Military Surplus Tents/Bashas/Bivvies

[Dan00001]

This reminds me, I really need to get that midge net attached to the Dutch bivvy bags.

Love the basha sheet as well. So versatile, packs up quite small yet is plenty sturdy enough for even quite blustery nights.

In an emergency, it can also be used as a stretcher.

 

[Tosh JPN]

The other day, I set up two Belgian military jigsaw camo tents. They have really cute camouflage patterns!

 

[MikeLA]

You do know you can get medical help for your affliction don't you?

Not from any of us. We are all infected

 

[HorseGuy]

View attachment 84960

I love them as well View attachment 84961This is mine. Its British Army ten man arctic bell tent. Ive lived in it for the last three years. It has been amazing and continues to keep me dry and warm.

You live in there? That's amazing and really cool!
What is it like if you mind me asking (feel free to tell me to mind my own business if I'm being too nosey)?

 

[matarius777]

I have a similar affliction for military tents and mess kits. I have examples of pretty much every mess kit going, a great thing is, most of them were only about a tenner each, apart from the M40s and M44s. My favourite is probably the Russian VDV (paratrooper) one that also has an integral water bottle, you can also make it into a still, although I haven’t bothered as it involves drilling a hole in it. One of the most interesting military tents is also Russian VDV, the paratrooper hammock tent. They do need a bit of fettling to get them “shipshape”, but great once sorted. I also like the new Russian army Basha, similar to the British one, but more versatile, unfortunately, since the Ukraine business, Russian stuff is very difficult to source now.

 

[demented dale]

You live in there? That's amazing and really cool!
What is it like if you mind me asking (feel free to tell me to mind my own business if I'm being too nosey)?

Yes this is my home. I have been in it almost five years now. It is very warm and cosy and I have everything. I just got a new shower. I am certain you will like it. Please feel free to ask me anything. I love anyone taking an interest in things I do. xxxx

 

[HorseGuy]

Yes this is my home. I have been in it almost five years now. It is very warm and cosy and I have everything. I just got a new shower. I am certain you will like it. Please feel free to ask me anything. I love anyone taking an interest in things I do. xxxxView attachment 98499View attachment 98498

Excellent! Thanks for sharing. In that case I do have several questions.
1. Is that a solar heated shower or is the water cold?
2. Does anything ever blow away in storms?
3. Do you ever have trouble with security or strangers coming into you camp.

Respect due, I take my hat of to you. I'm not sure I would be brave enough to live like that but it does look interesting, fun and terrifying in roughly equal amounts. The closest I have ever come to anything like that is a bit of gentle camping years ago in my teens and early twenties. I am tempted to get a hammock so that I can spend the nights sleeping out in one of these mobile field shelters with the horses though.

 

[demented dale]

Excellent! Thanks for sharing. In that case I do have several questions.
1. Is that a solar heated shower or is the water cold?
2. Does anything ever blow away in storms?
3. Do you ever have trouble with security or strangers coming into you camp.

Respect due, I take my hat of to you. I'm not sure I would be brave enough to live like that but it does look interesting, fun and terrifying in roughly equal amounts. The closest I have ever come to anything like that is a bit of gentle camping years ago in my teens and early twenties. I am tempted to get a hammock so that I can spend the nights sleeping out in one of these mobile field shelters with the horses though.

In order. The shower is heated by big pans of water heated on the wood burner. I lower it down, fill it up and then haul it up on a pully and tie it off.
the storms destroy a lot of property here as they come right in off the Atlantic. I have witnessed some real tempests but this woodland is quite sheltered and so far has protected me. The trees are mainly hazel so short and very springy.
on security. So far no one has bothered me. I have seen 1 set of woodland explorers in all the time. Off course it is very vulnerable and isolated, I dont make any effort at security. I just dont worry about it. it is quiet here and whilst there are unsavoury people I find that most people will do you a good turn before a bad. one. I dont have alot to steal in any case xxxxx Ps I would live in that shelter anyday x

 

[HorseGuy]

In order. The shower is heated by big pans of water heated on the wood burner. I lower it down, fill it up and then haul it up on a pully and tie it off.

Yes that makes a lot of sense. What shower and pulley system are you using?

the storms destroy a lot of property here as they come right in off the Atlantic. I have witnessed some real tempests but this woodland is quite sheltered and so far has protected me. The trees are mainly hazel so short and very springy.

Seems like you've had enough time and experience to have thought of everything. Are there any specific steps you take when extreme incoming weather is forecast? (be it extreme wind, rain, hot or cold weather)

on security. So far no one has bothered me. I have seen 1 set of woodland explorers in all the time. Off course it is very vulnerable and isolated, I dont make any effort at security. I just dont worry about it. it is quiet here and whilst there are unsavoury people I find that most people will do you a good turn before a bad. one. I dont have alot to steal in any case xxxxx

Are there any woodland creatures like birds or foxes which you see regularly who have got to know you over the years and you have been able to gain their trust? Not quite a pet but as another soul sharing the woodland.

Ps I would live in that shelter anyday x

Even though it is little more than an oversized shed with no door and a few rubber mats on the floor I have thought the same thing myself many times. Due to how it's positioned it is well sheltered from the wind and quite cozy in there. Although I've never actually slept in it (yet), at the weekends I do more or less live in it for several hours each day. There is a plastic patio chair, a shelf with a few bits for the horses, some hooks to hang bags and clothes up high out of reach of mischievous Shetland pony mouths and a map of Terry Pratchett's Diskworld on the wall (used for reference ). I would much rather spend time here with just the horses and wildlife for company rather than in buildings with people any day.

Thanks you your replies. I find all of this fascinating (not meaning to sound condescending here as I have a great amount of admiration and respect for what you do. Your skill set and knowledge base on these things must be amazing).

 

[demented dale]

That's how I tie it off. there is a T bar further down the rope that I haul the shower up with and one pully that can be seen on the other photo I sent.

Yes that makes a lot of sense. What shower and pulley system are you using?



Seems like you've had enough time and experience to have thought of everything. Are there any specific steps you take when extreme incoming weather is forecast? (be it extreme wind, rain, hot or cold weather)



Are there any woodland creatures like birds or foxes which you see regularly who have got to know you over the years and you have been able to gain their trust? Not quite a pet but as another soul sharing the woodland.



Even though it is little more than an oversized shed with no door and a few rubber mats on the floor I have thought the same thing myself many times. Due to how it's positioned it is well sheltered from the wind and quite cozy in there. Although I've never actually slept in it (yet), at the weekends I do more or less live in it for several hours each day. There is a plastic patio chair, a shelf with a few bits for the horses, some hooks to hang bags and clothes up high out of reach of mischievous Shetland pony mouths and a map of Terry Pratchett's Diskworld on the wall (used for reference ). I would much rather spend time here with just the horses and wildlife for company rather than in buildings with people any day.

Thanks you your replies. I find all of this fascinating (not meaning to sound condescending here as I have a great amount of admiration and respect for what you do. Your skill set and knowledge base on these things must be amazing).

This is how I tie it off. there is a T bar further down the rope which I use to haul it up. The pulley is a simple metal one you can see in the other photo I sent you xxxx

 

[demented dale]

Yes that makes a lot of sense. What shower and pulley system are you using?



Seems like you've had enough time and experience to have thought of everything. Are there any specific steps you take when extreme incoming weather is forecast? (be it extreme wind, rain, hot or cold weather)



Are there any woodland creatures like birds or foxes which you see regularly who have got to know you over the years and you have been able to gain their trust? Not quite a pet but as another soul sharing the woodland.



Even though it is little more than an oversized shed with no door and a few rubber mats on the floor I have thought the same thing myself many times. Due to how it's positioned it is well sheltered from the wind and quite cozy in there. Although I've never actually slept in it (yet), at the weekends I do more or less live in it for several hours each day. There is a plastic patio chair, a shelf with a few bits for the horses, some hooks to hang bags and clothes up high out of reach of mischievous Shetland pony mouths and a map of Terry Pratchett's Diskworld on the wall (used for reference ). I would much rather spend time here with just the horses and wildlife for company rather than in buildings with people any day.

Thanks you your replies. I find all of this fascinating (not meaning to sound condescending here as I have a great amount of admiration and respect for what you do. Your skill set and knowledge base on these things must be amazing).

I dont take any steps when a storm is coming. I have a van i could sleep in if the tent blew away but so far it has stood up to it and , lol, there have been some hurricanes.
In the woods we have red squirrel, pine marten, jays, red deer and fallow deer, foxes. I have seen hares here aswel and two fledgling long eared owls that turned up in camp, made a hell of a racket and then went the next day. That was my favourite bit here. ps I am looking toward a horse soonish. we have several here and wagons. Would be nice to use them and get entirely off grid. It is a big ask but in the same way that freedom is taken by the the inch not the yard the same holds true in reverse. x xxxxxx

 

[HorseGuy]

I am looking toward a horse soonish. we have several here and wagons. Would be nice to use them and get entirely off grid. It is a big ask but in the same way that freedom is taken by the the inch not the yard the same holds true in reverse. x xxxxxx

That’s interesting. Where would you keep them? Do you have any experience working with horses?

I dont take any steps when a storm is coming. I have a van i could sleep in if the tent blew away but so far it has stood up to it and , lol, there have been some hurricanes.
In the woods we have red squirrel, pine marten, jays, red deer and fallow deer, foxes. I have seen hares here aswel and two fledgling long eared owls that turned up in camp, made a hell of a racket and then went the next day. That was my favourite bit here.

If WW3 or some other major cataclysmic event were ever to happen, people may be forced to become self-sufficient for a time. Based on your five years of experience, what tips or personal insights could you share with us which may be of help to people if they were to experience such an event?

 

[demented dale]

That’s interesting. Where would you keep them? Do you have any experience working with horses?


If WW3 or some other major cataclysmic event were ever to happen, people may be forced to become self-sufficient for a time. Based on your five years of experience, what tips or personal insights could you share with us which may be of help to people if they were to experience such an event?

I have got very limited experience with horses but I kept and trained hawks once for 15 years. I know its not the same thing at all but that sort of commitment and responsibility to an animal is very good starting point.
You asked what tips I have for a potential mad max meltdown. I would say personal health and positive outlook transcend any skills. I started this journey into self reliance full of fear and during the trip it has turned to fun. I am surrounded by good reliable people. I think when we go back to basics we are essentially tribal and within that tribe we can accomplish together what is impossible to do alone. I have got no idea TBH about WW3 scenarios. I do remember hearing someone tell me "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst and take what comes." I reckon I can work with that. Thanks for asking. I never have cause to contemplate anything because I rarely get asked anything by anyone unlike myself who constantly bombards everyone with questions . lol xxx

 

[CLEM]

I’ve a liking for Military surplus tents myself too, my inventory includes British Basha, Aussie Hootchi Tarp, Dutch hooped bivi, US ICS, US TCop USMC two man combat shelter/tent.

 

[HorseGuy]

I have got very limited experience with horses but I kept and trained hawks once for 15 years. I know its not the same thing at all but that sort of commitment and responsibility to an animal is very good starting point.

If ever you would like any information or advice regarding horses I would be happy to help in any way I can (I’m no expert by any means but I do have fifteen years experience keeping several and injured and retired rescue horses).

One thing that I suggest you consider is to research clicker training. It's much kinder than the other methods of horse training which generally use fear or pain to control a horse. By using the clicker method not only do the horses really enjoy themselves when working or training but it also give much better results too in my experience. By using clicker training I can lead two horses up and down all around the fields together at the same time without needing a rope or head collar and get them to step back, turn around or come to me from the other side of the field using only my voice and hand signals to give commands (you don’t need to buy a hand clicker to do clicker training either, it works just as well if you make the click noise with you mouth instead).

Ps Training hawks sounds really interesting! We get plenty of buzzards, kestrels and the occasional hawk where we are. Amazing beautiful birds.

 

[HorseGuy]

I’ve a liking for Military surplus tents myself too, my inventory includes British Basha, Aussie Hootchi Tarp, Dutch hooped bivi, US ICS, US TCop USMC two man combat shelter/tent.

I love military surplus stuff, it's such good value and really tough quality. No tents here but plenty of clothes, a sleeping mat, fly nets and one of those big sausage shaped shoulder bags. I've been tempted to buy a military tent on several occasions but I'm not sure if I'd ever use it.

 

[demented dale]

If ever you would like any information or advice regarding horses I would be happy to help in any way I can (I’m no expert by any means but I do have fifteen years experience keeping several and injured and retired rescue horses).

One thing that I suggest you consider is to research clicker training. It's much kinder than the other methods of horse training which generally use fear or pain to control a horse. By using the clicker method not only do the horses really enjoy themselves when working or training but it also give much better results too in my experience. By using clicker training I can lead two horses up and down all around the fields together at the same time without needing a rope or head collar and get them to step back, turn around or come to me from the other side of the field using only my voice and hand signals to give commands (you don’t need to buy a hand clicker to do clicker training either, it works just as well if you make the click noise with you mouth instead).

Ps Training hawks sounds really interesting! We get plenty of buzzards, kestrels and the occasional hawk where we are. Amazing beautiful birds.

Thank you. The girl on the farm here is amazing with horses. we have got four. For now I will just observe, ask her questions and generally get a feel for it. I will intuitively know if something is right for me. For the basics I have always followed 1 teacher, 1 pupil regardless of which one I am. What's your first name by th way. x

 

[HorseGuy]

Thank you. The girl on the farm here is amazing with horses. we have got four. For now I will just observe, ask her questions and generally get a feel for it. I will intuitively know if something is right for me. For the basics I have always followed 1 teacher, 1 pupil regardless of which one I am. What's your first name by th way. x

That's good to hear. Having someone there who already knows what they are doing is definitely the best way to learn. Horses are large animals and can be very dangerous if they get frightened.

 

[demented dale]

That's good to hear. Having someone there who already knows what they are doing is definitely the best way to learn. Horses are large animals and can be very dangerous if they get frightened.

you missed my quesion. what is your first name? x

 

[Falstaff]

I've got a German version of one of those half tent/coat/poncho things. Bought it for a tenner off a friend just out of curiosity. I have n't worked out how to wear it yet, or tried it as a shelter. It all packs into its own napsack complete with pole sections.
Anybody know how to wear it? I watched a youtube on how to wear a WWII Wermacht version, but mine doesn't seem to be quite the same.