Hey everyone! The original video was accidentally deleted and I was (luckily) able to reupload. Apologies to anyone I missed answering in the comments on prior upload. I will have a new video up tomorrow, practicing a wet weather bow drill with pine. This was a fun one. First time running a bowdrill in the Adirondacks. Most of the trees here are either pine, birch, maple or beech, none of which are considered ideal candidates for friction fires.
All my friends run the latest, lightest, high speed gear. I'm still using a 40 year old modded medium ALICE rig. I'm definitely a "don't fix what ain't broke" kind of outdoorsman. Some of the new "super light" gear is pretty neat, but in a lot of cases not rugged enough for my taste.
Practicing with make due with what you have, verse going out and buying a lot of expensive crap you don't need, making your self formable and adaptive. I think this was a fine vid proving the fact to check ego out and allow yourself to have fun improvising. You'll go a lot father with a lot less.
Great video. I like how you combine old school, Mil Surplus and economy. I prefer Mil Surplus to the expensive name brand gear. Most Bushcraft channels regrurgitate the same gear. You stick with functionality over brand. You got me hooked on Plash Palatkas. I have 2 Romanian ones and my favorite Haversack is the Romanian Gas Mask Bag from Colmans. Only $9.00 compared to $40-$60 brand name ones. What is the tarp size?
This is cool but what is the purpose of the poncho in this setup? The Mylar blanket is backed and reflects the heat and stops wind so I’m not really sure the 3rd layer is necessary but correct me if I am wrong.
Thank you. There is definitely some redundancy here, but the extra layer adds quite a bit more warmth. It also helps to fold them in opposing directions to improve seal. Worth experimenting with.
Just accidentally found your channel and after watching this video, I'm a subscriber. Been prepping and practicing bushcraft/survival since the 80s, now 56 years old and I really appreciate the simplicity and to the point quality of your videos. You do a great job!! I'm now binge watching your channel. Keep up the good work
You know, a great little add-on to an Alice pack frame is the frame shelf. Usually not found together anymore, but you can find them for about $20. It allows you to pop the bag off the frame you have your camp set up, and use the frame as a workhorse for carrying firewood and construct timber. One of the best ALICE tricks my Father taught me
I'm running an Alice frame in my usmc gen 2pack. The plastic frames break easily & I had considered a radio shelf right before I decided to use with newer pack.
I love my Alice Rucksacks, it’s old school, I’m old school. We go good together. I don’t much care for this more modern high tech stuff, although I do like some of the accessories like the GI canteen carrier. Like you said these Alice Rucksack are very abundant, so are the parts and accessories. I always like to see how others carry their gear, great video.
Really great video brother. I totally agree that you don't need to spend lots of money on equipment in order to enjoy and survive in the wilderness. Of course there are higher priced items that may have advantages here and there for more harsh and at times extreme situations, but ultimately a tough, versatile and simple set up can go a very long way with the right knowledge of how to use it and modify it as you demonstrated. I really enjoyed the theme of this video especially the MANY uses for tarps and ponchos in wilderness conditions.🤙
Thank you very much brother. This theme has been on my mind for awhile and was glad to put it together. I am really enjoying the ALICE pack again, too. It has been a few years since I have used it. Like an old friend! As for the cover elements, something that gets confusing for a lot of folks is that the 10Cs aren’t relegated to being 10 individual items, but rather 10 categories, especially with the first 5Cs. That concept has shaped my approach so much over the years. I wish I had known it in my youth. It really gets the important elements and puts them in focus, both skills and gear/tools. Have a good one my friend! 🤝
All good information... simple is good! I'm not sure where you currently find med Alice packs on ebay or elsewhere for 30-40 $..? The majority of the ones I see start at $60, have no shoulder straps or quick release, and aren't in very good condition. Shoulder straps will cost you an additional $20+... Add a frame and kidney pad and you will be $130+...! Beware the inflated/marked up shipping. I did score (a very rare find) a new/unused 80's era Med Alice pack, straps, pad, & frame for $10 at a garage sale. I tried to offer more because they didn't know what they had... they would only take $10. Thanks for the video...
Thank you! $10 That was an excellent deal you got there! I see medium ALICE packs on ebay for $40 with $8-10 shipping. I also see some that are way overpriced with high shipping. My local army navy store back in PA was really excellent. He had so many good deals in there including the ALICE stuff.
So true. About 30 yrs. Back I would get dropped off at foot of mnts. And tell them come back here in 7 days 14. Longest was 3 weeks didn't have anywhere near the stuff I see ppl. Saying you need it's kinda funny to watch those guys
Excellent video! Couldn't agree with you more. Doesn't take a lot of money or brand name gear to get out and enjoy the outdoors. I still recall my first outing many, many years ago where I had picked up a hardware store 8X10 canvas tarp, grabbed an old itchy as all heck wool blanket from the closet, and a kerosene lantern with a match safe and headed off to the woods. Today, I'd suggest gear more in line with what you propose as I can tell you that night I spent in the woods was not very comfortable as one layer of a wool blanket under me sleeping on the ground left much to be desired. But, lessons were learned at a young age and I survived the ordeal without much difficulty. Although, the mouse that ran across my face during the night was a bit of a surprise. ;-) I suspect the kit you are using might also lend itself to making a hammock to get up off the ground? Perhaps, you might consider doing such a video? A very versatile kit indeed .
Love the video brother! I can definitely relate to the budget Bushcraft gear! I’ve recently “upgraded” to some modern conveniences due to getting a few years older but I did it on a tight budget for many years with ease. Great job!!!
Thanks brother! Greatly appreciated. It was same here for me. Probably holds true for a lot of other guys and gals as well. The upgrades are nice, but learned a ton with basic basics. Have a good one!
One of the best channels on RU-vid. Your videos are honestly what got me into minimalist shelters and "bushcraft" (in my suburban back yard for the time being). So many other videos focus on "new" gear items that are too bright and colorful for my taste (and cost a decent amount of money). I've always been into military surplus gear, and those plash palatkas are amazingly versatile and durable. I got two of them for $16 each earlier this year based on how highly you regarded them. Wish I had gotten a few more in retrospect. Thank you for what you do.
Thanks so much for the kind words. Really glad to hear the videos have been inspiring. I am just working on a new plash video using two ponchos for a bivvy style tent. Cheers
those are still abundant here in europe, but prices rose to 30 and 40€ per piece. i bought my lavvu tarps/half tent for 10€ per piece back in 2016 or 17, now yu cant get them under 30€€. as for durability, i have absolutely NO complaints; mine were made in 1976 or 1977, still hold my weight (200ish lbs) and work just fine as temp shelter. a bit heavy though, but durability wise you cant replace them with lightweight materials that doesnt cost arms and leg. ;)
That ALICE pack is definitive Old School, good and some bad memories with it (Frame), and I'm telling my age lol. I was not nice to my gear and it held up. For Bushcraft, it's a winner. At my age, I'm a sucker for the hammock. I enjoy your thought process on the subject and subbed.
Beautiful video. This is what it’s all about. I’m going to shoot a goodwill gear video. Inspiring for people to see that they can get ready for little money. That old knife is killer. D🤙😎🇺🇸
Thanks brother. There are definitely solid options out there that won’t cost a fortune. Those Old Hickory knives are awesome. Cheap and really easy/fun to mod. Looking forward to your video! Have a good one. 🤝
Years ago i had set aside a chunk of tax money to buy myself a Brand new high speed pack, looked for a month at various tactical packs , hiking and back packing packs. I ended up with a Tactical Taylor Malice Pack for $200 . Its a re-designed Lg Alice pack and new frame with some difffrent pocked addons and a majorly upgraded suspension system. LOVE that pack , and i love the suspension upgrade enough i dropped the $100 for a new set for my Med Alice....compleatly redefines how the Alice feels on the trail. Good Video Sir.
I use a queen size shipping bag. It make a small tent ⛺ or a mors super shelter. It’s lite and cheap. So cheap I Carry two, one queen and one twin size and its better then a garbage bags. Keeps me alive in the high desert of Nevada
Most all my stuff is MILSURP. Heavy but tough! Can’t kill it by dropping it or trudging through brush and such. Plus, if you do somehow manage to trash it your not out several hundred bucks! Great video.
Very cool video bro. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm sure it was in there, but I wish you would have covered the cook set, and your lighting devices too! Thanks much!
Thank you! In this load out, cook set was simple steel water bottle and nesting cup w lid. Ignition devices were ferro rod and a couple lighters. Cheers
Thanks! I like them all lol, but at same time, think they are also all a little small for the average size person these days, unless you are willing to carry multiples with you. For me, 3 plash palatkas makes a great shelter. Same with the zelts, 3. 2 will work, but its going to be an open leanto type shelter. The Polish version is great, especially the size 3. I just filmed something using a single lavvu demonstrating its use as a single shelter. Should be up in a few days. Cheers
@@EnduranceRoom True it's a bit small and the bag has to stay outside but I find the Lavvu size 3 to be versatile piece of kit, it makes a nice half open shelter with a fire in front of it. Looking forward to the video, keep up the good work 🍻
solid video yet again brother. I'd love to see you use the british plce bergen, plce webbing, basha see what your thoughts are of the gear. yet again good drills mate
I have a modern rendition of this. It’s a Spec-Ops ultra recon ruck on a 1606 MC frame with the MOLLE 2 suspension. It’s essentially a ALICE pack with the buckle mod already done. The original ALICE frames are not comfortable on me, thus the frame upgrade. It has 4 season sleep gear lashed to the bottom.
Thing I like about this game is as a working man my pack stands ready at any time should I need time out from the rat race and you do a good job of showing how it can be done without breaking the bank. Magic stuff mate. Best Wishes from Scotland. McIntyre.
I’ve still yet to try the Alice Pack, I’ll have to remedy that soon. That said I have been happily served well by my LK35-70 for the last 20 years so it’s definitely a want/fancy rather than a need.
I'll be honest with you man back in the day when I enlisted in the Army national guard which was November of 99 that would be the pre 911 era in which national guard units especially here in Wisconsin got okay gear but it was all Army hand me downs I got issued my large Alice pack I also had to carry around a vintage PRC 88 radio with the floppy antenna or as my platoon sergeant who was a former Marine Force recon sniper finishing out his 20 to get his full retirement referred to those as Target indicators LOL. My outdoor experience path was as a little kid camping in the very Northern parts of Wisconsin with family until I was old enough and then went Cub scouts boy scouts eagle scout Army and have continued to do so I've had many different types of trips from long distance hiking through the mountains to canoeing to packrafting all over I've had many different gear setups through the years and I will say with absolute 100% certainty no matter how new lightweight or high-tech anything is if the world's ending and I can only grab one bag to put stuff in then I'm going to need to live out of for the rest of my life I'm grabbing my large Alice pack which I still have because those things are absolute tanks and they will Outlast generations of people using them. We always joked because we said that these packs can clearly carry more gear than we could meaning you could load it down and it would hold more weight than you could possibly pick up by yourself. Also the running joke on Long ruck marches when anybody started complaining about how much their pack weighed we would just look at them and say hey everybody loves to hump ALICE. Also one of the many benefits and uses of these packs is if you are setting up a semi-permanent or long-term shelter area being able to take the pack off of the frame and use the frame independently while scouting to bring back forage materials and or large amounts of firewood.
Awesome my friend. Appreciate the comment. The large ALICE is a tank of a pack like no other. I have had my hands on quite few different bags over the years and have a few that I really enjoy using. But none of them are as tough or as reliable as ALICE. Thanks for sharing and have a good one!
Great vedio 👍 I've been using ALICE gear since I was in the ARMY in the late 80's and early 90's. Easy and usefull upgrades are a MOLLE II hip pad belt and replace the steel tensioners with five Fastex repair clips. ALICE II angled shoulder straps and a chest strap are a must for improved comfort.
Hello- Im new to the channel and your videos are very good and informative. I have a couple ALICE packs and know they are very reliable and cant be beat as far as durability. Its good that you show the different configurations with the tarp as well as explaining what is what. Thanks for the instruction and Ive got some catching up to do on your earlier vids. Be safe out there-
No problem. In this video I am just showing the gear. Food would be added in as needed. For cooking, I use the steel canteen cup. It is a simple but effective setup that keeps the overall weight down.
I’m new to the channel. Came across one of your videos the other week. I’ve subscribed and have been going back through all your past videos. Really enjoy your videos. 👍🏼
I have gotten all that stuff at Goodwill outlet for $1.49 pound. 🤓 outfitted my 2 nieces and 2 nephews 1 boyfriend and sister’s 1 stepson with bug out bags. With all the fixings. 😎 Is your Ranger role for Alaska? 😂
Thank you for showing you don't need to get the latest and greatest. Even just a budget friendly ruck sack to start out with to just to get out for the day. I don't get out as much as I would like to. To those like me there is no sense and no need of buying the newest and "best".
I would recommend trying the Hellcat mod. I did it to my large ALICE and it makes a huge difference. It is simple to do. It is basically just swapping out the straps and kidney belt for the MOLLE 2 straps and belt. It greatly improves comfort. Woodland is probably ideal, but ACU and Desert camos can both be dyed easily enough.
Old school equipment looks really good. Okay, sometimes it's heavier than modern gear. I try to keep my gear small most of the time so I don't stand out.
I understand. It was a challenge where we used to live, as I would have to walk through town to camp with my gear. The big military surplus load outs don’t blend in so well in the suburbs.
I’m new to bushcraft. I’ve always camped with more expensive gear. Watching your videos makes me want to ditch the high priced stuff. Keep making the videos.
Hi Jess .. You had me worried for a Mo as I was (almost certain) that I had watched something similar a couple of days ago??? Anyway, it was nice watching it again 👍 .. (must be old age 😏). Wet weather bow drill .. that should be interesting. Until then .. take care .. Tommy
Hey Tommy! Sorry I missed replying to your comments. I saw them come in and was getting to them. The days have been very full, and the nights even more so 😂Boys are doing good though. They each got a tooth this week. Really happy you got the new pack. Sounds like you are enjoying it immensely! Those side pouches sure are slick, too. Good stuff. Doing a bow drill up here has been on my mind for awhile, as no good candidates for friction fires that I have found. I have been playing with the idea of doing one with pine for awhile and finally gave it a go the other day. It was a fun little challenge. Video up soon. Have a good one my friend. 🤝
@@EnduranceRoom Hi Jess .. no problem 👍. Your slate must be pretty full at present 😊. Good to hear that the lads are doing well and now with teeth popping out, they'll be keeping Mom and Dad on the go with 'nappy drills' and more .. 🙄 not much 😴 to be had 😏 .. and in Full Stereo I suppose 😁. Glad that I've been there, got the Medal and the associated Joy in one's Children .. and now I can sit back and watch others 'run the gauntlet' 😁. My first and only grandchild .. she turned 2 today and she certainly keeps my Son and Daughter-in-Law on their toes! The new Pack is great .. thanks. Am taking it out again tomorrow for an outdoor brunch. The forest is currently out of bounds due to a total fire ban .. so it will be Alcohol in a park down at the river. Pine bow drill fire and in the wet? 🤔 .. should be interesting (that which ends up on the 'cutting room floor' even more so 😁). Am looking forward to it and until then, take care .. Tommy
I have lots of packs but I always end up going back to my old school gear, Alice pack, US GI canteen, poncho, woobie, 😅bushcraft knife, SAN, in the summer I usually run a short machete, folding saw etc
I carried a large pack just like this for decades! (large ALICE pack with frame) recently traded up to a Kelty. had the ALICE on craigslist a while, nobody seemed interested, soon it's off to the goodwill i guess
This is my favorite pack ever. I loved it as a teenager, my 10 years in the army, and still today. 15 to 20 mile days with no complaints. People dog it as uncomfortable and too small, but they are wearing it wrong - too high. You are actually wearing it at the right height.
Still carry mine in the field. Has five jumps and two deploymens. It lived in my attic growing up and started using it when i learned my unit was ok with us using them. Great equipment.
@@EnduranceRoomusable condition is debatable. The shipping is often outrageous. I recently bought one with frame, decent condition but needs the flap redone, almost 90 shipped. So probably $140 after i get someone to sew the flap. All I'm saying is the ALICE has moved from "surplus" to "collectible". You can get a really nice 3 day assault pack for $40 shipped. You can get the whole main rucksack with frame, external pouches, 3 day assault pack, load bearing vest with pouches, and a waist pack for less than $200 shipped. From the title, the video is really good. But as per the opening dialogue, the ALICE pack with frame kills it a bit.
@@893R6-w8t I paid $30 for mine 15 years ago, another $30 for the frame a few years after that. My lid was worn and never bothered repairing it, as it was mostly cosmetic. I have used it a lot. Some stitching here and there with a needle and thread, easy to fix. Lid can be sprayed with flex seal.
Thank you. Pretty minimal, usually just a canteen cup, but sometimes I use a small pot or skillet that have had the handles removed. Also, I have a 1L kettle that I will carry food in.
Absolutely love the channel and your attitude mate. Maybe it’s the “cheers” and “g’day” that feels so familiar (Aussie). Keep up the excellent work “Welcome to Endurance Room” 🙌🏻👍🏻🤠
Thanks very much my friend. I am really glad to hear it. My whole goal has been to inspire people to go out and enjoy nature, while kind of documenting my process/journey learning this stuff. Have a good one! 🤝🌲 Jess
@@kyotoau9095 Thanks my friend! Appreciate it. I got a call back last year from their producer for another survival show, but they’re requiring everyone to get the j a b. I told them no thank you and that was that. All good. Very happy here with my family. I do appreciate the kind thought. Cheers
@@EnduranceRoom Bummer. I work for a (very) big US real estate services corp. They told me to get it or lose my job. I told them to go jump. They came crawling back 8 months later. I would sooner live under a bridge in my lavuu than take the poison. Family, nature and divinity is all we need :)
The tent configuration at the 13:40 mark is actually pretty freakin sweet looking. I could have used that setup when I was on the AT on the side of a hill in pouring rain -_- lol that sucked but that's why I'm here trying to learn more. My poncho tent was just too small. In order to keep rain from blowing under too much, I had to have it extremely low which ended up making it sit right on top of me wicking heat out of me all night. Tarp looks like the way to go for just a slight be of weight.
Hey, we understand the original video was deleted because it was filmed at a nudist camp, those tarps, blankets, and covers are not permitted in the campground. All good, glad your clothed and continuing with sound advice. Cheers!
G"day mate.! Another great segment of minimalist bushcraft carry, really like the simple kit. It's affordable & functional. The different style of tent set up really caught my eye. Actually learning a few new things watrching this segment. Also on the next episode, could you thought of a system where it is a hot day/night, some sort of tent set up that would let the natural wind/breeze cool the inside of the tent? Even with no fire. our body generate heat so to get some comfortable sleep, the air inside the tent could be cooler. A challenge if you choose to accept it. Don't worry this message won't self distruct..!! Cheers matey. Greetings from Australia.
Hey brother! I will try and put something together for hot weather camping. The weather is cooling off here already. I would more than likely be using a leanto tarp configuration in hot weather, maybe with a bugnet, or flying a tarp with a hammock underneath. I was planning to do a video on an Adirondack tarp configuration, which is a leanto variation which is pretty nice and would work well for both hot weather and cold weather. Cheers mate
Thanks for the Video. I really like these how to get out when you don't have lots of cash videos. As a kid and with my own kids I've enjoyed many camps under a hardware store tarp and Kmart/Aldi gear and some cook gear from home or the 2nd hand store.
The title of the video grabbed my attention because it represents my "impossible" goal of the 20lb pack. I used to live in Idaho where I did most of my backpacking trips, so the temps could vary by a large amount. Anyways, I was able to get just below the 25 pound mark, 30 if I wanted some luxuries. You did a great job with this video, thanks for sharing.
@@EnduranceRoom When I was younger I thought I had to have every gadget possible in my pack, lol. As I aged I found that a decent heavy wire grill and a few candles covered all of my cooking and lighting needs with no more than the simplest cooking utensils. My only vice was a vulcanized canvas air mattress (6 pounds!) but wow... did it give me comfort and insulation when I so needed it. Really impressed with the efficiency shown in your videos.
It's so nice to have the grab handle, I don't yet and every time I pick it up the strap comes off because the fitting only holds it when you pull away from the frame not parallel to it...
@EnduranceRoom yup. That's what I have. I'm using it with a bushcraft Spain 10x10 oilskin tarp and the Bushcraft Spain ground sheet, poncho liner and a wool blanket. Planing on hanging/ attaching an Arcturis space blanket on the tarp to reflect heat.
@@Gryphon_Hawke Nice. I would lay space blanket down on top of ground sheet, then the klymit pad, followed by the poncho liner, wrap up in wool blanket, and then fold the poncho liner and space blanket over top, taco style. The mylar needs to be within a few inches to get benefit from the heat reflection.
Where are y'all finding ALICE packs? All I can find are knock offs. There's not a surplus store anywhere near me and not a single website I have looked at has legitimate ALICE packs in stock. Thanks for any help.
The app has been pretty buggy as of late. Numbers off. It looked like there were two copies of the video, the one that was uploaded and a copy that was “waiting”. I deleted waiting, and they both vanished.
