What's In My Rucksack? A Full Breakdown Of My Pack

I second, third, fourth, fifth every suggestion to get some gaiters! 😂

What kind of gaiters were you using that got ripped to shreds? I grew up using heavy, possibly more old fashioned canvas ones and they were great against sharp or spiking plants.

don't underestimate the importance of really good socks

Shane Davis

Why does this man walk the mores with zip cuffs, rope, and a knife in his pack? Spoiler alert: he doesn't know

Shane Ewing

One or two suggestions for anyone reading here -Tom as well if he sees it. I did my own day-long straight line mission through Cannock chase recently - (those in W midlands might know it). It was 7 miles of forest so a little different but maybe useful. I couldn't afford the gps so I used a marching compass, or army compass I think it's called. About £70 or so but I managed to stay within about 100m using that alone. The difference between that and a normal compass is that you have a lense to look through, so you find a bearing and look through the lense to whatever spot or tree it points at and march that direction. All I did was draw a straight line on an OS map, and measure the angle I needed with a protractor, and used that on the day. Hiking pole - this used to stop me rolling my ankle over tree trunks hidden in the bracken. I also used it to beat back the brambles to death, I used it so much in fact that it broke not into one, or two, but three pieces. Gaitors were another one, great for keeping the early morning dew from soaking my feet, but quickly got ripped to shreds and I ended up carrying these weird tassles around my feet all day, Finally, anyone using army ration packs, I found the French packs to be genuinely amazing. Some of them come with fondue, need I say more?

Rather than upgrading my sleeping bag, I added in a liner that helped bring the combo down to my sleeping bag’s advertised temp. Was a reasonably cheap upgrade rather than the several hundred for a new bag.

Bradley

I would 100% recommend taller boots (mid calf) look into backpacking hunting boots, paired with gaiters (over pants and boots) it wont really help if you step in deep water that goes over the boot but with mud and rocks will be so much better. Maybe a battery power bank? Also a backpack with a waist band will totally take the weight off your shoulders and make carrying more weight easier. Pain to take on and off though. Love your content!!

I’ve been researching sleeping mats and the consensus seems to be that not many achieve the stated R value and aren’t worth the money, other than the Thermorest NeoAir Xlite which everyone thinks is amazing. Albeit expensive. Because the insulation of your sleeping bag is crushed beneath you, the sleeping bag will a,ways struggle without a good mat

Watching this as an ultralight backpacker was tough- but the needs of backpacking are much less than the needs of a straight line mission so I do understand

Imma upgrade to $4 in summer 🤔 Sadly I live in western Germany and not in the south

As said above, have you considered Gaitors? Definitely no apologies or even explanations required regarding your own pack- hell, it got you and Ben across Wales in a straight line! 👏 Insightful video, and has made me consider rejigging my own rucksack for munro/corbett bagging. Cheers Tom!

Oh an Opinel pocket knife. My grandpa gave me one when I turned 15, close to 20 years ago now, and still have it.

matthi

The uk knife laws allows you to carry a manual folding knife with blade under 3 inches (which yours looks to be). You can carry a longer knife as long as you have a good reason for doing so and it's not a type of knife that has been specifically banned, but it's down to the courts to interpret what a good reason is.

I like how your t-shirt acts as camouflage in that room.

Whens the geoguessr returning? The site has added quite a lot of new features for battle royales which you should make a video about

Nice one Tom, take as long as you like. Just to plug a recommendation, a 'How not to travel Europe' from Paris to Berlin would be a great shout.

The NW Fishing Secrets guy carries a small solar charger for charging the batteries for his gear when he's doing a several day hike/camp/fish. Doesn't appear to take up much room. Also a satellite phone might be good for emergencies.

Tor Ravengael

also curious why you went for DPM which was retired in 2016 for the newer MTP? I doubt most people you run into would know the difference, but there's a chance they do and your cover is blown, leading to a confrontation. also that backpack is not military issue, you would want the IRR (PLCE) bergen, though they are less comfortable but way more durable.

yes you need a pad with the right R-value to reach your bag's coldest rating. Some good advice here https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/sleeping-pads.html#sleep-system

Have you thought about gaiters? Either full length (wear them under your camo trousers, not over), or even the short ankle gaiters? They do a fantastic job of keeping the crap out of your socks & boots.

Apologies not necessary Tom.