Solo Tarp Camping - Remote Oxbow Lake

Next to one of my favourite places to camp, a small body of water, I spend a couple days in the outdoors camping and crafting. Lately in the area it’s been quite damp and during my stay on this trip the weather was no different. A few thunderstorms rolled through the area but thanks to my large 10’ x 13’ tarp I was able to stay dry. I practiced a few simple bushcraft skills throughout my stay and crafted a couple small items that are useful to have around in the outdoors. My main tools on this trip were my hatchet and my knife. It was a very enjoyable trip that I wish could’ve lasted longer. I can’t wait to be back in the wilderness and I look forward to what my next trip will bring.

Thank you to everyone who watches. Don’t forget to subscribe for future videos.

Some FAQ and info on the gear I used is down below. If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment or email at KuskBushcraft@gmail.com

I do not do gear reviews. I do not do product sponsorships. I am not an expert. Some activities I do can be dangerous. Replicating what you see me do could lead to dangerous situations that could put your health and safety at risk. Viewers be warned.

FAQ:

Where am I?
In Alberta, Canada. There’s lots of remote wilderness in this province that is open for anyone to use. Always be respectful of the land, follow laws and regulations, and seek permission if the land is privately owned.

Why do I not fish?
I’m not sure if there’s fish in this pond. I’ve never been to this area before so this was a scouting trip. In the future I may return with a rod and see if I can get any bites.

What am I eating/drinking?
Toasted ham sandwich, apple, black tea, and coffee.

Do the bugs bother me?
Yes and no. I wear insect repellant and keep a smoky fire which helps to keep them at bay. Sometimes they get annoying but a quick touch-up with the repellant fixes that issue.

Is the way I’m carving dangerous?
You’ll see me hold my knife many different ways and perform many different cuts. Sometimes the camera angle can make it look dangerous, but it’s not. I am always very careful when using bladed tools and the types of cuts I perform are well-practiced and safe for my level of experience.

What about wildlife?
In this area wildlife is abundant. There are deer, moose, black bears, grizzly bears, cougars, wolves, coyotes, and a lot of smaller animals as well. I do carry bear spray with me just in case anything ever happened. Throughout all of my time in the outdoors I’ve never had a dangerous encounter with any wild animals. It’s important to educate yourself about dangerous wildlife before going into the outdoors. I have taken several courses and done a lot of research regarding the dangerous animals of this area and am comfortable with my knowledge and experience to be out alone.

What is an Oxbow Lake?
A curved lake formed at a former oxbow where the main stream of a river has cut across the narrow end and no longer flows around the loop of the bend.
The one I am camped beside in this video is essentially a large pond left behind by the former flow of a river.

Who is filming?
All filming is done by me. I have one camera on a tripod that I move around. If I want different angles of a task I am completing I will stop, move the camera, then continue working.

Gear List:

Backpack: Rothco Double Strap Duffle Bag (Modified)
Small Kettle: Uberleben Kessel Stainless Steel
Large Kettle: Stansport 9 Cup Percolator Coffee Pot
Pants: Waxed Cotton Wrangler Pants with Deerskin Knee Reinforcements (Self-made)
Hatchet: Old hatchet I got from an antique store (no makers mark)
Knife: Helle Sigmund
Bedroll: Foam sleep pad (cheap kind you get from sporting goods stores)
2 queen sized wool blankets (dyed dark green, brand unknown)
Tarp: 10’ x 13’ Aquaquest Tarp