Q&A Shelter, Gear and Water

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

It's always good to hear when friends learn stuff from me. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool, I'm glad you like the videos. As far as I know, there was a lot of canvas in the older web set ups, the newer nylon ones are so much better and with the padding its just plain comfortable. I have a few Condor Molle components myself and thats some good gear too. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Bill! I'm glad you liked it Yep, these are not very well known ideas but in a true bad situation, you need every drop of clean water you can get no matter how you get it. Man theres nothing rope cant do. I always stick to simple knots. I dont even remember the names of them half the time. LOL.Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool, I'm glad you liked it. Good to hear you have you pack cleaned out and your ready to go. Now hit them woods! Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Brother! I'm glad you liked it. I got sick of breaking good spindles so thats where the PVC tube idea came from. It was just a handy place to store some paracord too. Good to hear from you man and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@stevekjellgren9909]

I have been watching your videos for only a few months and already Im waiting for your next one to come out having watched your previous videos (well most anyway). Excellent work and a fresh and practical approach to bushcraft, camping and survival techniques.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I love being in the woods, and I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. You never know when that technique could save a life. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@MrSickboy713]

I must say that not only do I enjoy your videos, I really appreciate them as well. It's great that you have such a lively way of presenting things that don't make it seem like you are telling us what to do, more like a friend giving some well tuned friendly advice. And I agree, paracord bracelets and key-fobs are definitely an "emergency only" use. They take forever to unwind, that's why I made a quick deploy belt that unravels like a cartoon sweater. Take care.

[@CharlieWebster90501]

Really good stuff, David. We all appreciate your time, knowledge and most of all- your humor!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you like the videos Eddie. I hate filming without Nick but its just hard to get together with him. Man I loved that coffee. I have brewed most of it in a percolater over a wood fire in my back yard. The way coffee is supposed to be made.Take care brother and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@jennifercharlton-dennis6763]

I've been watching your videos for the last couple of days (yes I subscribed ;) ) I just wanted to say that I've watched hundreds of youtube videos (on bushcraft and survival) and honestly yours are some of the best!! It's great to see that when you make a mistake you'll acknowledge it, tell us why, and how to fix it. That's probably the most important thing you teach! Also great seeing dads doing these kinds of things with their kids! If there were more dads out there like you this county would be a better place!!! Great work and keep em' coming!!

[@zackhileman7661]

i agree with that

[@scott27288]

Agreed!

[@ColHatley]

Well said, Mam!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool! Always good to hear that. I'm glad you like the videos. Man I know so many people that life just gets in the way and they can not find time to camp or even just hike. Tough to make time aint it? Thanks for watching my friend.

[@patriciavyce1993]

Thank you Dave.Your Survival knowledge is priceless ! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🌈

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Pat!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Charlie! I'm glad you liked it. I am more than happy to make these videos for all my friends. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Sounds cool! If its weaved right its the most comfortable bed you can improvise in the woods. Whats cool abut the rope over a hammock is it can work on any number of or spacing of trees. Good luck with it and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. Oh yes man, its great to have them trees. You can set up almost any style shelter you want there. I do use a bug net in the summer and I always use one when Im in the swamp. The mosquitoes are terrible around here. I had a one man tent once and I loved it. Perfect size for backpacking. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Brother thats one of the best compliments I ever got. Thank you. I have no college degree, Im just a guy working on stuff in the backyard. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks brother! I'm glad you liked it. Sty tuned for part two next week. Shae is gonna like the end of the video. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Chris! I'm glad you like what I do and how i do it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool! I'm glad you like the videos and the info. I have another one like this coming out next week. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! always good to hear that and I'm glad you liked it. I have another one like this coming up next week. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool! I'm glad you liked it. Always good to hear you learn from them. Man that will be awesome if you set up a good rope bed. When you do things like this near other campers, it blows their minds! Good luck brother, do a good job and make me proud! Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Sounds cool! That Cradle style is the most comfortable bed I know of made out of rope if set up just right. Good luck and have some fun with it. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Tito! I'm glad you liked it. I got sick of breaking my good hand drill spindles so that where the tube idea came from. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Sounds cool! Im always a barrel of laughs, ha ha. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it and found it fun. Yes, your hit it on the head, it is very very tough to do all the filming myself. It honestly doubles the work. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. That rope bed is very comfy. I hear ya , a lot of friends of mine cant sleep in a hammock. This style of rope bed is a thousand times more comfy than sleeping on the ground. That grass water filter is a dandy for emergencies. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Yes, that was one of the methods for getting safe drinking water for if all you have is a knife like that. Its a horrible method to use and doesnt give you much water but it is possible if needed. I'm glad the H system was helpful to show. I know a lot of folks have trouble with attaching them butt packs and belts.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Lars! I'm glad you liked them all. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Brother!! I'm glad you liked it. The next one wound up being an hour long so I had to cut it into two parts itself. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Brother Donald! I'm glad you liked it. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. give everything I do a try. Its all fun. LOL. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. I hate being gone so long but I wound up being busy all the time. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked it. You never know when those water tips may just save your life. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Tony! I'm happy to share these ideas. I love making videos. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

As always good to be back! I had tons of problems with a flooded basement but now its over. I'd much rather be filming. I'm glad you liked it. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Brother, I'm glad you liked it and its always good to hear when a friend learns stuff from me. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you like the videos and the way I do things. I hate seeing the same old stuff done over and over agin. I love to try and bring new things to video. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I always love to hear that brother. Teaching and entertaining is a hard one to combine at times. LOL. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Its good to be back. I hate it when I dont have time to film. I'm glad you liked the ideas. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@johnm9410]

I love getting on here and seeing a new video from you......just makes my day!!!!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool, I'm glad you liked it. You never know when them water tips may just be really needed. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Ive used several types in the past but have pretty much stuck to one kind the last few years. Rothco 3/8 diameter camo rope. Polyproplene outer, nylon core. Made in the USA. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Brother! I'm glad you liked it. Im always happy to share. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

thank you John, I'm glad you liked it. I was happy to shoot this one and I shot another one for next week. Be sure and catch it, I mentioned you in it! Having nick film them is great. I know first hand how tough it is to do things and run the camera too. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you like the videos. Man, I hear ya. I HATE it when folks ask you to thumbs up. That just makes it no big deal to get thumbs up. More videos in the works as soon as I get time. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I was more than happy to post it! thanks for the support and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Man now thats awesome to hear! I was a scout leader myself and it can be tough to find what interests scouts sometimes. things like this rope bed grab young minds and get them interested quick. I'm glad you like what I do, Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Sounds good to me. Like I said, I cant explain why but it helps. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I made it myself. I got some ripstop nylon and a eyelet kit from the fabric store . I sewed it together and coated it with silicone. Its 60 inch x 8 feet. I'm glad you like the videos so much. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I agree, I have an ENO single nest and an ENO double nest and I love em both. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Ivan ! I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked it. If you get time try the cradle rope bed. When made right, you wont believe how comfortable it is. I bet its too cold for it right now where you live tho. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it and found it informative. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Man thats awesome to hear. I hadnt seen many folks talking about lanyards so I felt it was good to show it. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. I try my best to be creative and bring new ideas to video. I hate seeing the same ole stuff over and over. More videos in the works! Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. Man thats is bad if gear is hard to get there. This cradle rope bed is one of the most comfortable beds I know of thats made out of rope. I'd say for this bed use polypropelene or nylon, stay away from polyester rope. use 3/3 inch diameter or bigger. anything smaller would be uncomfortable. The other video is in the works. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you like the videos. I try my best to look at the camera and just treat it like I am talking to a friend. Take my tips and use em or just keep em in the back of your mind. Your belt sounds very cool. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm more than happy to show them. I'm glad you like the vids. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Tenda! I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked the tips. Yep, that rope doesnt stretch as much as most rope. Kernmantle is some really good stuff but expensive for using like I use it. This Rothco rope is quite cheap. . Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool! Always good to hear that Brother Mike. You may be right about that with Atwood because they are a huge company that makes a lot of sorage and rope for boating applications. I can tell tho that that rope is made in the same plant somewhere here in the USA. I'm glad you told me that. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Its great to be back filming. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Terry! I'm glad you liked it. If this is set up just right, its a very very comfy bed indeed. Good luck and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Yep, the LBV and the Buttpack is one of my favorite set ups for when I dont carry a ton of gear. I'm not too sure of the brand of buttpack you are talking about but the ones rothco makes are Olive Drab, Black, Woodland Camo, ACU digital camo, Desert Camo and Tan. Theres others out there I think. I'm glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@theresaconley5930]

I'm blessed to have had the oppertunity to see this video. It was very informative. The rope bed looked comfy. I've heard it say dig a hole by the water but wasn't explained to this extent. The water didn't sound drinkable because every time I dug near a water source it was always terribly muddy. This method looked really good. Thank you so much for sharing this information. I appreciate how you take time to explain what you're doing. 👍

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked it Theresa. Always dig at least one foot away from a creek. Allow at least one hour for sediments to settle at the bottom and it should be safe to drink. Take care and thanks for watching

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool! I'm glad you liked it. I should have the other video edited and uploaded in less than a week. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Brother! I'm glad you liked it. Good to have you along. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked it. I think not many know about the grass and rock because so many of us are prepared with a cup or container to use. Good way to get water when you have nothing. Out of all the rope beds I know, that Cradle style is THE most comfortable to sleep in if its set up right. Give it a shot brother, you will love it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I have made a few water filters before. I usually use a sock and some rocks, sand and charcoal from a fire. Its really nothing special tho. Just what all the survival books show. Very good to hear I have inspired you! Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. Well I had always been told that if the vines put out clear liquid, it was safe to drink. If it was milky, white or smelled funny, dont drink it. We are ate up with bramble vines here but most of the hassles are the greenbrier thorns. They are a major trip hazard in the woods. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Sepp! I'm glad you liked it. As always good to hear from you. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Its good to back to the basic fun stuff. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you like the videos. I have no idea where you found that info because the tag I got with the rope in my hand said 1,200 test and 120 working load. Most safe working loads are 10% of the test pounds. Yes, you can make this bed out of paracord but you really need a foam pad to sleep in it. The paracord digs into your back big time. The rope is quite comfortable even without a pad or blanket. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you like the vids and "crack up" LOL. The best place to find spindles for a bow drill is near creeks or water off of willow trees or find a dead and downed red cedar. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Sounds cool man. I use Dyneema for my hammock and its great for that. Yes, its too thin for a bed and wont be comfortable. I am honestly amazed at how strong Dyneema and Amsteel is for its diameter. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I was happy o share. theres no telling when you may have to use that method. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Brother! I'm glad you liked it. Man I feel like the woods is the only place for me. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

LOL, I'll have to go over the rope again. Hee Hee. It is kinda like a suspension bridge the way its supported on the side. My paracord bed video is almost just like a suspension bridge. It is good to be back to filming again. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Well my OTB boots and my Rocky SV2 boots come with paracord for laces so thats done for us there. One trick I used to do is wrap extra paracord around my upper boot area. I hate having to take my laces off to use for stuff. It makes the boot terrible to wear then. Especially if you have to run from something. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@LadyJoJoDmn]

"Having things that you love and remind you of home... will take you back home." Excellent! That was one of those profound moments David. It says it all, as far as I am concerned. Thanks for sharing some explanations with us. Great video my friend. Peace . . . . . . .

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked it Rich, Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Paul ! I am honored that you think that brother and I'm glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Always good to be back filming. Yes, I do sleep in a commercial hammock sometimes, I have an ENO single nest and a ENO doublenest with whoopie slings. I just never film them because theres so many videos on them now. Folks seem to like the weirdo stuff I do more. LOL. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you like the vids that much. I always try to show new never before seen stuff but sometimes it gets hard to. I hate showing stuff thats been seen and done hundreds of times. Yep, the mind is the most powerful tool to get you out an back home from a bad situation. Ya gotta have a reason to live. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Hey now thats pretty cool! Yep, you got a great place to store some cordage there. I hot glue one end, wrap a little and hot glue every 4 to 6 inches then hot glue the end. That will make it stay on but it will tear off easily if needed. The water tips are cool but only in a dire situation. Man, I knew I had to drink it! LOL. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Very well stated my friend. Yes, these are very serious issues. Thats exactly why I made it a point that these werent common camping techniques and are for emergency only. Always carry a container. thanks for your input and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Sounds good to me, I think youll really like it. With a backpack, you have a big lump o weight on one spot. The beauty of the H suspenders and buttpack is you can mount things high or low on the back, on the front of the harness, or all around the pistol belt in pouches. You can really tailor it to balance out the weight big time. I have trouble climbing steep hills with a back pack but its a breeze with this set up. Good luck and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I'm glad you liked it. I know sometimes i ramble but I think I do ok with explaining stuff. That is a great light weight set up for minimalist trips. Yes, its tough to film myself but I manage somehow. LOL. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Brother. I think I'm pretty much addicted to buying, making and collecting gear, LOL. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. That rope bed is the most comfortable bed you can make with rope. I know a lot of words are different over the pond but thats how they sell and advertise the "Suspenders" Garter belts just dont sound manly. LOL. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. I honestly dont get to get out much anymore either so I know how you feel. It is good to learn all the little tips you can. Hopefully you wont need them but you just never know when you will. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you like the videos. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Brother! I'm glad you liked it. Good to hear from you and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@uncatila]

Dave. I'm living vicariously in the Gorgian woods. This is great instruction. I take notes. I need to get some of that Rothco rope. At least one 25ft Hank in the bug out bag. I will use that water purification with the vines. Corporals corner taught me to use an more package to gather water. You can set up a whole bunch of those like traps. Thanks again for such great info based upon experience.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Great to hear that Patrick and I'm glad you found it helpful. I'd carry at least 50 feet of that rope. 100 if you live in a hilly area. Thanks for watching brother.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. thats cool you know a rope guy. It is amazing what all you can do with it. I try to always have some with me. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

LOL, i'll take that as a huge compliment! Les is my hero. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

As a general rule 100 feet should cover it. I carry 100 feet a lot of the time but it is much much easier to carry two 50 ft. lengths of rope. I have cut and burnt the needs of a lot of my 100 ft. sections. 100 ft. is a big ole wad of rope to be unweaving. Thanks for watching my friend.