Budget Bushcraft: French F1 Tent and Swiss Rucksack

[@calummcneil6006]

Good video. I've got the old F 1 French canvas tent with rain and fly. Heavy but nice & cozy in colder times. Also have the total rubberized Swiss rucksack, plenty of straps & spacious inside, I believe they were intended for, N. B. C. Warfare. But the Swiss army used them anyway as rucksacks. Use what you have and you will never ever want!

[@trenchcoatmafioso]

I've used a Swiss surplus pack for about 25 years. It's been with me in Death Valley, on a mountain in British Columbia, and in many other places in North America. If I'm travelling, it's with me. It has become like a second home. At my age now, the shoulder straps tend to hurt after a while. The thought of replacing in almost makes me weep, but the day is coming.

[@KentuckyWoodsman]

Man those French F1 Tents are awesome. I have had one for several years now and have not used any of my other tents since.

[@saprissa9]

Have you used it during winter? How does it hold up?

[@clay-r15]

Just purchased an f1 tent myself, the quality on these tents are so much better than anything you can find at walmart or other big box stores.

[@fdjd28]

I have one of those rucksacks. It's waaay tougher than me! I was fortunate to get one with wool felt padding on the shoulder straps and back pad. I keep it in my vehicle loaded up with base camp gear. Thanks for the video.

[@MrSIXGUNZ]

I picked up the f2 surplus tent and love it. No screen on the doors but I do have a large screen that's surplus too. Thanks you sold me o it lol blessings to you and yours 😇

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

+MrSIXGUNZ awesome! Enjoy!

[@alexandergutfeldt1144]

In 1986 I was issued one of those backpacks when I joined basic training (Rdf Rs 226, Drognens). The straps didn't have to be padded, since you would always wear a thick jacket below it. I hated that pack!
Thankfully it would only be used for bigger deployments, and we hardly ever carried it far (>10km) ... we had a much smaller 'combat pack' that we used instead.
I'm glad to hear you like yours!

[@redriverscout4404]

I love old military rucksacks. I also find them to be the most comfortable. It is the newer stuff I have had problems with. The new stuff has plastic buckles that break in the cold, cordura that frays and is near impossible to stitch in the field. I also have almost entirely moved away from framed packs. Even some very expensive ones have serious lateral swing when you are rucking and it is so much harder when your pack is trying to tip you over. I found a canvas French F1 ruck and I am adding gas mask bags (also canvas) as removable sustainment or "rocket pouches" and I have not looked back. I also have my "canoe pack" as I call it which is a rubberized German pack similar to your Swiss one. As the nickname suggests it is my canoe/kayak bag.

[@axelbrode]

I've seen that F1 tent before, but your video gives a better look at it both inside and out. Thanks for the great video. Florida, USA.

[@garrygadget]

F1 was cotton you have the f2

[@SurvivalRussia]

Nice video and interesting lightweight tent indeed. You seem like a nice guy too :)

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

+Survival Russia thank you sir! Been enjoying your channel for awhile. Great info.

[@JLowe-uu8lr]

I've used a similar tent before i added a tarp on front to keep rain from blowing in!=8)

[@normancallaghan1750]

The tent you are talking about is a French F2, NOT an F1. F1 inner is cotton with a nylon flysheet.

[@redriverscout4404]

I find a shower curtain makes a great cheap ground sheet and not very heavy.

[@robertmiller8578]

Btw the pack would trap nicely to a pvc frame made for a lk35 British style ruck sack if you wanted and then add after market Alice pack straps and kidney belt or ilbe style ones.

[@Swisswoods]

Little trick, nail or stake the pole foot in place both ends, clumsy buddy trying to get out at night kicks the pole and the whole lot collapses!! We tried them here. :-) Liking your videos. Greetings from the Alps. C.

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Great video on military surplus. I searched for this particular F1 Commando tent and a Swedish LK35 but due to their popularity both are out of stock. I found a source in PA and found a Norwegian Army Rucksack and this tent in the desert tan color...it'll look great here in the woods of VA ;) However, I may have a solution for the tent in hiding it with a roll of woodland camo netting which weighs 1.32#; successfully done that with two other "colorful" tents. It seems that European military backpacks are geared, no pun intended, for bushcraft purposes. Like you, I love the vintage look. The NAR is OD color with contrasting grey caribou leather straps, 40L main bucket and two 3 to 5L side pockets, thin shoulder straps, no sternum or waist strap and the rear back rest configuration similar to your pack; however, mine is heavy nylon webbing. Behind each side pocket is a pass through sleeve meant to place ski's not in use or a rifle and secured with a short caribou leather strap. Pretty comfortable up to 30#. My weekend load outs average 27#. Our pack straps are made for soldiers who cross country ski and gives them more flexibility in upper body movement.

[@JBOutdoorsAndMore]

Wow really cool.
Would love to get a hold of 1. Thanks for sharing partner. 👍

[@johngoodin3445]

One super piece of military surplus I found years ago was a poncho from the Czech Republic from the late 80s. I’m about 5 foot nine and it hung down to just over my shoes. It could do triple duty as a poncho, something to sleep on top of to protect yourself from the ground, or even something to sleep in. The only real drawback is that the Hood was so large that it was Constantly falling down and covering your face. I would add something with a large Brim of a baseball cap to keep it out of your face. Plus the large brim would help to keep rain, snow, and sleet off of your face and glasses. It had two huge inside pockets near the bottom of the poncho with two gloves of the same material. The really Surprising thing is the gloves had six fingers. One extra long finger between the thumb and regular fingers. My best guess is it had something to do with shooting a rifle. Does anyone have any better answer to this question of six fingered gloves?

[@johngoodin3445]

I think I found the reason for the six fingered glove. I saw an article on research about how to keep Soldiers hands warm during the winter months. It was stressing on how to keep dexterity up in their hands. And then it dawned on me. The Length and location of the sixth finger was just perfect for use of a hand warmer. The location between the fingers and the thumb was just perfect. Make a chemical hand warmer like a glow stick. Bend the hand warmer to break the inside Capsule and give it a good hard shake To mix the chemicals. Put in side the six finger And wrap your fingers and thumb around it. Helps keep your dexterity up should you need to fire your rifle at a moments notice.

[@KaylynnStrain]

although bigger then yours, I bought a Polish army 75 liter rucksack for less then $60, it was unisued, it's not molle but still a good pack. I used a painters drop sheet that I folded in half to put under my tent when i recently camped in a state park here in Iowa

[@JLowe-uu8lr]

They make padded nylon wraps for seat belts just add those to the straps !=8)

[@LGSkywalker82]

Fantastic find! I'm gonna finish the video later cuz I have to study but I cheated and went to the link you provided to check it out real quick. Awesome tent! I'll be back to finish the video. Thanks for sharing this!

[@nicholasfernandez7720]

cool thanks for notyfing me of the link i was freaking out about where i could find one. thank you!!!!!!!

[@AdmiralPreparedness]

Yup...Seam Sealing is imperative to properly apply with these tents. They are issued and the command has the option to issues the troops Seam Sealer. Or they purchase it themselves.

[@Millzieeeee]

So glad i got the polycotton/canvas version! im ecstatic p.s your tent is F2 , F1 is canvas

[@CostaBushcraftandSurvival]

Nice! Hugs from Brazil!

[@surasakyungpagoon8222]

Thank You Very Much

[@JunkyardFox]

really loving that tent!

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

+Junkyard Fox thank you!

[@solitarium01728]

i love your videos bro keep up

[@Mat-kr1nf]

That’s an F2, the F1s are canvas. They both come with a separate fly sheet to go over the top. The fly sheet is nylon (or polyester, not sure which it is) on the F1 and F2.

[@MegaWoodswalker]

Way too go Euro! Always wondered about those tents!

[@SuperIain13]

I've got the French tent It's steak intensive, but it's worth it, the outside is deseptive it's got tons of room inside.

[@notenoughprepping]

Nice tent, got to have one

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Nice tent and the price is right, too. Amazon sells Tyvek by the sheet, 8.5X11 for about $12 to $14. I bought my sheet online at Dutchware along with a dyneema cordage and carabiner for my bear line; costs about $25.. You can buy Tyvek at Lowe's but it's pricey.

[@GearReviewDepot]

Nice gear! I'm really liking that tent. Good intro music as well. Be well & stay safe.

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

+TheTacticalDefender thanks brother

[@odgreenoutdoors20]

On old packs like that you can always make you something you can shove under the straps for some padding after you put it on, it’s no big deal, shouldn’t deter people from buying packs like that

[@onetimeoutdoorsdj1394]

Heart thank you for the video can you do a video on seam Sealing and Waterproofing

[@steelhuskers1794]

Tent looks awesome looking forward to seeing the camping video with the tent 👍👍 r u going to do a video on seam sealing ?? Never done that before

[@2ndchancegeorge]

Steelhuskers 1 me too need that info....

[@josephbrown-ut9ty]

Love that tent...ive a similer version that has dbl doors but no bug net door. THAT is the only thing i dont like about my tent. I would loke to find this type of tent about a foot taller and a foot or so wider.

[@X_explorer]

Cool channel! I like looking nature, explore and decompress...

[@vagabond4621]

Thanks for the post! I love my F1. It would be nice if it had the rain fly, but I'm thinking those could be easily had if you're a good scrounger ;-). The tyvek is a nice addition.

[@gonetoheck]

I picked up a similar Swiss rubberized rucksack a couple years ago from a second hand store for 20-25 bucks....but it has mostly nylon straps rather than leather. Couldn't find a year it was manufactured. Happy it has a drawstring around the top of the inner bag to synch things up to keep rain out. As far as the pup tent...I don't trust any of them to keep rain out. If I suspect rain in the forecast, I pack an extra tarp to go over a ridge line that goes over the tent. I dislike the idea of trying to pack up a wet tent the next morning...and trying to dry it out later at home. Sure, the extra tarp may weigh more...but if someone is going to get butt hurt over carrying an extra pound or two, maybe they should stay home and work on their fitness.

[@robertmiller8578]

I have a large boyscout style pup tent and am wondering how to seam seal it like you said I have used a water prodding agent on it ( say on ) and really like this style of tent I have found that if you buy the old gi tent halves and add them with it it makes ti double wall ( great in cold weather for more insulation and another thing to try for ground cloth is Plastic painters ground cloths they can be cut to size are lite weight and inexpensive.

[@steves3760]

Midway USA, grade 2 with excellent reviews...$40.00 on sale now.

[@TheKabong1]

Just found your channel. Great videos. The Swiss pack is a great pice of kit.

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

+Brian Keegan thank you!

[@ChartreuseNature]

Great vid bro !
It's funny to see US people using French stuff, as here we use a LOT of US gear ^^
The pack is in really good condition ! Lucky you :)
Take care
Nico

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

+Chartreuse Nature thanks Nico! I love euro surplus. Always good quality

[@redriverscout4404]

I found an old F1 large rucksack and I love it. All tough canvas and the design is brilliant. Officially it is 65L but you can expand it well beyond that. I am looking for a second French gas mask bag so I can use them as side pouches. I got my rucksack fro $32 CDN and for a similar canvas rucksack from a company like Frost River that specialize in the "vintage look" you are looking at like $200 or more.

[@vincentlemma6396]

great tent ! you can buy tyveck by the foot on ebay. love the channel

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

+NJ BUSHCRAFT thank you for the info!

[@Patriot4TheTree]

Does this tent surrender at the first sign of gusty winds?

[@BushmansAdventures]

like your Woods Shuffle dance :)

[@williamwestrope3001]

People are selling cut sheets of Tyvek on Amazon cheap.

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

+William Westrope thank you!

[@IsleofWightBushcraft]

Good review, thanks

[@billmitchell7731]

Did I see screen on the doors? I was wondering because on another channel He had the same tent and it didn't have screen on the doors. That was his only gripe about the tent.

[@sdqsdq6274]

damn that bag rocks , leather straps

[@DavidLee-pn5gc]

Sportsman guide has f 2 for about 70.00

[@MercyMinister]

You didn't stake the guidelines and tent because you had wanted to "save time." Why was it important to save time?

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

+James it was a demo not camping

[@bahceninrengi]

Congratulations, great video. Good health, subscription, good luck.

[@kungfury2501]

like this ! thanks )) i buy F1 tent and go bushcraft for russian forest. no war. fkn ptn

[@garywhelansr5602]

I have the same tent but only difference is mine dont have a screen door .. just front door.. do you know if theres a winter version so no need for a bug screen? any info appreciated

[@2ndchancegeorge]

Oooooooo nice tent. How small does it pack. Will it fit in my medium alice pack. Or outside bottom?. Damn I hate these reviews....lol...too good. Now gotta get it. Damaged my own walkmart type one man. So need to replace. Great video as usual.

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

+2nd Chance George yeah it will fit on top of or bottom of the Alice no problem.

[@ramvanbobby3889]

this is fun :)

[@robertmortimore3024]

An original Commando F1 tent has one entrance complete with bug netting...Also an additional fly sheet to go over the top again....Look at..............Bushcraft Boy .......Vid

[@BK33REVIEWS]

Does anyone know where I can order a rain fly for one of these tents

[@redriverscout4404]

I would just string up a tarp over a ridge line over the tent and job done. Probably the simplest option.

[@nickhdeep6leatherworks338]

How was the ventilation?

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

+Nick H Deep 6 Leather Works not bad at all but I need to do an overnight to confirm

[@brimstone33]

Think it could really benefit from a screen peak vent in the rear wall....

[@debbiequinn5115]

K bar knife

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

+Debbie Quinn ?

[@bobleeswaggerbob9088]

Selva e mar...

[@WizzeeeR]

You're tent is a F2, NOT a F1 (F1 is the best)

[@ThePreparedWanderer]

+Tom le coyote all US retailers sell these as F1.

[@jameslane9918]

👍🇺🇸🌐👏