Whole set of new gear.. what i am/should buy...

[Yungen of Bury]

howdy people,
new member to the forums, so sorry if ive posted this in the wrong place..

As the title suggests, i'm about buy pretty much everything.. so a little advice would be greatly appreciated..

so, here it is..

rucksack : trooper 45 olive (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Highlander-Trooper-Rucksacks-25-45-65-85-litres-in-Olive-Green-DPM-/390402965606?pt=UK_SportingGoods_BackpacksRucksack s_Bags_EH&var=&hash=item5ae5d48066)

toolroll : Faithfull Leather Chisel Roll - 8 Pocket (http://www.toolbox.co.uk/faithfull-leather-chisel-roll-4676-72068?utm_source=GoogleBase&utm_medium=GB&utm_campaign=GoogleBase&gclid=CKuk_72DlrYCFeXKtAodMlIAJw)

Gloves : Silverline 282389 Welders Gauntlets (http://www.toolbox.co.uk/silverline-282389-welders-3888-85128)

Knives : Mora Bushcraft Survival Knife (http://www.woodlandcraftsupplies.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_7&products_id=176&zenid=84540a2f51c12f06bcd49a0af3688429)
Mora (Frost) 106 Narrow Blade Sloyd (http://www.woodlandcraftsupplies.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_7&products_id=22)
Mora (Frost) 162 Hook/Spoon Knife (http://www.woodlandcraftsupplies.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_15&products_id=25)

Sleeping bag : Ranger Lite (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Highlander-Ranger-Ultra-Compact-Lite-Olive-Green-Colour-Sleeping-Bag-Camping-/130847955164?pt=UK_SportingGoods_SleepingBags_SM&hash=item1e772558dc)

Stove : Wild Woodgas Stove MK IIt (http://www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk/wild-woodgas-stove-mk-iit-9509-p.asp)

Pot(s) : Zebra Billy Can 14cm (http://www.thebushcraftstore.co.uk/zebra-billy-can-tin-stainless-steel-14cm---auto-lock-lid-688-p.asp)

also, various bits of clothes but i reckon i can sort those out on my own :)

opinions/experiences would be greatly appreciated.

[blindgeekuk]

Thoughts... First up, what are you aiming achieve while you are away. Given the tool roll, heavy duty gloves and knives, I'm presuming you are planning on wood carving.

What's your planned sleeping arrangements tent/tarp. What about an airmat?

Is 45litres big enough to fit all your gear in (I know it's not for me...)

[Sar-ian]

My basic kit is

army bergen
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Army-military-120-ltr-camoflaged-longback-bergen-/390566252055?pt=UK_Collectables_Militaria_LE&hash=item5aef900e17

knife http://www.raymears.com/Bushcraft_Product/399-Morakniv-Companion-MG-Clipper-Knife/

sleeping bag: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LARGE-SIZE-SLEEPING-BAG-GRADE-1-CONDITION-WITH-COMPRESSION-SACK-/300872071400?pt=UK_SportingGoods_SleepingBags_SM&hash=item460d5f78e8

stove: Ikea hobo stove, pop can/ meths burner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nM7hrYtsEI

ddhammock/tarp http://www.ddhammocks.com/products

should give you some ideas... cheers Ian..

[Yungen of Bury]

yep, wood carving deffo on the cards.. always enjoyed wittling :)
sleep wise, im a little unsure at the moment, i want hammock/tarp but my other half doesnt approve (we can both sleep in it) but if it not that then it will be a tent thats a tad big for a rucksack, also, if i need a bigger rucksack then i can simply get a bigger one for when i need it. and i plan on fixxing the roll matt to the outside of the bag, one of the reasons i chose this bag was the many mounting points.

thanks ian :D much appreciated.

[Ehecatl]

String. Plenty of 550.

M@

[Ehecatl]

Oh,em and beers .... :innocent:

[Silverback]

My basic kit is

army bergen
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Army-military-120-ltr-camoflaged-longback-bergen-/390566252055?pt=UK_Collectables_Militaria_LE&hash=item5aef900e17



stove: Ikea hobo stove, pop can/ meths burner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nM7hrYtsEI

ddhammock/tarp http://www.ddhammocks.com/products


Snap.

I have a custom made knife from crazysaint222 and use my old issue 58 gonk bag in the winter and a wool blanket in the summer

[Silverback]

toolroll : Faithfull Leather Chisel Roll - 8 Pocket (http://www.toolbox.co.uk/faithfull-leather-chisel-roll-4676-72068?utm_source=GoogleBase&utm_medium=GB&utm_campaign=GoogleBase&gclid=CKuk_72DlrYCFeXKtAodMlIAJw)




Make your own?

[Yungen of Bury]

wow... 120L??? thats huge.... ok, so maybe i should go for at least the 65... thanks for that... as for the hobo stove, would a paint can be a good option??

[Yungen of Bury]

Make your own?

if i had any leatherworking skills then id consider it, but given the price of it, i dont think ill be able to source a leather piece for much cheaper

[Ehecatl]

wow... 120L??? thats huge.... ok, so maybe i should go for at least the 65...

I also use the 120ltr and the thing that uses the most room is my sleeping bag. It's a good rugged bit of kit though and I wouldn't part with it.

M@

[Sar-ian]

120l, thats with the two side pouches, which are removable, so making just the bergen 100l. As for the paint can, give it a go, some folk use dog food tins... The great thing about bushcrafting is do what works for you, modify, adapt, experiment. Cheers Ian...

[Yungen of Bury]

I also use the 120ltr and the thing that uses the most room is my sleeping bag. It's a good rugged bit of kit though and I wouldn't part with it.

M@

can you give me some rough dimensions of it in the stuff sack? all for army surplus but size is a concern.. i know sleeping bags are pretty big, but one of the reasons i chose the ranger lite is for its small size..

[Kernowek Scouser]

If you are planning to venture out regularly with your other half and on foot, I would suggest you go for one rucksack big enough to carry a three man tent, a double sleeping bag and a double self inflating sleep mat, with room in the main compartment to stow your spare clothes and other gear (e.g. FAK, fire kit, wash gear etc.). You'll be able to put your knives / tools, water and other oddments (mostly stuff you will not need, but will take anyway, which is something we all do) in whatever pockets and pouches the pack has (how much would depend on how heavy you are comfortable carrying on your back).

Then get another pack for your little lady, big enough to carry the food and cook kit, her spare clothes and other gear she will need, with a bit of room to spare for any remaining oddments. Again water will go in the pockets / pouches.

Whoever feels like they have the lightest bag, gets to carry the booze, for being clever.

This approach to sharing the load has only resulted in three relationship ending abruptly, in the last two years, good luck :D

[Yungen of Bury]

good advice there kern, thankyou muchly

[Silverback]

if i had any leatherworking skills then id consider it, but given the price of it, i dont think ill be able to source a leather piece for much cheaper


charity shop....leather jacket...done it twice now total spend £5 - as for skills you wont get any unless you try

[Silverback]

The great thing about bushcrafting is do what works for you, modify, adapt, experiment. Cheers Ian...

Thats the best bit of advice i have seen in ages - that and... if its stupid and it works...it isnt stupid

[Ehecatl]

can you give me some rough dimensions of it in the stuff sack? all for army surplus but size is a concern.. i know sleeping bags are pretty big, but one of the reasons i chose the ranger lite is for its small size..

http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=5829&d=1351966555

Looking at the shot on the left, my sleeping bag is on the far right in a green dry bag. Hopefully this will give you some order of scale. If not let me know and I'll dig out me tape measure.

M@

[Yungen of Bury]

yeah thats great, ok so not as big as i thought it would be, a bit wider but doesnt look too deep... good help thanks a bunch :D so is that the bergen full with that gear?

[rawfish111]

if its stupid and it works...it isnt stupid

+1 t^

[Ehecatl]

yeah thats great, ok so not as big as i thought it would be, a bit wider but doesnt look too deep... good help thanks a bunch :D so is that the bergen full with that gear?

Yes indeed

[Yungen of Bury]

looks like im gonna need a big ass bag then, cheers fella much appreciated

[Ehecatl]

You are more than welcome. There have been many debates (and I am sure there will be many more) on this forum about filling your pack to its capacity versus fitting only what you need into a smaller pack.

I am currently still experimenting ~ finding out what works for me.

Who knows, I may in time ditch the side pouches :happy-clapping:

Cheers,

M@

[snowleopard]

You can't go wrong with a Mora knife.

Get a Bushcraft orange, 3mm and hi vis

Hope this is useful,

Joel

[Yungen of Bury]

You can't go wrong with a Mora knife.

Get a Bushcraft orange, 3mm and hi vis

Hope this is useful,

Joel

it is :D
reason i was looking at the survival knife, is that it comes with a (what i belive to be..) good fire steel, and a sharpening block.. admittedly, a small sharpening block.. but still

[Kernowek Scouser]

it is :D
reason i was looking at the survival knife, is that it comes with a (what i belive to be..) good fire steel, and a sharpening block.. admittedly, a small sharpening block.. but still Personally, I think survival knives generally, are a bit like bags of chopped onions. I'd suggest you buy a good general purpose knife, like a Mora companion, a decent fire steel, say an LMF and a sharpening stone separately. It will probably cost you a little more (or not if you shop about) but you'll have three good bits of kit as opposed to at best two and a not so good one.

[Silverback]

Personally, I think survival knives generally, are a bit like bags of chopped onions. I'd suggest you buy a good general purpose knife, like a Mora companion, a decent fire steel, say an LMF and a sharpening stone separately. It will probably cost you a little more (or not if you shop about) but you'll have three good bits of kit as opposed to at best two and a not so good one.


T^

[Yungen of Bury]

Personally, I think survival knives generally, are a bit like bags of chopped onions. I'd suggest you buy a good general purpose knife, like a Mora companion, a decent fire steel, say an LMF and a sharpening stone separately. It will probably cost you a little more (or not if you shop about) but you'll have three good bits of kit as opposed to at best two and a not so good one.

fair play thats the info i was after, thanks again :D

[sjl14]

If you want a knife with a firesteel Mora do a knife with a built in light my fire firesteel in the handle. I've had one for about a year and it seems like a decent knife, has certainly been well used and the firesteel is much better than the cheap karrimor one I bought.

[Sar-ian]

it is :D
reason i was looking at the survival knife, is that it comes with a (what i belive to be..) good fire steel, and a sharpening block.. admittedly, a small sharpening block.. but still

These are my everyday users, you maybe able to find then cheaper if you shop around... Cheers Ian....

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fallkniven-DC4-Diamond-Ceramic-Whetstone/dp/B003BUV226/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1364460341&sr=8-26
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Compact-Fireball-Striker-Firesteel-Survival/dp/B000TEORL0/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1364460555&sr=8-15
http://www.raymears.com/Bushcraft_Product/399-Morakniv-Companion-MG-Clipper-Knife/
http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/special_buys3_29863.htm

[admo919]

[QUOTE=Ehecatl;75630]You are more than welcome. There have been many debates (and I am sure there will be many more) on this forum about filling your pack to its capacity versus fitting only what you need into a smaller pack. i personally am one of those who thinks... Pack light, freeze at night... depends on how far you intend to tramp and the environment you will be in.

I am currently still experimenting ~ finding out what works for me. always the best course.


some things in your kit will need to be of better quality than others, its personal and as previously stated trial and error on your own part, but if your not alone, and you have someone else to take into account, then i would say proceed with a little caution and think it through, sometimes a simple error can be fatal, literally.

serious bit done... get a smile on boy, get out there and enjoy. ;)

Adam.

[biker-bri]

A fantastic thread, - this time last year I was in the same position as you Yungen, bushcraft was NEW to me although I do have many years experience mountain walking / climbing all over the UK and further afield.
I had sold all my climbing and camping gear some time ago so I had to start afresh - I chose a hammock rather than a tent purely because it was NEW to me and I haven't lived to regret it - simply the best night's kip I
have had while in the outdoors, but not as warm as a tent (you need to do your research - an under quilt is my next project to make ), if you are walking any distance to your camp you will soon learn to
compromise on what you WANT and what you NEED - a trick is to lay out all your gear on your living room floor, pack every thing you "THINK" you actually NEED for a night out and leave everything else at home, and I do mean NEED
your tool roll of carving knives is a "WANT" not a NEED - "after your first night out make a list of the things you used" and one of the things you " didn't" you will see how much extra needless weight you carried - now don't be disheartened it does get better, if you start by just taking the essentials for a night out under the stars you will be able to add things as you learn.
Your rucksack must FIT you ? what I mean is don't buy one without trying it on, preferably with some weight in it - if it aint comfy leave it and find another, army Bergen's are good but they don't suit everyone, if you by any
chance are using your car and can park close to your camp site then you can tear this up and throw it out the window - as your car becomes your rucksack.

Cheers Bri

[Yungen of Bury]

good point bri, but there arnt really many outdoor stores near me, theres a veery small army surplus store, and theres a pretty big go outdoors in manchester... suppose ill have to go down there at some point... but im scared that ill enter wanting to try a backpack, and leave with more than will fit in my car...

[suggy]

Weight-wise - Are you planning on carrying your gear far or static camping?

[Sar-ian]

Your rucksack must FIT you ? what I mean is don't buy one without trying it on, preferably with some weight in it - if it aint comfy leave it and find another, army Bergen's are good but they don't suit everyone, if you by any
chance are using your car and can park close to your camp site then you can tear this up and throw it out the window - as your car becomes your rucksack.

Cheers Bri

The good thing about the army bergen is they are reasonably cheap (flea-bay), you get alot for your money, they're robust, and will stand quiet alot of abuse.. As its used by the military and, squaddies come in different shapes and sizes, they tend to be a generic fit ( 2 options, long or short back )and a good starting point, if its not for you, you could probably re-sell it and get your money back...... " Bushcrafting" is all about what works for you, good luck, and if you do go to "go outdooors" don't take the credit card (LOL)

[Ehecatl]

...are a bit like bags of chopped onions.

Never heard that expression before! One learns so much on this forum :D

[Kernowek Scouser]

good point bri, but there arnt really many outdoor stores near me, theres a veery small army surplus store, and theres a pretty big go outdoors in manchester... suppose ill have to go down there at some point... but im scared that ill enter wanting to try a backpack, and leave with more than will fit in my car...

Military Mart isn't too far from you, over in Ormskirk, Lots of folks here shop there (often), they also have a website
http://www.militarymart.co.uk/index.php?

[Ehecatl]

... but im scared that ill enter wanting to try a backpack, and leave with more than will fit in my car...

Done that before. Ended up buying full Duke of Edinburgh expedition kit for an Air Cadet unit!

[suggy]

As far as recommended stuff goes, Army bivvy bags are good, heavy duty. You can get two different variations of the UK issue ones, depends on your build. The XL version as i recall is the same length but wider. Despite being skinny I kept the XL version when I wanted to raise some cash for other kit.

If I can find the pictures for comparison, I'll post 'em.

As Ian mentioned, a lot of army kit has good residual value. :cool:

[Bob W]

These are my everyday users, you maybe able to find then cheaper if you shop around... Cheers Ian....

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fallkniven-DC4-Diamond-Ceramic-Whetstone/dp/B003BUV226/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1364460341&sr=8-26
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Compact-Fireball-Striker-Firesteel-Survival/dp/B000TEORL0/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1364460555&sr=8-15
http://www.raymears.com/Bushcraft_Product/399-Morakniv-Companion-MG-Clipper-Knife/
http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/special_buys3_29863.htm

I got both the fine and medium toothed saw from Aldi, I wouldn't bother with the fine toothed version again, it doesn't cope well with green or damp wood. The medium is better suited.

[suggy]

Here ya go..

7556

7557

Left one standard, right one XL, coke can for comparison (someone asked me a while back)

summat like 850g for the standard, +60 for the XL

Alternatively, The Alpkit Hunka is favoured for a cheap breathable bivvy bag. Reminded me of a bin liner and sent it back but never say never.

[Yungen of Bury]

cool, think im gonna drive over there in a couple of weeks, see if they will let me try out some bags, they stock the 120l and the trooper! :D probably buy some clothes as well... knife and fire steel... billy can... maybe a tent.... aaaah darn...

[Sar-ian]

:D probably buy some clothes as well... knife and fire steel... billy can... maybe a tent.... aaaah darn...

Resistance is futile, you will be assimilated.....

[biker-bri]

Stay away from anything "SHINY" its addictive :jumping-joy:
Cheers Bri

[Yungen of Bury]

:D trip to the mothers on the weekend, and the legend that she is had held on to my 4 man dome tent from about 8 years ago, still packed up with all its bits.... hurrah!! also could be getting hold of some misc clothing from work's surplus.. i realise a 4 man tent is hardly minimalist, but it isnt all that big for a 4 man tent at all... to be fair if you laid 4 adults in it they best be reeeaaaal friendly and able to synchronize there breathing... but for just me n the misses its plenty big..

[Sar-ian]

Nice one...... but isn't that what MUMS are forrrrrrr......

[Yungen of Bury]

Nice one...... but isn't that what MUMS are forrrrrrr......
T^:happy-clapping::jumping-joy:

[Jefferson]

I highly recommend you do lots of research on what you are going to buy. Read reviews, watch YouTube vids and most importantly ask questions on here!!
Something my dad told me was "buy right, buy once".

Personally if your just starting I would always go with bigger pack size to start with rather than a small one.
Cheers Dave