Survival Instructors Gear Loadout for Summer in the Appalachian Mountains

[@trackerjacker0013]

Dan, if it weren’t for you I’d never have gone back in the forest and brought my people with me. To you, Dave Canterbury and Annie Briggs. Thank you, from the absolute bottom of my heart. My eight year old neice is spoon carving now, and my 14 yr old daughter got several merit badges for using ferro rods and a flint and steel kit I made for her. Thank you so much bruv.

[@GypsyGirl317]

Tracker Jacker that's awesome! 💖 🤗 I am teaching my grandchildren bushcraft here in New Zealand. 😊

[@krisbeck944]

Make sure you check out Shawn @Corporalscorner as well. He's one of Dave's instructors.

[@farmhouse43]

@@krisbeck944 Yes! Shawn is also excellent👍

[@gerardmartyn7596]

Years ago in scouting we were taught the back pack was a bag of bags. Kept things clean, and organized. Good video. Thanks.👍🇺🇸

[@xclaw01]

Really? Why would you need to keep bags in bags?

[@Patriot_Eke]

Added tip: Make the bags in your bag water and air proof. Then it makes the pack float.

[@wyliegibson319]

@@xclaw01 clean, dry, organized.

[@GypsyGirl317]

@@wyliegibson319 I totally agree with you. It keeps things easier to find and our brain stays calm! I love having my gear clean and organised, it makes the whole outdoor experience more enjoyable.

[@Occupuyourspine]

I use a roycraft frame with everything in net or lightweight cloth bags I can put a bag into the large bag or tie it on the outside a most variable system. I was in scouts too. 🤠

[@christopherfisher128]

It was cool to see you show your nail care kit. One area that most bushcrafting instructors do not talk a lot about, but is crucially important, is hygiene. Staying clean and treating minor issues will keep you alive.

[@Ghost_Os]

It's a tough universe! There's all sorts of people and things trying to do you, kill you, rip you off... If you're going to survive out there... You've really got to know where your towel is. Cheers to anyone who got that 🍷 Great video Dan 👍🏻

[@peteradrian9466]

It's the single most useful thing you can have with you

[@websurvivor]

42

[@onlyfromadistance7326]

Wanna see my spaceship???

[@Occupuyourspine]

You seem to be ready for whatever is likely to happen. 🤠 I use a roycraft frame I unpack & repack it every day just ;cause it is fun.

[@hermanhufnagel4242]

Dental floss is a good tool to have. Start fires tie stuff. Water proof.

[@walterpalmer2749]

Organization - a huge plus. Nice backpack items.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Great video Dan. My favorite light pack is an old military pack I got from a young nun at the abbey. I here ya about the fires. Thanks and take care.

[@RustyShackleford_]

"Don't forget to bring a towel."

[@camoman132]

That's what she said

[@charlesmurphy7712]

The hitchhikers guide to the universe..... the answer is 42.

[@3mparchangel357]

42

[@michalurbanful]

@@3mparchangel357 Anybody here fan of Vogon poetry???

[@PlayaSinNombre]

That Dan Womack is one hoopy frood...

[@donschamun273]

I don't leave the house without a set of fingernail clippers. Blame my dad for that habit. Nothing more convenient for trimming fishing line.

[@rangerdoc1029]

Or your fingernails....

[@officialswordmaster3069]

I once heard it said "you can do just about anything with fingernail clippers, except find them"

[@FERALDOG4]

I carry trimmers too. Just makes sense to. Takes up no space, weighs nothing but can be a game changer having one in pocket.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

@@officialswordmaster3069for some reason that just tickles my funny bone!

[@alanrice39]

I have that same Italian rucksack, absolutely ideal for bushcraft. If you like that old school type stuff(I do), it’s ideal. The long side pockets really make it. Placing a canteen, water bottle in one of those side pockets make it so easy to access and still plenty of room for more gear. No mods needed with this ruck. The front is already made for carrying a shovel. Also a machete fits great in one of those side pockets. I really like how organized your load out is. Thanks for this video. Alan R.

[@tdgilljr]

Thanks for helping me to get "unstuck" in my thinking. I have forced myself to part with gear that in reality, doesn't really work for me. I always appreciate listening to what others are doing, and my "load-out logic" becomes a lot less shallow.

[@billrivenbark8983]

I’ve got one of those packs. It’s a thing of beauty!

[@danielgrubb9668]

If you sleep on the ground during the summer in Virginia, you’re risking Lyme disease. Not sure about PA. Why not carry a minimalist hammock?

[@ryanclay959]

I am a retired military special operator, I did arrange for being able to take a lot of my issued equipment home with me. I do have the 1 person cot that has wooden feet that fold over with the 2 wood pieces that go on the ends for holing the material tight that you lay on and it is a bit heavy for survival cary through the forest.

[@iktmamafo2133]

Treat gear with permethrin

[@SouthernPatriot1]

Agree about summer in Virginia...ground pound in winter maybe but definitely prefer a lightweight hammock

[@moorshound3243]

Your gonna catch it if you spend any decent amount of time in the country side anyway.

[@ryanclay959]

@@moorshound3243 yeah, we all end up with a few tics is we are in the forests for a while.

[@bernardweaver2416]

I used the same pack for several years, and I ended up swapping the straps for Alice pack straps.

[@fluffnstuph85]

Definitely can relate to trouble sleeping without some form of sheet/blanket....yet finding the “Goldilocks” zone is tough sometimes...I also hate being hot and sticky whilst trying to sleep!!

[@bmphil3400]

I was sleeping in a hammock in south Panama....near Colombia....not Florida one time and it was so hot and humid I sweated through the hammock and it was just stuck to me like a nylon burrito......good times......

[@freeholdtacticalmed]

Woobie/military poncho liner. Been carrying one with a 4 point wool blanket And a 3x3 tarp…Great load-out Dan.

[@jonlavigne3270]

Your channel is turning out to be my most-watched channel for bushcraft/outdoors stuff. No bullshit, personable, I learn... plus since you're in PA and I'm in WV we basically have the same woods. I like these videos in particular because I need to know what to get for a pack.

[@Omerta1285]

Might be smart to keep your fire kit dispersed beween the other bags so as if something were to happen, you wouldnt lose all your fire implements at once.

[@hawkknight4564]

That’s a pretty decent Pack set up. And that shovel is an awesome piece of history. I use the cold steel one because it’s accessible. And reliable. I really like the options you have for your fire kit. There’s only about two things I would change. One of which you already covered would be switching out the plastic flask for a metal bottle. And 2 I would rap a tarp around my bed roll to keep it dry when I set my pack on the ground or just in general moving through the rain. And something a bit more sturdy if I end up spending the night in some heavy rain for a myriad of reasons. Great video man. God bless you.

[@johnswanson3741]

You are right on both points

[@Gbaum515]

I feel ya bro I'm 10 years into my kit and because of you damn experts I keep finding new stuff to switch out!!!😉😁

[@GypsyGirl317]

Lol 😂 I'm always looking at gear online after watching these videos, then reminding myself that I DON'T need a new one of this or that! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️😂

[@kevinthewanderingwoodchuck2586]

I know I'm late to the party here, but wow! Love that olite flashlight and grill! Never seen those before. As always, great video. Thanks so much my friend.

[@kachiri]

Whoa! That shovel is like 3 times the size of mine. But seriously, I just have a garden spade for digging... small, light, easy to pack and still gets the job done.

[@jayaych6591]

We need a “Dan’s Workouts” series.

[@cardiacbob]

Lift it directly over your head and let it settle over both arms to put it on. that's what we did in the Army with our rucks. goes on very easy over bulky gear, and you're not struggling with your second arm.

[@zaclapz4890]

The shovel chops really good too especially with 2x4s

[@billrivenbark8983]

I’ve also got three gum ponchos, a gum ground cloth and a gum shelter that’s 7 feet by 5 feet. I do civil war re-enactments and have camped in freezing weather. That thing will flat keep you warm. Great vid.

[@simonacerton3478]

You sir are a hoopy frood who knows where his towel is at. Well done. Hitchhiker's Guide the Galaxy reference aside Its good to sea nail clippers and tweezers and the like. They are small light and amazingly useful. Its far easier to be a tough wilderness guy when you aren't filled with splinters or suffering from hangnails. It makes you safer and with less risk of infection too.

[@jchambers1191]

Great job sharing what you carry. Impressive that you are carrying the same gear you did in 2001.... hehe. Keep up the great work!

[@sleipnir694]

That shovel is a really good piece of kit, so many uses.👍

[@GypsyGirl317]

It's a quality piece of gear huh, given its age! I love it. I still have some tools that belonged to my grandmother who was born in the late 1800s. They are beautiful.

[@boonedog1457]

A great Bushcraft Pack! I will order that Gimlet Tool. Great uses around camp for that. I would toss in a few 3" screws and nails, just to make life a bit easier out exploring in the woods. Nicely presented. I too organize my packs with pouches. In my opinion, it's worth the added weight. Thank you for putting this together. You are just a great guy!

[@VanishingNomad]

Arguably the greatest minimalist pack ever made!

[@joepublic573]

love the way you change things up a little dan. very good ... puts you into an 'uncomfort' zone again. nice. always an issue deciding what to take vs "what if" (lol)

[@danielebrigadoicologna8054]

As a former Alpini (Italian mountain infantry) corporal, that 1980s tactical assault pack brought a smile to my face…

[@blackwillowbushcraft5632]

That's awesome I have one as well that I've had for a few years definitely great packs

[@nemo6686]

"Summer *2001* gear load-out" - once can be written-off as a minor error, twice begins to look deliberate. Is there a code that I'm missing and does this refer to something other than the year?

[@deadmetal8692]

Right-on man. Back in the 90's an old friend used to call me a "gear weenie".

[@lucassmith2504]

Great idea on the little peidcure kit. It's never any fun digging a splinter or thorn out with sized knife.

[@danielfoster3564]

I have the same pack. Early 1960 Italian military rucksack. Lots of space. My favorite.

[@philliphill4763]

Another terrific video! Thanks for sharing all the knowledge.

[@XxXx-dk3wb]

Thank You. I like the direction you are heading . I feel positive and confident after viewing your content.. I think you describe, explain and demonstrate in a very pleasing manner. Coming across as honest, experienced and thoughtful. I notice all my fav creators are each struggling to maintain their own unique style while... padding their vids with expainations and disclaimers meant to lessen some complaints or negative remarks previously suffered... Please dont feel that you need to change for me ... We like you.. if some troll spouts negativity your way... glance right by and read mine... Thanks...

[@irfanahmed9112]

Hi, I noticed that ur all small pouches are diffrrnt then other you tubers Bush craft experts.Ur pouches are ordinary that easily available jn all over world that z freak nd impressed me

[@jeffarnold8425]

have 35+ years in the outdoors hiking camping etc . live in central new york . adirondack s is my back yard . my bag is alittle bigger , used it all year long . my sleep system is in a water proof bag w ground cover , i like the stoves you can use fuel tabs or sticks . all i carry for cutting wood is a folding saw . do have a compass and use topo maps . small first aid kit w nail clippers and tweezers . shelter is a 10x10 tarp stakes and bank line . i do set up shelter in the day . do carry a small fishing kit if im near water .

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

Nice bit of kit. I had this pack and added Alice pack straps they worked great.

[@oilburner8548]

Hi love the use of old quality gear rather than buying new and the little torch on the hat trick 👍

[@Twotoedfarm]

Waiting on that winter load out badly! You’re the man!

[@TheLittleBlue-Bird]

Man I am with you on that. I have so much trouble sleeping without cover. I could be dripping sweat after a 10 mile hike or a day working on the farm But I really only use one blanket or sleeping bag to use and It is thin but feels like you cover yourself with the fluffiest dog in the world. In the winter I love it and Its my best friend, but in the summer It feels like me and my sister fighting when we were younger. LOL can anybody else relate.🤣🇺🇸

[@philipvankampen3394]

I'm diggin' the butterfly hatchet.

[@cristianociotti1054]

That rucksack, dude, is awesome, indestructible

[@douglassinclaire9968]

I'm glad someone is addressing field hygiene. Your the only one that has, that I've seen so far. They even quit teaching it for the most part in the army, and its effects were apparent when I was inspecting VSO and cjsotf sites and manpower was affected by ingrown toenails and simple infections that turned sometimes fatal from improper or nonexistent care. Quickest way out of the fight, losing your mobility to nastiness. I saw athletes foot cause people to lose toes. Keep up the good work mate.

[@CampingwithSamBananas]

I love seeing these gear videos. I've learned a ton from your channel, Dan. Keep up the good work.

[@Nick-dt6ji]

Thanks Dan, good kit review, cool looking rucksack too. Loving the T6Zero by the way, it was worth paying the UK shipping on that bad boy.

[@JDTN1985]

Bought one of those packs at Fleet Farm about 8 years ago when they still carried military surplus in store. I don't remember the exact price, but I know it was less then $30 and has been worth every penny. I also found the straps too small so I replaced them with a set of Alice pack straps.

[@BrosephRussell]

Great gear load out that is a sweet Rucksack

[@p_rad7551]

Great advice. Great content. I felt you where very informative and enthusiastic.

[@pnyarrow]

Hi Dan. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe. ATB. Nigel.

[@tomasn3666]

Good stuff! Regarding putting in needles into that old match tube, beware of Galvanic corrosion especially when water/humidity is present. Rusty needles are no good!

[@peteradrian9466]

Is there a way to defend against that? Some dry-pack or grains of rice in there?

[@MrLiandri]

And what about a first aid kit? As a physician I believe it's a must. Thanks for your videos btw! Brief, but very informative:)

[@davidderr2662]

As a physician, could you in your spare time list YOUR first aid essentials. I hate over loading/overthinking this necessary subkit. Thanks.

[@MrLiandri]

@@davidderr2662 took some time to prepare text)

[@davidderr2662]

@@MrLiandri thank you Dr.

[@gaetzwarren8146]

@@MrLiandri Lame...literally if you dont tell me what i should have in a firstade kit.

[@MrLiandri]

@@gaetzwarren8146 Don't like my answer? Then make your own suggestion on the topic. Have no suggestions? Then get lost. There's a ton of material on the topic, just make a search. Making a first aid kit is a personal thing and the result may differ. Depends on how far, how long and where are you going to travel, how many people are in your group, chronic conditions in members of the group and personal preference to some extent.

[@joshuatall8134]

great video and nice simple load out!

[@db477]

I use the grill (large). I enlarged the round holes on the side 1 set each side, makes adding sticks and slightly large pieces easier. other than that very happy with it.

[@devinm9245]

How much have you used it, and how do you maintain it? I am super curious as to what you do with the coals and debris after each use seems like a nasty device to go into my personal belongings

[@thomasjenifer2468]

Are the same mindset you do boss keep it going you're doing great

[@ryanclay959]

I am a retired military special operator and I did arrange for being able to take a lot of the stuff I was issued home with me after discharged from service. Although I did get survival training, my first tim I went camping I took my Ruck Sack and after that I only took my Alice Pack with the Rack system and the wool pants ECT

[@troybranaman316]

Thank you for the video Dan!! I really need to go through all my gear !! I am a gear junkie and I need some of your gear lol ! Anyway thanks again for your video!! Take care and stay safe my friend!!

[@omecronrodneydheel349]

Hey thanks Dan. Another great vid to add to my 'tutorials' list. Also, Corporal's Corner and T.A. Outdoors share the top 3 spots with you. I always enjoy your vids and it's honestly heart warming to see you so involved with instructing your son in these finer points. I see you two in ten, twenty years building fine Bushcraft shelter together.

[@GypsyGirl317]

I agree 👍🏾 I really enjoy these guys, along with Alexis Outdoors at times in Canada, and Tony of AB Outdoors here in New Zealand. 😊

[@omecronrodneydheel349]

@@GypsyGirl317 that's great. I will check them out 🤔

[@charliemcdermott8823]

Nail clippers are actually also really handy for cutting fishing line, it really comes in handy cutting off little line tails when you tie your knots.

[@coydog6665]

Awesome video Dan! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and information on gear. Hate to see the Filson go…lol

[@UR2Compliant]

Decent set up, much respect.

[@pierremassie1528]

Love this old italian bag.small but handy.

[@Jaden48108]

I bought the exact same pack a couple years ago. More of a day pack than anything else. It's rubberized on the interior but I've never tested it in rainy conditions. Don't plan to either.

[@Whitebuffalo963]

Glad to see that old pack back after all those years in the garage sir!!

[@camoman132]

What model is it?

[@benharris7913]

That "awl" was originally a nesting screwdriver. Three sizes of flat-head in one convenient package. It looks like the big driver broke, and someone made something useful out of it. I've got an unbroken version in my daybag, and it's awesome.

[@WoodyAndy]

Great vid. Nice to see other people's kit rationale. Atb, Andy

[@rickfrench8905]

Can of bug spray, a couple clothes pins are always handy. I use small compartment size bags from maxpedtion. Works out great.

[@erichjalmarson6429]

Even in Afghanistan when the temp would drop to a cool 35f I would cover up with my woobie. I have an old military 64 pattern jump ruck that I use. I have been thinking of dropping the frame and just use the bag.

[@annpeet4334]

I use the larger UCO grill and love it.

[@Oneiromaniac]

Gimlet is something I didn't think of, that's a good one. Also a spice kit was a surprise bt makes sense, would last a long time & better food boosts morale.

[@throbinhood6930]

For my swag i carry a thick fire retardant wool blanket, thin wool blanket, basic thin sleeping bag, ground mat, tarp, space blanket, various cordage, various light weight ground steaks, small heavy duty plastic rods (for hanging things up without putting holes in gear), bug net, several compact micro fiber quick drying towels, hand saw and fire cooking steaks with a hook and grate for open flame cooking. Everything i ever need when settling in for the night. All neatly packed away and significantly compressed smaller into heavy duty dry bag.

[@bangurowned]

Holy shit I thought I was the only one using this pack regularly for my bushcraft outings haha. I love my Italian Alpine Ruck. Hope yours treats you well brother! Rarely see these anymore.

[@bangurowned]

P.S. I swapped out for the Alice Straps. Let me know if you need me to shoot you photos of mine! Game changer.

[@CityStick]

Where did you buy your ruck? I can’t seem to find one.

[@the_once-and-future_king.]

100% agree about needing a cover to sleep! Even if it's just a thin cotton sheet.

[@jesseherbert2585]

Been sleeping outside in the northeast on and off since the 1970s. One KEY item I'd add is a bug headnet. Makes a huge difference when you are trying to focus and biting insects are swarming you...

[@johnmabry9728]

2001?

[@samc12345]

He said it twice

[@86GT11]

He recorded this back in 2001 but barely uploaded it in 2021.

[@ACKMINDSEYE]

The shovel and the civil war tarp take you back in time. Who wants hardtack and scurvy? :)

[@86GT11]

@@samc12345 Correct, once per decade.

[@christophermontroy642]

I replaced my straps with Alice pack straps. Really relatively easy to do

[@paulmood308]

Same here. They fit perfectly on this pack too.

[@michaelmccoy7429]

I have the same problem sleeping without something covering me. Even if it's a sheet, gotta have something.

[@inkpenproductions3373]

2001 Summer kit! Throwback time!

[@freethinker5225]

I live in maine and have one of those shovels I haven't done the Appalachian trail yet but it's on my bucket list...I will say those shovels are surprisingly strong and I can split some decent sized logs with it, nothing bigger than 8 in. In diameter but they are little work horses for a 35$ purchase they are well worth it

[@popdebarker5796]

Great kit. Thanks for sharing

[@rogerburrows4624]

Yeah gets hot even at night where live and camp so something light along with a bug net . I still carry a LARGE knife and in the summer add a genuine machete.

[@ACKMINDSEYE]

This was a great video with clever product placement. TAKE MY MONEY!!

[@kgbear3662]

Awesome. I’m impressed. Where do you find those small canvas zipper bags?

[@GypsyGirl317]

I like them too, so I put "small canvas bushcraft pouches" in the search engine and a range of possible options comes up. Hope that helps. 😊

[@blackwillowbushcraft5632]

Check out his site. He makes them in house. I few a few of them definitely great bags for kits

[@jeffechols5302]

Cool kit love the organization

[@jeffclark4623]

I hear you, Dan, about PA rain lately! Northcentral PA here....we had 2 inches in 20 minutes over the weekend...

[@BHFDBHFD]

Great video thanks for all the good info just wondering what do you carry in your belt pouch also your a great Inspiration i got into bushcrafting cause of you and my kids followed suit great times in the woods with family keep them videos coming

[@brianblank4499]

I gotta say man I didn't think about finger and toe nail kit now I'm getting one thanks I use a knife yet the kit would work good fr many other things thanks for that one

[@mikelloyd106]

Ok, that was the summer 2001 load out. How about a summer 2021 load out. 😄. I knew what you meant to say.

[@cshirle3]

Dan's reliving his high school years!

[@russellwaide6291]

C'mon Dan Wowack. You may have stayed in the woods so long you forgot what year it is...🍻

[@m0rce1]

Old school gear lol

[@SouthernPatriot1]

Lol I caught that as well...I’d like to go back to 2001 at times...tho we knew what you meant Dan!

[@TheAvkdutch]

I have a flat pack grill it rocks and I love it

[@dannyhorn719]

Good job Dan thank you

[@OGBRADASS]

I was 6' 3" and 230, I then went Carnivore 9 months ago. Now I weight around 190 and feel like I'm 18 again! I'd definitely suggest it!

[@GreeklishOutdoors]

Awesome video. Really interesting to see your kit changes. You pack a lot into that little bag. I’m modifying a new ALICE pack for my summer/Autumn camps. Have fun 😊👍🏼🏕

[@Edward2092009]

A great video as usual.

[@dustinwestfall8710]

Ditch the shovel and get a ginseng hoe it's multi functional and easy to fix in the field. I live in the eastern woodlands in WV and I can say my load out is way different. I won't have any item that's single use. The fingernail clippers is one of the few things I have in my pack that he does.

[@grant72]

And now we're gonna have fun