Honing Your Longhunter Trekking Kit 

Advantage of camping in the winter is no mosquitoes or flies

I love that the cabin is now a guest set, very immersive!

Wonderful to hear from a woman re-enactor! I have camping experience, some primitive, and I am encouraged to try something like this. (And I'm 60 years old!) Thanks, Townsends, for something a little different.

When I've been camping in cold, frosty or snowy conditions, my best and most useful asset was my Black Lab dog, Louie! (You can see him in my profile picture.) He made a wonderful hot water bottle, and it was an entirely reciprocal relationship as sometimes, if he was wet, he might be shivering, but we kept each other warm. And we never exchanged a cross word!

When I was a kid in the 80s, I carried a similar pack all over Colorado and New Mexico. Lived off the land, checking on cattle and fences. It was me, my horse, two dogs, a 65lb recurve bow with a dozen arrows, a small two way radio for emergencies, and an old 1911 with a extra magazine, in case I couldn't get a signal.

I like her attitude. She's a hoot.

6 inches or more of boughs/dry grass underneath the bedding help a lot insulating from the cold ground. ☃️

She "just got into it" and looks like she's way ahead of many who have trekked for years.

I Love her personality and enthusiasm! She will be a great reenactor!

That's awesome, she's experienced in camping and camp craft, but doing it with 200yr old equipment called for some changes. Thanks for the vid 👍

Thank you Ellen Rice for sharing your adventure with us. A very personal experience that I appreciate hearing. In a way, it's more interesting to hear about this from someone just staring out rather than from an experienced individual. Just for a little while I was there with you in the woods, in the cold. Thank you again.

She’s so plucky and excited, great guest John.

I would have liked more specifics related to using women's clothing in a forest trail setting. Long, loose skirts seem like a recipe for getting snagged and wicking up lots of water from brush and grass. We also didn't learn anything about her hiking footwear. That was essential kit, even for a short hike.

when I saw her cooking kit I was thinking thats going to be a learning lesson. Bacon or salt cured fatty meats are some of the best trekking food along with dried fruit, nuts and cheese. Oiled leather lacing makes great camping cordage if you are looking for reusable non burnable cordage its kind of like the para cord of antiquity. You can usually buy spools of it from leather supply stores (tandy has something called Kodiak lace)

"We don't know whats gonna happen?" *Feels like the premise of a horror movie*

I love this!! Been rendezvousing for many years and the hard weather is where you learn the most!! Mud, rain, cold, wind, heat. People ask me why I primitive camp. Because I know when the modern goes away, I WILL SURVIVE.😀

This woman needs to have her own historical backpacking channel, it would be a hit. I watch a lot of backpacking channels and there is nothing like that. I loved this video!!

I have no doubt this trek really brought home to Ellen the grim reality of what our ancestors had to endure. Only years later could folks start writing about the, "romance", of it all. It was rough going and no mistake, and battling the elements was sometimes the least of your worries. This was wonderful Jon. Thank you so much for having Ellen come out to your cabin and share with us her adventure. It was very interesting, and educational too.

I'm a reenactor in Britain, focusing on 15th century rather than 18th, but these "frontier" videos are so so informative. It was fascinating to hear Ellen's experiences; especially given the unknown duration and exact location of her trip - of course, this is how many of our forebears went "abroad". Over the last 2-3 seasons, I've been undergoing a revelation of my own, as I focus my interpretation more tightly on a travelling soldier - while of course the baggage train exists for more wealthy characters, the idea of "every ounce counce (sic)" really makes me focus on what I NEED to survive, and has cut my kit into a third of what it was! Wool blankets, for example, are a god-send. I've recently ditched my sleeping bags altogether - they do not come to events; all they do is get damp, and cold, and require hiding. The blankets can be warm even when almost sodden. I must admit I do carry 2 at all times, even in the relatively temperate British climate!

Her excitement is infectious - I love it!

This is hands down the best thing about living history! Not just going to fairs dressed up like period people but actually experiencing 'living' the period. I do medieval reenactment. And reading brief summaries about how crossbows were shot is all well and good, but shooting crossbow all day and discovering that your back hurts and your fingers hurt, and the pavise (big shield) is cumbersome and a pain in the arse to set up! All these little nuances that have been lost to time as they weren't worth recording! These are the things real people had to endure! And that's why I love living history!

Fabulous! I appreciated the contrast of before and after (and being at the cabin is always a feast for the eyes). Perhaps I should watch the pemmican video again and have some on hand for camping. Great information. Thank you.

Got pretty worried when she unrolled that oil cloth up against the fire. Real oil-cloths (made with linseed oil) are extremely flammable. Thought there were coals where she put it, but evidently not. I enjoyed this video a lot. Great to see the enthusiasm a woman who's only been reenacting for a few months step up and do a trek! Really puts you into the feel of the 18th century if you're with a like-minded group of folks. Was in Charlottesville, VA for a reenactment one November and it was supposed to get down into the 20's. One of the fellows lived in town and invited everyone to camp out on his floor. I decided to stay in my tent on the Town Green where our regiment had set up about 6 tents. Mine was the only one occupied that night. I had two wool blankets with me and the town had provided some bales of straw. I used the straw from one bale to fill in the spaces at the bottom edges of the tent to keep the wind out and piled about 10" of straw up along one side to lay out my blankets for my bed. I made a wool sleeping bag of sorts out of my blankets by folding over the foot end of the blankets a bit and using three blanket pins to hold them in place. Then used three more of them to close up the side with me in it. In previous reenactments I had used thorns from a Hawthorn bush to pin them together, but there were no Hawthorn bushes around downtown Charlottesville, so I used blanket pins. Read by candle light for a little while, then blew out my lantern and went to sleep. Next morning, when I woke up, I didn't want to get out of bed because I was so warm and comfortable. I had piled the straw high enough that when I slept on it, I still had about 6" of compressed straw underneath me and of course some coming up the sides. That made for a very warm and soft pocket in the straw. I thought I would be probably be warm enough but I was toasty and I really didn't expect to be so comfortable. I'd often wake up in the morning at home with a bit of a back ache. No such problem sleeping on the straw. Really hated to crawl out of the blankets and straw because it was really cold outside. Of course, my half-boots were frozen as was everything else around. Got up and got dressed, then started a fire with my flint and steel and boiled some coffee. Not long afterwards most of the rest of the rest of the regiment started showing up and next thing you know one of the guys had bacon cooking on his spider pan. I always thought that sleeping on straw would be terribly uncomfortable. After that experience, I started looking forward to it.

A beautiflu lady. She has discovered some things about history and about herself. Thank you Jon.

Last time I was winter camping was when I was in Scouts. It never failed; I would wear the slide belt buckle that just would not come undone at night, had to sleep in the clothes I wore all day. I was always told, "change your clothes at night." Many a cold, miserable night spent learning that the hard way.

What a wonderful debrief! It is so very satisfying to hear her positive Can-Do attitude. The motivation to try something and then learn from it should be transfused it dozens of folks who are just too skittish to let go of technology. What I admired most was that she is an accomplished trekkers who willfully chose to move away from high tech solutions! Great job!

Our local BSA summer camp has what's called "The Frontiersman Program", patterned after 19th century era skills. As a scout gets older, they may have done most of the summer-camp doable merit badges, and this gives an in-depth experience of woodsman skills. There are a host of project requirements including fire building, gathering items for your fire starter kit (including building the pouch to store it in), and also service projects around camp. It all culminates on Thursday night the week of camp with a rendezvous or simply "The Vous", where we hike deep into the woods, camp, wrestle bears, tame cayotes, cook up some grub, and then whittle down a tree into a toothpick. It's a great program and a lot of her prep sounds VERY much like what the Frontiersman program contains within it. And to those out there reading this who've gotten a little (or a lot) of hair on their chest.......GRRRR! To anyone who hasn't, check out Chief Logan Reservation in Southern Ohio for your scouts this year.

Two things to note: If you're going to try this sort of thing, maybe earlier in the year would work better. Also, according to the 19th Century immigrant guidebooks, the average person will consume about three pounds of food a day while traveling. The same rule might work for backpacking. Dried foods rehydrated can help with the weight issue.

Cringed as I saw how close that oilcloth was getting to the fire. Great info though!

That sounds like so much fun!! I had done some Revolutionary War re-enacting with my husband (he was with the First Virginia Regiment). Some of the stuff I have done (cooking over a wood fire, making a bed roll, starting fires - without matches), camping in the winter (20th century winter camping). I know some theoretical stuff - how to bank a fire and keep it going all night - but not in real life. I don't have a lot of 18th century clothes - and what I have is summer wear, but I could see myself doing that. :o)

Mr.Townsend : A Classy Gentleman from the past. Very special.

“3 must have items - Axe/Hatchet, knife and a blanket.” Yup. Good on you.

Oh my goodness! Last November's been the COLDEST month so far this winter, in Indiana! If Ellen & cadre' were anywhere in north-central Hoosierland, it must have been a real chiller! Re-enactors tend to either get into winter campaigning full-out, or stick to milder climes. Inuring is important. Cabin dwellers and pioneers learned to handle cold better than most folks, because keeping warm requires constant, grinding WORK. And if the fire is unbanked overnight (goes out,) mornings are just, plain hell! And God forbid the woodpile is depleted in a blizzard! (Indiana used to have 'em often in the 18th century.) Just seeing you sitting by the fire, bundled, makes me think most of us'll kick out quick if real disaster hits our area. Well, you deserve to survive, bless you! P.S. If anyone hasn't made mushroom ketchup yet, it's YUMMY! I use it in place of fish sauce & Worcestershire. UMAMI!!! And the dried bits are super salad sprinkles! Thanks! Never quite figured out Amelia Simmons' method.

I really love this! And that they're not just wearing the clothes, but living the beautiful struggle of fishing, hunting, roughing it, etc....!!

As a camper and hunter who knows the value of both trying to make the most of modern advancements and also trying to still get away from most of the hurry of life I really enjoyed watching this. A few things I do myself that can translate to re-enacting is for your cookware you can use a small skillet as your plate, the more things one item can do the better but also as far as food goes bring ingredients, bring as much prepared food or quick prepare food as you need while hiking but once at camp try and use what you have to make higher calorie food or just large quantities for the night and next day, I’ll carry a decent amount of flower and other needed ingredients to make simple breads to have with whatever meats I have packed or fish I have caught as I am a big fisherman and that seems to work very well.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, no one else is posting 18th century longhunter or trekking videos anymore and I, and there are probably MANY out there that agree, would love and really want more like this. The few videos you did with Dan Wowak of Coalcracker Bushcraft were awesome.

As a backpacking woman who loves outdoor adventuring of all ages this is amazing. : ) I would love to hear about her group more! Currently living in Norway 🇳🇴 but this kind of stuff brings a little bit of home back. Just can’t stress how much I love this all women’s trip.

Last time I was this early the redcoats were attacking

Brava, Ellen! I thank you for sharing your expectations and experiences with us. You go Girl!

She’s had great fun putting that kit and her outfit together.... fascinating. Love the hat. I hope Ellen joins you again soon.

At the end the guy strugling with the wood branch was funny 😂

"Now I can start Making my own things or buying my own things". Or barter!! Keep the king out of your personal affairs, taxation is theft! But seriously, learning to make usable items is a pretty awesome skill to have.

I'd leave the trivet behind in a heartbeat.

What a lovely russet dress!

I hesitate to bring these up but its been bugging me for awhile when I watch these camping/survival videos. She talked about hunting and camping, I understand about the 18th century, but in the 21st century one needs things like a hunting/fishing license, otherwise there are hefty fines. Plus what happens if there is an emergency? There has to be some way to contact the authorities, in case the unthinkable happens. As a member of a search and rescue here in Utah, these things can mean the difference between life and death. I have seen way to much death in these situations when something as simple as a locator beacon would have meant survival instead of death. Remember above all that getting home safely is the goal of everyone heading into the backcountry.

14:52 Ryan, dont hold your hatchet like that. It's dangerous man. Get it sharpened okay? I love that little cabin. You all did a great job on it. It's very beautiful

Thanks for introducing us to the adventurous Lady. She was so fun to hear from, I'd like to hear more from her now that some time has passed. I haven't given much thought about what challenges and boons women might experience without menfolk hanging around. But, the anticipation and excitation she was expressing was surely a universal experience. Lots of fun!

I love watching your channel, it makes me think of my ancestors who first came here from the Netherlands in the late 1600s, early 1700s. The name was Brinkerhoff and they settled in New Jersey. The house is still there.

It was great to see her using the trappers basket there at the end. I was thinking that would be her best bet to carry her kit. Maybe she should watch some bushcraft camping videos and learn some pot holder techniques to lighten her load. This is some awesome stuff. Thanks for sharing!

I love her humility and enthusiasm.

Having done solo bushcraft/nessmuk style camping before, I have nothing but envy for that amazing kit load out! Sounds like an experience that is worth the risk!

These are my favorite of your videos. Just seeing a beginner makes me want to get into re-creating history that much more.

This is the closest I have ever gotten to seeing what could be considered an old time Mess Kit. Could you do a video on that subject?

I've been waiting for an episode like this. I love the Longhunter stuff, makes me just wanna go off into the mountains and never cone back to civilization lol

Cannot thank you enough for this video! You nailed it on so many fronts. Woman centered, newbie, before and after. I have watched so many of your videos and learn much from them, but as a woman this is the best! I have often wondered what it would be like to do an 18th century trek, now I am inspired to do it. This video was totally brillant! Love you guys and keep the videos coming!

Love this kind of videos where people show their kit...please more 🙂

One thing about these types of episodes, about hiking/trekking/longhunters/etc... it really really makes me appreciate the modern tools and conveniences we have today. Even today's backpackers are able to live on the trail in a sort of luxury that would have been though impossible to the people of the 18th century. More and more I wish the Townsends were able to oversee a running TV series about an extended family in Colonial America living the life before, during, and after the Revolution. These RU-vid "tutorials" are great, but a running series portraying (in-depth and in character) that seriously overlooked era in our history would be absolutely amazing.

So great to see women getting together to re-enact! Great video!

Modern 'Retro-camping' has the advantage of knowing civilization is just a few miles away. Our ancestors had to face the reality that, if they failed to make it in the woods, they could die. It's still a great experience to try out the conditions they must have endured to survive and prosper, while we just do it for fun. When I was younger, 60 years ago, we couldn't afford fancy 'Eddie Bauer' equipment or propane stoves, and did most of our camping with WWll surplus gear, clammy sleeping bags, navy wool blankets and canvas pup tents. It was still a hoot, and we had the best of times...

This was an amazing video! I hope Ellen comes on your channel again.

The separate sleeping clothes are a trick I wished I'd known back in my army days. Being able to sleep warm and dry makes a world of difference when afield. I've run across this technique in a number of scenarios including AT thru-hikers, jungle warfare troops, and now 18th century longhunters. But sometimes the weather just won't cooperate and you have to stuff your dry sleeping gear into a weatherproof bag and grunt out the night. As far as running out of food...dry oatmeal, rice, grits, or powdered potatoes (

I'd go with a tin plate and cup heavy duty enough to cook out of it needed. A trivet would be nice to have but looks very heavy, I might try using just some green log splits or rocks instead.

Don’t look now John but there is a small brown animal stalking you guys.

This man has a plethora of knowledge and is a sponge for learning. Being raised on a ranch I had the opportunity to learn a great deal of things when it comes to early living which we still practice today. Kudos and keep the videos coming

I really like Ellen's demeanour. Her positivity and enthusiasm, her intelligence and charisma!

This lady is very charming, respectful of her/other peoples ancestors and super engaging. What incredible little community these people have!

I have that basket "backpack". I love that thing! Great for carrying supplies.

Thank you for the video; it's really cheering me up while I get over a nasty cold.

This is your best video ever. I love this woman’s story and her personality. A capable modern hiker/camper taking a time warp.

Afew years back we camped out across road from Mark twains cave in Hannibal missouri.it was so cold...and humid.it was right there on the Mississippi river.we ended up sleeping in vehicle.

Thank you so much for sharing this adventure! I love this kind of stuff. Last summer I took one of my sons out to eastern Oregon and taught him how to make primitive fire and Knapp obsidian into arrowheads, make rope from natural materials and learn to cope with less amenities than we’ve become overly used to in our modern life. I learned some from my father who lived on a reservation when he was a teen, but sadly much I had to rediscover on my own. My next goal is to build a flint lock with my boys. Something I hope to start this next summer ( now that they know how to Knapp they can make their own flints )

Another great video Jon and Crew. Thanks Guys

When I was young I camped out with my brother oh my it was cold -20°and the wind chill was -40° obviously we made it so I know I could.

She had an awesome setup. This was an amazing video. I love this series. When we go camping we bring the whole wagon... I admire her, I'd like to try a light camping like that sometime. Thanks for a great series!

I'd take a flask too lol! Sounds so fun.

Can we just appreciate the camerperson who kept the camera steady while walking backwards through the woods

This channel is so good. It just get's cooler over the years!

Townsends raise the bar another notch👍

One of your best! Instant classic! Keep up the good work.

Well done Ellen, I too am still a novice to this 18th century lifestyle, still searching for a group. Thanks Jon for sharing her story.

Just a quick tip for Ryan splitting that log in the background at the end. Instead of tapping the log to split it, flip it over and drop the head of the axe on your work stump (works best with a higher stump so you don’t have to stoop as much). Learned that technique on a RU-vid video a while back and it works great. Takes advantage of the mass of the log to split itself. Once again, great content guys. I’m a huge fan!

Fascinating. Keep finding new ways for us to love your channel. So informative and insightful. Thanks again!

Literally one of my favorites!! So good to see and hear!!

What a wonderful episode! Thanks for sharing Ellen's story and giving us a glimpse into the world of reenactment camping.

Ellen, that was so great to see your kit and hear how your event turned out! Loved your reenactment clothing bits as well! Thank you for the wonderful information and encouragement!

I love these videos you have branched out into.

Please have this wonderful woman on more often. Her enthusiasm is awesome, and it’s great to see a woman’s perspective of re-enacting.

Great video. Provides great information about basic essentials and encouragement for less adventurous campers. Thank you.

Ellen, how wonderful for you, what a great experience! Thank you for sharing!

What a delightful episode Mr Townsend

Hay keep her oiled bed roll away from the fire. Its not fun when they caught on fire. Its a good job and video full of good information. Keep it up 👍👍👍😟🇺🇸😊

So excited to see this video!! Have been waiting for it ever since you mentioned it in a LIVE show ages ago! Thank you!! Seems like an interesting dynamic lady.

It sounds like she had a blast! I'm glad it was a good learning experience.

I canot get enough of ALL of your videos. Love it! Thank you for bringing history to life. You truly have no idea the impact you have of the country, especially my students. Tried reaching out but unfortunately no response, though I know yall are busy. Keep up the amazing work!

Sounds like a blast... I admire the spirit... great video!

A great video, and very helpful for beginners. I'm glad you're offering such helpful advice to people just starting out.

Excellent video, encouraging, insightful & personable guest. Loved it.

You guys do alot of wonderful videos but for some reason, this one is extra special. What a brave strong and sweet spirited lady. I admire your sense of adventure

This is why I love this channel and community. Always a joy..

Another great video and a lively interview. Hope Ellen will be back!