Top End Camp Part 1

In part 1 of this episode, i'm once again back in the Northern Territory and go on an overnight camp near a billabong which I hike to.. We look at setting up camp, water collection and crocodile safety, filtration and purification protocols.
Hope you enjoy the episode and thanks for watching.
Links to the products used in the episode can be found below.
This video is presented by Gordon Dedman, founder of Bushcraft Survival Australia (BSA), is an outdoor bushcraft survival school dedicated to teaching genuine and authentic modern and traditional outdoor living skills through carefully designed educational courses.
Gordon is a former member of the Australian Army 1st Commando Regiment and is presently a survival instructor in NORFORCE, an Australian Army Reserve Regional Force Surveillance Unit (RFSU). NORFORCE conducts patrols in the remote areas of Northern Australia, working closely with Aboriginal communities.
Gordon is also a Combat Survival SERE instructor (Survival Evasion Resistance Escape) and regularly instructs on RAAF Combat Survival Training School Courses in North Queensland.
Gordon has trained at and completed numerous Survival and Bushcraft courses and certifications worldwide at schools run by Paul Kirtley, Ray Mears, Dave Canterbury, Lofty Wiseman and Bob Cooper. Gordon also works seasonally as an outdoor guide in the NT, taking clients on camping expeditions into Kakadu and Arnhemland.
Gordon Dedman is currently the survival / bushcraft consultant for the “Alone Australia” TV series.
Fjallraven Kanken Pack alnk.to/e70gZnA
Dragons Breath Ferro Rod www.survivalsu...
Bushcraft Survival Australia t-shirt bit.ly/3J0U1Wv
Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottles bit.ly/3nSvys4
Grayl Geopress water purifier bit.ly/3EonOFb
Alton Goods tarps bit.ly/3en0VYR
Morakniv Bushcraft Black knife alnk.to/hDjqBEe
Leatherman Supertool alnk.to/3TUk6RC
Bacho Laplander folding saw bit.ly/3b8hXI0
Ultralight Hammock Bug Net bit.ly/3pbLRTf
Ultralight Ground Bug Net bit.ly/3p8muSi
Browns Water Filter 20L Group Bag: bit.ly/3H3ULrY
Browns Water Filter 3L Personal Bag: bit.ly/3HdZW8Z
Grayl Water Filters & Replacement Cartridges: bit.ly/3poCpfl
Pack - Karrimor SF 45 Litre Sabre Pack
Music Credit
Ainslie Shore - Alsever Lake
XEXSUQPFJON55JCS

[@Funkteon]

My brown Millbank bag has been one of the best purchases I've ever made - It has followed me through South America, Asia and Africa, and has probably saved my stomach and my expensive filters many times over...

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

They are a very simple, inexpensive and important piece of kit. I'm dumbfounded why the army is being so stupid in phasing them out in favour of more modern and "fancy" devices that can go wrong. Really makes the mind boggle. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Thanks for watching

[@Funkteon]

@@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia I'm not sure if you're aware of this, because it's not really something that many or anyone has tested (at least for a long time), but the brown Millbank bag is actually capable of removing far more dangers than they are given credit for... My wife and I are both biologists, and out of sheer curiosity we ran water that we knew had a swathe of bacteria that would induce vomiting and diarrhoea, and what we discovered was that the Millbank bag removed over 98% of it, as most of these nasties actually attach themselves to the sediment in the water. What we hypothesize is that if you've lost your ability to boil or glass fibre (eg. Sawyer) filter your water and you're less than 36 hours from safety, you can drink water that has only been filtered with a Millbank bag, knowing that you have reduced the bacteria and viral load down to a level your white blood cells can fight off for at least a day or two... However, keeping a half dozen water purification tablets in a tiny ziplock bag alongside the Millbank bag will eradicate any need for nervousness.

[@titotrueba3332]

Gordon, really enjoyed all the videos I have watched particularly this one I had to watch it twice since the first time I wasn’t putting enough attention since I was more worried about a salt crocodile appearing any moment 😂 kind regards from México 🇲🇽

[@thethirstygoose398]

Cheers for another ripper video Gordon. Big fan of the channel🍺

[@lukewarm2075]

Thanks Gordon no nonsense content thank you.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Cheers. It's my aim to educate rather than just entertain. Thanks for watching.

[@eric.ko.]

Production is looking great!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Cheers. It's a work in progress. Thanks for watching

[@nicollehanington6815]

Good channel

[@nickpear3822]

Thanks for sharing Gordon great video and very educational... I used to watch Les Higgins as young fellow nice to see someone doing it again in Australia 🇦🇺..

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

I grew up watching Les and later Ray Mears. Sadly Australian TV only showed the entertainment based Bear Grylls rather than the educational based Ray Mears.....I had to go to the UK before I found that. As soon as I did, it put me on a quest to learn as much as I could so I did all his courses as well and kept doing that around the world for a few years as I found the standard of bushcraft and survival training overseas a much higher standard than it was in Australia. A cross between Les and Ray is what I was after. Thanks for watching.

[@shipwreck3662]

You should join the upcoming SBS show alone. Could be an easy win for you! And educational for everyone watching!

[@Trav0m0f0]

Hey Gordon, great video! Really appreciate all the tips you include whilst keeping it interesting. The most valuable content on this platform is the entertaining and educational content that occupies your time but doesn't waste it, so great work on what you've been creating. I was wondering if you knew of any good places to bush/bushcraft camp in SE QLD where you are allowed to gather deadfall around the area and make campfires etc. Not 100% on the legislation around here compared to other states and territories, so any info you have would be awesome!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for your kind words. I'm not sure about QLD but State Forests are usually the best bet if you adhere to local fire regulations, be responsible and clean up after yourself leaving minimal trace etc. Sadly an increasing large number of Australians do not do this, either through lack of education, stupidity or arrogance. That's why we have more rules preventing people from doing things. If people were educated properly we would not have the problems we do. Checkout the State Forests in your area. Hope that's a help.

[@TheSillySwagman]

You made me bloody nervous when you were collecting water, Gordo 😂 But you know what you’re doing of course. Enjoyed the video, mate! See you on course next year. 👍 Mattsy

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Yes up there you have to be careful, but the area I was was ok as I had sussed it out pretty thoroughly and took precautions. Site selection is the most important thing. Cheers Jason

[@tywilliams6530]

Wow! I’m glad I stumbled across your channel. In 24 hours watched all videos. Your a tier one buschcrafter. Thanks!!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Hey thanks for your perseverance, I can't stand my own voice for 10 mins. Glad you are finding some value from the content. Please feel free to share with others who may also appreciate. Thanks for watching.

[@MTwoodsrunner]

Howdy Gordon!...top notch video...winter solstice here...cold and high winds!...I enjoy watching as always...David

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Summer solstice here...very hot and humid. Would much rather the cold as you can always put more layers on but only take so much off. Thanks for your continued support David.

[@budget-adventure]

Thank you Gordon another fantastic video

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

👍

[@waynemcmillan5970]

Well done Gordo.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

👍

[@trevorday7979]

Great vid Gordon! Bit behind the 8 ball with catching up on the viewing, but great tips on the long nose, short legged swamp dogs. 🤣 Keeps the adrenaline pumping when in those areas. Never been to NT, but remember when posted to Townsville mud crabbing traditionally with a TI mate. Gets the senses heightened for sure. Keep up the great work mate and thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and be the change. I hope your other viewers appreciate what you do as I do. About to dive into Part 2. 👍🏼🤝

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

👍

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

I enjoyed that 👍

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Cheers, glad you got something from it. Thanks for watching.

[@robsvidacc]

Great vid Gordo, those Grayl geopress bottles are one of the best and simplest water purification systems I have used.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Even though I'm not a fan of all in one devices and gadgets as I believe they make people lazy, this is a great and logical one as it's a water bottle, filter and purifier together. Nice and easy to transport too. Thanks for watching.

[@Barbzy]

I would like to see a comparison with the Life Straw

[@robsvidacc]

@@Barbzy they have different uses. I have both, the lifestraw stays in my work grab bag for an emergency. It is good but you must drink through it so filling a container with purified water is not possible. The Grayl is more expensive but more versatile. I use it to fill my other water bottle when I’m time compressed or can’t have a fire.

[@matthewvelo]

Thanks Gordon, great video. You've convinced me to finally buy a Millbank bag; I've been using a Katadyn Hiker for the past ten years and have had to clean the filter way too often from drawing from silty, standing water. I don't usually light a fire so boiling isn't an option without using a lot of cooking fuel. Again, thanks for the great content and always appreciate videos from local Aussie channels. Have a great Christmas.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for your kind words and support Mat. The Milbank bag is a great filter and will definitely save your Katadyn system. Course filtration should always be the 1st step in any protocol. Thanks again for watching Mat.

[@eturnerx]

Great Video. That geopress might be due a filter change soon - 25-30 seconds for a press. Great piece of gear indeed.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

The device was brand new. It was slower because I was balancing on a small log in an awkward position, trying not to fall off. A few seconds longer isn't a big deal. Thanks for watching.

[@kan-zee]

2:14 ...I've never seen that tip ever...with a mouthful of water on the face and hair. 🤣😂 Why not just soak up a bandana, and wear that on your head?? 11:50 ...when you saturate your BROWN BAG...ain't yah contaminating the bag also ?? I've never used these Milbank bags before. 15:19... This GRAYL Water Filter is pretty cool. It took just over 1min :30 sec to press that filter down. What Size of Grayl filter is that ?? 16 oz ? 24 oz ? 30:21 ...That is wild...One time I was hammock camping, and had to go to the bathroom...I forgot to put my hiking kicks up on my tripod...and lucky I heard the rattle from the snake inside my boot....It had cozied up inside..lol

[@dougallmcdonnellbarriera8947]

12:57 mins in a croc emerges from the water top left/right of the far left tree trunk. can see the ripple pattern and he pops its eyes above water.

[@kebabking7025]

Hey Gordon, thanks for all the top information on all things going bush, but I’m still having trouble finding good remote and legalish areas for this sort of camping. I’m in NSW if that helps. Do you have any tips and tricks for this? Once again thanks and have a great day!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Australia has become a pathetic nanny state where rules have been made preventing people from doing things which is a result of a lack of education and peoples general lack of skill and knowledge. If people were educated on how to actually light and manage fires, go to the toiled in the bush and leave no trace, how to "camp" and leave minimal sign and general environmental stewardship, we would not have many of the laws preventing people from interacting with the environment that we do. State forests are the best places to go where you can interact with the environment, there is much more flexibility with state forests than there are with National Parks. As long as you adhere to local fire regulations, clean up after yourself and are responsible you can use these areas which are many. Hope that helps.

[@davef5916]

Hey Gordon, what's a good knot to use for hanging the brown bag? Great video, looking forward to part 2!

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Just tie a thumb knot on the bight at the end of the cord so it makes a loop and just hang it over a branch. Make sure though that the bag is no higher than a foot from the container as otherwise the wind can catch the drops. Thanks for watching

[@MrWalko]

Great stuff mate. How do you rate things like the lifestraw and similar filtration systems. There are a few that look like they do a pretty good job.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

I own one but don't really use it much. You still need to course filter first though to prevent the filter in it getting clogged too quickly. I'm not too much of a fan of all in one devices as when they fail (and they do), you have no back up. People have become far too reliant on the gadget with no knowledge of what to do if they don't have it, something becoming more and more common in Australia. Better to learn the 5 water contaminants and the various protocols of how to treat them. I appreciate the question. Thanks for watching.

[@77FINNBEAR]

Hey Gordon. Been watching your content for the past year now. And have picked up so many lifesaving and valuable knowledge. If you had a choice of region and environment to survive . Where would you choose in Australia?

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Thanks for the continued support, it's great to know that the skills and knowledge I'm sharing is truly valued . Thank you. All environments have their positives and negatives but generally nothing too hot or too cold. A temperate environment is probably the best mix. It depends. Thanks for watching.

[@Karrijini]

13:05 somethin in the water!!!

[@shereefeatherwood]

A mini microphone attached to your shirt would be great to be able to hear you better.

[@user-he8qc4mr4i]

Why you did not use a hamack ? The crocs are all over

[@REVY01]

Hey mate do you think you could make a video on making rope using the rolling method, I've been trying for weeks but I haven't been able to have any success, I think my technique is wrong I also live on the Mid North coast NSW and I might join one of your course's cheers.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

We did a video a few years ago which showed the rolling method. Please see natural cordage parts 1&2. Thanks for watching

[@moorabinda]

Great videos however they might be better broken into 10 min each. Otherwise great Aussie bushcraft 👌🏾

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Everyone has different opinions on length, most seem to prefer the longer ones. I don't have a set format. It changes all the time depending on what I film. My aim is to have a mix. Thanks for watching

[@moorabinda]

@@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia no worries, whatever feels right. I’ll keep watching 👌🏿

[@neilcastell6951]

think your geopress filter needs changing, its not meant to be that hard or that slow. Eventually you wont be able to compress it, which lets you know its dead.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

The device was brand new, only used once. It was taking longer because I was balancing on a small log and it was an awkward position and hard to maintain balance.. They are a great device for an all in one device. Thanks for watching.

[@neilcastell6951]

@@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia I love my grayl, its a game changer. BUT ... i only put approximately 35L through it before it stopped working, even from brand new it was slow (over a minute to compress) I contacted them and explained, they asked a few questions ... then they sent me a replacement filter for free. So they are a stand up company to deal with.

[@bones_bn]

All the gear in your videos is always too-notch. You should do a video on gear you’ve bought and tried that was no good.

[@BushcraftSurvivalAustralia]

Noted, that's an interesting idea. It would be a long video as there is an awful lot of rubbish out there. Thanks for watching