How To Pack Your Bushcraft Camping Gear Into A Rucksack

[@TE-ph4il]

Still getting value from this 11 years later! Thank you Paul.

[@CraigTaylor74]

Hi Paul. An almost identical packing regime to the one that is taught (or at least was when I was serving) in the Army. One slight change was that we used to pack the sleeping back directly into the bivvy bag and then into the bottom of the bergen/canoe bag. This cut down on the need for additional stuff sacks and also meant that the whole sleeping could be pulled out and was 'good to go' and in the same vein could be quickly crammed into the bergen if you needed to 'bug out' - admittedly there's less likelihood in this happening when out for a 'night in the woods'! Keep up the great work :-)

[@dreamerity6626]

8 years old video and still soo informative, thank you so much…actually it feels like the bag is bottomless :-) and soo compact. Great.

[@patrickcaswell529]

I watched this video and all I can say is WOW! I have been packing my ruck for years and just never found a system that worked well for me. I tried your method and I will for ever be in your debt. packing is no longer a choir for me. Thank you!!!!

[@PaulKirtley]

Patrick Caswell Hey Patrick, thanks for your feedback. I'm so glad that you got so much value from this video. Happy trails my friend :) All the best, Paul

[@trollkors78]

Thank you, sir. Your video confirmed the things I learned as a little boy in our boy-scouting group. Today I'm middle-aged and still roving in the woods of my country.

[@RathwulvenBushcraft]

Very well explained, as usual. I am currently building on such an "intermediate" kit too as up until now, I used to have only three setups consisting of: - a type of 10L-ish daypack for the 5 C's (from the Yugoslavian People's Army), the bare minimum - a 28L lightweight trekking backpack with overnighter-gear for short trips - a 75L heavy kit for longer alpine trips lasting up to weeks After a while it became apparent that all of these setups are rather specialised, the first ideal for simple hikes whereas the latter really only serves in mountain type of terrain. I guess I will take some inspiration from this video to build a weekender-type of kit. Thanks for sharing!

[@JohnWilliams-sy2lp]

The details on your videos is what makes them excellent. Thank you.

[@morbidfollower]

thanks for the vid paul. Makes me want to get the sabre 45, looks like the perfect pack for me.

[@PaulKirtley]

Jason Wolfe Thanks Jason. Yes it's a good pack. Without the side pockets it makes a very good winter daypack too, particularly n the hills when you need to carry a bit more shelter with you.

[@JohnHands]

As I would expect from Paul some very useful info, loads of room left too. just goes to show you don't need really big back pack/bergen.

[@PaulKirtley]

John Hands Thank you John.

[@JohnHands]

I have a Berghaus Centurio 45 with side pouches very similar to your one. Amazing how much kit goes in, but be careful not to over pack just to fill up the begen. Just take what is needed.

[@paulrudd1063]

I liked the video very much. Very informative. I use a different type of rucksack, a longer, 70litre backpack because I was always told that it was best to get the heavier items up higher on your back. Also, a narrower pack doesn't get snagged as much on tree branches. But after seeing this video I wonder if I'm approaching it the right way after all. The trouble with a long pack is that you can't seperate your food from your sleep gear, or your cooking gear. So when I stop to put on a brew, I have to go through the layers of things in the pack to get out the right bits and pieces. You can put the cooker on top of course, but then you'll be moving it out to get at your jumper. I find that I am always packing and repacking my bag. So I really like your system. Its logical and efficient. It is great that I can get onto your channel and learn from your expertise. Thanks for making the video. Cheers, Paul (from the Mallee, Victoria, Australia).

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi Paul, thanks for your comments. It is still good to get heavier items higher up and, importantly, close to your back. Longer packs without side pockets can be good, particularly in the exposed hills or for longer backpacking trips. But for shorter trips, particularly in the woods, this is the system I like to use. It's always a case of finding a system that works for you. And remember, this can vary from one situation to another. For example, when I am ski-touring, I prefer a taller pack, with no side pockets. This is partly to do with balance and partly to do with freedom of movement of the arms. Anyway, I'm glad this video gave you some areas to think about how you organise your own kit. Warm regards, Paul

[@danharte6645]

This was very useful as I'm doing a weekend bushcraft course this August with your team down in east Sussex. I'll be packing my kit accordingly so thanks for taking the time to demonstrate your routine

[@manothewoods6759]

Always enjoy your videos and blog Paul. Never realised I could attach my axe to the front like that Cheers for the idea.

[@PaulKirtley]

ManOthewoods Thanks for your feedback. I'm glad you enjoy my videos and it's good to hear that there were some useful tips in this one for you. Keep in touch! Cheers, Paul.

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi Martin, it's good to hear from you. Yes, it's a while since the original kit article but it still generates a lot of questions. I hope this video will help answer a lot of them. All the best, Paul.

[@martindryden113]

Great vid. I read your kit load a long while ago, but its handy to see it all packed in there. Your generosity with you knowledge is appreciated.

[@bettyadkisson1681]

I'm so proud of your program. You get right the point of what to carry and how to pack everything. Final and easy how to. Thank you so much. God bless you.

[@louisdebusscher2039]

Thanks for posting these video's/tutorials. You helped me decide on the Karrimor sabre 45. I hope to attend one of your courses in the future.

[@PaulKirtley]

louis debusscher Hi Louis, thanks for your feedback. It's good to know you found this useful and actioned some of the content. I hope to see you on a course one day. Warm regards, Paul

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi Dave, It's good to hear from you. Yes, I still use a water bottle pouch. I tend to use it more in hot climates than in temperate climates though.

[@48plaster]

good video - a good point about light weight hill walking kit and the more durable stuff needed for the woods.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks Alan

[@pembling1]

Hi Paul, Just come across your channel, very impressed. I love learning about bushcraft and the many different areas it covers. Your channel is one of the best if not thee best. I like your mannerism and clear instruction on the many aspects of this noble art, very professional. It also makes a refreshing change to watch and listen to this kind of material without the use of bad language. Well done Paul, keep up the great work. Many thanks, Paul.

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi Paul, Thanks for your comments and welcome to my channel. Warm regards, Paul

[@bradiarosamariposa]

I stumbled upon this video while researching for backpacking tips. I'm planning my first ever backpacking trip so this video is probably a bit too advanced for me but I loved it! I love how you organised your stuff...being able to fit all those gear in and still have plenty of room!! It's amazing..thanks for making this video. I just subscribed, hoping to learn more about bushcraft.

[@stevebungay]

Thanks Paul. A really interesting video. You're clearly a man who 'knows where his towel's at'.

[@PaulKirtley]

Indeed :-)

[@petertaillaert7559]

Very nice video Paul ! I learnt a lot from it. My compliments.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you Beethoven Symphony ! :)

[@andyventures6574]

Great vid Paul. Watched it many times.... As well as the food packing one.... (Rod for your own back eh). I have to pack for a jack russell as well (food, warm jumper, towel and sleep pad), plus I need a needing a tent not tarp and bivvy bag (Jack russell.....) so can't fit it into the 45 even with side pockets, but the principal is the same in terms of distribution of kit.

[@michealstephenson9918]

That me ordered one thanks for all the things you are doing Paul learning loads,also learning off your online course too

[@PaulKirtley]

Glad it's all useful Michael.

[@ollieberry6130]

Good info, thanks. I like your method of axe attachment on the outside of the pack.

[@getsmartoc]

This video has put a smile on my dial, we have almost the exact same packing system, I am pretty chuffed with myself as I got my method through trial and error and thoughtful reasoning. This is a great video, you have got a good product here mate. I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future. Cheers for the upload.

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi Jediknight! Glad you liked the video. lol re Kirtley Kettles. Re your questions - when I'm heading to the woods in the UK, I don't as a matter of course add a saw blade to make a larger saw. On expeditions I would consider it (vs taking a folding bucksaw). Most of the stuff I typically want to split - particularly for overnight camps before moving on - I can section with the Laplander. The belt pouch is related to the kit I used for recording the vid. Possibles vid added to the long list!

[@PaulKirtley]

Hey Z, thanks for your question. My drybag is for immersion (unintentional or intentional) as well as rain. I prefer to keep my waterproof dry as it weighs more when wet. But yes, if it's raining I'll be wearing it. And if it's still wet when I pack it away again, it doesn't go back inside the drybag. Best, Paul

[@justinwilson7389]

Hey Paul, Thanks for this video. I've been looking for a pack and your video helped me decide. Just purchased the Sabre 45. Thanks!

[@PaulKirtley]

Hey Clinton, as always it's good to hear from you. Glad you found my KZbin channel :)

[@twitchster77]

Nice microphone! You were loud and clear and the microphone didn't pick up all the wind! Well done, and thank you for sharing this video :D.

[@mrwes100]

Just picked up a Karrimor Sabre, and this was very useful. Thanks.

[@yggdrasil2243]

Great stuff Paul. Always helpful to see essential practical packing. I tend to get caught in the loop of taking nearly every bit of kit I've got "Just in case" ! Thanks for taking the time to put this and other vids up. Noel

[@PaulKirtley]

My pleasure Noel. Hope it's useful to you the next time you're packing... :)

[@adventuresofaveragejoe3938]

Hello! Just found your channel while researching bushcrafting skills and such. As I am new to bushcrafting, I have subscribed in hopes of learning more. Great channel in both quality and content. Thank you Sir!

[@PaulKirtley]

+The Adventures of Average Joe Hi Joe, thanks for subscribing and welcome! Keep in touch and if you have questions, then maybe send me one for my #AskPaulKirtley show. Warm regards, Paul

[@markkaku4842]

You're the best I've seen so far... Thank you.

[@robinharris2818]

An excellent video. You have a great system. I didn't think you'd fit it all in, but you did. Well done!

[@red6slider]

I've watched alot of vids on this subject and yours is one of the better ones :) I like the liner and consolidating of smaller items into smaller ditty bags and dry bags, looks like I'll be buying some soon. Thanks for the great video! Cheers!

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi there red6slider , thanks for your comment. It's good to hear that you rate my video and that you got some value from it. Thanks for the feedback. Good luck with your packing and if you've got questions, you know where I am. All the best, Paul.

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi Dave, areas with lots of spruce, firs, larches or hemlocks often have quite clear ground underneath them as they block out so much light from the forest floor, not much grows there. This is particularly the case if they have been planted and not thinned out very much. There will of course still be needles on the ground but these will not be a problem. Cheers, Paul.

[@Rekoner45]

Hi Paul. Useful video. You mention the space left in the side pocket could possibly hold a weeks worth of food. I'd be interested to know what you would take. Keep up the good work.

[@PaulKirtley]

Ian Mcgaffney Thanks Ian. The food-in-a-sidepouch video is definitely on my to-do list! Thanks for adding another vote for it :) Cheers, Paul

[@saetmusic]

Really enjoy your videos! Excellent information! One suggestion- you put both of your knives in the side pocket. I would ALWAYS have one on my person in case something should happen to the pack.

[@derealovesurvival7549]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJSac5Sch86aldE

[@earlelzy7243]

Thanks for this video. It was very helpful to me. I think it would also depend on what type of rucksack system a person has. Climate and things like that. I like to organize a little bit so keeping things in kits like cordage and fire, etc. in separate bags for easy access. Thanks.

[@finhiggs4437]

I enjoy your videos and wilderness advice, it's good to watch and learn from someone with such experience in the field. Great content

[@yackercraft6502]

Excellent video, it's amazing to see what can be packed into the backpack. I'd like to travel light but I'd be paranoid about bringing too much stuff. You only need the essentials. Knowledge of tools and how to survive is sometimes better than taking too much as you can adjust your kit and travel faster

[@PaulKirtley]

Yacker Craft Thanks for your feedback. Much appreciated. Warm regards, Paul

[@mihaque7503]

Hello Paul, Hope you and your family are well and safe. Just watched the video. Very informative so a big thank you from me. I’m currently looking for a new rucksack as well so it’s given me some serious food for thought. Thank you. 👍🏽👍🏽

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

Good video. A very well organized and comprehensive kit. That look's like a good pack system. Thanks for sharing.

[@rambleon7818]

Hi Paul, I have watch a number of your videos, I have enjoyed them all, very interesting and good advice. Michael

[@eoinbeatty]

Hi Paul, this was an excellent video and I found it very informative. I definitely over pack sometimes, especially if parking near to camp! I found this to be an issue on a canoe trip recently though as I felt my bag was far too heavy. I will be looking more closely at my gear next time and deciding what is really essential. Can you tell me what food you usually bring? You mention you could fit a week's worth in the side pocket and i'd love to find out what you include so I might replicate it

[@davidellis6757]

Thanks for that Paul. Has made me look at what I carry and see about reducing it. Good skills.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks David, I'm glad you found it useful/though provoking. ATB, Paul

[@andymaidment8660]

A brilliant video Paul plenty of information stay safe

[@bushcraftbham6315]

Great video Paul, also enjoyed reading the original article. Helped a lot as I'm still starting out. Many thanks

[@PaulKirtley]

Bushcraftbham Good stuff. Glad to be of assistance.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Great lesson Paul and relevant to equipment and packing in Oz.

[@johngray2995]

This video is so helpful. Must have watched a dozen times

[@forty5degrees]

Im glad i came across your channel, a very informative video. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Im not new to outdoor camping and bus whacking, but.. i always tend to lean towards the heavier side of gear. I am however more than comfortable with minimum equipment. All n all great video.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks for your feedback my friend.

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi Darren, good to hear the video was useful. Good luck with the upgrade/sorting!

[@MrSafadgf]

wow i just found your channel and i must say very informative and great content! looking forward to seeing more

[@mikeimho]

I use the Savotta Jääkäri L rucksack and pouches from 5.11, Särmä and Tasmanian Tiger. (PALS/MOLLE).

[@craigo8027]

Saw your vid nice variant of gear I would tend to pack in a priority order with what I need first whilst on the journey then for when I get to camp so my tarp and hammock would be near the top not bottom

[@PaulKirtley]

Errrm, my tarp is at the top....

[@stephennormanton3232]

Great help as usual as I am just getting kit together it good to see what's needed although I plan using a tent rather than tarp and bivy bag Great work

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi Opal, thanks for your comment. I'm happy you found it interesting. Thanks.

[@ross5961]

TA Outdoors just did a colab with Mr. Paul, ive subscribed and hit that bell, your content is top notch

[@PaulKirtley]

Thank you Ross. The old stuff is a bit shakey and I'm a bit wooden but the content is good ;-)

[@ross5961]

The content is what matters most, thank you for replying to all the comments I posted everywhere, didnt expect that, have a great day, no need to reply to this one hahaha

[@Barbarossa4U]

Very nice trimmed down pack and items.

[@PaulKirtley]

Barbarossa4U Thank you.

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi Ed! Thanks for your comment. I'm glad you liked it. There are more in the pipeline. :) Cheers, Paul

[@WHNorthcote]

Interesting on how it is packed. I was told to put the sleeping bag central to the pack and stuff everything around it. That has changed since I was in service though. So with everything in (including food) what is the pack weight compared to people who first do your course and intermediate learners. Could be important to beginners or people learning how to pack in the correct way. Could be a blog discussion there for that.

[@charliefrost7064]

hi paul, just wondering whats in the pouch on your belt. great video as always.

[@jaglinuxmint]

at first i thought no way all these things will go inside and you made it! clear explanation, on my way to watch your other videos

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks. Hope you find my videos useful.

[@bridgesbushcraft]

what sleeping bag do you use, especially for winter? Also, do you carry your winter bag in your Karimor 45? Thanks

[@Starlightcamper]

Excellent video Paul, just love that bag of yours.

[@PaulKirtley]

Grand Badger Thanks! I'm glad you got some value from this. All the best, Paul

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks Kirkland. That's very kind of you. All the best, Paul.

[@muddytigeroutdoors4790]

Very nice. I just got the same rucksack and it's great to see how it can be packed more efficiently. I was referred to this video by Zed Outdoors and I'm glad I watched it. -Jacko

[@PaulKirtley]

MuddyTigerOutdoors Hey, glad you enjoyed this. Thanks to Zed Outdoors for the recommendation.

[@JamieDakota1]

hi Paul, i've watched all your videos in the last two days and i have to say well done sir! a fantastic resource from someone who clearly knows from vast experience. i especially got a lot out of the above video has i have the same rucksack and have struggled in the past trying to work where kit should go. I'd love to see a simple video regarding what food you take for a couple of days in the woods, as you mention you put that into the one side pouch and only have the one cooking pot with you. I tend to over stretch myself i think, take a multiple of pots and over complicate the whole process. i'd get a lot from some advice on what you take as an example, and how you go about packing/cooking it. Perhaps not a 'cooking show' in the woods, but some simple tips that you've found work? as with all your videos i really appreciate that you don't preach 'this is the right way to do it' but rather show what you do, and how that works for you. it makes great watching. once again, brilliant videos!

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi Jamie, Thanks for taking the time to write a detailed comment. I'm very glad you've found my videos useful so far. Thanks for watching all of them! You are not the only one who has asked for more information on food and cooking. It's certainly on my list of videos to make. You can cook varied, tasty and nutritious food with only a simple kitchen set up. You don't need anything more than a mug and a cooking pot to produce some good meals. So, watch this space.. Thanks again for your interest and please keep in touch. All the best, Paul

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks for your feedback. I'm glad you thought it useful. Warm regards.

[@paologonella4767]

GRAZIE PAUL I TUOI VIDEO SONO SEMPRE BELLISSIMI E UTILISSIMI

[@Tiaknows1]

Nice one Paul, spot on information as always. Paul uses fantastic gear which I have copied almost to the item. As he admits not the cheapest but you know it can be relied on when needed. Thoroughly recommend all the other posts on his personal and frontier company websites which are exemplary.

[@PaulKirtley]

I don't have data to hand on relative pack weights but I do know that people turn up with significantly larger packs (or multiple pieces of luggage) containing more kit than is necessary. Maybe we should start weighting them....

[@ClintonsK]

From twitter to your blog and now here on KZbin always great advice and demos! Ta Paul

[@sneakynz]

Great video, i have same pack and now have the insite for packing it and just awesome, Subed and on mailing list. Thank you from far North of NZ.

[@PaulKirtley]

Hey, thanks for the feedback. Glad you are finding my content so useful. Keep in touch. All the best, Paul

[@dazinthesticks]

Great video Paul, my kit is a bit of a mess , I need to go lighter Im also guilty of carrying to much, time for an upgrade. Cheers

[@zsd101]

Great video. I, too, just came across your channel and am really enjoying your sharing of your vast knowledge. Here in the Midwest (USA), our winter's are pretty cold, and I would think yours in the UK would be even colder. I am wondering what rating your sleeping bag is? Do you use a heavier one in winter, or just use the same one? Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and knowledge. :)

[@PaulKirtley]

zsd101 Hi there and welcome to my channel. Our winters in the UK are not as cold as you get in the midwest. We don't have the continental mass surrounding us that you have plus we are under the influence of the gulf stream here, so even though our latitude is higher, the winters are milder (on average) and more changeable. I do tend to head up to Norway and Sweden for winter camping trips though and for this, I take a down bag that has a comfort rating of at least -25 Celsius (-13 Fahrenheit). There's an article here on our hot-tenting set-up too: paulkirtley.co.uk/2014/how-to-live-in-a-heated-tent/ Thanks for watching and please keep in touch.

[@PaulKirtley]

You're very welcome Chris. Thanks for the comment.

[@Joe_Sant]

Great video Paul. I still take far too much kit into the woods. But this has been a great help. Atb Joe.

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi Stokie Joe Bushcraft Thanks for your feedback - good to hear that you found this one useful. All the best, Paul.

[@gabrielmcollazo6675]

AWESOME INFO ADDS ON TO MY HEAD . I FEED ON ALL DISCIPLINES. SAFE THAN SORRY . ALL GOOD.THANK YOU SIR!

[@kcdan1]

Enjoyed watching this. Nice to show people who are not experienced how to do this . What was the pack brand 46ltr ? Well very well organized kit . Like the large side pockets makes quick access . I have my kit down to a 34 ltr Osprey Excos with a choice of 2 tents I like one is a terra nova solar competition 1p and the other is a Wanderlust Nomad hand made tent by Kurt Russell 1.5 lbs.

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi Dan, thanks for your comment. It sounds like you have your kit, pack size and weight nicely pared down. The pack in the video is the Karrimor SF Sabre 45. All the best, Paul

[@HomesteadFrance]

Excellent as always Paul, I'm torn in my kit between a Parang and my Spetznaz shovel as opposed to the axe. I'd like to hear your take on it. ( I live off-grid and practice survival/bushcraft skills)

[@PaulKirtley]

Hey Robin, thanks for your comment. Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@ArtesDoMato]

Great video. Very useful information. Thank you for sharing this with the bushcraft community.

[@outdoorsdad1179]

do you find you need a bigger pack if you hammock camp ie extra underblanket, great tips cheers, ATB Mark, wild is best!

[@NigelAstro]

Hello Paul, I found this so helpful..... And easy to follow. Thank you.

[@PaulKirtley]

NigelAstro Hi Nigel, glad this was useful to you.

[@PaulKirtley]

You're very welcome Cosy. I'm pleased you found it useful.

[@nickfree46]

I like it paul well thought out, i have ex army berger a large one and i put too much in and its heavy. If you every see someone backpacking in scotland with crutches thats me the looks i get muttering and swearing but always loved the outdoors and as long as i can manage to get out i will do so. Danger is my middle name. Lol

[@iamthehype3684]

I know this comment is old but I hope you can still go outdoors and enjoy life.

[@patrickschoenpflug]

Hi Paul how large is that bag if you don’t mind me asking,I have a three day tactical 60L military backpack with loads of pockets on the outside plus more can be added on which I’ve already done I’m just curious about yours thanks for sharing this awesome video I’ve learnt a lot thank you 😊

[@grrrumpy1ify]

Great video, Paul! I was wondering if you'd consider dividing the water, evenly on both sides (one bottle in left pocket and one in the right). Seeing as how water is quite heavy and depending on how far you plan on hiking, or how much food you plan to carry, wouldn't it make sense to evenly distribute the weight, instead of having it all on one side of the pack?

[@garycloud9631]

Just subbed your channel and really liked the info you shared. I particularly liked your pack, the Sabre 45. I'm brand new to the bushcraft scene and my only pack at present is my old Boy Scout pack. It seems the 45 with side pockets might work for me. I'm a "big" guy. Look forward to watching more of you videos.

[@PaulKirtley]

Welcome Gary. I hope my channel serves you well. Let me know if you have questions. All the best, Paul

[@PaulKirtley]

You're welcome. Glad you liked it.

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

Great job. Nice little watch before work ☺🖒

[@luvlifeclimbsurf]

Hello Paul. Just subbed to your great channel. Look forward to learning more of your tips and tricks. Thank you for sharing...from Southern California...Rocky :)

[@PaulKirtley]

luvlifeclimbsurf Hey Rocky, good to connect with you. Southern California - very nice! Thanks for kind comment about my channel and for your sub. I hope I can deliver a load of value to you through my videos. Keep in touch! Paul

[@MrLcynthia]

Thank you so much. It will really help me. But where do you place your fire kit and your paracord? Thank you. But you have the chance to have huge side pockets!

[@stafski7]

Thanks for the advise Paul.I'm gonna but myself a sabre 45 for Xmas. Carrying a 100lt Bergen is bad on the old bag and totally unnecessary as you have proven. Thanks.atb Martin....

[@PaulKirtley]

That doesn't surprise me Will :) Thanks for the feedback - glad you liked the vid. Best, Paul.

[@PaulKirtley]

Thanks James. Great to hear you found it thought-provoking.

[@StonnieDennis]

Thanks!

[@PaulKirtley]

You're very welcome Stonnie Dennis

[@PaulKirtley]

Hi there Getsmartoc, thanks for your comment. It's interesting to read that your packing system is similar. I guess there are only so many ways you can reduce your kit and pack it efficiently/effectively and it's good to know others have come to a similar conclusion. I'll be posting more vids. I have a few in the pipeline. Cheers, Paul.