The Tarps I use for Bushcraft and Wild Camping. My Top Five Tarp Shelter Set-ups.

In this video, I head out to the pine woods with my armoury of tarps to show you what I use and why. I love tarps, they are my preferred shelter for camping, so much more versatile than a tent, lighter, more compact and they don’t obstruct your view or experience of being out in nature.
I will be going through the features and merits of six different tarps that I use frequently, each one suitable for different situations and activities. I will also show you my 5 best tarp shelter configurations for wild camping, bushcraft, hammock camping and canoe trips.
I hope you enjoy the video,
Thanks for watching!
Outhaus Fredlig 4x3 tarp
outhaus.co/fredlig-canvas-tar...
British Army Basha
www.militarymart.co.uk/collec...
DD 3x3 Tarp
www.ddhammocks.com/product/dd...
DD Superlight Tarp
www.ddhammocks.com/product/DD...
Warbonnet Superfly Tarp
www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/pro...
Terra Nova Competition 1 Tarp
www.terra-nova.co.uk/tarps/co...
Contact me at:
[e-mail]
Or by mail at:
Simon, a bloke in the woods
PO Box 384
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 9DB
UK
Facebook - Simon, a bloke in the woods
Simon-a-blok...
Instagram - simon_a_bloke_in_the_woods
simon_a_blo...
Music:
Autumn Sunset By Audionautix
Cats Searching for the Truth By Nat Keefe and Hot Buttered Rum

[@richardstone5241]

I am a 68 year old tarp guy (old school). A tent is a tent and can't be used for anything else, but a tarp or two are extremely versatile and can be used for many things and easy to field repair. Need a hunting blind, make a litter, catch rain water, need a poncho or a sail for a raft? Use a tarp!!!

[@sahhull]

I even use a tarp to tidy way the lawn grass clippings... Make a pile of grass on the tarp and drag it to the garden waste bin

[@danielhall5554]

@@sahhull Tarps are a most useful tool, truly. Attach one to you lawn tractor and drag around good sized brush and limbs.

[@sdqsdq6274]

well depends on countries , a tarp alone dont work here , need to be match with a mosquito net

[@richardstone5241]

@@sdqsdq6274 I carry a mosquito net with me and have been to several countries. Sorry I didn't expand my thoughts further. After years of various outdoor experiences (military, contractor and civilian activities) I have settled on the following (2 light weight tarps 10x10, 1 mosquito net, 1 military hammock, 2 wool blankets, 12 lightweight titanium stakes). This has worked well for me regardless of where I am located and offers a tremendous amount of configurations. All of this rolls up easily and stores well in a homemade bag that I carry mounted to the bottom of my ALICE pack.

[@ramlebelier8225]

we can also wrap our mother in law when we are tired of her

[@honestreviewer3283]

If you're solo, a tarp combined with a good GoreTex bivvy bag is all you need. Learned this in the infantry. Had some of my best sleeps ever, dry, warm and snug as a bug in ruts left by tanks. Thanks for the video.

[@remonchik228]

any examples of gore tex bivy please? maybe also with mosquito net

[@higherlifts420]

​@@remonchik228look up the army 4 piece sleeping system. The bivy is just a thin waterproof sleeping bag. Material like a rain jacket

[@honestreviewer3283]

@@Youaretrapped A tarp keep rain from falling on you, but does nothing to protect your sleeping bag from wet ground, and usually the ground is already wet when you get caught in the rain. And I have to argue about a bivvy bag taking up more room than a tarp. When I was in the infantry I carried both a bivvy bag and a small 4'x8' tarp; everyone did.

[@Internetprolet1312]

@@remonchik228there are some good bivy bags that you can find in army surplus stores

[@beargritter7618]

@@honestreviewer3283 And that is why we have roll mats. Not the easiest to carry but it is something between you and the soggy sh!t. Goretex bivi bag and tarp and you are pretty much snug a a bug in a rug.

[@remingun7624]

13:15 Simple configuration 14:05 Simple configuration with "doors" 15:00 Adirondack shelter 16:05 Plough point shelter 18:10 Tepee tarp tent (no trees) 20:40 Canoe tarp

[@markcummings6856]

This was the most thorough and comprehensive video on tarps on KZbin. Thank you very much, Simon.

[@tybean]

I have no intention of buying a tarp or camping in the woods but for some reason, I could watch this for days

[@michaelneuwirth3414]

🇬🇧​ A very good overview of the different tent canvas concepts. The fact that at the end it was explained straightforwardly when a tent is preferable (in case of extreme wetness, cold and wind as well as stinging insects) is overall evidence of a sober view. With approx. 25 min. not too short and not too long, thank you!​ 🇩🇪​ Eine sehr gute Übersicht der unterschiedlichen Zeltplanen-Konzepte. Dass am Ende schnörkellos darauf eingegangen wurde, wann ein Zelt vorzuziehen ist (bei extremer Nässe, Kälte und Wind sowie stechenden Insekten), zeugt insgesamt von einer nüchternen Sichtweise. Mit ca. 25 min. nicht zu kurz und nicht zu lang, danke!

[@charlielewis3261]

You know a video is good when people are still regularly watching it over a year later. I set up a tarp tent for the first time last night. I combined mine or a mosquito net as I was sleeping next to the Norfolk Broads where biting insects are rife. It worked very well and added very little weight.

[@shockwaves215]

hi Simon I,m soon coming up 60 yrs old and i did my 1st kayak and camping last year with my brother inlaw down the river wye it was 3 days and 2 nights and thoroughly enjoyed it. ive been watching your youtube videos and it has helped a lot on all aspects on camping. we are planning another trip on the river wye againg but for 4 nights and 5 days. I also watch your good friend Andy kents survival, when nature Pauls and Eze adventure. theres not time like the present to start new adventures. Thanks again for your inspiring videos Simon. Mike Harvey (just and ordinary guy lol)

[@limejuicy9459]

Amazing! You are an architect of the tarp world. I just bought a tarp and will use it for first time. It has super inspired me!

[@jsand8301]

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed watch some bloke walk through the woods. Really I can’t!

[@Alan-ur9jo]

Great channel, deserves way more subscribers.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Alan!

[@spoonerbooner]

yeah much more!

[@lachainemanquante5397]

Done ...

[@EdwinDekker71]

@@simonablokeinthewoods subbed!

[@richardh1764]

Just got 1 more.

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

I've gone back to this idea again of using a tarp and just so much simpler lighter weight and fun!

[@ianguest3720]

As a complete novice this is just what I need to see - easily the most informative and useful video I have watched. Thank you and keep up the good work!

[@ol48spring]

Been bicycle camping for years. Switched to tarp and bivy setup a few years ago. So versatile so light. So easy. 👍

[@outdoorpoormet9447]

Great closing music. Both fitting and comforting.

[@abdmj4]

One of my favorite tarp vids. Extesive but curated and really fun

[@jgstevens5169]

I always appreciate your honesty when you present your submissions. Your chuckle is heart warming. Thank you for your demonstrations & looking forward to your next release.

[@Sirrehpotsirch]

I really like the concept of setting up the guy lines ahead of time with those slider knots. Time to practice my bush craft! Thanks Simon!

[@ivarwb4115]

Thanx for sharing your thoughts and ideas, this was really informative!

[@camdee9916]

I love these instructional videos, you're a natural teacher. Keep them coming!!!

[@katpatterson8827]

My daughter and I Absolutely LOVE this Video!! Thank you so much!!!

[@billyaitken1713]

Quality as always Simon⛺️🎥👏👏👏. Being an ex-para, I'm a tarp camper. If you need to add a mosquito net, place a 'nut' on the outside & bind one end of some cord to hold the 'nut' in place on the inside- then use the loose end to attach the mozzie net😊👍. I know you love to tinker with set-ups. Look at tarp clamps & sewing on some additional nylon cord loops on the edges to boost your configuration options. That rip-stop heavy tarp is the dog's conkers, it'll take a world of abuse & last decades⛺️👍

[@ericb.4358]

I feel the most versatile tarp size is 10' x 12" with MANY tie-out points. There a few shapes that provide almost full coverage from a very windy rain or snow storm.

[@ek-nz]

Revisiting some videos from the back catalogue. Such good editing! The pace is just spot on, the way the cuts fit with the music, the camera angles and b roll. There are a plethora of bushcraft themed YT channels but Simon, you just have the spark that sets this channel apart.

[@leslieaustin151]

As always, sound advice and sensible illustrations of what you use. Thank you. Les

[@davinacaine3615]

My first nearly wild camp camp coming up and I’ve bought a tarp to have a play with so great timing with this video, thank you

[@acraen]

I love the combination of showing your favourite tarps and the different setups. My personal preference is still the DD tarp... it's so versatile

[@billymoffat4744]

quality advice as always Simon, your one of the best teachers i never had atb.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - thank you Billy!

[@jameswaddington7350]

A nice little refresher on some different set ups. Nicely in time for a rainy weekend.

[@Heyletsfindout]

One of the best tarp shelter setup videos. Thank you!

[@bigav8r]

This was invaluable tarp skills info. Thank you Simon.

[@antoanto5301]

Excellent video Simon, great selection of tarps and different configurations, I doff my cap good sir!

[@annebeginn2034]

Bought the dd 3x3 for my hubby and we tried out the tarp tent config he loves it 😁

[@1556peterc]

Excellent as always Simon. Quite nostalgic as I don't tarp as much since I moved to Aus, the snakes and spiders encourage more tent or hammock use. When UK based, we regularly did winter cross Scotland canoe trips with trainee instructors. The preferred set up was a circle of canoes on their sides around the fire using the canoe tarp set up although we used 'A' poles at the front from paddles or the 2 piece pole. Nice sociable way to camp and cook and easy to pass the hooch round.

[@michellezevenaar]

Thank you for this! I like that you show the details of the tarp because I'm making a fabric tarp for my kids to play with at the playground. Great for creating shade in the summer.

[@sylvanhemingway9459]

Great video! Learned a lot very quickly here. Appreciate the time you put in setting up and explaining all of these types of tarps and how to set them up.

[@bas-canadapreparatistesurv203]

Simon as always you're humble , but you are rich in knowledges !thanks for sharing these with us !

[@stupefyfilms8052]

I just recently picked up a 3m by 3m for some hammock camping I'm looking to do. Thank you for showing the different ways to use a tarp. I found this very insightful and I'm excited to get out and try some of these.

[@canuckprogressive.3435]

I don't get out camping that much lately, but have started using a backpacing tarp in the last two years. I agree that it feels more like the being out in nature that I go out for than when I am in a tent. I like that I can have a little fire or use my stove when in slightly rainy weather and stay dry. Speaking of fire, it doesn't seen a good idea and is indeed banned a lot now that things are getting hotter and drier. I carry an eight inch sqaure cake pan, put a bit of sand in the bottom and make a realy smal fire from twigs and pinecones. Works great!

[@issaoutdoors]

Lovely video..... I ALWAYS carry a tarp with me incase of tent failure or needing a quick shelter from driving rains.... this video gives me tons more uses and setups than my usual a-frame!

[@johnhunt9363]

Great video. I watched this a couple of years ago when I first got into tarps shelters and enjoyed it just as much this time now I’m more experienced.

[@wayneneuhofel6744]

This is the best tarp shelter video I've ever seen. Just changed the way I'm outfitting my bag.

[@Mike-kr9ys]

Great video! Thank you for going to all the trouble of putting up the different configurations - much better for me to see it in real life instead of a line drawing in a book. You made it easier for me to understand all the tarp origami needed for each layout.

[@Step-dp6ll]

I recently bought a couple of tarps for quick shelter when out hiking, this has given me so many more options, has to be one of the best and most informative channels I've come across, you have another subscriber! 👍

[@mobasherkhan7802]

Simon, thank you so much. I've saved this video to review it and learn the various setups that you explained. Your channel is awesome and I really enjoy your videos for both, the knowledge I gain and the cooking/ cinematography of nature that you present. Curry in a rainy day is overdue... All the very best going forward...

[@carrdoug99]

"I've forgotten how much room there is in here".👍😃 I love watching videos from a guy who loves tarps as much as I do. A note to everybody on the versatility of these tarps. Along with Simon's great video on using canoe paddles to give you more room in the tarp tent. Nothing prevents you from suspending your tarp tent from a ridgeline and setting it up otherwise as normal. This is my favorite cold weather shelter. Also, remember not to pigeonhole yourself when setting up these configurations. A diamond shelter can be setup off center, so you can shift coverage for better wind and rain protection. This is great to remember when you're using a smaller square tarp like an 8.5' x 8.5'.👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Doug 👍👍

[@jedidiahpavlik6260]

This is great! Thanks for the education on tarps. Never realized the versatility. 👍👍

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

You can't go wrong with a good tarp! My first decent quality tarp was the DD Hammocks 3m x 3m and and is still a go to favorite!

[@tobiash5886]

Another variation of the tarp tent I was taught is using a ridgeline instead of a centre pole or A-frame, works really well!

[@mattreid859]

Hi there Simon! A great video thank you. Your A-Frame tip was a saviour to create an awning with my 4x4 tarp on the front of our vintage Vango Force10 during a recent wet and windy trip to Wales. Many thanks indeed!

[@explorer8888]

For a change, this was a good YT recommendation. Great video! In the past, this was my favorite way of making shelters. Nowadays I backpack and camp in the Caribbean where mosquitoes and other insects want to “eat you alive”, so I spend the nights in a tent without the rain fly on. It gives me more contact with nature and allows me to enjoy the breeze. Of course, I always have the rain fly ready because weather can change without warning. Subscribed!

[@thomascraig7230]

Great video. Your "How to" videos are always brilliant. The area you were in looks like it was custom made for camping.

[@nickmartino2839]

Awesome video!!!!I just wanted to say thank you for doing these videos sometimes we often forget the basics with tarp shelters....its nice to have these to refer back to!!!

[@oscccar1]

I started tarping this summer and I absolutely love it!

[@xsirdavidianx]

Banging video as usual. I've been watching for around a week now, and I have to say I've been thinking about wild camping for a while, and it's as if the gods brought me to your channel to learn how. Perfect, thank you guy in the woods ❤️👍

[@user-in2qo5yw7d]

Do it ! It will heal you. Make sure to stand barefeet some time. Sleeping sometimes in a Hammock, with good setup, feels like a reborn :)

[@xsirdavidianx]

@user-in2qo5yw7d oh I will! I can't wait honestly, ty! 😊👍

[@user-gn5uy6lx7z]

I have a Free Shoulders 10.x10.5 tarp that goes with me when I hike. Lightweight, grommets everywhere with tie off points and even some in the middle on the tarp

[@humboldtjeff]

Simon, Excellent video! I like your organized tarp town you put up in the woods. Thank you for sharing your vast experience as a tarp camper.

[@jackprice3364]

Thanks Simon! Bought a tarp (3 meter x), but haven’t had a chance to practice with it yet. Perfect video to get me moving.

[@koogle612]

This was great thx. I bought a high end 10x10 - vinyl coated polyethylene tarp as a secondary cover at campsite for whatever need may present itself. This was exactly what I was looking for.

[@lawrencemartin1113]

Really interesting and helpful as ever Simon. Love the reflection on the Warbonnet tarp cost! I have stopped buying any of my kit from the US now because I cannot afford the stupendous costs involved in paying import duty. I wanted a Lester River Boreal Wool smock....waited years.... finally bought one last year for a lot of money and then, having discovered that Parcel Force had it in a depot and had not informed me (four weeks!) I popped down to collect it...£75 later, I was on my way home feeling like I had been mugged at gunpoint! Never, ever again. It is a fantastic bit of kit which I love, but the cost still makes me wince! I love these set-ups and have been practicing when out with my canoe. Speaking of which, good luck with the Scotland expedition! (Not sure we will manage to get there after all...sad face).

[@TRu44-560]

Its also a moment of madness when I purchase from across the pond 😂 Thanks for sharing.

[@justinhetrick968]

Absolutely excellent video! Very informative and explained in good detail. Was looking for tarp options for hammock and just as a quick shelter and you covered everything and then some. Excellent! Thank you very much!

[@brianlykins6663]

Nice tarps, great advice on each. Another good point about tarp camping is ease of setup and tear down in short amount of time. Great video as usual. Enjoy.

[@FlamingEmberSeal]

Some nice variations here I havent seen yet. You can increase room in any tarp set up using a marble or a round pebble and cordage of some kind. There is also a few Winter Tarp set ups fully enclosed with the floor covered.

[@alansteele3757]

Another video full of quality information, Simon thanks very much 👍👍

[@chris_onabike]

Great video! Always learn something new on this channel. Currently riding a bicycle from Alaska to Argentina. Using an MSR Hubba Hubba NX tent. Tons of mosquitos in Alaska, scorpions here in Durango, Mexico. Tics, racoons, downpours in Oregon/ Northern California. Tarp/ tarp bivy combo is definitely my preferred camp back in the UK and Europe, but I really appreciate the insect protection and especially the privacy of a tent being out here on the road for a year plus. Looking forward to seeing more great content, all the best!

[@garypowell-squash-wizards]

Thank you Simon so many ways with various tarps. I've only got a couple myself & I'm still experimenting in woods around Cheltenham.

[@ysgolgerlan]

Thanks for this video, I really enjoyed it. I also appreciate your time and effort in making them as they do take up a lot of your time. Thanks again.

[@celticbushcraft89]

Every video you make, makes me feel like I have really been educated. Great work again. Love your channel.

[@adventuresaurustracks1934]

Thank you for this video! My 7 year old and I found this incredibly helpful. We've recently purchased a tarp

[@andywhitnell1351]

Evening Simon , brilliant tonight’s vid I’ve got a tarp and never really explored the possibilities, opened my eyes a lot . Keep the Videos coming between you and Kent survival my two favourite relaxing program’s 👍😄😄😄

[@alblazashirley8965]

I've only went camping once in my life and that was with a tarp. I was very confused and put off as to the set up of a good shelter.

[@andylowry8439]

I'm thinking of buying a tarp and found this a really exellent tutorial, thank you 👍

[@user_MrWhite]

one of the best videos about tarps i have come across so far

[@simeonterina]

Great presentation with great materials or stuff.

[@MrSolplassen]

As always very informativ, nicely filmed and perfect narrated. AND love the music. Keep up the good work Simon👍

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Love it. Going to do a camp in a couple of weeks using the tarp tent setup for the first time. Nice lightweight option for a bikepacking weekend

[@robdoyle2063]

Thanks for sharing Simon!

[@edpikestone6800]

Thanks for this video Simon - Clarified some of my thinking as was going to purchase a Warbonnet until I saw the price... Really good advice and summary and thank you for taking the time to make this video - so useful.

[@bathcolin]

Another great video Simon. Very well explained as per usual. Thank you!

[@DoseofDirt]

Looking to try using a tarp instead of a tent on some upcoming trips. This video was EXCELLENT! Appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@evansveilleux5168]

I have loked @ your video twice,& will look over again the most interseting well done,i ve ever seen on tarps,tank you

[@jchambers1191]

Amazing how those Basha's totally blend into the background. Great work - once again, well done, sir!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - like one of those invisibility cloaks 😉

[@TheFLOMAN76]

Good stuff Simon! You know your craft inside and out. Thank you so much sir, for sharing your knowledge! I just got into hammocking about a year ago and I love it! Best nights of my life every time I sleep in one! 🤘

[@yfelwulf]

As someone who has spent years under fly tarps well presented 👌

[@supergoodcamping]

Brilliant! Thanks so much for sharing. As my kids get older, & I therefore get closer to soloing in the backcountry, I spend more time looking at bivys & hammocks. So I especially enjoyed the Warbonnet setup & the diy cheaper version. Great rigging. Cheers Tim

[@kevintinsley4158]

My favorite guy across the pond , good video and outdoor knowledge. Thank you .

[@NaturalExplorerNZ]

Mate your channel is a treasure, thanks for all the content and hope your adventures keep coming! Cheers Simon

[@MattGriffiths81]

What an awesome video. Good descriptions, good reasoning, good ideas. Thanks muchly. 💗

[@jeffarthur322]

Thanks I’ve been into tarps for well a very long time

[@sydneybirding740]

Great video, thank you. I'm glad you clarified at the end why you choose a tarp - basically for not being holed up in a nylon tent. As someone else commented, the usefulness might depend on country. Through the video I'm thinking my old MSR 2 person tent weighs in at 1.1kg including tent with floor, fly, flyscreen walls, pegs, ropes and poles - and gives complete protection from bugs, enough room to sit up in, enough room for two to sleep, together with two doors and an awning over each door for hiking packs and boots. I *really* want to see if I can trim that weight even further and so am looking at tarp options - but keep getting stuck with the thought - if I am out hiking for a week and there's driving rain, that tent is going to be the best bet. Have tried a bivvy bag and it was a nightmare - you can't breathe in the thing (unless you like CO2) and if you open up and just have the flyscreen, then it's instantly cold. Probably didn't help that my first trial was in highland Tasmania at about minus 6 degrees celcius. Woke with frost all through my hair.. Really hard to choose how to trim down the pack yet retain full bug and rain protection.

[@claramullen]

Hi Simon wow I am now overwhelmed with all the great information and how many ways I can set up my tarps thank you.

[@stephenconway6794]

I've had the superfly for yonks, but the spreader bars, is a new one on me, I'll need to make a set. Excellent, informative video as per usual, nice one.

[@RobEvansWoodsman]

that's the best tarp tutorial video i've seen, i've used every configuration you've shown and frankly you don't need to know any more, keep up the great work mate.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers matey! 👍

[@tonystrange7224]

Great video Simon, I'm always learning when tuning into your vlogs.

[@Occupuyourspine]

Real nice to have so many up at same time for comparison. I only have a poncho & reflective mylar sheet

[@Occupuyourspine]

Well done video yeah

[@garymilnes4851]

good informative video again, I like my tent, but always carry two tarps with me, one for a cook out shelter and one for extending the tents vestibule and keeping my kit dry. I have used the tarp as my shelter before, but here we have mosquitos built like lancaster bombers and they love to hang out under the tarp, they have a ready food source namely me! and convenient shelter from the rain. maybe when I return home to the UK i will do more tarp camping. After-all, some good ideas on set ups in this video, thanks Simon

[@tonybownwanderer800]

An excellent presentation Simon. Many thanks.👍

[@johnryan296]

Great job Simon, many tarps and many ways to place them.

[@janwaller3585]

Great review of various tarps and uses ! Thank you !

[@CarlosLopez-mm9ug]

Gracias por compartir tus conocimientos y tu ilusión. Saludos desde Madrid, España.