Unpacked: A Ranger's Pack

[@saxonhermit]

Wow, no wonder Aragorn was so keen to go on the adventure with Frodo &co. Sam's cooking gear alone would make for better fare than he'd had for months!

[@damienlycos1319]

Wait so he lowkey a middle earth bum lol?!

[@thomassmith6232]

Don't forget, Aragorn would be supplementing his kit with plants and game.

[@ninjanieer6569]

@@thomassmith6232 he'd have run out of herbs and flour and oats at that point. thats just straight wild game over fire

[@PhoenicopterusR]

​@ninjanieer6569 Why would he eat plain game if he can forage for herbs and such?

[@flash582]

After 45 years of hiking, my only suggestion would be to add one inch to the diameter of your small pack… it makes it so much easier to dump out and pack up. Keep up the awesome experimental archeology and Reenactment…

[@hawk2million]

Absolutely beautiful kit. That cook pot is really special.

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Thank you!

[@ChrisOToole89]

​@@middleearthreenactmentsoc sorry this is an old video to reply to, but where might I find a cooking pot like that?

[@mcgee227]

Id like to find one too​@@ChrisOToole89

[@WolfStar08]

​@ChrisOToole89 agreed I'd be very interested in a similar pot too. There's a few I've found but they're a little too ornate or slightly bigger in size.

[@mysgvus1]

yes, can you reveal where you found that cook pot?

[@jamesarrendell9517]

My heart has been searching for this video for weeks now. So happy to finally see it. Amazing kit

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Thank you! Stick around; there's plenty more where that came from!

[@wisconsinkraut3445]

I might suggest a little bag of buttons and 2-5 patches for the sewing kit.

[@Jeudaos]

I'd personally have more 'dried herbs' instead of pipe tobacco buts that's me. Thanks for sharing! I feel like a ranger is a medieval mountain man.

[@blondknight99]

Cool, but I would have eaten all that by Second Breakfast!

[@utej.k.bemsel4777]

I may recommend a salt container made of cow or sheeps horn. Bone does it too. It keeps the salt perfectly dry and hasn't the disadvantage of copper getting verdigris!

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

The copper is tin-lined and food safe.

[@Morsoth]

Love this kind of video! Great kit!

[@57ezrider]

such a light it, and i love the pot,,so cool

[@ALEXANDER1318]

Imagine being on a long treck, and you have a moment's rest. You want to have a smoke; now you have to unpack your entire luggage because the tobacco tin is all the way at the bottom. I feel that the tobacco should maybe be in a purse on the belt or something. Since it'd be something you'd use often.

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Not a bad idea, but there are a few reasons I'm against this. 1. When I'm on a long trek and I want a moment's rest, I want a drink of water. I don't crave a smoke when I've traveling hard...and if I'm traveling, I might not know the area is safe, and don't need to add a rather distinct scent to an area while I'm taking a quick break. 2. On several instances in The Lord of the Rings, there are reference to having a pipe "with dinner" or "after dinner". So that's the logical reason for the pipe-weed being stored with the food; that's when it'll be needed. I don't think a pipe should be employed except at places of extended rest. Water, weapons, and fire-tools should be quick to hand. Everything else can stand to wait a moment to be accessed.

[@ALoonwolf]

@@middleearthreenactmentsoc Yes, when you're out and active smoking isn't something you often do, or if you've got stuff to do the all the stuff gets done first. A few sips of water and maybe a little nibble of some wild leaves or pocket snacks is enough. When you're settling down to rest at a campsite for a long time, that's the time for a nice relaxing smoke...

[@oldsoldier181]

As an avid outdoorsman and tobacco pipe afficiondo, smoking is generally an end of day activity. Smoking a pipe is, unlike a cigarette, an involved process. There are several lighting sessions to a bowl, as well as packing, etc. Relaxing with a good smoke at the end of the day is more customary than a quick stop for a rest. Besides, pipe smoke keeps away the damned biting flies, and they are most active at dawn and dusk (at least where I am)

[@himonightbreeze]

@@middleearthreenactmentsoc Exactly. I like to LARP and I don't get a lot of time to pack a pipe when I'm out looking for random encounters. That's an end-of-the-night, post-feast kinda thing. If I need a break while I'm out and about, my concerns are (in order) water, shade, snack. Hydration keeps you alive, and will typically keep me satisfied until I can get to food. Shade cools you off which is important in Florida's warm months. Snack is last because I'm never more than an hour or two away from a meal, and always eat before I go out. For snacks, I go for jerky, granola, or trail mix. They fit the character and setting, and won't go bad if I forget to unpack them after an event. Plus, I just really like them.

[@moorshound3243]

@@oldsoldier181 I'm more of a cigar man when I am out, smaller ones for coffee breaks & a big one if with friends while talking.

[@dwaynestewart411]

This was my first video I've seen of yours and it was awesome and I immediately subscribed I can't wait to see more from you all. Dwayne

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Thanks so much! More is on the way!

[@argument1582]

This video is not what I was after , but as a fellow recreational pack mule (backpacker) I think this loadout is awesome.

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Thanks! We're all after the same thing...we just carry our stuff in different ways!

[@argument1582]

I don't buy the pre dehydrated meals,I prefer to make my own for a better calorie (mostly from fats and protein) to weight ratio. Your food selection looked awesome especially the dried pork.

[@argument1582]

Also you remind me of younger days in the SCA. You've most definitely earned a sub.

[@alanrogers8535]

That was fun. like the pipe, iv never smoked and nevr will but it looks good. Going to watch some more of yours now.

[@moorshound3243]

Never say never.

[@ReasonAboveEverything]

If you try it don't puff plants from nicotiana family. It's one of the greatest pass time you can do and if you don't have will of a grown man you might just like it too much to quit 😑 . Rasberry leaves do fine for reenactment purposes and don't inhale.

[@moorshound3243]

​@@ReasonAboveEverythingor just hit up the navy plug

[@primafacie5029]

Impressive and tidy

[@DeadMeat991]

This was amazing. Safe travels, strider.

[@danwhiteman2529]

Awesome lightweight kit.

[@KarlRoyale]

I believe the copper in the salt container would corrode faster having been exposed to salt if there is any amount of dampness in the air. Copper gets a green tint that is unsafe and can be poisonous. I would suggest switching to tin, waxed canvas or perhaps a small wooden box. I don't remember the name of the "green" copper but if you look it up it is very hazardous. Like brain damage type hazardous. I only just discovered your channel and website and I am enjoying your content tremendously.

[@ilanj87]

Good point. The green stuff is malachite.

[@sky.the.infinite]

That’s what I was just about to comment!

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

All Copper wares are tin-lined.

[@ilanj87]

@@middleearthreenactmentsoc I really like that container, who made it? Is there plans anywhere? Great video by the way. I saw it after going to our local medieval fare on Saturday and have been back to watch it several times since. Keep up the good work!

[@utej.k.bemsel4777]

@@ilanj87 it's called verdigris.

[@johnnyquest5727]

Brilliant. This is so well put together that I can picture it hanging on a hook in your home calling to you to take it for an outing! Well done. Very impressive. I don't know anything about the hobby/sport so quick question: How do you carry water Or better question . . . . how do you drink water while on a mission?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Thank you! Our members have varied solutions to water carriage, with costrels, skins, and gourds among them. Likewise, techniques for water filtration/purification differ, but is one area where we concede to modern methods of chemical or mechanical treatment.

[@Scotch5ailor]

Love to revisit this series.

[@psubs2001]

Add flint and steel to a tinder pouch on a belt. Add a good knife to the belt as well. Need a water carrier so add. a wood, leather or pottery flask.

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

You will find these in the other videos of the series. Enjoy!

[@feartheoldblood]

Wow such a nice kit

[@aratanatar]

nice video...add a 2nd opening side to the storage bag and get easy into it from both sides

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

It has a second opening at the back end; it's just a tube. Admittedly, after trying to make use of it, I concluded that there's just not much difference in convenience and accessibility, and just generally stick with the one.

[@IodoDwarvenRanger]

nice, I was waiting for this to get on the MERS channel :)

[@mr.sharik]

Very nice!

[@jayaguilar2031]

Loved the video! But im hoping you'll do one on the elves of lothlórien. Id like to see your take on lembas & miruvor!

[@rickplayzyt6277]

You can actually find recipes for lembas readily available on the internet! I made some yesterday, I have no idea what it tastes like yet, as I'll be taking it on my own hiking trip come this morning. But it smelt absolutely delicious, so try it out :)

[@geektarded]

I’m pretty sure Aragorn used a Toaks titanium 750ml cup with an MSR pocket rocket deluxe stove

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

HA!

[@geektarded]

@@middleearthreenactmentsoc awesome video man. Your attention to detail is amazing.

[@MrTangent]

These youngin’s and their fancy, modern “ultralight” gear.

[@haroldconner2645]

Excellent. New subscriber.

[@gregmkay]

I love this video, and it is actually great real world bugging out advice, much better than I could have done, but where is the flint and steel and tinder box? Wouldn't that have been a part or would it have been carried separately, like in a small belt pouch.

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

There will be more videos covering other parts of this persona's kit. Yes, you're right...it's in a belt pouch. Stay tuned; thanks for watching!

[@hans7686]

All the food is in such small portions! If I was hiking I think that amount would only last me a day!

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Individually, each bag really doesn't look like much, does it? Admittedly, the salt pork was not shown at full capacity, but the others were full or pretty close. Thing is, you have to remember that most dry goods swell when cooked. Oats in particular go quite far with very little of the uncooked oat. The copper Gill "Ration" cup helps measure these out for meals-a-day to prevent overeating or running out early, and one can eat quite contentedly. Also, drinking lots of water really does offset what might otherwise be considered a "low" daily calorie intake.

[@christianmcgrath3813]

This is so cool!

[@derknopf8328]

Really nice inspiration for my LARP Kit thanks for sharing that. Is there a possibility for you to make a list of the Items and where you got them from? I am Really interested to buy a few things :)

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Most of our items are generally made by members, but we're looking to provide a list of our preferred suppliers in the future.

[@Vikingr4Jesus5919]

I hope Eowyn sees this. It'll help her with stews

[@justinduggan7023]

Awesome vid! Any chance you’d know where to purchase the cool pot/what to search for? Thanks.

[@ellisraynor228]

I would absolutely pay good money for a pack like that.

[@robmccann1607]

Similar to my 18th century haversack. Cheers!

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Wonderful! 18th c. reenactors are such a good jumping-off point to get into Middle-earth! Drop us a line if you're ever interested in diving in!

[@Cetok01]

No flint and steel kept in the bag? Charcloth or tinder?

[@Aikibiker1]

Are fire making tools (flint and steel, char cloth, tinder, etc.) carried somewhere else?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Yes; they'll be shown in an upcoming video. Thanks for watching!

[@Sheepdog1314]

no needles in the sewing kit? Firemaking stuff?

[@vyr01]

he forgot the needle, it was threaded into the fabric beside the spool of thread

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Fire-making tools are carried separate of the pack; that will be covered in a later video. Thanks!

[@RisingAurora]

Further, the back of a dagger and a flint you picked up on the road aren't a bad way to make fire for a ranger, who can't always rely on being able to make a fire.

[@captaincatastrophe5143]

Do you happen to have any links to where i can buy an iron pot like that? Or what to search to find one?

[@jozefkozon4520]

You got some deep latakiya or perike, by the color.

[@marksanders8028]

Where is the fire kit? Cool vid.

[@dag4321]

Great video! Can I ask what’s being used in the spice tin as a divider? Are they pieces of leather? Thanks!

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Yes, that is thick vegetable tanned leather cut at angles and stitched together as seen. The canister it is in is a tin Patch Canister from Backwoods Tin. Thanks for watching!

[@terrysmith4831]

Excellent vedio. I was in the S.C.A. for many years and I've done Rev War reenacting for many years as well. Much of the gear is the same as what you carry and could be easily adapted. How do you carry water? Do you carry a modern first aid kit?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Water is carried by this Member in an authentic goat leather wineskin, to be covered in a future video. Many of our members do still carry modern first aid kits, yes. A lot of that depends on where they're heading, and how long they'll be out, etc.

[@davidnieve6444]

Very cool. should double the food stuff!

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

This does not represent this persona's entire foodstuffs...only the dry goods. More will be covered in a future video. Admittedly, not all of the bags (ie. salt pork in particular) were completely full at the time of filming), but this goes a much longer way than you'd think.

[@davidnieve6444]

@@middleearthreenactmentsoc Cool, thank you!

[@taylorsteiner9273]

Outstanding

[@singinginthedark2786]

did not see a fire starting kit at all, how you going to cook with that pot?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

The fire kit is kept in a belt pouch, to be presented in a future video.

[@ALoonwolf]

You need a larger cooking pot, and ideally a larger cup. If you've been on your feet all day you'll want more than whatever you can fit in that tiny thing!

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

The cup is for rationing dry goods; essentially a measuring cup to ensure that I don't overdo it on any particular day with, say, morning oats for example. The cooking pot was designed and requested at those specific dimensions after trekking and eating out of a copper cooking pot of nearly identical capacity for eight years. Most pots have a lot of headspace that you don't use when cooking for one person. Trust us...you don't want to trek solo and cook for one person with an Iron pot that's heavier than this one.

[@mysgvus1]

I'd love to know where you found that copper salt container.

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Backwoodstin.com is a preferred supplier of all things Tin and Copper for the MERS. The salt container is made as a "Round Oiler", originally intended for oiling historical muzzleloading firearms. Either order it in Tin, or request tin lining for food safety. Thanks for watching!

[@vcqrsfdwc1987]

if a PL ranger shows me this kit during my DND campaign I‘ll rule that he's gonna have advantage on every survival check he makes.

[@moorshound3243]

That tool roll is great. How long can you stay out with that kit?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Thanks! If the food bags are fully stocked, the hope is up to a week without resupply or supplemental hunting, both of which could add on to the time.

[@jaymzwooten]

Where did you get that cook pot? I need one.

[@roberthutchison7806]

Hand made maybe?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

This iron cauldron was custom-made for Middle-earth Trekking by Royal Oak Armory. Pots of this size typically don't exist in the historical record because people generally travel in groups and share larger pots, but the unique nature of a solitary traveling Ranger in Western Middle-earth necessitated the build.

[@vampirevtubervixen]

Where did you get the pot and lid

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

The cauldron is a custom one-off made by Royal Oak Armory. Thanks for watching!

[@RandoCalrisiann]

Ya, I'd be carrying more food than that, and ya need a canteen. Flint n steel. Lots more kit missing there too.

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

There IS a lot more that will be covered in other videos which is carried elsewhere.

[@jayaguilar2031]

AND WHERES YOUR HEALERS KIT? I was hoping to see a small kit with a needle & catgut thread & an athelas poultice & maybe some clean cloth for dressing & bandages. I love to see a healers kit so if you've already done one please link it. And if not.....THEN GET TO WORK LOL. 😉👍

[@walnutfreak24]

What are the dimensions of the Snapsack?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

The Snapsack's opening is 8" across, and is 20" long.

[@sethwheeler3531]

Really neat kit, thanks for sharing! Do you know how much it weighs? Also, is there a specific reason for the rounded bottom in the pot or did I see that wrong?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

At the time of filming, a few things (such as Salt Pork) were in somewhat short supply, so the pack wasn't weighed since it wasn't a truly full load out. We'll remedy that as soon as we can! The pot is rounded on the bottom nestle into hot coals and have more surface area in contact with the fire. You can just kinda smush it down into coals and it'll make a bit of a hollow that it sits comfortably in. You can also, of course, hang it from the bail over open flames.

[@sethwheeler3531]

@@middleearthreenactmentsoc more surface area, really cool. Thanks for the reply, looking forward to future videos.

[@spook233]

The other advantage of round bottom vessels is that 3 small stones will make a level and stable base.

[@CiananPuckett]

Mae govannen! I have a question, do you have the specific names of the goods/where you got them? I'm trying to build my own Ranger kit (from my own fantasy world), and want to be somewhat crafty/realistic about it.

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

So much of this was handmade that it's difficult to keep track. Try poking around this page that shows a list of recommended suppliers of quality historical trekking supplies. middleearthrangers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=4161&sid=81df8b018d8ff4876417343c112b8a38

[@CallahansRoyalCommandos]

How do you make your salt pork?

[@colonialmustard8156]

Question do you think carbon steel fits into lotr

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Absolutely. Functional steel swords require a carbon content to be able to harden/temper and do their job, and have been made that way for centuries. Our modern ability to better control carbon content is simply a perk, but it's always been necessary to the function of a sword.

[@danmorgan3685]

You missed the sewing needle in your tool roll. I also didn't see a tarp or fire kit. How long does the food last?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

There are other items carried in other ways that will be covered in future videos. When the bags are completely full, as a few were not in the video, this covers a cooked breakfast and dinner for 5-6 days at present.

[@danmorgan3685]

@@middleearthreenactmentsoc Five to six DAYS! What's the calorie count? I'm legit interested in how so little food can sustain you for so long.

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

@@danmorgan3685 Part of it is that some of the food intake is missing. Not every pouch was full (Salt Pork, in particular), and there's a lot carried in the bedroll that accounts for on-the-trail food (ie. nuts, dried fruits, apples, bread, etc.) that will be covered in later videos. The dry goods don't look like much, but it's all about rationing...a few pieces of salt pork, a few pinches of dried vegetables, and a single flour dumpling comes together to make quite the hearty stew at night. Simple hot oats makes an excellent stomach filler for the morning, and it takes up so little space as a dry good.

[@danmorgan3685]

@@middleearthreenactmentsoc You're spot on about the dry goods. You should check about this hasty pudding recipe. While it's all about the 18th century a lot of it would translate well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3LIppaQfJ5rpa8

[@leonardwilliams8109]

Is the orange stuff for the bag in the pot fruit cake? I missed the caption for that one. Cool video!

[@MichaelBransonCoach]

Salted pork.. Mostly fat though. Would be better with leaner cuts as the fat will still go rancid. Watch the Towsends video on salted pork. Essential carry.

[@bf9494]

Where could I acquire a cook pot like this?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

It was custom made by Royal Oak Armory, but if you google small medieval Cauldrons, similar pieces will pop up.

[@tylerthegrimm]

Where did you get this stuff?

[@barbaramoran7356]

Was the salted pork exceptionally good? Do you have the recipe?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

It IS particularly good! We get ours from Turkey Foot Trading LLC.

[@mwillblade]

No vienna sausages or potted meat?

[@msaun43]

Do you have a link for that cooking pot?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

It was a custom piece made by Royal Oak Armory.

[@supercalia3549]

I am curious what an actual ranger would say about all of this?😊

[@The.Scottish.duncan]

Were can I find the linnin sacks and bags

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

@@The.Scottish.duncan we usually just make them ourselves, they are a great way to learn & practice handsewing basics before moving on to more complex projects

[@The.Scottish.duncan]

@middleearthreenactmentsoc ok im pretty sure I can do that i am good at lether craft so it shouldn't be to difficult

[@mrmicro22]

Throw in a bic lghter for absolute emergencies and you have a decent emergency preparedness setup. Better than most people have. No reason our passions can't be practical as well.

[@bluewolfadventures689]

It's almost my bushcraft kit

[@Blerdunn2618]

Pretty slick. Did you make the pipe?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Hand-carved by another member!

[@MrRideabighorse]

What did he use to start a fire?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Firemaking gear is carried separate of this pack, to be shown in another video soon.

[@joshuafrancisco3830]

Can you make a video covering how to make that salt pork?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

We're working on our series of kit videos currently, but we'll make note of your request for future content!

[@kalhammill3806]

unrealistic amounts of everything, fine if your out for a half of a day. what if its raining, what about fire making ?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

@@kalhammill3806 I'm not sure what your concern is about rain...this is a waxed linen pack, if that's the worry. As for fire, that part of this Ranger's kit will be covered in another video. Lastly, as to the amounts shown: No, the salt pork bag was not entirely full. A few of the other bags could hold a little more, sure. There are also other foodstuffs carried elsewhere on his person, including some perishables such as apples, etc. This is just the dry goods. BUT in our current world of enormous portion sizes and eating to excess, I think you'd be surprised to find out how hearty an evening's hot stew made of these ingredients can be.

[@josephmartin1540]

Fire striker?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

All carried elsewhere, to be covered in a different video.

[@thomassmith6232]

Total weight?

[@MBCGRS]

Damn this Age we are living in and soooo much unnecessary packaging...

[@Valleyreb]

Which suttlers did you get your gear from…

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

Our suppliers will be listed in the details of future videos, but the majority of what is seen here is handmade by members.

[@Valleyreb]

@@middleearthreenactmentsoc looking at the tins in particular

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

@@Valleyreb We are HUGE fans and supporters of Backwoods Tin & Copper! The Tobacco tin came from Goosebay workshops.

[@MiniSquatch785]

I say the one issue is that the tobacco is at the bottom of the pack.

[@chuckcrump9891]

Could you please list the bag sizes

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

The food bags are a mishmash, but generally 3-4" in diameter drawstring bags. The main food bag is 4" in diameter and 14" long. The Snapsack is 20" long x 8" across.

[@andrewbutton2039]

If i might ask, what are the rough dimensions/capacity of the pot?

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Wouldn't a ranger have some medicinal herbs, bandages?

[@RisingAurora]

I'd wager that would be on his person, not in his pack. When you need first aid, digging through your pack for the kit isn't the best idea. Since his pack is also tied to his quiver, and there are places weapons aren't allowed (looking at you, Court of Rohan) it would make sense his medicine bag would be someplace not attached to his weapons.

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

There are other videos forthcoming that will deal with unpacking other parts of this Ranger's kit not yet shown.

[@moyanolsk]

puro postureo

[@johnmanning4381]

Add some hardtack

[@piddlepooh2378]

First!

[@Volinkrien]

😠...Salted pork? 😀

[@colonialmustard8156]

You might like townsends or fandabidozi here on KZbin they talk a lot about survival with gear similar to this

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

We have long enjoyed both those channels!

[@damienlycos1319]

Where can I find a cooking pot like that?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

This one is a custom piece by Royal Oak Armory.

[@damienlycos1319]

@@middleearthreenactmentsoc do they have a website I could check out?

[@middleearthreenactmentsoc]

@@damienlycos1319 royaloakarmoury.com