Unpacked: A Ranger's Bedroll

Sleeping on the ground is one of the most challenging facets of Wandering the Wilds for a Ranger born in the modern era, but carrying the right tools to do it well doesn't have to be difficult. Here, we unpack and explore the contents and method for carrying a highly efficient Ranger's bedroll.

[@michaelmadgod3626]

I'm so happy I found this channel, I'm an avid bushcrafter and I love doing things in a more primitive fashion, and then on top of that, I absolutely love fantasy. This melds all my worlds

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Many of us got into the hobby for just these reasons. Welcome! We have a Facebook page for our society, but if you want to take a deep dive into re-creating Middle-earth, take a look at Middleearthrangers.org It's a super-welcoming forum community that our Society participates in. Thanks for watching!

[@susanp.collins7834]

Couldn't agree more! However, I'd be careful using the term 'primitive'. A great many so-called 'primitive' civilisations - including the Neanderthals - possessed some astonishingly sophisticated technology.

[@johnnyquest5727]

I love hiking with bedrolls. Australians developed a technique of tying a bag to it and letting the bag hang in the front. Does a great job of balancing the weight. Coolest thing about a bedroll is that when you take it apart to open it, all the parts can be used around camp. I think that's the ultimate test of "primitive" . . . . everything serves multiple purposes.

[@Scotch5ailor]

Great addition to the growing library. Well done and looking forward to more!

[@colonialmustard8156]

keep up the good work guys

[@miken7629]

Just found something different as bedroll. Bought a 80-82 inch "Waterproof Dog Blanket" on Amazon, folded it lengthwise in thirds so I have two layers on top, one on bottom, then added 5 stitches at foot end to keep it together. Stuck a torso size pad inside it for ground insulation and inflatable pillow. This makes a minimalist bedroll that I can lay on wet ground, could even get rained on but I would use a tarp or poncho for rain cover.

[@brianhowe201]

Interesting. Thanks for the tip!

[@bf9494]

Thank you for the great content! I hope in the near future you all can produce some type of reenactment film of a trek filled with adventure! 8-)

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Thank you! We already have several treks, one recent, up on our channel! More in the future!

[@shadygremlin9702]

well met Ranger

[@kevinroche3334]

I would have the waxed linen bag outside the blanket to keep it dry.

[@robertdawkins]

Excellent video!

[@soggypard]

Where has this been all my life?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

So glad you like what we're up to! Stick around; there's more on the way!

[@jeffandthings77]

The belt/rope tumpline is inspired, and I'll definitely be storing that idea away!

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Glad you like it! It was super easy to splice up with 3-strand hemp rope...a $3 solution to a $1k problem! Thanks for watching!

[@SBStudiofilms]

Hey guys. I really love your videos and can't wait for your next post. Keep up the great work! 💚

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Thank you! More is on the way!

[@beardedgent3609]

Great video, as always!

[@tomm2812]

I will need to go through my primitive pack circa 200 AD to 1799. Been a couple of years. Best

[@jesterknight6073]

Ok so i have watched all of the ranger videos and i would like to know where do you guys find all this stuff or do you make them

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

The vast majority of what you've seen in this particular Ranger kit was made by the user/wearer or other society members/close friends. There aren't hardly any pieces in this kit that are off-the-shelf...most is custom one-off handmade in nature.

[@J3N2]

Where did you get that blanket? I’ve been searching for somethings like that but only find synthetic blends repros

[@terrysmith4831]

Another great vedio. You carry the bareist minimum of gear. Do you carry things like a knife, fire kit, eating gear, canteen and such on your person or in a haver sac?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

This particular kit has a number of videos up now that detail where knives, cooking gear, other food, etc. are carried. Feel free to look through our library for "Unpacked" videos that reference Rangers! There's still a bit more to come before it's all been shown, but a lot can be learned from what's already up. Thanks for watching!

[@Ozarkwonderer]

Very cool. Basic and simple. However, what might you consider adding as far as a rain cover for a kit like this?. A cloak that could double as a tarp...a bit of wax canvas or oilcloth..... I'm wondering wat would be practical yet not be so overly heavy

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Some folks carry tarps for this sort of thing...I do not. There's very little that can be made using historically appropriate materials that's not prohibitively heavy. My cloak has been waterproofed-ish with lanolins, but it really just helps the rain bead off...it's not enough to use as a shelter. It's a garment, not a tarp. I prefer natural shelters and bush-built coverage. Years ago, I tried the whole "cloak as a shelter tarp" thing with a treated canvas cloak...and I don't recommend it for anyone. I don't like the idea of wearing something that was used as a shelter, as it's more likely to get you wet/cold than it is to he helpful. Shelter tarps often collect condensation on the underside, and historically based materials will almost always still absorb *some* moisture, making them even more heavy for carrying the next day. It's just one of the places where modern bushcraft concepts don't cross over into historical trekking.

[@bllp]

Great video. Do you carry a separate weatherproof cloak or do you use the blanket as the main cover from heavy weather too?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

My wool cloak has been treated with a lanolin solution, which helps noticeably during rain on-the-to, but I personally do not carry a shelter tarp, but rather prefer building shelters from natural materials to save on weight.

[@jr-f2354]

@@middleearthreenactmentsoc That would make an interesting video!

[@jayaguilar2031]

I feel like weve seen this already.

[@LegioCorvus.]

We haven’t

[@susanp.collins7834]

Your 'ranger' is making an unacceptable level of noise...