My bedroll kit

My bedroll kit

Having a bedroll is very traditional way of camping and in fact can be used on its own.

A bedroll can be as big as you want sometimes containing a small mattress and pillow or as small as you want sometimes only containing a blanket.  There is no wrong way to do it.

To me a bedroll is your shelter kit.  Everything you need to set up camp should be in your bedroll.

My bedroll contains. From top to bottom

Two tent poles

Underwear  (socks, underwear, shirt, vest, bra)

Military poncho

Cotton blanket

Wool blanket

Military poncho 

This set up is based of my needs and built on my past experiences and tested.

Improvements  that I see would be;

 a small tarp  -  to either replace  or add to the kit

a hammock   -  this would increase the functionality of his kit. St Lucia is a mountainous island and so more often than not natural land is not flat making sleeping on the ground a great task though not impossible

better straps  - I  use two belts to secure my bedroll and latch it to my bag using cordage . Dedicated straps that could possible also be used carry it without the bag as well as being used along with my lbe.

My kit for camp when I thought i was going for two weeks. Pouch on the extreme right contains all accessories for my uniforms. Every cadet should have one as it keeps you from forgetting pieces of your uniform and getting booked. LBE suspenders and belt were worn to camp all pouches are on the inside except canteens.

 Tested out for SLCC annual cadet camp 2017. 

Instead staying on camp full time I could only stay the weekends and night. it safe to say whenever I'm not at work i was on camp. having a bedroll let customize my bag to the different periods of time spent on camp. that along with my canteen, mess kit and uniform were the constants of my pack. 

pro and cons of having a bedroll 

Cons

• external to your pack
• gets big and bulky real quick
• packing up requires a lot of space
• some skill in knots is needed

Pros

• saves time when packing
• easy to use as soon as possible
• completely customisable
• can be carried without a pack or with LBE
• external from your pack

Tips for making a good bedroll

• will there be rain, mud and anything to protect your stuff from the elements
• is comfort an issue
• what type of shelter do you plan on making
• what size do you want your bedroll
• where are you going to mount it.
• test it at home before use

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And remember survival is not a choice but a right earned at birth.

Be the Wolf!

What is Stealth Camping

What is stealth camping

Stealth camping is the act of secretly camping in a public or private area (sometimes legally – sometimes illegally) and moving on the next morning without being detected.

Stealth Camping could also be living temporarily in a location, usually for recreation, in a covert or secretive fashion.  Stealth camping is also referred to as wild camping, ninja camping, or free camping.   Stealth camping is often practiced by hikers, cyclists, and kayakers.

Stealth camping should be done without any intention of harm and so no law is being broken.   Stealth camping is intended to allow camping in the wilderness, while ensuring future generations a similarly free wilderness experience.

Tips on finding locations for stealth camping.

Finding the right spot is the most difficult part.

Should be

                 - out of sight of housing

                 - not on developed (cut grass, landscaped) land
                 - not on land that is fenced or marked 'No Camping' or 'No Trespassing'
                 - away from roads or paths

Where NOT to Stealth Camp

Any place public is not a good stealth camping site. There are still many places that are good potential sites but are security concerns. When I'm looking, I check the ground first. Not for rocks or water, but for signs of garbage or other litter.

Any worn area on the ground or between trees means it might be a path. Camping too close to water can mean you visited at various times (usually early morning or late evening) by a variety of fauna. You might think this a charming feature until you are woken by a bear sliding under your hammock on the way for a drink.

Leave a comment if your enjoyed it.

Share with your friends.

And remember survival is not a choice but a right earned at birth.

Be the Wolf!