What to carry in your rucksack/backpack 

That advice about NOT replying to a whistled distress signal lest the signaler stops, is priceless and might well save a life. I love your videos and greatly enjoy your humour.

People tell me, I don't need my flask of coffee either (thermos in the US)

I don't have the mat or shelter, but do take a water filter and entrenching tool (to go with the paper tissues). The main difference would be that I keep my phone, a torch, map, compass, GPS, bivvy bag, whistle, and multi-tool in my trouser pockets (or attached to belt loops) - you could lose a rucksack out hiking, but if you lose your trousers you're in real trouble.

Great video. I carry very similar stuff, with a few exceptions. I carry a phone that has a torch, so I don't carry the extra torch to save weight (just spare batteries, torch and GPS same size). I also carry 10m of para-cord to repair broken equipment and secure wayward children etc It is really important to have a good waterproof map case, I have learned this from experience. Particularly if you intend to use the map again.

Very good kit list and spot on with the 2 head torches. Mine died on a night nav exercise, must have turned on in my bag accidentally as they were new batteries. Although it wasn’t raining just faffing in the dark trying to get the back off and put batteries in the right way without dropping them with cold fingers was a nightmare. Carried 2 ever since. A few things I carry in addition to you is a blizzard bag, a little bigger than your bivy bag but much more effective. A small repair kit: a couple of metres of gaffer tape wrapped round a little pencil, a small note pad, some zip ties, spare laces, waterproof matches etc. some water purification tablets (I ran out of water on a very hot day once!!) so I can fill up from a stream, pond, ditch and purify it in an emergency. I walk alone a lot so I have a PLB for when there’s no phone signal. In my first aid kit I have tick tweezers and I carry a trauma bandage. Came across 2 bad injuries: a badly lacerated scalp following a slip on rocky ground and a nasty gash on a hand after falling crossing a barbed wire fence where plasters were no good. A casualty report form where you can write down details of casualty, obs, contact numbers, grid refs etc especially if you need to send someone for help. I also keep emergency rations in my bag, I’m not keen on Kendal mint cake but it’s full of calories and I’m not tempted to eat it unless it’s absolutely necessary.

I always carry with me a Stanley cup (single wall), a couple of BIC lighters, just in case I need to boil the water, also the spare socks and a good gloves.

A utility tool like the Leatherman is essential. I would also include a lighter or matches for that unexpected event where keeping warm, providing light or heating water or food becomes necessary. Otherwise a good kit.

After an incident some 30 yrs ago, while out cycling across the wilds, when I encountered someone who had had a traumatic car accident, I always carry a webbing belt of some sort. Whether out on the fells, or even about town. Why? A decent, wide, webbing belt (such as the Fjallraven type) makes an excellent tourniquet. Much needed when a plaster really won't 'cut-it'! Your sling might do the job if you can fasten some means to strongly tighten it and then secure the pressure. Great video again. I'm working my way through your back catalogue and really enjoying them.. Thank you. Oh, and yes, a hat of some descriptio with a peak, a buff (countless uses), and a small , light, Swiss-Army knife with tweezers - indispensable!

" If you cant pick your rucksack up with one hand - its too heavy " . Someone tell the Army that !

I live in the USA New England near the Canadian border. I always carry an extra pair of wool socks. Also I use an American GI canteen system which includes a cup and stove stand. I carry instant coffee, soup and a couple of solid fuel tabs. Takes a little longer than the flask, but sometimes that's a good thing if the view is nice.

I was taught always to wear the whistle around your neck at all times. Regardless. My planning assumption if it goes wrong could I survive if I lost my bergen. Keep the compass in my pocket, and the map in a small clear foo bag just inside my jacket, although have been using a front chest pouch which is proving invaluable. I prefer a water bladder as opposed to a bottle, also carry a small filter. The only extras I carry is based on all plans go wrong and I could face 24 hrs before rescue. So I keep a small bag with and MRE single meal. Just in case. 15m of paracord,, a couple of zip ties ( has fixed a broken shoulder strap). I also carry a small folding umbrella. You would be surprised what a difference it can make on bad days.

I liked the suggestion for the two headlamps I always understood it was 3 blasts on a whistle or gun to signal distress (request help), rather than six. It would less taxing on the individual to blow 3 times rather than six and would extend the number of times one could signal is using 3 shells versus 6. The point about not replying to the distress call (because the caller might stop signaling) is an interest choice. I agree with you though I could easily argue the otherside.

I always carry a spare pair of socks and an extra pair of bootlaces; tips I was given in basic training. Socks od the pair you're wearing get wet or damaged. Laces, obviously if one breaks plus they can be used to tie things that may have come loose or fallen off. 😊

Always have to carry a hip flask...sweetner for the coffee 😂😂

I find all your videos interesting and educational...May I suggest one additional item that could be a life saver to carry in your rugsack...A SPARE OF BOOT LACES...

Che piacere di sentire il suo italiano. Sì, mi farà molto piacere seguire uno dei tuoi video in italiano. As for me, I live in the French/Italian Alps and because of the steep inclines and my health (I had a heart attack recently) I tend to go light, very light. My light poncho is also a tarp, that I can use as a "lean to" shelter along with my trekking poles. I also have a small kit with a dyneema ridgeline, some titanium stakes and 2mm guylines. I often use it to take naps and protect me from the scorching sun at +2000m. In summertime I also carry a light hammock from dutchware (USA), because it's pointless getting dehydrated under the sun from 1pm to 3pm, so a good nap in the shade will help. A sun umbrella can also help when hiking at 1000m and bellow. I secure my beloved Garmin 66sr on rucksack strap using a water bottle pouch that I have adapted to fit on the shoulder straps. A surplus grenade pouch can also do. Also I have made a paracord lanyard to attach my GPS to the strap, so it won't fall or slide off the pouch when I lift the pack on the ground. People tend to forget that the sternum strap can also be used to carry stuff, so I have a Suunto button compass on mine. It's not for precise navigation but to get a general idea of the cardinal directions as I walk in a new place. To avoid going in circles, as you said in an other video. I don't use my Garmin for a job, but to contribute to the OpenStreetMap project. As for the heavy thermos, I have the same and it stays in the car for that last stretch. Instead, I carry a light TOAKS titanium cup that can fit a 9cm gas canister, a SOTO gas stove (or a BTR-3000 stove) and all of this can fit inside the TOAKS ,which itself can fit in a large plastic Foldacup mug (600ml) and voila ! Great for dehydrated meals, making ramen and (instant) coffee. Sometimes I even carry a 1/2 cup tiny bialetti moka machine for that espresso at the end.

Digging in your sack reminded me of Hermione Graingers bag in Harry Potter, BLOODY bottomless!🦘🇦🇺👍🏼

I take a small and light, camera, as I like to take photos when I'm out. Also a pair of sunglasses, some sun cream and lip balm and a spare pair of dry socks. Nothing worse than facing into the glare of the Sun for long periods. I also take a small pair of pocket binoculars for watching wildlife when I stop for a break, or scouting the best path ahead. The whistle I keep in my pocket, or around my neck for easy access, along with a compass. A SAK or Opinel for slicing food, instead of a Leatherman and a lighter. I could never envisage the need for pliers when out on heath or mountains but one of the other commentators mentioned freeing a deer caught in some barbed wire with his Leatherman, so fair enough. If I were to take a flask of coffee with me, it would be smaller and lighter than the one you have.

I love this video, watched it several times now. BTW, when you said the volume of the rucksack is 35lts, you said it is expandable to 45 degrees, I assume you meant litres not degrees 😂😂😂. You got compass bearings on your brain 😂😂😂

Today too many people are following the ultralight trend leaving home what can help them in dangerous and unexpected situations. In north Europe (Scotland, Ireland, Finland) where I walked in past I saw hiker with decent packs to go across bad weather and.. possible shit situations. Here, in Italy, usually along the paths you can see a lot of people with micro backpack, just a k-way, a sandwich and half liter of water. It’s not easy talk about the importance of manage shtf. Can I contact you?

I always tend to overpack. I carry a 35 l Gregory pack. Ive got a first aid kit a hospital would be proud of . And my gadget ,useful stuff bag is comprehensive. But. My day sack with 2l of water on a summer day is 6kg including food and snacks. My winter day sack is 8.5 kg but with extra layers. . Im a big fella. So carrying this isnt an issue. I like to be prepared ! Only thing i habent got but its on its way is a 2 man bothy for me and the dog. I must admit ive helped injured walkers and climbers with my first aid kit. I carry a foil bag but also 2 foil blankets. Which ive used to help others while ive been out . Im happy with my setup but it changes monthly 😂 . Hello ADHD.

Really, really enjoyable video, thank you so much for posting and sharing your good mood. I had some good laughs when you took out your jumbo flask and looked kind of embarrassed :D. The only thing I carry in my day ruck sack that you didn't mention is a BIC lighter and a fire rod. They take no space or weight, and they have allowed me to start a fire in a shelter to get some warmth and dry the occasional sock during a storm.

It may seem silly, but that is a lot to remember; so, do you have a list of items and/or products that you would suggest. Of course, much depends on the location one is in. Alaska and Arizona hikes probably have few backpack items in common, but the basics would help.

For whatever reason this last week that I have been confined to a bed I have watched hundreds of survival videos on go bags, bug-out bags, camping-bags, day-bags, ...and I must say: THIS is so smart... I have learnt so much fro this video on what will keep my morale up (comfort stuff), how I can help my group/kids (climbers sling, group shelter, big charger), and just useful XP insight that I can't yet possess (2 headlamps, eg)...THANK YOU.

you might consider that tissue paper that you mainly use for your nose is made from paper that does not dissolve (think: washing machine) - if you think of different uses you might take toilet paper proper that dissolves really fast - as you obviously do not carry a little tool to bury for the left-overs ...

Pliers? For your coffee, to take the hot brewn metal cup off the fire, my lad!

I always think i am carrying too much but my packing is similar to yours, personally i have a clip and cord attached to my rucksack that i fasten my car keys onto so there is no chance of them falling out un noticed whilst getting something else out, i also carry a cheap spare pair of glasses in case of breaking or loosing my main pair (cant see a map without them), As usual very informative

It's no different to going out for a days cycling. You take the kit you know you'll use plus what you MAY need, but probably won't use except on rare occasions. But if you didnt have it with you, there's a problem. 😮

Used a poncho for years 🤔 think i might be getting a group shelter instead, cheers.

This is a smashing tutorial on what to carry in your rucksack or backpack. It's one of the best videos I've seen on this topic, and the host is very engaging and witty. 6:38, It looks like a 32-ounce/1-liter Stanley Thermos (flask). I also have the 20 and 40-ounce versions. Good black coffee is essential for whatever task you may be endeavoring.

Pliers are good if you walk anywhere with a lot of cacti, Like the american southwest.

Great video as always. I carry much the same kit as you for day/ night walking in the UK apart from the shelter thingy. I carry the same sling but also with lightweight carrabiner attached and a 2ft length of 10mm rope. Also carry para cord. Great presentation. Thank you.

Can you reply with the name and place of purchase for the emergency shelter, thanks.

2 lights because: 2 is 1. 1 is none...

I would carry a wind up torch. You may not plan to stay out at night, but things happen. A wind up torch can be used to charge your phone etc. (Don't know what charger you have).

That was really interesting. I've never seen a group shelter of that type before. What a good idea, though. Thanks.

I encourage you to do some videos in Italian or to add Italian subtitles to your current ones. I have not seen videos on Navigation, etc. In Italian that are anywhere near the quality of yours for ease of understanding, simplicity, excellent video quality and editing. (the map close-ups, etc). Grazie Mille :) per i video - li ho visti tutti. BTW - I sometimes take a little Bialetti Moka on the shorter hikes - luxurious! But now I am waffling a bit 😂😂😂

Very good kit. I’ve never heard of that group shelter before. Seems like a great idea for… groups. For just me and my wife a big rain poncho is just enough. We recently were hiking in Valais (Switzerland) and had to pass under some sprinklers above us the mountain side. It was funny and a great use for the poncho.

Don't know if anyone's mentioned it but i usually carry a flint and steel for fire starting just in case.

The navy often called certain tissues service latrine.

Thats what i carry plus a cheap space blanket that im happy to leave with anyone who needs it.Also another in my car for accidents. I have a two person shelter and carry some paracord and klingon clips that i can attach to hold the shelter up should i be near trees to attach. I have a silver thin sheet which forms a tube that i can sit on or make into a shelter for a unexpected night out due to injury, im old and walk alone. I also carry a water filter bottle and 6,000 cals emergency food so im ok for a couple of days. I also have a small strobe light from my offshore sailing days in my Pocket. On hills it can be seen for several miles if i was being looked for it would be a obvious non usual thing on the hill to be investigated plus a torch and a foil bivi bag as used by RNLI and Royal Marines thats been tested to insulate like a 3 season sleeping bag. All that is very little weight but i know im good for couple of days incase i injure myself. In a group its different share stuff round. Great advise and i like your vids on map reading . Ow and regarding the sandwich box I used to have the Micky taken at work mine was huge. Everyone would say ,what we got today then 😊 I still use it

Great video. Good tip about the whistle. Pensavo che il tuo thermos fosse piuttosto piccolo per il caffè. One thing i didn't carry was the group shelter not just for groups either. Love your little chuckels during your video. Chow

Great video, super interesting! The point you made about the whistle is very good - don't respond, as it'd likely mean that the person/s in trouble would likely go silent, rather than being a beacon to head towards. The OS Locate app is also really good :)

One time, at band camp… I was told to always carry a safety reflector, even a small one for safety at night and signaling. It helps the search teams as well. Perhaps some of your gear can be reflective.

Gorilla tape wrapped round walking poles

Great work. The 4 year old who needed a plaster, "bandaid" in the US. I carry 2 plasters in my wallet. Many times when a child is upset I give the parent a bandaid and walk off leaving a please child and a relieved parent.

Always a pleasure to watch you, my friend. Keep up the good work. Thank you

Your videos are very informative but also entertaining. Thanks for sharing

Great video. I would add fire-starting kit.

Great video. The only additional things I carry, which have proved useful in a few situations is a handful of zip ties and a strip of duct tape (wrapped around a pencil)!

Very clever choices of gear. This video is very informative !

Fantastic video, the only thing extra I take when I go off up the mountains is a trowel!!!! Keep the videos coming very informative thanks.

Watched the whole video waiting for the tin of sardines. So disappointed...! 😂 On a serious note, you don't use dry bags!!?! That's a surprise. Have you found they're unnecessary?

A lighter and small fire starting kit is mandatory. I actually went back and watched the video a second time because I couldn't believe you left that out. I thought I'd missed something.

😂😂😂 i feel so dumb now 12:07 .... such a simple thing ... never thought of it 😂😂😂

So true regarding the size of the ruck and packing more crap. Good packing, although you and I pack a bit differently. The one thing I value a lot is a survival blanket. The silver, heat reflecting thermal one. A potential life saver. Same with a signal mirror and a VS-17 panel. (International orange)

There seems to be two contradictory "international distress signals" that I've learned about. There's the alpine distress signal that you talk about of 6 short blasts, but I've more commonly heard that 3 short blasts was the international signal for distress. A simple Google search yields different sites claiming one or the other to be right. Would either signal be recognised, or are there specific situations where one is more appropriate?

Add tourniquet to first aid kiit.

Hahaaa, two torches, yes you’re right

I like the two light idea and sit pad. I’m surprised the water there is drinkable without purification, that’s nice ! I carry a very small mirror in the first aid kit for removing ticks in inconvenient locations or eye first aid.

May I ask what size is your Silva Map Case.

would be really interested as to what your first aid kit consists of or the essential items you think should be in one for those heading out in the hills. Having just completed a 2 day outdoor first aid course I'm trying to fathom what are the most probably injuries that may occur when I take groups of runners out in the Peak district.

Lovely! Can never have too much flask for coffee! ☕

I take most of the items that you take, but in addition. 1. Fastfind Personal location beacon. 2. Army poncho, that I can wear over my rucksack as well as myself. A poncho can also be used as a shelter. 3.Paracord. 4. Small trowel for burying poo. 5.Hiking stick. 6. Fire starting kit, for signalling and warmth.

Ma certo che devi farlo i video in italiano!!!

I've been told blow whistle 3x or gun fire 3x for help here in the USA, but if you say it is international to blow whistle 6x, than I believe you. I take 2 very large black garbage bag in a sandwich bag, it is used to sit on, to cover pack in case of rain, as a picnic tarp, shelter or poncho. I like your idea of taking 2 torches. Everyone should take a compass whether they know how to use on or not, if one goes off trail for a bio-break and forget where the trail is. Stop mark a tree with material and walk (with your pack) 50 steps to the N, than return to marked tree if trail is not found, repeat S, W, E until trail is found. If trail still isn't found than add more steps and do it all over again so even the cheapest compass will work for that. I also take a miniature art kit of watercolor or/and sketching material because I enjoy sketching. And of course we wear pepper/bear spray or a handgun depending on where we are hiking.

Well thought out. I usually feel a bit daft prepping for all the situations when i see others carrying next to nothing on a hot day. I'm not one for hot drinks and I'd see the flask as expensive weight, If I saw the need for heat in a cold environment I'd rather carry hot soup. What i do for water is just carry bought water bottles. that i can also dispose of (appropriately) on the way home. They get drunk too fast on a hot walk so I empty a little out of each bottle and freeze them overnight. I place them in the hood of my waterproof and wrap them up with my lunch. They stay insulated enough for a long time. Every now and then I'd remove a bottle that would melt at just the right speed to give me a sip every now and then. The lunch will stay chilled. If buying headlamps avoid rubberised because if they stay in the rucksack a long time they will de-rubberise and get sticky. I carry spare socks and boot laces. I've suffered from failure of these and don't want to endure it again. I also carry leg gators in the rucksack as i won't always feel need to use them. Also a fly face net. I don't have an emergency shelter but a poncho not taking up quite as much space. I'm also often carrying camera gear. I also carry a couple of plastic bags that i have found useful for misc purposes. I often have my compass lanyard attached to a strap clip that is compatible with the clips on my ruckack straps so i dont have to put that away.. I carry a foam pad for seating too but i have found that its when you take weight off your feet for a break that fluid gets between the skin layers to create painful blisters so i tend to stay standing to have breaks - i'm usually a tenderfoot

If I had to carrie that size pack in Australia on a 35oC day I would only last a couple of hours. Penso che io zaino che hai solo spalle pesa più di una semplice gita di un giorno.

Hey! Un italiano qui! Che bello il tuo canale, è un piacere seguirti!!! Quando come e perchè vieni in Italia? Sarebbe un piacere incontrarti!!! :-)

Should carry a emergency splint and tourniquet and know how to use them, never know when you might trip and mess yourself up, and a band-aid wont save you.

Pretty good, thanks. I used to have two packs. So many factors determine size and what to take: Most important Temperature/ Weather. Then obviously how long you’ll be out; overnite? Possibly first: what’s the mission/ purpose. I probably wouldn’t be carrying all that extra clothing gear and the two types of shelters depending on season. I’d probably be wearing hat & if climate dictates; a sweater type thing and a thin wind breaker. Leatherman is great but here in North America, would probably be a large folding or 5” - 6” fixed blade knife in kydex sheath. Tinder and fire making kit. A few responsible trained people might decide to CCW; but only in certain circumstances. I think your ruck carry’s too much for the hike you were on, and not enough for longer trek that may have included an overnite. Really like your site. You are VERY experienced trekker / outdoorsman

I'm fully agreed with the kit, almost identical to mine, though most regard me as overboard lol.. I'm the same with torches, though my spare is always a small torch (one aa battery) in my pocket which I carry daily anyway and am well used to it being to hand. I had a torch fail on me on Dartmoor back in the 80s. Luckily I had a cheapie backup just to get me back to the campsite.

I've always wondered about those emergency bivs, they're not that much lighter than some full blown proper ones. I guess they have mylar in them though, but conversely a proper one would likely be more waterproof and have less condensation. Have you ever needed to use it?

Good video, good info, thanks. In the US it’s 3 blasts on the whistle to signal for help ( or three fires or three piles rocks also).

Great description of your gear. I particularly liked the emergency shelter. Pretty well agree with all your choices. As a Canadian, and it was driiled from childhood : NEVER leave without 2 methods of fire making, a belt knife and a folding saw or hatchet on your person. A metal cup to boil water and some cordage in your daybag is a really good idea. I guess the difference for us is that help may be days away,not hours. The packing rule was simple : bring all indispensables, no useful stuff and one unnecessary luxury like... a jumbo flask🙂.

I've never carried a torch. Never needed one. Neither a phone. You can't carry an antennae. Never carried a flask, but a wee Trangia. Coffee's better when freshly made. But I've always carried a Bergans' Grevling, a bivouac, for emergencies, after all, you could break a leg. But, of course, I've never trekked in England - just in Sweden and Norway (and Greenland), none of which are as densely populated as England. But I do appreciate your vids on compass and map reading, very sound. Wish more people would enjoy nature as it really is.

12:25 Funny story. We were just getting ready to leave for a day out on Coniston Water. We didn't usually carry any sort of first aid back then, cause we never needed any. But I sort of get a "feeling" and I ask my girlfriend to put together a basic kit. Her mom's a nurse, so we're well stocked. Wouldn't you know it, just as we got there and started taking stuff out of the car, a mom comes to the parking lot with a kid in tow all screaming. The kid stepped on a sharp rock or something and hurt himself, and the mother was telling him that she'll have to sort something out cause she had no first aid. So I felt content I had a kit whilst looking at her struggling without one! No, I am kidding, of course. We pulled out the kit and patched up the kid, no worries. You never know who you're getting these kits ready for. It might not always be you, but they're always essential. Since then we each have an individual first aid kit and I keep one of those big mountain guide kits in the car, with everything and anything. I need to add some stuff to my kit, especially an Israeli bandage. I hope I never get to have a use for such a thing...

Spare bootlaces and footwear (trainers) it’s amazing how many times I’ve broken my laces.

Put sarnys in a roll top sack easier to fit in.Always carry a standby of beef jerk and Kendal mint cake.Bandage ,safety pin,paracetamol,cocodomol,pencil,paper and boot laces.

Great list but I would carry the first aid kit and lights in a more quickly accessible place.

Leatherman pliers... good for picking out impossible knots in rope.

Saluti dall'Italia, e grazie mille per tutti questi video magnifici!!!!

I always keep my whistle on the outside of my pack where I can get to it without having to take my pack off. That way if I fall and can't move (eg broken leg) at least my whistle is in reach of my mouth to attract attention.

Good points ref. having two torches and folding waterproofs after use. 😊

Okay now I need to know, what is your favorite coffee!? 😁👍

That flask is insane 😂 One thing for people who hike with their dogs is a FidoPro harness so you can carry your dog if it gets injured.

Interesting, thanks. Good points about use of a whistle and doubling up on head torches.

My first aid kit is at the top of my backpack for quick easy access.

I LIKE THE WAY THAT YOU SLUNG YOUR RUCKSACK ON. I AM OFF TO TRY THAT NOW.👍

The only thing i carry extra to your selection is laces ,yes you can do a temp tie but its just not the same .

This video could be relabelled as an ASMR video 😂.

I always carry everything I might need when doing a walk and usually get comments from my daughter that im carrying too much, but its better to be ready for anything. It takes 1 second to badly twist an ankle & be stuck on an exposed hillside/mountain. Love your videos & I really wish I could grasp ur knowledge of navigating, but I can't, which is why I carry all the other stuff to keep me safe if/when I get lost 😂😂 I do have to comment on the 'waterproof' aspect of outdoor gear tho. I've just been out for a stroll this morning wearing Merrell footwear, (a very reputable brand), that apparently is so waterproof it even has a little tab on each boot saying "waterproof". Literally 10 seconds on dewy grass & my socks were wet. Even when it says waterproof, it generally isnt. Its actually a terrible thing when words start to mean nothing. The exact same thing has happened to labelling within the food industry.

❤🫡👌

What form of tripod & camera you carry, because that's my gig. You will find that kids WILL carry a Game Boy or other Electronic rubbish with them. But never something useful like Socks tisues or a hat. You have to check them for stupid.

Ur missing a fire rod.

You cracked me up with that hugh flask. Good vid though. We all have our likes and dislikes as of what to carry. Pliers in case you need to cut barbed wire. Need to carry yes.

I'm in the states and have been hiking/backpacking for well over 50 years now. I have never seen a group shelter like you demonstrated! I have encountered many situations where one of those would have been appreciated. I tried to do a search for one and couldn't find anything like it. Is there anything else it might be called for an online search? Or, could you just give a recommendation for one.

Trivial question: what brand of trousers are your wearing? Looks like they have reinforced and perhaps water resistant knees.

Never heard of a “group shelter.” Where do you get one? By what name? Is it just a light tarp or rain fly? Seems to be a good idea!

You're not worried about getting ticks up there.