SAS Survival Kit - Military Survival Kit!

[@vonsprague7913]

In about 1982 at the age of 15 I bought a copy of the SAS survival handbook and a First aid book both published by Collins in the UK. They became my secular bibles and I used them to learn all I could. I used to go out with mates for 2 or 3 nights at a time with minimal kit and basically live rough this lead to hiking and hunting. Fast forward to late 1985 I joined British Airborne forces and I was one step ahead throughout my training with my scouting knowledge, shooting and wild camping. I then eventually got to train with Mr. Wiseman and I was too embarrassed or awestruck to actually thank him. 20 years later I left the military but continued to enjoy wild places from the Mohave to the Highlands of Scotland and always carry my survival kit. Great work young Ranger. 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸

[@Bucketbrain82]

Awesome

[@johnconnor3865]

The SAS survival handbook wasn't published until 1986 🤔

[@ericdpeerik3928]

​@@johnconnor3865 oddly enough, I also remember it from before 1986. I'm not sure if there's an earlier version, or if there's a mass false memory 🤔

[@THEMARTIALARTSCHANNEL-bb4fx]

​@@ericdpeerik3928false memory. The story about how johns book came about can be heard on one of his friends youtube sites. No earlier copys exist. Sorry

[@ericdpeerik3928]

@@THEMARTIALARTSCHANNEL-bb4fx well, it's a good memory, so I'm rejecting reality. 🤪

[@Gstrowes]

A little tip I've learned for storing cotton wool/vaseline is to pack it into the sort of wide bore plastic straws that you get in coffee/smoothie shops and such. Prepare the tinder and pack it into the straws, cut to length for the size of tin you have, then heat seal the ends to prevent leakage/water ingress. Ideal for all sorts of kits. Simply cut it open to use. The added bonus is that the straw itself will burn quite hot.

[@the_once-and-future_king.]

Seal the ends with beeswax or candle wax. Burns nicely and lasts longer to really get the kindling going.

[@wernesgruder1]

A sheet of tin foil over the mess tin will cut boiling times. Or cut a lid from the thin metal used for biscuit tins. In wet conditions you can use it for the base of a fire. Pile tinder on top and it stops moisture wicking up from the ground. Very lightweight and thin so no burden to carry

[@biblebeliever4570]

Great job downsizing. Folgers makes coffee in bags like tea. Regular and decaf. Thank you God Bless

[@azhomeboy2000]

If theres a better Channel presenting and demonstrating survival kits, I havent found it. Youre the best bro! 👍👍

[@tonydog4456]

No doubt. This guy presents real world knowledge in a very understandable and entertaining format. His experience is fantastic and his method is one to emulate. .

[@davidm1149]

Somewhat oriented more to survival/military (not that that's necessarily bad), but very good tips and reminders.

[@alecseekins7916]

Corporals corner 🇺🇸🤠👍 I dont think any channel or anyone is better then anyone. I watch them All. You get different styles , different techniques, different tools same results.

[@illhumouredparadox]

...watch more. There are way more knowledgeable and ingenious content creators. Nothing here you wouldn't have learned in Scouts or just thinking.

[@truck3696]

​ @illhumouredparadox I guess there always has to be that one guy. Good job on being him. 👍

[@irondog4379]

Andrew so glad you acknowledged "lofty" thats who i learnt from and he has never been mentioned enough on the you tube survival bushcraft culture of late. For me you have proven your knowledge at another level. Thank you so much for your hard work and time👍

[@treadheadpete4770]

I have been carrying small survival kits with me for over 40 years. I really like yours, and your approach to the topic.

[@chevelless7261]

Great video...i used the parang in the jungles of Panama....great blade....Freedom for all people....

[@MrMarkg1968]

I like what you did,making a small indentation on the top of the hexamine block so you could rest the lighted match on it. I would never have thought to do that.

[@k1e1n1t1o]

After 35 years someone has faithfully recreated and shown implementation of Lofty's kit! Yes as a young man had a hard time piecing together a lot of the items in his kit.

[@DaleJC]

Excellent as always. You always make the point to discuss not only the capabilities of a piece of kit, but also the limitations of the item. Know your skills, know your kit, know yourself and understand how it all comes together. Keep it up and thank you.

[@Christopher-cu7yc]

Great teacher of no nonsense and practical survival and thriving techniques, thanks again

[@shannonbarattini5772]

A lot of good advice. One thing no one seems to think or talk about. Is cut resistant gloves. You want to AVOID any unnecessary cuts that could lead to infection.

[@robshirewood5060]

@@shannonbarattini5772 Absolutely. I especially recommend them, being a medic, and having cut myself badly when fishing as a teenager, happily with no long term effects. A scar reminds me always to keep safety as a priority. Cut protection fishing gloves are vital when filleting etc

[@anthonywood7420]

Great video, the Fresnel lens is also good to read the button compass when you're getting on in years.😁

[@MrWhite-ip9hw]

With our armed forces relying heavily on drones these days, combined with cutting training programs like the pathfinder school. It's a great relief to this old Marine, these practices are being kept alive by our veterans. There's no school like the old school. Great video as always.

[@rogueraven7603]

Corporals corner gave you a shout out. I actually rediscovered his channel because I enjoy yours so much. Keep making them.

[@jamesquigley8628]

My first view of your work. Was sent by Shawn at Corporal's Corner. Thanks and Be Well.

[@willbedone888]

Corporals Corner sent me. Excellent videos, jam packed with information , by an easy to relate to guide. Thanks

[@jeremyholt4740]

Few suggestions. I always spray paint in bright colours any survival kit so that you can see it easily if you drop it on the ground eg I do not like the black whistle in the kit. Another thing is if you are going to drink hot liquid out of a metal mess tin put a small piece of gaffer tape on the edge. That way you won’t burn your mouth. I prefer not to stick anything on the inside lid of the survival tin so that you can use it as a signalling mirror. Lastly I was impressed by wrapping stuff like razor blades in gaffer tape- great idea!

[@randall.3189]

It's good that he doesn't talk down to people or sound arrogant.👍👍👍

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Excellent Andrew! The SAS Survival Handbook is a really good manual. It’s relatively small size makes it easier to pack or even put into a 1-gallon zip lock bag and kept in your cargo pocket. You must have found the only workable wire saw!! I'm glad that you mentioned using modern items to enhance the kit at the end. Best Glide makes great kits, I always carry one of their military pocket kits in my cargo pocket. As well as the Best Glide advanced adventurer survival kit in my truck go bag, it is a really good modern version of Lofty's kit.

[@johnkline5930]

Awesome talk today Andrew!!! Wiseman’s SAS Survival Book (the big book, not the pocket edition) was my first “real” survival book. The challange I had as a young man was trying to find Potassium Permanganate and the Beta light (remember kids, this was pre-internet in the late 80’s)…nowadays we have great alternatives to those items. I actually found a vendor that has the British Pattern 58 SAS escape and evasion pouch that Lofty illustrated in his book, had to buy it! I had a surplus Dutch aluminum mess tin, but recently picked up a stainless steel Danish mess tin (same configuration, just ss) keeping with the Pathfinder principals of have a strong container. Keep up the fire!!!

[@nositapotamus]

The big white brick.....this book was my introduction to survival techniques and lead to me to joining the military 2nd Batt RIR. 5th Res Batt.

[@thankmelater1254]

swimming pool cleaner...PP is cheap and easy to find, but you have to buy in bulk...like in a couple of gallons container for $60.

[@monlonlabe5016]

@@thankmelater1254 you can get small amount on various web site, no problem.

[@RenThraysk]

The Beta light was in the old survival aids catalogue over here. Guess they were less available in the states, due the regulations over tritium. They are still available, though command a hefty price new. Still nice bits of kit.

[@johnkline5930]

@@RenThraysk yeah, not common at all over on this side of the pond… but, with micro LED lights one can get a comparable light source equivalent… though certainly not as cool as having an actual Beta per Lofty’s directives!

[@jaimiehardy5652]

Great video as ever. One thing we were taught in Basic (British army) was to break the hexi block on your knee/rock/mates head, and spread the blocks slightly on the stove..increases surface area, easier to light and increases heat. We'd always dig in our stoves too for light discipline. Keep up the good work.

[@surviveanything4765]

The time and effort you put into your videos is appreciated. The peanut butter craving is real, I got down to about 4% body fat in ranger school. Sua Sponte.

[@nigelkettle7050]

G'day from Australia mate. Found your channel from Corporal Kelly of corporal's corner. Love the video, keep up the great work.

[@UnderDug1]

Shawn Kelly of Corporals Corner mentioned your channel, so here I am. First video seen was the SAS Survival Kit. Good so far. Subscribed and will go back and watch some of your older videos.

[@RangerSurvivalandFieldCraft]

Thank you! I’ll work hard to keep that sub!

[@mikegriffiths4300]

So many memories, John Lofty Wiseman a huge legend in the British army when I joined in 1982. The mess tins we used to clean with mud and then rinse with water. I remember being in the jungle warfare school and we had rations left at the end and we put it all in one mess tin heated it up and ate it after the exercise. The heximine stove and blocks are a smell I will never forget and it looks like your wearing British DPM trousers. I could go on but many thanks for taking the time to do the video and for bringing back so many memories for me. 💂💂💂

[@timmccarver4121]

Your videos are one of the only ones that I look forward to. I have over 900 favorited but that was culled to a grand total of 6 that I follow for good information and yours are in the top of that.

[@craigmacdonald4987]

Great video! ❤ Tip: you should cook/boil water in the smaller tin and use the larger tin as a lid/cover.

[@barnburner2475]

Good video, well done. Corporal Sean Kelly suggested checking out your channel, have to agree with him, your informative channel is valuable and appreciated. Keep up the great works.

[@larss337]

Good video! One small thing, no criticism but a tip. When using the ferro rod, hold the knife still over what you want to ignite. If possibly rest the blade against something to steady it. Then pull the ferro rod against you. This way the sparks fall where you want them. Practice this a bit and it's quite easy.

[@davidjacobs828]

John wiseman is the godfather of military survival instructors.

[@SandyVos2012]

Another thing tea bags (black tea) are really good for … stopping bleeding. Just hold against the bleeding surface, and let the acid in the tea do its magic. Learned that in the ER when I had a tongue bleed that would not stop. (Yes, weird to go to the ER for a bleeding tongue, but you do what you have to do - lol)

[@johnjones3208]

US Ranger thank you for this informative video. I can't believe a Ranger has gone old school SAS basics. I still have my equipment from the late 80s. Rangers may lead the way. The SAS "Who Dares Wins" always win. Ranger very interesting to see The MOD in England chose The U S Rangers to base the new British Ranger Battalion on. Keep your head on a swivel your powder dry and watch your six.

[@WickedgameC175]

RLTW C 1/75

[@dilleneldridge8273]

The ducttape with the fishin tackle and the razers was a great idea

[@cindyjean3208]

Be prepared… The will to survive… knowledge… And a kit… Indeed… Thanks Major, for another great video… Every Sunday , your video is part of my day…😊

[@robertevans8126]

Yes, because the Planet Nibiru is very close now, all of you must be/get prepared ASAP!

[@cindyjean3208]

@@robertevans8126 haha..

[@marcothiel4576]

I always enjoy your videos. Thank you for all the work you put into them. I like your style of explaining.

[@christopheverstappen2559]

great vidéo, I'm in the Belgian army for 32 years now, and Lofty learned me in 93 some survival skills before we went to Bosnia, still got my kit. Keep making up good videos, thanks

[@corbyheath]

Great info, I like the improvised fishing a sewing kits.

[@charlessalmond7076]

You walk it like you talk it sir. Much respect.

[@brentgilbert4208]

After seeing just the opening of your video, I went to Barnes & Nobel and bought the SAS Survival Handbook. After just a quick scan of the book, I decided that I will ALWAYS have it with me in a backpack or in the car. Great resource material!

[@earlelzy9975]

I served as a grunt in the Marines so I relate to all that you say. Thanks for this content.

[@bobpadrick7718]

Nice, Andrew. Starts with 3 more C's: 1) Constitution - our will to survive; 2) Cranium - the knowledge in our brains; and, 3) Copy - of our plan, left behind for others to find in case we don't return on time. Also hadn't seen the particular water filtering technique you showed. And, the fine detail that the large plastic utility bag should be orange was a nice tip. Good job!

[@watersound24]

This is one of the most comprehensive, well informed tutorial on the essential items needed in a survival situation I've seen yet. Also as well as keeping to the most essential items, its a very good demonstration of these essentials being put to actual use. Good Job

[@markkoehler5110]

I like the grass water straining method! That is a smart pro-tip! Thank you

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

Wiseman's book is one of the first survival books I ever read and it's still up there in my top 5

[@johncooper3171]

Hi great video Lofty my hero back in the day. Love it Jc uk.

[@ericathompsen8110]

I love the video and I truly enjoyed watching it thank you for making it.

[@mike-yp1uk]

So many great tips and tricks

[@thomasapplewhite8672]

Excellent modern day explanation of a classic kit. Well done!

[@josephmartin1540]

Been hiking for 60 years. Perfect! I do carry the blowout kit in West Texas on ranches 'cause hogs and rocks. Too many close calls to not carry these! Using the back of the folder blade with the ferro rod: yep. I've tried the too sharp hole on Spyderco Enduras... My favorite video/teaching after > 60 years over thinking kit...

[@monsutagema]

Beautiful day for survival videos. ☀️🌲🍂

[@martsec9330]

Nice to see a commando saw in use. People seem to have forgotten about those

[@simplefieldcraft]

The saw was originally used by surgeons as a bone saw for amputation. Works on bone works on wood.

[@martsec9330]

@@simplefieldcraft Interesting, didnt know that

[@martsec9330]

with the right branch, can be turned into a bow saw

[@sonny2593]

I have most of the equipment in your survival tin, but have instead of beeswax candles a couple of those trick birthday candles which reignite if blown out in case I need to start a fire during high wind. Great video 👍

[@randypennington4968]

Awesome , instructional !!!! RANGERS lead.the way . Thk4 ur service !!!!

[@WickedgameC175]

RLTW

[@chasepetty5659]

Good idea on the chemical fire 🔥 love it

[@qtrendsetter3853]

Also bought my esbit stove in 1986 at a German store. MREs back then did not have the warming pouch and it came in handy for the dehydrated pork patty. Ramen was also just being sold at the px so ramen and pork patties cooked on the esbit stove made it edible. Came in handy for coffee making and adding the coco pouch to the coffee. Spent lots of field time in cold weather in the woodline. Pershing II medium range nuclear missile unit 56th FA.

[@dukeeod1650]

Great video, I have had Lofty's book for over thirty years and never thought about putting the kit together. Awesome idea putting his kit together. thanks and keep up the wonderful videos

[@trangia12]

Every school should teach what you have been teach us. Thank you.

[@tass8495]

Great video! Love the kit content. Scout Ranger is where it's at and I love combining military kits with Bushcraft kits and ultralight modern camp kits to create the ultimate light solid kit. I add the kitchen sink from sea to summit for having water at the ready by my camp... Wash my face or teeth or clean my tools. Thank you!

[@kevinedward1234]

Andrew, great video and info!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Swamp water hot sweet tea, ummmm good!!!!!!

[@josephthennes4656]

Great video,thanks for your time. I just found you through Corporal Kelly. I used the French m52, I think that's the#, for my first grab-n -go kit many years ago. Great stuff

[@brucehicks733]

YOURE GREAT! NOT TO MENTION THAT ANY FRIEND OF THE CORPRAL IS A FRIEND OF MINE! YOU GO BOY!

[@jessepeters1737]

This dude has great content. Also, his voice is the best I’ve heard on KZbin.

[@ericdpeerik3928]

Did bro speak Americano, then make a milky tea and call it a brew? I'm proud of you!

[@OtherThanIntendedPurpose]

something to add to that brew kit would be Heinz cream of tomato soup sachets. I have a couple in my emergency kit along with a couple Herb Ox broth bouillon packets that make a decent meal in just a few minutes. the times I have had to use them the boost to my mood was almost as helpful as the boost of energy from the nutrients.

[@americafirst9144]

In the depression, people would go in a restaurant and order a cup of hot water. They would add ketsup to make tomato soup. If going for a day hike, you could always add some ketsup pkts. (in a Ziploc bag, stuffed in a metal coffee cup) to your pack. One never knows when a day hike could become an overnighter. Don't ask.

[@wmluna381]

A small baggie of acini de pepe soup pasta is light and adds extra calories. It's tiny "pebble" soup pasta. Cooks slightly faster than orzo.

[@matthewbrown6163]

Many many moons ago in officer cadet training, we were told to break camp immediately with no weapons / kit. I have always carried a Swiss Army Knife in my uniform pockets together with a lighter. 2 hours later we were debriefed about immediate response with grab & go pouches. You can have the best kit with 3 knives, but it will be useless if you abandoned it. It those days we wore the '58 Pattern pouches / belt kit. 1 Dixie (cooking pot) can hold most of your gear & double as cooking / water boiling system.

[@bricenwood3254]

Corporal sent me and I’m loving your channel keep it up

[@MasterK9Trainer]

I love the small kits that fit in a pouch. You put some of that stuff in your pockets as EDC items and you you can add a couple more items to the kit.

[@vicenterivera5693]

Very good information as always. Thank you.

[@duvessa2003]

Thank you for demonstrating the improvised strainer!

[@iankirk2543]

You make it easy to understand. Your way of teaching is very easy to understand. Keep it up.

[@KT_survival]

Superb video Andrew! Thank you for showing this kit. Thanks for the tip with grass pre-filter, very useful. Stay safe and happy!

[@cliff9057]

Great video as usual and I always learn something as usual. 🇺🇸 thanks.

[@denvercriss78]

Thanks for the upload man. I always like comparing the kits on your channel to my own and adjusting if I see something lacking.

[@nositapotamus]

Lofty loved his parang the blade of choice for a legend.

[@treerat6959]

Thanks for another great video Andrew you are one of the very best in presentation imo. I to have used the SAS type survival kit system and add or take out or update as I feel it's needed.

[@Diana-fw1bu]

Great channel. More thorough than most and I love your survival kits. Keep up the great work!

[@randallkelley3599]

Good book, Lofty Wiseman. Years ago I was sent to desert survival as a rep from my unit. I thought what the heck do we need with desert gear. (1974). Little did I know!

[@installtekzdotcom9777]

Been watching your videos for a while now. I also have a copy of the SAS survival guide and also a British army vet. This video had me smiling throughout

[@patricksweetsir9025]

Ty for your service and giving all this info. It is very good knowledge to know and brings back alot of memories.

[@Uhnonuhmous]

Bravo Zulu 👍. Thanks Major. This keeps getting better. Actually felt like I was there. Memories. Where's my caffeine transport? I'm going on a hike. DOUBLE TIME.

[@allendobbs8055]

I really get a lot out of Your videos. GOD BLESS YOU. Your a great teacher.

[@journeyman7189]

Awesome tips and tricks using the classic SAS kit. Really like that grass strainer idea. You mentioned pieces of the kit can be upgraded. That might be an interesting series. Upgrading survival kits or taking the best pieces from them all and upgrading the system with todays technology. Nate

[@davidcann6021]

I have to gloat, got my SAS Survival guide signed at a bushcraft show here in the UK :) John has some great stories about past things he's done, makes Bear Grylls seem a bit boring.

[@BEARivrman81356]

Bear was the youngest kid to climb Everest at one time, many in his party died on the mountain! Not boring!

[@tenchraven]

@@BEARivrman81356 Found the fanboy.

[@careybritton8021]

SAS Fantastic Book I loved the way you up graded everything Thanks

[@johndavis1625]

Way back when at Ft Devens we were taught that the left BDU cargo pocket was for your poncho and liner. I still keep them there.

[@mitchellsmith4601]

I don’t know why this guy doesn’t hack more subscribers. He’s teaching techniques I haven’t seen anywhere else.

[@travisodr6393]

Video took me back 30 years.

[@davidquinones4016]

Glad I found this channel! Luckily and unknowingly we have almost 95% same setup in my altoids kit. Going thru each and every video at the moment 👌

[@michaelcavender6883]

Another awesome video thank you

[@Seanoduk]

Thanks for another brilliant video! Great to see such a comprehensive vid on the full system, not just the tobacco tin. Looks like you’ve got yourself a nice set of Dutch stainless mess tins. A little heavier but far superior to the aluminium ones.

[@tenchraven]

Wiseman's book is a classic, and still one of the best. It's been following me around for over 30 years now- it's on the shelf about a foot from my elbow as I type this, along with Mors and Mears and Brad Angier and Olson. One grumble I've always had is his assumption good rocks are just around- a ceramic rod in your belt pouch kit is not that much mass, and adding a piece each of 800 and 1200 grit sandpaper to the tin isnt that big of a deal. If you're that much of a gram shaver, just the 1200 grit. It will just take more time. That, and three inches of hacksaw blade squared at the spine and end.

[@BrianM-44041]

All brilliant suggestions. I use two of those myself and I'm making a mini hacksaw asap lol

[@elisebrown5157]

Great video! The only thing I'd recommend adding is some sort of water filter, like a sawyer, or whatever works with your water storage system. (They make liter bags to fit the sawyer threads). Your water will be cleaner and taste better, which keeps you better hydrated. Plus, it will filter much more than the few purification tablets you have. I might also add some bank line or similar cordage in addition to the paracord. It's much smaller, yet still strong. It's useful if you need a longer length or are doing detail tying and don't want to try to extract the innards from the paracord.

[@wmluna381]

I picked up several packs of Extreme Notes at Lowe's on clearance. They are waterproof sticky notes for use on jobsites. The adhesive on them is heavy duty. I found them near the Tool World section where they keep the permanent markers, carpenter pencils, and flag/surveyor tape. I've thrown them in kits in place of Rite In Rain paper and cut up as strips to label seed containers. One pack includes 3 or 4 colors.

[@KirstenBayes]

Still a classic book and kit. Personally, I am a Ten Essentials kind of person, these days, but do still enjoy a flexible saw (the Nordic pocket saws are super fun).

[@lisajohnston6422]

Great video! I always pick-up some great survival tips from you.

[@monlonlabe5016]

Hello !! Well this video brought me almost 30 years back in time !! I guess I red Wiseman’s book maybe 50 times since I bought it...and like others I struggle to find several items to make my kits. It was and still is a very good book full of practical informations. It also shape the mind to focus on the important mindest in survival situation... Thanks you for that and also for putting "the" kit in real life senario. And again, thanks for taking the time to do it, I'm sure it is not easy between your "job" and your family but I do appreciate it a lot. PS I love the old miniMaglite, at least you are ready to get light in case of EMP.... The Inova Microlight you demonstrate is a good small tool too !

[@amfearliathmor9747]

Now that was a blast from the past like Duncan Dares...LOL.. See 'Duncan Dares Part 1' School Boys adventures with Bren Guns in the Isle of Man as well back in the mid 80s. The brew kits back then were freeze dried tea packets from the ORP 24hr rations.

[@oninousprepping]

In my survival tin I take a couple of instant coffee packs that come premixed with sugar and creamer. (And a bullion cube or two) Nice video. Thanks!

[@Jaden48108]

Nice vid. Always like your demos after explaining something. Helps with memory imprinting so you don't forget.