YOUR QUESTIONS Answered | Bushcraft Gear, Tips and Advice | Part 1

[@trevorkidd293]

Wool blankets, In 1973 I was in Western Queensland and got caught up in the huge floods of that year . was caught between 2 rivers and the water came up over the road and eventually over the car. Scrambled to a sand hill wet and in torrential rain, wrapped in the x army blanket for 4 days, fire on 5 the day. Snared rabbits, cooked in the coals, drank flood water ( no pot) rescued on the 9 the day. Still have that blanket, saved my life. All the best. Bluey.

[@Unsanedoc365]

You're a badass

[@casinodelonge]

And then you went to New York with an attractive journo and hilarious adventures ensued...

[@trevorkidd293]

@@casinodelonge I wish

[@trevorkidd293]

@@edwardfletcher7790 G,day Edward At the time I was 20 and fit as a mally bull. I've lived and worked in the bush all my life, after that incident I started carrying a duffle bag of supplies and a Jerry can of water with me, still do just a bit fancier kit now days including a Personal Locator Beacon . Phone coverage out this way still isn't much good. Got burnt out about 16 years ago that scared me a lot more than that flood, Retired now (68) but still live in the Bush in a small cottage on 30 acres, Stocking up now cause I think we got floods coming this year, Big drought 2 years ago so were due! If you live in the bush these things ate sent to tri you All the best Bluey.

[@matthewvelo]

I hear you mate. Got stuck in outback WA by floods once - who knew wild donkeys tasted so good?

[@RawIpharadisi]

Tilly Moo is incredible! I can see why she is your healing companion ~ she is so sensitive, observant and constantly reading you : ) such a stellar friend you have there. Love the variety of questions and your great answers too. Thanks Nick!

[@grumpyauldman]

Tilly is a star. Dogs are the best thing in the world.

[@tac1809]

I can't ever remember hearing somebody speak so passionately about drying socks 😁

[@hannajensen1886]

Thanks for answering my sleeping mat question. Really appreciate your advice! Keep up the good work

[@linedwell]

To dry socks, an old buddy of mine swore by using a steel bottle... He'd stick water in, heat it over a fire, put the lid on and then pull a sock on the bottom and the other sock over the top. He'd use it like that as a hot water bottle and a sock drier by putting it between bag and bivvi sack. I think it just added moisture to his bag and bivvi, but it made him happy. 🤣

[@MrMigido]

An old hydration bladder works well for 3.00am piddle. (make sure it has a gasket~no pun) Just remove the tube and seal off the outlet with silocone glue. They roll up and pack easy in a stuff sack. 👍👍

[@bethstewart1319]

You are a gentleman. Much appreciate your 'delicate' answers.

[@williamirelan9332]

When choosing a commode container it's recommended you choose a size large enough to hold all beers consumed. Military surplus used camel back bladders can be purchased cheap. I have used the wool blanket and oil cloth for historical reenacting but like my Military surplus sleep system for most times but my favorite sleep equipment is a large home made quilt and half buffalo hide that kept me warm at -40f.

[@FidoHouse]

Enjoyed this. Looking forward to next Q & A. Cheers!

[@The-Yorkshire-Man]

Great vid Tilly - I mean Nick ha ha - I still use the old Nato roll mat - simple classic, tough as an old DMS and never punctures. I have always sworn by zinc oxide tape to prevent blisters. I see so many vids on hiking etc. and blisters seem to be 'expected'. Very few use or recommend taping hot spots/heels as a preventative measure. Compeed seems to be the go to remedy but rarely stays put if wet and by then the damage is done. I was more of an doss bag armpit man for drying socks but lets not go there! Keep em' coming hombre' ATB C.

[@paulc7783]

Great Q and A session Nick, thanks! A lot of vids out there tend to leave out the "admin" side of things which are very important. It's always good to hear you share your knowledge 👍

[@aynsleycooper365]

Nick, yet another successful upload. Your presentation style is clear, no-nonsense helpful. Going from strength to strength. Tilly's brilliant, too. J&A.

[@aynsleycooper365]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 You're welcome.

[@casinodelonge]

Those Innocent juice bottles are excellent for a small hours "Geoff Hurst"!

[@amandaleigh3852]

Nick... I love and value your videos, but today Tilly Moo definitely stole the show! 😂👍🤩

[@paulfranks195]

So very useful that you discuss the 'need to pee' topic. I once had to venture out of my Canadian artic bag at minus 20 for a number 2. It's no joke. The early signs of frostbite taught me to forever more, plan ahead.

[@bushcraftbasics2036]

Great Q&A. If you need to go pee in the middle of the night and it is cold other alternatives are: - Condoms, although I have not tried this I was taught it was a fairly common thing in the Canadian arctic by soldiers. Once filled it would be tied off and placed outside where it would freeze. The advice was not to eat the "arctic turnips". - have a pair of easy to put insulated slippers or hut booties you can toss on to make it easier to go without having to put on the heavy winter boots (which might have to be assembled if you took the liners out to dry) - those wide mouth collapsible bottles so it does not take up room in the pack that should be harder to mix up with your lemonade bottle.

[@trevormegson7583]

The night time wee question is a good one. A cycling water bottle has been a good option for me. Only around 700ml to play with so not too much drink before bed.

[@pronetowander2153]

Nick in regards to that ridgeline the thicker diameter rope you use is very good and handy sometimes you need to lower your pack down or something of that sort I do it all the time in my area I even have a climbing harness with me it must be from my arborist experience better to lower yourself down ,Than to butt scoot down a hill and get hurt .

[@darriendastar3941]

Everything about that was fascinating. But - as a miser - it was the advice on peeing in the extreme cold that caught my eye. "That's another month I won't have to put the central heating on during the night," I thought. I think I'm turning into my father, who was convinced the only central heating a true Briton needed was the Gulf Stream.

[@teresamalinowska7110]

Missed this when it was first aired-super pleased I've had opportunity to see now.

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Everything I need to know about you Tilly told me. 😁. Tilly says your Top Shelf! I agree! Always informative and well presented! Down can be very problematic in a bag. I had US military sleep system, the ones from the last century, shells and sacks worked perfectly especially in sub zero temps. When it's -23° F those aerobatics and bag/bottles pay off. 😁.

[@omhubbard9313]

Tilly Mo is adorable thanks for showing the beauty an animal companion can be. She loves you dearly. The pee question was great, and the answer for the ladies that enjoy the great outdoors??? I don’t think any type of bottle is going to work, there is a device but is not cheap! Thanks again Nick & Louise for these great videos 🌟🌟🌟

[@cripplers8]

Thanks Nick for another great video. I’m really glad I stumbled onto your channel a couple of months ago because you’re a wealth of knowledge and it gives everyone options on how to do things. Cheers mate from the Central Pennsylvania mountains across the pond…..

[@h.bsfaithfulservant4136]

Another fine ‘Tilly Moo’ Production 😁👍

[@wasters47]

Hi Nick, great answers. Thank you.

[@jonbridge8064]

I'm lucky to be in a warmer environment. If I need to pee in the night, I just get up and go. I've not had trouble getting warm again once I'm back in the sleeping bag.

[@johncrouch8988]

Another great video Nick. Tilly is also a star 🌟. We appreciate your time you spend on these videos so please keep them coming. Have a peaceful and happy Christmas and a prosperous new year. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@rogersleep]

Brilliant vid thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@fireforger9192]

Hi Nick good video and some useful points, I had a chuckle at you comments about acrobatic manoeuvres in your green maggot (sleeping bag) also bought back memories when you mentioned fabric bottles in your old life. I used to use an old surplus water bottle marked "Not for drinking" 😂just in case which was emptied fairly regularly and cleaned thoroughly at the end of the op. My wife asked about how would ladies do the same action? On a separate note talking about wool blankets I have used a thin wool/polyester blanket inside a sleeping bag when in Canada on exercise in the winter stayed extra cosy.

[@alanevans4232]

Thanks Nick, very enjoyable and entertaining.

[@Bokooda]

Great advice and no nonsense information as usual, great stuff. As for the 'pee bottle', the small lucazade bottles come in handy....

[@underlyingmike5589]

Hiya Nick, Fairly new to the channel and I’m just starting out on the whole bushcraft/wild camping adventure and I must say I’ve loved every video so far, I find you very humble, genuine and enjoyable to watch. I don’t know if you realise it or not but you come across and connect with you’re audience really well. Anyway! What I wanted to say Is I like these Q&A videos because as much as I like watching your videos these are great to listen to when I can’t watch like when I’m driving and personally think you should do more I suppose almost podcast style.

[@hammerhound168]

Well said. Can not agree completely with everything you answered ,but don not disagree either. Something to mull over. Good looking friend you have there, take care of her ! Good luck with your business, But remember this channel is part of it, Free advertisement. So even a quick 5 min. Vid. Helps promote the other.

[@johnjackaman2040]

Great G+A. As for the bathroom in the middle of the night I have found that a two pint plastic milk bottle is best. Although you may not need that much volume remember that it will be laying on it`s side. Trust me there is nothing worse than having to stop, mid flow when you just can`t. You can squash the empty bottle down a fair bit for packing in your kit. Your not likely to mistake it for a water bottle, but most importantly the opening is offset and that helps greatly with the acrobatics in the sleeping bag. John J

[@thehairywoodsman5445]

Another top notch vid buddy, loved all the answers. Deffo have ot agree with the emphasis on "if you gotta go, go!" Holding it in will never benefit you, even if the alternative is a walk in a dark in your skivvies.

[@huaweikh2593]

Interesting, honest and very thorough answers, thankyou 👍

[@canadafree2087]

Nick is just another bloke in the woods; I want more interviews with Tilly! Just kidding. She clearly loves you and we can see she loves going on adventures with you. Thanks for answering viewers questions, I'll be sure to use your sock tips. I certainly identify with the guy seeking lighter weight, and the best way to do that is take less before you look at weight. Oddly, once you get the weight down, you can often add back more gear but you are doing so with a better understanding that if it does the same job, take the lighter option.

[@deandunbar8856]

What a lovely change that was Nick interesting to hear other peoples questions quite refreshing ATVBN.. 🙏👍🙏

[@TomasPiliponis]

Great stuff, Nick. Thank you for your insights and awesome content. I like your no BS approach and overall philosophy when it comes to gear and skills. Greetings from Lithuania.

[@RawIpharadisi]

Mmmm.... as a female, with my set up (hammock, bug net and tarp), I have to make sure I don't drink gallons before retiring for the evening! But having said that, living in the sub-tropics, it doesn't really matter if I have to climb out of the hammock nude in the night ~ it is still cold (esp. in Winter) - but nothing like more temperate climates.

[@RawIpharadisi]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Yes, for sure, definitely worth a google to ascertain what other options exist out there! Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate your suggestion : )

[@RawIpharadisi]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 After having a quick google of the She Wee, I have decided it would definitely be a worthwhile piece of kit! Thanks again for suggesting it! Much appreciated

[@oaknhazel541]

I love my wool blanket! On a recent trip with a buddy it dropped to -5/-6 overnight and with the layers i was wearing and the woolblanket, I didn't even notice that the fire had gone out. I slept so soundly and I was so warm! Yes it is weighty and you have to learn how to roll it so as not to be to bulky as you hike through think bush, but I swear by mine!

[@jaydunkle4066]

Great Q&A! My kids love all your videos and this was is no exception. The cooking videos are their favorites, so keep them coming! Question - What watch are you using in this video?

[@vikingbushcraft1911]

17:47 🤣 reminds me of Spike Milligan’s memoirs - they used a siphon and a length of garden hose that ‘snaked out’ under the tent flap. Until some ‘wit’ tied a knot at the exit end ……

[@stephengraham8629]

Great advice and love Tilly Mo, thanks bud

[@matthewvelo]

Fold up water bottles and ziploc bags for the 'other' stuff; bringing back some bad memories there Nick. Cheers for the Q&A vid.

[@projectrebuild908]

Great video. Fantastic knowledge. Loved the format Goldie

[@hiddenwoodsben]

thank you for your answer. agree, a blanket can be a little more complicated, but ever since i got it don't i don't want to go back (which, admitedly, can be just me being stubborn)

[@simonwoodward438]

Great advice as ever, started using the Snugpak Antarctic mat which is a keen price and works really well. Really interested in the base layers answer's, big fan of merino wool which works well for me. Love the dog !!!!

[@woodsmanrich1151]

Great video and great shout with the Q&A's. Looking forward to more of these! Question for your next video... My Army firesteel has been sat for quite some time unused in my sheath pocket, it has developed a green powdery type substance on it. What is it? Has it weakened it? and do I now need a new firesteel? Cheers Nick, keep up the awesome work!

[@Christian-qs3pi]

Great Video Nick. Love these Q & A ones. Ref pee in the night. I’m aged 57 and have T2 diabetes, so when wild camping it’s very regular,so I how have collapsible 1 litre plastic camping bottles which are especially made for peeing in. Which one can buy on Amazon Etc. talking of which ,it brought up memories of my past in the Army in the 1980’s. I was based in XMG in N.I ,and did regular 24/48 hr observation OP’s in the countryside ,at suspected IRA and activity.There was no fancy gadgets back then for pee/crap, and we could not use the countryside in case we got compromised by our movement,smells,freshly dug areas ,and those bloody inquisitive cows ! So we use to carry spare water bottles to pee in and plastic shopping bags for 💩. Then we had to store them in our bergen until we got back to XMG. I can laugh now,but having a crap near your mucker in a shell scrape is odd to say the least 😂. Then sometimes I was that tired I drank from the wrong water bottle 😂. God forbid if either of us had wInd as well 😂. What was worse is that we couldn’t laugh or make any noise . Anyhow,enough of pee and 💩 stories .lol ..Listening to you brought back many funny stories like that. So thanks..

[@paganoutdoors3193]

Really enjoyed this Q&A video, looking forward to many more, very informative, and milly moo was mint as always, good health and safe travels, cheers craig 🌿

[@pnyarrow]

Great advice on the socks and feet! Worth watcing the whole video just for that advice. Stay safe. ATB. Nigel

[@StockyLocky123]

Thanks again Nick, enjoyed that once again Monsieur 👌🏼

[@sjohnson4882]

Thanks for the tip on the collapsible bottle. I have used a wide mouth Nalgene bottle but in the dark, I was unsure about how close to the top I was. The collapsible bottle may have more volume.

[@sjohnson4882]

This one might be good if a bit expensive- Nalgene Wide Mouth Cantene (48-Ounce)

[@hunterG60k]

I really like this format of video, condensed information! I also love the foraging and campfire cooking vids, some inspiration for hearty breakfasts would be awesome! (with options for vegetarians 🙏 I don't ask for much 😉)

[@Wayneawebb]

Another great vid. Keep em coming. Can't wait to book one of your courses. As you probably remember, I'm in a wheelchair & really enjoy (& miss) being outdoors. If/When I book a course with you, I'll have to pick your brains about turning my wheelchair into something that can carry all the gear I need with me. Give Tilly a hug from me, I lost my Baby back in July this year. She was a Jack Russell terrorist (Not a typo) But she taught herself to be a helping hand dog.

[@Wayneawebb]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 I have an ALL-TERRAIN WHEEELCHAIR ( I like the challenge & there is NO such word as AN'T... I find a way to get everywhere & anywhere.I say I am DIFF-Abled, never Disabled (I am able to do anything, only DIFFERENTLY).

[@VeteransInAction]

Great information as always mate. I have around 10 to 15 tarps if you want them mate free of charge, all brand new we don't use them now as we are vehicle borne, let me know

[@VeteransInAction]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 will do lots of other items you can have also

[@toastbrot63]

Well, these were some interesting questions. Thanks a lot for answering them!

[@seanmitchell7023]

Thanks for the reply to my question is greatly appreciated and well noted look forward to your next q & a

[@gezdonaghy2456]

Hi Nick great video hope you received your parcel i sent. Thank you for posting these vids especially when you are so busy. Loving the man cave !

[@daniellyne1]

Thanks Nick 👍🏻Nice one

[@EdwinDueck]

The last question is very interesting. I was a long haul driver. Some if the places I wound up there would be no place to go pee. I used to carry a milk jug in the truck and go in there. Because if i get out of bed in the middle of the night and have to walk into a place, I'm awake for hours. This not good if you have a 12 hour day ahead of you. I don't drive any more, but I still have to get up and go every 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much coffee or Rum I drink. Being it's late November here in Canada it's cold at night and getting out of that warm bed isnt fun.

[@Defender23AD]

Hi Nick great video good idea doing Q and As. Thanks again for your time.

[@southbucksbushcraft6572]

Great Q&A very usefully answers there..

[@jonbroadsword7572]

The unique shape of a fabric softener bottle would put an end to drinking from the wrong 'water bottle' in the dark of night.

[@phuaphua4301]

I have no question to ask. Making video is not easy, but very interesting. Congratulations with 50k subscribe. All the best to you 👍

[@phuaphua4301]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 You are welcome, take care Stay blessings and healthy.

[@duncys]

The original honey stove is great. You can have a nice wee fire in it whis is off the deck too.

[@stevents1130]

Great Post thanks 👍

[@EdwinDekker71]

4:30 the Exped synmat ul winter is what I use now and it's awesome but pricey

[@bacon-outdoor]

Hey Nick, great video 👍. In particular the part about drying your socks. Do you have any tips and tricks for me and my 5 year old son going a day in the woods?

[@bacon-outdoor]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Enough layers of clothes on top of each other and enjoy😊

[@waynestewart8740]

Great video loved the q&a

[@joerileijs9970]

Hi Nick thanks for yet an other great video! Could you do a video on your norrona jacket, do you wax it? And do you have experiance with there trousers?

[@joerileijs9970]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Thanks! Top tip on the trousers, I will have a look at them. I have rather lager thighs than most it seems.

[@andypilkington-steele8573]

Hi Nick, love the insight into Bushcraft. Please can you talk a while about outdoor clothing, incl, socks, trousers, underwear, hats etc ?

[@jens-kristiantofthansen9376]

Excellent video as always! Nick, can I ask what the watch you wear is? It looks pretty much bomb proof.

[@rosscrawford3526]

When is Tilly getting her own regular show?....... asking for a friend lol

[@mathowe5982]

Great video cheers. One question for the future. When cooking using soot depositing methods i.e open fires what do you do when packing your kit away so soot doesn't go everywhere. Lots of videos show how to cook but not clear up afterwards.

[@hammerhound168]

Most Bush Crafters get a stuff bag to keep it in.

[@MrMigido]

Id be interested to hear Nicks advice too. I use an old stuff sack dedicated to the job. Sometimes the pots can get gummy too if fuel is not well seasoned. I just wash the bag with the pot first chance. Keep a scourer attached to the bag.👍

[@kokopelau6954]

Wrap it in a bag used just for that purpose. When it gets to sooty wash it and start the cycle over. I take old plant legs, cut off the length needed, use sticky sided Velcro tabs to close it. Cheap, easy, doesn't matter if I ruin them, and they work great. I forgot to mention earlier, I always make the pant legs a little long and I make them out of jeans which is 100% cotton so I have ready made char material when needed.

[@messtinmeals5249]

Brilliant 👍 Q & A vid Question: I'm a bit of trick magnet, how do you deal with them... 🪲

[@PlayaSinNombre]

Tilley is an Adorablesaurus!

[@duncys]

A wool blanket is fine but heavy and with no fire - baltic, from experience.

[@banksarenotyourfriends]

I take a pop bottle with a tight fitting lid for midnight 'relief'. Then either me or the dog can use it as a hot water bottle for an hour and the heat isn't wasted. Minging I know, but I'm a Geordie what do you expect from me Nick 😂

[@banksarenotyourfriends]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 aal ye need's a t-short man 😂

[@robscott.1967]

Good day sir did you have to be affiliated with any organisation before you could start your survival training? Just asking cause I'm a survival instructor and would like to start something similar. Many thanks

[@freddyoutdoors]

Mint stuff cheers mate

[@freddyoutdoors]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 anytime keep up the great work

[@duncys]

Can you use the lid opf the MSR pot for a frying pan Nick?

[@stevents1130]

What do you carry as your UK friendly emergency kit, incase your hurt or stranded some where or even worse your bag fell of a cliff? I know you have a great IFAK post and tarp post. Thanks

[@stevents1130]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Thanks for the reply. Not far of my EDC phone with apps, Leatherman Squirt & a zippo with gas insert so don’t lose the fuel. When out in the hills I keep a small survival tin in my pocket just in case. All the best👍

[@14KiloWhisky]

Nice advice about the bottle with large mouth... 😜

[@brantoncridhe8088]

Where do your source your wool jumper?

[@stevemorris3710]

10:18 I think your poker-face cracked a little there Marine!

[@stevemorris3710]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Hope the wee man is better very soon, best wishes to you both. :-)

[@sailingayoyo]

I and my son both have had nasty blisters from normal hogweed.

[@chwweb]

Next time: "The problem with poop and why you should cary a shofel."

[@N1611n]

why do we call our dogs moo? Ours is Molly Moo Lolz!

[@N1611n]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Lolz! 👍

[@fistsmcnasty]

Tilly Moo Quentin Tarantino'd you. Just got up and walked out.

[@kevancrossin9877]

Hi brother, or should I say royal. I am very ,very ,very ex bootneck served in the 70s & 80s, so yes old A.F. Been watching some of your training videos, as my self and an oppo still do over nighters up here on the Isle of Skye, he is ex para, yes friends with a para.Reason for comment is ,as you will know I was in when we were northern flank, so NORWAY and FINLAND. You keep calling it a foam roll mat. Please will you refer to it by its proper name, it is a JAPANESE ANTELOPE SKIN. Also 36 bank line is readily available in the U.K . Stay well brother.

[@N7Tigger]

0:08 This interview is over.

[@robertwootton2161]

When you say fanny pack are you referring to a bum bag?

[@TheSaneHatter]

I could go on ALL DAY about why I feel that the “cotton kills” mantra is both overhyped and oversimplified. But that long lecture would merit its own video . . . and this isn’t my channel. So let me just say two things: 1) There really isn’t any money in it for sporting-goods and outdoor retailers to sell cotton or cotton/poly clothing, when it can easily picked up elsewhere by consumers. Meanwhile, the elaborate new synthetics and wool weaves surely off greater markups and profit margins, even if they work. 2) I have autism (the kind that used to be called Asperger’s Syndrome), and with it, sensory issues. I’ve always gravitated towards cotton/poly clothing, in particular as a base layer, finding that it has all of the advantages of cotton with fewer or none of its failings. Indeed, it may often be the only thing I can stand to wear: while 100% cotton is sometimes a bit stiff, synthetics feel like wearing a sheet of itchy plastic, and I wouldn’t dream of wool t-shirts or underpants in the Texas heat! And since I know that military forces still make use of cotton/poly underlayers, that’s what I’m happily wearing!

[@TheSaneHatter]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 You're welcome. My perspective is a little . . . unique, and tends not to get considered unless I actually speak up.

[@robch4414]

Pee bottle and a side-zip sleeping bag. Easy peesy. Nalgene Cantene is my choice.

[@chrismahon7977]

“Or a hot wet” Bilingual Bootneck👍

[@ChrisLambert-Yngvegodi]

Yeap, plastic milk bottles rule.

[@lisajohnston6422]

Best way to avoid a pee in the night is stop drinking in the evening and pee before you go to bed..the ladies are pretty much SOL for pissing in a container

[@lisajohnston6422]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Yep, I have a couple products I can use while standing but inside a sleeping bag would be very difficult. 🙂