Minimalist Survival Fanny Pack Loadout

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing the contents of your compact survival pack. It looks like you have all the basics. All the best to you. Stay safe out there. 😊

[@BackcountryGearShed]

Thanks for watching and commenting! You stay safe out there as well!

[@shawnscotchman3761]

Great kit and covers most of your needs of fire, water, maybe shelter to survive. I agree what most are saying, a good drum liner garbage bag to help with sheltering. Swap out the green bandana for an orange one or an orange t-shirt. I also agree about the swapping out the cotton balls for something that is less messy? I have several SAKs great tool and you could have a small leatherman and carry the SAK in your pocket. Of course if it comes down to it you could carry some of these items in your pocket and have a bag to pack tinder back to camp etc. A pin needle fits in that SAK, just do a search to see how. Good for slivers.

[@BackcountryGearShed]

Of course, an orange bandana! I should have done that from the beginning. I appreciate you bringing it to my attention. I'll add one right away, and have the green one just as a secondary. I also definitely need to get some pins for the SAKs! I've purchased four of the Huntsman now for different packs and for family members. They are just an unbeatable value and so worthwhile to include in every pack of this type. I still can't believe they are only $28 USD. Thanks for the suggestions and for watching!

[@michaelnasser8697]

Very good no BS little set up, well done. Also sub’d Don’t let yourself get caught up in the hype from other channels saying you “need” a bunch of stuff because IF you have cell service, you hopefully will be found shortly. Also, ALWAYS, remember to tell people where you are going and when you should be back. I have several fanny packs and really like them, but for hiking in the woods, I just prefer a sling bag. Fanny packs, if too heavy, tend to pull my pants down while walking 😂.

[@BackcountryGearShed]

Thank you very much for that feedback! I definitely think there is a place for minimalist kits! I don't have any sling bags yet, but will be doing a video soon on the Helikon-Tex Essentials Kit Bag which will be a little smaller than this kit and is worn over the shoulder. I will keep an eye out for a good sling bag to try out too. Thanks for your comment, and for subscribing! I really appreciate it.

[@puddles5666]

Great kit. I’ve been looking at building something like this for awhile. One thing I would change is how your cotton balls and Vaseline is stored. I feel like in the warmer months that Vaseline will melt and drip out of the container and make a mess. Otherwise great set up

[@BackcountryGearShed]

Thanks for the suggestion! The thought actually crossed my mind but I wasn't sure if it would be a problem. I better at least throw it in a plastic bag before it makes a mess in the kit. Thank you for watching and thanks for the feedback!

[@BackcountryGearShed]

Thanks, that sounds really good! I haven't seen that but I will check out Waypoint Survival. Thank you for watching and thanks for the tip!

[@RenThraysk]

Can get single use sachets of vaseline and cotton balls, and make them as you need them.

[@slinkyspiner1721]

Have you looked at the DAKINE hot laps waist packs..? The 1 L and 2L bike waist packs are great. I have both but personally like the 2 L more but only cause I’m a fan of symmetry. They’re a bit technical due to straps but since they’re meant for taking a beating when riding they hug your waist amazingly snug with little to no wiggle. Bottle compartments are thick elastic so can hold skinny bottle but can also hold up to Nalgene sized bottles and have bungee lanyard for extra security of bottles. Have had mine over 3 years retention still like new. On the elbow pad straps I’ll strap on my poncho if I want quick access but lately been carrying my grayl ti on it horizontal and works great and is sleek. Hope this expands your horizon and congrats on the channel. Looking forward to seeing more. You’re also making me want to start a channel. Take care -dan

[@BackcountryGearShed]

Thank you very much for the awesome feedback and suggestions! I had seen some Dakine waist packs when I was shopping around but was worried that the Nalgene bottles wouldn't fit. Those look great! I'm going to order a 2L right away. That was a great tip! As for starting a channel, if you think you might be interested in it, by all means I'd say do it! It's been a lot of fun so far and feels like it will be a rewarding hobby. I was also inspired by another KZbinr to start my channel, but I've thought about doing it for a long time. I'll be your first subscriber if you make a channel. Thanks again for your comment and for watching. Take care, Dan (also Dan)

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍👍👍 .. a versatile-looking kit. Pack cost .. one should consider where the pack has been manufactured .. first or third world, as this will have a bearing on pricing. During the colder months, include perhaps a four-pack of 'T-Lite' Candles. Here in Europe, some You Tubers .. experienced Outdoors Men, have demonstrated using the Thermal Blanket under the Poncho with a lit T-Lite between the knees. Sitting on one's pack / whatever, for ground insulation, up against a tree wearing Blanket and Poncho with the T-Lite as a Heat Source, apparently one can pull through a relatively comfortable overnighter in less than optimal temperatures. The Tape comes in handy for the Thermal Blanket to prevent further 'running' of the Slit cut for one's head to poke through. I have Emergency Poncho / Thermal Blanket / Tape / Cordage Combo's everywhere. An included dedicated piece of Cordage cut to size serves as a Belt does not add much additional bulk and is mighty handy in wind (speaking from personal experience 😏). These 'weather kits' slip unobstrusively into jacket / cargo pants pockets and come in mighty handy when one has actually believed the weather forecast and been 'caught short' 🙄😁. Swiss Army Knives .. in my opinion, the Standard by which others are measured. A good share .. thanks .. take care ..

[@BackcountryGearShed]

Thank you for that great information! You've convinced me to add the T Lite candles in this as well as other survival packs. That sounds like great cheap insurance to make a miserable situation a lot less miserable. That's some good insight about the paracord around the waist too. I agree about taking into consideration where the items are made, and I do my best to support companies that still employ craftsmen in first world countries to build their products. I will often spend two to three times more for a product made by craftsmen in first world countries, but when it gets to be more expensive than that I start to question if it's reasonable, especially if there are no known quality issues with the alternatives made with outsourced labor from third world countries. Thanks for your comment, and thank you for watching!

[@PREPFORIT]

Really good small loadout.

[@BackcountryGearShed]

Thank you for that feedback! Much appreciated!

[@brianfolding40]

All great selections for an EDC bag. The one thing that goes in my bag is a pair of gloves.

[@BackcountryGearShed]

Thanks for your comment! I always include a wool hat, gloves, and a neck gaiter in larger packs, but I omitted them from this smaller pack in an effort to keep it compact. I have been thinking about that more though and really would like to include those items. I'm thinking about doing another video with a slightly larger and slightly less minimal survival waist pack and it will definitely include gloves. I might also try to find some gloves that will fit reasonably well in this pack, along with a merino wool neck gaiter since those don't take up a lot of space, but it will probably fill up quick. Thanks for watching!

[@captainjimstrattonusmc]

Thanks

[@BackcountryGearShed]

Thank you for watching, and for your comment!

[@sarahb.bartlett7071]

Awesome video 🎉thanks for sharing! I'm a subscriber now ❤

[@BackcountryGearShed]

Thank you very much for your comment and for subscribing! I really appreciate it!

[@KalpeshPatel78]

Same here. I too have a lot of leatherman multi tools, but nothing beats a good Victorinox for its sturdiness and tools. At a time, I try to carry a small leatherman Skeletool, micra, even the free t4 etc, but when it comes to actually picking up a tool for work, I somehow gravitate towards a Victorinox. Also, I would suggest you replace the striker on the ferrocerium rod with one that is ceramic. That ceramic ones work flawlessly and give off many more spark. I just replaced all my strikers with ceramic ones. It's rustproof and much much lighter than the metal strikers (not that it makes that much of a difference, but the performance is much better with a ceramic one). Also, What do you use as tinder? Do you carry tinder with you or search for it in the wild. (that gorilla tape does make a good fire tinder, but still, any preference when it comes to carrying tinder?)

[@BackcountryGearShed]

Thanks for the tip about the ceramic striker! I was just looking at those recently and wondering if they were really worth it or a gimmick. I'll take your advice and give them a try. For tinder, I greatly prefer to use natural tinder. I am in the Pacific Northwest and the best natural tinder I know of around here is called Old Man's Beard. There's actually a video about it on my channel called "The Best Natural Tinder to Use With a Ferro Rod in the Pacific Northwest" if you are interested. It shows how to use Old Man's Beard tinder and dead lower branches from Manzanita bushes to start a fire with a ferro rod. The next best natural tinder around here is fatwood. I'm going to go hunting for some this weekend. There's a good amount of it around, but it's not as abundant as the Old Man's Beard. Old Man's Beard has worked so well for me I have become a bit dependent on it, so I am trying to expand my repertoire of natural tinders. I also just recently started carrying cotton balls in Vaseline as a backup, but I really do prefer going with all natural tinder when I can. Thanks for your comment, and thanks for watching!

[@KalpeshPatel78]

@@BackcountryGearShed watched it. Quite nice and informative. I've never noticed old man's beard in the wild. I usually look for birch bark or Keep jute twine in a small bag as tinder. Next camping trip, I'll keep my eyes out for old man's beard as well. Should be easy to spot if its there at all.

[@BackcountryGearShed]

@@KalpeshPatel78 thanks for checking it out! It hasn't been a very popular video but it's great information for anyone in the Pacific Northwest or anywhere old man's beard grows. I've read that it's also found along the Canada border near the Great Lakes region and all the way to the East Coast, as well as some other areas. If I'm successful in my hunt for fatwood I will make a video of that process too and how to use it to start a fire.

[@harlangraham7302]

Looks good. But I would include a second mylar blanket.

[@BackcountryGearShed]

I agree. In fact, if you check out my video Outfitting a Basic Starter Survival Pack you'll see I included two mylar blankets and two of the thermal ponchos in that kit. Since I was trying to keep it compact in this case I only included one, but I agree there should be two. I'm going to rework this pack a bit and incorporate some of the suggestions from viewers, and I will try to fit in another mylar blanket. Thanks for the suggestion, and thanks for watching!

[@tomasdeleondominguez7693]

I would add a couple of bandannas

[@BackcountryGearShed]

I think you're right! Great suggestion, thanks!

[@RenThraysk]

Been considering a Helikon Tex Foxhole bag for a similar setup. Whilst its rolltop closure is less easy to get into, given that it just carries spares (have a compass, sak, light, ferro rod in pockets) and emergency items, I don't expect to need to open it often. No bottle space though, so would need a pouch.

[@BackcountryGearShed]

I definitely get that it's not for everyone, but a big part of the appeal of the fanny pack over other types of packs is just that, the ease of access. But all those things in your pockets, it doesn't get much more easy access than that. Helikon Tex does have some good looking gear! I've never bought any but I'm going to have to give them a shot. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching!

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

That’s nuts!

[@pierreduplessis1507]

If you are in a area where water is at a minimum can a small waterbladder or a thick ziplock bag help too carry more water?

[@BackcountryGearShed]

It's certainly an option. There's lots of nice looking water bladder systems on the market with various backpack sand other, but it's really not something I've used. I've mostly used Klean Kanteen and Nalgene bottles, but I do see the value in the water bladders for how collapsible and lightweight they are. The closest thing we have is a Sawyer filter that has a bag, but we've never actually used it. As for the Ziploc option, it would be better than nothing in a pinch, but I wouldn't be very confident in it. I'd go with something designed for it like the Sawyer water bag or a Camelbak. I could see using a Ziploc for organization in the kit, then if needed it could be repurposed to carry water as well. It does sound worthwhile to have I think, since it would add very little weight to the kit. Thanks for your comment!

[@preparedsurvivalist2245]

Put some Survival Tabs or some type of food in there.

[@BackcountryGearShed]

I had never seen Survival Tabs. They look very good to have! Thanks for the tip, and thanks for watching!

[@richardhenry1969]

Ozark trails multi use lumbar pack. $24 hold 2 bottles really hard to beat. Another great option. Membrane solutions. They have a 6liter bag and a rebuiltable filter with a carbon filter for around $30. Its great because you only need one filter refills a like $7 and last as long as any other $40 filter. Myself i prefer a folding saw an a fixed blade mora. Its been my experience leatherman are just gimmick a wrencha screwdriver are better cheaper and just as easy to stow.

[@BackcountryGearShed]

That Ozark Trails pack is a perfect example of what I was talking about. That's a good looking pack and at a quarter the cost. It's too bad. I try to shop made in USA when it's practical but when it get to a certain point price wise I just can't justify it. That membrane solutions filter looks very good! I might give that a try. I've never had a Mora but I've heard only good things about them. My go to is a BPS Adventurer. I put one on my belt every time I go out in the woods these days. I still have an appreciation for some qualities of Leatherman tools, but most of them haven't turned out to be good EDC for me long term. I just hope they keep making their products in USA. I've seen an increasing number of their accessories coming from overseas, such as sheaths on their expensive multitools, and their tool kit pouches. I hate to see it from a company that built their reputation on being made in USA. Thanks for watching and thanks for your comment!

[@richardhenry1969]

@@BackcountryGearShed I wish I could afford to buy American made. I used to go out of my way to buy American. I just feel they have taken advantage of us. They mark things up so high it’s just ridiculous. The filter I can’t recommend enough I love mine. I enjoyed your video. Have a good night.

[@evenhand7743]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@dalerobertson45]

hi, connected to your channel

[@MonkeyMikeOutdoors]

Subd! Great kit!

[@BackcountryGearShed]

Thank you very much for the sub and for your comment!

[@Hero.pheonix]

Any links to where i can find the solar crank light ?

[@BackcountryGearShed]

Sure thing. Here's the oldest one I own, purchased back in 2018 and still working: MECO Hand Cranking Solar Powered Rechargeable Flashlight Emergency LED Flashlight Carabiner Dynamo Quick Snap Clip Backpack Flashlight Torch Weather Ready, 8 Lumen - Green a.co/d/691r1UM More recently I've been purchasing these four packs, which are sold under a different brand name, but appear to be identical: 4 Pieces Hand Crank Solar Powered Flashlight LED Rechargeable Flashlight Survival Emergency Flashlights Hand Crank Lantern Snap Carabiner Dynamo Flashlight Torch for Outdoor Sports Camping Hiking a.co/d/iUkQQvg Thanks for watching!

[@johnjackaman2040]

Good video but have you used anything in your kit?

[@BackcountryGearShed]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Most of the gear in this video is brand new, but I've also used a lot of these tools extensively. For example, I have been using Swiss Army Knives off and on for over 30 years. My first knife was a Swiss Army Knife. I've used ferro rods and strikers to light many fires using natural tinder from my geographic area, but honestly haven't used Vaseline and cotton balls much. It's just a backup in case I can't find my preferred natural tinder. I haven't used this filter yet, but have used other lifestraw and other straw type filters. I've used this model of Princeton Tec headlamp extensively. I own 5 of them. I haven't needed a signal mirror or whistle yet, but still think they are worthwhile to include. Was there a particular item in this kit you were concerned about?

[@Sarjiiiii]

You can use voice overs on your videos to make it more sound good and interesting

[@BackcountryGearShed]

Thanks for the comment. I might give that a try.

[@Sarjiiiii]

@@BackcountryGearShed but overall, it's awesome

[@enriquediaz7547]

Osprey Savu 7? Otherwise any fanny pack can have a One Tigris water bottle attached with its MOLLE.

[@BackcountryGearShed]

Thanks for the suggestion! I tried a 2L Dakine fanny pack on the recommendation of another commenter, but sadly it turned out that it doesn't fit 32 oz. bottles after all. I'll be returning that pack, but I also ordered a Helikon-Tex Foxtrot MK2 Belt Rig which I'm really excited about. I also ordered a Helikon-Tex Essential Kit Bag which I am hopeful will be a good replacement for a small fanny pack. I'll be doing videos on both of those in the near future. First I will be doing a video on a larger pack though, and that one actually uses molle water bottle holders. That video should be out in the next couple days. That Osprey pack looks very good! Hopefully one day I will get a chance to try it out. Thanks for your comment and suggestions!

[@enriquediaz7547]

@@BackcountryGearShed the OneTigris (or similar) water bottle can be attached to a suitcase handlebar, a bicycle handlebar, a lounge chair,.;..etc, etc. attachment-points rock! the receiving side doesn't even have to have MOLLE/PALS.

[@BackcountryGearShed]

That OneTigris water bottle carrier does look really good! I'm going to have to give those a try! Thanks again for the tip!

[@jerrybobteasdale]

I would argue that you're missing one thing. You're missing extra room to accommodate more stuff to suit the day's activities.

[@BackcountryGearShed]

That's definitely fair. This is a 2 L capacity fanny pack. You have to make some compromises to fit a well equipped survival kit in a pack that small, let alone leave room for extras. I'm taking everyone's suggestions into account and planning to revisit this fanny pack loadout in an upcoming video, but realistically I think the pack will have to get bigger. Hopefully I can fit everything in a 3 L fanny pack and still have room for extras, but it's possible I will have to go even bigger than that. Thanks for watching, and for your comment!

[@jonathannolan3857]

110 for a Fanny pack is crazy

[@BackcountryGearShed]

I agree. It was pushing the limit for me when I bought mine for ~$40 less. I like shopping made in USA when I can but at a certain point I just can't justify it. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@randyyeager]

I don't understand the reasoning behind making a minimalist survival kit. I mean, you could make a kit that can easily be carried, with inexpensive but much more useful gear. I'm cheap, like professionally cheap. You can make a belt kit light enough (under 10 lbs) to carry all day every day. So instead of minimalizing your survival, you end up making survival into more like camping. Why make it so you just get by? Why would anyone ever make a kit that minimalizes your chances to survive a bad situation?

[@randyyeager]

so much cash waisted on that bag.

[@sheacable4817]

No lighter or matches

[@BackcountryGearShed]

There's a BIC lighter wrapped in a couple feet of Gorilla Tape, but you're right, there are no matches. That is probably a mistake since they are so light and compact. I'll find a way to incorporate some in a small container. There is also a ferro rod and striker, and cotton balls in Vaseline in the kit for fire starting. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching!

[@alanrice39]

That’s a well put together minimalist kit, adding the matches will help, do you have a belt knife on your person? I’ve noticed their is not that big of a market for Fanny/waist packs except for the military surplus, that’s what I use . Like these type of videos, just subbed you

[@BackcountryGearShed]

I do carry a belt knife when I go out in the woods. My go to these days is a BPS Adventurer. It's just a great knife and one I highly recommend. Thanks for commenting, and thank you very much for subscribing! I appreciate it!

[@alanrice39]

@@BackcountryGearShed great choice, I’ve heard good things bout that knife

[@paulamcclure3402]

How about a backup mini-ferro rod for your basic kit? You can add a Tourtoise Gear 'Fire Ant' ferro rod & tinder to the corkscrew section of your SAK-Huntsman. Another option is Tortoise Gear's 'Firefly' compact ferro rod that can be swapped out & stored in the toothpick section of your SAK. There are many tools on the SAK that can be used as the striker for the mini-ferro rods... you can test them out to see which you prefer. Happy Trails! 🇺🇸 🦅