The Hidden Woodsmen Haversack vs Raging River Trading Bushcraft Haversack

[@pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358]

I can't testify yet to the quality and functionality of HW gear, but I do know that my Raging River Trading Haver is already one of my favorite pieces of gear ever. Living in the PNW, all it took was a quick spraying of waterproofing and my pack was bulletproof for our wet, rain forest conditions. I appreciate the nod that Malcolm gives to old style packs in his design, but I am all about tactical functionality. I applaud both Men on making real cool and quality gear for people to be able to get outdoors and explore! Excellent review my PBC Brother!!!

[@BushcraftDave]

Right on Bro 👍. We can definitely see Dan’s coast guard influence, his gear is legit military grade and water resistant.

[@scarborosasquatchstation1403]

Bushcraft Dave : Great side x side review on the two Haversacks / The Hidden Woodsmen vs. Raging River . **First off I do not know who the two manufactures are personally , unlike everyone else on the comment section below !!!** The Raging River looks very rugged and durable enough to protect anything of value on the inside , including inside the two zippered pockets any documents [ add zip-lock plastic bag] should keep them dry , clean and intact ! The shoulder strap is heavy duty with padding included ! The axe holder is on the outside of the haversack , making it readily available in any emergency ! The workmanship including design with the materials used makes the Raging River an all-round best buy.... Plus the bed roll can be tied out of the way on the bottom , with the built in loops doubling up to act as reinforcement to keep your gear from tumbling to the ground , in the event of a catastrophic tear in the rough and tough outdoors !!! **Throw in the Lifetime warranty and when sprayed a coat of waterproofing , the ability to endure year-round use in inclement weather makes this Raging River your go to choice for haversacks !** The Hidden Woodsmen just on looks alone reminds one of a Sunday bag , only light duty for casual strolls to a beach or an amusement park type setting ! The material is lighter and the stitching is visible on the outside of the haversack , making it prone to rips and tears with any rugged use or abrasions from rocks & trees . The zippered pocket is on the outside front and covered by the flap , possibly leaving it exposed to the elements if not waterproofed ! The axe pocket on the back outside is not well placed , due to having the axe against your back and hitting your legs being very uncomfortable in the process ! No warranty !!! Furthermore the Velcro patch on the front will have all kinds of lint stick to it , on top of that the strap has a miniscule pad for shoulder support ! **The Hidden Woodsmen has no separate attachments for bed roll , and no side pockets that should be mandatory , especially given the size of this haversack is only a medium , compared to the large capacity of the Raging River haversack !** Thanks S.S.S./*Tom

[@BushcraftDave]

Thank you so much for the thoughtful response! Very keen observations my friend 👍 I share many of your thoughts regarding gear and how to use it. Thanks for watching and I hope to see more of your thoughts on upcoming videos. I’m working on a new video today

[@jonpatterson5668]

Probably one of the best reviews I've seen , great work

[@BushcraftDave]

Thank you so much! I just wanted to help out 👍

[@mfavia620]

Excellent review David. I personally own two of Malcolm’s haversacks. Allow me to tell you the story. About 6 years ago I seen Larry Roberts do a review on the hidden woodsmen haversack. I was really interested and enjoyed his review which after I got done watching the video I emailed Malcolm and explained that I wanted the “Larry Roberts Model”. That was when you could order it however you wanted,ie color mollys ax sleeve. As custom and as accessorized as you liked. Then about a year later I won another one in Kevin’s Adventures GAW pretty much stuffed with assorted gear. Great bags and from what I’ve heard Dan’s gear is also top notch. So thanks again for an awesome review and kudos to both of these men for their fine work. Oh and btw, welcome to the PBC hangout and look forward to talking with you there. Just been swamped lately with work. ATB Mike

[@BushcraftDave]

Thank you Mike! Thanks for sharing the awesome story and PBC rocks 👍.

[@libertyrogueoutdoors7369]

Awesome review! 1st - Hat's off to both Malcolm & Dan...I know both these men personally and they are both great craftsmen and friends! Either haversack will do and like you said...they both originate from the military bread bag design. I think it's great that there is more than choice of companies, features etc. to chose from. 2nd- price difference? Not sure if you mentioned? Either way a person couldn't go wrong by purchasing one of these fine bags! Great review...I feel this was much needed...I have seen post from trolls claiming so & so stole or copied so & so's design? Neither of these companies can claim that they are the soul creator of the Haversack in anyway...all one can do is redesign the options and quality of materials & workmanship period. I think if ya get big to fast you lose or sacrifice some quality and custom options....everyone is trying to make a buck in this world, we all get it....quality, reliability and functionality is worth every penny when you actually are going to count on a product and really use it for it's intended purpose. Great review and wish the best for both Raging River Trading & the Hidden Woodsman!

[@BushcraftDave]

Thank you brother! I really appreciate that. Great points you brought up in your comment I 💯 agree. I forgot to mention price, the Hidden Woodsmen costs a bit less, but the Raging River Trading haversack does come with the shoulder pad and two free pouches. These two men are awesome, providing such high quality gear for the modern outdoorsman. 👍👍👍

[@pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358]

Well said Alex!

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Great review. I’ve been wanting a Haversack for Christmas. I’m still torn on which one to get. But your review has helped me out a lot. Thanks

[@BushcraftDave]

Thank you so much, that makes me feel great 👍. When I find good gear I feel like it’s my duty to share the info with the community because I’ve learned so much here. I really appreciate that! Hearing comments like this makes its fun and rewarding for me 👍.

[@johnf7017]

This is the best review of these bags I have seen. I thank you for this , great ,in depth review. You helped me with my final decision . You earned my subscription as well. 👍🏻👍🏻look forward to watching your videos. Thank you for sharing..

[@BushcraftDave]

Oh wow thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad I could help the community that has shared and taught me so much 👍 we have an awesome community here 👍

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Great review I have the Hidden Woodsman black elite haversack and love it. I would definitely like to have the Raging River haversack as well. Good points on both👍

[@BushcraftDave]

We’re all very lucky to have such talented people making all this wonderful gear huh?

[@onetimeoutdoorsdj1394]

I just found your channel thank you so much for this information and I really love your leather canteen carrier do you sell them I would love to get one

[@BushcraftDave]

Hello there! Thank you so much for your kind words. I only had enough leather to make one unfortunately. If I ever come across more and make another one, I’ll keep you in mind

[@BushCraftBums]

Hey My friend! Awesome review! Thanks so much for sharing and stay blessed!

[@BushcraftDave]

You guys rock! Thanks for watching and commenting my friends! Keep making those awesome videos and God bless you

[@BrosephRussell]

Awesome review brother yeah they both look awesome great gear

[@BushcraftDave]

Thanks brother! You’re the man!

[@ukpiktonraq9811]

I posted almost a year ago on these two haversacks. I've owned both for a long time. If you watch my video, I'll explain why I prefer Dan's Raging River haversack. I also have Dan's backpack. But, you keep saying they are similar. They really are not. Different material, different sewing styles. Raging River is wider and longer. Dan will also back up his work. Even throwing from an airplane at 235 knots at 1200 feet high. No damages. I know this because my haversack got thrown out during a fire in Alaska.

[@BushcraftDave]

Oh wow, I’ve said it’s bombproof and it literally is. I still use mine heavily. I prefer Dan’s work for sure. Thanks for the added data, I’m sure this will help other decide. If you don’t mind, the next time I talk about it I would like to mention your story

[@ukpiktonraq9811]

@@BushcraftDave I've been so impressed with Dan's haversacks, that I've asked him to build me 4 more. They are still being built at this time. I'll be putting one in each vehicle I own and on my sled. I'm from Fairbanks Alaska. The situation of one being thrown out of an airplane. Crews below were running out of food for the night. I over filled the haversack, put a small streamer on it. Put the plane on autopilot. Opened the door and threw it out. I did also throw the one I got from Malcolm. It blew apart when it hit the ground. They were over loaded with Mountain house meals . Quickest and easiest way to drop light loads of food. Later that week, we we're dropping full cases of MRE's by mini parachutes. And shrink wrapped cases of soda's. Most of us pilots in Alaska do what we can to support our smoke Jumpers and ground crews fighting forest fires.

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

I really like both the designs of these haversacks. Both will last a lifetime. I own a pack from the hidden woodsman and it is bomb proof. When choosing the haversack I went for the hidden woodsman haversack because of the price. I was able to get a haversack on special for $55 regular $89. The RR bag is currently $138. Both are great durable bags and I dont think either would need a warranty because both products will most likely last a lifetime. Either bag you choose you will be happy.

[@BushcraftDave]

How do you like the new single strap closure? Does it hold blankets just as well as the old double strap closure? It’s great we have so many choices, like you said- can’t go wrong with either one. Both great bags made in the USA. Raging River trading is $99 isn’t it?

[@AdventureTimeOutdoors]

@@BushcraftDave I think the 2 straps would hold better but not that much if placed on top but if you wanted to strap it to the bottom its not as good. But I do like that I just have one buckle to mess with to get in and out of my pack. You are right it is 99usd I didnt realize the price I saw was 138cad. I live in Canada I guess it showed me the Canadian price automatically. I like to support the the north American market. Especially guys like Malcom that are active in the community.

[@BushcraftDave]

Right on brother! Thanks for the info on the new strap set up. Thanks for watching and interacting 👍

[@axerxes3981]

Dave.... nice review of the two haversacks. However, I've got a couple of questions. How deep and wide are the pockets on the Hidden Woodsman pack?? You mentioned the Mora knife... but didn't show it. I'd like to see it as I'm not familiar with the numerical designation. Showing it would have been helpful. Also, you didn't mention the approximate cost of the two bags! How do they compare pricewise?? Lastly how many cubic inches are the two compared with each other?? Thanks for sharing...... Ax

[@BushcraftDave]

I’ll get back to you with more into 👍

[@michaelbrunner6654]

I just got the new version raging river haversack. Spot on !!!!!

[@marodriguezsr]

For me, It's Raging River hands down, always, every day, and twice on Sunday.

[@Texo_McKevo]

I honestly don’t complain I got a hatchet from a family member (sadly with no sheath) but the handle is not wood it’s synthetic. I wouldn’t mind the raging river but I’m not to sure.

[@boylankooky8733]

Thanks for the update

[@troymanning3150]

Love my hidden woodsman gear! Never purchased anything from Malcolm that wasn’t top notch. That other pack looks nice, but my money goes to HW.

[@BushcraftDave]

I’ve had Malcom’s haversack and Rucksack, awesome stuff 👍

[@sperrinoutdoors7642]

2 nice wee sacks buddy nice reviews

[@BushcraftDave]

Thanks brother! I appreciate it I hope it helps anyone who’s deciding between the two

[@phyllismulkey3778]

both are nice

[@BushcraftDave]

Hi Phyllis! How are ya?

[@earthboundalchemy4795]

Awesome review. That Raging River pack looks great.

[@BushcraftDave]

Thank you very much! I appreciate you taking the time to interact with me. 👍

[@wanderingthewilderness]

All his gear is great. You see my gaw

[@lilz8848]

Of it's more than$10It's too expensive

[@ClaudiaGonzales13]

Hidden woodsman is expensive...they are other great options out there...

[@heyimstarlord6]

TheHiddenWoodsman Haversack is better.