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

[@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.

[@tybean]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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)

[@markcummings6856]

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

[@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!

[@jsand8301]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@ApalahApalah-xq4ui]

hero

[@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⛺️👍

[@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!

[@outdoorpoormet9447]

Great closing music. Both fitting and comforting.

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

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

[@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 ❤️👍

[@MarcAurelius-b3q]

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! 😊👍

[@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 👍👍

[@annebeginn2034]

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

[@ol48spring]

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

[@ivarwb4115]

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

[@abdmj4]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@wayneneuhofel6744]

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

[@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.

[@billymoffat4744]

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

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - thank you Billy!

[@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.

[@katpatterson8827]

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

[@camdee9916]

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

[@simeonterina]

Great presentation with great materials or stuff.

[@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! 👍

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@antoanto5301]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@jameswaddington7350]

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

[@leslieaustin151]

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

[@austerace]

I would say that this is the best, most useful & informative video I have watched all year, and I watch a lot on here, as I do not watch TV. Thank you Simon, spot on!

[@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.

[@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!

[@bigav8r]

This was invaluable tarp skills info. Thank you Simon.

[@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!

[@BiznessWizard]

Thank you so much for the excellent tarp tutorial! So much information there. One could watch it over and over again to glean everything. Great tarp collection I might add!

[@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.

[@thomascraig7230]

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

[@waveforthefrequencies]

Absolutely loved the music that kicked this off. Lots of nice key changes. Good stuff all around.

[@thebubaloomonkey]

Good video. Another alternative to the Terra Nova Competition tarp is the DD Magic Carpet XL. It's a similar size and weight but is only £20.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Good call! 👍

[@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.

[@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).

[@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.

[@KimberlyGreen]

To get a bit more airflow through your tarp tent you can change the back-end stake points. With a little slack, you can then slightly elevate center point (with a twig etc) and create a gentle wind tunnel. Useful for warmer evenings.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Great idea Kimberly! Perfect for a warm balmy evening (or post curry) 😂👍

[@sasquatchrosefarts]

@@simonablokeinthewoods real men enjoy spam farts

[@canuckprogressive.3435]

@@sasquatchrosefarts But that means having to eat the spam first.

[@lindapotter5750]

Yeah, that's why I'm watching it. I don't need cooking lessons...😊 Also the best music I've heard on these videos.I expect Allison Krauss to start singing any minute. Thanks!!

[@johng9562]

Good one Simon ~ I also prefer tarps for their versatility.

[@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

[@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! 🤘

[@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.

[@andy_an_outdoors_guy]

Great rundown of your tarp kit. I really love tarp camping. both light and versatile - but I also like that they sort of get one closer to nature :) I find a simple lean-to for a bit of wind protection and the open side for a view of the area and sky is just fantastic when weather is not extremely windy.

[@Doobster67]

Excellent tarp review! I will be watching this again as I'm about to invest in a tarp so this video is such a great help! Thank You!

[@BulldogBadger]

Great video Simon, loved seeing all the different types of tarp and different shelters available you can make from them.. tarps are so versatile and simple and have a lot of relevance even in 2021 when a lot of the gear is pretty advanced 👏🍻

[@jonasbeausang3411]

Very good, I saw it twice in a row!

[@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 😉

[@hamwhacker]

I take a tarp camping and attach one side to the car roof rack, then use telescoping poles to make a roof to cook/shelter under. We only have a two man tent. But that setup seems to work. You then don’t need a large tent to go on holiday.

[@billyaitken1713]

🇳🇿🤠👍, that's the typical Aussie car/van camp set-up🤙

[@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

[@kcraig51]

Did you just watch Scotty's Gone Walkabouts? He just did a tarp video. Check him out. Great Australian scenery!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you - I’d not come across him, but now subbed - that first setup of his is genius! Thanks for the recommendation! 😁👍

[@user_MrWhite]

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

[@RichardOutdoors]

No cooking? This is just turning into a bushcraft channel.

[@stevebayley8624]

I didn't see you cooking much on your canoe-prep video Richard! 😄 Those who live in canvas and nylon houses shouldn't cast stones, err, or something...

[@joshuagibson2184]

It's Simon, a bloke in the woods not Simon a bloke cooking in the woods. 😂

[@robbieguerrero3351]

Well...I believe in the ranger roll. I survived three hurricanes in the woods of Florida. no lies. Most of your configurations work Simon, except if the wind conditions blow everything away. not all always talking about hurricane weather just normal thunderstorm weather...also a canopy of close trees helps to with tarps...As a last note, thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge. Cheers mate!

[@thegroove2000]

Did you know that TARP is PRAT reversed ?. I only just realized this just now. Anyway I love a good tarp.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - that’s going to stick 😂

[@thegroove2000]

@@simonablokeinthewoods ha ha.

[@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

[@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.

[@evansveilleux5168]

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

[@bas-canadapreparatistesurv203]

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

[@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! 👍

[@yfelwulf]

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

[@jamesgibbs8827]

Those are some KickAss setup designs, some KickAss music at the end & the Tarp slowly disappearing into KickAss land. Awesome!!! Some of these shapes I've never seen before ,TY my friend for showing us all of them.. Now just to remember them all, lol. Stay Safe Stay Positive Never Quit. - Big Jim New Hampshire USA aka BOSTON STRONG

[@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.

[@magicdrshoon]

Perfect! Just got back from a 3 day canoe/camp on the Wye - did the tarp-tent on the first night (mate managed to tie to two wings out the front across each other instead of back. Gave more privacy for a camp site! Worked well!) then used the canoe on it's side as a wall and a single paddle out front, tieing the corners down. It was cavernous! That'll be my go-to for future canoe trips (although not ideal if you want to sit and socialise under it!). Might have to invest in one of those superfly's! Looks awesome! Also in the market for a canoe now! The trip was epic! Would love to make my own, but I know I won't finish it!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Perfect! Glad you had a great time mate!

[@celticbushcraft89]

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

[@Heyletsfindout]

One of the best tarp shelter setup videos. 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!

[@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.

[@TRu44-560]

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

[@oddoutdoors]

I used a tarp and hammock on the AT. They're so much more versatile than tents. Nice video!

[@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.

[@oscccar1]

I started tarping this summer and I absolutely love it!

[@purleybelter7344]

Cheers Simon great tips. I’ll be closing my tarp corners in next time on my hammock camp give that a go to prepare to battle down the hatches in these colder months . Appreciate your videos always done well informative and just aye tip top. Top bloke ya are 🍻

[@dalroache]

Thank you for sharing your bush craft knowledge im a beginner. Its much appreciated. Have an awesome day and STAY BLESSED...

[@sqd8r]

Thanks for this, in addition to all the points you wanted to me, all made perfectly, this gave me the nod to own more than one tarp, I only have one now but was eyeing a larger one, and the wherewithal to make full use of them. Kudos.

[@wachagondoo]

I've been watching your videos and Andy's videos and many others, and I'm having difficulty with understanding how you have so many less subscribers than a direct contemporary that you have obviously been an inspiration to. I love Andy but I feel like anyone who is subbed for his channel should support yours as well but that is just my opinion. I think that you both are living my dream so carry on as you will.

[@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

[@jedinightstalker]

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

[@johnryan296]

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

[@adventuresaurustracks1934]

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

[@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!!!

[@andylowry8439]

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

[@ericksonjustinAK]

Awesome video dude. Lol. As an American, the British charm is very refreshing and noticeable. Would love to see you do a trip with a yankee and just enjoy each other’s differences and undeniable common fundamental connections that have always been there been despite the miles apart.

[@kevintinsley4158]

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