Rucksacks, Backpacks, Drypacks and Pack Frames. What I Use for Load Carrying.

In this video, I go through the bags I use for load carrying when Backpacking, Canoeing and Wild Camping. Being able to carry heavy loads in comfort for a prolonged period of time is critical to the success of a trip - a cheap, unbalanced, poorly made, uncomfortable pack will quickly ruin your day.
I have a range of bags suited for different situations, activities, seasons and duration of the trip I am on. These are all bags that I have bought myself and I have chosen them based on the quality, durability and comfort offered, some are expensive, others less so and many of them, I have bought used to save cost.
I hope you enjoy the video.
Thanks for watching!
Links
Alpkit Gourdon 30l
alpkit.com/pro...
SealLine Boundary Portage Pack
www.seallinege...
Palm River Trek 100l
palmequipmente...
Osprey Talon
www.ospreyeuro...
Deuter Futura 30
www.deutergb.c...
Swedish Army LK35
www.militaryma...
Tatonka Lastenkraxe Pack Frame
www.tatonka.co...
Contact me at:
[e-mail]
Or by mail at:
Simon, a bloke in the woods
PO Box 384
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 9DB
UK
Facebook - Simon, a bloke in the woods
www.facebook.c...
Instagram - simon_a_bloke_in_the_woods
www.instagram....
Music:
Corncob - Country By Kevin MacLeod
Si Senorita By Chris Haugen

[@ritamilford3129]

The quality of your videos is so impressive. It’s like you’ve prepared your lesson, brought physical examples, brilliant graphics, fabulous music and a very direct clear dialogue. In summarising you show how you’ve used them where you manage to bring emotions out in some of us too.Top man.I’ve been following you since around 2000 subs and always look forward to your inputs. Well done.😍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😷🥰

[@mesmogruvinski]

Fantastic video. Thankyou for all your hard work in bringing simple useful information to my attention. Happy trails.

[@Kathy_Is_Blessed]

I grew up in theTennessee mountains listening to banjo music like that! 🎵 Enjoyed your video showing all the numerous Packs and Bags. It’s fun hearing you talk about your gear.

[@CraigologyReviews]

Fantastic video! You're a man of your word you are Simon. You said you'd make this video and you did not disappoint! Thank you for taking the time to explain everything and to add the links to find them too. Excellent job 👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Pleasure Craig! 😁👍

[@Quaker-sn5fr]

The best straight forward video on packs that I've seen. Nice one Simon. Pete

[@marjiecleveland]

I really like how the frame packs can carry other items. These are really good bags. Thanks for showing them all!

[@pachego]

I've been looking at the Lastenkraxe for a while now and just came across this video. Thanks Simon. There's no decent reviews on it and you've finally made mind up. Ordered it today. Great channel by the way. Keep up the good work.

[@alansteele3757]

Hi Simon, since I discovered your channel about 2months ago. Since then I’ve almost solely watched your back catalogue. Thank you so much for the quality & very informative information you go in to such detail, while explaining in your videos. Very easy to see why you’ve topped the 100k subs. Thanks again 👍👍

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Right so to add to the several Petramax Dutch ovens and griddles we now own I ‘need’ a frame pack :)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - sorry!! 😂

[@hazzardoutdoors]

A very honest down to earth trustworthy video and chap

[@eddiekeylon323]

Every time your channel pops up, I get excited bloke. Thanks so much for your time and energy put in for my pleasure! Very much appreciated sir. Always enjoy hearing your opinions and advice, seeing your travels. Your channel simply is one of the best. I wish you many happy adventures ahead.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Eddie!

[@rickc6726]

Thanks Simon, yet another awesome video! Many thanks 👍

[@keithshwalbe6981]

Great video Simon. . I bought the Tatonka for myself this weekend. So I've joined your club my friend. Your recommendation was enough for me. . Stay safe and well chap.

[@westflerchinger]

I’m a Suffolk ex-pat living in Queensland; your videos are a wonderful taste of (almost) home. I love them!

[@LawrenceCopestick]

I bought the new Alpkit Gourdon 30L recently and found it annoying that the top would open up while walking with a full load - I had no idea about the toggle, thanks very much Simon!

[@moorshound3243]

Hold crap dude you have a lot of gear. I like the last frame pack looks like a beast.

[@martinerhard8447]

The tatonka exterior frame pack looks awesome!

[@janwaller3585]

Great variety and uses. Thanks for sharing your experience. 4/18/24

[@mbrider56]

Nice one Simon 👌🏻 excellent info and more stuff to add to my wish list 👍🏻😜

[@colinhunter4915]

Excellent, and as usual...great descriptions, thanks

[@trentwalters]

Thank you Simon for all your videos me and my wife watch them nightly every night before bed you’ve got us wanting to hike more and do backpacking this spring keep up the videos and thanks for the stove ideas

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Glad you’re both enjoying them! 😁👍

[@duskhunter3803]

Kit junky heaven! I use a Karrimor Sabre SF 45 with 2 rocket pouches..awesome piece of kit.

[@randal1470]

Great video, a treat to get a tour or your collection! Seal line bags served me very well for some 20 years or so. Good stuff for canoeing.

[@amilzekria6635]

That stack of packs that did not make the cut was huuuuuuuuge!!!! Thanks for the video Simon, brilliant as always. Kind regards

[@187Finch]

Hey simon with regards to the plce webbing pouches the longer tab slides through the hole first and the smaller one follows behind to lock it in place. For a more secure fit

[@petersmith6974]

Hi. I have Shakespeare back pack chair with back. It’s similar to that army one in style and works fantastic for me on hikes. Nice to have a place to sit down anywhere

[@christinearmstrong852]

Thank you Simon..👋❤👍. We enjoy your videos

[@andylittlebritain7680]

Very informative video Simon. I always thought Berghaus were the first with the Airflow system. Looking forward to the next one.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Andy, Deuter I believe were using it in the early/mid 90s 👍

[@tracyl1368]

In the long run payingbthat bit extra means you not only get years of use out of the item but it quickly pays for itself. Excellent vlog, thanks! Hope Mrs Bloke in the woods and the kids are well! Stay safe!

[@WondersInTheWasteland]

Thanks for sharing, Simon! You and your gear are always presented with simplicity and practicality in mind. Just picked up a second frame pack today - an old american boy scout 'world famous' no.204, which pairs well with the other pack no.229 the 'kilimanjaro' both super thrifty cheap, and somewhere to start. Keep up the great work, we love your content! Peace & Grace Adam & Katey

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Nice score! The old gear was built so much better! 👍

[@juliegogo2941]

Well as a young person I had a dome tent, kept my gear in the car an old Chevy hatchback, ready to go. One weekend we went to the Calamus reservoir and river. Where we camped the first night, two great big Cabela's dome tents were set up. Now I think adverstisment no human activity around them. It became the dawning of the TENT ENVY. Now I can say there are many types of items to envy. It seems to be with me, the bivowak era type stuff. Including the corduroy pants. 1970s on....Thanks... fun and informative as always...

[@tonystrange7224]

Thanks for going through the various options Simon. Found it very informative.

[@ramtharthegreat]

Thank you, helpful timing for me. I recently went on a week long canoe trip, with 3 smaller SealLine packs. While they worked well, portaging 3 small packs kinda sucked, and decided to look for one big pack once I got back. I think something like that blue SealLine is my ticket.

[@leemccorriston2170]

You've got a awesomely wicked channel never bored during the lockdown, you're channel is a inspiration and you have my respect and admiration. Totally brilliant content, tips, information and you got a beautiful dog a real heart warming channel to watch never boring. I myself live near the Brecon Beacons hope to see you up there if you're ever around that area after this bloody lockdown. Keep Safe.

[@andrewforrest8592]

Great video Simon see them on line they are worth the money thinks for sharing info on them you and your family take care see you on the next video.

[@mildcamper5429]

Possibly the best backpack video out there. ;) Very well laid out multi-function options for many scenarios. Those new SealLine packs look especially good and clever use of those backpacking frames too. Nice.

[@SarahTree]

All nice packs! I only have three and two of them are very old they don't even have tags on them anymore so I don't know what kind they are but they work okay for me. Maybe I'll get some new ones sometime. Thanks for the good info Simon!😊👍👍

[@stuart6347]

Great job as always 👍🏻

[@markcummings6856]

What a thorough review. Thanks Simon.

[@mrp7421]

My new pack arrives Thursday thanks to your bad influence. Just in time for lockdown! We’re fairly local to eachother so if you see someone on your travels buckling under the weight of their new Tatonka, that’ll probably be me. Cheers and thanks for the inspiration.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

OH MY!! You can't just LEAVE TWO of them alone in the woods overnight with no counseling. I lived through the frame with airspace and the 'tight to the body' backpack periods. I appreciate your introducing us to the Deuter pack system in use today. Managing heat and moisture is a big asset in day(s) long treks. BUT WAIT...the very LAST pack is external frame and demonstrates what 'old time' frames with removable bags had to offer for load carrying. THANKS for a fine overview of today's market.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

@@MonicaOutdoors Yes...leave them for two minutes in a breeze and they are wrapped indiscriminately together. I changed to poly hangers.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

The Norfolk rucksack breeding program! 😂

[@allenchenault509]

Thanks for the review , very educational . God speed , stay safe .

[@LeeHobbies]

Great as always Simon. I've got a huge one of those thick, hard wearing sacks for canoeing and it's been on every canoe trip since 2005. It's been thrown on rocks, sat out in all weathers (you get all the weather every day up in Scotland where most of my trips happen), and it's still going strong. It got no carrying straps but it's just for canoe camping and I always portage with a trolley anyway. Even the yellow ones I got from Aldi are bullet proof. Thanks for the video as always :]

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

I love my deuter bag. Super comfy, taken it mountain biking, bike camping, commuting to work (actually saved me from possible paralysis as I was hit by a car off my road bike commuting home one day) it took all the impact and the consultants say I would’ve had a severe broken back and probably paralysis without it as I was bent backwards round the A pillar and the car roof caved in. Still didn’t save my pelvis from being shattered, but grateful that was the main injury. Since then I have taken up camping when I can, which got me in to your channel and Andy’s. Great viewing as always and a good insight.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Lucky escape Nathan! So glad it wasn’t any worse (although bad enough!) and good to hear you’re getting back out there. 👍

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@simonablokeinthewoods luckily I was strong also from lots of miles per year on the bike. Certainly taught me to change my life focus, change job to work for myself and make more time for me, my partner and our Great Dane Baloo. 👌🏻

[@RyanSmith-nd9vr]

Thanks dry bags always made me wonder

[@Kenbur]

great vid Simon - I have a couple of different rucksacks and haversacks now but watching this I realized that I need to really look into getting a sealline for a couple of trips I plan next spring. Just wanted to thank you again for all your videos and inspiration which got me back into this stuff when I randomly stumbled across you on KZbin last year and began watching your videos. So I spent 3 days disperse camping (you guys call it wild camping I think) last month in the woods sleeping in my hammock, fishing, hiking and remembering all the stuff I did as a teenager. AND I can still do some of that 50 years later - not as fast with the bum knee - not as strong - but can still do it. My wife just shakes her head but I am loving it! (am hoping to get out on an overnighter in two weeks to do some campfire cooking, but the snow has come early this year so will have to see if this old man can handle the temps and the hiking in the snow if it doesn't melt)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Ken! I’m thrilled to have been an inspiration! Good luck with the upcoming camp - bung a couple of those disposable hand warmers in your sleeping bag before bed - a nice little pre-heater! 😉🔥👍

[@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32]

I can attest to the Lastenkraxe, great pack did not regret my decision to get it. Especially here in Australia were water sources are extremely scarce I sacrifice some of the 80 litres and tie down a large container of water.

[@user-ng6zf5ke9p6]

The Caucasus is a nice place to hike to if you can get anywhere. Hope to see your video

[@hansschmid3937]

very well made video about your rucksacks! thank you, for showing this gear! 🙏

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Great collection that you have there. Thanks for sharing!

[@wyrdwulf]

Great video as usual Simon. Nice pile o packs and well done hauling all that lot for us. 💪 🥾🌲

[@AdamDitheridge]

Thanks for introducing me to Seal Line.... I'm very tempted by the Boundary :)

[@oddmanout98]

That’s great Simon. What a collection!! Seal Line look great. Will be ideal for my canoe trips with my Silverbirch. Christmas is coming! Thanks for putting the video together. Hope you’re doing well?

[@akif684]

deuter is my long time fav. i love them too much .

[@ScoutManSteve]

Nice packs, I have the LK35 and I have added the same side pouches and I have changed the frame to an aluminium one 👍

[@northwestolympics1683]

The "Sealine" large blue I bought in Alaska in 2003. Almost died at Lacante Glacier and used the dry toilet paper to make a signal flag. I am here due to that dry bag!!❤

[@zen4men]

As no-one has left a comment in 3 years, let me say "Well done!" /

[@trytheoutdoors]

Thank you. Great job.

[@utahjohnnymontana3373]

Now thats a pack collection. Having at least one good dry bag is important if you're outdoors in the weather at all. I use a Wolfman dry duffle--the opening is on the long side rather than the narrow end. Very nice and always dry inside. Great overview of the important features to look for.

[@geographyinaction7814]

Hello Simon! The Tatonka looks a lovely pack, and seems an easier shopping choice over the plethora of frames and packs offered by Kifaru, though those are nice too. I use my Karrimor SF Sabre 45, and the extra 25 L PLCE side pockets, or my old 30 L MEC Klettersack...lovely packs, the pair. Cheers!!!

[@philipwallis5587]

Hi Simon Great video.lots of information and varying degrees of technology..loving the tatonka.thats a beast of a pack...added to the Xmas list for this year🤞🤞...thanks for sharing your collection of packs..👍👍😀😀

[@wolf1066]

Quick thought: That setup on the Osprey for carrying hiking poles is *brilliant* - and is probably going to be the next mod I make to my pack... shouldn't take much to stick some shockcord loops on the webbing on the front of the straps and some loops down on/near the hip belt.

[@chombersSOpA]

Always a fun interesting watch.

[@janvaartjes]

Good review simon.

[@blister4walken]

Nice bags. Like the canoe bags and that giant frame pack. I adapted an old baby carrier frame to hold one of my larger packs. Works well for autumn/winter camps. I have loads of bags, my favourites are 90s vintage and my Berghaus Munro army pack. 😀

[@danielmartin9501]

Another top quality vid. Decent mate! I’ve got the DD Bergen which I love to bits.

[@elferroso882]

Aquí viendo tus vídeos desde México

[@eponaalbion]

The a frame packs looked awesome :)

[@wolf1066]

Awesome array of packs. I sometimes think I need to either get a pack custom-made or buy some sort of modular system that I can modify to suit my requirements. I like plenty of external side pockets (my _Doite Kados 60_ has 4) to hold things I may have to access on the trail - toilet kit, cooking stuff, coffee etc. I like to carry a warm top in the lid pocket in case the weather turns nasty, so a decent-sized lid pocket is essential for me. Main compartment needs to be big enough for sleeping bag, underblanket, hammock (with bug mesh), warm clothes and enough food for the duration of the camp. And there needs to be a large enough front pocket to hold the tarp, hammock suspension system and anything else likely to get wet that I won't want inside the pack with my sleeping gear and clothes. This is the main area in which the _Doite Kados 60_ lets me down - the mesh pocket is a bit too small. It also lacks pouches on the hip straps but that's not as much of an issue as I generally wear a small "balance bag" on my chest that can hold all the things I might want to access without having to take off my pack - lunch, camera, phone, sunglasses etc. I've sometimes thought of buying a drybag that could fit inside my pack but I generally just fall back on the large plastic bin liner - which will be fine right up to the *next* time I take a spill crossing a river and submerge the pack, and then I'll wonder why the hell I didn't buy a drybag.

[@lordwessex9553]

Great video Simon. Not being so well built and with increasing age I am trying to get the lightest possible kit that will do the job.

[@nseight]

As always , wonderfully done* Your patience & skills hold no bounds :-) No matter what subject you cover you have me fully engrossed. Thank you* :-)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks mate! 👍

[@bugnfront]

Great vid...I have gear from the 60's...wasn't much available then so we had to make our own. Over the years with new fabrics and rise in popularity for "back packing" brought new innovations ...which were well welcomed. The item that has lasted the longest so far is my dad's ww2 Army Duffle bag...canvas and the other is my Swiss Ski patrol Tyrol bag. For our "way back inn" bag I use a 80L REI frameless...it zips in half for full access and has two bags that hold my ski n poles etc. It is heavy but is tuff n simple and weather proof (hurricane). I would love to hear you do a video on materials...very few vids out there on that particular subject. Love your choice of gear. ...and Maggy!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Good idea! I’ll give that some thought! Canvas will always outlast modern synthetic materials - made to last! Cheers Al.

[@bugnfront]

indeed my friend. May your footing be sure on the trail and your campfire warm!

[@paultwood5170]

Nice video simon

[@NapoleonGelignite]

I got an old Hagloffs Alaska frame pack (they stopped making them 20 years ago) - truly awesome pack.

[@Surv1ve_Thrive]

Worth saying that one can buy packs of large sewing needles for around £1/$1 and big reels of nylon thread for £1.50/$2 that matches exactly any pack. Can reinforce stitching or make repairs easily/cheaply.

[@TheMudDiver]

And again a Great vid!! Thnx for uploading!!!

[@u4nature156]

I went from a Karrimor Jaguar GR-50 (older Karrimor), great pack by the way, on to find Deuter and never looked back. We have 4 Deuter packs at home, I have a older Deuter Act-Lite 40+10 which is none Futura system and the wife has a Futura 40. I did have a Futura 30 but what I don´t like about the Futura system is that it feelt like I had a "spring" on my back! You can feel the pack springing back and forth on your back a bit due to the arch made by the frame which I didnt like at all. I agree that for ventilation it´s great, or if you have a slight back problem but that´s about it. Personally I like my Act-Lite better, great pack if you can still find them. The other two Deuters are a SpeedLight 20 and a GoGo 25. For bushcraft I have a Highlander Pro Force 33 thats very comfortable and has some nice padding, and it´s good on the pocket! Love your two bushcraft packs! Thanks for sharing.

[@hippyswift]

Simon, cracking video. nobody needs to watch any other backpack reviews now, you've killed off the competition haha. peace

[@descattysBushcraftbydescattys]

Good stuff sir👍

[@natashaveganov8r]

🐾Dog is GREAT)))... Simon 🌿

[@barryconway]

very comprehensive and informative, ta.

[@markhaywood7307]

Nice Looking at a Tatonka Modulus myself. if i needed more capability the Lastenkraxe would be my personal choice,

[@bigfatpear]

i must say that i always like to relieve my bladder without disturbing my pack!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂💦💦

[@BobbiWeb]

Simon, nice selection. I would love to see a video of everything you would carry in the tatanka pack you showed last? Please

[@gdoldays9964]

Interesting video, well rounded pack systems. I noticed that Ferrino(Italian I think) also do a similar frame to your Tatonka one here. I'm surprised no one has filled this custom ' welded external backpack frame' void, that I know of anyway. Great content 👍🏼

[@thomasrichards2034]

24.56-25.00 was that smile for realizing what you had just said 'well built and comfortable' you've met my wife then!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂😂

[@AntSurviveTheNight]

Thanks for putting the links up to each pack mate. I’ve got decisions to make as to which pack to get for canoeing 👍. The LK35 is a quality pack isn’t it. You can fit so much gear in it great!. Thanks for sharing your collection 👍

[@solitarium01728]

Nice backpacks God blessing you brother

[@dorianblue4229]

Wow... just WOW. Cheers from Italy (after my job brought me a few years in the uk, i knew you're top notch especially in some fields like bikes and in fact outdoor adventure equipment, but you're even way beyond that. Absolute legend!!) I definitely need to check what brand are the long blue straps/tapes you tie the blue tanks with, and the long sleeve you slip inside a side pocket (with your bucksaw did you say? Sorry, foreign listener... :) that might be good for a little fishing in case...) anyways mate, just THANKS for this fair review. I'm keener to get my Tatonka now (can't put superbig loads on the bike, alas) :)

[@knucker4931]

Good video Simon. I like the look of the pack frame and the the LK35 has been on the possibles list for years. Waiting for my Berghaus Dart 35 to give up though. Currently it looks as though it might outlast me! Canoeing bags, I gave up on the fancy packs years ago. Too many failures. We now use NATO Deployment bags with waterproof bags in. 120lt, proper straps and squaddie proof. You'll probably pick one up off ebay for a tenner or thereabouts. Have a look, see what you think. Best wishes Al

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

If it’s built for squaddies, it’s built tough!! 👍👍

[@knucker4931]

@@simonablokeinthewoods but like my Pelicase, still not proof against shark bite, bear attacks and children under five!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂😂

[@OUTDOORALLY]

Brilliant video , just started doing camping/outdoor videos on youtube , hope to be as awesome as yours one day , keep it up !

[@allengrant]

I've had an LK35 for decades... still my favourite! TBH, I like the steel foot on the Tatonka to keep it off the floor. I might have to break out the welder. 🤔

[@Craigsoutdooradventures]

Great Video Simon. I have a modified LK 35 and just recently added a video on the kit I carry on my channel. They are like a Tardis it’s amazing what you can fit in them.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Totally agree, I’m sure they’re bigger than 35l!!

[@rafaelroman3867]

Cool video. What’s the name of your folding table?

[@laurensplompen]

The Tatonka set is 200 european dollars for the frame and 80 for the pack, which seems about fair. I believe I paid 275 for my 75L Osprey a few years back, so it's not a ridiculous price to pay for a good quality carrying system, I'd say.

[@l.v.i.bushcraftandsurvival6692]

Gave it a "Like" based solely on that Tatonka setup. I like that a good deal :-) Found the frame, but couldn't find the rucksack bag itself at the Tatonka website. Maybe make my own. :-)

[@1968hvr]

Like the Tatonka, never seen that one before...

[@monaleigh1862]

Maybe someday but I'm still using a 32 year old Alpenlite...tough as nails.

[@stuartmitchinson430]

Another great vid Simon! What make is your wooly hat please?

[@danielblanchard6487]

Thanks

[@stucooper8159]

Another informative video , woolly hat review next 😁

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Oooh, I’ve got a few of them too!! 😂

[@andykjohnsonjohnson7622]

Nice review video Simon 👍, So how long did it take you.Trekking all of those packs, into the bush. Hopefully you're back isn't giving you grief.