How to pack an EDC backpack for outdoor adventures | Former Royal Marine & Bushcraft Instructor

[@bernardhayes4459]

Your the first person who explained why throughly meticulously packing your bag is so psychological comforting.

[@bobhead6243]

Hi Mate , my father fought in the war, and had a silk map or two from that period , be well my friend , Respect for having been in the services .

[@poisonousbadge126]

Underrated channel such high quality vids

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Semper FI Gunny

[@toastbrot63]

I agree! I never enjoyed bushcraft videos and such as with Nick!

[@JamesDC42]

I wonder if you could do a video with advice on budget friendly items for first time hikers, micro adventurers, bushcraft, camping, etc. Maybe create whole kit with a budget that is reliable and trustworthy.

[@888johnmac]

i'd never thought about it before but it's so true .. the very act of packing your kit gets you in the mindset of ' i'm going into nature to have an adventure ( even if it's a day hike somewhere local ) ' and gives you inner confidence that you've got all the bits & bobs you could need

[@troopereland3622]

I use trex to make 150 hour candles. Standard jam jar filled with trex, place a standard size candle in the middle and it will burn for around 150 hours. Add eucalyptus oil to the trek and it will help keep insects away. Great for power cuts

[@dierampe]

The last part when you talked about the whole mindset thing of packing your stuff. I really feel that. For me thinking an re-thinking my gear is really a big part of the whole fun. Also I gave you a like and subscribed.

[@packpacker4373]

Very interesting video. Thank you very much. I love your philosophy about packing the bag and checking everything before you actually go out. I can really relate to that. I always have to consciously go through that process and make sure everything I need is there. If I rush that process I'll go mad later on because I always feel like I forgot something.

[@davidparry7006]

As ex military myself I can relate to your gear setup lol. Brings back memories. I agree with you what works for you may not necessarily work for others, some really good tips and informative video. Your alright for a bootneck lol. I might even sub your channel.

[@darthsarcastus1064]

Loved watching this, Army Infantry and RM don't do things much differently despite the banter. We probably pack our Bergans much the same way? Really reminded me of my old infantry days.

[@celeretaudaxx]

As ex RGJ your videos bring back memories from being out in the field, from using pointers, using dust/grass to check wind direction, to kit inspection all layed out on the bivi :D. I was going to get my self full set of webbing but you have gave me better ideas thanks for your videos, love em!

[@otterwerks]

Your final comments really struck a chord. Great video and it has definitely motivated me to get out more and with the kids too.

[@nigelgregory4777]

Good to hear you say what works for you, I live on the pennines so don't bring a hammock, all our trees are in Denmark 😁😁, I love to go to Scotland, so different kit, your EDC, as I'm sure you are aware depends on your location, desert, tropical, Arctic or worst of all the UK, four seasons in one day, I think that is why my day sack looks like I'm off for the week, 😁😁😷😷☕

[@DoomOfConviction]

Granate Ring pulls are the best key rings!

[@leearrowsmith3872]

First time I've watched your channel & I like it so I've subbed very good ideas

[@Splash-Maps]

Great to see @splashmaps featuring in your videos and kept on hand. Quite unexpected and we're really pleased with the impartial recommendation. Let us know about your next adventure!

[@robertdowns8182]

I was hoping you would post this, I saw pictures in earlier posts of this pack and wondered what it was and more importantly the why. BRAVO ZULU!

[@markpeters3193]

Lol laying out all your kit on a poncho ready for inspection, pays to be a winner

[@ypocero]

Discovered your channel a couple of weeks ago and I absolutely love it. Thanks for making it practical and interesting. I am currently gathering ideas to prepare an emergency go bag for my and my family and your videos have given me some really useful tips. If you ever want to do a video on that topic that would be great too. Thanks and keep up the good work 👊

[@robdubyuh420]

Thanks for the great video Nick. I will endeavour to put a respectable bag together for little family outings into the woods. Maybe leave some space for children's items. Keep up the good work I love treating myself to one of this channels videos after a long day at work.

[@gavinharvey6418]

I just found the channel, and a big fan already. Good straight forward information. I heard in a previous video on your course you teach whittling techniques, I'd love to see a video on how to make a few different things. Knife techniques and such. Keep up the good work.

[@colsonmark1136]

I know I am kinda randomly asking but do anybody know of a good website to stream newly released movies online ?

[@jesusrodrigo9827]

@Colson Mark Flixportal :P

[@colsonmark1136]

@Jesus Rodrigo thank you, signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :) Appreciate it!

[@jesusrodrigo9827]

@Colson Mark Happy to help =)

[@pacediver2594]

Very well thought out kit ,and uses are explained well,

[@phillipbrotheridge7740]

Hi mate. I have been thinking of using a similar belt idea for my 5.11 rush 24 with pouches for water etc. Great video and explanation of your gear. I have been referring to a big desert spoon we have in the kitchen drawer as a Racing Spoon for years and even my 7 year old Grandson calls it a racing spoon as well.

[@dean3323]

Just found your channel and also now website and I have to say I'm hooked. Great content and great advice and I love the military take on bushcraft skills, advice and techniques. Awesome stuff and very useful. Thank you. Dean.

[@haywoodjablomi2529]

Packing a bag is definitely therapeutic, love repacking in different ones and combos and again into different bags, will never be 100% satisfied though. Helikon make some great stuff, check out their trip roll, absolutely love it for small essential bits all in 1 place and fits in the crusader cup perfectly when filled up

[@mrasmr8788]

Brilliant job done I pack similarly important things to hand or well packed as you say

[@andrewscrivens9586]

Another great vid Nick with great tips! Get a metal lid for the crusader, those plastic ones are pants...I made my own bit stupidly threw out the former I used else I'd make you one!

[@kebrun4484]

Great information. I try to keep away from the military gear but damn that is some good shit. I still rock my ALICE every once and a while and have tacked on a few odds and ends from recent deployments. You made a great point that most people overlook. You have to set your kit up for you, not the way some guy you think is cool does. The kit is always personal, but damn it keep your IFAK accessible. You keep yours on the outside, I wish other people would do the same thing. I have seen a shit ton of videos where dumbasses bury that thing in the bottom. Again great job, even for a Marine. Happy trails brother.

[@lastofthewildmen4683]

Incidently, ive recently designed a pack that is also a bivvy bag, I use 12 ounce cotton canvas, so essentially its an elongated kit bag with pack straps, and a plane webbing waiste belt, its a roll up flap system and para clip at the front, im yet to see if it works on a hike, but could be interesting ..so when the pack is emptied one jumps inside with sleeping bag, a tarp would be the shelter, but in an emergency one could just use the bivvy bag .. haha..

[@lastofthewildmen4683]

Nice nice nice, your pack is a tardis.. the elusive perfect spoon.. nice tooth brush system, interesting 2 cups canteen, I miss my army issue cups canteen , cant seem to buy one in NZ, I used the cups canteen for all cooking , brewing, and morning ablutions, great space saver, so now I use the wee stanley cooker you have, great system.. ive never used a dry bag, the old way in the NZ army we were issued black plastic rubbish bags, they actually work fine, same as inner pack liner but waterproof .. haha.. on river crossing ones pack was always sealed, mine was, I always carried 2 rubbish bags for items that need a dry bag, the second rubbish bag one could put the pack inside the bag and this added to flotation especially in deep wide river crossings.. Gortex bivvy bag what a life saver they are, would you consider this a Grab bag system and have in your home in an emergency situation.. do you have any ideas for a grab bag .. will be taking onboard some of your systems here.. cheers ..

[@mattariety955]

Excellent video !! i do many things similar but learned alot of great tips through this video thank you very much !!! Again thank you for your service and creating this content. it truly shows when someone has a passion for it.

[@Bushcraft_Bloke]

Really enjoyed that vid mate! Cheers from York

[@redcardoor56]

Ive watched 4 or 5 of your videos... really enjoying your channel and content. You have another subscriber here... looking forward to future content. cheers

[@FaceSmushEvil]

Great bag! No shovel? The Russain titanium shovels are great. Rockin the trenching head and it it extremely helpful 😁

[@fredjustfred605]

This has made me smile, thank you. 😁👍

[@stevelobley3588]

Great vid. Really useful to see what you take and why, and how you carry it. Always good to pick up small tips. I carry the dump pouch for possibles but never thought of a smaller one for having accessible smaller kit (and not being an ex marine did not think of a grenade pouch as a solution!). I also didn’t know the nalgene fitted that well into the Stanley, also v useful to know. Great stuff, cheers.

[@phuaphua4301]

Wow, 👍👍👍too many stuff too carry.

[@phuaphua4301]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Welcome, take care 😊happy weekend. 😊

[@phuaphua4301]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 👍👍👍stay blessings.

[@phuaphua4301]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 👌

[@chrismahon7977]

No Berghaus Munro? BZ Royal informative as ever.

[@seasoldier3902]

Another well presented video. BZ. Have you got asbestos lips? Harry Black Maskers around the top of the metal mug to prevent the burning of the lips! On your return home, you cannot engage a lip lock with the one you love with burnt lips! Suggestion for you. How about some dental floss for cleaning between the teeth which can also double up as sewing thread? I used a length of thin cord to attach a compass, whistle, or "pussers" dirk (clasp knife) to my jacket.

[@thewoodsmanshollow7007]

Great video! Really thorough and well thought out.

[@MokuNui808]

Helikon-Tex Foxtrot MK2 Belt Rig might be a good bit of kit to use

[@niallharran]

Enjoyed that, amazing how much you get into that bag! Could you give more details on the sleeping bag, self inflating mat and roll mat. Also what sites sell proper army gear. A lot of them seem to be civilian versions and much more expensive.

[@Daymanoahha]

Great vid once again. How did you attach the hip pad and other bits? Any sewing needed or all straps... Maybe a new video idea? 🤠

[@derbybushcraftandoutdoors3176]

Great video and thanks for posting

[@konstantinosantoniou1019]

Hi Nicky, one more interesting video from you.. I was thinking how you connected the extra waist belt on the backpack.. I saw a few photos and it does not have any loops.. May you post a few phjotos, please??? Many thanks .. I asked you in an another vlog about your boots size in uk and what is your pinewood boots because their sizes are not the same to find mine too...........

[@stevents1130]

Thanks for sharing this information. 👍🥃

[@stevents1130]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 👍

[@vikingbushcraft1911]

‘Makes squirrels taste good’! 🤣🤣🤣

[@vikingbushcraft1911]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 the only thing that can make squirrel taste good is by throwing it on the fire, burying the cremated remains in consecrated ground with wild garlic, and then go get a McDonald’s quarter pounder instead 😬👍

[@nigelgregory4777]

They need slow cooking, they are a very active muscley animal, think of trying to flash fry shin of beef, go grab some scrills and bung them in the slow cooker for 18 hours with a bit of water then break up the meat and put it with pasta, rice, in a pie or stew, ps, only eat greys the red squirrel is poisones 😷👍👍☕

[@discworldhero]

Love the idea with adding your own hip belt and pouches - but I can’t make out how it was done (no experience with battle belts). Is it just a case of using something to tie it to the lower part of the straps? Love your videos, discovered this evening just I time to get out and start camping.

[@davidcann6021]

With your FAK why don't you have a torniquet or the quik clot etc? I would have thought that using knives etc they might still be needed? Soap on a roap... nope lighter on a string, love it :)

[@simonstephens6688]

I sense a water crossing video coming

[@markgreenfield7644]

Cracking KZbin channel,very informative, cheers Royal ;)

[@freddyoutdoors]

Really cool stuff very good top tip like you said it's got to work for you most important I say no point in packing like a KZbinr bushcrafter if it don't work for you out in the woods ect

[@AirbornePirates]

Solid method there mate

[@AirbornePirates]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 can always trust a bootneck for admin advice 👌

[@williamgrech930]

Nice kit setup mate. Can you put a link to the tan waterbottle pouches please. Keep up the good work.

[@williamgrech930]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 cheers mate

[@aabbushcraft]

Top tip that Trex👍 I use Lard much in the same way 🤗

[@philtuttle7579]

Where do you get Trex from?

[@aabbushcraft]

@@philtuttle7579 most supermarkets stock it next to the butter and lard

[@kevinphillips6593]

Hey Nick, great video and great channel. You're now my most watched channel for outdoor stuff. What's that belt you added to the pack? I've got a Helikon Bergen and I'd like to do the same mod to it to get a few little things onto my waist as well. Thanks in advance and from a Marine on the other side of the pond, Semper Fi and Per Mare, Per Terram.

[@MrPavlo-my9gg]

Love your videos. Because of you I opened up to adventures and sleeping in forest . And i have a little question.What kind of military sleeping bag do you prefere?

[@BushcraftSteely]

I use an old ni pack, great spec

[@BushcraftSteely]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 couldn't agree more, love the vids mate, ex infantry here so love it!

[@BushcraftSteely]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 could you send your address, have a wee trick to stop you melting your lips to the crusader mug!

[@Mihelangelo]

Hello :) The Bivy-Bag that you showed is not the one that was listed in the Description-Box. Is there a link of the bivy bag you used in the video?

[@michaelwhittaker5432]

ANOTHER first rate tutorial no fancy kit just tried an tested bomb proof gear don't forget a fresh onion & gallic bulb for every trip !

[@bpitt2557]

I did some research on trex.we don't see it in the US but it seems to be vegetable shortening ?

[@southbucksbushcraft6572]

awesome mate, liking the pack and the mods to it... Can I ask what sleeping bag that is cause I have the British army artic bag and its huge for packing takes up 35 l pack... been looking for something smaller but does the job and doesn't cost a bomb...

[@robman247]

Nice show and tell there, don’t for get to lanyard your flashlight 🔦 lost one ☝️ one time and learned, might still be up in the mountains ⛰ of Hawaii 😂 👍👌✌️🏕🇺🇸

[@beardvsmess3657]

Nice one like the set up .what's that jumper your wearing. 😀👍

[@Axel1983SGP]

How have you fixed the Battle Belt to the bag?

[@carpmon7016]

wet wipes are a rather pleasant bum fodder, 2 wiper's each slice, all fresh. (delicates and unscented.)

[@rooter9283]

Thanks for the video. What pouch did you use for the canteen/crusader mug? I've been trying to find a good, simple, single compartment pouch like that.

[@alexchichigin]

From weight saving perspective it looks like some pouches are heavier than their content. Especially when you pack cloth and paper into rather heavy grenade pouch. What do you think about lighter alternatives? Thanks in advance and be safe!

[@alexchichigin]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 makes sense! :D Still if it's not too much burden I would be very interested if in the future videos you'd touch on the topics of the weight of your load-out, the weight vs. the length of a trip and your thoughts about whether these weight savings make any sense for injury prevention and alike. Thanks anyway, what you do is super inspiring, keep it up! :)

[@MrCyberiad1]

It's crazy, I can't seem to find pace beads anywhere! Can anyone direct me to an ebayer or somewhere in europe where I can find appropriate beads? None of the sewing shops I've visited have anything suitable - its all pink glass beads everywhere! :D

[@thomasbrown1206]

could you do something on water purification... if your going treeking for a few days, anyone will need to find and purify stream etc water, straining it through a bottle, i use a J cloth and a kitchen scourer sponge, question, once you have filtered the water, you still need to purify it, I know of either boiling it, water tablets, potasium permanganate.. are these stand alone /either or, or do i need to combine them, eg boil and use a purifying tablet..

[@danielgoulding3250]

Great video! Informative and clear. Can I ask though why you don't just use a slightly larger main bag? I understand the benefit of the waist belt with lots of pouches for organisation. But don't see why you use a smaller bag and that have items suchas a sleeping mat on the outside further away from your back. Keep up the good work, really enjoy the content.

[@davecorrin7498]

Hi Nick, love the content and how you focus on improving mental health, getting back to basics with nature and the outdoors. How are you attaching your mil belt to your day sack? Cheers 💪🏻

[@davecorrin7498]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 cheers Nick, looking forward to plenty more from you and your channel 👍🏻💪🏻

[@duncys]

wondered what make your doss bag is.

[@duncys]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Cheers might be snug pak then unless its down then it wont be.

[@N7Tigger]

How does that battle belt attach? My pack just has a basic webbing strap and there is no sleeve or anything. But that setup of yours looks a lot more comfortable. Can you just feed the existing straps through it or does it involve cutting off the old ones and stiching on the new?

[@herbsmith6871]

Good stuff 🤠

[@matthewmackay6382]

Hi nick, im currently using the helikon ratel mk 2 backpack and im wondering how you attached the hip pad to your bag and is there a certain one you would recommend ?

[@glennbridges1236]

Any reason why you keep your pack so low and not have it strapped up higher, Nick?

[@stefanmajonez6571]

I usually strap my tarp to the outside of my pack, that way I don't care if it's wet, and I have it literally out at the ready if I need shelter quick. Why do you keep yours inside of your backpack? What are the pros and cons? Thanks!

[@braindad80]

where can I buy trex???? Best regards form austria

[@ReggieArcade]

Hi there - looking at this pack for rucking (as some of the rucking specific packs are ridiculously expensive). Would this pack handle 20kg or so weight ok? Thanks

[@chrisu.k9307]

Do you have to store the trex in a particular way? Does it have a long shelf life?

[@theronin365]

Do you ever use a storm shelter/ bothy bag? If so do you rate them?

[@theronin365]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 yes....I just wondered if you thought it was worthwhile taking one when out and about? For example in the UKs mountain areas or just if you had an emergency and needed to be easily spotted? p.s I know other colours are available for the stealth guys too.

[@JPMerolla001]

Thats gotta be more than 22 liter. Maybe the bucket part of the oack is 22 liter. But those pockets gotta add another 10 to 15 at least

[@JPMerolla001]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 well, i actually just switched to a pack for the same detachable pockets myself. I usually carry 24 to 25 lbs of gear for a week winter tarp camping. But the pack i was using had molle webbing on the outside but j had no detachable pockets. Now i have 3 detachable pockets that i can use on first pack. Or new one. Its nice

[@jamesthomas582]

Great video thanks for showing your set up - very cool as I’ve been wondering about your pack! Did you attach the new military belt and cut the original away ?

[@jamesthomas582]

Thanks for clarifying that - great vids and I know you are doing great work in the woods helping lots of people

[@neanderthaloutdoors9202]

I've noticed that you wear your bergen quite low on the back with loose shoulder straps Nick, do you not feel it pulling and moving around when out on a jolly, pulling those straps tighter raising the pack up to the shoulders more snuggly alleviates movement of the pack and there's no shoulder muscle burn, with a small pack holding less weight you don't need a hip belt. Call that a racing spoon, bowl is too small, your not going to get much ALL IN on that bowl Nick.

[@wasters47]

Have you thought of making or getting a metal lid for your crusader mug. I currently have two. One was made for me and the other is from a different mug but fits on the crusader mug quiet well

[@southerncomfort7490]

True indeed. My plastic crusader lid is melted at the edges. Not really a brilliant design (though the crusader system itself is great).

[@wildtactical2662]

Helikon EDC bag sits on my back with more comfort than Helikon Bergen. 😅 So, price wise, EDC with some pouches beats Bergen. 🤔

[@wildtactical2662]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Now I must convince myself that Bergen wasn't a waste of money 😅😁😁

[@rialobran]

As soon as the pandemic is over I'm off up into my 100 year old grandfathers attic, RM 1939 - 46...he may have some 'goodies'...probably a Luger and some stick grenades knowing him :/

[@cjssurf]

The Internet police have just raided his attic and he's not happy with you best keep out of his way

[@jonfisher9214]

My uncle bought a house and found a crate full of Lee Enfield 303's in the loft. Left there by a member of the home guard apparently. Uncle stopped by our house on the way to the police station to hand them in. Sad to think they were probably all destroyed.

[@olliewiddowson9902]

The real question that nobody is asking is where did you get that racing spoon? Thats a gucci spoon I'm currently looking at my issue KFS in utter disgust.

[@olliewiddowson9902]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 i was considering carving a spoon out of a crayon. Nothing quite like the taste of crayon for the infantry, its like a taste of home. I'll get the sea2summit rather than be a complete creature.

[@Gr0nal]

My eyes widened when you said you go on to flora *and* fauna when you're out of tissues ;P You ever wiped your butt with a squirrel?

[@bobhead6243]

Squirrel ? roast maybe ! lol.

[@danielgrubb9668]

The trouble with any pack is that it only serves as a pack. Try carrying a wool blanket. It serves as a pack, coat, sleeping bag, stretcher. You can attach it to your body with non-stretch cordage and some scarves. It maintains 70% of its warmth even when wet and is much more fire resistant than synthetics. Gore-Tex does not keep you warm. A quality wool blanket will keep you warm down to 0 C without a fire.

[@darthsarcastus1064]

My question would be: Does this kit have a battle rattle like a a skeleton j**king off in a biscuit tin????? XD Or have you put that in a place in history?

[@CloneDaddy]

Hi, Nick. I don't know if you're still responding to these videos, but there's something I've got to know. It's been driving me mad ever since I first saw you with one. I've been looking and looking for an unhealthy amount of time, to no avail. Now, I am forced to ask you here, in the hopes that you, or one of your viewers, can put me out of my obsessive misery once and for all. 2:26 - "What is this bloody toothbrush, and where can I get one?" Thanks. I'm gonna go and have a lie down now.

[@ButchCassidyAndSundanceKid]

You're missing a swiss army knife.

[@fredohyeah]

could you tell any of the viewers who don't know why it is called a racing spoon lol

[@grumpyauldman]

First

[@poisonousbadge126]

no you werent

[@grumpyauldman]

@@poisonousbadge126 .... awww bless. If it makes you feel better we'll pretend you were first, petal x

[@poisonousbadge126]

@@grumpyauldman i wasnt first but you certainly werent

[@grumpyauldman]

@@poisonousbadge126 .... sorry that you're triggered, mate. Get outdoors, look at some trees & you'll feel better I promise x

[@rialobran]

@@poisonousbadge126 Viking Bushcraft was the first comment I saw, mine was second. But that doesn't mean in an alternative universe we all weren't first. In fact I'd say we were.

[@Johnwick-vw5ox]

Hi where did you get the touch and red filter from?you didn't list it .thanks