The diamond is a bit tricky when the tarp isn't square.. but you simply tie the opposite corners to the ridgeline (or tree) and then stake out the 2 opposing corners. Works pretty well :)
Dave, How is your Swack Shack holding up. It has been some time since this video. I purchased the Swack Shack and am about to go on a trip where it will be used. Thanks - wtr7
I'm not sure what your definition of "Way too long" is my friend.. but the Intro on my videos is 14 secs.. and it has evolved as the Title of the videos (which will be important when we put out our DVD) I appreciate your comment though.
Thanks Dave, for leading here. First I run over the mentioned Basha, and then this. Well, gotta say, the price tag isn't the most welcome but I guess the tarp is worth it.
We are in the process of packing for WInter Camp.. so I can't weigh it right ow.. but I think it's just under 1 lb IIRC. I don't roll it down.. rather I stuff it into a stuff sack about 10"X6"X3" or so.
Nice video! The hammock and tarp combo definitely offers many shelter options out in the bush. The tarp you reviewed seems to be a definite must for this type of shelter system!
Tam has made me some pants (similar to sweatpants, but with cargo pockets). I have about 3 or 4 pair of them.. they tie at the top.. and are extremely comfortable.. So I wear them alot at the house.. and sometimes into the bush depending on what I am doing.
I don't know where you can get them.. Tam is away for a week.. but when she gets back I can mention to her.. and if she has time she might be willing to look into it..
Hello Dave, I have two (2) quick hammock questions for you. First, do your knees hyperextend during the night? Second, would a sleeping pad work inside a hammock as an extra layer of insulation or would it bunch up? Thanks
Depends on the hammock. In California I slept in a Jungle Hammock. That was NOT a pleasant experience. This TrekLight however is the most comfortable hammock I have ever used. You can actually sleep on your side with the size of this!
In the jungle hammock I tried a pad... it bunched up. I haven't used it in the treklight.. but will test it out for you. I think a wool blanket or sleeping bag would work better.
For what it's worth, I find hammocks far too cold without a pad, even at relatively warm temperatures (high 50s?). I use "self inflating" pads which I then over inflate by blowing into them. I find this helps keep them from bunching and helps to reduce knee hyperextension. Having a nice big hammock (or something like a Hennessy asym, which is what i use) helps so that you can lay diagonally or on your side.
I'd like to try an underquilt at some point to see how it compares.
I have a curious question, what if you do not have or are not allowed to use the trees for your hammock? Many parks and camp grounds now have a zero footprint policy. Can you still rig them up? - Andy
Andy.. There are a few things that you can do. One is to put a piece of cloth behind the cordage.. the other is to use strapping around the tree. Both are acceptable in most areas.
Thanx dave man a bit pricey but sometimes you got to bite the bullet. if ordered a british basha from the uk and paid shipping and handling id only be saving a little and if it was used or faulty it would cost more to send it back an rectify the situation. thanx again.
Good review Bro, I like his site as well. There are some interesting finds there.
I never heard of a rain cover for a Boonie.
But I suppose there is a need. Really looking forward to your testing. Like OH Dave said there may be some condensation issues. Looking at the fire aspect as well. I'll be watching.
Nice Tarp Brother! One point of edification bro-A Kapote (The E) is silent was an actual garment made from a Trade blanket but and sewn to form a sort od hooded coat. What you are refering to in this Vid was called the Match coat, The same type trade blankets simply wrapped and bound around the body to form an outer garment with no sleeves. But other than that awesome and I like the tarp, what is the True demension and Cost, it looks too small for the Treklight in reality.
Also brother just to make sure all are aware from what tarp experience I have as you said you will want to lower that ridge in bad weather and a non-Breatable fabric will collect all the humidity from your breath and body and you will wake up WET and COLD in bad weather! Have you slept in these coditions to test this yet? If not let me know when you do as I do like the design, but question the material.
As I said I have only had it 6 weeks.. We haven't had and real cold/wet yet.. so I haven't experienced the moisture as of yet. I will let you know when I do however.
Our tabernacle shelter was made with regular tarps, now they got wet, but the beauty with both the design of our shelter back then, and now this tarp is, the angle would warrant "if" there was moisture, it would move away from you. (Following the angle the tarp is hanging over the hammock. I've slept in far colder conditions in Canada, and my nylon tent collected moisture and my bags got all wet. The open end of this set up will help it "breathe".
Yep you are right about the angle Tam but the Humidity will be vapor and it will drop back in water form without collecting on the tarp, also the non breatable fabric is very inconducive to dropping down on you in BAD weather as it will Suffocate you. The tarp is nice for sure but the breatability is an issue for me in it's versatility. I looked at this tarp several weeks ago and that is why I did not review it. Would love some feedback after you guys use it for a while in the field.
@wildernessoutfitters I can see your question and it's a valid concern one I'd even have with any tarp or waterproofed nylon, it's important to know your knots when tying any tarp above your face. Will surely enjoy sharing our experiences, looking forward to some cold nights, always enjoy sleeping snug and warm with the cold on my face. I guess growing up in northern BC taught me the love of cold nights :)
Appreciate that pronouciation correction Bro :) Being versed in some Judaism, however, the pronounciation that I said is how the Capote's that Hebrew men wear is said. Some say Capota and some say CapotEH
However.. you are right.. I meant a match coat.. and we both pronouce that correctly.. LOL! My bad..
I've had it for about 6 weeks now.. and had it up in the wind blowing in excess of 20-25 MPH (but not rain as of yet). It has held up very well and not pulled the grommets at all. The nice thing is that you can tighten it down so it doesn't blow much even in those kind of winds.
Looks like a nice product. Bye the way ,how is Pop's doing? Another thing, I'm from Massachussettes and was out in the woods yesterday. In a lot of oak trees. The ticks are real bad. How do you cope with them down there? Are there a lot of them for you as well ? Thanks
@grappler321. Rain can run down your ridge line, that's what the loops are for. Another method is the use of bungee cords, hooked through the eyelets, that is normally why the centre seam is reinforced.
That's real nice, I have always been a fan of hammock camping. Mainly because of the ease of set up and the fact that it is super light weight!! Awesome job with the review David, tell the fam I said HI, talk to you later bro!!
Great review Dave. That looks like a great tarp system. As a long time hammock camper, I know the value of a good fly. This time of year you might want to make an underquilt for your hammock to keep you backsides warm.
multi-cam is great !! not shiny like my ponchos, much bigger !! im on the fence!! great video!! i think a 49.99 price point would make me bite!! milspec ponchos being 19.99 each and they button together!!
Very similar to a British basha, the British basha has handles too. Folded in half it acts as a stretcher, it also has a loop inside to hang things from. We normally run ours down to the ground, and sleep on the floor. You can also get folding Basha poles to make a tent effect.
One tip I would give you, is don't fold them. Make a small stuff sack, mine is made from the sleeve of a British issue rain coat.
When you fold them up, over time you will get small fracture lines in the rubberized backing. That will lead to leaks. Stuff them into a small compression sack, or make your own bag for them. British issue waterproofs are made from the same material as the basha, so I used an old sleeve to make a bag for mine.
You should check out the Integral Designs SilPoncho. It's not nearly as big (only 5x8) but it's a poncho, and a tarp, and it's made of sil nylon so it's very light (around 250 grams I think).
Useful if you want to go as light as possible since it knocks out your rain gear, your poncho, and your pack cover
great for areas like where im at (rain forest) this time of year you can get a whole lot of rain, dont have to worry about getting soaked from flowing water on the ground if it gets bad. Looks really nice to boot.
I'm not sure where you got $97 from Bro. Survival solutions (the maker) carries them for $84 right now. Yes.. it's a quality tarp.. and they generally range from between $75 - sometimes well over $150
I hope no one takes offense to this, but isn't swack the equivalent to a sweaty crack?
mihoghunter 3 months ago
@BushcraftOnFire Dave,How Bout Showing The Diamond Config? That's What I wouldda Liked To HAve Seen.Thanks
tylerdurden1971 3 months ago
@tylerdurden1971
The diamond is a bit tricky when the tarp isn't square.. but you simply tie the opposite corners to the ridgeline (or tree) and then stake out the 2 opposing corners. Works pretty well :)
BushcraftOnFire 3 months ago
Dave, Any shortcomings in it? I just ordered one...
scottpd1404 3 months ago
@scottpd1404
It's just a bit short for my hammock.. but only by a foot.. Works in a diamond shape
BushcraftOnFire 3 months ago
Dave, How is your Swack Shack holding up. It has been some time since this video. I purchased the Swack Shack and am about to go on a trip where it will be used. Thanks - wtr7
wtr7 3 months ago
@wtr7
Holding up very well thanks :) It is in Tam's EDC now..
BushcraftOnFire 3 months ago
really love the scenery my man tarp is not a bad idea but the best camo to buy is real tree
wolfcookieo9 4 months ago
are you in Arkansas? Great videos man.
mrgoodwrench76 11 months ago
@mrgoodwrench76
Southern Missouri..
BushcraftOnFire 11 months ago
are you in Arkansas?
mrgoodwrench76 11 months ago
Fucking love your videos man. Keep up the awesome work.
murf69 1 year ago
thanks for sharing....well done.
jmg1957 1 year ago
@carolinasurvival
I'm not sure what your definition of "Way too long" is my friend.. but the Intro on my videos is 14 secs.. and it has evolved as the Title of the videos (which will be important when we put out our DVD) I appreciate your comment though.
BushcraftOnFire 1 year ago
looks like the aussie army tarps that weve been using for over 40yrs that I know of?? unreal bit of gear..
TheWaggaBloke 1 year ago
Thanks Dave, for leading here. First I run over the mentioned Basha, and then this. Well, gotta say, the price tag isn't the most welcome but I guess the tarp is worth it.
tekknorat 1 year ago
oh man.. exactly what i was looking for... Sweet man. thanks!
Casper48022 2 years ago
You can go even lighter.
Try Sea to Summit poncho tarp.
Its just a little smaller then that.
dinnerandashow 2 years ago
Hey Dave,
Thanks for the review on the Swack Shack tarp. Do you know what the weight of the tarp is by any chance? Also how small does it roll up?
Thanks
1967sarge 2 years ago
Sarge
We are in the process of packing for WInter Camp.. so I can't weigh it right ow.. but I think it's just under 1 lb IIRC. I don't roll it down.. rather I stuff it into a stuff sack about 10"X6"X3" or so.
Hope that Helps!
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
Thanks Dave!
You guys have a great time on your winter camp! Be safe!
1967sarge 2 years ago
Nice video! The hammock and tarp combo definitely offers many shelter options out in the bush. The tarp you reviewed seems to be a definite must for this type of shelter system!
CdnJackHunt 2 years ago
hey great video! I have a question, what type of pants were those?
survivalist911 2 years ago
Tam has made me some pants (similar to sweatpants, but with cargo pockets). I have about 3 or 4 pair of them.. they tie at the top.. and are extremely comfortable.. So I wear them alot at the house.. and sometimes into the bush depending on what I am doing.
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
can you recomend anyy pants like those from stores or online that you have or you have heard about that are not that expensive?
survivalist911 2 years ago
I don't know where you can get them.. Tam is away for a week.. but when she gets back I can mention to her.. and if she has time she might be willing to look into it..
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
alright thats great do you know what stores have cheap pants like yours?
survivalist911 2 years ago
I have the Swack Shack and it is an awesome piece of gear. Very well designed and built.
kjh317 2 years ago
Comment removed
EuphorbiaPulcherima 2 years ago
Hello Dave, I have two (2) quick hammock questions for you. First, do your knees hyperextend during the night? Second, would a sleeping pad work inside a hammock as an extra layer of insulation or would it bunch up? Thanks
wildmutt1978 2 years ago
Brian..
Depends on the hammock. In California I slept in a Jungle Hammock. That was NOT a pleasant experience. This TrekLight however is the most comfortable hammock I have ever used. You can actually sleep on your side with the size of this!
In the jungle hammock I tried a pad... it bunched up. I haven't used it in the treklight.. but will test it out for you. I think a wool blanket or sleeping bag would work better.
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
Thanks Dave. I like to get as many opinions as I can before I buy gear.
wildmutt1978 2 years ago
For what it's worth, I find hammocks far too cold without a pad, even at relatively warm temperatures (high 50s?). I use "self inflating" pads which I then over inflate by blowing into them. I find this helps keep them from bunching and helps to reduce knee hyperextension. Having a nice big hammock (or something like a Hennessy asym, which is what i use) helps so that you can lay diagonally or on your side.
I'd like to try an underquilt at some point to see how it compares.
TheAmazingSpiff 2 years ago
Thanks for your input, I appreciate it.....
wildmutt1978 2 years ago
I have a curious question, what if you do not have or are not allowed to use the trees for your hammock? Many parks and camp grounds now have a zero footprint policy. Can you still rig them up? - Andy
ajelliottjr 2 years ago
@ajelliottjr
Andy.. There are a few things that you can do. One is to put a piece of cloth behind the cordage.. the other is to use strapping around the tree. Both are acceptable in most areas.
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
Thanx dave man a bit pricey but sometimes you got to bite the bullet. if ordered a british basha from the uk and paid shipping and handling id only be saving a little and if it was used or faulty it would cost more to send it back an rectify the situation. thanx again.
Sheridan3511 2 years ago
The same company also has a poncho in the same Multicam pattern, but a lighter fabric. It's nice!
Maybe you could do a review of that as well?
hootsmeister 2 years ago
Good review Bro, I like his site as well. There are some interesting finds there.
I never heard of a rain cover for a Boonie.
But I suppose there is a need. Really looking forward to your testing. Like OH Dave said there may be some condensation issues. Looking at the fire aspect as well. I'll be watching.
pappyhighlife 2 years ago
great vid but maybe u can make a vid that would show us how to make a shelter out of a tarp and set it up the way u have that one set up.
superdznuts99 2 years ago
@superdznuts99
I have made about 3 tarp shelters to date.. But perhaps I will do another in the future
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
@superdznuts99
Check out the video called quick tarp setup, that might be what you are looking for
soarntam 2 years ago
thank you
superdznuts99 2 years ago
Nice Tarp Brother! One point of edification bro-A Kapote (The E) is silent was an actual garment made from a Trade blanket but and sewn to form a sort od hooded coat. What you are refering to in this Vid was called the Match coat, The same type trade blankets simply wrapped and bound around the body to form an outer garment with no sleeves. But other than that awesome and I like the tarp, what is the True demension and Cost, it looks too small for the Treklight in reality.
wildernessoutfitters 2 years ago
Also brother just to make sure all are aware from what tarp experience I have as you said you will want to lower that ridge in bad weather and a non-Breatable fabric will collect all the humidity from your breath and body and you will wake up WET and COLD in bad weather! Have you slept in these coditions to test this yet? If not let me know when you do as I do like the design, but question the material.
wildernessoutfitters 2 years ago
Dave..
As I said I have only had it 6 weeks.. We haven't had and real cold/wet yet.. so I haven't experienced the moisture as of yet. I will let you know when I do however.
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
@wildernessoutfitters
Hi Dave,
Our tabernacle shelter was made with regular tarps, now they got wet, but the beauty with both the design of our shelter back then, and now this tarp is, the angle would warrant "if" there was moisture, it would move away from you. (Following the angle the tarp is hanging over the hammock. I've slept in far colder conditions in Canada, and my nylon tent collected moisture and my bags got all wet. The open end of this set up will help it "breathe".
soarntam 2 years ago 2
Yep you are right about the angle Tam but the Humidity will be vapor and it will drop back in water form without collecting on the tarp, also the non breatable fabric is very inconducive to dropping down on you in BAD weather as it will Suffocate you. The tarp is nice for sure but the breatability is an issue for me in it's versatility. I looked at this tarp several weeks ago and that is why I did not review it. Would love some feedback after you guys use it for a while in the field.
wildernessoutfitters 2 years ago
@wildernessoutfitters I can see your question and it's a valid concern one I'd even have with any tarp or waterproofed nylon, it's important to know your knots when tying any tarp above your face. Will surely enjoy sharing our experiences, looking forward to some cold nights, always enjoy sleeping snug and warm with the cold on my face. I guess growing up in northern BC taught me the love of cold nights :)
soarntam 2 years ago
Appreciate that pronouciation correction Bro :) Being versed in some Judaism, however, the pronounciation that I said is how the Capote's that Hebrew men wear is said. Some say Capota and some say CapotEH
However.. you are right.. I meant a match coat.. and we both pronouce that correctly.. LOL! My bad..
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
Hate the language thing too many prononciations for the same words depending on language of translation.
wildernessoutfitters 2 years ago
Dave..
The Swack Shack is 8.5'X7' (actually about an inch over 7') finished size. It is quite large enough for the Treklight IMHO.
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
Cool just looked short when you had it set up. Deffinatley a Nice Pattern.
wildernessoutfitters 2 years ago
Great vid! Looks like a great product but 84 bucks, ouch! Maybe Santa will bring one,LOL.
roninslam 2 years ago
How many nights in the wind or rain has this tarp spent ? Just curious as to the durability of the grommets. Thanks Dave.
woodcrafter76 2 years ago
Steve...
I've had it for about 6 weeks now.. and had it up in the wind blowing in excess of 20-25 MPH (but not rain as of yet). It has held up very well and not pulled the grommets at all. The nice thing is that you can tighten it down so it doesn't blow much even in those kind of winds.
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
Good to know I was looking at these. I've just had a few bad experiences with grommets. Thanks Dave
woodcrafter76 2 years ago
Thats a great review Dave. I may go buy one of those now. You actually sold it to me on the fire retardant Properties.
desertsurvivalist 2 years ago
Looks like a nice product. Bye the way ,how is Pop's doing? Another thing, I'm from Massachussettes and was out in the woods yesterday. In a lot of oak trees. The ticks are real bad. How do you cope with them down there? Are there a lot of them for you as well ? Thanks
Cragdwella 2 years ago
I gotta get me one of those....
StormRider308 2 years ago
thats awsome Ive been looking for a british style basha here in the states but could never find one. Who sells these?
Sheridan3511 2 years ago
dos rain run down the ridge line wen u have it going under the tarp ?
grappler321 2 years ago
@grappler321. Rain can run down your ridge line, that's what the loops are for. Another method is the use of bungee cords, hooked through the eyelets, that is normally why the centre seam is reinforced.
cujomojo2007 2 years ago
@grappler321
My ridge line is very tight.. so it doesn't usually.. But if it's a problem you can just tie a drip line on the ends of the tarp
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
Use it as a water catcher.
Milkman12114 2 years ago
That's real nice, I have always been a fan of hammock camping. Mainly because of the ease of set up and the fact that it is super light weight!! Awesome job with the review David, tell the fam I said HI, talk to you later bro!!
Jake
jwilson004athotmail 2 years ago
great tarp i shudder at the tarps that caught fire but a bit pricey for me none the less 5*
godsend420 2 years ago
Cool man! 5*
AllsouthOutdoors 2 years ago
Another awesome vid guys, thanks!
LiVApathy 2 years ago
real nice but alittle over priced
Gunnslinger50 2 years ago
Great review Dave. That looks like a great tarp system. As a long time hammock camper, I know the value of a good fly. This time of year you might want to make an underquilt for your hammock to keep you backsides warm.
sraike 2 years ago
so if Doo comes running in the middle of the night and runs in to your tarp hes not getting in LOL
good tarp dave nice review too!
chrissept21 2 years ago
multi-cam is great !! not shiny like my ponchos, much bigger !! im on the fence!! great video!! i think a 49.99 price point would make me bite!! milspec ponchos being 19.99 each and they button together!!
carveawoodeneye 2 years ago
Very similar to a British basha, the British basha has handles too. Folded in half it acts as a stretcher, it also has a loop inside to hang things from. We normally run ours down to the ground, and sleep on the floor. You can also get folding Basha poles to make a tent effect.
One tip I would give you, is don't fold them. Make a small stuff sack, mine is made from the sleeve of a British issue rain coat.
cujomojo2007 2 years ago
@cujomojo2007
I'm curious.. why don't fold them? I am interested in this!
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
Sorry, I didn't explain it very well in the tip.
When you fold them up, over time you will get small fracture lines in the rubberized backing. That will lead to leaks. Stuff them into a small compression sack, or make your own bag for them. British issue waterproofs are made from the same material as the basha, so I used an old sleeve to make a bag for mine.
cujomojo2007 2 years ago
@cujomojo2007
That's a great tip Cujo! Thanks so much for it.
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
Nice setup. That's my preferred way to sleep in the woods.
zoolanderfred 2 years ago
You should check out the Integral Designs SilPoncho. It's not nearly as big (only 5x8) but it's a poncho, and a tarp, and it's made of sil nylon so it's very light (around 250 grams I think).
Useful if you want to go as light as possible since it knocks out your rain gear, your poncho, and your pack cover
ledzeppie 2 years ago
great for areas like where im at (rain forest) this time of year you can get a whole lot of rain, dont have to worry about getting soaked from flowing water on the ground if it gets bad. Looks really nice to boot.
TheHellBound666 2 years ago
Thanks for the great video sir.
Wraith99 2 years ago
Holy cow $97.00 I dont need one that bad.
paleomangary 2 years ago
@paleomangary
I'm not sure where you got $97 from Bro. Survival solutions (the maker) carries them for $84 right now. Yes.. it's a quality tarp.. and they generally range from between $75 - sometimes well over $150
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
84.00 Plus plus shipping total 97.
paleomangary 2 years ago
@paleomangary
Ahhh.. Thanks for the clarification :)
BushcraftOnFire 2 years ago
Well worth the money,I just have to beg a little.
paleomangary 2 years ago
You can pick up a surplus British basha for £20.00, I think it works out at about $33.00 US.
cujomojo2007 2 years ago
thanks
paleomangary 2 years ago
Thanks for the review on the swack shack Dave! I was already thinking of purchasing one.
easternbushman 2 years ago 2
I have to have one....thks
paleomangary 2 years ago