GROUND POUNDER PACK IT TIGHT HOW TO PACK A RUCKSACK

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

go light go tight and enjoy the woods more

[@choirboyzcutleryoutdoors]

Hands Down one of the best outdoor teaching channels on KZbin!!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Appreciate that

[@gldsmith61]

Sure is.

[@buzzbugs380]

Hey there Blackie, I'm from Tasmania, Australia. I'm a young lad and I've been rucking on and off since about 2014, I recently came across your channel and so far it's been a treasure trove of information. Your approach is very realistic and seems to come from experience, you are not just advertising bush products for your viewers to buy which is what a lot of guys on KZbin are doing. And I particularly like your insights on how the old timers used to do things. You're most definitely right about "the more you know, the less BS". I couldn't count the number of times I added something to my ruck only to remove it several hikes later. If it doesnt become practical in the field in due time, then why am I carrying it? And so each time I go bush I'm always trying out new loadouts as I try to hone in on what best suits "me", because I don't think rucking is a one size fits all kind of deal Even though I started rucking in 2014 I still consider myself a fledgling as there's so much more I can learn from my own experience, as well as from others like yourself. Cheers mate!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thank you for your kind words it has been my exp that the more dirt time you have in all weathers and conditions you begin to see the things that make you comfortable and the stuff you just take along ""IN CASE I NEED IT"" sort of thing..we all love gear.. but often when you realy think on it you only need very little the rest is just bs extra

[@jasonjohnson6344]

It may not seem like a big deal but a long time ago at R.E.I. in Seattle, one of the customer service guys in the sleeping bag section explained to me how important it is, after you pull your sleeping bag/quilt out of its stuff sack, you need to shake it out a LOT. It separates the insulation between the baffles and creates as many air pockets as possible. You can easily see how much fluffier the bag becomes. Especially the bags that have been greatly compressed for the hike. The bags are recommended to be hung up in the off season instead of left in sacks but few of us have the space for that. I’ve never seen a KZbinr mention that but over the years I’ve read it in the climbing magazines and some backpacking mags. Same for any down clothing or bags. The insulation value comes from the amount of loft and air space between insulation fibers or down feathers. If they are all crushed and matted down, much of the insulation value is lost.

[@mrmicro22]

All true but the air force vacuum packs its arctic emergency down sleeping bags and parkas for space.savings. That is extreme compression but with time and shaking, they expand and recover.

[@borkborkx10]

Thanks for teaching me how to use the Alice pack! I've had one for years but never fully utilized it. For a tip, here in Colorado, even the warm days can have cold nights and early mornings. I started bringing a woobie for a camp blanket, and then using the ties to wrap it around my sleeping bag as extra warmth. This way, I can stay warm around camp and bring a lighter sleeping bag while still getting a good night's sleep.

[@darrellh1840]

Great ideas Blackie! 20 years ago I taught my scouts to roll up a tee shirt, underware, and socks and put into a zip lock using the method you showed. It kept them dry and from dumping their bag on camp out to get these items….and putting the dirty set back into the zip lock. I think it worked great, but not sure my scouts thought so. I’m sure the moms who got the bags back with stinky items did not😝

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Good stuff

[@williamwilson1018]

Born and raised in fl.i now live in ks. When we go out the kids a d grandkids think I know it all. I dont but we are safe,comfortable and we have fun. Now the winter weather up hear is a total different thing I like my camper 66 yr old bones and arthritis can mean a lot of pain so pack accordingly for the weather. Great video thanks

[@jenniferbauman4802]

Great video. Great job . Up here in Massachusetts. In the summer time I get by with a net for a hamic. A canteen and cup a machete rope a tarp or peace of plastic for a tarp some can food a fishing kit. Boo boo kit. A hat and gloves. And that's really it. Every thing raps around the machete sling it over my shoulder. Put food in my haver sack. And good to go. Don't forget the bug spray. Great video. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts. Oh ya have to carry my favorite knife and my pocket knife with can opener.

[@mikebolton3816]

I learned how too pack my seabag, and ruck, in the Marines. Yet, I like how you pack your different packs. In particular you did a video some time back on what goes in and out first to last. Just watching, that, my set up time was cut nearly in half.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

glad to help

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

Excellent video Blackie ! You have the knack of un complicating things. Two requests... You're the First I've seen to even touch on the subject of "animal" behavior i.e. when the snakes and other critters are out and about, and what they're up to. If you could 1) go into a little more detail about that. I'm in the Louisiana Florida Parishes (between Lake Ponchartrain and Baton Rouge) so our climate, geography, and wildlife is the same as south Alabama. Serpents are not my friends. 2) If you could show us that British sleeping bag. The cotton sniper veil was great... I'll be getting one. I've seen that compression sack all over and mistook it for a dry sack. Thanks for the schooling on both ! Stay well !

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

will add the merlin to the list of to do videos and a update on animal life as well

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

@@BLACKIETHOMAS Will be looking forward to both. Thanks 👍

[@oldminer5387]

For over night trips I always seem to carry too much. Your video will help me trim down. Thank you for the video Blackie.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Glad to help

[@ericvater8672]

Blackie you're skills are unbelievable I live in the Adirondacks of NY we don't hot weather like you do but I can utilize your skills in my North from what you have learned from you because you are the greatest woodsman I have ever seen You're skills and knowledge is some of the best. Have a great day Blackie 👍

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thank you very much

[@danielcharbonneau222]

Great idea Blackie, having a few USMC Military SealLine MAC Sack Waterproof Dry Bags is the way to go, not cheap, but worth it.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

yes they are

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Agreed!

[@PaulDekleva]

The compacting bag with the value is a real eye opener; I could do with a few. You are so right! You need a spare outfit to change into after a strenuous day in either hot and humid Alabama USA or hot humid subtropical Brisbane Australia.

[@scottmyers4802]

I love your videos. I have learned alot. Have been into military gear for years. You should let your viewers know there is more than one size alice pack. There is a large and medium sized packs and some knock offs. Just thought this would help. Keep up the great work. Thanks a million .

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks

[@scottmyers4802]

@@richhoule3462 👍guess I missed it . Just trying to inform people so they now what to look for. Yes the large is a beast. I have both and usually run the medium.

[@timlacy2284]

Blackie , Great Video and Outstanding Information. I learned in Boy Scouts the three pile method. In the first pile you put everything you use a lot. Second pile things you use sometimes. Third pile things you didn't use at all , go camping three times in a row close to each time. The third pile don't take , the second pile you only take a few items that you use three or more times . The first pile you take every time. Thanks for sharing your time and knowledge and passing on the craft. When you print your book I'm ordering at least four copies of it. Yes , You Are The Master Woodsman and Buschcrafter Thanks Again for all you do. I did lots of camping and backpacking back in the 70s . From 79-86 I was in the U.S. Army. Stated back when I got back home. Tim L.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

good way to weed out the extra stuff

[@rickyfargason8859]

I just purchased one of those sniper veils (coyote brown), and after watching your video I am SO glad to here it can keep you cool. Great advice on keeping cold down here in our South. 😉

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@danielirvine3109]

good job I am in NC on the cost I know how humid it gets . so the hot weather stuff will help me out. That's for doing what you do.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Thanks 👍

[@danieljones2183]

Thanks for the tips. Really enjoy your videos.

[@a.toddmoore7262]

Hey Blackie, thanks for another great video! My camping/backing experience comes from Oregon/Washington. Now I live in Texas and I'm going through a complete revision of my gear so this video is a great help. Btw, thanks for hosting your gathering. It was a pleasure meeting you, I enjoyed myself a great deal! I met some new folks that I look forward enjoying future adventures with!

[@kenbarrett6466]

Hey Blackie I was hoping to see you at the ga bushcraft spring camp .. I seen the FTF guys After the days at your gathering and the weekend up there I figured out I have a tendency to carry too much B.S. camp cooking is about to reduce down to small bush pot a Sierra cup and stainless drinking cup Anything else for cooking will be tinfoil packets or grilled .. and a good set of the 10 c gear.. food , clothes , toiletries water and that’s it ..

[@fatherwolfs1]

Great advice Blackie! 👍 In coastal California, dense fog is miserable. It penetrates everything year-round, but not always. Large trash bags helps putting your sleeping bag in at night. 🙏🐺

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Right on

[@TerryC69]

Hi Blackie! That MAC Sack is some kind of cool.

[@mrkultra1655]

Another great one Blackie, thanks.

[@shadowulf]

Hey Blackie, here in the western deserts (northern Nevada and northern California) , 3 things that need to be on hand are water, shelter and first aid kit. You will get thirsty, you will need to get out of the elements, and you will get cut/stuck/scraped/blistered. I'm switching things up for myself by trying to get my luxury/campsite items strapped to the sides of my medium alice. As to be able to shed/switch them easily without changing my basic kit in the pack.

[@ChacoteOutdoorRecreation]

Wear the pack as much as possible, Knights concerned about speed and mobility found that by living in their suits of armor as a sort of second skin, paid off in battle, the body must be mastered to embrace the weight of the pack, if one can not lift his shield when needed, then he must accept the cut of his enemy. Of course this is not the wisdom the weak will seek. Hard will always be hard and avoiding hard makes hard harder. These words I have spoken at the fire of truth.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

sound advice

[@scottallen868]

South Central Ky. I liked that net thing you did to cool down.

[@johnburgin7478]

I can put on clothes for cold weather but I can’t peel enough off in our summers. We’ve already knocked on 90 in SE Texas. The humidity is always higher in the woods under the canopy of the trees. Our eastern turkey season started Friday with mid 80’s temps . I’ll have to check on some of the bags . Mine look identical but don’t have the valve. Thanks for the info. Have a good one

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks for watching good luck with the turkeys

[@MichaelR58]

Good video and tips Blackie , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@bushcraftbasics2036]

Great video. Love your tips and tricks, they either confirm something or teach something new.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Glad you like them!

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

Thanks Blackie.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

anytime

[@anthonyjacobs6790]

Another well thought out and well presented video, thank you.

[@fredfreiberger7878]

Thanks Blackie I really think a lot like you . I appreciate your down to earth approach. Some of this I know .some I do not .

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

I appreciate that

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

Excellent demonstration Blackie! A common sense approach 👏🏼👍🏼

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Glad you think so!

[@michealkolnik1331]

Hi Blackie, I have been watching your channel for over a year now. I found you from a referral from Corporals corner. Im in Pennsylvania. I do ALOT of compartmentalization when I pack my medium Alice. I usually have it around 20-25lbs. when I'm finished.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@margaretadler6162]

Thanks, Blackie for another useful video. ATB Sam Adler

[@camojoe83]

I wanted to love my MACS, but they dont stay compressed for longer than 10 minutes. Great waterproof sack tho, just know if you put it in a pocket just after you compressed it and it was tight then, it's going to be swole up like a dog tick when you go to unpack and you might have a time getting it out. The big one is better because the valve is actually a valve instead of a diaphragm, but it doesn't stay compressed that well either unless you bundle it up with paracord.

[@smoothvern165]

Great and timely video! I just came home from a trip where I had way too much stuff along, and I’ll be bringing less next time. Always great information! Thank you!!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

glad to help

[@madmike5550]

Blackie, I have found a way to get “free” male and female “snap together” end straps. The rug-rats and others are ripping the nylon kid seat belt straps out of shopping carts at Walmart and Aldi and I find them laying in the carts or ground and bring them home because the stores just throw them away and replace them with new ones. I remove the busted plastic that holds them on the cart and slide #96 bank line in a loop thru the nylon strap loop on the end of them to make straps to use on my ALICE or anything that you want to strap or cinch up. Every time I go shopping, I watch for them, collect them until I have enough male and female ends to put a few together. I guess it’s a Georgia Boy thing, but I try to make use of everything. My wife calls it “hoarding”!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

nice idea

[@ROE1300]

I agree, excellent instructional video. Thank you.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jamesreed6558]

As I've gotten older I tend to stay close to my vehicle or atv. So I can have more comfort items lol

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

me too lol

[@TheWordtraveler]

Hey Blackie! Just got to watch this video. Another great job. I wonder if the patrol bag from the MSS would fit in one of those compression sacks. Take care brother.

[@jeffrichards5106]

Hi Blackie, great video, thanks so much! I tend to take too much stuff that I don't need. Haven't backpacked in quite a few years and when I did, I used a commercial civilian pack. I like the Alice because it has more organization and the outside pockets. I have not had the chance to try it out yet. I keep making lists, refining the list and trying the pack on and it seems to weigh a ton still. I don't like those packs that are like one big garbage bag and you have to dig through everything to find what you're looking for. I have a question: since I'm a tent camper, where do you think would be the best place for putting your tent? top, bottom or inside?? Here in Michigan you have to worry about ticks, mosquitoes and creepy crawlies. That's why I've never tarp camped. I would consider it in the fall or winter maybe. Sorry I can't give any advice since I've done mostly car camping for the last 40 yrs and not many backpacking trips. I would like to get back into backpacking again and get in better shape again. That's why I've been banging my head against the wall trying to get my Alice just right before I take it out. 👍

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

when using a solo tent i would place it on top in my pack so when i open the flap its the first thing out if your using a separate ground sheet then that will be there as well

[@jeffrichards5106]

@@BLACKIETHOMAS Thanks Blackie, really appreciate the help.

[@SpicyAl3000]

Great! Thank you :)

[@earlshaner4441]

Hi from Syracuse NY brother thank you for sharing your adventures

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Thanks for watching!

[@earlshaner4441]

Thank you for sharing brother

[@armingilsdorf9675]

Now can’t like it the second one, but I love your style and experience!

[@thevirginiabushcrafter8833]

From Virginia, I must take hatchet, knife, and saw; these are staple items.

[@forestgnome55]

Thanks Blackie! Solid info!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Any time!

[@tinamathews3379]

I'm in Central Florida. I've found that Spanish Moss can make good tinder, BUT it has to be absolutely dry. That stuff absorbs water quickly, and then it won't light at all.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

it will catch pretty easy when dry and you can pluck it take it out in bare sun and dry it out fairly quick

[@ldsphotodude49]

Blackie really enjoy your videos I live in Georgia now but all my experience is from the Adirondacks of New York where even in the middle of the summer it can be pretty cool, especially at night. I agree with you about the weight of your pack but I really appreciate your information about woods tramping down here in the south. I'm having a hard time finding wilderness like the Adirondacks down here. Help with some suggestions for down here would be great. Thanks for the great content. I don't think I missed any of your videos.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

sipsey wilderness area in north alabama might be a good place for you

[@mrlovegun7938]

just a thought blackie, i keep my woobie in a molle waist pack , when you pull the compression straps tight, it packs real small and compact.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

good idea

[@davef5916]

Hey Blackie, I was wondering what you think about the idea that compression bags and stuff sacks could be counterintuitive. If you just go ahead and ram your woobie, and tarp and clothes right into the bag, there's an argument to be made that there's 0 wasted space because there are no gaps between the 'modules'. I've seen a lot of ultra-light long-distance folks doing that. My main concern is always that there's more chance you're gear gets potentially damaged.

[@Wojtek7060]

Challenge for you Blackie. Buy Czech M85 bread bag. Make an overnighter with it. I use it with M85 suspenders. Then it may be used as an ordinary backpack. Like East German assault pack

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

will look at it

[@ClintHollingsworth]

I wonder if there's a way to sew a strap horizontally around the ALICE packbag to make a compression strap you could use to pull the load in close.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

you can go thru the side loops on a alice to do that with a strap

[@WWG1WGA]

I might have missed it, but where is a good place to purchase one of these. I am a senior so it would be more for one of those grab and go, than for camping and maybe you could do a video on something like that for us Seniors?

[@garyfletcher4630]

I can relate to your information, I believe you are write on target. You can say I am a fan. I plan to be at the Gathering in Ohio in July and plan to introduce the unusual backpack frame that I came up with that was inspired by Dave Canterbury while I did a Bushcraft class two years ago. If you are there, please come to visit me. I would like to know what you think of my design. Stay safe.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i plan on being there i will be with stichedgearoutfitters

[@garyfletcher4630]

Hope to meet you. Fletch

[@hiramhaji7813]

Great video

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thank you

[@markonj1]

Just a question.. what poncho do feel is the best? There are so many to choose from. I have the old green/OD ones. But would like a woodland camouflaged one

[@nealgrey6485]

Another reason to drive the air out of what you carry is that air has weight. Weigh an empty basketball. Fill it with air, and weigh again!

[@po-boyadventures-with-Tony]

Blackie, what size bag was that you used for your clothes? Dang it, I am looking for more stuff on Sportsman's Guide. I didn't need something else to spend money on! Great videos, enjoy the plain and simple way you show stuff. Would fit right in here at Po Boy Adventures. - Tony

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i think this is the only size at least i have not seen another size like this

[@po-boyadventures-with-Tony]

@@BLACKIETHOMAS I was looking on the webpage, and think they have different sizes now. If I have the same stuff pulled up. Thanks for the quick reply. - Tony

[@kennethwilson8633]

More than 20 years carrying an Alice pack never put the pad inside you won’t use it on short breaks if you do and you want a sit pad. Everyone carries there stuff the way it works for you. Have fun stay safe.

[@Plain-Ole-Chuck]

Like those air tight bags...

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Me too!

[@Plain-Ole-Chuck]

I vacuum pack a lot of small items at home .. be nice to be be able to redo it in the field to some extent

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Ounces equals Pounds and Pounds equals Pain!

[@richardstyron5716]

What is the make of your

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

?

[@zachariahlee3393]

I just shove my bedroll unrolled into my backpack Have done this all my life from millitary to civilian. Unless it's wet..that's how I roll on..

[@stupidstopmotion4265]

Do you happen to remember what brand/type of shirt you’re wearing in this video? 👍

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

that is one of my 1960's Vietnam jungle shirts

[@stupidstopmotion4265]

@@BLACKIETHOMAS thank you

[@HereWeAre52]

I cut the pocket out of every alice pack I have.

[@jamesjackson4831]

Thank you, sir! Boomer Sooner.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Any time!

[@randygalichia]

Your south sounds exactly like Kansas, boy I know exactly what your talking about when you say ground crawling, high heat and humidity, and sweating like a pig ..we got it all

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

yep but you don't have many trees i worked out there a few times wide open spaces

[@randygalichia]

@@BLACKIETHOMAS Im in south East Kansas, we own 475 acres, our property is mostly farm ground so it's been cleared out for that, but we do have about 10 acres total woodland, our area here is loaded with trees and flat as a pancake.now western Kansas, yeah hills and bare bones.

[@TravisMcKnight-lk7gg]

Pounds equals pain+ distance.....