The point is to prepare for when you get lost, its like motorcycle Mato “prepare for the slide, not the ride”. the people that get lost/die in the woods are typically the people that are only planning to do a day trip and end up in a situation where they will need to survive sometimes for weeks before rescue has a chance to start looking for them (unless they packed a GPS tracker). I personally would have at least a fixed blade or a buck 110 with a stainless steel pot/cup some bank line, fishing rod (if the area is good for fishing), some type of way to light a fire, a compass and probably some rations. (To clarify I would only camp during the summer and foresty areas)
I am still the "rather have it and don't need it, than need it and don't have it" kind of guy. Minimalist campers/hikers are not preppers. They are the opposite
Being prepared doesn't necessarily mean lots of gear. Gear only makes up for a lack of skill. If you lose your ferro rod and don't have the knowledge to start a friction fire, all your " prepping" was for nothing. I think a true prepper understands the value of skill over stuff. You can't accidentally drop your learned skills
@@SaltThatSlug exactly. Our ancestors were able to survive harsh environments with minimal gear. They don't have the gears modern outdoorsmen enjoys but were able to thrive with their knowledge of the outdoors
Yeah brother, I always bring my geiger counter, 10 years worth of canned food, 600 boxes of ammo, 20 rifles, some C4 and a survival bunker when I go camping or hiking.
@@Baychimo Simply a ridiculous and inane response to take what I said and to farcically characterize it in such an absurd way. Resembling nothing to what I said. When you were studying snarcky sarcasm, did it cross your mind to enroll in critical thinking and good nature?
I still use a hand torch, so I can use it for short pulses as I hike in the hark. You can't do that with a standard headlamp. I like to bring my sleeping bag stuff sack. I put my clothes in it at night and use as a pillow. You need tent stakes; many camping areas don't allow you to cut branches, and dead wood doesn't make a good stake, usually.
I like tent stakes for the convenience they provide. If you've ever had to set-up a tarp or tent in inclement weather, ready to go tent stakes are worth their weight in gold imho. The rest is solid advice though.
Yup, agree mate, you can get some very lightweight and solid tent pegs for you need to pitch your tent/tarp NOW. No harm in whittling some for practice but yeah.... for the extra 'weight' I always take tent pegs. Each to their own though.
Every time I’ve tried the improvised tent stake thing, I’ve wound up with a stick that shatters under the impact of my hammer (which is also improvised because we didn’t bring a hatchet 😉). Something about the So. Cal. soil and the perpetual drought conditions makes for hard packed ground and dry, weak sticks.
I'm usually the other way living in Scotland, drought isn't an issue but getting your shelter up quickly often is. Probably why I don't dick around sharpening sticks to use. I've nothing against making pegs or whittling spoons etc, can be something to do when you're set up but give me the metal ones every time.
I totally agree with you same with the hatchet, but I believe hes talking about bush craft/camping rather than like a bugout bag/survival use. It would make sense then.
I don't agree with the folding knife over a full tang. The weight is negligible. Tent stakes???? Really??? Making stakes takes time and effort. I put the stakes in a small thin width bag reinforced with duct tape.
An intermediate solution would be a not-quite full tang fixed blade like a Mora Kansbol. Very light, very tough and fairly cheap. I would prefer that to a folding knife for camping. While camping, my folding knife (OKC Rat 1, Gerber Gator, ...) is purely a backup. I always have a small backup for all the really important stuff - backup light, backup knife, small tarp or plastic sheeting and some secondary kind of water bottle/bag in case the main one is damaged.
@@martinhafner2201 I've got a couple of the cheapest 3/4 tang Mora knives. Bought them over 10 years ago now. They've seen some pretty heavy use, but are both still hella sharp & going strong!
@@johncrouch8988 Right? Also even using metal tent pegs I've had tarp lines come loose in gusty winds a few times over the years. Pretty sure a peg made from a twig is going to fail before a metal one, particularly if you've got wind & heavy rain going on.
Good video. I personally walk with backups of most critical gear like knives, lights, firestarter, etc. Why? Because things fail. As they say, One is None and Two is One!
@@odys3803 I’m assuming it’s because if you’re going into bear country you should probably have at least a .357 magnum revolver on your side. Edit: in other words, guns CAN save you
@@therockstar17 no they won't, not against bears. Watch some videos of people who survived encounters with them. Bears can run over 40 km/h thats 11.11 meters per second. The bear you'll notice about 100 meters away from you can be on top of you in less than 10 seconds. Even bear spray won't save you. ua-cam.com/video/FDGM7QgxuWw/v-deo.html
Great advice! Weight! Yep, I learned the hard way. My first pack (I kept adding stuff) weighed around 80-90 Libs. I couldn't even lift the pack. After whittling it down, I got it down to around 20 Libs. When you get my age, weight is a huge concern. If I were to bug out, the only place I'd bug out to would, be my Chiropractors office! lol Today, I'll try and improvise or find, quality gear that I can repurpose for other tasks. Another benefit is that I can use a smaller pack too.
The tools depend on where i am going. In the Benelux countries i use a knife and folding saw. The German knife laws are stricter and there i bring my Victorinox Fieldmaster and carpenters axe. For light i use a lantern, usually a Luci, and a light i can fix to my carry strap/shirt pocket or hat whichever is easier. I always have a torch as backup.
I carry several super lightweight titanium tent pegs that were given as a gift many years ago..I carry them in a small watertight plastic container with other things that either would get damaged in the pack or do damage to the pack, tent...etc. I carry an estwing riggers ax for longer trips...hammer and hatchet in one. Always carry a full tang knife..that, i won't compromise on. It is a small one, but thick and durable.
I went on my first hike, a day hike in probably 12-13 years, three weeks ago. It was hot and the trail was more up hill and rugged than I anticipated. My pack, which weighed 17-18 pounds with water turned out to be a real drag even though it was down to 11 pounds when we finished as the water was depleted. Anyway, lot of wisdom to taking only the essentials and making sure what you carry is light weight and efficient…. Aside from training and being in better shape. I’m learning….
Great video bro. I enjoyed the thought provoking questions your asking. As I get into camping it’s easy to get loaded up with all these gadgets and products.
Your video's have been a big help for me. Right now my biggest concern is finding a community. As a single woman, living in the country, I'm doing the best and most I can to be prepared for what lies ahead. I wonder what other ppls biggest concerns are
As a single male my main goal is to find some land in the country. Not a lot available in my area but my job and my elderly parents are keeping me from looking in other areas……for now.
its not about how little you actually need, but how will you live with it. im willing to carry 5-10 pounds heavier pack if that means i'll have a bit easier living outside. having broken neck (C6) and severe lower back pain, having soft mattress to sleep on it is god send .
I have my tent stakes packed with my tent poles and they both go into my backpack's side pocket with the water bottle and that eliminates holes in my backpack and tent.
Not trying to be too critical but, I would strongly suggest you upgrade your knife carry......the knife you profess as your go to appears to be a Spyderco Salt H1 steel.....highly corrosion resistant yes but edge holding is not upto par......IMHO, better to upgrade to at least a better steel .....Salt in LC200N if you need the corrosion resistance (better corrosion resistance, so much better edge holding). If you don't need corrosion resistance a good large format SAK Hunter would be a better carry (it has a couple of blades and a handy saw). Seriously you will never look back. I think carrying tent/tarp stakes depends how much you want/need to be under an effective shelter, for me their convenience far out weighs the minor/negligable cost of carrying a couple of light weight stakes opposed to the time it takes to root around and make them. Especially when caught in a down poor and all your mates are nice a cozy in their hammock while you are getting rained on looking for a couple of sticks to fashion.
Definitely not in agreement with some of your suggestions. Camping, Imo, requires a hatchet for wood chopping ESPECIALLY in winter. Aluminum tent stakes weigh next to nothing and are far superior to searching for and processing twigs. As for lighting, a small, backup olight is a must for me.
I had a hatchet before. Stored away, out of site now. I now use 2 knives. I have a 7" blade knife, that's pretty good for a chopper and some smaller jobs. But I also have my Morakniv Companion (4" blade) for smaller jobs. I switch it up on which one I'll use to skin the bark of wood. They both do good with that. If I'm batoning small pieces of wood into smaller size, I'd prefer to just use my Mora. As far as cutting a tree down, I use a Silky folding saw. I have a 7" blade and a 14" blade Silky. In the backyard, I don't cut any huge trees, so I'm just using the Silky F180 (7" blade) back there. When folded closed, it fits in my pocket and it does a great job! So that's 3 tools I _will_ bring, for backyard and for what I call _public domain_ forestry.
I have always carried a pruning saw and a hatchet with a hammer face. I never thought twice about weight. As I enter middle age (55, lol) this video has me rethinking weight. I'm going to reevaluate my kit. I'm estimating being able to knock 60% off.
for splitting the logs, there is another way to go without the hatchet, when you have a good knife... Make a splitting wedge out of a smaller piece of wood. Start the split with the knife, then put your wooden wedge in there and baton it with a wooden mallet you made with your knife or saw. I use both to make my mallets. I like a good size mallet. I saw a ring around the wood far enough up to make the length of handle I want, then baton my knife down from the end to the saw cut. Then I just finish up with small bit of carving to make the handle rounded and the thickness I want for holding on to it.
Look I get it, backpacking is a personal experience and everyone has a different opinion, passion and experience level. For me I wouldn't feel comfortable with a lightweight knife. I use a 4" full tang Damascus steel knife that has been abused many times and can been depended on. It weighs about 7.4 ounces. Why not put your sleeping bag into a Hefty garbage bag that weights less than 2 ounces. It will keep it dry from the other wet things you shove into pack. I like my two piece titanium cookware set where I can boil water for my must have coffee while cooking my homemade dehydrated spaghetti. Minimal gear is a religion for some as well as a challenge. I get reducing gear weight. I do this with the size of my tarp and tent, as well as the materials they are made from. Reducing the size of my sleeping pad and spending a lot of money on lightweight sleeping bags for different conditions and temperatures. Sorry, I'm not a hammock fan.
Putting your sleeping bag in a trash bag would be a terrible idea you do realize it picks up moisture while your sleeping? Seems it would get moldy to me
I learned from FieldCraft that a directional light with a good pocket clip, like Streamlights, can be clipped to your hat bill and used like a headlamp.
Yes !!! I actually started to make a video with that tip also. Then i learned something wrong with my youtube channel. Anyway you can also clip some directional light onto your jacket . Like the ones that have a mini led bar on its side also. I have used that when carrying cups of coffee in the dark.
I go with the two of one is one, one of one is none. You had better hope that headlamp doesn't run out of batteries or charge. I have a great headlamp, but I also carry a small torch as well. It weighs nothing and is good enough to give strong light, but small enough to go in the top small pocket of my rucksack.
Yeah. Its also nice to be able to speak to someone face to face without blinding them with your headtorch. I take a head torch, but personally I swear by a little hand cranked torch with a solar panel as a back up. Its tiny, weighs nothing and it never runs out of juice as long as II remember to crank it.
I will only have my folding pocket knife for things like cutting paper, open envelope, cut a string, etc. Not for camping uses. I know it's more weight to have my bigger full tang knives, but to me it's worth it and I know I'm prepared to do almost anything. That's where I have a 7" blade and a 4" blade knife for different jobs in the woods.
Personally I bring a 10" kukri, it's a baton knife, a hand hatchet, and I've used it to clear patches of sharp ground cover. My hiking belt comes in at 9 pounds, minus food and water and I bring the Stanley cookies that fits in my water bottle pouch for use with a twig stove. I'm using a crank flashlight that never needs new batteries and will recharge my fone in a pinch. The rest is a hammock, tarp and tree straps, cordage, fire kit, water kit, world compas, a local topographical map, Leatherman a repair kit, a a few select cloths. This easily covers me for up to 3 days with enough food. I might not be stylish but I bring everything I need and use almost everything I bring, except the medical kit so far.
You could still bring the packing bag with all that, or just put it all in a smaller, easier to manage bag/pouch. I recently made something like this with just some old fabric, nylon cord, and my swiss army knife. Extra bags are great, but they don't always have to be big.
I agree a hatchet isn't really needed.. A fixed Blade and Silky saw is not only lighter but is efficient for 99% of all camping needs. unless you're taking down a massive oak tree.
Yep.... always leave the folding knife home and opt for a fixed blade in case you have to cut a bear! LOL Great video.... gives a new context to what we really NEED in the woods!
The Arizona ground is really hard and really full of rocks. I can't even use the cheaper tent stakes. Either really hard straight aluminum (e.g. groundhogs) or fairly hard, straight steel stakes, no shepherd hook types. I make my own wooden mallets out of hardwood to minimize mallet weight. The plastic mallets just bounce back and steel hammers are too heavy. If I get to a high enough altitude, then there is some actual dirt, but I would have to be sure there were no low altitude sites in the trip. Oddly enough, the rocky ground sometimes has no large rocks for driving stakes and they beat up your stakes when they are there.
It was really hard for me to give up my wood processing tools, axe, saw, hatchet, and big knife. In my area open fires are so severely restricted that I always carry a small butane stove so the firewood proccesing tools are pointless. Now days, it's a swiss army knife and a smaller full tang knife, just because without a knife strapped to your side, it's not camping..lol
I don't use tent stakes these days... I love making my own from branches out there in the wild. When it comes to bushcraft/camping, I always make a wood mallet for batoning, which I can use for the stakes I made or I might use a rock.
This is a good piece of information about the hatchet, this is the same conclusion that I have come to . I also prefer a cut on the pull only saw that doesn't fold in a thick plastic holster over an axe . The biggest reason for this is safety, an axe or a hatchet that hits at a glancing blow is incredibly dangerous although a cut from a sharp saw is dangerous too . The axe in the hands of a novice is almost as bad as it would be in the hands of your enemy. I know that there are many more novices than there are experts and axes and hatchets are heavy worn day after day in a survival circumstance.
Your no nonsense approach to lightweight camping is commendable. You are definitely thinking about the items you need versus items that may just add too much of the extras you probably don’t need to carry around. I do have some security information to share with everyone that would prove extremely beneficial in a grid down or SHTF scenario when camping, especially in an area where you might wonder who is lurking around the corner. In my strong opinion, your OPSEC is greatest with items of deterrence or with how they are used. Yes, a headlamp is great for use of both hands to get things done and the other defused LED solar lamp is fine too, under secure conditions. But in conditions less secure, you want to have a regular flashlight that you mentioned a person should never have. Why? Please allow further explanation. If someone is hungry and wants your food and provisions, the last thing you want to do is give up your immediate and most important position with your headlamp and your area lamp. You can put out a stationary regular flashlight to shine in your area prompting an onlooker to try and observe the encampment. They might think you’re inside or outside of your hammock or tent area or maybe collecting more firewood, etc. In the meantime, you can quietly scout from a reasonable distance to do OPSEC and see if someone is beginning to scout out your camp. This is why a flashlight like this is important. You can direct it positively in the camp area (mostly downward) without outbound light spreading outwards too much. This technique will appear to look proper to the unsuspecting camp raider as he/she thinks the light has been intentionally directed downward at the camp as not allow others to see it from afar. In reality, you placed it there intentionally to use for OPSEC purposes and watch to see who comes to your camp. Again, this technique is used under stressful situations where there are potential problems with too many passersby individuals looming around the area ready to take your belongings. You might not get that much sleep that night but at least you can protect your gear and food.
For cooking, I have this small set... It's just a pot (I think 1L) with a pan that fits on top like a cover. There's a pouch to put them in with pull string and locking clip. Not much weight. Not over sized and taking up too much space. the handles fold in against the pot and on the pan it folds under, against the bottom. I like it so much I even use it to cook indoors on my _butane camp stove._ Yeah, that's right... I mostly cook on my butane camp stove instead of the electric household stove/oven. I rarely cook anything in oven. I mostly eat food cooked in a pot/pan or something like a sandwich or salad, which doesn't involve cooking. I also have a big metal cup for drinks. It was bought as a coffee press cup (with fold-in handles), but after a few times, I stopped using the press for it. I mostly drink instant coffee or water. So I just take the cup and the top for it. I do also have a small metal cup with fold-in handles It hold approximately the amount of 2x my standard household mug. Both metal cups are plenty light weight too. As for space for the big one, well, I can just put some of the small stuff inside it while in my pack.
Good video.. From where i came from ,if you have a big knives or machhete ,a lighter and a water youre good to go..I find it hard to understand when they use/bring only small knives inthe wilderness..A big knives or machhete is a must carry,as it serve as a tool and a form of security.
First things first. Are we talking about camping or hiking. Camping: You don't have to carry the weight around. Bring the proper tools for a more pleasant experience. A hatchet is ok. Hiking: Weight is an issue; but remember, your 'little walk' could very well turn into a survival situation. In that case the absolute minimalist better g*ddamn know what he's doing
A pocket knife is great...as a backup. Unless you are in some contest where you can "only bring 5 things" etc. then you carry a pocket knife AND a full tang knife. A hatchet is great for extended stays but one night of sleeping under a rock...bring the two knives. Or not. Free country (well...not really but you know the saying).
This advise is for camping, not bushcrafting. Well taken if within a 10-20 miles radio from civilization, and no longer than a week. Many of the items are spot on..but a folding knife? I think a multitool will offer more in any case. As for me, leaving my hatchet at home will be hard. Yet, this advice might worth to try. Challenge youself next time with 3days with water, and pick between a ferro-rod or a knife...in summer time of course.
I love hatchets. But they are very heavy. If I was going to a remote location to reside for a while, I would absolutely not leave home without one. But if I was going camping or hiking, I wouldnt bother.
Not just camping i dont put any of these in a bug out bag. Ill keep the stakes but everything else is gone. Weight plays a huge part when doing long hiking trips
If your going in bear country a medium fixed blade knife won't save you. Using it to make a spear might. But I'd bring bear mace or 30cal AK or .308 or 12ga slug or high powered rifle with a high punch sidearm
I thought this was survival know how . The idea is to bring stuff just in case. Yes it it true that you don't need do much Tupperware for eating, but ditching the axe?
@@bugoutbrothers Right you are. But it is a fine line on what to take and what to leave. In the end I surpose it comes down to individual choice. Happy trails 😀
In fifty years of camping: never had a groundsheet! Never a hammer or hatchet. only headlamp...cooking..mess tins...no gas canisters since 1983...only car gas and diesel...Tarp: against the sun only ...croatia summer, few trees....
You stuff your sleeping bag into a STUFF BAG when you hike to add room inside your pack. Even my pack is small or minimal; the same size as my sleeping bag!. The stuff bag keeps your sleeping bag dry when it rains. Then you put your clothes in the stuff bag at night to create a 'pillow' for your head. I don't care for LED headlamps. the batteries don't last long on a night hike, and it has a narrow beam. I prefer a bulb lamp to shine a wide beam.
Of course you're saving a lot of weight by not taking THAT hatchet, it's a hefty chunk of steel. Try a small axe with wooden handle or Fiskars/Gerber. You're dulling the knife a lot by chopping wood, it can do it but it's not really built for it. I wouldn't shove the sleeping bag in the backpack, especially not with other gear, it can get damaged most 40l and bigger backpacks have sleeping bag compartment, the bag keeps it protected and in some cases dry and they weight next to nothing, nor worth the risk. Tent pegs, try making them in rain or snow.
I'm asking myself "why did I watch this"? It was all about "I" and every situation will be different... And some of the things, like the cooking pot, why not carry a titanium spork or silicon utensil in the pot to help with cooking/eating? Don't carry the big REI kit, fine, but you're going to carry a steal pot all by itself? Nah. You'll need a bit more, or maybe not, again, every situation is different.
I bring a hawk with me I can pull the handle out and baton to spit what I need I've been doing bush crafting before they called it bushcraft over 60 years I don't baton with any knife I've seen to many brake I'm talking about 100 plus dollars knives they were not ment for that type of abuse enough said
And that full tang knife in bear country?…..for what, to cut your own throat before the bear starts eating on you……bear country requires a large firearm…and apparently if it has plastic weight saving grips it’ll be his goto….
There was a saying back in the 40's during WW2 that's still true today. Remembering the old days of 40 to 50 pound packs and everything you could stuff in them. " A ounce in the morning is a pound at night. " NOT ANYMORE ... Now it's Ultralight ( 7 to 8 pounds ) with the leave no trace idea. The cook set is either a Maxi titanium canteen cup with a firebox titanium Nano gen 2 stove. Everything fits inside the canteen cup. Or the Evernew Appalachian set in titanium. The knife is a Swiss Army Knife Huntsman ( with the saw blade ). Stakes , MSR Groundhogs ( 6 ) 2 for the hammock and 4 for the rain fly. One additional steak , 1st night out , a "T" Bone for me over the campfire.
Steel tent stakes make excilent stands for your camp fire pot, just pop them in a triangle formation and drag the coals under them and set your pot.
The point is to prepare for when you get lost, its like motorcycle Mato “prepare for the slide, not the ride”. the people that get lost/die in the woods are typically the people that are only planning to do a day trip and end up in a situation where they will need to survive sometimes for weeks before rescue has a chance to start looking for them (unless they packed a GPS tracker). I personally would have at least a fixed blade or a buck 110 with a stainless steel pot/cup some bank line, fishing rod (if the area is good for fishing), some type of way to light a fire, a compass and probably some rations. (To clarify I would only camp during the summer and foresty areas)
I am still the "rather have it and don't need it, than need it and don't have it" kind of guy. Minimalist campers/hikers are not preppers. They are the opposite
Boy scout motto bro I agree he is the opposite of me
Being prepared doesn't necessarily mean lots of gear. Gear only makes up for a lack of skill. If you lose your ferro rod and don't have the knowledge to start a friction fire, all your " prepping" was for nothing. I think a true prepper understands the value of skill over stuff. You can't accidentally drop your learned skills
@@SaltThatSlug exactly. Our ancestors were able to survive harsh environments with minimal gear. They don't have the gears modern outdoorsmen enjoys but were able to thrive with their knowledge of the outdoors
Yeah brother, I always bring my geiger counter, 10 years worth of canned food, 600 boxes of ammo, 20 rifles, some C4 and a survival bunker when I go camping or hiking.
@@Baychimo Simply a ridiculous and inane response to take what I said and to farcically characterize it in such an absurd way. Resembling nothing to what I said. When you were studying snarcky sarcasm, did it cross your mind to enroll in critical thinking and good nature?
I still use a hand torch, so I can use it for short pulses as I hike in the hark. You can't do that with a standard headlamp.
I like to bring my sleeping bag stuff sack. I put my clothes in it at night and use as a pillow.
You need tent stakes; many camping areas don't allow you to cut branches, and dead wood doesn't make a good stake, usually.
I like tent stakes for the convenience they provide. If you've ever had to set-up a tarp or tent in inclement weather, ready to go tent stakes are worth their weight in gold imho. The rest is solid advice though.
Yup, agree mate, you can get some very lightweight and solid tent pegs for you need to pitch your tent/tarp NOW. No harm in whittling some for practice but yeah.... for the extra 'weight' I always take tent pegs. Each to their own though.
Every time I’ve tried the improvised tent stake thing, I’ve wound up with a stick that shatters under the impact of my hammer (which is also improvised because we didn’t bring a hatchet 😉).
Something about the So. Cal. soil and the perpetual drought conditions makes for hard packed ground and dry, weak sticks.
I'm usually the other way living in Scotland, drought isn't an issue but getting your shelter up quickly often is. Probably why I don't dick around sharpening sticks to use. I've nothing against making pegs or whittling spoons etc, can be something to do when you're set up but give me the metal ones every time.
I totally agree with you same with the hatchet, but I believe hes talking about bush craft/camping rather than like a bugout bag/survival use. It would make sense then.
I don't agree with the folding knife over a full tang. The weight is negligible. Tent stakes???? Really??? Making stakes takes time and effort. I put the stakes in a small thin width bag reinforced with duct tape.
Let it Rain
He is soaked wet befor he has tent stickes
Agreed. The amount of weight these items are but what they give, why leave them at home?
An intermediate solution would be a not-quite full tang fixed blade like a Mora Kansbol. Very light, very tough and fairly cheap. I would prefer that to a folding knife for camping. While camping, my folding knife (OKC Rat 1, Gerber Gator, ...) is purely a backup.
I always have a small backup for all the really important stuff - backup light, backup knife, small tarp or plastic sheeting and some secondary kind of water bottle/bag in case the main one is damaged.
@@martinhafner2201 I've got a couple of the cheapest 3/4 tang Mora knives. Bought them over 10 years ago now. They've seen some pretty heavy use, but are both still hella sharp & going strong!
@@johncrouch8988 Right? Also even using metal tent pegs I've had tarp lines come loose in gusty winds a few times over the years. Pretty sure a peg made from a twig is going to fail before a metal one, particularly if you've got wind & heavy rain going on.
Good video. I personally walk with backups of most critical gear like knives, lights, firestarter, etc. Why? Because things fail. As they say, One is None and Two is One!
56" chainsaw is an absolute game changer 🤣
"I now mostly only bring a fixed blade if I am going into bear country". lol, that was a good one.
I didn't get it, the bear will fuck you up if it decides to. Unless the fixed blade is a claymore, it's not going to save you.
I don’t need a knife. I just grin the bear down 😁
(Vintage Davy Crockett reference)
@@odys3803 I’m assuming it’s because if you’re going into bear country you should probably have at least a .357 magnum revolver on your side. Edit: in other words, guns CAN save you
@@therockstar17 no they won't, not against bears. Watch some videos of people who survived encounters with them. Bears can run over 40 km/h thats 11.11 meters per second. The bear you'll notice about 100 meters away from you can be on top of you in less than 10 seconds. Even bear spray won't save you.
ua-cam.com/video/FDGM7QgxuWw/v-deo.html
Equipment selection is certainly a individual evolutionary process.
@YJ Overlander Canada 😁
Great advice!
Weight! Yep, I learned the hard way.
My first pack (I kept adding stuff) weighed around 80-90 Libs.
I couldn't even lift the pack.
After whittling it down, I got it down to around 20 Libs.
When you get my age, weight is a huge concern.
If I were to bug out, the only place I'd bug out to would, be my Chiropractors office! lol
Today, I'll try and improvise or find, quality gear that I can repurpose for other tasks.
Another benefit is that I can use a smaller pack too.
"Only bug out to my chiropractors office" omg that's awesome! I'm old enough I'm starting to get knee problems, so I feel you on the weight.
Lots of wisdom there, particularly bring what you need for the purpose and the destination. I gather you don"t fish and pan fry the catch in the cup.
I gather he eats light meals like noodles and stuff you cook in the cup. Probably he doesnt braai or cook junks of meat.
“Better to have and not need it, than need it and not have it.” Submarining taught me that.
@straight outta Judah... wise words you speak
@@frikkiesmit327 thanks bro
The tools depend on where i am going. In the Benelux countries i use a knife and folding saw. The German knife laws are stricter and there i bring my Victorinox Fieldmaster and carpenters axe. For light i use a lantern, usually a Luci, and a light i can fix to my carry strap/shirt pocket or hat whichever is easier. I always have a torch as backup.
I carry several super lightweight titanium tent pegs that were given as a gift many years ago..I carry them in a small watertight plastic container with other things that either would get damaged in the pack or do damage to the pack, tent...etc. I carry an estwing riggers ax for longer trips...hammer and hatchet in one. Always carry a full tang knife..that, i won't compromise on. It is a small one, but thick and durable.
I went on my first hike, a day hike in probably 12-13 years, three weeks ago. It was hot and the trail was more up hill and rugged than I anticipated. My pack, which weighed 17-18 pounds with water turned out to be a real drag even though it was down to 11 pounds when we finished as the water was depleted. Anyway, lot of wisdom to taking only the essentials and making sure what you carry is light weight and efficient…. Aside from training and being in better shape. I’m learning….
Great video bro. I enjoyed the thought provoking questions your asking. As I get into camping it’s easy to get loaded up with all these gadgets and products.
Your video's have been a big help for me. Right now my biggest concern is finding a community. As a single woman, living in the country, I'm doing the best and most I can to be prepared for what lies ahead. I wonder what other ppls biggest concerns are
As a single male my main goal is to find some land in the country. Not a lot available in my area but my job and my elderly parents are keeping me from looking in other areas……for now.
I really like your videos but I always carry a full tang knife no matter what it has never failed me.
If it’s in a sheath on your belt, it weighs nothing. Why wouldn’t everyone bring one?
Ounces = Pounds…Pounds = Pain.
Study the Art of Nothing & it’s amazing how little you actually NEED.
Great video!
its not about how little you actually need, but how will you live with it. im willing to carry 5-10 pounds heavier pack if that means i'll have a bit easier living outside. having broken neck (C6) and severe lower back pain, having soft mattress to sleep on it is god send .
I have my tent stakes packed with my tent poles and they both go into my backpack's side pocket with the water bottle and that eliminates holes in my backpack and tent.
⛺️ What camping gear do you bring and NOT bring?
Not trying to be too critical but, I would strongly suggest you upgrade your knife carry......the knife you profess as your go to appears to be a Spyderco Salt H1 steel.....highly corrosion resistant yes but edge holding is not upto par......IMHO, better to upgrade to at least a better steel .....Salt in LC200N if you need the corrosion resistance (better corrosion resistance, so much better edge holding). If you don't need corrosion resistance a good large format SAK Hunter would be a better carry (it has a couple of blades and a handy saw). Seriously you will never look back.
I think carrying tent/tarp stakes depends how much you want/need to be under an effective shelter, for me their convenience far out weighs the minor/negligable cost of carrying a couple of light weight stakes opposed to the time it takes to root around and make them. Especially when caught in a down poor and all your mates are nice a cozy in their hammock while you are getting rained on looking for a couple of sticks to fashion.
Definitely not in agreement with some of your suggestions. Camping, Imo, requires a hatchet for wood chopping ESPECIALLY in winter. Aluminum tent stakes weigh next to nothing and are far superior to searching for and processing twigs. As for lighting, a small, backup olight is a must for me.
I love my olights so, so much
I had a hatchet before. Stored away, out of site now. I now use 2 knives. I have a 7" blade knife, that's pretty good for a chopper and some smaller jobs. But I also have my Morakniv Companion (4" blade) for smaller jobs. I switch it up on which one I'll use to skin the bark of wood. They both do good with that. If I'm batoning small pieces of wood into smaller size, I'd prefer to just use my Mora. As far as cutting a tree down, I use a Silky folding saw. I have a 7" blade and a 14" blade Silky. In the backyard, I don't cut any huge trees, so I'm just using the Silky F180 (7" blade) back there. When folded closed, it fits in my pocket and it does a great job! So that's 3 tools I _will_ bring, for backyard and for what I call _public domain_ forestry.
I have always carried a pruning saw and a hatchet with a hammer face. I never thought twice about weight. As I enter middle age (55, lol) this video has me rethinking weight. I'm going to reevaluate my kit. I'm estimating being able to knock 60% off.
for splitting the logs, there is another way to go without the hatchet, when you have a good knife... Make a splitting wedge out of a smaller piece of wood. Start the split with the knife, then put your wooden wedge in there and baton it with a wooden mallet you made with your knife or saw. I use both to make my mallets. I like a good size mallet. I saw a ring around the wood far enough up to make the length of handle I want, then baton my knife down from the end to the saw cut. Then I just finish up with small bit of carving to make the handle rounded and the thickness I want for holding on to it.
Yes!!! It works great. I also did it last saterday. Cause my knife is pocket knife. And i just start batoning then use a wedge. Works very nice
Look I get it, backpacking is a personal experience and everyone has a different opinion, passion and experience level. For me I wouldn't feel comfortable with a lightweight knife. I use a 4" full tang Damascus steel knife that has been abused many times and can been depended on. It weighs about 7.4 ounces. Why not put your sleeping bag into a Hefty garbage bag that weights less than 2 ounces. It will keep it dry from the other wet things you shove into pack. I like my two piece titanium cookware set where I can boil water for my must have coffee while cooking my homemade dehydrated spaghetti. Minimal gear is a religion for some as well as a challenge. I get reducing gear weight. I do this with the size of my tarp and tent, as well as the materials they are made from. Reducing the size of my sleeping pad and spending a lot of money on lightweight sleeping bags for different conditions and temperatures. Sorry, I'm not a hammock fan.
Putting your sleeping bag in a trash bag would be a terrible idea you do realize it picks up moisture while your sleeping? Seems it would get moldy to me
I learned from FieldCraft that a directional light with a good pocket clip, like Streamlights, can be clipped to your hat bill and used like a headlamp.
Yes !!! I actually started to make a video with that tip also. Then i learned something wrong with my youtube channel. Anyway you can also clip some directional light onto your jacket . Like the ones that have a mini led bar on its side also. I have used that when carrying cups of coffee in the dark.
leaving cook set at home is OK for solo camping but family or group camping I see a need for pots and pans and coffee pot to boil water or make coffee
yeah, if you are camping with your family it's a different story. Especially if you can just drive up to your camp site.
I go with the two of one is one, one of one is none. You had better hope that headlamp doesn't run out of batteries or charge. I have a great headlamp, but I also carry a small torch as well. It weighs nothing and is good enough to give strong light, but small enough to go in the top small pocket of my rucksack.
I like most of the concepts except opting out the direction flashlight. It's a good secondary security device without looking too menacing.
Yeah. Its also nice to be able to speak to someone face to face without blinding them with your headtorch. I take a head torch, but personally I swear by a little hand cranked torch with a solar panel as a back up. Its tiny, weighs nothing and it never runs out of juice as long as II remember to crank it.
I will only have my folding pocket knife for things like cutting paper, open envelope, cut a string, etc. Not for camping uses. I know it's more weight to have my bigger full tang knives, but to me it's worth it and I know I'm prepared to do almost anything. That's where I have a 7" blade and a 4" blade knife for different jobs in the woods.
I use DUKTIG small pots and pans from IKEA childrens toy, but perfect for one person
Yep, I use them also.
Personally I bring a 10" kukri, it's a baton knife, a hand hatchet, and I've used it to clear patches of sharp ground cover.
My hiking belt comes in at 9 pounds, minus food and water and I bring the Stanley cookies that fits in my water bottle pouch for use with a twig stove.
I'm using a crank flashlight that never needs new batteries and will recharge my fone in a pinch.
The rest is a hammock, tarp and tree straps, cordage, fire kit, water kit, world compas, a local topographical map, Leatherman a repair kit, a a few select cloths.
This easily covers me for up to 3 days with enough food. I might not be stylish but I bring everything I need and use almost everything I bring, except the medical kit so far.
Agree 100% on head lamp...Nebo Micro USB is my favorite.
no still bring a hacket no full tang knife sometimes 2 mess kit cooking kit tarp
Good tips but I use the sleeping bag bag to keep all my straps and smaller bags in one place so I don’t have to find them when taking down the tent.
also good to stuff your coat or other clothes into to create a pillow
You could still bring the packing bag with all that, or just put it all in a smaller, easier to manage bag/pouch. I recently made something like this with just some old fabric, nylon cord, and my swiss army knife. Extra bags are great, but they don't always have to be big.
I stopped carrying a hatchet myself, I can accomplish everything with my folding saw and my knife
Folding saw is the most useful thing I carry add a knife you are set love axe's and hatchet but hardly ever Carrie them
Same here; a good fixed blade and a folding saw.
Exactly
I agree a hatchet isn't really needed.. A fixed Blade and Silky saw is not only lighter but is efficient for 99% of all camping needs. unless you're taking down a massive oak tree.
Yep.... always leave the folding knife home and opt for a fixed blade in case you have to cut a bear! LOL
Great video.... gives a new context to what we really NEED in the woods!
Loving what you are doing keep up the great work and God Bless my friend!
Thanks!
Dear Survival,
Another good job passing along good information. Cheers to you.
Stay safe, stay well
The Arizona ground is really hard and really full of rocks. I can't even use the cheaper tent stakes. Either really hard straight aluminum (e.g. groundhogs) or fairly hard, straight steel stakes, no shepherd hook types. I make my own wooden mallets out of hardwood to minimize mallet weight. The plastic mallets just bounce back and steel hammers are too heavy. If I get to a high enough altitude, then there is some actual dirt, but I would have to be sure there were no low altitude sites in the trip. Oddly enough, the rocky ground sometimes has no large rocks for driving stakes and they beat up your stakes when they are there.
Imstead of a hatchet,.. I use my Cold Steel Wild West Bowie!! It is a beast!!
I'll look that up, thanks.
The more you know the less you need knowledge is key
It was really hard for me to give up my wood processing tools, axe, saw, hatchet, and big knife. In my area open fires are so severely restricted that I always carry a small butane stove so the firewood proccesing tools are pointless. Now days, it's a swiss army knife and a smaller full tang knife, just because without a knife strapped to your side, it's not camping..lol
No directional flashlight? Heresy, I always carry my Led Lenser Pen light. Even when I don't intent to.
Axe is better than knive
Off topic, where in Maryland? general area ( eastern, western, southern, northern ) and what part is best for camping?
I don't use tent stakes these days... I love making my own from branches out there in the wild. When it comes to bushcraft/camping, I always make a wood mallet for batoning, which I can use for the stakes I made or I might use a rock.
This is a good piece of information about the hatchet, this is the same conclusion that I have come to . I also prefer a cut on the pull only saw that doesn't fold in a thick plastic holster over an axe . The biggest reason for this is safety, an axe or a hatchet that hits at a glancing blow is incredibly dangerous although a cut from a sharp saw is dangerous too . The axe in the hands of a novice is almost as bad as it would be in the hands of your enemy. I know that there are many more novices than there are experts and axes and hatchets are heavy worn day after day in a survival circumstance.
Have you sliced anything with your hand chain saw? Skinned anything? Cut cordage? The hatchet will do way more than your tool any day!
Your no nonsense approach to lightweight camping is commendable. You are definitely thinking about the items you need versus items that may just add too much of the extras you probably don’t need to carry around.
I do have some security information to share with everyone that would prove extremely beneficial in a grid down or SHTF scenario when camping, especially in an area where you might wonder who is lurking around the corner. In my strong opinion, your OPSEC is greatest with items of deterrence or with how they are used. Yes, a headlamp is great for use of both hands to get things done and the other defused LED solar lamp is fine too, under secure conditions. But in conditions less secure, you want to have a regular flashlight that you mentioned a person should never have. Why? Please allow further explanation.
If someone is hungry and wants your food and provisions, the last thing you want to do is give up your immediate and most important position with your headlamp and your area lamp. You can put out a stationary regular flashlight to shine in your area prompting an onlooker to try and observe the encampment. They might think you’re inside or outside of your hammock or tent area or maybe collecting more firewood, etc. In the meantime, you can quietly scout from a reasonable distance to do OPSEC and see if someone is beginning to scout out your camp. This is why a flashlight like this is important. You can direct it positively in the camp area (mostly downward) without outbound light spreading outwards too much. This technique will appear to look proper to the unsuspecting camp raider as he/she thinks the light has been intentionally directed downward at the camp as not allow others to see it from afar. In reality, you placed it there intentionally to use for OPSEC purposes and watch to see who comes to your camp. Again, this technique is used under stressful situations where there are potential problems with too many passersby individuals looming around the area ready to take your belongings. You might not get that much sleep that night but at least you can protect your gear and food.
Thanks for sharing. Take care.
The sleeping bag trick was a good tip. Anyways, great vid.
10:40 this blowed my mind, thank you very much
For cooking, I have this small set... It's just a pot (I think 1L) with a pan that fits on top like a cover. There's a pouch to put them in with pull string and locking clip. Not much weight. Not over sized and taking up too much space. the handles fold in against the pot and on the pan it folds under, against the bottom. I like it so much I even use it to cook indoors on my _butane camp stove._ Yeah, that's right... I mostly cook on my butane camp stove instead of the electric household stove/oven. I rarely cook anything in oven. I mostly eat food cooked in a pot/pan or something like a sandwich or salad, which doesn't involve cooking. I also have a big metal cup for drinks. It was bought as a coffee press cup (with fold-in handles), but after a few times, I stopped using the press for it. I mostly drink instant coffee or water. So I just take the cup and the top for it. I do also have a small metal cup with fold-in handles It hold approximately the amount of 2x my standard household mug. Both metal cups are plenty light weight too. As for space for the big one, well, I can just put some of the small stuff inside it while in my pack.
Good information. What if you are car camping for 7 days. What would you take
I always over kill. I travel and camp with a geiger counter! Great vid!
Maybe you should consider camping _up_ wind from Chernobyl next time 😄
Good video.. From where i came from ,if you have a big knives or machhete ,a lighter and a water youre good to go..I find it hard to understand when they use/bring only small knives inthe wilderness..A big knives or machhete is a must carry,as it serve as a tool and a form of security.
Great job. All good observations.
First things first. Are we talking about camping or hiking.
Camping: You don't have to carry the weight around. Bring the proper tools for a more pleasant experience. A hatchet is ok.
Hiking: Weight is an issue; but remember, your 'little walk' could very well turn into a survival situation. In that case the absolute minimalist better g*ddamn know what he's doing
^ This.
A pocket knife is great...as a backup. Unless you are in some contest where you can "only bring 5 things" etc. then you carry a pocket knife AND a full tang knife. A hatchet is great for extended stays but one night of sleeping under a rock...bring the two knives. Or not. Free country (well...not really but you know the saying).
Good info. 👍 to the point and concise.
So where can you go primative camping in Maryland
Baltimore 🤣🤣🤣
This advise is for camping, not bushcrafting. Well taken if within a 10-20 miles radio from civilization, and no longer than a week. Many of the items are spot on..but a folding knife? I think a multitool will offer more in any case. As for me, leaving my hatchet at home will be hard. Yet, this advice might worth to try. Challenge youself next time with 3days with water, and pick between a ferro-rod or a knife...in summer time of course.
I love hatchets. But they are very heavy. If I was going to a remote location to reside for a while, I would absolutely not leave home without one. But if I was going camping or hiking, I wouldnt bother.
Your opening word is right on 🎯.
Not just camping i dont put any of these in a bug out bag. Ill keep the stakes but everything else is gone. Weight plays a huge part when doing long hiking trips
how u make a good and enough food with small cup? u need one big pot one pot for coffee
You can put the tent stakes in a piece of reed( the small family of a bamboo.) 😅
If your going in bear country a medium fixed blade knife won't save you. Using it to make a spear might. But I'd bring bear mace or 30cal AK or .308 or 12ga slug or high powered rifle with a high punch sidearm
Nice tips!
1. Yes folding saw > hatchet
2. Yes folding knife > full Tang knife
3. Just bring the tent stakes
A good knife is expensive to have one good enough to stay sharp and baton with, a small ax is still good great material thanks
Perfect!
5 Items I DON'T Bring Camping Anymore
me: Yeah, that could be interesting, I'm in!
Survival Know How: I don't carry hatchet.
me: I'm out.
:D
I thought this was survival know how . The idea is to bring stuff just in case. Yes it it true that you don't need do much Tupperware for eating, but ditching the axe?
lol look at it as practice getting by with minimalist gear just in case you are ever caught without an axe.
@@bugoutbrothers Right you are. But it is a fine line on what to take and what to leave. In the end I surpose it comes down to individual choice. Happy trails 😀
Hold up, you don’t bring tent stakes because you have to search your bag for them but you’re ok with finding and making stakes out of twigs?
Only a cup to cook in is fine for a SHORT trip and not minding eating crap food.
I get the weight argument for long treks and hiking but camping? Better to have and not need than to need and not have.
I'm done with this crap!
All of this is just basic pleasure camping. Longer term or survival you definitely need heavier bladed tools.
High winds will laugh at your tent stake idea and you won't have a tent anymore.
In fifty years of camping: never had a groundsheet! Never a hammer or hatchet. only headlamp...cooking..mess tins...no gas canisters since 1983...only car gas and diesel...Tarp: against the sun only ...croatia summer, few trees....
Thank you for your how-to-not-survive video 😁😁
"if I'm going out to bear country" brother please tell me you're not planning on taking on a 400lb black bear with a knife 😔
You stuff your sleeping bag into a STUFF BAG when you hike to add room inside your pack. Even my pack is small or minimal; the same size as my sleeping bag!. The stuff bag keeps your sleeping bag dry when it rains. Then you put your clothes in the stuff bag at night to create a 'pillow' for your head.
I don't care for LED headlamps. the batteries don't last long on a night hike, and it has a narrow beam. I prefer a bulb lamp to shine a wide beam.
If the weight between a full tang and a pocket knife got you wondering the grams your saving maybe you should stay home then
I have found a way to eliminate all those items just don’t go camping 🏕 That way you can tell everyone they don’t need anything. 😆
so what you meant to tittle the video was "what i dont bring 'BACKPACKING' anymore"
Twigs for tent stakes, nope.
Of course you're saving a lot of weight by not taking THAT hatchet, it's a hefty chunk of steel. Try a small axe with wooden handle or Fiskars/Gerber. You're dulling the knife a lot by chopping wood, it can do it but it's not really built for it. I wouldn't shove the sleeping bag in the backpack, especially not with other gear, it can get damaged most 40l and bigger backpacks have sleeping bag compartment, the bag keeps it protected and in some cases dry and they weight next to nothing, nor worth the risk. Tent pegs, try making them in rain or snow.
Agree!! Sleeping bags bag is also usefull. I use the sleeping bags bag to stuff a jacket or towel in and i have a pillow!!
Better title would be: 5 Items I Don’t Bring BACKPACKING Anymore
Why do so many American presenters on UA-cam insist on wearing baseball caps indoors - ? Is it a form of insecurity - ?
So your particular form of rudeness is un-American? OK.
Wait a minute, at least he had it the right way round. Can't knock that.
@@chrisgibson2328 True, that's probably an English thing - ! 🤣
I'm asking myself "why did I watch this"? It was all about "I" and every situation will be different... And some of the things, like the cooking pot, why not carry a titanium spork or silicon utensil in the pot to help with cooking/eating? Don't carry the big REI kit, fine, but you're going to carry a steal pot all by itself? Nah. You'll need a bit more, or maybe not, again, every situation is different.
Safety Scissors and Vaseline
Take the TOOLS that can do the MOST chores not less..saving a few ounces my cost you a lot more
I bring a hawk with me I can pull the handle out and baton to spit what I need I've been doing bush crafting before they called it bushcraft over 60 years I don't baton with any knife I've seen to many brake I'm talking about 100 plus dollars knives they were not ment for that type of abuse enough said
And that full tang knife in bear country?…..for what, to cut your own throat before the bear starts eating on you……bear country requires a large firearm…and apparently if it has plastic weight saving grips it’ll be his goto….
Eh, we only have small black bears here on the East coast, I think I would have a chance against them. If I was up in Alaska on the other hand...
There was a saying back in the 40's during WW2 that's still true today. Remembering the old days of 40 to 50 pound packs and everything you could stuff in them. " A ounce in the morning is a pound at night. " NOT ANYMORE ... Now it's Ultralight ( 7 to 8 pounds ) with the leave no trace idea. The cook set is either a Maxi titanium canteen cup with a firebox titanium Nano gen 2 stove. Everything fits inside the canteen cup. Or the Evernew Appalachian set in titanium. The knife is a Swiss Army Knife Huntsman ( with the saw blade ). Stakes , MSR Groundhogs ( 6 ) 2 for the hammock and 4 for the rain fly. One additional steak , 1st night out , a "T" Bone for me over the campfire.