Bushcraft Gear I Always Carry: My Pocket Essentials Revealed

In this video I run through the pocket essentials I always want to have on my person. The system centres on having two waist pockets and two thigh pockets, which all of my outdoor pants have - Fjallraven, Lundhags, Norrona, Filson, Carhartt, etc., and so this system works for me whether I am camping or teaching bushcraft in temperate woods in the summer, running a wilderness canoe trip, hot-tenting in the Canadian boreal forest in winter, bushwhacking in Australia, or anything in between
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ GEAR USED ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Light My Fire Ferro Rod amzn.to/3XvRxYh
550 paracord amzn.to/3TC8AXu
Mini carabiners amzn.to/3TEuKbp
Fox 40 Whistle amzn.to/4evCEfs
Proton Microlight amzn.to/3zsQ1xV
Bic lighters amzn.to/3XCloOu
Exotac Firesleeve amzn.to/3XGU3eq
Hammarö Lighting Paper (Tändpapper) amzn.to/4eVagUf
Loksak Bags amzn.to/3zzX08u
Farmer Swiss Army Knife amzn.to/3zpd8K0
Fallkniven DC4 pocket stone amzn.to/4ejzhIB
Bacho Laplander Folding Saw: amzn.to/3zNyhxn
Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers: amzn.to/3XKtSDr
PK1 Wilderness Knife - www.ravenarmou...
Henes Leather Laplander Sheath - www.instagram....
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[@ramaronin]

i could hear this guy talk the whole day, so much clarity in whatever topic he's explaining. no fancy useless talk, keeping it simple and effective.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you.

[@eriktaylor5704]

An excellent educator

[@davidjacobs828]

​@PaulKirtley Your bushcraft and survival expertise is legendary . Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@saxdonkey]

Come on one of Paul's courses, and then you can hear him talk all day!

[@PaulKirtley]

@@davidjacobs828 Thanks for your positive words. I'm very glad to be sharing here.

[@matthewvelo]

After all these years, you are still one of the best bushcraft channels out there. I really appreciate that you're still putting out this great info and content.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks. I appreciate your comments and support. Glad you like the videos.

[@Trailtraveller]

Paul again, no fuzz, just slim and logical. That is why we love your way of thinking.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you!

[@vonsprague7913]

Here's me wishing this was a 30 minute video and Paul is telling me it's too waffly! 😮😂

[@PaulKirtley]

Haha, OK, noted 🙂

[@vonsprague7913]

@@PaulKirtley some people actually have something to say sir, you are one of those people.

[@BuckMckawtheotherone]

What I took from all that is the essentials are useful items, regardless of preference to brand. And, I as I got older, I found that I really don't care if people assume I am lacking in anything useful that I carry daily, because I am old enough to say, 'This is what has been useful to me for 50 years, and I have not lacked when out there.' (so, they can piss off with their freshly discovered ideas of axes, ferro rods, clothing brands, bow drills, or knives. I am too old to be argued with.) Thank you Paul for teaching me bow drill. It is fun, useful, and it reminds me to never be without a lighter or matches. Cheers! Marcel

[@steveblunt9532]

That's the Paul we know and love: 'That's probably a bit too waffley for some people but tough, go watch somebody else...' 😆Another treat with solid common sense (unsponsored) tips! Many thanks Paul.

[@steveblunt9532]

Just to add Paul, I've had problems with waterproof overtrousers, used when it's really wet. I haven't found any with a similar (and strong) pocket arrangement and pulling them down to access pockets doesn't work too well. So I tried the lightweight army goretex trousers with a full length 2-way leg zip. You can run the zip down the sides from the waist just enough to access trouser pockets underneath. Works OK.

[@PaulKirtley]

haha glad you appreciated that comment 🙂

[@PaulKirtley]

@@steveblunt9532 Good to know that works for you. If I am committed to wearing waterproof trousers all day, I'll use the Norrona Recons, as these have proper pockets. In cold damp conditions these overpants are often paired with Swazi Dryback fleece pants underneath. In cold, dry conditions I'll wear merino long johns underneath. Otherwise, when wearing Fallraven trousers (my standard work trouser for my main teaching season, April through October, then I find the Swazi waterproof overpants fit well over the top. Pocket access is not ideal but the overpants are not restrictive.

[@TheDavewatts]

​@@PaulKirtley😂 made me laugh too brilliant. Thanks for the content, good common sense, I carry pretty much the same.👍🏻

[@NWBushman]

As usual, no nonsense useful advice. There’s a lot of experts on this vehicle. But you are genuinely a valid expert. Thanks for sharing your expertise, Paul!

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks for your interest in what I put on here. I appreciate your support.

[@funkyprepper]

Good basics paul, especially the paracord

[@rb0451]

... and stay funky.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks!

[@Mickey-tr4pi]

Thanks Paul. The word "always" means a lot to me. Mikio from Japan.

[@PaulKirtley]

Warm greetings to you Mikio.

[@DB-nu1nn]

I appreciate your insights, Paul. I carry a similar setup on my person when I am camping, with one difference. I don't bother to carry a sharpening stone on my person. I leave it in my pack. My trips are not that far removed from civilization, nor do I teach survival or Bushcraft classes like you, so if my knife really needs sharpening, it can usually wait until I get to basecamp, or even return back home. But I completely understand why you find useful/important/necessary to carry one on your person.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks for your comments and yes, you make a good point about what works for you in your situation, which is different to mine. Context is everything.

[@timmoshier8294]

Excellent review of essentials to have on you! Two other things I always have on me are a bandanna (or kerchief), and of those small Swiss Army knives that have a scissors, toothpick and tweezers built in. Thanks very much for your information!

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks! A bandanna or similar is a good item to have for sure. I have one of those little SAKs in my wash kit. Really useful!

[@dominicschaeffer909]

A new Paul Kirtley video!!! Not sure what’s up w the YT algorithm but it’s been a while since you popped into my feed. Glad youre still at it.

[@LongRider47]

I keep much the same kit on my person everyday as I live in the woods off the grids. Being in the states I also have a revolver on my belt, for many reasons. We recently were devastated by “tropical storm Helene. I’m near the center of it in North Carolina. It was comforting having basics in my pockets , a kit in my motorcycle, one in the car and my pack within reach. Never say never. No one hear in these mountains thought this could ever happen. Build your kits and keep them close. Great video my friend.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you my friend. I appreciate you sharing the context of your situation there too. Never say never - indeed!

[@richardprescott6322]

Matie when I read - what's in my pockets? - I immediately thought of The Hobbit. Where is the Precious? - what's it got in its pocketsies Precious? Have you got the ring of power? Good video matie

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks Richard. Glad it made you smile too 🙂

[@joshjspice]

Same thought at 0:01 😂 "What's in his pocketses?!"

[@MrWalko]

Ha ha ha... I came and made a similar comme tu further up before I found yours... Nice.

[@quantummotion]

Paul, thank you for the video! For me, the take away was the use of paracord from your belt to connect to items in your pockets! Such a simple, obvious, yet the type of thing some ( like myself) havent thought about. This has also now explained the purpose of the looped strap that came with my Pacsafe wallet. Your comment about items with layers also resonated. I do that during my day job - a Decathlon vest with an Opinel mess kit in one pocket which is useful when grabbing a bite in between locations ( the typical take out cutlery are just rubbish).

[@PaulKirtley]

You are welcome. I'm glad this video provided a few "ah-ha" moments for you. Thanks for letting me know! I appreciate your feedback.

[@mjallenuk]

As always honest and to the point. I can confirm the book is amazing and has helped me as a keen axe owning outdoors type as well as skills passed on for Scouting. Thanks Paul

[@jurgenkrebbekx4329]

Great video Paul, clean setup you’re showing here and well explained for sure, got the book as a birthday present recently and it’s a great read for anyone who’s interested in bushcraft skills, thanks for the effort and sharing with us 👍🏻

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi Jurgen. Thanks for your comments about the video contents. I'm glad you also liked the book!

[@cornelias9893]

I'm Scottish, so a midge net is an essential part of my pocket carry kit 😂

[@PaulKirtley]

Good call!!

[@thomasmusso1147]

Aye, those little Sassenachs are a nuisance 😏.

[@cornelias9893]

I use a Highlander midge net, had the same one for over 10 years ​@DL_2025_A

[@sverthSolaris]

Paul, thank you for the video; always good to hear your voice. Along with paracord, I like having an app for knots on my phone (Grog Knots is a classic!). Recently, I wanted to secure some pens at a trailhead for hikers to fill out parking envelopes. I discovered that the icicle hitch, tied with waxed linen thread from my sewing awl, grips the end of the pen. The pens have survived a few weeks of people using them!

[@ricardodafonseca9043]

What the.... thought I was seeing things for a sec. Nice to see you back on KZbin Paul

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks Ricardo. I'm glad you appreciate me being here.

[@Squambiblio]

Thank you for sharing!

[@PaulKirtley]

You are very welcome!

[@davef5916]

love my fjallraven abisko lite pants for Australia - they're tough enough in the right places with lighter stretchier material where it doesnt wear as much. Front of thigh pockets are so comfy, barely notice anything I carry in them, handy zip on them saves stuffing around with buttons too. Can unzip the lower half of the leg too which is super handy. Love the gear Paul, very concise and handy.

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi Dave, thanks for your comments. Glad you liked the video.

[@darrylhunt1]

Great video Paul. Glad to see you making content again on a regular basis. Thank you

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you for your feedback Darryl. I'd like to keep up the regularity if I can. Glad you appreciate it. Warm regards.

[@LoreTunderin]

Great stuff, Paul, I especially like the idea of a lanyard for each pocket. A small fresnel magnifying lens is very thin and lightweight and might be worth considering as a 3rd fire option. They fit almost anywhere and only weigh a few grams.

[@PaulKirtley]

Good point about the lens, especially in sunnier climes than the UK! 🙂

[@stevenlocklear7711]

Great info Paul, straight and to the point! Thank you, sir.

[@DevilDog68]

Thank you Paul, excellent video. I like using a belt pouch and keep very little at all in my pockets. My pouch is predominately a fire kit but I also keep my sharpening stone, SAK and a few other small items as well. All the best!

[@bushcraftbasics2036]

I always appreciate your thoughts and opinions on outdoor activities.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you.

[@hansesselink9386]

Thanks for sharing and giving some new ideas about EDC. Did not expect that tinder pouch there, nice suprise. Keep up the good work.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks. Glad you liked the video.

[@artiknanook9189]

This video is reassuring and normalizing. Every time I go into the woods, I have the same items as you on me whether I make a walk of a few hours, or a hike of several consecutive days. My girlfriend and my hunting buddies always make jokes about the amount of equipment I carry in my pockets (no more, no less than you). Recently, I weaned myself from the paracord to bring instead 500lbs kevlar test string. I bring more in terms of feet, it is less voluminous and resists better to abrasion and fire/heat. Thank you for sharing. Greetings from Quebec.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks for your comments. Glad this resonated with you. You are not the only one who has prepared pockets :-) Interesting to note your comment about kevlar string. Thanks and greetings back!

[@journeyman7189]

Great list Paul. Thanks for all the information you put out. I carry similar but in a small nitize runoff pouch in my thigh pocket is a 1L water bag with some puri tabs, a lighter and some wet fire cubes. I'll have to add that little cuts kit for like you said all those little day to day cuts, scraps etc when you don't want to pull out the bigger kit. Nate

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi Nate, I'm glad you liked the video and the kit chimed with you. Thanks also for sharing your variations and similarities. ATB, Paul

[@TestSpaceMonkey]

Rich info as always! I think I'll try the lanyard ideas on an upcoming trip. I like the idea of making little things harder to lose. My only suggested addition is to add more glow in the dark / retroreflective elements to kit. Beads or GITD tape segments are completely passive additions to flashlights, tool handles, keychains, phone cases, etc... that reliably collect enough light during the day to make things findable in the dark for most of the evening. Can even write on the GITD tape to make night-readable labels.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks. Good idea!

[@foresteroutdoors]

Great video Paul, some good ideas like the cuts kit! And you’re right about the cord bracelet, the wife got me one as a stocking filler years ago and I never wanted to undo it, it’s not like you can take a small amount off and keep it as a bracelet, it’s ended up in the back of the spares box. It would be handy in a proper survival situ, but not every day use.

[@Reeceeeyyyy]

Great informative video mr Kirtley. Again, I adopted many of your ideas long ago and they have never failed me. I do however always carry a couple of good quality zip lock bags in my back pocket with a few water purification tabs in. I’ve never had to use them but they weigh nothing and I just feel better knowing they provide a secondary or third way to purify drinking water if I ever lost my pack etc as a last resort. I sometimes carry a bandanna in the other back pocket during summertime mostly. Again slim and light weight. Hardly notice it’s there. Thanks again for all you and your colleagues do at frontier. It’s greatly appreciated. 👍

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks for your positive words of support, both for me and my team at Frontier Bushcraft. You make a good point about bags for water purification, particularly for emergency situations. I included this in the following article as well as having talked about it on one of my #AskPaulKirtley sessions, if not several. In particular, I like to pack at least one in a buoyancy aid for wilderness canoe trips when I (or me and a paddling partner) have one boat on the river; in this situation there is a non-zero chance of ending up on the bank with only the items on your person.

[@Reeceeeyyyy]

@@PaulKirtleyThat’s great. Thank you. I’ve recently got into canoeing and will definitely follow your advice 👍 I also have been going back and re-reading your articles on the frontier website. Such a wealth of information for us there. Really is appreciated. My learning curve has spiked once again 😁

[@justinthompson4029]

Excellent video again Paul. Since your last video, I have made a set up similar to the one you carry. I usually have some tinder in my pants pocket rather than a purpose made tinder pouch.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks. Glad you liked this video and have made use of what was in the previous one. While I mentioned the tinder pouch, I often have birch bark stuffed in pockets too! 🙂

[@darrenthompson6115]

Top draw basics Paul… love the KISS practices and sod the fashion tripe…👍

[@greenleaf239]

i would be interested in seeing in a future video, that you alluded to, about where you carry a belt knife if you have a pack with a belt. Even on a canoe trip my portage packs have waist belts.

[@PaulKirtley]

OK, noted. Thank you. 🙂

[@dv-p2s]

Cheers Paul, good common sense advice, thank you!

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks.

[@jedyarnold]

Great video Paul. Super clarity on your reasoning for each and every item. I do remember my mum checking me and my bro heading out to the woods, or even just out, and she would say "Now have you got your pocket money? pocket string? pocket hanky? matches? (if we were cooking out) pocket knife? No? Well go and get it!" Different times regarding the pocket knife, when we were so attuned to always have one and it was just a tool and no macho bullsh*t attached. Many thanks Jed

[@rkgki]

Thanks for this. I love "I wrote a book on axes." 😂

[@ReasontoLiveAdventures]

Always top shelf tips sir. Always enjoy the videos and the podcasts.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you!

[@MorganBW53]

Thank you Paul, good info as always.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks.

[@Woodswalker1965]

Nice to see you making videos, much appreciated👊🍻

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks. Glad you appreciate them.

[@offthearrowshelf]

Really liked this video and offering some very common sense tips and advice. I also liked the presentation style of open honest discussion, so not too wordy or waffly 🙂 The only additional thing I can in a small belt pouch is my inhaler (being asthmatic I always have one with me) I completely get what you mean about being independent and not sponsored. I do the same as if allows me to be 100% honest when reviewing kit that I have bought. Thanks

[@puddinggeek4623]

Excellent video as always. Very informative, keep up the great work.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you. I appreciate your support.

[@justinlake7232]

I'm not keen on carrying things in my pockets so I use a Savotta belt pouch to carry things like my whistle, ferro rod, tinder, CC4 and paracord. I find lanyards get pulled out of my pockets and snag on branches. I do carry a cuts kit in a back pocket.

[@PaulKirtley]

Sounds like a good alternative system.

[@marktrist5170]

Hi Paul, Micklagaard trousers have a similar multipocket design and also allow the use of belt and/or BRACES. I discovered braces long ago and find them far cooler, more comfortable and more secure than a belt.

[@PaulKirtley]

OK, thanks for the heads up on the Micklagaard trousers. I do use braces but it tends to be in cold conditions with Norrona Recon Gore-Tex pants or Filson Mackinaw wool pants.

[@DanielBelliveau-y5x]

I carry much the same sort of things in my pockets , though I am guilty of overloading my cargo pockets a bit . I'll most likely follow your example and streamline my loadout in my cargo pockets for mobility's sake and to keep my pants comfortably around my waist . The whistle and photon light I wear around my neck with an exotac fire sleeve and bic lighter [ it keeps the lighter warm in winter and ready for immediate use ] , and I also have lypsyl lip balm on my necklace as well . Instead of the lighter in my cargo pocket I carry a UCO matchcase of stormproof matches . Thanks Paul , I like your waffley pockets , Sir ! ! !

[@PaulKirtley]

Haha, I'm glad you like my pocket waffles 🙂 Thanks for explaining your choices, which are well thought out. As mentioned elsewhere, I often have a lipsalve in my trouser pocket too, although it can be in a jacket pocket or PFD/buoyancy aid sometimes, so didn't include it in my "always in trouser pockets" list.

[@simonhopkins3867]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@PaulKirtley]

You are very welcome.

[@joeyfekete1433]

Follows on very nicely from the recent ferro rod quick deployment video 👍

[@darrengreaves3068]

Hi paul hope you are well . Really enjoyed that i could listen to you for hours 😊 ive been looking at them fjallraven trousers for a while i think when i get some penny's saved up ill get a pair . Take care buddy look forward to your next video. 👍

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi Darren, yes I'm well thanks. Lots of canoe tripping recently. I'm glad you like my videos. The Fjallraven trousers do last a long time in my experience and I make heavy demands on them. Hope you get some.

[@darrengreaves3068]

Hi paul I most definitely will I all ways think highly on your recommendations take care buddy 👍

[@jasonjohnson6344]

It’s so easy to carry a few cotton balls at the bottom of each front pocket. A chapstick is always in my left front pocket and it’s easy enough to add from it, to a cotton ball for a quick fire struck from the ferro rod that is in my multi-tool sheath.

[@PaulKirtley]

Yes, I often have a chapstick too. Didn't want to overcomplicate the video though. But chapped lips are not fun!

[@jasonjohnson6344]

@@PaulKirtley I carry a beeswax type of “chapstick”, it serves multiple purposes. Stings, minor scratches and burns but is especially useful as a flame extender with cotton balls. Chapped lips and cheeks in dry, windy conditions suck. Your channel has been great over the years. Thanks for your efforts.

[@chefinwood]

EDC stuff for practical people. Good stuff 👏 It's a shame youtubers have to explain their reasoning to stop the trolls in the comments section.

[@PaulKirtley]

Yes, that's a good way of putting it. And yes, there are trolls, but also people sometimes jump to conclusions, so I always like to try to explain the reasoning too. Helps with both cases. Glad you liked the video

[@jasonhoyt8232]

Excellent choice of items! I'd suggest also carrying small flashlight.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Thanks for sharing 😊 take care.

[@eriktaylor5704]

This was a well edited video.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks!

[@simplefieldcraft]

I go 100% with this except for some minor differences. I have my main knife on a dangler as I hate getting the butt punched into my side kidney area. The saw stays in the Bergen till needed. I may be a bit too excessive on dummy cord and everything is dummy corded including the cuts kit and exotac sheath. I prefer buttons on the cargo pockets as snaps can open to easy and that’s why they are on pockets of military para smocks so they don’t hang up on the harnesses but on lower leg pockets the big Canadian buttons for me are the way. Cheers Swampy.

[@PaulKirtley]

Yes, big buttons are really good. Great if the pants you are using have them. Danglers can be good for keeping the knife out of the way of a back hip belt too.

[@stephenlowe4327]

Great content, very similar to my pockets nowadays. Also, I've now been 'featured' in a PK video :)

[@robinsvensson7138]

Thank you Paul for a great video =) It's very useful to know what is actully carried and used every day, versus a super long review/add of some overly expensive knife or gear few people can afford :p I have a quite similar setup, minus the saw and sharpening stone, which are in my pack, and I keep bankline on me at all times instead of paracord. All the best from Sweden, great you like our pants, saws and sharpening stones (I have the exakt same ones), you could be sponsered by my country ;)

[@PaulKirtley]

🙂Being sponsored by a country might work. It would certainly be less biased or partisan than being sponsored by a single manufacturer haha. Thanks for your comments. I'm happy you liked the video. Thanks also for sharing the similarities and differences with your set-up. Warm regards, Paul

[@kringsja922]

thanks for sharing, have a great day :)

[@PaulKirtley]

You too. Thanks for watching.

[@HellRaiser0164]

Simple and effective 👍👌

[@PaulKirtley]

Glad you liked the vid.

[@oferbechor1579]

THANK YOU Very much 🌲🙏🌲

[@neemancallender9092]

Great video Full of excellent information Personally the only thing I want in my pocket is a handkerchief or bandanna All the stuff is in a fanny/bum bag that is much easier to carry Yes danger of catastrophic loss… Pocket knife is on my belt on a pouch And a knife comes on and off with a carabiner

[@vanmore5124]

I have things in a small ruck sack including warm jersey and dry gloves if I go off camp a bit otherwise it's just a phone in my pocket. The whole point is to enjoy the trip not be annoyed by dangling knives and lighters when I can just grab one if I need it. But, each to their own.

[@thevirginiabushcrafter8833]

Thanks for Sharing

[@PaulKirtley]

You are very welcome

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍👍👍 .. good comment 😊. I too, like structure .. 'a place for everything and everything in it's place'. Retired .. and when at home, it's 'shorts and T-shirt with a fleece top and then perhaps a bottom when really chilly. In the shorts, always. LH Pocket .. Handerchief with some folded Kitchen Paper Towl Squares (YOB 1950 and I have NEVER ''blown my nose' into a handkerchief) and a SAK. RH Pocket ..a Mobile Phone if moving around and a short length of Cordage that I like to fiddle with when I have nothing else to do .. practice knots and such. The phone acts mainly as an alarm / reminder / timer / diary and such and is mostly in 'vibrate' mode and NOT in the hand. Going out. I am fortunate to live on the edge of a forest, no longer have a motor vehicle (gave up motor cycling and cycling recently due to 'vertigo/ balance' issues) .. anyway, the Swiss Public Transport System is excellent and if I need to drive, I can hire or use a friend. 'Shanks Pony' regarding the Forest 😏. Going out .. always. Whistle and House Key on lanyards hanging from my neck. In addition to the other 'stuff' mentioned earlier, an Opinel Folder in a Sheath on my belt , a mini First Aid / Cut Pack, 'Loo Kit' for myself and / or the Pooch .. depending. A Mini BIC, Duct Tape wound onto an old Bank Card and a hank of Cordage. Depending on where I'm going .. for what, how long, etc, etc .. additional 'kit up' will have the same thread as yours. I believe also in 'lanyards' attached to the belt and pocket kit that one does not want to lose. And yes, my 'loo kit'. 74 Summers past .. those in the same situation will understand 😏. Also, there is now a trend towards having to pay to use Public Conveniences .. especially in the Urban Areas, so the relevant coinage is in the loo kit for 'just in case'. A good, informative post, Paul .. thanks. Take care ..

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks for your comments Thomas. I appreciate you taking the time to share your system and structure, as well as provide context, which is always important in considering what to take. A loo pack is a valuable addition for sure. I have one in my day pack but some tissues in a pocket can be valuable in a pinch for sure! Warm regards, Paul

[@podden22]

During my army training when you forgot to zip your pockets it was customary for your mates to yell "The moose is coming!" and pull everything from your pocket and throw it in the air. 😂

[@medicus5565]

Great video, Paul. And thank you for speaking openly and without bias from sponsorships on what you deem important and necessary. It's this truthful discussion that makes your videos so valuable to us (along with your expertise, of course).

[@PaulKirtley]

thanks for your positive words and support. I'm glad you appreciate my approach.

[@fog360]

No tk4 ? Pocket knife .. good to see you back making videos again buddy

[@PaulKirtley]

I do still use my TK4 but these days it's more when I don't have a belt knife. It's a really good knife for lightweight hiking trips when knife use is not heavy but you still want a solid (but lightweight) pocket knife.

[@orquestaprimera123]

Paul, have you read or heard of a book or resource that explains how to use animal tracks and game trails to help locate wild edibles? Thanks for sharing your life.

[@gunterlangesschwein.kieran1784]

I have a tinder tube (magnesium tablet container) attached to my belt and a forage pouch as well as my Bushcraft knife, gomboy saw and machete, I am also going to drill a hole in my dear antler handle of my fero rod to attach a lanyard to slip in the pocket like you (thanks) . Pockets contain my Swiss army Ranger knife, Gerber folder , Hank of paracord, small metal torch xstreem focus and small 1st aid , compass if needed and Also can attach my bum bag with trap gear / small fish kit and Xtra fire starting kit (Hudson bay trappers tin) , lighter etc. Add my recurve Bow and quiver and water container (grayl) and I'm good for a hunt forage/ gathering day.

[@bushcraftstevesonnyokeeffe]

Hi Paul, 😊like the style

[@jacobward7507]

Hey Paul thanks for the video…. do you find your knife sheath ever hits the seat of the canoe? I found that even kneeling that my knife would sometimes jam into the canoe seat so I ended up switching to a dangle style sheath and it works a lot better for me.

[@addictedtotreasuretrash108]

Hej Ex Pat here. Nice vid, tips and easy to listen to voice. Be Good out there matey (Y) PS I subscribed to you also

[@Jonsoh811]

Haven’t watched the video yet, but if The One Ring is somewhere in those pockets, then I’m gonna call Paul Bilbo from now on.

[@PaulKirtley]

haha 🙂

[@warghem]

Great stuff Paul! It's strange how a lot of outdoor pants/trousers have the thighpockets on the front. Not practical at all.

[@blakestillings3084]

Hey Paul, great video as always ❤ Strange question but what is the make/model of the shirt you were wearing. Looks ideal for wilderness travel/ camp craft etc

[@monkeyplayer72]

It looks a lot like the legendary Swedish Armed Forces m/59. Is it, Paul?

[@dominicschaeffer909]

Famous Last Words: “Oh that’s fine I always wanted to try making a fire with a bow drill, yeah!”

[@68thBC]

I with they made a exotac firesleeve for the mini bic lighter.

[@WayPointSurvival]

I enjoyed the video and I like your choices for your pocket loadout!

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you. I'm glad you liked it!

[@Nofixedabode859]

Hi Paul question on tarps if u don’t mind, I have the Aussie hooch which I know you first used to use and I want a full size one now, my son has an xp10 and I know rays selling a new one then there’s the dd superlight which is priced reasonable but what would you recommend or use at moment thx?

[@PaulKirtley]

I use the Hilleberg XP10 a lot. I'm still using the same one I bought in 2009. It's lasted 15 years so far! So it comes highly recommended if you want a tarp that big. I also use a silicone nylon "Scout" tarp from MEC in Canada, which is a bit smaller than the XP10. You can see the latter in this video for example - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqS7hqdum8dgi68

[@Nofixedabode859]

@@PaulKirtley thx for reply Paul 👍

[@SmithandWesson22A]

Did I see Auscam on your tarp?

[@dannyh9010]

I noticed that your SAK lanyard is no longer attached via a carabiner to your belt. Why the change?

[@PaulKirtley]

There's no change with this particular knife. I use the same system as with my ferro rod, with a mini karabiner on the cord, that clips/unclips from the split ring on the knife. But for pocket knives with a hole through the handle, I attach a fixed loop of paracord and then use a Karabiner on my belt (as I do with the Fallkniven TK4, for example). Both systems work well, and which one I use, depends on the knife. Hope this helps clarify things. All the best, Paul

[@marktennier8238]

I saw the title and immediately thought of Golum.

[@mallyredfearn6834]

Not too much waffle at all. It's only waffle when one purposely draws out the video with irrelevant stuff. Even though I kind of knew what to expect, I still found it very interesting and informative.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks for your feedback. I'm glad you found it useful.

[@MrWalko]

What has it got in its pockets precious?

[@Lumpy_Peter]

Where do you keep your phone?

[@PaulKirtley]

Depends what I am doing. In the context of the trouser-only set up, it would be in the same pocket as the SAK but I find it a bit uncomfortable there when crouching a lot. I didn't include it here in the video as it's not always there. On canoe trips it needs to be somewhere waterproof (camera box or day pack). On a lot of my wilderness trips a regular cell phone is irrelevant as I will be out of signal. In those cases, I tend to have a satellite phone in my day pack.

[@ollie2052000]

I’ve carried a lighter & a edc knife for last 6 years now, probably since I started following Paul, metaphorically not physically you understand. That would be weird.

[@johnpetry6753]

I like on how you "dummy cord" certain items to your belt. If it's not on you, you don't have it. I get made fun of for what I carry. That's until someone needs what I'm carrying.

[@PaulKirtley]

I'm glad you like the cord idea. And, yes it is good to be prepared 🙂

[@russellgadoury5634]

Add GORP (good ol' raisins & peanuts) and a TQ to your pocket "loadout" and you've pretty much recreated what the US military uses in it's tiered carry system. Funny how all the people who know what they're talking about all come to nearly identical conclusions.

[@PaulKirtley]

:-) Yes, that is interesting.

[@PierreEklund]

Swedish gear 💙💛

[@PaulKirtley]

It's often very good 🙂

[@bertheemskerk3273]

What has it got in it's nasty little pocketses precious?

[@PaulKirtley]

😆

[@norseman1137]

Gosh thats alot of mallarchy to have in pockets. Surprised you don't actually wear braces. Isnt that the point of having daysack or chest pack.. it would drive me mad having all that clobber in pockets ... Not to mention the faff when washing trousers ... I'll stick with lighter, penknife

[@PaulKirtley]

Clearly I don't find it a faff but I can understand that some people might. As I say in the video, we are all different and we all have different use cases. Context is important and where I go and what I do for a living is not the same situation as for others. Warm regards, Paul.

[@10thAveFreezeOut]

Ever see a one-eared white elephant?

[@The_Nowhereman]

A ring.

[@stephenobrien5646]

your hands

[@PaulKirtley]

Sometimes ;-)

[@gpietra]

"What has it got in it's nasty little pocketses?"

[@PaulKirtley]

😄

[@168Diplomat]

A bit yappy isn’t he.

[@PaulKirtley]

Not very diplomatic, is he?

[@168Diplomat]

@@PaulKirtley never really was lol. Have a good day and keep going out. I hope you have warm days and clear nights 😉

[@Ichinin]

I found that the best way to identify what you need in your pocket, is to turn off youtube and head out the door to a forest area. There is no bigger teacher than when you get a headache in a nature park, and your current gear can't help you. So the next time you pack some paracetamol/ibuprofen. It's an iterative process, but a good one. Experience is the best teacher.

[@PaulKirtley]

Yes, you make a good point. Experience is a good teacher and the context of where you are should also guide your choices.

[@trioultimo]

😅 So you never carry a phone. Doesnt seem like a sincere overview.

[@ronagoodwell2709]

I didn't see any money.

[@PaulKirtley]

This vid was about pocket load out for the woods and wilderness trips.

[@ronagoodwell2709]

@@PaulKirtley You might have to bribe another camper... or raccoon.