampar por aventura, que vivir permanentemente en la montaña, Veo que todos dicen saber de supervivencia, , pero en la vida real no funciona así, si vives a la intemperie todo el invierno, si te tiras en el piso te pongas lo que te pongas para insularte, te dará una hipotermia ,la manera correcta es dormir sentado, y nunca dejar que el viento te pegue en la espalda. Si aún no tienes un refugio,aunque es incómodo pero no sufrirás una hipotermia y podrás sobrevivir a un crudo invierno, vivo 12 años viviendo a la intemperie y cada segundo cuenta en invierno , no es nada fácil , muchas veces no logras conciliar el sueño, por si eres conciente de la realidad, de tu situacion, pues sabes que mientras duermes no sabes que va a pasar , dependiendo que tanto baje la temperatura....🎸🎸🎸😉😉😉😉😉🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲 Bendiciones y que tengan un año hermoso a pesar de las dificultades de la vida.....La vida es hermosa , y solo se vive una sola vez y el tiempo no perdona, bendiciones para todos....🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲

[@joshwebster8867]

Outstanding content! Give us links to the perfect wool blanket, etc for the items mentioned. THIS IS The WAY!

[@cavemanNCC1701]

I have never had a better nights sleep than in my bedroll . 😁😁😁

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

awesome

[@Kent4OughtAldridge]

Blackie, you know im a XXL fella, sleeping bags are near non-existent. I found a pattern for an 1800's canvas bedroll (trifold style) what weight canvas would you recommend?? Thinking about having the local "fireworks tent" company make it for me, with a section that can be raised as canopy, for over my head Moving alive air is cold air, dead non moving air is an excellent insulator

[@nicksweeney5176]

They don't call me Blackie, so, I know you ain't askin' me nothin'. Still, this bein' the internet, I nonetheless feel entitled to reply you.😉 By my own experience, I sincerely recommend you a canvas weight of 16oz; 12oz being perfectly serviceable, if quality's there. For our purposes, we need a clean, dense, tight, long-fibered canvas. Waxing that canvas will extend its rugged, hard-wearing durability, while adding essential waterproofness.

[@Kent4OughtAldridge]

@nicksweeney5176 thanks

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i agree the 12 oz of heaver is the way to go

[@Kent4OughtAldridge]

@@BLACKIETHOMAS thanks

[@JohnnyMillion-y1d]

Yeah I'm in Southeast Missouri and it gets super cold where I live.

[@tomritter493]

Great video brother reminds me of your old blanket vid

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

yep from way way back in the day lol

[@bd3199]

Could you please do a video on field shirts for layering since it's cold outside?

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i will look into it

[@mihailvormittag6211]

👍

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks for watching

[@campsiteministries]

The military poncho can be used to make a leaf tick as well.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

yes it can

[@vjasonp11]

I might have missed it but when will you be doing another run of your nighthawk bag

[@johnpowell8568]

The perfect bedroll. One space blanket. One USGI poncho liner. One closed cell sleeping pad. Roll them tightly, tie a piece of rope to each end, sling it around your shoulder, and away you go! Some might complain this is too bulky, but it WILL keep you warm on a flat granite slab on some high mountain shelf in winter and rain....

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

I agree, you can always make it more compact if you're not in that kind of extreme environment.

[@johnpowell8568]

@@BLACKIETHOMAS Yes indeed, especially if you are in a 'woodsy' setting where plenty of organic matter can act as a ground insulator. The problem for so many is the tendency to be in those high up areas where organic matter is practically nonexistent, such as certain stretches of the Continental Divide Trail, and The Pacific Crest Trail, or even the vast desert areas we so routinely travel through/past in cars, but seldom realize just how cold those same deserts get at night!

[@jerrywilson2091]

Thanks Blackie another good one for the books. Does your niece custom make a waxed canvas bag to a specific size?

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

no she only does cordura but jay at opossum pouch he might e-mail [e-mail]

[@lonewolfvamilton2438]

Thanks for a very informative video but define north country I reside in central Va

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

if you have lots of snow like months of it thats what i call north country lol

[@xPumaFangx]

Foam sleeping pag and a waterproof sleeping bag.

[@lavenderlilacproductions]

What do you think of the tinfoil bubble wrap as a layer? 4 x6 foot shouldn't add much weight, though it's only R1

[@bowdiersackett6433]

Been in a few weeks discussions on bedrolls..so both videos have been timely

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

glad to help

[@scrapperstacker8629]

A trick for fluffing up an old poncho liner or sleeping bag is to put it in a clothes dryer set to cool and put a boot in there with on and run it for about an hour. It will fluff right back up.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

yep i learned that trick as well especially if you will add old sneakers to bounce around with it

[@M.R.T.V.Videos]

Tennis balls is the actual recommendation for fluffing

[@kennethwilson8633]

Still think the issue wool blanket was warmer than two poncho liners and you also got two wool blankets issued…the old earlier down sleeping mountain bags wear okay but I was a skinny young troop in Germany in the winter…we had a lot of wool and Micky Mouse boots.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

yep in germany it would be needed

[@kennethwilson8633]

@ About the same here in Michigan especially as you go north. Love the videos.

[@johnruckman2320]

Insulation from the ground vs insulation in the back of the pickup with a canopy?

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

That is a great question! It depends on your needs and where you are going to be sleeping. i would plan on more in the truck due to the bed having wind flow under it and it being made of metal which conducts event more cold to you

[@mattflannery4448]

❤

[@Ben-qm9zq]

A trick that kept me alive as a homeless kid was to dig yourself a coffin. Removing the cooler damp earth and filling it with dryer topsoil. You can add whatever to this technique to suit your needs as is available to you, but this will keep you alive in many situations.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Great tip!

[@rahtoren6385]

Just blanket good for hot summer.

[@BIGMINION502]

I use my poncho liner with Usgi butt pack

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

works good

[@M.R.T.V.Videos]

Happy new year ......good bye if i die on my next flight ......

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Stay safe!

[@M.R.T.V.Videos]

@BLACKIETHOMAS I need to remake and carry on my flight a very basic emergency kit like I used to

[@geico1975]

What's a mil you'd like to see in a Tarp for sleeping outdoors

[@M.R.T.V.Videos]

Doubt will ever happen . He's no spring chicken go do it yourself

[@sigaso28]

There's should be a"buck nakid raiting" for sleeping bags

[@TracieHunter-v5p]

Mr.Thomas people like you are becoming very few and far between! I sure hope that the content you're creating today is encouraging the Generation coming up to want to become more self sufficient!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

that is my soul purpose for doing these videos in a hope that it will matter to someone when they really need it the most

[@donaldlinkey8399]

Hey blackie If I have a blanket up a sleeping bag said 43 seasons, what's that mean

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks for watching

[@M.R.T.V.Videos]

Now there's 43 seasons like there's 43 genders?

[@johnruckman2320]

Wool types (from different species) comparative study? Statistical data of various wool weave patterns? (Open vs closed) Wool vs alpaka?

[@bigern234554]

I like your Nissan pickup . Is it a 1989 . I have a 1992 v6 se with 99 thousand miles on it rebuilding frame allmost done. Then I have a 1995 Nissan xe with plow 107 thousand miles clutch went and they broke lots of bolts. I have motor and Trans ready to put back in. They are both king cabs . Saved them from the scrap yard . I like them my self

[@moorshound3243]

I do think we are going to see a move back towards bedroll systems as people realise unless you are actually climbing a mountain for common recreational camping you cannot beat the bedroll.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i think your right

[@morganfrmn]

At my age I need 3" of foam mat under me

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

do what ever you need to sleep well

[@heneryslayzack1271]

heat doesnt reflect it never has . thank you for talking about induction and transference and not about reflectivty . if heat can be blown away with the wind its not reflective

[@rahtoren6385]

No deer hunting there after all that blasting away.

[@GVan1953]

FORD: ... Found On Road Dead.