In the Shadow of Nessmuk 

Nessmuk: “The temptation to buy this or that bit of indispensable camp-kit has been too strong, and we have gone to the blessed woods, handicapped with a load fit for a pack mule. This is not how to do it. Go light; the lighter the better, so that you have the simplest material for health, comfort and enjoyment.”

A blending of ultra light through hiking & bush crafting is what I’m trying to accomplish. Thanks Dave !!!

Noble goal. Looking forward to the series. As we said in the Infantry, "travel light, freeze at night".

Once I hit 50 I realised that to enjoy nature as I'd previously done I'd have to carry less or lighter. Luckily experience allowed me to use my skills to carry what I really needed rather than what I thought I wanted. I eagerly await the rest of the series.

That's probably your most admirable trait: you're always looking to learn more. You don't have a "one way to do things" mentality and you don't mind looking in new/unexpected places for knowledge. Something we could all learn from

Here I am moving from my ultra light roots to using more wool, canvas, stainless steel and military surplus and Dave is going the other way! I love this time of year for Dave’s videos. It’s when he really gets creative and pumps out awesome content. Looking forward to this series

Looking forward to this series. “Journals of the Yurt” greatest series EVER!!!’

Hey Dave, looking forward to seeing how you are going to incorporate the 10 C's and Ultra Lightweight Backpacking together.

This is gonna be a good series, looking forward to it.

I have been thinking along these lines myself. I am in 50s and I suffer from paratrooper/infantry knees and hips. Last year I hiked the Grand Canyon and realized that for short stomps into the bush my old Army gear is great. But, if I want to put in some miles, I am carrying too much weight. All of that to say... thanks and I look forward to watching this series.

yeehaw, my favourite contemporary talking about my favourite oldtimer. brother, in my book you already have a place among types like hearne, bridger, nessmuk and beard. just continue being you, and i'll continue to rejoice.

This looks like it’s going to be a great series! Can’t wait for more!

Can't wait to see where this series takes us. Was fishing one day, met a woman hiking the (GET) Great Eastern Trail, she did'nt look like she was packing much of anything. I saw online she completed the hike, Kathy Finch was her name and was the first to do it from North to South. I offered her a can of Vienna's, said she never ate them before. Also give her a headlamp with strap. She gladly took them. All the best and great series.

Great video Dave. This is exactly what I've been trying to accomplish myself. I highly look forward to this new series 👍

Love you Dave! As I get older I keep trying to lighten and lessen. Keep recreating Brother. Thanks for your great work!

This is something I've been attempting to blend over the last decade. I've been taking bits from you as well as backpackers in an attempt to find a middle ground. Can't wait to watch your series. Thanks for all you do!

Great idea Dave,I’m in and thank you for all the time you invest in producing great videos

This should be yet another great series. Looking forward to watching them. Thanks again for sharing .

Dave I have watched you for years and hearing you talk about weight and ultralight is a trip! However love that you are willing to think outside your comfort zone and truly experience any and all things for your trade! You are without question a living legend, and I love watching all of your series!! 🏕

glad you are doing this , because it will give me a lot to work with and see where I can lighten up.

I'm a disabled vet, on a fixed income (disability). This new series has my interest, I am looking for ways to"get back in the woods. So weight vs cost is VERY important to me and my goals. Yes, hunting, trapping, fishings, and camping are my side goals to include. I can't wait to see more of these videos. Please share items that you considered in making your choices so that folks with income constraints can have options on cost vs weight. Even short term solutions that would require replacement, could give me the opportunity to return vs just wishing from at home. I would only be looking at small hiking distances due to my handicap restrictions (nerve and leg impairments).

Great introduction video Dave. Anxious to see what's coming in this series! Keep'em coming.....

I could listen to you sit in the woods and talk allday. Quality stuff bud. Can't wait for the next. Thank you for all you do sir.

I applaud you Dave for discussing and taking on this video project series. I have always looked at many Bushcraft channels and some folks talk about gear and pack weight but they do not show or explain exactly what you stated about take down and repack and travel for another camp location. I look forward to each new video you present. Keep up the great educational teachings you do.

Excellent! Thanks for the video Dave and for all the effort and time you invest and for sharing your findings and experience with us. Looking forward to following this series and learning some new ideas and concepts.

Look forward to the rest of the series. Have enjoyed all of your videos thus far. I always have take aways.

Can't wait Dave!! You're videos light a fire under my butt every time! Thanks for all you do.

Fun spin! The historical woods mans methods have always have been a highlight of watching and listening to your channel. I can’t wait to see how your experience and ideas can improve the ultralight camping world.

Sounds like a great series. Thank you Dave.

I am really looking forward to this series. Thank you.

Awesome!!! I can’t wait🙂 a lot of people reference Nessmuk from a nostalgic view. They like to carry things he would carry from that time period. But if he were here today he would definitely have the best and lightest gear available. He has a lightweight canoe he designed in a museum for God’s sake lol. He was always trying to lighten things. I very much look forward to this series😀👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Really looking forward to the next one here. Interesting topic - highly relevant to me and my outdoors activities. Great one Dave!

Good discussion Dave. Looking forward to watching your experiences .

Thanks 🙏 for going down this route! I’m really interested

Your looking good Dave, its been really cool watching you over the years, ive learned so much from you man, I just wanted to say Thank you, and I appreciate it, ive passed most of what you've taught me to my son...

Awesome Dave! This is a process I've been fine tuning for years and I'm excited to see your approach to it. Some of these thru hikers start out with 8lb base weights but at that point they've sacrificed not only durability but utility and comfort to maximize specificity. Travel light, freeze at night is a trope at this point but still true. My pack weight generally hovers around 25-36 lbs including food and water depending on how many days I'm going out and what I'm doing, and that's with a German military ruck. I always use a mixture of modern lightweight gear with military surplus items, partly because I'm just a sucker for militaria but also because its tested, durable and generally very cost effective . I did a rim to rim to rim Grand Canyon trip earlier this year over 5 days and my pack weight at the beginning was 31lbs including food, water and trekking poles. I had to get creative with clothing too because there was snow on the north and south rims but 80° at the bottom. The only essential kit item I didn't bring that I normally carry was my folding saw. Point of all this is to say, 25lb base weight is definitely doable without sacrificing durability or utility. Enjoy the journey!

Looking forward to this series. I would love to get my packing system down to a more comfortable weight.

As usual, you are on the right track brother. At 65, I couldn't agree more. Thanks for your wisdom and experience. I look forward to this like I look forward to all you produce. Those of us in this community are indebted to you. Your efforts and passion are benefiting so many.. Thanks.

A whole new world now Dave....cant wait to watch...

Awesome series idea dave. Looking forward to this one!

Very Informative video!!! Finding ways of going lighter without losing your perspective. David, I want to say a big THANK YOU!!! to you and your staff. This summer I had the opportunity to take your survival course and as a city boy let me tell you... it was an eye-opening experience for me! The various topics that I learned will be ingrained in me for life and have given me a love for the woods. The course has also honestly opened and exposed some of my weaknesses that although I learned and overcame those challenges will still be more of continuing education for me. Your course is absolutely NO JOKE. You will learn survival or die trying, hahaha lol. The teachers were on point and effective. I am happy that I passed and I am looking forward to taking the intermediate class. Again, thank you.

Thanks for sharing Dave!! This is gonna be a good series cant wait for more. I like that fact that you're learning from ultra lite backpackers. We as bushcraft and all outdoorsmen can learn from every outdoor person. Hunters, camper, hikers,and of course follow bushcrafters. Thanks again.

Thanks for the work you put in for us Dave.

as a serious ultralight backpacker this video is pretty good. 120 to thru hike the at is pretty fast also. thats 18 miles per day average and NO zeros. few do it that fast. more like 150-180. a few do it in 120 though. great vid!

Pretty excited to see some bushcraft/ backpacking intersection.

Very much looking forward to this series. Thanks Dave. Mixing bushcraft and a focus on light carry is what I am looking for these days.

I did a 30 day trek across NZ with a day pack. Was able to push 50mpd and had all the freedom in the world. Food was oats and powdered milk, 5-7 day ration. Full wet weight probably 12-15lbs. Comfort is very heavy and a bit of an illusion. Everything is delicious if you're hungry and everywhere is comfortable if you're tired.

Hi Dave. Great video, Great idea. I have read Nessmuks book, and have tried to follow his example. I will be watching for more of these video’s. I, personally like the more traditional items, even though they are usually a little heavier. That is what makes bushcraft so awesome, everyone can find his/her own nich Thanks again, Dave.

About Dang Time Dave!!! Those Cast Iron Skillets on the AT have been killing my back...LOL....

Can't wait! This will be fantastic!!!

I agree with everything you said, man. I've "cross bred" my load out between bushcraft and ultralight awhile back and it makes a major difference for me.

Hey Dave, I'm an (ultralight) AT thru-hiker as well as a lover of your videos and traditional, durable gear. I've been trying to balance the two mindsets of weight vs durability for a long time. I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

Hello David Im watching learning and looking forward to upcoming videos. . I appreciate what you are doing and your school..enjoy the campfire David..👍

It's about time! I'm very excited to see you're finally looking at some ultralight gear. Can't wait to see the coming videos.

Sounds like this will be a great learning experience All of us and for you also. Like others have stated, I cant wait for the series

Well done and looking forward to the next video and series.

Looking forward to seeing this series evolve. Always enjoy the pathfinder, self-reliance stuff. The more you know, the less you have to carry.

This will be a fun series to watch, Dave! When I've been out camping I've usually chosen comfort over weight, but in the last 2-3 years I've started to shift more over to lightweight gear that still has the durability to be worn/used for 5-10 days in the wild without breaking down. When I hunt I always go out in the morning and come home in the afternoon, so the weight there isn't really anything to consider "Carry as little as possible, but choose that little with care." - Earl Shaffer

I am glad you are looking into this method. I have backpacked for years and find myself in the middle of ultra light weight and reasonable. I don’t cut the handle off my toothbrush or remove zipper pulls, but I am always looking for new gear that weighs a little less due to materials. Super excited about this series

Thank, thank you, for creating a series on this subject -Bushcraft UL-. Looking forward to seeing your thought process on this subject.

Yuuuussss thank-you for this series Dave!

Due to health reasons, most of this stuff is way beyond my capabilities. However, I find your videos very informative and entertaining. Thank you for all the effort you put into bringing this information to an "armchair bushcrafter" such as myself. Keep it up; keep safe; and keep breathin'.

You have me hooked and ready to watch the rest of this series with this into. I am already the type to carry Ultralight pack, quilt, tarp, titanium cookwear, and alcohol stove to save weight , but will add my Mora knife saw ,fishing and hunting gear to it. I enjoy practicing "traditional skils" while backpacking and mixing the modern skills and materials with the old. I am stoked to see what this series brings.

Good stuff! Your experience with tons of vintage gear will bring a neat perspective on an ultralight setup. Looking forward to it!

I'm looking forward to the series.

Im looking forward to watching this. For me its a want vs need vs $$$ vs safety vs weather. I found skills and knowledge play a role in wieght reduction as well. See you in the next video

Iv enjoyed all your series so far, this one sounds like a good one! Thanks brother!

Love it, Dave! Thanks!

This series is right in my wheelhouse Dave thanks for posting it.

This should be quite interesting. Especially seeing how things will break down to weight to get to that 25 pounds. Can't wait for the next series of videos!

Dave, this is going to be a very interesting series I feel. I'm 65 and my outdoor days are now limited by weather and weight. I've looked at lighter gear but in my opinion, not much in the way of Ultralight, as you've stated, is truly up to the challenge of our type of fieldwork. Many years ago, I did a goodly portion of the AT, (not all but most) and for the most part, I had access to lean-to shelters, fairly well-used clearings and near trail access to the woods. Not deep in the woods by any means. In those days, safety was enhanced by staying as close to the trail as was prudent. Now, as forever, knowledge is the tool to minimize gear, something you are very aware of. True bushcraft, the skills at least, came from learning the local indigenous ways of day to day "Survival" that defied, the societal conveniences and norms. Then too, the indigenous people banded together into tribes to improve the odds of everyone's survival, and everyone was taught those skills or the skills of their contribution to the tribe. Today, bushcraft and the modern practiced skills are about a unique individual's ability to smooth it, as you have said often, in small groups or solo outings. Gear has taken the place of skills and consumerism driven bushcraft surrounds us all. I am very interested to see if your "Core 3" will aid you in your quest to achieve lightweight functionality, durability, reliability, and enjoyability at the same time. Good luck and I wait breathlessly...

I have been a fan and subscriber for years now and have been waiting for you to do something like this. :-)

Looking forward 2 more , and that's awesome , really enjoying your openmindness, peace Gb

Hey Dave, I recently started doing a similar experiment. I started rucking with a Vietnam era metal frame pack and I was bring a hatchet, saw, and knife. I’ve recently purchased a new pack and I stopped carrying the hatchet and a few other things. My old pack weight with everything except food and water was around 45 pounds and the new pack after cutting some items out is down to around 30. I look forward to your results in the up coming videos. Thank you for everything you do.

Thanks Dave for another promising Series, I liked the Series of the Yurt, the Long Hunter, Budget Outfitter and the others. Watching this will have me thinking what I can use for my own Light/Ultra Light Camping/Hiking Gear. I am looking forward to the next video, thank you for all you have done for us and continue.

Interesting! Will definitely be watching to see how you progress with this! Best wishes 👍🏽👍🏽😎

I like the ultralight thought process and the way you explained it. Excited to see future videos.

Looking forward to your new series, especially the gear reviews.

I just got back from an elk hunt and this is the approach I want to take next year. I can't wait for more videos in this series!

I am very interested I see where this goes. Having been in Search and Rescue for a while, it is always cool to see a new approach to this concept. I use mix of older heavier gear and newer expensive ultralight gear for my SAR pack.

Love the channel brother. Been watching for years. :)

Looking forward to see how you mix the two ideas of ultralight and outdoorsman together.

Great video. Been a fan for many years and learned a lot from your videos. I'm a back country hunter, and I also took the dive into ultralight gear. There are definitely ways to lighten your load without going into the total UL mode. I've switched to a zpacks tent, and bags, down quilt, etc. I still have a heavy duty pack from Seek outside, but its lighter than most. I'm really looking forward to see what you came up with. Keep up the good work.Thanks

This is awesome! Two of my favorite pastimes in one. I've been mixing and matching equipment to. I can't wait to see what you come up with. This is going to be great! Thank you. : D

Hey Dave I've been a big fan of yours for years your beeause are very informative thank you🤩

Looking forward to more on this topic for sure. Thanks for sharing.

love your vids. i love the outdoors and ive watched you in dual survival and ive learned alot thank you for what you do

Can't wait to see what you put together, might be in for a bit of a challenge on this one.

well presented..looking forward to the series..safe journeys

Looking forward to this series. i am an ultralight hiker and I practice wildnerness survival/bushcraft/prepping/self-reliance. I've watched your videos on youtube almost since day 1 ... and your 10 c's is what clicked for me because I realized sans the sail needle ...that's mostly what I've carried hiking since the 1980's. I own an entire house and shed full of everything from cheap gear to the highest end gear money can buy for hiking, bushcraft, survival, etc. Some gear easily cross over between those skill sets while some not so much (there is basically little chance I would need a saw, bushcraft knife, or ax on a long distance hike). Lighter gear is also way better on my bodies joints ... I mean, even though I work out every day and have for years, walking long distances is still using muscles your body doesn't use every day and it quickly takes its toll on you. Doing a long distance hike is not only tough on the body....but more so mentally than physically. A lot of people have no problems doing a weekend bushcraft camp .... but strap on 30-40 lbs and go live with that on your back for weeks at a time every day and the mental part will destroy you long before your body gives out.

Right on time Dave. I’m in the process of doing that very thing. Going light without sacrificing comfort. As well as reasonable price range. I like the idea of common man mentality. Looking forward to seeing what you find out.

Love this video. Glad youre expanding and evolving. I watch these same hiking youtubers daily. Tool heavy people will have to rethink their choice of gear. And in the long run will take better care of their body. And enjoy their time out.

Makes sense to me! Less weight, more power for the whole experience! Best of both worlds! Greetings from Germany!

Hello Dave, this is John Coffey. I am so excited that you are doing these series of videos. I wondered when someone was going to put together a series of “Traditional Outdoors With Ultralight Gear Integration.” I look forward to viewing these videos.

That what ive been waiting for from Dave, ill be looking forward to every episode

Hey Dave thank you for all the great content I've been subscribed seance the video "using the slingshot to hunt bigger game" was days old. I'm thankful for all the teachings you've given me. "Let's Learn Together."

This has been my journey can’t wait to see yours

Bushcraft and Ultralight. A worthy conversation. Glad to see you make that leap. Been down that rabbit trail myself. Can’t wait to see how you marry up the two philosophies and what you come up!

You are a modern day Kephart. I will be truly interested to watch this progress, and I would LOVE to read it as a book. "The Shadow of Nessmuk" would be a great title! Anxious to see what you do in the way of food as well. Have fun, and God Bless!

I like the train of thought. Should be interesting to see where it goes.