I have the Sabre SF 45 pack with the two side pockets. It will carry a ton of gear. My problem is I can't carry a ton of gear anymore at my age (75) but I keep trying. I enjoy your videos. From a U.S. Marine to a Royal Marine, keep up the good work, brother.
I am 70. I need a ton of gear. I went to a Rush 100 Pack, the Rush Moab Sling Pack and the helikon Foxtrot MK2. I can carry all 3 at once. I removed the stiff form from the pack, i can let it sit on top of the helikon and let the sling bag hang on front or attach to the pack. Like the Host, I like to carry weight on my hip. I was a U. S. Marine. I do not use the roll mat. I use the folding mats, so I attach to the top. I put my tarp on the bottom of the Helikon, and my tent (if i am using) on the bottom of the pack. I live in Arkansas, USA and the humidity promises your tent/tarp will be wet in the morning. Even if my planned trip is only to be over night, i always take enough food to last 3 or 4 days.
@@USMC6976 "Even if my planned trip is only to be over night, i always take enough food to last 3 or 4 days." This is a great advise. Thank you soldier.
@@jfilm7466 In the famous words by Mick Jagger ( ala Mother's little helper ) What a drag it is getting old lol.. Fact is none of us " old timers " are 18 anymore.. I feel ya brother , I pulled a rib muscle the other day by simply yawning lol.
*sighs heavily* Racing spoons go on the person. At all times. How can you quick draw and scoff a cold corned beef gash if your spoon is in your daysack? In fact you should have two spoons, one for each hand. Double the surface area, half the time, triple the indigestion. Reshow at 2200
Ex RGJ here. I put the roll mat inside the main compartment loosely rolled. It adds shape to the pack and the plus point is you now have an insulated coolbag too. Also. I don't have my sleeping bag in a stuff sack, it goes inside my bivvibag and that goes inside the main compartment. Negates the need for an extra waterproof bag
I've got this great pack, did a lot of walking in Kerala, India for a month before Covid. For the roll mat, I keep mine under the pack for a good reason; if youre going down a mountain path or steep hillside and you slip, this roll mat will take most of the impact if you go down ass first and it does a pretty good job of preventing injury.
Can you share how you strap the roll mat under the pack? The Sabre 45 I have does not have straps on the bottom and I don't see how I can add straps in a way that holds the roll mat. Would appreciate if you can share.
Good to see someone out there actually recommending to bring kit out in the woods, and isn't afraid of making it weigh a fair amount. This is very much like a Canadian military loadout, even for an over-nighter. Hygiene kit is important, most people just prefer to fester in their own dankness overnight. 5L of water is important, especially if you don't know what the on-ground water situation will be. IFAK too. You shouldn't pack any differently for 1 or 3 or 5 days, other than the number of socks and underwear you bring - And food, of course.
Brother, no one carries 5 L of water. That's an extra 11 pounds! Carry one or maybe two litres and then prepare to boil or otherwise treat your water as you go. 41 years in the Brit/Canadian Army and a bushcraft and survival instrcutor.
@Albert Head everything depends on the permissiveness of your environment. 5L is not a lot in the grand scheme. And if you already carry 2L, you are debating an extra 6.6 pounds. You would carry that in ammo in a military setting. Not a big deal.
Several errors, Where do I put the 5 man tent(for me) and my dormeo matress (and free dormeo pillow - retails £45.00) also my jumbo family bag of crisps. Carrying water is quite nice if you are not a real man, but 2 8packs of guiness are more useful if the area you are in is really boring and finally, aspirin and coffee for the morning after drinking the guiness and a paper hanky for removing the vomit you're laying in. Other than that 5/10 for effort - keep at it, your get it right on day.
LOL ... Might as well change the Guinness out for whiskey -- medicinal uses, of course. And some powdered Gatorade / Pedialyte packets for the morning after .... well, you MIGHT want to add a small bottle of water, just to mix the Pedialyte into ...
Use the same 45l pack for a while now, including a 12 day hike in Chile. All my clothes for different weather and food for 12 days. Was given to me by an ex Army pal of mine! If something is good for the military then I'd say its better than those 'tactical' bags that people want now. Also bought the predator side pockets for a little more organisation, you can get a lot in those too! Always appreciate videos from ex servicemen, thanks
Shelter and sleep system always goes in the reverse order that it needs to come out. So Quilt is last on so first in, mat, fly, shell, ground sheet. Always keep your coms and navigation on your persons at all times incase of emergency evac. We're able to go pretty true ultralight down here in Australia because it's a thousand degrees 95% of the year. Cheers.
I'm wanting to get one of these Karrimors , but I want to get one in my hands before I lash out. Do you know anywhere here in Oz. Direct sport only seem to order import as required Cheers Neil
I've watched this through a couple of times, but still can't see where you packed the selfie stick, ring light and book of inspirational instaquotes - presumably you have a custom leather holder on your belt for lightning fast access? More seriously, while two young kids means I don't get on many overnighters at the minute the approaches here transfer well to most outdoor situations - planning, organisation, accessibility, snacks at the top of every pocket! Cheers Nick & Team 👍
FWIW I always pack my Bergen in "reverse order" (the things you need first at the top) so top of my pack will be a BASHA/Tarp for cover whilst setting the tent/hammock up, the next thing will be fire-lighting kit, then ground-mat and the doss bag is always the last thing out of the Bergen (and the first to be put in on packing up). One rocket pouch for food cooking utensils etc, the other has tools (Silky saw etc) and the hatchet behind the pouch. First aid kit on the top/front of the pack in the centre so it's easy to get to in emergency. If you think about it the order of kit going into the bag should set itself 😉 Loving the videos keep up the great work, be well and happy fella 👍
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 FYI I use a Dutch Military Police Bergen (55 litre all YKK zips etc) with 2 rocket pouches -in Black so it doesn't look too "tacti-cool" -the pouches don't need a yoke to turn them into a daypack either, so better than the UK offerings 😛 I'd suggest that because of what they are designed for the extra weight of a military surplus pack is justified by the reliable, long service they are capable of, there can't be anything worse than having for example a shoulder strap pulling off because the pack has been built down to a certain price point rather than up to a specification 😉 Kit that is up to the job is absolutely essential 👍
Getting old. I line the inside of my pack with my 3/4 length (original by the way) Karrimat (pollybag at the bottom) and when packed my sel-inflating mat is rolled and strapped on the side. Both go inside my bivvi sack. Other side of the pack are my rolled up windproof jkt and my skins. I've never used pockets. Top flap and inside flap same as yourself. Tent split component parts for easier packing but all near top and easily accessible. I use film canisters for salt etc. I don't have a water bag. I have 2 pouches on my waistbelt carrying water bottles L and R and one empty in the pack. Never used canoe bags always plastic bags. Carrywise I'm somewhere in between hips and shoulders. Like the idea of the tourniquet. Best Wishes, McIntyre.
Everyone has their own preferences, and in the end, it's what works best for you. My packing style of the main part of the bag is more similar to Nick's, not bc its better, but bc it lends to most of the weight being at waist level which causes me the least fatigue
It is a very nice organized bag for you. I understand that, being a US Marine. I did my time from 82-88 in the 2nd MarDiv. The ALICE pac is what we used. The packs are a lot different these days.
I had a friend (not a soldier but his dad was) he used to put the roll mat on the inside edge of the bag and put everything inside it! So the roll mat acted as a wall for the bag! Personally I think it's a great way to around finding a way to hang it!
I do the same, it gives the pack shape and support, I have four rockets and two pathfinder bottle clones clones on top as a throwover rig, I just unclip it and thats a running rig in its own right.
It's truly the best way you can put the mat but quiet a pain when you want to pack it again especially if you are on the clock or you do not want to ruin a perfectly packed back
@JackDevil as a cadent doing an quick evac we grabbed 2hat we could and run... of the 4 groups of 12 kids. My group all that was left of the floor was a hexi burner and someone's torch.. wad difficult to see who was there and direction. Of all the other 3 groups.. they all left roll mats. Somo3n on my team said if your hands are free grab everything and what you can. And just something that stuck with me.. I get what ya saying but you can always carry it till you regroup and re pack lol
I knew an old guy who cycled around Europe a lot who did that. He also used a strong bin bag inside of that and stuffed his sleeping bag down in there without a stuffsack
I've usually packed mine in a similar manner. I've tended to mostly carry the roll at the bottom, as it's normally fitted easier there. Occasionally I had it vertically up one side. As I'm in Australia I tend to carry as much water as possible. Was thinking of your channel as I had a quick camping-style dinner of Spanish Chorizo and rice tonight!
I'm in Vic so in the colder months the ability to skimp on water is great. I can't imagine even hiking extended periods in the tropics (or even Sydney in the summer!).
@@IngenieurAerospatia I’ve seen old “bushwhacking” photos from the early 1900s, they’d be carrying their bedroll on a strap over their shoulder, but unbelievably, carrying a bucket or tin of water (no lid- if they slip, the water’s gone). They must have been tough as old boots back then, carrying this pail of water, sometimes for days, through the bush!😂😨
I use a self inflating pad. After excluding as much air as possible I form it into a tube. This is placed inside the main body of the rucksack as a liner. Next in is the sleeping bag and thermals(I use them as pj’s on cold nights). The rest is pretty much the same as you.
Great little video. To limit my profile I would put my (karrimat… remember those?) sleep mat as a ‘liner’ inside my 65L Bergen. This mitigated against damaging kit if I took a tumble or needed to throw the pack around. (The width of the mat was roughly equal to the depth of the ‘bin’.) Like yourself I load up onto my right shoulder first, so the right strap is always kept at its final length (less fiddling about) and I max out the left arm so I can get into it easily and have added a paracord thumb loop through the end seam/fold of the arm strap (if that makes sense) to cinch it tight easily.
Great video. When it comes to sleeping pad placement, I tend to run it under the top flap of the pack. If I am using my lightweight bivy tent I will roll the pad around that and put it in the same position. I had also cut my pad down so it is just shoulder width and about two inches longer than my person. Tend to do tarp shelters though, so that leaves tons of extra room in my pack for really cinching it down snug and close to the body for comfort. I also don't carry more than a liter of water at a time; have multiple water treatment and filter systems that are very packable and lightweight (always water to be had around my area). Prost, from CT.
Weight is something that far too many people worry far too much about. The lightweight and ultra-light hikers that speed march through the trails in an effort to post superhuman times, wearing plant-based underwear that can withstand dysentary, surviving on high-tech gels, and vegetarian jerky, packs outfitted with a solar powered, laser beam, sattelite wi-fi system that weighs -3 mg, can't possibly be enjoying themselves. Going into the bush, making camps, enjoying the day in the forest, prcticing skills and moving to a new camp, requires a certain amount of gear, and who doesn't like being comfortable? I don't mind a heavier pack, and I remember being a Scout in the late 70's...talk about heavy kit!!!! If your pack feels heavy, just think that the guy making this video, and his older peers, the 'Bootnecks' that 'Yomped' to Stanley with 200+lbs on their backs, carrying a GPMG, LMG or an SLR, and then being asked to strap mortar rounds on top of it all. Wet, muddy, cold, and shitty boots...they carried weight. I think I'm going to go out and buy a titanium spork and a cast-iron Dutch Oven!!!! Cheers!
It may have already been said. But where I often hike, the undergrowth can be very very thick, woody and unforgiving. Having the sleeping mat on the outside is asking for a puncture, or leaving a trail of brightly coloured foam behind you. The backpack is far more resilient than my mat, and a small hole is of less consequence. So my mat usually goes in first, unrolled in a canoe bag as you called them. Unravelling the mat to fill the inside of the bag, and make a tube for the rest of my gear to go inside the mat. This method takes up a cm or two around the outside, and doesn’t leave any hard to fill holes by trying to pack cylinders beside each other. Cheers for all the videos that feed the wanderlust when I can’t get out there! :)
I think the Royal Marines and the old scouting associations were in cahoots when they wrote the manual! Of course, we didn't have framed backpacks or stuff sacks/canoe bags/dry sacks so we used local super market bags (remember them?). The organisation of the 'brain' of back was great! When hiking, being able to share the load of a tent with another person is great - I usually strapped these to the bottom or to one side so it wouldn't interfere with the access to the pack itself.
You know, I was thinking the self same thing. My roll mat migrated around my pack until it settled at the bottom. And of course my kit was stored in a variety of carrier bags all in a bin bag inside my pack.
Excellent video! Love the kit, you have a super reliable setup! I've been doing backpacking for years in the Adirondack wilderness here in the northeast US - I've recently been really digging in to engineering my setup to balance between weight, capability, and comfort. So here are some big upgrades I've found in my time! I've been using an inflatable/packable bed pad, the Static V by Klymit for a few years now and it's killer. For me, I can even get a few hours of sleep on my side before I need to readjust. Deflation and packing is kind of tough but worth it for the pint beer sized package. Foldable chairs are pretty legit and around a kilo, I got one (Naturehike) a few months ago and it made hanging out at camp 10x better. Plus, if you're on the trail and want to hang out at a waterfall or something it pops together pretty quickly. I recently used this to stage a photo on the peak of Allen mountain where I kicked my feet up and cracked a beer. I called it my finest hour! I think the other major upgrade I found were compression sacks, Nelson Rigg makes them. My sleeping bag shrunk by about half in one of those, you can really crank down on the straps to hold it tight. I got another and put clothes in it to the same effect. My pack fully supplied comes in around 35lbs / 16 kilo, it's been super fun learning about different equipment and configuring my setup to fit my preference - thank you for sharing in detail your setup and rationale behind everything!
Well thought out pack. I often camp with my boy (10) and sometimes my daughter (4) and packing a bag I any kind of sensible order is VERY mind boggling. Sometimes I'm carrying 17kg of gear, which is still within my limits but wow, do you feel the difference when my solo set up is around 10kg Great video, interesting to see. Thankyou Nick 🤘
Not sure what a royal marine is "no disrespect " I will look it up...ours are seals...airborne..green berets...recon. looked it up definitely special forces!
the sleeping pad - closed cell foam, FOLDED not rolled, and under the lid (and down the back of the pack {under the straps}) ... = another waterproof layer (yes the extra waterproofing really IS needed down here in Middle Earth (NZ))
Agree Inside or vertical. Horizontal (top or bottom) always snags or hangs. Undergrowth, lots of tree fall or narrow tracks. Water proofing is good. Drowning in swollen river was the leading cause of death for English Immigrants when we were first colonised. A fully water proofed load-out becomes a PFD in those situations now. WARNING!!! does take practise.
Another great video Nick. I live in the tropics of Australia so I pack two water bottles on my waste strap so I can get to them easy without moving my bag, I also have a bladder so without touching my bag I have 5ltrs accessible, sometimes that is not enough. Like others I also keep my tarp, hoochie or basha whatever you call it ready to deploy for protection from sun or rain. My next priority to access is water purification. My sleep system is a hammock so I do not carry a mat but the odd occasion I do it is a 3/4 matt that rolls down small and fits inside my pack. I like to use a few canoe bags to keep my pack tidy and organized also, they make good water bags when having to use millbank bag. I tend to make smaller bags to further organize my pack and have recently started lining them with orange material so if SHTF I can turn them inside out and use them as signaling aids. Anyway I have dribbled enough, I love your channel keep up the awesome work.
Awesome stuff again Nick, there really is nothing better than an ex marine showing how to pack a realistic, not UL backpacking overnight bag, "a place for everything and everything in its place" 👍🏕👏
Firstly, backpack survival is seriously only if you survive a plane crash or your car breaks down 100km from no where. These are really rare occasions and I think that we should be learning car survival as surviving in a car is going to be the most common form of survival. For example, how long can you survive in a car for. And surviving three months or longer is going to be impressive. Furthermore, what should I pack in to a four wheel drive to survive three or more months. You could even do survival lessons with or without a trailer or with or without roof racks. And I think your survival backpack goes in the boot.
Enjoyed this: was exactly how I was taught to pack, and still do in the UK. Re the roll mat, some of them come z-folded, so can go into the pack that way. I occasionally do overseas trips (Japanese Alps and such) and thing that goes in we don't use much here is flagging tape, because of the dense forest. Otherwise, samey same.
I've been using the same Karrimor bag for the last decade. It still looks as good as new and is a truly bomber bit of kit. I've only just discovered your channel. I'm not Ex forces but have lead numerous military personnel on outdoor activities and wilderness expeditions. With decades of such work to my name, I guess it's no surprise we carry similar kit in the same bag. Where gear is concerned, I've always believed, 'If it's good enough for the military, its good enough for me.' I tend to carry around 20kg for an over-nighter. Any fool can be uncomfortable and a wise man once said, "There's no such thing as bad weather; only inappropriate clothing. " Living in the Peak District, I like to be prepared for four seasons in one day! Happy hiking and camping.
I bought a karrimor rucksac, a climbing sac of 65 litres , a karrimor goose down 5 season bag in 1986 . It cost £135 then for the bag as it went down to -26c . I'm glad I bought it. Vango force 10 cotton inner nylon outer small 2 person tent. It was light for then but still 3.5 kg. I camped and trekked Annapurna Base camp in Oct 86, then sundardunga glacier in 1995 plus walked across kumaon from near Almora to Patel Bhubaneswar and shogram highest village near Tirich Mir base camp. It's was harder then as the kit was so heavy with army surplus, an old polyurethane jacket and local clothes bought in khadi shops . Indian saucepan in stainless, primus stove and good bottle for kerosene. I was inspired at 17 when I saw a Chris Bonnington ascent of SW face of Annapurna without oxygen. My brother and I were crazy on rock climbing and my brother left me 2 days behind with carrying a full pack but he delivered hundredweights of coal from 15 years old. It always fascinated us outdoor treks etc . Once it gets in your blood there's nothing better but we've been caught in some awful weather so in minus 20 a great bag and being dry can save your life.
Just discovered your channel today. I think if things continue in the direction they appear to be (covid) your skills will be very much needed in the not too distant future. Subscribed.
Cool video! I do most of my backpacking/camping in southeastern Idaho. To answer your question in the video I generally unroll my sleeping pad inside the main body of my pack so that it creates structure for the pack and I stuff everything in the middle. It seems to give my pack nice structure, protects the items inside from impact, and streamline’s the outside of my pack.
I put my pack together pretty much the same way... If I'm using a roll mat I tend to strap it to the bottom of my pack , my inflatable mat however compresses down to almost nothing & lives inside my pack. Works for me
Regarding the roll mat, many years ago when I went through Infantry training we were taught to bungee our roll mats vertically to the outside of the bergen, offset to one side. The reason for this was so that if they were carried in a vehicle trailer they would interlock with each other and save space. After training however this went through the window and they were carried on top and secured by the top flap. Got to agree with your comment about carrying the weight on your waist, I'm very much the same and would probably opt to wear webbing with smaller pack if I could get away with it.
I’m looking at a belt system by LOF defence to go with my camelbak mother lode for that reason. A couple pouches and useful items on the belt and the weight is easier to manage.
I’m a former Army Ranger. We always try to carry everything inside the pack. Firstly because we parachuted in. Next there’s less chance of loosing stuff. You can open up the sleep pad slide it inside the main pack. Then pack inside the pad your kit. I today use an air mattress in my old age. I fold it up and carry it inside. I don’t carry the camelback. Don’t like them. But I always carry my water outside. I use a Munro for a day pack. But my main camping pack is a granite gear 60L pack. Your pack is the same size in volume with those outside pouches.
Very well done sir. 45 years of elk hunting and guiding had me doing this out of necessity. Some thing’s never change , but if they do its for the better. Great layout and video my friend
Hi Nick. Here in Australia (Queensland) where it is mainly tropical or sub tropical I go with a very similar load. Just the doss bag is a Jungle one and my Basha is top flapped so it is the first thing up before setting the hammock up. Don't use a roll mat anymore but have Klymit hammock pad to go in the warbonnet blackbird hammock. Never used an axe more of a Parang man myself. Must say it is nice to watch a good youtube channel that hasn't gone all bushcraft celeb "buy my kit and you'll be able to survive" type. Plus you won me over by still keeping the Crusader mug alive. Source do a hydration hose system to turn a Nalgene plastic bottle into a hydration system. This has been a game changer for me as I have had bladders burst and all my water gone and kit wet.
I like to use the Finnish sleep mats (they have a thick vinyl ground cloth attached, and the foam is covered in Hypalon so you don't slide off of it. Depending on how loaded my bergen is, I either put it under the floating lid, or underneath the main compartment. When I wore webbing I usually ended up with it across the back of the bergen, though I mounted it sideways (using the PALS webbing as the mounting points).
too much small bags for me, don´t need a bag for a towel, just stuff it in. I pack my poncho and tarp at the top, need that when its raining. also have my sleepingbag without a bag, so i can stuff it in all that little airpockets in my main pack. Never got it wet great video as always. Thanks
I use a very similar organizational system. My pack is more of an alpine style. Sleeping pad- I don't trust the bungies, so it is straps for me. In the mountains of Western North Carolina, where trails can be overgrown, I carry the pad vertically to minimize hang ups. In the predominantly open mountain trails found in the west, I carry the pad strapped to the bottom. Also, a big fan of hand held light in addition to the headlamp. Older generation USMC infantry/reconnaissance- not carrying as much gear anymore but still getting out there.
Thank you for another helpful and well done video. You packed (pun intended) a LOT of info into just over 23 minutes. The only thing I do differently is I pack the poncho or tarp on top & set that up first when I stop. I keep the fire/cooking items in outside pouches as well. Also noticed your GREAT outdoor table design. Brilliant! Thanks for this video, especially the tip about having one water bottle easy access for short stops.
Good vid Royal but lamb's wool jumper not in a water-proof bag! 😮 and a folding sleep mat is the way to go - lowers the profile and less likely to get caught up
The big message here is to think about it before you leave! Put things/items where YOU think YOU need them, then don’t be afraid to be fluid with your decisions, move things. The more your out there the easier this will become! Remember the five P’s!! Great vid/start point for those learning, which is most of us, every time I see someones kit I look to see how/why they have done something, most will tell you if you ask!
This video helped me a lot last year when I was getting ready for my first ever solo overnighter, I had a 50L bag without any side pouches and for two nights camping it was a little cramped...I've now just bought a 100L bergen with pouches so I'm confident that will be enough haha. The only thing I do differently to your demonstration is I keep my tarp and ridgeline in the top of the main compartment so that, should it start chucking it down as is so often the case in the UK I can quickly deploy it and keep dry while I wait for the rain to stop.
Just spent the past summer taking groups of kids on backcountry trips every week. I watched your other videos at the beginning of the summer for some refershers on what to pack. For me I carry an 80 litre pack and my inflatable mat sits at the bottom of the inner compartment with my sleep system. My luxury item is an inlfatable pillow, can't sleep without it 😅
I agree with having a slightly larger pack than you need and the ability to add and subtract on the outside as needed. I live in the American southwest now where we have very hot and dry Summers but also very cold Winters. The ability to add depending on the season is needed.
Thanks for sharing. I always love seeing other people's pack out and find tips that I can use. One thing I've often wondered is why don't the military use ultralight gear? Wouldn't the reduction in pack weight mean that they can cover more ground faster?
@@stummj99 would ultralight gear not tear more easily? All l know lidl camping gear will rip and zips will break.... Or l just like to overpack.... But yeah...... Great video
@@candicehealy1629 no, ultra light is very strong (but expensive) e.g. hilleberg kerlon tent fabric. Some Lidl stuff is fantastic for camping at a campsite where you can carry it in your car.
@@stummj99 thanks that's good to know I'll check out the extra light one's..... I don't mind buying expensive as long as l get use out of it and it holds up weight wise...... Thanks for the reply💞
@@candicehealy1629 you only really need that if you are going backpacking. But there's an excellent Facebook group called Wild Camping UK where there is a fantastic wealth of experience and knowledge with loads of people to help you.
Racing spoon with paracord loop around your neck or attached to your smock. Never lose it then. Got a thin 3/4 length inflatable roll mat when in batus. Fits under the top flap so no damage and out the way. Great upload as normal 👌
Well in Florida, our winter is about 2 to 3 weeks at 10 C at night most times 70 t0 90 F. Sleeping on just the ground and insects to snakes, poisonous to 20 foot constrictors , plain ants to fire ants ( one feels like cigarettes burn but they all strike at ounce 50 to 100 ) Small animals to panthers, bears , gators. Need a tent or hammock with bug net Misquotes by the millions it seems. Rain is a factor Rains 20 to 30 times a month in summer. weather, rain and everything has thorns. Machette is needed to go off trail. Walking stick for snakes under greenery and check for holes . Leg breakers or gators, you can walk and all of a sudden be under water.
Louisiana here and like in Florida we're "blessed" with the serpents and insects too...and the daily popcorn thunderstorms. I'm a veteran and injured my back in service so a hammock is o-u-t ! But I have a 2 person "friendly swede" mosquito netting tent and a tarp to go over it. Our bedding and "tent" gear rolls up and stows under the pack with 2-3 straps.
Semper Fi!!!! Yup, that’s Marine packing for sure!! I use a Tactical Tailor 3 Day Assault Pack for short hauls and an Afghan modified MALICE Mtn Ruck for longer ones. I pack pretty much the same way you do, except I’ve ditched the foam pads. All sleeping kit goes inside of the MALICE including the inflatable pad rolled up small as possible. When using the TT 3 Day, I have the sleep pad rolled and attached to the exterior bottom. I put my 3L bladder in the pocket before sleeping system. I hunt/camp and do some “work” in the Sierras of California, so sleep system can vary from a “Ranger Roll” in summer to a warmer bag in Fall/Spring. Work calls to remain “tactical” so everything remains earth tone.
I like having my sleep and shelter system on my shoulders, and sleeping pad attached to the bottom, but the best (my favorite I mean) is having a large capacity bag with internal frame that you can stuff a pad into, making a tube, then all your stuff into that, closing up the entire bag.
I use a front acces pack so my choices of packing are based on weight. Heavy items on the bottom. Sleeping mat goes under my pack on the outside. I don’t like the lumb on my pack when i carry it on it. Second reason is because it doubles as a protector for mij gear when i set my pack down. Nice video! I was wondering what the kelly kettle would be for… at the end it was gone. And the number in your bag, is that personal or did it just come with the bag?
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 I know it is, its just when you said it was 45 litres you never bothered to point out that with the 2 rocket pouches it was in fact 75 litres, a beginner would think that the 45 litres included the pouches.
I've got a 125L framed pack carrier that I paid for at the end of service, because it became my best friend through several tours. It weighs in at 4.5kg, but it feels just like 4.5 kg no matter the amount you put in. I preffer having to carry some air in it than have a smaller pack with stuff on the outside.
Thank you for a very helpful video, and your timing couldn't be better. I did a lot of camping in my youth, and when hiking was involved, just laid my clothing changes on top of my sleeping bag and rolled it up. I didn't have gear then as I do now. I am in western New York State, where first snow can be a foot or two as early as October, but temperatures and snowfall are unpredictable. I am planning on being away for four days and, being female, I want to add two complete changes of underthings and socks, one extra set of long base layer, an extra set of pants and shirt, a light sweater or pullover or light jacket, and a warm coat. I have my gear other than clothing laid out on the living room floor to put into a new Vanquest Markhor 45L backpack and was stumped about what to put where. I also can't imagine being able to fit everything into the backpack. You said your pack was 45L for an overnighter. Do you think I need a larger pack? I haven't used my pack yet and was considering returning it and purchasing a 50L or 60L capacity pack. Your opinion would be very helpful. When I was in the U.S. Army during the Cold War, we used web gear and, given my MOS as a JAG, I did not have an occasion to pack the rucksack.
Good one, Nick. My sleep mat of choice these days is an inflating one (old bones), but IF I could get a good night's sleep on a simple foam mat I'd think first about lining the bag's main compartment with it, and then squish everything else down inside that. All the best.
Awesome video as I'm in the UK too I'd pack it in this order, sun cream, down jacket, sun glasses fur gloves, shorts, waterproof jacket , beenie hat, fur boots, Sandels...... Oh and a Scarf 👍
Only a Royal Marine Officer would swing off his pack to get access to a side pouch water bottle when he has a Camelbak 3L water tube right in front of his face. 🤦♂️😉👀🤷♂️ Personally, I think your Canoe/Dry bags take up too much space. I much prefer to use bin bags and force stuff into every little space available and the bin bags are multi-purpose. Ex-British Army of course when such things other than trash/bin bags didn't exist.
Another brilliant video so much thought and thanks goes out to you my friend being an over thinker myself it is absolutely amazing being demonstrated by a royal moraine how it is and how kit is should be and the best way of sorting it thanks Nick 💪🏴👍🔥🥓🥩 bushcraft the bushcraft community is amazing so much knowledge and help thank you very much 💪😍👍
Thank you Nick. A great watch and listen. I have an inflatable vango sleep mat which I carry inside my Brit Army 45 litre PRI patrol or Osprey Atmos 65 pack due to its small uninflated size. Paul 👍😊
I haven't watched a new bushcraft RU-vidr in over a year, so I'm very happy to have stumbled on this. My right leg went, trans-tibial on June 25th. I'm doing well, have a prosthetic, and I'm hoping to get back in the Canadian bush by next summer. I have the same pack, and I felt a longing I haven't had in nearly eight years, when I had to stop. Great video and thanks for the inspiration.
I have a lightweight 45 litre for summer and a Dutch Army 80 Litre for Winter, it is an amazing bag, with 10 litre detachable side pockets, which are ideal for getting to your cooking, food, water, Beer and Whisky stores, any time you see decent ones on Army Surplus, grab one, yeah, dry bag, essential, ultra light camping is all very good in Summer, but can go very wrong in Winter, Gucci gear, again, very good, but some of it is silly money, and some people become obsessive over it, a few extra KG never killed anyone, easiest way to deal with that, is some trekking poles.
Really well thought out system (and video), I use a pretty similar system, except I've moved on to an inflatable roll mat, and I always include a shemagh. Also, I often take the Crusader cooker as well, it's dependable (and as long as it's not freezing cold, the slower cooking time can be a great bit of head space).
Good video and solid advice. Even if you've not been doing much of this stuff, or maybe none of it at all, I think it makes huge sense to start out from the get-go by 'packing systematically' - food & cooking here, personal hygiene here, sleeping gear here, first aid *always here* - already I see a comment below talking about shelter: if you use a tarp, for example, shelter priority number one, arguably, so tarp accessible, here. Plenty to build upon from this basic, essential advice, and of course, tailored for your own kit your own circumstances, your own preferences. Good job, Mr. Hidden Valley.
Just found your channel and am excited to watch and learn. As a former U.S. Marine good to see you putting those hard earned skills to use. Please check out our channel when you have a chance @ The Last Boy Scouts Survival and Bushcraft. You can also find our other social media platforms in our video description boxes.
Good load out and pack. I enjoy packing to be honest - it challenges your thinking until you get it down to a t that is. I noticed you packed a bivvy bag and hammock. Was that similar to the two cooking systems? You know giving yourself a choice. Well, good going. Mark
Very interesting vlog, especially the military approach to carry and survival. I've some pretty inhibiting spinal problems, I do have to be load conscious when on foot (I'm also a bike packer) As a retired mountain guide due to ongoing spinal disease, I've had to re-think my approach to over night, multi day excursions into wilderness areas of the UK and my yearly sabbatical to Finland. I dug out my old Aiguille Alpine 40L rucksack for my more bushcraft related outings, as the super light weight fabrics on my trekking and day packs is sadly not very durable when negotiating brush, briar and assorted woodland scrub. I do carry a bahco lap lander folding saw, and my old mora fixed blade knife.. It is really old!! Pear wood grip. I use trangia 27-1 when I'm cycling, sometimes with gas burner, with some Tatonka stainless pots which are more fire Freindly than aluminium. For hiking and woodland activities I use a Coleman F1 lite stove (super cheap super efficient) alpkit 650ml titanium pot, and optimus clip on windshield.(all lighters, stove, fire starting kit, stuffsack in pot) I've used ventile for years, and I've found a single layer with double on the shoulders more than adequate both for summer-winter walking - and cycling (Hilltrek Scotland) as my pack has no side pockets, I layer the contents as required. First Aid kit in lid. Water, I carry 1.5-2L and filter/oasis tabs the rest as required. I always carry a multitool plier, especially when cycling, I've found them very useful, this and go to items live in my Helikon Numbat chest pack.
Personally I use a folding z type sleep pad and strapped to the bottom. Being sort of square where a roll map is round helps keep the bag upright when stood. Great simple video though. Your knowledge is a bomb to the rest of us.
3 cooking pots? I don’t really disagree with your kit selection but it could definitely be lighter. I don’t do super light but I think 17KGs is very heavy for my old knees. Also why don’t you use your axe loops to hold your axe?
Hi mate I'm new to your channel here is a question for you why would you need to get at your water bottle if you have a water blader in your pack 🤔🤔 not a criticism just a observations I look forward to seeing more of your videos atvb jimmy 😎😎👍👍
Great video. I check out different ways to pack a backpack. sometimes you can get good ideas from other people that venture out into the woods, I use an Alice large backpack it will hold about everything I need in the woods. It's 3,800. It has an external aluminum frame. It works for me. I use a powerlix Sleeping Pad in the summer and fall. its small and fits inside my pack.
Great video. Glad you finally mentioned weight distribution at the end. I've always carried the weight low and close to my back, which means sleeping bag and pad up top, with stove and other dense items either low and inside or on the outside in external pockets at waist height. This lowers my centre of gravity, making me more stable, and makes the weight more comfortable to carry. Hving weight up high makes you top heavy and untable, which you do not ant on exposed places or when crossing streams. When I was young and fit I could carry 30-35 kg up and over ranges, but I was small and that kind of weight was too much for comfort and safety. It's never good to be a hero and carry more weight than you're comfortable with, as being tired sets you up for injury or worse.
Hi Nick great video, I use the Predator 45 by Karrimor. Slightly different shape to your Sabre but a great comfortable daysack with loads of room, roll mat strapped underneath I find most comfortable. I've just recently purchased a Dutch Army MOLLE vest from ebay, realy good to adapt to your needs and room for loads of pouches so I'm hoping to try that out soon. Keep up the great work mate.
From my military days, we used and I still, 40 years on, use heavy duty rubble bags, line the whole large compartment. The next thing is the sleeping bag already in the bivi bag and using a second rubble bag stuff this directly into the main sack, this way it fills up every bit of space in the bottom, having both already in stuff sacks there is a lot of dead space around them! The rest is very similar to you, a lot down to preference and what you’re doing or going.
I’m the same as your set up Old man of the woods with sleeping system, i actually got that tip off the Norwegian marines whilst doing artic warfare training, i think someone else also mentioned a saw, priceless bit of kit imo 👍
I have a Norwegian military 35 liter patrol backpack that I use on trips of 2-3 overnight trips. Otherwise, my contents are relatively similar to what you have, but I have a sleeping bag that fits 3 seasons with Norwegian nature, so it is bigger than yours and thus I attach it to the top of the backpack. sleeping pads vary between air-filled or an I foam that I attach under the backpack. Your programs here are fun to watch and the way you present both yourself and what you do. I myself am also an outdoor life / bushcraft interested veteran so what you present falls right in my taste. Keep on 👍😎
