Bedroll & Haversack Camping, 1877 Advice from a Civil War Veteran

In North America during the1800s, people often camped on private property when walking from place to place. Farmers provided food and supplies for a small fee. John Muir, one of the most influential conservationists and nature writers in American history, used this mode of travel to walk 1,000 miles from Indiana to the Gulf of Mexico, immediately after the Civil War. Years later, as families were moving into the cities, young men had forgotten how camp-out. To provide advice, John M. Gould, a veteran of the Civil War, wrote an informative book, titled "How to Camp Out." This book provided simple instructions - on how to enjoy camping and hiking. These instructions are as valuable today as they were more than 125 years ago. See: www.gutenberg.o...
This video demonstrates key instructions from this book (and other references): blanket rolls, haversacks, camping on private property, plow point shelters, trench fires, simple food and writing a diary. The video is not an historic reenactment per se, for it demonstrates traditional methods, using modern materials.
Videography by Ken Kramm, filmed in east Texas, January 2014; Canon Vixia HF G10, Final Cut Pro X. Thanks to the Textile Ranger at textileranger.com, Rex at Jazzbanjorex for recording a rendition of "Goober Peas" for the video ( • Goober Peas, Civil War... ) and the entire KZbin community for ideas, suggestions and gifts that were used in this video. "Buffalo Gals" and "Hot Time in the Old Town" by The Heftone Banjo Banjo Orchestra are licensed under a Creative Commons Share Alike License, heftone.com/orc.... They were used with permission from Brian Hefferan.

[@shadetreeforge]

Hi Ken, As a former civil war re-enactor, I enjoyed many a weekend living such as this, it is a great way to get away from it all, we really don't appreciate all the modern convieniences until you have to live with out them

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks for watching and commenting. We had a lot of fun pretending it was 125+ years ago..... but it was exhausting without modern conveniences. Have a good week ahead, my friend. Ken

[@richschwartz8004]

Thank you both for taking the time and making the effort to share your knowledge in a entertaining way.

[@KennethKramm]

You're welcome Rich. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment. ATB, Ken

[@pinocchiocozad1222]

your easygoing manner makes it easy to learn from you.

[@OldTaiwanese12]

I had stopped camping after a disastrous experience several decades ago, but you films reignited my inner instinctive camping desire. Looking forward to seeing more of your camping activities and advice.

[@KennethKramm]

Alioth Chen Thanks Alioth. Stay tuned .... More camping video will be uploaded soon.....

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Words can't explain how much I enjoyed this video. I have already gone to Amazon and purchased the book, I really look forward to reading it. Thanks to you and everyone else that put effort in on this video. Jason

[@KennethKramm]

Hi Jason. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment. You'll enjoy the book. It is packed with information that is as valuable today as it was in the 1870s. ATB, Ken

[@TheGrayman1234]

I am sure a piece of advice to add would be "Don't pick up another man's canteen and pour yourself a glass of his water without asking." LOL

[@Chromanoutdoors]

+TheGrayman1234 STAGED!!! ITS A CONSPIRACY DUDEMAN!!!!

[@TheGrayman1234]

+Intuitive Survival Staged really?!?! You mean they did not have digital video cameras in the late 1800's?

[@Chromanoutdoors]

TheGrayman1234 No, But they did have turkey, So all is good. You will not need to go back in time and save the turkeys anymore.

[@ketchupthecondiment7076]

He paid him back in goobers

[@LegionarHR]

This video made me so happy, I just came home from night shift and now I am planing camping trip tomorrow :)) ty for this video!

[@shawnpollard2727]

Thanks for the memories. Well done gentlemen.

[@KennethKramm]

Shawn Pollard You're welcome Shawn ....ken

[@LeopoldUlysees]

Still one of the best series on the Tube.

[@KennethKramm]

+LeopoldUlysees Thanks!

[@jamesteffertiller7813]

Brings back sweet memories. In spring I'll start camping again.

[@KennethKramm]

+James teffertiller Thanks!

[@wufandou7116]

I like your video. You are an outdoor gentleman, from whom I learnt a lot. Thank you!

[@rainbowhiker]

Bob--Ken, that was great. Good re-enactment of what went on in those days of basic camping. Some good skills you both showed us rookies. Thanks to both of you.

[@MDC2020]

Just goes to show ya, your never to old or young to play in the woods on a pretty day..lol

[@KennethKramm]

My Damn Channel I't fun to play. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Meattrapper]

This was a great video and you should be proud of your work. It's a much bigger effort to make a video like this than most people recognize. Well done!

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks. Bob and I were exhausted after the weekend was over. But the results were worth it..... and it did feel like we were living 125+ years ago. ATB ....Ken

[@DaeViZ0n3]

Thank you Kenneth, it has been a pleasure watching this :) greetings from Germany!

[@KennethKramm]

You’re welcome. Thank you for watching and taking time to comment

[@thhm]

love the advice on keeping a journal.. i'm getting one now!

[@q9020]

wow just simply amazing, the bond between you guys is unbreakable.

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks John.

[@RalphReagan]

Both boiled and roasted are excellent!

[@onecellmaerk]

I first thought it was the hokiest video ever but after a minute I became strangly hooked! Got any more?

[@KennethKramm]

Check out the playlist 1800s style camping on my channel page. There are about 15 videos in this category. These videos are intended to communicate information in a fun way. We are guys having fun and learning from the past; not actors. Entirely non-profit

[@normarivera807]

I must be honnest.this style of hobo camping really appeals to me.youve done a great job I ordered my haversack and I'll be camping soon

[@fede1233]

one of the best videos in youtube . awesome

[@KennethKramm]

fede javia Thanks for watching and taking time to comment. ATB, Ken

[@kc329191]

Great video! So cool to see how they did things back in the 1870's. The respect we had back then compared to now is amazing. Great period snapshot.

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks for watching and taking time to comment. ATB, Ken

[@parkerlee711]

Thanks Ken & Bob enjoyed very much.

[@KennethKramm]

You're welcome, Parker.

[@76unclefester]

Just started watching your videos I really enjoy them I to am a leave no trace behind kind of guy . I am lucky enough to enjoy living on a 30 acre farm in murrells inlet sc. Its whats left of my familys tobacco plantation . We let teens camp in the old fields sometimes it brakes my heart the messes they leave behind god bless and happy trails .

[@danielthompson6207]

Ken, your videos are very greatly appreciated and informative, and I love the real-world demonstrations! I've been haversack camping for several years now and it's always a pleasure to see the experiences of others who enjoy it as well, thank you for sharing all of this

[@randomuser1105]

This video is oddly hypnotic. I love it.

[@quickscopedmofo]

I'm a volunteer historical interpreter and volunteer at a farm here in central ohio that's set in the 1880s, I dress up in costume, and work with the animals there. You can look at my picture and see me holding a couple week old lamb. I really enjoyed this video. :)

[@KennethKramm]

Andrew Gman Thanks, Andrew. Great picture and excellent costume.

[@quickscopedmofo]

KennethKramm Thanks!

[@Spikestrip55]

Much appreciation for the effort in creating this entertaining and educational "docudrama"! I always enjoy yours and Bob's vids. Did anyone else notice Harper the dog making off with the tasty spoon at 10:32 while Ken is distracted? Hilarious!

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Spikestripp55. Your feedback means a lot. After the filming, I discovered the spoon several feet away from where I thought it was and wondered what happened. While editing, I discovered what Harper did.. Funny… Your'e the 3rd viewer to mention it. ATB, Ken

[@nukeacitrus883]

I keep coming back to these videos, time and time again. They are so relaxing and wholesome. I’ve playing a lot of red dead redemption 2 (a video game depicting the US in 1899), and been getting more interested in cowboy-styled cooking. Will get myself a “mini fire anchor”, from TJM Metal works, UK. Looking forward on going on relaxing trips, like this one. ❤

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Amazingly Awesome Ken!

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks, my friend. Glad you liked the vid!

[@ublath2]

Thank you so much for your videos. I like the calm way you present all your knowledge and experiences to the audience.

[@mrkultra1655]

This was really great. It’s exactly what I want to start doing. I just downloaded the book, too. Thanks, you just earned my subscription.

[@clinnyboy]

I've watched this video at least 3 times over a few years and I always get a sense of calm watching it. In today's America that commodity is becoming increasingly important. I do get out a couple of times in spring and late fall when the ticks, horse and deer flies as well the mosquitoes aren't problematic. Being 67 I end up going solo because none of my age peers are either interested or physically capable of doing it. Shame!

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I know what you mean. I'm 78 ...

[@darangemaster1]

Thanks for sharing Ken i really enjoy your videos and for that matter KZbin as i have learned so much from watching others and then applying it.

[@KennethKramm]

darangemaster1 You're welcome. Thank you for watching and taking time to comment. It means a lot to me.

[@carolinaprepper540]

The best video I have seen in a while !!! Thanks so much !

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks for the feedback! Much appreciated, my friend.

[@jessierobbins2321]

I really like the history that you teach in your vedios and wish that I could have met you when I was young .

[@Gullrica]

What a great video. I enjoyed it very much. I learned a few things along the way too. Thank you! /Ulrica

[@KennethKramm]

You're welcome Ulrica. Have a good week ahead, my friend.... ken

[@bigmuscleify]

Nature time and camping out even back in the day it was treasured.

[@KennethKramm]

Back in the day, when people walked, hiked and were always fit. Thanks for watching, my friend. I really enjoy your channel. ken

[@Zedoutdoors]

A marvellous, marvellous video Ken. The time taken in researching, recording and then editing this must have been insane, thank you sincerely for sharing this with us ~Peace~

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Zed. Yes, a great deal of effort went into making this video. I am glad that you enjoyed it! Have a good week, my friend. Ken

[@moorshound3243]

Zed Outdoors Fancy seeing you here, Are you following me about Zed? I'm off to the woods next weekend I bet I see you there as well!! Take care K..

[@anonymousf4136]

This video is a masterpiece ,I like history and bushcraft.

[@KennethKramm]

Thank you. I appreciate your feedback ...ken

[@Brennna]

Great video. I haven't heard "Goober Peas" since I was a kid. I hope you make more videos like this.

[@richhoule3462]

"Hi, friend." LOL love it

[@renter6]

Bottle gourd!! I'm hooked in the first 45 sec. of this video. This feels like one of Roy Underhill's visits to Williamsburg. Thanks for posting.

[@KennethKramm]

renter6 You're welcome. Thank you for taking time to comment. It means a lot to me.

[@NWIPrepper19113]

Thanks Ken, this was a delight.

[@KennethKramm]

You're welcome, my friend.

[@charlieflanders4523]

Love your videos I use most of your stuff in civil war reenacting exspcially the hammock thanks a lot keep making them

[@KennethKramm]

Your'e welcome Charlie!

[@markgibbs904]

Hey Ken, this one popped up after one I watched by Steve Watts. Not sure if I ever saw it before. Today I see you're enjoying the back roads of California. Nothing like the great outdoors. 👍

[@greenbean9600]

This is awesome I look forward to more!

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks!

[@lonwlf68]

Another superb video as always Ken!

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Much appreciated, my friend.

[@lilsteve68]

so love this video view it often

[@Jazzbanjorex]

Great video. Quite interesting and informative. Thanks for letting me part of it. I'll have investigate your previous videos now. Thanks for the credits.

[@KennethKramm]

You're welcome, Rex. Thank you for contributing to the video with the excellent rendition of "Goober Peas." It provided information and put a smile on everyone's faces. Several folks mentioned the song in their comments. Your music is awesome! Have a great week ahead and hopefully you'll soon get over that stubborn head cold. Ken

[@Jazzbanjorex]

Thanks

[@TheHiddenWoodsmen]

thanks ken. love the haversack and 18th century style

[@KennethKramm]

You're welcome, Malcolm. ATB …. ken

[@t.w.milburn8264]

Oh-No ! Harper Made off with the spoon @ 16:42. LOL.What a great rendition this episode was.Thank U For Taking Us Along On Your Journey.Stay Safe & Happy. Happy Trails From The Maritimes In Canada " GOD BLESS "

[@KennethKramm]

Correct, TW. You're very observant. Harper liked the taste of my favorite hand-made wooden spoon. We found it in the grass when cleaning-up the site. Thanks for watching from the Maritimes In Canada! ATB …. ken

[@survivewithout]

that was a most excellent video for sure. thank you for doing it. you spend a lot of time doing your research and it shows. I always learn something and I thought it was funny I just used leave debris to clean my pot out

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Travis. It was fun to pretend living 125+ years ago and follow directions from a book written to help young men (from the city) enjoy camping and hiking. The advice is as valuable today as it was when first written.... although sometimes a little funny (like wear your hat when eating, so your hair doesn't get in the other guy's food). ATB, Ken

[@Mr808islands]

love the old classic songs

[@3289970]

Thanks for a great vid , it made my day. Thank you

[@KennethKramm]

You're welcome Chris.

[@AnkesWorld]

love it ken many thanks, i can see you have fun my friend, when you cooking

[@cameronherman-music3309]

I wish it was still like that, "Is 25 cents enough?"

[@haselstrauch1688]

But that time 25 Cents we're much more Money.

[@OfficerPaterFamilias]

Thanks for the video. You've inspired me to plan some trips with my family.

[@KennethKramm]

You're welcome Erick. Family trips are awesome. Enjoy my friend. ....ken

[@Taedyn]

I love your videos. I've always thought that much of the human spirit is dulled by modern living and cultural expectations. I really enjoy learning everything I can about how things were done long ago, especially crafting, cooking, and camping... and the dog ate your spoon.

[@Vx777infonet]

Like entering a lost time or an old movie. Glad to be along,yet sad as the simple ways seem far away.

[@KennethKramm]

Lost in time. It was fun to pretend living 125+ years ago, following the hiking camping recommendations of a new book! ATB ... Ken

[@matthewtmarfield7861]

What a Fun Presentation! 'Vintage Camping' at it finest! I'm a fan of George W. Sears ( "Nessmuk" ), and Horace Kephart; and, upon your recommendation, have ordered a facsimile reprint of J. M. Gould's, "How to Camp Out"...!

[@jacqueline7118]

Just delightful Ken and Bob. Thanks kindly for sharing this video, well done!

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Jacqueline!

[@teetonball1]

What a masterpiece fellas, wonderful video. Thanks for posting.

[@MyBackyardBirding]

Great episode Ken. You guys are eating good!

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks. We had simple meals. Fresh food tastes best!

[@smd482000]

another fine vid tell bob I was glad he came along it good to see you both! steve

[@KennethKramm]

We had a fun weekend. Thanks for watching, my friend.

[@gkowar]

How I love these kind of videos. Thanks again, Ken and greetings from Austria!

[@KennethKramm]

Hi Gerhard. Your feedback means a great deal to me. It was fun to "bring to life" the hiking/camping recommendations from 125+ years ago. All The Best, Ken

[@czechmate9591]

Great Video Kenneth, I love the simplicity of gear used back in those days

[@KennethKramm]

Times were different, but in some ways the same.... ATB, my friend.

[@moorshound3243]

Well that has just made my night, thank you Sir a wonderful video indeed! Keep on camping.

[@KennethKramm]

Moors Hound You're welcome, my friend.

[@taticalwoodsman7074]

Nicely done thnxs 👍🇺🇸

[@nomadismileseeker6611]

I love these videos

[@cacherify]

Thanks for posting that video. This was one of the most enjoyable YT videos I have watched in a long time. Thoroughly enjoyable.

[@KennethKramm]

cacherify You're welcome. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment.

[@lilsteve68]

Awesome from a reenactor point of view an on wane that had family in here since 1652 in al wars its reaches out and touches me deeply

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks...

[@HazeyWolf1337]

Absolutely fantastic - love your reenactment style videos, they're very fun & you guys make a great team. Thanks very much for sharing - the wisdom & love of nature & camaraderie shines through! Peace & best wishes to you all...

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks, Hazey Wolf. Nature is always the star that shines through. ATB .... ken

[@jamesellsworth9673]

I like the music in this series, as well as the traditional foods and techniques. The 'acting' part of re-enactment doesn't look to be easy. You and Bob make a good team of instructors, though. We lived in Caldwell, Texas but we drove through East Texas several times each year. Never did get to camp there but the woodlands looked inviting.

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks James. We are guys, just having fun. Glad you like the video series. ...ken

[@timothyciarlette8250]

Awesome, history.

[@williamanderton9615]

I always keep a written log of everything that I do when I'm out in the wilderness

[@mikelisacarb]

Thank you for this glimpse into 19th century bro-bonding in the woods. I've been reading "Hardtack And Coffee" by Billings (1888), and it reported how unencumbered lightweight marching/camping took over during the civil war. Everybody tossed un-needed stuff and covered miles when their lives and tired feet were threatened, and they learned a whole lot in the process. It makes sense to me that Civil War vets would find themselves drawn to getting out and reliving that life in a recreational setting later in their lives. There is indeed something transformative about roughing it on purpose. You find out so much about yourself! I'm looking forward to reading Gould's book. It might help me to understand why I feel driven to long distance backpack at the fragile age of 62. (I'm starting an attempted Appalachian Trail thru-hike next month, and I'm now totally immersed in gearing up and pre-hike exercising. Here we are watching these guys choosing to have a similar experience with equipment that would scare the wits out of me. It makes me think that I'm going on some kind of joyride!)

[@KennethKramm]

+mikelisacarb Thanks, Gould's book is very formative. Also read about John Muir's 1000 mile walk from the north to the gulf of Mexico .... immediately after the Civil War. He promised his mother that he would camp the way we demonstrated (at farmer's houses) ...rather than being isolated in the woods. Most nights, he spent the way way did ....

[@KennethKramm]

+mikelisacarb Good luck on the thru hike of the AT. 62 to is young. I'm in the 70s and am too fragile to attempt it. Modern equipment makes it much easier to hike than in the post Civil War Era.

[@willardmann9773]

I enjoy the outdoors n yer videos God bless n keep it up@ya

[@3bears]

This was a really great video to watch, it gives a feel for how tough basic travel and food prep was but at the same time appears so idyllic

[@KennethKramm]

+3bears Thanks for watching and taking time to comment. Life was difficult in those days. But folks trusted and helped each other, much more than now days. Folks usually agreed to have strangers sleep on their property, if they were passing by. Today, it is very, very different. I knew the property owners and they agreed to the video...(after seeing the script). The script was based on readings from the book I quoted in the video. ATB, Ken

[@GrizzlyOutdoorAdventures]

Great vid. Thank you for sharing

[@KennethKramm]

You're welcome!

[@MrArofer61]

EXCELENTE Ken...muy bonito e interesante video,gracias por mostrarnos la vida de los antiguos pioneros,sus costumbres,y como vivian sus vidas en el campo...me alegra que el cumbo y los guacales le sean utiles,y son made in Honduras....saludos a Bob...Peace and God bless.

[@KennethKramm]

Hi Ronald. Thanks for watching and correction that water gourd and bowls were made in Honduras. Much appreciated, my friend. Ken

[@DonnyOutdoors]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video, Ken. It's always fun watching yours and Bobs adventures, but this classic style stuff is really good. Real nice. Donny.

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Donny. We had a lot of fun last weekend .... pretending it was 125+ years ago.... but it exhausting, especially with all the filming. Glad you liked the vid. ATB .... Ken

[@SpiritofWildWings]

Once again Ken, I always adore your videos!

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks my friend. Enjoy the upcoming week .... ken

[@dajak11]

Dear Ken, thank you for this short film. I really love your work and get inspired by it.

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks. Your feedback means a lot to me. Have a good week ahead ATB Ken

[@stoneman886]

Great video Ken, looked like you and Bob had a great time.

[@KennethKramm]

Bob and I had an awesome weekend... but exhausting, because the shots needed to be taken from different angles. Have a good week ahead, my friend. ...ken

[@wolf1066]

That was awesome. Many thanks for sharing that.

[@KennethKramm]

You're welcome. Have a good week ahead!

[@wolf1066]

Oh, I aims ta. Have a great one, too. ATB

[@disco07]

Great to see kenneth and Bob. Howdy gents. Nice show as usual. When spring gets here and I camp again, I will use your diary idea. As I age, I am starting to forget my trips. I did alot of reading so now I will write. Thanks again.

[@KennethKramm]

You're welcome, disco07. John Gould was certainly correct about diaries. When I look back at my camping notes from a few years ago, it's like re-living the fun. Have a good weekend, my friend. ATB … Ken

[@Popgunner101]

Thanks for this video.

[@KennethKramm]

+Popgunner101 You're welcome. Than you for watching and commenting. It means a lot to me. ....ken

[@davefromjax]

Great. I just started reading his book.

[@evaahl]

Cubit bullions... we still use them in Finland every day :) Thanks, great video!

[@KennethKramm]

Eva Ahl-Waris You're welcome.

[@spaceracer23]

A campsite, eggs, mixed greens, firewood, use of the kettle, that's a lot of hospitality for two bits.

[@brandonh9688]

Great video! Very interesting!

[@PrimalEdge]

great video, thanks for sharing!

[@KennethKramm]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@elvis3571]

at 4:36 I'm sure Mr Gould would have taken his hat off. Nice video, enjoyed it.

[@KennethKramm]

Mr Gould state in in post civil war book to keep you hat on, as a matter of politeness, so that your hair does not get in the other guy's food. His book is available on the internet for free.

[@elvis3571]

yes, sir, I have learned it from your video and it is a great tip. thanks again. I was referring to the moment ( at 4:36 ) when you have met the lady.

[@KennethKramm]

The lady was an 1800s re-enactor and she told me that at in this part of Texas in the late 1800s, men didn't remove their hats when meeting women; so I didn't. You may be correct correct; continuing to reach the topic. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment

[@elvis3571]

thanks for your polite responses. well, I only know that era from Westerns for sure. again, thanks for the videos. I do enjoy them.

[@Cands528]

Great video and reenactment! Good job and very interesting!

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Stanley!

[@TheCurrencyMan]

What a fun and informational video! I'd be interested in learning more simple dishes like you all made here...I bet you have a few. Cheers

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks. It was fun to make this video and the food was especially good, since we were hungry and tired... ATB, my friend. ...ken

[@fepowson]

Excellent video of camping history, a really enjoyable series Ken. Thank you and Bob for sharing :) Cheers....Les.

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Les. Bob and I enjoyed making this video! Have a good week ahead, my friend.

[@crazyhorseaz6480]

Wow, great show guys loved the old ways and instructions, hope you do more, thank you, just makes ya feel good

[@Naturliebe]

Excellent video as always Ken & Bob! I really enjoyed your adventure. It is always a pleasure to see you both. Thanks for sharing this fantastic video. All the best to you two. ☮ Tito

[@ralfralfson]

Great!

[@KennethKramm]

Ralf Ralfson Thanks!

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Tito. Bob and I had a lot of fun.... and it was especially relaxing to step back in time when nature was everywhere.... Have a good week ahead, my friend. ... ken

[@tricl0pticcataract0sis89]

Great job guys! Thanks for the advice!

[@KennethKramm]

You're welcome, my friend.