Training Reinforce your Space Blanket

[@RyanGr33n]

When I was in the Boy Scouts, the first thing you made was a “comando rope”, which was a 6’ length of cotton rope with a loop in one end and a wooden toggle on the other. You learned how to whip and back-braid a rope and whittle the wooden toggle. Then you learned a thousand different ways to use that same rope around camp, including everyone toggling their ropes together to make longer ones. It taught us basic skills but also creativity and how to improvise gear. 25 years later, I still carry mine. A set length of non-expendable rope is priceless. I hate using throw-away “string”.

[@firemanforever3000]

You and Shawn give the world so much information that we just can’t get anywhere else. We salute and thank you both.

[@rheidtech]

Awesome, hey bud👍🌄

[@miztatito483]

Facts!

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

I agree,, and Andrew at Ranger Survival is another good instructor and KZbinr

[@kevinstanley5352]

Oh absolutely yes👍👍

[@jonathananonymouse7685]

Oh, no. I think I might've been misspelling his name this entire time (as Sean). Are you sure about that spelling? Because I'll need to correct that on my end.

[@bsd9230]

Guy is a genius! What a great system. With all of CC weekly videos for years and all his stuff never seen this very practical simple teaching. What a professor of Bushcraft Dave is.

[@davehumpleby3440]

I've been satisfactorily using this cordage management system for the best part of a decade . At least I THOUGHT I was. In all this time, I've been Lark's heading my guy lines to my tarp, then Marlin hitching my pegs to the guy lines just as you do. HOWEVER, I've continued to Marlin hitch my pegs to the guy lines EVEN when securing my tarp directly to the ground (i. e. not 'flying' the tarp). Not once has it occurred to me to make the Bowlines big enough to accommodate my pegs so that I don't have to Marlin hitch them RIGHT NEXT TO the tarp edge. Having watched your video, this is so obvious and I can't help thinking to myself, "You dumbass!". I've been needless tying extra knots for years! This is why I continue to subscribe, watch and learn from your videos. Every day is a school day. Thank you for the humbling lesson and keep up the great content and work.

[@superdivemaster]

I think it's "guide-lines" ... No ???

[@thomasmusso1147]

@@superdivemaster 'Guyline' is the correct description.

[@mrwes100]

@@superdivemaster either is acceptable.

[@davidlewis3169]

I have learned so much from you, and put it into practice...Thank you Dave. I wish I would have known half the things I know now, when I was homeless. Life would have been so much easier. Thanks again for ALL you do.

[@jameshiggins-thomas9617]

The cordage system is one of the best things I've learned from you on YT. I have the rapid deploy ridgeline for my tarp-tent setup (that I "stole" from a hiker on the AT) and swear by it. Thanks for all your informative videos.

[@JV-fj7of]

Bro you make some of the best videos on KZbin, thank you.

[@ryankaul8620]

Dave is the leader of "Boy Scouts of America: Men of the World Sector" Thank you Dave for all the years you've dedicated to keeping us in the educated loop of the art of self reliance. Cheers, Pathfinder.

[@kenbarrett6466]

That’s a great idea with the space blanket ,, the marlin spike hitch is my favorite one ,, so super simple but yet effective for so many uses . Due to back and shoulder problems I can pretty much only camp at parks and I have had people come up and ask me how I set up hammock and tarp so quick ,, .. thank you for all the information you pass and your instructors pass along thru these videos ,,, and now another book to add to the collection ,, I know Shawn gets hounded for a cook book ,, maybe we all should hound you to make one too ..lol. Thank you for all you do for those of us who can’t make to the school ,, if I was back in my 30 something again I’d already been to all of them

[@rustybayonet1664]

Back to my ranger days, my favorite was a poncho and poncho liner. But I always wanted the (NAM STYLE) poncho with the rubber coated canvas.

[@DB-yj3qc]

Back in 80s when I was a young 11B in a light Infantry, we had 550 cords tied on poncho for the same thing. 👍 about the same length of cord on all 6 grommets. For faster hooch set up. Many cold wet nights spent in poncho liner n poncho. Then I got a hammock used poncho the same but slightly off muddy ground.

[@Occupuyourspine]

I like the arrangement you have at the corners I will use it from now on. 🤠

[@mrkultra1655]

I am, no Bs, actually taping my tarps, as you speak. I’ve already seen this multiple times in the past few days. Genius. Thanks again Dave.

[@truck3696]

This information is worth it's weight in gold. Thank you for providing it in such a concise package. Love your content.

[@snaponjohn100]

Dave, my friend, you hit this one out of the ballpark! Thank you so much for all this invaluable information. I will have an enjoyable time creating this to go into my packs. Thank you so much for all that you do. God bless you, your business, your wonderful family, and your instructors. John

[@prepperpov5852]

Just went on a small hike with your Pathfinder dry bag. For being one of the least expensive items I’ve purchased from your site, it sure does rock. Thanks for this info.

[@paul7754]

Dave's the man! Duct tape - just bought two 'decent' space blankets (so humble of him to include the Pathfinder brand) held up well on first use but I'll be reinforcing corners as stated - they are a weak spot! I knew about 'pre-cording' the corners - haven't done but will add after duct tape reinforcement treatment. This was a lot of good info in a quick video. Thanks Dave!

[@randybeeson3424]

Outstanding ideas. Love the marline spike to bowline loop extention. Reinforcing the casualty blanket makes great sense. I wonder if 4 bungee loops on the corners would help the grommets in heavy wind as well.

[@JustInCases72]

Been duck tapping my tarps for years just a good idea to reinforce the week points of a tarp. Make a cheep tarp last a lot longer it’s almost kid proof

[@markcole5659]

Sir, I am absolutely a fan and I sincerely appreciate all of the knowledge and experience you share with us. I cannot help but wonder, why not make the Pathfinder brand blanket reinforced out of the box? I understand this would increase the price point but, I feel like most would not mind the extra cost for a far superior product. With the numerous years of experience you guys have with the product and knowing the major failure points why not make it better at the factory? I have the utmost respect and I know my opinion was unsolicited, just a question that popped into my head. Keep doing what you do and I will keep learning. Thank you.

[@montereyspike]

This is one of the best, most informative videos that I've seen in quite a while. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@jaredhalverson5134]

Thanks for the video. This is going to be really helpful when my daughter and I take the basic survival class in May.

[@chrissonik]

Can’t recommend doing this enough, even ahead of time. my partner and I both ripped our seams at the basic class.

[@backacresalaska2272]

I've been slow to accept rechargeable devises generally being disapointed but batteries have improved and the real game changer for me has been quick change batteries so I don't have to wait for charging. I've been investing in Dewalt system and when they come out with an E-bike will likely get one.

[@MrSopska]

Absolutely brilliant, as usual. Thanks Dave!

[@Catspurrlounge]

After watching this video when you put it out, I reinforced two items I carry, my Arcturus Heavy Duty Survival tarp and my USMC reversible field tarp. It too gets beat up and I have gone through several of them. I like the 6 ft leads on the corners of the tarps and how you implement them for rapid deployment/take down. Good video good DIY simple fix.

[@1990westfalia]

Dave, I’ve been a long time follower and support you via past purchases. Besides the Journal of the Yurt series, this is a great DYI video that we can actually use. For those who can attend a training course, you let us in a little of what and how you teach. Thanks, Skillet

[@lucasstarbuck6797]

10/10

[@blackdownranger]

A philosophy of keep it simple and a kit mentality that promotes robustness and endurance. Now that’s preparedness right there!

[@campingforge]

I'm implementing this for a backpacking trip this weekend on Lake Texhoma in north Texas.

[@throbinhood6930]

I reinforce everything. And pre stage everything. It just makes the most sense to me

[@dubc3615]

This was awesome to learn at class. I hope many more attend to learn this and much more critical survival training.

[@elderhiker7787]

DC (Dave Canterbury = Direct Current), The Godfather of Cordage and its usage. You and your team are a treasure trove of valuable information for readiness and survival. Thanks a million for your continued leadership and instructional videos.

[@karnivor7672]

Brother, I'm so glad to see you're still doing your thing. I really enjoy your videos.

[@johnstevenperez4186]

Thank you for the teaching moment, Dave. My tarp will appreciate the upgrades.

[@shirleychase1033]

Thank you for putting this information out there. Due to my job, I can't go to any of your training camps. This is the next best thing. Again, thank you.

[@Keepmelevel]

Nice! I love these knock out tips! I am doing this tonight! Thanks David l!😎

[@jonathananonymouse7685]

So. I might've just missed it, but it seemed like the "soft shackles" were a thing that was going to be explained later, and then, are mentioned again at around... 16:13 but aren't really explained. I'm betting that I just missed something, but I'd love for someone to point me in the right direction on learning soft shackles. (The idea of rope-based carabiners opens a LOT of doors...) Other than that (very, VERY minor gripe!) I know I'll be coming back to this video many times to practice and master these techniques. I appreciate you, Sir. Keep up the good work!

[@Jaden48108]

I found this VERY helpful. I have a lot of tarps to work on.

[@velonico]

Thanks Dave... I'm a bowman on a 36.7 sailboat... so I try to take your lessons onto lake Michigan and keep my crew safe! I'm gonna do this reinforcement ... I won't allow a cold member of the crew.

[@haroldcotten1840]

The info on the paracord was really helpful, thanks Mr. Dave

[@daleocallaghan6228]

I REALLY LIKE YOU. AS AN INSTRUCTOR AND AS A PERSON. I LOOKED INTO ENROLLING INTO YOUR SURVIVAL COURSES, BUT I SIMPLY AM NOT ABLE TO. WHAT YOU TEACH IS SO VERY IMPORTANT! I WAS IN BOY SCOUTS YEARS AGO BEFORE IT WAS RUINED AND I LEARNED AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF STUFF. BUT IT ALWAYS COMES DOWN TO HANDS ON. GETTING IN THE MUD AND GETTING RAINED ON IN ORDER TO REALLY LEARN AND GROW. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR STAFF. 😇🙏🙏🙏

[@patrickharmon9459]

Great idea about reinforcing with duck tape. Awesome 👌 thanks for your info and God bless 🙏 you and your staff 🙏

[@buhosurvival3281]

Os estoy muy agradecido tanto a usted cómo a Shawn. Por toda la información que nos enseñáis. Es todo un placer aprender de los mejores. Lo único es que para obtener vuestro material en España no es nada fácil. Un gran saludo desde España 👍

[@darylsarbaugh3491]

Great video. I have an original brand space blanket I bought at the PX in 1992. 30 years later and well over 100 uses and the edges all the way around have lost that black hem piece mostly from dry rot after 30 years. A few small abrasions required some 100mph tape. It will probably last another 30 by adding these reinforcements. Thanks Dave. I have really missed these kinds of videos from you.

[@rheidtech]

Thanks David. Thank you for being in the asset column for humanity. Appreciated.

[@qwatsdat]

In youth corps they taught us to put a smooth rock in the corner of the tarp tie the rope around it instead of the grommet. Grommets always fail after long enough. The tear will eventually be the demise of the tarp.

[@terryqueen3233]

What an excellent idea you're right about tearing those things up after repeated use and that's a great idea how to extend the life. Yet another tool for the survival kit. Thanks for the video have a great day and stay safe and keep your powder dry!

[@Mike_the_Machine]

Thanks Dave, this took less than 10 minutes to do with great results and already know I’m better off in practice..

[@AllWeatherFirestarters]

Great video! Thank you!

[@cachevalleyprepper]

Worthwhile video Dave. I can't use Gorilla tape here up north though because the adhesive doesn't hold in the cold. Nashua 100MPH tape holds though.

[@jeffechols5302]

Excellent tutorial I pick up something every time I watch your videos thank you

[@unfi6798]

We learn the best of the best from The Best. Cheers DC & Pathfinder School. Greetings from Christmas Island.

[@galenmullenax4039]

A pleasure to watch and learn from the best in the field!! Gotta get your book to add to my pack!! Also great 'Tats' Sir!!

[@avalancheknit7058]

Am learning so much from you! Just put one of these blankets and cordage sets in each of our trucks and packs. Haven’t gotten hubs to carrying a cord yet, but we’re usually together, so I’ve got it. Thanks for what you’re doing!

[@MrPockets1]

Love the show Dave.. every prepper is unique and my favourite video you have done is a old one but you talk about the importance of files and saws as they are one of the hardest tools to recreate, I report the doomsday clues on guru news and you are great at finding solutions to the problems I report on, I wish you all the best Dave Kyle :)

[@melyssa8585]

As a person who lives in Canada, I have TWO emergency blankets as part of my winter kit.

[@dustingreen6210]

Excellent training !!!!

[@randyjohnson4614]

Thank you for your great knowledge and the sharing of it

[@jpexoticpets146]

Thank you for sharing. I have purchased many great items from your store and I can't wait to try them out. I received my beautiful knife from your site and cut myself within 5 minutes of getting it out of the box. Yup, the knife is sharp! I'm a dork. My kids were distracting me. At least they believe me know when I say that knives are sharp.

[@ghill1010]

Awesome. Thank you

[@saritaford3667]

Thank you Dave! Love you!

[@daneduval7063]

Excellent tips. Thank you

[@neilcastell6951]

after ripping out a few grommets on several ponchos, 20 some years ago ... i started adding small elasticated (bungee shock cord) loops to every tarp and poncho, and in 20 year i've only had one grommet rip out and that was a cheapo polyester chinese tarp.

[@mrwes100]

Yep, built-in tensioner :)

[@811NJUtilityLocating]

The information provided in this video is pure gold! Should be saved in everyone's favorites! Ohhh, and another book coming!?!?! I'll have to use my SRO rewards points when it drops!!! 🙂

[@jeepnicc]

Knowledge bomb.... Straight up. Awesome video brother! Thanks so much for sharing. 👍

[@michaelkelly8061]

Outstanding !! Thank you for sharing !!

[@ourtechwriter]

Thank you Dave! Always generous with your knowledge.

[@nomad211d]

This video was great. I just shared it with my dad. Thanks Dave!!!!! Awesome job.

[@thaddeusmikolajczyk4518]

Back in the 60’s I bought a survival blanket back then they called them space blankets. I used it until about 2 years ago when I finally retired it and it was patched with tape soo much that I think it was probably mostly tape. Surprisingly the grommets never failed. I have newer survival blankets and I agree the grommets and seams are the weak point. Great idea about reinforcing before using on a new blanket thanks for sharing.

[@thomasmusso1147]

Yep .. my first exposure to those new-fangled 'space blankets' was back in 1968 during my Basic Military Training one freezing winter night out at 'de Brug', our Battle Training Area. One guy in our Company, his Mom had sent him one. It appeared that he and his buddy didn't freeze their butts off as much as the rest of us did. Bought my first one soon thereafter.

[@patslee1394]

very informative and well shown as always. the extra long loop for pegging the tarp close to the ground if needed is so simple to implement at the start but not something i have ever thought to implement with mine 10/10

[@mitchforster5349]

Awesome thank you Doing this to my casualty blanket

[@Array8]

This is great! I was just thinking about this! Thanks for the tutorial.

[@apar1560]

Very Smart... THANKS ...Alan in 🇨🇱

[@LarryLyman]

Very cool 😎 thanks for your time and info 👍 God bless 🙏😎

[@pB-vp3mo]

I have observed a couple variations on reinforcing tarps or space blankets. I do like this one. keep up the great videos.

[@KH2837]

Dang Dave, what a wealth of knowledge! Ive got to make the trip up from TN & arrend your classes! Thanks for sharing your knowledge man!

[@24allnightmike]

Thanks for the advice!!

[@jamesnimmo1049]

Love your knowledge of survival.thanks for sharing this.cheers

[@CZ-BO-HUNK]

When you see something and it all clicks together because you have it down pat a well thought out process and a tired and true method.

[@RevanJJ]

Yeah that’s always been tough as those space blankets are so easily torn. Best books and videos!

[@jamessotherden5909]

I will be using these tips to prepare my space blankets for sure. Thanks.

[@williammaurer9450]

Excellent tips, nice system, instructive video. Love the bowline/larks head/stake loop.

[@CasaGarza-l2n]

This was so cool ! Love this . Keep it up

[@sailplaneFan707]

cool I will do that to mine soon as I go back home from here in the wilderness

[@malcoppock4255]

Fantastic Dave. I a Ready follow some of your students and instructors on here. Great knowledge and skills.thank you.

[@mikeks8181]

Effectively Simple! Thank You for sharing this video!

[@donnywilkes6417]

Thank you for the information.

[@aribavel2757]

This is fantastic! Thank you!

[@henchman_ben3725]

Fantastic video.

[@SoloRenegade]

Excellent advice! I'll be prepping my emergency tarp this way.

[@jimhale3879]

Thanks Dave that was a great very informative video. I have some stuff to do this summer with my space blanket kits I purchase from your online store. Bought 3 kits one for each car and truck. As well my practice space blankets in the yard. Thank you and all the rest!!!

[@bjbackitis]

Your cordage kit description is very close to what I've developed over the years... used to carry around lots of medium lengths that never got used, much easier to work with the 6' lengths and maybe 1 or 2 longer (25') stowed away for when needed. I do actually mark the ends of my cord segments to identify the length, using an silver sharpie marker on black or dark cord and a blank sharpie on orange/light cord, with 1, 2, 3, and 4 rings/bands at each end for 6', 12', 25', and 50' lengths respectively. (The 12' and 50' lengths and most 264' are in my vehicle kit only, not in my carry pack). The bands/rings help when I need to ask someone else to grab a length out of the larger kit, and unless it's pitch black the marks are visible enough to work. I do use 50' of 850 para for my rapid ridgeline as I deal with some windy conditions and it works better for me, the slightly extra bulk and weight are worth it. Also, while I can tie a bowline in a flash (used to be a firefighter, it got drilled into me), for my prepared cords in my kits I do an Anglers loop (Perfection loop) but that's just personal taste, both serve the same function. Love the thought of enforcing the seams and grommets of the cover, whether it be a space blanket or even a normal tarp (with grommets along the side in addition to the corners). I'll be heading out to pick up some extra Gorilla Tape to do that on the covers in my shelter kits!! 73 de BJ, KM4RB

[@FishTheJim]

What an awesome video! I am looking forward to the new book. Thanks Dave!

[@RatdogDRB]

Top shelf share, as always Dave. Good common sense use of gear.

[@ralphjesseman6562]

Excellent video, amazingly simple and to the point. Bravo!! More like this! Can’t wait for the book.

[@grahamjamieson7752]

Great information mate thanks

[@gerardmartyn7596]

Great information as always. Thank you.😃

[@davidgraf197]

Great video!

[@detroitredneckdetroitredne6674]

Hello from Detroit Michigan brother 👋 thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise

[@luiscabrera3960]

Thank you for the Knowledge, Ive personally learned a lot from your videos thank you again 😎

[@subbureddy9207]

He is the man from dirty rotten survival