BUSHCRAFT ON A BUDGET - What Rucksack?

[@skwatson2617]

Thanks. I love that you are about practicality and budget gear but also discuss the range of goods out there. So many gear reviews are about expensive stuff.

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍👍👍. I started out more than 50 years ago with a canvas 'fishing bag' which served me well for many years. Pots and stuff were 'foraged' from Mom's kitchen .. my favourite items being a beat up aluminium frying pan with a fixed metal handle and an Aluminium Coffee Percolator without the Inner bits. 'Hart' brand pots were the go-to. My knife .. a cheap full tang 'fishing knife'. My point? As with my 'pack', in those days, we didn't have internet, advertisers and such telling us that we had absolutely the wrong gear and shouldn't be enjoying ourselves as much as we were at the time. Am looking forward to more .. take care ..

[@markbooth1117]

It is always worth looking in charity shops for stuff when on a budget. A local one near me sold me a long back ex-Army Bergan (DPM) for 10 quid, just so they could get it out of the way because it was taking up space and a couple of the plastic buckles were naff. When I got it home, I checked it over and inside were the Yolk and the 2 side Rocket Pouches and I replaced the naff buckles for new ones. I felt guilty paying only 10 quid, that they had asked, so went back another time, when I had to go into town shopping and made a cash donation of another 10 quid. I have picked up the thick cotton old German Army shirts for around 1 quid each, nice for keeping warm and other useful bits in charity shops over the years.

[@jimcy1318]

Still using my Berghaus crusader, had it since the mid eighties, ( god that's a long time), still ok, still rock solid. It's been in the Arctic and desert conditions, and every thing in between. And it carried 120lbs +, sometimes I couldn't pick it up, it had to be put on my back by two other men. Like the issue one Neil shows, they Very rarely let you down. 👍 Good advice Neil.

[@stevegrew6758]

I have one but the wax inside has flaked off… can this be reproofed ?

[@liammalarky3483]

Yep, I've still got mine. Bought it in 1986. The elastic on the top lid has seen better days, but the whole thing is bomb proof. It's heavier than I remember *cough*, but that could be because I'm the same age as old people now.

[@OoohAaah6603]

The first Bergen I ever bought was the Berghaus centurion back in 1984.... quality bergans I'll testify.

[@getsmart3701]

Smart recommendation...I use the Beghaus Vulcan/Cyclops (or whatever) and it is has replaced every single bag I have ever owned or used as a shop loan. Nothing even came close to ticking the boxes like the Berghaus. Without pockets for summer (80l) and with pockets (100l) for winter (a central Sweden Winter). Love mine and great recommendation again mate.

[@redsorgum]

First: It’s been a while since I’ve seen someone wearing that style of hat, it looks good on you. That pack is a beast.

[@Hondo79]

Love my DPM Bergan ! It even came w some mods already installed on it that I would have put on myself ! Great value and rugged as hell . Versatile like all get out !

[@jacksonteller1337]

I have a modular Mil-Tec bag that has been with me since the late nineties. That one i use most of the time the core section has a 35 liter size. In the winter i use a civilian lightweight backpack, 65 liter, in combination with a larger belt system.

[@stevedunne9131]

I didn't know they did them in green, I use an N Ipatrol pack with various things attached.

[@outdoorslifesurvivecraft5078]

If price is a concern, there are a couple companies that make some good knockoff stuff, like Fox Outdoor Products. I bought an Australian style rucksack that's 19 x 18 x 8 "inches" quite a few years ago that I still use. Over the years, I have modified it to my needs, like adding 2 large sustainment pouches on the sides over the side pockets. I use the original side pockets to hold my folding saw and my camp ax. I've moded it in a couple of other ways as well, but it is for me, perfect. Plus, with it being canvas I oilskinned it. I got mine for $40 or $45 back then. I think they're about $60 to $70 now. But it is a great base to start with if you want to build a bushcraft or day pack.

[@mountaineer5596]

Words of wisdom. As always, sensible advice and tips. Thank you.

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Main pack is a 50l torlesse I originally bought for climbing gear and I added four shitbins (Rocket pouches) and two pathfinder wb clones on a yoke throwover style, I still have two to sew straps on to put onto the waistband but almost set now.

[@johncrouch8988]

Hi 👋🏻. You can’t beat the British army bergen or the Cyclops. I also use the US Alice pack,medium with a frame and the British NI 38 litre patrol pack. These just about cover every trip out I can think of doing. Great video. Keep em coming! 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@lawrencefieselman3803]

I've been following you for about a year now (but just today realized I needed to subscribe). I find your videos to be very informative and relevant to the average casual backpacker as well as the more experienced. I especially appreciate videos like this one about budget backpacking. Keep it up. Have a healthy 2022.

[@MichiganSilverBack]

Thats way more than I would carry. Good review

[@MrMigido]

Spot on review. love mine. I fit a 3 litre hydration pack on each side behind the rocket pouches, very secure using the buckle clips and ride awesome.

[@apollo12329]

Very informative, a true professional. Enjoy all your videos buddy.

[@avancalledrupert5130]

I got a karrimor sabre 45. Even with the side pouches and the yoke its ony £150 . The things insanely well made and just carries so we'll. It forces you into corect posture .

[@mikebox]

totally agree about how great this pack is. I've got one, and at the moment, have lent it to a Swiss Farmer for use when he hikes up to his Alpage to visit his cows up in the Alps.

[@ricardodafonseca9043]

Bought one of these today based on this video. Been struggling with a 35l pack up till now which really makes you be creative with what you take along

[@je710817]

Still using my old Berghaus cyclops. Sinds begin 90...replaced only 1 shoulder clip...and I abused it like hell...also using a Saracen 120 liter...its massive but I like it

[@alanrice39]

Military surplus is the way to go. Been using military surplus for years. Lots of choices of sizes, very rugged and less expensive than the newer tactical high tech stuff. Alan R

[@clayton8944]

Not had any of the Karrimor SF range so can't comment though the first rucksack I ever purchased was a Karrimor Jaguar . I have had various Berghaus bergens the Crusader , Vulcan and Atlas and have to say the best of the bunch is the EX Dutch military Lowe Alpine Sting 😀 .

[@tomcatt998]

i still have my karrimor good earth pack from the late 70s..

[@susanp.collins7834]

I thought Karrimor was a South African make.

[@DazIsBack]

Great video !

[@maxboonkittypoison]

Oh great video. I have a simular rucksack. Camo with a bigger front pocket. First time i put to much stuf in and i fell on my back. So yeah that issn't working for me. Now much stuff taken our that i don't need. And it is fine. I have bad hips and i am disigning a partly exoskeleton that is passive. So it does not need power and supports my walking and carry the weight of my gear in the rucksack. Awesome stuff. I want to go out in to the sticks and have a good time and come back alive and well.

[@TheGreasyCamper]

I’ve got that pack but in dpm, I’m looking for a green one

[@MichaelR58]

Neil , good video , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@denofearthundertheeverlast5138]

I haven't been able to find a pack that is within my budget, my size = 30-ish liters. Most are cheap, or expensive, but I have decided to go with Highlander Forces 33L rucksack, it fits my size, color and price range, I'm going to order straight from Scotland since its a fair price.

[@simonjenkins3618]

i use the same pack but without the side pockets i found it in a house clearance it's awesome pack but where can i get the side pockets to thay would be very handy👍👌

[@miked4152]

Looks like a great pack to have. If I hadn't bought my 100 liter eberlestock terminator XL pack I would definitely get the pack in the video. Looks like a good strong quality pack that can hold everything. My packs dry weight is 60lbs. I'm trying to reduce the weight all the time with lighter kit but right now it's good for just about any weather situation.

[@Revup1]

I have, and still use, a PLCE90 Bergen the same as this, also in Olive Green. It was Issued to me in the mid 90's, now suitably stained and patterned by the mud and dust of 3 continents. Its still going strong. Also have a Karrimor SF Predator, which similarly seems to be indestructible.

[@jerrymacklow1452]

I bought one in the mid nineties, to replace the my old Karrimor frame sack that had been nicked. I find the straps to be very comfortable. The only problem I found was a tendency to overfill, because I had the space. These days, I mostly use a modded lk35 (from the days of cheapness) but I still use the bergan for carrying large loads. Good sacks and another fine video. Keep them coming.

[@thomasmusso1147]

Yep .. the Rule of all Rules .. all Empty Space WILL eventually be filled 😊.

[@miked4152]

Great video by the way. Always enjoy your videos 😁👍

[@Orlosthedruid]

been using the ALICE large since 1987. USA-Japan-Korea-Panama-Saudi/Kuwait/Iraq-Bosnia It still works.

[@keithorbell8946]

I had an Isle Royal Junior, gorgeous pack, but you have to be really careful packing it, it has no frame, and no rigidity. I sold it for as much as I bought it for. For my 18th Birthday (33 years ago) I got a Berghaus Cyclops Crusader, it got used interrailing, in the OTC, travel, family camping, until one of the shoulder buckles broke. I recently got it down from the loft and repaired the buckle. It’s better than my Fjallraven Kjaka 75 (which is awesome). Pack carefully.

[@lawrencefieselman3803]

I forgot to add, I have a Karrimore SF 45 litre pack with the side pockets, bringing the total capacity to 70 litres. Great pack.

[@tacituskilgore8379]

I highly _HIGHLY_ recommend Lowe's Sting, Dutch Army version... I got one brand new for 50 quid. I use a LowePro photography backpack which is nowhere near as good, and that was 140 nicker!

[@paganoutdoors3193]

Cool video Neil, I use the sf predator 45 half the year ,then over to a dpm longback bergan with side pouchs, brilliant packs, I also use the allarms rucksack (turtle back) 60 ltr ,and with side pouchs, is another cracking rucksack, really enjoy your videos, and this series of videos, good health and safe travels, cheers craig 🌿

[@charleslamica5123]

I have a Frost River Isle Royale pack and I use it a LOT! There is no doubt it is a great pack. MIne was gifted to me, so I was fortunate not to pay the $300-plus price. However, if I were looking for a pack to buy, the one in this video looks like it would work well and cost 1/10th the amount of the Frost River. Thanks for the video.

[@Mat-kr1nf]

I got a Dutch army “Lowe Alpine” Sting, it’s actually the later version made by Awry, but for all intents and purposes, just as good and strong. It has the side rocket pouches, molle webbing on the front, so you can personalise it with extra pouches etc. It has an excellent system for adjusting the back length, which I don’t believe the British army Bergen does. It does come only in DPM camo pattern, I would prefer plain green, but for the price I paid- £50 for one with the two rocket pouches in practically brand new condition, I’ll make do with camo!😁. It is incredibly comfortable to wear, even heavily loaded- it is now my “go to” pack for heavy loads, even over my beloved LK70! If you don’t mind the camo, I would definitely go with this over the Bergen (sorry Greencraft 😔☹️), check them out. They are more of a compromise between military toughness and civilian comfort, there is a bigger version, I think it’s the Saracen, but to my mind, this is perfect!😁

[@tacituskilgore8379]

Just made pretty much the same comment... Mine was 50 quid, brand spanking new! Great bag.

[@stevegrew6758]

I’ve got a mini version of this… not quite sure what it is ? Thought it was short back version but it’s much smaller. The rockets are about 20 percent smaller … I just bought some extras and they are much bigger! Any ideas on what it could be? No markings on pack but def plce

[@greencraft4783]

Webtex made a 3/4 size version in green. It was a good copy to be fair. The grab handle was a bit long as I recall.

[@chrismee3083]

can i get a patch, can't seem to find them.

[@dziugytodzg]

whats the current company name of this rucksack ?

[@Grizzly907LA]

I would be like a pig in slop in slop if I could get a bergen PLCE, for 40 pounds, with shipping to the US, though I have a similar ruck called the USMC ILBE. I got that years for song, they're now going for 300-400 us dollars.

[@Tom_Bee_]

I don't have the mental discipline to rock a pack that big. I have to use the smallest possible bag or I start packing silly stuff lol

[@oakesmillwood1443]

I just use a alice bag

[@xMrBlack]

Boy those prices changed significantly for the worse in the last 2 years. Ebay seems to have 1 with no side pouches for just shy of 100$ US.

[@Bushcraft242]

Army stores Amazon yard sales Walmart tarps garbage bags shower curtains paracord