It's been around 7 years since I first saw this video and I'm back now as I'm (finally) getting ready to do this same thing. It's been in the back of my mind for a very long time.
Thanks David - I’m really pleased with it - lots more room, more enclosed for cold conditions and the stove makes it! Just need some snow now so I can test it properly!! Atb, Simon.
@@simonablokeinthewoods Hi Simon, firstly thanks for the video. Inspiring. I'm starting on my own now. What thread did you use for the stitching? And did you have to seal the seams somehow? Thank you.
Man Simon, I LIKE the Job you did on this "Vavvu" Tent to customize it to the way of your liking. And, I LIKE it too! You did a Wonderful Job on it.....now on to part 2...
+Danny Walker - Cheers Danny - glad you liked it! I'm really pleased with how it came out - it was ideal for a customising project - being canvas. It's quite heavy, but I only really use it for canoeing trips or car camping. Atb, Simon.
Hi ! Got my Lavvu today and it was brand new. Fun to see your nice solutions to sew and modify your Lavvu. Will convince my wife that she helps me to sew because I can not sew 😀😂 Have a nice evening!
That's a cool little stove. I used to work with some Polish for years so I learnt a bit of their language and also tried that sausage which is like the frankfurters.
Simon outdoors Thanks mate! Yep, I like em, my local Eastern European food store has loads of different types, slowly working my way through the selection! Atb, Simon.
Hi Simon, I havnt seen any of your postings before but this is the video I've been waiting a year for. Ive been modifying my Lavvu for about 6 months and its almost Identical to yours. I tucked the snow flaps under and laid a round tarp inside as a groundsheet as sewing one in was a pain, your idea about using velcro was brilliant, thats going to be my next mod. Liked the side zipped vent hole but I didnt need to have a dedicated hole for my stove flu as I used an arm hole with a metal tube liner, it works fine buts not as waterproof as yours. Good video, well presented and informative without all the bullsh#t. Look forward to your next postings.
+JAY WHITTAKER - Thanks for the kind comments Jay, really appreciated!! Yes, the Velcro was the only way I could think of adding a groundsheet and still be able to sew it! The stove pipe through the armhole approach was what I was originally going to do, but then got inspired to make a removable Stove jack. But to be honest your method is just as good! And probably no less weatherproof. Good luck with the Velcro sewing. Atb, Simon.
Sooooo, did mama teach you to sew? Amazing. Reminds me of one of those videos where the guy says, “All you need do is weld this here, etc.”😖 Well yeah, IF we regular people could weld!!!! I could do what you did here too. If I could even see on a button. I can’t. But YOU did a bang up job. 👍
Two blokes in the woods 👍🏼. This was a great trip to watch. You and Andy are a pair of blokes who really know how to enjoy nature and share a few laughs doing it. It’s nice to see 2 friends sharing a passion equally. You can see the respect between you guys. Thanks for sharing this trip and say hello to Andy for me. Cheers, safe travels & God bless 🙏🏼🏕🛶😎
it's so funny I think we're on the same page was doing the same modifications to my lavvu and caught your video on RUclips looks great was thinking about going a foot on the skirt to 6 inches but I'm going to have to use a u.s. military pup tent for my material lavvus are hard to come by in Southeastern Ohio I'm enjoying your videos keep them up
Thanks, glad you are enjoying the videos. The lavvu lends itself perfectly to modification - a great bit of kit! Good luck with the project, I hope it turns out well! Atb, Simon.
I bought one of these at the Bushcraft Show this year - mainly as it was cheap, I thought the kids could play in it. I love these mods you've done. I need to fix my seeing machine (or by another!). I have managed to sleep in it with both kids. Thankfully they are only 3 and 6 years old - it was still tight though! I guess you would have needed new poles anyway as the height would have changed with the mod. Keep up the good work!
magicdrshoon - Cheers and thanks for watching! They are brilliant bits of kit, and versatile too I've seen mods done where only half is used with a mosi net on the other half. I bought another Lavvu as a doner, the fabric was damaged but came with the original poles and pegs, I just found them too flimsy. The wooded pole works much better, even if it's a bit heavier. Atb, Simon.
great videos, Ive worked on mine for months... I know exactly what you mean by it being a pain to shove all the tent through the sewing machine... I like your idea of the Velcro for the floor, I was going with the sewn in version, the tent is heavy already. I would suggest sewing military mosquito screen on the outside of the half moon opening and the zippered arm holes so you have it open and no bugs coming in... I live in the southeast of the US and we get mosquitos bad.... I put a stove jack in the top so the stove could be in the center, I now wish Id done what you did.... I think I may do your side walls, I didn't because I didn't want to worry about tripping on the cords at night.... you've done a great job... congrats...
Thanks - glad you like it! The Velcro really helped - I considered using heavy duty zips, but they are surprisingly difficult to find in the length I needed. The mosquito netting is a good idea, especially for your part of the world, thankfully, we have less of a problem here - some mosquitos, horse flies and the midge, but not too bad. The side walls make a HUGE difference to the internal space, well worth doing and yes, the guy lines are a pain at first, but you get used to them. Good luck with your ‘revised edition’! Atb, Simon.
I took a third and sewed it to the front. I matched the top cap and then sewed it in a upside down V pattern on the seam past the arm openings on the front. Then I cut the two arm panels out. I then took a us army mosquito cot net and sewed a zipper in it sewing this to a panel for the front of the tent... the tent now has a vertical front door with screening so no rain comes in. I need to do a video on it... its heavy... but its super roomy... thanks for your response, have a Merry Christmas.
I really like that idea - I’ve toyed with the idea of a removable ‘porch’ just to keep an area in front of the door dry for taking boots off etc - hmmmm....food for thought!! Cheers!
+Knucker Thanks Al, canoeing is probably the best use for it due to the weight, but it's good for summer use without the stove too. Thanks for watching! Atb, Simon.
Great modifications, I just brought a lavvu tent from the Netherlands to the US, looks like I've got some work ahead of me to make it a good winter camping tent
That has to be by far and away the best set of mods to a lava I have ever seen. I so wish I had the pre-requisite skills to modify mine. Thanks for sharing. ATB
+Nightwalker527 - Thank you for the generous comments! Glad you enjoyed it. I bought a cheap second hand sewing machine and just had a go really! Started sewing up simple bags etc to practice then just went for it, give it a go, it's good fun!! If I can do, so can anyone!! Lol! Cheers, Simon.
Excellent workmanship and Modifications for sure. This is it! Now I know what my next set of plans are with modding my Lavvu, EVERYTHING in this video. LOL
This is epic Simon. I've recently purchased a lavvu in the largest of the 3 sizes they come in and it's brand new old stock. I will be using it as my winter go to shelter and I will definitely trick mine up the same as yours as I think it is brilliant. Well done.
+Dave H -Thanks Dave, glad you enjoyed the video! Mine is also the biggest version, I had to shop around for one and got it from the Netherlands in the end - also new, old stock. Great bits of kit, I love mine and I hope you get the same enjoyment out of yours! Good luck with the mods my friend, Atb, Simon.
Simon , if ever you decide to sell this as a service , yes please fella great video subscription done buddy Thanks from the deepest part of Yorkshire stillington
Thank you Mike! It’s a good setup, I’m really happy with it - the stove needs tweaking still - a damper/butterfly in the flue to control the burn would help. Cheers, Simon
Thank you! I finally got to put it to a proper test this week - Winter hot tenting video should be up in a couple of days - I hope you enjoy it! Atb, Simon.
CNTrails JMV - Thank you! I’m really pleased with it - probably more suited to your winters than than mine! Hahaha! Hopefully we’ll get a cold one this year so I can really test it out. Atb, Simon.
This is the best Lavvu I've seen so far; makes me wish I had the skills to do this myself as I am intrigued by the Lavvu as a potential hot winter tent.
Awesome job love the mods great video. You really should consider selling these. I think they would be very popular world wide. Maybe even get a sail maker to team up with you and have them mfg. Your design and share in the profits without all the work.
Thanks Michael, glad you liked it! As much as that’s a nice idea, I have absolutely no business sense and to be honest, one was enough!! Hehehe! Cheers, Atb, Simon.
Hi Simon, I'm in Australia ,we don't get a lot of snow down here but I really enjoyed your videos, especially the tent stove! keep going with it you seem like a bloke with a lot of great ideas .🖖
Great Job Simon! I`ve maked something similar, even with Sidewalls but also with Mesh on it and sewed Bungee Hair Gums with the Sidewalls on the Ponchos, so when i roll the Sidewalls up in Summer i can fix it with the Hair Gum and the Bugs can`t enter (The Sidealls of mine are 40cm high and sewd in at the ponchos 8cm) will soon make a YT Video of it...
Hi, thanks for watching arching! Good idea with the bug netting! I had the same idea of rolling up the side walls in summer, but I haven’t got around to sewing in tie-up loops yet - that the next phase! Atb, Simon.
Hey Simon, i realy wanted to wait until i have seen the 2nd PArt , but Bloody Hell that is one of the Best Polish Lavvu Modification Videos i have seen until now ! You did one Hell of a Job there , awesome mate . wish u all the best from Germany , Michael
Bluebird Outdoors - Thank you very much Michael! I've really pleased with how it came out, the Lavvu is a great bit of kit and ideal for modifying. Glad you enjoyed my friend, Cheers, Simon.
Hi I was looking at your tent, very beautiful and practical, you can tell me where you bought it and if they ship to Italy. thanks and very very nice video compliments
Best Polish Lavvu I’ve seen. I love it. Just wondering do you have any pictures of the inside of the skirt or how the flooring is connected. I have someone that can do they sewing for me, and I kind of understand the process, but any pics would be awesome. Thank you again.
Thanks Greg! The skirt is made from rectangles of thick rubberised tarpaulin fabric sewn directly onto the bottom of the sidewall. The groundsheet is held in place with Velcro - I sewed one strip of Velcro to the bottom of the sidewall too, about 2 inches up from the bottom. The other strip of Velcro is sewn to the top edge of the groundsheet (which is a bathtub style, with upstands at the edges) hope that makes sense! Good luck and Atb, Simon
Simon, a bloke in the woods Awesome. I appreciate the response. Definitely understand what your talking about. Seems like my grandma is going to be a little busy sewing. Haha Thank you again. Take care. Greg
Hi! Incredible work! Thanks for sharing! *If i have seen well it is a size 3 lavvu? *Could you take out the stiches to take off the internal flaps, (That parts that fits on top of the shoulders when in poncho mode) just to feel more roomier inside? Is it a good idea?What do you think? *Also another question, any recommendation for the zips ? are they still working well? I apreciate your experienced opinion! Thanks in advance Good job!
Nice vid Simon.I have 2 lavvu .my 4 year old likes her own space with a nip of glamping I cant keep her inside the house she is a wonder at 4 she has her own kit .daddy just assists a little.
really like this tent.... great job. may give it a go myself. the only down side is it seems a bit heavy, but if I plan to backpack longer distances I have other tents to use.
Cheers Mark! Yes, it is on the heavy side, I’ll use it on canoe trips or camping out of a vehicle, but like you, I have lighter options for backpacking! Atb, Simon
Simon, Are these mods something that you can do (for a charge) for others? I also have a Lavvu which I love but the mods you have made really make it a great tent for winter woodland camping. Sandy
Wiltshire Man - Hi Sandy, thanks for watching! This is a question I’ve been asked a few times now. It was just a one-off really, I enjoyed the project, but once was enough!! Lol! I haven’t got the time right now to do another, but if you decide to have a go yourself, I’m more than happy to help you out in a sort of advisory way - it’s not too difficult once you get your head around the sewing machine bit!! Atb, Simon.
Thanks Simon, Yes I can understand. I should imagine it is quite a time consuming project. Anyway, your video has given me food for thought. Thanks once again Sandy
Simon, a bloke in the woods sorry to but in this conversation, I would love to try adding the skirt mod to the bottom of my lavvu, would you have any more guidance on how many spare lavvu you bought? Ways to utilise the material etc. I think I’ll manage the sewing it is the template of the material I will struggle with.
Wild Camping NI - Thanks for watching! Sure, more than happy to help out! I bought one extra lavvu as a doner for material. I marked out strips of canvas from the triangular panels (300nm wide) some strips were longer than others - I just marked out the biggest I could get. Cut them out and sew them end to end making a long strip- longer than the circumference of the lavvu. I then hemmed this along each long edge. I sewed the side wall to the lavvu about 50mm in from the bottom edge of the lavvu. Start at any point and keep sewing around until you meet where you started. You can then cut off the excess and sew the ends together making a complete ‘band’. Lastly I reinforced the grommet/attachment points. I hope that makes sense, it’s easier to do than to explain how to do!!! Lol! Good luck! Atb, Simon.
Only recently found your channel and I am hooked! It has given me the motivation to get off the sofa and give something like this a shot. Great work, thank you!
Albert Jones - Thank you very much sir! Glad you enjoyed it, it was a lot of fun to do and a well pleased with the end result! A couple of tweeks to do still! Thanks for the sub!! Cheers, Simon.
Cheers Lee! You’ll be fine - get yourself a second hand machine - it doesn’t take long to get the hang of using one - oh, and lots of spare needles haha! Atb,Simon.
I'd really like to see how you added the extra height to the lavvu. I'd also like to see how you attached the tarpoline fabric via Velcro, and how you created the "bathtub" style base for extra support.
The height was increased by sewing a 300mm side wall to the bottom of the existing lavvu (with a 50mm overhand for water runoff) the groundsheet is made as described below. Good luck. 👍
Micheal Stephenson - Thanks! I'm not planning on making another one to be honest, it took ages to make this one and I just haven't got time. Get hold of a second hand sewing machine and have a go, it wasn't that hard to do and it's quite enjoyable really! Good luck! 👍🏻
Simon..Brilliant Video....Great piece of Kit.... I Do alot of Winter camping with stove....here in Alaska...and Minnesota... Would you consider knocking me up one???...Whats the weight again??? MIKE
mike - Hi Mike, thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it! It is a perfect setup for winter, shame it doesn't really get cold enough here in the UK to really make the best use of it! As for weight, I can't remember off the top of my head, around the 5kg mark I think, so too heavy for backpacking really, for canoe, car or sled trips it would okay! The stove is then in addition to this weight. As much as I'd love to make them in batches (I've been asked before!) I simply don't have the time at the moment, but get hold of a secondhand sewing machine and have a go, it's not too hard, just takes a while!! Atb, Simon.
Excellent video Simon. Very impressive sewing skills. When you sewed the two halves together did you managed to get half the tent through the arm of the machine okay? Was it quite hard on the machine, I guess the canvas is quite heavy?
+Roger Taylor - Thanks Roger. It was a struggle to be honest, the canvas on the polish Lavvu is quite lightweight compared to other types of canvas, and I was just able to squeeze it through the throats of the machine by rolling it up into a sausage shape!! It was hard work on the machine though and I got through a few needles. But persevere and it is possible! The most difficult bit was the very top, where you have the widest bit of canvas through the machine and you change from sewing 'up' one side to 'down' the other if that makes sense? Atb, Simon.
Hi Oliver, I bought the lavvu (and a second one that I cut up for the fabric) from a Dutch army surplus store on eBay. If you just type in Polish Army Lavvu, there should be a few- mine is the biggest one they issued. Hope this helps! Otherwise Military Mart may have some. Atb, Simon.
Superb. How about doing a vid on how to go about getting permission to camp in woodland. It’s a big problem for us in the south of England....so crowded down here!
Cheers - yes, a big problem for us all! Keep trying and use ‘wildlife photography’ as your reason - might get you a foot in the door and then you could build up trust and perhaps permission for overnight. Good luck!
It's been around 7 years since I first saw this video and I'm back now as I'm (finally) getting ready to do this same thing. It's been in the back of my mind for a very long time.
Thank you , Simon .
🐺 Loupis Canis .
How can 4 people not like this video. Awesome modifications well done👍👍👍
Thanks, glad you liked it! Can’t wait for some really cold weather to test it out properly - watch this space! Atb, Simon.
I saw this on a later video, awesome!
What an awesome job you’ve done, you can hardly call it a lavvu now. It’s a tent of your own design using lavvu material, well done
Thanks David - I’m really pleased with it - lots more room, more enclosed for cold conditions and the stove makes it! Just need some snow now so I can test it properly!! Atb, Simon.
to me it is now a mini yurt type shelter
@@simonablokeinthewoods Hi Simon, firstly thanks for the video. Inspiring. I'm starting on my own now. What thread did you use for the stitching? And did you have to seal the seams somehow? Thank you.
Simon you truly amaze me with your ability to take an average shelter and turn it into something spectacular! Well done 👍 Cheers, Mike USA
What a tent. Very good work. I have polish army lavvu tent too and i want modified it someday. You have skills.
You got some skills there stitching
Cheers Steve! It was no easy task! But I’m really happy with the finished tent. Worth the hard work and broken needles! Atb, Simon.
Man Simon, I LIKE the Job you did on this "Vavvu" Tent to customize it to the way of your liking. And, I LIKE it too! You did a Wonderful Job on it.....now on to part 2...
+Danny Walker - Cheers Danny - glad you liked it! I'm really pleased with how it came out - it was ideal for a customising project - being canvas. It's quite heavy, but I only really use it for canoeing trips or car camping. Atb, Simon.
Legend has it this man was able to make s boat from a few match stick's and sail around the world.
😂😂😂
Hi ! Got my Lavvu today and it was brand new. Fun to see your nice solutions to sew and modify your Lavvu. Will convince my wife that she helps me to sew because I can not sew 😀😂 Have a nice evening!
Ah! Exciting times - good luck with the mods!
That's a cool little stove. I used to work with some Polish for years so I learnt a bit of their language and also tried that sausage which is like the frankfurters.
Simon outdoors Thanks mate! Yep, I like em, my local Eastern European food store has loads of different types, slowly working my way through the selection! Atb, Simon.
Hi Simon, I havnt seen any of your postings before but this is the video I've been waiting a year for. Ive been modifying my Lavvu for about 6 months and its almost Identical to yours. I tucked the snow flaps under and laid a round tarp inside as a groundsheet as sewing one in was a pain, your idea about using velcro was brilliant, thats going to be my next mod. Liked the side zipped vent hole but I didnt need to have a dedicated hole for my stove flu as I used an arm hole with a metal tube liner, it works fine buts not as waterproof as yours. Good video, well presented and informative without all the bullsh#t. Look forward to your next postings.
+JAY WHITTAKER - Thanks for the kind comments Jay, really appreciated!! Yes, the Velcro was the only way I could think of adding a groundsheet and still be able to sew it! The stove pipe through the armhole approach was what I was originally going to do, but then got inspired to make a removable Stove jack. But to be honest your method is just as good! And probably no less weatherproof. Good luck with the Velcro sewing. Atb, Simon.
Cheers Simon
amazing job mate, good on ya
Sooooo, did mama teach you to sew? Amazing. Reminds me of one of those videos where the guy says, “All you need do is weld this here, etc.”😖 Well yeah, IF we regular people could weld!!!! I could do what you did here too. If I could even see on a button. I can’t. But YOU did a bang up job. 👍
Two blokes in the woods 👍🏼. This was a great trip to watch. You and Andy are a pair of blokes who really know how to enjoy nature and share a few laughs doing it. It’s nice to see 2 friends sharing a passion equally. You can see the respect between you guys. Thanks for sharing this trip and say hello to Andy for me. Cheers, safe travels & God bless 🙏🏼🏕🛶😎
That is absolutely superb job.. One wonderful tent made into true bomb proof and amazing winter shelter...
Simon thats in one word fantastic a mix of tent and a fishing bivvy great idea well done.
Thanks Davey! Glad you liked it - it’d be great as a fishing bivvy - might need a porch of sorts. Cheers, Simon.
Just found your channel, now binge watching my way through your videos, like your style
Cheers Ian - glad you found the channel and glad you’re enjoying them! Atb, Simon.
it's so funny I think we're on the same page was doing the same modifications to my lavvu and caught your video on RUclips looks great was thinking about going a foot on the skirt to 6 inches but I'm going to have to use a u.s. military pup tent for my material lavvus are hard to come by in Southeastern Ohio I'm enjoying your videos keep them up
Thanks, glad you are enjoying the videos. The lavvu lends itself perfectly to modification - a great bit of kit! Good luck with the project, I hope it turns out well! Atb, Simon.
I bought one of these at the Bushcraft Show this year - mainly as it was cheap, I thought the kids could play in it. I love these mods you've done. I need to fix my seeing machine (or by another!).
I have managed to sleep in it with both kids. Thankfully they are only 3 and 6 years old - it was still tight though!
I guess you would have needed new poles anyway as the height would have changed with the mod.
Keep up the good work!
magicdrshoon - Cheers and thanks for watching! They are brilliant bits of kit, and versatile too I've seen mods done where only half is used with a mosi net on the other half. I bought another Lavvu as a doner, the fabric was damaged but came with the original poles and pegs, I just found them too flimsy. The wooded pole works much better, even if it's a bit heavier. Atb, Simon.
great videos, Ive worked on mine for months... I know exactly what you mean by it being a pain to shove all the tent through the sewing machine... I like your idea of the Velcro for the floor, I was going with the sewn in version, the tent is heavy already. I would suggest sewing military mosquito screen on the outside of the half moon opening and the zippered arm holes so you have it open and no bugs coming in... I live in the southeast of the US and we get mosquitos bad.... I put a stove jack in the top so the stove could be in the center, I now wish Id done what you did.... I think I may do your side walls, I didn't because I didn't want to worry about tripping on the cords at night.... you've done a great job... congrats...
Thanks - glad you like it! The Velcro really helped - I considered using heavy duty zips, but they are surprisingly difficult to find in the length I needed. The mosquito netting is a good idea, especially for your part of the world, thankfully, we have less of a problem here - some mosquitos, horse flies and the midge, but not too bad. The side walls make a HUGE difference to the internal space, well worth doing and yes, the guy lines are a pain at first, but you get used to them. Good luck with your ‘revised edition’! Atb, Simon.
I took a third and sewed it to the front. I matched the top cap and then sewed it in a upside down V pattern on the seam past the arm openings on the front. Then I cut the two arm panels out. I then took a us army mosquito cot net and sewed a zipper in it sewing this to a panel for the front of the tent... the tent now has a vertical front door with screening so no rain comes in. I need to do a video on it... its heavy... but its super roomy... thanks for your response, have a Merry Christmas.
I really like that idea - I’ve toyed with the idea of a removable ‘porch’ just to keep an area in front of the door dry for taking boots off etc - hmmmm....food for thought!! Cheers!
Same as all the rest Simon, that is a fantastic job that you have done to the poncos. Very good videos to boot.
Thank you Jeff! Works really well in the snow! Atb, Simon
That is such a simple mod, thank you Simon. I feel a project coming on... so excited 🌻
Very good solution with the add-on materials. Thumbs up!
What a gem this channel is
That's a nice four season canoeing tent you've made.
All the best,
Al
+Knucker Thanks Al, canoeing is probably the best use for it due to the weight, but it's good for summer use without the stove too. Thanks for watching! Atb, Simon.
Great modifications, I just brought a lavvu tent from the Netherlands to the US, looks like I've got some work ahead of me to make it a good winter camping tent
Good choice! The modifying is fun, but buy spare needles, lots of needles!!
Amazing! What a great modification. I think this is the best polish lavvu tent modification ever.
Thank you! It’s great in the snow - I finally got a chance to test it out this year! Atb, Simon.
That has to be by far and away the best set of mods to a lava I have ever seen. I so wish I had the pre-requisite skills to modify mine. Thanks for sharing. ATB
+Nightwalker527 - Thank you for the generous comments! Glad you enjoyed it. I bought a cheap second hand sewing machine and just had a go really! Started sewing up simple bags etc to practice then just went for it, give it a go, it's good fun!! If I can do, so can anyone!! Lol! Cheers, Simon.
Excellent workmanship and Modifications for sure. This is it! Now I know what my next set of plans are with modding my Lavvu, EVERYTHING in this video. LOL
Simply exceptional job..
Jim badger - Thanks Jim, glad you like it! 👍
This is epic Simon. I've recently purchased a lavvu in the largest of the 3 sizes they come in and it's brand new old stock. I will be using it as my winter go to shelter and I will definitely trick mine up the same as yours as I think it is brilliant. Well done.
+Dave H -Thanks Dave, glad you enjoyed the video! Mine is also the biggest version, I had to shop around for one and got it from the Netherlands in the end - also new, old stock. Great bits of kit, I love mine and I hope you get the same enjoyment out of yours! Good luck with the mods my friend, Atb, Simon.
You’ve come a long way Simon just the old job
verry good modified, thx
You should buy an modify these to sell ..perfect..I'll take 2 ....excellent job
haha yea I was thinking the same! Put me down for an order!! :P
I would buy!
wow - nice bit of work there Simon!
I really like the tent mods. You are very creative. Sewing machine, lathe, welder. Cool stove build as well.
Simon , if ever you decide to sell this as a service , yes please fella great video subscription done buddy
Thanks from the deepest part of Yorkshire stillington
Great modifications, really like what you've done! Given me some ideas. Thanks for the super videos.
Thanks - glad it was useful! Just need some cold weather to try it out!! Atb, Simon.
This is awesome mate! Incredible craftsmanship.
Still discovering all your videos, lovin it so far!! Nice Newfoundland dog, that's where I live Newfoundland
This is by far the best converted Lavvu I've seen some amazing idea's! I'd definitely pay you to do the same to mine!
Thanks Daniel - glad you like it! 👍 Atb, Simon.
Absolutely brilliant! Well done, and the craftsmanship is the best I’ve seen so far! 👍🏼👍🏼
You sir are amazing at what you make, awesome once again thanks
WOW! Some awesome mods you've made to that..............my poor old standard one seems not quite so great now. Great work!
Jason Edmunds -Thanks amigo! 👍🏻
That is a tank of a tent . Awesome mods . Take care Simon 👍
Absolutely ingenious. I'm now going to learn to sew just so I can do this with my lavvu's
Damn you're skilled! Great job!
Simon, absolutely cracking video! High quality and well thought out! Keep them coming, you will be gaining subs quickly! All the best, Harry
TheFalcos22 - Thank you very much sir! That means a lot!! Part 2 is now online, takes ages to upload!👍🏻
Awesome video and lavvu mods Simon, the best I've seen! Thank you for sharing.
Tn.Tim Bushcraft -Thank you Tim! Glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers, Simon.
Brilliant!!! I watched your WINTER use of this laavu and just had to watch this MOD video also. Great work!
Thank you Mike! It’s a good setup, I’m really happy with it - the stove needs tweaking still - a damper/butterfly in the flue to control the burn would help. Cheers, Simon
Wow! I wish all 3 of mine came like that.
I recon you make a lot of money by selling Lavvu`s with this type of mod.....Brilliant, idea excellent work !!
+Steven Hepple - Thanks Stephen, if only I had the time!! Glad you enjoyed it!! Atb, Simon.
Thats a pity, i would buy one in a heart beat as i cant sew for toffee :)
u r genius man! i couldnt even imagine what u did for this awesome poncho aye! thumbs up man!
Thank you! I finally got to put it to a proper test this week - Winter hot tenting video should be up in a couple of days - I hope you enjoy it! Atb, Simon.
Nice job mate.Looks really professional.
Thanks Graeme
That is really impressive..
Top job!!
CNTrails JMV - Thank you! I’m really pleased with it - probably more suited to your winters than than mine! Hahaha! Hopefully we’ll get a cold one this year so I can really test it out. Atb, Simon.
Hello Simon. . Really informative video as usual. I think your mods are first class. . Thanks chap.
Wow complete transformation man GJ 👍
This is the best Lavvu I've seen so far; makes me wish I had the skills to do this myself as I am intrigued by the Lavvu as a potential hot winter tent.
Those are super mods my friend. Well done. Cheers from Fred in Canada
VE3FAL1_Fred - Thanks Fred, glad you enjoyed! Atb, Simon.
Awesome job love the mods great video. You really should consider selling these. I think they would be very popular world wide. Maybe even get a sail maker to team up with you and have them mfg. Your design and share in the profits without all the work.
Thanks Michael, glad you liked it! As much as that’s a nice idea, I have absolutely no business sense and to be honest, one was enough!! Hehehe! Cheers, Atb, Simon.
Hi Simon, I'm in Australia ,we don't get a lot of snow down here but I really enjoyed your videos, especially the tent stove! keep going with it you seem like a bloke with a lot of great ideas .🖖
Thanks Ross! Yes, the stove might be a bit overkill for your climate! It’s overkill for 95% of ours too haha! Atb, Simon.
Simon, your the Man Love your tent Sir .Excellent
Great Job Simon!
I`ve maked something similar, even with Sidewalls but also with Mesh on it and sewed Bungee Hair Gums with the Sidewalls on the Ponchos, so when i roll the Sidewalls up in Summer i can fix it with the Hair Gum and the Bugs can`t enter (The Sidealls of mine are 40cm high and sewd in at the ponchos 8cm) will soon make a YT Video of it...
Hi, thanks for watching arching! Good idea with the bug netting! I had the same idea of rolling up the side walls in summer, but I haven’t got around to sewing in tie-up loops yet - that the next phase! Atb, Simon.
Love what you have done with your lavvu, you've just got another subscriber
daren barling - Thank you Daren, glad you enjoyed it! Looking forward to some cold weather to really test it out!And thanks for the sub!! 👍Atb, Simon.
Great idea as I to like to winter camp
Cheers! - I’m hoping for some nice cold weather to really try it out! Atb, Simon.
Hey Simon, i realy wanted to wait until i have seen the 2nd PArt , but Bloody Hell that is one of the Best Polish Lavvu Modification Videos i have seen until now ! You did one Hell of a Job there , awesome mate . wish u all the best from Germany , Michael
Bluebird Outdoors - Thank you very much Michael! I've really pleased with how it came out, the Lavvu is a great bit of kit and ideal for modifying. Glad you enjoyed my friend, Cheers, Simon.
Oh yes i Did very much , i use a lavvu my self but never did such an awesome mod on it :-) well done Simon , well done :-)
Hi I was looking at your tent, very beautiful and practical, you can tell me where you bought it and if they ship to Italy.
thanks and very very nice video compliments
Best Polish Lavvu I’ve seen. I love it.
Just wondering do you have any pictures of the inside of the skirt or how the flooring is connected.
I have someone that can do they sewing for me, and I kind of understand the process, but any pics would be awesome.
Thank you again.
Thanks Greg!
The skirt is made from rectangles of thick rubberised tarpaulin fabric sewn directly onto the bottom of the sidewall. The groundsheet is held in place with Velcro - I sewed one strip of Velcro to the bottom of the sidewall too, about 2 inches up from the bottom. The other strip of Velcro is sewn to the top edge of the groundsheet (which is a bathtub style, with upstands at the edges) hope that makes sense! Good luck and Atb, Simon
Simon, a bloke in the woods
Awesome. I appreciate the response. Definitely understand what your talking about.
Seems like my grandma is going to be a little busy sewing. Haha
Thank you again. Take care.
Greg
Terrific Work! You are an Artist...it certainly is no longer your "standard" Lavvu!!!
Thanks mate! 😁
Have you got video how you put your skirt on the luva tent
Simply awesome mods. Wow. Wish I could sew!!!
Hi! Incredible work! Thanks for sharing!
*If i have seen well it is a size 3 lavvu?
*Could you take out the stiches to take off the internal flaps, (That parts that fits on top of the shoulders when in poncho mode) just to feel more roomier inside? Is it a good idea?What do you think?
*Also another question, any recommendation for the zips ? are they still working well?
I apreciate your experienced opinion!
Thanks in advance Good job!
Nice vid Simon.I have 2 lavvu .my 4 year old likes her own space with a nip of glamping I cant keep her inside the house she is a wonder at 4 she has her own kit .daddy just assists a little.
WOW! Congrats for your great job! 👍👍👍
really like this tent.... great job. may give it a go myself. the only down side is it seems a bit heavy, but if I plan to backpack longer distances I have other tents to use.
Cheers Mark! Yes, it is on the heavy side, I’ll use it on canoe trips or camping out of a vehicle, but like you, I have lighter options for backpacking! Atb, Simon
One of my thoughts are to make the sides a bit higher.... say 2 feet instead of just 1 foot. Also.... some sort of window s for light or screen
Both doable ideas, bit more head-height, and it is very dark in there haha!
you could easily make a clear vinyl window where you have the stove jack. Attach it with Velcro like stove jack and cover.
Simon,
Are these mods something that you can do (for a charge) for others? I also have a Lavvu which I love but the mods you have made really make it a great tent for winter woodland camping.
Sandy
Wiltshire Man - Hi Sandy, thanks for watching! This is a question I’ve been asked a few times now. It was just a one-off really, I enjoyed the project, but once was enough!! Lol! I haven’t got the time right now to do another, but if you decide to have a go yourself, I’m more than happy to help you out in a sort of advisory way - it’s not too difficult once you get your head around the sewing machine bit!! Atb, Simon.
Thanks Simon,
Yes I can understand. I should imagine it is quite a time consuming project. Anyway, your video has given me food for thought.
Thanks once again
Sandy
Simon, a bloke in the woods sorry to but in this conversation, I would love to try adding the skirt mod to the bottom of my lavvu, would you have any more guidance on how many spare lavvu you bought? Ways to utilise the material etc. I think I’ll manage the sewing it is the template of the material I will struggle with.
Wild Camping NI - Thanks for watching! Sure, more than happy to help out! I bought one extra lavvu as a doner for material. I marked out strips of canvas from the triangular panels (300nm wide) some strips were longer than others - I just marked out the biggest I could get. Cut them out and sew them end to end making a long strip- longer than the circumference of the lavvu. I then hemmed this along each long edge. I sewed the side wall to the lavvu about 50mm in from the bottom edge of the lavvu. Start at any point and keep sewing around until you meet where you started. You can then cut off the excess and sew the ends together making a complete ‘band’. Lastly I reinforced the grommet/attachment points. I hope that makes sense, it’s easier to do than to explain how to do!!! Lol! Good luck! Atb, Simon.
You're a handy dude. Kudos
Thanks buddy! 😁
Incredible, GREAT JOB my friend. Regards from Madrid (Spain)
Job well done sir! Looks awesome!
Thank you! Works well for cold snowy conditions. Atb,Simon
amazing job! the tent is transformed with your mods.
Declan Jennings -thank you, glad you enjoyed! Atb Simon.
Nice job. Great tent.
You got some great ideas there Simon I'm going to pinch them if you don't mind 😂😂😂 have a great Christmas atvb jimmy 😎 😎
Be my guest mate! 😁😁 Happy Christmas to you too Jimmy!
Only recently found your channel and I am hooked! It has given me the motivation to get off the sofa and give something like this a shot. Great work, thank you!
without dought this has to be the best lavvo mod on you tube very impressed and rather jealous lol you got my sub brill vid atb alb
Albert Jones - Thank you very much sir! Glad you enjoyed it, it was a lot of fun to do and a well pleased with the end result! A couple of tweeks to do still! Thanks for the sub!! Cheers, Simon.
WOW! This is a $600++ lavvu. Great video.
Thank you! I’m really pleased with it - something nice about home made gear!
Genius, what a great job you've done there, I'm looking at getting a laavu, doubt I could adapt it to that standard, as I can sew haha. Great vids
Cheers Lee! You’ll be fine - get yourself a second hand machine - it doesn’t take long to get the hang of using one - oh, and lots of spare needles haha! Atb,Simon.
Wow, really, really like that - You should sell those modifications
Thanks Alex! Happy new year!
I'd really like to see how you added the extra height to the lavvu. I'd also like to see how you attached the tarpoline fabric via Velcro, and how you created the "bathtub" style base for extra support.
The height was increased by sewing a 300mm side wall to the bottom of the existing lavvu (with a 50mm overhand for water runoff) the groundsheet is made as described below. Good luck. 👍
@@simonablokeinthewoods thank you!
Love your videos. Still watching!!
That's nice what would you charge to make one ( already have the lavvu) that set up would make it easer for me
Micheal Stephenson - Thanks! I'm not planning on making another one to be honest, it took ages to make this one and I just haven't got time. Get hold of a second hand sewing machine and have a go, it wasn't that hard to do and it's quite enjoyable really! Good luck! 👍🏻
You made that tent better than new..I luv it. ..
Is there enough material in a poncho to cut bigger piece for the bottom. Mabey 2 feet....
+xjeepmanx -Thank you! Glad you liked it! It was pretty tight getting 12” out, you’d need to find something bigger for 2’ my friend. Atb, Simon.
This is so Great. I just bought two polish poncho's . Think i gonna try make the stove. Cool Channel you have
Hello Simon, great video! I am 183 cm, and wonder what the total width of this modified tent is, do you have any dimensions perhaps?
Simon..Brilliant Video....Great piece of Kit.... I Do alot of Winter camping with stove....here in Alaska...and Minnesota...
Would you consider knocking me up one???...Whats the weight again???
MIKE
mike - Hi Mike, thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it! It is a perfect setup for winter, shame it doesn't really get cold enough here in the UK to really make the best use of it! As for weight, I can't remember off the top of my head, around the 5kg mark I think, so too heavy for backpacking really, for canoe, car or sled trips it would okay! The stove is then in addition to this weight. As much as I'd love to make them in batches (I've been asked before!) I simply don't have the time at the moment, but get hold of a secondhand sewing machine and have a go, it's not too hard, just takes a while!! Atb, Simon.
Excellent video Simon. Very impressive sewing skills. When you sewed the two halves together did you managed to get half the tent through the arm of the machine okay? Was it quite hard on the machine, I guess the canvas is quite heavy?
+Roger Taylor - Thanks Roger. It was a struggle to be honest, the canvas on the polish Lavvu is quite lightweight compared to other types of canvas, and I was just able to squeeze it through the throats of the machine by rolling it up into a sausage shape!! It was hard work on the machine though and I got through a few needles. But persevere and it is possible! The most difficult bit was the very top, where you have the widest bit of canvas through the machine and you change from sewing 'up' one side to 'down' the other if that makes sense? Atb, Simon.
Hello Simon, where did you buy this? I've been looking for something like that for a long time. The lavvu
Hi Oliver, I bought the lavvu (and a second one that I cut up for the fabric) from a Dutch army surplus store on eBay. If you just type in Polish Army Lavvu, there should be a few- mine is the biggest one they issued. Hope this helps! Otherwise Military Mart may have some. Atb, Simon.
Hi Simon, great videos, may i ask what size tent it is 1,2 or 3 ? :)
Superb. How about doing a vid on how to go about getting permission to camp in woodland. It’s a big problem for us in the south of England....so crowded down here!
Cheers - yes, a big problem for us all! Keep trying and use ‘wildlife photography’ as your reason - might get you a foot in the door and then you could build up trust and perhaps permission for overnight. Good luck!
Very clever. I'm impressed. I'm curious what it weighs.
A lot! Hahaha. Cheers, Simon