Bushcraft Haversack - DO I NEED ONE?? | Helikon Tex Review and Military Haversack Adaptations
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- čas přidán 16. 07. 2024
- I know what you are thinking...! Will my bushcraft gear fit inside one of these? Should I buy a bushcraft haversack for everyday carry? This video will help you decide.
I help by showing you the uses, benefits and the drawbacks of using a haversack as part of your kit. I also review the latest Helikon Tex Haversack. However, its not just about shiny new kit…! I show you how a selection of old military kit can be useful too!
Do get yourselves down to your local army surplus store and let me know if you’ve been able to pick up any bargain haversacks! Oh and be sure to watch to the end to hear my TOP SECRET TIP!
Please note: I am not sponsored by the kit companies and I was not given any freebies to make this video.
00:00 Bushcraft Haversack - DO I NEED ONE?? | Helikon Tex Review and Military Haversack Adaptations
00:51 Helikon Tex Haversack Review
05:35 Grab bag military haversacks for use in bushcraft
09:45 Old School respirator haversack
14:15 New style military respirator bag haversack
16:54 Classic haversack bag - military claymore bag.
22:32 Handmade English Shooting Bag
20:06 Norwegian military roll top bag
21:09 Top secret tip from a British Royal Marine Commando
Where to buy:
Helikon Tex Haversack 8 Litre: geni.us/Vm373A5
Stanley cup: geni.us/oapZ5
Nalgene bottle: geni.us/o7LNsOe
Laplander folding saw: geni.us/awQRMy
Torch: geni.us/EbCa64a
Nordic pocket chainsaw: geni.us/SPCYG
Fire-proof gloves: geni.us/U6Y3N
Respirator bag: geni.us/P7d3R
This video is part of our EDC series:
/ @hiddenvalleybushcraft...
The video and/or the description may contain some affiliate links. This means if you buy one of the products we recommend, we’ll make a small commission which helps us continue to make 100% videos. We never recommend anything we haven’t used or don’t 100% believe in.
That last part got my sides in stitches
I think the haversack is intended more for hunting / gathering, scouting etc once you have your base camp established. They're not intended to carry everything in your pack. I stuff a haversack into my main pack and they're awesome for this purpose.
Haversacks are also great as a vehicle bag for a quick scout. I've camped (summertime, light rain) out of one too.
Gold! As are all your vids. Still big belly laughing at the Velcro tip at the end. Had one of my RI’s pass on the same tip during my basic training back in ‘97 and cracks me up still. Keep ‘em coming mate.
Always does. Getting my kit together to go bush for some “grounding” when opportunity arises and huge thank you for your part in that inspiration. Had put the Helikon on a wish list, but thanks to your tips, I might just dig out the old webbing bumbag and see what happens. Cheers again!
Having had the military purposes of these bags explained it seems the common themes are carrying something extra to your normal (essential) kit, and that you can get easy access to it in a hurry. If you're going to find a use for these bags in your activities (bushcraft or otherwise) it'll probably be along those lines.
Back to schooldays. Everyone used "Army" bags for carrying lunch and schoolbooks. I've used a 37' pattern big pack with one strap as a haversack for years+++. All the commercial ones failed at the strap attachment or the zips in less than a year. I fancy one of those dark green respirator packs. Good one mate. McIntyre.
I remember those, I had a rucksack and a couple of two partition haversacks, really coarse canvas, sand coloured, I think my grandfather bought them just after WW2. I used the rucksack mainly, in the early 1980s, must have been popular because I remember at least 3 others had them, except theirs were copies- softer canvas and steel buckles, where as mine were brass. Theirs wore out in the course of 2 years, mine just kept going after lasting 40 years already!😁. My biggest regret was selling the last good one on eBay 5 years or more ago, fetched £30 or more, totally regret it now my life long love of wild camping has evolved into bushcraft!
Really fascinating. Who'd have thought that a haversack could be so interesting! Thank you for that.
5
My "go to kit" is a 45 litre Karrimor SF Predator, with side pockets and yoke. That way I have all bases covered. I've got the rucksack to get me and my camping kit to task. Then I use either one, or two, side pockets on the yoke. It's easy to set up and I know I can rely on it. For a single day out I either use the bag itself, or just the yoke and side pocket,(s). I can even sling my Small Forest Axe on to it.
I appreciate your video though as it just confirms my choice! Thank you for what you do, it's always helpful.
I have the Hellikon Bushcraft Satchel which is a bit expensive which is 17litre capacity and feels really cavernous. Great for day trips with a couple of water bottles, food and lightweight waterproof rolled up.
The problem I have with backpacks is my back gets really sweaty wearing them but with a haversack it doesn't. But you do have the issue you mentioned of being loaded on one side so I just got into the habit of swapping the shoulder the bag was on.
In the Indiana Jones movies his haversack was an old US army respirator bag with the cloth strap replaced by a leather one. I managed to find one of these bags on eBay years ago and put a leather strap on it, unpicked some of the stitching inside to remove some of the compartments. It is small, but it is really tough thick canvas. Converting army respirator bags seems like a common trick!
Can try to balance with a water carrier on the other-side and wear the straps cross body. It works pretty well.
Awesome video Nick, and thanks for sharing some of your own history and the stories behind these items. Who knew there was so much to think about with a Haversack!
Lots of great content out there on the tube, but far and away yours is the best! Thank you 😊
Being a bit a gadget nut that Norwegian bag you showed at the end looks interesting.
LOL! Love that secret Velcro tip. Pure gold.
Your camp and cabin is strangely beautiful and relaxing to look at. Thank you for sharing it with us viewers!
Outstanding Brother. Your thoughts, experience and insights are first class, especially when it comes to tactical velcro opening!
Brilliant, I'm literally bag hunting and your excellent video has helped, thanks Nick.
Loving it Bootneck ,listen in gentlemen haversacks ,all joking aside always found nature helps me readjust , great channel and here's to another year . ready yourselves to sign on again gentlemen
Brilliant kit comparison gives you a very good idea where to go as most items bought on line and you can’t have a hands on until you have purchased your kit. Excellent review.
Ace! Congratulations on your anniversary. You seem much more comfortable with the camera these days and your dits are good. I’ve got a load of that stuff in the loft, inspired to get up there and see what I can use now.
Thought this might make you smile. I bought a compass the other day very cheaply (used). Took it home and then realised it had a problem. North was completely opposite from it should have been. I looked at again and smiled to myself. I cannot see to read it anyway so does it really matter and if asked I have a compass. :)
That's because the earth's magnetic field has shifted through the poles.
It's the dawn of the the age of Aquarius and you are chosen.
That or it's broken
Is it an Australian compass? They work upside down…
Brother ... I was laughing at the tactical velcro pull before you did it. I absolutely adore your channel. Keep up what you are doing, you've no idea the joy it spreads. Thanks man.
Lol, liked the ending. Great information. Thanks 👍
I’ve used haversack bags many times through the years. I still have the same canvas claymore bag, it’s great for my water collection gear. And I’m currently using a 5.11 haversack/ messenger bag for my EDC for work. And I still have my duty bag from my law enforcement days. Keep up the absolutely fantastic work. It’s really great what you do.
Thank you so much for this video!! I'm going through my (vietnam vet) uncle's estate and came across a military issue haversack respirator bag. I thought what the....? After watching this video I have an immense appreciation for the haversack bag!! Also thank you for your service :)
excellent overview of a useful bit of kit. a couple of these were new to me so well worth the view. 👍👍
Nice to watch an honest review
The old ones are always the best! Top vids mate - My bergen is itching to get out there! One of the best BC/FC channels out there. Gleaming!
Thank You for your service brother! AA 82nd ABN DIV … trained with several Brits.. always good guys! 🇺🇸👍🏻
Great video, I love the military humour, more of that please lol I'd also love to see more foraging videos, I don't know why but the way you presented the info made it easy to remember all the plants, normally I forget this stuff as soon as I look away
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683 Thank you, can't wait! :)
Good last tip. I find my very light weight canvas haversack used in combination with a heavy duty backpack works best. For foraging, taking light equipment when collecting firewood, etc. when stepping away from camp, it's ideal. Thanks for all the videos Nick, keep 'em coming.
I completely agree with everything you have said, the haversack is a great dismount kit for taking away from camp when you have few bits and bobs for a walk about. But like you say for carrying heavy items the weight displacement isn’t good, but you can actually thread both arms through the strap so the strap is almost forming an “M” shape with the middle of the “M” at the nape of the neck. But of course that then stops how handy the access is, great video 👍
Thank you Nick, very interesting to see! Best wishes Viola
LOL@ the end bit. hehehe. Great and informative video. Thanks.
thanks for the vid and the advice about the Kelly ketle im definetly buying one for all the reasons you talked about so thanks now i only have to make a bag that will hold all the my kit without keeping me from walking!!
Outstanding video. I always carry my haversack when I leave camp.
Awesome haversacks and a super technique of opening velcro :)
Thank you for your service!🇬🇧
I often use both. My rucksack is a main load bearing pack with my haversack only carrying things such as lunch (eating on the move), gloves, a knife and IFAK. I use a hanging water bottle just because this is what I’ve always used and I like it. I would never recommend a haversack as a stand alone but as a convenience pack in unison with my ruck it is definitely worth it.
Some may argue for a belt kit but trust me. On a hike, my main sport, these are cumbersome and often expensive to kit out with pouches.
Many thanks
Another awesome video, cheers
Top video as all ways loved the end reminded me of my corporal when I was doing my training haha
My new favourite channel. Great content.
I knew what was coming (silent Velcro opening) their Royal 🤣🤣🤣 👏👏👏
I've started making my own bits of gear, this reminds me I should get off to my local army surplus for some inspiration and materials! Don't think a haversack would be my preference over a rucksack unless I was concentrating on one particular task that needed repeated access to a couple of items of kit. I did have a look at that Helikon one and given it looks decent quality it wasn't as expensive as I was expecting. Thanks for another great vid 👍
Another great video; I was just searching for military surplus haversacks on craigslist before I saw this. More for stuffing tinder and kindling and scroungables into rather than as a rucksack replacement.
Another top video mate
haha awesome tip at the end bro.
Very informative and an amusing finale. I have a couple of those myself, but never used them as civie bags. The claymore one is my favourite, as it is completely no-nonsense. What I use now is a 30L pack with an 8L top pocket that is a buttpack / haversack when removed.
Love the commando tactical velcro trick. Will use that the rest of my life. Great life hack....lol. 😁👍
Really liked the secret you shared at the end.
Sunday afternoon with a mug of tea and a great up load. What more do you need.
Brownies. Chocolate nut brownies. MY chocolate nut brownies.
You know, when I watch videos about haversacks I'm always reminded of one of my favourite books - Jean Auel's amazing book 'Valley of The Horses'. It's the sequel to 'Clan of The Cave Bear'. Ayla has been chucked out of her clan and is roaming the Ukrainian Steppes. Her haversack is a large woven basket. In it, APART from everything else, is an Auroch hide that she uses as a shelter. An AUROCH hide...! She's about fifteen at the time... It was winter. We have it easy...
Another engaging video guys, really enjoy your channel and content, such an escape from all the crap of modern day 😊👍👍
Hey Nick
Another great vid , gotta say thanks , that Velcro trick will stick with me the rest of my life 😂😂😂..
Have a good one brother
Cheers from 🇨🇦
Good information, I recently brought a "Romanian bread bag", just what I needed for half day walks.
The back and lid are designed to lay flat against your side. I did get one with the leather strap points.
I also gave it a coat of a well known tent proofing.
I am a big fan of Helikon-Tex, for heavier loads i use their Bushcraft Satchel, when i am not using my Berghaus Crusader.
And man, i finally know how to silently open these velcro tabs. Thanks!
Thanks Nick, that was brilliant. I knew what was coming with the velcro but, it still made me laugh. I have used a Haversack for years, mine is very similar to the S10 pack but a bit bigger, it has an 8 litre capacity. Never carried a lot in it i.e. small brew kit,water 1Ltr, saw, knife and maybe a bit of scoff but I have found that over the years it has done a real FUBAR job on my shoulder. As I am now 70 I have switched to a small backpack, Tasmanian Tiger Essential Pack Large at 15 Lts and the difference is amazing, I still carry pretty much the same kit with, the addition of a Poncho, in total comfort thanks to the Sternum strap taking a lot of the load off my shoulders. No way will I go back to a haversack. I hope this helps somebody.
Hi Nick, another great presentation, I have an older respirator bag, as new old stock £10, cut off the strap and some internals, makes a great bag when going on a half day walk, flask, water proof and lunch, and a camera, any more and it's a small rucksack,
Cheers Nick, take care 👍👍☕
What a gem! Finally I am in to the secret of tactical Velcro opening....
Bravo 👍. Wish I would have seen this before I purchased a commercial haversack.
Exactly the one i have mate , they"re a great bag , good vid. :)
The gun bag is really good. Might have to make myself one
I have a large army back back with the zip-on side pouches. I'm giving the main pack to a friend but am keeping the pouches. It was while watching this that I realised that I can turn the pouches into haversacks, as they also have the side-release buckles at the top and bottom and I could make some webbing straps for them (I could also attach them together via the zip).
Thank you for a most interesting And inspiring video.
I just ordered the military osprey face mask bag. Looking so forward to receiving it!!! Looks useful and adaptable.
That gas mask bag fits the field ration packs perfectly.
😎... Commando secret 😊thanks for sharing
Hope your all well 👍 As always Awesome content great options really enjoyed listen about your time in the commandos Thank You for what you were doing over in Afghanistan I always show my love and appreciation. Have a very Blessed day to you all 🙏👍😎👍
I use a 1937 pattern ‘small pack’ with a shoulder strap - no zips to break, looks traditional, has a divider inside and the front two smaller dividers are just the right size to hold a crusader mug and bottle, and space at the back for other stuff. Small med kit and brew kit in the other divider. I got a 1950’s dated one - was about £12
Good stuff my friend 🤠
Excellent marine! Though as an ex-highlander, our silent Velcro trick was to sneeze ‘och,aye’ when opening…lol
Very interesting, I just bought a Polish Bread Bag to use as a haversack when day hiking, hill climbing etc as I'm fed up with a sweaty back from a rucksack and daypack sized rucksacks with breathable backs are stupidly expensive. Only need space for extra layers, crusader cup and osprey bottle, fire dragon stove, EDC pouch with first aid kit and fire starting kit and some food/snacks for longer trips so it should be ideal.
Great video 😁👍
Well I'm glad I've finally seen this video. I'm now more than justified in persisting with my haversack/game bag. I can get an amount of stuff into it plus a 58 pattern poncho. With a blanket over my shoulder or wrapped around my bag I don't feel too put out. One thing I do differently is to carry my water in a wineskin, on it own shoulder strap....
Suckered me in on the velcro trick
Thanks nick!
Good stuff!
Love the old velcro trick lol 😆, I have the original helikon-tex bushcraft haversack, better than the newer version for sure, got a cracking little haversack off 3treesproducts (ranger haversack), about £18, brilliant little haversack, my son uses a 90's British gas mask bag as a haversack, serves him well, if you want a traditional canvas haversack, poole bay bushcraft haversack is the nuts, Steven is a legend with canvas, excellent quality, really enjoy your videos ,good health and safe travels, cheers craig
A haversack is very handy to have. I throw 3 days worth of rations into mine when I go camping. It saves room in my backpack.
Look in to the Blackbird haversack from Blackie Thomas, made from an oiled canvas. GREAT video as usual.
Love your work. I love that you included my beloved 782 gear from my time in the USMC! Thanks for sharing a bit of your days of service, thank you for what you did for all of us.
Great vid, keep up the great work!
Got back today after my first trip. I now completely understand you have to learn by failure. The diamond tarp is amazing. The hammock… I need practice getting in and out, though it made for an entertaining show! The best sleep for a long time. Thanks for this channel.
Great video again. I did think that the gas mask bag was cool. I don’t know how it would feel, but maybe using the clips to attach it to another bag could be used to strap it to your belt, along with the shoulder strap to keep it close to the body?
I have that HT haversack and find it ideal as my everyday work bag. Enough room for laptop, water bottle and with the addition of the HT velcro inserts for pens, multi tool, torch etc. is ideal for an urban environment. I didn't know that the catch was quick release, but now I do, I keep playing with it. I don't think this bag is really made for the bush, however it's great around town.
I have a dump pouch that I like to use just as a "belt bin" of course I carry proper binliners with me but for the moments where you're eating or whatever then have to tear down a camp, chuck it in the belt bin then add it to the collection as I go. Always try and leave areas cleaner than when I arrive.
I have one of the respirator packs, a slightly later model, darker green. I really love it- £10 brand new, so solid, no water is going to ingress, really handy size, I can fix so much in.😁 From what you said on the video, I’m thinking it’s the 1990 version.
I also use the East German rucksacks, but as a haversack, two types, one has a roll top waterproof insert under the lid, they are rather cool looking with the Strichtarn camo, built like a tank!
Tactical velcro lol Looking forward to more top tips haha
Nick the Helikon -Tex bush craft satchel is a pretty good shout and it looks just like a messenger bag. It can hold around 18 litres. Only mentioning it as i thought you used helikon bags.
For reliability and value military gear from Ebay wins hands down but for a technical bag with a dual purpose and good capacity the bush craft satchel is worth a look in my opinion.
Timbuk2 make very good messenger bags
They sling in the small of your back for a comfortable carry
They have great internal storage, waterproof and padded sling
All things considered I prefer a pack
Hmm, those old mask bags are indeed very useful. I've 4 x 90's hanging from headrests in my motor (mugs & brew kit in one, first aid in another, wet weather kit, etc - you get the picture), and a slightly modded car bag with rat pack and change of clothes in (never know when this could come in handy). And a partridge in a pear tree for good measure.
The s10 (if that is what it was) bag makes for a good, if slightly tall butt pack, for those interested in that style of carry.
And as i recognised the beginnings of a tall tale groaner i wondered if mainly british viewers had that build up smile, slightly squinted eyes, and slow groan of satisfaction or whether those from far off lands also did?
Thanks mate😏
I used a Helikon 'Man bag' when I was a phot. It was great for stashing lenses and other bits of kit and not stand out on the ground with a camera bag. Still use it now when I am Camping with the Scouts.
I use a 7L Ribzwear front pack. It's compatible with all backpacks and doesn't flop around like a haversack. Best of both worlds.
Great discussion and review. I am not a fan of the haversack, but have started messing about with a couple of home-sewn "snap sacks". These are 17th century high tech--just cloth tubes tied at each end and slung over the shoulder or back. I think these bags ride a bit better across the back. Less convenient than a haversack in terms of ready access, but don't have that annoying habit of slapping one on the side every other step.
Still, I may keep my eye open for a surplus mil bag suitable as a day-hike bag. Thanks for the overview.
Think Asia: monks, mountain women.
Monk's bag: a single narrow piece of cloth forms the strap and two ends of the bag. A narrow strip between the ends bulks out the body of the bag. The whole thing has huge carrying capacity (50litres?), wraps round, hangs loose. You'd hardly notice it was there most of the time, but it can contain large drinking bowl, rice bowl, begging bowl, other prescribed gear and whatever gifted foods to take back to the community. You could make a decent bushcrafty monk's bag out of those combat pa7nts.
Mountain women (same as for mountain men, although in my experience the men are more likely to hunt or be off their heads, while women gather and carry stuff) : small version of the monks bag.
The repurposed military options in this video suffer from being too rigid, even the classic claymore. You don't want a sturdy bottom, heavy fabric, lots of pockets and compartments or structure if you want a haversack to hug your body for easy movement. This is true whether you are additionally wearing a rucksack or just a daybag. If you want weather protection, just use loose pouches inside.
A simple piece of kit I (re)discover here, I have one when I've done my formation in 1987-1988 and it was one far older than the most older here (in fact it was more something you had in the WWII ^^ I think it was British ones) , I used also these sort of bag just to go to school in the eighties. Simple, impossible to break ... jesus, I feel older and older now ;)
I have one from Helikon Tex but not the Haversack but something similar, the Satchel
Good reviews. I've been using a little ex-respirator haversack (I think it's formerly a Finnish item) as a day carry bag and it has lasted well.
Wow!! I really couldn't hear the Velcro opening👍🏻😁
I bought a maxpedition cover for the helikon bushcraft haversack. Size wise I use the bushcraft satchel more.
An old DPM respirator bag for me Nick, holds plenty for a day. A year of YT already, crack on Royal, you doing a good job.
the last part make me laugh....😂😂😂
Bought one of the mtp haversacks at the Bushcraft show a few years ago for £10 like new, perfect for carrying beers around :) Just ordered a DPM minimi bag to see how well it'll fit on the front of a bergen.
Nice video and interesting, very lasting bags 🎒👍
@@hiddenvalleybushcraft5683
Welcome, take care and stay blessings 🙌
I currently have two Pathfinder haversacks. While I seldom carry a tarp or other such bulky items, I find that doing so is much easier by dividing the load between two bags, one on each side. The only downside is my tendency to pack unneeded items until both bags are overweight, a bad habit. A commonly mentioned problem with such a system is the constriction and chafing around the neck, which I solve by always wearing a thick, but lightweight scarf.
I think the idea of a haversack is good under the right circumstances. In particular, I think it is good for lightweight items or something you need to access often. Perhaps collecting edibles or fireststarting supplies