Simon, that is a bit more than a 'couple of modifications.' It is a comprehensive re-design. Well done. Your skill as a designer and fabricator is top notch. Not only is the ammo can/hot stove amazing, but the re-design of the tent makes one wonder why the original wasn't produced with equal innovative thinking? Yes, I know the polish army designed the button-together poncho to be carried by two soldiers and buttoned together as a shelter. But, still, your 'modifications are really, really functional. Again I say, well done.
I’ve come upon your channel and found that we share a lot of the same equipment and outlook on making stuff, rather than buying tonnes of stuff which doesn’t quite meet your needs. This is an EXCELLENT vid, and I’m now ordering a lavvu! Thanks Simon
Thank you, really glad you liked the video! I’d always rather have a go at making gear if it’s possible! I’ve finally had a chance to test the lavvu properly in the snow, the video will be up in a day or two! It’s a great bit of kit - even before modifying - simple and bombproof! I hope you enjoy yours as much as I’ve enjoyed mine! Atb, Simon.
Pretty cool to go back and see your earlier videos. I’m thinking of getting a lavvu tent, and seeing this video and the part 1 mods has been very inspiring. 👍🏻
One of the things I dislike about camping in the cold is being chilly in the tent. I've experimented with a few tent heaters powered by candles, but one of the best solutions I've found is a Kelly Kettle. I boil up a kettle full of water, then use three or four tealight candles to keep it warm, and it acts like a radiator. Great for drying out socks and gloves, too. Great work yet again, Simon! I'm now thinking about making one of those stoves!
Your the winner of best modifications on a polish lavvu on UTUBE!! I recently just order a lavvu and have watched a lot of lavvu vids. Keep up the great work look forward to seeing more vids!!
I've spent a few weeks shuffling between my classes and recovering from another physical setback, during this time, I've been catching-up on my YT subscriptions. Simon? You amaze me; sewing, carpentry, canoes, tents, stoves, cooking. I thought I was quite talented, handy, knowledgeable and innovative but you've got me hands down my friend. I am not patronizing or sucking-up, you're brilliant mate. I'm reconsidering the number of other subscriptins I have, because that don't do what you do. Once I'm a bit fitter, I will talk to my wife, it's been far too long since I was back there, and in addition to watching me football team, a trip out East for a paddle and a bit of bushcraft would be in order. Cheers fella!!!
Thanks mate! Really glad you’re enjoying the videos! It’s all in the editing! 😉😂😂 when you come over, let me know - we’ll get together for a paddle! 👍🛶 Atb buddy and a speedy recovery.
Great job Simon, you're a jack of all trades. I made a hot tent, tipi a couple years back and I see your stove jack is doing the same thing mine did (browning), what I ended up doing was I cut two 1" wide oval donuts out of the fire blanket, coated in silicone same as you and tripled up where the pipe goes through, I didn't bother sewing them on I just used silicone and basically glued them. Unlike you I cheated and bought a titanium stove from Seek Outside, I was looking for something I could hike in over greater distances, I have had it out in -30 C temps here in Canada, I love winter camping now.
Thanks Ross! Great idea to beef up the opening area! I may do that if it gets any worse. I love winter camping too - although we don’t the temperature range you guys have - a cold winter night here rarely drops below about -5 to -8 but the stove still makes it comfy! Thanks again buddy! Simon’s
Great job, I've had one of these tents for a year or so waiting to customize it. I plan on building mine just like yours. After all, imitation is the best form of flattery.
I bought a lavvu last year and was pondering which mod would suit me best. While considering a Whelen design (by adding a middle canvas), I happened upon your video and knew right away that your modifications were perfect for me. I especially like the removable ground sheet and the stove jack attachment is brilliant (I, too, have a ammo can stove). Thank you very kindly for this video and the inspiration.
Kuro Densenbyo -Thanks Kuro, glad you found some inspiration from it! It does work really well, I used it this weekend and it stayed relatively cool despite having the warm weather. Good luck with the modifications mate, Atb, Simon.
Hi Simon. Really enjoyed watching your Lavvu vids part 1 & 2. Would love to have seen an instructional video on how you made the Ammo box stove. The Lavvu mods were simply epic, so jealous I don't have the skills to make one. Great work all round sir ...... now I'm regretting I didn't listen more carefully 30 odd years ago in school when we were being taught to use a sewing machine making a beanbag, darn it!!!!!!
David Williams - Thanks David, glad you enjoyed them. The sewing wasn't too bad really, it was just like a scaled up beanbag! You've just got to practice on smaller stuff, I've always just used second hand machines that don't cost much. I wish I had thought to film the making of it and the stove, but I made them both a couple of years ago, before I started the UA-cam thing - shame. Take care and all the best, Simon.
So far I have thoroughly enjoyed all of your YT Channel that I've seen. You are easy to listen to, the camera work is great, you seem to have lots of good ideas and the skills to carry them out, keep it up
You are a mind reader for me personaly... i have four of those ponchos and had similar ideas for long time ...for the stove too.... you nailded it ....Congratulatios
Simon from a man across the pond! Brilliant my Friend absolutely Brilliant! I just purchased a Lavvu earlier today and wnt searching for some UA-cam Videos to watch and am I glad I found yours. Now a subscriber and can't wait to watch your videos in the evenings. Need I say your Lavvu "clone" will be operational for this winter in the good ole USA. Thank You much and keep up all the Great work for all of us to enjoy!! John
You are a very clever fellow, nice video. When I saw the size of the stove and the size of the tent I thought that it would need to be COLD to have that much fire power. Very nice little stove and out standing improvements on the tent. For being new to this you have done excellent work on the video. I am a hunter and I make my own polish sausage from venison and pork, you are right, food of the gods.
Thank you John! It does get very warm in there with the stove lit! But the door is good to regulate the temperature. I love the sound of your Polish sausages - great to be able to make your own! 👍
Kent Survival - Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully we will have a nice cold winter this year - I'm looking forward to really putting it to the test!! Good luck with the hot tenting! Atb, Simon.
Brilliant! I can't believe I'm only finding this video and your excellent channel now. Excellent mods on the tent, and a decent job for a stove. I have one with a bigger door, and I used the lid for the bottom instead, to clean up more easily, but otherwise you made a wonderful piece of kit, with great ideas I can use to improve my own. I especially like your chimney system. Thankyou, I definitely will subscribe, and look forward to more like this.
Thank you Joseph and thanks for the sub! I’m pretty pleased with the tent and stove, I had a chance to properly test it out in the snow last winter - the chimney needs a butterfly damper so it burns slower and for longer, but otherwise it was toasty and warm! Atb, Simon
I've just acquired a Lavvu and found this very inspiring, with some technical planning and perseverance I'm sure I could enhance the basic tent. Thanks for sharing your work.
Cheers Scott - it’s a great shelter on its own, but lends itself well to adapting. The side walls make a huge difference to internal space and the zips make life easier getting in and out! If I had to pick two best modifications to make, those would be them - oh and the stove too!!! 🏕🔥👍
+WildOutdoors UK - Thanks Jay, glad you liked it! It's definitely a sub zero setup! It gets really hot in there - I'm looking forward to some proper cold temperatures to test it out properly - not like the last few mild winters!! Without the stove it's a great summer tent too - I can roll up the side walls for extra venting. Thanks for watching! Atb, Simon.
Very nice lavvu setup , handy size and portable for one man , not any thing like that one the market, a tent and stove will be + 20 kg i wish this was possibly to buy. I dont no how to make someting like this. Good job , it`s allowed to be proud
Hi Kim, thanks for watching! it is portable, just! I wouldn't want to carry it far, and there isn't much room left in my pack for anything else!! It is great for canoe trips or times when you are not walking in to far. Once you are there though, it is a comfortable set-up - especially for deep winter. Glad you enjoyed the video, ATB Simon.
Brilliant! Thank you for sharing! I love your video's, all of them. Just as of recent, I found you on instagram and looking forward to your posts there as well. Cheers!
Hi Simon, fantastic content in your videos as usual. Only a suggestion, if you had an extra section of fire blanket, you could keep your frying pan on your lap on a cold day to keep you warm & have less washing up to do. 👍
You certainly are a very ingenious man Simon, I can only sit back and admire your practical skills. The stove was amazing although I don’t think I’ll be cutting a hole in the side of my Quasar Mountain tent. Have you used this tent and the stove in real harsh winter conditions? Guess you’d be warm and comfortable as the storm rages outside. I take my hat off to you. Cheers! 🏕🌨⛈
+LiveSimplyFilms Mountain Mike - Cheers Mike - no, don’t cut your Quaser!!!! That there is a great tent - I used one for 3 weeks in the mid 90s - amazingly stable in high wind!! I’ve not had any really cold weather to put it through it’s paces yet - maybe this winter if we’re lucky!! It’s too warm for anything above 0, actually, it’s too warm for anything above -10!! I’ve used it without the stove in high wind and heavy rain though - stood up to it fine. Cheers mate, Simon.
Very, very impressive!!! There’s such a market for your mods and stove as a kit if you chose to have them manufactured, even under licence by one of the bell tent companies. A really brilliant job, well done.
+Xand - Thanks, glad you liked it. Yes, it is definitely a tent for winter!! I’m looking forward to some cold weather to really try it out! Thanks for watching, Atb, Simon.
Patrick Bailey - Thank you for the kind words Patrick, I'm really glad you liked them! It was a fun project to do and really makes the polish Lavvu into a comfortable, versatile tent (albeit, a heavy one!! Lol!). Thanks for watching, Atb, Simon.
Thanks John! It’s a good winter tent, I prefer a tarp in the summer months (but then, we are blessed with very few insect annoyances!!) 🏕 cheers, Simon.
Just WOW, lost for words. You Simon are a man of many talents. Just fantastic, I have got to have a go at making the stove, just brilliant mate. I love what you've done to the Polish Army Lavvu, I feel that is a little above me, lol. I still haven't drummed up the courage to ask the wife for a loan of her new sewing machine, lol. Absolutely blown away Simon, just brilliant mate. Atb, Paul.
+Paul Embling - Thanks for the kind words Paul! I’m looking forward to a good cold snap so that I can put it to real use! It’s just too warm in there for anything above about -5!! It actually wasn’t too hard to do - once I got the hang of the machine! Got through loads of needles!!!
I'm the same when it comes to heat, when you said on your video about how hot it was inside I could feel myself starting to break out, lol. I still think you've done a cracking job on the lavvu, just amazing Simon. Would you ever consider doing a video on your tent stove? Your doing a great job, keep it going mate. Atb, Paul.
+Paul Embling - Cheers mate! I’m planning a winter hot tent overnighted when we get a cold snap - I’ll show the stove in a bit more detail then - it’ll be the star of the show - Lol! Atb, Simon.
I wasn't interested at all in heated tents till this video, I reckon this is the missing piece in getting my partner out with me! Woodland camp and craft's chat linked me here by the way, gonna have a nice evening camped on your channel mate nice one!
Thank you! Good old Andy - he mentioned that he’d put the video forward! Glad you enjoyed it! It’s really cosy, I’d thought the same about my wife, but she still looks at me like I’m mad when ever I mention ‘wild camping’ - she’s more of a glamper!! Cheers and Atb, Simon.
Simon, a bloke in the woods That's too bad. Would there be room for two with the stove there? I could never get my husband to get interested in camping either. No matter the weather. I'm not even talking backpacking, but at least I was able to do some with my son. Husband always said he wanted a mint on his pillow!! That could be arranged. When you pulled out the iron skillet I about lost it. Definitily not light weight. I'm surprised you fit all that in your pack, and camera equipment. Great video!
Recovering Soul - Thank you! No, if there isn’t a place to plug in a hair-dryer and thermostatically controlled heating, she’s not interested!! Haha! As for room, there is easily enough room for two even with the stove, in the summer/spring without the stove, it will sleep 3 or even 4 at a pinch. I had a chance to try it out in the snow recently - really cosy and warm disputed -8 outside! The tent and stove weigh a lot to be honest, I wouldn’t want to carry them too far, for the video at least I didn’t have any other camping equipment with me except the pot and frying pan etc. Definitely not lightweight backpacking!! Atb, Simon.
So reminds me of my old Czech. 14' canvas ridge tent had it for decades outlasted all the others on the campsite in storm conditions(85%), and changed zips and ground sheets over time. Also loved the mod ammo tin stove very do-able.
Ive recently purchased a Polish Lavvu and also making myself an ammo can stove, I have been checking out diff videos and really enjoy yours. Good job its given me some pointers so keep up the videos mate.
Absolutely cracking bit of home made/modified kit. Like somebody said earlier, I'd fancy a go at doing something similar, but I'd have to admit I'm not that handy! Great vid-generously informative and genuinely entertaining.
Bill Rush -Thanks Bill, glad you enjoyed the vid! Have a go is all I can say really, it's a learning curve, but everything is, you can always unpick mistakes and it'll come out well! Atb, Simon.
Nice set up, lovely dog. No longer a Polish lavvu but a Simon in the Woods special 👍🏻 excellent idea, great use of an ammo tin too. Take my hat off to you.
Well Ole Bloke in the woods...You have done a great job on your mods...I have the 4m Bell Canvas wich is to heavy for solo camping in LAP LAND OF NORWAY AND SWEDEN I hope to have my size 3 Polush Lavvu by 22 Sept 2020...will not have enough time to do your mods until after my solo trip...I reallg enjoy watching you and the skills you have to include your canoe...wishing you the best...AMERICAN in Germany.....
You are such a thorough and canny man. Enjoy your videos and the journey you take us on. Maybe, one day you will get to try out that lavvuu and the wood stove burner in -20 degree temperatures.
Hey Simon, first im going to comment on your clean shaven face! Look at you, like all of us when we shave, we look years younger! We used to winter camp here in up state New York. We had a canvas 6 man tent with a wood stove that we called the "Pig" more based on its oval shape, than the fact it had a never ending appetite for wood, and snout in the front! It was well below freezing, but it made it bearable.Your set up looks sweet! We never had a proper through the wall fire retardant sleeve, and had a huge flat rock under it. Now back to your Video, its awesome!! I find you to have a up beat personality, and a great camera presence, making you my favorite guy to watch here on UA-cam! You keep them quick moving, and don't go on and on like so many others here. You go into detail just enough to show how things are done, with out droning on. I cant say enough about your lifestyle and approach to camping. I love your craftiness,and your sewing skills in both leather craft and making so many of your sleves and pouches to store your gear. Top notch my friend!! Cheers!
Thank you so much - you are very generous with your kind words mate! If your stove was called the pig, then I think I should name mine ‘the piglet’! I do love winter camping. 😁🏕🔥
Wild man Moose - Thank you kindly! Glad you like it, I'm chuffed to bits with it, can't wait for some proper cold weather to really test it! Cheers, Simon.
Fantastic job on your tent and stove. I like my tents but this beats them all. I watched part 1 and 2 now. I'll be watching all of your vids now. Liked and subscribed. You're doing what I wish I could still do. So, I'll just have to watch you due to health reasons. Don't get old young man. Keep doing what you're doing. I'll be watching. Enjoy it while you can. I really miss it. Have fun. Rich. USA.
Hi Simon, I know I'm a bit late to the party, but just for sharing knowledge the rubber seal you took out of the lid could be replaced by some 'flue rope' which can be purchased in different size diameters by the metre in heating/boiler suppliers, its only a few pounds. Great great video, Ian.
This is a really neat setup! I wish I was that handy to build a ammo box stove and sew to do that to a Lavvu! Here in the states, its hard to find the lavvus. I do have a canvas US pup tent that I want to try and modify at some point. I love the tub style that you did, might do that with the pup tent.
+Danny Walker - Thanks Danny! The stove burns really well, almost too well!! It gets so hot in there, it's only really good for very cold sub zero winter nights, or else just lighting it to warm the tent up then letting it die down. Cheers for watching mate, Simon.
russell lawn man of the west - Thanks Russell, glad you liked it! It was a lot of fun to make and I'm really pleased with how it came out. Looking forward to some proper cold weather to really test it out!! Atb, Simon.
I'm going to build an ammo can stove for my lavvu. I like your concept the best of all I've seen simple with no welding. What I was bothered about was the stove Jack. HAD SEEN FEW IDEAS I DIDN'T MUCH CARE FOR. BUT YOURS IS SIMPLE AND BEST OF ALL SAFE. I GUESS I WAS LOOKING AT ALL THE OTHERS AND I OVER THOUGHT IT! WHICH SOMETIMES HAPPENS I GUESS. ANYWAY THANKS AGAIN! ATB Sam Adler
Very nice setup. I plan to do about the same, but i will maybe use some nylon for the lower part, for weight reason. Nylon has a good resistance to water, and is easy to dry, Another advantage (?) is that it allows some light to go inside the tent. This tent is very dark when it is closed.
+westhoughton Bushcraft - Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the vid, next to being out playing in the outdoors, my next favourite pastime is making and modifying stuff to play with!! Atb, Simon.
Wow... that's awesome..! If you add a damper to the stove pipe you will really maximize your heat control & burn rate. Maybe you could do a video on building this stove. I'm sure someone would take it off your hands when it finished. :-) Thanks for the video...
The Survival Junkie - Thanks mate, yeah, I seem to spend a lot of time making and modifying stuff! All good fun, especially the testing it out bit!! Atb Simon.
Hi! Good video. I like this tent also. Sligh note. In polish we don't have and use that word: lavvu ;-). We speak Polish for it: pałatka (read: p.a.w.a.t.k.a, better check the pronunciation of a word on translator) Lavvu.. is a Sami tent, a kind of tipi, lower tipi, more resistant to strong wind and this is a word from the Sami language (Scandinavian Lapland). Funny journey of words, verbal/naming mess. We (Polish people) made the military raincoat which is called "pałatka" (two are made into a tent), and there is a word for it in English: tipi, tepee but almost everyone calls it: "lavvu" - Sams tent. So the name "polish lavuu" give's U polish sams tipi/tent ;-)
very impressive work (product design and video).i had just ran out of Lavvu videos to watch on youtube and so was pleased when you uploaded your videos.I was planning a similar design mod for my lavvu and had already bought a third poncho for fabric. its good to be able to see a finnished modified Lavvu. it looks much more comfortable.ive seen people being flooded in them so the groundsheet is a definate bonus.Thanks for the videos, looking forward to seeing more.all the best, Craig
shrinkwrapped222 -thanks Craig! It's early days with UA-cam for me, but I am going to try to do a video a week, so keep a look out! Good luck with the mods, definitely worth the effort, you'll end up with a much more useful Tent. 👍🏻
shrinkwrapped222 -thanks Craig! It's early days with UA-cam for me, but I am going to try to do a video a week, so keep a look out! Good luck with the mods, definitely worth the effort, you'll end up with a much more useful Tent. 👍🏻
WOW Simon - I am very impressed with your designs and thinking things through as you 'modify' stuff. Back 30/40 years ago I would do some of the same, BUT it would usually take me two or three goes before I got the kinks out. Well done Sir!
Ramsay McEwan -Thanks mate. The side wall makes a big difference to space, they also come in three different sizes. Mine is the XL version -I guess so the poncho fits a big bugger!!! Great bit of kit, glad you enjoyed the vid. Atb Simon.
And seven years later I am still a huge fan of your work!
Simon, that is a bit more than a 'couple of modifications.' It is a comprehensive re-design. Well done. Your skill as a designer and fabricator is top notch. Not only is the ammo can/hot stove amazing, but the re-design of the tent makes one wonder why the original wasn't produced with equal innovative thinking? Yes, I know the polish army designed the button-together poncho to be carried by two soldiers and buttoned together as a shelter. But, still, your 'modifications are really, really functional. Again I say, well done.
I’ve come upon your channel and found that we share a lot of the same equipment and outlook on making stuff, rather than buying tonnes of stuff which doesn’t quite meet your needs. This is an EXCELLENT vid, and I’m now ordering a lavvu!
Thanks Simon
Thank you, really glad you liked the video! I’d always rather have a go at making gear if it’s possible! I’ve finally had a chance to test the lavvu properly in the snow, the video will be up in a day or two! It’s a great bit of kit - even before modifying - simple and bombproof! I hope you enjoy yours as much as I’ve enjoyed mine! Atb, Simon.
I think your mods are probably the best that I have seen for the Polish Lavvu on UA-cam! Bravo!
Tom Malan - Thank you very much Tom! I'm glad you like it. I'm really pleased with how it came out. Cheers, Simon.
Simon, a bloke in the woods
Hi Simon please could you give me dims and zipps used please pal
Big time!! Amazing setup!
Ditto what Tom said
Pretty cool to go back and see your earlier videos. I’m thinking of getting a lavvu tent, and seeing this video and the part 1 mods has been very inspiring. 👍🏻
Same here but they are insanely expensive now for the size 3. £200 last time I checked. Ouch.
Excellent video about the changes you made with the tent and home constructed stove. 4/28/24
One of the things I dislike about camping in the cold is being chilly in the tent. I've experimented with a few tent heaters powered by candles, but one of the best solutions I've found is a Kelly Kettle. I boil up a kettle full of water, then use three or four tealight candles to keep it warm, and it acts like a radiator. Great for drying out socks and gloves, too.
Great work yet again, Simon! I'm now thinking about making one of those stoves!
Cheers Stefan - that is a genius idea - a tent radiator- I love it! Thank you. Atb, Simon.
Liking the multi use Kelly kettle option especially as I have both trekker an base camp kettles. Thanks sharing idea.
Might try that before getting a stove...thanks
Brilliant modifications to the lavvu, a great video very well filmed thanks!
Thanks Chris, glad you enjoyed it! It was fun to do, great bit of kit, the lavvu! Atrb, Simon.
makes a nice change to listen to someone on youtube who can actually string a sentence together! great viewing i am a follower!!😀😀😀
Thanks - I must have been having a good day! Hahaha! Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the support! Atb, Simon.
Impressive stove build. Well done.👍
Your the winner of best modifications on a polish lavvu on UTUBE!! I recently just order a lavvu and have watched a lot of lavvu vids. Keep up the great work look forward to seeing more vids!!
Thank you John! Good luck with your modifications! Atb, Simon
I've spent a few weeks shuffling between my classes and recovering from another physical setback, during this time, I've been catching-up on my YT subscriptions. Simon? You amaze me; sewing, carpentry, canoes, tents, stoves, cooking. I thought I was quite talented, handy, knowledgeable and innovative but you've got me hands down my friend. I am not patronizing or sucking-up, you're brilliant mate. I'm reconsidering the number of other subscriptins I have, because that don't do what you do. Once I'm a bit fitter, I will talk to my wife, it's been far too long since I was back there, and in addition to watching me football team, a trip out East for a paddle and a bit of bushcraft would be in order. Cheers fella!!!
Thanks mate! Really glad you’re enjoying the videos! It’s all in the editing! 😉😂😂 when you come over, let me know - we’ll get together for a paddle! 👍🛶 Atb buddy and a speedy recovery.
Fantastic, you should draw up plans/sketches/material list and sell them. This is a winner
Great job Simon, you're a jack of all trades. I made a hot tent, tipi a couple years back and I see your stove jack is doing the same thing mine did (browning), what I ended up doing was I cut two 1" wide oval donuts out of the fire blanket, coated in silicone same as you and tripled up where the pipe goes through, I didn't bother sewing them on I just used silicone and basically glued them. Unlike you I cheated and bought a titanium stove from Seek Outside, I was looking for something I could hike in over greater distances, I have had it out in -30 C temps here in Canada, I love winter camping now.
Thanks Ross! Great idea to beef up the opening area! I may do that if it gets any worse. I love winter camping too - although we don’t the temperature range you guys have - a cold winter night here rarely drops below about -5 to -8 but the stove still makes it comfy!
Thanks again buddy!
Simon’s
Without a doubt the best Lavvu mods by miles.. well thought out Simon .. thanks for the help with the measurements budd ..
+john roberts - Cheers Johnny! My pleasure - good luck with yours mate hope it turns out well!! 🏕
Great job, I've had one of these tents for a year or so waiting to customize it. I plan on building mine just like yours. After all, imitation is the best form of flattery.
Cheers Ronald! Indeed it is and flattered I am! Good luck with the project. Atb, Simon.
I bought a lavvu last year and was pondering which mod would suit me best. While considering a Whelen design (by adding a middle canvas), I happened upon your video and knew right away that your modifications were perfect for me. I especially like the removable ground sheet and the stove jack attachment is brilliant (I, too, have a ammo can stove). Thank you very kindly for this video and the inspiration.
Kuro Densenbyo -Thanks Kuro, glad you found some inspiration from it! It does work really well, I used it this weekend and it stayed relatively cool despite having the warm weather. Good luck with the modifications mate, Atb, Simon.
Hi Simon. Really enjoyed watching your Lavvu vids part 1 & 2. Would love to have seen an instructional video on how you made the Ammo box stove. The Lavvu mods were simply epic, so jealous I don't have the skills to make one. Great work all round sir ...... now I'm regretting I didn't listen more carefully 30 odd years ago in school when we were being taught to use a sewing machine making a beanbag, darn it!!!!!!
David Williams - Thanks David, glad you enjoyed them. The sewing wasn't too bad really, it was just like a scaled up beanbag! You've just got to practice on smaller stuff, I've always just used second hand machines that don't cost much. I wish I had thought to film the making of it and the stove, but I made them both a couple of years ago, before I started the UA-cam thing - shame. Take care and all the best, Simon.
So far I have thoroughly enjoyed all of your YT Channel that I've seen. You are easy to listen to, the camera work is great, you seem to have lots of good ideas and the skills to carry them out, keep it up
Simon, catching up on all your videos and loving them. Thanks for sharing. And Maggie looked so Happy! Cheers
Cheers Carl! Glad you’ve been enjoying them - Maggie does like be coming out into the woods - usually means some edible treats! Atb, Simon
That stove is outstanding!
Cheers Daniel! It works well, if quite efficient but I think it would be improved with a damper, which I may add at some point. Atb, Simon.
You are a mind reader for me personaly... i have four of those ponchos and had similar ideas for long time ...for the stove too.... you nailded it ....Congratulatios
Mitja Skibin -Thanks! And good luck with the modifications! 👍🏻atb, Simon.
Simon from a man across the pond! Brilliant my Friend absolutely Brilliant! I just purchased a Lavvu earlier today and wnt searching for some UA-cam Videos to watch and am I glad I found yours. Now a subscriber and can't wait to watch your videos in the evenings. Need I say your Lavvu "clone" will be operational for this winter in the good ole USA. Thank You much and keep up all the Great work for all of us to enjoy!! John
Cheers Johnny and thanks for the sub! Glad the video was useful and good luck with mods! Atb, Simon.
I honestly am in shock at how smart the fire blanket hole is. Ingenious, bravo
Simon, Fascinating. I am in awe of your handyman skills, with such great results. Thoroughly enjoyed the video, and subscribed. C.
Thank you and thanks for the sub too!! Glad you enjoyed the video, it’s amazing what you ca do with editing - hehehe! Atb, Simon.
You are a very clever fellow, nice video. When I saw the size of the stove and the size of the tent I thought that it would need to be COLD to have that much fire power. Very nice little stove and out standing improvements on the tent. For being new to this you have done excellent work on the video. I am a hunter and I make my own polish sausage from venison and pork, you are right, food of the gods.
Thank you John! It does get very warm in there with the stove lit! But the door is good to regulate the temperature. I love the sound of your Polish sausages - great to be able to make your own! 👍
Love it, I'm really wanting to 'hot tent' this winter and this will go a long way to helping, thank you
Kent Survival - Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully we will have a nice cold winter this year - I'm looking forward to really putting it to the test!! Good luck with the hot tenting! Atb, Simon.
@@simonablokeinthewoods Soo this was the start of the love affair?!.... hehe ;-)
Thank you . Simon .
🐺 Loupis Canis .
I have the same army tent, I love what I have added. It looks wicked man. Keep the videos coming. Ian
Brilliant! I can't believe I'm only finding this video and your excellent channel now. Excellent mods on the tent, and a decent job for a stove. I have one with a bigger door, and I used the lid for the bottom instead, to clean up more easily, but otherwise you made a wonderful piece of kit, with great ideas I can use to improve my own. I especially like your chimney system. Thankyou, I definitely will subscribe, and look forward to more like this.
Thank you Joseph and thanks for the sub! I’m pretty pleased with the tent and stove, I had a chance to properly test it out in the snow last winter - the chimney needs a butterfly damper so it burns slower and for longer, but otherwise it was toasty and warm! Atb, Simon
I've just acquired a Lavvu and found this very inspiring, with some technical planning and perseverance I'm sure I could enhance the basic tent. Thanks for sharing your work.
Cheers Scott - it’s a great shelter on its own, but lends itself well to adapting. The side walls make a huge difference to internal space and the zips make life easier getting in and out! If I had to pick two best modifications to make, those would be them - oh and the stove too!!! 🏕🔥👍
Excellent! Keep them coming!
WOW You did an amazing job on that tent. Great video, thanks for sharing.
Thank you! Atb, Simon.
Big welcome to you and Maggie! It's the best lavvu on UA-cam by far!
+bigtwin64 - Thanks for the kind words!! It's great to be part of the youtube family!! Glad you enjoyed the video! Atb, Simon.
That's got to be the best looking Lavvu mod I've ever seen. Hats off to you.
Kit McCallion - Thank you sir! I’m loosing my forward to a nice cold winter to try try it out now!! 🏕🔥
Hi Simon that a realy smart set-up ideal for a cold winter bushcraft camp!!!!!! Jay
+WildOutdoors UK - Thanks Jay, glad you liked it! It's definitely a sub zero setup! It gets really hot in there - I'm looking forward to some proper cold temperatures to test it out properly - not like the last few mild winters!! Without the stove it's a great summer tent too - I can roll up the side walls for extra venting. Thanks for watching! Atb, Simon.
Thank you for posting these brilliant modifications! I hope you get much use out of the lavvu!
+Eugene McGloin - Thanks Eugene. I hope to get lots of use out of it for winter canoe trips mainly. Atb, Simon.
Very nice lavvu setup , handy size and portable for one man , not any thing like that one the market, a tent and stove will be + 20 kg i wish this was possibly to buy. I dont no how to make someting like this.
Good job , it`s allowed to be proud
Hi Kim, thanks for watching! it is portable, just! I wouldn't want to carry it far, and there isn't much room left in my pack for anything else!! It is great for canoe trips or times when you are not walking in to far. Once you are there though, it is a comfortable set-up - especially for deep winter. Glad you enjoyed the video, ATB Simon.
That is awesome. You are quite the craftsman !!
This is, by far, the best modification i've seen for this type of tent! A very well made stove too! Atb for 2018!
Thank you Carsten, glad you like it - I’m ready for winter now! A very happy new year to you too! Cheers, Simon.
Everything I ever wanted to know about modding the lavvu . Thank you!!
Cheers, glad you found it useful! Atb, Simon.
Awesome tent love it. Would love to get myself 1
Thanks for the video.
Cheers! It is a great tent, the modifications really turn it into a comfortable living space. Well worth the effort! Atb, Simon
Brilliant! Thank you for sharing! I love your video's, all of them. Just as of recent, I found you on instagram and looking forward to your posts there as well. Cheers!
Hi Simon, fantastic content in your videos as usual. Only a suggestion, if you had an extra section of fire blanket, you could keep your frying pan on your lap on a cold day to keep you warm & have less washing up to do. 👍
Good video. Thanks Simon!
You certainly are a very ingenious man Simon, I can only sit back and admire your practical skills. The stove was amazing although I don’t think I’ll be cutting a hole in the side of my Quasar Mountain tent. Have you used this tent and the stove in real harsh winter conditions? Guess you’d be warm and comfortable as the storm rages outside. I take my hat off to you. Cheers! 🏕🌨⛈
+LiveSimplyFilms Mountain Mike - Cheers Mike - no, don’t cut your Quaser!!!! That there is a great tent - I used one for 3 weeks in the mid 90s - amazingly stable in high wind!! I’ve not had any really cold weather to put it through it’s paces yet - maybe this winter if we’re lucky!! It’s too warm for anything above 0, actually, it’s too warm for anything above -10!! I’ve used it without the stove in high wind and heavy rain though - stood up to it fine. Cheers mate, Simon.
Very, very impressive!!! There’s such a market for your mods and stove as a kit if you chose to have them manufactured, even under licence by one of the bell tent companies. A really brilliant job, well done.
Cheers! It’s incredible how many people have said that! I just haven’t got the time or business sense to do it! One was enough! Atb, Simon.
It turned into another tent much better, very good especially for the colder days and ammunition box for stove..its a fantastic custom job!
+Xand - Thanks, glad you liked it. Yes, it is definitely a tent for winter!! I’m looking forward to some cold weather to really try it out! Thanks for watching, Atb, Simon.
This is my first time commenting on any video and i have to say i think your lavvu mods and your stove build are absolutely brilliant.Well done sir.
Patrick Bailey - Thank you for the kind words Patrick, I'm really glad you liked them! It was a fun project to do and really makes the polish Lavvu into a comfortable, versatile tent (albeit, a heavy one!! Lol!).
Thanks for watching, Atb, Simon.
@@simonablokeinthewoods Pard, in heavy winds have you had to guy wire the stack or does the fire/chimney slot keep it in place?
sargint rock - so far haven’t had a problem - all stays put under its own mass! 👍
@@simonablokeinthewoods Thanks fer the intell!
Fantastic hot tent and stove!
awesome Simon! I love it for sure makes me want to go camping in a tent again lol
Thanks John! It’s a good winter tent, I prefer a tarp in the summer months (but then, we are blessed with very few insect annoyances!!) 🏕 cheers, Simon.
Just WOW, lost for words. You Simon are a man of many talents. Just fantastic, I have got to have a go at making the stove, just brilliant mate. I love what you've done to the Polish Army Lavvu, I feel that is a little above me, lol. I still haven't drummed up the courage to ask the wife for a loan of her new sewing machine, lol. Absolutely blown away Simon, just brilliant mate. Atb, Paul.
+Paul Embling - Thanks for the kind words Paul! I’m looking forward to a good cold snap so that I can put it to real use! It’s just too warm in there for anything above about -5!! It actually wasn’t too hard to do - once I got the hang of the machine! Got through loads of needles!!!
I'm the same when it comes to heat, when you said on your video about how hot it was inside I could feel myself starting to break out, lol. I still think you've done a cracking job on the lavvu, just amazing Simon. Would you ever consider doing a video on your tent stove? Your doing a great job, keep it going mate. Atb, Paul.
+Paul Embling - Cheers mate! I’m planning a winter hot tent overnighted when we get a cold snap - I’ll show the stove in a bit more detail then - it’ll be the star of the show - Lol! Atb, Simon.
Nice on Simon, can't wait.
Awesome video! Keep up the good work.
Thank you Barry, I’m hoping to properly put it to the test if we get some decent snow this year! Atb, Simon.
I wasn't interested at all in heated tents till this video, I reckon this is the missing piece in getting my partner out with me! Woodland camp and craft's chat linked me here by the way, gonna have a nice evening camped on your channel mate nice one!
Thank you! Good old Andy - he mentioned that he’d put the video forward! Glad you enjoyed it! It’s really cosy, I’d thought the same about my wife, but she still looks at me like I’m mad when ever I mention ‘wild camping’ - she’s more of a glamper!! Cheers and Atb, Simon.
Simon, a bloke in the woods That's too bad. Would there be room for two with the stove there? I could never get my husband to get interested in camping either. No matter the weather. I'm not even talking backpacking, but at least I was able to do some with my son. Husband always said he wanted a mint on his pillow!! That could be arranged.
When you pulled out the iron skillet I about lost it. Definitily not light weight. I'm surprised you fit all that in your pack, and camera equipment. Great video!
Recovering Soul - Thank you! No, if there isn’t a place to plug in a hair-dryer and thermostatically controlled heating, she’s not interested!! Haha! As for room, there is easily enough room for two even with the stove, in the summer/spring without the stove, it will sleep 3 or even 4 at a pinch. I had a chance to try it out in the snow recently - really cosy and warm disputed -8 outside! The tent and stove weigh a lot to be honest, I wouldn’t want to carry them too far, for the video at least I didn’t have any other camping equipment with me except the pot and frying pan etc. Definitely not lightweight backpacking!! Atb, Simon.
So reminds me of my old Czech. 14' canvas ridge tent had it for decades outlasted all the others on the campsite in storm conditions(85%), and changed zips and ground sheets over time. Also loved the mod ammo tin stove very do-able.
Can’t beat canvas for durability! 👍
Ive recently purchased a Polish Lavvu and also making myself an ammo can stove, I have been checking out diff videos and really enjoy yours. Good job its given me some pointers so keep up the videos mate.
Thanks Larry! 👍
Lavvu and 50call stove is best I've seen anywhere..fantastic...subscribed
Thank you Paul and thanks for the sub! 👍
Really nice tent and stove, well done.
Thank you Marc, I recently tested it in the snow at well below freezing - worked very well!! Glad you like it, Atb, Simon.
I Love the innovation! Keep going. Lots of great ideas!
Cheers Edward! I had a chance to put it to the test in the snow this year - really snug and warm inside despite -5 or lower outside. Atb, Simon.
Absolutely cracking bit of home made/modified kit. Like somebody said earlier, I'd fancy a go at doing something similar, but I'd have to admit I'm not that handy! Great vid-generously informative and genuinely entertaining.
Bill Rush -Thanks Bill, glad you enjoyed the vid! Have a go is all I can say really, it's a learning curve, but everything is, you can always unpick mistakes and it'll come out well! Atb, Simon.
Nice set up, lovely dog. No longer a Polish lavvu but a Simon in the Woods special 👍🏻 excellent idea, great use of an ammo tin too.
Take my hat off to you.
Michael Knowles - Thank you Michael. Glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, she is a good bushcraft companion! Hehehe. Atb, Simon.
Well Ole Bloke in the woods...You have done a great job on your mods...I have the 4m Bell Canvas wich is to heavy for solo camping in LAP LAND OF NORWAY AND SWEDEN I hope to have my size 3 Polush Lavvu by 22 Sept 2020...will not have enough time to do your mods until after my solo trip...I reallg enjoy watching you and the skills you have to include your canoe...wishing you the best...AMERICAN in Germany.....
You are such a thorough and canny man. Enjoy your videos and the journey you take us on. Maybe, one day you will get to try out that lavvuu and the wood stove burner in -20 degree temperatures.
Thank you. One day maybe (but not in this country!) 👍
Super job with both your lavvu and stove, One of the best modifications I've seen. Looks very well. Atb, Ian.
Crazybear Kaiser -Thank you very much! I'm really pleased with it! Cheers, Simon.
Hey Simon, first im going to comment on your clean shaven face! Look at you, like all of us when we shave, we look years younger! We used to winter camp here in up state New York. We had a canvas 6 man tent with a wood stove that we called the "Pig" more based on its oval shape, than the fact it had a never ending appetite for wood, and snout in the front! It was well below freezing, but it made it bearable.Your set up looks sweet! We never had a proper through the wall fire retardant sleeve, and had a huge flat rock under it. Now back to your Video, its awesome!! I find you to have a up beat personality, and a great camera presence, making you my favorite guy to watch here on UA-cam! You keep them quick moving, and don't go on and on like so many others here. You go into detail just enough to show how things are done, with out droning on. I cant say enough about your lifestyle and approach to camping. I love your craftiness,and your sewing skills in both leather craft and making so many of your sleves and pouches to store your gear. Top notch my friend!! Cheers!
Thank you so much - you are very generous with your kind words mate!
If your stove was called the pig, then I think I should name mine ‘the piglet’!
I do love winter camping. 😁🏕🔥
this set up is absolute quality Simon , bravo sir, bravo
Wild man Moose - Thank you kindly! Glad you like it, I'm chuffed to bits with it, can't wait for some proper cold weather to really test it! Cheers, Simon.
The Mrs and I have been together over 40 years. I wish I knew all this stuff when we used to camp everywhere we went.
Dude had the same idea thanks for the video given new some great ideas gonna give it go
Wolfcave knives - Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Good luck with the project and thanks for watching! Atb, Simon.
Great stove idea. The early days vlogs 😊
I enjoyed the whole video. Keep'em coming. Well done.
jim burns - Thanks Jim - glad you enjoyed it! I’m hoping for a nice cold winter this year to really test it out!! Atb, Simon.
Once again excellent video and idea.
Fantastic job on your tent and stove. I like my tents but this beats them all. I watched part 1 and 2 now. I'll be watching all of your vids now. Liked and subscribed. You're doing what I wish I could still do. So, I'll just have to watch you due to health reasons. Don't get old young man. Keep doing what you're doing. I'll be watching. Enjoy it while you can. I really miss it. Have fun.
Rich. USA.
Thanks Rich! This is an old video - the quality improves! 😂👍
Hi Simon, I know I'm a bit late to the party, but just for sharing knowledge the rubber seal you took out of the lid could be replaced by some 'flue rope' which can be purchased in different size diameters by the metre in heating/boiler suppliers, its only a few pounds.
Great great video,
Ian.
Good idea Ian! 👍👍
This is a really neat setup! I wish I was that handy to build a ammo box stove and sew to do that to a Lavvu! Here in the states, its hard to find the lavvus. I do have a canvas US pup tent that I want to try and modify at some point. I love the tub style that you did, might do that with the pup tent.
Awesome Work Again, Simon. I like the stove the way you designed it. and the stove pipe to. Well Done my friend, Well Done.
+Danny Walker - Thanks Danny! The stove burns really well, almost too well!! It gets so hot in there, it's only really good for very cold sub zero winter nights, or else just lighting it to warm the tent up then letting it die down. Cheers for watching mate, Simon.
Outstanding stove Simon!
Thank you! 👍🔥
I think you're brilliant and I am amazed at what you're teaching me :D thank you for sharing!!
Thank you! 😁
You sir are a very clever chap this is by far the best i have seen on youtube.cant wait to following you on your channel for more help and advice.
russell lawn man of the west - Thanks Russell, glad you liked it! It was a lot of fun to make and I'm really pleased with how it came out. Looking forward to some proper cold weather to really test it out!! Atb, Simon.
I've just stumbled across your videos and they are brilliant. Thanks for all the hard work.
Thank you - glad you like the videos and glad you found the channel! Lots of exciting ideas for this year - I hope you’ll enjoy those too! Atb, Simon.
I'm going to build an ammo can stove for my lavvu. I like your concept the best of all I've seen simple with no welding. What I was bothered about was the stove Jack. HAD SEEN FEW IDEAS I DIDN'T MUCH CARE FOR. BUT YOURS IS SIMPLE AND BEST OF ALL SAFE. I GUESS I WAS LOOKING AT ALL THE OTHERS AND I OVER THOUGHT IT! WHICH SOMETIMES HAPPENS I GUESS. ANYWAY THANKS AGAIN! ATB Sam Adler
Thanks Sam - good luck with the build! 👍
Very nice setup. I plan to do about the same, but i will maybe use some nylon for the lower part, for weight reason. Nylon has a good resistance to water, and is easy to dry, Another advantage (?) is that it allows some light to go inside the tent. This tent is very dark when it is closed.
Im impressed with .50 ammo can stove . Great design and workmanship.
Very nice set up, if you ever want to sell I may be interested, I like the way you mod old gear and make it still relevant cheers.
+westhoughton Bushcraft - Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the vid, next to being out playing in the outdoors, my next favourite pastime is making and modifying stuff to play with!! Atb, Simon.
Great ideas and video. Thanks
Rob from Oregon
Cheers! I’m just waiting for some good cold weather to really try it out! Atb, Simon.
Simon..Again WELL DONE...
mike - cheers Mike, glad you liked it! It's a bit too warm for our UK climate, but in Alaska it'd do well! Atb, Simon.
Nice job mate ! Well thought out little system !!
brian jones - Thanks Brian, glad you like it! Atb, Simon.
Wow... that's awesome..!
If you add a damper to the stove pipe you will really maximize your heat control & burn rate.
Maybe you could do a video on building this stove. I'm sure someone would take it off your hands when it finished. :-)
Thanks for the video...
I’ve been meaning to make a damper/butterfly for the flue - it’s on my ‘to do’ list! 👍😁
You sir, are a magician. Fantastic work.
Paul Gibbs - Thank you good sir! Much appreciated! 👍🏻
Great vid again mate great mods iv done some mods to a pup tent great projects modding tents and that stove is great well done
The Survival Junkie - Thanks mate, yeah, I seem to spend a lot of time making and modifying stuff! All good fun, especially the testing it out bit!! Atb Simon.
Good work, well thought out, excellent sewing skills and great use of materials.
+Tom Nielsen - Thank you for the kind comments Tom. Atb, Simon.
I really like your ammo can stove design better than others I've seen. Great job! The lavvu looks great too.
Great skills Simon 🤙
Hi! Good video. I like this tent also. Sligh note. In polish we don't have and use that word: lavvu ;-). We speak Polish for it: pałatka (read: p.a.w.a.t.k.a, better check the pronunciation of a word on translator) Lavvu.. is a Sami tent, a kind of tipi, lower tipi, more resistant to strong wind and this is a word from the Sami language (Scandinavian Lapland). Funny journey of words, verbal/naming mess. We (Polish people) made the military raincoat which is called "pałatka" (two are made into a tent), and there is a word for it in English: tipi, tepee but almost everyone calls it: "lavvu" - Sams tent. So the name "polish lavuu" give's U polish sams tipi/tent ;-)
very impressive work (product design and video).i had just ran out of Lavvu videos to watch on youtube and so was pleased when you uploaded your videos.I was planning a similar design mod for my lavvu and had already bought a third poncho for fabric. its good to be able to see a finnished modified Lavvu. it looks much more comfortable.ive seen people being flooded in them so the groundsheet is a definate bonus.Thanks for the videos, looking forward to seeing more.all the best, Craig
shrinkwrapped222 -thanks Craig! It's early days with UA-cam for me, but I am going to try to do a video a week, so keep a look out! Good luck with the mods, definitely worth the effort, you'll end up with a much more useful Tent. 👍🏻
shrinkwrapped222 -thanks Craig! It's early days with UA-cam for me, but I am going to try to do a video a week, so keep a look out! Good luck with the mods, definitely worth the effort, you'll end up with a much more useful Tent. 👍🏻
great mods 10/10 got many set ups but I wanted an easy stove this is it
WOW Simon - I am very impressed with your designs and thinking things through as you 'modify' stuff. Back 30/40 years ago I would do some of the same, BUT it would usually take me two or three goes before I got the kinks out. Well done Sir!
Thanks Ken! 👍
Really awesome job!
Thank you - glad you like it! Bring on the snow! Atb, Simon.
Simon, a bloke in the woods Hehe i got more than 3 feet of snow here already!!
Now that’s more like it! ❄️❄️❄️
Great video! Compliments
buy the tent off you love my lavvu ,,a bit small though good idea you had
Ramsay McEwan -Thanks mate. The side wall makes a big difference to space, they also come in three different sizes. Mine is the XL version -I guess so the poncho fits a big bugger!!! Great bit of kit, glad you enjoyed the vid. Atb Simon.
Simon.... excellent video(s). Love the DIY stuff you do. Most interesting. Thanks for sharing..... Ax