I was in the US Army when we were transitioning from the old WWII style sleeping bags to the modular system. As an infantryman, we rarely took our sleeping bags to the field. And if we did-they stayed behind in the admin area, and, any sleep we got, was usually with nothing, or a poncho and poncho liner. When the new MSS came out, with the goretex shell and the patrol bag-man, life changed. I remember one night, sleeping in the field, it was a freezing rain storm. I crawled into that thing, closed it up-got up the next morning with a coating of ice on the bag. Slept like a baby though! Never bothered me. I now use the MSS bag for motorcycle camping. Easier than a tent!

@jimbojet8728

2 жыл бұрын

Yep, the same happened in modern armies the world over , I believe. It certainly was the way things happened in U.K. sleeping bags and bivvies? They were for softy’s. The lack of decent kit, made life quite miserable during ‘exercise season’ in BAOR. (Peace time Germany). I see the kit used now and I’m quite envious. What hasn’t changed in U.K. , is the lack of respect the civilian population has for it’s servicemen. It’s scandalous. They deserve so much more. It’s great to see the US population being respectful of their Armed Forces. Will U.K. ever catch up? I doubt it. Thank you for the vid.

@oldsoldier181

2 жыл бұрын

@@jimbojet8728 wow, really? I personally think there needs to be balance. Here in the US, people treat veterans with, what I can best describe as, reverence. Now, I'm not saying there should be some form of respect. But, if you put up a label "veteran", people automatically take you at your word, and will use what you say, or do, as some sort of measuring stick. I don't agree with that. We veterans are simply a cross section of Americans. We're no better, no worse, than anyone else. Have we had some unique experiences? Certainly. But that doesn't necessarily entitle us to some elite, God like status. I know hundreds of us that continue to do good work as a civilian-far more good than they likely did in the military (let's face it-we don't get to do what we want in the military, that's how it works). There's also some that are absolute scum. Just like any other vocation. I think, at least here, many people try to capitalize on their veterans status. I, personally, fine necessarily agree with that. Sadly, our status has become political here too. Many, many times, certain politicians have called us "trained killers", "American Taliban", "domestic terrorists". Sad, but true. They also assume everyone in the military fights in a war. So, everyone is a killer. But even close to true. Anyway, godspeed my friend. I trained with the Brits in the 90s, that was a cool experience :)

@jimbojet8728

2 жыл бұрын

@@oldsoldier181 yes I was/am a British Soldier and proud of the fact. I don’t want anything special, other than to be taken care of or perhaps helped is a better term, when my service is no longer needed and I am sick or injured because of my service. Most people in the U.K. simply feel that servicemen volunteered and were well paid. That should be enough. It really is pathetic here, almost the complete opposite of how it is there. Unfortunately the public is now getting what it deserves. Fewer young men and women are joining up, our military numbers are pathetically low. Sometimes I wonder why on Earth the Chinese don’t just walk all over us? We aren’t even part of Europe at the moment? I do understand that would end up a global war, but food for thought hey? Good luck and stay safe my friend.

@oldsoldier181

2 жыл бұрын

@@jimbojet8728 One thing we have here is the VA, which is health care after service. Many of us take advantage of it, and its little or no cost to us. If your issues are service connected, it is free (and, the older you get-like me-the more you realize you REALLY abused your body as a young man!). The VA health care service gets a bad rap here-but, honestly, it has helped thousands of us, myself included. I wont necessarily call it a benefit, as its govt run, and certainly has its issues. But, for those in need, its here. And, as I said, I havent had a bad experience yet. Take care my friend. Today, here in the states, we are celebrating veterans day. Unfortunately, I am on a liquid diet until Saturday, as I have to go to the VA for minor surgery. Of course, lol :)

@jimbojet8728

2 жыл бұрын

@@oldsoldier181 one thing we have here is free health care for all, always! Everything health related for everyone is free! From birth to death! Glad you’re taken care of that way though.

Sometimes charity shops have a few ex-military bits in. A couple of years ago, I found a long back DPM Bergan in a charity shop, I asked how much and they said £10, as it was taking up space they needed. I paid my £10 and grabbed the Bergan. Got home, and checked it over, to find the additional Yoke and the 2 side rocket pouches on the inside of the Bergan, right at the bottom. Bonus. Best £10 I have ever spent.

My wife used to sell outdoor clothing and was a certified Gore technical consultant (great discounts at the time). One thing I learned from her was that military, workwear and expedition goretex can be far better than the high street civilian goretex. The high Street products are normally two layers (sometimes called class 2) of goretex membrane, the military kit is normally 3 layers (sometimes called class 3). This means the membrane is harder wearing, needs washing less frequently (breathable for longer) and lastly is waterproof for longer. If you have a goretex product and it's not what's called a drop liner ( a loose inner membrane like the craghoppers world first jackets were) if you slash water on it and it doesnt bead to the point you can flick it off, it needs washing and reproofing. Follow the instructions on the reproofer carefully, sometimes they advise to tumble dry to activate the finish. If you find it's not as breathable as expected or when you first bought it, it may just need washing, this can be done with pure soap Crystal's available from the super market. We normally collect to do a 'gore' wash, hats gloves, the lot and use a combined washing and reproofing product.

@glennjones7694

2 жыл бұрын

@Dan Didnot Lol, if your under that much water it's not going to be waterproof, although it may be flat.... grins

@alecturner2008

2 жыл бұрын

Not really pointless, it lasts longer due to the middle layer being bonded to the inner and outer membrane so there is no friction. Not really sure how altitude would have an affect.

@jasonjohnson6344

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info 👍

@moorshound3243

2 жыл бұрын

Yep I do the same thing.

@moorshound3243

2 жыл бұрын

@Dan Didnot not when your riding your Harley across Dartmoor in sideways November rain its not. Are you English?

Oh how I wish that we still had an actual Military Surplus store nearby - we had a great one (for years), now gone and much-missed. There are online options, of course, but there's no substitute (IMO) for eyeballing stuff, hefting it, and trying it on.

@trevwils6718

2 жыл бұрын

sounds like a business opportunity for you

@baronedipiemonte3990

2 жыл бұрын

I agree... I'm 56 and remember a few in my neck of the woods - that actually sold real SURPLUS. Now it's basically places that just sell cheap copies of items made in China by ________ ... and the price isn't always cheap. The sites I've found online that DO sell the real deal capitalize on that as well. Perhaps in England where this gentleman is surplus is readily available and affordable. Here in the States, it's a status symbol of sorts... and are charged according for it ! Right now I want a genuine, US GI standard alice clips canteen carrier... $20 used. Those British military Crusader Canteens and cups are highly sought here in the States, even as status symbols... Genuine military, not made in China

@Tom_Bee_

2 жыл бұрын

@@baronedipiemonte3990 I bought a full suit of that weird, grey digital camo that doesn't seem to blend in anywhere at all from Goodwill for the princely sum of eighteen dollars and I live in the UK lol Cost sixty dollars to send it home though, with some other choice keepsakes haha

@Tom_Bee_

2 жыл бұрын

@@baronedipiemonte3990 I also have a brilliant US army canteen pouch in the same camo from a supplier in Germany. Fifteen bucks and use it all the time.

@davidhoward6677

2 жыл бұрын

Yep, used to love wandering round the Army & Navy store, and the Famous Army stores in the town centre of a weekend. As a youth the stuff was fascinating, picked up some great bits for my time in the scouts. All sadly gone now

As a section commander I encouraged my guys to ditch mess tins and go with the crusader mug, I did in the end find a black teflon crusader mug. That surplus store musty smell on items I since found out that some of the kit is sprayed with a fungicide prior to storage. I have my summer sleeping bag in the car still, my only regret when leaving was giving in my bivvi bag. When on mechanised exercise I used to fix my bergan on the outside of vehicles and never had a issue with water getting in or dust . Whilst wild camping now I would put a hi vis marker panel on the bergan, not pretty but it will help others find you if you have issues, or others need of you.Great video Nick, I best stop commenting now, as I know it annoys you.

@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869

2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant move. I have a five man mess kit for hiking and camping but for lightweight, go cat go. Canteen cups and a canteen cup stove. I have regular LS1 cups and stoves or an LS1 Arctic canteen cup… my wife even likes them when we day hike. She gets weird when I drink the leftover water that Wigglesworth, our wonder corgi, didn’t finish. But she’ll kiss me again, eventually.

@LOFIGSD

2 жыл бұрын

Do the RAF still give their lads Wicker picnic Baskets with porcelain teas sets for venturing outside the Wire.

Still using my 1992 British Army Arctic sleeping bag, zips are bomb-proof and it's still like new!!! If your sleeping bag comes in a compression sack- only fully compress it when you have to, don't store any bag fully compressed as you'll compress the insulation unnecessarily and shorten the life of your bag.

@zoehancock

2 жыл бұрын

Ours hang in the wardrobe when not in use, with the compression bags attached.

@billyaitken1713

2 жыл бұрын

Zoe Hancock -😎👍, that's the perfect scenario for longevity, hang them from that strap on the end. If you can hang them rather than keeping them in the bag you avoid even moderate compression👏👏👏

I love it when metal looks scorched and dented 🥰

@gordoncody

2 жыл бұрын

I kind of have that look too lol after 20 years in.

i joined the marrytime army 40 years ago and im still fighting strong ! marriage is tougher than you think and the war for piece never ends!

Not for bushcraft, but I absolutely love my ex-RN Gore-tex waterproofs for riding my motorcycle in bad weather. I tried all sorts of jackets before getting this one and it's awesome. Big enough to pull over my regular bike jacket, unrestrtictive and I can stay dry for hours. Turns out those good folk in the RN know how to keep themselves dry! If I was going to start any serious hill walking again, I'd definitely be packing something similar to bring along.

lol I'm striped serched for my credit card by my husband before im even 5miles near an army surplus store-love em😂

@moorshound3243

2 жыл бұрын

Your my sort of women.

I still have my olive green PLCE 90 Bergen (yes I am that old!), while everyone else went 95 DPM, then MTP, and then to those awful Virtus suitcases, I kept my OG Bergen, I could do that, because as an attached arm nobody cared! It certainly stood out in a Bergen cash, easy to spot, even at night! Anyway, it is still going strong after 22 years of use, though it now has various fluid stains and is ingrained with the dust of at least three continents! For some reason they didn't want it back when I left.........

@liammalarky3483

2 жыл бұрын

I still have and use the Crusader/Vulcan that I bought in '87. Heavy even when empty but bombproof.

@haroldvonschwartzenstien3581

2 жыл бұрын

Easier to find on the carousel at Brize also 😉

@clivedunning4317

2 жыл бұрын

When the British Army changed from the green to DPM Bergens my mate , who was in the surplus trade, tried to source the green ones for sale in his shop. He was told the entire EWS (Emergency War Stock) of 250,000 bergens , a quarter of a million, had "disappeared " and no one in the MOD could find/locate them ! Often wonder where they went !

@Revup1

2 жыл бұрын

@@clivedunning4317 Sorry, I can't account for the other 249,999, but I'm still in touch with my old QM from those days, I'll ask him......he does have suspiciously large garage!!!!

@clivedunning4317

2 жыл бұрын

@@Revup1 Great reply , laughed my socks off !

I just got myself a 'new' windproof smock and pair of trousers this week for under £30, you can't go wrong at that price! My favourite purchase from army surplus is definitely the Arctic sleeping bag - the extra weight is "character-building" but can easily be strapped to a bicycle when you're sick of building your character 😂

@arlokootz3545

2 жыл бұрын

Yep I got an mtp windproof smock- I dyed it black- perfect fir outside usage! 👍

@joekurtz8303

2 жыл бұрын

Have both woodland and desert DPM smocks, no MTP yet, made well, holds up to use, stands out from the Herd of fasionistas' at 1/2 or better , the $$.

@morrislouiseeagle7161

2 жыл бұрын

i managed to get one of those too-weight heavy but soo warm

I bought that sleeping bag for $25 earlier this year and it was probably the best value for money I ever got out of a piece of kit. The bag is light and packs down small with a good compression bag. Yet on a night when the temperature unexpectedly dropped down near freezing, I was warm and cozy. Two great features not mentioned are an integrated mosquito net and the fact that you can zip it all the way open so it lies flat, allowing you to use it like a blanket or comforter.

I bought a Berghaus Cyclops Roc to go on exercise in Denmark back in the 80s. Still using it.

I have to be honest, I've stopped using most of my military surplus, yomping around Dartmoor (as you'll be well aware) is a ball-ache with wet, heavy gear. That said the 2 items I'd never ditch are the waterproof Bergen liner bag and my 1982 issue bivi bag...that thing is bombproof and at almost 40 years old, never failed me.

Last year when Covid struck, my nephew ordered a Polish ex Warsaw Pact NCB full face hood with a water bottle sticking out the side. No kidding, he was going to wear it shopping in the supermarket. No blue face nappy for him.

I always carried two 58 pattern water bottles, even in the Canadian forces. One had the bog standard black 58 plastic mug and the other one had a metal mug of some description over the decades.

Mil surp has been my go-to for “bombproof” effective gear for relatively cheap. Not just U.S. gear (im a yank) either. When i retired, i reported having “lost” my rucksack and was happy to pay the cost. And i just ordered the crusader 2 set for my solo trips. Milsurp is so worth it

The smell of WW2! That sounds like a rare find that I would enjoy.

Great video Nick! Thanks for sharing. I love old military surplus gear.

Another great vid can’t stress how much ur enthusiasm shines through great clear and concise info as always thank you 🙏

Brilliant advice, thank you 👍👊

Brilliant way to get started I love this kit it never lets you down nice and simply 👍

Throw that bag! Show why military gear has a purpose. Love it!!

glad I stumbled onto your page. Former USMC Recon (80's vintage). MOST of my bush gear is military surplus. I have been teaching my wife over the last few years and I owned enough gear or was able to scrounge from surplus places to outfit her as well. I don't have a modular sleep system YET, but that is a near-future purchase for the both of us. Currently running the bivy sac with a "Ranger Roll" - poncho (Malaysian in my case) and poncho liner. If needed I have a wool blanket in my ruck for if things get chilly.

Glad I found this channel - very well put together. Just a note on the Crusader Mug type gear - I was issued with a very similar US Army Canteen system back in the late 70’s. Nearly 50 years later, and after an initial 5 years of service with me in the Australian Army Reserve, it is still part of my essential camping system. I’ve made hot tea and coffee in it, drank out of it, cooked and eaten out of it, used it for shaving and it’s even worked as a “bush-shower”. Awesome bit of kit. Cheers from Oz 🇦🇺

Great items there . Robust sturdy functional kit . Thanks

I remember when the first military gear came out with those plastic buckles, back in the '70s. My first thought was that the gov't was going cheap. It's quite gratifying to see that they really are that durable! One thing new campers need to understand right off is that temperature ratings for sleeping gear is relative (and often optimistic). The military is more concerned with a soldier's effectiveness, not necessarily comfort. ALSO, each individual will perceive 'comfort' literally. Ah, the good old canteen cup! One thing the modern hydration systems cannot replace. 😉 Thanks for a very enjoyable video!

@ianstewart2335

Жыл бұрын

When we transitioned from ‘58 to PLCE we were initially excited because of the material it was made from - i.e. it wasn’t going to shrink as soon as it got wet. Unfortunately the early kit with the bergan and rocket packs wasn’t much use… it didn’t ‘mould’ like the ‘58 kit did and ‘making it fit’ was a real challenge. Having said that the bergan, although a super cheap version of the Berghaus Crusader, was a massive boon over the crap large pack which wasn’t too much larger than a pillowcase!! Years later it seems that the kinks have been ironed out, somewhat. This channel - and Nicks natural delivery will never get old… it’s absolutely riveting viewing. 👍🏻

Oh yeah I Love army surplus stuff! Sleeping bags, packs, mugs and canteens. Can be a bit bulky but great quality overall.

What a great video! This brought back memories of my beginning camping days. Got a lot of kit from the surplus store to get me started. I see from the other comments that many others did as well. These days, now that I am all growed up, I still use surplus military gear: the US sleep system, poncho, canteen & cup, German Victorinox knife, even some older ALICE gear. All this gear is tougher than I am. Thanks for this fun trip down Memory Lane.

Like your straightforward approach and how you keep on topic!

Great video Nick as always I agree surplus will always be my go to for most items so tough and durable which is essential going thru the forest. Have an Awesome Day 🙏👍

Thanks for sharing your wealth of experience with us. I really like your concise, no nonsense style and the obvious fact you're talking about tried and true techniques and equipment as opposed to some others in the genre who endlessly rehash the same old same old. The information you gave me about the sudden drop from beech trees, for example, could literally save my actual life!

Only just found your channel and am I glad I did. Can’t stop watching.

Thank you for making this video I learned a lot about backpacks from you. It’s important to know what makes a backpack practical and adaptable.

You are so right Nick, the availability of a quality kit that has been delivered because of operational needs in the past few years is absolutely astounding. The advancement and availability of equipment that has been developed for remote, hostile terrain at an affordable price has never been on offer before to so many people. If people get away from the big manufacturers (myself included😳) they’d save a fortune! Great channel pal, hope you and the family are well?!🇬🇧👍🏻

I’ve still got my U.S. Army MSS sleep system that I was issued. The day I cleared I told her to go ahead and charge me for it and the 100% wool sweater because they would not be getting that back. I use the green patrol bag during the Summer and I use the rest accordingly to how cold it is during the winter. I also use my poncho liner and wool blanket in certain scenarios as well. I feel blessed to still have most of my military gear. I use it all the time.

Very big fan of the Military Surplus kit.

Great tips. Surplus gear is super good stuff to get !

Miss your videos!! Going back watching one’s I missed! Thank you for your service! Come back soon!

I have two Dutch army ECW bags, they are big, heavy and fantastic, never had a cold night's sleep with them. I also have a Dutch army lightweight bag, great for summer. Totally with you on the crusader mug and tin foil lid. Great video thanks.

Excellent advice. Ruggedness, durability, absolutely bomb-proof bits of kit that will get you through no matter what. Crack on!!

That would make a bomb proof kit! Thanks for sharing my friend 🤠

A thing i want to mention. I see a lot of people doing hiking and camping "bushcraftstyle" with a lot of Camo-stuff. Camo backpack, camo trousers, camo hat. If you are hiking I advise you to wear bright and fairly good visible clothings. You are usualy not hiding from other people and if you get lost or fall down somewhere and need help, they can't spot you when you are in full military gear!

Another great vid bud, cheers for the knowledge. 👍🏻

I have always been a hard user of army surplus ever since I learned how to use it in the army. My motto is, if it's good enough for the army, it's even better for me. I'm not going to use it half as rough. I've even vot some kit that must be over 20 years old.

I have a crusader and a 58 pattern bottle. However, gone are the days of having your tea in your porridge, bacon, eggs and beans. So now I use an osprey mug, for its intended purpose. Handily, sitting on top of the bottle.

Very helpful video!

One of the best sleeping bags i have ever owned was a "green maggot" also known as a 58 Pattern sleeping bag the one with the rubberized bottom and the rain poncho that snapped into it...would love to own one again mine was stolen about 20 years ago...best bit of kit

That's my sleep system right there except I carry the medium sized modular bag and use inside the goretex bivvy bag. My bivvy bag has been adapted to cocoon my hammock so I can use on or off ground. The crusader cup is up there with my favourite piece of kit. Thank you. Paul 👍😊

‘Long Hag!’ A phrase I still use after hearing it first nearly 33 years ago! 👍🏻🤣👍🏻

Been using Military gear for fifty years now...tough as old boots...that Bergen says it all!...cheers from Montana!...woods

Another great video, mate. That Bergen pack is a winner.

I bought a artic bag -10 centre zip, £45, heavy and large but I only go local in winter, crusader kit is my favourite, but I ditched the water bottle, also have the plastic mug and base for solid fuel tablets, in cavity where bottle was I put a gas canister and burner and my brew kit, never without hot water. Packs into its own case, can't beat it. Cost about £30.

Hello, took your advice and bought myself a army surplus sleeping bag. I love it! Great buy. 55 pound! Thanks for the advice. Take care James

Nice video. Watching it as I kill time waiting for Hunter Gatherer. Totally agree on sleep system. Really like mine for winter camps.

I'm a million miles away on the other side of the pond But it's the same here army surplus is the way to go. Thanks for all you do and everything you've done keep the videos coming friend!

Yea, I really like your videos buddy! They are well put together and u make it easy to understand all the information you share. Thanx bro 👍

I'ts good to see how your site has grown a community. I have left a comment before being the kettle video . That gives context. You're doing good work and reaching people who wouldnt normally ask anyone for any sort of help. AKA Me. Hope your recovery continues and leads you to a better place. My journey has just begun. I'm not exservices but damned similar in context and outlook. well done.

Excellent video thanks.

Final ex ... i love it 😂 so many awesome memories including shoulders popping out due to the weight

I learned something new today. Thank you. Mr. Cross Detroit, Michigan / U.S.A.

Great video. Some of my personal favourite bits of kit. Regards JB.

Some great kit and certainly better than the 58 pattern kit I used in the mid 80s to mid 90s. The sleeping bag for definite! Great video and thanks for sharing

awesome stuff!

I love the surplus stores Nick. I particularly like the osprey bottle and crusader mug. ATB🏕🍻

Really enjoyed this one. Even happier given I'd bagged a long back bergen on ebay this morning. Keep up the good work!

Bravo Sir !!

Great video, always love seeing military surplus stuff! I've actually been eyeing a US GI modular sleep system on Ebay for a while which should range from 50 to -50 degrees fahrenheit (10 to -45 degrees C). Might pull the trigger after this vid, those Gore-Tex bivy bags seem to be loved by everyone, haha! We get fairly cold winter nights here in the Baltic Ocean but rarely a lot of snow so should work amazingly.

@GryphonIndustrial

2 жыл бұрын

If you don't pull the trigger on ebay then hit me up. I've got a spare that I'd let go. 4 piece set with 9 buckle compression sack and woodland bivy. Tags are still minty. I can't tell that it was ever even slept in. No evidence of any kind of body odor. I'd do $250 + plus shipping through paypal. I've got no problems sending pics or a video either. Regardless, I hope you enjoy the one you get. I'm still waiting for some real cold weather to test out the black bag.

First time in an army surplus store last week, searching for a tough bag to hold my plein air painting stuff. Previous videos helped define what to look for. Thanks. Still, I may have gone a bit too small but it will force me to downsize, or go back and get a slightly bigger bag for winter.

Another vote for the 58 mug. I've used mine for everything from cooking to digging holes. I have even drunk from it. Surprised you didn't mention taping the rim

@Dan-qg1bq

2 жыл бұрын

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 not always an option for me 👍

@ianstewart2335

Жыл бұрын

I used to tape mine as the plastic ‘rim’ that it came with often mysteriously disappeared! 🤣

I’ve just bought the Dutch canteen set. The kidney cup is a durable steel that has a nice weight to it. The butterfly handles are sturdy that don’t swing all over the place. I absolutely love it. Can’t wait to use it.

I love your ideals & mindset about second hand equipment..👍🏻 Most of mine comes from Thrift (secondhand) stores.. Watching from New Mexico, USA..

Cheers Mate. Thank you for your videos. I used Mil. Gear for 22 years (USMC and US Army), and I know its quality stuff. when I started my Civvie Bushcraft life, I went with Military surplus gear until I could afford to replace it with Non-Camouflaged stuff! ;-).

Old DPM is the best camo for England. I love that pack I use one for chainsaw gear & the other for hiking. Funny how all us UK bushcraft folk use similar gear. Great video thanks for posting.

Excellent mate gotta luv the crusader Cup and bergen they're made to last, my 90s dpm bergen still ok but my older 80s olive bergen needs waterproofing it's a bit of a sponge 🤣

If your sleep system is like the U.S. one it is awesome, slept in the open on top of the hummer during a rain storm at NTC CA. was nice and dry inside, woke to a thin layer of ice on the outside and was plenty warm. did not want to get out though.. true test of discipline.

@asmith7876

2 жыл бұрын

Holy crap, it rained at NTC??? When? One for the history books LOL. Surprised the rain didn't turn into steam first!

@gordoncody

2 жыл бұрын

@@asmith7876 doesn't happen often, was at dusk and the winter no risk of evaporation was cold as heck at night

@asmith7876

2 жыл бұрын

@@gordoncody NTC and 29 Palms, miserable pretty much year ‘round!

As an ex Army Cadet from 13 years old until i was 19 then a year in TA until smashing my knees..i started out camping using army kit and continued to.As you say Nick its cheap its strong and it will last longer than most. I have upgraded my pack to a Karrimor Condor 60-100 KS -100 E SA 1. Thanks to your videos iv just dumped the old mess tins from 1984 (i had them from new) to the Crusader Mk2 stove+cup kit.just waiting for it to arrive :-) Thanks for your videos and time and advice Nick. Cheers ;-)

For this gear I decided to spend for robustness, quality and lightweight. I went with the Karrimor SF 45 w/ rocket pouches, a S2S thermo liner (summer bag + winter liner), a -12 UGQ quilt w/ trimmings on a Thermarest Xtherm pad inside the Goretex bivy from the US MSS and the Pathfinder cookset plus.

Thank you for the video

Great Video , I love trail snobs, 3,000$ of gear and they still gripe cause it's cold/wet. You see them and everything they have is CLEAN, And they Monkey around with the gear to get it JUST right, I like the down and dirty, fire,eat,sleep and repeat. Great Vid, Yes I too sleep with a bivi in the hammock and tarp for the same reason. Can you do a vid on BUG's control, On the person and around camp some areas are just crappy for bugs and make for a nasty night in the woods.

The camping gear looks so reliable in the woods.😀👍👍

Excellent Thank u

Summer bag of a military sleeping bag system was my first real surplus camping gear. Canteens and mesh kits soon followed, and then I needed warmer gear. Size of a surplus version of Carinthia defcon 4 suprised me as my backpack turned to be too small. Dutch Surplus rucksack was my next purchase, and it now carries my cold wearher gear here in Finland

Another great video cheers

Nick, thanks a lot for this video. I'm just getting into this stuff myself and your advice prompted me to go to my local military surplus shop. Just picked up a brand new un-used woodland DPM long back Bergen for just £45. Excellent value, as you say not the lightest piece of kit but I wasn't going to get anything lighter at this price point. Highly recommend anyone else just starting out to check out your local military surplus store.

@ianstewart2335

Жыл бұрын

Loads on marketplace, too! 😉

Thank you Nick! I want a Bergen! Many greerings from the vacation (Creti)

I love your videos and even ordered TWO of those summer bags for myself and the wife to go Kayaking here in Texas. Thanks!!!! Do a video on your wonderful Crusader Canteen kits (if you havent already)!!!

Love ur vedios and taunting face when when u were explaining ultra light movement. Love u man

Can't beat military grade gear. 👍👍👍👍👍

Greetings from across the pond !

Thanks brother just showed Facebook family a video the same similar thing using US Marine Corps gear and the proverbial canteen cups used by us. The didn’t know that’s all we have to cook clean and drink with. When backpackers have so much gear they get to decide from. Their experiences are nowhere near ours under the conditions to what we go thru. But shared this link with them. So the can see from another perspective of other military services. SEMPER FI Brother

Ann Arbor, Michigan. Great Vid. Cheers 🍻

Cannot beat ex army equipment when on a budget good value. Nice one.

Love the longback bergan, I sold mine to a friend when his civilian pack broke, he loves it, I generally use my sf predator 45 with the side pouchs which is a brilliant pack, for my outdoor adventures, but have picked up another longback bergan and a all arms pack (turtle pack) ,as putting together kits for my kids , now there old enough to carry them packs, have afew crusader mugs amongst other military surplus gear, I have one of the heavy cover lids that they made for the crusader mug (shame they stopped making them), yes was a expensive lid, but is a beast of a lid ,perfect with the crusader mug, I've even dug a hole with the crusader mug, then quick wipe, and made a brew in the mug, a must have bit of kit, good health and safe travels, cheers craig

Military surplus stores have been a god send in buying quality kit cheap. I had a shop bought sleeping bag from Millets (IIRC) that wasn't up to scratch in the cold. I found an M90 ECW Dutch Army sleeping bag for £50 that has been my go to for any camping trips I've had since. The only issue with it is that the pooch decided to christen it, so it needs dry cleaning.

Great video mate, I still use my Arctic doss bag, Gortex bivvy, Crusader mug and issued Water bottle, Long back Bergen, issued Waterproof Gortex jacket and bottoms, I swear by them, as used in the forces, if I had a lot of money I would still use them, obviously improve on branded equipment, tried and tested, but this issued kit isn't far off the mark, I even bought a Keela waterproof jacket secondhand, and I'm yet to try it out, I set sail tomorrow on a epic adventure from Troon near Glasgow , sail past John O'Groats then to Lands End with Turn to Starboard in Falmouth, I shall be making a journal and uploading it to my channel. Keep this great content coming mate :)

Lol im not the only one who sees the bivi bag as a vital last line of defence ive also spent weeks in a wet and cold maggot to know how valuable they are mine goes everywhere even in tents. Thank you for the upload i have same kit as you pretty much even now,if it isnt broke dont fix it lol thank you again.

another great video, nice one

Seeing you throw the bag around so casually got a giggle out of me