MY BUSHCRAFT RUCKSACK

A short video about a DIY project I embarked on - making a rucksack to my own specification, incorporating many ideas from many years of outdoor experience.
If your the sort of person who likes to have your own gear to meet your own needs - rather than buy a compromise - then I hope this is useful to you.

[@tollan23]

This is the best pack design I've seen.

[@kan-zee]

Wow... 32 yr old pack ,(2016-1984) lasted awhile , with all the good use you put it through.

[@paulmarren7970]

i like this dude. hes really proppa old school. most so called survival schools instructors have gone from. pioneer to profiteer. and Minimalism to capitalism. this channel keeps the old tradition alive. well done mate.✌

[@jamesnoon6648]

This is great: you have just described the backpack I have been wishing someone would make for years, but, unlike you I have never had the confidence to do anything about it. Please take this idea to Karrimore SF (or any other manufacturer). I wish you luck.

[@SirWombat]

I’m impressed. I’ve carried a lot of military packs in my time and you’ve managed to capture the best parts. Well done.

[@greencraft4783]

Thanks for the compliment Sean.

[@marksadventures3889]

You've got to love a rocket-pocket. I buy quite a bit of ex-military gear, principally because i know it works through personal experience. But kit can be terrain specific. You wouldn't want items for rain forest in your desert pack. I try to make a one-bag-fits-all choice if I can but seeing as how I'm going to be stuck in the UK for sometime i have narrowed down the pack and specialised. I may get a strange look now and then wearing military gear but I don't care. I use it cause it works. My chance of using an axe in the bush is rare, so I don't take one, an entrenching tool does me. I do have a small and large saw if required, mostly there's a ton of small sticks about I can use in my firebox stove, in the main it's rocket stove or the esbit or the alcohol stove - (more stealthy). Some stuff folks take I didn't even use on manoeuvres. K.I.S.

[@daveedwards6567]

Nice Ruck great design good job

[@kaizaki9148]

I think I recognize a bothy in one of those pictures, Sourlies at the head of Glen Nevis if I'm not very much mistaken! Beautiful spot on the Cape Wrath trail through to Knoydart. Great vid, useful info thanks!

[@greencraft4783]

It is!! Well spotted. Thanks for the kind comments

[@bossamood1961]

Neil, great videos, very practical ideas; do you have a video showing how you can attach a backpack without an external frame (such as say to a Berghaus Vulvan 3 or Centurio 11 45ltr or Karrimoor equivalents) to an external frame like the LK35 or Alice pack frame. I prefer an external frame to an internal frame as I don't believe internal frames offer any benefits other than keeping the pack rigid. And as you say, an external frame has other versatile uses, two of the most important for me being to allow that air circulation between the pack and the back and stop any rubbing if you are on a longer hike and second, that the frame takes the weight rather than the hips or shoulders. So if you have ideas on the fittings, straps etc needed and how to fit them, that would be good....Steve

[@Andy-1968]

Brilliant Neil, I don't suppose you would consider making another? I would really like to buy one off you. Another great video my friend 👍

[@danielmartin9501]

A beast of a bag! I’m modding a puma camo polish army surplus. Adding webbing on lid, front and side. It’s not pretty but it works!

[@carolking2317]

Excellent videos mate been doing this since early 80,s just shows were always learning nice one

[@jsaenzMusic]

Thank you for the video. Def inspiration in my quest to make my own pack!

[@czechmate9591]

Great design mate, love it, great concept

[@jaffcat]

love the design, if that were for sale I would buy it!

[@hartleydaniel2044]

Snugpak rocket pack

[@jaffcat]

@@hartleydaniel2044 crap

[@n-signia1087]

@@hartleydaniel2044 It’s out of production.

[@hartleydaniel2044]

@@n-signia1087 sorry to hear that. I’ve had one for years now. And don’t even think about that.

[@liamhargreaves7135]

That’s the best Bergen I’ve seen! Nice ideas all round does it take plce pouches??? Like the fact you can attach a frame 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻💪🏻

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

Great job on designing and building your own rucksack. It would be interesting to see how you went about the design process. atb Opal

[@gosmoothgolight6285]

Great tips on a modular rucksack kit! Thanks for sharing ... God Bless

[@rainbowhiker]

That really is a beautiful system. I understand the effort that went into making it. Good job partner.

[@MrJimmuck]

I use the Karrimor Sabre and have the two rocket pouches to go with it and it is fantastic, However I find it a bit big for shorter bushcrafting trips … may be a two nighter and for those I carry the Helikon bushcraft haversack which is ideal …. or for a day out I use either the haversack or the Sabre rocket packs alone on their yolk. All good ...atb Jim

[@davidleasure9138]

Awesome pack Neil. Enjoy your channel

[@Borealwalkabouts]

Lovely equipment.

[@christianrenn9183]

Awesome Job i wanna have one of those Backpacks too.

[@descattysBushcraftbydescattys]

I like it a lot Neil. ..thanks

[@SwampValley]

Hi! Great video, do you have any footage of how you made it, I'd love to give it a try, I'm always looking for new challenges and it must feel awesome heading out with a custom built pack.

[@nevbailey8672]

NICE ONE GEZ.LOVE THE PACK.... I WANT ONE.....

[@bobtaylor9959]

Great looking design.

[@mikedeman5351]

Really enjoyed this video and thanks for sharing. You've done an amazing job in the actual fabrication of the rucksack. It looks professionally made. I am at the design stage of making an external frame rucksack, and have come up with a similar general concept - i.e. removable pouches for flexibility - but my design is quite a bit different. I'm trying to come up with a way to make the frame myself too rather than use one although I had already looked at the LK35 frame as well ! The fact that I don't have a workshop will make that element of the project 'interesting'! I'm also thinking out how the individual parts of the pack will be made prior to the assembly of the main pack so that I'm getting all the stitching done in the right order. But right now I'm still drawing, measuring etc. Did you make any vids when you were making the pack? If so would love to see them. Once again thanks for sharing. Great pack!

[@robertmiller8578]

Also if you add some molle webbing to it in the front and maybe the sides you can attache things that you mite need to get to quickly like first aid kit or fire kit in water proof pouches just a thought other wise love the concept.

[@WhiteBoar1483]

I wouldn't even know where to start constructing a backpack..I can't sew for starters...

[@Kristoffceyssens]

you actualy wear out gear before tempted to buy something? great respect for that man :p

[@greencraft4783]

Hi Kristoff, thanks for commenting. Yes - its an odd concept, that seems a bit out-dated nowadays - but if more folks tried it we wouldn't need such big landfill sites (and we can only keep burying our shite for so long!!)

[@jaredwiggins539]

@@greencraft4783 here's a list of MOLLE Pouches options ranging from Fastex Clip Open Flap, Regular Open Flap, Side 2 Side Opening, Zip Open Flap 4 ya 2 put your Belt Kit/Utility Belt Loadout 2gether as a backup survival source 4 extra preparedness just in case if you're forced 2 ditch that Bushcraft Rucksack from this video somewhere or if something happens 2 your Bushcraft Rucksack like if it somehow mysteriously disappears/vanishes right underneath your very nose! 1 Admin Pouch in whichever Military/Tactical Camouflage Pattern or Solid Color ya get it customly filled up with Admin Gear/Stuff! Ammo / Magazine Pouches in whichever Military/Tactical Camouflage Pattern or Solid Color ya get it/them! Note also have more creative/other uses depending on size of Pouch itself! 2 Single Pistol or 1 Dual Pistol Note best 2 store 1 Spring Assisted Folding Pocket Knife & 1 Spring Assisted Folding Pocket Multi-tool! 1 or multiple AK / AR / M60 / M240 / PKM / SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) / DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle)/SR (Sniper Rifle) 1 Radio Pouch in whichever Military/Tactical Camouflage Pattern or Solid Color ya get it! Note best 2 store Radio/Walkie Talkie inside & save that Radio/Walkie Talkie strictly 4 emergencies as well as keeping in touch! 1 Flashlight Pouch in whichever Military/Tactical Camouflage Pattern or Solid Color ya get it! Note best 2 store Flashlight! 2 Medical Pouches in whichever Military/Tactical Camouflage Pattern or Solid Color ya get them customly filled up with mish mash (mixture) of 1st Aid/Trauma Supplies & Meds (Medication)! Note 1 be your 2ndary/Backup & the other being your Main/Primary! 1 Dump Pouch or multiple Dump Pouches in whichever Military/Tactical Camouflage Pattern or Solid Color ya get it/them! Hydration: 2 GI Canteen Pouches or 2 Nalgene Bottle Pouches in whichever Military/Tactical Camouflage Pattern or Solid Color ya get them! 1 GP (General Purpose) Utility Pouch or Multiple GP (General Purpose) Utility Pouches in whichever Military/Tactical Camouflage Pattern or Solid Color ya get it/them! 1 Gas Mask Pouch or multiple Gas Mask Pouches in whichever Military/Tactical Camouflage Pattern or Solid Color ya get them! Note best 2 store Gas Mask & also make pretty good/great GP (General Purpose) Utility Pouches themselves do 2 their size! 1 Grenade Pouch in whichever Military/Tactical Camouflage Pattern or Solid Color ya get it! Note best 2 store an emergency/survival whistle! 1 Navigation Pouch in whichever Military/Tactical Camouflage Pattern or Solid Color ya get it! Note best 2 store navigation gear! 1 Shovel Pouch in whichever Military/Tactical Camouflage Pattern or Solid Color ya get it! Note best 2 store collapsible multipurpose shovel!

[@taffdavies35]

The Roc,favourite of the British army.

[@bobtaylor9959]

Great design

[@Mowgli127]

Brilliant design! I am in contact with a local (Canadian) manufacturer and would greatly appreciate more details of your design as it answers almost all of the problems that I have encountered with ruck sacks over the past thirty years.

[@greencraft4783]

Aaron Junglas email me ([e-mail]) and let me know what detail you are looking for.

[@ry-knowcarp7948]

Awesome!!!

[@greencraft4783]

Thanks buddy

[@robertmiller8578]

Loved the video and am wondering if it can be made in a camoflauge pattern material and also wondering why no sternum strap on the shoulder harness?

[@slavensmolcic]

I've just stopped to say that you got great accent. Propper British. ;-)

[@2manysigns]

Great !

[@sammyslavvu1981]

Hi Mate, you have done a great job on that pack. correct me if I'm wrong I think I have met you a few years back at the bcuk sussex meet?

[@jacobfaulkner8259]

awesome ingenuity and creativity, definitely and inspiration to customize gear to suit your own needs but anyway what kind of kidney belt did u say was on the pack?

[@davehaag8175]

Maybe i missed it but what is the material you used

[@descattysBushcraftbydescattys]

I had both the munro 35 and and the roc when I was in the military great sacks...That's a nice pack you've constructed... Deviating slightly where did you get the hooded gilet you are wearing...I like that very much.... thanks des

[@greencraft4783]

I made it from a surplus army blanket & some ventile

[@MrMarkg1968]

I'm glad I'm not the only person who has both a Cyclops Roc and a Munro 35.I bought the Roc back in 1988 and it now serves as my Bug Out Bag.I inherited the Munro from my late brother and I keep it in my car to use as my Get Home Bag.Both are well made and have served me well. I prefer the Roc to the Crusader because if you have the larger Bergen , there is a temptation to fill it up whereas if you have the Roc which is only 70 liters, it forces you to think really carefully about what to pack.

[@Titanykus]

Awesome system, if only you sold it!

[@RobWeatherley]

Hey Neil, Did you make this rucksack from scratch or did you buy one as base and then adapt it? I have a highlander 60l and I am looking to modify the waist strap to a molle padded waist belt and add some more strap loops and a external pouch like what you have. Any advice would be greatly received, for example where you source your materials etc... Thanks.

[@AlanAlanAlanDave]

How different is your own rucksack compared to the Cyclops ROC?

[@MrGraemeb2022]

That' a goodie mate.Did you make the sack itself or did you have a base model and make the adjustments and modifications yourself?

[@greencraft4783]

I made the sack from scratch. Thanks for the kind comments

[@racheyrounds]

Great effort to take an idea and turn it into reality. Well done. I hope you peddle your design around the various rucksack makers. Looks a winner.

[@BrianDias007]

very similar to the Tecmac 50 by Karrimor

[@saxman7131]

Hello. New subscriber. I like the pack. Can you tell me about the Vest you’re wearing? Thank you.

[@greencraft4783]

Hi Scott, thanks for subscribing. I made the vest out of a wool blanket and some ventile cotton I had left over from making a smock.

[@saxman7131]

Greencraft I’m very impressed. I do some leather work so that’s the only sewing I know. I love vests and yours looks great.

[@rogeriodasilvaferreira4807]

Where do you find these backpacks? Thankful!

[@greencraft4783]

It is homemade - and not for sale anywhere. Sorry

[@albertdirkkoffeman5234]

What pack do you have here ?

[@greencraft4783]

AlbertDirk Koffeman it explains it in the video (I made it)

[@liameneuk]

No idea why military bags are still made in 1000D. They are just too heavy, even heavier when wet, not water proof, trap dirt and muds and smell, and not really that durable. Highly overrated fabrics imo.

[@trioultimo]

Music annoys

[@Kristoffceyssens]

its the old cowboy on the guitar dude. aaand solo!

[@michaeldennis1021]

He must of sacked a hundred times big put off stopped watching.....