Tarps into Tents | 2 Sets Ups + Fig 4 Knot | Marine & Bushcraft Instructor skills | TARPOLOGY 2021

[@English.Andy1]

I’ve had a 3x3 DD tarp for years. I keep it in the car with a cheap lightweight ground sheet. I normally stuff it my day pack which paid off once in particular. Got caught in a big rain storm with my 3 children all under the age of 7. Made a very quick tipi or lavvu style shelter & kept dry. The kids loved it when I broke out the emergency jelly babies 😂. Great things tarps I’d always recommend a tarp.

[@timtim0007]

I don't understand how anybody would give thumbs down on your videos. I found it very good and informative. Can't wait till the campsites open again.👍👍👍

[@darrensach5481]

Great shout buddy. He is a top top man who wants to pass on his knowledge to others and is full of great tips. Can't wait to watch more. 👏👏

[@cripplers8]

Being an American I really love the English vocabulary and Blowing a Hoolie out here is my new favorite. I really appreciate your knowledge & how well you share it. Thanks mate…..

[@arthurrsaker8893]

Great how there's a two way traffic in the expression of the English language back and forth across the ocean. It enriches and nourishes this living language we share and keeps it current ,and always adaptable to the times. Stay safe buddy and enjoy your nature time no matter what the weather throws atcha !

[@seasoldier3902]

Up to your usual high standard Nick. In my day a "Baby's Head" was a dish from a 10 man Compo box! A tin of pussers steak and kidney pudding, cut in half and and served with the open end upper most on a serving tray. the suet created the skull with the meat and gravey in the middle - Baby's heads!! Jackspeak!!

[@tamsintaipo5053]

Love the family cameo. I always camp with my family so these considerations are good.

[@BaronMcCausland]

Once again, top-shelf instruction; and, I really enjoyed how the whole family got involved LOL!

[@BaronMcCausland]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 You bet, and thanks for making these videos.

[@arthurrsaker8893]

Buddy, maybe it's the algorithms of your device, but the cordage keeping the tarp in tension is not a guide rope. It's a guy rope, with which the tarp is guyed out. Apart from that tho, a nice clear "how to" instructional. Good stuff.

[@Dutcharmytent]

Having nearly put up a tarp in high winds I think you deserve a medal. Your partner was great at filming.

[@dpur773104aolcom]

I've a snugpak tarp that's a little small for that sort of thing so may invest in the DD XL. Excellent video and lovely family! Many thanks!

[@stealthmanofthewoods2570]

moi j'ai une bâche free soldier 3x3 c'est super pas trop grand pas trop petit

[@krishoogstraat6866]

Great Video! Beautiful family as well . I hope we get to see your little one more out in the woods with Dad.

[@Phil144gbp]

My 3x3 DD tarp got me through lockdowns,used to sneak out all weathers,just going out in elements put it up have a brew watching the sea take it down,go home with smile on my face 👍

[@leaturnbull6290]

Sorry about the wind!... a very British thing to say! Apologising for the weather that you have no control over! 😂 love it! Great video, thanks for sharing your skills again. It looks a lot easier than I thought it was to turn a tarp into a tent. I'll be having another go... Last time I made a right pigs ear out of it, although it did still work.

[@brendanoconnor6483]

Excellent work nick. I've been watching ALOT! of bushcraft videos throughout lockdown and practicing in local woods. Lots to learn still! Your videos are amongst the most informative and practical guides I have come across on KZbin; and entertaining too! Look forward to more posts. 👍

[@bathcolin]

You are a diamond geezer, Nick. Your explanations are very clear and understandable. Thanks. I always look forward to your videos. Gotta love a good tarp setup, eh?

[@chrisberry3048]

I still have my issue basha and for some reason, years ago I bought a poncho. In Ireland we used them as bashas. Great film, whT a lovely family including silly moo

[@ChimaeraTom]

I've watched a bucket load of your vids and learnt lots not just from the adivce but the methodology too. However this extra "help" you got melted my heart hahah

[@XxXx-dk3wb]

Lots of ways to stay alive outside.. the techniques you document seem very logical. I appreciate you explaining the thought process which is so vital. Thx for allowing us to see the family.. You are Blessed. Many soldiers try to convey the lessons learned through service.. Thanks to all service personnel... The untrained who watch content hoping to instill confidence and Hope during camping trips or emergencies.. while I think these examples are viable for survival.. when family is considered, I think we cant forget that comfort counts. Extra tarp to provide a dry bed. Might help keep morale up. Typical city folk will need a little more time to toughen up. Most have never skipped a meal or slept exposed to the Wilds of the woods..

[@simonwoodward438]

Just used my DD Superlight for a long and very wet weekend bikepacking in the Derbyshire Peaks after looking at yours and few others videos and I am super impressed. It was wet and windy, at well over 6 ft I had stacks of room. Bonus for me also was space and weight on my bike. Cheers for the advice.

[@lawrencemartin1113]

Fab. Tarps are so useful. So nice to see your wonderful 'tiny person' out enjoying the fun too! I always worry about the puncture risk when using half for a floor. I often carry the ground sheet piece from an IPK to use as a ground sheet. Great for days when you need to sit on something but don't need the tarp up either. Also makes the floor for my Minipeak XL.

[@brianlykins6663]

Great set ups , and thanks for having the family help. Nice to see families doing these things togethet.

[@andrewcollie]

I really enjoyed this video - it was clear and to the point; I also liked the call-out to the dangers of sheltering in woodland (the "widow makers") - site selection is just as important as technique, so well done.

[@coutz56]

Thank you, watching your videos has given me some confidence to able to go outdoors rugged. Knowing how to set up a simple shelter to even keep wood and belongings dry is half the battle.

[@richbuilds_com]

Alpkit do a set of trekking poles designed to be used as shelter poles. I've been using them for a couple of years now and can highly recommend them. Besides being pretty light and sturdy they extend to 150 cms to give you a bit more headroom. I've used them with a Lanshan 1, tarps and an unpronounceable chinese UL tent that has become my go to for long distance hiking. Another option if you don't have a pole and can get under something is suspend the apex from above. (My favourite setup with a tarp because you have acres of space inside due to no pole getting in the way).

[@darhorn]

Thanks Richard, I just ordered a pair.

[@danpalex]

got a name for these?

[@richbuilds_com]

@@danpalex alpkit.com/products/carbonlong-trekking-pole-two-pack This is the pair. Or you can buy just one

[@danpalex]

@@richbuilds_com Thank you so much. This is very helpful

[@jfilm7466]

The weather is getting crap here, so it is the perfect time to try the tarp systems. Thanks.

[@darhorn]

Great information! The child and dog running around add another interesting dimension that made me smile. Good dad!

[@darhorn]

If you think it’s chaotic now, wait until you have a couple more and you’re outnumbered! It’s a real blast!

[@james9789]

Really enjoyed your video and learned some good tips thank you.The reminder of being careful with old/ diseased trees can't be stressed enough.I was in a local forest today and was gob smacked how many trees had Broken and fell since the last recent time I was there.

[@FidoHouse]

Could fold back the "ground sheet" of the 4x3 towards the back - reserve it for sitting/sleeping. Leave bare ground towards opening - reduces some puncture risk and precludes rain catchment into/onto "floor". Just bought a 4x3 so really glad to find your video and get instructions and ideas. Cheers!

[@marcusfridh8489]

the low tetra configuration is my favorite tarp setup with the 3x3 square tarp

[@clactonmassive]

I drunkenly purchased a 4x3 Tarp. I was a little worried about the size. But you have now put my mind at rest. Thankyou.

[@NothingToNoOneInParticular]

Cute baby! I've been fascinated by shelters recently. Tarp shelters as well as homemade gear like tipi's and wigwams. Also, cheap hot tents. This year is going to be a sinking around with shelters year for me. Can't wait for it to get a bit warmer!

[@eddiekeylon323]

A most excellent and instructive video. Never make excuses for the weather or the family. Both are beautiful. It is wonderful to see your family out there with you even in the bad weather. I was military for years and learned things from your video. I recently found your channel and am very glad that I have.

[@stetomlinson3146]

I use the Superlight 3X3 tarp and for a groundsheet I have a piece of the blue "ripstop" cheap garden sheeting, pre-cut to the size of my tarp tent. It weighs next to nothing to carry, and is more substantial for crawling/lying on the the tarp material itself. Excellent videos, packed with practical knowledge. Thank you.

[@iainholloway7010]

Just started watching and subscribed after a few videos as I feel some of the best instructional tarp and bushcraft videos out there

[@iainholloway7010]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Thank you for im 50 and have always loved the outdoors but in the last year have had a few real battles within and also walking side by side with my Wife who was fighting cancer i’ve always seen myself as a young 50 so decided to get myself out in the woods with my friend who drag me to the woods to give me a good talking to he’s a survival instructor and one of the instructors for the bear Grylls name I’ve always used a tent and made some shelters but I have now started using hammocks and tarps to be able to go out anywhere where I feel at peace and at one with myself so thank you for showing your tips And explaining and well in some places there is so much snobbery and too many people willing to put you down if you ask a question Or want to find out information to learn something or a question on particular gear Thank you for not being that person

[@frankquevedo3453]

Just finished watching your video/ vlog. Thanks for your patience and effort in the weather showing how to set up the "tarp." He "4" knot will be very handy. TA!

[@davidbones8947]

Greetings from oregon usa really enjoying your vids i travel by motorcycle and alot of the training and gear laterals to moto camping i like the tarp shelters awsome family brother God bless

[@derbybushcraftandoutdoors3176]

As always great video! I have yet try try this configuration but it’s on my list. I loved seeing the little fella and family as well. Cheers!

[@Laubasss]

Cute little guy! My sons are already 7, 9 and almost 15 lol. Latest camping was on a wood platform in the trees. Love the 3x3 tarp construction. Gping to practise that one!

[@marcellorho4038]

I'm really happy to have found your channel, First because you explain very well the argument, with exhaustive explanation. And second because you speak a really good englisch "you do not eat a words " and for me it is a god english scool Thankyou Greetings fom Nord Italy

[@johncarroll7585]

Really love these videos, especially when you're showing work in the real life experience - wind, rain, child and dog :-) My plan is now to watch the lot. Wishing you all the best.

[@HobbiesAndSunshine]

Thank you Nick for a fabulous demonstration. Now I know what to get.

[@IanTupmanOutdoors]

I'd always favour my tarp over my tent to keep the pack weight down if the wx is good. One thing I don't see mentioned in the comments is condensation. In cold wx and in summer with clear skies. condensation is almost guaranteed with a single skin shelter. It's a good idea to peg out so there's a gap around the perimeter to create an airflow and even with that, I would always put my sleeping bag in a waterproof, breathable bivi bag. Your wee nipper'll soon be joining you for nights out!

[@jentrue]

Agreed I love my lightweight tarp configuration set up! Weighs about a pound!

[@spender771]

I love that you got your whole family involved 💜 Really enjoyed your Video.

[@neanderthaloutdoors9202]

Haha I enjoyed seeing you and your family out and about more than the tarp demo's, but yes the configurations shown are useful to know, there's also an A frame type you can knock up using two walking poles. Cheers Nick and atvb to you and your family.

[@craiglawson8804]

Really happy that I found your channel as I could listen to you all day. Great knowledge and it's lovely your passing it on 👍. Just simple and easy instructions 👏👍👍.

[@craiglawson8804]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 No thank you for your wealth of knowledge 👍 And esp thanks for your RM service 🇬🇧👍👍👏

[@agusmz]

Thanks for sharing your experience and tips. I go fishing on my motorbike for a couple of days, and a tarp is better than the tent for transport, smaller, lighter, and easier to set up. Will be watching your other videos soon.

[@johnmeddick9228]

Wow what a big tarp Nick, Plenty of room in that one 👍👍 Enjoyed the video again.

[@MrBizfit]

Hey! Beautiful family! Nice work. Wind is the worst.

[@LexLuthor1234]

Very nice! - thank you for these useful videos :) Ps. In case of a hammock fail out on the trail, these set ups could just save your hike, i reckon.

[@greetb9330]

Good tips and a good looking shelter, thank you for sharing. You have a style lacking in ego but full of nous, great to watch. All best to all.

[@sinaalex7577]

Great video. Perfect setup. Cute little guy, practicing camping at a young age. In fact, I use the same DD 4,5 x 3 m tarp. Next time you can try not to fold it in in half, but just 3/4 of the length. Then you get a little higher "tent" and a smaller "ground sheet". For 1 person it's a "palace", and even for 2 person large enough, even with a lot of gear. I like this large tarp and this setup. Happy camping and stay safe and healthy.

[@southbucksbushcraft6572]

Great set ups there I am going to give these a go this week at some point

[@ralphjohns5179]

Great video. Thanks for the advice! Tarps are incredibly versatile :)

[@danielgrubb9668]

Great video. Mastering this technique is essential to minimalist hiking. If you really want to go hyper light, learn to do this with a poncho tarp. You need to find one as square as possible. Replace the walking stick with a collapsible carbon fiber tent poll. It’s a tight fit for one, but you want it tight.

[@danielgrubb9668]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683. Yes I have. I’ve never made videos of my shelters. Most of my ideas come 28 years in the U.S. Army and attending wilderness survival courses here in Virginia. I was never able to make a practical fully enclosed poncho shelter until they started making poncho tarps. When I get a chance I’ll send a pic.

[@ajdooom]

Great clear instruction and a video I'm bound to return to. Those rubber feet on the poles can be removed to expose the metal tip can't they? I would have thought that would be better in the ground.

[@gerryedwards9738]

Looks a lot easier to do than other tarp tent set ups I've seen (with symmetrical flaps of tarp pulled back either side of the entrance to the midpoint of tarp). This looks like it'll give more protection when it's chucking it down, and less work to set up when it's blowing a hooley. Good tip to let the wind work for you.

[@shenaniganz5098]

I am new to using tarps, I have loved every video, please keep up the good work, I need to learn as much as I can so my nights in the backyard will be a whole lot smoother, and I will be able to get out into the woods! Once again thanks for the amazing content, look forward to seeing more!👍

[@fredtychoy]

Great vid and tips and all that but most of all, thanks for sharing a little of your beautiful family with us. Blessings from Straya.

[@p3ggy80]

Yes. More DD XL tarp ideas. Thanks very much.

[@p3ggy80]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Haven't made it yet but think you can make a Tall Tri-Wedge. Peg one of the long edges down. Then use a pole or a top line on the middle tie out point on the other long edge. If you get it the right hight it should mean form a large wedge with 2 flap doors that meet at the pole. Tall Tri-Wedge (Adam 2021)

[@sdouglasp]

Love the helping hands!

[@pauledwards9168]

Great work done including the family very important

[@BigVern1980]

That is nothing short of witchery! Will be ditching my "beach tent" for that setup next time we can get out!

[@nickp4179]

Great video. Outdoors, family and dog, what more does a man need. By coincidence, new DD lightweight 3x3 tarp and poles just arrived along with a Savotta Jääkäri S backpack, which is an amazing bit of kit. :-) Again, please keep uploading the vids. Cheers Nick.

[@duncanfarrant8025]

Weather makes it real see the issues you may have, more other vids show lovely weather and say if it is windy, small bit of kit people walking should carry and learn to use just in case as we tell the scouts, good job.

[@andretube5031]

Sehr gutes Video! So gut gezeigt und erklärt das es selbst ein Anfänger nachbauen kann. Sehr Sympathisch. Top 👍🏻

[@keithwortelhock6078]

I have a 3 x 3 DD tarp and have tried this and similar set-ups several times on Dartmoor. I always find that the pole collapses after a while in strong winds as it gets driven into the soft ground and loses tension. I have made a small 'baseplate' out of plywood, which I'm hoping will fix the problem. Hardly got out at all last year due to lockdowns, but hope to get out soon and give it a try.

[@keithwortelhock6078]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Many thanks! I'll give it a try!

[@gegegebebebe5087]

Have you tried to take the lower path of the tarp, which you used as a ground sheet, and fold it again back into the direction of the wind, putting the walking stick into the ground and not on the tarp and use that flap as an additional layer around yourself like a bivvy bag?

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... great tip ..

[@GeoterricsOutdoorsAustralia]

Thats a cool technique - great idea!

[@daigosol5375]

Would a 4x3 tarp fit 2 people in a tent-with-floor style tarp configuration? Thank you for the informative lessons!

[@floydpots]

Just bought a DD 3x3! This was great info. Cheers!

[@kakarikiIck]

Really enjoying watching your videos. Keep up with the great work 👍❤️🇬🇧

[@darrensach5481]

Hi Nick Loving your tutorials mate, awesome work. I've watched loads of your vids now and they always make me smile, its great how you involve your lovely family. Amazing work bruvva 👏👏👏👏

[@robshirewood5060]

Ball bungees and shock-cord, repair tape, are a bonus........lol.....;-))) nice one.

[@James-ke5sx]

Good set ups. I had a bit of difficulty trying to figure out which Corners you were nailing down maybe it would have been better if you pulled back with the camera shot.

[@daz6637]

Good on you Nick, nice vid.🇬🇧👍🏻

[@zenhaelcero8481]

Very informative video, and adorable family.

[@chrisdoyle5778]

Awesome video. Had money on the dog knocking the pole down 😂

[@richardhutchinson4740]

Really enjoying your channel! Tarps are great. I've used similar set ups with the 3.5m² DD but have also tucked in the back corners to put a 45deg slant on each and tied out the porch out the front in a beak - need a few more pegs but seems to offer more windshear? And also a big fan of an adirondack shelter made with either a ridge line or trekking poles. Which is also great on the beach as a shelter when you're down there for the day.

[@sotonlock7894]

@Richard Hutchinson. I'm very interested in learning tarp set ups for the beach where there are no trees for ridge lines. Can you recommend any KZbin videos? Obviously pegging into sand and stones are probamatic, what method of pegging do you use?

[@richardhutchinson4740]

@@sotonlock7894 I use special sand/snow pegs on the beach. Readily available on amazon. For a beach set up fold your tarp on half along the middle ridge seam. Lay flat on the sand. Peg in all along those tie out points. Set your poles to about 125 cm. The top will be the roof, the bottom the groundsheet. Take the top, and come one tie out point in from the corner and put the poles into those loops. You can then stand them up and tie out with a guyline secured to a sandpeg with a taut line hitch. The corner points you can then bring down to the ground and either stake directly or tie out using guys. Gives you some shelter from the side. Then peg out the groundsheet. Fettle to get it sorted out. It's a matter of trial and error really. Just practice on some open ground. I thinknthisnis also a good overnight set up outside of woodland. Also, you can make an Adirondack shelter with poles instead of a ridgeline if you want to get more fancy.

[@sotonlock7894]

@@richardhutchinson4740 Thank you very much for that. I will give that a try this summer, weather and lockdown permitting. I will look on Amazon for the snow/sand pegs, I was thinking of using bags.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

@@sotonlock7894 ... just need to supply your own with hiking poles or equivalent ..

[@squadcast7456]

I recognise you think you tool over from is in afgan 1 was on herrick 10 with the rifles

[@michaelnichols5973]

I too have the 3x3 Pro tarp. I've always wanted to find out what I could create by using the option to put two Pros together. However, DD has been out of stock of the Pro for about a year. If you have a supplier, please pass it along. Cheers.

[@phuaphua4301]

Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 Nick and family's.

[@lenlyr673]

I am learning a lot from ur channel. Thank u for sharing what u know..cheers to more awesome videos!

[@GruntProof]

Outstanding. I love DD!

[@Morphytravels]

I guess with the second version you have to be careful when it rains. The groundsheet that is not covered, could create channels when wet and so water finds it's way into your tarp and creates puddles.

[@coltonbrylski6797]

Just found you from your Mentors for Military Podcast episode. Enjoying the content. I'll be looking some more

[@Miguel_GM]

Great setup, very useful information and lovely family ;)

[@sitatt]

Excellent stuff, again! Thanks for the great tips, mate! All the best!

[@stevenkeithley4336]

Miss the videos Nick . Hope you and the family are doing great 👍. Stay safe and be well brother. Strength and Honor... 👊 🤙 🍻

[@deandunbar8856]

GREAT VIDEO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND IVE LEARNT HOW TO MAKE A TENT FROM A TARP AWESOME. HAVE A BLESSED EVENING ATVB...Dean 👌✌

[@stuartj1234]

Dear Nick im new to your vids but absolutely loving your work. I wonder if you would be able to do a long term living off the land in a SHTF situation. Is it actually possible to forage for all your food long term ?

[@mikee5774]

Really like your videos, very clear and easy to follow

[@gaylecoombs5510]

What exactly is that baby's head just a pile of dirt and grass don't think I've seen those over here across the pond. I am so happy that I found your channel loads of good info you deserve way more subscribers than you have in my opinion. Cheers to you and yours I'm sure great things will follow you. Also top tip I use the carry bag from my 3X3 as a pillow case I throw a shirt of jacket in there.

[@marksadventures3889]

I need a smaller tarp as mine is 5 x 4 Metres. I got the bigger one to cover my tent, bike & trailer and tiny tent for gear if I deploy that as well.

[@marksadventures3889]

Thanks my thing is cycle touring. To keep the costs down and just because I'm a bit antisocial I wild camp a lot of it. On long trips I like to raise money for fallen brothers and their families.

[@anfieldrd1892]

Top upload as usual always enjoy your videos of the great outdoors many thanks stay safe

[@mesmogruvinski]

You are a tarpaulin ninja, sir. Which bit of our green and pleasant land are you situated?

[@samhenry472]

I prefer a floor, at least it kEeps moisture from rising up, good vid, kudos.

[@neilbirnie9385]

Hi mate, absolutely love your work. Currently working my way through your videos. I'm not sure if you've mentioned this and I've just missed it but what would you say is the best all round size of tarp and if weight wasn't an issue what would be your ideal size. Thanks.

[@paramidge8935]

What a lovely family. Your videos are both informative and charming - I wish you all the very best. Do you have a (relatively) midge proof tarp set up?

[@paramidge8935]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Nice - cheers

[@PlayaSinNombre]

That is a nice looking family!

[@jiffijoff9780]

Great video under pretty British conditions 🙈😂 the other day I was saving exactly both the DD 3x3 and 3x4.5m and was wondering if the larger was worth the extra size and weight. Thanks for taking the time for production and sharing 🍻🤘

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... Both are excellent tarps ... but can think about it with the 3x4 as a 3x3 with a ground cloth built on ... 25% tucked in/under as ground cloth ..

[@tannenherz]

High, a good idea your second setup. Perhaps it will be inspire me to construct something new. Kindly Fiete

[@thedetectorist2419]

just found your channel awome raw youtube videos love it cheeers mate subbed ty fr your service