Having watched many of your other videos I've just stumbled on this one. Your friendly, likeable style hasn't changed over the years, but the quality of production is now excellent. Great to have now seen the first one. Keep it up, it saves me having to go out! :-)
it's lovely to see you as a Newbie Simon, ive been making a few mini films but i need to learn how to use a camera properly, and today i see you announced that you're coming back from a break, i'll be looking forward to that, see you soon. :)
Thanks Linda - yeah, the music even gets on my nerves!! I leant a few lessons with that first video! Thanks for watching! Atb and happy new year! Simon.
I found your channel via Kent Survival recently and am slowly going through your back catalogue. Hard to believe it was your first video, very well made. I will definitely be binge watching your older stuff.
I watched so manny video's of you. I just bought this rucksack and thought hey maybe sombody made a review or something. Found a few video's and then stumbled upon this one. Your first video! Nice. Just wanted to say good job.
Hi Simon! I finally got the chance to see your first effort and not bad at ALL!! You are so professional and at-ease now and improved so much. Your information-spot on of course. Enjoyed this review. ♥️
Thanks for sharing. Interesting modifications, will catalog and keep for future reference.. we all learn from one another, that 's the wonder of it. A laudable first attempt, keep them coming. Cheers.
Super cool seeing your first video, the music in the beginning sounds like early Yes or Pink Floyd haha long time subscriber here, love your videos and your awesome personality
Simon, I thank you for finding your Channel and for your videos, your modifications are incredible and an inspiration for the Bushcraft Community. Greetings from Madrid (Spain)
Just found your channel, been watching the Canadians for years but holy glad to have found a Brit. Excellent 1st video, well explained, well presented and long may it continue, thanks.
Firecraft - Thank you! The side pockets transform an already great pack into a perfect one for my needs - to be able to organise certain things into easily accessible pockets makes a big difference. The straps, although not essential, make it a lot more comfortable for long hours on your back!! Thanks for watching. Atb, Simon.
After watching your videos for q while, this first ever effort popped into my feed. Don't know if you will get this comment after 6 years 🙂 but great review. And so good to see Maggie out with you. Cheers from Australia
Awesome first video Simon!! Were all lucky to have you , all the effort and time you put in for our entertainment and info, i cant thank you enough. Well done mate!
Hey Simon, I discovered your channel about a month ago and have been making my way through the backlog of videos. I just wanted to complement you on the quality of your videos. This is not the level of quality I would expect for a first RU-vid video. And the quality has continually improved the more videos you’ve made. I’m happy to be a subscriber, and I look forward to watching many more videos on your channel.
Great first video Simon, good job mate. It's took me a while to watch but I got there in the end. I was shocked to see how much gear you pulled out of that pack, especially when you had it all displayed around the pack. Nice modifications too. Keep up the good work, good job. Atb, Paul.
+Paul Embling - Thanks Paul, it’s a bit rough round the edges and the music gets in everyone’s nerves - and mine!! But, you live and you learn! It’s a great pack - carries a lot of gear for only 35 litres (supposedly!) Cheers and Atb, Simon.
Hi Simon. I just wanted to thank you for this review. After much chuntering about trying to find a good and versatile bag, your review was the deciding factor. So I called Military Mart, had a really friendly chat and bought one with side pouches. Thanks so much. Best wishes, Darryl
I recently purchased an LK35 and due to this video I have ordered two webbing pouches. I really love your videos I’m not entirely sure why, you just have such a happy personality! ATB
Thanks for your first one, Simon! I saw your first vid last. It's visible that since then you got way less hectic. Crackling fire and a good steak is always soothing us. As a former teacher you did even your first vid very well. The only thing I missed was a close up of the cordage locking system. If you still have this rucksack you could do a closeup at one of your next vids. And yes, the music was already mentioned. I like techno and death metal to calm down - the music of this vid instead drives me crazy. I think the best music overall is silence. I once has been on a pass height in Norway with a stunning view over the mountains and no wind blows and it was absolutely silent there - only spiced up with the dripping of water from a creek at the other side of the valley underneath. This kind of silence is the best. Keep on with your vids. I like every single one of them.
I might have discovered this ten months late but I must say, brilliant video! I went and subscribed right away. Looking forward to see the rest of your material!
Thanks Simon, I’ve just purchased a LK35 and I was looking for videos on how to add blankets, sleeping bags and the likes and yours popped up. Job done, I know how it works now, thanks pal 👍, Ant.
Simon, a bloke in the woods lol yeah, been out today with it, it’s just the bloody bees knees mate. I can’t see me using any other rucksack ever! Cracking!
Regardless of music / no music views Simon well done for putting yourself out there and posting! Always interesting content, you have a very relaxed way which is very enjoyable as a viewer, and the great British countryside is a sight to behold. Great stuff mate. Good luck.
@@simonablokeinthewoods They are all a pleasure to watch Simon thank you for sharing them and passing on knowledge. They are incredibly relaxing and non cynical to watch, travelling anywhere by boat or on foot is always the way to go! All the best to you all.
Good video! You presented very well. The music got on my wick a bit (maybe make it a bit quieter, or none at all) but overall a great video. I've liked and subscribed :) I've watched most of MCQs bushcraft videos - he puts a lot of effort in and it shows! I've chosen a lot of my kit based on his reviews. My LK35 arrived this morning along with the webbing kit from Military Mart. I didn't realise the Swedish pouches were smaller! I'm pleased I watched you video before I went to the effort of sewing them on! I've got the stainless steel water canteen from Pathfinder so it needs to be able to take it! Thanks for the vid!
+magicdrshoon - Thanks for the feedback and thanks for the sub! Yes, I totally agree about the audio on this video, it was my first one and a bit of an experiment!! I've since cut the music right down and cut it out for spoken kits and I think it's improved things!! As with you, I've been inspired by lots of Mikes videos and have bought kit based on his recommendations too! I think your pathfinder bottle may fit in a plce utility pouch, but not sure, otherwise there are a few pouches out there designed for the 1l Nalgene bottle, that would fit for sure! Good luck with the mods mate, and thanks again! Atb, Simon.
Well done Simon on your first ever RU-vid film, you are a star in the making. I’m sure this Channel will become very popular 😉 I bet in less than 12 months you’ll have over a 1000 subscribers! Cheers! 🏕
+LiveSimplyFilms Mountain Mike - Hahaha! Thank you!! I did it! I never imagined for a second my channel would grow like I has!! Thrilled! Cheers mate, Simon.
Thanks and thanks for the sub! Glad it inspired you - makes a big difference to comfort and the pouches make accessing your water bottle and other items really easy! Atb, Simon.
Brilliant video I watched MCQ Bushcrafts and your review and I think I might get one of these packs you gave me some good ideas for my pack and have also earned another subscriber keep up the good work!
+Sammy Buckley - Thanks Sammy, and thanks for the sub!! They are great packs, you won't be disappointed! Simple, robust and have a nice 'old time' feel about them. I love mine, it is one of my favourite bits of kit. Atb, Simon.
Cheers and thanks for putting up with the video!! Haha - it was my first attempt and I know the audio gets on peoples wick! They are great packs, even just as they are! Simple and robust! Atb, Simon
Just checking out some old school Simon - you've really got some place - although this was good, your new ones are broadcast quality you'd expect on tv. Nice one Simon, nice one, long may they continue!
Really good video mate, simple, short, consistant. Since you are from England and a big outdoors and so backpack fun, it would be nice to see a tour video to Karrimor backpacks factory... Thanks thought
Just got one of these. Its like the Lavvu of rucksacks. Personally I would have preferred a canvas one, but the reality is that I mostly camp in Scotland so it would be almost permanently wet for the entire duration. Factoring in the added weight of being wet, and the risk of rot, I went for the synthetic one. Beautiful piece of kit though. Its basically an anti-Alice pack. Same essential design and features, only the LK35 has form and shape, were as the Alice pack is like a giant scrotum on your back.
some nice mods amigo...i saw mikes vid, also a good review. i have used this pack on an eight day trip into the mountains of wyoming and on a five day canoe trip on the missouri river in montana....i have however, kept it stock,(with the exception of an added hip belt) and find it carried well enough. A while back i made a vid about this pack and gave my thoughts on it there...subbed...atb...woods
MTwoodsrunner -Thanks man! I'd love to do a big canoe trip, I do a lot of canoeing but our rivers here in the UK, although beautiful, aren't that long! 👍🏻
Really good first video. I like the idea of the axe behind the belt. I modded mine also. Even after my video I still mod it. That's the good thing about these rucks.
Prepper in the Woods -Thank you very much! I wish I could take the credit for the axe position, but alas, I borrowed this idea from someone else, it works really well though! I really like the versatility of the pack as well, perfect for the modder!! glad you enjoyed the video. Atb, Simon.
Good video. No nonsense review. Just bought one of these on ebay brand new. Paid €112 for it. Ouch but I think I made a good investment. No need for the background music. Too distracting from what you are saying. Great video and I've subscribed. Look forward to more. Thank you.
Thank you - yes, the music was a mistake - a lot to learn in those first few videos haha! They’re great packs, but are available much cheaper from Military Mart (sorry!) 😁
Simon... excellent video. You covered the pack well and did some great modifications to it. Looks like it holds quite a bit of stuff and I like the "clean" layout of it. I am finding as the years go by that I am put off now by the overengineered equipment with excessive bells and whistles. Probably how I ended up getting a Karrimor SF Sabre 45. Simple, solid with less to go wrong in the bush. Thank you for review. Some good kit there too. As far as waterproofing the pack, probably a poncho would be a good way to go. Covers you and the pack. I have a US military poncho (heavy but solid and can be a ground cloth or tarp too) and I also have a Snugpak Patrol Poncho (much lighter and it has sleeves too).
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video! Yes, like you, I’m a big fan of solid, but simple equipment - I have some modern bits of kit, but being Uber-lightweight, they are also flimsy - I certainly wouldn’t use them for bushcraft activities!! I have a British issue 58pat poncho, but to be honest it doesn’t come out much - I should use it more often, as you say, they are very versatile! Thanks for watching, Atb, Simon.
I love my Lk.i did some tactical tailor upgrades.ill send some pics of mine via messenger. I would love some of those pouches.soon.l also want a Lk 50.cheers Tim
It's taken me a couple of years to get to do a serious load out with this bag, and for what is really just a sack hung off a wire frame; I was AMAZED at how comfortable it was. Weight for weight it was far more comfortable than the ALICE. (sold that) Like you, pouches and a hip belt are additions, but use original shoulder straps.
They’re great aren’t they! I’m surprised you didn’t spot that set of Falklands era SAS Bergen straps hanging up in Gillings - thick padded ones like the ones I use. 😉
Just finished modifying my lk35 Hazzard outdoors sold me. Love the review Simon. Perhaps you. Will see it if you come for another camp some time buddy.
Great stuff! Hope it came out well. Definitely be up for a camp some time - got a mental couple of months ahead, but we’ll sort something out! Atb, Simon.
Where;s the pocket for a half-witted Newfie? You've got everything else in that pack and there's surely room for the little doggie. Great job, mate. Clear, concise and well-explained. Might buy one meself.
Simon - very good first video. Music selection was great as background music. To echo others I'd say adjust the volume so music is quieter in the background and your voice is slightly louder. You have a really nice presentation style and the review had a nice flow to it (whether that's your editing or on camera style not sure :-) anyway have a great week. Have subbed.
+Peter Evans -Thanks Peter! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the Sub! The music/volume issue I totally agree with, it was a bit of an experiment and I've since cut it for the spoken bits, hopefully a bit better now! Atb, Simon.
My back cant handle a backpack, but I do like yours . I'm thinking about trying to use a American duffel bag and fix it where I can use it without back pains . I've carried a 7.62x39 lodged in my back, so long ,the doctors are afraid to go after it , maybe it'll break loose and move , maybe work out like others has . Or get close enough to be cut out like some others have
Enjoyed this,the first from the bloke in the woods. Was Simon a 'Rupert',I wonder. Very knowledgeable re various bits of kit. Anyway would love to try this sort of thing,looks easy'ish. Just bring what you need for a day (I'm sure it ain't,mind…) Look forward to many more vids. Easy going style. Well done.
Oh, just got the ‘Rupert’ bit - I always was a bit slow on the uptake haha! No, I wasn’t in the forces although my father and grandfather were, so much of my youth was spent around military establishments here and abroad.
I to have LK 35 Rucksack I have yet to mod it it as worked fine for what I do mostly day hikes but I like the idea of side pouchs I carry my axe the same as you and I put half of my lavu in for a shelter atb Geoff
Nice one Simon. I too bought an lk35 after seeing Mikes video. Also in the process of adding plce pockets to it, but sewing the zips into the seams so I can add the pockets or not, as I prefer.
Steve Kosak Zips! I wish I had thought of that, a damn fine idea! It'll probably make the sewing easier too, I machine stitched mine, but it was a challenge to say the least! Thanks!
Simon, a bloke in the woods- not sure about making it easier. The wife is mad at me cos I broke her sewing machine doing it. Should have realised as there were 3 layers of fabric and it's not exactly lightweight 😳
Cool if you need to find them I found them on wish shopping made fun or easy the cost is very small and if you have a bank card they go thru PayPal and will deliver to your home it mite take a little while but worth it. Keep up the good work.
I bought an Arctic Bergan bag (no frame) and it fitted right on an old Camp Trails Astral Cruiser frame (magnesium/alu) and than added the straps from my 1980 SAS/Para Bergen that has a heavy steel frame. Much better.
Nice video, review and mods, I too watched the MCQBushcraft review and got myself one. Apart from a Polish army puma cammo rucksack, I found the LK35 the most uncomfortable thing I've ever had on my back. I tried various straps and packed it different ways but it just wouldnt sit right with my back. Good pack but just not for me.
+JAY WHITTAKER - thanks Jay, shame you didn't get on with your lk35, I find mine really comfy, depends on lots of factors I guess, just fits my back shape well! Atb, Simon.
