Do you understand what a loadout is? Your gun weights half that 20lbs and you don't seem to be counting a bunch of stuff like your sleeping bag... god you are bad at this.
@@thomgizziz He said he wasn't counting firearm or chest rig weight, only the 72 hour gear in his pack. He also stuffed the sleeping bag (what his stuff was laid out on) into the bag.
@@DocOnHoliday86I mean, he really was a pilot. There are plenty of public records of Lt. Col Hewitt available. Richard I think. His father shows up most of the time on first google though.
As I have gotten older, when by myself Elk hunting or other hunting I have forced myself to not hunt any further than I’m willing to pack the game out. The more people the further you can go. Great video, and great advise!
bro as someone whos been trying to do a merge of these two styles for awhile, you've knocked it out of the park. It's weird carrying a pack that weighs 2+kg empty while on the other hand also decanting my soap into a 15ml dropper bottles but it's what makes me happy. Keep it up!
Have you looked at dissolvable waterway safe soap sheets? They weigh practically nothing. A box of like a hundred sheets, which you won't need all at once, is only like 2 or 3oz.
I love how you mention 25 lbs is ultralight for a grunt. When I got back into backpacking after my ETS, I started following the UL forums. I remember in one of my first threads someone said “ultralight” and I replied something along the lines of they must mean around 35 pounds then, right? I could almost hear them falling out of their chair in their reply. I’m more on the UL side of things than the grunt side now days and while I can see some replacements to your kit that would still be tactical but drop a little more weight, you’ve got a solid system here. I agree with your use of a hammock and tarp: much more comfortable and flexible than a tent. Thanks for another great video merging tactical/Hunting with the backpacking communities.
As an old 12B, I am quite happy not to be carrying 70+ lbs rucks anymore and consider anything under 35 lbs to be lightweight. But I love the outdoors, so I am in much the same place as you are - trying to find a balance between grunt durability while taking advantage of the lighter modern hiking gear to reduce my load. Everyone needs to find their own load out that they are happy with, but I see way too many people being a little too faithful to the old school gear and burdening themselves with dead weight and extra bulk when there are so many alternatives. The colder months require a bit more weight, of course, but I am incredibly pleased that I can maintain all my capabilities and still get a summer weight below 25 lbs. I'm sure the ultralight crowd would throw a fit at that weight, but they aren't going off trail and through the brush. For your pack, if you want more rigidity instead of stepping on it, Savotta does make a lightweight frame for that pack, it's only like half a pound. I dig that blackout tarp though, I might have to try to get one.
26lbs is pretty good in my book! I'm a sort of light weight backpacker but that's exactly the same as my total weight (inc. water and food. I don't get the point of not weighing consumables). I love your mentality and the idea of bringing together Backpackers and Grunts. There's a hell of a lot we can learn from each other!
The point of not counting your consumables toward your base weight is because presumably the weight of your consumables changes with each trip. Doing so allows you to separate the weight of your gear from the weight of your food and water, in order to really hone in on where you can/need to shave weight. I hope this helps.
@brendanmohan9831 yes indeed, and it allows you to compare to others, but the constant focus on only sharing base weights is misleading. You need to put just as much effort into refining your consumables.
Perfect timing... I was just repacking all my gear. I have separate backpacks pre-packed for 1. spring/summer, 2. fall, and 3. winter. That way I've got pack and gear dedicated to a specific season and don't have to repack every time the weather changes. Just refill with expendables. I learned a lot from Jarheads, and from ultralighters: trying to keep my spring/summer pack under 20 lbs is a challenge.
Glad your sharing this content. If you can lighten your load, you can increase your capabilities! I got a lot of hate for this concept over the years, lol
I laugh when my fellow Vets brag about carrying heavier load outs. It doesn’t make you look hardcore it makes you look like you didn’t do your research. I also don’t care how ‘hardcore’ you are, you’ll never be able to hike as much as an UL’er. Sure, the first day you could probably hit 20-miles, maybe even 25, but you won’t be doing back-to-back-to-back 20-30-milers for weeks or months at a time.
As a very young Grunt in the Aussie Army 40 years ago, I was taught "only the essentials" and at that stage we were training for Jungle Ops, so it was a Mossie net, a summer lightweight sleeping bag outer (silk), bombs and water. I always added a Howard Green Jumper to pack, spare socks and sometimes a dry set of JG's (Jungle Greens). Over the years, I have learnt to tailor my loads for my situation and now my EDC and "go Bag" is whatever is in my pockets.
Excellent. My “ultralight” Gucci backpacking load out for 3 days, including food and 4L water as you have here, would be around 20#. Depending on climate, I may be carrying as little as 2L (or less), which drops me to 16#. The difference between this load out and the UL is durability - my UL tarp, pad, and quilt will weigh much less, but they have to be handled more carefully. Not exponentially - I don’t baby them, and I haven’t broken them, but if I’m focused on another mission, not just hiking and sustainment, I may want something more bombproof. It’s all a choice, no right or wrong here.
I never see anyone go on about the water storage bag that comes in the mre. You are missing out if you do not carry 1-2. It will measure water. You can store and carry extra water. It fits in the heater. But to me, I carry it to irrigate wounds. 2 salt packs "mre" in the bag. Hot water in the bag. Pin hole the bottom of it and you have an anti bacterial/microbieal jet to irrigate a wound. Or dip the sawyer reverse cleaning serenge into a mixture of salt/iodine/water for sterrile irrigation. Just a thought.
I live between 2 rivers so our loads are very similar only I do pack a stove and cook kit and a little more gear leaning toward trapping and fishing. No hiking trails in my state but one thing I have noticed is when you stay on a cattle trail they will always lead you to water. Just a FYI if your in cattle country 😉
I'm a backpacker, not into hunting or anything, and I think it's super awesome to see someone with a military background do a compromise between lightweight backpacking and rugged military durability. I do want to point out that even in fire ban areas you are allowed to use a stove. What you can't use is fire or a stove that has no on/off switch like an alcohol or esbit stove, but you can still use canister stoves. I don't believe I've ever eaten an MRE but they seem ideal for if stealth is top priority since you generate no light or noise with them. For areas where fires are allowed and I'm trying to move light but not necessarily with all haste, I quite like my firebox nano. Even the stainless steel version comes in around 6 oz. Very pleasant when you want the fire experience without a full sized campfire. Good video man!
Large heavy duty construction garbage bags two or three minimum, if not 4!, they work great for waterproofing your gear for floating or browse bed, bag cover and body cover. I actually made rain gear in a freak snow storm on a 2 week trip. I always carry a firearm and I always carried extra ammo in case I wanted to shoot while I'm out in the woods. Those garbage bags though they don't weigh anything and could save your life I had to I use them and it probably did save mine or at least kept it from being a real emergency.
Thank you for a down and dirty what to bring and why!. Seeing how others pack their kit really helps all of us learn better ways to get along in the outdoors. Just because you have done this a certain way doesn't mean you can't learn a better way or just a new way to do something. Thanks again, enjoy and learn from you videos.
From an old backpacker -- very good specific review and philosophical summary! That 30L pack is very stout . . . but I gravitate to a vest-style harness pack in addition to a large, say 5 or 10L, lumbar pack for heavier items and water. Never did like the ergonomics of backpack hip straps, but you gotta get some weight off your back -- otherwise fatigue and safety risks are a sure bet.
I’ve tried the hammocks. I own several with my favorite being an authentic NSN’d Vietnam Era Jungle Hammock. It’s a really cool artifact. Back in the 1960’s it was lightweight super high speed nylon hammock, netting, and rain fly all built into an infantryman’s little bundle. In a swamp or jungle maybe. It’s good kit. But there’s just too many circumstances where you aren’t sleeping in an area conducive to set them up. It’s dead weight most of the time for me personally because it’s not possible to be comfortable in one. Sleep is 100% king so if the hammock helps… it’s worth it. I’m glad to see the sleeping bag. Mors Kohanski had it right. Anything in the kit should be held up to the question? How does this help me to get a goods night sleep? Backpacking or fighting ANTIFA domestic terrorists… multi day means sleep rest cycles. We humans don’t function without sleep. Not well at least. You’ll do much much better without food for 100 hours than good REM sleep (of preferably over 4 hours in duration/24 hours)
Agree, hammocks don't work for me. Doesn't matter how I set it up, kills my back. Big Agnes Zoom pad, a zenbivy quilt, and a lightweight tent for me. It's worth the extra few lbs to get good sleep and not ache when you get up.
I was packing in stuff saying just the same things up to about a year and a half ago. There's a choice to go totally minimal or to go lightweight with everything for all seasons. The experiences have gotten me to understand the materials the gear is made of and how things fit into different circumstances and what can be used multipurpose. If things go bad, I have everything and being ultralight, less calories are required for faster speeds. I use an all terrain bicycle to get around and that plus gear and food is 55 lbs. With it, 50-115 miles per day of hike and bike is common and I'd prefer it to the 20-30 average miles it seems hikers are doing. I keep half of the weight in a MYOG backpack so that the bike can go over the shoulders when needed. To each their own!
As a hiker. I try to keep my base weight below 15lbs. Bet a nice pack like Osprey will help get your pack weight even lower. Anything over 25lbs and my knees die after 10+ miles in the mountains. Thanks for the video!
I live less than 10 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I grew up in the Appalachian backcountry. My 3-Season backcountry kit is an effective mix of tactical/hiking gear. I use the same sleeping system, Can't beat a hammock-tarp combo. I add in a small piece of Tyvek as a ground cloth. My cooking system is an MSR Whisperlite and 2 qt. titanium cook pot. I carry it all in a suspender system that includes, a rump pack,2 drop leg pouches, and a 2.5 qt hydration carrier, all of it made by Condor Tactical. I have described my backcountry philosophy like this, I ruck like a soldier, I eat like a backpacker and I sleep like a baby.🤘😂
Great concept video, To a degree what patriot Ark is trying to implement. Minuteman/Prepper loud outs with a touch of hiking. I think it's awesome trying to incorporate the grunt world into the hiking world, Keep it rolling.
POG trick: Those MRE beverage pouches (once empty) can be filled with the hot water from your FRH after you heat up your entree. The makeshift hot water bottle can be used to warm up your body, speed up drying damp clothing, or just preheat your sleep system on a chilly night.
Fellas, you can use 1 or 2 heavy mil contractor bags for a ground pad. They take up very little space. Use as a ground cloth. Or fill with leaves/pine straw to double as a sleep pad. Also doubles as rain gear in a pinch. The second for a buddy or someone out & not prepared for heavy rain.
Thank you for this video. Great information and guidance! Socks? IMHO, socks are gold on the trail. One should always have at least one extra pair. I always carry a folding saw. It can do almost everything an axe can do, and a lot of what a large knife can do. I also carry a 30-minute road flare. If you absolutely NEED a fire, the 30-minute road flare virtually guarantees success, even when your hands are numb and you are soaking wet and shivering because you fell through the ice. You need to get your clothes off and get a fire started ASAP. Enter the road flare.
Good pack loadout Randall I do follow some of the civilian hiking channels, but completely agree with you that sometimes they take weight savings too far.
Well done Randall. One critique, I would have my rain jacket near easy access. I once filled most of my pack with long-grained rice, lentils, whole oats and dried soups. I made it 30 days on the trail without resupply, No, I was not a LRRP. My transition from grunt to back packer.
Grunt/backpacker here. Great stuff always good to hear different points of view and experience to help improve load-outs. Also thought it would be hilarious if you answered the phone.
So many Knife Hands! Great breakdown on how to pack the bag for us Non-Grunts! I'm gonna repack my bag now! I'm gonna push back on having LOTS of socks. With my current career, my feet are the most important thing, and keeping my feet healthy will keep me moving at optimum levels! Thank you sir! 💪🇺🇲
Just get high quality Merino wool.socks. I've spent 5 days in the woods with 2 pairs. My feet were fine, and barely even stunk at the end of the trip. If i expect to cross streams, I'll bring one extra
Ounces equals pounds, and pounds equals pain. I learned this (the hard way) in Boy Scouts while they still produced rugged men (in the 80's), honed it in ROTC, and went from there. I live on the edge of federal wilderness land, so lots of opportunities for this old war dog to stay fit.
Ah the 80's scouts when we carried 20kgs for 3 days to get to our 4 day base camp (and built our bivouac out of what we found in the forest), good times!
A very realistic and practical load out. My first thought process when rucking is to go with functionality and practicality of my gear. If there is a lightweight alternative that covers those two aspects then I have the option with going that route.
One of my necessary items is a small bottle with Tinactin powder for the feet and the crotch. Had some pretty severe crotch rot in basic and swore, never again. It is in all of my kits. Another great piece of kit is my Hill People Gear cheast rig. Absolutely love it. From one grunt to another, great video brother.
Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this informative video. You are set for just about any emergency. Keep up your great work and stay safe out there. 🤗 🖐
This is the kind of packing I'd camp with. Personally I'm more a tent guy but that's because my camping knowledge comes from an old fashioned Boy Scout troop.
As an ultra light hiker I do choose light weight food with high calories. Eg., a lot of coconut and lard. I also eat a lot of protein, as it helps combat hiker hunger, where as carbs trigger hunger in short intervals.
Python Straps are great hammock straps. They are slightly reflective so if need be, you can just dust them with spraypaint. Super durable and relatively affordable. With carabiners on the hammock its idiot proof to put up
After a few days, 30 Lbs seems to weigh 80 Lbs after awhile it is 80Lbs. That's with Water. 2 Gallons, relaying gear , make lighter weight. Surplus is the best. Belt Pouch Survival Kit. Canteen and Belt. Hobo Cooking Kit. For Coffee. Food. First Aid Kit. Binoculars. Harmonica . Tarp.
I usually aim for 30-35 lbs. In winter time it can get up to 40-50 lbs. I don't mind the weight plus I carry a few non essential comfort items just so when I get to camp I'm not bored and I'm comfy.
When we used bashers we would put bungees on all four corners, close one end so permanently attached. Made it easier to deploy and easier to bug out not searching for bungees,I know it's civvy but old squaddie tips,great video mate,keep them coming 👍.
I have a hi tec nova 55+10 amazing backpack IV had for 15 years had to do one minor repair in the field because of rodents in the camp. I recently got a military bag US army issue Molle II rucksack I believe is what it is. Its from my close friend at a military BBQ I was invited too, I didn't serve but have many friends and family who did and it looks like a great long trip backpacking bag.
I asked an infantry friend, what does he do with his food when he's on patrol / out on an exercise. He said he sleeps with it. He has a gun and animals never have bothered them. So I've well mostly just slept with my food. There are mountain lions here, bears, etc. and I've yet to have a problem. I use bare boxes when they're available otherwise. But in middle of remote mountains here, (BLM, Forest Service, land etc.) we don't have that sort of thing. Additionally, per light weight stuff. I have prioritized durability over weight. A few years back when I discovered light weight stuff, I bought a light weight tent. Went up in the mountains and the tent ripped up in a wind storm. In that moment I discovered the heaviest weight gear you can have is the gear that cannot use because it broke on you.
Those Wild Thing Booties are THE BOMB. The whole Gen 7 Layer whatever ECWCS this and that “puffy suit” or USMC Happy suit… Where was that type of insulation when I was serving? Those booties also serve a secondary purpose of allowing you “somewhat decent” footwear for when you’re trying to air or dry out your primary footwear. The bottoms have multiple layers of cordura fabric. And can easily be “patched up” or made into fully functioning emergency footwear with some gorilla tape and cloth and cord.
Personally I see a LOT of value in a grunt/civilian backpacking mash up....I think since the 2020 riots and other things like the threat of war with multiple nations we have all entertained the idea of beefing up our go bags from anywhere from 72 hours to two weeks deep woods. I can't seem to get MINE under 40 pounds, but I'm aiming for 7 to 10 days self sustained. Military gear is good stuff, if heavy as all heII. My zippered woobie is a must, as is a Kbar, field MRE's and trioxane. I go light on the tent with the Tetra large, no bag (thank you woobie) and other lightweight stuff like the Skyemac large stove that's only a pound. Of course weight increases if it's cold and I break out the full MSS. I'm HARD after these booties you mention but can't FIND the suckers.
Liked your vid. Im a hunter turning hiker, and always used mil surplus gear when I can. Its usually more durable, and I kinda like using less stuff made in China.
That is a very well thought out system you have, I know the price of some of those items you definitely have invested well. I am laughing about saying the backpackers are hard core. Some of the stuff I've seen them do would make your stomach turn. Saw one guy pull all his toenails out because the shoes didn't fit well, some of the food is disgusting but when you haven't eaten for a few days due to poor planning and have to raid the hiker box for food. Tortillas with Tang powder should explain it.
I love DD hammocks, Im super impressed with their products. I also am really liking my Haven Hammock, if you havent checked it out be sure to look em up specially for spring and summer camping as their bug net works well for keeping the bugs out. I will say I use to be into the whole ultra light backpacking scenario where every gram did matter but honestly Ive gotten out of it and go for more creature comforts and long term products, my normal pack weight is 35 pounds not including food and water, but Im also carrying a small cast iron skillet and depending on when and how I plan on camping I may be bringing my Polish Lavuu and my sourced out MSS, gotten multiple items to make my own.
Nice. I have the 10L Dromedary bag and its great. I can go get water and filter it, enough for two days at camp. I bring a SOL bivy sac for the hammock to cut the wind.
The Amok hammock Brother Is the end all be all of comfort in the backwoods it’s literally better than my multi thousand dollar mattress at home I love it so much I packed the extra weight you can lay flat on your side. Whatever you want made in Norway it’s the best sleep system ever devised.
You seem to have it all covered. A couple of good knives would be positive additions (neck, boot, pocket, belt, etc.) but that is worked out by the personal preference of the one carrying the pack. Nicely done, sir. I'm a new subscriber. Thank you for this.
Hi, I would never have thought to see Solognac product in a US based made video ! simple, straight and efficient product not to expensive. Very good advices on this chanel, more subscribers need to view your video! much appreciated. Carry on!
Really good video! I liked how you use the total weight of your pack vs base weight because you’re gonna be carrying water and food which will add at least five pounds to your load. I noticed that your military training is ingrained because even though you were talking and not being overly stealthy you looked over your right shoulder before you left the woods and stepped into the field. Checking your six.
Great video brother. The only thing I didn’t see and I doubt that the weight would even be an issue is a pair of gloves. Besides that It was spot on. Thanks for a great video!
Its so awesome that a fellow Mississippian putting this content out. I'm a fellow soldier but I was a crew chief /flight engineer. I have very limited experience rucking. Thanks for your videos.
But GP, if we aren't carrying 50, 60+ pounds how can we lord our manly superiority over others? /s To many people think if you aren't carrying heavy packs you are somehow less of a outdoorsman or less of a man even. They miss the whole point. It's not the carrying of heavy packs, it's the carrying of only what you need & you want that to be as light as possible.
Add a MOLLE canteen pouch/pouches to the outside to hold your water bottles. I know you have a camel back, and that you hate adding stuff to the outside of your ruck. Overall good loadout. 26 pound isn't bad. My old fat ass could probably hump that. PS: how do you wash/clean your socks so you don't get foot rot aka athletes foot?
I spray the bottom and a couple of inches up the sides of my ruck with Flex Seal. Its nice in the PNW wet environment when you want to set your pack down and everything is soaked or muddy. Everything looks G2G.
@@townings9185 I'd agree however he's talking about being in the woods. I have a silcock key, because it's useful in urban areas, and that's where I am going to school.
The backpack Jääkäri probably does not mean Hunter in this context. I think Jääkeri means Infantry soldier. In Sweden, Jägare means Hunter in civil contexts. In a military context, Jägare means Army Rangers
I used a MOLLE 2 large ruck + the assault pack to commute via bus on a trucking job. I checked the whole thing. Clothes, a stove, 2 poncho liners, a 1 qt canteen & cup and several flip maps,etc came to 38 pounds.
The signature on the hammock is pretty big. You'd need to hide it in some pretty thick scrub. The stealth camping community likes to pitch a knee high bivvy that is dressed to look like garbage.
If you pitch a tent/bivy on the ground you'll soon find the local wildlife wants to share your accomodation, even if you hang food at a distance. Skunks for example. Get some tree spikes and get into the foliage. Use an ascender or Prusik after that, because spikes leave marks.
Nice enough pack. I got a Berghause 45 cheaper got an internal frame comes with 2 x 10lt zip on side pouches no lower pouches like Randals. Another good option are the Karrimore SF range. Im biased i like those 10 to 15lt zip on side pouches. Before the Australian Army got Alice packs we'd pick up a IRR short or longback British Bergen backpack. Thats where i fell in love with these zip on pouches. Id use extras still do as packing cubes. Its great prepacked gear you know what configurations you need grab 2 zip em on throw a sleep bag in a pouch or 2 fill ine with food off you go job done. Perfect for damn got a job cancellation awesome grab the bergen packed in 5 and off for a 2 or 3 day hike camp
After the Chinese crossed the Yalu river in Oct/Nov 1950, they conducted a night attack on an American platoon, wiping them out. An after-action investigation found that the soldiers had been entangled in their mummy bags, unable to fight. I generally use a cut-down half sleeping bag, with plenty of room at the feet. For the top I use a heavy winter parka, and I carry it year-round.
Indeed. Great Advice! But if Morton Siglio doesn't approve Nothing Has Been Gained!! Rely on Morton Siglio for your basic survival. Yes, Morton Siglio!!
Good stuff brother!!! I'm using a Tasmanian Tiger Ruck setup, Savotta is fairly similar, quality stuff. Only issue for me is my stupid Toxic Exposure related Gluten Free diet now, a large portion of MRE stuff I can't eat sadly, so I have to use Freeze Dried Meals and other alternatives like Canned or Tinned stuff and other alt-Snacks. I make it work but it makes it a little more of a pain in the butt (fires aren't really an issue here though thankfully).
I always bring couscous or rice, dried meats and veggies, and a small container with little "dime bags" of spices. I can cook up a tasty meal with real food, and it's way cheaper and tastier than anything else I can buy.
@@stevescuba1978 Yeah you have to have a fire to boil water still for all of that (there's the kicker he mentioned, if it's not an issue in your AO for fire restrictions and notwithstanding mitigation of alerting to your adversaries, then good to go). I like brining Tins of Kippers and such with me too, still got to pack out the trash and it does take up a little more space.
@@DJTheMetalheadMercenary you don't have to, they can be soaked. Also, I have a penny alcohol stove made from two beverage cans (weighs effectively nothing) that can boil water in a short time and has a nearly in visible flame which is also smoke-free. I normally pack in a small container with everclear for fuel, fire starter, antiseptic, entertainment purposes....no more than 6-8 oz gets me through a weekend. Also, I sleep much better if I have a hot meal before bed, so win, win, win. Kippers are sardines, correct? I like bringing those as well. I also like to bring summer sausage and wax packed cheeses, which last for a weekend if the temps don't get too high.
@@stevescuba1978 Yeah for sure, I use an Esbit with solid tabs, works great. I don't like simple-soaked Couscous, too grainy for my liking, definitely needs something more to it. Kippers are Herring, yeah they're tasty! I don't mind Sardines and Mackerel either, have brought those out before too. Sausage and Jerkey are good to go for sure! When it's cooler and gets cold out for our long winters, cheese is good to go too yeah. Also pro tip- for winter and cooler temp seasonal times, bring chocolate with you, it's great to eat before you go to sleep, helps with metabolic process.
@@DJTheMetalheadMercenary I've painted a mason jar black and packed it for simple solar cooking. I don't particularly like bringing glass, but it worked. Just set it in the sun at camp with the lid cracked. It's not going to cook super effectively, but will definitely raise the soaking to a useful level.
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Do you understand what a loadout is? Your gun weights half that 20lbs and you don't seem to be counting a bunch of stuff like your sleeping bag... god you are bad at this.
@@thomgizziz He said he wasn't counting firearm or chest rig weight, only the 72 hour gear in his pack. He also stuffed the sleeping bag (what his stuff was laid out on) into the bag.
This kind of content is absolutely relevant for campers/hunters and militia types. Lt. Col. Nutn Fancy always says "Lighten Everything"
do people still actually believe that guy is a veteran or former cop? SMDH
As a backpacker I can tell you most of this shit you don’t need. It’s a joke.
@@DocOnHoliday86I mean, he really was a pilot. There are plenty of public records of Lt. Col Hewitt available. Richard I think. His father shows up most of the time on first google though.
@@brendonaldson8056Back packing is a sport. Or hobby. You can quit and go home.
@@DocOnHoliday86He's a retired Lt. Col and pilot. What exactly is your background that makes you such an expert? Have you even served?
As I have gotten older, when by myself Elk hunting or other hunting I have forced myself to not hunt any further than I’m willing to pack the game out. The more people the further you can go. Great video, and great advise!
African Proverb: 🐘
If you want to go fast, Go Alone
If you want to go far, Go with a Group.
bro as someone whos been trying to do a merge of these two styles for awhile, you've knocked it out of the park. It's weird carrying a pack that weighs 2+kg empty while on the other hand also decanting my soap into a 15ml dropper bottles but it's what makes me happy. Keep it up!
🍻😎
Have you looked at dissolvable waterway safe soap sheets? They weigh practically nothing. A box of like a hundred sheets, which you won't need all at once, is only like 2 or 3oz.
This is literally me
Great blending of civilian and surplus gear. Thanks for the breakdown Randall!
I love how you mention 25 lbs is ultralight for a grunt. When I got back into backpacking after my ETS, I started following the UL forums. I remember in one of my first threads someone said “ultralight” and I replied something along the lines of they must mean around 35 pounds then, right? I could almost hear them falling out of their chair in their reply.
I’m more on the UL side of things than the grunt side now days and while I can see some replacements to your kit that would still be tactical but drop a little more weight, you’ve got a solid system here. I agree with your use of a hammock and tarp: much more comfortable and flexible than a tent.
Thanks for another great video merging tactical/Hunting with the backpacking communities.
Thanks. I have some UL stuff that would easily take this kit to under 10 lbs minus consumables, but then it definitely wouldn't be grunt-proof.
As an old 12B, I am quite happy not to be carrying 70+ lbs rucks anymore and consider anything under 35 lbs to be lightweight. But I love the outdoors, so I am in much the same place as you are - trying to find a balance between grunt durability while taking advantage of the lighter modern hiking gear to reduce my load. Everyone needs to find their own load out that they are happy with, but I see way too many people being a little too faithful to the old school gear and burdening themselves with dead weight and extra bulk when there are so many alternatives. The colder months require a bit more weight, of course, but I am incredibly pleased that I can maintain all my capabilities and still get a summer weight below 25 lbs. I'm sure the ultralight crowd would throw a fit at that weight, but they aren't going off trail and through the brush. For your pack, if you want more rigidity instead of stepping on it, Savotta does make a lightweight frame for that pack, it's only like half a pound. I dig that blackout tarp though, I might have to try to get one.
26lbs is pretty good in my book! I'm a sort of light weight backpacker but that's exactly the same as my total weight (inc. water and food. I don't get the point of not weighing consumables). I love your mentality and the idea of bringing together Backpackers and Grunts. There's a hell of a lot we can learn from each other!
The point of not counting your consumables toward your base weight is because presumably the weight of your consumables changes with each trip. Doing so allows you to separate the weight of your gear from the weight of your food and water, in order to really hone in on where you can/need to shave weight. I hope this helps.
@brendanmohan9831 yes indeed, and it allows you to compare to others, but the constant focus on only sharing base weights is misleading. You need to put just as much effort into refining your consumables.
Perfect timing... I was just repacking all my gear. I have separate backpacks pre-packed for 1. spring/summer, 2. fall, and 3. winter. That way I've got pack and gear dedicated to a specific season and don't have to repack every time the weather changes. Just refill with expendables. I learned a lot from Jarheads, and from ultralighters: trying to keep my spring/summer pack under 20 lbs is a challenge.
Glad your sharing this content. If you can lighten your load, you can increase your capabilities!
I got a lot of hate for this concept over the years, lol
Good to see PA following. Seeing another channel I follow, follow here makes me feel good about my life choices.
I laugh when my fellow Vets brag about carrying heavier load outs. It doesn’t make you look hardcore it makes you look like you didn’t do your research. I also don’t care how ‘hardcore’ you are, you’ll never be able to hike as much as an UL’er. Sure, the first day you could probably hit 20-miles, maybe even 25, but you won’t be doing back-to-back-to-back 20-30-milers for weeks or months at a time.
As a very young Grunt in the Aussie Army 40 years ago, I was taught "only the essentials" and at that stage we were training for Jungle Ops, so it was a Mossie net, a summer lightweight sleeping bag outer (silk), bombs and water. I always added a Howard Green Jumper to pack, spare socks and sometimes a dry set of JG's (Jungle Greens).
Over the years, I have learnt to tailor my loads for my situation and now my EDC and "go Bag" is whatever is in my pockets.
Excellent. My “ultralight” Gucci backpacking load out for 3 days, including food and 4L water as you have here, would be around 20#. Depending on climate, I may be carrying as little as 2L (or less), which drops me to 16#. The difference between this load out and the UL is durability - my UL tarp, pad, and quilt will weigh much less, but they have to be handled more carefully. Not exponentially - I don’t baby them, and I haven’t broken them, but if I’m focused on another mission, not just hiking and sustainment, I may want something more bombproof. It’s all a choice, no right or wrong here.
I never see anyone go on about the water storage bag that comes in the mre. You are missing out if you do not carry 1-2.
It will measure water. You can store and carry extra water. It fits in the heater.
But to me, I carry it to irrigate wounds. 2 salt packs "mre" in the bag. Hot water in the bag. Pin hole the bottom of it and you have an anti bacterial/microbieal jet to irrigate a wound. Or dip the sawyer reverse cleaning serenge into a mixture of salt/iodine/water for sterrile irrigation.
Just a thought.
I live between 2 rivers so our loads are very similar only I do pack a stove and cook kit and a little more gear leaning toward trapping and fishing.
No hiking trails in my state but one thing I have noticed is when you stay on a cattle trail they will always lead you to water. Just a FYI if your in cattle country 😉
Your videos are always full of good common sense and not selling bullshit or living in a fantasy land. Great job.
I'm a backpacker, not into hunting or anything, and I think it's super awesome to see someone with a military background do a compromise between lightweight backpacking and rugged military durability. I do want to point out that even in fire ban areas you are allowed to use a stove. What you can't use is fire or a stove that has no on/off switch like an alcohol or esbit stove, but you can still use canister stoves. I don't believe I've ever eaten an MRE but they seem ideal for if stealth is top priority since you generate no light or noise with them. For areas where fires are allowed and I'm trying to move light but not necessarily with all haste, I quite like my firebox nano. Even the stainless steel version comes in around 6 oz. Very pleasant when you want the fire experience without a full sized campfire. Good video man!
Cool thanks
Would a windscreen reduce a lot of the light a gas stove would produce?
Good video, ounces = pounds and pounds = pain. My packs weigh between 15 to 25 pounds plus or minus. Knowledge = less pounds.
Thanks for sharing, I got my bag down to 30lbs...and working on my sleep system now
Large heavy duty construction garbage bags two or three minimum, if not 4!, they work great for waterproofing your gear for floating or browse bed, bag cover and body cover. I actually made rain gear in a freak snow storm on a 2 week trip. I always carry a firearm and I always carried extra ammo in case I wanted to shoot while I'm out in the woods. Those garbage bags though they don't weigh anything and could save your life I had to I use them and it probably did save mine or at least kept it from being a real emergency.
Thank you for a down and dirty what to bring and why!. Seeing how others pack their kit really helps all of us learn better ways to get along in the outdoors. Just because you have done this a certain way doesn't mean you can't learn a better way or just a new way to do something. Thanks again, enjoy and learn from you videos.
From an old backpacker -- very good specific review and philosophical summary! That 30L pack is very stout . . . but I gravitate to a vest-style harness pack in addition to a large, say 5 or 10L, lumbar pack for heavier items and water. Never did like the ergonomics of backpack hip straps, but you gotta get some weight off your back -- otherwise fatigue and safety risks are a sure bet.
It would be hard to have a plate carrier/ ammo on a chest rig if you had the vest style as storage. Unless I’m thinking of the wrong type of vest
Sic video man. Bad azz combining grunt gear and principles with ultra light backpacking principles and gear. Best of everything.🇺🇸👍🏽🤘🏽
I’ve tried the hammocks. I own several with my favorite being an authentic NSN’d Vietnam Era Jungle Hammock. It’s a really cool artifact. Back in the 1960’s it was lightweight super high speed nylon hammock, netting, and rain fly all built into an infantryman’s little bundle. In a swamp or jungle maybe. It’s good kit. But there’s just too many circumstances where you aren’t sleeping in an area conducive to set them up. It’s dead weight most of the time for me personally because it’s not possible to be comfortable in one. Sleep is 100% king so if the hammock helps… it’s worth it. I’m glad to see the sleeping bag. Mors Kohanski had it right. Anything in the kit should be held up to the question? How does this help me to get a goods night sleep? Backpacking or fighting ANTIFA domestic terrorists… multi day means sleep rest cycles. We humans don’t function without sleep. Not well at least. You’ll do much much better without food for 100 hours than good REM sleep (of preferably over 4 hours in duration/24 hours)
Agree, hammocks don't work for me. Doesn't matter how I set it up, kills my back. Big Agnes Zoom pad, a zenbivy quilt, and a lightweight tent for me. It's worth the extra few lbs to get good sleep and not ache when you get up.
Thanks, for putting this out. An awesome value for those with eyes and ears to see it. I will do my best to take good notes.
U a true gun man ,straight to the point. Backpackers get up from u super light helinox chair n pay attention !
I enjoy your testing and all other videos. The area in which you live is beautiful. Thanks for all you do and keep on doing it. Semper Fi, brother!
I was packing in stuff saying just the same things up to about a year and a half ago. There's a choice to go totally minimal or to go lightweight with everything for all seasons. The experiences have gotten me to understand the materials the gear is made of and how things fit into different circumstances and what can be used multipurpose. If things go bad, I have everything and being ultralight, less calories are required for faster speeds. I use an all terrain bicycle to get around and that plus gear and food is 55 lbs. With it, 50-115 miles per day of hike and bike is common and I'd prefer it to the 20-30 average miles it seems hikers are doing. I keep half of the weight in a MYOG backpack so that the bike can go over the shoulders when needed. To each their own!
As a hiker. I try to keep my base weight below 15lbs. Bet a nice pack like Osprey will help get your pack weight even lower. Anything over 25lbs and my knees die after 10+ miles in the mountains. Thanks for the video!
I live less than 10 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I grew up in the Appalachian backcountry. My 3-Season backcountry kit is an effective mix of tactical/hiking gear. I use the same sleeping system, Can't beat a hammock-tarp combo. I add in a small piece of Tyvek as a ground cloth. My cooking system is an MSR Whisperlite and 2 qt. titanium cook pot. I carry it all in a suspender system that includes, a rump pack,2 drop leg pouches, and a 2.5 qt hydration carrier, all of it made by Condor Tactical. I have described my backcountry philosophy like this, I ruck like a soldier, I eat like a backpacker and I sleep like a baby.🤘😂
Great concept video, To a degree what patriot Ark is trying to implement.
Minuteman/Prepper loud outs with a touch of hiking.
I think it's awesome trying to incorporate the grunt world into the hiking world, Keep it rolling.
POG trick: Those MRE beverage pouches (once empty) can be filled with the hot water from your FRH after you heat up your entree. The makeshift hot water bottle can be used to warm up your body, speed up drying damp clothing, or just preheat your sleep system on a chilly night.
Fellas, you can use 1 or 2 heavy mil contractor bags for a ground pad. They take up very little space. Use as a ground cloth. Or fill with leaves/pine straw to double as a sleep pad. Also doubles as rain gear in a pinch. The second for a buddy or someone out & not prepared for heavy rain.
Its seems so easy when you got the experience to go with the skills you are trying to show. Stay safe from newfoundland and labrador Canada
Thank you for this video. Great information and guidance!
Socks? IMHO, socks are gold on the trail. One should always have at least one extra pair.
I always carry a folding saw. It can do almost everything an axe can do, and a lot of what a large knife can do. I also carry a 30-minute road flare. If you absolutely NEED a fire, the 30-minute road flare virtually guarantees success, even when your hands are numb and you are soaking wet and shivering because you fell through the ice.
You need to get your clothes off and get a fire started ASAP. Enter the road flare.
Grams, equal ounces, ounces, equals pounds, pounds, equals, pain. Travel light move fast. And remember when on rough Terrain, watch your footing.
Good pack loadout Randall
I do follow some of the civilian hiking channels, but completely agree with you that sometimes they take weight savings too far.
Well done Randall. One critique, I would have my rain jacket near easy access. I once filled most of my pack with long-grained rice, lentils, whole oats and dried soups. I made it 30 days on the trail without resupply, No, I was not a LRRP. My transition from grunt to back packer.
Grunt/backpacker here. Great stuff always good to hear different points of view and experience to help improve load-outs. Also thought it would be hilarious if you answered the phone.
So many Knife Hands! Great breakdown on how to pack the bag for us Non-Grunts! I'm gonna repack my bag now!
I'm gonna push back on having LOTS of socks. With my current career, my feet are the most important thing, and keeping my feet healthy will keep me moving at optimum levels!
Thank you sir! 💪🇺🇲
Just get high quality Merino wool.socks. I've spent 5 days in the woods with 2 pairs. My feet were fine, and barely even stunk at the end of the trip. If i expect to cross streams, I'll bring one extra
@@stevescuba1978Darn Tough.
Ounces equals pounds, and pounds equals pain. I learned this (the hard way) in Boy Scouts while they still produced rugged men (in the 80's), honed it in ROTC, and went from there. I live on the edge of federal wilderness land, so lots of opportunities for this old war dog to stay fit.
Ah the 80's scouts when we carried 20kgs for 3 days to get to our 4 day base camp (and built our bivouac out of what we found in the forest), good times!
A very realistic and practical load out. My first thought process when rucking is to go with functionality and practicality of my gear. If there is a lightweight alternative that covers those two aspects then I have the option with going that route.
I got my pack weight down to 35 pounds for 2 days. Love the video!
Works for me…Have fun stay safe.
Awesome kit. I would consider a metal container to have the option to boil water.
One of my necessary items is a small bottle with Tinactin powder for the feet and the crotch. Had some pretty severe crotch rot in basic and swore, never again. It is in all of my kits. Another great piece of kit is my Hill People Gear cheast rig. Absolutely love it. From one grunt to another, great video brother.
This is great, dude! Love that this will be something both BP and Grunts can enjoy and learn from.
Thanks man
great video like always. listen more than watch, here at work, and at 11:08 man chuck that thing!!! so loud wholly cow no!!
12:45 not gonna lie, I pulled up my ADS-B tracker to see what was flying overhead only to then realize it was your video xD
Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this informative video. You are set for just about any emergency. Keep up your great work and stay safe out there. 🤗 🖐
This is the kind of packing I'd camp with. Personally I'm more a tent guy but that's because my camping knowledge comes from an old fashioned Boy Scout troop.
Jolly good show !! I have a GI Joe purse too. In fact I have three !! thanks
As an ultra light hiker I do choose light weight food with high calories. Eg., a lot of coconut and lard. I also eat a lot of protein, as it helps combat hiker hunger, where as carbs trigger hunger in short intervals.
Python Straps are great hammock straps. They are slightly reflective so if need be, you can just dust them with spraypaint. Super durable and relatively affordable. With carabiners on the hammock its idiot proof to put up
After a few days, 30 Lbs seems to weigh 80 Lbs after awhile it is 80Lbs.
That's with Water. 2 Gallons, relaying gear , make lighter weight.
Surplus is the best.
Belt Pouch Survival Kit.
Canteen and Belt.
Hobo Cooking Kit. For Coffee.
Food.
First Aid Kit.
Binoculars.
Harmonica .
Tarp.
Really like your spin on bushcraft meets backpacking. I find myself being in both camps as well.
I usually aim for 30-35 lbs. In winter time it can get up to 40-50 lbs. I don't mind the weight plus I carry a few non essential comfort items just so when I get to camp I'm not bored and I'm comfy.
When we used bashers we would put bungees on all four corners, close one end so permanently attached.
Made it easier to deploy and easier to bug out not searching for bungees,I know it's civvy but old squaddie tips,great video mate,keep them coming 👍.
I have a hi tec nova 55+10 amazing backpack IV had for 15 years had to do one minor repair in the field because of rodents in the camp.
I recently got a military bag US army issue Molle II rucksack I believe is what it is.
Its from my close friend at a military BBQ I was invited too, I didn't serve but have many friends and family who did and it looks like a great long trip backpacking bag.
I asked an infantry friend, what does he do with his food when he's on patrol / out on an exercise. He said he sleeps with it. He has a gun and animals never have bothered them. So I've well mostly just slept with my food. There are mountain lions here, bears, etc. and I've yet to have a problem. I use bare boxes when they're available otherwise. But in middle of remote mountains here, (BLM, Forest Service, land etc.) we don't have that sort of thing. Additionally, per light weight stuff. I have prioritized durability over weight. A few years back when I discovered light weight stuff, I bought a light weight tent. Went up in the mountains and the tent ripped up in a wind storm. In that moment I discovered the heaviest weight gear you can have is the gear that cannot use because it broke on you.
or elevate your food sack by hoisting it up using some lines, learned that in scouts.
Those Wild Thing Booties are THE BOMB. The whole Gen 7 Layer whatever ECWCS this and that “puffy suit” or USMC Happy suit… Where was that type of insulation when I was serving? Those booties also serve a secondary purpose of allowing you “somewhat decent” footwear for when you’re trying to air or dry out your primary footwear. The bottoms have multiple layers of cordura fabric. And can easily be “patched up” or made into fully functioning emergency footwear with some gorilla tape and cloth and cord.
Personally I see a LOT of value in a grunt/civilian backpacking mash up....I think since the 2020 riots and other things like the threat of war with multiple nations we have all entertained the idea of beefing up our go bags from anywhere from 72 hours to two weeks deep woods. I can't seem to get MINE under 40 pounds, but I'm aiming for 7 to 10 days self sustained. Military gear is good stuff, if heavy as all heII. My zippered woobie is a must, as is a Kbar, field MRE's and trioxane. I go light on the tent with the Tetra large, no bag (thank you woobie) and other lightweight stuff like the Skyemac large stove that's only a pound. Of course weight increases if it's cold and I break out the full MSS. I'm HARD after these booties you mention but can't FIND the suckers.
I've been on this question for awhile. I really hope it's as good as I think it will be.
Liked your vid. Im a hunter turning hiker, and always used mil surplus gear when I can. Its usually more durable, and I kinda like using less stuff made in China.
Very good video. Thank you for sharing your hard earned wisdom.
Backpacker here, just found this channel 👍💪
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That is a very well thought out system you have, I know the price of some of those items you definitely have invested well.
I am laughing about saying the backpackers are hard core. Some of the stuff I've seen them do would make your stomach turn.
Saw one guy pull all his toenails out because the shoes didn't fit well, some of the food is disgusting but when you haven't eaten for a few days due to poor planning and have to raid the hiker box for food.
Tortillas with Tang powder should explain it.
I love DD hammocks, Im super impressed with their products. I also am really liking my Haven Hammock, if you havent checked it out be sure to look em up specially for spring and summer camping as their bug net works well for keeping the bugs out. I will say I use to be into the whole ultra light backpacking scenario where every gram did matter but honestly Ive gotten out of it and go for more creature comforts and long term products, my normal pack weight is 35 pounds not including food and water, but Im also carrying a small cast iron skillet and depending on when and how I plan on camping I may be bringing my Polish Lavuu and my sourced out MSS, gotten multiple items to make my own.
Nice. I have the 10L Dromedary bag and its great. I can go get water and filter it, enough for two days at camp. I bring a SOL bivy sac for the hammock to cut the wind.
Got the 10l too
Great content! As for electrolytes, I prefer pills. They take about 0 space and weight with the same effect and also cheap as dirt.
Hell yeah I have been replacing with light weight backpacking. Bag sleep pad and sleeping saved pounds
The Amok hammock Brother Is the end all be all of comfort in the backwoods it’s literally better than my multi thousand dollar mattress at home I love it so much I packed the extra weight you can lay flat on your side. Whatever you want made in Norway it’s the best sleep system ever devised.
You seem to have it all covered. A couple of good knives would be positive additions (neck, boot, pocket, belt, etc.) but that is worked out by the personal preference of the one carrying the pack. Nicely done, sir. I'm a new subscriber. Thank you for this.
Hi, I would never have thought to see Solognac product in a US based made video ! simple, straight and efficient product not to expensive.
Very good advices on this chanel, more subscribers need to view your video! much appreciated. Carry on!
Really good video! I liked how you use the total weight of your pack vs base weight because you’re gonna be carrying water and food which will add at least five pounds to your load.
I noticed that your military training is ingrained because even though you were talking and not being overly stealthy you looked over your right shoulder before you left the woods and stepped into the field. Checking your six.
One of the best I’ve seen. Phenomenal.
I would also have a metal container to boil water with...just in case I am out there longer, or run out of water purification tabs.
Thanks brother..
I gotta go to bed but I gave it a like already. I'll finish this in the AM. Love this channel and, dude, you rock. See ya next time.
Don’t tell the light bag pack peoples they made complaints for the extra 13 onzas they made go crazy about suething to much
Great video brother. The only thing I didn’t see and I doubt that the weight would even be an issue is a pair of gloves.
Besides that It was spot on. Thanks for a great video!
Don't need em for backpacking but they're on every other piece of kit I have 🍻
Yeah…20-30 lbs would be my civilian limit.🤠
Great recommendations for motorcycle back country tote campin. Thanks for all the knowledge shares.
Its so awesome that a fellow Mississippian putting this content out. I'm a fellow soldier but I was a crew chief /flight engineer. I have very limited experience rucking. Thanks for your videos.
South Alabama here. Thank you for your service!
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But GP, if we aren't carrying 50, 60+ pounds how can we lord our manly superiority over others? /s To many people think if you aren't carrying heavy packs you are somehow less of a outdoorsman or less of a man even. They miss the whole point. It's not the carrying of heavy packs, it's the carrying of only what you need & you want that to be as light as possible.
How would you improve this pack?
Add a MOLLE canteen pouch/pouches to the outside to hold your water bottles. I know you have a camel back, and that you hate adding stuff to the outside of your ruck. Overall good loadout. 26 pound isn't bad. My old fat ass could probably hump that.
PS: how do you wash/clean your socks so you don't get foot rot aka athletes foot?
Two construction garbage bags , and a silcock key. Silcock key can be used on comericial building outside water spigots. .
I spray the bottom and a couple of inches up the sides of my ruck with Flex Seal. Its nice in the PNW wet environment when you want to set your pack down and everything is soaked or muddy. Everything looks G2G.
@@townings9185 I'd agree however he's talking about being in the woods. I have a silcock key, because it's useful in urban areas, and that's where I am going to school.
@@Valorius And they're great to add a little crunch, salt & savory flavors to your food.
Water weighs 2.2 pounds per liter.
“A pint’s a pound the world around”
Informative as usual, one of my favorite channels now.😎
The backpack Jääkäri probably does not mean Hunter in this context. I think Jääkeri means Infantry soldier. In Sweden, Jägare means Hunter in civil contexts. In a military context, Jägare means Army Rangers
Thank you Brother.
I used a MOLLE 2 large ruck + the assault pack to commute via bus on a trucking job. I checked the whole thing. Clothes, a stove, 2 poncho liners, a 1 qt canteen & cup and several flip maps,etc came to 38 pounds.
Self Reliance Outfitters has the replacement Tree Huggers for your Hammock. As well as lots of other fantastic gear for outdoors survival.
The signature on the hammock is pretty big. You'd need to hide it in some pretty thick scrub. The stealth camping community likes to pitch a knee high bivvy that is dressed to look like garbage.
If you pitch a tent/bivy on the ground you'll soon find the local wildlife wants to share your accomodation, even if you hang food at a distance. Skunks for example.
Get some tree spikes and get into the foliage. Use an ascender or Prusik after that, because spikes leave marks.
Nice enough pack. I got a Berghause 45 cheaper got an internal frame comes with 2 x 10lt zip on side pouches no lower pouches like Randals. Another good option are the Karrimore SF range. Im biased i like those 10 to 15lt zip on side pouches.
Before the Australian Army got Alice packs we'd pick up a IRR short or longback British Bergen backpack. Thats where i fell in love with these zip on pouches. Id use extras still do as packing cubes. Its great prepacked gear you know what configurations you need grab 2 zip em on throw a sleep bag in a pouch or 2 fill ine with food off you go job done. Perfect for damn got a job cancellation awesome grab the bergen packed in 5 and off for a 2 or 3 day hike camp
Socks? Wool and ware them for ever. No stink and dry . But the elastic sucks.
Nice video, I even took notes. I especially liked the backpack.
Tell them like it is. Davy Crocket was the ultimate champion backpacker. TN to TX for the Alimo along the Nacogdoches trail. Now that's a hike.
After the Chinese crossed the Yalu river in Oct/Nov 1950, they conducted a night attack on an American platoon, wiping them out. An after-action investigation found that the soldiers had been entangled in their mummy bags, unable to fight.
I generally use a cut-down half sleeping bag, with plenty of room at the feet. For the top I use a heavy winter parka, and I carry it year-round.
"Doesn't have to be pretty, but I do try to keep it tight"..hmm..sounds like the same criteria I used for selecting a date for my High School Prom!
Indeed.
Great Advice!
But if Morton Siglio doesn't approve Nothing Has Been Gained!!
Rely on Morton Siglio for your basic survival.
Yes, Morton Siglio!!
Great video, thank you!
Good stuff brother!!! I'm using a Tasmanian Tiger Ruck setup, Savotta is fairly similar, quality stuff.
Only issue for me is my stupid Toxic Exposure related Gluten Free diet now, a large portion of MRE stuff I can't eat sadly, so I have to use Freeze Dried Meals and other alternatives like Canned or Tinned stuff and other alt-Snacks. I make it work but it makes it a little more of a pain in the butt (fires aren't really an issue here though thankfully).
I always bring couscous or rice, dried meats and veggies, and a small container with little "dime bags" of spices. I can cook up a tasty meal with real food, and it's way cheaper and tastier than anything else I can buy.
@@stevescuba1978 Yeah you have to have a fire to boil water still for all of that (there's the kicker he mentioned, if it's not an issue in your AO for fire restrictions and notwithstanding mitigation of alerting to your adversaries, then good to go).
I like brining Tins of Kippers and such with me too, still got to pack out the trash and it does take up a little more space.
@@DJTheMetalheadMercenary you don't have to, they can be soaked. Also, I have a penny alcohol stove made from two beverage cans (weighs effectively nothing) that can boil water in a short time and has a nearly in visible flame which is also smoke-free. I normally pack in a small container with everclear for fuel, fire starter, antiseptic, entertainment purposes....no more than 6-8 oz gets me through a weekend. Also, I sleep much better if I have a hot meal before bed, so win, win, win.
Kippers are sardines, correct? I like bringing those as well. I also like to bring summer sausage and wax packed cheeses, which last for a weekend if the temps don't get too high.
@@stevescuba1978 Yeah for sure, I use an Esbit with solid tabs, works great.
I don't like simple-soaked Couscous, too grainy for my liking, definitely needs something more to it.
Kippers are Herring, yeah they're tasty! I don't mind Sardines and Mackerel either, have brought those out before too.
Sausage and Jerkey are good to go for sure! When it's cooler and gets cold out for our long winters, cheese is good to go too yeah.
Also pro tip- for winter and cooler temp seasonal times, bring chocolate with you, it's great to eat before you go to sleep, helps with metabolic process.
@@DJTheMetalheadMercenary I've painted a mason jar black and packed it for simple solar cooking. I don't particularly like bringing glass, but it worked. Just set it in the sun at camp with the lid cracked. It's not going to cook super effectively, but will definitely raise the soaking to a useful level.