Gotta say, Dave, I'm a longtime backpacker and you've completely changed my thinking process on a number of my long-held notions about what I take with me and how I take it. Thanks.
always liked these videos because they have always made the most sense to me. people don't realize that you don't have to dump thousands of dollars into gear to go out and survive/have fun. iv had my military surplus alice pack for about 3 years now. picked it up for about 30 bucks and it hasn't failed me yet.
For a more versatile frame find a Coleman Ram X frame. We used to get them to mount a large Alice ruck on, they will work with the MOLLE system also. I humped and jumped overloaded Alice large rucks for 18 years and the Ram X frame is the way to go in my opinion. It has the most adaptable modular options of any frame I know. Sergeant Major (Retd.) 18Z
Great video, I take a wool blanket and fold into a square about 2' x 2' then bungee it around a 5 gallon bucket, then use some rope and make back pack straps. This setup was inspired by an older blanket roll you made. Your videos in the past month have been top notch all around!
I picked up a frame almost like that for $40 as well as an older Duluth pack for $20 at a yardsale this past weekend. Something I do for a living is buying and reselling old stuff etc. and I always see camping gear for cheap also at thrift stores. Maybe a decent ti for those that can't afford items new etc. I also picked up a few old scout knives and the same yard sale for hardly nothing.I respect what Dave said on common sense,I use it often when shopping around.
Common man!!! That is why I buy from you, and support you Dave. You are by far the best wilderness guru that is out there. God bless you, and I hope that God blesses you, your family, and your business!!
Dave, Every spring I gather up the gear and grow my beard and watch through your videos before heading out in the woods for a week long session with my first lady love, Mother Nature. As always thanks for all you do to selflessly contribute to the community and teach us outdoorsmen and survivalists alike. God bless you and your loved ones, and stay safe out there brother. ;) Happy spring.
Hey Dave, not so much about the video, but i wanted to let you know that my five children and i ablolutely love your youtube chanel. my children are very upset you are not on dual survivor anymore, and always say so when we are watching the new season. thank you so much for all your time and effort you put into helping me and my family become more self reliant. everytime i look at your chanel i am stoked with what you have done.
Just a thought. I know you said you have a hole in the bottom of the bucket for drainage, but some sort of tarp shard over the top of it would eliminate the need for the hole and would keep everything in the bucket if you were to bend over or say, fall down a hill.
I have owned a bull-pac for over ten years. Heavy loads are a breeze and Dave didn't mention the handles that you can lift the weight up off your hips to give your shoulders a break when packing out. I use a ratchet strap to attach a hindquarter to and they are the best frame out there- bar none!
Modular packing has been a topic that we have been delving into of late. This was really helpful. I always enjoy watching you take everyday items and combining them with existing equipment for better results. Thanks again Dave. Keep it up mate. We'll keep watching.
I cant believe u just made it so simple. I mean this backpack and whole setup. It is as lovely simply as it gets. God bless u brother. Greetz from Poland
You must have took this idea from me. I didn't know they built frames like that, I've been using this type of system for several years now, it's by far the best. Never used a trash can, just a bucket. Great vid Dave!!
I hail from the Eastern shore of Maryland and its actually traditional in my African American family to use those baskets to haul Blue crab and Shells gathered on the beach they hold up much better with the salt water over time than most modern baskets, good to see it in the interior as well.
the swedish LK35 frame with molle ll shoulder straps and waist belt makes a great bulletproof, bombproof alternative to the high dollar bull pac frame. the frame is made from steel with welded not riveted joints, has lots of attachment points and has a solid bottom shelf. The bag that comes with the frame is a heavy duty nylon bucket style pack and is easily removed from the frame and used to attach and carry other items. just a super pack/frame which could easily be used as David demonstrates here in this video...:woods
This is a really good video. I have been looking at pack options around and nothing is the be all and end all. Everything that you carry you should chose to be able to take things off of or add on to easily so that you have the greatest amount of utility. The use of the bucket is inspired as that is something that extremely useful and often forgotten. A comment on your channel though, could you please make playlists as it is really hard to find content. Otherwise keep making videos.
I like your setup, Dave. I love my Alice Pack frame and I have affixed a homemade cargo net to it, along with a butt pack. Certainly, the net would suffice to hold the trash container you use. Additionally, the net can be detached from the frame and become a kind of stand alone pack when combined with a tumpline.
Thanks much for the videos Dave. They are my number one vids for setting up my training plan for my son. I use the term training plan loosely.. I get a lot of great ideas and expand my knowledge that in turn I can use to make my son's experience enjoyable as well as learning. Not that using a school like yours is a bad idea but I want it to be a father son bonding kind of thing... for whatever its worth.. take care
Hey Dave! Some children-carrying backpacks have a pretty nice and sturdy frame. A partner of bushcraftspain modified one, kept the frame and added a big dry bag as 'body' of the pack. He ended up with a 900 grams backpack that's capable of hauling heavy loads, and the convenience of beeing able to use the frame for carrying other things. Just an idea! You can find those used for about 50 euros here in Europe.
Hey Dave, Just wanted to thank you for another great video, and also for turning me onto the Nessmuk letters that you mentioned in an older video that I watched. They are a great read, with tons of hidden jewels of information for any bushcrafter. Thanks Brother, I learn so much from your videos. Keep up the good work!
Great Video Mr. Dave, Right on time for me, I am building kit now, I am a fan of external frames (being an old boy-scout in the late 70's with one of those orange packs), have old aluminum frame now, no pack, but would really like a wood one, I may make one. Man you are in the grove with your fans including me on this one. Would like to see home made wood frames. God speed.
I've been planning on doing some backpacking trips and I own an external frame pack. I've done some day hikes with a very heavy load and the packs been great.. it really carries the weight well. I also have lashing points around to pack so I can tie things on when the inside is full. It just depends on what your needs are. I'm a bigger guy so I needed to get a larger sleeping bag and there's no way that will fit in an internal frame pack. But..to each their own.
with the exception of the cooking, actually the black rubbermaid container can work for hot water even without the use of fire. Just fill it with water and set it in the sun and it will heat plenty warm enough for dishes, baths, laundry, etc. In fact once the water inside gets to a temperature of 150 degrees F then it only takes five minutes at that temperature for water to be pasteurized and made safe for drinking against micro organisms. Great alternative to not being able to boil at times!
This is a good video. No I haven't opted for such an expensive frame. I'm using the Alice Pack Frame, and it works great. Although a plastic container is functional, I prefer to use my homemade cargo net, which I tie onto the my pack frame. Light, compact and super strong, it serves my purpusoses. I often line it with a plstice bag. In addition, i have my molle bag and wool blanket also affixed to the pack frame.
As a hiker,backpacker and novice survivalist,I must say,that try as I must,I cant find a military style/old school type pack that I can wear longer than 20minutes without feeling like my shoulders are gonna rip out of their sockets. Ive tried/owned a brand new military issue Alice pack,a MOLLE riflemans pack and a USMC ruck and all of them just chewed me up.On the other hand I can get a bombproof kelty,that Dave prob wouldnt approve that I can haul all day. I'll carry the wool blanket just let me have my modern internal fram Dave!!!
I've just wandered across Dave's system here - probably the cold weather and I'm just itching for some outdoors time. I have a classic old Dana Terraplane from the 90's which is awesome, and that got me curious where Dana Gleason is nowadays - have you checked out Mystery Ranch? It's his new company. Anyway, he has a frame system they call the "NICE" system which looks promising. I haven't tried it, but if it's anything like the way he made packs back in the day, it might be the ticket.
this is why i love your videos they are always keeping me thinking i think i have something perfect and you show me something i didnt think of. once again great vid and thank you for doing what you do
That's why I carry a mesh laundry bag, Brother - it just slips over whatever loose items need containing, and will fit the Rubbermaid, I reckon. - It subs for the pillow case, makes a fine gear hammock, live bait bag, keeps the Monster Drinks cold in a stream, etc. - with no appreciable weight and nearly instant drying. FWIW. - Mike / vector001
I have modularized my system/kit for years, its a great way to carry things. I have also looked at the bullpack frames before. Like you said, not common man, however if you already have an Alice pack or trash can, then its not so bad..
I remember a simular video you did using an alice frame with the optional shelf which has worked really well for me. This one looks great and adds more room so thanks for the review.
Bullpacs are great! I couldn't afford one a good while back so I went with a Swiss freight frame. It has a multi position removable shelf. If I can save the money I will pick up a Bullpac. As to the cost a frame such as the Bullpac is much less expensive and much more versatile than any of the high quality packs on the market, and much less limited.
Agreed. I've backpacked with packs costing from $50 to $400, and although that $50-$100 'common man' pack is great when you're writing the check it really sucks when it falls apart halfway through the trip or when it gets so uncomfortable after a full day of carrying it that you want to throw it on the fire! You don't have to pay $400 to get a good pack, but there's a lot more common sense in paying $300 for a long lasting comfortable pack than there is in paying $100 for one that you'll hate.
Love everything so far Dave, but, there is still one series I am waiting for you to shoot. I want to see you take off into that 4000 acres with your horse, a packhorse, and film your life with them for one week, camping, hobbling, trapping, fishing, hunting, etc. Any idea when we can see this series?
I started watching Canterbury vids about 2yrs ago. In the last 3 months I’ve finally figured out that (I’m slow) Canterbury blows the doors off of bear gryls & les stroud. He is a superior teacher
great packs! I've always been a fan of top loader packs, whether that be a basket or a trashbag or a modern top loader backpacking pack. The halversack and buttpacks are great top loaders too.
I do something similar with MOLLE suspension, and an old external frame. MOLLE suspension (shoulder harness and hip belt) run around $35-40 for the pair online. Go to a thrift store for an old Kelty/Camptrails etc external frame for around $5-10. Basically getting the same hardcore, bulletproof, comfortable frame for $50.
Lots of stuff out there comes in square buckets with lids (cat litter, laundry detergent etc.) Some of them even have a hinged door on the lid. I find them in places like costco or sams warehouse
And you have to add the fact that metal trash cans of that size and type, if they exist, are 1) Pretty hard to find. 2) If you fall and dent / crush your pack the plastic will pop back into shape where as a metal container would likely not very easily and 3) your metal container would have to be galvanized or it would rust in the elements and may not be water tight which kills the idea of using it for water storage unless you sealed it somehow, then cooking in it would burn off the sealer.
I've been using the magnus rack pack for a couple of years and it's not bad. Expensive yeah but it also folds into a seat and if you sit on it backwards the head rest makes a good rifle rest for sitting in a hide for hours. It's had a lot of modifications to make it work for me. I strap a big ortileb waterproof duffel bag on the back with my gear in it, stays nice and dry. Kit I want to hand easily goes in the ribz front pack. Hella heavy, but I'm fit enough to lug it around.
very nice frame and pack. taller and adjustable,and folding bottom shelf then the bull frame. nice sized pack., wish it had more outter pouches like the blackhawk sof ruck. and wish the material was oiled canvas. nice pack for the $. amazon is offering for 106.00 shipped.
I think the 5 gallon bucket with a gamma lid, would make the container both waterproof, and also more useable out in the wilderness including carrying radios and using the bucket hanging up in trees away from bears, etc.. The other advantage of a ridged container is less worry that internal items get banged up. Things can put into ziplocks which are far more common man than Sealine drybags.
Dave, I've been waiting for a bit for you to look at the Bull-Pac. Thanks, brother. I know you're a busy man, but at least ya got to it. God bless you and yours, Dave.
I have made some homemade ladder treestands out of square alumin. tubing. So the way that frame looks. You should be able to make that kind of bull pack frame. Wouldn't yall think?? May have to try it, then show yall. Anyways another Great Vid Dave. Keep up the good work.
I was thinking of attaching a hook roope to your pack whe you are tired need a rest you can attach to a tree branch overhead bend knees walk out not having to lower pack or expend the energy to pick up the pack if anything it reduces chance of back or knee strain? Add wheels and an axle you can use for firewood or water carry lots of weight short distances.
assuming you get out there and find a critter to carry, you fill your pack basket with your harvested items, you plan to take your modular pockets and strap them on the outside?
Pretty easy to find a 5 gallon stainless steel round container in the UK for around $20 USD. Though if going in a fairly large group I think a mixture of containers would be good. And atleast one person could carry a British Army Norwegian thermal food & drinks container.
Hey Dave, did you know that you can weave things like a basket, container, shoes, cordage and so on out of birch bark. you may find something usefull here awesome video Dave, stay awesome brother *brofist*
You could still strap stuff around the can. got plenty of room to work with and modifications. Id come up with a flap that goes over the can, even tho your stuff is in sacs. looks good
Dave, another excellent video. I'm looking forward to your 'kit' update video. Since you made the 'winter pack out' vid last year while staying in the Yurt, what would you change, if anything? I'm currently using the ILBE main pack for any type of extended stay use and the assault pack stays in my truck as my GHB. Thanks for sharing and all you do for all of us.
It's a very nice frame but look how close the ends of those poles come to your head. Take a spill and you could knock a hole in your head. Have to pad those. Other packs have a tube there.
Thanks Dave. I'm not tall so the lg ALICE works great for more than a 48 hour bug out or winter camping, Otherwise a large day pack suits for light kit. I agree no serious woodsman would go for a long term scenario without a frame-pack. Enjoying this series of vids. Been looking at simple butt pack for a scout. Considering one with a drink bottle with a water filter in it. What do you think?
Dave have you looked at the ALPS Outdoor Z Commander Freighter Frame Plus Pack Bag. 5250cu in of space PLUS even a bit more than the Bull Frame for $159.00. Like the Bull frame everything is removable to use just the frame and the bag comes with a provision to hold a rifle also. I would like to get your opinion on this one if possible.
Dave, is there a way you could extend the al pack to make it more efective at a commin man price. as always keep up the great work.thank you for alll that you do. D.R
Ha, I never heard of that frame, it's made a couple hours south of me. Seems like a nice piece of gear, I have been in those situations and dead weight is never fun to carry.
Looks like a nice comfy pack frame with cushy straps. Looks sturdy too. Do you think it rides any lower than the original ALICE? Just wondering if it would interfere with my pistol belt and harness. I still prefer the old GI canteen and cup/butpack.
I don't believe people understand the concept of "saving money" to buy a product that will out last a cheaper made/quality product. I'm 16 and I've been saving for some time now to purchase quality handmade products that I trust, will do me good when I need it most. And I agree with Dave 100%, theres a definite disconnect between Common man and common sense
Awesome Dave! I think I'm gonna get this! How many gallon bucket is that on the pack? Also What is the name, make or brand of that green top you are wearing?
