What to pack when you go off-the-grid - a look at Orvis Bug-out Backpack and Chest Pack

[@TimIrvin]

I'm 65. Psoriatic Arthritis has taken my hands. They've amputated my toes. I rode this chair for ten years and the VA had me on 27 pills a day. Then I saw your channel. I got the Medical Marijuana Card and on May 8th I flushed the pharmaceuticals. 4 days of HARD withdrawal followed by a week or two of lighter withdrawal but today I'm 80 pounds lighter (40 more to go), I've been walking since June, we've sold our house, we're moving Friday and next week, the Good Lord willing, I'm going fishing. I want a Kayak so I'll need fresh inspiration soon! HA! My wife wouldn't let me near one. Great Series! Great Channel! Can't wait for more! Thank you, Sir!

[@LooknFishy]

Wow man, that's some serious stuff! I'm still fishing but this series doesn't end until Dec. I recorded this on my last day and but shared it sooner since there was so much interest. Next part in the Idaho stop will be up Thursday!

[@louied6065]

Thank you for serving our country 👍

[@indyplanted]

That’s enough inspiration for 1000 people! Wow. Just wow!

[@Curtee420]

You sir are the definition of a hero! Thank you for your service! God will bless you.

[@williamparker6649]

@@LooknFishy Thank you for the reply!

[@stephaniedurham5010]

Drew, you are the epitome of just GETTING OUT THERE AND DOING IT! I am impressed, jealous, and inspired!!! Thank you for your beautiful videos

[@LooknFishy]

Happy to share and thank u for the good vibes!

[@jeffersonstowers5321]

Drew, you’re living the life the rest of us daydream about. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@LooknFishy]

Happy to share!

[@williamwojcieszek4320]

You’ve been trained well sailor! “Don’t blow a multi-million dollar mission for a three dollar part”. This was one of the videos I was really looking forward to seeing, thanks for sharing.

[@LooknFishy]

Haha, accurate for sure! Yep, there seemed to be a lot of interest so I decided to bump it up in the series!

[@indyplanted]

Stumbled across your channel a few weeks ago and I have watched every new video since. I appreciate that you don’t narrate while you fish. You let the scenery and fishing stand in its own, and then do a debrief at the end. I wish others followed this format. Looking forward to your next adventure. I live in Indiana and got to experience trout fishing in Colorado this summer, and now day dream of a multiple week self adventure like this.

[@LooknFishy]

Definitely feel like the sounds in nature are all that's needed! Thank u for the feedback!

[@williamwojcieszek4320]

Where in Indiana?

[@indyplanted]

@@williamwojcieszek4320 Indianapolis area.

[@williamwojcieszek4320]

@@indyplanted Ha! We are neighbors! I live on the north side of Indianapolis.

[@eddieyun796]

Happy to be a first commenter 😎 as you mentioned, giving an honor to you for scouting beautiful fishing holes. That’s the most important but hard to achieve

[@LooknFishy]

Absolutely

[@lamarcannon7199]

Drew, appreciate your videos. Learning a lot from your trips and information shared. You inspired me to use a 7 1/2 3 wt with a dry dropper as well as indicator versus Euro Nymphing. Had a great trip last week, and your videos helped me get out of a rut. Thanks again!

[@LooknFishy]

Very cool, always good to hear some of what I share helps others get out there and have a good time! Thank u

[@garyaaron8425]

Thank you for sharing this and all your other videos. Man...its going to be a long winter and hopefully you can get out there soon enough. Heal up and see you soon. Take care and be safe!

[@LooknFishy]

Got plenty more from this series..I just shared this early bc I had some many questions. This series will end in December but I'm still fishing lol!

[@skippylippy547]

I was falling down in the stream - a lot - that green stuff growing on the stones was sooooo slippery. I finally bought a pair of felt soled wading boots. What a difference! (I always clean them after fishing) Then I bought another pair with screw in spikes for those areas that prohibit felt. I don't fall down anymore! 👍

[@LooknFishy]

Yea, felt is solid in stream...but have had really bad falls hiking in felt. They have almost no traction on the trail and even worse when wet. My korkers with interchanable soles were nice but the tab blew out...replaced those with Orvis UL's and love them.

[@Wildtr0ut]

Well thought out. These videos are a huge effort!!! Thanks for posting and doing it well!!!

[@LooknFishy]

Happy to share how I do it!

[@kidneystones3406]

I just want say the video quality of your GoPro is awesome. It looks great on the smart TV

[@LooknFishy]

Been really happy with it. Audio is so much better w/o needing the waterproof housing too!

[@caseygerbich6959]

The mountain house granola is a good idea. I just did the same thing on a small creek I fish and it was a perfect cold meal on a hot day. I just switched to a Marsupial Gear chest pack and am now missing all my storage options I had with my Fish Pond backpack. I want to be able to use the chest pack alone on short trips I know what I am going to need. But I have been looking for a inexpensive backpack to go with it. The Orvis pack looks nice just more than I want to spend.

[@LooknFishy]

Yup, it is on the pricey side but have been really happy with it. Held up well over 2 months without me babying it.

[@Riverbugger]

Excellent video Drew. Thanks for sharing your kit. I carry much of the same when I’m in the high country here in Idaho. Always have a good folding knife as well. Sweet stuff!!

[@LooknFishy]

Thank u! I never leave home with out my pocket knife...that's a must have!

[@Riverbugger]

@@LooknFishy haha. Beats a Mark 3 Mod 0 eh!!😁

[@LooknFishy]

Still got mine and still sharp enough to shave the hair on my arm lol!

[@Riverbugger]

@@LooknFishy I would not expect anything less!! 🤣

[@hunternelson1215]

drew you are my inspiration when it comes to fly fishing! i want to get to where you’re at one day! 💪🏻🎣🇺🇸

[@hunternelson1215]

also i live in idaho so i am going to be fishing a lot more

[@LooknFishy]

Thank u...sounds like u have a solid plan and path forward...fish often and in as many different locations as possible.

[@scottnock5241]

Are you done?? Going home?? Sad:( but I bet your glad to see the family…. I don’t know how ur wife lets you do it?? To tell you the truth I could not fish that much, I love it but thats too long. Thanks for the absolutely fantastic, enriching, enlightening, entertaining, FN awesome everything Drew!!!! You are incredible bro learned a lot!! I’m glad you’re going home safe didn’t get eaten by a cougar or mauled by a bear and no broken bones and then get caught in the forest fire! I worried about you! Thanks for the pack review I’m like you I’m not a minimalist, I take things I might need Even on a day trip but I get stuck in some places in Pennsylvania where if I get stuck and got to spend the night I’m prepared!I looked at that pack and I was going to get it and then I changed my mind because I wasn’t crazy about that material ended up getting the Umpqua pack and I kind of wish the backpack was just a hair bigger for what you were doing that pack is perfect for what I’m doing the umpqua Pack is probably OK. I know you’re pretty frugal when it comes to supplies I think you should look at this fishing line fluorocarbon it’s called P line you can use it for Tippett and you can save a absolute ton of money instead of buying Orvis fluorocarbon!!! Check it out!!! Thanks again Drew you’re my hero I’ll be doing the truck camping and hopefully next summer! If you ever get to Pennsylvania text me man I’ll take you to some really good brookie fishing!!! And even to some spring creeks!

[@LooknFishy]

Sort of...this was all filmed from June to Aug. I showed the hard drives, I only have the option to record everything and then edit/share when I get home. But there are more in this series which will run thru mid December. I just shared this early...recorded the last day...but so many have asked, decided to share now!

[@BlueLinerMedia]

Cant wait to see an east coast series!

[@LooknFishy]

Starting to look at an early spring before runoff trip out east. Still got plenty from this series...it'll run thru mid December... just shared this vid early (recorded it my last day).

[@andrewdg90]

Look into the Salomon Quest 4D. Best hiking boots I've ever used! Tons of traction, amazing comfort etc

[@LooknFishy]

Cool, looking to replace my hiking boots. Do u wet wade in these also?

[@ZachBrimhall]

Cool set up and great advice. I also use a GRAYL purifier it is fantastic.

[@flyguy2021]

A lot of overlap with what’s in my bag. One first aid thing I’ve learned to take is super glue. I and others have had injuries that really needed stitches, but I’m not going to do that in the field. Tippet rings are a must for me as well. I never have to “rebuild” my leaders, just tie on new tippet.

[@LooknFishy]

I have some tippet rings and like them...I just always forget lol! They are really helpful. Adding super glue!

[@lukemil2475]

Yeah Drew, love the vids. Superglue is basically dermabond which they use in ERs. I have used that tons on my kids and family members. Works great. Just clean approximate edges as close as you can and put it on there and hold until it sets. Sometimes you can incorporate a couple steri strips for a little added toughness. Works great in a lot of situations, best with clean straight cuts vs. jagged or when chunks of skin missing.

[@rgt321]

Hey the tuna fish in the pouch as a packable food item, why didn't I think of that. great energy food choice.

[@LooknFishy]

Definitely works for me. Someone's gotta say something about releasing all my fish and eating tuna from a bag lol!

[@jimgollach6202]

Excellent video drew. I agree with you, when you do remote trips, even a day trip,you better be prepared, you never know what might happen. I've been fortunate enough not to be in a bad situation, but if I did, I am equipped enough to handle it. I hope. I have one question. If nature calls you don't carry squeezable charmin? Hahaha lol. I carry a trowel to dig deep holes. Saved me several times, if you know what I mean. Lol. Until next time. 🤣👍👍

[@LooknFishy]

Haha, I did and normally do...but umm....how do I say, after a few weeks...u get regular...like to the minute lol! Never had any surprises but definitely would bring!

[@Thymallus1965]

Great to see your "outfit"...have used years to get mine working "optimally" as well. So have boxes in the car as well and basically just have gear that has proven its worth. Life is too short for gear, that doesn't work when you are miles away. (i.e. have had wading shoes, where the sole came loose when the fish were biting...never again) Thx Torben

[@LooknFishy]

Absolutely, takes some tweaking to get what works for each person but also makes every trip much more worth while knowing I'm prepared!

[@brucetorell5169]

I just stumbled onto your web and fully enjoy the calm and peace with which you function through your time outdoors! The pure joy can be seen in the expressions on your face as you walk! I'm recently retired and teaching myself how to fly fish...amusing to some that may be watching, but I have a great time just being there on the water...! I'm curious how you are able to fish so many states in a two month period without spending a fortune on out of state license's? Is there a federal license that might cover multiple states or some other way? Or is it just like when someone takes a one time trip to Alaska and spends the nickels for the opportunity? Appreciate any insight you might offer!!

[@LooknFishy]

Yup, I'd agree I enjoy the art just as much if not more than the fish. It's the experience I chase! No, nothing I'm aware of. I just buy a non resident for each state and curse the expense...but then I tell myself it goes to stream mgmt, enforcement, access, etc...and more importantly I have such a great time. It's a small expense for what I get back in return!

[@brucetorell5169]

@@LooknFishy Thanks for responding and may you be blessed in all your adventures going forth in the days to come!

[@codypugh4412]

Thanks for the link! Much appreciated 🤙🏼

[@LooknFishy]

U bet!

[@lynella6073]

Drew, thanks for sharing and being so reel(get it.:)… happy thanksgiving week

[@LooknFishy]

Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@tylerpickett9080]

Did you know the Orvis Bugout Backpack is designed with a specific area between the back panel and the bag that can drop your net in to?

[@LooknFishy]

I did but find it nearly impossible to use. Not sure if it's the short handle net I have but the angle and direction were frustrating, plus I still prefer it directly behind my head.

[@peirules154]

Try using tungsten bead heads for your nymphs I’ve found it works well instead of splitty’s

[@LooknFishy]

All my bh's are tungsten plus I add shot as needed!

[@BeauGriffey]

Enjoy your approach and the videos. Had one questionI have been meaning to ask. Do you use tippet rings at all? Seem like a good idea but also adding another piece of complexity to setup. Torn.

[@LooknFishy]

I do sometimes, especially when I rig up away from the water for indicator nymphing and really like them. Once I get on the water I don't fool with them just b/c it's one more thing I have to find and tie on before I can start fishing.

[@peirules154]

The thing that takes up the most room in my pack is the rain jacket lol. Only pulled it out twice in the last two summers. But boy I was glad I had lol.

[@LooknFishy]

Haha...so true...like an mma match trying to get it out sometimes!

[@jackholton3070]

Drew, Have you found a good, convenient way to carry your bear spray and side arm? Jack

[@LooknFishy]

On my belt...spray on my left. Firearm on my right.

[@stuartperlmutter1794]

Great series. Quick question. Do you tie your dropper from the hook bend or from a tag. Thnx

[@LooknFishy]

Both...but did more from the bend using a second clinch knot on the bend to lock it down! Will get a vid up on it soon.

[@pastortlc1]

Enjoyed the video. Just wish you had shown the pack as you were taking things out.

[@sylviawelsh9518]

And rain pants. And a pow pow. G43 for me.

[@ngoshawk1]

Thanks Drew!

[@LooknFishy]

Happy to share!

[@billmatheson3057]

Hi Drew. You did not mention having Bear spray in your pack or on you. Do you not bring it with you on hikes. Are you not concerned with bears where you fish?

[@LooknFishy]

I definitely do. I probably forgot bc it was on my hip. I actually keep 2 cans. I wear one and have another in my slide for around camp or a back up in case I lose a can which has happened twice lol!

[@billmatheson3057]

Thanks for the clarification Drew. And thanks for all your videos.They are where I go when I cant be out fishing myself. @@LooknFishy

[@docandry77]

Nice and thanks for the videos. The only thing you're missing is a camera crew. I volunteer :)

[@LooknFishy]

Haha, you're way more disciplined than me...no chance I could be part of the camera crew!

[@karenisensee3987]

Awesome Video.

[@LooknFishy]

Thank u!

[@pam0077]

Never forget to keep bear spray at the ready whenever in a remote wilderness area. You never know when you'll need it. There's nothing more heart pounding than seeing a wild 300 pound black bear swim across a river toward your side, and then disappear crashing into the woods just 20 feet away. It was quit a sight to see that I'll never forget.

[@randysayers4369]

Second the bear spray. I had a bear follow me through tall grass at Slough Creek this summer. Super sketchy. Thankfully I had bear spray where I could reach it.

[@LooknFishy]

Always wear it on my belt and hike with it in my hand in super bear sign areas. I've shown it on me in a video near the end of the Colorado part around the 4th...maybe the should this trout be protected video.

[@Mntnere]

Never used a chest pack. Does it get in the way more that it is functional. Been eyeing the backpack. You do a great job with sharing with us

[@LooknFishy]

Nope and it can be used without the backpack which I like when not backpacking.

[@Mntnere]

@@LooknFishy thank you. Stay safe out there. Enjoy your adventures

[@Sides1160]

Good video. How often do you carry a sidearm in addition to the bear spray

[@LooknFishy]

Always (spray is my first option). If I bring a sidearm on a trip I bring it with me on hikes. I don't leave it in my vehicle...don't want to be responsible for someone breaking into my truck and getting a firearm. Plus, lots of things in the woods that could harm you.

[@JP-dz7zu]

Drew, what is your plan for emergency? Heading out alone in the back country always creeps me out a bit. What if you get injured or have a run in with a bear or something and are out of cell phone range? Would be nice to see what you do for safety.

[@GeorgeSemel]

Well, he does carry a gun, and If I was a betting man he got a sat phone too. Along with the GPS. S+ R could get to him fairly quickly. I am in the planning stages of a 6-month fishing trip I am planning on leaving in Mid May, and hitting great lakes Salmon and Steelhead- get home for the rifle deer season. Since I am retired and single I get to do whatever I want to do. I may even hit some places on the Canadian side.

[@JP-dz7zu]

@@GeorgeSemel I’ve done some trips deep in the back country, solo and with friends. With a buddy it’s never a worry, but going solo you really are putting yourself at risk in case of an injury or emergency. Since Drew does a lot of long solo trips it would be nice to get his perspective.

[@skippylippy547]

​@@GeorgeSemel Good luck on your trip! 👍 Like you and Drew, I go out on extended adventures alone. With careful planning and some thoughtful skills development I feel comfortable and safe in those remote places. I'm 70 yrs old. Just got back from 5 weeks in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. I can't think of a better way to spend time than that. @J Sky - Always carry a personal locator beacon with you. I use the Garmin InReach Explorer+ My family always knows my exact location, I can text with them real time, and the S.O.S. function calls search and rescue with the touch of a button.

[@yussefedwards]

he uses that SPOT contact device. It can send text messages and tracking via GPS

[@LooknFishy]

I'd say most of this stuff covers me for emergency. The spot send out a gps and I've shown in several videos how I check in before I head out on a hike this way someone knows my last known location. I'm also super loud and have said it before, if you're seeing wildlife..deer, moose, etc...you're not making enough noise!

[@AZ_Baggin]

Hey, as someone mentioned before love the no music and talking. Curious, what indicator are you using.

[@LooknFishy]

Thank u...made this video last yr that talks about my 3 favorites and why...kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXSzhmiij7Gnj5Y

[@AZ_Baggin]

@@LooknFishy Thanks, one last question. I noticed you only wear pants. Are you wearing simms wading pants or? I am looking at moving away from full waders.

[@karenisensee3987]

Drew, I posted a couple of question on Nov. 1, If you get time to reply. Your are Great.

[@LooknFishy]

Sorry try to get to them but I do miss a few. If it's not too much trouble can you ask your question again on my most recent video...yt adds them in order of receipt and they sometimes get buried!

[@cipriandragoi9166]

Thanks for sharing

[@LooknFishy]

Happy to do it!

[@belsekar]

Before you blew out your Orvis wading boots you were using them as the hiking boot as well?

[@LooknFishy]

Yup, I hike and wet wade in my Orvis Ultra light boots...best I've found. Already replaced them.

[@Alkobesi2019]

Thanks For sharing video, im from Indonesia🇮🇩

[@LooknFishy]

Welcome to the adventure!

[@blaze4404]

Hey Drew. Do you always carry a sidearm on these solo trips? Would you feel safe with only bear spray?

[@randysayers4369]

Do you have a Perdigon pattern that you prefer? It sounds like you use Perdigons often.

[@LooknFishy]

I like the basic black or one with a little yellow for pmds...go into all the flies from my trip in the vid below. Perdigon was easily my most productive dropper...kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6rKfmOvZZmkqNU

[@randysayers4369]

@@LooknFishy Just watched that video. Thanks for the link. I like that you keep it simple. I just moved from Oregon to Colorado and was fortunate enough to fish the states in between. Now I'm just trying figure out Colorado's waters and what flies the fish want. BTW...Man, there's a lot of people in Colorado. Gonna have to make some hikes to escape the crowds.

[@13jonnyray]

Wait so the trip is over?!?! You said end of the series? Hopefully I misheard

[@LooknFishy]

Not over, I recorded this on my last day in August. Just shared it early b/c there was so much interest. Series runs thru mid December!

[@13jonnyray]

@@LooknFishy thank goodness!

[@Paulpoission]

I like this video better than the ASMR style stuff. Also, more instructional videos would be cool as well

[@LooknFishy]

Thanks for the feedback! Will try to add more.

[@Malcolm_Q]

Former military? Former 18 series here (US); and 041 (Canada). DOL.

[@dxradioman6351]

What will your next new pair of wading boots be considering the slipping you had on this trip?

[@LooknFishy]

Didn't slip much in my orvis ultra lights, they just blew out about a week before I did this video. This was my last day of the trip, wearing my reg hiking boots the last week. Replaced them with another pair of Orvis UL's as soon as I got home in Aug! Got some spike this time too!

[@williamparker6649]

You may or may not want to answer but with your training and background do you carry a weapon beside bear spray.

[@LooknFishy]

I do, Kinda mumbled thru the extra rounds part of this vid but I carry a 357 for pp and wildlife!

[@JosephCompton66]

So do you fish all day with that weight on your back. I switched to Orvis ultralight vest, to lighten the load. When I fish away from car, I use a waterproof drift backpack when I hike back, but I dump it on the bank when I am fishing. I like your setup.

[@LooknFishy]

Yes, I keep it on unless I need something from it. Pretty much everything is attached so I can't really ditch anything or I wouldn't have any flies, flotant, etc.

[@sylviawelsh9518]

You have a pow pow I hope.⚔️

[@LooknFishy]

Always, what the extra rounds are for!

[@gregjr63]

Do you still use it.

[@LooknFishy]

Yup...on week 7 of a road trip now and it's on my back everyday!

[@samhklm]

You will be 25K subs by Dec 25 I bet.

[@LooknFishy]

Be a christmas miracle lol!

[@4Whopper]

Yeah brother don’t melt the truck.

[@billemshoff9335]

I did not see any toilet paper???

[@LooknFishy]

Haha, usually have it...but got super regular after a few weeks. So I took it out but on normal hiking trips I have tp in my truck, kayak, and backpack!

[@sylviawelsh9518]

Look into a Snake slayer. Several ammo options 357; 45; 410. 22.

[@rgt321]

Dude slow down! I cant keep up! The only thing I need is, for your safety sake, is to include me on your SPOT contact list. You can DM me if you like.

[@LooknFishy]

Haha, well played!

[@rgt321]

@@LooknFishy IT'S FOR YOUR SAFETY!!

[@michaelkissane6138]

When I need a slower pace, like with a thick Scottish or Scandinavian accent or similar, I'll go to the KZbin Settings (Gear icon)and tweak the playback speed down. If you need to read something, like on leader spool, energy bar, or road sign, you can set it super slow and read it, if the shot's sharp enough. Likewise, if you want to speed through the driving footage that others include (but can be boring), set that puppy to x2 and scoot through it.

[@rgt321]

@@michaelkissane6138 Ha! Thanks good tip.

[@endthesonham1449]

Drew my name is Andrew Kham please call my name nex video post because I like very very fishing too I live in Spokane WA everything you post I watching also I did Like and subscribe too I’m Excited for nex video thanks Drew..enjoy you day and God bless you.

[@durtyflyadventures]

Ya the slings suck. Horrible for your body long term

[@LooknFishy]

Agreed!