How to make a Cowboy Canvas & Wool Bedroll 

An old adage is: same wool under and over. The best thing is to have two layers of wool under you as well as over. That way your body heat is trapped because of the insulation. The tarp is excellent for keeping the moisture off...however, there are many lighter tarps that will do the same thing as this heavier one. By lightening the tarp, you can add a second wool blanket for maximum heat retention.

Another great feature of this bed roll is the fact that it is still a blanket and a tarp that can be used as a rain jacket or a tent or even as a carrying sack for firewood or anything

Filed under "What every guy should know", whether 1750 or 2021.

Back in the 1980's, I slept in one of these in a rainstorm. It wasn't the best night I've ever had, but I was mostly dry, and slept reasonably well. A tent is a huge plus, but this does work.

I know this is an old video. But I love the old ways of camping. Shame not to many youtubeérs camp like this.

The cowboys working a gathering or on a drive used this , it’s called a soogan ... Some of them got to be pretty elaborate. It stayed in the wagon , and was the bedroll of choice . I’ve slept in one , and stayed warm and dry even in light rain and snow . I’ve woken up with frost on the outside of the tarp many times . We used big safety pins called blanket pins or diaper pins to hold the whole thing together , and rope to tie it up with . Cowboy gear for real .

When I was a kid (1950’s) I had a Korean war surplus Canvas bed roll, you could put anything inside you wanted. On the ranch my father would carry a wool army blanket rolled up inside a poncho on the back of his saddle.

Made my own but we always have heavy rain where I'm at so I bought a painters canvas dropcloth that weighed 10 oz. When I was done waxing and oiling it weight about 8 lbs. Lmao. Have gotten any wind or water through it... So far. Be blessed. God is king. Everyday.

As a buckskinner/reenactor, I've long been aware of canvas and blanket combos. Wow, the diagonal orientation sure makes a lot more sense than other arrangements.

I love this so much! It's one of the first ways I learned to "rough it" with the men who taught me the old ways.

Yes that tarp and blanket could serve many purposes. That's one of the most practical/useful things I've seen so far. I think I'll look at tractor supply for one. That would be a great set up for the car or truck for everyday safety stuff for winter especially. My parents always had blankets in the trunk when we were kids.

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I never thought about doing it diagonal! I always did it down the middle. I was never really warm, and couldn't understand why they used this method back in the day. Thank you!

One of my most favorite video.Im a Retired Cowboy...Spent 18 hours a day on Horseback doing cattleman's work...How bout a video on useful knots......I spent part of my childhood in Backwoods of Louisiana and Ozarks learning Bushcrafting....Im Also Ex Air Force.....Now semi disabled.....How bout a video on being a survivalist when your handicapped.......(It about training the parts of your body that still work (hands and arms) and a survivor gratitude attitude...) It's 10x Harder when in a wheelchair.......

I would recommend in that roll having a light weight 10'x10' plastic tarp for a tent.

Love this system and have done it myself with a surplus US army wool blanket. The only downside is that the fur missile doesn't fit inside too. She'd burrow in and mole up fine but I'd need double the canvas and wool blankey to fit her in and she's only a 35 pound aussie shepard. But what a bed hog!

That is definitely a Swiss Army surplus wool blanket, probably from late in WW2. I have one. They are the real deal.

We used to call this a Swag in Australia. Until ppl started adding poles, flysceens and flash matresses. Standard gear for camping until 1970s 1980s here died off as sleeping bags got cheaper. But this is the way to go. Ive slept 7 hr in a inch of rain a hour and was dry as next morning

Back in the 50's we had a canvas bedroll. It was made for either blankets or light sleeping bag. It was sewn across the bottom and part way up the side. The rest had rings and snaps to close the opening. I used it a time or to hunting and it kept me nice and warm.

Wow, those old timers were TOUGH! It's an very useful idea, in case of a shtf the sleeping bags are gonna be gone quick. But you can usually find a tarp. Thanks Don. I learned something very useful today. Haha God bless

Old school works. It won't get holes in it from the camp fire.

I took a friend back packing into the Everglades with a similar set up. I used a nalgahyde cotton backed bed cover as the tarp and a thin cotton blanket that could roll up thin since it was fall but still hot in Florida and apt to rain. We used a 2 man army surplus backpacking tent that I still have used for over 10 years. Good thing too because it poured the first night. Nobody told me this was traditional. I had used this for regular camping during the summer.

Back when I was a kid , when I rode for some ranchers , had a old tarpaulin and 2 wool blankets , kept rolled behind my saddle. Borrowed saddle bags from my aunt , id saved enough for a rifle boot . If it got too bad , try making it to a cabin or line shack , feed shack . Sure was nice to have a real mattress to put my roll on

Every bone in my body began to ache when you got down on the ground to get into your sleep cocoon…bless your heart!!

good video. it covers the basics. try not rolling it so short, should be about 3 ft. or so long, easier to tie it down to the back housing of your saddle. I use two tarps, one 9x7 and one 8x6, a large wool blanket, a llama wool poncho, my coffee pot and coffee. Also, I usually have my carbine rolled up in it too. My personal items and food are in the pommel bags and tools and such in the cantle bags. Guess you can pack your saddle rig anyway you need to. I'm not a survivalist or prepper, so I reckon you probably have a better idea of what to pack. I ride fence for a living, so my saddle is packed for my daily needs.

In the army in the late eighties early nineties we used our pup tent half to make an envelope. That was a similar way to waterproof the sleeping bag in a snow hut when training in Norway. The German army did the same with their Zeltbahn, the Norwegian army had their gear suitable for the climate already they didn't need to improvise.

Somehow I missed this video...awesome one, Sootch. I love to cowboy camp due to the minimalistic needs and this is vital in stealth camping. My "cowboy roll" includes a canvas tarp, military woobie, a headlamp with red light features, a folding GI stove, 450ml titanium cup with lid, a Bic lighter, a couple of trioxane cubes, a small food pack with usually a noodle meal with favorite ingredients, a collapsible dog bowl, eating utensil, coffee, unfortunately has to be instant and a one liter Smart Water bottle. All of the aforementioned items fit in a tubular cloth bag I sewed with a length of 550 to secure the opening. An old leather luggage strap connects the two leather belts I found at Goodwill to secure the roll. My normal EDC items complete the kit: Bic lighter, an Ontario Rat 1 and a Leatherman Sidekick multitool.

This video was exactly what I was looking for. I had a feeling it could be this simple. Obviously I’ll have to actually test it… I hate tents so was thinking of this bedroll with sleeping bag plus tarp overhead. Also hate all the polyester plastic shite that everything seems to be made out of.

I always thought the old western's bed rolls were smaller. So interesting. Cheers mate.

Never would have thought of this. Thank you. So much more economical than buying a two person sleeping bag.

Very cool, when my kids get a little older I wana do a survival type camping trip with them

I saw the thumbnail and at first I thought this was Townsends or Coalcracker bushcraft.

As a horsewoman and tracker and hunter Inflate a bath pillow too as a pillow. But lighter the faster less burden in your horses back

I do civil war reenacting and we carry blankets nearly just like that, some carry it with then 24/7 but most leave it at camp.

One thing that works really good for strapping these up are dog collars. They have them at the dollar store and Walmart for under 2 bucks. They work perfect because they already have a carabiner hooks on them

I don’t know my zero degree down bag weighs nothing and is water resistant. Put down a foam mat and stick that bag in a bivy sack and I’ve slept in literal blizzard and full on rain storms (I was a mountain/ backcountry guide). Cool setup and definitely cool to see how those old timers did it, they were tough as nails. But modern materials and advancements are pretty impressive.

This useful video has helped me a lot,and I considerder it as one of the most helpful video's on RU-vid. 😊

This video sold me. I'm heading on a motorcycle cross-country trip for the remainder of this summer/fall. I'm ditching my bulky sleeping bag and awkward tent for this - and it will double as my backrest while on the road. Can't wait.

That's some good knowledge to have, often times what people knew 100+ years ago was best. Sadly much was forgotten due to technology.

I do 3 layers - fleece, wool and a plastic tarp. I spent the Texas cold snap outside in it. Woke up thinking it didn't get that bad, until I poked my head out. Got frozen to the ground.

I use a 12ox canvas tarp and my Great Kilt for a sleeping bag. The canvas is waterproofed.

I use an old style usgi poncho and a woobie and wool blankets. Same concept.

You just "swaddled" yourself. Very good way to keep warm and dry(ish).

You won me with "Long live the Republic". I am tired of people mistaking us for a democracy

perfect carry away bag lunch for a grizzly

i'm running one of these rn for camping, i'd like to grab one of those that has the inserts for memory foam so i can really sleep anywhere god bless you and your family

The blanket is a 7 foot by 5 foot size, the tarp has to be a 8 foot by 6 foot.

great demonstration, keep the cowboystuff coming!

My grandma taught me to wrap baby dolls that way😀

Add an additional fleece blankets and you gain a significant amount of insulation. Great video!

When I was a kid, my saddle roll was big enough to cover me like a taco shell ,id cut a limb to make a bow to keep my blankets and tarp off my head while I slept . I left it in the barn when I went to ft Benning, it was ruined by the time I came home . I've gathered up some stuff , that I can remake it . I actually found some thick clear material, to make sure I don't get wet ,if I sleep on the ground now . I got a education at ft Benning, and watching some bushcrafters, ive learned different shelter setups .

Just pulled my bedrolls out of the trucks and car to wash blankets and air out the canvas. I keep an air pillow and a full sized flat sheet in my rolls for comfort.

Before you finish the roll fold the opposite end in to prevent your blanket from getting wet.

Great idea of the old ways that still work! Thanks brother, and as always keep walking with our KING

……very Good practical idea.Next Spring time I want to use it. In wintertime or on my boat I use an australian old SWAG ! Thank you Sir

Enjoyed. I really like the feel & smell of organic old school materials over synthetics. That must weight 10 or more pounds??

Awesome idea!!! Thank you for sharing!!!😎 LONG LIVE THE REPUBLIC!!!!

You might want to inquire as to what the canvas has been treated with and confirming that it's safe to wrap yourself and loved ones in. Could be toxic and/or highly flamable near a campfire.

This video was perfectly timed. I'm looking to build my own roll and I find your video

We're so disconnected. I'm glad I'm looking all of this up.

That would be a good truck/car prep for what if situation

I thought about doin this same thing w/canvas & the same Swiss wool blanket recently... 😃. Cool

And keep in mind that the saddle was used,flipped upside down with the saddle blanket too rest your head, and pew-pew's snuggled right next too you under that. It was simple and the saddle bags would have had your most important items. It worked for them then it would work today. Take care and keep safe. And God bless America amen. 🇺🇸

Get you a reflective tarp to go between the blankets and and the canvas tarp.

I have one of those very same blankets! VERY WARM!

I use a hammock with wool blanket. Seems to work fine too. Just make sure you bring a few extra large nails

Hi Sootch, looks like the type of bedroll they used during the Civil War. Mist soldiers, blue and gray, to sleep on. They would do it up either but the way you did or long way, and sling it, so it road on their shoulder, and sung towards the opposite side. Usually the opposite side of their cartridge box, right side. They bedrolls are handy for carrying an extra shirt, sweater and socks. The poncho, would go down, shelter half/canvas, then blanket. Nice warm setup.

That could be a nice shelter for homeless folks! Simple, easy to carry and easier to clean than a conventional sleeping bag!

Watching this video it made me think where is my bedroll? I had some old military or Cowboy canvas and I don't know what happened to it it had a sleeping bag in it or a blanket and it had Pockets at the bottom and at the top places for your clothes socks and other items. I haven't seen it in years I forgot I even owned it I guess that's what happens when you move a lot course you always got thieves sometimes they're in the family

Painters drop cloth and wool moving blankets; finish with a nice blanket on the inside.

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Be sure to fold the ends of the tarp when rolling it up to keep rain, snow and dirt out.

Good video. Add another blanket and a cotton sheet. Bedroll usually weight about 10 pounds.

When I was a kid back in the fifties my dad taught me how to do that and his dad that was born in 1885 taught him how to do it and so on ad-nauseam till at least pre revolutionary war. Instead of a tarp they used oiled wool blankets to shed the rain.

The only time I've found a sleeping bag comfortable to sleep in has been a mummy bag with fleece blanket inside when snow camping and when you buy 2 identical ones and zip them together into a huge sleeping bag for 2 adults plus 2 kids. Always found a good fleece blanket and a tarp to be best but the tarp is noisy so looking into other potential options besides canvass. Lol. A hammock that's been sprayed with waterproofing does work ok but may as well have a bivvy sack at that point

Interesting! I liked it. Yes you’re right we only knows things that sells in Walmart but how is it being hundreds of years ago we don’t know.. now we do! )

Very simple but clever system. I always wonderd how they use to manage. Thanks for expert knowledge.

Learn something every day. Thanks.

We use to cut cedar or pine , freshly cut, leaves and down pine needles, infested with ticks here . I've made a cedar or pine windbreak , and bed down close to it , have awakened with 6 to 8 inches of snow covering my bedding.

A quick suggestion... Take and tuck your feet in ONLY the wool blanket and THEN wrap your legs up with the tarpaulin. The extra layer of wool blanket will help keep your tootsies warm overnight. No sense in having a small section of the wool blanket sandwiched between two layers of waxed tarpaulin, is there? Also, I personally prefer the NEXT larger dimension tarpaulin because it can BETTER afford you to let you pull the section at your head OVER your head area without you having to scrunch up towards the toe area. The added weight penalty is very nearly insignificant, really. I doubt anyone would be able to tell they had an additional 4 ounces or so added to their load. Plus, it is pretty rare that anyone, once asleep, will remain immobile throughout the night. We ALL tend to move about somewhat and with only the tiny flap of excess material available at the head end, you'd find your head/shoulder areas uncovered during the night with you squirming to reposition the tarpaulin flap or you having to duck down even more, which could make for an uncomfortable night. Last but not least, with extra tarpaulin material you'd be able to place your pack/boots/weapon/magazine carrier inside with you and out of the elements. Just a couple of additional ideas which might prove useful. Overnout

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I have learned a lot from your videos.

Cheers a simple clear video . I used to use a swag.the only down side can be the weight of canvas but tough!

I use a -35F sleeping bag inside a canvas bed roll with 3” memory foam mattress!!

I learned something new. Didn't know about about the angled folds. Thanks, got it!

Very nice, I'm going to try it instead of buying an expensive bag!

I have a wool blanket from Harbor Freight ($10.99) that I waterproofed lined with a Fleece Blanket from Walmart ($5.88),... Pretty good value setup :)

I would definitely not use fleece for this unless it's all you've got. But if you plan on putting together a bedroll to actually use more than once track down some canvas or oil cloth and a nice wool blanket

Somehow you are going to encounter colder weather than your actual sleeping bag is rated for which will not keep you warm. This one will make a great second layer. Ordered from Northern Tool a few minutes ago.

Knowledge and PRACTICING WITH YOUR GEAR IN MULTIPLE SITUATIONS......♿🇺🇸⚜️

in expensive way you might use a moving blanket, it you can not find a wool blanket.

Thanks for the knowledge about Cowboy Canvas bedroll's Sootch00. As always long live the republic my friend.

I'd do a good treatment of Permethrin on the tarp before using, especially when lying on top of a bed of leaves. Thats a haven for ticks, especially in the northeast.

it was interesting to see this how it was in the past. can't see it useful now days, especially with the weight difference and the comfort level that modern sleeping bags can give.

Looks *very* comfortable.

Ranger roll works for me, but I toss an turn in my sleep, thx for the vid Sootch

Isn’t it interesting that in these troubling times the one thing we will miss the most is a horse 🐴 to both carry you and your equipment.

Was looking at this tarp at TSC yesterday to cut and make ground/kneeling pads for camp. It did have a strong smell to it so thought about getting a painters drop cloth and then waxing it waterproof

Till the spiders start nesting in the bed of leaves lol ive been transient for 13 years your better clearing a spot of all leaves and debris wire up the tarp to surrounding trees for cover and cover the bottom section of tarp in dirt or wood then lay your blanket under it.. but that’s just me I’ve been doing it so long I just started car camping about a year ago

you can make this for about $35 at harbor freight. $22 canvas tarp and a $12 wool blend moving blanket. Add a second blanket and it's even better.