Bushcraft Gear ON A BUDGET | Everyday objects up cycled | Make your own kit!

[@ArcturanMegadonkey]

The silica gel in that tube would be best left in there as it absorbs moisture and would help keep everything dry.

[@jamesbowen5573]

100%

[@LVThN_von_Ach]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 why did you put that strip of rubber in the lid?

[@lukeearthwalker7970]

@@LVThN_von_Ach Good fire starter

[@paulfranks195]

@@lukeearthwalker7970 Bitumen roofing felt too. No idea which is superior, but I am always impressed by the knowledgeable comments section. Enjoy your day.

[@kaceesavage]

@@LVThN_von_Ach 5:00

[@Paul.Douglas]

ANYTHING that can make fire is NEVER outdated.

[@najroe]

My tip is to put matches head down, that way damp fingers wont make them wet, learned that the hard way after dunking through the ice, being that cold fine motor skills are gone so picking just one match is nearly superhuman feat, managed to get half of the matches damp before one worked. also I dunk stack of cotton makeup pads in molten candlewax, let them soak and squee them out forming waterproof firestarters that can be started with a ferrocerium rod if you "fluff it up" first.

[@jamesbowen5573]

I was thinking that, plus they won't strike on striker

[@bobritter7197]

This is excellent advice. 👏👏👍

[@dizzysdoings]

If you put wax on the match heads, it makes them waterproof.

[@williamirelan9332]

Try dipping match heads in clear lacquer or nail polish thinned down. I sure miss stike anywhere matches. I've used paraffin , beeswax ,and harder wax like bayberry and soy they all tend to clog the striking surface though they work.

[@dizzysdoings]

@@alhart6126 you only need a thin coating of wax on the match head itself. As long as you don't use the small wooden matches, it works just fine. If the wax is too thick, just scrape it off with your fingernail.

[@robertkirk4387]

I use lots of old plastic medicine containers for all sorts. Salt n pepper shakers, fishing kit, fire lighting, coffee and creamer mixed etc.

[@hildegardkhelfa5358]

I really especially enjoyed this video, since I am a huge fan of upcycling and DIY stuff, plus know how it is having to deal with low budget (what leads just to more ideas and creativity). As much as I enjoy to get my hands on tools, I am more old school and prefer exactly those kind of things. And your ideas are a great inspiration because I am just breeding over some projects I may start over the next years with kids of low income families. A vague thought right now, but like those seeds you start to plant. They grow and develop. It is just so obvious how nature is balm for the soul and I think, creating such things will be a lot of fun for the kids. So, thank you very much!

[@brixham20]

These are most definitely the best instructional videos I've ever come across. Simple and precise. Nick you're a great teacher and your enthusiasm is what makes them watchable. Definitely the go to for advice. Keep up the great work, you guys deserve many more subs.🤙🤙🤙

[@NothingToNoOneInParticular]

I use dryer fluff, terribly flammable, free and fluffs nicely after being crammed into a container. I like a refillable lighter, a fire piston & charcloth and usually have a few storm matches. As far as kit, I inherited a lot of stuff. Mainly the stuff I've bought is water purifying systems. Great vid dude!

[@angelmonroe1750]

I dip the phosphorous end & a large amount of stick in melted wax, not as many matches in the tube, but a lot easier in the rain. For the tube wrap, use Gaffer/Gorilla tape (it is a good fire starter fuel) chapstick is a good fire starter when combined with cotton wool/tissue

[@mountainbearoutdoors]

some of the most fun you can have making your own kit that is often better than off the peg, I didnt realise how water proof those little tubes were until your demo, I might have a crack at making one, thanks!

[@glenhehir3833]

Billy from an old tin, matches kept in an old tobacco tin, empty can for a cup inside the billy along with a small can of tea leaves. Loved picnics as a kid. Another great video mate. Now..where are those old Berrocca tins I kept.

[@brenturquhart7090]

Great idea, I use a similar kit when I camp, but can I add one thing. After wrapping the electrical tape to the end, you could continue to wrap the rest of the tape to an amount you are happy with. Essentially you are putting a roll of electrical tape on the end of your match kit. The tape is designed to stick to itself for a longtime without any ill effects. So when you need some, which you will, it’s there for you to use. Ask any electrician, the best waterproof bandaid is paper towel wrapped with electrical tape. I fixes any holes in a tent, or coat. You could wrap a bit of the electrical tape to a twig and when lit, the twig will stay lit for a long time. Like duct tape, it’s great for almost anything, except ducts. Also, I would use Hurricane Matches. They won’t blow out easily. One of those trick birthday candles are a good idea. The ones that won’t blow out. I bring those every time I go camping. When camping in the wilderness, I always wrap Duct tape on to itself over and over itself anywhere I can so I always have a roll of Duct tape whenever in need. I remember one trip, while portaging in Algonquin Park, where my dad and I put a good size hole on the side of our cedar-strip canoe. It was all the way through and we were three days in. Thankfully Both of us had rolled duct tape on the middle of our paddles, that were were able to fix the hole. So well that we continued on with our trip as if nothing happened.

[@seasoldier3902]

BZ! Another gem of wisdom to be placed in the jewellery box of knowledge.

[@motohobo]

I love upcycling. Been making mini survival, fire making,first aid and shtf kits from vitamin and pharmaceutical tablet tubes for many years. Great fun to do, cost very little, small, light and last for years. I like to "wrap" mine with duct tape. It has so many uses.

[@krisqueen5939]

I would like any suggestions you have to use my pill bottles?

[@richardelliott9511]

Just found you from the other side of the pond. Like your ideas. I am always surprized by the number of folks that go out with only a single lighter. Even though they are incredibly dependable, they do fail and usually when you are far from resupply. Nice little fire kit at is but I'm a bit suprized that you didn't have a fero rod in place of about half of the matches. In a budget kit I do suppose that you can buy a lot of matches for the cost of a fero rod. I'm dating myself now but I am still a fan of waxed paper as a no fuss, no muss fire starter. I know it isn't as ubiquitous as it once was but my wife still keeps some around. A couple of squares packed away can be very handy, when folded tightly you can get a small flame that lasts a couple of minutes or if crumpled loosely, a large flame but shortlived. Thanks for your tips and I look forward to discovering more.

[@ozdavemcgee2079]

Whether a Crusader or a NATO cup. It is a relatively easy matter to trace out same size out of ply, cut it out. Use that as a mandril. Trace out 7mm wider than cup on stainless steel, tap over edges to make a lid. Front from a old bbq is perfect

[@suecollins3246]

Nick, can I make a couple of suggestions, I wonder. Get a 2l milk or juice container made of waxed cardboard - _not_ the ones with the shiny silver stuff on the inside. Plain waxed cardboard. Cut off the bottom and the top so you have an open-ended rectangle. Cut it open down the overlap. Mark it in half right down the long part. That gives you 2 strips each about 35cm long and 10.5cm wide. Cut them into one cm strips. You will have about 75 strips 1x10.5cm. Nick, it takes about _2 seconds_ with a lighter to get these things burning and each one burns for about 90 seconds. By the way, I always use a piezo lighter - the kind where you just press down because cold, possibly frozen fingers may find the roll-flick type difficult. These things are fairly wind resistant. And like I say, each box gives you a huge fistful. These things are also good for lighting gas cookers - with matches you need to light the match and then hold it while you pull the lever on the gas bottle. These things will save your lighter a _lot_ of wear and tear. Oh - and that overlap? Cut it off, it's double and burns even longer.

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Had an idea regarding the strike surface as well upon a rewatch, roll the strikepaper around the collar face out and trim to size. Make cuts 1cm in from the end halfway through the paper on OPPOSITE sides. Use those slots to interlink and make a ring, strike surface outwards. Tape to secure and keep it inside the collar. When using simply slide it on a finger like a ring and strike with other hand. Will do a vid later on it but need to buy matches first lol.

[@seanthomasdowd]

I wax the matchsticks with old melted candle stubs and halfords will give you old inner tubing for nothing

[@ezracarson5427]

Drill a small hole in the lids of the billy cans about 3/8" or 1/2" should be perfect. The hole would keep the pot from pressuring up and make a handy pour spout.

[@paulspeck6593]

I keep the silica gel in the tube and put the matches 50% heads up and 50% heads down to fit more in the space.

[@irvsstella]

Dip the match head in molten candle wax to waterproof too. Use a length of the insulation tape to hold any tissue/cotton wool in place when lighting, it stops it from blowing away. Turn the matches to top and tail, you'll get a lot more matches in.

[@MakeItWithJim]

For my car/luxury kit I use the cradle from an old cafetiere to manage my steel nalgene bottle. Berocca Tube fire kit is inspired

[@fredetricko5555]

Love the concept of recycling and that of creating tools

[@domrumble8243]

Brilliant video which encompasses the ethos of bushcraft, by making your own kit.Albeit not from the surrounding environment,but it immediately puts you in the same mindset of making and adapting.Someone with zero skills can adopt these methods and gain the confidence and experience to employ them in a wilderness environment.When I was lad of 10years I had a catalog from Survival Aids Penrith.The original shop,not the mil/kit store linked to cadetdirect.And would spend collected birthday money on survival kits etc.This was late 70’s early 80’s before the wonders of KZbin.Had I been able to see vids such as yours at the time, I would of been able to save £s and gain far more knowledge.Great stuff bud!

[@leelo1972]

Reduce reuse recycle!! I love the fact that the shopping baskets were removed from the environment and re-used , awesome video! Keep making them

[@whoever6458]

I am one of these people who hates matches. I do have some of those waterproof match cases though but I put joints in them instead. To light fire, I always have at least one regular lighter in my pocket. Then, I have a couple more regular lighters in all of my bags, plus a wind-resistant lighter and, in my hiking backpack, I have a couple of regular ferro rods and one of those ones that comes on the side of a magnesium block. I also usually have char cloth, wax and wood shaving fire starters that I made, and a fire department glove for moving flaming logs around or for reaching in the fire to get my food out. I have yet to try the whole bow drill way to make a fire.

[@amandafoster2743]

Awesome - this would be an amazing lesson if I was younger and still a Scoutleader! Mind I might do this myself. Thank you

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

You aren't old until they engrave your name on marble or granite

[@peterp4223]

I am definitely getting and making a shopping basket pot stand thanks for idea was well worth the watch

[@wightoutdoors3738]

Besides plastic containers you can also use spent shotgun shells. Two shells make one match safe.

[@daphneraven6745]

I live in a place with a lot of RDF. hundred percent humidity some of the time, so definitely I would leave the silica gel beads in the cap, Just as a little bit of extra protection. But I can see why somebody in a less humid environment might not.

[@russnewman18]

Just an idea but I roll the striker strip into the top end as its then can be flattened out to strike matches on more easily. I personally found that if i fold it then it rips up a bit and is a bit harder to strike the matches, especially if it gets a bit old. As always, so do what you personally prefer, it`s you kit after all . :)

[@williamirelan9332]

Everyone has seen the kits to convert a 55gal drum into a wood stove. I just completed making a stove for my hot tent from a 16gal grease drum procured from the local mechanic a use storage rack shelf cut in two and 4 pieces of 3/8 inch threaded rod. threaded rod.

[@janetbransdon3742]

Love the basket fire.

[@TerryC69]

Hi Nick! Greetings from Tennessee, USA. This was the first of your videos I have seen. I admire the resourcefulness and that your tips take the limited budget bushcrafter into consideration. I have subscribed and look forward to seeing more.

[@Brandon-0028]

While I have been a big fan of Exotac gear for firestarting, this waterproof fire kit would be a really fun project to do with my son. I am always hesitating throwing those electrolyte tubes away thinking they would be useful for storage, yet not wanting to accumulate stuff. Thanks for always producing such great videos!

[@joshwalker4506]

Like an episode of blue Peter, brilliant as always Nick

[@kenc8945]

Very nice set up and improvisation..

[@andrewcoates8906]

Can I point out that the shopping basket pot stand, should only be made from basket found on a waste tip, or similar and not “liberated from the local supermarket “. I would also caution against using wax to waterproof matches if they are the type that requires the striker panel from the box, as the wax can clog the panel leaving you struggling to ignite your “dry matches “, far better to search for the strike anywhere type of matches and waterproof them. In addition the strike anywhere matches can be struck on the metal zipper of your coat or trousers even when all other available striking surfaces are wetter than a damp dog.

[@kakarikiIck]

Thanks for the video. I’m trying to get some gear put together at the moment. All still in progress. Also I use those plastic tubes for various storage uses, I even use them for tools such as jigsaw blades and ear plugs.

[@bosun9708]

Really good video, I made the shopping basket pot stand and tea/coffee/sugar canister Billy pots a few years ago with my scouts.we used recycled bike brake/gear cable to form the bail handle secured with the brass internal of electrical connector blocks.🙂

[@jchambers1191]

Great stuff, as we have all come to expect. Thanks for what you do - it is appreciated! Jeff, San Diego, CA, USA.

[@bakerbk3696]

Really enjoying your videos, just a quick comment insulation tape isolate electricity not to be confused with temperature insulation, no doubt any material will have some sort of temp insulation properties but that tape wouldn’t do much in very cold weather. Keep up the good work mate 🤙🏼

[@daveedwards6567]

Nice video big thanks more people should be prepared just incase hope menny people see this thanks

[@michaelbrunner6654]

Always good to have cheap little hacks.

[@wordwalker3]

Electrical insulation is a bit different than thermal insulation. I don't think electrical tape has very much in the way of thermal insulation. But I would still wrap it in bright colored tape! The holes for the bail handle will negate any pressure cooker effect. Good ideas, thank you!

[@n9oqu]

That was an opportunity to make Char-cloth for future fire starting.

[@joseenriquecamposmolina684]

Thanks you from Spain!!

[@Woodchuckinthesouth]

I love using matches as a training tool. In the numbers, a lighter will give you more lights per unit than a matchcase. Personally, I keep both in my kits... the tool I referenced is counting the matches needed to start a sustainable fire with the goal to get down to a "one match fire". I would utilize the silica balls. (don't they absorb O2?) as far as the striker goes, I face them to the outside of the container they are in so they don't accidentally scratch a match on fire. (probability an unnecessary fear. lol ) I love the idea of using the long matches too... very good info.

[@andylongmore6697]

Love the ideas mate, nice one. In regards of matches.....I'm still miffed that they stopped selling strike anywhere matches, bit of wax on em an you was good to go.

[@andylongmore6697]

Apparently its health and safety, the EU banned them from sale......totally stupid.

[@paganoutdoors3193]

Cool video, very informative and enjoyable ,good health and safe travels, cheers craig

[@ghill1010]

Awesome stuff. You’ve got a new fan. Thanks!!!!

[@Dingleowl1582]

Like the pot stand 👍

[@bannister-lifeoutdoors8004]

Nick , can I be as bold as to suggest on the waterproof match kit. some electrical tape on the back of the cut off match striker to give it some resilience to water/damp and usage. Also any rational as to the removing of the silica beads! I would have thought they would have helped remove moisture from the matches over time and usage , or is it you just wanted the space ? Always a please to watch . Thanks Chris

[@aarde7036]

Just with a tealight, swipe the matches heads through the wax, let dry and put one head up one down in the cilinder. If you put them all heads up or down you waste a lot of space. Also: for use and isolation cut a lenght of innertube that matches the cilinder and pull it over (first put on the tape). Btw: I have these cillinders too, but they are vintage and made out of aluminium. The 'sugarpot'lid, why not punch a small hole in it to let the pressure off?

[@lgwjrwhite588]

Anotherfine vid well done thanks 4 shareing (northern ont. Canada

[@southcoastoutdoorsuk6301]

Cracking vid ,great tips for bargin bushcrafting, instead of electrical tape ,duck tape is very combustible 👍

[@speedygeoff9595]

Love this one chap, its also to easy to get into the mind set that it has to be from the "best" name brands. I Will surely make some of these with my sons. Tops job.

[@stevec-b6214]

great stuff - really enjoyed that.

[@thewiltshirewomble]

Really great video and advice. Thank you ! 👍

[@glenhughes8013]

Top and tail the matches to get more in.

[@smokinrider]

Why not keep the silca gel to absorb any moisture that may get in there. Makes more sense than just throwing it away. I also tape the lid on for extra waterproofness. After all this is not for daily use, it’s an emergency kit.

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers Mate!

[@grumpyauldman]

I love making my own gear too!

[@georgereeves2699]

Really good thinking like your ideas

[@philmoran5898]

Great tips, love it

[@lisajohnston6422]

Crazy good ideas!

[@allencronin1560]

More of the same again soon , very informative 😎

[@impermanenthuman8427]

Interested as to why you chose electrical insulation tape to go around the outside of the tube instead of the possibly more multipurpose ‘duct’/gaffa tape (gorilla brand is popular)? Since not only is it a good strong multipurpose tape, but it (at least gorilla brand) burns very well like rubber too. Not sure if there is a high visibility, strong, well burning duct tape? But if not I guess you could use a bit of both anyway 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@WildC_AMPutee]

Top notch tips now im off fishing for a basket ;)

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

Look for a shopping trolley and you can make a bushcraft barbecue :)

[@UnstoppableTramp]

Well done. Good ideas to think about. Subbed

[@timbillins1848]

Could you not drill a couple of little holes in the top of the metal tins sort of like the stanley cup? Would sovle the pressure cooker situation no?

[@alesiaholliday7376]

Awesome

[@Joseph_Dredd]

If you use "Shorter matches" you can pack many more into that plastic tube! :)

[@martingarner1282]

Dip those match heads in candle wax to keep out the damp. 💥

[@danqrl]

Top stuff 👍

[@DangolWhopper]

Does it not make more sense to use strike anywhere matches over the kind the require special material to strike?

[@bigg2904]

The tape insulates against electrical flow only.

[@mhpupacios]

Resourceful

[@blademan175]

Wondering if, after boiling, I can make coffee instead of tea? 🤣 subscribed !

[@sol3427]

Keep it up buddy.

[@becky2235]

Great video really interesting

[@Igor_White]

good job

[@lindatisue733]

Linit from the dryer is better than cotton wool.

[@BrosephRussell]

Very nice 👌

[@camperdrew61]

Why don't you use strike anywere matches??

[@morley2491]

Nice vid royal

[@robertsooijs]

love the channel where do i find your. shop and can i order from holland l would love to pop round some time

[@straykitten4998]

Is a pressure cooker situation bad to do with the can?

[@straykitten4998]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 I mean can you use it for a pressure cooker or would it damage the can or be dangerous?

[@bacon-outdoor]

I've seen some films on KZbin about cooking with a Duktig children cookingset (5 pieces). Did you saw those films?

[@bacon-outdoor]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 This is a link to one of the films: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXrSZqWtgK2MmqM Price is €9,99 or £8,41

[@bacon-outdoor]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 I've found a set at my in-laws. Didn't make a stove of it (yet 😉). Just made a short film about how I would make a stove. Hope you find it interesting. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3ixe5Z8iMmtp7s

[@SkiwiAS]

I used to be lighter only person, after being frozen in the Sothern alps Now I have 2x lighters, 2x boxes of matches and flint and steal with cotton wool and vaseline.

[@ImaSMACKHEAD982]

Sounds daft but i expected more from a former bootneck ... alot of this stuff is cadet level in my opinion but still good for amateurs or those that dont have any idea

[@jamesbowen5573]

Lighters don't last forever... neither do matches. Matches are my plan D. Because they are limited in number. A. Ferro rod. B. Flint & steel, C. Magnifying glass. D. Matches. E. Steel wool and flashlight batteries. Also bow drill, lighter, etc... I don't trust matches outside. Too easy to go out and waste it. Matches light fires better when you light a candle and use the candle primarily to start the fire. Both require wind breaks and suck on windy days.

[@nickmcfaddin4443]

Damn... I haven't seen anything other than a plastic shopping basket in literal YEARS here in the pacific northwest.

[@nickmcfaddin4443]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 I have thoughts but hard to find stainless... mostly painted or galvanized wire basket-y kind of things. Kind of a hobby of mine seeing things out and about and determining other than intended used for them :)

[@mikeelliott2736]

Insulation tape provides electrical insulation, not thermal insulation!

[@PhilippinesLifeseb]

You could double the amount of matches by cutting its length in half 😉 a lot of wasted space in that compartment

[@jefferyneedham1581]

I am 52 years old and a disabled Marine and I've had good times and hard times nonetheless a true mark of a mans abilities is using what you have and improving on it. God bless you Sir and I definitely will look forward to future posts like this..

[@kylewilkinson6975]

Jeffery, I did not serve because draft was not on and I was of age after Nam and not anything after for a while. That said I know us civilians aren't supposed to salute so I'll just thank you for your service and sacrifice. Let's go Brandon

[@jefferyneedham1581]

Thank you Sir for your kind words and I was glad and grateful for the opportunity of serving when I did serve. That said; I'm just one of many that did my part , nonetheless even civilians paid their dues from the waitress pouring coffee in a far away diner to the guy throwing trash to keep our cities clean. We are all Americans and no matter what the job or occupation that we choose in life it keeps us going and everyone is important nomatter what the job is. As a veteran I'm nothing special just a jarhead who did his best. God bless you and happy holidays..

[@fredfreiberger7878]

Pill bottles are my choice for a match / fire kit

[@ImaSMACKHEAD982]

Justification

[@asmith7876]

Thrift stores can produce amazing finds, even better than the dollar store because most of that stuff is cheap. The thrift stores often have items discarded by family members when someone passes away, old school stuff, made like it isn't made anymore. I've acquired incredible wool clothing, old pots and pans, all kinds of stuff. I have to say that basket fire grill is GENIUS!

[@ianmurray4081]

Great advice! I've almost completely kitted myself out via thrift stores. There are some awesome finds! I managed to get myself a U.S military "mutant parka" approximately $1,000 USD ( custom made), for $10 CDN. I've even gone as far as making up " go bags" and the likes for my vehicle. My vehicle seats 4, and I have 4 small bags of generic items individuals would need plus vehicle recovery and a larger size first aid kit since I work around public settings and travel highways 4-5 days a week. I do switch out seasonal clothes and items. I run a Late Spring-Summer and a Early Autumn- Late Winter rotation but ensure that all the batteries and what not are changed out and assorted items are freshened up or aired out. Cheers 🍻 everyone, take care and stay frosty.

[@davidjacobs828]

@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 "apocalypse fantasist"? Get back to me in 4 years. You'll need a pen and paper. I do not dispute or challenge your survival and bushcraft expertise. It's probably equal to mine. Your problem is,(evidenced by your opening statement in quotation marks above) your knowledge of world geopolitical history and the manufacture thereof, is equal to that of a stoned goat. ... You're gonna need your skills sooner than you think.

[@brucematys8597]

Fantastic video Nick. I more or less started the same way. Perhaps instead of electrical tape, try duct tape as it is flammable, thus another form of tinder, plus most dollar stores have it bright colors. I drilled a series of small holes on one side of the pot lids for venting pressure and straining tea leaves when pouring. Cheers.

[@davemc9268]

Get a piece of string or paracord, tie a couple of knots on top of one another. When you gather the matches together have the knot on the bottom with the lose string coming up through the matches. Little pull on the string would free the tightly packed matches. Stretch a length of racing bike inner tube over the length of the tube; say 700x23. Would give you far more inner tube.

[@kylewilkinson6975]

And insulation

[@krisqueen5939]

Good ideas

[@richardelliott9511]

Great tips, I've never been a fan of innertube tinder but carried at "no expense" it is looking like a better idea than I had allowed.

[@stewartjones8518]

The shopping basket can also be put in a stream with some rocks in it to keep things like milk , beer ,bottled water amongst other things nice and cool in the summer months