EDC Backpack | Ex Royal Marine now Bushcraft Instructor shares his day to day pack contents

[@Greenhillwoodlands]

“For me Remembrance is every single day”. Never a truer word spoken. Well done Nick.

[@d4consultingroup]

Semper fi

[@eumaeus]

I love that you have to 'earn' your patch. What a great concept.

[@jonfisher9214]

If you're working with cutting tools I'd recommend keeping a wound dressing with them at all times. Gives you something sterile to cover the cut with quick, and large enough to wrap a finger in to control bleeding while you get the first aid kit out. Also make sure the packaging is something you can open with one hand. I'm probably just clumsy but that's my solution after years of cutting wood and the occasional finger.

[@kevincorby435]

Just found your site Royal, have some catching up to do! Now living in Oz but miss the UK countryside. Loved the Vids I have seen so far.

[@lloveAphmau]

Just found this channel, good to see another bootneck into bushcraft, love the notebook it's one you don't see in kits much but if I had to rely on memory for everything it would be pretty sketchy, good for sketch maps to decent spots or resources too, my sketch maps would mean absolutely nothing to someone picking my notebook up but to me it's has every minute important detail I'd want to remember, even down to approach angles to sneak up on the local roe herd when they're bedded down and every hare seat I've found in the woods as trying to spot them in the wooded areas is very difficult

[@JamieEnglish]

Thank you for this video, and thank you for your service! I am from the UK, but now live in the US. I moved here in 2004 and came back to the UK to join the Royal Marines in 2007. I went into PRMC and started my training shortly after. I got a call from my mum saying that my dad will ill and I needed to return to the US. He passed away shortly after that - I very much miss the training and all my friends, I wish I would have joined fully. That being said, I'd love to come on one of your courses one day when the world opens back up.

[@joedimaggio3146]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 What age were you when you joined if you don't mind me asking?

[@thetacticalape8852]

Nice video. I lived under a poncho for 42 days at a time for training exercises. My old unit pretty much lived in the field. Poncho and poncho liner are still the best pieces of military kit imho.

[@tedsamuels3203]

I don't think 🤔 I've ever seen a battery pack like that..awesome and the fish spreaders and the cooking bottle was pretty neat 👌 Thanks for sharing your video

[@ianrutter9243]

Well done mate, I was a chef at the Royal British Legion guest house in Weston Super Mare looking after Vets from all major conflicts and the injured and unwell up untill they closed the four centres as they decided the money would be better spent elsewhere, a lot of great people lost their jobs but many hundreds more lost the chance of a free week or two away to feel a little better and recuperate, I would love to know what the Legion thought was a better investment it still pains me today after nearly 16 months, I had grown men shedding tears when the news was released and it made the natinal press, so now i raise funds for Shelter to at least help others in need.

[@guitarhiker4449]

Fish spreaders is a brilliant idea for removing your cook pot/water bottle. Thanks for the tip. I'm planning on buying a single walled stainless steel water bottle with a lid. Maybe the self reliance outdoors version. Great piece of kit to have even if you already have a cook pot. That way you can carry around your boiled or filtered water. Keep in mind single walled water bottles get hot!! Your gonna want a cozy of sorts. Hot lips is a nice piece of gear to have for that too. The Helikon ponchos are nice piece of rain gear! Versatile! Good EDC bag man! The pack itself could be better, but use what you got! Stay safe! Hike on!

[@sallyharvey9818]

How about First Aid? Would be interested to see what you carry.

[@casinodelonge]

Pair of sturdy gloves maybe? Just to navigate through the brambles, some midgey repellent? They never bothered me as a youngster but now I'm old...

[@johncrouch8988]

Just send the wife or girlfriend first,🤣🤷‍♂️

[@EatsTreatsMREs]

Earning the patch is a great idea, i like that. I found your channel today and I am loving your videos.

[@cameronlewington3005]

Great presentation Nick, out of all my kit I love my poncho the best, great to not get wet and a barrier against a cold wind. Due to my height, I butchered an old poncho to add extra length! Best to you..Cam

[@wojtek14]

Great movie. It's nice to listen to you. I've learned something new. Thanks. I lived in England for almost 9 years in York. It was fantastic. Greetings from Poland :)

[@sillylilly4794]

US here and thank you for your service. I live where it is freezing cold in winter, love that, to sweat your buns off in the summer, love that too. I'm in my 60's and want to start hiking and exploring again. But I do have a bag I grap when I go out the door for everyday carry. It needs to be updated for summer now. I think I will purchase that filter bag of yours, never seen one. I learn so much from everyone. Thank you.

[@davidadams8736]

Great tips .wow lol I used to work at stanton nursery lived next village along mum was from Staunton drew .was great in the chew valley camped many a time on the mendip hills

[@TheOleGrol]

Hey Marine Semper Fidelis. Love your content and thank you for referring to us as your American brothers. I loved training with you guys when you we're in the US as well.

[@michaelwhittaker5432]

Another great tutorial ( you can tell you done the b.i.t.s ) It still amazes me how many people I meet outdoors that are so badly equipped for a days hike I would never leave home for a day in the sticks with out a least a poncho and a small gas burner , im old now but was taught very many years back 1979 ` expect the best - prepare for the worse` sounds cheesy I know but its rock solid advice, mill banks are superb yes they are very old school but have never been beaten im slowly ploughing through all your great vids , you have a lovely gentle teaching style

[@robdubyuh420]

Being the soft palmed office worker that I am the more I get out the more I find a pair of leather gloves handy. Good video Nick thanks.

[@grantwood2100]

was really happy to receive my patch but not sure i realised what a compliment it was to be given one thanks again Nick

[@grantwood2100]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 thats good to know Nick if it ever needs a service pop it in the post and ill be glad to give it a once over . starting to get through the channel now and enjoying the pace of your filming.

[@cripplers8]

Another great video Nick. I really liked the mil bank filter idea that I ordered a British Military one to throw into my kit. Just one suggestion, why not get a multi tool instead of carrying the 2 nips? You’ll get more bang for your buck or pounds that can do a other jobs too plus it’s more compact. Cheers mate from the USA…..

[@joethegeographer]

Good tips, thanks for posting. I'm getting one of those canvas water pre-filtering bags. You can imagine the quality of the water I find sometimes here in the desert . . . such a bag will be very useful.

[@paramidge8935]

Great use of a pike gag with your hot bottle, could be adapted to hang all sorts of things - can be made with a springy sapling limb as well but the metal job is going to be less faff and reliable every time. Never felt the need to earn anyone's badge personally but this sort of recognition/belonging matters to a lot of people and it's really good marketing - I wish you luck and thanks for your interesting, well produced, well presented info.

[@markevans506]

Pruning tool! Great idea gonna have to grab myself one.

[@williamgrech930]

Nice set up mate. The only 3 other items I would recomend is a small torch and a CAT tourniquet and FFD as bleeding kills. Cheers and keep up the good work

[@DaveCampfire]

Just found your videos and I thought very informative. A tip from an ex signaller, bang on with the use of a pencil, sharpen both ends though and use 2b, soft lead, it will even write on damp paper, handy when you are outside!

[@DaveCampfire]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 you’re welcome

[@fredetricko5555]

I like a small string I find I always tie thing on the outside of my bag maybe my jacket and so on Dry socks and binbags are also my go to's

[@jasonmoody8699]

Another cracking video Nick

[@axelthorn2263]

Good video thanks yet again and you could always use your Pliers if you lost the fish mouth spreaders😊

[@hiddenwoodsben]

merino is amazing, two thirds of my shirts are wool by now. compared to cotton, you'll feel so much more comfortable immediately regardless of moisture, cold or sweat (i sweat a lot and i never want to go back to cotton). before buying, look around a little, you don't need to spend the 60-80 bucks for an icebreaker, there are lots of companies selling 100% merino shirts for 30-40.

[@Biwak_Nord]

Thx Nick for Show is your content ! I love it …. Greets from Germany 🤙🏻👌

[@geordiehenderson2248]

Another excellent video, great explanation. I live rural Northumberland, so for year's i never leave without my small daysack. Its not as comprehensive as yours, but it would cover me for an overnighter if broken down. I carry flasks of hot water with the makings for a brew. Ive just started taking one of those new dragon hexi stoves with a small lightweight coleman pot ive had for over 30 years, which you cant seem to get them that small anymore. Im going to look into getting one of those US made ponchos. They look lighter than carrying my old Army basha or my DD tarp. All the best. Geordie

[@pepelemoko01]

Coffee bags are the way to go, throw in a little bit of instant if you want an extra hit. They have arabica instant coffee these days.

[@superdave8248]

Love the idea of the fish spreader. I'd make a few suggestions though. (1) Whistle (2) Leatherman tool with plyers and saw to replace your two tools. (3) headgear (4) safety glasses and gloves.

[@GavC-137]

Loving your videos rn. Just had a weekend in Wye valley and came home feeling the buzz and found your channel. Loads of stuff I wish I knew last week 🤣🤣 Funny you mentioned coffee, as that's about the only thing I didn't struggle with, and I like a latte with fresh coffee! If you've not heard of or used one, I highly recommend a “mokka pot”. They're only small and act as a self contained kettle and cafetiere, using steam pressure to push water from the bottom chamber through the coffee grinds and into a separate, upper pouring chamber. Small light ones are a tenner online and even if you don't get much use, they're good to have. I use mine daily at home as well as camping. Defo worth a look 👍

[@lgwjrwhite588]

I have just found your channel ,outstanding just subcribed very impressed. Thanks for shareing (northern ont. Canada

[@russeljohn3471]

Always interesting and informative. Thanks Nick. Regards Russ

[@andrewscrivens9586]

Another great video Nick....keep 'em coming👏 It has however reminded me we never picked up our patches you said about!

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

I recommend a piece of the ‘Bendy Pencil’ sold by Harper’s Bazaar. I’ve used one since I first encountered them in BAOR (back when Centurion was a rank, not a tank)…the leads don’t seem to ever break if you cut it short enough to fit in a notebook

[@Rockhopper1]

Dear Santa for christmas I would like a HVB patch, cos I am essence. But seriously you and I have the same views on rememberance . Nice video, my add ons would be a tallow candle, means of lighting, pack of playing cards, pack of boilies, but no green ones. A little rubber pad to sit or kneel on. Great vid.

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Well thought out kit! I think it comes with the military training and preparedness.

[@Smokdeel]

Great video.BTW,regarding your poncho, the Helikon company (Helikon-Tex) comes from Poland.

[@TheOutdoorlife78]

So glad I found your channel. Hopefully get on one of your course this year .

[@joedixon5513]

I adopted the Grey Man idea myself. I have a Get Home Bag set up with the minimum of things I may need. But my rain poncho is an integral part of any of my gear. It is indispensable. I live in the USA in Florida, doesn't get cold here, gets really chilly in the cooler months, but when in the woods Everything is woodland camouflage. In the city I live in the Tampa Bay area, its pretty well built up, so Grey Man it is.

[@susanp.collins7834]

If I take my backpack I always carry a pair of pruning shears. I may need it to clear a patch of undergrowth to point my camera through for my bird photography.

[@PatriciaDraven71]

I didn't realise you were so local to me (Glastonbury) WOW I haven't long since found your channel great videos

[@michealstephenson9918]

Great kit this will set me up for a starter then change as I need to for my needs,ps would love one of those stove ,on the wish list

[@Grizzly907LA]

Have you thought about including a poncho liner as part of your EDC?

[@kapiteinkarnok]

Hello Nick. I like Your style. Nice vids. Keep m coming, grtz Robert

[@lindsayrobinson2144]

Great stuff. Love your content mate. Just as you mentioned you're not great on tech, I might offer you a little pointer about your power bank (that you charge your phone and other devices with) - try not to let it get too cold. When lithium batteries are exposed to real cold conditions they can lose their charge. If you're in snow or icy conditions, just ensure you don't have it sitting out exposed (ie if you are charging your phone etc). God speed Sir

[@ferrykreisz]

Nice Video. Thumbs up! But you don’t carry an IFAK?

[@BASurvival]

nice video, very similar set up to my edc for being in the woods , like the idea of the fish spreaders for the Nalgene bottle👍

[@sinaalex7577]

Very interesting and inspiring videos. Well done. I'm looking forward to more videos. Just one suggestion for further videos. Using a wider angle lens or stepping back gives a little more persective and shows a little more. For the rest I am happy to have found this channel.

[@joepublic573]

Never thought of that "ninja" move ... it's awesome - think I might use that one the next time I go into Morissons (lol) Nice video though - enjoyed the minor verbal diversions (which were left in and not edited out - thankfully). Keep up the good work Nick :)

[@rstar88105]

As someone has day hiked and starting to get into multi-day hiking/camping, what is the advantage to the full and partially exposed tang to a knife? Is it so you can crush things and not destroy the handle portion?

[@rstar88105]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Thank you! I really appreciate finding multiple uses for gear. Now I understand more why one of my friends has an exposed tang as well. Really enjoy your videos by the way. They are a nice retreat from the pace of the work day on lunch breaks.

[@timsmart5887]

Great video. Did I miss the fist aid kit? Awesome tip re hand sanitizer

[@fractalofgod6324]

Really enjoying your videos fella... New sub. Keep up the great work and stay safe.

[@soggz4246]

Hi Nick. That’s a good workout just lugging that around! Surprised you have no small first aid kit, though… just in case.👍🏾 Regards.

[@Raventommm]

Nice video... when is the micro adventure back coming? Would be nice to see that one and get ideas for my own.... also a great talker i could listen to you for hours!

[@scrum5atk1]

Hi Nick Where did you get your racing spoon from Watched a few of your videos, they're great,cheers Bruce

[@fractiousfauxpas1368]

As for coffee on the go, I don't tend to be out more than a few days and so i take a ziplock or any old sealable baggie and pour some of my jarred coffee mix into in it. Less rubbish, a handy baggy if you need it and simple. Only catch is, you have to like black coffee :')

[@viewsandreviews180]

Good presentation. On the topic of saws, have you ever considered using a reciprocating saw blade for wood processing?

[@viewsandreviews180]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 I’ve found the carbide teeth on a 12” reciprocating saw last and are aggressive in either green or dry wood. Of course the handle for the saw is the part that I had to make but both have worked well for the last few years.

[@kurtsteiner8384]

Do you use the us army canteen, comes with kidney shaped cup holds 2 litres. Its what i use stainless steel also.

[@gavinmiller690]

Secateurs key for every gardner & young athletic men who like running with backpacks in the rain

[@verykeen2please]

i love the idea of turning uo for a business meeting with axe lol

[@Jeffs40K]

where is the first aid, Just something basic, Gloves, also you showed a cook system, Where is the Lighting it options, Match, Lighter etc, Compass, Map of Area, Cordage besides whats on the Poncho. and ETC.

[@vickiwithers8563]

Great job

[@olekike72]

Great that you use simple/basic/sturdy things! no expensive, technological, delicate things. I would like to see a video where you explain why you carry/use the things you carry.

[@olekike72]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Thanks to your info, I bought a second hand daypack of the same brand as your Sabre backpack. So, thank you.

[@kateveneroso5754]

thank you! this is a really important video, how cool is that fish spreader I shall have to see if I can find one in the USA! I really enjoy your videos, sorry to repeat myself.

[@kateveneroso5754]

I found one, pretty cheap, a friend of mine got it at the fish store, way cool. thank you very much!

[@daz6637]

Well done Nick! Nice vid🙂🇬🇧

[@JamesGMunn]

Opportunity to come up with 12 survival uses for the business cards! A subject no one else has covered! Maybe you could come up with business cards that are also Fresnel lenses for starting a fire?

[@ReagerNu]

Hi... Great videos. What makes Them great? It is hard to make a video on KZbin about something new, regarding bushcraft. SO nothing new..But.... You are a great story teller. I wonna ser the next video, and the next, and the next. Great storytellers are hard to find. Especially those WHO drives a landy... So... More videos please... More videos regarding first aid.... keep up the good work.. Flashing headlights and a smile...Claus, denmark

[@trudiswanson9855]

Lol, waiting for the shower cap to come out of the last pocket. Also good to waterproof your matches, holding your toothbrush and mini towel. 👍🇭🇲🇭🇲

[@davebloggs]

Great videos I like your Chanel Im also ex military and ex uk as i now live on the other side of the world, I didn't see a fire kit in your pack . I never leave home here with out several ways to light a fire , is that something you put in your other pack?

[@sifusasdo2314]

Cool Video 👍 Thank U for the Info and the Links 👍

[@ericlegge2884]

What is the fire accelerant? - You did not say what its product name is.

[@NoneNone-kp1qc]

Today's generations just are not equipped to survive and humans on a whole have forgotten and lost any survival abilities. It's actually quite worrying as a lot of the basic essential survive skills and useable knowledge are not being practiced at all. I'm 41 and when I was a young lad and teen we were out camping in the woods as much as we possibly could, playing war with mates and family. Learning to make buddy burners, fires, find water, hunt, hike, bushcraft etc as standard. My nephews and nieces have no interest in anything to do with the outcome doors. New subscriber 👍 great content X Poacher 🇬🇧

[@EricTheSwede]

I'm watching this video a bit late, I can't find the link to the waterproof bag/stuff sack? Seems to be a perfect size and material!

[@EricTheSwede]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Thank you kind Sir, I'll go see if I can find myself a tacti-cool green or coyote tan one! B-)

[@phuaphua4301]

Thanks you for sharing, nice video. 👍

[@phuaphua4301]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Welcome, take care and stay blessings 🙌

[@nigelgregory4777]

Hello just subscribed after se a couple of your vids, good content well delivered, use your bottle hanger (fish spreader) to hang your bottle over the fire on a waugan stick, that way it won't fall over 😁👍☕, how do I find out more of what you do? I'm in the pennines, will have to look up chew valley, but if you are in the bushcraft scene, I'm out three times with frontier bushcraft again this year, but a look at another part of the country next year could be arranged, 👍👍😁☕, Cheers. Nige.

[@JohnTarbox]

Where did you get the poppy for the zipper pull?

[@leojoseph6385]

I'm really surprised you haven't tried to use the spare straps and cordage and tools to modify your backpack so that it's properly secured on you.

[@LeopoldVDH]

Hi Nick fire kit/bic lighter/matches/ferro rod? No?

[@wishiwasfishing76]

How come you don’t carry any water filtration system?

[@richardoldham6756]

Nice little vid mate👍 I know someone else has said this but... Cuts Kit/First Aid Kit?

[@carpmon7016]

bags..they can be very costly, i've recently started using cheap end moll packs, the carry a suprising amount but the zips on cheap end are ermmm cosmetic in some cases,be very carefull on zips, a roll of gaffer tape in a zip food bag is an essential.(the further/longer you go...pay more lol).

[@simonholden8523]

I find the idea of taking this bag, complete with knife, axe, saw and cooking system to a business meeting very amusing 😁😂

[@davepayne1915]

Another helpful video. Thanks. Really looking forward to the "Micro Adventure Bag" video. What size do you use for that? 30 litre .... or bigger?

[@davepayne1915]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Great, thanks very much

[@ZgNavigator]

Nice, useful eqipment 👍

[@maryhairy1]

Super info thx

[@susanp.collins7834]

Why do you need a titanium spoon? Why is it called a racing spoon?

[@valiaudet3415]

How much weight is packed day pack? Thanks

[@jimneysweep9810]

Excellent

[@nickminto3701]

Where are you based? There is a small place to near me in Cornwall called Hidden Valley

[@alexanderweaver4838]

I love my Helikon Tex gear: Swagman Roll, poncho, chest pack, a few small accessories. The main company is based in Poland but the gear is such top quality it is very popular here in the U.S. The "gray man or gray woman" look seems to be catching on big time here. I'm a die hard veteran who loves his camouflage gear; backpack, clothing and other apparel. My Swagman Roll and the HT Poncho are camo. When coupled together they make a great sleep roll. Recently I picked up a Swiss Gear backpack from Walmart. It is charcoal and black and it makes a superb bug out or get home bag. The organizer pockets make it simple to find gear quickly. I'm a minimalist when it comes to a bug out or get home bag. However if the SHTF event comes I'll revert to my military backpacks as the event may require an INCH bag, i.e. I'm Not Coming Home. I will probably use the MARPAT ILBE backpack used by the U.S. Marine Corps as it can handle up to 120 pounds or 8.5 stones or 54.55 kilos. At 73 years of age I can only handle carrying 50 to 60 pounds and rest every so often. I recommend that anyone who sets up his or her BOB or GHB take it on a "test run" to ensure that he or she can manage carrying it for long distances especially if escaping by vehicle is impossible. I was actually looking for a Targus backpack when I found the Swiss Gear bag. My laptop is in a Targus bag but it is made specifically for a laptop and would be a poor choice.

[@keithorbell8946]

I used to love Helikon stuff (mainly clothing). Older pairs of shorts and trousers I have are bomb proof (16 years old plus), but more recently (last 5-6) I seem to have got “Friday afternoon” bits: zips that don’t work, stitching that failed, pockets poorly aligned etc. I’ve lost my confidence in the company, but I seem to be the only one. I think I’m just unlucky and have picked up the bad items in each batch.

[@southerncomfort7490]

@@keithorbell8946 No, you are not the only one Keith. They make great stuff with well thought out designs. However, their quality control is now shot to hell. That is why I am pleased with the items I have, but I will not be buying any more for HT.

[@keithorbell8946]

@@southerncomfort7490 the worst failure for me was when the zip on the pocket my asthma inhaler was in locked closed during a bad asthma attack, I had to cut it open with a penknife.

[@southerncomfort7490]

@@keithorbell8946 That's terrible! The hole in the item must also be maddening. I wonder if there are people out there who have had similar problems with HT kit?

[@keithorbell8946]

@@southerncomfort7490 it was terrifying to be honest. I was only diagnosed about 2 years before, and had been carried off the Rugby pitch in front of my children! The attack lasted about 2 hours, so I was also having a panic attack! That little incident was just the icing on the cake.

[@survivalzoneswitzerland6697]

No IFAK?

[@lens7859]

Small first aid kit ??

[@robertwootton2161]

Sorry for being stupid but why is it called a racing spoon?

[@skylongskylong1982]

I think I would replace the axe with a tough/ durable, entrenching tool. Just in case the bag fell in the wrong hands, or got stopped by the custodians of law and order.