I attended my first Boy Scout camp aged 11 in 1963. My father brought me a Khaki coloured British army groundsheet cape, enamelled mug and plate, Richards Compactum clip together cutlery set and two army blankets with blanket pins. I still have vivid memories of the 1963 military surplus shop. These days I would have to ride my mountain bike to a wild camp not to far away.
Thanks very much John, that’s fascinating to hear. Non-synthetic gear was pretty much all that was available then ! Now one has to hunt it down (although interestingly army surplus still provides a source of it). My Dad bought my first tent for a Scout camp. 100% cotton canvas but I distinctly remember the pole guy lines were nylon and even as a kid I felt they just didn’t feel or smell so good !!! Cheers 👍
Giles, you are an oasis of serenity in a world of chaos. I quite agree with you on the benefits of a plough-point for the extra dimension of protection it gives you, I guess the trade-off is a cold zone at the pointy bit you wouldn't otherwise experience with a lean-to shelter. In any event, a first class video and a great outlook on life which I thank you for sharing. Roll on Spring..! Best wishes, Paul 🙏🏻
Thanks again Paul. Your support is very much appreciated. Yeah, the ‘pointy bit’ (good description 😄) does seem to chill down as the night progresses - will have to think of ways to mitigate this 👍
@@gilesbinyon Your metal water bottle will retain heat. I use my metal water bottle as a 'hot water bottle' overnight. Warmed up over the fire, placed into a canvas or cotton bag and then it overnights down by my feet - and it stays warm until morning! Then I re-boil it for my morning brew 😊 As you will know - everything has two uses 🙌🏻 Apologies if you have already tried this 🙏🏻
Your videos are now some of my favourites. The synthetics-free approach, tranquil pace and moments of peace in nature are really inspiring. I'm venturing out with my tarp for wild camps but am wary of using a fire for fear of detection at present. I'm not sure how one can avoid synthetics without it though - a quandary. Wishing you milder nights soon, and of course will be mindful of your advice about sleeping under yew trees!
Thank you very much Catherine. Your comment is very kind. And yes, a fire and true stealth camping are usually incompatible. However, if you can get off the beaten track for a wild camp the are a couple of things which work in your favour - unless quite windy, the smoke in the forest dissipates upwards close by you - if there is wind forecast you can plan your camp so that the wind direction sends any smoke into ‘wilderness’ - dry and seasoned timber coupled with a hot fire produces very minimal smoke - at night your shelter and a windshield can hide the flames. Just a little food for thought. I hope you get out soon and maybe enjoy a small fire/twig stove - good luck 👍
As much as I enjoy the young bushcrafters, it’s pretty cool to see an older gentleman out there. Gives me hope. I am going to keep hitting the woods until I no longer can. Thank you, Giles.
Glad you’ve added this comment. I’ve only seen the younger youtubers so was thinking in the back of my mind is this something that I’ll only be able to enjoy for a short few years. I’m also hoping that years of knowledge will mean less weight to carry in the future.
I hope you take this as a compliment, because I intend it as such; I was so strongly reminded of Gary Oldman, and it was immensely soothing. I really appreciated the feeling of these video, and the time and effort you've put into making it.
..... You've been racking up the subscribers in recent weeks mate, well done! ...... I've been really enjoying your films too, .... so you've just racked up another! ...👍
Ah, mate. That’s what I needed. A nice relaxing comfortable video. We do church Wednesday mornings, then lunch at our favorite restaurant, followed by our weekly grocery shopping. Then of course, I had to mulch leaves 🍁 with my mower in our not small backyard, so I was ready to kick back and watch your video. Interesting comment about yew trees stealing your soul at night. The plow point setup would definitely give you better cover from the wind. But, maybe cold feet. Like you said, everything is a balance. Zeltbahn is the correct name for the German poncho. I have three reproduction WW II German zeltbahns, and they’re triangular in shape. Four soldaten(soldiers) would button their zeltbahns together to form a pyramid shaped tent. Four is a tight fit, but I have slept like that. Can button more zeltbahns together is various ways to make bigger tents. Thanks for the video, my friend, I needed it. 👍
Thanks for watching and such an enjoyable comment Steven. And it sounds like Wednesday is a very busy day for yous guys. Especially with Autumn garden tidying to do !!! Yeah, I also have a repro Zeltbahn (WW2). I was looking at ways it could be used but, as you say, it really needs to be combined with (at least) one other to make a feasible shelter - shame because it is slightly more ‘minimal’ than the Plash Palatka type of Zeltbahn. Well done for trying the x4 Zeltbahn set up which I guess forms a square pyramid/tipi type of enclosed tent. Thx again my Friend 😊👍
Giles you are both informative and inspirational. I love your ecological ethics in all aspects of your kit and camping technique. I am very impressed with your skills around the tripod cooking set up, not to mention your choice of food and lack of packaging. I am going to give your tripod system a try. I live in the mountains of western Canada, so cold, especially in winter requires a different approach. Again I applaud your efforts to make wild camping as sustainable as possible. Thank you.
Thank you very much Kenneth. I do appreciate your very kind comment. And I do take-my-hat-off to yous guys in North America. I have watched some Canadian campers on TH-cam - boy, it is really a whole different ball game to Southern England 🇨🇦👍 stay warm 👍
love your ethics giles,another greatly anticipated video,my health now hinders me from doing the same still have my kit such happy times i now live through you and your adventures god bless
Thank you, your kind comment is much appreciated. Sorry that you have had to hang up your camping gear but I do hope you manage to get out at some point again 👍
Been on an epic binge after recently discovering this excellent channel. Loved every minute of it so far. I'm too physically weak to not use synthetics myself, but I love the vibe and it's great to see the plastic free camps. I can almost smell the old canvas...
Thank you very much again Tom- appreciate you watch the videos and glad you enjoyed. It may be possible to cut down on synthetics by choosing only a few bits of robust, reliable (slightly heavier - unfortunately) and well maintained kit. My pack load comes in around 10 kg (22lbs) usually. Cheers 👍
Love watching these camps but wish you could have a bit better sleep..how about a DIY sleeping bag from one of those wool blankets? I add a cotton bag liner to my winter set up which traps a layer of body heat and weighs almost nothing
Thank very much for your comment Sarah and your ideas sound interesting too. I have, in the past, used a blanket like a sleeping bag. But since then I have been cutting down pack weight and size 🥶. I think your idea of a cotton liner is good especially to keep out the bugs 👍
Adding the nuts and raisens to that meal was a nice touch. I think the added weight of the ground sheet is probably worth it in the end, if it keeps you dry off the forest floor. Thanks for sharing. 👍🙂🏕️
That was a very enjoyable video. Thank you for the history on the tarp. Haven't seen a recent video hope everything is well with you. Appreciate your efforts!!. Be safe Arizona Dave. I finally going to go on my first camp. I'm doing it on an e scooter with a backpack.
Thanks and great to hear from you Arizona Dave. All fine here. Getting out as much as I can but a lot of it is family camping. And I’m not filming these days. I hope you are well my Friend. And that E scooter camping sounds interesting. I hope it goes well and the weather is kind for you. Cheers and take care 🇺🇸🇬🇧👍
Another great video thanks for sharing. I see you regularly use your belt knife for cooking which is fine, personally I have my fixed blade for heavier camp work and use a No9 Opinel Stainless for cooking purposes. It is thin and great for slicing and very cheap. Just a thought. Cheers from Down Under Aus!
Thanks very much Defender 13. Yes, a smaller knife would be a bit more suitable for cooking tasks. At the moment I’m just paring everything down to carry the minimum of kit to see how it is. 👍
Another brilliant & chilled (not to mention chilly) wildcamp. The variations in the Warsaw Pact nation's tarps, and other equipment is quite interesting. Thanks for sharing👍
You have outdone yourself this time. What an enjoyable and informative upload, especially with the added bonus of the woodpecker, as you were getting up. 😉😎😎
9:50 it's definitely east german military. You are right. (I'm german) And "Flecktarn" (for modern military) is the camouflage kind of print (engl. translation about patch camouflage) Also correct. It's from the so called NVA (Nationale Volksarmee - translated about "National peoples army") The type of camouflage print on the NVA one is called "Strichtarn" (engl. translation about line camouflage - so "Tarn" means camouflage). "Zeltbahn" is correct. You did your homework, sir. ;) - Great video. Thank you!
As you have said, selecting your kit is about balance and compromise. Plowpoint shelters are famous for being cold in the point. I used a larger tarp so that I could fold the point under to make a partial ground sheet. With a larger tarp, the area toward the front was wider. I am a shorter person and this setup worked for me.
Thanks as always James. And I take on board your points about the plough point set up. I have never tried folding the corner under with a cotton canvas tarp. I think it may need a couple of additional tie out points but I certainly need to give it a try. Thanks again 😊👍
I'm still trying to build myself up to going wild camping, but I've got to say the plough point does look a good cozy setup, especially when the weather isn't so good. I see it's highly recommended by various bushcraft instructors here on TH-cam too. All the best Giles, Pete.
Yew wood makes a long-lived sharp stake. I learned plenty about the plough point camp here, well done and thank-you! I want to make one from old military duffel bag canvas.
Thank you very much Lucy. Sounds like you might be handy at sewing. But if you wanted to you could do a search (eBay is a good place) for things like ‘military cape’ or ‘plash palatka’ or ‘pup tent’ or ‘military cloak tent’. These coat/shelters are pretty much all cotton canvas and come in at anything from £30 to £100 ish - depending. Just a thought. Good luck. And be slightly wary of Yew 😶!!!
Another great, immersive update Giles! Your approach to wild camping is really refreshing and inspirational, and there is always so much to learn from you! Keep safe
Giles your videos are a breath of fresh air ( literally!) Its so nice to watch someone out wild camping without cooking half a cow over a fire ! And no gear pushing reviews ! Hope your subs go from strength to strength mate. Big thumbs up.👍🏻
Get your self a lavvu. They're the best out of all the cape/shelters. I've got the Romanian type and the german flecktarn too. All have their pros and cons. Thanks for taking us with you. Ps. Bike packing is 👍, strapping the shelter & blankets to the bike is smoothing it.
Thank you very much for your comment William. Yes, the Lavuu is an excellent bit of kit (actually I do have one). I can see the attraction of bike packing it too - must be so nice to get that load off the back and letting the bike do the work 👍I just couldn’t do all the paths and cross country stuff I do I suppose 😐
With two plash palatkas erected into plow points rather like the Norwegian/Swedish lone wolf tarps should give better protection from the weather?. You could either erect it with a single central pole, suspend the apex from either an overhead tree branch or an A frame of two staves.
just found your channel and you use a lot of the same kit I do: romanian tarp, camelwiily billy can, steamer fire pit, uk issue gaiters, lots of similar kit. love it!
Rice is fairly easy if you bring along a food flask, it acts like a slow cooker. Normally i will cook the spaghetti in mine, break up the spaghetti, add boiling water and screw the lid on, 50 min later you got cooked spaghetti, if you are doing rice remember to reduce the amount of water since no steam will escape, and i have found you have to experiment with the time a bit depending on the food flask, it's a new spin on what they did in old times of boiling a crock pot then covering it with straw and slow cooking the contents.
Excellent. Thank you for the mention. I didn't know those Stink Bugs were in the UK too. Mess with them and they give off a foul smell. East German DDR NVA camo = Strichtarn. West Germany FRG BW = Flecktarn. There is an interesting 12 minute video on TH-cam which shows how these patterns developed called:- ''The History of: The German Flecktarn Camouflage Family''. I won't put the link because then it will cause this comment to go into YT's equivalent of your Channel Spam folder, comments requiring review. Personally, I think that the extra weight of the groundsheet is a good payoff for the additional height and cover you've achieved. 👍😎👌
I love the canvas gear. I'm not sure it's always the best choice over here in Florida, but I enjoy using it anyway (as well as learning how others use it). Great video!
Love your camping trips reminds me of uk Wiltshire and gloucestshire where I used to live when are you making more? Look forward to them! All the best for new year.
Thanks very much Dean and sorry for this tardy response. Wiltshire and Gloucestershire are beautiful indeed. I guess you are abroad now ? but hope you still manage camping trips. I’m not sure when I’ll be switching on the camera again I’m afraid. The time editing etc was taking too long as I’m pretty rubbish at it !!! Thx again and all the best to you and yours too. Cheers 👍😃🌲⛺️
Hi Giles 👋Just found your channel and am already binging it! So much charm and honesty and I really love the low-tech approach to your gear - which i think, ironically, is the way forward. Subbed!
Nice camp as usual Giles . Interesting insight into those plastic palatkas zeltbahns and the like . Hope you get a cosy warm camp soon mate. All the best to you 👍
Thank you. Yes, the military cape used in this video I had to repair and then clean. Did a delicate cold wash using Nikwax techwash to avoid removing any previous proofing agents etc. Then a rinse in Nikwax canvas treatment. This seems to have made it a good useable bit of kit. I have, in the past, used the more traditional ‘Greenland wax’ kind of treatment to my canvas items. This works too but involved slightly more work. But it’s worth checking how your canvas behaves in wet weather first- a good weave will be naturally waterproof once it gets wet. 👍
dont know iff this tip any good to you it what my grandad dad showed me he did in the war and that is put a toggle through eyes for buttons and use that way to tie out edges. as for the polish teepee poncho thing i got one/two as you say it two ponchos 1 tent but my joints and health got to bad so i never used it/them. nice video. Shelter-halves are usually designed to serve double duty as ponchos against the rain, or for the concealment of snipers. While the fabric is often simple olive drab, several nations use camouflaged fabric. The first printed camouflage for soldiers were the Italian introduced in 1929 for their half-shelters. The first camouflage uniforms were the Second World War German paratrooper smock, based on their M1931 Splittermuster shelter-halves. Russian Army has used (literally "cape-tents", designed to be used as both a part of a larger tent cover, or an individual weatherproof cape) since 1894, and the modern version, virtually unchanged since, was introduced in 1936, with the camo version being available since 1942. To add some confusion, the ordinary waterproofed cape with a similar name (plasch-nakidka, "cape-overcoat") was issued at the same time, but these weren't intended to combine with each other
Thanks again. Your knows of these military capes is much appreciated. And yes, I do sometimes use short loops of cord through the button holes to peg the edges out as you suggest. Cheers👍
@@gilesbinyon thought you might but sometimes people do things and have a problem or in some cases not a problem and cant see an answer. i think it why old knolwedge like toggles and lever and fulcrums. i think people could be saved in cr crashes if people knew and could use levers and fulcrums to lift stuff off them. lol i had a flat once and neither me or mate had a jack in car for some reason so i used his spare and a couple scaffolding poles from a work site to lift car and change wheel.
I know it’s would bit a bit extra weight but think I would be temped to carry a smaller tarp / off cut ( 4’x3’ maybe smaller ) to act as a wind break and more importantly to reflect the heat … pay off maybe worth the effort… just a thought….. ps where did you pick your belt barn ( wrong spelling but I am Cornish not German 🤣🤣) from..
Thanks very much for your comment and those suggestions too. Yeah, I have often thought about a small tarp for, as you say, a windbreak but also as a shelter over the fire/cooking area. Still considering it as a possibility. The Zeltbahn I got from eBay. An internet search using ‘pup tent’ or ‘military cape’ or ‘Plash palatka’ may lead you in the right direction 👍
@@gilesbinyon I got to thinking you could use an old cotton sheet as a wind break and wax it yourself, I just waxed a smock top I had that may as well been a sponge myself and it works. An old cotton sheet cut down would weigh next to nothing… justva thought.
@@tourcheverybridge thanks. Yes, I believe a cotton sheet which is waxed or oiled can work as a tarp - but it may need to have a thread count of 400 or more ? 👍
@@gilesbinyon even for a wind break/ heat reflecting..? There is another way but that involves a 50/50 mix of silicone (clear out of a tube) and thinners but think that will go against your grain. On a lighter note do you ever venture out the south.
Thanks very much for the comment Ian. Yes, the pack does sit low and I’ve thought of customising the straps to raise it up. But at the moment it’s pretty comfortable and easy on/off so I’ll leave it for now I think. Cheers 👍
Awsome vid you may want to look into amaranth it cooks slightly quicker than quinoa and has very high calorie density so you don't need to eat as much, it does require more stiring though. (its often cheaper in the polish food shops)
Thank you Mepkuz. I actually don’t carry in any firewood. I get it on site. But it is important to only use dead-fall and only camp in areas where there is plenty of it. Thus a few bits taken for a small fire will make no visible or ecological change to the woods (leave no trace). The skill comes in finding bits that are off the ground and so not too damp. Sadly in the UK there are no longer any more apex predators so no need for bear spray or any other defensive devices 👍
Thanks Nick - all fine here and hoping all good with yourself too. I’m not filming these days manly due to the editing time. It sometimes crosses my mind to switch on the camera as I am still learning and updating. But doubt it at the moment. Thx for the very nice comment 😃🔥🏕️👍
@@gilesbinyon hi my old mate, really pleased to hear back from you. I know what you mean about the editing time it takes an age that’s why I never film anything. Bit more news I’ve bought a camper van lol. It’s for the wife really, I take my camping gear and leave her on a site for a few days then I go off on my own lol this way I get best of both worlds no earache of the wife and camp in my tent on my own all over the country I love it. Anyway take good care my friend and stay safe.
@@nickollerenshaw2883Ha ha !!! Actually we got a Camper late last year too !!! Not sure I’m brave enough to go off wild camping and leave my good lady in the van 😂 !!! Sounds like you’ve got a great plan there though !!! Enjoy and take care Bud 🏕️👍
As always thanks for posting Giles, as an ex regular soldier I completely identify and sympathise with the quandary of weight over comfort. You are certainly testing that at this time of year. Do you mind if I ask what boot you use?
Thanks again ultrarunner. I appreciate your comment. The boots are actually German military (issued but grade A). Think they are called Meindl and got from Military Mart (NW UK) and cost £60. So far they have been good 👍 (unfortunately they do, of course, contain some synthetics)
Love this channel you’ve created . Im also building towards a few wild camps . Have you ever been asked to leave a site? Just wondering how it all works with the rules ?
Thank you very much for the comment. No, I haven’t been asked to leave a site (YET!). Good luck building towards a wild camp. Check out various TH-cam vids for hints and tips 👍
Thanks very much for watching. Wow, that’s a tough question and there are many great bushcrafters on YT - better than me I’m sure !!! But my advice would be to practice techniques and use of your gear, if at all possible, before you use them out in the woods. 😊👍
Thanks Mark. Yeah, I think the term is ‘plant based’. Not sure exactly but I do have leather shoes etc. But no meat and hardly eggs or dairy. Whatever it’s called I think it’s a better deal for the planet 👍
@@gilesbinyon okay - wasn't sure. At least you don't preach about it. I tried it for a while but it wasn't for me. Good videos Am I plant based if I eat animals who only eat vegetables 🤔 ...lol.
Because you are a cold sleeper ... eat beef it will generate body heat, please get away for plant base foods, go carnivore if want to be champing the rest of your life. you need animal protein , at your age your body has a hard time breaking down plant protein to do you any good. you need 1 gram of animal protein per 1 pound of body weight, if you at lest eat 100 grams of animal protein a day... you will be stronger , more stamina, you wont need a lighter pack. look into Carnivore diet try for 30 days... what you got to lose. it worked for me , been a Carnivore for 5 years i'm 70 now .
Thank you very much for your comment CyberGypsy. I have read and considered your points about meat and diet. It’s good to hear views from all perspectives 👍
cybergypsy - i have also read and considered these points, i'd like to add for balance that actually nobody "needs" animal derived protein, (except if we are regarding someone who has no access plant foods) we can get - or make proteins in our body from eating plant foods, - many sucessful professional athletes now follow a plant based diet - based on advice from experts in nutrition and physical performance. the human health problems + ethical concerns associated with animal products consumption are wide ranging, i realie this view is very opposed to your own, so maybe we don't need to discuss further in this thread for now - but i hope you can consider the information, thanks.
I attended my first Boy Scout camp aged 11 in 1963. My father brought me a Khaki coloured British army groundsheet cape, enamelled mug and plate, Richards Compactum clip together cutlery set and two army blankets with blanket pins.
I still have vivid memories of the 1963 military surplus shop.
These days I would have to ride my mountain bike to a wild camp not to far away.
Thanks very much John, that’s fascinating to hear. Non-synthetic gear was pretty much all that was available then ! Now one has to hunt it down (although interestingly army surplus still provides a source of it). My Dad bought my first tent for a Scout camp. 100% cotton canvas but I distinctly remember the pole guy lines were nylon and even as a kid I felt they just didn’t feel or smell so good !!! Cheers 👍
Loved this comment! I can just picture the old school set-up.
Your clog dancing moves at the end of your videos are coming along nicely. 🤠
Ha! 😊😀👍
Really enjoying your camping style Giles. Great tip on the ridgeline for the plough point too. Thanks.
Thank you very much Michaela. And glad you picked up something from it. Methinks TH-cam is a way of sharing ideas 👍
Giles, you are an oasis of serenity in a world of chaos. I quite agree with you on the benefits of a plough-point for the extra dimension of protection it gives you, I guess the trade-off is a cold zone at the pointy bit you wouldn't otherwise experience with a lean-to shelter. In any event, a first class video and a great outlook on life which I thank you for sharing. Roll on Spring..! Best wishes, Paul 🙏🏻
Thanks again Paul. Your support is very much appreciated. Yeah, the ‘pointy bit’ (good description 😄) does seem to chill down as the night progresses - will have to think of ways to mitigate this 👍
@@gilesbinyon Your metal water bottle will retain heat. I use my metal water bottle as a 'hot water bottle' overnight. Warmed up over the fire, placed into a canvas or cotton bag and then it overnights down by my feet - and it stays warm until morning! Then I re-boil it for my morning brew 😊 As you will know - everything has two uses 🙌🏻 Apologies if you have already tried this 🙏🏻
@@paulwildcamper thx Paul. I haven’t tried this. It could help with a plough point type setup thx 👍
Thanks for the shout out, good on ya’. Good idea for the ruined tarp!
Look into buckwheat you might like it too. With a good soup mix and veg, 👍
Thank you very much and I wanted to credit you helping me out with the info. 👍 And yeah, I need to consider buckwheats as an option 👍Cheers
Your videos are now some of my favourites. The synthetics-free approach, tranquil pace and moments of peace in nature are really inspiring. I'm venturing out with my tarp for wild camps but am wary of using a fire for fear of detection at present. I'm not sure how one can avoid synthetics without it though - a quandary. Wishing you milder nights soon, and of course will be mindful of your advice about sleeping under yew trees!
Thank you very much Catherine. Your comment is very kind. And yes, a fire and true stealth camping are usually incompatible. However, if you can get off the beaten track for a wild camp the are a couple of things which work in your favour - unless quite windy, the smoke in the forest dissipates upwards close by you - if there is wind forecast you can plan your camp so that the wind direction sends any smoke into ‘wilderness’ - dry and seasoned timber coupled with a hot fire produces very minimal smoke - at night your shelter and a windshield can hide the flames. Just a little food for thought. I hope you get out soon and maybe enjoy a small fire/twig stove - good luck 👍
As much as I enjoy the young bushcrafters, it’s pretty cool to see an older gentleman out there. Gives me hope. I am going to keep hitting the woods until I no longer can. Thank you, Giles.
Thank you Rick. Yeah, I hope people think that the woods are fun for all age groups 👍
Glad you’ve added this comment. I’ve only seen the younger youtubers so was thinking in the back of my mind is this something that I’ll only be able to enjoy for a short few years. I’m also hoping that years of knowledge will mean less weight to carry in the future.
I hope you take this as a compliment, because I intend it as such; I was so strongly reminded of Gary Oldman, and it was immensely soothing. I really appreciated the feeling of these video, and the time and effort you've put into making it.
Thank you kindly, your comment is much appreciated 👍
..... You've been racking up the subscribers in recent weeks mate, well done! ...... I've been really enjoying your films too, .... so you've just racked up another! ...👍
Thanks very much for your support - appreciated 👍
Ah, mate. That’s what I needed. A nice relaxing comfortable video. We do church Wednesday mornings, then lunch at our favorite restaurant, followed by our weekly grocery shopping. Then of course, I had to mulch leaves 🍁 with my mower in our not small backyard, so I was ready to kick back and watch your video. Interesting comment about yew trees stealing your soul at night. The plow point setup would definitely give you better cover from the wind. But, maybe cold feet. Like you said, everything is a balance. Zeltbahn is the correct name for the German poncho. I have three reproduction WW II German zeltbahns, and they’re triangular in shape. Four soldaten(soldiers) would button their zeltbahns together to form a pyramid shaped tent. Four is a tight fit, but I have slept like that. Can button more zeltbahns together is various ways to make bigger tents. Thanks for the video, my friend, I needed it. 👍
Thanks for watching and such an enjoyable comment Steven. And it sounds like Wednesday is a very busy day for yous guys. Especially with Autumn garden tidying to do !!!
Yeah, I also have a repro Zeltbahn (WW2). I was looking at ways it could be used but, as you say, it really needs to be combined with (at least) one other to make a feasible shelter - shame because it is slightly more ‘minimal’ than the Plash Palatka type of Zeltbahn. Well done for trying the x4 Zeltbahn set up which I guess forms a square pyramid/tipi type of enclosed tent.
Thx again my Friend 😊👍
Giles you are both informative and inspirational. I love your ecological ethics in all aspects of your kit and camping technique. I am very impressed with your skills around the tripod cooking set up, not to mention your choice of food and lack of packaging. I am going to give your tripod system a try. I live in the mountains of western Canada, so cold, especially in winter requires a different approach. Again I applaud your efforts to make wild camping as sustainable as possible. Thank you.
Thank you very much Kenneth. I do appreciate your very kind comment. And I do take-my-hat-off to yous guys in North America. I have watched some Canadian campers on TH-cam - boy, it is really a whole different ball game to Southern England 🇨🇦👍 stay warm 👍
Loving your vids 👍🏾🙏🏾
Bulgar wheat is another useful carb which takes little to no cooking.
Thank you very much, I appreciate your kind comment. And the Bugler wheat tip is noted and taken on board thx 👍
Relaxing campsite nice country. Have fun stay safe.
Another cracking video .
Great to watch how you cook , excellent.
Thank you Angus. Your comment is really appreciated cheers 👍
love your ethics giles,another greatly anticipated video,my health now hinders me from doing the same still have my kit such happy times i now live through you and your adventures god bless
Thank you, your kind comment is much appreciated. Sorry that you have had to hang up your camping gear but I do hope you manage to get out at some point again 👍
Been on an epic binge after recently discovering this excellent channel. Loved every minute of it so far. I'm too physically weak to not use synthetics myself, but I love the vibe and it's great to see the plastic free camps. I can almost smell the old canvas...
Thank you very much again Tom- appreciate you watch the videos and glad you enjoyed. It may be possible to cut down on synthetics by choosing only a few bits of robust, reliable (slightly heavier - unfortunately) and well maintained kit. My pack load comes in around 10 kg (22lbs) usually. Cheers 👍
Love watching these camps but wish you could have a bit better sleep..how about a DIY sleeping bag from one of those wool blankets?
I add a cotton bag liner to my winter set up which traps a layer of body heat and weighs almost nothing
Thank very much for your comment Sarah and your ideas sound interesting too. I have, in the past, used a blanket like a sleeping bag. But since then I have been cutting down pack weight and size 🥶. I think your idea of a cotton liner is good especially to keep out the bugs 👍
Adding the nuts and raisens to that meal was a nice touch. I think the added weight of the ground sheet is probably worth it in the end, if it keeps you dry off the forest floor. Thanks for sharing. 👍🙂🏕️
Thank you very much for your comment Brian. Yes, I’m still debating whether it’s worth bring the extra bit of kit 😐👍
Those little extras make all the difference - I especially enjoy fennel seeds quite a subtle taste but they have a huge impact on the overall flavour.
Great! Thank you. PS. That windshield actually looks like it works! A rare thing among windshields.
Thank you very much Jacek. And yes, that windshield has been going a long time 👍
Another great vid, Mr. B
You always bring something to the table 😉👍🏼
Thank you kindly Bourne Outside - appreciated 👍
That was a very enjoyable video. Thank you for the history on the tarp. Haven't seen a recent video hope everything is well with you. Appreciate your efforts!!. Be safe Arizona Dave. I finally going to go on my first camp. I'm doing it on an e scooter with a backpack.
Thanks and great to hear from you Arizona Dave. All fine here. Getting out as much as I can but a lot of it is family camping. And I’m not filming these days. I hope you are well my Friend. And that E scooter camping sounds interesting. I hope it goes well and the weather is kind for you. Cheers and take care 🇺🇸🇬🇧👍
The scenery is very beautiful and peaceful
Thank you DA Bushcraft 👍
Another great video thanks for sharing.
I see you regularly use your belt knife for cooking which is fine, personally I have my fixed blade for heavier camp work and use a No9 Opinel Stainless for cooking purposes. It is thin and great for slicing and very cheap. Just a thought.
Cheers from Down Under Aus!
Thanks very much Defender 13. Yes, a smaller knife would be a bit more suitable for cooking tasks. At the moment I’m just paring everything down to carry the minimum of kit to see how it is. 👍
Another brilliant & chilled (not to mention chilly) wildcamp. The variations in the Warsaw Pact nation's tarps, and other equipment is quite interesting. Thanks for sharing👍
Thank you very much Dug. And thx for your support 👍
You have outdone yourself this time. What an enjoyable and informative upload, especially with the added bonus of the woodpecker, as you were getting up. 😉😎😎
Thank you very much Jim. Yeah, the woodpecker was my highest paid extra for that shoot 😉😄👍
Great bushcrafting, great history, great company. Thank you.
Thank you kindly Craig 👍
I like very much your old school style,and your gears too...i just discovered your channel,it is sure that it will be my favorite....😘 good luck 👍❤️
Thank you very much indeed Marta. I really appreciate you watching and that lovely comment 😊⛺️🌲👍
9:50 it's definitely east german military. You are right. (I'm german) And "Flecktarn" (for modern military) is the camouflage kind of print (engl. translation about patch camouflage) Also correct. It's from the so called NVA (Nationale Volksarmee - translated about "National peoples army") The type of camouflage print on the NVA one is called "Strichtarn" (engl. translation about line camouflage - so "Tarn" means camouflage). "Zeltbahn" is correct. You did your homework, sir. ;) - Great video. Thank you!
Thank you very much for your comment. And also reinforcing the information about the Zeltbahn for me 👍Cheers 👍
As you have said, selecting your kit is about balance and compromise. Plowpoint shelters are famous for being cold in the point. I used a larger tarp so that I could fold the point under to make a partial ground sheet. With a larger tarp, the area toward the front was wider. I am a shorter person and this setup worked for me.
Thanks as always James. And I take on board your points about the plough point set up. I have never tried folding the corner under with a cotton canvas tarp. I think it may need a couple of additional tie out points but I certainly need to give it a try. Thanks again 😊👍
Another fantastic video Giles! So insightful, knowledgeable, respectful of nature and so enjoyable to watch.
Thank you so much Jamie. That lovely comment is really appreciated 👍
I'm still trying to build myself up to going wild camping, but I've got to say the plough point does look a good cozy setup, especially when the weather isn't so good. I see it's highly recommended by various bushcraft instructors here on TH-cam too. All the best Giles, Pete.
Thank you Pete - appreciated. As soon as it warms up a bit GO FOR IT. Meantime, get out and recce various spots 👍
Great stuff Giles 👍
Thanks John 👍
It’s like everything you do has an element of “Zen” about it
Thanks very much once again. That’s a really cool comment too. I’m pleased if this feeling comes across. Cheers my Friend 😊👍
Yew wood makes a long-lived sharp stake. I learned plenty about the plough point camp here, well done and thank-you! I want to make one from old military duffel bag canvas.
Thank you very much Lucy. Sounds like you might be handy at sewing.
But if you wanted to you could do a search (eBay is a good place) for things like ‘military cape’ or ‘plash palatka’ or ‘pup tent’ or ‘military cloak tent’. These coat/shelters are pretty much all cotton canvas and come in at anything from £30 to £100 ish - depending. Just a thought. Good luck. And be slightly wary of Yew 😶!!!
@@gilesbinyon Yes, maybe I'll do that...the fabric of yours looks softer than what I'm working with, I like that.
Another great, immersive update Giles! Your approach to wild camping is really refreshing and inspirational, and there is always so much to learn from you! Keep safe
Thank you so much for your kind words Lestyn and keep safe yourself too 😊👍
Giles your videos are a breath of fresh air ( literally!) Its so nice to watch someone out wild camping without cooking half a cow over a fire ! And no gear pushing reviews ! Hope your subs go from strength to strength mate. Big thumbs up.👍🏻
Thank you so much Martyn. Your kind comment really helps. And glad you are liking a change from the usual ‘meat fest’ 👍
Get your self a lavvu. They're the best out of all the cape/shelters. I've got the Romanian type and the german flecktarn too. All have their pros and cons.
Thanks for taking us with you.
Ps. Bike packing is 👍, strapping the shelter & blankets to the bike is smoothing it.
Thank you very much for your comment William. Yes, the Lavuu is an excellent bit of kit (actually I do have one). I can see the attraction of bike packing it too - must be so nice to get that load off the back and letting the bike do the work 👍I just couldn’t do all the paths and cross country stuff I do I suppose 😐
With two plash palatkas erected into plow points rather like the Norwegian/Swedish lone wolf tarps should give better protection from the weather?.
You could either erect it with a single central pole, suspend the apex from either an overhead tree branch or an A frame of two staves.
@@johndoogan3712 that’s an interesting idea 🤔 Cheers 👍
Recently came across your videos, keep up the great work, and if your ever going to cross the big pond , I’ll take you on little trip here in Ohio!
Thanks so much for the kind comment Justin. And also the kind offer of a trip. I’ve never been to the USA but you never know ……..Cheers 👍
just found your channel and you use a lot of the same kit I do: romanian tarp, camelwiily billy can, steamer fire pit, uk issue gaiters, lots of similar kit. love it!
Thanks very much. Appreciate your support. And I hope you find this kit as versatile as I do 👍 Cheers 😊
I really enjoyed this vid Giles Simply done👏 I found the end arrived far too quickly😉👌 KTF🙏
Thanks again for a great comment Marty. It is always appreciated 👍
Rice is fairly easy if you bring along a food flask, it acts like a slow cooker. Normally i will cook the spaghetti in mine, break up the spaghetti, add boiling water and screw the lid on, 50 min later you got cooked spaghetti, if you are doing rice remember to reduce the amount of water since no steam will escape, and i have found you have to experiment with the time a bit depending on the food flask, it's a new spin on what they did in old times of boiling a crock pot then covering it with straw and slow cooking the contents.
Thank you for your comment John. And the tips on what I think they used to call ‘hay box’ cooking ? Cheers 👍
@@gilesbinyon that's the one,
Excellent. Thank you for the mention. I didn't know those Stink Bugs were in the UK too. Mess with them and they give off a foul smell.
East German DDR NVA camo = Strichtarn. West Germany FRG BW = Flecktarn. There is an interesting 12 minute video on TH-cam which shows how these patterns developed called:- ''The History of: The German Flecktarn Camouflage Family''. I won't put the link because then it will cause this comment to go into YT's equivalent of your Channel Spam folder, comments requiring review.
Personally, I think that the extra weight of the groundsheet is a good payoff for the additional height and cover you've achieved. 👍😎👌
Thank again Robert. And thx for taking the time to give me all the info you have 👍
@@gilesbinyon My pleasure.
I love the canvas gear. I'm not sure it's always the best choice over here in Florida, but I enjoy using it anyway (as well as learning how others use it). Great video!
Thank you very much for your kind comment. Yeah, I expect you may get problems with humidity over there. 🇺🇸👍
Love your camping trips reminds me of uk Wiltshire and gloucestshire where I used to live when are you making more? Look forward to them! All the best for new year.
Thanks very much Dean and sorry for this tardy response. Wiltshire and Gloucestershire are beautiful indeed. I guess you are abroad now ? but hope you still manage camping trips. I’m not sure when I’ll be switching on the camera again I’m afraid. The time editing etc was taking too long as I’m pretty rubbish at it !!! Thx again and all the best to you and yours too. Cheers 👍😃🌲⛺️
Hi Giles 👋Just found your channel and am already binging it! So much charm and honesty and I really love the low-tech approach to your gear - which i think, ironically, is the way forward. Subbed!
Thank you so much for your positive comment and support. Glad you like the back to basics approach too. Cheers 👍
Nice camp as usual Giles . Interesting insight into those plastic palatkas zeltbahns and the like . Hope you get a cosy warm camp soon mate. All the best to you 👍
Thanks very much Mark. Yeah, it’s getting a bit more comfortable now as weather warms up isn’t it. Thx for watching Buddy 👍
@@gilesbinyon it is . Bugs will be the issue soon 😂🦟. Take care Giles 👍
Enjoying your old school videos, was wondering what product you use for waxing your tarp and ground sheeting, thanks for sharing
Thank you. Yes, the military cape used in this video I had to repair and then clean. Did a delicate cold wash using Nikwax techwash to avoid removing any previous proofing agents etc. Then a rinse in Nikwax canvas treatment. This seems to have made it a good useable bit of kit. I have, in the past, used the more traditional ‘Greenland wax’ kind of treatment to my canvas items. This works too but involved slightly more work. But it’s worth checking how your canvas behaves in wet weather first- a good weave will be naturally waterproof once it gets wet. 👍
@@gilesbinyon thanks for your advice I’ll give that a go with the green wax to start, much appreciated 👍
dont know iff this tip any good to you it what my grandad dad showed me he did in the war and that is put a toggle through eyes for buttons and use that way to tie out edges. as for the polish teepee poncho thing i got one/two as you say it two ponchos 1 tent but my joints and health got to bad so i never used it/them. nice video. Shelter-halves are usually designed to serve double duty as ponchos against the rain, or for the concealment of snipers. While the fabric is often simple olive drab, several nations use camouflaged fabric. The first printed camouflage for soldiers were the Italian
introduced in 1929 for their half-shelters. The first camouflage
uniforms were the Second World War German paratrooper smock, based on
their M1931 Splittermuster shelter-halves. Russian Army has used
(literally "cape-tents", designed to be used as both a part of a larger
tent cover, or an individual weatherproof cape) since 1894, and the modern version, virtually unchanged since, was introduced in 1936, with the camo version being available since 1942.
To add some confusion, the ordinary waterproofed cape with a similar
name (plasch-nakidka, "cape-overcoat") was issued at the same time, but
these weren't intended to combine with each other
Thanks again. Your knows of these military capes is much appreciated. And yes, I do sometimes use short loops of cord through the button holes to peg the edges out as you suggest. Cheers👍
@@gilesbinyon thought you might but sometimes people do things and have a problem or in some cases not a problem and cant see an answer. i think it why old knolwedge like toggles and lever and fulcrums. i think people could be saved in cr crashes if people knew and could use levers and fulcrums to lift stuff off them. lol i had a flat once and neither me or mate had a jack in car for some reason so i used his spare and a couple scaffolding poles from a work site to lift car and change wheel.
Awesome new video!
Thanks, your support is much appreciated 👍
Really nice setup with the ridge line. I reckon this might work pretty well for the lavvu as well. I'm going to try it out.
Thanks for the comment - glad you got something from the video. I do find the addition of the ridge line helps. Cheers 👍
@@gilesbinyon Cheers! And keep doing what you're doing!
sure impressed with the shape your in. and the way you motivate, curious of your age. im 60 and am in no way in the shape your in.
Thanks for the kind comment. Yeah, I’m 57 and have plenty of aches, pains and bits falling off ! 😶Cheers👍
If I knew how to get one too you, I'd send you a nice Tomahawk. One of the best camp tools you can own.
Thank you very much James. Yes, I’ve seen the Tomahawk on TH-cam. Looks cool and I believe the head can be removed for easier carrying 👍
Really appreciating the vegetarian plant based camping meals!
Thank you Cloud Nectar. Yeah, plant based is good for the world 👍
I know it’s would bit a bit extra weight but think I would be temped to carry a smaller tarp / off cut ( 4’x3’ maybe smaller ) to act as a wind break and more importantly to reflect the heat … pay off maybe worth the effort… just a thought….. ps where did you pick your belt barn ( wrong spelling but I am Cornish not German 🤣🤣) from..
Thanks very much for your comment and those suggestions too. Yeah, I have often thought about a small tarp for, as you say, a windbreak but also as a shelter over the fire/cooking area. Still considering it as a possibility.
The Zeltbahn I got from eBay. An internet search using ‘pup tent’ or ‘military cape’ or ‘Plash palatka’ may lead you in the right direction 👍
@@gilesbinyon I got to thinking you could use an old cotton sheet as a wind break and wax it yourself, I just waxed a smock top I had that may as well been a sponge myself and it works. An old cotton sheet cut down would weigh next to nothing… justva thought.
@@tourcheverybridge thanks. Yes, I believe a cotton sheet which is waxed or oiled can work as a tarp - but it may need to have a thread count of 400 or more ? 👍
@@gilesbinyon even for a wind break/ heat reflecting..? There is another way but that involves a 50/50 mix of silicone (clear out of a tube) and thinners but think that will go against your grain.
On a lighter note do you ever venture out the south.
Nice one.
I liked the video! Just subcribed. Keep it up!
Thanks very much Margaret. Your comment and support are much appreciated 👍
Your rucksack sits very low on your back, might it be more comfortable if you shortened the straps to make it sit higher? Nice video anyway , thanks.
Thanks very much for the comment Ian. Yes, the pack does sit low and I’ve thought of customising the straps to raise it up. But at the moment it’s pretty comfortable and easy on/off so I’ll leave it for now I think. Cheers 👍
Awsome vid you may want to look into amaranth it cooks slightly quicker than quinoa and has very high calorie density so you don't need to eat as much, it does require more stiring though. (its often cheaper in the polish food shops)
Thanks for your comment Daniel. I’ve heard of Amaranth. Thank you so much for the heads-up on it - it sounds promising. Cheers 👍
@@gilesbinyon One thing I forgot to add it does use a lot of water, as it swells up large.
@@danieljohnstone9102 👍 noted thx
thanks for uploading
Where do you buy your firewood from when you camping I'm from UK as well and wondered how much it weighs to carry into woods.
Also do you carry bear spray i watch a lot of channels on camping and they mostly do, trying to get in to camping and need to know what to buy.
Thank you Mepkuz. I actually don’t carry in any firewood. I get it on site. But it is important to only use dead-fall and only camp in areas where there is plenty of it. Thus a few bits taken for a small fire will make no visible or ecological change to the woods (leave no trace). The skill comes in finding bits that are off the ground and so not too damp. Sadly in the UK there are no longer any more apex predators so no need for bear spray or any other defensive devices 👍
@@gilesbinyon Thanks for the useful advice i hope to start camping when it turns a little warmer and you have excellent videos, keep it up!
Hi Giles haven’t seen you for a couple of years hope you are well, I still watch your videos still how wild camping should be done.
Thanks Nick - all fine here and hoping all good with yourself too. I’m not filming these days manly due to the editing time. It sometimes crosses my mind to switch on the camera as I am still learning and updating. But doubt it at the moment. Thx for the very nice comment 😃🔥🏕️👍
@@gilesbinyon hi my old mate, really pleased to hear back from you. I know what you mean about the editing time it takes an age that’s why I never film anything. Bit more news I’ve bought a camper van lol. It’s for the wife really, I take my camping gear and leave her on a site for a few days then I go off on my own lol this way I get best of both worlds no earache of the wife and camp in my tent on my own all over the country I love it. Anyway take good care my friend and stay safe.
@@nickollerenshaw2883Ha ha !!! Actually we got a Camper late last year too !!! Not sure I’m brave enough to go off wild camping and leave my good lady in the van 😂 !!! Sounds like you’ve got a great plan there though !!! Enjoy and take care Bud 🏕️👍
As always thanks for posting Giles, as an ex regular soldier I completely identify and sympathise with the quandary of weight over comfort. You are certainly testing that at this time of year. Do you mind if I ask what boot you use?
Thanks again ultrarunner. I appreciate your comment. The boots are actually German military (issued but grade A). Think they are called Meindl and got from Military Mart (NW UK) and cost £60. So far they have been good 👍 (unfortunately they do, of course, contain some synthetics)
@@gilesbinyon ok Giles, thanks for the reply.
Love this channel you’ve created . Im also building towards a few wild camps . Have you ever been asked to leave a site? Just wondering how it all works with the rules ?
Thank you very much for the comment. No, I haven’t been asked to leave a site (YET!). Good luck building towards a wild camp. Check out various TH-cam vids for hints and tips 👍
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who was starting out to do this kind of bush crafting what would it be?
Thanks very much for watching. Wow, that’s a tough question and there are many great bushcrafters on YT - better than me I’m sure !!! But my advice would be to practice techniques and use of your gear, if at all possible, before you use them out in the woods. 😊👍
Loving your videos. Have a sub 👍
Thanks for your support 👍
Are you a veggie or vegan something like that?
Thanks Mark. Yeah, I think the term is ‘plant based’. Not sure exactly but I do have leather shoes etc. But no meat and hardly eggs or dairy. Whatever it’s called I think it’s a better deal for the planet 👍
@@gilesbinyon okay - wasn't sure. At least you don't preach about it. I tried it for a while but it wasn't for me. Good videos Am I plant based if I eat animals who only eat vegetables 🤔 ...lol.
Because you are a cold sleeper ... eat beef it will generate body heat, please get away for plant base foods, go carnivore if want to be champing the rest of your life. you need animal protein , at your age your body has a hard time breaking down plant protein to do you any good. you need 1 gram of animal protein per 1 pound of body weight, if you at lest eat 100 grams of animal protein a day... you will be stronger , more stamina, you wont need a lighter pack. look into Carnivore diet try for 30 days... what you got to lose. it worked for me , been a Carnivore for 5 years i'm 70 now .
Thank you very much for your comment CyberGypsy. I have read and considered your points about meat and diet. It’s good to hear views from all perspectives 👍
cybergypsy - i have also read and considered these points, i'd like to add for balance that actually nobody "needs" animal derived protein, (except if we are regarding someone who has no access plant foods)
we can get - or make proteins in our body from eating plant foods, - many sucessful professional athletes now follow a plant based diet - based on advice from experts in nutrition and physical performance.
the human health problems + ethical concerns associated with animal products consumption are wide ranging, i realie this view is very opposed to your own, so maybe we don't need to discuss further in this thread for now - but i hope you can consider the information, thanks.
@@netcoms197 Please resurch , lectins, phytate , oxalate. PS; you are misinformed when comes to proteins... just my 2 cents
Sorry, wool not wall...
Thanks for this comment Plei Trap - not quite sure I understand 🤔 ?
🙂👍🏻
Are you wearing chainsaw boots?
Thank you very much for commenting, the boots are ex German army Meindl from Military Mart - about £60 I think 👍
First. 🔪
Ha! 👍