Frontier Backpacking Gear

[@greywolfoutdoorshomestead9962]

I am a 55 year old grandfather and father of 3 boys and a daughter. I am getting into this sort of life and hobby if you will. I am saving up to buy a flint lock rifle kit to build. I cant do it myself.but im going to process deer hides and have a lady i know who is a semesters to make me the clothes and mockisen and what not. I find your videos extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. Again thank you.

[@thedeerskindiary]

That is very humbling thank you. I will be doing a moccasin video in the very near future (as soon as work gets out of the way) so stay tuned!

[@wastelandwarrior9738]

It's great fun and I hope you get to do just that

[@donkeller2489]

I have shot and hunted with flintlock for over 50 years. One trick used was "Dry ball for quick shot" . Your patched ball is smaller than bore when not patched and will go down the bore with no problem. The quick firing is done by powder the barrel, spit down the barrel and drop the bare ball down the barrel. The spit kills some powder and acks as a patch, it also keep the loose ball in place on the powder charge. Once killed a buck at about 40 yards, dry ball the gun and kill a second doe at about 80 yards. Try it, it works

[@thedeerskindiary]

I’ll have to try the same caliber to see how easy it is to load.

[@shoot2win506]

Well done Anthony! You are doing a great job with a variety of topics. Thanks for all you do. Stay safe! Robin

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thank you.

[@doctormax54]

Thank you. it is a long process of figuring out one's gear and how to store and carry it in the most efficient way. Your kit choices are logical, functional, and very useful. I have been doing this for nearly 50 years and I am still adjusting things and improving my look. As a reenactor, flintlock hunter, Hunter Education instructor with speciality in primitive weapons (muzzleloaders), as an co-teacher for beginning hunter seminar with more in depth scenarios and activities, and an substitute teacher who works with students exploring the woods, I developed a two page sheet that describes Lessons I Have Learned ..., One side covers skills, walking, stopping, and looking around, and things to do aware of, while out but the other side is on safety. That side includes letting someone know where you are going, the expected route, and when you are going and returning. This is critical as we have others who depend on us and them having this information is super important. If someone gets delayed or there is a medical emergency, a search and rescue might be needed, so having a starting point and ending point and time knowledge is key. Glad you point this out. If you have allergies, medical issues and are taking medications and such, others in your group need to be aware of them. Being in shape/prepared for your planned activity is part of this, too. I may have missed it but have you weighed your kit, minus the fowler?

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thank you for sharing your process and lessons learned! I have not weighed myself with the kit but suspect that all told its around 30 pounds.

[@dominicregos4902]

Another very good video. A lot of useful information. Thank You so much. You’re very inspirational.

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thank you! Glad to try and be of help.

[@stevemalibu99]

Great video

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thank you very much!

[@jamesvatter5729]

"Virginia cloth." That's a new term for me. Thanks for sharing.

[@thedeerskindiary]

I should do a Frontier Friday word of the day on that on my FB and IG pages. Thanks for the thought!

[@johnovanic9560]

In this age of modern living and conveniences having the ability to flip the script and survive and thrive in a 1700 mentality will be beneficial in this 21st century. Excellent video Thank you for your input

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thank you for the feedback and support!

[@kurtbaier6122]

Just subd. Been doing Canadian Milice for decades, and 7th Virginia Continental Line, Ranger impression 3 yrs awhile back. I carry one blanket late Spring to early fall and use two thick blankets in the winter. I always carry a wool Capote, tuque, and an extra set of larger leggings and socks year round. I will put either a trimmed sheep skin on top of brush or debris or a cotton tick to fill with debris as insulation and cushion under me. And a sack to act as a pillow. A Wool blanket is usually my only cover. And my blanket in a pinch can be set up as a lean to tarp as early documents report. I sleep close to the fire. I also use natural shelter materials. 2 pieces of foot ware is a must. I carry a small spade with sharpened edges for light chopping for firewood, clearing brush, digging fire pit, slit trench latrine, moving coals, and a large metal cup and small horn or wooden bowel and spoon year round; and a larger pot and lid, for camping in colder weather. I cook a lot of gallet or bannock to eat as I hike and fresh at camp. I also carry a large knife and period pocket knife. I bring a larger hawk or small axe in clod weather as well for cutting bigger diameter wood. Very good presentation and camera work.

[@thedeerskindiary]

That’s awesome! I hadn’t thought of the spade before.

[@timber123doddle]

Outstanding! A great video, you did a great job of explaining both modern and 18th century items that we may or may not need when out enjoying our hobby. Thank you for sharing and for the time you put into presentation.

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thank you!

[@martinmeltzer2696]

Thanks for giving us a peek of the stuff you carry and how you carry it! It's always interesting to see what "The Other Fellow" is lugging along and how they go about this great hobby! Of course, we all want to hit the "Sweet Spot" of having what we need... and not toting any unnecessary weight when we are hiking! Having multiple companions, a canoe, or a pack animal... means that more items & supplies can be taken along to boot!

[@thedeerskindiary]

I am definitely into the “glamping” phase of my love of history when I can. 😂

[@greywolfoutdoorshomestead9962]

Thank you so much for this video. It was very helpful. Im going to remember this and use some of your ideas.

[@thedeerskindiary]

I'm so glad!

[@Georgiastonewall]

I would make one small addition to your modern survival kit. A small light weight plastic whistle. In the event that self rescue is difficult a whistle is a good way to signal passersby and searchers. Depending on the casualty you have taken shouting maybe difficult or impossible. When blown with cupped hands it can very directional. I kept one in my pocket for directing traffic and one on me and one on my dog tags while at sea.

[@thedeerskindiary]

Great advice!

[@behindthespotlight7983]

I’d extrapolate that thought process out to a small, comprehensive signal kit: chem sticks, plastic survival mirror, whistle, air horn or pen flare.

[@earlshaner4441]

Outstanding video

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thank you so much!

[@randybrown140]

It amazing to me that my family survived those times. They went from coast to coast over many generations. 👍

[@thedeerskindiary]

It’s fun for a weekend but it starts to end there in many ways I think.

[@-qj6ps]

Everyone’s ancestors did amazing things in the wild. It’s in all of our genetics that’s why it’s so alluring to be out in the bush

[@CaptRons18thcentury]

Talk about perfect timing, I have some new guys that asked about taking a "trek"... planning a skills training weekend in June, and an excursion late summer or early fall... this is going to be required watching...

[@thedeerskindiary]

Awesome!

[@jtmarlin336]

I'm very jealous of that skunk bag Lol

[@thedeerskindiary]

They are easy to make at least. Try to make one!

[@jeffreyrobinson3555]

Got to be a cheater. I have shoes and high-lows half boots. I had rubber soles added. Non slip, but still look right. At 66 I don’t want a slip and fall. I also put insoles in…. What a wimp😊 Had a jackware canteen, heavily waxed, I dropped it on a rocky trail and it shattered like glass Broke a molar on hard tack once so I tend to softer pilot bread. I like lighter dried potato’s and onions. I like my corn meal. Much of our kit is the same

[@thedeerskindiary]

RGR all. As long as you’re still going that’s what matters most!

[@OldSchoolAlaska]

Good info as always. Thanks for sharing the history.

[@thedeerskindiary]

You bet and thank you.

[@mikef3808]

I've often wondered if it is better to go small tomahawk in the belt and then to bring along an axe or a fascine knife. A lot of Period tomahawks are rather small, yes I think for combat purposes but I think primarily they were a tool in the butchering process. Especially using them in a similar manner to how an Ulu is used. Just with a handle or you could pop the head off and hold it in your hand. Awesome video, glad to see an underwaistcoat as well. There's a cool description of one in the von Pausch journal.

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thanks for the perspective. Now I am going to use a hawk to clean a deer next year in the manner you described. It makes perfect sense. Now I wait until fall.

[@EthanPageHunter]

Is much as I love period correct and primitive technology… I still ALWAYS carry some modern bushcraft and emergency accoutrements. Being able to rewind time to the 18th-19th century is a rewarding experience. But not at the same of practicality and safety! I appreciate seeing a history enthusiast that feels the same. Also we are trying to have fun. And for my beat up body means my klymit air pad and pillow haha it’s also important for folks to realize that yes we do these things to be able to feel and appreciate our ancestors ways but if they could have had phones and air pads I can 100% assure you they would have had them. Great video brother. I’m subbed!

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thank you and welcome aboard!

[@buds8423]

Very interesting. Never saw this channel before. Flintlock fire starting- makes sense in emergency- assume that flint more $$? Love the hat! Is it a particular style?

[@thedeerskindiary]

In my Fire making video I highlight an account of using a flintlock. I encourage you to watch it! It’s potentially dangerous though if you don’t know the status of your gun. The hat is an 18th century round hat style common among Euro Americans.

[@a.toddmoore7262]

Dude, seriously awesome kit you've put together! I love that you covered water filtration and first aid. A tourniquet, water filtration, and a battery for your cell phone! History reenactment is great, but adding these additional modern items to your kit is so important! After all, reenacting history is great, but let's not be stupid! You are so well spoken and your kit is so well thought out. Easily earned my sub. The only thing that I think that you should add is a Garmin Inreach. Additionally you didn't talk about a knife, but I see that you have a tomahawk, which I assume is your replacement for a knife. Fantastic video!

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thank you for the kind words. You are correct-the one thing I forgot to talk about was my knives. I have two: a belt knife which is based on an English trade knife) and you can see it in the video a couple of times. I also have a large folding blade in my pocket and a whetstone in my shot bag. I may do a separate video on my shot pouches and contents.

[@feraltweed]

I just subbed. Your content is very interesting and informative Keep posting. I liked your video on gun flints as well

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thank you so much!

[@gregorypennell1755]

Ah, the ol’ Five Point Contingency Plan…danged if that doesn’t bring back memories…😂 Great description of your kit, and the reasoning behind your selections. I’m in the process of getting together my trekking kit, and a more comprehensive “camp like I have a horse” kit…and the never ending details. Thanks for the ideas! 🙌🏼

[@thedeerskindiary]

I’m at the point where I’m like “buy a horse and camp” 😂😂

[@gregorypennell1755]

@@thedeerskindiaryMy “horse” is my 20 year old Chevy Colorado…😂 I’m getting kitted up for our first (hopefully annual) primitive encampment here in Pikeville, Kentucky. The town is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. It should be a good time, y’all should come!

[@thedeerskindiary]

@@gregorypennell1755 one day I hope to make it!

[@Bernie7330]

Excellent information and well presented, as usual!

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thank you.

[@dillonhouseholder7163]

Invaluable. Can’t thank you enough for sharing your hard earned knowledge. I am dying to get my hands on one of those hand woven blankets with the blue or red stripes, but they sure are hard to locate!!

[@thedeerskindiary]

If you have Facebook look up Robert Gordon Stone. He can get you fixed up!

[@dillonhouseholder7163]

@@thedeerskindiary Thank you!! I will check him out!

[@dillonhouseholder7163]

@@thedeerskindiary Awesome! Thank you. I messaged him, I hope he responds. What was his lead time like just out of curiosity? Thanks! -Dillon

[@earlshaner4441]

Thank you for sharing this information my friend and I am enjoying this video

[@thedeerskindiary]

I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for supporting.

[@WBrownIII]

Another great video. Thanks for stressing safety and being prepared in the event things go wrong.

[@thedeerskindiary]

I should have added a compass for at least one viewer. 😂

[@WBrownIII]

@thedeerskindiary if that "one viewer" can't walk less than a quarter mile straight up a draw due east directly into the sun, then having a compass wouldn't have helped. 🤷

[@Paul0580]

Another great video! Of course we're coming out of the cold season down south, but just a note on the water purification equipment; if there's a chance the temperature will drop below freezing, you have to protect that device. If it freezes the filtration media is compromised. I use a ziplock and keep it in my bag/bed, but I'm sure there are other methods. Keep on keeping on, my friend...you're doing great!

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thank you! That’s a very valuable tip I appreciate you sharing it.

[@lisacooper3991]

This is a awesome video and great preparation on frontier knowledge of the items used.. thanks for sharin.. from South Carolina

[@thedeerskindiary]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you.

[@Wolfram762]

Got a new subscriber here buddy! Got your channel from Along the Wolf Trail and I am glad i checked your out. First video i saw amd subbed right after watching it. Excellent content!!

[@thedeerskindiary]

Welcome aboard! Along the Wolf Trail is a great channel!

[@Wolfram762]

@@thedeerskindiary thanks!! Both channels are awesome and have great content!!

[@robertmccann5838]

I use the "Inca's Food" Brand hominy for snacking. They don't taste like much, but it gets the job done.

[@thedeerskindiary]

I’ll have to look for that.

[@wanderlustjake]

Thank you for putting together another informative video. Nice that you explained the thought process. Couple quick questions: You stress hydration, which is important. Any recommendation on how to clean/sanitize the period containers? Would a bleach solution be detrimental to the natural materials? (Trying not to need the red bag). What does your kit weigh in at? Curious for comparison to a modern (non-ultralight) kit. How do your feet do with the mocs and additional weight? Horace Kephart (20th century writer) mentions the Mocs being great in the woods as you can walk with less noise feeling the sticks etc. but needing time for your foot bones to “loosen up”. Thank you again and looking forward to the next video!

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thanks for your great questions! To clean I use a product called StarSan that is used by brewers to disinfect. A little goes a long way. I also use it in my wooden canteen because I store water in that year-round. I have not actually weighed my full kit, but it is under 40 pounds. The only time it may go over that a little bit is in the wintertime with the addition of a bison robe or similar. as for the moccasins, I absolutely recommend getting used to them before taking them as a sole footwear option. Ankle support when top-heavy from the other equipment can make or break an outing. Buckled shoes aren’t that much better, but they do at least offer some support with the stiffness of the upper part of the shoe.

[@susiefouts1926]

Very nice, very authentic. Always enjoy your videos.

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thank you very much!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Well done, Anthony, now put that kit together and let’s plan a trek up here in north. See you at Pricketts Fort.

[@thedeerskindiary]

Looking forward to it my friend!

[@palonghunter3608]

Great tutorial. Something to strive for. You have a awesome kit. Thanks for sharing

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thank you for the recognition.

[@ashleyanderson2859]

👍 Thanks for the info. Very good.

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thank you!

[@ethansammons1964]

Nice vid, what do you use that sheet of linen for in your bed roll?

[@thedeerskindiary]

It is a catch all-it can go underneath me on top of a bed of leaves/boughs or as a crude shelter. Shelters are one of those things that I have a love/hate relationship with in terms of authenticity. They didn’t seem to carry tents while on foot but I also need something similar at times. I have done brush arbors and all before to good effect but that was without anything more than a drizzle. This thing would not keep me dry in a driving storm by itself but it augments other things well.

[@mikesherman4565]

Very informative thank you

[@thedeerskindiary]

Glad it was helpful!

[@almartin9500]

Another great video! Almost identical to mine, except I also carry a small fry pan. I’m waiting to have F&G or USFS LEO to come up so I can say something along with “what do you mean it’s 20.., no it’s 176….!”🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@thedeerskindiary]

Man that’s a great response too. I may use it one day. Most rangers have no idea this kind of thing really even goes on. There aren’t many who wouldn’t think it was really cool.

[@almartin9500]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 definitely not too common out here in the CA Sierras!

[@aggieduke1]

Good info. Enjoy your videos

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thank you!

[@timharrelson4323]

I like that you didnt say... "trek". 😂

[@thedeerskindiary]

I got to thinking about it and it’s a very niche term. A lot of people may not have understood what it was unless they knew the hobby.

[@randysteed1400]

Greatly enjoy your videos. You have really motivated me to make my own gear. I’m making my first pair of moccasins. Do you sew a sole on yours to make them more repairable? Thank you.

[@thedeerskindiary]

Awesome! I have not really ever done external soles on the ones that I make but I plan to on an upcoming pair. I am actually trying to plan for a southeastern moc making video as my next one. Just need to find the time.

[@zeroshepard9513]

Do you have a video on making the bacon, or could you make one? I looove your channel, by the way.

[@thedeerskindiary]

Thank you so much for the support. I don’t have one on making bacon though I have made it in the past. I’m not good enough yet to show how.

[@jayburton2475]

Another great video thanks for the information it will help me as I'm trying to put together a kit. What type of flintlock Fowler is that?

[@thedeerskindiary]

It’s a Jackie Brown .62 caliber.

[@2gpowell]

Enjoyable and educational video. I often wear my linen frock folded over my waist with no shirt underneath in the summer. It provides protection from the sun, and it is cool against my skin. By the way, I do not wear a neckerchief. Do you tie it with a regular square knot?

[@thedeerskindiary]

Great comment and question. I tie my neckerchief in direct proportion to how I feel. In other words, if I want to feel dressed up I wrap it more tightly and tie it more neatly. Most of the time though it is a simple square knot.

[@2gpowell]

Thanks@@thedeerskindiary

[@buds8423]

Another question- wondering when knit fishnet wool undervests started getting used- new fan of their wicking ability…

[@thedeerskindiary]

I do not know the answer to that one. I have never encountered an article of clothing like that in my research of the mid-late 1700’s. It sound interesting to look for though!

[@isatq2133]

How would they have washed and gone to the bathroom? If you don’t mind me asking. Thanks!

[@thedeerskindiary]

It seems as though many people were as clean as they could be. On the frontier, bathing would have occurred in creeks and streams in mild weather. Probably more like cat baths in cold weather. Outhouses and privies were fixtures on home sites and have become treasure troves of archeological data today.

[@isatq2133]

@ thank you!

[@KJ4RMZ]

Is that a South African potjie (Dutch oven)? If so, where did you get it?

[@thedeerskindiary]

It is not. It is a brass trade kettle from a company called West Historical.

[@-qj6ps]

What’s the overall weight of your full kit?

[@thedeerskindiary]

I don’t know exactly but it is under 40 pounds total for sure. I will weigh myself and add it into a future video if I don’t get it before.

[@zenhobo2]

No knife, or did I miss it?

[@thedeerskindiary]

Two actually and you didn’t miss it. I missed talking about them. Good catch.

[@outdoorlife5396]

I hate to tell you, but MD and some of these other Northern states that are requiring information about what you are up to, are impeding your 2nd amendment rights. I agree with being polite and assisting officers. But if you have a rifle, it is none of their business. You might be going to the range. Or whatever, as long as you are minding your own business, then carry on. I do like your carry equipment though. Great choices.

[@thedeerskindiary]

I understand and don’t disagree. Having been on the other side of that equation, I remember a call I was dispatched to that was “a man with a gun who confronted a woman on a trail and told her she was going to have a bad day today before attempting to flee.” A call like that will illicit a response from police everywhere. Upon finding the guy and talking with him, he was an open carry guy who told her to “have a nice day.” That could have gone a very different way if the open carry guy and it was the first of several similar misunderstandings that made it to 911 that made me open my eyes. It’s just my perspective and my lack of wanting to wind up as an IG reel or on a t shirt lol.

[@moorshound3243]

Sorry but you almost lost me with your health and safety rant at the beginning. Our ancestors managed without telling people anything they didn't have phones. Oh god you are still at it. I'm gone.

[@thedeerskindiary]

The best part about a hobby is everyone is allowed to have their own comfort level and assume their own risk that they are comfortable with. My opinions and experiences are certainly not universal. Thanks for checking out the channel.

[@moorshound3243]

@@thedeerskindiary you are right Sir. Just I find too much is a disclaimer these days, maybe if you had said all that after the living history part of the video? Just a thought. I mean I am sure our ancestors didn't go on about safety like we do today. I know my grandfather never did and we are all still here billions of us haha. Take care.