Tentsmith 8x8

In this short video, I show off my new 8X8 Tentsmiths oilskin tarp.
Made right here in New England, in Gonic NH.
Tentsmith owners, Stephen and Alena are avid reenactors, and love to portray history all over New England, and beyond, which means we need portable shelter for all our different time periods. We have spent many nights sleeping under canvas, and there is nothing quite like it. While mirroring experiences of our ancestors, every canvas tent made by Tentsmiths is engineered to withstand weather and last for years to come. Tentsmiths shelters satisfy our modern needs for fire resistance, weather resistance, and high quality manufacture. Each tent design has been researched for historical accuracy; we use them to talk and learn about travel, technology, economics, culture, and more.
Find out more here at: www.tentsmiths.com
Music: Fractal of light, by Chris Haugen

[@mattsweet7918]

Nice tarp set up. Good for spring, summer and fall. For winter I would prefer the Polish lavvu with wood stove. My old body gets cold easy when sleeping. Thanks for another good video.

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

The wood stove sure is nice that's for sure! Thanks for taking the time to watch my friend.

[@terryfisher8872]

Your video was the point of sale for me for the 8x8 Tentsmiths oilskin tarp. I just got mine a few weeks ago and set up the plow point configuration, yet used two branches lashed together for V-shaped poles. Let the seams cure through an inch of rain that weekend. This tarp really sheds the rain, much like that of a freshly waxed car. Great video!

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

I absolutely love mine.! Thank you so much for your support of my little channel. Best wishes my friend. Have fun with your new tarp!

[@MeetMeOutside]

Great investment ! Really like that. Just the ability to have it somewhat near a campfire is awesome. Thanks for sharing brother. Cheers

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

Totally agree on all points thanks. It wasn't cheap, but quality items seldom are. Have fun out there! Thanks for taking the time to watch.

[@VJLasorsa]

Not sure if oil tarps and fire work well together. Once the oil wears off and more of the canvas prevails it would be better. Tentsmiths makes a plain duck canvas tarp which would perform better next to an open fire.

[@ChanceChelios]

I just ordered mine yesterday! Can’t wait to break it in!

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

You are going to love it! Hope you have many adventures with it in the future! Thanks for watching my friend.

[@stevefisher2121]

Great video - just received mine a couple of weeks ago and can't wait for the temps to drop for some fall camping!!!!

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

Congratulations! And I totally agree with you! Love those cooler temps. Best wishes.

[@benbrown5159]

My Tentsmiths 8x8 tarp specifies that it is NOT flame retardant, so be careful about wind direction and campfire location when using one. It absolutely will burn.

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

Good to know. Thanks so much. Best wishes my friend

[@aaronwilcox6417]

Looks good.

[@beardedmisanthrope9274]

Bought one a couple of months ago and I love it, new subscriber.

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

Thanks so much for watching my friend! Best wishes and happy camping.

[@birddogmason9862]

Hey Kevin, the tarp is a good option, still think about the wax tarp tents used back in my pre-historic days of childhood, LOL. I have about three tarp shelters now. Thanks for the tips on the Hornbeck.

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

I remember camping with my folks as a child back in the 70's with their old canvas tent. Heavy as blazes but that unique smell it had always made me happy. Best wishes brother.

[@ClassicMocha]

You cutout one of the most important parts of the video which is folding that huge tarp!

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

🤣 you're absolutely right! It only took me about a hour or so to pack it away. Have a great day my friend and thanks for watching.

[@ClassicMocha]

@@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586 in your opinion, what would be the best and effective way to fold and pack a 9x9 tarp? Especially if it was raining through the night?

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

When I wake up under a tarp during a rain storm. I generally pack everything while under the protection of my tarp. Once packed and my rain gear is on, I scramble out from under the tarp and simply fold it in half then half again and roll it up. I clip it to the bottom of my pack and I'm good to go. That's the beauty of a tarp, unlike a tent, it doesn't matter if it gets soaked during breakdown. Great question! Have a wonderful week.

[@hanzo52]

What's the pros/cons from using modern materials over that heavy ol'thing?

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

To tell you the truth, for me, it's mostly about the traditional feel and durability of a oil cotton canvas tarp. It just feels good to use if that makes any sense. As far as pros and cons. First of all let me start with saying that I prefer the open feeling of a tarp rather than a closed in tent. A fire out in front of a tarp at night is wonderful heat source not to mention the ambiance it provides. I also own a 9'x9' DD ultralight nylon tarp. It's absolutely wonderful and most of all lightweight. I carry it when I am backpacking or on day trips. It's small and fits well in my haversack. Although it lacks in durability. My canvas tarp on the other hand goes with me when I have some sort of conveyance such as a car, canoe or bike. It is also more fire retardant than a nylon tarp. It's much less likely to get those pesky little burn holes in it like nylon does. ( I've learned from experience) I have also wrapped up in it with my sleeping bag on the ground. Very low profile for stealth camping! The canvas acts like a bivy bag and is FAR more puncture/tear resistant. I will admit it is much more bulky and heavy. But I must say, if I had to choose one. It would certainly be the 9'x9' canvas. The quality, durability and craftsmanship of this tarp will certainly last a lifetime. Great question. My friend! Thanks for watching. As always, best wishes.

[@codycox2685]

have you ever set it up like a tarp tent? I'm thinking of an 8x8 but not sure if big enough for that configuration.

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

Yes I have! I'm 5'-8" It works, but a 9x9 is better for sure. I will do a comparison video on this topic. Great idea. Thanks so much for watching my friend.

[@codycox2685]

@@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586 That sounds awesome, thanks! I know my 10x10 works great but I could save about two pounds with an 8x8, not to mention the saved space/bulk.

[@snafutimes6883]

Did you try it will the Adirondack setup?

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

I have! That's actually one of my favorite pitches. For the sake of the video I made it simple. Thanks so much for watching my friend! Hope to see you on the next one.

[@snafutimes6883]

@@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586 there’s a video of it? I didn’t see it in you last.

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

@@snafutimes6883 Not yet, but I should make one. Great idea my friend!

[@sipapito]

Where did you get the haversack or what is the brand?

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

Thanks so much for watching. Sincerely hope you enjoyed it. The haversack is from a gentleman named Malcolm. Owner of the "Hidden Woodsman" he mixes new technology with old pack/bag designs. I've owned his haversack for many many years with no problems. Check him out here.. thehiddenwoodsmen.com/product/hatchet-haversack/

[@sipapito]

@@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586 Oh man my luck they out of stock in Olive green and I need it shipped to Germany,Thank you so much,I already send them an email. Thumb 👍🏻

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

@@sipapito They are hand made so be patient. It's worth the wait. I promise. Thank you so much for supporting a small local business! We need more of that in this crazy world. Best wishes and happy holidays!

[@sipapito]

@@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586 Happy Holidays to you too!