Woodland Stealth Camp

Stealth Camping in some local woodland. I talk through reasons, considerations and kit that can help you have a safe and successful stealth camp.
www.preparedpathfinder.com

[@cardiacbob]

I "stealth camped" for 22 years as an infantryman! Been retired for 17 years now. No more stealth camping for this old man!

[@unfi6798]

More stealth camping vids please..!!

[@prometheus_beard]

Good vid Tom. Happy late birthday mate. I agree on no camo, because I always notice and remember the people I see wearing it, so I'm sure others do too.

[@calmolly1]

“Turns out I’ve been stealth camping my whole career” - classic. Great vid as usual mate

[@MICHAEL-wg2lh]

Enjoyed this one mate 👍 cant beat the old noodles and tobasco , i used to love throwing a tin of tuna in there as well lol👌

[@zooombaa]

Miserable weather always helps with things like stealth camping. No people, no worries.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Roger, keeps the f***wits away!

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Its the horses for courses principle I think, grey man and all that, sometimes a footy shirt, trainers and khakis IS camouflage... Belt kit or running pack for cheeky runs out, if I drop the full build somewhere I'd have council on me wanting to see my planning consent haha! And yeah, what some call stealth/wild camping we grew up calling it playing out, just keep a beady on the streetlamps :-D

[@GruntProof]

Cool trip

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate 🇺🇸🇬🇧👍

[@oldschooltakingyaback]

Found your channel via Stokermatic. Such a great find, cheers from a new subscriber yank! 🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate! 🇬🇧🇺🇸👍

[@billyandrew]

Stoker's good, too.

[@markjeffries8202]

In USAF SERE training, they taught us this acronym to remember for evasion shelters (stealth camping): BLISS-Blended, Low, Irregular, Secluded, Small. Yours had all these attributes.

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

Bloody good video Tom. Reminds me of the RUC D.O.T surveillance course training. I’m a few years older than you mate, but not much. Salutations from Belfast Northern Ireland 🇬🇧

[@dennisseverns4014]

Spent several months stealth camping on a property owned by the tree company I worked for, and none of the other guys I worked with ever saw my camp. There was a creek going through the property, separating the main lot from the wood/mulch storage lot. I was set up next to the creek, in tall grass and trees. Actually in a purple tent that I covered with a camo tarp and grass. I would never enter the property from work, would always leave when everyone else did, take off on my bicycle, and come back on the property from downstream along the creek. Cover my bicycle with another tarp, crawl in the tent and sleep. Would leave the property the way I entered before anyone else showed up in the morning, then ride around to the main gate after going somewhere for breakfast. There were several people who knew I was staying there, including the tree company owner. People asked me all the time where my shelter was, because they never saw it. The property was not that big, and had security cameras covering the equipment yard and the main building.

[@dennisseverns4014]

Happy 51st Birthday by the way, I will be 59 tomorrow, the 26th of January.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@dennisseverns4014 thanks mate 👍

[@TheTerminator423]

Great advice. I had ago stealth camping a few weeks back in the forest near me. Did pretty much what you mentioned and got on alright. Thank you for your service.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Thanks mate 👍

[@oscar38]

I find loose dogs being walked will give your location away. You can see them excited because they've found your scent trail, tail wagging ,but are then startled when they're close and see you, so start barking.

[@gclif9898]

Most of my kit is dpm, apart from my olive green plce bergen. Its bomb proof and cheap, i agree it probably does draw more attention, people probably think I’m a nutter or wannabe soldier ( which I’m not on both counts ) i just appreciate good kit and don’t see the point of spending £100’s on designer kit which wont last. Stealth camping is all about common sense which you highlight perfectly in this video 👍🏻

[@irampotter]

Great video, I especially liked the tip about digging a hole for your stove, happy birthday for next week.

[@lastspud7030]

As always top notch. Good drills loved the way your language changed once the red light came out ... doss bag, mellon, airborne stew ... that put a smile on my face. Raising the game of stealth campers across the land ...

[@brimac58]

Nice job , enjoyed it! Best of luck from the States👍🇺🇸

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate! 👍

[@simonward4520]

Recommend TRC, I bought the wind proof smock, made from parachute materials. Great bit of kit, good tips as always, would not be without my bungee cords and tarp!

[@udrinkit7798]

I am going soon. Its been awhile and don't want to get rusty. Going urban. Been scouting for a while.

[@scotbotvideos]

Good advice. Similar to Dog Dad Outdoors, Grunt Proof, and Stokermatic. 👍 It's funny, though, you get some wild campers claim they're doing stealth camps because they in what they think is a secluded spot, but then pull out of a blue tent or red sleeping bag.🤦‍♂

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Yeah seen 😂

[@clivenewton7609]

😂😂😂😂😂 Reduce your noise signature he said as he fired up the noisiest gas stove on the planet! And one last observation, you could see the tarp in the morning because it was to light compared with the surrounding brash, some sort of camo would have done the trick. Having said all that great video, enjoyed it immensely and learned something new BZ from deepest Dorset 👍

[@PreparedPathfinder]

It’s not that noisy, as soon as you’re a few metres away you can hardly hear it. As for camouflage, there was no need as l was setting up at last light and moving off at first light.

[@GemintheMud]

Thank you for the inspirational tips! Great video. 😊

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Thankyou!

[@ianmurray4081]

Awesome video. Stealth 🥷 camping 🏕️ is like hide and seek but for adults. As a part time park ranger/security guard I have been on both sides of this topic. Cheers 🍻 take care and stay frosty ☃️ 🫵🤟🇨🇦🫡🇬🇧🫵🤟☃️

[@rogerd6166]

Happy birthday for next week Tom. Top banana........

[@KM-mn2nv]

Thanks for the video. For your American audience, could you do a video on the personal admin routine based on your regiment time? Especially the wet/dry routine? I think the Brits have some of the best SOPs for field sustainability that don’t entail operating out of a FOB.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Roger that mate, will do when I get the chance.

[@NikosKatsikanis]

SOPs?

[@davidjacobs828]

@@PreparedPathfinder A large supermarket carrier bag is the way to go ,along with your small backpack for uk stealth camping. This allows you to carry a full 4 season sleep system without attracting attention . I also use a black, generic, backpack rain cover over my maxpedition falcon 2 ,this allows the use of a full molle ,tactical, 25 litre backpack without it looking tactical . Great advice on the hand camouflage .. I like your basha set up ... I really like your stove burial tactic ..I've only ever used this method with a dakota fire hole . Very good move with a gas or alcohol burner... Use of the red light is impressive but typical given the fact that you're a special forces operative .... Great video .

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@davidjacobs828 cheers mate 👍

[@andyc7917]

@@NikosKatsikanis standard operating procedure i think 🤔

[@carlmorrey5410]

Another epic video matey, brought back a lot of memories 😂

[@pedroafoitocaetano3449]

thanks for your tips salute from portugal

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Good video! And that is exactly why all of my clothing is green, my packs are green, AND I use a camouflage tarp! I "guess" that is one reason why my students, scout troops and camping friends call me the "Tactical Outdoorsman" 😉

[@kurtbaier6122]

Great vid. Have to look at jungle loops

[@discipleaj]

Excellent. I've always worn earth-tone colours as you suggest because at worst, you look like you're in farming colours out on your hike and there's nowt wrong with that! A lot of people who fish and are ornithologists/amateur bird watchers also wear plain earth colours and they do just fine blending in when they are static. So it works on all fronts. Also, I found that DD Hammock's tarp in their camoflauge pattern works very well in the UK (as well as their kit being good!). Its like they took the DPM colours and spread it across a mixture of the multicam and flecktarn type patterns. Would really dig the next video you suggested as well. Thanks again. ATB 😎👍🏻

[@deanoboland]

Great work on video 👍👍👍

[@mikebnc]

Great video. Thank you for sharing.

[@davidsayer3325]

Thanks for video 👍

[@ptouchpaul]

Hey Tom, hope you are well. Really enjoyed this one, thanks for sharing as always. Loved the comment re "stealth camping most of my life" 🙂

[@dadgad68]

Really enjoying your channel bro. Cheers from Cape breton Canada

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate, appreciate it! 👍

[@craigrobertson6082]

Excellent demo, Tom and well explained. Thanks.

[@pnyarrow]

Hi Tom.. Thank you for a really interesting, enjoyable but more importantly informative video. Stay safe. ATB. Nigel

[@journeyman7189]

Excellent night out Tom with lots of solid tips. Liked the fish hook analogy Looking forward to the next one and happy early birthday to another 51er. Nate

[@NorthwalesBushcrafters]

All points covered there Tom 👍 good video matey ATVB Trev (subbed) 👍

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate 👍

[@soggz4246]

Alright mate. Stealth camp here all the time down here. Not much choice. Not allowed to ‘wild camp’. It’s all I’ve ever done,too,tbh. Love the outdoors, but not easy to ‘camp’. All my kits is pretty much British Army Surplus,as it’s the best,imho. All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧

[@tacituskilgore8379]

Same... I've moved up to the North Coast of Scotland now, and I still stealth camp by habit

[@gud2go50]

You remind me of a younger version of Tank!😂 Maybe you should do a vid with him. If you have already, forgive me. I am new to your channel. Great video! I was a U.S. Marine for 20 years and did some time as a forward observer in artillery, so everything you did was spot on. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. At 63, me don’t do much stealth camping these days, but I know never say never and I could find myself having to using this knowledge Again, God forbid!😊

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Thanks mate, who's Tank though?

[@nickbwalks]

Another top video

[@timec2002]

“Stealth” Tabasco….!! 😉

[@pawoutdoors9290]

Great vid. Thx.

[@Nofixedabode859]

Hi m8 have you thought about doing a inch bag loadout like maybe not never coming home but don’t know when or long term survival, an area that I think of most with my kit as if to go more primative or modern gear that lasts and I always carry a 3 season bag and add clothing in winter so my bags all year round or to go minimal on things like shelter to build own and maybe use good blanket instead also the things like stoves and filters which not be good for long term , would like to see your view with your experience 👍

[@DaveSunderland]

Tinned steak and kidney pudding …. Takes a Hex. Hard sweets. Menus A to F. Which included spotted Dick. Luncheon meat or Spam for your beans.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

Good stuff brother!!!

[@BushmansAdventures]

Park Ranger- found you , I heard the crunching of a noodle packet! 🤣🤣🤣

[@PreparedPathfinder]

😂

[@Bergmann.Alaska]

Ive call it "A Creep" or "Creeping" because I'm creeping around. The goal is avoiding Granola Commies and predators and to drill in camcon and movement.. ... You saw the limited access to the wilds when you were here. If i can get there by foot then ppl are there too and you will run into them coming or going at some point..But T.I.A.... I have the Arktis Flecky wind shirt but the HT one you have is a better choice IMO.. Enjoyed this mate..

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mucker! 👍

[@Bergmann.Alaska]

@@PreparedPathfinder 🙂🙂

[@mungo75]

I don't remember seeing any Tabasco mate. 😅

[@jonfisher9214]

Literally the cap alone tells me you're either a bushcrafter/prepper/or wild camper. The Shemagh tells me you may be ex military. Have a look at the "grey man" principle to help with blending in.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

So all preppers/wild campers wear green caps now? And no one else does? 😂

[@jimmyrustler8983]

​@@PreparedPathfinderI wear a tricorn hat, it tends to give off a certain vibe that makes even the most ardent Karen pull a 180.

[@dannyancira2504]

Informative

[@FlyingHaggisFilms]

Thought there would be a risk of sleepless cold night, but you pulled it off. I guess a compact kit is warm enough with dry clothing, bivi, and summer sleep bag, outstanding. Harry....out

[@GedJones-c1s]

Hi mate, love your bushcraft stuff but really interested in the Pathfinder Platoon background, is it true Pathfinders have had ex RM Mountain Leaders in their ranks, and if so, as it stands today, is it now open to all branches of the Military not just the BA, as it appeared to be just AB Guards, RE, REME etc on the TV programme Phantom Platoon, be great to see you on a few podcasts telling your story 👍

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Yes it’s tri service now. Most of the guys in the mid nineties (when that prog was filmed) came from 5 AB Bde. I was in that a couple of times as a young Tom.

[@installtekzdotcom9777]

We need more colour choice when it comes to British army smocks. All I can find is army surplus, olive drab or black commando smocks. All of which are give-aways

[@PreparedPathfinder]

There's plenty of other jackets out there in suitable colours.

[@Retired-Tom]

Try varusteleka Finnish company, underrated, excellent.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@Retired-Tom roger, l have their Recon Smock in OG, great bit of kit.

[@oscarwoodly7392]

Great video! Reckon I'll get myself a lightweight DPM jacket that I can stick on when I arrive. Question: Do you ever take a selection of board games with you?

[@PreparedPathfinder]

No mate! 😂

[@oscarwoodly7392]

​@@PreparedPathfinder 👍🤭

[@uncleben8163]

Great video. You should do more stealth camping videos, ideally you should do them up north so you can infiltrate behind the enemy's lines 😉

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Ha ha, fair one! Haggis stealing mission!

[@billyandrew]

No stealth camping in Scotland...unless it's in someone's back yard. 🤔🤫🤭 We've a whole different approach to the subject of camping.

[@billyandrew]

@@PreparedPathfinder No need to steal them. We've an established adoption scheme. 😉🤪😂😂

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@billyandrew 😂😂

[@billyandrew]

PreparedPathfinder Just watch out for the junkie haggises, tho. 🤨😁 Thanks for uploading. 👍

[@jeffreardon3969]

Where can I get one of those mini shovels? I need to add that to my kit! It's essential and it takes up little space! Thank you, Jeff/Boston MA USA.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Hi Jeff, this is the type I have; www.thetentlab.com/Deuce/DeuceofSpadespage.html

[@jeffreardon3969]

@@PreparedPathfinder Thanks! Great show, I just joined. Great to meet you. Jeff Boston/MA

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@jeffreardon3969 cheers mate! I have family out there in Boston as it goes.

[@Shihabdeenrecreationalcyclist]

alcohol stove better than gas stove to avoid noise

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Alcohol stoves are quiet but unless people are 10 metres away they aren’t going to hear it.

[@TheFairway8]

Would you definitely not advocate using one of those pocket sized pumps that seem to be all the rage for blowing up your sleep mat as the noise could travel

[@saltydog3394]

Where'd ya go ... enjoying the play list but the website listed appears to be down, is there another PP site?

[@PreparedPathfinder]

I’ve had to put the website on hold for the moment, it was going to cost a fortune to renew it! I still have patches, caps and knives in stock if you want anything though?

[@ChrisLambert-Yngvegodi]

Tom, I know in this situation it doesn't matter but when you were doing your old job what would you do about your sleeping area when you pack up, the compressed leaves and such?

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Depends on the situation and environment, but we used to try and leave as little sign as possible.

[@CP-ix8vq]

11:07 - approaching the site. *pans camera around* couple of doggers ;D

[@CP-ix8vq]

where did you get the tarp from? Looks gleaming

[@abcddcba8882]

🍻

[@richardhenry1969]

It’s a shame England has so many stupid rules. All the countries I’d love to see . Wouldn’t bother me one bit if I never see England. I’ve stealth camped just because I’m more worried about crazy people then I worry about wildlife. My only thing I would say my camps are always set in a place I could have a fire. I’m more a winter camper then a summer camper. I now have a van I’m building. My van isn’t gonna look like a camper. Yet I will have AC and a generator. Comfort is more important than anything to me. I’m to old to suffer during something I enjoy.

[@ChrisLambert-Yngvegodi]

I've never got this modern concept of 'wild camping' but I reckon that people have been turned into sheep by accepting the fact that they have to have a load of expensive kit and pay for the privilege to sleep outdoors. I just call it camping! I've always done it since being a kid, just packed my stuff up and Fu#ked off into the country. If you keep yourself to yourself and respect where you are and what you do what's the issue? Unfortunately there are a lot of people out there who are just 'showers' and it's quite telling the control of our open spaces that a few individuals hold over us.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Yep I have always just called it camping too, and as I mentioned I've only recently heard of stealth camping.

[@andywilliams7510]

If caught what can they do you for, trespass or vagrancy?

[@billyandrew]

Trespassing on private property. You can only be charged with vagrancy if you have no home and less than £16 in your possession. Mind you, the sum has probably increased, since I last checked.

[@robertwise3235]

well done usn retired

[@terrymarlor-gage6214]

Tom what model is the ME jacket?

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Hi Terry, it's the Frontier jacket mate.

[@terrymarlor-gage6214]

@@PreparedPathfinder nice one Tom cheers👍 ^!^

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@terrymarlor-gage6214 no worries mate 👍

[@olliewiddowson8759]

What's that basha you're using Tom??

[@PreparedPathfinder]

It's a Rab Siltarp 1. Very compact and lightweight. Not the biggest space underneath but workable for one person plus kit.

[@olliewiddowson8759]

Mega thanks mate. Been looking for a decent one man tarp for a while now

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@olliewiddowson8759 roger, this is great in regards to weight and size when packed. I've got a Helikon Supertarp Small inbound that I'm looking forward to trying out.

[@cripplers8]

That wouldn’t be a bad spot for an LP/OP. Like you mentioned earlier add some camo netting to it and it would cut down on the sheen and you’d have a nice hidey ho. Great vid as always Bro…..

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Thanks mate 👍

[@anarchytelevision8445]

👀👍🏻

[@saswildman]

You could of kept the noise down with them super noodles.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Wibble. Talking of keeping the noise down….

[@NikosKatsikanis]

what cam are you using?

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Camera or camouflage?

[@NikosKatsikanis]

@@PreparedPathfinder camera

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@NikosKatsikanis roger, Go Pro 10 mate.

[@MrAndywills]

Military 'stealth-camping' where sleeping bags, hot food and bashas are not utilised. Also, wished that dog poop bags were around for toilet stops.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

If I'd tried operating without a sleeping bag or basha in most of the places I was on exercise I would've been a casualty.

[@JoshtheRCguy]

@@PreparedPathfinderthat’s what I thought!! Travel light freeze at night! Do you by any chance know where to get those dems kit tins that you talk about? Love your videos by the way, I’m subbed.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@JoshtheRCguy cheers mate. I got my tin whilst I was serving, during a dems day. I don't know where you could get them outside of the military.

[@JoshtheRCguy]

@@PreparedPathfinderoh okay I see…a bit of a bummer but I’ll try one of those tobacco tins that lofty wiseman recommends! Thank you for replying. Cheers 🇬🇧💪

[@kurtbaier6122]

You forget that the main reason for stealth camping is opsec against 2 legged visitors or criminals.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

l forgot nothing, l explained the reasons why.