Spartan Tactics: WWII Gear Wisdom for Today's War Belt

In this deep-dive video, we unearth the practical wisdom of the past and its poignant application to modern tactical preparedness. Wranglerstar takes you on a historical journey, exploring how his grandfather's trusted hunting gear, utilized over 59 seasons in the rugged terrains of Oregon's Hells Canyon, can inform and inspire today's approach to tactical loadouts.
His grandfather's setup was the epitome of Spartan efficiency-centered around a battle-tested WWII web belt. This frayed piece of history, donned with a GI canteen, a trusty hatchet, and a magazine pouch, was all he carried. Paired with a modest canvas backpack housing only the essentials: a hunting knife, a skinning knife, rope, waterproof matches, aviator sunglasses, paper maps, and a homemade buckskin bag with a fire starter kit-it was a testament to minimalism and resourcefulness.
We'll dissect each component, from the worn web belt to the handcrafted buckskin bag, understanding how each item was selected for its utility and necessity. By revisiting the lessons learned from a seasoned hunter-soldier, this video will bridge decades of wisdom, drawing parallels with contemporary tactical gear philosophy.
Join Wranglerstar as we not only pay homage to a personal family legacy but also glean enduring lessons on how to streamline and optimize today's tactical war belts for reliability, efficiency, and survival. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman, a tactical gear enthusiast, or someone who appreciates the enduring wisdom of generations past, this video is an invaluable convergence of history and practicality.
Subscribe and gear up for a lesson in Spartan tactics that could only be taught by the generations who knew the true weight of every ounce carried in the field.
#Wranglerstar #TacticalGear #WWIIHistory #Survival #Minimalist #OutdoorWisdom #HuntingLegacy #GearReview

[@Beerguts]

Appreciate you sharing your grandfathers gear and your story , I lost a few generations of gear and war medals from the boer war up through to Vietnam in the bushfires in 2020 in Australia , the only things that survived were kepted in my car , so be careful where you store your precious items

[@negativefishermen9286]

Move to USA where you can own firearms sir! You sound like a good one

[@HavNCDy]

Sorry to hear that mate.

[@ericferguson9989]

My "battle belt" / hunting kit is similarly Spartan. I almost don't feel it at all. My first hunting trips quickly turned into a slog. Too much stuff saps you and most of it you don't really need

[@CainnechK]

idc who u are, finding something like that hits u with a wave of emotions

[@zr1daddy14]

I love your grand dad stories. You should do more stories about him. Sounds like a very interesting man.

[@patriotordinance9695]

Always great to reminisce and remember family . 👍🇺🇸🙏🌴😎🌴👍

[@rickmaudlin2160]

Sweet memories. I have young grandsons now, and I very often think of the stories you tell of how your Grand-Dad had such an incredible impact on your life. I am making it a priority to be the best grandpa I can be. To help the boys learn the character of Christ and to teach them to be strong men. Share my trade and pro-ho skills, how to be a good listener and perhaps share a bit of wisdom now and then. It appears they will need every bit of faith and strength a man can get for the times that are rapidly upon us. God bless you Cody, your family, and viewer-community.

[@tacticalbt1023]

That’s awesome. WW2 vets are some of best men to ever walk the earth.

[@nwoomer]

This was a great video. I lost my granddad this year and I think we have so much to learn from those earlier generations. My granddad was pragmatist. He was an engineer who loved new technologies. I think he'd be excited to see what's available now, combined with the good sense to reject the stuff that doesn't really work. So, while we honor our forebears, let us also embrace the new technologies they would have been eager to embrace themselves.

[@CincinnatiDan]

I love that you have your Grandfather’s things and you shared them with us. What inspiration can we take and lesson learn…

[@UrbanJedi]

In so many ways these story’s are beautiful.

[@kirkgallacher9144]

God bless you brother and your family. Blessings from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@spacedolphincorp318]

Your grandfather sounds like such an awesome figure; my dad is a huge hunter as well and i can confirm learning how to skin and clean a game animal that it will keep you alive when all else fails

[@01AceAlpha]

It’s such a blessing to have a good relationship with a grandfather. Being able to put your hands on items he used brings back so many memories. I am thankful. I miss my Opa.

[@Norfolk440]

I think the industries have became so much more trendy then practical these days. I’m a minimalist solo hunter and when you trek long distances for long enough, you learn to pack less. The more you know, the less you carry. Truthfully, you learn this from experience. Even if you think you know, you learn a little more every trip. Cheers lads 🍻

[@danielcox7490]

I really appreciate this style of wranglerstar

[@Popeye21]

I absolutely love this, I never really knew my grandads. One passed away when I was 4-5 and the other passed away when my dad was 15, both vets. If y’all still have your grandparents around, always make time for them and listen and cherish their stories they share with you.

[@carlzirk]

Glad you found the belt and accessories. Seeing the belt and canteen bring back memories of the same I had from my dad. I can remember the taste from the aluminum canteen years later.

[@mydogisbetterthanyours]

I remember that canteen taste too. Took it for granted don't have it anymore. Wish I still had it

[@wdtaut5650]

4:31 I used one of those pack boards...once. They were better than no frame at all, but pretty darn uncomfortable. 13:02 With an axe, a knife, a way to sharpen them, and a way to make fire, a knowledgeable man can live a long time in the woods.

[@user-po3mh4dy9r]

What a wonderful legacy! So few young men today have anything like this to reflect upon. Hell, I'm 65 and all I have are my own artifacts of life, and no one to give them too either. All of that stuff goes straight to a dumpster when you are gone unless someone sees the value

[@PanteraRockstar90]

Hopefully, it will end up somewhere where someone like me comes across it. I’ve put a lot of old stuff back to life because found it in a thrift store.

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

I’m in the same boat. It could be given away but, no one will want it or respect where it came from or what it represents. The times are changing and my time is short .👍👍👍🇺🇸✌🏻🙏🏽😎

[@user-po3mh4dy9r]

@@PanteraRockstar90 Yes, I have made some wonderful finds in old second hand stores as well. What is lost though is the story. I find things that obviously have many stories to tell, but the voices are lost.

[@user-po3mh4dy9r]

@@christinamoneyhan5688 Sadly, younger generations have largely not been taught the value of heritage. In fact, there is a movement afoot to turn young people against elders and everything they represent. It's nothing new really. Both in the US and Canada, native American kids were taken from their families and sent to "schools" where all ties were cut to their heritage. Our public schools are attempting to do the same things. There are also a growing number of young people who realize that they are being robbed of something valuable. Perhaps you can find one with an interest in what you have to share. I think many of them watch this channel because they understand.

[@joshcline8764]

The wear and tear on that belt is glorious.

[@tylerbrookshire8135]

Thanks Cody for sharing this. It’s really nice to get a glimpse into a more simple time.

[@brodystevens-ew9vo]

Day 76. Wow very cool. Love the history and memories. Its crazy how smart our fathers and grandfathers were

[@johnbridwell1244]

Thanks for taking us down a very sweet memory lane. My rememberances are different but have a sameness none the less. Thanks for having me along.

[@tajic1019]

I really appreciate you covering this topic. As a young man getting into overnight hunting myself I am always packing, unpacking, and repacking and trying to narrow down to what I might actually need and use. I find this to be a sigh of relief compared to the consumerism pushed for by so many today. Just the other day I found myself browsing in one of the fancy outfitter boutiques where the binocular bags cost more than the rifle and scope I go hunting with combined. Thank you.

[@jbman413]

The backboard was also used in Vietnam. We used to see them and buy them at Camp Depot. (Camp Zama was four camps during the Vietnam Era, Camps Zama, Saqumihara, Camp Hospital and Camp Depot). We lived on Camp Saqumihara. My football games were at Camp Hospital. Summer of 68 through summer of 70. Fourth and fifth grade I remember pretty good. Some things stay with you your whole life. Wish I could get one of those backboard today. Thank you! Apologies for misspelling. I will always love Japan and the Japanese people!

[@jbman413]

Ray-Ban glasses I been wearing them since 78.

[@Cryptum404]

Tbh it was more egocentric than pushed towards todays modern audience

[@bykrydr1380]

Absolutely appreciate hearing Grandfather stories. It’s more than clear the adoration your relationship with ur Ganddad. Your Granddad smiles down upon u and watches over u n ur loved one each day. I’m sure u r aware, however just wanted to speak kindly; u honor him with all u r and have become in his honor and his image. Respectfully, Dirty Nasty East Coast Maniac.

[@AC-01-]

Great stories and insight. They made things to last back in the day vs our disposable lifestyles. Always look forward and appreciate your videos

[@jerrybeeler-nv9ut]

yeah, they dont even look old used or dirty wow

[@bobdunn4179]

I have an old Bridgeport just like that, great hatchet and you never have to worry about the handle breaking. Excelsior! ❤

[@butchssurvivorranch360]

THANKS FOR SHARING THE MEMORIES OF YOUR GRANDFATHER AND HIS MINIMAL KIT... WE CAN LEARN ALOT FROM THE PAST... AND OUR ELDERS...

[@petesfeeder]

Thank you for sharing brother. Got me a little emotional thinking of my own history and mentors. Be free Much love

[@archiebunker3686]

Awesome my grandfather was my best friend and hero ❤️

[@TokyoCraftsman]

From the time I was about twelve , I used to go camping with my two cousins, we would go out for three or four days of camping and we would take a minimal amount of food and shelter. We had a large thick wool blanket each and we had a 8’ x 8’ thick piece of plastic we had rope and we each had a belt, knife and we had one hatchet, And what we called a Swede saw or a bow saw. We had matches to start a fire and a cast iron frying pan to cook in. We each had a cup, a spoon, and a fork. We had our fishing gear and rifles and would hunt and fish and basically live off the land. My backpack was a canvas rucksack a little bit larger than the one you showed, and it was also military surplus. Much simpler times in a much slower world.

[@benc2947]

My dad was military and a big hunter. His gear was all his cold weather military gear he repurposed. My first hunting stuff was what he gave me. If it makes any sense, I can smell this video. The scent of that old military stuff is all the same.

[@hiramhaji7813]

Thank you for sharing a great story and memory!

[@andyfishburn5009]

The sentiment you have for your grandpa reminds me of mine.... He was an extraordinary man who practically raised me.

[@kingsrule2555]

Thank you Cody. God Bless you and the family.

[@ricardorodriguez8469]

Thank you for sharing this part of your family's history.😊

[@seller559]

Great story. Nothing like a grand dad with a sense of adventure 👍

[@unfi6798]

Old school is good school. Long live grandad legacy. Thank you for sharing your great memories. Cheers from Australia.

[@lewistaylor228]

Thank you for sharing a part of your family history. I really enjoyed your video

[@jcnme]

Excellent Video Brother! Thank You for sharing these Beautiful Memories and Mine as well ❤🙏

[@tseals5248]

Nothing can ever take away those sweet memories. Simple but sufficient. That was my grandpa also. He was a sniper in ww2 he recieved the bronze star and the purple heart. He passed in 2007 and he will always be my hero.

[@nates2526]

My grandad was also very keen on offering leftovers All. The. Time. Thanks for the memory spark.

[@kheledkitt]

My pop had a lot of surplus gear, as he was a Scoutmaster back in the late 50’s through the 60’s. The pack-board was one piece of gear I dreaded having to wear on long hikes. That sucker cut into my shoulders.

[@stephenkuron6906]

Thank you.I really enjoyed this.The expression on your face really showed a great love.

[@darryllabine2750]

Excellent! I once put a bugout bag together that was so heavy I could barely sling it over my shoulders. Lesson learned. Minimal is better if you know how to use what you have.

[@keithstarks1433]

"my treacherous uncle...." 🙂 I have no idea why I found that so funny. Be well Cody. P.S. Your Grandad was the OG

[@Detroittruckdoctor55]

Packing light is a virtue

[@solanuskc4303]

Gear videos are the best

[@robertburke9920]

Bless you and your family and friends and followers.

[@paddington1670]

Great stories, i enjoyed living through your experiences, should do more of that.

[@SuperVonKiller]

Appreciate ya, brings back memories of my Ol Grandpa..

[@Drum4life]

The joy in your face tells it all! Thanks brother.

[@dougsnavely847]

From an AMHo to you the PROHo - thanks for sharing the memories. Made me think of my grampa from MO and the times we had on his farm.

[@ezk9026]

You can bring that hatchet back to original fairly easily, could be a cool video. Have a great week sir!

[@karsonbranham3900]

one of the best "gesr dump" videos ever!! thsnks for sharing the near and dear hostory with us!!

[@tonycox8746]

Cool video. Brought back memories of me and my grandpa. He was a coal miner here in Kentucky and he was resourceful also due to going through the great depression. Being from the mountains, my family didn’t have much but they got by the best they could. When I was a kid, me and my grandpa would make and set traps, go fishing, raise a garden, etc. His favorite pond to fish was by a cave and he liked to take crickets and we'd fill a basket full of big bluegill and clean them.

[@SisterShirley]

I learn so much from Mr Wranglerstar Never a dull moment I sure did enjoy hearing your stories

[@timmynormand8082]

Used one like that but had the shotgun shell compartment in it. I used it in the 70s 80s just brought back memories

[@Kankooro]

Thank you for sharing these stories. They are delightful. Its nice that you keep his things.

[@reedpeterson719]

My father was a Korean war vet. In the mid 70's my brother and I came across his Korean War Era Army issued canteen, and his web belt and my brother and I had fun playing with my father's Army gear. We never really got him to talk about the Korean War.

[@Skinnymoose]

As a boy in the 70's and 80's I remember using that belt, canteen and a similar pack.

[@edistoisle4906]

Thanks for sharing! What a blessing your grandfather was to you!!

[@MarkoMygun]

Thank you for sharing your story Cody ,it was nice to hear that you got to spend time with him.

[@gogetablue6771]

Your granddad raised you well I'm sure he's smiling down from heaven and proud of the man that you've become😊

[@Sanus180]

Your grandad is a wealth of knowledge!!!

[@jimcarter2570]

Nice to have that history and memories that you share.

[@Julian-bq9qv]

I just loved seeing the repairs!!!!! Great!!

[@justinturdeau2383]

I really appreciate this video. Reminds me of my Dad.. a search and rescue specialist. I think they would have got along based on that pack. Thanks

[@MaxwellBenson80]

That is a great loadout.

[@MrFlyrod7]

Thanks for sharing. A different generation that were the original minimalists, as well as fixed things vs throwing them away. I grew up on WWII equipment for camping. No Northface or Columbia back than 😊

[@mattrybacki189]

Thanks for sharing your memories with us brother

[@garageman_]

Cody would you ever consider telling the story of when you shot the charging bear? I remember you mentioning it a few years ago. Thanks!

[@Jenjo21701]

I really loved this video. I usually watch on my tv and can't comment but I wanted to get on and say how much I enjoyed this. The idea of the compass and in one pocket and the matches in the back is brilliant and I plan to start implementing that. Thank you

[@xipo199]

This was a really nice video. Your Grandfather sounds like he was a good man. Thanks for sharing.

[@lanenelson5517]

Love hearing that Elk story! I remember when you first told it years ago, I was probably 15 or so last time I heard it, and I'm 20 now. Reminds me a lot of my family here in Pennsy. Thanks, Cody!

[@tonybologna123]

Coffee went down good with this video ❤ thankyou for sharing your stories with us….

[@michaelnasser8697]

Good video and spot on. Many people seem to get caught up in the “gear game” mentality because they see this guy or that guy carrying it and think they “need” it. I prefer the KISS principle and it has served me well over the years. Thanks for the reality check.

[@youngguns1319]

Really cool I enjoy the old school stuff and like to blend old with new seems to work best for me

[@mikebillman8089]

Those Gerber knives with the aluminum grips were fantastic edge holders because of their M2 high speed steel blades. Gerber hard chromed the blades to prevent corrosion. Great knives.

[@harryburge9803]

Memories from the Greatest Generation!!!

[@paul7754]

Skills not gear is the secret! Anyone (like yourself) that has spent time in the great outdoors - especially hunting or fishing with an elder relative will have fond memories (and a skill set)! My Dad never carried a pack but he always wore his old army field jacket and carried his essentials in the pockets. I have his knife and rifle and am grateful for the shared times.

[@Grave_Digger606]

Really interesting, I love to hear stories and see what men use/used for different tasks and situations, so thanks for sharing.

[@Burdolski_75]

I love these stories so much!!

[@kevinwilliamlowe3050]

Enjoy all your videos. This one is special cause I was/ am so close to my grand father(s). It wasn’t your commentary for me as the personal reaction in your voice and eyes as you looked at your granddads items. Thank you for your videos from upper East Tennessee!

[@jwgbmp40]

Very cool. Thx for sharing.

[@robg8433]

Thanks for sharing...

[@joeyhinton8]

I really loved this video! I always imagine the stories behind old hunting and sports gear that’s hanging in restaurants and lodges as decor. Great to hear your firsthand account!

[@TravisMcKnight-lk7gg]

Bausch & Lomb also made military binoculars after 1942 in New York, with real prisms and the ability to be magnified and very clear and well made.

[@almadeckard8360]

It's funny your grandfather used sashiko on his bag. A Japanese technique was keeping life in old things. To repair the belt, add in some traditional Cherokee finger weaving, and then the belt can live on for another generation. Since it is from WWII, I recommend an arrow design for a Dahnawa Danatlihi of WWII.

[@kingscooby4191]

Thanks for sharing Cody I always enjoy story’s of you and your grandad

[@jw8901]

I did really enjoy this, thank you

[@jacobrollins37]

Always enjoy your videos. Thank you for teaching us great lessons and telling good stories.

[@ldcgalactica2196]

Hell yeah bro one of the coolest things u have shared.. all I need is my kbar flint rolling papers and a bottle I can survive anywhere lol

[@MonkeyMikeOutdoors]

Thanks for sharing Cody! That is awesome!

[@charlie65725]

Thank you, Cody.

[@simonthebroken9691]

Thank you 😊

[@paulwilson8672]

Thanks for sharing. Nice family story.

[@Pattern51lover]

I loved this video. Cool kit, great story’s, and little bit of History. Keep up the good work

[@OEF_Vet_0331]

Thank you for sharing! This was so exciting to see. I absolutely love this

[@uncleallen09]

My farther was a General Contractor and the vast amount of his tools fit in a 22 inch red toolbox ,He built homes did remoldels and room additions all with A Skilsaw his work belt hammer ect,, and tape , Today they come with truck loads of tools and it takes twice the time to do the same job