Dave, you're the man! I love your humble approach and the fact that you never make anyone feel stupid. I have learned so much from your channel. Yesterday I took my 9 y/o son into the mountains and he lit a fire with a bird nest and a ferro rod. He told his mom he learned it by watching Dave.
I am constructing my own back pack. Using painters canvas. It's 4'6" wide and I used about 3' or so around a cardboard box as a starting pattern. And intend to use a trash can as you have shown in passed videos. I was wondering about straps. This video just salved that problem for me. Thanks for this post Dave Those straps will work perfect. Keep the videos coming you are a bush craft world of knowledge. Thanks
Any one who is interested about fixing the alice pack straps so they are a little more comfortable. If you take some foam padding and wrap it around the pack straps and then take some duck tape and wrap that around the foam pad and pack strap. It will give you a little more of cushion. Seen guys use this in the Army and it worked well. Just food for thought.
Great vid Dave, I have 2 Alice packs, large and medium complete with frame and shelf, both were found new for $20 each some years ago and still readily available. I have the waterproof liner for each. A bucket in the medium for traps, the large for everything else when not running a trap line. Very comfortable and versatile with rest breaks and only 3 exterior pockets, but you know that. Extra webbing for strapping bags and rolls on top and bottom.
Very nice setup. Also good to see the old ALICE frame again:) I have 2 of them. I prefer them and my Swiss army rubberized pack over my modern packs including my large North Face expedition pack. Regards, Lars
I've just finished making a wannigan for canoe tripping. I was thinking about using the straps from my Alice pack for this, then I saw your video. Thanks Dave. You're the man.
Dig the video Dave. I used this same system for years. The difference between mine and this way was,i used "button rocks"(like you would use on a grommet-less tarp) on the inside of the bag to give myself tie off points,to attach my dry bag to my pack frame. That way I didn't have to fight with the bag collapsing with most of its content were removed. Later I used the bow,from my bow drill as a shelf on the frame.
I really appreciate these videos explaining how to pack for a hike. I get to packing for a month out of my pack, and it gets very heavy. I have a new USMC FILBE that cost me $300 dollars and it has some awesome features. I like the simple ways. Just enough to stay alive. What I worry about is making long extended hikes and needing something or how to pack out as a family. SHTF family hump. Thats something I want to see explained.
This is such a great video. I don't know how many times I have watched it over the years. I refer this video to all who come to me wanting to learn bushcraft and survival and what gear to buy. Thanks again for great videos Dave.
This is a very good idea for kayak camping with everything being in dry bags and being able separate the dry bags to fit them through your kayak's hatch.
Dave, you're doing great things man, and every video is a nugget of information, and often have things I have never thought about or conceptualized before.
You think of light weight dry bags, made for keeping clothes dry, while kept inside of another bag. The kind of dry bags shown in the video will hold up longer than any backpack. U don't get to see many heavy duty dry bags where im from, since outdoor stores focus so much on weight.. Go straight to Daves store instead ;)
An Obi or Gi belt (martial arts belt on the Gi) is a great improvised pack strap. they are thick enough not to cut into you but are also long and can carry lots of weight.
Nice idea. I happen to like the MOLLE shoulder straps, very plush padded and durable. Down East makes the #1606 ALICE compatible MOLLE pack frame; that allows one to mount MOLLE shoulder straps and kidney pad, to a MOLLE frame that is specifically made for the ALICE pack. The frame is like about $36, plus surplus MOLLE straps and kidney pad for about $20 each. So about $80 all in all, but worth it, IMHO.
Thanks for sharing all the knowledge and adding to the enjoyment of being outdoors. Continued success to you and your family, look forward to many more moments of enjoyment in the wilds through your generous sharing of important tips and wisdom.
i like this idea. you could probably fit one more dry-bag underneath those to on its side for those who carry loads of stuff.. You've definitely sold me on those straps.
I agree the sternum strap does sometimes make it hard to breath, but at the same time I hate having the straps sitting really wide on my shoulders. So I normally start with the strap on and if I need to take deep breaths I just undo it then put it back later.
Gotta love surplus gear - cheap and works. If you remember to put your soft gear on one side of the dry bags that could be a fairly comfortable setup (without frame).
The key there is for everyone to carry their own gear. Once you figure out what each of you need, then you need to actually start carrying it. Everyone should have their own gear in case a pack gets lost or you get separated some how.
Man I made me a PVC frame for my medium ALICE pack. It is the best hunting pack I've ever had (and I have a bunch). So versatile. Thanks for that great idea .
I got the full size ILBE for less than $60 & sometimes you can find it even cheaper than that, but that isn't the point. It's another way of doing things & it's useful to know how to use what you can get your hands on (and this gives you two large water buckets- a very useful thing to have around camp). These are things you or someone else might already have laying around, anyway. For something cheap & useful, the Homemade Trapping Basket (that's the tilte of the video) is really good.
For emergency this is a very realistic option. The problem is that every time you need something out of the bag, you have to retie again. After a few days you get annoyed, you will buy a new rucksack and thus spent 30+ extra (learning money?). As I see it make the frame you mentioned, so you can detach the bags seperately.
This is awesome. For the last year I have been using an Alice pack frame with a 40L dry bag. It works really well with maxpedition Versipack i use as a haversack.
All the belt is for is to suck the bottom of the bag into your Kidney/small-of-back area so that the weight is taken off your shoulders and put on your hips. Which is the correct way to carry heavy loads. You typically want the wast strap somewhere between your belt and belly button but not on either. The sternum strap is to keep the shoulder straps from spreading apart too much. I find that a waste strap is comfy if it is too close to my belt because it pinches and rubs me raw. Hope that helps.
The newer style alice straps have a curve in them so they fit your shoulders better. I've found them more comfortable with the same functionality. For ultimate comfort the molle straps might be adapted to this also.
This is a great modus for urban survival because of the low cost, the flexibility, and the wide availability. Homeless/Street people will often lose their pack, have it stolen, or be forced to leave it behind. This system can be cobbled together out of improvised parts in any city on a day-labor budget. Essentially, a system that you will ALWAYS have access to, no matter your locale or your circumstances. It is also good to hear that, in a pinch, the entire ECWS/MSS is not a required cost.
Hi Dave. Then only thing that would make your system better is the shelf for the pack frame. My self I carry the Whitney internal frame pack for extended hiking. But for the shorter trips I like the Alice large pack, I like the pockets to place the items separately and those that are needed more often. Also I use the pouches for the magazines, to carry extra capacity. I pack everything in gallon zip lock baggies to give extra water proofing, and I also carry a couple trash bags Later Mike
Thanks for sharing all the knowledge and adding to the enjoyment of being outdoors. Continued success to you and your family, look forward to many more moments of enjoyment in the wilds through your generous sharing of important tips and wisdom. The two 30 gallon dry bags should work well with the Big Elk Pack,thanks again Bill
Great video brother! I like it how you consistently look to share and look out for everyone to include the common man. Take care! P.S. I have an important test to take Wednesday. It is a police exam. Pray I do well please?
Doesn't get much simpler and Lord knows I like simple. Two big pockets and keeps everything dry. Actually, that's a damn good totally functional backpack for just a few bucks. I'm seriously gonna rethink my current set up. I really...really... like this. Thanks bro.
About improvised packframes: I've been using a roycroft frame out of preference for a little over a month. People seem to scoff at the idea that a handmade packframe can do as well as a modern high end backpack, but at least in terms of comfort, I actually like it a little better. It's a pain to get into, but I figure at a cost of about $5 as opposed to at least a few hundred to get a decent modern backpack that can carry the same amount of weight, it's worth it- especially given its durability.
That was a quick replay. :) I will have to check out the dry bags on your site. Thanks for all of the awesome videos and great ideas. I live near Dayton Ohio and love to see the local type things that you do because they apply to me as well. Keep up the good work man, and thanks again.
Medium ALICE pack with frame and shelf is one system that is tough to beat for the price, set up options and WEIGHT. Just an old mans opinion. Rock on, Dave.
My experience has been wearing the waist strap just above your hip-bone allows you to carry your pack load more comfortably. Wearing it at belt-level, seems to put an undue amount of pressure on your shoulder straps. JMHO
In modern times, getting a good pack is easier than you think, people with low budgets are finding what they need on eBay or Amazon, for next to nothing, budk, cheaper than dirt and sportsman guide are great for bushcrafters, with your gained fame, it would be great for us new comers to start over with the basics, anyone that would criticize that already thinks they know more than you, so Clovis on those of us that need the help, thanks
Have you had any experience the MOLLE 2 frame yet Dave? I use the Gen IV frame and lash my gear straight to it, an idea I got from one of your earlier videos on the ALICE frame. It has multiple tie off points, is MUCH more comfortable for those who are taller and they are extremely cheap at the moment with the winding up of the Iraq & Afghanistan conflicts. I've heard the earlier models had issues with strength, but the Gen IV is pretty robust.
Truck drivers can function and maintain our sanity + good humor on 3 hours sleep. Sleep deprivation is not conducive to sanity but experienced drivers can't sleep more than 3 hours at a time. It's an occupational hazard. 2 naps of 3 hours each is enough every 24 hours. Thank you Dave for all you do, I love your videos. I notice you are letting your hair grow out. Bandanna as sweat band is necessary and could be a great fashion statement ;) HA! Been there, done that. Hollywood Baby!
ALICE packs are superb for low cost gear that will last a lifetime, but I wouldn't want to carry one on an extended pack trip. My Gregory Wind River was a lot more expensive than an ALICE pack, but by day 2 of an 8 day trip I'm always glad that I spent the extra cash! In my experience there are 2 things that you absolutely do not compromise on when going on long packing trips: your boots and your backpack! If you can't afford good ones now then either save until you can or stick to car camping!
great video Dave,I love my alicepack the straps are just fine,been looking at replacing it but can't find a pack that's not $200 plus to replace it,have a good week my friend
great idea i have 2 alice packs a medium I got for free from a friend of my dads and a large which I found at goodwill for like 4 dollars on one of there sale days got it for like 2.42 with frame and straps
Cool set up. But those dry bags cost $30 each and then u have to buy the webbing and the shoulder pads. That set up u showed will cost some one about $80. A large alice pack complete on ebay is less them $40. For $80 u can get a ilbe of molle 2ruck with would be able to carry a heavier load and feel alot more comfortable then 2 dry bags tied together with improvised alixe starps.
Great video Dave!!... I love my ALICE set up I picked up at a surplus store for $30 (Frame, Straps and bag included) You can't get anymore common man than that!! Keep up the good work! BTW... I'm excited to be out in the woods on Thursday and Friday for PAs last two days of early muzzleloader !! Taking the old TC Hawkin smoke pipe out for a walk
" Tactical does not mean practical" . Good solid advice for begginers. Too many mall ninjas expect their pricey gear to be the end all beat all. Surplus gear is tougher and usually cheaper than anything "tacti-cool" available.
Great stuff as usual Dave. How we'll does that cargo bot rest in that titanium pot? I've been looking for a it nesting cup for my bot with a bail and that one looks pretty close.
I'd say most of the guys who think the ALICE straps are uncomfortable wore them in the Army, where they give you so much s**t to hump that they risk breaking the system (the ALICE pack system is rated for 70 lbs in the large pack, but it'll hold 90 lbs before you start to see the frame bend or the bag give way, which I got to learn the hard way). On the civilian side, a new set of ALICE straps for a pack carrying 25-45 pounds of camping gear ride comfortably enough for the money.
I think maybe he meant it in a survival situation? What if one doesn't have a gun or a bow in a survival situation? it's a good solution at least temporarily to help you get around and to help with at least some very basic self defense. Not saying I'd carry one by default but you've always said the best tool is what you have in a survival situation. Much respect brother, Shay L.
dry bags are the best. I have been using them in my boat to keep dry things dry for 20 years...when you have a boat full of people scuba diving everything in the boat ends up wet....except for what I keep in my dry bags!
Hey Dave. Great video as always. Question/concern...I love the idea of using dry bags as a rucksack. My concern is that most waterproof bags I have used or seen are easy to rip. I would be concerned that being out in the woods all day you may rip one.
Hey Dave could you maybe produce a video on how to pack for children? I have a really hard time deciding how to pack when I take my youngest (nine yrs old) son out. He has his own pack but he is as most young kids probably are "forgetful". He has in past left his cook kit behind on one of our camp outs. I try to keep his light as possible bare essentials but end up with mine being so heavy I am miserable.
You know Dave I got phase 1 and realize it's all about 10c I been out hunting and scouting last few weeks and yesterday I started going though my kit and started taking things out my kit is getting smaller
What would you carry if you were doing a 2-5 day trail hike on the appalachian trail if hunting and fires were not always a possibility? Would you use canister and modern gear or the long hunter stuff?
Hello Dave, Do you have any videos or education for the common man regarding personal hygiene and elimination of waste in the woods? I have yet to see you with any personal items for hygiene and waste. I imagine it is a sensitive topic, nonetheless, an important one for the common man. Thank you, Morgan
ALICE packs are pretty nice. You can find them real cheap because they made millions of them. You can even use the frame to carry around ammo cans or other heavy objects, without using the pack.
Those small pack straps are pretty rough on your shoulders.. The Alice straps that are BDU patterned are full size, fully padded and much more comfortable.
I put old ALICE away years ago because she would irritate me after an hour or so. She was a strong gal and a good worker but I have been enjoying a much younger and softer replacement. Maybe I'll let old ALICE out again some day.
I heard you mention reading a book by kephart I've been looking for a good all around book about camping do you have any suggestion? Kephart or nessmuk ?
Shanes, I do use walking sticks, and on rough ground they are very helpful, something to lean on taking a break, I do not like them that high, around 55" or less is what I go for, head high is a staff like Gandalf, A fine item for sure but heavy and cumbersome for me. Also if you have any knee or leg problems they can save a fall. I was climbing a steep hill and my knee went out.. nothing there.. I rolled all the way down into poison ivy #$%^%^ a stick would have helped before and on walk out.
Try giving him more responsibility (ex: he's doing something for the both of you or it doesn't get done). If he's the one in charge of something he might take it more seriously. Also, have him run through the different activities in his head before you guys go out (ex: "We'll get there & set up camp, then we'll get food started- oh, yeah! The cook kit.). Worked well for me. Not really a "sink or swim" brutality type of teaching, but a "this either goes this way or not" kind of thing.
Dave (or anyone) does the waist strap go about right over your belt? Or does it go over your belly button? I have an old frame but it seems to ride a little high, I can really find no data on the waist strap, it seems to me it should go over your belt?
O.K. I wanna ramble off topic. Why have I never heard anyone talk about walking sticks? Some of us already know the basics some watch these vids to learn them. The first thing you do when you walk into the woods is get a walking stick. Make it taller than you so you do not impale yourself on it if you slip when walking downhill. Spiderwebs= walking stick, snakes=walking stick, rolling over logs or rocks=walking stick, self defense=walking stick, dangerous animals=walking stick. The list goes on.
I think its a better video if you look at it from the perspective of creating a backpack in the event your pack has been ruined in a survival situation or in the bush. I don't think its a reasonable option in any way to build this as a pack. Great video all the same Dave.
Dave, check out Backwoodsman's Institute (the video is Homemade Trapping Basket). He takes a large trash bin & two ALICE straps & a little paracord to make a pretty interesting backpack. A cheap, but useful add-on (especially if you bolt the lid on). The DIY Tri-Fold Rubber Mat (iawoodsman) is another good trick to keep that mat with you without taking up too much room. P.S.- Why not throw that short ENO hammock in with your sleeping bag? Is it developed yet?
