PLCE BERGEN LOAD OUT (shelter insulation wet & dries) bexbugoutsurvivlor

BUILT FROM SURPLUS FINDS ONLY ANYONE CAN DO
www.amazon.co.uk/shop/bexbugo...
Concentrating on the basics here, I focus on the components that make the back bone of every survival bug out bag, which is being warm and dry, and well fed. Other components not featured here that should be added are rations/Tooling/Survival kit/Medical/Self Rescue, are just some of the other items to be added to the kit in future featured films......bexbugoutsurvivor

[@rnew1262]

Thanks a lot for this video. Your knowledge about carrying different types of bags really got me thinking, I never gave it a thought. Very helpful

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rnew1262]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor really helpful. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

USE THE KZbin GEAR COG ICON AND GO TO QUALITY & CHOOSE 480P FOR THIS ONE, TO CONPENSATE FOR THE LOW RES....

[@kjumper1]

Another fantastic video with great insight on bug out bags and different gear to use. Much appreciated Ken

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@markanthony4655]

Good point about supporting surplus stores. I do, I have 2 very close to me. Nicks-Kit, in Royton, Oldham and Militarykit in Hattersley, Hyde. Both within 20 minutes of me and I use them both, depending on what I want. Usually I go in person to both, but due to current regulations, both are shut to go in store. I ordered a Crusader 2 cooker base from Militarykit last week, and was delivered by Postman Pat in 2 days, already tried, tested and I am happy with it. When Nick opens the shop again, will be taking the Mrs for some new or second hand (worn in) boots as she likes walking and wants something Hi-leg so a cadet boot may do with her size 5 feet.

[@harrybailey4772]

A quick point for everyone is that you can go to military fairs for surplus stuff aswell. Good day out aswell 😊

[@vespasian266]

Reminds me of the first time I loaded up my rucksack for a camping hiking trip.. stuffed everything in I thought I'd need. loaded it up on my back and nearly fell on the floor. transitioned to summer ultra lite/ lightweight. and am working on winter loadout. the only military surplus kit, or at least military is the MTP bivi bag. love that thing.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Agreed bivvy bag is a must have even in a hammock. My personal trekking for ground & hammock is all down insulation, winterized with ease.....lol

[@thomasmusso1147]

😁 .. yep I am also a Club Member and can remember my first time in the 70's after ' test-loading up' my new 75 litre Back Packer Boulder Pack (with all of the fancy 'essential' and convenience gear) and then trying to put it on .. 😳. Shades of shuffling in the seated position backwards into the upright pack against a wall, fastening up, rolling over and then .. standing up .. 😳😁. Naah .. a MAJOR reset with kit- dump subsequently taking place. Like Fashion Magazines, 'Back Packer' Mags with the associated Advertisements can, if allowed to, destroy the Soul and Will to Live 😏. 40 / whatever kg of 'ultra-lightweight' gear is still 40 kg. 'Rites of Passage' .. we all have to pass through them. Fortunately, most of us survive and learn 😊.

[@lenordchristopher6447]

Right up my street Bex, I’m a surplus man through and through and particularly like the 95 stuff,brilliant my friend.id just like to take the opportunity to wish you and yours all the best over the holiday period and to say I appreciate all your hard work mate,stay safe

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Sounds great! I have both 95 soldier kit and 15 kit, which can knock off a massive 5 kilos off DPM 95 kit, with same content just more recent MTP (video on that next year). Have a great Festive holiday....bex

[@Leima1]

Once again a wise reflection on the equipment and towards the end of the matter of survival backpacks which everyone should hear, thanks for the good video.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Thanx for watching. On a personal level a 50/50 mix of surplus & civvy kit is more preferable.....bex

[@ivormoraywildcamper2447]

Absolutely love these surplus videos,ive learned more in the 41mins than i have in years,thanks for sharing man.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

My absolute pleasure....

[@greetb9330]

BEX thank you for sharing knowledge and time, no nonesense advice, a pleasure to watch and hear you each time. All best and good luck to you.

[@Borealwalkabouts]

Fantastic channel. Absolutely on my favorites list

[@rhaef]

Great video Bex, as always. Very informative. Thanks for sharing the knowledge!

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Glad you enjoyed it! The pleasure is mine....bex

[@martinjott1040]

Bex, I want you to be my personal bushcraft teacher. The information you present is greatly appreciated.

[@TheGreasyCamper]

Good video, very informative, I will look into getting softies

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidmorris631]

Hello Bex and that was an excellent video and very interesting and informative and looking forward to part2. Thanks for sharing and all the best

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Thanks so much!

[@longkeithdiablo8812]

Thanks for this video. Confirms my suspicions about the quality of the ricksack. Got some ideas about loading it, from a professional. Im subscribed and hope things are going your way. Happy 2024 👍

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Glad it helped. I don't actually use the S95 Bergen off camera, (Over rated backbreaker)...lol All the best for 2024

[@lansdorf]

Hi Bex I'm with you on this one, my priorities are warm dry and shelter beyond that I'll have to work it out and funnily enough I've got the same kit as you, the only thing I do different is fasten my bouncing bomb to my chest, i only weigh 11 stone so i find that balances me up . Another great watch ✌

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Once rations have been depleted, I have a comprehensive but compact bag of trapping and fishing items, along with seed. Unlike others who think they will kill elk and so on, I am adept to eating slow game (insects/worms/moths/snails) and forage for carbs & greens. There is a video coming up next year, on the topic of reference books I use to forage and trap, along with other books that I have leaned from. I think that video will be a useful insight....Have a great great Christmas holiday...bex

[@deandunbar5159]

SOME GREAT POINTS IN DIFFERENT BUG OUT BAGS SO MANY VARIANTS I HAVE TO ADMIT IF I WAS BUGGING OUT I WOULD CHOOSE THE LONG BACK BURGEN SO TOUGH BUT HEAVY ALWAYS A COMPRISE ATVBB.....HAPPY HOLIDAYS.....HUMBUG. ...👍👍

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

I have a 90 litre army ruck now half the weight of a PLCE Bergen and X10 more comfort (that video to follow in a few weeks) . The plce will do the job with out a shadow of a doubt, ask your self if you would want to tab it 50 Km. A simple durable camping pack with tent and sleeping bag, is a good start to a bug out bag (my hobo pack) add in a bag of survival preps and I have extended the range from days to months, (that vid also coming soon) Thanx for watching Dean...bex

[@MichaelR58]

Bex , good video , I hope this finds you well , thanks for sharing , stay safe , God bless !

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Am on the mend now thanx, but am glad I pre-recorded this one. There is no way on earth I would want to carry this pack weight....lol God bless mate.... bex

[@cantthinkof123]

Fairplay mate. I've been enjoying your vids. You deserve waaaaay more subs. I've watched a lot of outdoorsman videos and along with hidden Valley bushcraft you have become my faves. I'd rather take advice from either ex military or somebody that's been homeless. I wouldn't ask a hairstylist about plumbing after all. Keep up the good work fella. I've got a pretty decent collection of dpm gear now and like you said , it's all down to the individual. One thing I haven't got is this softies . I'll be looking into them because they look cosy AF . Lol

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Cheers mate. The contents of this load out is all I would ever need, apart from a set of winter togs (optional to individual preference). I reckon the S90 Bergen is over kill for the contents I have here, and a really good civvy ruck would be lighter and more comfy, allowing me to tab the miles in better, but each to their own on that. I can convert the basha into a hammock shelter, a small fire with a brew on the go, and I'm as happy as a pig in shiz...bex

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

I also sub to Bex and the ex Royal Marine. If you get a chance, check out two guys in the U.S. ... Ranger Survival & Fieldcraft, and Stokermatic. Both are current US Army, "Ranger ..." is an Army Ranger with the rank of Major, and the other is a Sergeant First Class (British Warrant Officer). I'm former military myself and don't waste my time with "posers". Best regards !

[@Adam-if3zd]

Just discovered you. Great no nonsense reviews. Looking forward to more

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Awesome, thank you!

[@darrellwebb351]

Brilliant that Bex, thanks for posting

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

My pleasure!

[@horatiodreamt]

Excellent vid. Thanks for the insights.

[@gastramp]

I have the Snugpak special forces bags and I like them. The one is great for summer ( can be too warm for me) and the Two is great for the rest of the year. I've never needed to combine them. Each to their own. 👍

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

I really wanted to like Snugpak, but I guess Primaloft works for some and not others. To be fair, hollow fill poly and balled cotton/poly mix same story. My fishing suit is also awesome to sleep in, just tooooo bloody heavy. Next winter I will trail continuous filament Lamilite, shame there's no try before you by option before handing over a few hundred quid, your so lucky Primaloft suits your body machanics... ATB bex

[@eddieallen6401]

Fantastic video full of experience and experimentation.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jondv5278]

been making my surplus bugout since last christmas, thanks for this vid, I've covered most of what you were showing, still need to get some goretex trousers though, and a heavy duty sleeping bag for winter use, have added a tarp so you can at least sit under a dry space (can't do that in a bivvy), dpm for the win

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

My DPM basha was stowed in the top lid, but have since tailored on a dedicated pouch to the Bergen for the shelter kit...b

[@BeercanBushcraft]

Well that wasn't filmed this week! A good idea for a video - I'll be sharing it on Twitter. All the very best to you and yours Bex 👍 👍 👍 🍻

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Lol...Non of my films are recorded the same time they are published. But I think U know that😁 . I sneak stuff in from a year ago, hence short hair then long hair from one week to the next...lol Have a great weeknd....bex

[@BeercanBushcraft]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor 😂 it wasn't just the t-shirt that gave it away ;-) Looking forward to your Christmas special - filmed in August at the same time as Strictly!

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

I have a summer heat wave vid pre filmed, ready for next year. I might put it in as a Christmas special for a laugh, with only you and I in the know....lol

[@BeercanBushcraft]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor 😂 😂 😂 Ooh What a Scorcher this Christmas will be :)

[@James-C24]

This is a seriously good guide to fitting a bergen well. Ive got an surplus one for hiking. Had 19kg of kit in it ( wont do that again going to build some lightweight kit) mines got broken hip belt so i couldnt use it and had the weight on my shoulders. Horrible pain. Going to get a replacement buckle and get that fixed.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

I'm with you on this one, comfy it ain't. Good news is there is a vid coming up on a car-boot find pack (not a plce bergen) held 16.3 kg so far and felt like 8kg.....keep watchin' God bless bud bex

[@James-C24]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor will definitely keep an eye out for that video. Hope you do that tailoring series!! That would be unique on KZbin as i cant find any details on how to do it yourself only sending it away to a tailor.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

There is a look at a pofessionally tailored bergen video first. Then a 12 part bergen self tailoring series, starts mid Jan. I use very simple hand sew techniques, (no machine needed)

[@dantheman7719]

Awesome vid mate.....love the surplus gear.... heavy but tested..you do need to be fit carrying it tho....it's a shame surplus stores are closing... before the covid lockdowns... Anyway ....have a merry Christmas bud and your family.. Stay safe and take care..

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Very true. In reality replicating a full infantry loaded bergen has many disadvantages, as where a simple camp set and a bag of preps will have the same out come, less the durability. Have a great Christmas....bex

[@dantheman7719]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor Totally agree mate... I am 47 years young....heeee... I have surplus gear that was issued in 1978 and is still going strong....but it's with my kit for long long term base camp.....if you have transport...it's army surplus all the way.... There is some very expensive kit out there which is amazing light and does the same job.....but would it last 40 years.mmmmm.. But I guess I am a army surplus fan boy...lol

[@nuteinselasingur3850]

Thank You

[@kevendrover2442]

I would say you are pretty crafty when push comes to shove stay safe

[@guerrillashadowman]

Great video Bex, I’m shocked that all that kit weighs only 18kg or so, obviously that’s not including food etc, but still impressive. I suffer from low blood pressure which makes heavy loads difficult for me, and I have these intentions on having comprehensive bug out kits but I need to remind myself of my limitations. At the end of the day long term survival, kit and knowledge is pretty useless if like me you rely on medication. Personally I find that fact depressing as I like to think of myself as some kind of machine. Anyway I found this video really useful and I’ll consider ways to adapt my kit to me personally 👍

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

18 kg not inc 10 days or rations/tooling/survival preps/self rescue, the list could be endless. I know how relying on pain meds feels from personal experience. For that reason I have opted for my Hobo pack instead (vid of that to follow in a few weeks time) Set out your goals by breaking it down bit by bit. Start with a lighter weight pack (my preference is for Burghaus). Then balance lighter weight shelter insulation and the ability to cook, with durability. Replicating a soldiers kit for prepping is not always a good start for most, which I think is demonstrated in this vid....have a great weekend...bex

[@wojtekrolinski3130]

Good day. Thanks for showing me how to pack BOB. Suggestion use alumat on the car sunshield for insulation from the ground.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

I have already done a vid on sunshields. Used on the ground with a pad directly on top of the sunshield does very little. A sunshield needs a clear air gap to use it as a radiant heat reflector, and is best used as an isolation barrier, to prevent cold raising rather than to retain heat, there's plenty of web sites that will explain this in better detail. Some hikers often place the sunshield directly under their sleeping bag these days instead, which warms the dead air gap better....A sunshield under a cot bed would work better as there is a clear gap between occupant and the ground. The silver backed thermarest foam pad, state the silver is placed down side, not to reflect but to isolate. Careful you don't get suckered in by internet fallacies...

[@OldNavajoTricks]

A ten pack of spaceblankets takes up less room and weight and gives you a lot more options vs a sunshield, just my preference.

[@ThomasNicol-qf1vg]

Love it bud .twice thanks I just ordered one of these for 60 hopefully it comes the money's gone wish me luck or call me spoopir

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Ride the belt above your hip bone, buckled at the belly button, and not around your hips (like a rucksack) and you will be able to tab a lot of weight, minus any comfort tho...lol Treat for self to a back spacer modification, and you will love it....I regret selling my MTP shortback now, the longback is a pig, but does the task it was meant for well.

[@ThomasNicol-qf1vg]

I'm 6.1 and a sucker for punishment ,no pain no gain right 👍 I'm not too familiar with the tec garg but getting there ,I think I may customize in chest clip ? I'm still waiting hopefully tomorrow I'm waiting on a new tent as well in hindsight I should have got a few good tarps para cords and I'd still have some £ to spare 👌love to German compass fascinating and just a wee bit scary

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Just put a short up Bex, got my yoke sewn into place ready for the top four rockets, toying with the idea of another four lower down as well now, one on each side/hip of the padded waistbelt and they will zip to one sewn onto the side of the pack, kind of belt kit style but part of the pack itself.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

I sewn on utilities to the kidney pads of one of my Bergens, to transport two one litre water bottles, an alternative to carrying webbing to transport water bottles. Left you the link to this, just in case you missed it....atb...bex kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJOyaImAmrSUjdE No sew alternative option kzbin.info/www/bejne/hX3QdqmIqbxsr9U Thanx for watching....bex

[@OldNavajoTricks]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor Having bought a Ohuhu stove set I'm thinking a 58 ammo pouch would be a nice addition on the belt as well, plenty of room to stuff dry twigs in as you go...

[@davidthompson1622]

I’ve had a plc Bergen , and a few civilian , Berghaus, Osprey, however I’ve just got a current issue Virtus 90 litre Mark 3 (the Mark 3 bit is important, as apparently they improved the straps and back system , over the Mark 1 and 2) ....and I’ve got to say it’s the most comfortable pack I’ve had, the wide S shaped straps and well padded hip belt is excellent.......secondhand , iv only seen the Mark 2 Virtus, but the Mark three is available brand new from Strikeforce supplies for £100 ....would recommend to anyone wanting a quality Bergen

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Totally agree. There are better bergens for comfort and load carry. My berghaus cyclops crusader almost feels like cheating, in comparison to the PLCE. Jury still out on my Osprey Aether AG after having it for nearly two years (for trekking only of course). I have the Virtus GU begen, used without webbing, but am always on the look out for the Mk 3 or 4 too, will wait for my mate to get me one for a lot less than a oner tho....lol Quick question, is the only difference between the Mk3 and Mk4 only the lid closure....bex

[@davidthompson1622]

bex bugoutsurvivor not sure about the four bex , I’ve only had the three.....the other biggish pack I’ve had for a while is a Yankee , Mardingtop 75 litre....it’s okay, but nowhere near as well made as the Virtus. ...I quite like the Karrimor SF predator, and the Osprey Archeon ....but you’re looking at almost £300 , which makes the military bags seem cheap as hell 🤙

[@Legionnaire7777]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor Is their a MK4 Version then, as everyone I seen in camp only has mk3.

[@noshame7472]

Fantastic set up and system. I went with a smaller bag inside a larger bag for bugging out. As the large bag when its surplus can easily be seen and you could be targeted going into villages or small towns by desperate people. As they will see the camo gear and know you got quality stuff??

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

That topic has been covered in other videos on my channel. TRY A PACK COVER NSTEAD. If I wanted your pack I could removed you from it in seconds easily, regardless of its colour shape or size. Instead of obsessing if your pack is camo or not, learn to defend/despatch your enemy quickly instead. Your making your self a target by walking thru towns and villages. GET A MAP see if you can make it to the next town with out using roads or public paths. FYI. I think Bergen bug out bags suck big time, My off camera pack is just 5.2kg including the pack. Less KZbin Rambo mentality and more, K.I.S.S Keep.It.Simple.Stupid. Top tip. Ditch the sleeping bag, and kip in all your clothes (As homeless people choose to do) Shelter from inclement weather with a rain poncho. YT is for entertainment, only sheep follow....take it easy buddy.

[@noshame7472]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor No worries appreciate the reply. I work with homeless for a living, helping the to understand what resources are available and how to stay invisible from predators etc. What I see a lot of is Camo gear getting stolen by other homeless from homeless whom have it. Most of the time people whom look like they have cheap stuff never seem to get bothered as much.

[@discomikeyboy2012]

I love my 120 litre bergen. Absolute bargain at £4 and it's fantastic condition! I'm thinking I'll take one of rocket pockets off and clip the 3L Thermobak (£5) to it. Military surplus is incredible value for money. Regarding tools, what's you're opinion on the SA80 bayonet? I'm toying with the idea of getting one of these because the scabbard includes wire cutter, wood saw and sharpening stone.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

There is a blast from the past. The SA 80 bayonet is an awesome bit of kit imo for all the reasons you gave. I think you have talked your self into getting one now haven't you...lol Have a great weekend...bex

[@discomikeyboy2012]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor cheers, might be an early Christmas present to myself 😂 Not that easy to find complete though. Most of the ones I've seen for sale are missing the extras for some unfathomable reason.

[@karlpriede3893]

The best tips.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Glad you like them!

[@baptistefontainebleau4971]

Very good video 🇨🇵🇨🇵

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Thank you! 😃

[@martineco838]

✅ excellent video 👍

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Thanks for the visit

[@Flexaret]

Absolutely 1st class video Bex, correct in so many ways. Interesting and fun to use issue/surplus in recreational/overnighter/weekend situation. That's not to say it isn't the right choice in an actual bug-out/survival situation, it could well be but people need to ask themselves is it the best choice for them in the scenario they're likely to be in, in a real survival situation you want the odds in your favour, no point carrying 20kg + if you can cover the same needs with -10kg.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

This video was an exercise in using surplus only kit (for those who wish to to so), as read in the title and also seen in thumbnail, as requested by some of my subscribers. Shelter insulation and cook set could be addresses with elements of civilian camping kit, and the base weight can be halved, which was also mentioned in the video.

[@Flexaret]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor Yeah you clearly showed what's available and for those interested in using surplus kit it provided all the information required to let them make an informed choice, the positives and negatives. I'm definitely not criticising the video or the kit shown, like I say surplus may be the correct approach but 'if' you can carry 10kg no point carrying 20kg, of course if cost is a factor and someone can't afford lightweight kit then the surplus kit will cover the requirements just fine or if someone prefers to use surplus then that's fine to. You've given the information so whatever an individual decides it'll be an informed choice. Cheers.

[@normanscout1148]

Great video bex , I always much prefer the bigger bergen just because if needed I can put all of my kit in at one go where as say a day pack I can't fit some of my kit in and sods law there's always something you'll leave out and end up needing it but like you say where all different happy Xmas and stay safe ♠️

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

I have a Civvy ruck 75D, that dwarfs the PLCE Bergen & more comfy. The exact same contents should be in your patrol pack as the Bergen, other than the over night kit, (doss bag/bivvy/roll mat and extra rations). I recon if I could strap a doss bag to the top of my NI 30 Ltr patrol pack in a compression sack, with the kip mat under the pack, it could drop the weight and discomfort of the bergen. Not for a fast evac tho....lol #food 4 thought.....happy trails bex

[@normanscout1148]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor 👍

[@chiosmet]

Amazing and very well thought presentation.Inspired me to built similar kind of kit loadout.I have a British plce long back bergen with the two side pouches.The thing is that although the pouches and yoke which came with the bergen have a tag with different year of manufacture,the bergen itself doesnt.I cant tell the difference from a "genuine" one. Mine has ITW nexus buckles and belt.. The bergen has obvious sings of field use but is in a very good usable condition. Do you think that is possible ex military stuff might come without the tag? Greetings from a Greek subscriber.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

All British kit comes with a NSN labels, usually found under the lid of the Bergen. CS95 Bergens will come with ITW Nexus QR buckles and clips. The side (Rocket Pouches) often will have different years to the Bergen and is nothing of concern. The British CS95 Bergens are so cheap and readily accessible from surplus there is no need to clone one, I can almost be certain yours is genuine. To replicate a CEMO (Complete Equipment Marching Order) only pack fabric material into your Bergen, such as, sleeping bag/bivvy bag/basha/bed roll//warm kit and wet kit. Other kit such as, water bottles/cooking cup/stove/food rations, are best carried on a webbing belt order, and carried separate from the Bergen. www.zipzapzoom.co.uk/Shop/p-1267-Full-DPM-Webbing-Set.html Trying to carry water bottles etc, inside the CS95 Bergen will be uncomfortable and unnecessary heavy. There are however other Bergens available from surplus that are better for transporting water/food/stove etc without a webbing, see link below. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHWpZ6ebhbSaidE Enjoy....bex

[@chiosmet]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor Thank you for the detailed answer.Its as you described.The pouches are different dates,have the itw nexus clips,but no tag under lid.Bombproof stuff.My kit is usally up to 25kgr for a 2 day camp and I think its more comfortable than the us alice bergen Keep up the inspiring videos. I cant thank you enough for the knowledge and the effort you put in them.Keep up the good work.

[@rachelcrompton1867]

OOh Iliac crest xx

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Thanx for watching xx

[@muwuny]

Are those shoulder/hip straps aftermarket or original to the bergen?

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

On this particular one pads and straps are original. One of my Mtp S90s is full jay jays...

[@muwuny]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor Ah, it's just that they looked like mesh-lined to me and I thought the original straps weren't mesh lined.

[@andrewhunter6536]

Two questions about the fit. 1) Is the back length adjustable? I have a very long torso. 2) how small can the waist strap go? I have an very narrow waist so it might not go small enough?

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Not adjustable but comes in two sizes, the longback bergen and the shortback bergen, both are suitable for anyone with a long torso, my torso length is 19 and half inches, but I like the shortback. The kidney pad will contract to fit a teenager, as some of the young cadets use the CS95 Bergen too. I have narrow hips so use the addition of a platform belt on my bergens.// kzbin.info/www/bejne/hX3QdqmIqbxsr9U&ab_channel=bexbugoutsurvivor

[@andrewhunter6536]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor thanks for the information. How do you measure back length? C7 down to L5 vertebrae or something? If it goes small enough for teens it should be no problem for me, I have just seen this problem with normal hiking rucksacks (to my surprise since there are definitely skinny hikers). That belt modification looks very nice and potentially useful for other packs too

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

The easiest method is to place your thumbs either side on TOP of your hip bone, and reach your little fingers around to your lower back, where your little fingers meet is point #1. Now rest your chin on your chest and feel for that big neckbone between shoulder blades, point #2 Measure distance from point 1 to point 2. 16 inch is small and 21 inch is large. I am 19.5 inch.

[@frogclip1]

Its interesting watching the way people pack and use their kit. If you did need to carry more water, a 2 or 3 litre bladder fits well between the main bergen and rocket pouch. The drinking tube on most of these is long enough to follow the shoulder strap and clip to the front. It means you can drink on the move so no messing about taking the bergen off to get a bottle. Unless you are using PLCE/webbing as well that is! I never used to put my mat straight on the floor. I would have it rolled up inside my bivy bag along with my sleeping bag, the 3 would still fit to the bergen like you have with some bungees / compression straps. This way, the only thing that gets wet or hits the floor is the bivi bag as matt and sleeping bag never leaves the inside of it.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

I have since tailored side mesh pockets to stow bladders, this video was published a short time ago. Also rolling the mat into the bivvy video has also been don only a short time ago too. I suspect you have seen these videos of mine, and are passing them off as your recommendations....lol

[@frogclip1]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor no not at all. I have only seen 2 videos of yours. Like I said in the comments, it’s what I used to do so thought I would drop a comment in case people wanted to try it and see if it worked for them.

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

Yeh right..lol

[@davidwyke1554]

how do i contact jay jays, i live North CAROLINA

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

I will say the snugpak jungle bag ratings are a joke. I refer to mine as my lightweight summer bag, for me in my boxers with a cotton liner I'm comfortable to down to about 12 degrees. I wouldn't fancy going down to down to 7/2. The Softie 9 Hawk claims -5/-10. For me 0 is about the limit for comfort with a cotton liner, thermals and woolly hat ,any lower than that I add a jungle blanket..

[@bexbugoutsurvivor]

I find cotton is a terrible insulator, be it a cotton doss bag liner or T-shirt to sleep in. You may find it warmer ditching the cotton, and sleep in fleece jog pants and fleece sweater, both on to bare skin. My snug pack tropical bag was a joke, with snagging zips, so slept with a knife in case I needed to cut my way out of it....lol

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

@@bexbugoutsurvivor truly I just use the liner as it's easier to clean than a bag to be honest. , Never had any zip problems on my bags, but I can't for life of me get the integral bug net to stay tied Down and in place. 🤷‍♂️