It's a great piece of essential kit for me anyway. Regarding a 3 x 3 or a 4 x 4, it depends on what your needs are. I own a 4 x 4 and I wouod be lost without it. ATB Reeco
I have the Lomo 3x3 (dark green) and it is exactly the same quality...if anyone is looking to buy a 3x3 go for the one out of these two that is cheapest ;)
Hi Neil on your advice I buy the DD 3x3, and ..... really it's what you need as a shelter, once again I'm following your advice and I'm grateful, and again pleace more videos .Greetings Luigi. Belgian Ardennes
DD made (makes?) an über version called the Pro that had extra tie outs on the body of the tarp itself rather than just the single line of tie outs down the center seam. For folks who are really into tarpigami, it is phenomenal. Unfortunately, I gifted mine to a friend and although I can still find it listed, I have yet to find it in stock. The searches did lead me to another small company called Vihe Vaellus (sp?) hat makes some really interesting gear based on traditional Scandinavian designs, and joy of joys, they make a 3x3 tarp that has not only the full grid of tie outs on the body itself, but has a reflective surface on the inside. My experience with it has been fantastic and I'm convinced it's not a gimmick. It makes a very noticeable difference in warmth, and is ideal for making Mors Kochanski's "super shelter" without having to deal with the delicate space blankets. Fantastic for the colder months here in Canada, but also works the other way as a heat barrier in the hot and humid months to create a cooler shelter than just the normal shade of a tarp. I was not expecting that at all. Just another option to consider for folks who may be looking to purchase a quality tarp.
I learned something I was not expecting. I can't believe I've never left the knife stationary next to the tinder and moved the ferro rod. WOW that makes getting the sparks right on the tinder SO MUCH EASIER. I'm laughing at myself because of how dumb I feel. Anyway, thanks for the video! I learned a lot!
They are a great tarp, totally agree about the brown blending in great during winter. I've just ordered a DD 4x4 for winter in the hammock as I found I needed a bit more space and shelter to keep the wind and rain out than the 3x3 gave. Great video as always mate.
I therefore use a tent as my primary form of shelter and my dd tarp as backup which works out well for me!! As you have many options with that combo To adapt to the conds!! Your presented with!
I really enjoy my DD tarp. Mine is in the same color as yours. I live in the U.S. and ordered mine from the manufacture because their price was better than the Amazon price with free shipping. I was amazed when my tarp was at my doorstep in 3 days. Very happy. I really enjoyed your video. Keep up the good work mate.
So cool I’ve just got a dd xl in brown the build is great. 4.5x3. I had a stroke last year and I can’t wait to get out again. Also treated myself to and under quilt for when I’m back walking again. Thanks for the video
Just now I am waiting for mine the nearly 3*3 ultralight to arrive from DD I also paid for magic carpet XL & those cool pegs (I recently had ground so hard that my wood ones would not go in) Yahoo yippee 🤠 .At last I am state of the art again.
Honestly if my Unigear had three tie down points on each side instead of just one in the middle I'd take it over the DD Hammocks every time. It's just a better tarp. But the lack of tie downs is so limitting. Borderline unusable.
I have some "Amazon" brand, 10x12ft (3x3.7m) $25 U.S. with stakes & lines, and it lends itself well as a "Holden" or "A" frame body bag tent with integral floor, large enough for two normal sized adults and kit/hammock cover. It's not exactly light - almost 2.75lbs, but you get what you can afford - BEFORE Hurricane Season, BEFORE it's needed LoL. Two poncho's weigh less, but less coverage by 1/3rd & not as "dry". I'm 58 and was hit by a drunk driver on duty several years ago so I can't hump 50lbs like in my military days. I'm packing what I can reasonably get in my 27L pack, with 3 canteens & trauma kit on my belt. I'm in the USA so also a non-concealed .22lr in a military shoulder holster, 2lbs. New subscriber & enjoying your videos !
They are great. However, why is their newer Recycled range a crazy size....3x2.9!? Why not 3x3? It's nuts and quite annoying for certain set ups. Seems a small difference in dimensions but not being symmetrical is just plain bonkers.
WARNING TO CANADIAN CUSTOMERS My order arrived direct from DD Hammocks I got a tarp a ground sheet & pegs total paid $139 Then Fedex wanted $70 for customs duty & fees. $210 is too much I refused delivery & asked for a refund what would you do?
From South Africa... haha... being Africa, and with a myriad of deadly insects, scorpions, snakes and similar interesting creatures that will happily take up residence In your sleep zone,I'm very happy to zip up and keep the not-so-great outdoors..... well quite frankly, outdoors... You may have heard of material yes? Well that little friendly mosquito 🦟 is quite prevalent here, and, just for fun, not only is that cheerful fella the world's most deadly creature, their calling card may well affect you for the rest of your life.... Great fun.. so yes ,tarp as a sleep shelter? Not so much.... Zip up tent as a shelter? In my world ? Definitely. RGDS Warren
I bought 3.5 X 3.5 size DD tarp. I considered the Aquaquest Defender but I don't like the camouflage pattern and the fact that the pattern also repeats itself like crazy. So I went with the DD tarp. I'm using it in conjunction with a now 16 year old, very good condition, Golite Hex 3 tent.
There are so many good bushcraft channels on youtube, having watched through many of them I'd say Greencraft is one of the very best. Thank you for sharing and consistently offering such top quality advice Neil!
You're right, there's no shortage of good bushcraft channels on YT - agree with you about Neil's channel here. The majority of those which I subscribe to are in the UK because 1) They & their craft are legit, and 2) No politics. I've only found ONE U.S. channel so far that hasn't even hinted at politics, is simply "advertising" brand new kit every week, or insulting viewers. Best regards !
I love my DD tarp. BUT - it's not the best. Doesn't have mid-tarp tie out points like, say, the Alpkit Rig 7, which increase versatility. If the rig 7 was a 3x3 square tarp, it'd be far superior to DD one. And when i contacted DD about this, their arrogance was not impressive.
You would think, that the company would be appreciating users of their product give some info and improvements along the line, it would benefit them and the customer
To have mid tarp tie points just don't align the ridge line with the 3 center tie points. Turn it 90° and you'll have just 2 tie loops aligned with your ridgeline, than you'll have 2 lateral midle tie points increasing the room of your shelter \o/ The DD made a "PRO" version which are more tie options, some eyelets and snap buttons, I don't have that one, hut looks cool.
Thats typical of overly successful cos they just treat their products as units to bash out and flog their argument would probably be that theyd have to include yet another process or pakistani bangladeshi to stitch on the centre point tabs Making their existing pricepoint untenable!! I found a way arounds make yer own order fabric eyelet kit make up yer own tabs Mines superior to anything ive seen on mkts barring the most expensive Yet i hardly paid anything for it? I found msrs research development team to be the same arrogant when i contacted them about deficiencies dangerous in their msr whisperlite cooker After mine ignited between cap ends n fuel line 4-5 times pump polymer failed Melted i told them to copt optimus use metal only pump parts!! I contacted eu agent in ireland they were brilliant sent me out x4 pumps Replacements for free after sending in the old ones To prove id had an inferno or three Drop kikn a flaming cooker 2inches from peoples faces Isnt exactly a good advertising opportunity for msr polymer pump safety Is it? Id stand more of a chances with a taliban or isis planted ied!!
Dds are more like french knicker material 2oz polyester Isnt very resistant to thorns shrubs they could do better with their multicam print also And pricing bring it down a tad
Well explained! I have 2 DD 3x3's in multicam and also one ultre-light DD 2,9x3 in brown for my get-home bag. I live in a mountain area (Swiss Jura) where it is not often that you can find a flat spot for "ground dwelling". Usually, a DD Frontline-XL hammock can be used between the trees even on a slope. In this context, a tarp is far more usefull than a tent, as a tarp can be configurated for both ground-dwelling and tree-hanging.
However, if you are plagued by mosquitoes and other biting insects, you will need a net to protect you. Most modern tents have insect netting built-in already. And so do Hennessey Hammocks.
@@VK2DMH Right! That's one of the reasons I opted for the DD Frontline XL hammock as it has indeed an integrated insect netting with removable half-circle poles.
Tenth wonder...Robens...Tatonka..all better than flimsy, easy to rip DD...not a fan. Everyone thinks that DD is a must for "bushcrafters", wildcampers etc, when they are actually very poor quality...just my opinion.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. My DD tarp, replaced a tatonka that ripped after a windy night on the coast of nort west Scotland. The replacement cost half the price, has more attachment points and is still going strong 3 years later. Hence my recommendation.
The information you present here is very interesting and i enjoy all your videos immensely, however it only relates to cooler latitudes with a decent length winter time season as does most RU-vid outdoor type videos. Don't see many RU-vidrs from hot climates, oh yeah there's "paleo hiker MD" in Louisiana and he constantly rants about the lack of cold days in the south and being forced to travel to more appropriate areas for outdoors activities. Where i preside if you don't have a shelter with some sort of bug barrier and a bathtub floor you'll be eaten alive by insects and crawled upon by every species of creepy crawler along with some rather unpleasant small animals and wake up wet from the moist ground every morning. Lately I have been considering moving to a cooler climate perhaps Michigan or Alaska because this area being the southern most tip of Alabama is simply not conducive to outdoor activities for more than a few days a years and it's really beginning to get me down...
I'm in Southeast Louisiana (never seen the gentleman you mentioned), and for the past week we've been in the 30s and 40s at night. No, we don't get winter's like States to our north, but we have gotten the occasional 6-8 inches of accumulated snow, sub freezing temps lasting 24-72 hours (every few years). January and February are historically our coldest months. I'm not a fan of the heat and humidity either, and not a fan of insects and serpents so I'm with you on the "bathtub" floor and mosquito netting. I've recently acquired a hammock to experiment with that. I wish we had cooler temps for a longer period of time. I'm jealous of the climate, the woodlands, and lack of serpent's in the UK (only one venomous viper in England/Wales who's bite isn't generally fatal unless you're a child or already health compromised). In this part of the U.S. , "wild camping" like they are able to do in the UK, isn't generally allowed. I do most of my thing in one of the local State Parks (2 within 15 miles, 2 more within 50, at NO, or ultra low cost for veterans with a free America the Beautiful Pass - 4 of the 50 States honor it, La, Ar, Md, De, or Federal land in neighboring Mississippi on same pass). In the heat of the summer, June thru September, I don't go out like I want to. If the weather/environment is your primary concern, western Washington State, and northern Oregon are also temperature friendly. Have you seen the channel of "Blackie Thomas" ? He's in the Dothan/Ft Rucker area. Best regards !
Thanks for sharing Neil. Interesting review, I don't know many bushcrafty folk that haven't had a dd tarp and I think that speaks volumes. I have the 3x3 and tarp M (for hammocking!), both have performed admirably. However, if I'm brutally honest, I can't say I'm a fan of their hammocks. I think they're too short and narrow to enable a comfy diagonal lay. PS: loved that technique that you used for striking your ferro rod on the knife, looked much safer!
Thanks for commenting. I don't mind their hammocks, although I am using a homemade one currently as it weighs far less. This is a nice safe method of Ferro use, I found it easier when teaching kids to light fires this way.
Good video 👍 I have the DD 3x3 in the brown and can't really fault it however I still seem to prefer the British army basha even though stat wise the DD is better but the basha is just so tough and reliable.
my problem with a tarp (only) is... no my 5 problems with a tarp are Mosquitoes, Black flies, Midges, noseeums, and snakes ( Here in my part of the American South we have 46 species of snakes, 6 of those are venomous and 3 of those are realistically threatening … the timber rattlesnake, Eastern Diamondback and cottonmouth) add in the imported red fire ant, feral hogs, wild cats (we have 4 in the U.S, Bobcat, lynx, puma, and recently in Arizona Jaguar have been spotted and are thought, possibly to be making a come back), skunks, possums, and raccoons and that doesn't include the wolves, coyotes and bears and wolverines)... which is why I favour a tent of some kind in some combination with a tarp as a rain/dining fly
pete Austin just don't camp on the edge of the water... ows at... Hey were talkin about the U.S. deep South, not Piccadilly Circus, geez you people even drive on the wrong side of the road
@@Elfin4 so you're saying that those in the UK really aren't camping because they don't have those predators? LMAO bet they'll be shocked to find that out? Or did you mean that those of us in the US of A aren't camping because of all of those critters?
@@peteaustin9636 --- come to think on it now, Pete yes I did forget Scorpions and red-kneed tarantulas, well tarantulas in general, and beaded Gila monsters but those little dears are further out west. Though we do have wood scorpions here in southern Georgia not deadly but they'll make you think you're gonna die
I saw a 5x5 tarp and thought ooh that may be even better, just thinking of the additional height in the fully enclosed build and being able to possibly stand up fully in it.
2:17 to get past the music...I chose DD 3x3 because MCQ Bush craft had one and it seemed to work well, it has great coverage. Since this vid is @ 3yo, and my tarp is about 1.5yo I've noticed a center seam change...the center tie outs are on/in/above these 3-4" triangle tarp pieces. Thus the top of loop is between 6-10-ish inches above tarp seam...great for tall folks but us shorties have a tough time getting tarp high enough to walk under as over tarp ridge line now has to be 6-10" higher...
In my channel i have my way how i set up my tarp3 by 3 DD bro. DD is good tarp cheap, but unfortunately is not good for a long heavy rain.Thumb up for your nice review
Debating on buying one.....not no more. I'm old and want a simple but out open to the outdoors. I can only hike oly during the late spring to fall time, but I want my outdoors. Rain is good, I'm still where I enjoy nature. But want a single good bit o'kit to keep me dry over me Solo stove.
Love my dd tarp multiple configurations from fully enclosed to almost completely open as you say so versatile. Am considering an aqua quest defender but dd one does the job . Cheers take care 👍
I totally agree, absolutely for the tarps and super light range except personally I don't hammock like a banana, I sleep diagonally so find the netting doesn't work-that is, from what I've tried, the frontline. I've tried the camping hammock which was far too bulky and also the superlight hammock of which I find perfect-that said, it ripped on me width ways closer to the end and the company put it to the pouch I sewed on the end and probably snagging it at some point which probably grew bigger-ive always been careful with it. It's also weird they initially focused on my lack of receipt-i realised I bought from a retailer online, then showed the receipt. Just before the hammock ripped, the tree hugger snapped too-i tied a loop in it to then sit again and the hammock dropped me. I had it for years though, two I think, so I bought another because I've only seen one other online which compares and I think it was too expensive to justify, can't remember. Eno I'm guessing. The superlight tarp I find supremely stronger in every way yet but I still haven't got full trust on the tie outs or stitching...or rather, on dad's stitching because of the regular 3x3 I got...minor issues which over time had me staring questioning parts and a hole in the waterproofing in the stitching which occasionally drops a bit of water. Dd was adamant it's fine. The superlight I only question because it's so thin and the tie outs too, which have three loops on each tie out which has various advantages over the regular not least, in theory anyway, linking the tarps. It definitely helps with pegging them to the ground without a straggly tie out rising it a bit-the other loops absolutely make it to the ground. I've not had any issue with my superlight square tarp, and had it...I'm going to say 2 or 2.5 years now, idk. At least 2. It feels more forgiving too, kinda stretchy but not like elastic idk. The standard paracord DD issue with the regular hammocks is crap, absolutely useless due to the wicking of water, the stretch, and the fact it's crap for the trees health in distributing the unfathomable forces put onto it. The standard pegs are useless too, I can get a ton more at the pound shop. I can vouch for the superlight range though With confidence, less so but totally with the hard wearing (against rubbing) regular tarps if that makes sense
DD tarps are great ofc , but imho the "Aquaquest Defender" is the best bushcraft tarp ...quality wise it's just levels above any of the "lightweight" tarps.(you will know what I mean by just holding/touching one )
I used 5x7 tarps for quite some time. I then got me a 10x10 & it made a huge positive difference. Take care brother & keep enjoying the great out of doors. - Marco
Neil, am fascinated by your neck knife, it appears to be well along the lines of what I've been seeking. As always, who is the cutler, and what is the price ?...Cheers
Just getting into bushcraft and wild camping with my son and this is the tarp I've been looking at. Seen them in so many videos I thought there must be something about them that's worth getting and your video has just confirmed that. It may be on my Christmas list to santa 😂
Thanks for sharing your expertise on the tarps. I have a 3x3 and 4x4 DD Hammock Tarps and love the both. Just found your channel and liked and subbed. ATB Von
Q1. Have you made your tarp a not the fully enclosed shelter? Q2. If yes to Q1. How do you deal with condensation? Q3. Are there bigger versions of this tarp you would suggest so as to create a larger shelter?
Yes this one is enclosed (Hazel likes this one) and is ideal for open, moorland type areas. Overall, I have never had much of a problem with condensation (It's down to how you manage it). A tarp is a very simple shelter solution.
Thank you for the review of this tarp system, sir! Just subscribed after watching Far North Bushcraft & Survival's Anorak video. Looking forward to more "fireside chats" :) God Bless
I'm new ish to all this & really enjoyed your video, I'm trying to learn as much as I can & be a prepared as possible before I embark on any adventures (so any advice is always greatfuly received) thank for the vid once again
I am really glad you enjoyed the video. Have a look at some of the others. The "Starting Bushcraft " series is aimed at you and is a guide aimed at anyone just starting out, I made all of the mistakes so you won't have to. Atb Neil
SOVT many tarp fans also use a mesh tent. You can find them on amazon for not too too much. I think MSR makes one that’s pretty popular and liked. Or you could use a bivy under your tarp.
Nice review as always Neil. I love your honesty and openness when doing these reviews. The gentle, knowledgeable, laid back approach works so well. Looking forward to more.....👍
Thanks Richard. There will be more reviews coming up in the future, not sure of what (probably need to go through some of my "trusty" gear and see what is still available!).
No, not a new one. I use it fairly frequently (it was in the Simple Stick projects video I think). Its a little necker from Ashdown Forest Crafts, its a lovely little knife, it was a gift from Simon when we were working together a few years ago, I happened to comment on it and he gifted it to me.
Depends on what configuration you use. If you do something like an flying A frame or a tarp tent, then yes you can get two people under the tarp. Hope that helps. Cheers!
It depends on what configuration you use. If you do something like a flying A frame or a tarp tent configuration then you can get two under the 3x3 tarp. I hope that helps. Cheers!!!
It's just a cheapo one, no brand. It got it from Kev at Endicotts (www.endicotts.co.uk). Get in touch with him, tell him it's the one Neil1 wears and he will know what you want.
I have a DD 4x4 tarp that I got to use with my hammock to provide extra coverage and privacy or for use as a group shelter when establishing a common area . I added some cordage and stakes to make it a more complete shelter kit. I paid around $85 US for it on Amazon
I started with a green 3x3, changed to a brown one because it's such a great camo AND doesn't make you look like someone who would care about it aka a wannabe special forces guy. It just looks like a giant ant hill^^ though I like their MC, it's way better than Multicam or Flecktarn and has zero pattern repetitions along the fabric. very good camo, just not what all people want.
