MAKE YOUR BUSHCRAFT GEAR LAST FOREVER

A few ideas for those of you who like to have a go at making your own gear or those wanting to curb the trend toward consumerism and a "throw away" culture.

[@TheWizardOfTheFens]

The oldest piece of bushcraft gear I possess is now 48 years old and STILL in use. It’s an aluminium smoke grenade tin which had a screw top lid. I made a hanging handle for it from a wire coat hanger and I wrapped the handle in green cord which is still in place. I used it regularly as part of my kit from 1975 to 1987 and brought it home with me when I left the Army. It’s still in my gear but these days is used to hold my brew kit and utensils. The writing is barely legible on it now, and I can’t bear to part with it. The next oldest bit of kit I have is a tin 58 patt style mug I bought in 1989, it has a removable plastic lip which was used to prevent getting scalded after brewing up. If you buy right and look after your gear it should remain serviceable for many years. Mine will definitely outlast me!

[@maverick4462]

Awesome job brother. Might have to attempt it now, I have plenty of canvas and Cordura. It's time my poor pack is mostly duct tape now lol

[@johncamps1337]

Liked the video, impressive how you upcycled your old kit👍🏻🏕. I trust what you say as to me you have the years of experience of bushcraft and the outdoors. You know what works and what doesn't. You know the good kit to get. Seen a few other you tubers in the outdoors and some are just wanting attention on themselves and love their own voice. I can learn from you. Where other people I can't and I've wasted money by listening to them. Thank you neil. I like your videos and the music you play. 👍🏻 🙂 🏕🌳

[@oldtimerlee8820]

Agree 100% with the concept you presented. Grew up well before the age of "Disposable Society" became the norm. Thread injectors, for example, were all metal and last over a 100 years. (I have my Grandmother's 1910.) The last one I bought was probably 96% plastic. I'll be fortunate if it lasts 30 days beyond the extended warranty. Sad to say that for many, losing a button, means tossing the shirt. Don't even have to lose a button. Get tired of it. Toss or donate. Buy another to keep the economy going. "Shop till you drop" old saying is even more strongly emphasized today. If it's "dated" rip it out, toss it out, and buy mo. Jacks and packs look good. Thanks for sharing your methods. Lots of good advice there. BTW, get a good quality seam ripper. Easier than using a knife, IMO.

[@woodlandsnorth]

Nice DIY project. Never thought of dismantling an item to use it as a template. well done.

[@jelkel25]

Stopped buying new kit last spring unless there's a glaringly obvious need or total failure, then it's one item out, one item in or I make/repair it myself. Realised it was time to get to know the kit I have and there were already many tried and tested items being used over and over so why waste money and storage space buying more. Not up to make my own smocks yet, the pattern thing is a fantastic idea.

[@PingHansen]

Inspiring! Good idea using the jacket pattern for multiple "grades" of jackets.

[@greencraft4783]

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@branch_preparedness]

Excellent job. Very well designed. Inspiring.

[@manfredgroebel8257]

If you got more time than money and the skills you may, as spys do, dismantle something and built it much better than the old one was. But also reused parts are deteriorated and the remaining lifetime will be shorter. So you combine new, long living parts with deteriorated and will get next problems sooner. But you improved the design very much!! OK, love your videos! Keep going. Regards!

[@Andy-1968]

Really great Neil, you make me wish I could sew so much, I'm still envious of all your knowledge, this is another really good & enjoyable video to watch 🙂 thank you my friend 👍

[@wildbrigante9596]

Thank you so much for sharing this! Awesome pack and skills!!

[@iansoutdoorsrecovery7971]

Absolutely fantastic idea thank you

[@KentSurvival]

sound advise.. and a very good job on the pack, well done

[@greencraft4783]

Cheers Andy. I love having little projects to be cracking on with - it keeps me out of mischief!

[@FoxADV]

You knocked it out of the park mate. Really impressive result and an inspiration. I live off of a motorcycle and sorely miss having access to a sewing machine and a clean dry space, but I make extensive use of a needle and thread at times. My last pair of long johns got sewn up about ten times due to living on a shoestring during lockdown. Regardless of financial issues, we should all do more of this. Your channel is really growing on me. I came for the Hiax review(I have a pair now) but I keep coming back. You're definitely doing something right! Speaking as someone who knows how long it takes to edit these things, I thank you for your efforts.

[@richardwilliamson3624]

Super impressed with the idea and your execution of the new sack and jackets.

[@rechuckg]

Neil, Excellent topic and video. I am really enjoying your channel. I my opinion I think being able to make our own gear is as important a skill as many we use in the out of doors. Recycling to make that gear is all the better and it gives us a chance to improve on a design we likely already liked. Again, well done!

[@vikingoutdoors8468]

Nicely done Neal. I have to say your a very skilled chap. Atb Tim

[@mikedeman5351]

You make it look easy but I think you have great skill and have really done a great job. Very inspiring video!

[@oldtimerlee8820]

Yes! Presents the motivation to take the first steps, as needed, to acquire the skills to do the same thing. Start with a simple project and move towards the more complex. Many of the principles of each are the same in basic concepts. Threading up the machine is the same whether making a drawstring bag or a backpack. As is cutting out a pattern, and so much more.

[@davidcrane5984]

You are a clever man! Certainly set me thinking.

[@lappeldelanature5634]

you've done an excellent job brilliant video

[@MichaelR58]

Neil, thanks for sharing, great information

[@macktightwad606]

Cracking build mate. When I get time i have an idea to make my own design of back pack, Just finding the time is difficult

[@peteaustin9636]

clever chappie ..well done ... I loved the look of that white summer smock also

[@lukeharris7672]

Where do you source your materials such as codura, cotton etc from?

[@pallefrandsen3052]

Very nice job 👍👍

[@stephensgate1]

Well done. Very relaxing video, and it’s a reminder not to throw away things that can be recycled in another form or fashion. Very clever my friend. -Stephen, Ohio U.S.A.

[@greencraft4783]

Thanks for commenting, I'm really glad you enjoyed it.

[@cshgeo]

Mad respect man.

[@petertje210]

Loving the concept, reduce - re-use - recyclen to an whole other level!

[@saulcavan1172]

Good job Its perfect 👍

[@badhat3051]

I started to get annoyed at the sound quality then I noticed the leaves moving and realized that the wind noise had thankfuly been scrubbed out.. over all a very good video and information we can all use good job Neil

[@franbanbury8582]

thank you so much neil best exsperience ever !!!!!!! from zann at lordship wood

[@bigfatpear]

that is one damn smart little pack.nice one.

[@ceciliodrakes1572]

Good work!

[@punkeasy]

Awesome!

[@simonparker9057]

Well done, only questions are-"How much?" and "How long?" ;-) looks excellent , you can show me it next time we meet up.....

[@user-xo4sy7qc4h]

very cool job

[@daeholm]

Very good! I'd really enjoy a more in-depth long form video showing the process in detail if you were ever so inclined to make one.

[@greencraft4783]

There may be one on the way.....keep watching

[@HighWealder]

Great Neil, but my wife won't let me anywhere near her prized Bernina sewing machine.

[@greencraft4783]

Rich, I think she needs a weekend away! Which would leave you custody of the machine!

[@northwind9505]

Yes I found you! Lost your channel and couldn't remember the name.

[@mhcdroneography5816]

Hi Neil, great videos and very interesting I was just wondering where snouts is it your film your videos. I’m into bushcraft and survival skills but I don’t know a lot of locations.

[@maxboonkittypoison]

Oh you did a hell of a good job ! I can sew a little but always have problem finding the materials like good canvas or heavy duty zippers of 4 meters long each. And thick leather. I can find these materials here in the store but i have to pay an arm and a leg. Or have to trade my kidneys for it. Would like to vissit your web shop too see wat i can find in your webshop :)) Greetings,, Kitty.

[@williamwimmer5473]

seam ripper>knife but great idea

[@joes_craft]

Love a bit of sewing machine action as you know Neil. Really enjoyed the vid and the new/old Munro looks great! I only wish I had my original, bought in 1987 but nicked from my Ford fiesta while parked in the Brecon Beacons in the mid 90's. I've had two others since then :-)

[@marksadventures3889]

How do you get around having what the law might call, an offensive weapon strapped to your kit? I suppose if you're in a car and just get to a place away from the public that would be okay, or having a license for training with these things. i have neither. I don't drive and i don't have a knife handler's license outside of a food production area. I use trains and cycle most places I go. I remember some bored British transport rozzers on the Tube giving me grief and they had to ring my boss in the kitchen to substantiate I was a chef there. (considering my whites and knives were in a bag with all other kitchen gear, talk about abuse the power of a uniform). So if I have what might be classed as a weapon on my person on the way to a location for camping I bury, yes conceal it, thus making me a law breaker for having "a concealed weapon". The law is indeed an ass! I've seen the video by the black-belt-Barrister and I'm still none the wiser. I need a sewing machine or someone who can sew, not easy to find and I've had a do. I can sew by hand but it would take an age. There are many things I'd change about all my gear, rucksacks and bergens are top of that list. I want to put wet gear on the outside in mesh pockets or swap out for pocket rockets for my mess kit. I want the back away from my back but not have a metal frame, plus, lots of internal pockets for items that are smaller but need to be kept dry and out of the light. How about a pouch that detaches at the back to cover the pack when it's lashing it down? I thought of this watching a wildlife program where young vanished below the parents wings in bad weather - swans? And the parent kept going.

[@franbanbury8582]

sorry zane

[@saulcavan1172]

Good job Its perfect 👍