1920s Wilderness Kit: Authentic Camping Gear from the Golden Era!

Explore the fascinating "1920s Wilderness Kit," featuring authentic camping items from the golden era of exploration, including military surplus from the Spanish American War and World War 1. Discover the essential gear and clothing typical of a woods wandering kit, from cookware and silverware to pocket items and foodstuffs. Join us as we delve into the history and practical uses of these vintage camping essentials, perfect for enthusiasts of historical outdoor adventures!
For more information on classes, to check out the required gear list, or buy Merch go to: waypointsurviv...
To support our work on Patreon: / waypointsurvival
Here's a link to my Teespring Merchandise: teespring.com/...
My Instagram link: www.instagram....

[@tolik5929]

You should do a 1950's kit . Same as the 20's kit , but now you would have WW2 bring backs from those guys . Like the german M31 mess kit , things like that . A lot of those guys would slice up potatos , salt and pepper them , then eat them raw . They got used to it from being an infantryman in WW2 . I tried it , it was actually not bad .

[@henryschmidt636]

My Dad was a German Infantry man during the First World War. He regularly ate raw potato sliced on bread. It wasn't bad.

[@jon9021]

That’s a good idea..

[@TaxConsumer]

@@henryschmidt636if your hungry enough you could probably eat a shoe

[@madjack821]

I grew up doing that

[@highdesert50]

I recall using a lot of WW2 and Korean war military surplus available to Cub and Boy Scouts. Those wool mummy/sleeping bags bring back some itchy memories.

[@Terry_weston4570]

Me at 74 also, your series keeps my past alive, it never ceases to amaze me. Thank you

[@adrianmeredith7619]

@@Terry_weston4570 Only 56 but I know what you mean Sir

[@tennesseesmoky9012]

By examining the past we can learn so much that better prepares us for our future. In the Roaring Twenties life was good for many Americans. The stock market was rising, prosperity was booming, and companies started mass production of consumer goods. The electrification of America was finally happening and women gained the right to vote. People back then were very resilient, because they had learned from the generations before them to take care of themselves. Here, your 1920s personal camping kit sure looks similar to the items listed in a modern 10 C’s of preparedness/survival kit. Excellent content here Mr. James Bender. Great information about the early American past that is still useful to us today. I greatly appreciate your commitment and your authenticity. - Tennessee Smoky

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much, my friend!

[@maxpinson5002]

Very nice My folks didn't transport salt pork or bacon very often because they didn't really travel much of anywhere besides to town every blue moon, or to church or to school. But when they did, the pork would be wrapped in cheesecloth or cotton cloth from feed and flour and sugar sacks, or in the waxed paper of the era. Nothing like what we have now. More like brown butcher paper that was waxed. The climate here necessitated the meat needed to "breathe" so it wouldn't get moldy ( even though it was heavily salted) They might have carried tea, but more likely coffee or yaupon. If they were on a fishing trip or something like that when crops didn't need babysitting, they could gather wood sorrel and poke salad and such at the destination Thanks for the video

[@Seamus3051]

Thank you, Mr. Bender, for both the nostalgia and the innovative ideas. My late parents had an, often used quote, "Necessity is the Mother of invention". In times past, not everything was "ready made" so innovation was a necessary part of life. Stay well & safe. Cheers.

[@jastrapper190]

Awesome leatherwork and design for the canteen cover. That’s really cool. I might have to make one of those.

[@bobcatarizona4840]

Very nice vintage kit. I love the bacon tin. First time seeing one. I've seen a few other comments asking for a 1950s kit. I would also love to see that video.

[@WayPointSurvival]

We are working on that!

[@sonicplanet9193]

I've been doing this for over 30 years. Over that period it's difficult to find new information. The double sided tin is awesome.

[@yakfishin4912]

Cool kit James. I love your passion for the hobo. I'm from WV. Seen a lot of hobos in the hobo jungle back in the day. They would run us off from back in there. We thought they were A-holes but now I know why some of them did that James. Some of them didn't have the best of intentions man

[@arctodussimus6198]

What a wonderful walk through history. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@texasjoe3261]

Thank You For Sharing, James ! Excellent Presentation, As Usual.

[@davesanders9203]

A bunch of old fogies here! Glad to see some are still active!. We gotta fighure how to pack our "old stuff" up and pass in on to our grandkids.

[@AriThecraftydragon]

Nice outfit, kit & video.

[@Wdstroud]

Great video as usual. Lots of great content. Thanks for showing all the neat stuff you carry. I love all period items you use.

[@Captain-Max]

At 74, you always take me back to my childhood memories. At the ripe old age if 6, 7, maybe 8, myself and a couple buddies befriended the elderly widow next door. Keep in mind this was country life so next door was a quarter mile down the road. We would make a point of visiting her every few weeks to enjoy stories of her younger years. There were usually cookies involved and on rare occasions a visit to her attic where she stored precious memories of her husband and grown son who lived in Minneapolis 150 miles away. Her son was a collector of model cars and I believe her husband was an avid fisherman and outdoors enthusiast. I remember his wicker fishing creel and assorted fishing rods, reels, and tackle that were all period correct for this series. Good memories for sure.

[@deskgamesix]

Great post, Captain-Max.

[@MrBaconhear_]

what street was that

[@Captain-Max]

@deskgamesix road, remember country life. The widow lady drove a new black 1955 Chevy, carefully kept in an old model A garage. The son, before he left for the big city, had an old 1940ish hump back Ford coupe. Appropriately in pimer paint and hot rodded to some extent. As I understand it, he went on to own a car business of some sort. Might have been foreign cars, but I'm not sure.

[@knokname6466]

Your elderly widow sounds exactly like the woman who lived across the street car trail from us. Always a story to go with the cookies and fresh cream, Loved those old days and will cherish their memories long as I can. Life should be so good now-a-days, but we're in too big a hurry.

[@silverhammer7779]

James, love your kit videos. The basics of preparedness never change, and it never hurts to be prepared for the extremely unlikely, but nevertheless possible and unexpected. When venturing into the wilderness, especially an unfamiliar wilderness, ALWAYS take enough gear and provisions with you to find your way back or enable you to hole up for a while should you need to. As the great Daniel Boone (supposedly) said, "I've never been lost, but I was mighty turned around for three days once!" If it could happen to someone like him, remember...you ain't Daniel Boone!

[@Georgecobb-s1v]

Another great one, James; as well as another walk down Memory Lane. My grandfather served in France in WW I, & as I indicated previously, I have a WW I military cnateen but not a nice leather case like yours. Grandaddy & my beloved grandmother married shortly after the War & my Daddy was born in 1922. He & Mamma were very familiar with the period which you represent in this video. AsI i mentioned previously, I have several items appropriate for periods which you portray. Thank you. God bless you; & to God be the glory!

[@jth56]

Another fantastic video James. I love the view back in time and it brings to remembrance items my grandparents had around. Thank you!!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@preppinglife624]

I always respect and enjoy your historical knowledge!

[@johnburgin7478]

Always a pleasure to see your treasures James . Naturally I love the bacon tin . Have a great day

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks, you too!

[@smd482000]

that cool condonement container

[@jasonjohnson6344]

You have some very cool gear in your collections. Thanks for sharing them with us.

[@jro341]

Nice items. I like vintage stuff.

[@markjones7063]

James! Nice contribution to your series. Isn't it amazing how basic a kit can be? Back in the day, I used to strive for the 20 pound pack for overnight ventures. This led to learning how to sleep in a hammock, LOL. Really enjoy your videos, please keep up the great work.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much!

[@jameslaime7497]

Yes your spice is coming very handy even for hunting

[@dhession64]

This is really interesting. It makes me think of what Boy Scouts would be carrying in the organization's early years if they were making a day trip into the woods, or wherever. I'd like to think my grandfather would be using this very same kit, or something very similar, had he done this.

[@FidoHouse]

Good stuff, James!

[@halfsharona]

Using the cooking kit on the trail would be great.

[@glenharrison123]

A very interesting gear line up,thanks for sharing this mate!

[@anthonyjacobs6790]

You always have such interesting items.

[@CargoBikeCowboy]

I really enjoy your videos. I think people from this time, Era had a much better understanding of wilderness skills, and could carry less into the wilderness, relying more on knowledge than people today.

[@dorseyblack9833]

Great video, man! 😊

[@WayPointSurvival]

Glad you liked it!

[@ricktuma3233]

That was an awesome video !! Thank you James 👍

[@ifyoudontfailyouarenoteven6210]

Pretty cool set, thank you.

[@richardteuten4435]

When my Dad was young he'd take a soup can poke some holes in it, attach a long piece of wire to the top. Then put an inch of hot coals in it, then insert the spud. Cover it with more coals and swing it around his head. Tator was cooked in 5 minutes!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for the info!

[@articlegaming0016]

Another awesome video!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@aaron2709]

Excellent. I don't have a hatchet but both my father and I have Estwing hammers.

[@Jaybodian]

I need to applaud you James. You got out of your way for these videos, from the research, to having the proper equipment, to having those vintage tins, even dressing the part, you go out of your way for these videos. But I do need to ask, when did this interest in the hobo/vintage camping/survival happen and why this specifically?

[@WayPointSurvival]

Many years ago. Have you seen the 1790s series?

[@dm1523]

Nothing like a good piece of hickory!

[@oilburner8548]

Bacon and chips- sorry fries , yeah I could do a day out with that gear plus a couple of beers. Thanks James 👍

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@mrkultra1655]

Thanks James

[@WayPointSurvival]

You're welcome!

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Thanks James😊

[@WayPointSurvival]

You're welcome, my friend!

[@silverhawk8169]

Great video. Like the vintage items!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@guardianofgoblins682]

Im trying to learn more about vintage gear im kinda obsessed with the civil war and Spanish American war so the havar sack was really cool a great video to start with seeing as I've never watched your videos before.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much!

[@guardianofgoblins682]

@@WayPointSurvival your welcome

[@Gilbertteregarde]

Hi, i Tell you in french "vous avez la classe"👍🏻 thanks for this vidéo from Brest

[@WayPointSurvival]

You are welcome!

[@tomritter493]

Gewat cid jim love that old gear I remember some of that stuff being normal like the fishing kit and such

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks, my friend! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@pinetree9343]

Another nicely done video James. What do you do, walk through a museum or perfected the 1960s TV time tunnel.

[@WayPointSurvival]

I spend a serious amount of time and finances finding these items!

[@honorableoutfitters]

Ooooo, I gotta track down one of those condiment tins!

[@WayPointSurvival]

They are very cool!

[@Jerrylance-ty1re]

Mt man here watching yes fire starter all ways 👍👍

[@JustineWiniker]

Nothing better than squirrels cooked with bouillon cubes!

[@andydaniels3029]

Another great video. I would have thought a plate and/or bowl of sorts would have gone in that empty pocket considering you had the pan, the meat tin, and the bullion cubes, but maybe the idea is to use the tin or the pan for double duty as such? Also would have thought the jacket pockets would have been loaded out, but I guess given the amount of gear strictly necessary to bring along, that might be just carrying too much unnecessary stuff.

[@globyois]

That’s too cool! Thanks.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Glad you like it!

[@terryfallert1371]

Way point is the right point

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@ssechres]

I learned to cook potatoes in the coals of a dying fire. Had to wipe off the ashes. Still good!

[@robduncan599]

I really enjoyed your video film.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@3dawgs147]

Great Video James 👍👍 My Ohio Brother

[@jenandjim149]

nice video, loved the outfit and the gear!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so very much!

[@French-o8u]

Nice ! I would wrap my bacon in a beeswax food wrap our in oiled paper.

[@abrunson9022]

thanks man very nice

[@WayPointSurvival]

You're welcome!

[@tuerkefechi]

Very cool

[@lesmazur5690]

Great grandpa's MAS pouch was pretty cool I gotta admit it Wonder if anybody makes those

[@WayPointSurvival]

You can probably find someone that does!

[@andrewpalmer1630]

Good show. I have an Everglades wandering kit for Florida hikes.

[@ArmoredXJ]

Very cool! I really like the bacon tin and the little metal tube for the bullion cubes. I assume stainless steel is the modern replacement for tinning but what could I find as a match for the metal tube for the bullion cubes?

[@WayPointSurvival]

Probably a reproduction match safe from Marbles.

[@ArmoredXJ]

@@WayPointSurvival okay! Thanks! I will see what I can find!

[@markwatson3135]

It would be so cool if there was a modern reproduction,, very compact, I know I’d buy one

[@crossxcats]

you have a Mercator knife :) I like those knives

[@WayPointSurvival]

They are really nice!

[@nathanwhite5602]

Cool video

[@Miclantechupi]

Less the tie, that's pretty much what I carry today.

[@TvAS428]

Dein Kanal ist einzigartig und faszinierend. Du zeigst noch das ursprüngliche Bushcraft. Mit einfachen eigenen Mitteln die Ausrüstung zusammenstellen, ohne super teure high-tech-Ausrüstung. Das regt zum Nachahmen an. Leider gibt es heutzutage immer weniger von den ursprünglichen Verpackungen wie Blechschachteln und Blechdosen. Auch die robusten Baumwolltaschen sind nur noch schwer aufzutreiben. Woher bekommst Du all die originellen Gegenstände? Beste Grüße aus Deutschlend (Frankfurt an der Oder, 90 Km östlich von Berlin) nach Amerika.

[@WayPointSurvival]

I purchased many of them from ebay.

[@BR-io9vm]

Kid 1: I want to be an astronaut when I grow up! Kid 2: I want to be a fireman! WayPoint Survival:

[@dizzysdoings]

Love the socks. 😂 Don't know if you've covered it in another video, but how do you keep the bacon from spoiling?

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much! The bacon will last for months if it's properly dry cured which is what they used back in the day.

[@dizzysdoings]

@@WayPointSurvival gotcha. May have to look into how to do that.

[@keithmoore5306]

you know James a S+W model 34 kit gun (a 4 inch 6 shot 22 revolver!) in a nice leather holster or a poachers cane gun would go nice with that kit! (those things are a hoot a under hammer muzzleloader or a 410 cane gun with a removable shoulder stock something i definitely keep an eye out to pick up just because i find them fun and want one!!) you know just a little protection nothing too outrageous or too big! the kit itself i think it needs a compass pencil notebook and maybe a pair of binoculars if you;'re scouting hunting locations, maybe a little flour to make some fry bread to go with bacon too? on the tomahawk i've got an old corn knife about 10 to 12 inches long that's pretty much a machete by another name (but will actually take and keep an edge!!) from back then that could take it's place in that kit! i don't know what steel that blade is made of but i'd like a full pickup load of it!!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Absolutely. There are a number of things that one could add to make this more useful and to cover a wider range of contingencies.

[@alexfogg381]

Where or how did find that leather cover for your m1910 canteen? Excellent touch with the model 1874 haversack, along with the model 1910 bacon can and condiment can. I would say Horace kephart would approve of your kit.

[@WayPointSurvival]

I found it on eBay.

[@alexfogg381]

​@@WayPointSurvival, thank you for answering my question good sir.

[@YTusercomment]

I realize you're compiling and demonstrating outfitting of a certain period....myself though, I'd lose the hatchet and carry a large blade knife. If I'm out for just a day of "woods wandering", I'm not that concerned with processing a serious amount of firewood and could achieve the same as the hatchet with a large-bladed knife, and it's more versatile.

[@MarkEvans-wx3sg]

Praise The Lord!!

[@woodstrekker6345]

I've been doing some research and putting together a haversack full of contents you would find on the deciples during the time of Jesus to show the youth at our church. I'd love to see what you'd come up with. Thanks.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Very interesting. I'd love to see what YOU come up with as well!

[@jimcy1319]

I think I'd carry the fishing kit in a chest pocket. I'd rather it stuck in my chest than my plums.

[@WayPointSurvival]

It can't come apart accidently way that it's put together.

[@PAExploration]

What kind of jackknife was that? It looked very well made.

[@WayPointSurvival]

I don't remember right off, but someone else named it in the comments section.

[@PAExploration]

@@WayPointSurvival No worries, I’ll see if I can find it there, Thank You!

[@Binxx00]

Liked. Can't subscribe as I'm already subbed. Keep up the great content please!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks! Will do!

[@Everydayytber]

Where’s the razor

[@WayPointSurvival]

Just for a day trip?

[@yumabones9093]

How do you boil water? No kettle?

[@WayPointSurvival]

In the canteen.

[@Rankin-ct1gw]

Where do you find all these neat thing s❤

[@WayPointSurvival]

Ebay, Etsy, yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores etc.

[@serenepeacefulrelaxingmusi3874]

This is a comment for the algorithm.

[@Pygar2]

Where can I get my bacon can re-tinned?

[@WayPointSurvival]

There are companies who offer retinning for old items, you can find them online.

[@thedriftingspore]

Yes sir, that's everything you would need to head out for a nice bit of time exploring the woods. simple and functional. Really dig the items you're getting together. There's something exciting about seeing stuff from that time period and how much sense it makes. Thank you James!

[@mallyredfearn6834]

The potato is also great for burns. I've been using the method for more than 40 years and the family use it too now. Burns (skin not broken), peel potato and scrape a right good mush. We're not looking for a thin spread, but a pile covering the burn. Use anything to hold in place. Even folded kitchen roll and masking tape do the job. The pain goes almost instantly. Leave in place as long as possible, preferably overnight, as it also promotes healing. Can't speak highly enough of this. You'll be very surprised if you ever need it.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Excellent. Thanks for letting me know!

[@larryhoover7389]

Excellent video. I’m totally enjoying the Hobo video series. Thank You!

[@ernstandersen979]

👍

[@moorshound3243]

This series has actually made me rethink my whole setup and now I go hiking hobo style, everything just works is rugged cheap and I love it.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Glad you like them!

[@moorshound3243]

Sir you always put on one hell of a good show. Hats off to you. Nice kit.

[@nickcasolino8903]

Hi James, You know when you say "Always carry a Survival kit even when you take an Hour Walk". Today, the news reported of a hiker that got rescued after 10 days. He planned a 3 hour hike but got lost for 10. He had on him: his shirt, pants, boots and a Hat. He was drinking water using his boots. I hope that he didn't have Athlete foot disease. Moral : "Always be prepared" like the Scouts. Just sharing how easily a person, beginner or professional, can get lost in the wilderness. Thanks

[@StarwaterCWS]

Exactly. The guy you are speaking of was a regular hiker. Unprepared hiker.

[@ebutler2023]

Actually, he didn't even have a shirt on.

[@WayPointSurvival]

You're very welcome!

[@mikeks8181]

Nice to hear he made it! Reminds me of Gilligan's Island! Three hour tour!

[@kimberlyc84]

​@@mikeks8181 Hubs & I started singing the theme song as soon as we saw the story! Even if I'm just running errands for 30 minutes, I take pretzels, granola bar, & a thermos of water. I get snackattacky waiting at a stop light! I can't imagine going for my morning walk (45 minutes) much less full on hiking with absolutely NOTHING. Glad it worked out for him.

[@smoothvern165]

You have such excellent kits. I love the vintage items!

[@jastrapper190]

My grandpa had a tin similar to the one shown. He carried flour and salt in it along with a bottle of vegetable oil and we would make Bannock bread wrapped like a snake around a stick and baked over the campfire when we would go into the UP of Michigan to hunt. Like a marshmallow. If you have never had bread off a stick… you never went camping with my Grandpa. Lol. He’s also the one that taught me you could throw spam or hash in cans (with a hole poked in them) directly into the fire pit and fish them out with sticks to get some hot food quickly when it’s freezing cold and you don’t have any proper cookware. My Grandpa said he learned that trick in the Army with C rations and being stationed at Fort Drum (I think) in New York in the winter. At that time they only had a bonfire, P38 can opener, and frozen c rations… so they made do. He also said invariably some people would forget to poke a hole in the can and the whole thing would explode before they could fish the cans out. Thanks for the video. Loved it.

[@debluetailfly]

Unfortunately, cans nowadays all have plastic linings, so it is not a good idea to heat the cans. Edward Abbey liked to heat cans of beans in a fire. When he heard it pop, (I think for the 3rd time, but do't hold me to it), he would take it out of the fire, open it and eat.

[@cavemanNCC1701]

The canteen and cover are BEAUTIFUL ! 😁😁😁

[@henryganzer4685]

i am working here at a project to make something similar to that but with a little bigger modern bottle

[@aaronnoffsinger5922]

At 45 I am sad that a person can't hardly enjoy the woods any more without the noise of campers, ATVs, dogs with no manners and screaming kids. Even Montana and Wyoming are a circus now. A large guest ranch has been the best solution, and some don't charge much to camp and fish in peace with your cool kit.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Indeed.

[@guardianofgoblins682]

I'm 34 and grew up on a farm. When I moved down south that's all I hear in parks and WMA land anymore it's almost impossible to get a relaxing fishing trip in these days

[@susanp.collins7834]

I have an UNBELIEVABLE bushjacket - it has six pockets, two of which are HUGE. It has a shoulder and top of the back flap like a coach man's cloak. Its thick and warm and a tad too big for me but it was given to me by my friends husband. He's a farmer and ever year at Christmas he gets gifts from firms that he's done business with during the year - quite often jackets like the one he gave me.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Excellent!

[@henryganzer4685]

sounds interesting, is there any link or keyword to find a picture or a manufacturer from such a thing ?

[@Cadiangrunt99]

the condaments kit is an amazing idea.

[@homeofinventions]

condiments

[@moorshound3243]

Yep Dave Canterbury will have a modern version on his site soon haha

[@Cadiangrunt99]

@@moorshound3243 Going to have to watch for that!

[@Warcrimeenthusiast]

Made of titanium ​@@moorshound3243

[@wkb373]

I like how vintage military surplus is used in retro or even current hiking. I recently caught a video of a Russian KZbinr utilizing a WWII German gas mask can as a meat storage container while visiting his remote cabin. The meat was wrapped in paper.

[@shaynehawkins713]

Wow. So cool. Im into bushcraft and now hikers training. This old school i love the most. Makes me realize what pioneers did.

[@lanedexter6303]

I love it! Great basic kit, no cell phone, GPS or electronic toys, nothing synthetic. Just all practical.

[@_Steve___O___]

Moin moin.. What a nice Kit ..! Sorry for my Englisch. Sehr Gut 👍 Genau sowas versuche ich mir , Für Heute , mit geringen Mitteln und aus meiner bescheidenen Sammlung , zusammen zu stellen. Deine Videos sind einfach Genial, bin Ein großer Fan davon. Weiter so und viele Grüße, Stephan aus Kiel , North Germany 👍😁🤘

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much!

[@mauryoden]

James is a walking museum, love it thanks.

[@sargevining]

'Tis a brave man that wanders out wearing argyle socks for all the world to see. There were always bouillon cubes in my Dad's kit. Cook frogs, salamanders, and newts (tastes like chicken) and mix in some Indian Cucumbers for a quick and easy soup.

[@retiredyeti5555]

My dad always carried a small mess kit that contained garlic salt - he said it made any meal into a feast - he also taught me how to survive by eating certain vegetation from the land. I still eat dandelion greens and buds, purslane and other plants( that most call weeds) from my organic lawns,

[@sargevining]

@@retiredyeti5555 Purslane. I haven't heard that word since I left NH. My Grandmother once made my Grandad buy a plot of land because there was purslane on it. Indian cucumbers was my go to forage and we carried celery salt instead of garlic salt, and always chicken and beef bouillon.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Right!

[@retiredyeti5555]

@@sargevining - I had purslane growing between the sidewalk slabs at my former house, and I was not aware what it was. My dad was visiting, and almost had a hissy fit when he saw what I was throwing away. Said his grandma used it to thicken soups and stews, and then he used some that night to make a delicious beef stew for us. Now I don't throw it away.