I was a wilderness survival instructor for the Alaska State Troopers for almost 20 years. All of our trooper recruits go through three days of survival training as part of their survival training. This training is not for the faint of heart! The recruits are taken by boat to an island, given one minute to don their flotation exposure suit then jump (or are pushed!) overboard and have to swim to shore. They are only allowed to bring the clothes on their back, a pocket knife, and a small survival kit about the size of a can of tuna. In the winter classes we also let them bring a flashlight because it gets dark quite early. The Alaska State Troopers teach the "7 Steps of Survival" and one of the first steps is SHELTER. If you get stranded somewhere because your bush plane crashed or your patrol boat sank, you HAVE to be able to survive that first night if you want to get rescued. So, this was a long way of explaining the background from which I am looking at this new shelter product. I've seen some negative comments about it, but based on my experience as a survival instructor, I can honestly say this thing looks like a valuable item to have in your pack or pocket when you are venturing into the backcountry. Additionally, as a trooper in Alaska, I have been involved in hundreds of search and rescue missions. I suspect I would not have had to recover so many dead bodies in the wilderness if people had been carrying something like this when their emergency happened. I'll be ordering one of these tarps! Thanks, Dan, for helping to develop this thing.

My Father "If you get hot you can take it off. If you get cold, you can't put on what you don't have."

carrying a large garbage bag in my pocket , helped me out many times

You've convinced me. Edit: Actually, I'd like to know how sparks from a fire affect it and how flammable it is.

I always carry a poncho hiking or day walking in addition to my waterproof layer. Thanks for the reminder as to why I should keep this in my kit.

I’m an old Boy Scout. Never leave home without a tarp. Even if you have a tent (or in my case a hammock shelter) CARRY A TARP! Many times I’ve had minimalist companions crowding under the tarp they said was unnecessary in a rainstorm set up as an extension to my rain fly. I keep a Mylar in my butt pack with a Bic, my compass, and a first aid kit. I also carry a stainless water bottle and filter. On the butt pack belt. I Like your T6 Zero. It is about as light as possible and still durable. A few tight wraps of paracord would cinch it quite a bit smaller. My butt pack is big so it would stuff in it ok. I learned early in life: “Always be prepared”.

As a wilderness survival instructor (also in Pa), I can see just how valuable of a system this is. Both from a weight and protection standpoint… this thing is a solid addition to any kit. Whether it’s for a get home bag, a bug out bag, or just a day pack. This thing looks solid. Great job Dan.

Nah man! Not sick of hearing you talk brother we need this. Good bless you.

Love the shelter design and just wanted to add that if you put a 180 degree twist in the webbing or ribbon before it's sewn it will prop the loop open without adding any weight. Easier to get a peg or finger through to save time, especially in the dark.

This thing would be great in an 8X8 and 10X10 sizes as well.

When I worked in Northern Ontario, I often when hiking in the woods even in winter. I had a U.S>Army Mountain mummy sleeping bag and a tent fly from an old 5' x 7' nylon A-frame tent. Even in deepest winter I was comfortable.I used the tent-fly the same way this product is used and put down a good bed of pine boughs and then my sleeping bag. Very comfortable and warm. The price of $75.00 for this item might seem steep, but in an emergency situation you know it'll work and stand up to the elements.

I can’t click off the videos!!! They’re addictive. This should be called, “It’s Crack Bushcraft.🔥

Well thought out product and well explained.

My partner is into camping and the outdoors. I've been watching videos like this to try to figure out the appeal and connect more with him, but it is really outside my scope. As a full "civilian," I'll be getting this to keep in my car with a lighter and a metal container!

I live off grid, in the roads d, I can't agree enough,shelter, shelter, shelter. Just getting out of the wind makes the world of difference.

I love that you separate survival and bush craft. Some goes hand in hand, a lot does not. You are the only one I have seen that does this. Keep it up.

I have 2 of these and I have to say, these are pretty awesome. SMALL package for the coverage, which is a big deal. Most other "tarps" are a bit big, enough so that you may as well just carry a whole tent, since your most of the way there on the size / weight. Perfect BOB size , especially when you need to be conscious of the weight for the kid's packs. This is my go to now for the hiking pack as well. Bravo, very well done.

carry a can of campbell's chunky anything...soup, chili, whatever. You have a little food, and after you eat it, you have a metal container to boil water.

Ive been getting ready for camping trips by watching people living as cozy as they possibly can at their campsites, but THIS is the channel that will do me some real good lol thanks for the content, brother!

Well done as always Dan. This looks like a very well thought out product and a solution that should be helpful for many. Take care buddy!

May i suggest when talking about metal containers for boiling water you emphasize the importance of the container being single walled and not double walled containers. Great video love your stuff!

Thank you for your insights regarding your experience as a teacher!

I always carry a military style poncho with grommets and lots of shoe strings. My children make fun of me every hike I go on. Just somebody being prepared for emergencies, tells you that person has learned to stay out of emergencies in the first place. Being prepared, tells you a lot about the person's vision forward.

You could put 2 triangular sides on that and it wouldnt affect the portability that much👍

Looks like an excellent product / system. After reading the comments on the original video cost seems to be the sticking point. Thanks for posting. Have a good one

I actually like the long-winded talk. It's good context and info, dont' let anyone tell you otherwise. They can skip forward if they don't like it.

Dan, I also teach survival skills out here in the Bay Area in California and I 100% agree. Great system! If it takes even an experienced person over three hours to gather materials and make a shelter that for sure will not be as waterproof as yours, then this system now elevates that time obligation which can now be used to make a bed, gather fire wood, purify water, etc. Great design!

Great looking and well designed product ! Kudos. I’ll be adding this to my hiking day pack.

My last experience in the woods was when I was in the infantry at Fort Lewis, Washington in the 1990s. After one field trip, I wanted a better and easier method of keeping myself protected and dry from the elements when I bedded down for the night. I got myself some bungie cords and used the field issued tent pegs, poncho, sleeping bag (I remember having it a lot for some reason) and puss pad. I loved the bungie cords. Made setting up a poncho shelter very fast.

Cool. It's only in my cart for now, hope to set it free by Christmas!

Love your work. Thankyou for all your help as always you go above and beyond to give us your knowledge for which I am truly greatful. 🙏🏻🇬🇧🌹🇺🇸

I think this is a great idea! I see it being valuable for a lot of people - especially the unprepared who don't see themselves needing something like this. Even experienced people might enjoy something small and simple to carry around sometime and as a way to support the community. It seems well-made and more than appropriate for what it's designed for. If somebody complains that it isn't what they expect when they don't understand it that's not on you.

Dan love your channel great stuff. I am a fellow coalcracker grew up in Lansford. You are honest and trustworthy a rare trait today. Everybody should be buying this awesome product. Thanks for all you do, its all from the heart brother.

This looks a great product. 60 second deployment is impressive and will be testing myself on that.

Thanks for your information my brother! Stay safe and keep having fun!

The amount of thought you've put into this alone deserves success. I hope people get how easy and useful this will be to shove in your pocket or bag. I'm in the UK, but I'd get one otherwise as a backup shelter. Nice one.

I always have a tarp and to 55 gal bags, ALWAYS! I like the design and it seems like a great idea for those who don’t always carry a shelter.

I keep a small silnylon tarp and some cordage in my daypack when I head out on any solo hiking trips in deep woods. It’s kind of a no-brainer.

Really love the survival tarp! Looks like a great new product, and it makes good sense to have one with you, if you are out in the wilderness for any reason!

At first I was skeptical but, after thinking about it for a few Weeks I went ahead and pulled the trigger. I got it and I am more than pleased. This thing is so light and compact that it fits perfectly in my outdoors vest pocket and you can't even notice it is in my vest pocket. Good job Dan...this is going to ride in my EDC kit. Thanks!

Great presentation, that did change my initial opinion of this. Quality gear is worth a few extra bucks, Especially if your LIFE could depend on it.

Love that it's Made In America!!!!! Worth the extra $$ right there!

I got the miltec poncho. It's a lot lighter than a military poncho. It comes in a bag, I stuff 4x 4m & 1x 8m cordage in there with pre tied loops on the ends. It's great to keep me and my bag dry, and it's great to give my family a dry picnic spot on walks ! Plus the kids like it as a den ! I like the look of your emergency shelter, I like the orange colour for the emergency aspect. I suppose I'd be up the creek without a paddle trying to get rescued with my German camo shelter ! Point remains, it was twenty quid, it's proper light, and I always have it. Might shove a lighter in there now though !

Awesome video and great product, I already have a DD ultralight tarp for about a year now which does right by me but this product would have been an alternative. The compact , tie down and weight features STAND OUT for me. Keep it up Dan !!!

I would rather be taught by this guy, over Dave Canterbury all day. I like this dudes delivery, and he seems like a good dude at heart. His vids are direct and to the point!

Most underrated youtuber!! Absolutely love this guy

I loved this tip so much I changed my two new traps to it, my tarpss are way bigger when packed but still a great great tip. Thankyou

This thing is awesome. Thank you for posting this and developing what is a really simple concept into something foolproof

Did anyone else giggle when he set it up facing into the wind instead of having it be a wind break... I get it, filming from the other angle would have put the mic right in the wind and the camera work would have been bad :)

I’ve been amazed for years/decades by the amount of people who have to be rescued from the wild because they have no idea what they were doing! We spend a Fortune every year rescuing people who didn’t plan for the what if’s! Great information here,keep up the good work!

looks great! would be perfect for anytime you go outdoors or a get home bag. Thanks Dan!

Looks like a great piece of kit! 👍🏻👍🏻 I slept under a military poncho lean-to for over ten years after getting out of the Corps. Wasn’t until I was married and had kids that I actually bought a tent. It’s still my go-to shelter when I’m out with just the dog. Winter might require a plow-point configuration, but I like being able to see what’s around if I happen to wake up during the night.

I (an old boy-scout) carry a 6” piece of waxed jute twine in my pocket with a magnesium/ferro rod. Shelter is easy to engineer from natural materials,in emergency situations.

Looks great, Dan! Very well thought out.

I like this guy

Yep my brother in law and i spent a day on a mountain side almost freezing to death before the guides returned. We had everything we needed but in the morning it was mild and a blue northern blew in with heavy mist. Boy did we learn a hard lesson

Living in northern cold country, I have always had emergency clothes, food, and fire making items in my car in case of breakdown - esp driving at night. Never had to use them - but felt good knowing they were there. This will now be added to my stash! Love it!

A military rain poncho is water resistant if not water proof. However it can be used as a shelter and all that is needed is paracord. The poncho is cheap most can find a good used one at a Army surplus store or on the internet for a few bucks. It can be what’s called ranger rolled into a six inch (length) by 3 inch wide roll. Easy to pack and can be used in a number of shelter types.

I love mine…..great design! Perfect for day hikes, short outdoor trips for breakfast and coffee, etc. Fits in haversack with room to spare.

Thanks Ben You’re a good teacher!

$75.00! Wow! Great product! I hope you sell a million of them. I think I’ll stick with my poncho.

When I have puffy emergency stuff like this, I vacuum pack it in a Food Savr bag. Adds no weight and make it really small.

Practical and essential advice. On point, every word is important. Thank you

I have amazed myself at how often I try and fail to setup a tarp the first time I am out each year - so yeah I am with you :-)

Very informative video. Thank you for all the work it took. Just wanted to say, I agree with the tarp idea. I am 72 yrs old, 5'5", and about 160 pounds. My day pack is basically the same as my fishing backpack (minus a tackle bag and rods}. It is an inexpensive 17-24L pack with a 2L water bladder. Besides my rain gear, I always have a 5x7 foot tarp and a couple black contractor trash bags in the pack. There is also: a fixed blade knife, folding saw, fire kit, small 1st aid kit, a stainless steel cooking pot, and both coffee and tea. I also always have at least a 3 day supply of my meds. As you get older, the sun can be as dangerous as cold, so that is why I always have a tarp with me.

Dan pitches his tarp. This time it's a good pitch. Quick tip: When tying shoe laces if you go around twice it's secured.

Seems like a great idea. I agree with the need for a different color choice option. I’ve been looking for an affordable, packable, lightweight tarp that isn’t made cheaply to add to my day bag. This along with plastic drum liner and a military grade poncho (cold rainy day) could be all that I need.

I love the system, one thought I had as an addition would be to add the ability to connect these together. I have a family of six, four children Who would all get one of these systems to add to their go bag as well as my wife and I; therefore, the ability to add these together would make for a super shelter that would fit all of us

I love the idea. Would be interesting to test this out in South East Alaska rainforest. Always nervous about enough ridge line and the size not allowing enough room for side rain that shifts in the night. As a 20 year combat engineer veteran I am intrigued.

Love the concept and product. It's always nice when one has trees to tie off to. Some places don't - how about a series built around when people have no standing structures or plants that would hold up a tarp? I frequent areas that even the 'bushes' (weeds, really) won't hold them up.

You can use the old milar emergency blanket for ground cover ( it might fit in the bag too). You could use the shelter for emergency signaling for air born first responders.

The fact that sucker is orange is awesome...Major LifeSaver! Good on yah!

the education you give us is great, my only prob would be your store prices i will never shop there

I'll buy one when you sell 8x8' version

I have preconceived notions but I knkw for sure there is more to learn. Thank you for the videos man.

will be getting a few for sure, thank you.

If this was also a poncho, you'd really have something people would want to carry. I'm seriously considering getting some of that fabric to make a lightweight poncho tarp.

Love it! hope you make it in a larger version 10 x 10 or something.

Thank you!! So weather smart.🙏💖

Survival bivvies are great - they combine the benefits of a space blanket with improved and much easier to harness convective heat retention (the warm air around your body) and do a phenomenal job protecting from rain and wind (no need to wrap it around you or set it up.) Carrying a thin, dirt-cheap space blanket in addition is my preference as I can then use that for extra warmth, extra signalling, etc. But chief among those reasons is that I can set it up as a campfire reflector. For folks that have actually practiced their skills and are confident in their ability to get a fire going, it's nice to have a tarp option that can fit into the day-hike-emergency-kit niche. Definitely a nice upgrade.

My mate who ran Surefire Bushcraft taught me the rule of 3. 3 minutes without air…..3 hours without shelter……3 days without water ( and 3 weeks without food). Easy to remember and after 26 years in the Army, this is my survival mantra. Looks like a great product, keep up the hard work.

I taught Hunters Ed for a few years in Idaho, and during the Survival Skills section we talked about the Rule of 3's. You can live for 3 hours without Shelter, 3 Days without Water and 3 Weeks without Food. Priorities...

The business! Well done to you. Its gonna save a lot of lives!👍✌️

Super good idea! Very quick out of the wind and rain shelter. And, if your skilled, you can have a small fire in no time.

Hi Dan! Man, I'm a huge fan of this type of shelter! But in sweden it's kinda hard to find and not to mention hard to buy stuff from you! You're the best! Keep up the awesome videos!!

"I can set up a shelter with my keyboard, no problem."

Got mine. Great product! Great service!! Thanks

Looks like an amazing product

When it’s needed, it’s irrelevant the price paid, it’s about preserving your life and that’s something money can’t buy.

Can also be used as rain protection when hiking and to sit under while taking a rest/eating and a wind break. I always carry a 5'x7' nylon tent when backpacking Very useful.

Great videos and great page. Helping me learn alot . I live by Macafees Knob in Salem VA so I spend alot of my time in the woods.

I like your statement about thinking; think ahead and plan with your kit, practice. Once you are in a situation and it dawns on you that you are in a bit of trouble to get control of any emotions such as panic that will take away from your thought process to survive/ get back to a safe place. To cool your crap so to speak, then you can get to it.

Almost 20 minute commercial, sell it! I was waiting for "but wait, there's more!" Live to Survive!

We just had two hikers stranded overnight on Red Rock Canyon after a trail collapsed .

Bought one.....LOVE IT !! Thanks.

Thank you for the video.

Looks like a great product! I'll have to add one to my hunting kit. Curious though... any chance you might be releasing something like this in an 8X8 or 9X9 size with a few extra loops on it? Certainly hope so!

75$? Damn, you should have started right there. It would be a great product for around 30... Good luck.

Awesome product I will pass this along to my students here in Vermont. Love the channel from a fellow bushcraft instructor

Props for creating a product! Take care!