SAS Belt Kit & Bergen

A description of the personal kit used by UK Special Forces soldiers in the 1970-80's era. This video is a follow up to my last video (Lofty Wiseman SAS Survival Pouch), to show where it fits in with the rest of the soldier's gear.
All of the kit shown in this video is genuine issued kit, as used by UKSF.
Thumbnail painting by Peter Archer of Sgt G Mather MM in the Falklands War.

[@pierevojzola9737]

Hi, it’s interesting to listen (read) to you youngsters! I was a soldier for 20 years, starting in Africa in 56 and ending in NZ in 77. I started with 37 webbing, then 44 webbing in Malaya & Hong Kong, then 58 webbing in 3 Para and finished of with a mix of gear in Nam. You could pick some good kit out of each pattern and I held on to the best of mine to this day. Luckily for me I was a lucky grunt and survived to fish and hunt in the South Pacific paradise. What a lot of present day soldiers forget that as a Para you pack what you will need with everything you can get hold of, and then you strip and re pack again and again. I have done 10 day patrols in Muscat with only one air re supply. We got 10 men ration packs for each soldier and they were all “ liver & Bacon” ! In Greece the re supply was a heavy drop and one of the chutes opened before the other, water bladder burst. We were drinking out of puddles for the next 24 hours! On advance to contact we all carried extra ammo, batteries, mortars and water. In the Radfan one company turned into sherpas caring jerry cans of water plus their musketry order. No such thing as sleeping bags. We used “acquired” gear that Norwegian and other foreign troops left behind on European exercises. Always we felt that we were the best with the worst gear. Now if you wanted to hear someone winge, you should have heard the American Airborne or Rangers complain about lack of vehicles and proper food. All good Brit squaddies learn to borrow or steal, sorry , acquired the gear we needed. The Kiwis were the best at acquiring gear, the Gunners came back from Nam with brand new guns! Anyways, cheers mate. Harera

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate, what an interesting and varied career you had, respect. 👍

[@Howling.Wilderness.Alaska]

I used Pattern 58 webbing in Alaska for years. Up until it rotted and I upped to PLCE.. P58 was amazing for a survival rig, IMO. Best I ever had.

[@OldNavajoTricks]

First kit I had as a youngster in 84ish, belt, ammo/utility pouch and a double (Kidney?) Pouch, no yoke, As a kid I read Loftys book to death and still mourn its loss :-) can't bring myself to buy the collins version haha!

[@mysticjedi6730]

I am happy with the British tactical 18 molle across web belt. Fireforce 6 molle butt pack, and British tactical side pouches. High high quality. 5.11 H harness holding it up. With this set up there is attachments molle places all over the harness and pouches.. Think Bravo two zero guys.... (s.a.s. mission that went to hell..) water, water reservoirs, and thermal layers.. poncho/ rain jacket.. the basics of survival get you a lot of the time.. Don't forget sat phone, GPS locator beacon, ham radio with full transmit unlocked, etc..

[@stevelumby8260]

2 right it the best

[@samspade7522]

I carried the ammo pouches you show during guard duty in 1973; our basic load was three mags per pouch plus one in the weapon so you had 140 rounds for each man. Thanks for the memory.

[@arctodussimus6198]

Glad this one came into my feed again. I don’t get notified if someone replies to my comment (no computer, just a cellphone), so it was nice to read your reply. I carried my A.L.I.C.E. pack (is an acronym) for ten years after I got out of the Corps. Some disloyal bugtit broke into my house and stole it, with all my gear inside. That was 1993. I have lots of packs and bags now. Still plan to get another, but just never seem to have the time and money at the same time.

[@overlandvoyager2780]

In my days in SBS we had the old 50s sack.Was glad to get the Bergen sack.Cheers for the memories.

[@wrxs1781]

Good video, so long ago 70's, brings back memories, not in SAS, but some of the gear rings a bell. Most of the Canadian kit was US, helmet, water bottle and some pouches. We were using the 7.62 and two pouches plus rifle so five mags, spare ammo for 240 rounds. Still have the survival kit less cigarettes'.

[@jamesr792]

Not a soldier, but I definitely am going to shamelessly plagairise from this video for my hunting kit. I’ve been banging my head against the wall trying to figure out how to carry what I need or might need without getting too over the top or missing out anything important, and this gives me a ton of ideas. Thank you.

[@Asgardsteve1]

Brings back memories but it was always 2 water bottles we carried on the belt kit. The survival tin was carried in your smock, rarely in a pouch. The med kit was a lot smaller and also we carried emergency rats on the belt, which were only used if you had lost your bergen, so you knew you always had some food available if you were on the run. In the bergen the patrol also carried spare batteries for the radio split down amongst them. We used to pad out the frame with foam and duct tape, and also on the underside of the straps to reduce it cutting in on the shoulders when you were carrying a full combat load.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

I mentioned that the survival kit may be carried in the smock, l put it in the belt kit to show it. I showed the emergency rations and mentioned spare radio batteries in the bergen too.

[@Eric-kn4yn]

Weight of kit

[@andrewcombe8907]

That SAS/Para Bergan is beautiful

[@shastaham7630]

Good video. Interesting comparison to the belt/harness my son carried as a combat MP in Iraq. He always had two canteens, an IFAK with tourniquet and combat dressing, and two large pouches for ammunition (he carried a Mossberg shotgun and a.45 ACP sidearm). Everything else he and his fire team needed was carried in their vehicle, a HumVee with a .50 Ma Duece on top).

[@WyeExplorer]

Fantastic video. I was intrigued by the title. My father Terry (Jickells) was 22 years in the regiment much of that with Lofty in A Sq and our shed was full of this kit once. Wished we'd kept it all - got some left but not much. Good to listen to your experience there - hats off you know your subject and I learned a few things. If dad were here I'd ask him but he's not. I still see Lofty and he's still full on - always got the brews on. Well, thanks for that. I was inspired. All the best. Mark P.S I did Junior Para in 84/85 and passed out. It was a weird twist of fate that saw me get out after that. Peace.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Wow, your Dad must have seen some stuff hey? Awesome to have served with Lofty, what a bloke. I was JPC too, three years after you. Sorry to hear you had to leave.

[@WyeExplorer]

@@PreparedPathfinder Yeah, Imagine he did although he never said a lot. I agree Lofty's a goodun. Yes, I heard that about JPC it's why I mentioned it. I must say I missed the unit and forces most my life. Some things can't be helped. Peace.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@WyeExplorer absolutely, some things happen for a reason. I’m sure you’ve had an interesting life in whatever path you followed.

[@HistoryWithBishop]

Do you think he knew someone called Terry Mathias? That was my great uncle

[@jovenalasis4468]

You confirmed what I have always suspected: the survival tin is meant to augment whatever gear that a person has on oneself. I am glad that you mentioned that in your video. A lot of people have shown their survival tins in countless KZbin videos, but I doubt if most of them know that, especially those who have never been in the military, much less SERE school.

[@gordonlawrence1448]

You would be surprised how many civie jobs require survival training. Wildlife cameraman, remote rigger, any kind of naturalist, archaeologist (EG the pyramids that keep being found in South American jungles), and many others. Some people are just not suited to it though as they completely fail to understand you can be lost just 3 meters from camp in some situations.

[@johncrouch8988]

Hi 👋🏻. It also depends greatly on your situation. No one would want to have to rely up the few essentials that you have in the tin. But if the Bergen was dumped first and then you were forced to run for your life and dump your webbing then you will only have your tin and a few odds and ends in your pockets. You have to adapt to the situation and use whatever you have, can get or make to help you overcome. Or you die. 🤷‍♂️

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Bang on in regards to survival tins, most people showing them off wouldn't have the skills or experience to put the kit to use. I mention that in my survival tin video.

[@simonward4520]

Working my way through your videos, really interesting. Well presented, not been in the service but a avid interest in military history and kit that was used.

[@EnduranceRoom]

Excellent video. Thanks for the insights to how the kit was put together. Really liked hearing how things were layered. Cheers

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate

[@091_kushagramisra5]

I'm always waiting for his videos... He is a great source of valuable information. ❤️This channel

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Well thankyou! 👍

[@dankingjr.2088]

Always interesting to get a completely different perspective on gear. Thanks from across the pond.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Thanks Dan, appreciate it! 👍

[@mikel6517]

Still own my SAS/para Bergen more for memories than anything else. Did pad the shoulders strap a little when I was in and once I left and used it once or twice for hillwalking bought a waist belt from silvermans. Glad I still have it though.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

They’re a great bit of kit, especially when modified. I used one up until lraq in 2003, where it got wrecked.

[@barrycartner3855]

Thank you. I appreciate the description of how kits are combined to build up one's resources.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers, yep it’s a team effort, as always in the military.

[@sergeantstandpipe4887]

Nice to see Tom. Saw several versions of this belt kit in the mid eighties and even one fairly famous Captain who still used the old “Norge” style Bergen with the frame and straps COVERED in closed cell and tape(That was early nineties!) . I’ll look the pics out for you!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Roger, one of our Junior Para staff had an old A Frame bergen that he used for tabbing, weirdo!

[@moorshound3243]

The 58 pattern kit was the best kit ever, I had a 32 piece kit list years ago & I was happy to hike many miles carrying that gear, also if packed right when you sat down you had a very comfortable arm chair. 58 cold weather smock is amazing, if you want a good hard wearing apocalypse jacket then it's for you, with a hood like a tent.

[@casinodelonge]

I loved 58 pattern but when you had the large pack on, the hooks sat right on your shoulder where your rifle butt would go, which always annoyed me when patrolling..

[@FlankerJackChannel]

Another excellent and well thought out video. I've always appreciated how the Royal Army focuses on carrying bullets food and water first over fancy gear.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate 👍

[@chrisholland7367]

It's known as the British Army. Is a collective of different regiments and corps.

[@mwnciboo]

Not Royal...Parliamentarians Won. It is the modern New Model Army, from then English Civil war which was disbanded after we kicked Cromwell into Touch and the monarchy was restored. It is a Regimental system, and very much formed from treaties and agreements from the 1600's to the 1700's and then to the period of Empire.

[@guylefebvre8321]

I go way back to the 1974 pattern webbing that we used in the canadian forces. Our next issue web kit was the 1982 pattern gear including the 82 pattern rucksack wich was a pile of garbage and never meant for long patrols. We much preferred the 62 pattern ruck for that. Dependiong on your unit, soldiers were allowed much lattitude in modifying or adding, deleating items from our webbing in the field. I'm 66 now and often reminice about my time on the pointy end of the stick. I miss those days...

[@fanman8102]

Excellent! I’m glad you mentioned the squad gear, ie extra ammo, more food, extra batteries, etc. Seems today most are caught up in the spec ops in and out mission that might last a day but not much on the sustainability of being in the field for a several days. One of my pet peeves so again, well done!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Thanks Kev, yeah reality is a lot more boring than what people see on TV etc. Walking for days on end in crappy weather carrying 100lbs+ on your back is less exciting than what most people expect soldiering to consist of.

[@p.d1036]

Just found your Chanel, great instruction and advice. Thank you. Keep them coming!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate 👍

[@paulclarke4305]

This is the most interesting vid ive seen in ages. great stuff.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Thanks Paul 👍

[@shughes4113]

Great video, can't wait to see your break down of the survival tin. Keep it up.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate 👍

[@V.B.Squire]

@@PreparedPathfinder didnt know you had your own channel

[@DirtyDjs1]

Another excellent and knowledgable video, delivered in our wonderful British military "EDIP" style, perfect and ready for us to practice. I recommend to our army cadets to follow your videos also. Many thanks to you and please keep them coming. #AspireToAchieve

[@simonsignolet5632]

9:17 - You're missing one of the Support Straps, there should be TWO - it'd make it a bit more comfortable. I have an Arctic Rucksack belt fitted to mine - helps a lot. Most of us cut a kip mat in its middle and folded and stuffed it into the frame cavity, I'm sure you've seen/done that. I still have and regularly use my SAS/Para - cycling, I often have to take DIY waste and garden waste to the council dump and it's a GREAT load carrier for that. Funnily enough, I need to go out NOW (cycling) and collect something big and heavy from a shop. If it doesn't fit inside, I can simply fold flat the bag and strap the box to the frame - can't do that with any other mil issue rucksack (the GS version is totally inadequate because of it's small capacity). Some things never leave you... Utrinque Paratus.

[@jorgebuzzi940]

Great kit and very well explained. I am a collector of military items from the '82 conflict and a few years after. Backpacks are one of my weaknesses (short and long convoluted back of 120 in DPM and MTP, Patrol pack of 30 litres DPM, and several ALICE in medium and large and I must say that the British ones are the best). Spectacular special forces kit, very difficult to obtain these days. I congratulate you for the video, have a Merry Christmas and I send you greetings from Argentina. 👍

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Thanks Jorge, appreciate it. Most of my instructors in Depot Para were Falklands veterans, as I joined up six years after the conflict. I share your weakness of rucksacks too, ha ha! Happy Christmas mate.

[@simonarundell5093]

Great video mate. Cant wait for the one on your Survival Tin. I have quite an interest in them lol.

[@Matt-wv1mr]

Banging videos Combat Cabbie, As veteran from long way back. I think the belt kit is the best option for all your needs,I think warfare is going back to basics,eat of the land and carry less.But there's always going to be some what of a issues with ammo could be drone amo drops. But when the technology goes down,what may come next. Sending blessings, keep ones good work up.

[@penman8985]

Thanks for a really informative video, really good to watch. Brings back memories of my time as a Reservist. ATB - Simon

[@flatmoon6359]

We used to wax our 58 pattern webbing,used to help stop it soaking too much water.Big candle and a hot air gun.

[@Notused2024]

Very informative and well placed video 👍🏼

[@rickydepledge3245]

I used an A frame in cadets! Then butyle in R UKSF in the 80,s not sure which but ended up with a fractured spine in 4 places L4/L5!! We did not have the kit. Of the last decade or so just got on with it and tabbed. I never understood why soldier 95 bergan only came in long or short back. No middle size option. Happy memories head down arse up.

[@armyrepelentcz4090]

Very good video, thanks 🙂

[@ianmurray4081]

Awesome video and content. I am new to your channel, quality content and very informative. I'm currently going through your video library. Cheers 🍻 from East Coast Canada. Take care and stay frosty and happy holidays.🌲🇨🇦🎄🇬🇧🌲

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate 👍

[@billsowers8859]

Merry Christmas

[@SlackingSince1969]

I have never seen your channel until a couple of days ago when the video on Lofty's survival pouch came up in my feed. I have had his SAS Survival book for years. Fullsize and compact like the one you showed in your video. Nice to see one from someone with experience put that together. You Brits have never gotten much detailed exposure here beyond books like Immediate Action and Portrait of a Rebel and movies/docs. Then I ran into a copy of Combat and Survival in Chapters back in 1999 I think it was. Bought a heap of those until they were discontinued in 2018. Great magazine. Looking forward to your video on the survival tin. Merry Christmas from Toronto Canada.🎄 Subscribed.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate, Merry Christmas from the UK! BTW I had an old SAS friend who lived near Toronto, I visited him there a few years back and jumped at his local skydiving centre. Unfortunately he's no longer with us.

[@SlackingSince1969]

@@PreparedPathfinder I'm sorry you lost your friend.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@SlackingSince1969 he got to a decent age mate, unlike many other friends, cheers 👍

[@torsten4757]

Thank´s for your Information! Merry Christmas from Germany!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Thanks mate, Merry Christmas to you too! 👍

[@jamesrichardwhitehouse5653]

Brings back memories. But we always carried two water bottles: 1 x 58 pattern bottle and 44 pattern mug for brewing up. 1 x 58 pattern and plastic mug. These were both carried in 44 pattern carriers. The 44 pattern water bottles were terrible and leaked so I got a legion 1 litre metal version when we exercised with them (The Legion are not half so good as they are cracked up to be). Our personal med packs were much smaller, we carried morphine in small green toothpaste type sureties on our I/d discs and shell dressings and not much more. So room on the belt for the extra w/bottle carrier. JRW 348

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Roger that mate, l’ve always carried two waterbottles too. I was just working with the kit l was borrowing off a mate. Totally in agreement with you ref the FFL. We went on exercise against them in Corsica in 1993. Good at marching and singing though! 😂

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Hi James, do you have a son that is serving by chance?

[@johnwiddowson7152]

Sounds like the paras. We also carried a toggle rope. I’m beggered if I know how I got everything on my 58 patt belt. I could probably got all my sections kit on one now, if I could find one to go round me. Lol

[@Mick028]

Great video which took me back to a bollocking from my BSM in 1972 because he didn't like, "mixed webbing", i.e. 44 Pat water bottle pouches with on a 58 Pat yoke, and this was on exercise! One small point; the millbank bag is better suited to being carried in the small pocket in the back of the 44 water pouch with the water bottle and a few puri tablets, it saves having to open too many pouches at once.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Yeah roger that ref the Millbank bag mate, that's where I always carried mine too.

[@shaunbrown3010]

Whats not been mentioned is until the late 80s are ration packs where all tins until the boil in the bag rations came about, i took part in the trials when posted to the falklands in 85, the difference in weight and choice of menu made a big difference.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Yeah I used the old tinned rations for a while, pain in the arse carrying all that extra weight.

[@GruntLife-yi6xv]

Excellent content Mate!!! Prior service 82nd Airborne Trooper here!! Thanks for your service Sir!!!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate, appreciate it! 🇺🇸🇬🇧👍

[@GruntLife-yi6xv]

@@PreparedPathfinder yes sir!!! Airborne all The Way!!!!! Did time in Tarin Kowt, Ghazni, and Kabul Asscrackistan 04-05 and Baquba Iraq 06-07!!! GET SOME!!!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@GruntLife-yi6xv ha ha, awesome! I was part of the invasion of Iraq in 2003, and did two tours of Afghan, 06 and 2010-11. My first trip to the USA was actually with the 82nd Airborne (3/504) in 1990, I had a great time. Airborne!

[@GruntLife-yi6xv]

@@PreparedPathfinder badass mate!! Ah the devil's in baggy pants!!! I was in 3-505th and 5-73 Cavalry. I was in Hawaii in the 25th Infantry division (Light) for Asscrackistan. Paras worldwide are another brotherhood!!!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@GruntLife-yi6xv absolutely mate! 🆎👍

[@calmolly1]

Great video

[@ianknight70]

Love that main picture of G Squadrons Gordon mather . My troop OC is basic training in Catterick. Awesome on exercise wearing his blue cap comforter , a lot of 16 and 17 year olds with wide eyes knowing his background !

[@PreparedPathfinder]

I bet mate, bit of a legend 👍

[@timothybarker3589]

Well done sir. I do appreciate the layman's terms.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers Timothy 👍

[@GMU8]

Great interest video. Thanks for upload.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers John!

[@helvetiabushcraft]

I've always like this belt set up.

[@jondavey8054]

Equipment layering works from personal equipment through to personal weapon systems, section equipment & scales. Enjoying the videos and can smell the 58 pattern canvas 🤣

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers Jon. Yeah it certainly has a distinctive smell hey?

[@RobertsBulgaria]

The 44 Pattern Water Bottle was/is Aluminium with an Aluminium Mug and came with the Millbank Bag as standard issue for use in the Jungle as far as I recall, (I still have mine albeit the pouch is shredding and the bottle is well battered). Everything else on your belt looks very much 58 Pattern and we never had anything resembling 'Boil in the Bag', all our rations came in tins or packets and could be eaten cold. Hence the Aluminium Mess Tins. Those who think they can survive from an ALTOIDS tin, think again. Lofty's kit was more or less spot on for his time as there weren't any Survival Space Blankets and the suchlike during those times. Those Machetes/Parangs were usually and probably still are bashed out by local Brunei/Malay Blacksmiths from old car springs and placed in a Bamboo sheath. How the time flies.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Roger all mate. I don't have access to the older style tinned rations, the boil in the bag rations came in in the late Eighties, so it's not innaccurate. Boil in the bag rations can be eaten cold too btw. Yeah my parang started life as a car leaf spring, still going strong after 25 years.

[@reubendobbs8011]

I used a waist strap with mine and a bit of roller mat against the frame. I used a Alice belt for belt order and Sidney shape cigar tin for E&E kit. Late 70s early 80s

[@sappersteve1443]

Really enjoyable video that brought back some fond memories for me? My roll pin was riveted with copper rivets onto a 58 Pattern belt instead of stitched like yours, and I carried my 'Old Holborn' survival tin in my smock in case I got separated from the rest of my kit. The only thing I have left now is the survival tin that seems to fascinate my Grandchildren?

[@stepevin923]

I had to subscribe, great channel.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Thanks Step!

[@mountaineer5596]

Good stuff. Thanks.

[@dukeeod1650]

Have a very merry Christmas.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers, and you 👍

[@discipleaj]

Thanks Tom! I think in one of your videos you said you were in Northamptonshire. If you ever decided to run a weekend course to train people in land nav and everything else you cover; I'd definitely pay to attend and learn from your real world experience. Thanks for the videos! Stay safe and God bless. 👍🏻

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers, yes that’s right. Possibly one for the future 👍

[@discipleaj]

@@PreparedPathfinder Happy days! Cheers, have a great Christmas.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@discipleaj cheers, you too!

[@stepevin923]

Great post, shit i can remember the canvas pouches, strong, but a real bastard to open and close when new..lol especially when doing weapons drills... years on new kit good, but not as strong. Still got my old tabaco tin, covered in black tape to stop shine..with map making kit, safety matches etc in it..

[@theodorossarafis7370]

retro always works :) very nice video.

[@scottyc1540]

great video, really inspiring And just for clarification, SAS stands for Special Air Sevice and NOT the Saturdays And Sundays ;)

[@gordonlawrence1448]

Not "shot another subversive" then? They got that after the Iranian Embassy Siege.

[@pnyarrow]

58 Patt might have been not that good but it was better than the 37 Patt but time moves on and so does kit. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe. ATB. Nigel.

[@xxxxxx5868]

I'd love to see a video for the parang

[@snakeplissken571]

Good info,I also seen a type of Black assault vest the SAS used,I guess what you call a waist coat not a T shirt.even mI6 had an all black nylon suspender like vest that carried nothing but AR mags under the arm pits.The Brits have always been pretty creative or inovative with gear design but the US made the gear better.Although I still love my 82 pattern Canadian combats,webbing and winter kit I do like Brit para and SAS smocks.Would love to see wh at current SAS men carry in their webbing now.

[@gordonlawrence1448]

It works both ways. There are plenty of things invented in the US military that the UK made better too. Sherman Firefly, Skyflash (derived from the Aim-7), and of course Brimstone derived from the AGM-114.

[@snakeplissken571]

@@gordonlawrence1448 no argument there Gord the Sherman tank was a peice of crap.The Brits have always been smart people you just gotta do something about your food.lol

[@Retired-Tom]

Poncho folded over top rail of bergan gave protection to the back and when the bergans were first issued had an extra strap higher up. Before then we used 58 pattern large packs in Bn but mostly 44 pattern packs in depot and training. Bergens came in around 78/79 I think along with the new smock. A frame bergans were only used by radio operators or on special ops depending on task.

[@simonsignolet5632]

You're not Para Regt or SAS. What regt is this?

[@Retired-Tom]

Prepared Pathfinder is ex Para then Pathfinder platoon, which is a stand alone Airborne unit. If thats what you mean, if you mean me? Ex 3 Para.

[@muskett4108]

Most been said, two water bottles. Rations came in tins, and then there was Biscuit Brown and the Swatted Fly biscuits. Grenade aluminium screw lid tin could be made into a pressure cooker for the tins, only needed an inch of water. Survival tin was home built or sewn into your smock and trousers, but there was also an issue drug/suncream issue tin with enough potions to blow your mind. Only the Medic carried a decent med kit, everyone else just some field dressings and personal admin blister stuff. Bergen built to take mortar bombs, ammo, and the stupid sized radio. Invariably everyone got one of those three to be carry. Nearly everyone got a spare battery too. Not much room for your own stuff. No chest clip or waist belt on the bergen because it was taken off and on so often; to get behind/stay low. Issue Clasp knife or Normad Swede folder, and issue Gollock. Anyone in a Recce Pln would have done something similar, just no drop down pouches just water bottle pouches; and an NBC bum-roll was carried too. Blast from the past..

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers for your comments mate 👍

[@rikutaskinen5432]

Yes, old but works.

[@chrisgibson2328]

I have one of the SAS/PARA bergens and have added a hip belt and combined that with a marine belt. It makes it much more comfortable. My bergen is green and not in such good condition as yours. I served in a nato regiment in the late 70's and our kit was very poor quality. We would try and swap kit with American and Dutch soldiers. Our boots had like a compressed sawdust in the heels and we had no winter gear. I remember freezing my nuts off in a guard box and my fingers sticking to my SLR barrel.

[@michaelwoodward5787]

When I was a kid I thought the British troops looked badass when I watched the news about the Falkland war. 🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Same here mate, I was 10 and it confirmed my decision to join the Parachute Regiment.

[@dickhurtz1862]

150lbs is pretty normal for recon. 100lbs in the ruck and 50lbs in webbing and weapon. Beans bullet water shealter and operations needed equipment.

[@ubique505]

Nice Loadout

[@tracypartin7408]

The Bolt Thrower album cover for Mercenary.

[@cirocundin]

Bergen, ALICE... whatever... forced marches and on the double stretches as a straight leg is a whole bucket of work - serious work indeed. So despite the lack of sophistication the men carried on still. As I recall in the bad bush of Jahor “perlahan dan perlahan”. Roughly translated slow and slowly or drive on with a... Best. FC

[@Funkteon]

The UK and Australian SAS/SASR now have a good bit of freedom to choose their own rucksacks these days, and due to the fact 'most' of their operations don't exceed 72 hours in recent years, many of the lads are choosing packs from companies like Tasmanian Tiger, Eberlestock and Crossfire, rather than standard issue rucksacks - Crossfire is a particular favourite with the Australian SASR and Commandos...

[@neoaliphant]

One of my clients is one of the founders of the SAS, interesting stories on how they aquired the kit in the beginnings....

[@PreparedPathfinder]

I have a Crossfire DG3, nice bit of kit.

[@brianvannorman1465]

I've been thinking about turning two Alice packs into paniers for a long bicycle tour. I guess I'll see what kind of deals I can get for British gear. Hello from San Diego California.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Hi Brian, I have been to San Diego many times, I love it there.

[@gordonlawrence1448]

The only bits of my survival kit that are not in tins are food, paracord, and a tarp. I don't count a knife or compass as survival kit as you should in my opinion have those no matter what. 3 compasses, one round your neck, one in a pocket and one sewn in to your clothes.

[@redjacc7581]

nice one.

[@BosvarkDelta]

Nothing beats our SADF kit issued to us in the 80s

[@davidlewis492]

Thanks.

[@seankeller7]

Loved it! Will you explain more about where the actual tin is sourced?

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Hi Sean, it was an issued tin than came with grip switches we used for dems.

[@garyjohnson4608]

Yes, this Bergen does remind me a lot of our Alice pack ! It would be interesting to add a waist belt and sternum ( chest ) straps to this system.

[@zaynevanday142]

Chest straps are more trouble than they are worth we used Alice Packs never used chest straps with it

[@zaynevanday142]

Parang/Golock/machete 😂

[@gordonlawrence1448]

@@zaynevanday142 Depends on your build. If you are wide across the shoulders and have a lot of back muscle you need them to stop the straps pulling your shoulders back as well as down.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Yeah I'd say that chest/sternum straps are definitely worth using if possible.

[@marksadventures3889]

Top banana. As you were sir, carry on.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers Mark.

[@zaynevanday142]

Great 👍 post

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Thanks Zayne!

[@camronbay1]

I have the pocket SAS Survival Manual excellent to have.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

It’s a great reference book hey?

[@Quaker521]

Interesting that you carry your survival tin in your belt kit. Always carried mine in my smock for the same reason that you mentioned as to why you carried your parang on your person at all times. Like the thumbnail for your video!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

I always carried mine in my smock too, for the reasons you've said there. I mentioned in the video that it could be carried in your pocket as opposed to the belt. It was just in there to show the kit. Cheers mate.

[@Quaker521]

@@PreparedPathfinder Sorry, I should listen more closely!🙄😁

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@Quaker521 no worries mate! 👍

[@tc47101]

Good

[@raimondasmazulis1341]

Thanks!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Thankyou mate, much appreciated! 👍

[@behindthespotlight7983]

The deeper one dives into survival gear the more a cross-loading approach makes sense. I often think of a “dumping in white water” shake out. The kit I still have once out of the “washington machine” is the kit that will go to work on shore. Thus redundancy and planting eggs in many secured baskets. Great talk-through. Have a merry Christmas.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Good points there mate, cheers. Merry Christmas to you too.

[@paulschofield985]

That’s something I’ve not heard in a while Mucka G 😂😂..

[@PreparedPathfinder]

I realised after watching it, that may confuse some people! 😂

[@andrewclark891]

The newer water bottles are of a thinner material than the older issue

[@daddy-grandpastacker2315]

Hi Bear sent me

[@richardcanfield2741]

BAAM! New Sub, Great content much thanx! I’ve just started making vids, posted 2 so far. Definitely have so much to learn

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers Richard! 👍

[@richardcanfield2741]

Perfect decal, that would be an awesome patch for my moral strip!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@richardcanfield2741 l have just had some patches made up as it goes, will get them out for sale soon ⬆️👍

[@arctodussimus6198]

I have an official B.A.S.H.A. and a similar type machete (looks more like a bolo). Military surplus is almost always better quality and more useful than civilian gear. And I like the surplus from the 1960’s - 1970’s the best.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Roger that mate. Basha is a word taken from the Chindits in Burma by the way, it’s not an acronym.

[@stalwart263]

@@PreparedPathfinder Everyone knows it stands for British Army Standard Hotel Accomodation! 😂

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@stalwart263 😂 fair one!

[@gordonlawrence1448]

Try getting army surplus these days though. Where I live the nearest shop is 20 miles away and almost permanently out of stock. I would love to know who is buying it. They had near 400 pairs of boots in a while back and they were gone apparently in hours. I was certainly too late to see if they had any desert boots just 2 days after they got the stock. The only thing they have all the time is reels of 1000m of para cord. Plus they have had to resort to MRE's from commercial sources. I have ended up putting my own together. Once you know how to make hard tack it's pretty easy. That stuff stores for decades too.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@gordonlawrence1448 there’s plenty of online stores, plus Ebay where you can get army surplus.

[@richardgroves5559]

Awesome video and thanks for posting. What poncho liner is in the background?

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate. It’s Zero Foxtrot Raider Woobie in Frogskin camo.

[@Bikeadelic]

We take a lot of modern tech for granted. What was a roll mat like 40 years ago I dread to think! The kit was so much heavi to, did that cause any restrictions in the past compared to now on how much you could take? Surely it did, like a radio op then vs now must have had to sacrifice weight elsewhere?

[@robmcbride1664]

Brew kit and snack always carried in the smock top left hand pocket

[@benarcher8397]

The thumbnail image you're using for this video is a painting by my late father Peter Archer. It was commissioned by the Royal Signals in 1984 and is titled 'Contact; Wait Out'. I don't mind you using it without permission, because it's relevant to the content of your video, but you should credit this one and the other illustrations you're using in the video description.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Hi Ben, sorry for your loss, I lost my father a couple of years back myself. l’m aware of the title of the painting and of the subject matter. It’s Sgt Graham Mather MM. I’ll add the credit in the description.

[@bernarddeboeck8405]

Well, i saw the connection to Bolt thrower's cd. Awesome cd by the way and one hell of a painting!!

[@lemminglobber1854]

Lovely stuff! I've got an Alice Pack (100l) and a 95 Pattern (I think) 120l British army tall back bergen. Both are great, but that British Army bergen is my baby, carries all my shit...I mean kit... in to a location then the changing the pouches into a day pack for bimbling around while leaving the main behind, it's beautifully versatile. Comfortable too. I'm a civi though so millage may vary.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Roger, the PLCE bergen isn’t bad at all, for a mass issue bit of kit. We used to modify them by adding extra pouches across the back, similar to an Alice pack.

[@lemminglobber1854]

@@PreparedPathfinder Oh damn! I like that. Thanks for the tip!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@lemminglobber1854 no worries 👍

[@simonsignolet5632]

It's "90 Pattern". Made originally in green, then in DPM (1992 onwards) and now in MTP (2011 or 2013 onwards).

[@Aaron-vk3mb]

I've got the Dutch MOLLE version. Friend in New Zealand sent it to me here in the states, and then I had to source the rocket packs/day pack from Britain, and S&E only had one in stock at a time, so one unexpected gift and two international orders later, the most international rucksack to ever exist, is on my back. It's a fine piece of kit.

[@J0MBi]

What is the hand drawn image used for the title image of this video? Love it. Have you tried the RM Arctic bergen from the same era as this bag? It has that same nylon for the rucksack but it's based around an existing Karrimor external frame, and I believe they were manufactured Karrimor too. From what I heard, the belt from one of them often ended up on these SAS/GS bergen frames, and it made a big improvement.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

The info for the painting is in the description. I haven’t tried one of those bergens, l’d be interested to have a look at one.

[@vic6820]

Those ammo pouches are good for SLR mags too, no? I didn't realise they were made for M16. 👍

[@PreparedPathfinder]

There were two versions made, M16 and SLR 👍

[@vic6820]

@@PreparedPathfinder Interesting. Cheers and happy Christmas.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@vic6820 cheers, back at you.

[@markf5661]

Great Vid. Question for you, as an Aussie, what do you think of of the “NAM Pack” that the Aussie’s used from 67-70….? Superior the Alice I believe and maybe even the Bergen….over to you…..

[@PreparedPathfinder]

I haven’t used one tbh mate. My Dad served in Vietnam 65-66, he was issued a WW2 37 large pack!

[@eofolk7754]

Worst pack ever made anywhere in the world. Ever.

[@eofolk7754]

The nam pack, that is.