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What do you picture when you think of the jungle?
Is it Indiana Jones running down a hill chased by angry natives? The blackened face of Martin Sheen rising from a steamy river in Apocalypse Now? Tarzan swinging from those handily placed vines? Bear Grylls and his inexplicable battle against the wild? David Attenborough’s calm narration of some mating ritual? Baloo explaining those bare necessities to Mowgli? Snakes? Humidity? Tigers? Mosquitoes? Leeches? (…or is it an expanse of ground peppered with the gravestone-like tree stumps of a cleared rainforest?)
For most people the jungle evokes some image of an exotic, alien environment, a dark and slightly forbidding place where adventure is still possible and risk a reality. And they’re right: for anyone who seeks real adventure, who is interested in nature (rather than fighting it) and wants to visit one of the least explored and most fascinating areas of the world, the rainforest beckons.
But hurry, it’s being cut down fast… very, very fast.
I hope that more and more people visit the rainforest as without public support the deforestation will continue and rain forests replaced by farms and the regimented boredom of palm oil plantations (that governments disingenuously classify as ‘forest’)… and sooner than we think the only jungle left will be a concrete one.
This website is designed to encourage people to visit the jungle and give them hints and tips on how to enjoy their time there; skills and knowledge known as Junglecraft – bushcraft skills for the jungle.
“We are not defined by what we create, but by what we refuse to destroy”
Hi nice to see your website pluss the great youtube vids, i run a survival training company in the UK. im interested in visiting the jungle to improve my own skill base. Do you offer any such training or guide service. I have a considerable skill base already but have very little knowledge of the jungle environment. Let me know what you can do for me and poss two other of my staff team. Thanks for the great videos they are practicle and informative you have a good style which comes accross very well.
Take care
Mike
HI Mike,
Thanks for the kind words. I don’t run any courses at the moment but if you come to Malaysia let me know and I’ll see if I can help you out. Years ago I went on a jungle survival course run by ex-VAT 69 guys (the Malaysian equivalent of the SAS) which was very good – I don’t know if they still run them or whether it’s still the same as the one I went on but this is their website: http://www.ubat.com.my
I’ve heard there are a few bushcraft courses running in Thailand and East Malaysia (but don’t have details) and there is one based out of Singapore called JET Asia – but I’ve never been on these so can’t tell you whether they’re any good or not.
The other course I’ve heard of is in the Philippines and run by J.E.S.T. (Jungle Environment Survival Training) – I haven’t been on it but these guys look like they know their stuff (check them out on Youtube)
Hope that helps. Cheers! Paul
U know that bamboo bow u made , how long does it last ? And how strong can it be made to ?
Hi Joshey,
Sorry for this slow reply and thanks for your questions (I”ve been doing other stuff for a couple of months so no time to check the website)
The bamboo will last for a very long time as long as it has been dried properly and treated right. In the jungle it rots but that is because the starch in the bamboo attracts insects that eat it and because it’s so damp as well.
To make the bow stronger you just use more layers of bamboo (or thicker bamboo)
Cheers!
Paul
To Mike if your still looking for a jungle survival course, I know a great guy in Borneo. He is training me up so I can do courses at the jungle camp I work at. Get back to me if you want more details
Mickey,
I would be interested in knowing more about the course in Borneo.
Damien
Hi mike what is the name of your firm just out of interest, I want to take mine up to instructor level, also like to book some time to see how other operate, many thanks geoff
Hey Junglecrafty,
I just wanted to say keep on posting your youtube videos. They give me the same warm fuzzy feeling as the Ray Mears TV series. I recently inherited my uncle’s parang. He worked as a forest ranger in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, and loved his job. It’s by far my favourite blade. Unfortunately there isn’t enough rainforest in Surrey to practise on. I’m a fan of Colhane on youtube, I’ve learnt a lot about machetes but your detailed explanation on the use of the parang has convinced me it is a superior jungle tool. You really should be making your own tv programmes!
Peace, Shamsul
Hi Shamsul,
Many thanks for the support and kind words – very interesting to hear your uncle was in Pahang: Kuala Lipis isn’t too far away from where I am living – and great that you inherited a Malaysian parang, they really are great cutting tools (even in Surrey!)
I, too, am a fan of Colhane and always find it fascinating to see the differences between the South American and asian jungles – here we rely much more on bamboo than over there.
Cheers!
Paul
Hello Junglecrafty.
i would just like to say what a breath of fresh air you videos are. inspiring and though i may never get to the tropical jungles of the world the info you put over can be applied in some way toother enviroments. i like the styl and i wish i could do mine in such a relaxed way..
i did like the hobo stove piece and has given me some food for thought as i am often reluctant to have an open fire here in the UK well the SE part been so very dry this year.
keep up the good work
regards , peter
Hi Peter,
Many thanks for the support and glad you liked the hobo stove video – I’m just doing a video on alcohol stoves which are, perhaps, a better option if an open fire is out of the question. I know exactly what you mean about being worried about fire spreading – even here I am careful to the point of paranoia about making sure the fire is well put out.
Thanks again.
Cheers!
Paul
Just watched the video on the Duku ( Ray Mear’s) parang i have a few of these and use them much when i’m in Sarawak jungles. I get these made by my Father-inlaw who is an Ex Sarawak Ranger from the Iban Tribe. I find them great to use, prior to this i used the British military style Machete which is also very good. Keep up the good work as i love the jungles too but in Borneo they are being logged at an alarming rate. Regards Sean
Hi Sean,
Thanks for the support and I’m sure you must have learned a lot from your father-in-law: the Iban are famous for their jungle skills and as a Ranger he must have perfected them – I’m sure the parangs he makes must be top notch.
I’ve heard alarming things about the rate of deforestation in Sarawak – I find it astonishing that the rainforest is cut down so recklessly by our generation and I’m sure future generations will curse us for it. Even here the deforestation is depressing and more farms and palm oil plantations appear every year…and more of the forest disappears.
As Stephen Fry said when flying over Malaysia and surveying the endless palm oil estates below: “I see a bad future for Malaysia’s rain forests” – when asked how he could foretell this, he replied “I can see it in her palms”.
Cheers!
Paul
hello Paul.
saw your video alchohol stoves i have made many a pop can stove. and i love my trangia. which you did not mention. good little burner and one i load up with meths when i want to pop out for a short walk and just have a quick brew. and of course no fuel waste either.
kep up the good work i especially liked the insects video.
regards, peter
Hi Peter,
Thanks for the comment – I know there are many fans of triangia stoves out there and they do have the advantage that you can screw the top back on and save any excess fuel. I don’t have one here (which is why I didn’t cover it) but I’m going back to the UK soon and may pick one up just to try it out.
Cheers!
Paul
Hey Paul
It was by chance I stumbled upon your site while planning for a canoeing trip to Relau River in the National Park.
Such valuable information. Thank you for making it so easy & doable for an amateur such as myself.
Well done!
Hi Ivy,
Many thanks for the kind words and support and glad that some of the videos helped. The more of us there are who go camping in the forest the better as it makes it more difficult for people to illegally cut it down or go trapping and, hopefully, encourages the government to preserve what’s left of Malaysia’s rain forests.
Cheers!
Paul
I have always thought that there was a connection between folklore and bushcraft, such as the stories that are told around a campfire at night. The story you told about the special parang that could cut through anything but was very hard to find reminds me of the King Authur legend. Are there other legends or stories that you have heard from the locals while living there that you could share in a future video? I would think that some of the locals would be eager to tell stories, such as, “if you hear this in the jungle at night, it must be animal X”, or “when in the jungle never do this thing since it is bad luck”. It might be something to add to a future video, something to think about.
Thanks
Hi Losmandy and thanks for the comment,
There are plenty of folk stories about the jungle and I’ll try and put a few in in the future. The Orang Asli are animist and have all sorts of spirits associated with animals and plants. My favourites are the stories about the ‘invisible people’ of the forest who are will-o-the-wisp in nature and are often held responsible when people get lost in the jungle (it’s nice to have someone else to blame other than oneself!) – for example, many locals don’t like to use each others names when in the jungle as, should the ‘invisible people’ hear them, they will use your name to call you off the trail and deep into the heart of darkness, never to be seen again!
Cheers!
Paul
Glad I stopped by and found this nice message board, much better than what YouTube offers. I was wondering how I was going to show my appreciation for all the work and content in your videos that takes me beyond what Ray Mears offers. I’m headed to the Thai-Burma border right on the river and in the jungle, so there is a fair chance I’ll be using this information. I may opt to retire or that is stay in Thailand for a good while. It appears that you’ve settled in there. What are the prospects in Mylay for a Yank? Good, bad and ugly?
Hi Bunnyboots,
Sorry for being so slow getting back to you but I’ve just returned from a trip and everything backlogged. Very glad you like the videos and hope that some of the info will prove useful on your trip – I’ve heard that there is excellent, and hardly visited, jungle in Burma so I’m very envious.
Malaysia is a great place to retire to and they offer something called ‘Malaysia – my second home’ programme to foreigners wishing to live here – I think you get a 5 year renewable visa (although it may be 10 years now). The downside in Malaysia is that it is very hard for foreigners to find work (or, rather, to get work permits) and, if you come in under the second-home programme you are explicitly forbidden from taking on paid work.
Personally I love Malaysia and it has far more to offer than most outsiders realize – I see a lot of tourists coming to Asia who only go to Thailand (which is more geared up for tourism) and miss out Malaysia, but I think Malaysia actually has more to offer in terms of nature (although the forest is being cut down fast)…but for tourists it’s harder to find these places (cf. Thailand) as Malaysia has a less well-oiled tourist infrastructure.
But for my money, Malaysia has more to offer for those with an outdoor frame of mind.
Hope that helps and apologies again for being slow getting back to you.
Cheers!
Paul
hey paul… just found your video channel last week, since than ive been stuck wwith your vd whenever i got time with internet. haha. The truth is im a knife/sharp thingy maniac.. Those equipments just fascinates me. And your parang episodes was very informative! Btw, could you advice me on how do i get my hand on one of those mora knife?
Hi Aaboon,
Many thanks for the comment and apologies for being slow getting back to you but I’ve just returned from a trip. Very glad that you like the parang videos and hope they help – the great thing about the local parangs is that they’re cheap and relatively soft edged – this means 1) that they are easy to sharpen and 2) that you end up sharpening them very often (and therefore get better at sharpening) – a great way to perfect your technique.
Mora knives are also a firm favourite of mine and remarkably good value for money. If you’re in Malaysia the place to buy them is on the internet from http://www.outdoordynamics.com.my who offer a good range and free delivery within Malaysia. Amazon also stock them.
Hope that helps.
Cheers!
Paul
Could you use a bamboo ‘straw’ like you have in another video to ignite embers? Blowing through a thin bamboo straw would direct the oxygen and keep the smoke further from your eyes perhaps.
Hi David,
Indeed you can (and I do!) – it’s a great way of directing oxygen and, as you say, keeps it out of your eyes. In some of the other videos (e.g. carrying fire) you’ll see me using that technique….you just have to remember not to inhale!
Cheers!
Paul
love the vids, a real pleasure to watch you work and you do an amazingly good jod a putting things in laymans terms.
although i live in montana many of the basic pricibles of wood/bushcraft remain the same and i have been able to apply many of your techniques here in the rocky mountains, so thanks again amigo…woods
Hi Woods,
Very glad you like the videos and that some of the techniques can be applied over there. When I read bushcraft books I often try to think of ways that the techniques can be adapted to the jungle… haven’t thought of a jungle use for igloo building skills yet though!
Cheers!
Paul
Hi paul,
I live in KL & sometime going to the mountain around malaysia, just found your blog in google & really enjoy the article & vid.
Hi Ijam,
Many thanks for the posting the comment and glad you like the videos. I used to live in KL and would long to get out into jungle – it’s always worth the trip!
Cheers!
Paul
Just got to know of your blog from the Star – what a great cache of useful and practical info for all outdoor adventure and jungle trekking enthusiast. Thank you so much for sharing and caring. I am a keen trekker and camper from young (50 now) but have never bothered with acquiring any jungle-craft skills. Have been inactive for a while too. Would love to make a run for the jungle again and this time learn some jungle crafts. Is there an opportunity to participate in your jungle excursions and expeditions and at the same time contribute in some useful ways to whatever you are trying to promote and achieve? God bless.
Hi Charles,
Thanks for the comment and very glad you like the site. I don’t run courses over here, but there is a guy called Raman in Gombak who is an Orang Asli with great junglecraft skills. If you check out my last blog entry there’s a video about him and some more info. I can really recommend paying him a visit and his kebun is a lovely place to camp too.
Hope that helps.
Cheers!
Paul
Good day Junglecraft man, very appreciate of what you have done and well education of jungle tips in our rainforest.
I am an avid mountain trekker and very indeed love to be in the woods and still active to do so whereby Malaysia mountains are very much difficult to climb than mountains in temperate countries apart from altitude sickness.
Wanna join us to any mountain in East / West Malaysia. You are always welcome.
Regards
Sylvia
Hi Sylvia,
Many thanks for the comment and kind words – great to hear of more people in Malaysia who are out and about in the jungle and thanks for the kind invite. Not sure my lungs are up to serious mountain climbing anymore but let me know if you’re doing any treks in the pahang area. I know exactly what you mean about it being more difficult over here – the heat and humidity can make even a small bukit feel like a gunung!
I hope that as more Malaysians start to go into the jungle the extra ‘eyes-and-ears’ will help to put off illegal poachers/forest clearing etc and the more of us that are out there, the better.
Thanks again.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
I am a member of katerniaghat Foundation and a private entrepreneur .I really appreciate the wonderful work u have done in katerniaghat .I would like to do some similar work at my land in katerniaghat but it would be kaccha or mud huts.Kindly advice me for the same and also do let me know how can i contact you to further discuss this project.
Thanks a lot
Cheers
Himanshu Kalia
Hi Himanshu Kalia,
Thanks for the post and it sounds like you’re involved in an interesting project over there and would be happy to help if I can (although I’ve never built a mud hut!)
You can simply email me on paul@junglecraft.com.my if you like.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
A friend introduce me to your webpage and i’ve been visiting it ever since. I love your vids, very informational for a city dweller like me (I’m from Singapore). During my boyhood years I used to follow my uncles to their dusun in Johor with a parang panjang and an axe to clear his land. I missed those years and yearn to go back to doing such stuffs but my uncles have long passed away and all their children have city jobs. I’ve been thinking of getting real jungle survival experience with Orang Asli likely sometime this year. Would appreciate if you could be of assistant somehow.
Cheers,
Azman AJ
Hi Azman,
Many thanks for the comment and very glad you like the videos. As far as your question about getting some jungle skills from the Orang Asli themselves, I may be able to help you there. In the video I did a month or so back I introduce my friend Raman (an Orang Asli living in Gombak) and he is a great person to learn from. Article link below:
http://www.junglecraft.com.my/index.php/knots-cordage/king-of-the-jungle/
You can contact Raman directly or arrange things through Keong (see the article for more details).
Hope that helps.
Cheers!
Paul
hi paul, bamboos that you get, are they prickly?
Because the bamboos growing near my house have small black hairlike things that stick onto you and prick you.
is it because that it is of a different type of bamboo?
Thx
Hi Chew,
The bamboos here tend to have tiny black spikes on the sheaths of the culmns of the younger stalks. Once these sheaths fall off the bamboo (here at least) is smooth. I know some people experience a bad skin reaction to the black hairs on the sheaths, but I seem to be lucky in that respect.
If you are someone who does get a bad reaction to the bamboo hairs it is best to wear a glove.
Hope that helps.
Cheers!
Paul
Hello!
Your videos about Bow Drill are excellent! Still others did not see, but I will definitely see. The forests of Malaysia are very similar to those here in Brazil.
Hi Cristian,
Thanks very much for the comment and glad the bow drill videos are of some help! I would love to visit the rain forests in Brazil one day but it looks unlikely now (too many domestic responsibilities here!) …
Cheers!
Paul
Hi, I just want to thank you for all your effort posting all this great vids on You Tube. I live in Cancun Mexico and a go to the jungle to practice my skills (wich are limited) I use to watch videos in other enviroments and then try to figure out how to apply those things to the jungle, until I find yours. I have improved a lot my skills thanks to your tips. So again thanks and keep posting more vids.
Hi Gerardo,
Many thanks for the comment and kind words and I’m very pleased that some of the videos are of help over there in Mexico.
Thanks also for sending the photos which were very interesting – I was particularly impressed by the photo of the jaguar (I assume that’s what it is?) – I always get a little nervous about the big cats over here but you seem to have got very close indeed and lived to tell the tale!
Thanks again.
Cheers!
Paul
I’m sending you some pictures.
https://picasaweb.google.com/112870353890176781517/EnLaSelva#5733976577773781698
Paul,
I’ve been using and adapting the skills in your videos for a while now. I live in Florida a 1/4 mile from the ocean and it’s very tropical here. Although not quit a jungle, it’s similar enough to use the same skills.
Thanks Bro, Jimmy
Hi Jimmy,
Many thanks for the comment and support and glad the skills have use over there too! I’ve never had the luck to visit Florida but I guess it’s very humid as well so, as you say, some of the same issues we face over here in the jungle.
Cheers!
Paul
Hello Paul,
Thanks for the great source of information! I have a website called naturephotographythailand.com and I have just added an article of my favorite nature photography related websites. I hope you don’t mind me adding your website to the list. Keep up the good work!
Best regards,
Tommi
Hi Tommi,
Thanks for the comment and no problem at all adding my website to your list (in fact thank you for doing so).
I had a look at your website and am very impressed with your photos (I see you too are a fan of the dusky leaf monkey!) – good stuff!
Cheers!
Paul
Enjoying your videos and website- I lived in Brunei for two years and spent a lot of time in the forest. I wish I had been better kitted out and done more. Now in Hong Kong and surprisingly able to do plenty of outdoor camping- we have rainforest here- but a different kind (monsoon) and get cooler weather and a break from the mosquitoes in the winter. Hope to see more of the rainforest- it is an amazing place, life in every nook and cranny!
Hi Subbuteo.
Thanks for the comment and great to hear you’re venturing into the forest over there. I visited HK a few times and people there told me that there are some excellent walks and trails into the forest – you’d never think so when looking at all the skyscrapers of the city! – I never had a chance to try going on any of the trail over there, but wish I had.
Anyway, glad you like the site and thanks again.
Cheers!
Paul
HI PAUL, I DON’T KNOW IF YOU REMEMBER ME, I SEND YOU A PIC OF A JAGUAR CLOSE TO CANCUN MEXICO IN PTO.MORELOS. ANYWAY, I WATCHED YOUR LATEST VIDEO ABOUT PYTHONS AND WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT HUMANS KILLING 300,000 PYTHONS A YEAR REALY HIT ME. TODAY, A FRIEND OF MINE POSTED A PICTURE OF A JAGUAR KILLES IN JOSE MARÍA MORELOS WHICH IS ABOUT 4 HOURS AWAY FROM CANCUN. IT´S A SHAME.
ME AND SOME FRIENDS OF MINE ARE TRYING TO PRESERVE THE JUNGLE IN PTO MORELOS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE BUT PEOPLE ARE SO UNCONSCIOUS.
I’M TRYING TO MAKE PEOPLE AWARE OF THE BEAUTY OF NATURE.
BTW NICE VIDEO.
https://picasaweb.google.com/112870353890176781517/DEADJAGUAR#5792995306860398930
Hi Gerardo,
I do indeed remember the photo you sent of the jaguar, amazing to get that close! I’m afraid a lot of the rainforest animals are under threat from illegal hunting/snares as well, of course, from habitat loss. I was really sad to see the photo you sent the link for of the jaguar that had been killed – it really is a bit depressing sometimes.
Anyway, keep up the good work over there and, as I always say “if everyone does a little to protect the environment it is better than waiting for a few to do a lot”
Cheers!
Paul
Dear Paul,
I was referred to you website by a friend at Malaysian Nature Society. Your postings are so informative and useful. I am sure that you have spent a lot of time writing them and because of your dedication, so many of us are benefitting from it. Thanks. I do go trekking in secondary jungles now and then and have a desire to get myself a good parang. Can you recommend a place where I can purchase one that is not too fanciful but useful. Thanks again.
Hi Paul..
I recently emailed you suggesting that it could be a good idea while traveling in the jungle to occasionally turn around and take a seies of digital photos which could be usefull in finding your way back. Two weeks ago I did just that, but not at the point when I should have. The result was that I was so intent looking down at the leaf litter to avoid the many copperheads that I lost the trail and had to bushwhack all the way down the moluntain where there is no cell service and made it out out of the woods shortly after dark, having avoided the snakes and the many black bears in the area. At age 70 I should know to follow my own advice and next time I will take a photo at every turn.
I hope all’s well with you and I send warm greetings from the heart of the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina
Dave Burns
Hi Dave,
I really like the idea of taking a few photos at key waypoints along the trail. One of the easiest places to lose your way in the jungle is at river crossings when you can’t clearly see the trail on the other side of the bank and a photo would definitely help.
I also understand the importance of looking where you’re walking; there are many types of venomous snakes here in Malaysia and I doubt if any of them appreciate having their tails stepped on!
Someone told me that bird watchers are often prone to getting lost (and stepping on snakes) as they are so intent on watching the canopy that they don’t look where they’re going.
I recently read Bill Bryson’s account of the walking the Appalachian trail and it made me very envious – it’s a trek I would love to do but know I’ll never get the oppportunity! – saying that, I’m not sure how well I would cope with the cold these days!
Thanks again,
Cheers!
Paul
Great site and youtube films..hope to visit Malaysia soon and do a jungle trip one time…cheers !
Hi MrWizard,
Many thanks for the comment and support – Malaysia definitely worth a visit and jungle trips are always interesting – hope you make it over soon and thanks again.
Cheers!
Paul
Finally made it thru all of your videos (some more than once), I really enjoyed watching and got a lot out of them. I really appreciate you taking the time and effort involved to do this.
Hi Bill,
Many thanks for the comment and I’m impressed you’ve watched all the videos and very glad that you’ve found some use out of them. More videos to come next year!
Thanks for the support.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
Let me start by letting you know that all your videos are amazing and I appreciate all the effort that you’ve put into making them. I have a question. I’ve noticed that you do not use the world renown Hennessy hammock in the jungle. Is there a flaw with the design which doesn’t make it work in our climate? I’m just curious.
Cheers,
Marc
Hi Marc,
thanks for the comment and support, much appreciated.
I don’t have any real problem with (the new range of) Hennessy hammocks and i used to own one. The one I had was the old style type which had a bottom entry velcro system which I really didn’t like at all but I believe they now have changed that to a zip system instead. I think a lot of hammock choice is a personal one and I don’t find the asym design of the Hennessy as comfortable as others, but that may just be me,
Hennessy are quite expensive for what you get and it’s worth shopping around a bit first but they definitely offer a good, all round system for those who don’t want to spend too much time putting together their own system.
Cheers!
Paul
Hello Paul
I recently found your channel on utube and have enjoyed watching all of your videos. I am heading back to malaysia this summer to spend time with family over there in ipoh, as a question where are you based? It may be a bit too personal for you to answer and if you don’t no worries. I am just slightly curious as your videos make it look really beautiful, as a result it’s an area that i would quite like to visit.
Many thanks and merry Christmas
Dan
Hi Dan,
Many thanks for the comment and good to hear you are coming back to Malaysia (my wife is from Ipoh). I live near Janda Baik which is about 40km NE of KL, just off the Karak highway and in the Main Range of hills. It’s about 2000 feet up so the temperature is much more bearable that the relentless heat of KL! Definitely worth a visit.
Hope you have a great Christmas.
Cheers!
Paul
G-Day Paul,
I live in Australia and travel this wonderfull land in my Land Cruiser Troop Carier 75 series. I do bird photography and spend a lot of time in the bush.
I want to buy a realy good Parang and would like to know the best place to buy one. I have just watched your Vidio on using the Parang and it looks like this is the kind of knife I would get a lot of use from.
Regards
Keith (IGGIE) Hindley
Hi Keith,
Many thanks for the comment and good to hear you’re thinking of getting a parang – they really are very versatile tool and I can’t imagine being in the jungle without one.
If you want to get an authentic/premium parang then the best place I know of is sepuh crafts which is run by a friend of mine called Keong. Here is the link http://www.sepuh-crafts.com
If you are looking for the cheaper standard plastic handled parang then you could try outdoordynamics who sell quite a good range of these and can arrange export. Here is the link http://www.outdoordynamics.com.my
Hope that helps,
Cheers!
Paul
Thank you Paul, I just bought a Parang from Keong and we have been talking via email, he is a very nice man to deal with.
I hope you have a very good 2013.
Regards
Keith (IGGIE) Hindley
Hi Keith,
Thanks for the update and I hope that the parang serves you well! I know Keong and others find it quite difficult to keep up with demand for the authentic parangs and one day I’m sure it’s going to increasingly difficult to source them as the tradition dies out.
All the best for 2013 to you too.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
Amazing website, lots of things to learn.
Which area would you recommend for someone who would like to discover Malaysia and the Jungle?
Is there any malaysian short blade for fine work ?
Keep it up!
Hi Wawa,
Many thanks for the comment and kind words, much appreciated. There is a golden opportunity for anyone interested in discovering the jungles in Malaysia at the moment and that is to go on one of Mycats Catwalks – I did a video on this In Nov 2012 – these are open to foreigners as well so anyone can go on one. A great place to start and a good opportunity to meet other people interested in jungle trekking.
Hope that helps
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul, a friend just pointed me to your fabulous website and your videos on youtube – excellent stuff! Unfortunately I never had the opportunity yet to experience the rain forest the way you do, as I don’t like the touristy thing. Perhaps I will have a chance one day – Should there be any left… Keep up the good work!
Cheers,
Andy
Hi Andy,
Many thanks for the comment and support and I hope you do get to the visit the rain forest one day. When I was younger I never envisaged myself ending up living in the middle of a rain forest in Malaysia….so you never know where life can lead!
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
I just stumbled across your site as I randomly surfed the net. You have put a good amount of knowledge on these pages that will inspire a lot of people to take that first step into the woods. I will continue reading on and hope to contribute soon.
Massive Cheers!
Gabriel
Philippines
Hi Gabriel,
Many thanks for the comment and support and very glad you like the videos. I’m told the Philippines has some lovely forests and a lot of the vegetation is similar to Malaysia so I hope the topics are proving relevant there too.
Cheers!
Paul
Just came here via Youtube, watched your hammock suspension video and I have to say that you made everything really easy to understand! I’ve been on HammockForums alot, and what’s taken me a year and a half of searching, testing, and testing again, you seem to have compacted into this 20 min clip!
Amazing, I actually went straight to the basement and tried out a tweak on the halfhitch – absolute success and my fiddlefactor when adjusting went down considerably! Thanks!
I do hope that you’re a member of HF, if not, then swing by and check it out! I’m not in any way involved with running the site, just a little disclaimer there, but I’m thinking you could seriously contribute with your informative style 😉
Thanks again, cheers from way up north! / SwedeMix
HI SwedeMix,
Many thanks for the comment and glad to hear that the hitch works for you. I tried various methods and knots but using the simple round turn and slippery hitch seems to work best and I have never had it come loose (except in the morning when I want it to!).
I bought a really good book on hammock camping recently called the Ultimate Hang (forgotten who wrote it) which I can thoroughly recommend and I think the author mentioned that a lot of the info came from the hammock forums. I like the fact that the internet and forums give so much access to people like me looking for info on outdoor equipment and the forums in particular are a real help.
Anyway, thanks again for the comment and great to hear from a fellow hammock addict!
Cheers!
Paul
Hello Paul,
I have not been to Malaysia, but I sure would love to visit and see that beautiful country. As I read through these pages, I am, given all the more reason to plan a trip to go there before the end of 2013. There are just a few lowland forests left here in the Philippines. And it’s a comforting thought that the government has doubled its efforts in expanding protected mountain areas, recognizing ancestral tribal domains and regulating mining & logging activities. I am spending this weekend at forest reservation up north of Luzon Island called the “Pamulaklakin Trail” which is also in the same acreage where the JEST school is. the information you have will come in very handy when I take it with me as i go into the woods this weekend as it applies to the same kind of weather and jungle environment that we have here. More power to you and maybe if good fortune and circumstances allow, I’ll be able to walk into, observe and learn a lot from your jungles in Malaysia soon
Hi Gabriel,
thanks for the comment and I have to say that I am very glad to hear that the Philippines have taken such a positive approach to looking after the jungles over there…that is good news indeed.
I’ve heard a lot about the JEST school and would love to go over and visit that area and see their jungle skills one day.
Anyway hope you have a great trip on the Pamulaklakin trail and thanks again the comment.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
I’m currently in the middle of a one month Asia/Hammock trip (Yeah, I sometimes got Wifi…) and a lot of the tips I got here are really useful, can’t name them all, but sure your site is helping!
Well, I also got my Malaysia flight ticket 😉
Bye.
Hi Wawa,
Thanks for the comment and sounds like you are on a real odyssey at the moment! Anyway, glad the site is helping and hope you get to do some good jungle trekking once you get to Malaysia.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi paul,
I live in India & and i also like to jungle crafting,trekking over mountain , and i just found your blog while i was finding crafting related information , read your blog and really enjoyed the article & pictures.
Hi Swapnil,
Many thanks for the comment and glad that you are finding some of the articles and videos interesting.
Thanks for the support.
Cheers!
Paul
Hello Paul,
I just watched your bamboo fire saw video and found it very instructive. We don’t have a lot of bamboo in the US, but some does grow here in Florida. I was thinking about the problem of getting the tinder bundle to ignite. Here in the US, one technique some people use with the bow drill tinder bundle is to mix the contents. For example, cattail fluff is often mixed in, especially if we’re using dried grass instead of something with a lower flashpoint, liked processed cedar bark or shredded pine needles. Do you think that would work with the fire saw?
Hi Bob,
Many thanks for the comment and very glad you liked the bamboo fire saw video. You are absolutely right that adding some finer tinder would be a big help in getting the bamboo tinder to light up. The problem in the jungle is that often the finer tinder (e.g. kapok) is already damp and not going to help whereas the bamboo shavings are relatively dry as the inner part of the bamboo is protected from the damp thanks to the bamboo outer ‘skin’.
One of the things I like about the bamboo fire saw is that all the requirements for getting the fire started come from a single piece of bamboo…whereas, with methods like the bow drill you not only have to find the right woods for the hearthboard and spindle but then have to go looking for some suitable tinder material as well.
Anyway, thanks again for the comment and tip.
Cheers!
Paul
Paul
Early on, in one of your great hammock videos, you showed a jungle bed made from the cloth remains of an old army style cot. You made the comment, and rightly so, that because it was on poles on the ground that the person would still be prone to night time crawlies. In the past I made a hammock from the same thing. If you use 2 long poles ( as if you were making a stretcher and 2 shorter ones at the head and foot, then lash the corners. Taking a thicker piece of rope tie it to one corner, run it through a metal ring and then to the other corner, forming a triangle of sorts. Then do the same at the other end…..hopefully you can visualize where I went with this. Yu can now hang the hammock. One of the tricks is to make sure the rings are centered to keep the whole contraption from rolling out from under you. The second trick is to put the head and foot poles UNDER the long pieces ( less chance of folding up on above mentioned sleeper.
If you have any questions feel free to ask and I will try to send a feeble attempt at sending a drawing
Thanx
Jimmy
Hi Jimmy,
Many thanks for the comment and details of your hammock design – very interesting and I can visualise what you mean from your description. I’ve made a small hammock (which I’ll cover soon) using spacer bars at the top and bottom but the idea of putting in long poles as well is a new take on the design to me. I can see that it will give a rigidity to the structure so that it becomes more like a suspended camp bed and you remove the centre sag of the hammock.
There are quite a few people I’ve come across who find it difficult to get used to a hammock and a system like the one you describe could be the answer for them. Sometimes, however, the reason those people can’t get comfortable in the hammock is that they haven’t suspended it correctly (either pulling it too taught or leaving too much sag) and a structured ridge line would do the trick.
I can imagine that stability is, as you mention, a bit of an issue but you could tie a line from each corner down to some roots (or the bases of saplings) that would get round that problem.
Anyway, many thanks for a very interesting comment.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
You’re youtube channel is great! All of you’re videos are really helpful. jungle craft is similar in many ways to camping in the swamp. My camp set up has benefited greatly from you’re teachings. By using a hammock I can now set up camp easily over wetlands with maximum comfort. I am in the process of making tree straps for my hammock and I was wondering what you use to protect and cover you’re threads. In the Hammock suspension systems video you showed some blue stuff over you’re threads and I would like to get some to protect my straps. Do you know if this blue material has a name and where I could get some? Thanks, and keep up the good work!
Hi Jake,
Many thanks for the comment and great to hear that some of the methods used here are applicable over there! I love hammock camping and can’t imagine using a tent anymore….why would anyone (in a hot climate at least) want to?
Good question about tree straps. I sew them up using standard (polyester) thread on my sewing machine. As there is a risk that the threads may get damaged by rubbing against the tree I protect them with a sleeve of material that I simple sew over the top. The idea is that if the sleeve gets worn away then it gives me advance warning that the threads are at risk. Any material would do for this but something a bit tougher will last longer. The thing is that as for climbing ropes (or anything you’re going to hang from) you want to do a quick visual inspection to make sure it hasn’t got too frayed and replace if necessary. The blue material I used came from a bag that contained a camp chair.
Hope that helps.
Cheers!
Paul
Paul
In a recent video ” A guide to tinder bundles” you showed a method of dropping the ember on some bamboo shavings and leaning over to gentle blow it into flame. would it have still worked if you placed the shavings in a bamboo cup (similar to the one used for the drop spark method) and used a bamboo straw to give it oxygen. Seems it would save the back from bending and maybe keep the shavings from blowing away, then when you have flame you can just place the cup under your fire lay. Anyway absolutely love your vids and always look forward to the next !
Keep up the great work
Jimmy
Hi Jimmy,
Many thanks for the comment and for the suggestion on tinder bundles – I know exactly what you mean and have used a ‘bamboo straw’ often to coax a fire that’s being stubborn. What I find with tinder bundles is that there are two things going on at the same time: 1) you need to get the right pressure of oxygen at the right time (blowing on it), preferably blowing up through the bundle, and 2) you need to gently compress it as you go (not too hard and not too softly!). I have tried putting shavings in a bamboo cup but it becomes a bit difficult to get the compression just right and harder to ‘turn the bundle over’ should you decide to blow from a different direction. It can work in the cup but these days I find it easier to have the bundle in a form that is easily compressed and manipulated.
Anyway, thanks again for the very interesting comment,
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Kenny,
Got your email and have just sent you a reply – next time I go into the village I’ll give you a call and maybe we can meet up.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
I would very interested if you could talk about cameras, video cameras, waterproof or not.
I have a compact camera, and a Gopro H2.
The compact is quite good, but fears water and shocks, which is not good for me. The gopro is fine, but I’m not fully satisfied, maybe I need to try the H3.
Thank you,
Wawa.
Hi Wawa,
Interesting question and one that I struggle to answer – I too have the GoPro2 and it’s not a camera I’ve got completely comfortable with yet. Part of the problem is that I can’t tell where it’s pointing easily….I know you can get a video screen for the back but that’s extra cost and, unless I’m mistaken, can’t be twisted round so that you can ‘talk to camera’ and see if you’re in frame. I tape on a small torch to the top of the case and that lets me gauge where the camera is pointing (maybe a laser would be better?) but it’s a bit of a pain.
Also, the sound quality on the GoPro (when in its case) is terrible and I resorted to buying a separate mic…however, to connect this I had to drill through the waterproof (no longer!) casing….again, not ideal.
When mounted on the head band it’s difficult to keep the GoPro steady and remember to move your head (rather than your eyes) to keep what you’re viewing in frame.
The Go Pro does have its advantages (small, robust, simple) but quite a few design flaws too.
Often I simply take my normal camera (a Panasonic SD 700) and keep it safe in a 1 litre dry bag.
I promised my wife I wouldn’t buy any more cameras so, unless one breaks and I have a valid excuse, there’s not much hope of experimenting with anything else!
Cheers!
Paul
I really enjoy your videos about parangs. I live in Ohio U.S.A. No jungle here, but I have a Condor Bushcraft Parang, made in El Salvador. I find it to be a very useful tool in a woodland enviornment.Thanks for all your videos, very educational.
Hi Danny,
Many thanks for the comment and great to hear that the parang design is proving useful over there in Ohio! I’ve heard of the Condor Parangs and they appear to be well made and quite sturdy but I’ve never had the chance to actually use one yet.
Anyway, thanks again for the comment and support.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul, great video’s, i get much enjoyment watching them.
This may or may not be of interest but doesn’t hurt to consider new things. YouTube “Awesome Uses For Drinking Straws – “Tip Of The Week” E35″. Apologies if already aware or not of interest.
Regards
Graham, Sheffield, England.
Hi Graham,
Sorry for slow reply but the internet has been down for the last week here in the jungle (it happens!) and even now is running painfully slowly.
Many thanks for the link and I found the video very interesting as it is something I have also played around with. My experience (and this may simply be to do with my lack of skill at sealing the straws) is that they aren’t as waterproof as they look. I tried taking some cotton wool and sealing it in a straw and keeping under water for 24 hours….the cotton wool got damp. It may be me, it may be the straws I was using but my experience was a bit disappointing.
Anyway, thanks again for sending the link and for the support.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
You have a great website and Youtube channel, I think I’ve watched all of your videos!
I live in Thailand and I’m wondering if the national parks in Malaysia have the same rule where you aren’t allowed to camp on your own outside of the car-camping areas unless you bring a “guide” with you.
I’m originally from Canada, so I’m used to being able to just jump in a canoe, go deep into the forest, and set up pretty much wherever I want. (Well, within reason. We have to submit a trip schedule at the park office, but it doesn’t have to be 100% accurate.)
Does Malaysia have the same rule? If so, how do you get around it? The thing I value most about the outdoors is solitude, or the company of close friends, so I don’t enjoy the idea of some stranger tagging along.
I understand the safety issues, but some parks (like Khao Yai) don’t really have much in the way of large, dangerous mammals anymore. There also seems to be mobile signal throughout most of the area, so snake bites or other issues wouldn’t be greatly assisted by a “guide”.
I’m also wondering if you have any animal/jungle conservation contacts for Thailand that do similar work to the ones you’ve been out with in Malaysia?
The idea behind the group(s) you went out with is a great opportunity for them to get help in their work, and for the rest of us to get out into the wilderness. This would be another option for me as I’d feel like I was actually doing something instead of just trekking through a succession of hilltribe tourist camps.
Thanks for all the great info and videos, I’ve really enjoyed all of it!
Martin
Hi Martin,
Many thanks for the comment and apologies for this late reply but our internet and phone lines have been down for the past few weeks and I’ve been completely disconnected from the e-world!
Interesting question you ask about permits etc and I think the same situation applies here for the National Parks _i.e. you have to get a permit. I’m not completely sure but I don’t think you necessarily have to have a guide with you (although I might be wrong). Even on the MyCat walks we had to get permits from the Wildlife Department Office (at the entrance to the park) before going in.
Saying all that, there are plenty of people who simply go off into the jungle here along old trails in what are classified as ‘Forest Reserves’ and don’t ask permission….and, to be honest, if they did try to get permission they’d probably get stuck in red tape and then denied! It’s all a bit odd really as the jungle is not exactly patrolled carefully by large bands of government rangers, so how would they know if you simply go in without telling them?
I understand though about your preference for a bit of solitude or the company of old friends however, a good guide can really add a lot to a trip and show you some good junglecraft techniques and, assuming they are experienced, will ensure you don’t get lost! I also like to support these guides if I can as they don’t usually get paid a lot and most (although not all) will go out of their way to make sure you get the most out of the trip.
Going in with an Orang Asal guide is a real treat as they have tons of knowledge of the jungle (although sometimes you have to work to get it from them as they simply assume everyone knows, what is to them, such basic stuff!). My experience of these guides is that they can be a bit shy and uncomfortable themselves around strangers (particularly foreigners) and one way round this is to use two guides and that way they have some company they are comfortable with and will more than likely camp/cook together someplace apart from your group.
I guess, for me, the difference is between a good guide and bad one. I once went into the jungle with a guide who, it later transpired, was a meth addict….it was a particularly surreal trek and I was glad that it was just for the day and didn’t involve any camping! However, with a good guide you see, to some extent, the jungle though their eyes and, assuming they’re local to the area, they can show you things you’d otherwise miss.
One last thing I have found with guides is that it is worth explaining beforehand exactly what you want as they are probably used to taking in tourists, most of whom simply want a short and sweet few hours in some scenic spot (usually a waterfall) and they may not realise that you may want to do something different or to trek further.
Anyway, my experience of jungle trekking is more or less limited to Malaysia and I don’t, I’m afraid, have any contacts in Thailand to give you. However, if you can make it down to Malaysia I can strongly recommend the MyCat walks (which I’ve done a couple of videos on) and it might be worth contacting them to see if they do the same programme in Thailand.
Hope that helps a bit.
Cheers!
Paul
hey, i just watched your video on the parang mods you made and the kit you have woven into the handle and such. when you were talking about the knife and using it as a flint striker, it made me wonder if you’ve ever considered carrying a fero rod for the charcloth. i think it’d be better myself.
Hi Arizona,
Many thanks for the comment and since I made that video I’ve changed up the PSK kit I use in a few ways. I’m going to do an update soon on this but, the bottom line is I do now carry a ferro rod as well. In the past I didn’t because of the difficulty of lighting up wet tinder with the ferro rod but having discovered that they can light up shredded inner tube had me sold! There is a video I did on this fairly recently which you can find at this link
Thanks again,
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul
just to say cheers really, my father fought in the Malayan conflict against the CT and I was brought up with stories of “Basha,s” “Parangs” and the mighty Iban trackers of the rainforest. Managed to realise my dream when I got to work on a wildlife rescue centre just outside of Ka Krachen national park in Thailand, tho my post was short lived as I found myself becoming jungle barmy and finding any reason to go and hang out with the rangers or spend a couple of days out in it. Any way back in blighty and your awesome video,s really re-light the spark. You show the sort of passion and enthusiasm for the jungle I only really thought I had. Some great tips I really wish I knew when I was out there. Keep up the brilliant work mate. Geoff
Hi Geoff,
Many thanks for the comment and support – would love to have heard your father’s stories about the Malayan Emergency, an interesting time indeed! Also, I know what you mean about going jungle barmy!….I spend virtually all my time here now, most of it on my own, and only get into the city once every two months or so and only then for a day trip…..luckily I have 7 dogs as constant companions for the times when my wife is away in the city and they keep me sane (more or less!)
Cheers and thanks again,
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
Thanks for the great videos, they always makes me want to go back to the rainforests right away. I especially liked your instruction on using cordage from rattan for the bowdrill, i think it’s marvelous! I have had some trouble with natural cordage at home here i sub-arctic sweden but your video gave me the idea to try the same technique on birch-roots. Can’t wait to try it out. Thanks brother! i’m looking forward to your next video.
Hi Mikael,
Many thanks for the comment and support and great that it was some help even if there isn’t much rattan over there in Sweden! I think roots are a very good way to go and I’ve read a few accounts by people in Europe who say that this is the best solution for a bow drill cord in temperate forests…I’d be interested to hear how you get on.
Cheers!
Paul
Paul
Absolutly loved your last vid about weaving. Brilliant. About the square weave…. Can it be made more into a long rectangle? If it can could it be used as the base for a make-shift haversack or shoulder bag. As in….fold a long rectangle up 1/3 the way, weave the sides together and then fold down top. Maybe even use the frond cordage as a shoulder strap? Not sure if I would carry heavy items in it but maybe used for gathering lighter items. Feel free to throw water at me if the idea is all wet. 🙂
Jimmy
Hi Jimmy,
Many thanks for the comment and your idea is absolutely possible….in fact you can weave many things once you learn the basic techniques. There is a way of making a backpack that I saw on youtube whereby you take two, short lengths of fronds, overlap them and weave together – this forms the back of the backpack and the frond stems act as the frame. Then you do a basket weave of the loose fronds to form the shape of the rucksack and you’re done.
You could weave leaves into a rope for the straps but there are other ways too….e.g. use the outer skin of the palm stem which is quite tough and strong.
Using the square weave you can add leaves in any direction and make any sized rectangular or square sized mat….but it takes quite a long time.
There are some very clever and sophisticated methods of palm weaving (again, you can find these on youtube) but you can also simply experiment and make something that maybe isn’t particularly pretty but does the job!
Anyway, thanks again for the comment.
Cheers!
Paul
I just wanted to thank you for the videos you post on youtube.
I will probably never be able to afford a trip to a real jungle and your videos is amazing as a peekhole into that part of the world.
Thank you for sharing.
Hi Tommy,
Many thanks for the comment and support – much appreciated. Because we have so many animals I am pretty much stuck here (as de facto animal keeper!) and have realised that I am probably not going to get the chance to visit other parts of the world for many, many years to come – so, like you, I enjoy watching videos on people approaching the same problems (survival, primitive skills) but in completely different environments and imagine myself there.
Anyway, thanks again.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul, Just some quick comments as I stumbled across your web page by accident. I am former British military SF and spent several months at a time in jungles of central America and the far east. I must say that your site is well laid out and has a wealth of good clear information. In sort of hooked now going through each of your subjects. The videos are well filmed and edited and most importantly full of good accurate information. I am also now involved in an eco community in Belize Central America and have just forwarded the link to you page onto some of my friends at the community there. Keep up the good work.
Regards
Martin
Hi Martin,
Many thanks for the comment and support – much appreciated. I always wonder what it must be like for the armed forces in the jungle as they are required to carry so much weight and I’m not sure how well I’d manage on even a small trek with a heavy load in this heat!…must be tough. I read the account ‘The jungle must be neutral’ about the exploits of Spencer Chapman over here during the Second World War and was amazed at how much weight they would carry and the poor quality of the kit they had.
Anyway, very glad the videos are of some interest and it sounds like you have a very interesting job over there in Belize.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi. What the name of outdoor shop in kl that u make parang sheath?refer to parang-rebuilt on youtube video. its so amazing and i would like to make that one:)
HI Jeff,
Glad you liked the parang sheath – I am a bit of convert to Kydex, wasn’t convinced at first but having used it more and more I now love the stuff as it is so easy to work with and, unlike leather, can put up with the damp conditions in the jungle.
The shop is in Subang and owned by my friend Keong, here’s the link.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul, I have been a faithful subscriber to your channel for about a year now and I have learned much from you and respect, 🙂 Anyway I like your new camera with great and stunning image quality. Apa jenis camera you pakai…?
In your recent video I was feeling a bit disturbed when I saw you placed your ipoh poison latex into a drinking plastic bottle without removing the sticker/label (Lipton’s). As a die hard camper lover I’m very much against the idea as it may confuse people especially children if they found it.
One more thing I would like to add here is that you look so skinny now compared to what you looked like in your early video. Cut down your smoking..!! ha ha ha..!!
Hi Raflis,
Many thanks for the comment and support – very much appreciated. In answer to your question – the camera I mainly shoot on in a Panasonic SD 700. In the earlier videos I wasn’t shooting in HD (as my ancient computer couldn’t cope with HD files) but now I have a slightly less ancient computer which can (just about!) manage to process HD files.
Fair point you make about the poison in the bottle. Thanks, I think I’m going to dump it anyway as I don’t intend to use it and only kept it as I’d tapped the tree myself.
As for my persistent skinniness you are very probably right that smoking is not really helping, however I am one of those people who just don’t put on weight regardless of what I do. It drives my wife nuts as she is always trying to make me put on weight but to no avail. What to do?
Cheers!
Paul
Sorry Paul I just want to ask you something which I forgot to add in my previous comment. Are you staying somewhere in Gombak area? If so, I would like to know whether there’s any nice and safe place to do a stealth camping there?
Thanks again & keep up your great work
Hi Raflis,
I am staying near Janda Baik but go to Gombak every now and again and, if you want to camp there, why not contact Raman? (he’s the Orang Asal guy who I’ve featured in a few videos) – he’s a great person to get to know and has a kebun where you can camp safely.
Here’s the link
Cheers!
Paul
Aloha,
“Discovered” your junglecraft videos when searching on “bamboo”. Thank you for featuring so many short presentations on such a wide range of topics. You share so much without adopting the style of a know it all. Quite an achievement!
Read through some of your web site, enjoyed all of your videos I watched, look forward to seeing more, and read your web site visitor comments and your answers.
You mention Bill Bryson’s book, A Walk in The Woods. Are you familiar with his Audio Books? He reads most of his own. If you haven’t read it yet, his book, “A Brief History of Nearly Everything”, could enrich your evenings when you are home taking a break from the jungle. I don’t own any stock in his publisher’s company or have any vested interest in his works. Just grateful for what he gives the world.
Used to live in Malaysia in the mid 70’s. Boarded at the YMCA on Jalan Brickfields, K.L. EVERY evening, without fail, a guy in his late teens or early twenties at the time, played guitar out front of the YMCA building. He’d share his guitar around so others could play. He’d offer technique suggestions, if asked, always offered a smile from K.L. to NYC, with no apparent interest in making it big time. Everyone seemed to enjoy his quiet conversational style. Never saw his name in writing. Phonetically, it was Gilbert Immanuel/Emanuel. If you ever meet him, please pass my e-mail address to him. Several of us, in Malaysia and out, have been trying to contact him. This is not a please go search and find request. It’s just a light request to pass on this brief message if you happen to meet him.
No worries about not putting on weight. You are what the bulk (pun intended) of the human population would like to be. Bet your wife is just poking fun to let you laugh.
Enjoy the jungle,
Tracy
Hi Tracy,
Many thanks for the comment and support – much appreciated – and good to hear from someone who enjoyed their time in Malaysia so much. It is a great country and, despite some faults (and which country doesn’t have them?) it is a wonderful place to live.
Funnily enough I do have the audio version of Bill Bryson’s book and loaded it onto my iPod – I remember listening to it while relaxing in a hammock by the waterfall at Perting. A very funny book and I really enjoyed it. I’ll look out for the brief history of everything now and give that a go as well.
I hardly ever go down to KL (maybe half a dozen times a year) but, should I find myself at Brickfields I will look out for the lone guitar player and pass on your message and try and get an email address or something. A friend of mine goes to a bar in that area every now and again and I’ll ask him as well to keep an eye out.
Anyway, thanks again for all the kind words.
Cheers!
Paul
Thank you for keeping an ear open for Gilbert Emmanuel/Immanuel. After so many years, it’s a very long shot that I’ll find anyone that knows him and knows how to contact him. Hopefully he’s in good health and enjoying his music.
Best of the Jungle to you,
Tracy
Hi Tracey,
Happy New Year! Will let you now if I do manage to track down your musician friend.
All the best for 2014.
Cheers!
Paul
Thanks for the excellent videos- I enjoyed the bow making one and have just made a quick and unpolished version for my children. They have been fashioning bent stick and vine jobs and having fun with those. They went off, sawed and collected the bamboo from a hillside, trailed it down to the village edge and we sawed it into lengths to carry home. The bamboo is still green and wet and not as thick walled as yours but the bow is impressively powerful to 7, 9 and 11 year olds! The next one will be better…
Hi Subbuteo71,
Many thanks for the comment and good to hear you’re having fun making some bows up…there are many ways to make a bamboo bow and it’s fun to experiment with different configurations. With green bow you could, if you’re feeling ambitious, force it into a bent, received shape and leave it to dry.
Anyway, thanks again and enjoy the bow!
Cheers!
Paul
Sorry, could you delete my email address from the name bit in my previous post- auto fill on my webpage- cheers,
Dylan
Hi Dylan,
I edited your last post to remove the email address….hope that was what you meant, let me know if it wasn’t
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
I really want to have a go at making the bamboo survival bow you made on your youtube channel but I’ve just got a few questions about what kind of bamboo would be best. Do you use dead standing or freshly cut stuff? If you cut it fresh do you leave it to dry out at all? Same thing with the bamboo fire saw, I tried to make one a few months ago but didn’t have any luck. I cut it down fresh but it was just too damp to get a decent ember and gave up after 30 minutes with sweat pouring off my nose. Anyway thanks for all the great videos! Keep up the good work.
Cheers
Stewart
Hi Stewart,
Many thanks for the comment and sorry for the slow reply but it seemed to have got lost in the site somewhere and I’ve only just spotted it.
Anyway in answer to your questions – the bamboo I used for the bow is dead standing bamboo. I have tried with green bamboo but it isn’t as good as the bamboo tends to set (i.e. it stays bent once you bend it) – infact you can bend bamboo into all sorts of weird shapes if you clamp in place while green and let it dry. So, dry bamboo is better although easier to snap it if you misjudge the bow dimensions.
As for the bamboo saw it absolutely has to be dead, dry bamboo – it would be virtually impossible to do it with green bamboo as there is too much water inside the bamboo. I find the easiest bamboo to work with is the thinner walled variety but the most important factor is that it should as dry as possible. Bamboo that has been standing out in the hot sun and has a toasted golden colour is what you’re looking for.
Hope that helps and apologies again for slow reply.
Cheers!
Paul
Paul,just a big thank you!!!!!!!After looking on youtube,finally someone who really know what he is talking about!!!!!!!!!!!!!Also,I do live in Montréal,Canada and planning to go in the jungle just see and feel the jungle.Where it would be the ”best” start!!!???I’m a former soldier so not a rookie!
Thank you,
Friendly,
Regean
Hi Regean,
Many thanks for the comment and support and sorry for slow reply (been away) – anyway, great to hear your interested in going into the jungle (it’s well worth it). I guess the easiest would be for you to head down to South America – the jungle there is different from here but there are many similarities (hot and plenty of rain!). I see quite a few companies offer courses in Jungle Survival in South America so maybe that would be your best bet?
Anyway, thanks again.
Cheers!
Paul
Hey i was just wondering what it was that allowed you to be able to move to the jungle and live there?? It has always been my dream to live in the jungle
Hi Cameron,
Thanks for the question and sorry for the slow reply (I was away for the last two weeks). When I first came to Malaysia I lived in the KL and didn’t much like it so started looking around for somewhere else to live and ended up here. There are still places like this around but whether people are able to live here to not depends on their lifestyle….not such a good option if, for example, you need to work in town or have kids to send to school etc.
Anyway, thanks again,
Cheers!
Paul
Hi, just saw your PSK water filter video and wanted to let you know that Stanley Adventure seems to have discontinued the Multi-Use Bottle that you use. Amazon says it’s out of stock, major retailers in the U.S. such as Target and Walmart aren’t carrying it on their sites and I haven’t been able to find it in the local stores. Too bad for me since it seems like a nice piece of equipment.
Hi Rob,
Many thanks for the post and sorry to hear that the Stanley water bottle is not available – I think there are better bottles out there but the great thing about the Stanley bottle was the price – very good value for money.
Anyway, thanks for the update.
Cheers!
Paul
Hey Paul , it is Tom here …
I have been watching your videos for about 2 weeks now and I am absolutely loving them … You have inspired me and I would love to do stuff to do with bushcraft and/or junglecraft … The only problem is , I am 14 and currently living in Spain , I had the idea of in the summer to go up in one of the mountains that surround the area where I live for a night and to see what it would be like to survive , I also found out that there are squirrels , snakes , boar , salamanders , rabbits , foxes , wild cats and even genet´s … which I thought if I could try and buy some bamboo I could probably make one of the bows you made … What do you think of the idea … I was thinking if I were to keep it up , I may try and come spend some time in Malaysia and do the real thing…
Anyways hopefully you reply.
Thanks!!!
Tom.
Hi Tom,
Many thanks for the comment and great to hear from someone in Spain – I think the fact you are 14 is actually a great advantage as you have loads of years in front of you to spend in the jungle. A lot of junglecraft is really just bushcraft that has been adapted for the jungle so if you are interested in developing the skill set I am sure there are people over there who are teaching bushcraft and that would be a great place to start.
Archery is also a great hobby and, again, I bet there are places nearby where you could learn – I would be cautious of heading out in the hills with a homemade bow – in the UK I believe that bowhunting is illegal and the risk is that, if you miss slightly or use a bow that is too weak, the animal is wounded but not killed and runs off to a painful and slow death somewhere else. However a lot of the archery ranges have what they call 3D shooting ranges and, if you cam hit things there, you will have learned a large part of the skill necessary should you ever have to bow hunt to survive.
Anyway, many thanks again for writing in,
Cheers!
Paul
Weird question ,but do you think you could live in the jungle with a fear of spiders ?
Hi Joe,
thanks for the interesting question! I’m not sure whether or not someone would enjoy their time in the jungle if they’re scared of spiders – I guess it would depend how scared they were! Here in Malaysia there are no (or perhaps one) dangerous spiders so they’re not really an issue in that sense and I like them as they keep the mozzi population down.
But there are plenty of spiders!
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
I found your website and channel a couple weeks ago. I just wanted to say, this is great stuff. Really, really like it. I am still ruminating a more refined comment, but I think you have something special here.
As a side note, being in Canada I often find myself watching and thinking “would that work here?”
Hi Mark,
Many thanks for the comment ad support – much appreciated. I know exactly what you mean about the ‘would it work over here” thought – I have the same approach when I see bushcraft techniques used in he west and try and pick those that could be tweaked a bit to work over here in the jungle.
Cheers!
Paul
good day really like your channel over nature; Today I saw a story on his parang machete and its sheath made of kydex if possible Mr. tell me how much a machete that as I was very interested to get one so you can test here in my area of rain forest, because here I use my excursions through the woods I use a Tramontina machete or kukri machete. Now appreciate any information.
thank you
Hi Luiz,
Many thanks for the comment and good to hear you are thinking about getting a Malaysian parang. There are two places to buy them which I can recommend and both will ship internationally. Here are the links:
Sepuh Crafts
Outdoordynamics
Hope that helps and I hope you find a parang that is to your liking.
Cheers!
Paul
hye Paul
where did you got the aluminium ring for the hammock in Msia?
Hi Randy,
Thanks for the comment – the alu rings I have are from the Outdoor Centre on Jalan Ampang, KL. They are a bit pricey (around RM 15 if I remember correctly) but very light and strong.
Hope that helps,
Cheers!
Paul
hye Paul
thanks for the info. i do enjoy your videos, really helpful and details.
i found the rings on mesh hammock for rm15 but its steel. kinda debating myself to buy it or not.
there is a tv show call “naked and afraid” its about being naked(censored) and stay surviving for 21 days challenge in the middle of no where. if you hve sometimes pls watch it and do some review about it.
regards
randy
Hi Randy,
Glad you found the rings but, to be honest, the steel ones are so heavy it’s not really worth it – if you can wait until you can get the aluminium ones it’s probably best.
I have seen a couple of episodes of the Naked and Afraid shows – not really sure why they’re naked (or rather can guess it’s just for ratings) as I can’t imagine any true survival situations where you’d be without any clothes. Like most of these shows they are made more as entertainment than education (which is understandable) and they don’t give a realistic depiction of what it’s like to be truly isolated (as the camera crew are around every day) and the psychological impact that has. I prefer Ed Stafford’s Naked and Marooned mini series which seems more realistic to me. But where does all this naked survival stuff stop? If Ray Mears starts doing naked bushcraft programmes I’m going to switch off for good!
Cheers!
Paul
Hi, I enjoyed the latest video about what to do when lost. I got lost on my first day in the jungle in Borneo- similar to the scenario described, group moved on and two of us were stranded at dusk. It got dark quickly! We were in primary peat swamp forest so spiny palms all around, thick canopy overhead. The path was unclear due to all the foliage and we were ankle to knee deep in mud. I shouted, then got out my whistle. No response. I was lucky in having a torch (I always have a torch!) so scanned around. I found litter and realised the trail was essentially marked out by plastic either side. I was able to follow that out- luckily I went the right direction and not back where I came. It was a good lesson and made me very cautious about venturing into the forest solo. We should have just STOPped where we were- and next time I will.
Hi Subbuteo71,
Many thanks for the comment and for sharing your experience of getting lost – it’s easily done and useful for people to realise that it happens to most of us at one time or another…and good thinking to follow the litter trail! My friend Baha who has excellent jungle skills and a sense of direction that is far superior to mine told me how he got lost with a group of fellow rattan cutters once. One of the group said he knew a new place with plenty of rattan to harvest and they followed him a couple of miles into the jungle, harvested the rattan and then waited to follow him out again (as he was the one who knew the way). Unfortunately this guy couldn’t find the trail and started to run here and there looking for it and getting increasingly agitated until he suddenly collapsed (heat exhaustion). Baha managed to get them all to calm down, just sit there and relax for half an hour, and then, with a calm frame of mind they found the trail almost straight away.
Anyway, thanks again for sharing your story.
Cheers!
Paul
Not sure if you have seen these.. From what I understood on your jungle kid vid, this may be of interest to you.. I would have posted there but the coments were off..
Good travels, enjoy your stuff..
http://www.ribzwear.com/ribz-front-pack/
Hi Aaron,
Many thanks for the comment and link to the Ribz packs. As it happens my friend Keong has a couple of these and I’ve tried them on when I was on a camping trip with him. I can see the advantage of this sort of arrangement as everything is in pack in front of you so that you can get at stuff without having to take the pack off…my worry about these is that they might be a bit hot to wear in the jungle.
Thanks again,
Cheers!
Paul
Paul
Like to start by saying that your series on PSKs was brilliant. Very informative. Although I live in the Pacific Northwest potion of the US (temperament rainforest) I have found that many of the ideas you convey cross over with a little modification for the temp difference and plant life. But we still both get wet. ( our average is about 120-180 inches annually). I really enjoyed the small “spark stick” you made from a dead cricket lighter. I messed around with a few and what I did that was different was I didn’t cut out the middle 1/3 of the body but left it. This then gave me a small cavity to put a few flints, spare spring, wheel and small piece of wire. I keep the flints in a small piece of drinking straw taped shut so I don’t lose them as easy. So now the lighter has it’s own repair kit built in. With a little practice this item is now a part of my regular kit. Would love to see you put all of your ideas together into a book…..I would be a guaranteed sale.
Cheers Mate
Jimmy
Hi Jimmy,
Many thanks for the comment and kind words – appreciated – and very glad you liked the PSK series. It went on a bit longer than I meant it to but I wanted to try and cover it fully rather than leaving bits out. A PSK can make such a huge difference in a real emergency situation that it seems crazy not to carry one. Even if it isn’t as extensive as the one I use, almost anything is better than nothing (particularly a cutting tool!).
Great to hear of your lighter modification set up and the idea of using the cavity to store the flints and other bits and bobs makes a lot of sense. I find these little spark sticks to be really good and so much easier to use than a flint and steel.
As for a book….maybe one day, but I still feel I have a lot to learn. Perhaps when I get too old and crickety to go into the jungle anymore!
Cheers!
Paul
Do you still carry your old shelter kit with the plastic string and the thin sheeting, etc., or has the new shelter kit supplanted it?
Thanks,
Rob
Hi Rob,
Many thanks for the question and I’m glad you raised it as I have now switched to the emergency blanket system for the simple reasons that it is both lighter, more compact and tougher than the plastic sheeting. I had been put off using emergency blankets in the past as I’d heard they rip easily – however, I haven’t found that to be the case so I’m a convert!
Cheers!
Paul
Hi there Paul,
I came across your YouTube Channel couple of months back. It’s a breath of fresh air for tropical rainforest jungle survival videos. Thanks for your sharing of the wealth of your knowledge and ideas. Great stuff. Looking forward to your next update. Best regards – David
Hi David,
Many thanks for the comment and support and sorry for my slow reply (been away on a jungle trip).
Anyway, very pleased that you like the videos and more to come – I think the problem with a lot of the jungle survival programmes that people watch is that they too often portray the jungle as this super dangerous, hostile environment and put people off going in to see for themselves which is a shame as it’s really not that bad.
Thanks again,
Cheers!
Paul
Dear Paul, I am a definite suburbanite living in buidling heavy Singapore . As a sometime weekend warrior, I have a great love of the outdoors. Your videos are probably the most informative about spending any time in the jungles of Malaysia, there are tons of videos that cover the US but your reviews on footwear and other equipment and how they work in our climate and conditions is bar none the best out there. Write a book dude! And if you are looking for ideas on another video…edible plants or rather more edible plants would be awesome.
Hi Edward,
Many thanks or the comment and support – much appreciated – and good to hear that you can escape the urban jungle of Singapore every so often! I’ve been planning to do a video/s on edibles in the jungle for some time and had even arranged a 3 day trip to go in with the Orang Asal last month for exactly that purpose (their knowledge of edible plants is vastly better than mine) – unfortunately the trip got cancelled at the last minute.
Anyway, I will try and cover it at some point. As for a book?…to be honest I feel I am still learning myself, but maybe one day when I’m too old and crickety to go into the jungle anymore!
Thanks again,
Cheers!
Paul
Hey Paul, Great videos, I’m enjoying watching them here in Toronto, Canada, I was wondering, since you have traveled to many exotic places, including Africa, have you ever been really sick from any parasites, or viruses. etc..? Is there anything you use on a regular basis, that helps you for protection or remedies, for example colloidal silver? I was watching one TV show, Naked in The Wild Series, where the guy drank out of the river in the jungle and really got sick, I think that would be one of my biggest fears going somewhere really remote, is being completely incapacitated. Wondering if you have any experiences or advice? thanks in advance and cheers! 🙂 Andres
HI Andres.
Many thanks for the comment and, in answer to your question, I have been very ill quite a few times in the tropics – malaria, bilharzia, amoebic dysentery, dengue, tropical ulcers have all knocked me for six at one time or another. The two big risks for tropical travellers in that regard are mosquitos and water and, in both cases, the risk is heightened when you are in populated areas.
I think I saw the TV episode you are referring to and I wonder whether the guy really got ill from the water in the jungle…it’s usually not that fast for symptoms to appear and more likely that he caught something earlier. For example I am particularly careful in the villages that are stepping off points for a trip into the jungle as there is a greater risk of drinking contaminated water there or catching a mosquito born disease simply because there are other people around….and yet most people take less precautions in the villages and are more careful in the jungle.
Filter/purify your water and try to avoid getting bitten by mosquitos and you will greatly reduce the risk of getting ill in the tropics.
Hope that helps.
Cheers!
Paul
Aloha from Hawai’i Paul! I Was searching for how to build shelter in the rainforest. I came across your video’s on YouTube and enjoy them very much! I make my own video’s as well but i do more filming of the nature in the rainforest and not creating tents and such. I really enjoyed your video’s and thanks for posting them hopefully i can learn how to do it as well as you!
Hi Tatzufilms,
Many thanks for the comment and great to hear you’re filming nature in the rainforest – I keep meaning to do more of this myself but never seem to have the camera with me when the animals make their fleeting appearances! I’ve been adapting my Gopro to make it more jungle ready and will try and do a video about that too. There is a Youtube channel where someone set up a camera trap (in Borneo I think) but using a video rather than a still camera and the results are truly amazing.
Thanks again,
Cheers!
Paul
Just saw your vid on climbing trees and as you rightly point out at the end, climbing a tree is very dangerous. Indeed, according to a recent hunter education course I took, falls are the number one cause of death in the wild, at least in Texas. So, what scenarios do you feel justifyi an attempt to climb one? The only thing I could think of was to gain a vantage point.
Thanks,
Rob
Hi Rob,
Many thanks for the comment and fascinating fact about tree climbing fatalities in Texas! I think it is a dangerous thing to do – even for skilled climbers – and when I was practicing trying to do it the Orang Asal way (i.e. without a belt) I pulled a muscle in my inner thigh. It wasn’t too bad a muscle strain but still it hurt for a few days and slowed me down – not something you would want in a survival situation!
I think there could be circumstances where you would climb a tree but only when nothing else works. Climbing a small coconut tree for example in a scenario where you need water, or to get out of reach of a pack of wild boar. Also, if the tree isn’t too high and has fruit you might also do it. I guess going up about 15 feet isn’t too risky but I would think twice or thrice before going much higher than that and would always look for an alternative way of getting fruit down first.
I’ve seen the suggestion of climbing trees for a vantage point before but I don’t think it really works (int he jungle at a least) unless you’re prepared to climb up very, very high indeed!
Anyway, thanks again,
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
I found your vids on YouTube last year and have watched them all. Very high quality, common sense, low hysteria, practical stuff. My vote would be for you to have a show on Discovery, instead of the drivel they offer now.
Anyway, GREAT vid on plastic bags. The uses you demo are all no-brainers, but I kept saying, “Why didn’t I think of that?”
I’m trying to locate the type of tough bag that you show various sizes of here in the US. Nearly all bags here are polyethylene. However, the bags you use are much tougher. Are they polypropylene, maybe? Any other specifics you can share on them?
Thanks, and keep producing those intelligent videos.
Best, 🙂
Dan
Hi Dan,
Many thanks for the comment and kind words of support – much appreciated. Very glad you liked the plastic bag video and it’s amazing how useful they can be in a wet environment like the jungle. The bags over here are so common because they are used for food and drink packing at the local food stalls but I’m not sure where you’d find them in the US. Saying that I’m sure someone does make them over there and I think, though not totally sure on this, that what you are looking for is High Density Polyethylene Bags (HDPE bags). Perhaps if you do an internet search on that in the US you might find someone who sells them.
Hope that helps and thanks again for support.
Cheers!
Paul
A couple of questions came to mind after seeing your latest video, namely, do you no longer like those sleeves you are seen wearing in older videos, and when do you change into your dry clothes?
Hi Rob,
Many thanks for the comment and sorry for slow reply (been away) – good questions you ask: I still use the sleeves from time to time if the jungle I’m in is particularly bad but I prefer to have bare arms if possible (just because I find it more comfortable). Most of my friends use long sleeves and that protects them from scratches and bites whereas I tend to end with quite a few cuts and scratches on my arms at the end of a trip. I guess it comes down to comfort vs protection!
I only put on dry clothes once camp is set up and the tarp and hammock are in place, water collected etc. You really want to keep your dry clothes as clean and dry as possible. Similarly, in the morning when I break camp the dry clothes are first to be packed and only then do I start taking down the hammock and tarp.
Cheers!
Paul
Paul, check the video posted by Dave Canterbury on the Wilderness Outfitters site, titled “Hang Time With Rufus.” Shows D.C. in a mellow mood with his canine companion.
Sort of reminded me of Junglecrafty with his amiable jungle dogs.
Hi Ash,
Many thanks for the link and it’s great to watch someone chilling out with their dog – dogs seem have good effect on their owners and you can see a softer side of DC which is great. Dave has done a huge amount for bushcraft and produced an incredible number of videos which I really admire as he does them all for free – hats off to him.
Funnily enough I’ve just done a video on hammock camping with dogs which I’ll post up today – but in the jungle the conditions can be little tough for the dogs so I’ve been experimenting with the idea of a dog hammock!
Anyway, thanks again for the link – I really enjoyed watching it.
Cheers!
Paul
P.S. / correction, it is not on the Wilderness Outfitters site, the video is on the Wilderness Outfitters channel, which is found on YouTube.
Hang time with Rufus.
All the best.
Ash.
Hi Paul,
First, I really enjoy seeing all your videos and your updates always make my day.
Paul, do you ever wish that you could invite your subscribers to join you go camping? I believe that by doing so you can motivate them to develop their outdoor survival skills, wilderness, appreciate nature and experience jungle life on their own.
Looking forward to your invitation 🙂
Hi Raflis,
Many thanks for the comment and very glad you like the videos – I do try and run the odd workshop at Raman’s place in Gombak every now and again to help people learning skills for the first time but, to be honest, it’s difficult for me to do too many of these because of other commitments (and because it takes a lot of organisation which I am not good at!). The other idea I had was to try and set up a camping show where everyone could get together over weekend (like the bushcraft shows in the UK and US) but, again, it’s difficult to find the time to do it so I haven’t got round to it yet. If I do I’ll let you know!
Cheers!
Paul
I saw your awesome palm weaving video on YouTube, and wanted to connect with you. I am a self-taught palm weaver living in Mexico, and making my living off of my craft. I have only been at it for about a year, but I have been obsessive about learning to make all the different kinds of items I can, and so far, I have learned to make nearly 40 different things! To see my current repertoire, you can check out my Facebook album, “Palm Craft by Sylph Nightbloom.”
https://www.facebook.com/spiralsylph/media_set?set=a.10152247367417307.1073741830.565467306&type=3
I am looking to make contact with all the other palm weavers that I can, in the interest of sharing techniques and helping one another. There only seem to be a handful of people in the world doing what we are doing (at least ones that are represented on the Internet!), and I think we have a great opportunity to make sure this very cool and ancient art is not lost to humanity. 🙂
So far, I have made friends (online penpals) with weavers in Hawaii, New York, New Zealand, and Australia. It makes me so happy to meet others who have a passion for weaving the palm! I hope I will hear from you soon, and I hope you are having a wonderful life…
Brightest blessings!
Sylph Nightbloom
slitherinflight@gmail.com
Hi Sylph,
Many thanks for the comment and great to hear from someone so passionate about palm weaving. I did click on your Facebook link but, as I’m phobic to Facebook and don’t have an account, couldn’t get in! I really like palm weaving as well although I am a clumsy beginner compared to my Orang Asal friend Raman who can weave palms for roof slats with impressive speed and also makes the walls from woven palm stem strips (equally quickly!).
What amazes me is how long lasting some of the palms are after being woven. I wove a roof for a temple fire months and months ago and, after taking it apart, simply threw the palm slats into the garden. They are still there and in one piece even though they have been resting on wet earth for months! One thing Raman told me is that for the palm roofs of their huts they make a point of having a fireplace inside as this both dries the plan thatch and keeps away bugs that might eat it…if that’s done the roof can last for years.
Anyway, good luck with your research and I think there is book to be written on the subject (there are some out there but the ones I found weren’t that comprehensive and more about decorative weaving that functional weaving)…maybe when your research is done you could write it?
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,I found your channel by accident from Youtube.
Amazing as you are based in Malaysia.
Great info.Esp on how to make use of plastic bag.
Very informative for cheapskate.
All the best.
Aimi Sarah,
Alor Setar,Kedah.
Hi Aimi Sarah,
Many thanks for the comment and support and great to hear from someone in Malaysia – plastic bags are really a great resource in the jungle and I always carry a few spares with me. Certainly cheaper than dry bags!
Cheers!
Paul
Could you discuss, or better yet, make a video of your camp routine?
Thanks,
Rob
Hi Rob,
Thanks for the comment and I do try and show some of the camp routine (but worry that it might get a bit boring to go into too much detail) in the last video I show the set up for camp at three different sites and a time lapse of me striking camp so that might give you a bit of an idea. Was there anything specific you were interested in knowing more of when it comes to camp routine?
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,I live in malaysia and was wondering where u got your parangs from?…..in a video u said u got one in a supermarket but I can’t find any.i also went to a hardware store and couldn’t find one as well.im looking for a chopper kind of blade.also in a video of sheaths u showed a orange plastic board sheaths could u show how u made that thanks
HI Sebastian,
Thanks for the comment and questions and the thing about parangs is that they are easy to find in those areas where people use them – so if you go to a kampung in the country the local stores will stock them, however in the city (naturally enough) they don’t.
The other option is to buy one on line, either from sepuh crafts or from outdoor dynamics.
Hope that helps,
Cheers!
Paul
Aloha Paul,
In one of your Youtube videos you mentioned you like to use a pillow when sleeping in a hammock. To save space as well as insuring maximum comfort just purchase a pair of inflatable kids water-wings. They’re used to help a kid stay afloat in a swimming pool. Carefully cut in the middle of the seam and you’ll be able to turn the water-wing into a pillow, then you can inflate it to your desired comfort. I slip a T-Shirt over the inflatable pillow so I don’t sweat on the plastic pillow.
I really appreciate all of your videos, I’ve learned a lot from you and have incorporated your tips into my weekly hikes into the wilderness.
Mahalo Nui Loa (That’s Hawaiian for “Thank you very much”)
Hi El’s Butler,
Many thanks for the comment and great to hear from someone over there in Hawaii! Great tip about the inflatable pillow and a much cheaper alternative to the commercially made ones. I had been doing something similar with one of those cheap blow up pillows you get for air travel which worked quite well and, recently, bought a Exped pilot as, although it was expensive, it is very light and compact when deflated.
Anyway, thanks again for the tip and support.
Cheers!
Paul
Paul,
Not sure this went through last time…but I was interested in your thoughts and opinions on jungle rain gear?
J.
Hi Joseph,
Yes, I did reply to your question – here it is again:
Hi Joseph,
Many thanks for the comment and support and interestng question about waterproofs. I don’t carry any waterproofs these days and, if I’m trekking and it rains I simply get wet! However I do carry shelter for the evening – if I’m camping I have a tarp and hammock (plus dry clothes to change into) and if I’m on a day trip I take along an emergency mylar blanket (which I now use instead of the poncho as it is so much lighter) and this can double up a a tarp in case you end up spending an unplanned for night in the jungle.
Hope that answers your question,
Cheers!
Paul
Just watched your vid on finding clean water. Have you considered taking a flocculating agent to speed up clarification? I understand alum is useful for this purpose. In the US, there is a product called Chlorfloc which also acts as a purifier, though it doesn’t work on cysts like giardia. Have you had to deal with chemical contamination? If so, how?
Thanks,
Rob
Hi Robert,
Many thanks for the comment and apologies for slow reply (I have been away). Interesting point about using a flocculant on dirty water and not something I had considered….I think if you can get the worst of the grot out of the water and then either boil/filter/of chemical purify then that should do but saying that I’ve never tried using a flocculating agent so can’t really comment on how effective the are or not.
Also good question about chemical contamination as that is a real problem particularly if you are down stream from farms/palm oil plantation etc….I have seen bottles of weed killer floating in rivers here and (some) people think nothing of using weed killer on the banks of rivers near their properties. Filtering isn’t going to remove the chemicals so the best advice is to avoid taking water from anywhere you think might be close to these sort of farms/plantations.
Thanks again,
Cheers!
Paul
Hello Paul,
Just a note to say thanks – I’m heading to Kuching on Thursday 26th Feb for a week-long trek – and your videos are really useful. In comparison to others I like the content and the style, which makes them far more watchable. So I just wanted to say thanks really.
It’s a bunch of us from work celebrating 10 years of our company (financial services) – each year we try and do a teambuilding trip for a few days with the theme ‘a chance you could die’ – (skiing, sailing, Arctic trek and Pamplona bull run, have been recent events) but this one will be the most challenging, as a full 5 days out in the jungle. There’s 12 of us going – I’m the only ex-military so have a good idea of what to expect, the rest have varying degrees of excitement!
Keep up the good work – I’m somewhat envious of what you do – it looks great fun.
All the best
Dean E. – London & Geneva
Hi Dean,
Many thanks for the comment and support – much appreciated – and I hope your five days in the jungle is a great adventure. It’s always nice to spend a little longer in the jungle than a weekend trip as you start to settle into the rhythm of the place. Unfortunately these days I find it more and more difficult to get away for anything longer that a couple of nights camping.
Anyway, I hope you really enjoy it and I’d be interested to hear how you all get on in the jungle.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
i have been watching your youtube channel over 3 years and really like most of your video since it is so informative. im used to be kampung boy and like to do exploring wild area but now i’m a office boy in KL.
i’m also an average fisherman and outdoorsman. I really hope u can make more jungle survival related video.
BTW those civet cat so cute and i hope u already vaccine them since they really easy to get sick. (im used to have a civet cat pet at my kampung)
*sorry for my bad english
Hi Shah,
Many thanks for the comment and support, much appreciated. Like you I’ve had to do my time in the cities (including KL) and we all have to what we have to do to make a living…it’s really only now that I have the chance to stay in the forest but it’s not really practical if you have to hold down a job as well.
The civet cats are growing fast and we’ll release them soon. No vaccines but then again I think the chance of them getting ill here is less than in the city or kampung (certainly seems to be the case with domestic cats) as there are less diseased animals around.
Hoping to do more survival stuff soon but it’s been a very busy year so far.
Thanks again for the comment,
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
Just a note to say thank you for putting so much effort into creating so many videos. I came across them purely by accident and have been glued to the screen for many an evening. I’ve seen many several times and am nearly through all of your videos, they are all very informative and interesting. Living in London I don’t have much chance to use any of the skills you’ve shown but come summer I’m sure I’m going to try and light the BBQ the hard (for me) way. If you can light damp wood in the rain, I’m going to do my best to light a charcoal brickette with a firesteel or lighter flint lol.
If you don’t mind me asking, what work do you do in Malaysia that enables you to learn all of this stuff? You are very lucky to be able to work there, my wife is malaysian and I don’t think they’d give me a visa to work there, we just visit every year or two.
Looking forward to seeing your new videos, keep up the great work.
Hi Hong,
Many thanks for the comment and support and good to hear from someone in London (I lived there for many years). Anyway, good luck with the firelighting and it’s always good to challenge yourself a bit. I’ve heard a lot of people say how useless learning friction fire techniques is and “why don’t you just use a lighter?” but these same people often struggle to get fires going in the jungle simply because they don’t really understand how the whole fire equation (fuel, oxygen, heat) fits together. So my thinking is that if you can light a fire using more difficult techniques it’s good preparation for lighting fires in general.
As for me I don’t work anymore and, as you say, it’s difficult to get a work visa over here unless you apply to work for a company who will get one for you.
Thanks again for all the support,
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
I’ve been watching your later videos with interest, especially the ones where you customise your kit. I’ve got a cheap home sewing machine myself and just use it for taking in the kids trousers and stuff but was wondering what type of needle and thread I would need for sewing something that would need to support a lot of weight such as webbing or a hammock, I’m guessing it isn’t standard cotton/polyester thread as that just snaps. Could you tell me what thread you use for your modifications?
Enjoyed your last one about having pockets for the squares of emergency blanket in your blanket, really quite ingenious.
Thanks
Hong
Hi Hong,
Many thanks for the comment and sorry for my slow reply but I’ve had huge computer problems (it died on me!) and it’s taken me a while to get up and running again.
Anyway, glad you liked the blanket video. I use standard polyester thread (nothing fancy) and I’m not really that expert at the whole sewing thing (people laugh at my rather messy sewing!). My understanding (which may not be completely right) is that using thin thread is not a problem as long as you have multiple stitches (i.e. stitch a seam with, say, three row of stitching rather than just one) and certainly if you look at the hammocks made commercially this is what they do. The other thing to remember is that stitching weakens the material to some extent for the simple reason that you are making lots of tiny holes in it (so better to have tiny holes than big ones!).
I sew my own straps for hammock suspension again just using normal thread but with multiple rows of stitching and never had a problem.
Hope that helps,
Cheers!
Paul
Just watched you video on your emergency blanket idea. I had considered the idea of constructing a shell of empty baffles to use as an under and top quilt, but I hadn’t seen one before. Have you taken it out much?
Here in Texas I have to deal with pretty unpredictable weather (except in the summers when you can count on it being really hot and humid). In the winters, it can go from 70 degrees F (about 25 degrees C) one weekend to below freezing the next only to warm right back up again the next. I would like something like your blanket there that I could just stuff on site and be warm enough. I was warned about using such a blanket with wet leaves and things. Have you found this to be an issue?
Thanks for all you hard work on the videos,
Rob
Hi Rob,
Many thanks for the comment and sorry for my slow reply but my computer died on me a few weeks back and it’s taken me a while to get up and running again.
I haven’t given the blanket a proper test run yet although I do use the same material to cover the lower half of my body in the blanket I uses regularly so I’m pretty familiar with how it performs. Interestingly I see that SOS emergency blankets have now come up with a breathable version although it’s quite expensive and I don’t know how well it really breathes in practice.
You’re right that using wet leaves would not be good idea but as long as you can get a fire going you can always dry them out a bit or even use green leaves that have dried by the fire.
Thanks again,
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul, i use to follow your videso since the first one. Real stuff, no BS, and actually the clear seansation the you know your stuff. Thansk a lot for share. I know, probably, hundreds of people made the same question, i’m gonna be one of those: is that possible to order a parang, (like the one you used in the cutting tecniques video), pay even in advance, and send it to me, in Europe? In my country are only fakes and no real one. I use to go on the bush almost every week and i do survival etc to and teh tool we use are even heavier. Thanks, eventually, for the answer, take care, K. 🙂
Hi K,
Many thanks for the comment and kind words, much appreciated. In answer to your question there is a friend of mine here in Malaysia who stocks the type of parang you’re looking for and he can arrange export – I think you have to email him rather than try and order directly from the site for overseas orders. Here’s a link to his site:
outdoordynamics
Hope that helps,
Cheers!
Paul
Hi again Paul, thanks a lot for your kind and fast answer. Please forgive me for the goofy mistakes in my previous post. I didn’t check properly before send it. Hopefully next year my job will give me more time to have holidays in Malaysia. Will be a pleasure to have some beers, a chat and a nice trip with you or by your friends through your jungle. Thanks again for the tip. See you asap on your videos 😉 Take care, K.
Hi K,
No problem and I hope you get a chance to spend some more time in the jungle soon!
Cheers!
Paul
G’Day Paul,
Just wondering about accomodation in KL I’m looking for a cheap apartment or anything for a 2 to 3 month stay, but on the outskirts of town so that I’m closer to the bush, and can practice some bush craft and fish and look around. Not sure who to deal with about this, and was wondering if you could point me in the right direction.
Thanks mate,
Matt
HI Matt,
Thanks for the comment and question but I’m not really the right person to answer that. Maybe you could try the Rough Guide forums as they deal with that sort of thing. The only other option that comes to mind is the Organic Farm route as there is an organisation (forgotten the name but you can look it up) that places volunteers in organic farm worldwide (including Malaysia) and you work for accommodation and food.
Sorry can’t be of more help than that,
Cheers!
Paul
i live in malaysia (one utama) i was wonerying where did you get youre parang from because i realy want one
Hi Mikey,
Thanks for the question and the best place to get the parangs from is outdoor dynamics and they can Poslaju it to you and have a good selection. Here’s the link: Outdoor Dynamics.
Hope that helps,
Cheers!
Paul
Hi,
I’m from Brazil and I have been looking at your site and YT channel and I really like it, keep up the good work!
P.S.: I also have a small Parang and I agre with your opinion about the practical side of carrying a smaller machete instead of a bigger and heavier one.
Regards
HI Andre,
Thanks for the comment and great to hear from someone in Brazil! Anyway glad to hear you’re using a parang and I think most people find that there isn’t the need for a big unwieldy machete unless you’re doing some really serious clearing.
Thanks again,
Cheers!
Paul
Hi,
Enjoyed your latest vid. I noticed that you didn’t use that blanket. I was hoping to hear a review. Also, did you get a new bag? Did the other give you problems?
Would you ever do a trip carrying only what you showed the Orang Asli take in?
Do you live off the land at all when you are out there or do you feel that has too much impact?
Thanks,
Rob
P.S. Are you able to paginate the comments? They are a bit long and tedious to scroll through on a mobile device. Thanks.
Hi Rob,
Many thanks for the comment and questions and glad you liked the last video. I was using the blanket I normally take in on that last trip but not the emergency survival blanket I did a video on recently. I’m planning to go in for night or two and just take the psk bag and give it a full test but just haven’t had the time….but I’ll try and do it soon.
I have two lumbar packs and took the larger one (the green one) on the last trip but, in the video I was trying to see how low I could get the weight so packed it into the blue lumbar pack (which is 600 grams lighter). Both packs are fine but the blue one is slightly smaller and lighter (but a bit less robust).
Would I go with what the Orang Asli take in? Not unless I had to: their gear is often heavier than lightweight camping gear and, to be honest, I like my little luxuries too much. Saying that it wouldn’t be a situation that would be too worrisome and, as long as you have the basics, you can get by. I think the big difference with the Orang Asli is that they are better at finding food in the forest than I am so they can supplement whatever food they take in.
Which brings us to the last question and ‘yes’ I try not to impact the environment when I’m in the forest (or at least minimize my impact) so I don’t cut more than I have to (and I don’t hunt). An obvious food source in the jungle is heart of palm but you have to cut down a fairly large tree to get a decent amount. However, saying that I think it is useful to know some food sources should the need arise.
As for the comments: what I do is write an article for each topic and imbed the relevant video into that so people can reply to specific videos/topics rather than all the comments ending up in one section….I’m afraid I don’t know how to paginate the comments in the ‘home’ and ‘contact’ sections.
Thanks again,
Cheers!
Paul
I thought that UK has one of the best preserved forest. I seen many wildcraft videos taken in UK. They have many survival food such as acorn, pheasant, squirrels, deer, mushroom. How you like Malayan Peninsula jungle better than that?
Hi Taufiq,
Thanks for the question and I agree that the English woodlands are certainly lovely places (but can get a bit cold!)…but the variety of live in the rain forest is far greater. I don’t think one is necessarily better than the other, they’re simply different environments and each has a lot to offer.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Great vids buddy
I run an expedition company in the UK and we also run recce style explorations, myself and 2 other guys from the RRF2 are coming over in December our plan if to cross as much as Indonesian Borneo as possible West to East, any advice would be great, even to meet up for a chat in Kuching maybe?
all the best
Hi Daniel,
Many thanks for the comment and very glad you like the videos. I think most of the advice I could give you for your (very exciting) trip is in the videos and on the website and, as I live in Peninsular Malaysia (which is a plane ride away from Sarawak), I don’t know East Malaysia at all really so can’t give you any specific advice for travelling in that part of the country. However there’s a guy living over in Brunei (as least I think that’s where he is) who runs bushcraft expedition / courses into the jungle who you could look up – his name is Stuart Goring and you can probably track him down via a Google search.
Hope that helps and that you have a great trip and I would love to hear how you got on when you get back.
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul,
Firstly I wanted to say I love your website especially the videos, I have a big fascination with the jungle, I have been to the amazon and some of the jungles in central america but didn’t really venture off the beaten track, but some day I hope to go to the Congo and also some of the Asian jungles and maybe like you did live in or around the jungle.
My question is about a parang I bought..not knowing much about parangs I bought the condor village parang online thinking that it looked good and reading a couple of positive reviews, it is extremely heavy though at 900g, so your video about customising parangs made me wonder if it is worth trying to customise mine to a rat tail tang and a new handle, I don’t think this would take the weight down so much though so is there anything else I could do? Do you think it is worth trying to customise it as I would have to get someone to do it for me or should I cut my losses and sell it on and buy a new one?
Thanks
Jonathan
Hi Jonathan,
Many thanks or the comment and support – much appreciated. I’ve never used the Condor parang but know it is based on the Malaysian parang and have heard others say that it is a little bit on the heavy side. This can be an advantage for chopping heavier wood but is not so good if you’re mainly doing light clearing. If you can afford it I would suggest hanging onto that parang and then get a lighter one as well (for times when you don’t need something so heavy weight). If you check out outdoor dynamics as they have a range of authentic parangs and styles and you could get one from there (I think they can post overseas too) – here’s the link: outdoordynamics
Hope that helps,
Cheers!
Paul
I’ve seen some of your psk knife videos and have some small ideas to add and that is to include teraband or resistance exercise rubber bands those are lightweight and pretty cheap if you get the chinese knockoffs but very useful for making slingshots in the field for catching small game.
On knives a parang is good. But I like things that are multi functional and personally prefer the japanese matagi jungle knife with hollowed handle but built as a full tang knife it looks like a small short sword and it that can double as a large spear head and also store a lot of gear inside hollow handle, real made in japan matagi knives I hear are very expensive the closest equal have seen is the condor matagi but not sure where to find it in Malaysia. I suppose finding a good blacksmith would be alternative too.
http://www.thera-band.com/
http://www.kitchen-knife.jp/special/echigo.htm
Hi Urbanprepper,
Thanks for the comment and sorry I’ve been slow to get back but I’ve been caught up with other stuff for a while now and not had a chance to update (or even do) much junglecraft stuff. Sorry.
I know what you mean about multi-function items and I am a big fan of that idea myself and I’m also going to look at buying some of terabands you put the link to (thanks!)
I guess with knives I’ve pretty much settled on a parang and a (very) small fixed handle knife as that seems to work best for me – I know the parang is a sort of heavy item but you end up using it so much in the jungle that I’d be loathe to do without it. But, like all these things personal preference is major factor as, for that matter, is the state of the trail you are using as some trails require very little clearing indeed and you could get away with a decent sized knife instead.
Anyway thanks again for all the links, much appreciated.
Cheers!
PAul
hello from poland;)
1. Can you recommend some books on wild food in jungle??
2. which is part of Malaysia is the best in the wild trekking?
3. whether they are forest areas where there is not malaria?
4. why you chose asia? and not South America?
5. Have you ever been in a tropical region of Australia? what you think of him?
sorry for my english;)
best regards
lukas szewczyk
Hi Lukas.
Sorry for the sow reply but I’ve been busy with other stuff for the last few months and great to hear from someone in Poland.
There aren’t any really good books on wild jungle food that I know of…..there is some info in the SAS survival Book by John Wiseman but it’s pretty limited.
The area I like most for trekking in Malaysia is Taman Negara (the National Park)
I don’t know the answer to your third question but, in general, dengue is more of a problem than malaria in Peninsular Malaysia.
Because I live here in Malaysia and came here for work many years ago.
I haven’t been to the tropical part of Australia.
Hope that answers some of your questions.
Cheers
Paul
An eco-friendly mosquito repellent can be made by mixing coconut oil with aromatic lemongrass (daun serai wangi) – tried, it works. Some say it is also possible to repel them by burning serai wangi.
Hi Nur,
Sorry for the sow reply but I’ve been busy with other stuff for the last few months. Great idea about making your own repellant…the one I use here is Mozziguard which uses lemongrass too and it is very effective.
Many thanks for the tip,
Cheers!
Paul
I’m an American living in the Philippines. I have followed alot of your video’s on junglecraft here in the Philippine jungle.
I have a question, right now it’s summer and hot as hell do you have a limit on how hot it is for a trek? It’s getting 40 to 42c everyday here.
Hi Donald,
Many thanks for the comment and sorry for my slow reply but it’s been a bit hectic over here. I think we must be having the same weather as you at the moment – just crazy hot (40+) and no rain to speak of – I am mightily sick of it! I’ve been living in the jungle for around 8 years and this is the worst and most prolonged that I cam remember, so it is unusual.
I have trekked in very hot weather like this and as long as you avoid going into any open areas of secondary jungle it’s not too bad as the canopy protects you from the sun. Saying that I would rather trek when it’s cooler even if that means getting wet!
Anyway, thanks again for the comment and lets hope this freak weather breaks soon!
Cheers!
Paul
hello again;)I have a question socks with wool or cotton? do you have any exp. with lowa jungle boots?cheers
Hi Lukas,
Sorry for this slow reply to your comment but I’ve been too busy for the last few months to update the site.
For socks my preference is wool – cotton is not good when wet and can rub against your skin. Wool seems an odd choice but it’s worked best for me.
I haven’t used Iowa boots so can’t really give an opinion on them
Anyway, thanks again for the comment and sorry again for the slow reply,
Cheers!
Paul
Hello,
Do you know any more sites/books where you can find info about jungle survival? I’ll go to Belize in September/October and I’d like to read some more about jungle survival.
Thanks,
Greets matis
Hi Matis,
Sorry for this slow reply to your comment but I’ve been too busy for the last few months to update the site.
I don’t know many books or sites on jungle survival and that’s part of the reason I set up junglecraft – however there may be some out there that I’m not aware of. The SAS survival books are good starting point (e.g. the John Wiseman SASA survival handbook) and there’s one called SAS Jungle Surival by Barry Davies that is a short but good summary of the main points.
Hope that helps a bit,
Cheers!
Paul
your channel now goes viral after I published it FB. Hope many newbies out there can learn something you shared in your channel. Ucapan Tahniah Paul…!!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/36742729808/10154194707419809/?notif_t=like¬if_id=1462437129761984
Many thanks for the comment and my friends here were laughing at me after I appeared on Facebook as I am such old person that I don’t even have a facebook account and refuse to get one!
I guess I should one day but, as you can see, I am very slow at replying to people as I try and spend as little time on computers as possible and have less free time than I’d like, so I’d probably be very bad at Facebook.
Anyway, I appreciate the support and thanks for link,
Cheers!
Paul
Have enjoyed your articles and videos for several years.
I live in southwest Louisiana USA and can relate to many of your posts.
I grew up around bayous, swamps, hardwood flats, and open pine forest.
Much of it is gone now well as the mindset of the people from the generations before whom I was around.
I have been thinking of moving to an area of the world culturally closer to that of my youth.
Thanks: Pierre
HI Pierre,
Many thanks for the comment and great to hear from someone in Louisiana – it’s a part of the world I have longed to visit after seeing it in so many films (especially Southern Comfort with its haunting soundtrack by Ry Cooder) I know what you mean about the disappearing wilderness and changing mindsets and in a way I feel lucky to be able to enjoy what’s left as future generations will, I suspect, have far less wild space to enjoy,
Anyway, thanks again for the support, much appreciated.
Cheers!
Paul
Thanks man for all the videos and work you put into setting this up I also am from Louisiana I can relate to some of the thing we deal with in our environment our summer is kicking in an i was wondering do you use any insect repellent when your out trekking i also would love to visit Malaysia or Philippines some day
Hi Brent,
Many thanks for the comment and sorry about this ridiculously slow reply but I’v been stuck doing other stuff for a couple of months. Louisiana is a place I would love to visit and I’m sure a lot of the issues here are the same there for the trekker. As for insect repellent it really depends – actually round the house I it need more than in the forest as there are just more mozzis here – generally in primary type forest (as opposed to secondary jungle) the mozzis aren’t that bad. What I do is use an old film canister and scrape off some insect repellent jell and take that with me just in case it gets bad but I usually bring it back unused.
Cheers!
Paul
hello
the last film you have pants mtp how to check in the jungle? I think that the old tropical DPM are better … material in the tropical DPM also sometimes varies, I like the best old first versions … or organize some kind of training? need an employee or volunteer ?;)
take care
lukas
Hi Lucas,
Thanks for the comment and sorry for this slow reply but I’ve been away doing other stuff for a couple of months and not had time to update the site. Not sure which trousers I’m using now – I get them from and army surplus store in the UK and remember when I bought them that there are many different types- the green ones I have are the newer version compared to the khaki ones.
As for training and courses – I used to do them but simply haven’t got enough time these days….I really wish the days were longer as I never seem to manage to get everything done!
Cheers!
Paul
Hi Paul – I really appreciate the time and information you put into your videos as they are extremely informative. I know that you’re in Myanmar, but would these techniques pretty much parallel an experience in the Amazon? I’m curious because I will be heading there in a couple of weeks and would like to utilize some of your techniques. Thanks!
– Kat
Sorry – my phone translated Malaysia to Myanmar!
Hi Kat,
Many thanks for the comment and sorry for this slow reply (been offline for a while). I realise that you were saying that you were leaving for the Amazon in a couple of weeks so sorry that this reply is too late to have caught you before you left. I have never visited the Amazon (although would dearly love to) and can’t say which techniques that work here would work there. I’m sure some of the general camping techniques are equally applicable but of course the plants and animals are going to be different.
Anyway, I hope your trip is going well and apologies again for my slow reply.
Cheers!
Paul