Polish Lavvu V’s Tarp Tent - WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CHOOSE? | Bushcraft Gear | Tarpology | DD Hammock

Comparing the Polish Lavvu and DD Hammock Tarp to help you decide which one is best for winter camping.
Includes a demonstration of how to sent them up and an introduction to the Honda Knot.
This guy can modify your polish Lavvu to your requirements: / northernoutdoorsuk
Please note: I am not sponsored by the kit companies.
Where to get your hands on:
DD Hammocks XL tarp: geni.us/NxI9
Walking pole: geni.us/tn5A
Paracord: geni.us/yRww0
The video and/or the description may contain some affiliate links. This means if you buy one of the products we recommend, we’ll make a small commission which helps us continue to make 100% videos. We never recommend anything we haven’t used or don’t 100% believe in.

[@robertshand8923]

I find an overlooked item that doesn't weigh too much is a hot water bottle, you can use it as a bladder to hold some water for carrying and it can give you a couple of hours of warmth for when a fire isn't desirable/possible. Great content as always!

[@daniellee5272]

Robert, Trakker Products offer a great hot water bottle. Perfect size!

[@linedwell]

Klean Kanteen with a sock is my hot water bottle... Even at home.. 🤣

[@jimcy1318]

@@edwardfletcher7790 Who you calling not cuddly

[@robertshand8923]

Also as another suggestion is to have a foil emergency blanket (folded to size) lining one side of the hot water bottle cover (if one is being used) Thus adding a bit more insulation to maximise the heat transfer to your body and not to the surrounding air. I think the common size natural rubber water bottle holds 1.7ish litres which is roughly the same capacity as the largest Kelly Kettle model. It would be good to see a basic comparison test with a foil lined bottle compared to a unlined one.

[@joannekeefe426]

Great idea

[@sarahsue42]

The trick in life is not to have to choose! Yes more versatility with a tarp ..or is there? The lavuu is really just 2 roughly triangular tarps..2 can be combined with a 3rd to make a tipi shape with an awning or 2 can be combined with a tarp and a couple of walking poles/lengths of wood to make a massive baker tent with a sun roof.Since you're talking about winter options I'd have to say lavuu combined with a woodburner over a tarp for those long cold nights.. you can put twigs across the arm holes for windows or (KZbin tip) make a chimney size in the base of a metal cutlery drainer to keep heat away from the canvas I lash 2 poles together for the inside my lavuu to massively increase usable space without a central pole That or suspend from a branch works too

[@sarahsue42]

Ps best mod for lavuu is a skirt around the base to instantly add space See Simon a bloke in the woods video Great vid thanks

[@GreytOutdoorsMedic]

I’m 8 seconds into the video, you better not diss the lavvu or I’m writing to Santa to put you on the naughty list.

[@jimf1964]

"Winter" depends on where you are. I think tarps are a great idea when hiking and bug aren’t too bad, and you did a good job explaining your set up, but if you’re going to be somewhere really cold, snowy, and forested like northern Canada, the Lavvu in canvas is far better. You can sled it in, or canoe spring and fall, and no worries about sparks from fires. I even know a guy who set his up to take a small camp wood stove.

[@najroe]

I agree, where i live we can get 1m+ of snow in a weekend and temperature below -40 is not unknown. Next downer, here bugs WILL destroy your sleep in summer, forget mosquito netting, no-seeum will just waltz through them, you will have hundreds of bleeding bites next morning without it. you NEED no-see um netting on a good tent for a good nights sleep, biting insects (no-see-um, mosquitoes, horseflies, deerflies...) can be so bad they look like dark smoke on the water some days.

[@oldsoldier181]

I have seen people make a small ammo box stove and use them in these as well. If I recall correctly, someone even used to make a stove jack that went through the sleeve.

[@Tykepaints]

I know the DD is lighter, packs down smaller and is generally more versatile…BUT, one of my fondest memories growing up is camping in a canvas tent with *that* smell that you only get with a well used canvas. Despite camping in almost exclusively synthetic materials for the past 20 years, the smell of a canvas tent is still one of the first things I think of when I think of sleeping outdoors.

[@nicholasmilcham3492]

Tarp, every time, without exception. Add a hammock for bonus happy

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

The Lavvu’s advantage is that it’s a waterproof coat. That means you don’t need to carry a waterproof. When the Lavvu has been soaked and dried the fibres swell and it’s waterproof. Yes more room in the plastic tarp. I have a German elephant skin for my ground sheet. Swedewoods uses the Lavvu extensively

[@LycanthropiesSpell]

I've stitched the back of my lavvu shut, added a zip in the front, added a foot-high wall and also added a 3/4 floor, leaving the 1/4 for dirty boots and a stove. Also added mozzinets and spreaders to the armholes - but not to the stove one, just a spreader there. Turned it into a proper tent, good enough to ' glamp ' when I feel like it ( when out on a run with the moto ), as I normally just use a tarp in a lean-yo config, or nothing at all... .

[@sid35gb]

Do they have a lot of elephants in Germany?

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

@@sid35gb Coventry in the centre of England was famed for it’s Elephant even made it on to their crest. So it’s reasonable to assume that Germany had many. Thus the abundant availability of these 👍🏻

[@lawrencemartin1113]

The disadvantage of relying on the waterproof 'coat' concept and not carrying a dedicated waterproof with your lavvu, is once the tent is up, you have no coat to go out in to get water, firewood, food etc. It is a lovely bit of old world kit and I love them, but would never exchange it for a decent smock!!

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

@@lawrencemartin1113 I would counter by saying, cook on gas/meths/gel. Have water with you. Assuming it’s an overnight stay. If more than that yes I agree additional means of staying dry an advantage!

[@neilcastell6951]

i like using canvas in winter, the ability to have a fire near (or a stove inside) gives it an edge, plus i find once heated up it retains the heat longer than a synthetic tarp.

[@ReagerNu]

I´ve Got a polish lavvu. I love it. From what could see, yours is a size one. I´ve Got a size 3. It´s much bigger… Let me just say… I follow quite a few on KZbin.. Not all of Them are my KZbin-heros. They have to earn that title.. I have seen enough from you, and from now on, you are one of my KZbin-heros. I just love your storytelling… and your car… 😜😎

[@ditschi6818]

First off, sorry for my easy / bad language which is a bit rusty. Nick, I've been following your channel for 1 month and I love it. Your tips and tricks are based on real learning and its application in the field. That reminds me of my military service with the German "Gebirgsjäger", we have always learned to use our basic equipment to be safe outside in the mountains during the day and at night. Since then, and that is more than 30 years ago, I have been using this knowledge for all of my trips and tours into the nature of this world. Next, starting January 2nd, we will embark on a seven-day walking tour of North West Scotland. Thank you for your well-founded and simple but nonetheless "vital" tips for outside. Everyone can benefit from it. Best regards and "horidoo" D.

[@Andyb2379]

So this is a subject I’ve gone on about a number of years. I will always come back to a tarp. It’s far lighter & much more versatile. That said the lavuu can be used for hot tenting with some care. The tarp can’t but can be configured to benefit a fire. But tarp for me.

[@brantoncridhe8088]

Or suck up the weight of canvas, and use a canvas tarp and have the benefits of both.

[@Andyb2379]

@@brantoncridhe8088 good luck carrying it when it’s wet through

[@hildegardkhelfa5358]

Thank you so much. That is so helpful, because I am just planning winter overnights. My dog misses our bushcraft nights, so guess what: the stinker wakes me in the middle of the night, pretending to have an urgency, just to find a place outside with leaves, grass or snow to lay down there... It is better, since I built him a tarp tent at home (yes, maybe I spoil him a bit) and filled some pillow covers with dried leaves and herbs, but well... If my dog needs winter overnights to be happy, I think, I have to serve his desire ;-) (and of course I would love too..., just found my warm sheets so inviting, but well...;-))

[@danielhall5554]

Okay, I'm not going to lie. At first, I was thinking about buying a Lavvu... Now I'm going to buy a nice canvas tarp and favorite this video! MASTERFUL!!!

[@billlyell8322]

Hi great video. BTW for full disclosure I use a lavvu. Obviously the canvas lavvu will always be heavier, but that does your rain gear weigh with the tarp set up? I ask because the lavvu is more than just a tent, it is also your rain gear, and also winter cloak. Due to this I think it only fair to include the weight of rain/snow gear in too. I have done many 4 mile walks with the lavvu in rain and snow. I was just wearing a shirt, hoodie and light jacket over a base layer under the lavvu poncho even in snow. It kept me toasty warm. This is why I'll never sew mine together like some do. The only mods I made is a stuff sack for each half, 4x8 ground sheet, 6 ground hog pegs for each half, and 1 or 2 3-8 foot telescopic tarp poles that double as trekking poles. Each half comes in at under 4 pounds with a pole, under 5 pounds with 2 poles. The telescopic poles let me set it up without the center pole in a tent set up or lean to set up by lashing the tips into an inverted V. Also the two sacks are easily carried by 2 people making a 4 pound load, including the poles for each person. That is how it was designed to be carried. However I have also carried 1 and worn the second at some times of the year. That kept me bone dry and warm.

[@billlyell8322]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 thanks, the one down side is that it is not stylish. Lol. But then I don't have to look at myself either. Lmao. Also in addition the partner set up has to cutting the weight, she is a lot better cook than I am and it makes it alot more fun keeping warm at night together in the tent. Lol

[@JoelAaargh]

Got to love the tarp for versatility! Our trusty DD 3x3 usually gets set up as an a frame in the woods when out with our two kids, but on a camping trip by the coast this summer the weather turned a bit stormy at the end, I knocked up a tarp tent (much to everyone's surprise!) and they had somewhere to happily read books and eat tea, absolute winner! Cheers Team HVB 👍🏻

[@josht.m9697]

fold down tent stove works very well in the arms off the Lavvu,,Titanium Wood Stove for Hot Tent and Camping | POMOLY

[@grumpyauldman]

Modern kit is kinda better but there's something about using old kit that makes you feel good 😎

[@hildegardkhelfa5358]

That is absolutely true! :-)

[@earlgrey691]

Lavvs are so where it's at these days.Excellent weather protection,dark inside so you're not necessarily up with the lark.I can't understand why some entrepreneurs aren't churning out these things by the hundreds,given the originals are harder to find,such is their popularity ? I love my own and enjoy the mod improvements that give these tents their unique potential for anything the elements have in store.Good to see the comparison but the Lavvu wins by a country mile.

[@piotrswiezynski2025]

Hi canvas is heavy but it can take more punischment then most syntetics HOEWER every noww and then it needs to be treated with water repelent like fabsil or something like that Iv been using pałatka(polich name of lavvu) for 20 years now my Dad gave it to me when he finished serving in the army so I tested it to the fullest also I stil think its the coolest tent ever:) Wish U and your kid great time camping!

[@michaelthomasen2190]

Use one half of the lavvu to wrap your gear in, making a horseshoe/hobo pack. Now you don’t need a backpack. Next, drape the other half over your haversack/musette bag to be handy as a rain poncho. Now you don’t need seperate rain gear. Finally, make a center pole that doubles as a walking stick, preferably inspired by scout staffs for maximum versatility. Now you don’t need to pack centerpole. The old school gear trades weight for versatility. The right way to do it, I think 🙂

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

I'm with the tarp for my first choice, especially in the configuration shown because you have the ground sheet "built in", and can get a pre-sewn mosquito netting that will fit perfectly inside if you like. With the loops already sewn you can suspend from a tree. Possibilities are endless.

[@martingoodwin56]

Good stuff.....around here (Kansas, USA) I use a seek outside floorless & stove for winter.....Cimarron & medium titanium stove. Spacious shelter for one guy..just under 6#...or 2.6 kilos. Stove to heat up the shelter and dry off clothes adds another dimension. Have a good holiday season, everyone!

[@nicholasmilcham3492]

A pair of socks on the top and bottom of the walking pole works great to cushion the tarp and prevent fubar moments

[@neemancallender9092]

an older question ! Yes I was in Army Cadets in the late 60 to early 70s The two man pup canvas tents weighed 7 pounds dry on aluminum manpacks, and don't even ask the weight when wet, that leaked when you touched the inner canvas The 120 pounders, the canvas 8 man tents So if you have suffered with canvas, there is no question but yes to synthetics And Pole protectors for the nylon Cut a tennis ball in half, one half for the top, the other half for the bottom

[@alphabears6342]

I love the lab Iavvu for winter times. Add a wood stove and wool blanket and you are all game. Tarps are great but not as robust as canvas. Yes, canvas is heavy but is also versatile and has a history going back hundreds of years while nylon tarps might be light but also very limited and not as strong.

[@AllanRahn]

i take my lavvu any day over a tarp. its a litle bit heavy but it has cept me and my wife warm even in winter fishing plus 2 trips to north sweden . it never lets me down :)

[@damieke]

Omg... If I only saw this before I think I wouldn't order the bivybag. After this video I'm starting to love my tarp lol

[@tljtimpani]

If you don't have a loop in the lavvu you can use a smooth stone (or a golf ball) around which to tie some cord at the apex if you don't want to use the pole.

[@teresamalinowska7110]

The Polish Lavvu is excellent and well suited for more severe harsh weather conditions.. weighty.,but durable, as you mention-much preferred by most Eastern Europeans..and further afield. (Possibly I'm biased).Lol

[@randomman4488]

Got my granddaughter one for the garden she loves it

[@kennethwilson8633]

The canvas will be heavy first time it rains and you don’t want to do more than car camping with it. It’s basically a two man load sorta like the old us pup tent shelter half. I hated those and was glad when we could get a larger tent and a cot but that’s another level of comfort all together. Have fun and stay safe.

[@mooseyrambling5838]

Hi Nick, good video mate. I have a Lavvu, had for years and lover it in the winter. I have done just about everything I want to mine, added a 6 inch skirt at the bottom helps with useable space. I have the zip in, " done by me" a bit rough but works fine. and I use it as a excellent hot tent. I reproof mine once a year at the beginning of winter and normally that's all I'll do. But if your walking anywhere over distance the DD tarp wins hands down due to weight, size and flexibility. Keep up the good work bud. Regards

[@StockyLocky123]

Thought you were leaning towards the DD then! Think you should get that Lavvu sent off and squared away, your boy will enjoy that! Maybe another video post mod? Thanks again Nick! 👍🏼

[@chrisoutdoors82]

I'm trying to tag Northern outdoors he's your man for modifications

[@chrisoutdoors82]

It's Shawn at northern outdoors

[@chrisoutdoors82]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 I linked it here but they disappear, do you have a inbox on hear

[@rundata]

Tarp all day

[@sams568]

The Plash Palatka for winter, the tarp for summer.

[@zulu6ix290]

Your biv /hooch skills are better then mine. A lot better

[@trevorkidd293]

G,day Nick Used a tarp in many configurations over the years , here in AUS. A mozzi net is a must, here we have to contend with sand flies , mozzies and ordinary flies in their Millions. Used a Honda knot for years , never new its name, Thanks!!.Use to use my rifle (unloaded) as a centre pole overnighting. Don't shoot much nowdays . looking forward to your next video. All the best. Bluey.

[@thegroove2000]

Thats my got to tarp config. Never let me down.

[@thegroove2000]

Thinking of modding it by adding an air vent on the side using meshing and a hood over the top with velcro to stop the rain coming it.

[@bushcrafters3909]

Enjoyed the simple setup of the tarpaulin. Nick made that one look easy enough. 😎

[@senderobushcraft8415]

I think this both options are very good for camping in an open and windy área, keep in mind the DD 3x3 can have a bunch of confugurations is highly versatile

[@vi0205]

Sunday is Hidden Valley Bushcraft Time, thank you very much Nick!

[@wayneeddy3261]

An easy pole hack would be to run some elastic cording through all thenpoles & knotted outside the plastic caps.. It keeps the pole pieces together, both when folded for carry or extended for use..👍🏻 Have fun & Happy Holidays..

[@gmmooseblaster]

Excellent video. Please do another when it returns after being modified.

[@pawoutdoors9290]

Tarpology. Love it. Grand vid. Think I would ditch the aluminum poles for the lavuu. Maybe purchase a tent pole that actually clips together. Love your vids and camp. Thanks

[@linedwell]

I likes a tarp camp. As a tent config it's pretty cosy. I tend to pitch with door opposite oncoming wind so the wind goes up the angled side (if that makes sense) I also put a sock on my pole... Protects the tarp material a bit. 👍

[@tljtimpani]

Love it. When I'm using my lavvu I put one peg in first to stop it blowing away, then put the pole up (easier without tension), then maintain tension by hand to keep the pole upright while I put in the other pegs.

[@tljtimpani]

Also, I use a lightweight oilskin tarp (9'x9'), which has the versatility of a tarp, but the advantages (and disadvantages) of canvas.

[@oldsoldier181]

I just learned a new way to set up a tarp :).

[@northernoutdoorsuk4523]

Thank you for the mention nick, and you don't have to be uk based my friend had ple ty of orders from the USA and Canada, Japan aswell as Norway and Sweden

[@northernoutdoorsuk4523]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 hahah anot to worry my friend its all good thanks again for the mention on your videos

[@csul8087]

I have been thinking about how this tarp set up works and I love the clear instructions.

[@JohnWick_jr]

When setting up a tarp I usually put the front stakes closer. Typically about half a distance between the two front loops more than you. This way I get a much higher setup where I can comfortably sit.

[@lawrencemartin1113]

Gotta Love a Lavvu! Another great mod that 'Simon A Bloke in the Woods' has done, is to extend the bottom all the way around by stitching in a vertical short wall to add height, thus also really increasing usable sleeping space across the floor. He has also made a fixed in permanent (or zipable?) ground sheet which is 100% water proof. He has front zipped it and sorted various other small mods allowing a wood stove (ammo can size) to go through one arm hole for the chimney. BRILLIANT! I have a basic without mods as yet, due to investing in a Minipeak XL Hot Tent for canoe and camping trips in winter. That gives me the best of both worlds and is much larger by design. (Can even sleep on a low cot if Canoeing or car camping). Still love my Lavvu though and use it with a tiny stainless steel wood stove. I just prop the arm hole open with two sticks cut with a notch in each end, above and below the chimney. I use large size stainless steel bulldog type stationary clips to do it up, thus avoiding buttons and can get out super fast if it all goes seriously wrong! So far so good. I use more stainless clips inside to hold a candle lantern on a short chain. I recently invested in a 3D printed trip-pod adapter for it so I can cut three poles and do away with the centre pole completely. I have stashed three ready cut to size in my little patch of woodland so I don't have to keep making new ones. That makes it much better to use and extremely quick and easy to pitch. All very cosy. Have fun!

[@lawrencemartin1113]

@xeepromx Hello! No, you cannot use it as a rain cape as it is specifically a tent. What I meant was, that it is a great portable light weight hot tent, with the ability to pop up quite quickly and allows for flexible use with or without a ground sheet floor, a stove and even an inner tent for sleeping more insulated from bugs/cold etc. In that case it is advisable not to use a stove at the same time as things get quite cramped and it would be difficult to get out quickly in the event of a disaster! (I always sleep with a knife close by when using a stove anyway in case things ever get serious!). The Lavvu is still an excellent option, as it is naturally much more fire resistant than a nylon tent, is much darker, so affords good quality sleep when it is still light outside, and is generally very hard wearing and durable. It is however, much heavier, doe snot dry out fast and is certainly not a very realistic option to carry a long way if solo. I do not use mine as a rain cape as there are far better modern options. Also, if you do use it as a rain cape, you soon find that your cape is now your tent and you have no outer coat to wear while going out to get fire wood etc.!

[@EdwinDekker71]

I like to put a glove over the top of the walking pole to protect the tarp.

[@dannythomson5239]

my personal choice would be the Polish lavvu. but i would want the lavvu with the adaptions you mentioned - i.e. able to be hung up opposed to having a pole in the centre....where possible.

[@domrumble8243]

Thanks for sharing your tarpology secrets Nick,i will be trying that one out for sure.Very impressed with DD tarps.Despite their relatively lightweight construction ours has been in place(permanently) for the last 18months.We have had a 4x4m DD set up in our woods on a single pitch slope on a 9mm climbing rope topline,secure by prussiks each end,with the rest of the points secured by paracord.Still standing after storm Arwen blasted through West Wales!

[@mrgrhale1982]

Think both options are great depends on the seasons. Lavvu or canvas tent for winter / autumn camping as they are naturally warmer and are much safer near open fires. The tarp for spring / summer use as they are much cooler and less need for an open fire due to the warmer temperatures. Great video as also Nick keep up the good work.

[@kevancrossin9877]

Hi Nick, that old bootneck again, the lavvu is an ancient teepee type affair that has been used by the Sami peoples of lapland for thousands of years. They do not carry poles, they leave ready cut poles, 15>20,. in certain locations so all they carry is the canvas ,once erected 5 mins at most they have an open fire inside.The door is a flap,it is open at the top to allow smoke to evac, just like a teepee, they use these in temps as low as minus 50c. That polish thing is just another military bivvy type made from an issue poncho. I am sure you Know all this anyway. All said and done we still go with an... A frame tarp and an open self feeding fire , one step away, here on Skye .For the polish rig ,Silicon flue exit on velcro to fit one of the sleeve slits and turn it into a hot tent, but please watch the little man. Great vid ,thank you.

[@martinoutdoors6941]

If you have two walking poles put both handles into a sock or peg bag the splay them out into inverted V now you don’t have a pole in the middle of your space and in the doorway. Good idea for using the 4x4 tarp though 👍👍👍👍 Tarp every time

[@robdubyuh420]

I've just gone and bought a Hungarian Lavuu. It also took me a while to button the two together and my thumbs are on fire! Now that it's done the rest looks much easier. I'm looking forward to using it in the garden with the family and take it out in the spring. It seems to have a big fun factor and I'm not going to break the bank if it breaks (which I don't think it will for another 50 years) Thanks for the video :)

[@alouvoss]

If you do “Pimp My Lavvu” (video title for you!) then please let us have a look at the end result. Wouldn’t want to be dragging wet canvas around out here in the tropics so a synthetic tarp is the go. Still need to get used to my hammock as sleeping of the ground also makes sense here that said a tarp tent is always handy, not least for a checkpoint setup on the rain. I might need to ask Father Christmas for a 4x4 DD tarp… assuming I’m on the “Good Boy List” this year. 🤔

[@jonbridge8064]

I use a single pole dome tent. It's not heavy, quick setup, plenty of space and has mesh to keep the mozzies & other bugs out. Has served me well either backpack camping or kayak camping.

[@jonbridge8064]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 made by Oztrail, but I'm sure others make them too. Pretty sure I've seen other brands in the same design.

[@ReagerNu]

Oh man… That car…

[@joannekeefe426]

I'm going to pick the polish laavu. Because I have them. I just love them! A bit of nostalgia too I guess. They are heavier. But they will take a beating. You can wash them, waterproof them, wear a funny looking coat! But hey. It is what it is. I had a pair before and someone stole them. What does that tell you. So if you have them don't tell your friends. I originally paid thirty bucks for two then when I went to replace them they were a hundred bucks everywhere. Absolutely no one getting these!

[@aaronwilcox6417]

The canvas looks great and I've got that setup but weight is a bug deal in the mountains

[@stevemorris3710]

Great comparison video. I think the setting up of a tarp tent is very difficult to show in a film, and equally hard to follow. This is by far the best explanation I've seen. Thanks for your work Nick :-)

[@jakubprzytulski7561]

Yes, it is heavy, but this is technology from beginning of XX century. Remember that this is rain coat too if it is impregnated it is waterproof. Tarp isn't rain coat :)

[@sarahsue42]

Doesn't even need to be impregnated Jakub..the canvas fibres will naturally swell and shrink in wet and dry weather when worn as a military cape,after a while the fibres become stiff and stay in their swollen state making a naturally waterproof surface.they were designed to be dual purpose as you said with each tipi split between 2 soldiers

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Both. Love my lavvu if not carrying far. Use an EXternal A frame for more space. Tarp tent also when canoeing (if space and weight are a premium)with INternal A frame with the paddles..............

[@johncrouch8988]

Hi 👋🏻. I’ll stick with my tent ⛺️. It’s a lot easier and I trust it’s reliability! Good vid though!👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@BinManSays87]

I've got both and I've used my tarp like this in the middle of a heatwave while hiking and trust me you want the lavvu because it's got a door and the dew won't get you

[@williamirelan9332]

The choice would change depending on the weather conditions .

[@trevorday7979]

Another great vid Nick. Versatility of the tarp 100%, plus the lavuu not a readily available option here in Aus. Cool factor right up there for your young fella though with the lavuu. Would make for awesome ‘fort’ and tipi in the yard too and let his imagination run wild. Keep ‘em coming mate. Great stuff. 👍🤝🇦🇺

[@dnldrmsfld]

Best tutorial I've seen thus far. Thank you.

[@billyaitken1713]

I have a DD XL rectangular tarp, I don't usually make the tarp tent, I have my own setup and usually use at least 1/3 of the length to give me some groundsheet. My setup doesn't have a pole in the middle ..... and yes, it's still a freestanding setup. The tarp tent is good but it's not the ultimate tarp setup. However, if it's blowing a gale and sub-freezing temperatures, the lavu wins because it seals up it's own entrance better (definitely get some zips installed too or a flue jack for a camp stove🔥).

[@billyaitken1713]

Hidden Valley Bushcraft - I've only shared it (videos on a USB) with Camp Life Bushcraft (Hampshire, UK) a few months ago and I don't know if he intends putting out his own version of it himself. It's unlike anything I've seen others doing on the net. Even Papa Hiker (king of the alternative tarp set ups) doesn't do anything like it. It involves a mildly modded large, rectangular DD tarp & some recycled other stuff. Message Dan at Camplife Bushcraft, if he doesn't plan to use it for content himself, he might well pass it on to you🤔? I did promise him first dibs if he wanted it.....

[@pauldavies9360]

Took my 4 year old camping with just a dd tarp this summer in the woods and he absolutely loved it! I think just like you said the lavvu would be extra cool. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think there are lavvus that are capable of having a small open fire inside the centre (Indian style) with a small opening above for smoke

[@cripplers8]

I really enjoy when you do the tarp shelters because I do make sure I have one in my kits for emergencies. Thanks for another great vid Nick. Cheers mate from the central PA mountains across the pond…..

[@leemichel8199]

you can also hot tent with a pomoli stove or similar with your lavvu but not tarp ..god bless you and your family .. Lee

[@N1611n]

Tarp every time for me.

[@aaronrhoades6847]

I've been back and forth going on about 10 years I have a DD and I have military and I wound up with an EDC carry rain poncho tent called a six moons design gatewood cape took it camping in cold and hot and it does well I've been in weather so cold the other people with me packed up their tents and left and said it was too bad to be camping and I stayed in my gatewood cape with good sleep gear and I outlasted everyone else... Most of all I think it's just personal preference

[@robman247]

Nice show and tell there Nick 👍👌✌️🇺🇸

[@Grizzly907LA]

I like the fact that you turned a rain poncho and tarp into tents...knot tying is one of my kryptonites. I have a hard time remembering them.

[@Grizzly907LA]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 I'll take that into consideration. I can tie knots, it just takes me time, and repetition. I even made a paracord bracelet. It's a very perishable skill for me. PS: I've also order the Karrimor 45 L, backpack, because you recommended it, and I am loving the British rocket pouch system.

[@Mat-kr1nf]

Happy to see you’ve got the Lavvu the right way out! 😁

[@shaunsadventures]

I have the medium polish lavu had a zip put on the door Brill bit of kit

[@marksadventures3889]

A button and elastic shock cord down the poles - my Latvian pal tells me - helps in bad conditions and not losing pole sections as you move about. I am not a fan of the Lavvu tbh!! I know shock horror. 1, weight. 2. size proportionate to weight, 3. smell, they stink. I prefer my 5 x 4.5 dpm tarp which has more tie out points than it came with at £18.95 and weighs just over 1kg. It cleans so easily with wipes that then go in the fire. I use 2 walking poles - or over a guy static line or suspended from a tree, all kinds of ways. Then it goes in it's stuff sack on the back of my bike, which can be turned upside down to support the roof as well. I guy it our well. I have 3 x 1.8 and a 3 x 3 - I like tarps, I have a few tents too and hammocks. My main criteria are can I take it on the bike or in the bike trailer? I can't drive anymore, health reasons.

[@P6009D]

The choice is: In the summer without fire but with rain, synthetic material. In winter with Fire and without rain, Canvas material.

[@RickshawMunky]

Loved the tarp setup. I'm a Lavvu and ground sheet man. Though I think my daughter would apreciate those upgrades ;)

[@darriendastar3941]

I love these videos. I always reach the end knowing more than I did when I press the play button. Once again, thank you so much for taking the time to make them.

[@grumpy_nerd]

I really like the material of the lavvu and similar sheets like the russian plash palatka. If you're in a hurry or emergency situation you can also just use it as a waterproof and pretty much windproof blanket and just wrap yourself in it. BTW you can even have a little stove in it, the exhaust pipe simply goes through the arm hole. All that being said, after having been out with my lavvu a couple of times I gotta admit that I'm getting too old or probably just too lazy to carry it on longer hiking trips. Especially in colder seasons with a heavier sleeping bag etc it considerably adds to the total weight of your backpack. BTW since you mentioned your kid, you can also set this up with just one half. It'll obviously be much smaller and/or narrower depending on the setup, but a single person can still somehow sleep in it and it's a cool little tipi for kids to play in. :) PS: Another downside for anyone who doesn't have a lavvu yet and wants to try it: they're quite hard to find for reasonable prices these days. I've seen the largest size being sold for as much as 300€ which I think is absurd, given that it's used military surplus from around the 60s and 70s. I guess it's mostly bush crafters trying to get their hands on them, driving up prices. :/

[@Mike-kr9ys]

Great comparison. Thanks! I guess a sail maker would be one place that could successfully modify a lavvu. Or, even make a canvas bespoke one to your design.

[@Patmac74]

I would love to try the lavu but after a very wet weekend in Shropshire a few years ago I find the old polycotton f1 tent and flysheet will always come out with me

[@paulfranks195]

Nicely done Nick. I'm learning from the comments too !

[@paulfranks195]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 I think it helps that you never patronise your viewers and despite your own comprehensive skill set you talk to us on our own ( in my case way lower) level. Puts folk at ease and leaves less scope for sarcasm.

[@marcel757]

Because i’d always go for the multipurpose option for me it would be the tarp. The non pole option you can do with the 3x3 dd tarp as it comes from the shelf. But… i’d really like to see those mods on the lavu! Fun with the family always is a strong argument for investing in gear… great video Nick!

[@Nofixedabode859]

Hi nick have you seen the mod bushcraft Spain do for the polish lavvu look it up it turns it into a baker type tent really good bit kit👍

[@bartplantinga5849]

LAVVU GANG REPRESENT

[@stephengarrett8076]

Was considering the lavvu in two minds now I’ve seen this as it would make a great base setup. Thanks great vid.

[@bushcrafty7274]

Love my polish lavvu. Zips would be a lot better. Those arm holes are good for a chimney wood burning stove.

[@suecharnock9369]

put some rubber cord on each point and use that instead of the tent peg straight to the grommet. Dont peg out too tight as once the pole is in you will need to adjust.

[@Tango27800]

Good content Nick, Clearly, Loudly, As an Order, You can take a lad out of the Corps eh ! Some one the other day mentioned Norgie tent sheets ?

[@wagwanbennydj6003]

Love your videos bro keep up the great work ❤

[@roosterneck2158]

I was torn between the lavvu and the dutch 2 man. I went with the dutch army tent just based on better concealment and a fitted bathtub groundsheet, downside is it weighs the same as a tank. Great video as usual Nick.

[@mustamuri]

Lavvu ✨🧸✨ 🙂👍