Packing Kit for Exercise | British Army

Packing kit for exercise is often personal preference and it takes time to know how you like your kit. This is how I like my kit to be packed when I go on exercise. I’ve found this layout suits me and makes my life easier. If you have any tips/tricks, comment them below to help others out!
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[@ChelsieAngeles]

What's your best tip for packing kit or going on exercise?

[@notactuallytesco]

Absolutely worth getting the drybags going, helps a ton with organisation. Try and tailor the PLCE and get 3 pouches on the front + Poncho if you can, although it isn't really necessary it just makes your life easier Bin the compression sack for the dossbag off, it's harder to store kit nicely when using it and takes more time to pack everything away 100% worth using a tub for your washkit, if you don't have the webster-tech notebook holder from basic (I use that n then just stick it in a small drybag, got all the different pockets I need on it). If you don't want a jetboil, get a metal mug and a pot rocket/Gas stove to cut down on what you're bringing (I actually prefer this to a jetboil, just for size reasons). You can get small pyxrex lids for your mugs as well, so everything heats up quick. Stick your spare headtorch batteries in a tiny plastic pouch (i.e "drug bag" for lack of a better term) and sniper tape them to the strap. Take the "clacker" out of a fishing reel and stick your paracord/comms cord onto it for less tangles and faster setup/tear down. Bugout shoes are your friend, try getting some surf shoes rather than using the contingency trainers or sandals. much easier to get on. Lastly, if you don't want to use bungees with your poncho, stick some Jungle knots on there. I keep the pegs separate in case I need my poncho for something else, but nothing wrong with pre-prepping them. Couple your poncho with some poles and you're good to go

[@Reubinv]

Take civilian clothes, just in case you get to make a supply run

[@glennj6465]

Dry bags dry bags dry bags

[@terratubbie5724]

Couple of points in packing you bergen and some things you mentioned. Firstly, buying bergens and mods, if you don’t need them don’t waste your money there are pros and cons to all of them, and the more you have the more you are likely to carry and the weight adds up. The basher - consider jungle knots, bands made from a large inner tube. This works. Inside the bergen goes kit you won’t immediately need, so scoff, spare underware etc. keep this in a separate dry bag so it’s easy out, and easy in. Side pouches, on one of them keep the yoke attached, and attach it to the bergen by the zips only. In this keep gortex, spare socks, spare water, a bit of scoff. Basically anything that would go in a separate day sack. This then serves as a day sack or a big out bag, and overcomes the problem of a top heavy bergen that looks like a mutated wotsit. If you take a daysack it can be packed neatly under the lid, and you simply transfer the contents. Get a boot bag. This lives in your gonk bag, when you get in it with boots on, your feet go in to it, and stops the gonk bag getting minging dirty. Issue kit is really good compared to 30 years ago. And in all honesty, there is no need to waste money. If you do. Thin jungle or tropical trousers are good because they dry quick, and a keela or SAS garbadine material smock is the way forward. Ally and functional. The other side pouch mix it up between admin kit you can get to if you need it, with section/platoon/task specific kit near the top. Any thing heavy needs to go in the bergen, so the weight is between your shoulder blades. This makes it a lot less painful. Don’t carry shite to look cool. Pounds = pain, and you’re the one that has to grizz it out. You are also missing baby wipes.

[@chtactical5316]

As everyone has mentioned dry bags, I never take meals with me on a patrol, fight light, the harbour is your safe space to admin yourself, you’ll always end up back there. Snacks in the day sack or on you. Having foot powder in a bag is ideal makes it easier to powder your feet and less mess but worth having a bottle for the old model pit and wash kit in a tub will change your life

[@nicholasblackley7591]

Best brew kit combo iv ever had on exercise, pissing down with rain 5 of us under a poncho jetboil comes out with a nescafe 3 in 1 and half a mint hot chocolate. Can tell u now moral went through the roof more than moraliebo

[@rustyarrows631]

Just wanted a say thank you to you for all the videos you have put up on your journey into the British army. I found your videos the most helpful to watch on KZbin and the most down to earth and even though I'm from the male perspective it helped me immensely in my journey into the reserves, so thank you 😊

[@christianniles198]

Save the hexemene for mixing into that grenade porridge with some 5 Stoke oil, sawdust and clay or plastic resin for when you run out of ammunition and grenades / explosives. 🎉

[@Winter-rp9uw]

Tactical Tailor (US company) - An Alice pack with different style pouches depending on your tastes. External frame which may be an concern, but they are available in Multicam. A fair number of our guys use them depending on the unit policy. With Dry bags different colours works but an idea is zip ties on the plastic ring. 1 zip tie for the most accessed dry bag and additional zip ties as you go through which bags get used less which will let you find them in the dark by touch rather than with a torch.

[@Bikeadelic]

If youre like me and love the tuna which a lot of people hate, but you dont care for hot chocolate, coffee (or other item) you can trade some of you naff stuff like the nuts, other snacks or drinks for main meals with tuna in them. I managed to go on exercise with 4 main meals a day plus the usual snacks! Tuperware is usless the plastic will crack and break especually on a cold day. A gortext coat is much thinner than that thermal jacket you want to sneak under your smock when youre on stag at the fob, pick the goretex coat, dont get caught and be a little warmer ;),

[@christianniles198]

There is a legendary bit of kit that I misplaced that I was told- was a "bivvie bag". Its basically a waterproof sack that you put your sleeping bag in. Really good replacement for the basha. Jet boil is a must. No smoke (no possibility of burnt grass) quick and throughly cooks.

[@colddescent]

Not a replacement I’m afraid, you are supposed to use your basha for shelter from the elements, we use our bivvie bags just to waterproof our sleeping bags 👍🏻

[@glynluff2595]

1970 it was simple 1 big pack 1 small pack and a tool box. 1 sleeping bag but rarely used as you spent all night on repairs and then sit on radio during movement. Yes life was good!

[@Sarge-fs8gb]

ALWAYS pack your kit in seperate waterproof bags and then place them in a dry bag. You never place all you clothes in one single dry bag, if for whatever reason water does get into it then all your clothes get wet, secondly when you use your clean kit ie socks, tee shirts etc then you have spare bags to put your dirty gear in, just 16 years of infantry experience, and those bergans are sound, nothing wrong with them, most infantry will go for the short backed versions so it rests on top of your belt kit. Guys get bigger bergans like the para bergen because of the amount of kit needed to be carried, side batteries for radios, ecm kit etc, otherwise the issue one is perfectly adequate, for those who may be going into training don't think you've got to spend all your money on top aftermarket gear, you don't need it. Today you get issued what we had to go and buy ourselves, eventually the MOD took notice and issued it.

[@christheCTguy9]

the mercer idea is a good 1 to . the canteen cup locks like a cheep Rothko canteen cup .

[@bengunns]

Take Elastoplast plaster strip to put on your ankles or feet for the blisters, fabric are the best, although not waterproof they will stick for a long time even when wet and protect your sores.

[@grahamdolding4840]

top tip lose the roll mat if you are staying anywhere use leaves and stuff if your not staying dont worry your gash should go where you have your water bottle your water bottle and food go in your belt kit you should have a pop bottle full of water in you side pouch you need water and in real time you may not get a replane

[@sahibpanesar7466]

Can you do a video on morning routine? My female cadets would really enjoy it and find it useful!! :)

[@stanzkey2075]

Sahib that would be a great idea I’m also a cadet instructor!!!

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Apart from any Female specifics that females will know anyway, this is a decent wakeup admin guide 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2bLnIism6qAjKM

[@vxprn_]

Morning admin?

[@vxprn_]

Like on the field?

[@Augh98-nt2zn]

She goes sick.

[@Dimo4ka.]

Thank you! Very useful. Now I know how to organise my Bergen for combat actions. Wish you all the best! From Ukraine!

[@cymruisrael]

Back in the day (IDF artillery), I found that a way of coping with icky mess tins (and also saving washing them) was to always line them with a plastic bag (sandwich size).

[@craigelliott4338]

I used to line my tins with about 10 layers of tin foil, removing a layer each time I use them. No cleaning involved. I don't actually need to watch this video, I just want to see if you modded up your bag at all...

[@soggz4246]

Hi Chelsie, luv your vids. What’s your crown patch on your arm mean,please? All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧

[@ChelsieAngeles]

It's the London District TRF.

[@RAMBO9991000]

Wow! Old DPM side pouches! Still love old DPM pattern!

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

the bergens would be fine if they had bothered to add some proper straps with support, instead they're top heavy and twist your spine when walking anywhere. I use the short back version now with decent extra straps and wax it until waterproof. I think theyve actually changed them for the Virtus stuff.

[@somebawldy3789]

Nah Bergens have been fine since after the Falklands the last one i had issued was the virtus one and it was pretty good compared to the old DPM bergens

[@holle1279]

The Virtus bergen is great. Especially with the belt and spine added.

[@james9311]

I think the virtus ones are shit plus everyone fucks the spine off anyway

[@nordicsky]

I'm sixty eight and stilI like trekking and working out. Nearly all the army information and physical training tips you give are applicable for civilian use, even for old gits that just want to stay in the hills. Any chance of some map reading tips. All too often I come down into the wrong valley miles from my car. My tip is to learn your route the night before. Thanks.

[@jamesq2132]

I don't even know why I watch your videos because I'm applying for the Navy but at this stage I'm all in!

[@1337flite]

A really good bergen Kifaru or Mystery Ranch. Really expensive American - you'll probabluy have to import them.. Great frames and load transfer to the hips. I have a a back problem - 3 damaged disks at the bottom of my spine - and I have carried my Kifaru pack with 40kg in it. I don't know how good the issue Brit bergen is, but I would be very surprised if it was able to transfer the weight of the load to the hips like a Kifaru or Mystery Ranch. I've never seen an issue pack - at least not a standard issue pack - that is good at taking the weight off of the shoulders but if you're gonna be actually using the pack as a pack to carry loads over distance - rather than glorified suticase that you throw in the back of a vehicle - then getting the load off your shoulders is essential. The downside with a pack that can do that is that it is more suited to chest rigs than conventional webbing, although webbing can work it takes a bit more care in adjustment and you need to wear the webbing low.

[@zaynevanday142]

5 minutes of marching into battalion I ditched tent pegs and poles 😂😂😂 plenty of those in nature 😂😂😂

[@eloygonzalo1]

Hi, I bought a British Army backpack (plce large) that is the same colour as the pockets on yours. I wanted to ask you if you could tell me how I can clean it or how you would recommend I clean it. Could I do it in the washing machine? Thank you very much!

[@zaynevanday142]

I did over 11 years in various infantry roles Paratrooper, Assault Pioneer, Mortars, DFSW 😂

[@MrPinhead66]

as most use plce webbing you find it very hard to use a different style of bergen where in th e80's berghaus roc 2 was the go to bergen that most troops tending to use

[@bugler75]

The old ROC! You’re showing your age there my friend. The Falklands showed us really how deficient our kit was. My ROC is still in the attic somewhere. 👍🏼

[@bugoutsurvivaltips.]

Hay what size is the dry bag I am trying to find one

[@StallionOutdoor]

Hey Chelsie! So what is it what you dont like about your issued pack? Greetings Chris

[@Xxcoletrain83]

keep up the good Work

[@zaynevanday142]

5:00 all that crap should be inside the pack I had a modified Alice pack one side pouch was the Hootchie/Basha the other was rats and cooking underneath the pack flap was me wet weathers ease of access I had two metal cups canteens one for personal hygiene and the other for cooking brews ditched the hexi cooker for 3 6inch nails for cooking 😂😂😂 also everything goes on the inside of the pack nothing attached off hanging on the outside looking like a freaking Christmas 🎄 tree or a car boot salesman from marekesh 😂

[@christianniles198]

Can you do a video: webbing vs tactical assault vests?

[@Jonathan-iw5ic]

I'm a civilian and I've just sent a pair of AKU boots back, I don't know how you walk in them🤣 I only mention it as you name dropped them in your video.

[@FortunatasDirgincius]

Nice videos, Chelsie! Interesting and informative. Also thanks for the comments community - valuable tips! What I don't quite understand is the number of bags a soldier needs to carry/hold. Should it be required to pack the assault pack (empty) into a bergen or these are supplied at the deployment locations?

[@Defunct91379]

Karrimore sf Sabre or predator. Good packs.

[@herbert8930]

Your inspiring me always just know that!

[@andrewward2010]

Certainly don't need any waterproofs at the moment lol!

[@HerbertTowers]

A Bergen or even CEFO would be a tad large for one's hotel room key: I was in the RAF for a couple of decades BTW. Much more civilised.

[@crusader8626]

Coffee machines on your bedside and ice cream vans coming round every morning is it

[@Proteus6684]

Hats off. I immediately wanted to discriminate against you because you are a girl telling men what to do, but you are all over it. Little details like putting a mirror in your pack and blanking it out were great. I also refused to use a jet boil out of principle until I got bored with admin. Get a jet boil people but learn to use dragon fuel first and get comfortable with it, its actually quite good. Especially if you would like to make an underground stove. Great video, hope the best for you

[@SOLDIERMANCaeser]

You are really a motivator, keep motivating us , GOD BLESS YOU . I will definitely meet you oneday just to thank you , Application has been submitted, and I’m hoping for the BEST

[@garenkarapetian709]

You know you're a real warrior when your kit is a motley collection of patterns from different epochs and countries. Ha-ha :) Did they actually issue you with DPM side-pouches or did you buy them yourself?

[@ChelsieAngeles]

Issued! 😂

[@MilitaryKitReview]

Chelsie, What's your budget that you want to spend on a new Bergen. I have a lot of recommendations but it all depends on budget.

[@ChelsieAngeles]

Happy to spend up to a couple hundred of pounds. Please DM me on instagram. I'd love some recommendations!

[@artawhirler]

Excellent video, Chelsie! My only suggestion might be to bring an extra lighter. They're cheap, they don't take up much space, and if one of them gets lost or stops working, you'll still be able to heat up your next meal!

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

I have a fire steel with cotton wool I take as well.

[@Reubinv]

I like the bags inside the pouches thing, probably gonna try that

[@mihalich7740]

Во-о-о-от! Именно этот предмет экипировки я бы и хотел увидеть в первую же очередь: а то показывают какой-то дорожный чемодан чёрного цвета небольших размеров. И что прикажите думать? Что именно этот чемодан и будет у меня на закорках ездить? Это не дело - показывать заинтересованному зрителю необходимые предметы экипировки в произвольном порядке (а не а порядке их важности). Спасибо!

[@princegodswill7520]

I have been trying to join and it wasn't working for me

[@ВасилийМашьянов]

Nice to see you again. Thank you for the useful information.

[@saxoncrow2500]

Lol sleeping bag takes up. 75%of your bergen. Ain't that the truth 😂😂😂😂

[@brianbeatens3518]

Oh how much it has changed since served back in the 80's and 90's. Whats your ackers?

[@Neveraloudmyrealnametobeusedcu]

Omg just had to watch it a remf showing us how to pack our kit. Rather watch a air soft team packing their toys.

[@christianniles198]

Officers' burgans must be different to soldier burgans right?

[@emilyreece7937]

Hi Chelsie, have you applied to Sandhurst, how's the process going?

[@artawhirler]

Your American subscribers probably don't know what a "basher" is. From your description, it sounds like what we call a "tarp" over here - a large plastic sheet with holes or grommets around the edge, so you can use it for a shelter, ground sheet, windbreak, or whatever.

[@ChelsieAngeles]

Yes, same thing!

[@theodorossarafis7370]

Very good video. Now some suggestions. PLCE is a very good and robust bergen. My suggestion is not to change it. If you want there is the Warrior Assault 300 bergen. It is good quality and smaller than the PLCE. Another suggestion and quite cheap is to check ex Dutch issued saracen and sting bergens. Personally i have the Saracen and i am very satisfied. I prefer to have extra space especially for winter. For the organization i would put the basha inside with the sleeping system. You do not need it that often. So you have all the sleeping gear together. I also have an inflatable pillow and it really works :) As for the top cover I personally have there a pair of shocks, a cap, a pouch with some items (lighter, water purification etc), foot cream and of course baby tissues :) In the inside pocket i also have it for trash but i also have there a small boo boo kit. In the boo boo kit i have compete, hansaplast, a disifectant, some tears, an elastic bandage and some warmers. Since cold weather kills the batteries i usually have them inside my sleeping bag. For the side pouches you can use them as a shoot to go which means if you are in trouble you can ditch the bergen and take the side pouches. But it is good to organize it the way YOU feel better. Some things i do not put in is shoe polish (hey i am will return a wreck who will care if i have my boots full of mud) i have some easy to grab items like a head torch, a folding saw, paracord etc. On top of my bergen i have a warm jacket for the cold and my goretex uniform. In the summer i prefer to have a poncho so if it rains i put it on and over my bergen. So my bergen doesn't get wet and i do not feel too hot. Finally ENJOY YOUR TIME IN THE ARMY.

[@FortunatasDirgincius]

I own both Saracen and Sting bags. These are absolutely my favourites. Just today got the Dutch-issued assault pack. However, I doubt that it'd allowed using other army's gear or it is not the case?

[@theodorossarafis7370]

@@FortunatasDirgincius where I am serving there is not issue. She has to check it out with her unit. But i doubt that she will have an issue over a bergen.

[@benjacobs594]

That Bergen with multiple compartments at the front from warrior is gleaming and easy for morning routine

[@deancaul9960]

So it's been six months. Where are you with the infantry now?

[@RoughWalkers]

How your deployment going

[@Kamalakhadka-bj2jw]

It was very hard to join british army for gurkhas.😢😢😢

[@The-Yorkshire-Man]

Look at the Karrimor SF range of load carrying kit - It's the best. (I'm a former infantry officer) Great vids Useful for those joining. 🙂

[@Bikeadelic]

Karrimor isn't that great. Crib Goch is best you can get in the UK by a hundred miles. Or maybe JayJays Other than that buy American like: Crossfire, Eberlestock, MystoryRanch. I'm just an ex signalman, but I knew how to use a side pouch as a daysack and didn't edit my post to make me look good 😂

[@Gill_-yl4ts]

Do you put a daysack inside the bergen if you need to take both out in the field?

[@billynewman5083]

It won’t fit, but you can “top flap” it which is clipping the top flap of your bergan like normal but having the daysack in between the top flap and the whole bergan itself.

[@bcross9109]

are you allowed to wear a barracks/combat shirt untucked?

[@bendavies5471]

That bergan could be ten times smaller

[@bovdogsandthewoods]

I love my Bergen

[@CommunistCommando1]

Hey Chelsie would you like to look in my departments?

[@cliveashleyhamilton]

Wish I'd had plenty of practice for this rather than "you're an officer, deal with it" attitude of zero training. We're not all public school and practised at this

[@haydenwhite487]

It's pretty similar in the American Army. Hang in there.

[@Legionnaire7777]

Surprised they didn't issue you the virtus mk3 bergen.

[@LB-W]

What is your sleep pad make?

[@artawhirler]

I was just wondering what kind of knife you carry in the field? And do all British infantry use the same kind of knife, or can you bring your own?

[@notactuallytesco]

Everyone goes out and gets their own penknife/multi-tool mate. Quite a few go for Leatherman or Victorinox, but any decent made knife will do

[@artawhirler]

@@notactuallytesco Thanks!

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

leatherman and bayonet covers it. Theres always some tool who gets a huge spiky Rambo knife for £100 then can never use it. Glock survival knives are a good inbetween option

[@BigM94sqd]

Yes you definitely need to review your sleeping system are yous the Buffalo system not sure if it's still available? But it breaks down depending on the time of year to an outside cover a summer sleeping bag and for the winter The Four Seasons bag put the three together and you're toasty all night. Ask you using you're missing kit for washing non scented wet wipes go a long way to have in accidents when brewing up I can recall when we're on Woodbury common we shared one mug of tea and one mug for the morning shave however having had my share of the tea and finished my shave my buddy then proceeded and as the light had improved I burst out laughing due to the brown mess around his face shaving with the tea and drinking the shaving water yes you need to be awake when you're doing your daily routine it helps.

[@skylongskylong1982]

I was a Reservist from 1987, till 2012. Over the period of time the amount of kit I had to carry in the field doubled. New technology kit is great, but as time went on I noticed that the new generation of reservists were more intelligent, sophisticated, but lacked stamina, fitness, and common sense. Deployment to the Middle East showed you loaded down with kit , chasing, bad guys who had only 10% of the weight you carried. Maybe it has always been this way with every generation, but today it is getting critical with combat effectiveness.

[@penultimateh766]

So says every infantrymen since the days of Achilles. Roman soldiers carried 80 lbs walking on sandals and constantly griped about how little the Gauls carried. Who conquered who?

[@crusader8626]

The army like to say fight light and all that and will go about making kit lighter and better, but then because it gets lighter they just put more on you. 50kg is normal to be carrying

[@MansfieldCS]

What size dry/canoe bag do you use for your sleeping bag and bivi?

[@notactuallytesco]

like a solid 80l for the main compartment

[@ChelsieAngeles]

140L for main compartment. 30L for the side pouches.

[@plasmaxer]

Is that a Casio G Shock watch?

[@ChelsieAngeles]

It is!

[@moe583]

You went to university then joined the army?

[@Mohamed.Fathalla6969]

Why did you join the army?

[@dannythorne9761]

Do those side pouches come off

[@harrybailey4772]

Yes they are zipped on

[@امفاروق-ذ7ص]

👈🤩🤩🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝👏👏💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰🏷🏷💵💵💵🛒🛒🛒🛒🛒🛒🛒🛒

[@Jejdjejbfjf]

You studied law so why did you decide not to become a lawyer?

[@devikafernandez910]

Do you have a tiktok?

[@ChelsieAngeles]

Not anymore. I used to post on @chelsieangeles.

[@jakeforrest1794]

sorry Chelsie im new to the chanel what role did you sign up to do in the Army I have signed up and want to join the royal armoured corps as a light cavalry crewman hope your enjoying yourself congrats on getting into the Army I have got my interview in a few days time

[@princegodswill7520]

How am I going to join pls

[@msb.london]

When u back to home Uk.

[@noahrodriguez293]

I've heard good things about the Beast bergan from Jayjays. Prepared Pathfinder did a review on it

[@billbowdren932]

Very interesting for an ancient prepper to watch, but my only comment is please speak a little slower as there's quiet a lot to take in.

[@TartanSpartan67]

What kind of foldable sleeping mat is that? I've been using one of those German army ones that slides into the back of the bergen but it's really thin and not suited for the winter...

[@865nov]

A bivvy bag is your best friend

[@RMG-w9p]

Why have you got a rifles beret and a guards flash on your arm ? Lol

[@ChelsieAngeles]

I was in the rifles, which has since turned into a Coldstream guards company. So I have guards kit now.

[@kitpimp]

@@ChelsieAngeles Because you know the Rifles are awesome

[@somebawldy3789]

Ooft...! I love a girl in uniform

[@manassrivastava1214]

Hello 👋🤗

[@rule3036]

Blue red blue? Guards / household division. Unbelievable.

[@devrajmajhi7340]

How to join ?

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

I cant believe they are still using those god awful cheap mess tins either

[@premkumarprempras8180]

You will marry me soldier 🪖🪖🪖

[@dac8939]

What is salary?

[@Liam1991]

£2

[@dac8939]

@@Liam1991 for your mum?

[@Kenny.McCormick.s]

Hi

[@msb.london]

You never reply me on back.. so bad

[@jaxxer5447]

Boot polish kit? Are you joking? I'm in the Ukrainian infantry. Have yet to have a reason to lug that shit around in the field. I think you need to reprioritize your bergan.

[@zaynevanday142]

Bergan 😂😂😂 it’s a Pack 😂😂😂

[@GeorgeLescayDontTalkStupid]

I love you babygirl

[@sgtg4600]

It’s like really annoying listening to you talk like an American/Australian like really, why are you doing it, like why?

[@Amavrin]

She’s literally speaking as a normally British person does. If you dislike the way she speaks, why are you watching the video?

[@Hatehats82]

HAT

[@MintuChamua]

Training valke koriba

[@aaronjohnston7443]

Lizard