Improvised Backpack from a Pillow Case 🎒

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*In a recent video I discussed some of the many uses of a simple cotton pillow case in the woods. One thing I suggested was a improvised back pack or knapsack. I was asked by a couple of people how to do that and so I wanted to show a simple method to create a pack from a pillow case without the use of a frame. Thank you for your time and interest!
#blackhatbushcraft #bushcraft #bushcraftsurvival

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you for your time and interest! Please SUBSCRIBE and CLICK THE BELL BUTTON to make sure you stay notified of the latest upcoming videos! Take care.

[@KahlestEnoch]

Pretty cool, I have to chuckle though because I remember when I was 8 or 9 and I wanted to run away from home, I had done just that, created a little backpack out of a pillow case. Then when my Mom figured out I wanted to run away, she gave me a big suitcase (almost as big as me) and filled it with canned foods, a can opener, a bottle of water and all my favorite books and sent me on my way, and no the suitcase didn't have wheels like they do now. I got about half a block then went home.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I also did the same thing myself and the outcome was the same lol! I was shocked when my mom threw my stuffed animal at me and said "here..take this with you!" LOL! We still chuckle about that from time to time even now! My pillow case pack wasn't rigged quite as well back then:)

[@broadwayFan28]

I just love videos like this where I really learn something new. Thanks.

[@mikelloyd106]

Grew up fishing the Pee Dee river in NC. In order to get to the fish you had to wade out to about the middle of the river ( only when the water was shut down). We tied old belts to burlap sacks using the rock tied in the material to put the fish in. This video took back about 35 years. Thanks for that. Btw love your videos.

[@g-palloyd3600]

My dad used (and showed me) the rock tie offs in the late 50's, early 60's when we used a huge (and heavy) old green army tarp hunting in Colorado! It can be used in so many situations. Nice vid!.....Keep em coming!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much my friend! It is definitely a time tested and proven technique and as you said, valuable in many different applications. I appreciate you time and interest!

[@Aussie_Witchy_Woman71]

Very similar to the Soviet pack, the Veshmeshok.

[@OKBushcraft]

Comrade_Ren Yes, it's very similar to the veshmoshock. Great job.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I wasn't familiar with it before but I looked it up and it is indeed! Thank you for your time and interest!

[@Aussie_Witchy_Woman71]

You're welcome. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@scottanthony1616]

Hello Matt, just a thought, I have some 1" wide nylon webbing used to hold some construction material together, that will be going into my kit along with a pillowcase. Thanks for all the videos an your hard work , I'm learning more each day I watch bushcraft/survival videos. God bless you and your family always. 🇺🇸🔥☕️

[@MrJustapeon]

Good idea. I may do the same thing except using pingpong balls instead of rocks and use a plastic bucket to have some form and control.

[@shovelhead8]

Great lesson. Too bad you could not find old fashioned cotton sugar or flour bags. But pillowcases are easy to find. Thank you for the video, Matt

[@Saiarts_yt]

I do a similar hack to this. However I did need a 12 foot paracord for this with an (2) bankline loops and a penny. I made a modification of cutting a equally spaced cuts about an foot of pillow case opening. I weaved my paracord through an slit. Then stuffing them with an essentials I cinched off the cord putting them forming a cross on the body to finish with an butterfly knot to tie it on my waist. I got many complements from people here in NYC especially with a zero waste and coronavirus situation.

[@JohnnyUrbanWoodsmen]

Great video, your set up there reminds me of the Russian Veshmeshok military pack, sometimes a simple design will work and keep on working.

[@georgerector9252]

I found two canvas bank bags, one pillow case size and one about 2/3 that size. I waxed them and used braided jute twine straps. The waxing turned them a dirty tan color (from the linseed oil) I now have vintage looking knapsack and haversack. Great video.

[@Hoonozit]

Well done. Nice presentation.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much my friend!

[@BurningRiverBushcraft]

Great job Matt. The stick under the strap technique is on my list of improvised straps to test out.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you you Jamie. It works well for me in a pinch but it wouldn't be my first choice of course. Then again, we are usually improvising when using these methods and our first choice is not an option anyway. Two bandanas folded up make good padding as well. I look forward to hearing how it works for you. Take care.

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

Very slick idea. Thanks again.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for tuning in!

[@mattmiller1179]

I appreciate the recent videos describing uses for everyday items like pillowcases. It is nice to see channels showing super budget tips and encouraging people to think about their gear in different ways. I would like to suggest a future video for the pillow case series that I think would be really cool to test out, and could add to versatility for these cases. How about seeing if two or three pillowcases could be used as an emergency raised bed platform? I am thinking a double tripod with a friction fit between two poles. The downside is you would have to destroy the seam to feed them on and to overlap them for length. Still, I would be interested to see if, in a pinch, they would work to get you off the ground like other items might. Or, maybe a different take since there are similar videos out there on a double pole raised bed. How about stringing some 550 through and wrapping it around the tree instead of a double tripod? Either way, I think it would make a good video and add to viewer's tool chest. Thanks for your videos and I hope this suggestion sparks some ideas for you!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Very good video. I like the sticks for dispersing the weight on the shoulders.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much James! It isn't quite like having nice padded straps but it definitely helps out. Thanks for tuning in and commenting my friend!

[@DavidKralikOutdoors]

Great use for a pillow case. The 100% cotton also lends itself to waterproofing with a mixture of mineral spirits and 100% clear silicone.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much David and I agree. It could easily be waterproofed using several methods if one wanted to do that. I definitely think the 100% cotton is the way to go as it adds much more flexibility to what the material can be used for. Thank you for tuning in sir!

[@joshbabb7470]

I've used this set up before and it works great. Thanks for the video. I hope you have a wonderful week. - Josh

[@blackhatbushcraft]

It is a good little technique to know in a pinch. Thank you for taking the time to tune in and comment my friend!

[@joetaylor2932]

Nice and simple, thanks.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Joe!

[@TACHILL]

The pieces of wood in the line was a genius idea! They used to sell these old rasta bags that were the same concept with rope straps and after a bit of carry, seriously painful.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much my friend! It isn't quite as nice as some padded straps but it definitely helps over time. I think I know exactly what bags you are referring to as well :) Thanks for tuning in and commenting brother!

[@NativeTearz]

😀👍🏼 great idea!!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much my friend!

[@MichaelR58]

Thanks for sharing !

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you for tuning in Michael!

[@bsd9230]

❤ great video.... would love to see you take this one step further.... How to make a WAXED backpack OR Haversack mod with a Pillowcase! Much appreciated! I think that these waxed bushcraft bags are really nice but way too expensive for us on a budget. Everyone has a few extra pillowcases that we can make into real gear like a waxed canvas bag etc... Much appreciated!🎉

[@vancemccolm6309]

That is a a great idea!!!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Vance! I appreciate you tuning in my friend!

[@wildbrigante9596]

Very neat!

[@pastorpfp1]

Thanks man!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Absolutely Paul. Thank you for tuning in!

[@DWerner7822]

Excellent video Matt. Thanks for sharing. I put a Pillowcase in my bag ever since your Pillowcase video. Great Tip! The problem I have is to find an easy way to carry small items when I am foraging for edible plants or fire starting material. I need something larger than my pockets to carry these items. Hopefully you have a simple solution for this problem. Thanks in advance Matt. You're the best!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Jim! I really appreciate your kind words my friend! I was wondering, have you tried using a haversack before? Another option would be a good belt pouch. I have several I have used and they do a good job of holding those small items that tend to get lost in bigger bags. I will see what else I can come up with :) Thank you for all your kind words my friend!

[@DWerner7822]

LoL Matt... I really thought you would say, "Hey Jim, have you considered carrying them in the pillowcase you recently started carrying?"

[@dannyh9010]

Maxpedition Rolly Polly dump pouch. I first saw them on an McQbushcraft video, and thought they would be very useful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnaahJqBm6-FkNU at 5:00. Condor makes one similar. I ended up making my own with a flat piece of soft leather, a snap and a round bottomed stuffsack that I made. I then just sewed the stuff sack onto the leather at the top and 2” below to make a belt slot. Mine was much flatter and lighter, but less heavy duty.

[@yatyas311]

Awesome!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much my friend!

[@Make_America_Trump_Again]

Awesome! You did it again. Great idea!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@robertlopez7303]

Nice

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Robert!

[@joelewis7507]

Great information thanks for sharing.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Joe! I appreciate your time, interest and kind words!

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Cool!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much!

[@toddgibson9861]

nice...!!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Todd!

[@wendellhagg3511]

Awesome !! H.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much!

[@northernninjarunner5506]

Genius 👍

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Shaun!

[@badhat3051]

could also make it into a bindlestiffs, bindle using your pillow case tied to your hiking staff

[@blackhatbushcraft]

That would be another great application as well! Thank you for sharing!

[@mr.fisher3973]

Very neat idea - Cliff Jacobson Please!!!!!!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much and I promise.. it is coming! I know it has taken forever but it is high on my list as I type this:) Stay tuned!

[@joetaylor2932]

Nice and simple, thanks.