Very informative video! The plow point is probably my most used go-to tarp pitch. It's quick and easy as well as provides great cover. The "Tarp tent" is probably next because it is great for heavy wind and rain storms. I love tarps for exactly as you mentioned, they are so versatile!
@AdventureswithMud yes they are and Plough Point is a great configuration for sure, you can also transition to plough point to full enclosed pyramid tent with one movement👍😉
if you want to be tactical dont use a tarp, just use a camo bivi bag. No ridge lines or tent pegs needed. If it rains pull the flap over your head Roll it up tightly with the matt inside, squeezing air out as you go to pack it all away at once. A couple of heavy duty rubber bands (or make your own from shock cord) hold it into a neat package until next time. If you want a tarp then pitch it like the first low profile but dont bother with those fancy knots, can you really do them sleep deprived in the dark with hands numb from the cold or with with gloves on? How about if you damage a finger and it wont bend anymore? Here is a test, put some water in the freezer for a while, take it out and put your hands in the freezing water until numb, now see if you can do those fancy knots. If so perfect, if not, re assess. Also there is value in having the tarp pitched a little higher or wider or whatever so you can see out the gap between the ground and the tarp when laying down. This gives you a chance to see whats going on around you. If you have to use knots, use the Evenk Hitch that can be done with snow gloves on, you probably dont need a tensioning knot. Try it without one, youtubers love them that's why they are popular but do you want to do whats popular on youtube or do what works? (I see the irony of this because you are about to become a successful youtuber) There are a lot of ways to add tension a line without using a knot, and most of the time just pulling the thing tight as you can by hand then wrap a bite around the tree a couple times will give you something as good as those knots will. Again try it for yourself, dont take my word for it. Better yet though, just lean against a tree or embankment on a sit pad and pack on and throw the tarp over your head to keep off the rain. The irregular shape that makes is a lot more natural and harder to spot than crisp clean outline of a tensioned up tarp. Finally if you are trying to avoid being spotted by dangerous people, dont run around when packing up, the speed will totally negated by you being spotted right away because of fast movement that daws the human eye even at a long distance where someone cant really see what's happening but they instantly know a person is there because of the running around.
I have a bivy bag but I honestly to like to feel wrapped like a burrito, I usually use it over the tree line up on the mountains. I'm my humble experience I narrowed down all the knots i know to those has quick release system , as long as you practice them they become easy . i will definitely look for the Evenk Hitch, i'm really curious , thanks for sharing!!! I definitely agree on irregular shapes! I wasn't running around ramdonly, I use to test my ability to make a shelter and take in down using a stop watch in order to know how much take me to make one or take it down, it was meant for training.👍 in general , i really appreciate your sharing and I keep putting my knowledge and my skills under a test since almost 20 years and not only in my country, having said that I made this channel to share what I think can me realistically helpful and most important, learn from others . so thank you again for your sharing , i means a lot to me 🙏
@@AlexWander Yeah I like that you are very interested in showing things that work, its a great channel you are making and I like your openness to learn. I hope you enjoy the Evenk hitch! Knots are a hobby of mine as well, having learned many from rock climbing, mountaineering, sailing and caving, I personally find that the best knot is the simplest one that will succeed at the task. Im serious about trying them with numb hands, its a fun test. Also good for trying to light a fire too or apply a pressure dressing with numb hands, its good experience. As former military, I get why you were being fast when packing up but trust me, if you want to avoid being seen or heard by people, dont run, brisk walk is so much safer. I am not saying it to criticize, its just important info that can help with getting away from a highly dangerous area. Nothing draws attention in the bush like a person running around. If this 1 minute is to simulate hostiles approaching the camp, honestly a tarp is the least of your worries. Anyway I like your mindset, look forward to more videos, and I'm glad your channel is taking off
When I was in the US Army in a light unit I found that the poncho/tarp worked amazing back in the early 90's. The gear we had was pretty much garbage, so we found ways to improvise in order to lighten our loadout so we could take more situational items. Tents are wonderful, but a poncho/tarp is just as good. Bungee cord straps, tent stakes, and 550 cord are all you need. It never let me down ever in trash weather. New to the channel. Subbed and notifications "on". Thanks!!
At last I have watched a video where I felt none of my time has been wasted. The ability to convey these lessons is a gift. You seem so at ease, make it so simple, when it's not.Sir I thank you for taking the time to make this video.
Thanks for sharing. I have made my ridgeline with bankline, made jungle knots, that way I never need to make additional knots when setting up tarp and it's really quick and simple to deploy and take down.
Great video! I just recently learned the Farrimond Friction hitch, and been using it on our trip to Sweden recently. For tarps setup I often use the diamond fly above a hammock, that way I only need two elastic cords and pegs. Lean-to in nice weather on the ground, a plough point in worse weather, or Finnish loue style when camping with my wife. Nice timing! I’m a little slower, especially after sleeping. But using an outer pouch on my backpack just for the tarp and pegs, it’s pretty quick. And no bag for the sleeping bag lol. Straight into my backpack saves me a lot of time.
Excellent info and great practical demo's, Alex. I use a standard hoochie / basha style (like your first one) for most tarp set-ups. If I needed to go in a hurry, just wrap everything up like Santa Claus and carry it like a sack. Generally, I do the stealthy / quiet tear down instead.
I just bought my tarp. thanks to your video you definitely gave me new ideas and techniques for assembling it. The mounting possibilities are truly surprising. I will try to imitate your curtains
@@AlexWander I have a free soldier. I need to understand if the 4 cords inside are enough to make an ideal set up. or you need more to make different shapes.
Nice video, I am definitely going to add mooring hitch to my repertoire. By the way, for anybody who might be interested, the bowline knot is called dragon loop in my language - name comes from learning aid used in pioneers organization (back in the day, that was our equivalent to boy scouts). It goes like this: There is a princess (standing line) looking into a lake (that first loop you make) when dragon (running line) crawls out of the water, twists around the princess and drags her down into the deep...
I like the quick release on the mooring hitch, looks like it would hold better than my go to friction hitch also(magnus hitch, one of my favorites that my dad taught me). Thanks for another great video!
If you raise up the lower sides of the plough point about 24 inches above the ground, you get better ventilation and the tarp can shed high winds pretty easily. If you add a bivy sac, you can have the bottom half of the bivy sticking out from the lower edge proving better shelter for your head and a place to sit under the tarp. I like the better visibility with that lower edge raised up even higher, like 18 to 24 inches. My bivy weighs 1lb and my tarp 1lb. $100 bivy and $20 tarp. I do drop down to treeline for overnight. Light tent would be easier above treeline.
You are an excellent instructor! Best basics tutorial I've seen. I use a pre-made ridgeline as well! For me, it's just easier but also, quick _deploy_ is more important to me as i don't like getting wet or my gear either especially if its cold and I'm deep. When solo primitive camping here in the Cascades, efficiencies are a priority for me, not just for comfort but safety as well. Best Regards.
Alex your a genius for the Ridgeline setup. It's what I have been looking for. Love the knowledge of the knots and setup. Video was great. Thank you so much for your hard work. Really appreciate it
If I feel like I’m gonna need to move quickly I’m just gonna use the grabber All weather blanket. Gonna wrap up in it not gonna tie it up. If need to move quick can just stuff it in the bag and go. Not laying on the ground guaranteed to get soaked then you have different problem. My thinking is if you’re on the run you aren’t gonna sleep good at all anyway. You’re prob better off being a little uncomfortable will keep you from sleeping to good and getting caught.
With the bowline the loose end should be on the inside of the loop. I normally don't use a ridgeline but a daisy chain for around the tree and a bicycle bungee to attach the tarp to the daisy chain. It's always good to have extra room in your backpack to just stuff all gear used in there.
@@AlexWander si, infatti, e` molto utile, e la prima volta che lo vedo ,eppure farrimond e` molto interessante .Fai un bel lavoro, adesso anche in Polonia e` diventato hmm un po` pericoloso dormire in un bel bosco e percio` fare un stealth camping invece di hammack e` un obbligo
Thanks for a well constructed video on this interesting topic. I've subscribed and am looking forward, with great interest actually, to your Urban video. I'm trying to guess what you will cover. Should be fun. Cheers
I worked with indigenous troops from Asia,Africa,the Americas and elsewhere. The fast setup and bugout is critical. Not many talk about this important aspect of warfare.
Excellent content. Your knots instruction segments were filmed very well - making them helpful for us learning your knots. Thank you! I do have one question - what length do you find most useful for your pre-made ridgeline?
So glad to hear that! Tried hard to be as detailed as possible with knots! I keep my ridge line around 10 meters long better have it and don’t need it that need it and don’t have it 👍🙏🏻
This is the first time I've come across the alpha tent concept. What's your complete setup for it (sleeping bag, pad ..)? You are sleeping right next to open ground, so do insects etc. cause you trouble?
Molto bene! Great video! You are right, we MUST talk about our knowledge to become better. I can`t wait to see your urban survival video. One Tip from me: THINK VERTICAL !!! Be able to go down into the sewerage. (The lids are very heavy, you will need a special hook) Be able to overcome fences and walls and enter buildigs in the first floor(ca. 5 Meter high). Use a hook and rope, or better use a flexibel emergency latter(made with nylon) for boats. Use a teleskopic Stick to place the hook with the latter on the balcony parapet. Now you can go up very silent. ; ) Move like a ghost! Ciao ragazzo.
Hi Alex, great video again. I know in true shtf situations my next question is the least of the problems but in practice-shtf I always wonder. If you sleep in/under a tarp....how do you protect yourself from mosquitos ticks and other crawlers? That's what keeps me from tarp camping. Do you have a price winning answer to that question 😂?
Hey donz you can treat your clothes with permethrin I think there's also other alternatives you can search around for on yt but the stuff's really good will last a long time on your clothes
You aught to try the Taught Line Hitch with a slippery release. It is tried and true and easy to tie with a bit of practice. Looks like you use the same knots as Dave Canterbury, but he has even changed up the Truckers Hitch to the Australian Truckies Hitch. I don’t like ridge lines that you have to have premade anymore. I would rather know the knots where I can use any line or rope, because you’re screwed if you forget your premade ridge line at home. Another You Tube channel to look up is Kusk Bushcraft Keeping it Simple. I prefer his methods over everyone else, because he uses simple knots to setup his tarp without premade anything! Have a look see!😊
@@gud2go50 thanks so much for the suggestion, truly appreciated! I saw his video where he showed an updated version, honestly I’m very fine with the classic premade ridge line. I store a premade ridge line on all all of my packs and honestly I couldn’t forget it at home, for me it was like forgetting my knife at home , impossibile😁 I will definitely look at Kusk Bushcraft channel reallly curious! Thanks so much! 🙏🏻🔥
You can make your own particular sized tarp. 1 tube of silicone sealant in a couple of gallons naphtha. The silicone dissolves. Soak your fabric and let it drip dry in the fresh air. Once dry, the silicone has made it waterproof! 👊
If you like to stealth camp or you are shelter in a prohibited area or you cannot freely camp in your country or you are bugging in or out during SHTF So on and so forth 🙏🏻
@@AlexWander thanks Alex ! Worth a try to see if they are indeed what I hope them to be . It seems that there is a company called “ Proof” , who make an excellent pair of pants from cotton canvas . The pants are called Proof EDC pants . Maybe worth checking into as well!
@@AlexWander yes Alex ! Huckberry sells different models of Proof pants and one model is the Proof EDC pant. I am going to buy a pair too to see if they are worthwhile .
@@AlexWander It would be good to know what kind of net you carry. Often I have no problem with mosquitoes but occasionally I will find myself in a forest and there will be so many and they end up driving me insane….. Also, would you recommend the grayl titanium? I saw it in another of your videos and I’m tempted. The sawyer mini seems a lot lighter to carry though.
@@alisdar1234 The only one I have and used it's the Sea to Summit Mosquito Pyramid Net Nano Single, pretty adaptable, not perfect but works. I honestly love the Grayl Titanium geopress, you have a realiable filter the filters almost everything and a container to cook and boil in one place. I don't like those kind of small filters because it took to much effort to filter water and they don't protect you like the grayl does 🙏
Everyone should be prepared,, I have a feeling a bad feeling that there is something horrible will happened soon, I don't know when or where but we need to be prepared to run to wilderness the most remote to find safe shelter, far from civilisation.
I agree with you, we need to be prepared at least , for ourselves, for our families, for Tempe future that Might comes, thanks for Sharing your thoughts, it means a lot 🏴☠️
In my 45 years of camping, I've never been in a situation where being in a tent didn't save me from having my blood sucked dry by mosquitoes. Unless it's raining, a tarp seems absolutely useless.
You might want to consider an Anorak and Over-pants vs a poncho tarp which exposes a portion of your clothing, easily damaged when clipped by brush, annoyingly flays in the wind and annoyingly hot for the upper body being waterproof in Summer. The poncho tarp is insufficient in size to protect you from wind, cold, cold wind, rain, snow and critters. My 4.05 ounce Dyneema floor-less tent with zippered entry/exit and hooded vent sits in the palm of my hand as does my 4.7 ounce tent, same design, larger space. Both have a loop at the peak for hanging them by 8 or more methods from above or pole at the exterior for the lighter tent.
I have Anorak and Overpants made out of Goretex From Carinthia Pro . I went for the Ponchot Tarp just for its multifunctionality. I've tried very few pieces of gear made out of Dyneema , I will definitely check it out. Thanks for sharing!
It’s not fancy, it’s totally efficient. Spent about $225 for the Dyneema and associative parts. My heat reflective Anorak and over-pants materials cost about $45. In all, it permits me to reduce the weight of the pack itself needed for this true ultra light gear. The Anorak and over-pants weight reduction gives me greater freedom of motion adding to my increased speed. The temp. was 36 deg F wearing a light polypro zip turtleneck base layer, the Anorak and light sweater when I over-heated moving too swiftly. Fantastic stuff. The Dyneema tents set-up in about five minutes each.
It’s not fancy, it’s totally efficient. Spent about $225 for the Dyneema and associative parts. My heat reflective Anorak and over-pants materials cost about $45. In all, it permits me to reduce the weight of the pack itself needed for this true ultra light gear. Spent about $225 for the Dyneema and associative parts. My heat reflective Anorak and over-pants materials cost about $45. The Anorak and over-pants weight reduction gives me greater freedom of motion adding to my increased speed. The temp. was 36 deg F wearing a polypro zip turtleneck base layer, the Anorak and light sweater when I over-heated. Fantastic stuff. The Dyneema tents sets-up in about five minutes.
