How I pack my Osprey Kestrel 48 for a budget wild camp

[@watercooled81]

I used to split my stuff into various dry bags but found I could get a better fit using less bags and bigger ones. I now have one dry bag in the bottom. In it goes my quilt, pillows, night clothes and anything else that will only becoming out when I am in my tent. I then have another dry bag for clothes/jackets I want to keep dry but might need in day ie down jacket. I pack these into a 10l dry bag. I found the larger bags actually allow me to get everything more flat pack, so it layers in the bag nicely. Found getting things into small bags create balls, which are more difficult to use up the space in the bag. I do the same with my tent. its almost flat packed. Makes packing and unpacking so much quicker and easier. Then cooking and food on top. Sit pads are better on the outside, as I can get it out and place my bag on it and have a place to sit or move stuff out of my bag onto. Found I went from a 58 to a 44 just by better packing. Like your videos, keep them coming...

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Cheers Graham, I might give some bigger bags a go. I've seen some folk just use one big bag for the whole pack.

[@watercooled81]

@@DaleyOutdoors yeah. I didn't like the idea of one big bag for everything, as it came in handy having things slightly seperated was a game saver on one hike that was chucking it down and had to get some stuff out.

[@HildiRowland]

Would love to see a video of this as well. I usually travel with a suitcase and packing bags/packs to organise. Planning a long hike so looking for ways to organise my backpack.

[@ricky2516]

As a beginner still looking for gear and ways to pack i like these types of videos for ideas and very rarely i find them fast flowing and informative like this one 😁 Nice work man

[@timec2002]

Well talked through a few good points in there. I tend to put my first aid kit in the top lid pouch as it’s something I may need in a hurry. Also I tend to put my waterproof jacket in the stretch panel on the front of the pack as again that’s something I don’t want to dig into the bag to get. I pack my brew kit and stove next to the side access zip, that’s way I can grab it easily when stopping without the need to open the top flap and dig into the pack.

[@MattEdwards1]

Very cool to see what you actually take as an experienced wild camper!

[@craoutdoors6827]

Revisted this video to help me decide between the osprey rook or the kestrel. Kestrel just edged it for me and bought it today, cheers mate!

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful 👍

[@gavintimson5940]

Nice video. I think this bag will fit the bill for me after watching that. I am amazed how small you get your kit

[@DaleyOutdoors]

It’s an awesome bag. Still using it now 👍

[@PoetawDrodze]

Thank You for the video. Greetings from Poland! ;)

[@vinnyb729]

Fantastic i was looking for tips for packing my bag👍

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Thanks for watching Vinny 👍

[@GemintheMud]

Brilliant! Really helpful - thanks!

[@DaleyOutdoors]

You're welcome! 👍

[@GINGER_out_and_about]

Cracking vid ,, just a quick tip ,, try putting your waterproofs in an external or top pocket so if you get cought in a sudden downpour you don't have to open your pack to get them out ,, atb mike

[@cmanofthewoodscentralus3217]

Thanks for Sharing. Stay Safe.

[@DaleyOutdoors]

No problem - you too 😊👍

[@Flexaret]

Always interesting to see how others pack their kit, nice rucksack by the way, I was admiring it in some of your other videos, I like the large stretch pockets, very versatile. Good stuff, Thumbs Up.

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Thanks for watching mate. I love the bag it’s the perfect size for me 😊👍

[@ExtremeAvenger]

Great video, very useful!

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Cheers Jamie 👍

[@gferguson73]

Great video man

[@stevew585]

Great video, Thanks!

[@keithtimmis]

I have the Kestrel 48 and think it's a brilliant bag. So adaptable and well made. Interesting to see how you pack kit.

[@DaleyOutdoors]

I love it (probably more than anyone should love a bag 😂) Thanks for watching Keith!

[@welshboyoo715]

Always good to see how others do it, then you pick up ideas for yourself. Yeah, good one Ben 👍👍👍

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Here’s matey 😊👍

[@davemcw.2803]

I have the kestrel 48 too and love it. Just right for 1-3 nights out and really comfortable to carry.

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Agreed 👍it’s a great pack. Thanks for watching Dave 😊

[@Tom-eq6vo]

I’ve got the same bag, thought it’d help me cut taking stuff I don’t need as I had previously been using a 70 litre pack all year round. I separate poles and pegs, tent straps to the back, I put my sit mat and table (plus map) in the front bungee pocket. My folding foam mat attaches to the belt loops on the lid. I can get my drone in but not my DSLR, that usually sits at the top of my bag. My Vango sleeping bag was taking up too much space before at almost half my pack size alone, so I replaced it with the Alpkit Pipedream, I still seem to have crammed my pack lol only thing I can think that would give me more space is to leave behind Vango Trek 3 or UL80 mat.

[@Curlew-Corner]

Thanks Ben. Interesting to see how you pack your pack.

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Thanks for watching Emma 😊👍

[@Curlew-Corner]

@@DaleyOutdoors it’s the kind of valuable info people need. For example, I bought one of the connector thingymejigs for refilling gas cylinders after your demonstrated yours. It’s a great thing to be able to fill a c100 for less than half price of a new one. Keep up the good work.

[@DaleyOutdoors]

@@Curlew-Corner yeah I use my refillermejig all the time - it’s a great money saver 😊 Will do!

[@jillmcaleese6514]

Very useful, very organised. I’ll be copying you!

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Thanks Jill! 😊

[@clifficus]

I have the Kestrel 65 but the older model without the side entry zips, still brilliant, like your idea of separating the tent poles from the tent, never thought of that, allows for packing the tent smaller 👍 only mod was buying an Osprey 2.5L water bladder, more cushion for the back and plenty of water, thanks for sharing Ben, helpful as always 👍😃

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Thanks Cliff, I’m glad it was useful 😊

[@wozwandering4255]

I'm carrying much the same Ben I'm trying to get down to about 8.5kg have a great camp 💪💪👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Great minds think alike eh 😁will do mate 👍

[@Ashysand]

Very interesting it’s been ages since packing helps remind me. My pack is Atmos ag 70. And I mainly hammock and tarp camp.

[@DaleyOutdoors]

That’s a great bag - the AG system looks awesome. Thanks for watching 👍

[@sergeram1436]

Nice video pal

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Thanks Serge! 👍

[@timec2002]

I would just add a lightweight chair to what you have there. Yes, it adds weight, but also a little bit more all important comfort for whilst I’m in camp. 😃

[@marcuscastle]

Great video Ben, some good tips in there, just rearranged my Osprey Stratos 50 based on some of your points! Nice one.

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Great stuff! Glad it was useful Marcus 👍

[@davidhudson7590]

Just got the kestel in 38 good quality so gonna get the 48 or 58 aswell for camping as 38 bit small unless was superlight gear n I can't afford those prices

[@AndyWragg]

Hi Ben, get that down jacket in a dry bag. It will be useless if you get it wet. Only things I couldn't see that you'll need this time of year are mozzie rep, sun screen and a sun hat.

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Cheers Andy, good shout on the sun screen, though it's forecast rain for Friday when I'm going now 😫

[@mike_outdoors4918]

I do like them dry bags, have a couple of packs myself, they are well worth having. Those Aluft pillows are also great, one of my best buys of the past year. I also bought the exact same down jacket a while back. Cheers, Ben, enjoy the camp 👍🙂

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Thanks Mike! Will do - just hoping I don’t get moved on in the day-glo tent 😁👍

[@theandybchannel.1819]

Just picked up one of these on your recommendation. Stunning bag, unfortunately I'm not allowed it till Christmas... Cheers

[@DaleyOutdoors]

You won’t be disappointed 👍

[@theandybchannel.1819]

@@DaleyOutdoors what's the plastic coated wire by the hip belt do please?

[@DaleyOutdoors]

@@theandybchannel.1819 it’s part of the ‘stow and go’ feature for trekking poles. There’s a video showing how it works on their website 👍

[@theandybchannel.1819]

@@DaleyOutdoors I'll check it out. cheers.

[@lincslukeadventures3235]

Great to see what gear you take Ben, I really like that insulated food pouch you use, definitely on my list of gear to buy…at the mo I use a thermos one (which I use for work too), good…but it’s a little chunky…looks like the one you have doesn’t take up a lot of space either…ATB, Luke 👍

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Cheers Luke. I’ve been using the pouch for a while. It’s easy to squish down on the top of the bag to save space 👍

[@stevec-b6214]

I put waterproofs last in for quick access just in case it rains ;)

[@cherellegrant7439]

Very interesting video

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Thanks for watching Cherelle 😊👍

[@justinsaint6786]

Ay up Ben 😎 I have the Rook 65 and a very similar set up to you, with a mix of budget and mid range gear. I have the same dry bags which I think are great. I also keep playing around with different ways of packing my kit to see what works best. Also just added a RidgeMonkey compact which I'll be trying soon. Nice little vid Pal 👍

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Cheers Justin 😊 the ridgemonkey pans look good, the ones I’ve seen are quite heavy though I’ll have a look at the compact one. Thanks for watching mate 👍

[@justinsaint6786]

@@DaleyOutdoors The compact is 800g it is small so wouldn't be able to do a full fry up, but looks ideal for me.

[@KernowCamps]

Great vid and great packing tips. I keep looking at the ice flame and hesitating about purchasing, but now I’ve seen how small it can be packed I’m pretty much sold on it. Cheers. Also, just purchased the BRS and am going to get a Titanium pot. Much smaller and lighter package than my jobsworth X2. Thanks Ben, helpful as always! 😊

[@DaleyOutdoors]

No worries mate. Glad it was useful. I love the Ice Flame quilt. I’m a convert now - no more bags for me 😁I still use the jobsworth X2 for cooing pasta in but take my titanium pot if I just need water to hydrate a meal. It’s a great set up 👍

[@KernowCamps]

@@DaleyOutdoors followed your packing tips and now got my base down to 10kg. Half of where I was at 3 weeks ago, and 7kg less than last week. Cheers buddy. Now to by lighter gear

[@DaleyOutdoors]

@@KernowCamps nice one mate! 👍

[@Dave-Evans73]

Have you done a review on the quilt??? I've just bought the osprey pack

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Not specifically no. I’ve used it on most camps for the last three years though definitely recommend it.

[@AnthonyJohnson1]

Looks a good set up Ben. That quilt packs down really small. My sleeping bag takes up double the room which does limit how much I can carry. I think your rucksack seems more suited to camping too with the various compartments. My Exos 48 is a very light and comfortable pack but it’s not the most practical

[@DaleyOutdoors]

I love the quilt - I'm a convert now 😁 It took me ages to decide between the Kestrel and the Exos. I went for the Kestrel for the separate compartments and side access 👍

[@AnthonyJohnson1]

@@DaleyOutdoors I’m tempted to buy one as I notice you can get one for under £100. I’ve got too much hiking gear though and am running out of places to store stuff and risking more grief from Mrs J 😆

[@DaleyOutdoors]

@@AnthonyJohnson1 Yes you can get them for a steal. Just 'pretend' to sell some existing kit to cover it 😁

[@AnthonyJohnson1]

@@DaleyOutdoors Haha. Looks like we’ve both tried that approach before 😆

[@kenmorrison1725]

I like to take a big zip lock bag which is in a dry bag and full of baby powder mixed with an anti foot fungus powder. The bag is big enough to get my foot in and its lush after a hike in and set up of my area. Put a brew on get my boots off socks off and dip my feet into the cooling powder its lush.

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Sounds like a great idea Ken 👍

[@notoriouscj25]

My Dad taught Me this ex 2Para

[@kenmorrison1725]

@@notoriouscj25 feels so good on the feet it's lush

[@gga474]

Brill vid!! I love tips and hacks. Looking for some advice please, do you think a 60l with items strapped to the sides be big enough for a 7 day trip?

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Thanks 👍 Depends what kit you’ve got…

[@darrenburrows-taurus]

It's always interesting to see how others pack their gear in so great video! What is the sit-mat that you use there out of interest please?

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Cheers Darren 👍 The sit mat is a cut down Karrimor sleeping pad. I bought one on offer and made 3 mate of different sizes from it.

[@onlycompetitions5083]

Where do you stow your glasses at night when actually camping? Do you take a glasses case, or put them in a side pocket of your pack, or put them inside one of your boots? Do you carry a spare pair?

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Either in my boot or in the tent pocket. Just somewhere easy to find in the dark (and without glasses on 🤓). I don’t usually carry a spare pair but might do now you’ve mentioned it 😁

[@AndyM_UK]

@@DaleyOutdoors I was out on a long hike a couple of years go and a tiny screw fell out of my glasses which rendered them useless as one lens would not stay in place. I now always keep a spare pair in my pack :D

[@cmanofthewoodscentralus3217]

@@AndyM_UK Paper clip is usually about the right diameter that will slip in the screw hole to get you by. Might give it a try or a small safety pin. Who cares what it might look like at least you can see again.

[@optomisticostomistsmith501]

Great vlog ben where are you based fella your accent makes me tgink Derby Notts?

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Derby mate 😁👍

[@optomisticostomistsmith501]

@@DaleyOutdoors fancy a trio out at som point im at junction 31 M1

[@LufbraDarrock]

Great vid, just got this same backpack. I like the food bag in the video, do you have a link for it?

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Thanks! I got it from Amazon, but i've just looked and it's not listed on there anymore.

[@ReallyWildAdventures]

Like that bag but would never fit all my gear in there

[@mariomallia9726]

Good video cheers . Just wondering what waterproof packable jacket and trousers you use?

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Thanks Mario, I use Decathlon 'Quechua' ones at the minute 👍

[@philferguson7469]

get yourself a “ tile” links to your phone attaches to your key ring or wallet (the credit card size one) omits a audible tone up to 300 met away, can even show you on phone where it is even down to house number or last place it was when went out of range…and finds by linking to other tiles when you swipe the lost icon in app…saved me countless times

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Good shout Phil. I’ve seen the Apple ones as well. I’m investigate 👍

[@KernowCamps]

Or an Apple Airtag, does the same but can be traced more easily.

[@philferguson7469]

@@DaleyOutdoors it’s the amount of times in the morning i have not had a clue where wallet or van keys are in house or swapped from van to van at work and keys in another van slipped behind a seat ..get one best present my Jen ever got me…..

[@philferguson7469]

@@KernowCamps not seen them …Ben how about a comparison review?

[@mikelovesbacon]

@@philferguson7469 Apple AirTags are simply better because they can be tracked by a billion iOS devices

[@stanislavpal1172]

I ordered the same backpack, I'm waiting for the start of the season. Tell me the brand of the down jacket from the video.

[@DaleyOutdoors]

It’s unbranded from AliExpress

[@stanislavpal1172]

@@DaleyOutdoors Thanks!

[@RambloManiacs]

No chair/stool?

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Nah just a sit mat this time. I’m heading out after work so won’t have loads of time. Plus where I’m going there are loads of flat topped rocks - natures free chairs 😊👍

[@Garywxm1]

What’s the lowest temperature you have slept in the ice quilt

[@DaleyOutdoors]

I did a winter camp down to -2 but I slept in full clothing. Base layer, trousers, fleece, coat, hat and socks. I don’t mind layering up. I’d say it’s fully comfortable at 5 degrees.

[@nomadtreecraftjoeclodd8020]

Hi what down jacket do you use?

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Decathlon one

[@nomadtreecraftjoeclodd8020]

Thanks for your reply much appreciated.

[@DaleyOutdoors]

@@nomadtreecraftjoeclodd8020 any time!

[@wad6216]

that bag is 70 or 80 quid more now! and closer to 200 quid .I just got one used and I had the Exos before which was good the one without the hip pockets from a couple of years ago. It was 38 litre so I need a little more for the dog stuff and bits and bats and the Girl friend who does with me now so something more always needed !. I'm undecided on lots of compartments on bags like the bottom zip thing for the sleeping bag, I just cant see a practical use as you would always pack your tent last in your pack and sleeping bag first anyway in a dry bag. So why would you need dedicated access to it? the side access is a bit more understandable easy access to clothes or food and brew kit etc.

[@DaleyOutdoors]

I pack my tent in the bottom section and the poles in the side so I can keep everything else in the main compartment while I set up the tent.

[@anon003]

Which tent should I buy? The 3F UL FLOATING Cloud 2p or the Naturhike Mongar 2p? How much does your tent weight?

[@DaleyOutdoors]

The floating cloud is 1.9kg. I haven’t seen or tried the Mongar.

[@anon003]

@@DaleyOutdoors is it 1.9 Kg included the footprint?

[@DaleyOutdoors]

@@anon003 yep 👍

[@rossobrien1712]

Unless I missed it you didn’t pack a light source (torch). I appreciate the nights are short but you never know if you will need to do something in the dark%

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Hey Ross, no you didn’t miss it - I don’t take one in high summer (I know I probably should). If needed I use my light on my phone but have only used it once or twice. Thanks for watching 😊👍

[@mikelovesbacon]

@@DaleyOutdoors Relying on your phone doesn't seem sensible. You'll drain the battery which may make your phone useless for emergency use. If you need to walk in the dark, you risk dropping and destroying your phone. Can't think of any logical reason not to always pack a head torch.

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Yes you're right you should take one (as I said) and 9/10 times I do take one. The last few times I've been out it hasn't really got dark and I haven't needed any light source. Battery isn't an issue for a one night camp and my phone is in a fully protected case. Thinking about it I'll probably keep my small LED torch in the top of the bag with my keys etc.

[@AndyM_UK]

@@DaleyOutdoors Flextailgear tiny USB rechargeable pump with light is what I use plus a headtorch.

[@ful48j]

Hi, just one question, which version of the quilt do you use? There are a few versions, the main difference being if it's a simple rectangular shape or with a tapered foot end.

[@dexterdeiparine5913]

Im 5”7 what size do you recommend?

[@DaleyOutdoors]

For what?

[@dexterdeiparine5913]

I mean the torso. Is size s/m fit for me?

[@DaleyOutdoors]

@@dexterdeiparine5913 your torso length is not related to your height. You need to measure it.

[@happycamper7004]

Great video! 👍 I want an osprey bag but can’t decide which one. And you say 10k isn’t the lightest!? I’ve been on 2 wild camps now and my lightest was 19.6k🤦‍♂️🤣

[@DaleyOutdoors]

The Kestrel is great, there are loads to choose from though 😬 19k is epic - unless it’s 9kg of beer I’d try and drop some of that 😁

[@happycamper7004]

@@DaleyOutdoors I just don’t know how to make it much lighter to get it down to around 10kg🤣 my tent is a Robens starlight 2 which is 2.5kg (so not the lightest but I like it) and then my beer is about 3kg🤣

[@DaleyOutdoors]

As long as you can carry it go with it 👍If you get desperate switch to drinking spirits 😁

[@happycamper7004]

@@DaleyOutdoors 🤣 good advice! Keep up the good work mate. Look forward to new videos from you all the time👍

[@JustBlondie]

Where did you get it for £99? I’ve been looking everywhere lol

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Go Outdoors. It was £99 everywhere two years ago when I made the video.

[@JustBlondie]

@@DaleyOutdoors Cheer :) I’ll keep having a look.

[@sars19641]

Is this 48 litre S/M or M/L ?

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Mines an M/L

[@ImScubaSteve]

Does this pack fit your 2-3 day kit also?

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Yes it does in spring/summer where i can take a smaller bag and tent. Would be s struggle in winter.

[@Ashysand]

Brew kit and socks and gators

[@DaleyOutdoors]

I make tea from the titanium pot. Socks are in the orange dry bag. No gators for this one 😊👍

[@SamuelVlogt]

rucksack = bagpack???

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Backpack

[@BurtonOutdoors]

F@ck knows how you fit all that in an Osprey 48L... I'm struggling to fit all my kit in my Osprey Atmos 50!! You're like a slight of hand magician 🎩 #DavidBlaine I've thumbs upped it... but was so tempted to down it mainly because in the old days you'd be burnt at the stake for being a witch 🤣

[@DaleyOutdoors]

😂 the real space saver is the tent pole pocket. Take the poles out and you can get physical with the rest of the tent. Couple of ancient magic spells and the rest fits in easy. I should have mentioned in the video it’s a limited Mary Poppins edition bag 🤓

[@BurtonOutdoors]

@@DaleyOutdoors 🤣😁

[@ant420]

How can anyone thumbs you down

[@DaleyOutdoors]

There's always a few thumbs-downers waiting in the wings 😁

[@foggs]

Watching that quilt get compressed caused me physical pain

[@drug2]

Nice loadout m8 but you waste a lot of room. all that stuff can fit inside the 38l kestrel ;) Get rid of all these packsack stuff things. they jsut add weight and waste space. those compression packs are only good for shipping from the seller to you but not for hiking

[@DaleyOutdoors]

Yeah I've cut things down a lot since I made this a year ago. Still use the dry bags though just to keep things organised 👍