As a reenactor for the past 20 years (and actual soldier for 6 years) you need to paint the outside of the bag, or at the very least treat the putside with a mixture of olive oil, beeswax and animal lard. Nothing sucks worse than wet gear.
Doing pre1840 primitive camping for almost 40 years, i have produced numerous packs over the years, and have seen even more. I will say that the viewer that graciously gifted you this has been very generous with an apex-level, professional quality item. Directly historically accurate. Perfectly reinforced. Some tips from experience. I hope you don't mind. Place softer items like extra pair of socks, food, etc., against your body in the main compartment. The outer flap should hold harder, irregular items such as messkit, etc, Place as many items as possible in smaller cloth bags using personal logic. I have sewing kit, leather whangs/thongs, etc., in one bag. All food in another. IFAK (modern) in another. Water purification system in another, etc. This keeps your pack much tidier when searching for something. It prevents smaller do dads from getting lost, and if you use different fabrics, closures, sizes, etc., you can easily identify things in the dark. Always try to carry loads higher on your body over your center of balance. Low-slung loads, although "cool" looking in the living room, after 1 mile of walking uneven ground and bouncing against you every step will beat you to exhaustion. Secure your loads higher. Eliminate gravity trying to pull you over with an improperly slung load. Kit up and try running through branches, crawling (uphill and down), doing somersaults, etc. If after every movement you can go to standing without having to readjust, you're getting it. Use your main pack for once a day access. Bedroll, messkit, etc. Use a smaller bag for throughout the day. Snack, toilet paper, dry tinder finds, etc. Nobody wants to wait for the guy that has to unpack his entire camp everytime you break for five minutes. Distribute as much weight as possible from your center. Don't sling packs and bedrolls from one shoulder. Use nice wide straps over both shoulders and across the upper chest, or if using a backpack style, tie the two straps together across your chest with a short tie. We always take too much. If you haven't used an item the last three times out, time to rethink it. Let your clothes absorb smoke. It will cut down on BO, protect them, act as bug repellent and allow you to better assimilate into the woods.
So, what is your impression of "market wallets" (which Kramer called a "Needs Wallet" or "Needs Sack")? I find I can carry two comfortably, one over each shoulder, as long as the sack width is under 12" wide and making it close to 4ft long provides plenty of space for full clothing kit or like, yet strong enough for canned goods. Also, as it is split in the middle and shouldered one can balance the weight & bulk front & back to make the load easier and it can be shucked to the ground easily, traded shoulder-to-shoulder if carrying only one, twisted around a stick or saddle horn, and is absolutely period from ancient Rome through the 19th century
@DMZwerg I made an oversized market wallet design some 25 years or so ago. A sized stick ran through it, where your shoulder would go, and to backpack straps attached to the stick. In function, it performed exactly as the featured bag in the video. The market wallet has enjoyed a renewed explosion of interest in the last 15 or so years. They have become quite popular as many re-discover them. The design is very functional for the time, but I do find it limiting as to certain loads. The length of the slit will often, not always, define how full it can be loaded. If you are carrying as many apples as possible, they are only secured up to the beginning of the slit. After that, they can pop out from pressure of carrying in the center of the wallet. Two long pockets or enclosed bags, openings facing each other and connected by a fixed and measured panel would serve better. The market wallet is designed more like today's shopping bag need than a shopping cart. The day's market haul can be carried home. Personally, I wouldn't use one as either a primary pack or other on the trail. By design, they simply hang long over the shoulder and are too susceptible to bouncing. Tying or strapping down could be an option, but sounds like an overcomplicated attempt to avoid an already existing bag. They are ideal for walking down the road with your purchases, but for cross country who-knows-what I would first explore other options that would also keep my hands more free.
@hasumeokaasan6533 fantastic! Got me jealous. I missed an awesome November event and will miss a January one as well. Have an awesome time and be safe.
No, only Gondor, with the Ithilien Rangers and then the remnant of Arnor, the Chieftains descended from Isildur and the remaining folk of Arnor, who made up the Rangers of the North. The gear shown off does give off a “Rohirrim-vibe” from the movies if they employed their own type of Rangers.
I’m listening to the intro while reading your comment, then I look up and see his attire, and the first words out of my mouth are “My god, you weren’t kidding.”
I want to make my own ranger clan for larp we are forest people and we live in cave homes underground homes and have moss on are cloaks and grass on are tunics for natural camouflage to hide when we need to. I really want to find someone to build a cave house with me so bad.
Tyrion said something along the lines of "wear your weaknesses like armor and they can never be used against you." I'd love getting bullied if it also made me money and I got to do something i loved. All the haters can eff off.
Yours is so much better engineered than the extents & military documentation we have to study from the Rev War. Their flaps only reached about halfway down the bag portion, were secured with 2 buttons, and had no extra pocket within the flap. I like yours better!
There are tons of great ideas here, many of which I shall steal. But one quibble, wooden frame backpack systems -- notably square and triangular frames made of hewn branches -- have unbroken use, worldwide, clear back to prehistory. They may not have been in fashion or of particular note at any one time or another, but peasantry have always known how to gather sticks and tie them together, since forever.
When you said that it was used to carry oats, i had to think of the danish word for oats; havre. But mostly pronunced haver... also greetings from Denmark. Happy holidays everyone 🙂
i cannot believe it, but i have already made one of these. i even conceptualised it myself, i made it a year ago without any input - goes to show that this is a good product, that it's been invented multiple times!
It's always vindicating to know that something you came up with on your own and thought was a good idea, was actually used historically, and that many other people, from many years ago, also thought it was a good idea!
@@VikingNurse well i just took the large bit of canvas i had, cut it narrow and used the entire length to fold back in on itself - i didnt plan it dimensionally and as a result its actually not really what i wanted (i now want to make a new one). probably best to measure out a physical bag you already have, or find dimensions of a bag that fits what youd want to use it for.
I'm a long-time shoestring-budget doomsday prepper, and let me just give you a mountain of praise along the following key veins: I'm prepping for, among other things, any number of sources of a continental / global EMP event that perma-kills all modern tech and much if not all modern civilization along with it. And as such, this is projected to retro-rocket whoever survives among us back to anything from the old west clear back to prehistoric caveman times. This is right up my alley because, as per my individual interest in the medieval times of my own predominantly German heritage, I actively train in mid-13th through early 15th century German medieval melee weapons combat and German medieval knightly wrestling (known as 'Ringenkunst,' or just Ringen for short). This part also ties into my prepping because when everyone runs out of ammo in the post-SHTF world to come (note that there is already a widespread and steadily increasing ammo shortage as per the US sending load after load of our ammo to Ukraine and Israel), anyone with the will to defend themselves against looters and the like actually likely will be going medieval with their personal arms and their prepper fortresses. But more than this, they'll be going medieval with oldschool hand-made wool clothing too, and so on. This is where my praise of you comes in for me: As per my solemn intent to be ready for that world after the societal collapse comes and subsides into the long-term SHTF age soon upon us all, I've been taking detailed notes and doing my own hand-drawn copy-offs of all your ideas for hand-made cloaks, LARP gear and so on so I can make my own survival gear in a world where there are no remaining modern industries to make modern stuff any longer. And so, even though you were never thinking along this vein in your adventure blogging here on your channel, the knowledge you purvey here just happens to benefit SHTF preppers like myself. Your innovations and historical knowledge have proven invaluable to the point of my having incorporated it all into my existing and now far more refined bug-out plan. And, since I do happen to have an avid interest in things Medieval German and generally olden times, it's a nice bonus that I can have fun with it by adding that medieval German (and in some cases vaguely fantasy LARP) flair to my overall prepping plan and lifestyle. My primary melee weapons of choice are the mid-14th to early-15th century longsword fighting doctrine of the German sword master Johannes Liechtenauer (his sword doctrine is taught in a lengthy poetic verse which is known as 'Zettel') and his early 15th century successor Sigmund Ringeck (who expanded upon the 'Zettel' later), and the 13th to 14th century medieval sword & buckler shield fighting doctrine of Hans Talhoffer. The historical 'Fechtbuk' (the German word for the phrase "Fight Book," which refers to any historical documents written and illustrated to teach any number of medieval fighting techniques and systems) which instructs this doctrine, is cataloged in museums as historical document "I-33". Therefore I can say that seeing your videos on things like how to best carry a longsword safely over distance, as well as your video on exploring dodge rolls in combat, have all given me vital knowledge I now include as standard-feature required learning in my bug out planning and my last-ditch melee weapons fight training regimen here at home. Both, being absolutely vital for if I have to fight my way out of town on foot and brave the elements in the surrounding open countryside when SHTF happens. Anyway, I say unto you good sir: Please keep up the good work, thank you for your knowledge and contributions to the common good, and I will continue to study and incorporate your various bodies of adventurer's knowledge into my prepping until the time comes to put it all to life-saving practical use. BE WELL, SIR!
Love this comment, one thing though, while it's not expressly the purpose of my videos, part of my fascination with pre-industrial (specifically medieval, but also 18th century, etc,), is to learn from our ancestors, so that I can work towards living a more self reliant, off grid, life style. And if I am in a situation where there are no modern conveniences to be confident in my ability to provide for and defend myself and my family. Really happy you are finding value in my videos. Cheers!
@@LivingAnachronism Which I will continue to do. And, If I may offer a counter-suggestion in turn: If you're not doing it already as I certainly am, I recommend you start learning to hunt both small & large game by bow, arrow and hand-made trap using the available natural materials found in your local wilderness environment, as well as learning to know your local edible & medicinal wild plants; I've already positively identified wild edibles including but not limited to wild spinach, wild lettuce, bittercress, wild asparagus, and so on along highways, along the dirt roads that section off all the rice fields around here, literally in my own back yard, etc. The books written by Christopher Nyerges are one of the very best places to start for this, and ALL of his books are on amazon (where I got my copies). Imagine then what new dimensions of awesomeness your future camping adventure vids would take on if you were to demo some edible wild plant foraging and primitive game hunting during your medieval adventure camp-outs. Anyway, just some food for thought from one adventurer to another.
Awesome bag! I'd love to hear you talk more about the different types of kit you mentioned. Breaking things down into categories always helps me to get a better picture of how things fit together.
There’s a comment thread above that mentions bagging related things together inside say a haversack. Mess kit in one smaller bag, sewing kit in another, first aid in yet another and so on. Makes finding a specific item easier.
One change I’d make (and have to mine) is to just use a loose strap instead of sewing it into the bag and folding the bag over the belt. Then you get more versatility with the strap and it’s very durable. But you do have to pack the bag fully to make it lay correctly
The other way to implement this would be to sew a buckle on one side and a tail on rhe other, such that your strap is a standalone belt that can close on itself, or attach to each side of the bag (so buckle on strap goes to tail on bag, and tail on strap goes to buckle on bag). Would retain the flexibility of a loose strap when desired, but also keep the bag from collapsing toward the middle when not fully loaded.
I think if I make my own, I’d either make a belt “sleeve” for the long, or just big d rings. With the right d rings I could have some handy strap configurations, which would be fun.
I’m making one myself and plan on using d rings w a leather strap instead of buckles . More versatility. I will be sewing a large strap for over the shoulder , but I’ll use d rings W as well for adjusting.
I've read that back in the day haversacks weren't really expected to last very long, due to grease, food particles, etc getting in the cloth - I get the impression that food was often carried loose in the sack instead of inside smaller containers or bags the way we usually carry things today. The original "New Invented Haversack" doesn't seem to have really caught on, and I suspect that it was because it made more sense to have a dedicated food bag in which the soldier could carry the next few days' worth of hardtack or bread, salted meat, plus whatever they could "liberate" from the local farms, etc., which could be replaced when necessary, and a separate pack that would last longer, rather than this hybrid type would be more expensive than a haversack but have to be replaced just as quickly.
This is an interesting point. I suspect this is why I see many reenactors use the haversack, but also put their food into a needed wallet before it goes into the haversack,
The actual original "New Invented" of the 1770s did attempt to address this. The top pocket portion was painted for waterproofing and lined, and used for clothing. The bottom bag portion was plain linen, and used for food, etc. I *suspect* given the context of the time it was intended to equip a bunch of soldiers as quickly and cheaply as could be managed, but the idea turned out to be false economy. Regardless, the "New Invented" as designed never really caught on, and likely for exactly the reasons you point out. However, the version Kramer has is downstream from those made by c. 1980s-90's reenactors, who I don't think had access to quite as detailed writeups as we do today. I think the version they came up with makes much more sense than the original!
its amazing how you can still see the design of a flap with pocket that can strap stuff to the top of your bag in many modern backpacking bags. It really is still one of the best ways to organize your gear.
I like that you said something about collecting firewood because if you kept the cloak/ blanket out it looks like a great firewood carrying bag that can be strapped to your shoulder in case you’re having to venture a little farther from the fire site to collect wood then what would be comfortable carrying the wood back by just a hand strap
I seem to recall in another video I commented that my DM was a stickler about how encumbered we were. That included how we wore things as well as how bulky and heavy things were. A solution we came up with concerning how we wore knapsacks and cloaks at the same time was that we'd first put on the pack and then don the cloak over it and our bodies, the assumption being that travel cloaks were larger than the standard and were similar to ancient Roman "soldier" cloaks, or paenula.
Hey, I just wanted to say im loving this forgotten adventuring gear series! Im planning on going on an extended motorcycle tour and this series have given me many ideas on different items to bring and how to best use what I got. Thanks!
Something else that I think is overlooked, plus it means you could also carry a spear more naturally, is using a long stick (or spear) with the bag at the end and you use your shoulder as leverage to elevate the bag, which means is then rather easy to just drop it and be "ready", but Ive tried it and is not unconfortable once you get used to shuffle the weight
Kramer, great job on the vid, nice bag. I just built a similar bag for myself to go under a cloak. More based on the 17c Highlander gear from Tom @FandabiDozi. To wear as a backpack: 1) bag in front of you (soft side away from you) loop strap across your back under your arms. 2) flip bag over your head and settle straps on your shoulders. 3) using either the end of your adjustable strap or a spare piece of cordage tie the straps together in front of you. I find it better to put the cross strap on my lower ribcage but I have a really bad back between my shoulder blades. I believe you've said it before (May have been Tom, both of you have influenced my medieval/fantasy kit!!) but a pannier is a medieval 'backpack'. A wicker basket with rope or leather straps. Though I find it hard to believe that no-one thought of making it out of linen or sailcloth before the mid 19thc! Merry Christmas to you and yours!! Side note, I made mine out of a pair of canvas pants!
I watch this video I watched this video last night, and so, this afternoon I have a similar bag sewn by my hands from nothing! Thank you for showing me such an interesting way of storing my things!
It's funny. All of the times in fantasy books and audiobooks that I've read or heard the word 'haversack', I'm not quite sure what it was I was picturing but this is far better and more useful than I would have imagined. Great video and keep up the good work!
That's actually amazing. I think I need to make one of those. Also, you look very natural in your gear. That's something I need to work on. If I wear even half that gear I feel clumsy.
You were one good slap away from the car salesman meme. I'll probably end up having to make one for myself. One modification I can see my self adding, is an extra pocket on the outside.
I saw something like the Haversack in a Thrift Shop recently. Had all the things you talked about however it was hippy. All the colors and piece signs.
Very cool rig, fits a lot of options into a simple, clean package. I've been thinking a lot about the usefulness of "versatility" and "modularity" for fantasy adventurers, and this is good inspiration for some designs (mostly drawn--I'm no good with leather and textiles). Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone 🎄🎁
i used to tie my quiver to my knapsack, so the whole thing came off in one piece, i also had an overbelt that kept my knapsack from moving arounf, and the bottom of the quiver tied to this... also cloak wrapped up in a roll and attached to teh strap at the back, and the axe slotted in next to this, all one bundle
Overall I do like it. The only thing I do not like about shoulder bags is they do not evenly distribute weight and eventually you will want to switch which shoulder it is on or switch to something like a backpack.
I've taken to wearing it over both shoulders in such cases. So the strap essentially goes across your chest and the bag can hang above or below your backpack, or if you don't have a backpack, then it just goes in the small of your back. It's surprisingly comfortable and efficient.
First visit to the channel. Excellent video. In the case where you are wearing the strap over both shoulders, how do you prevent it from falling up your body and into your neck?
@@edjojob Lean forward slightly. it actually balances very well and there is a good amount of friction. When I first started the method, it slipped WAY less than I thought is would
I'd put the knife on the strap, or belt, as an item likely to find use on the trail. Out of character, there's also a detail where I live that the knife would be legal open carry, but big trouble if found "concealed" in the bag.
@@hanelyp1 yes i agree, we have similar laws if i would conceal a pointy-boi that would be a no' no But using it as accessories on a cosplay no problem! Also if having a event which would include big-pointy-bois it would be no problem as long as the event was not hindering to others (like hindering traffic or such) also you need a permit if it was held in a forest with the obvious cleaning afterwards
Technically, backpacks date back to the Stone Age! However, they looked nothing like your school rucksack or the 19th-century leather backpack... The closest form to what they carried back then that still exists today is what you see the Nepalese mountaineers use. In short, it's a wooden frame with belts and occasionally a plate at the bottom, and everything else gets tied to it. It's very inconvenient to quickly get a specific item out, but the advantage is that it can carry pretty much anything irrespective of the volume and shape and it can carry superheavy stuff OSHA/HSE wouldn't want you carrying today... They were super-popular among travelling merchants. Some might even carry an entire set of drawers on their back or multiple boxes making the merchant look comically small compared to his cargo
Your description reminds me of the depiction of traveling apothecaries in anime. A cabinet of small drawers full of prepared medicines in paper sachets strapped to the back.
Yess; and a lighter carrying option is known as "item sack". or "torba". Basically sack tying up with a flap and optional pockets outside. They are roughly canvas cylinders and form into a ball when a lot is tucked in.
8:48 the us army does using this idea in the 'assault pack', Designed a hold 48 hours worth of equipment and ammunition, That's separate from the actual ruck sack
Market sack haversack combo is a great idea. I have seen modern ones using the flap by adding zippers. The more ideal part of this is you can drop it in a hurry. A napsack or a ruck is not as easy.
On the subject of carrying enough gear you need, I’d love to hear your thoughts on hygiene on the road for an adventure. Or keeping clothes clean. Soap obvs would be something you carry. But what about hair care (you have especially great hair and I think could give tips for other men and women with long care hair in the field) or skin care. There are natural soaps that can be used on hair and body to save space, but some people have skin conditions where keeping it healthy during travel and adventure can be tricky. But stuff like eczema wouldn’t be a deal breaker, just something that you have to account for, and bring extra things for (which is the tricky part, because you don’t want to being bringing a whole alchemy set). For a modern example, I’ve spent months in the field due to the army training, and also have mild on/off eczema. Hygiene is important, but we often only got to shower every two weeks or so. In 100F humid weather, wearing the same uniform for days, staying clean and avoiding heat rash or yeast infections or UTIs (for those prone them) was important. So people would use baby wipes once or twice a day. And use wet weather bags or field laundry bags with soap and switch out with a spare uniform every few days (there were portable water tank stations in the training area where people would collect water). For eczema, humid air actually helped keep the skin moisturized so a lotion was all I needed. But other environments where it’s been more arid has been tricker
Regarding hair care (specifically for longer hair), there are many hair products today that, even though some people may find benefit in them, were not available for most of history. And for that large period of history, people used more natural ways to keep their hair clean. I am no expert on hair, but I have done some research on the topic. Brushing your hair daily (or twice a day) will take the every day dust and knots out. Washing your hair with warm water will take most regular dirt out. Finishing that wash with cold water will help closing the ends. How often you need to wash depends on how dirty you get it. I personally wash it once a week. I also wash my brush at the same time, because if your brush is dirty, it won't clean your hair as well. I do use soap on the brush. It is important to use soap on your hair aswell when it is very dirty or when there might be chemicals in your hair (when you have been swimming in a pool with chlorine for example). There are plants that create soap, so you could try to find those in the wild as well.
Welp hair care just the same as body is something so special and individual, I can‘t give any broad tips on that but I would like to throw in to the people thinking about washing themself in a river or a lake: Please you bio degradeable soaps,… I would hate if you, the reader, would accidently destroy the nature we all deeply care about v.v If someone ruins an event place they ruin it for all of us, so please stay safe and be wary of the things you do! (Same goes for taking a piss outside, it kills the soils and if you do it too often at the same place a plant won‘t be able to grow there)
I recommended checking out Bernadette Banner or Abby Cox from the costube community here on RUclips. They will sometimes discuss hygiene from different eras. The takeaway for your concerns are: Wear linen or cotton undershirts and change them daily (like you do your socks). Avoid wearing polyester (and it’s derivatives, Olefin (Tyvek), Nylon, Acrylic (Orlon), Dacron, Trevira) against your skin like it’s poison. Like the other commenter said, brushing/combing your hair is more important than washing it. Dry shampoos can be a good field option because they are lighter to carry and avoid having to have a wet head in cold weather. They can also be made from ingredients in your kitchen.
@@nightfall3605awesome tips! I do love Ms. Cox and Banner. I do have a wonder though, how did people with curly hair (2C and up perhaps?) keep their hair clean since regular brushing (unless wet) is not good for the hair and can mess up the curls. Mediterrranean to Levantine to African etc hair types have various thickness of curls. But resources on historic hair care for those types seem sparse
Bushcrafter here. This looks perfect for an overnight camp bag. I have a haversack I made with canvas that holds my cook kit etc. I also take a polish lavu that I hang over the top. This looks perfect to fit my lavu and a wool blanket in and keep it nice and strapped down! Great piece of kit!
Nice. I use a haversack now and a belt kit for all my hiking and bushcraft outings. You can do so much more sometimes with less. I included a loop hanger for a tomahawk on my bag and the inside covers a bit of food water and shelter. The shoulder strap could easily stow a blanket or cloak, and I wear it with my middle earth quiver when go scouting for deer season
Side-bags are often condemned by chiropractors for distributing weight unevenly, but you touched on an important point: it needn't be one's only bag. Postmen today still use a double haversack (one on each hip) for carrying the not-insignificant weight of their deliveries over multiple miles. I've also heard it said that the Canadian voyageurs used this sort of "double-side carry" arrangement for moving bales of furs from one lake to another. They were expected to carry two bales, at 80-90 pounds (40 kg) each in addition to their canoe and personal goods. Some carried four or five. I won't be trading my knapsack for haversacks for long hikes anytime soon (coats make backpacks far more practical in our day) - but they definitely have their merit, and I love them for fantasy gear! PS: Tumplines are great carry-options too!
Good episode. This channel is a bit inconsistent, but when its good, its really good. More episodes like this. and yes I know you have been busy with your wedding. Congratulations. Here is to more consistency and more great episodes like this one in 2024. Cheers.
Also for practicality the haversack is for ease of access things you need or Want to get to with having to dig in a large back bag, or even have to remove your back bag. You can also swing it away and behind and drip it very quickly for breaks or camp.
Long strap on the flap to hold a blanket/cloak is how I wanted my leather messenger bag to work, but I only put one strap on, so a blanket or whatever tends to try to escape and I just don't bother now. I've seen the basic need wallet thing before, but I never considered making a bag from it. Guess who's making another bag at some point.
When I was a young man the Mrs. and I did civil war reenacting, one of the pieces we used was a haversack. It wasn't like the one you have but more basic. As for carrying a blanket, one could roll the blanket up and with some extra pants and socks in it and then sling it over one shoulder. (It would have been the left shoulder due to shooting the musket) and once tossed over take some twine and tie off the end together. I must say, yours is much better of an idea. Love these vids, they make me want to get out and do some larping.
Love the concept and execution but I'll stick to my great kilt with buckled messenger bag over my garb That's my personal opinion but I recommend that people make their own decisions Love your videos as always Kramer and will share it around the group as always
My favorite alternative to a hiking pack is a version of the Roman furka, where the pole can be rested on the ground when stopped and just lifted slightly to balance the load while walking. I usually carry it on the opposite shoulder from my bedroll strap.
An idea for a more anachronistic modification (no clue if it has any historical basis whatsoever pre 1900, but a few packs during and after ww2 have a similar system), would be making either beltloops to attach each half of the shoulder strap (when unbuckled) onto a separate waistbelt, or tabs on the haversack itself to loop the straps back, making it convertible into a pack. That way, it can be worn as a sling-bag when less loaded for convenience, or as a pack when loaded heavier for more symmetrical strain on the back.
A bit outside of the theme, but I use a modern rope bag for rock climbing that is designed very similarly. One of the things I like about it is that I can wear it along with a traditional pack; it sit nicely below the pack if adjusted correctly. Thanks for sharing!
I have a laptop bag that's actually really similar in that the flap is the entire width and closes with adjustable buckles. I have never considered putting my jackets in there though. I really should. (it is, however, entirely polyester. at least there's no fake leather!)
I want to build something like this, but based more off of a martebo sack (equal-sized pockets on both sides with a central access slit) to double capacity
This looks like my bike saddle bags I had back in the 90s when I was in college, and my only way of getting around a transit-poor city was my bike. I fitted my entire book kit (no ebooks for us back then, and the laptops that would have supported them were just as burdensome as the paper) on the bike rack, and once indoors in winter, I'd roll my outer gear and nylon rain shells between them, buckle the bottom bike frame straps together, and knotted my shell sleeves to make my shoulder strap. In more clement weather, I'd just sling the bags over my shoulder. I knew it couldn't have been a new idea.
PHENOMENAL content as always - really enjoyed it! I know it's extra gear, but if you were to do a video showing some footage of you camping, those are always great!
How cool! I love all the honest wear you've put on it! Once upon a time Wilde Weavers made a nice one. These days I'd try Bethlehem Trading Post, Longhunter Leather, or Hoffman Reproductions - in each case you may wish to send them a link to Kramer's video and talk about how you might wish to make it more fantasy-adventure instead of 18th c. colonial in feel: different buckles, different finish, etc. Off the shelf reproductions like those from Avalon Forge or C&D Jarnigan will likely be painted, which might not fit your mental image.
I’ve been looking for one since this video came out. C&D Jarnigans is an exact replica so the flap is either red or blue, the straps and flap aren’t as long so I don’t think you could fit a blanket in there and it doesn’t look like it has leather backed stitching. This one seems much higher quality. Wish the person who made it had a shop to buy one.
I’ve had one for years from doing 18th century reenacting, but it never occurred to me to use it for rangering. I really like the idea of hanging the hawk from the strap in that position, too. Thank you for new ideas.
Great piece of kit Kramer and yes it looks easy enough to make. Might have to give it a go. I do like the extra long straps and buckles. Also you can increase the length of the shoulders strap and transform it into a backpack for a different carry option. Merry Christmas to you and yours Nate
Hello, just a little sidenode to the word Haver, the german word for Oats is Hafer, the dutch word for oats is Haver. Another comment already mentioned the similarity to the danish word for oats. So it could be that the oat cake (Havercake) originates from Danish, German or Dutch emigrants who may have sold this cake frequently or used it as a travelling snack. I always find it fascinating how different words from other languages have found their way into American life The haversack really makes a great impression, thanks for sharing, I think I will really try to make a haversack
burgschneider i saw around for about 2 years or so. the bags are excellent. never bought the backpacks but this is the first time i have seen it being used.
If that shoulder strap was long enough, that haver sack could also be used like a trump line portage pack... where the guy had the load on his back and strap across forhead and walked leaned forward. you can see images of this in old canoeing art. often used for carrying sacks of flour etc. And Trump lines were made with a forhead pad and long tails for generalized uses. i.e. to carry anything, from a sailors trunk, to a cask etc.
i see a project coming up. was given a damaged old canvas tent, been trying think of worthy use for the material. won't be first thing i have made after watching your vids.
very interesting, i think medieval backpacks would be mroe like frame packs, or basket backpacks, Otzi had one.....this looks like the knapsack that nathaniel had in last of the mohaicans. Also in europe we tend to refer to haversacks as the triangular shaped swiss/austrian alpine hiking canvas types of backpack...or in modern times what was used beforre people came up with daypack
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As a reenactor for the past 20 years (and actual soldier for 6 years) you need to paint the outside of the bag, or at the very least treat the putside with a mixture of olive oil, beeswax and animal lard. Nothing sucks worse than wet gear.
Doing pre1840 primitive camping for almost 40 years, i have produced numerous packs over the years, and have seen even more. I will say that the viewer that graciously gifted you this has been very generous with an apex-level, professional quality item. Directly historically accurate. Perfectly reinforced.
Some tips from experience. I hope you don't mind.
Place softer items like extra pair of socks, food, etc., against your body in the main compartment. The outer flap should hold harder, irregular items such as messkit, etc,
Place as many items as possible in smaller cloth bags using personal logic. I have sewing kit, leather whangs/thongs, etc., in one bag. All food in another. IFAK (modern) in another. Water purification system in another, etc. This keeps your pack much tidier when searching for something. It prevents smaller do dads from getting lost, and if you use different fabrics, closures, sizes, etc., you can easily identify things in the dark.
Always try to carry loads higher on your body over your center of balance. Low-slung loads, although "cool" looking in the living room, after 1 mile of walking uneven ground and bouncing against you every step will beat you to exhaustion. Secure your loads higher. Eliminate gravity trying to pull you over with an improperly slung load. Kit up and try running through branches, crawling (uphill and down), doing somersaults, etc. If after every movement you can go to standing without having to readjust, you're getting it.
Use your main pack for once a day access. Bedroll, messkit, etc. Use a smaller bag for throughout the day. Snack, toilet paper, dry tinder finds, etc. Nobody wants to wait for the guy that has to unpack his entire camp everytime you break for five minutes.
Distribute as much weight as possible from your center. Don't sling packs and bedrolls from one shoulder. Use nice wide straps over both shoulders and across the upper chest, or if using a backpack style, tie the two straps together across your chest with a short tie.
We always take too much. If you haven't used an item the last three times out, time to rethink it.
Let your clothes absorb smoke. It will cut down on BO, protect them, act as bug repellent and allow you to better assimilate into the woods.
So, what is your impression of "market wallets" (which Kramer called a "Needs Wallet" or "Needs Sack")?
I find I can carry two comfortably, one over each shoulder, as long as the sack width is under 12" wide and making it close to 4ft long provides plenty of space for full clothing kit or like, yet strong enough for canned goods. Also, as it is split in the middle and shouldered one can balance the weight & bulk front & back to make the load easier and it can be shucked to the ground easily, traded shoulder-to-shoulder if carrying only one, twisted around a stick or saddle horn, and is absolutely period from ancient Rome through the 19th century
@DMZwerg I made an oversized market wallet design some 25 years or so ago. A sized stick ran through it, where your shoulder would go, and to backpack straps attached to the stick. In function, it performed exactly as the featured bag in the video.
The market wallet has enjoyed a renewed explosion of interest in the last 15 or so years. They have become quite popular as many re-discover them.
The design is very functional for the time, but I do find it limiting as to certain loads. The length of the slit will often, not always, define how full it can be loaded. If you are carrying as many apples as possible, they are only secured up to the beginning of the slit. After that, they can pop out from pressure of carrying in the center of the wallet. Two long pockets or enclosed bags, openings facing each other and connected by a fixed and measured panel would serve better.
The market wallet is designed more like today's shopping bag need than a shopping cart. The day's market haul can be carried home.
Personally, I wouldn't use one as either a primary pack or other on the trail. By design, they simply hang long over the shoulder and are too susceptible to bouncing. Tying or strapping down could be an option, but sounds like an overcomplicated attempt to avoid an already existing bag.
They are ideal for walking down the road with your purchases, but for cross country who-knows-what I would first explore other options that would also keep my hands more free.
Thank you for all your tips! Have a 1780's 4 day camping event I'm currently preparing for. Best wishes while out in the historical bush and beyond!
@hasumeokaasan6533 fantastic! Got me jealous. I missed an awesome November event and will miss a January one as well.
Have an awesome time and be safe.
Beautiful
Looking like a ranger from rohan now and im totally here for it
Rohan had rangers?
No, only Gondor, with the Ithilien Rangers and then the remnant of Arnor, the Chieftains descended from Isildur and the remaining folk of Arnor, who made up the Rangers of the North.
The gear shown off does give off a “Rohirrim-vibe” from the movies if they employed their own type of Rangers.
I’m listening to the intro while reading your comment, then I look up and see his attire, and the first words out of my mouth are “My god, you weren’t kidding.”
I want to make my own ranger clan for larp we are forest people and we live in cave homes underground homes and have moss on are cloaks and grass on are tunics for natural camouflage to hide when we need to. I really want to find someone to build a cave house with me so bad.
Rohan is the jackets I’ve worn the 25 years
Best ever jacket 8:51
When this dude gets called a larper he takes it as a compliment. An absolute legend.
Tyrion said something along the lines of "wear your weaknesses like armor and they can never be used against you."
I'd love getting bullied if it also made me money and I got to do something i loved. All the haters can eff off.
The guess how its made from this footage bit shows you know your audience. And if it weren't for family coming over in an hour, I'd be making one now.
"Monkey see, monkey make one too." 😄
It essentially looks like a pillow case that has been repurposed. And I'm not saying that's a bad thing. It looks really good!
used to work with kids, I kinda want challenge them now with this.
Yours is so much better engineered than the extents & military documentation we have to study from the Rev War. Their flaps only reached about halfway down the bag portion, were secured with 2 buttons, and had no extra pocket within the flap.
I like yours better!
There are tons of great ideas here, many of which I shall steal. But one quibble, wooden frame backpack systems -- notably square and triangular frames made of hewn branches -- have unbroken use, worldwide, clear back to prehistory. They may not have been in fashion or of particular note at any one time or another, but peasantry have always known how to gather sticks and tie them together, since forever.
Ima Bushcraft / outdoor guy, and i love haversacks they are amazing.
When you said that it was used to carry oats, i had to think of the danish word for oats; havre. But mostly pronunced haver...
also greetings from Denmark. Happy holidays everyone 🙂
I heard it quite often now, but until today I didn't notice it's just the German word pronounced by an American...
@@Glimmlampe1982 Or Dutch, we use the same word
Yes, it's Hafer in German 😊
i cannot believe it, but i have already made one of these. i even conceptualised it myself, i made it a year ago without any input - goes to show that this is a good product, that it's been invented multiple times!
It's always vindicating to know that something you came up with on your own and thought was a good idea, was actually used historically, and that many other people, from many years ago, also thought it was a good idea!
What dimensions did you use? I'm thinking about making one myself after this video
@@VikingNurse well i just took the large bit of canvas i had, cut it narrow and used the entire length to fold back in on itself - i didnt plan it dimensionally and as a result its actually not really what i wanted (i now want to make a new one).
probably best to measure out a physical bag you already have, or find dimensions of a bag that fits what youd want to use it for.
I'm a long-time shoestring-budget doomsday prepper, and let me just give you a mountain of praise along the following key veins:
I'm prepping for, among other things, any number of sources of a continental / global EMP event that perma-kills all modern tech and much if not all modern civilization along with it. And as such, this is projected to retro-rocket whoever survives among us back to anything from the old west clear back to prehistoric caveman times.
This is right up my alley because, as per my individual interest in the medieval times of my own predominantly German heritage, I actively train in mid-13th through early 15th century German medieval melee weapons combat and German medieval knightly wrestling (known as 'Ringenkunst,' or just Ringen for short). This part also ties into my prepping because when everyone runs out of ammo in the post-SHTF world to come (note that there is already a widespread and steadily increasing ammo shortage as per the US sending load after load of our ammo to Ukraine and Israel), anyone with the will to defend themselves against looters and the like actually likely will be going medieval with their personal arms and their prepper fortresses.
But more than this, they'll be going medieval with oldschool hand-made wool clothing too, and so on.
This is where my praise of you comes in for me:
As per my solemn intent to be ready for that world after the societal collapse comes and subsides into the long-term SHTF age soon upon us all, I've been taking detailed notes and doing my own hand-drawn copy-offs of all your ideas for hand-made cloaks, LARP gear and so on so I can make my own survival gear in a world where there are no remaining modern industries to make modern stuff any longer.
And so, even though you were never thinking along this vein in your adventure blogging here on your channel, the knowledge you purvey here just happens to benefit SHTF preppers like myself. Your innovations and historical knowledge have proven invaluable to the point of my having incorporated it all into my existing and now far more refined bug-out plan.
And, since I do happen to have an avid interest in things Medieval German and generally olden times, it's a nice bonus that I can have fun with it by adding that medieval German (and in some cases vaguely fantasy LARP) flair to my overall prepping plan and lifestyle.
My primary melee weapons of choice are the mid-14th to early-15th century longsword fighting doctrine of the German sword master Johannes Liechtenauer (his sword doctrine is taught in a lengthy poetic verse which is known as 'Zettel') and his early 15th century successor Sigmund Ringeck (who expanded upon the 'Zettel' later), and the 13th to 14th century medieval sword & buckler shield fighting doctrine of Hans Talhoffer. The historical 'Fechtbuk' (the German word for the phrase "Fight Book," which refers to any historical documents written and illustrated to teach any number of medieval fighting techniques and systems) which instructs this doctrine, is cataloged in museums as historical document "I-33".
Therefore I can say that seeing your videos on things like how to best carry a longsword safely over distance, as well as your video on exploring dodge rolls in combat, have all given me vital knowledge I now include as standard-feature required learning in my bug out planning and my last-ditch melee weapons fight training regimen here at home. Both, being absolutely vital for if I have to fight my way out of town on foot and brave the elements in the surrounding open countryside when SHTF happens.
Anyway, I say unto you good sir:
Please keep up the good work, thank you for your knowledge and contributions to the common good, and I will continue to study and incorporate your various bodies of adventurer's knowledge into my prepping until the time comes to put it all to life-saving practical use.
BE WELL, SIR!
Love this comment, one thing though, while it's not expressly the purpose of my videos, part of my fascination with pre-industrial (specifically medieval, but also 18th century, etc,), is to learn from our ancestors, so that I can work towards living a more self reliant, off grid, life style. And if I am in a situation where there are no modern conveniences to be confident in my ability to provide for and defend myself and my family. Really happy you are finding value in my videos. Cheers!
@@LivingAnachronism Which I will continue to do. And, If I may offer a counter-suggestion in turn:
If you're not doing it already as I certainly am, I recommend you start learning to hunt both small & large game by bow, arrow and hand-made trap using the available natural materials found in your local wilderness environment, as well as learning to know your local edible & medicinal wild plants;
I've already positively identified wild edibles including but not limited to wild spinach, wild lettuce, bittercress, wild asparagus, and so on along highways, along the dirt roads that section off all the rice fields around here, literally in my own back yard, etc.
The books written by Christopher Nyerges are one of the very best places to start for this, and ALL of his books are on amazon (where I got my copies).
Imagine then what new dimensions of awesomeness your future camping adventure vids would take on if you were to demo some edible wild plant foraging and primitive game hunting during your medieval adventure camp-outs.
Anyway, just some food for thought from one adventurer to another.
Awesome bag! I'd love to hear you talk more about the different types of kit you mentioned. Breaking things down into categories always helps me to get a better picture of how things fit together.
This can be done
There’s a comment thread above that mentions bagging related things together inside say a haversack. Mess kit in one smaller bag, sewing kit in another, first aid in yet another and so on. Makes finding a specific item easier.
One change I’d make (and have to mine) is to just use a loose strap instead of sewing it into the bag and folding the bag over the belt. Then you get more versatility with the strap and it’s very durable. But you do have to pack the bag fully to make it lay correctly
If you like you can also sew two loops to hold the strap under the flap so you can still access the bag without it falling.
The other way to implement this would be to sew a buckle on one side and a tail on rhe other, such that your strap is a standalone belt that can close on itself, or attach to each side of the bag (so buckle on strap goes to tail on bag, and tail on strap goes to buckle on bag). Would retain the flexibility of a loose strap when desired, but also keep the bag from collapsing toward the middle when not fully loaded.
I think if I make my own, I’d either make a belt “sleeve” for the long, or just big d rings.
With the right d rings I could have some handy strap configurations, which would be fun.
I’m making one myself and plan on using d rings w a leather strap instead of buckles . More versatility. I will be sewing a large strap for over the shoulder , but I’ll use d rings W as well for adjusting.
I've read that back in the day haversacks weren't really expected to last very long, due to grease, food particles, etc getting in the cloth - I get the impression that food was often carried loose in the sack instead of inside smaller containers or bags the way we usually carry things today. The original "New Invented Haversack" doesn't seem to have really caught on, and I suspect that it was because it made more sense to have a dedicated food bag in which the soldier could carry the next few days' worth of hardtack or bread, salted meat, plus whatever they could "liberate" from the local farms, etc., which could be replaced when necessary, and a separate pack that would last longer, rather than this hybrid type would be more expensive than a haversack but have to be replaced just as quickly.
This is an interesting point. I suspect this is why I see many reenactors use the haversack, but also put their food into a needed wallet before it goes into the haversack,
The actual original "New Invented" of the 1770s did attempt to address this. The top pocket portion was painted for waterproofing and lined, and used for clothing. The bottom bag portion was plain linen, and used for food, etc. I *suspect* given the context of the time it was intended to equip a bunch of soldiers as quickly and cheaply as could be managed, but the idea turned out to be false economy. Regardless, the "New Invented" as designed never really caught on, and likely for exactly the reasons you point out.
However, the version Kramer has is downstream from those made by c. 1980s-90's reenactors, who I don't think had access to quite as detailed writeups as we do today. I think the version they came up with makes much more sense than the original!
its amazing how you can still see the design of a flap with pocket that can strap stuff to the top of your bag in many modern backpacking bags. It really is still one of the best ways to organize your gear.
I like that you said something about collecting firewood because if you kept the cloak/ blanket out it looks like a great firewood carrying bag that can be strapped to your shoulder in case you’re having to venture a little farther from the fire site to collect wood then what would be comfortable carrying the wood back by just a hand strap
I seem to recall in another video I commented that my DM was a stickler about how encumbered we were. That included how we wore things as well as how bulky and heavy things were. A solution we came up with concerning how we wore knapsacks and cloaks at the same time was that we'd first put on the pack and then don the cloak over it and our bodies, the assumption being that travel cloaks were larger than the standard and were similar to ancient Roman "soldier" cloaks, or paenula.
Good to see ya back, mate!
Also, you look great!
It's probably the new camera!
Hey, I just wanted to say im loving this forgotten adventuring gear series! Im planning on going on an extended motorcycle tour and this series have given me many ideas on different items to bring and how to best use what I got. Thanks!
Glad you've found it helpful! Forgotten Adventuring Gear is going to be a staple series on the channel going forward!
Something else that I think is overlooked, plus it means you could also carry a spear more naturally, is using a long stick (or spear) with the bag at the end and you use your shoulder as leverage to elevate the bag, which means is then rather easy to just drop it and be "ready", but Ive tried it and is not unconfortable once you get used to shuffle the weight
Kramer, great job on the vid, nice bag. I just built a similar bag for myself to go under a cloak. More based on the 17c Highlander gear from Tom @FandabiDozi. To wear as a backpack:
1) bag in front of you (soft side away from you) loop strap across your back under your arms.
2) flip bag over your head and settle straps on your shoulders.
3) using either the end of your adjustable strap or a spare piece of cordage tie the straps together in front of you.
I find it better to put the cross strap on my lower ribcage but I have a really bad back between my shoulder blades.
I believe you've said it before (May have been Tom, both of you have influenced my medieval/fantasy kit!!) but a pannier is a medieval 'backpack'. A wicker basket with rope or leather straps. Though I find it hard to believe that no-one thought of making it out of linen or sailcloth before the mid 19thc!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!!
Side note, I made mine out of a pair of canvas pants!
I watch this video I watched this video last night, and so, this afternoon I have a similar bag sewn by my hands from nothing! Thank you for showing me such an interesting way of storing my things!
That's so compact! Now I kinda wish I... hadersack. :D
New camera looking good, btw!
😂😂😂
Dude! Straight off the bat, the camera quality is 📈
Great video, answered a few questions I had for my own kit.
I know right! It's awesome! Glad the video helped\
It's funny. All of the times in fantasy books and audiobooks that I've read or heard the word 'haversack', I'm not quite sure what it was I was picturing but this is far better and more useful than I would have imagined. Great video and keep up the good work!
That's actually amazing. I think I need to make one of those. Also, you look very natural in your gear. That's something I need to work on. If I wear even half that gear I feel clumsy.
You were one good slap away from the car salesman meme. I'll probably end up having to make one for myself. One modification I can see my self adding, is an extra pocket on the outside.
Honestly, I have no idea how or why the algorithm recommended this video/channel, but I’m glad it did! Your whole look/outfit is awesome!
Thanks! Welcome to the channel!
I saw something like the Haversack in a Thrift Shop recently. Had all the things you talked about however it was hippy. All the colors and piece signs.
Very cool rig, fits a lot of options into a simple, clean package. I've been thinking a lot about the usefulness of "versatility" and "modularity" for fantasy adventurers, and this is good inspiration for some designs (mostly drawn--I'm no good with leather and textiles).
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone 🎄🎁
i used to tie my quiver to my knapsack, so the whole thing came off in one piece, i also had an overbelt that kept my knapsack from moving arounf, and the bottom of the quiver tied to this... also cloak wrapped up in a roll and attached to teh strap at the back, and the axe slotted in next to this, all one bundle
The longest (and best) infomercial in history.
Merry Christmas. Thanks for the upload. I might actually do this one.
I had never thought about incorporating 1st/2nd/3rd line gear principles into fantasy kit!
More of the oddly specific niche content that I've been obsessed with lately 🍻
was good to see you with Shad and crew, I hope that brought you a bunch more subscribers, love your stuff and I hope you grow well.
Overall I do like it. The only thing I do not like about shoulder bags is they do not evenly distribute weight and eventually you will want to switch which shoulder it is on or switch to something like a backpack.
I've taken to wearing it over both shoulders in such cases. So the strap essentially goes across your chest and the bag can hang above or below your backpack, or if you don't have a backpack, then it just goes in the small of your back. It's surprisingly comfortable and efficient.
First visit to the channel. Excellent video. In the case where you are wearing the strap over both shoulders, how do you prevent it from falling up your body and into your neck?
@@edjojob Lean forward slightly. it actually balances very well and there is a good amount of friction. When I first started the method, it slipped WAY less than I thought is would
Impressively innovative. You just gave me the inspiration to try custom bags
That looks just ingenious. Now I want one too! And your new camera seems to work flawlesly!
I learn something new everytime. ❤
Brilliant! having the axe on the haversack is ideal
you could even put other attachements there
I'd put the knife on the strap, or belt, as an item likely to find use on the trail.
Out of character, there's also a detail where I live that the knife would be legal open carry, but big trouble if found "concealed" in the bag.
@@hanelyp1 yes i agree, we have similar laws if i would conceal a pointy-boi that would be a no' no
But using it as accessories on a cosplay no problem! Also if having a event which would include big-pointy-bois it would be no problem as long as the event was not hindering to others (like hindering traffic or such) also you need a permit if it was held in a forest with the obvious cleaning afterwards
Technically, backpacks date back to the Stone Age!
However, they looked nothing like your school rucksack or the 19th-century leather backpack...
The closest form to what they carried back then that still exists today is what you see the Nepalese mountaineers use. In short, it's a wooden frame with belts and occasionally a plate at the bottom, and everything else gets tied to it. It's very inconvenient to quickly get a specific item out, but the advantage is that it can carry pretty much anything irrespective of the volume and shape and it can carry superheavy stuff OSHA/HSE wouldn't want you carrying today... They were super-popular among travelling merchants. Some might even carry an entire set of drawers on their back or multiple boxes making the merchant look comically small compared to his cargo
Your description reminds me of the depiction of traveling apothecaries in anime. A cabinet of small drawers full of prepared medicines in paper sachets strapped to the back.
@@nightfall3605 Yes, that's an example, but some carried even bigger stuff.
Yess; and a lighter carrying option is known as "item sack". or "torba". Basically sack tying up with a flap and optional pockets outside. They are roughly canvas cylinders and form into a ball when a lot is tucked in.
Love it, I have never seen anything like it before.❤
8:48 the us army does using this idea in the 'assault pack', Designed a hold 48 hours worth of equipment and ammunition, That's separate from the actual ruck sack
Market sack haversack combo is a great idea. I have seen modern ones using the flap by adding zippers. The more ideal part of this is you can drop it in a hurry. A napsack or a ruck is not as easy.
Your new haversack with the blanket is wonderful!! A great piece. I could swing it to side, front & back. & yes, hatchet. Thanks for showing it. 😊
Awesome and informative vid Kramer thank you so much.
It's good to see others finding the haversack a good option
Thank you for the video and merry Christmas!
On the subject of carrying enough gear you need, I’d love to hear your thoughts on hygiene on the road for an adventure. Or keeping clothes clean. Soap obvs would be something you carry. But what about hair care (you have especially great hair and I think could give tips for other men and women with long care hair in the field) or skin care.
There are natural soaps that can be used on hair and body to save space, but some people have skin conditions where keeping it healthy during travel and adventure can be tricky. But stuff like eczema wouldn’t be a deal breaker, just something that you have to account for, and bring extra things for (which is the tricky part, because you don’t want to being bringing a whole alchemy set).
For a modern example, I’ve spent months in the field due to the army training, and also have mild on/off eczema. Hygiene is important, but we often only got to shower every two weeks or so. In 100F humid weather, wearing the same uniform for days, staying clean and avoiding heat rash or yeast infections or UTIs (for those prone them) was important. So people would use baby wipes once or twice a day. And use wet weather bags or field laundry bags with soap and switch out with a spare uniform every few days (there were portable water tank stations in the training area where people would collect water). For eczema, humid air actually helped keep the skin moisturized so a lotion was all I needed. But other environments where it’s been more arid has been tricker
Regarding hair care (specifically for longer hair), there are many hair products today that, even though some people may find benefit in them, were not available for most of history. And for that large period of history, people used more natural ways to keep their hair clean. I am no expert on hair, but I have done some research on the topic. Brushing your hair daily (or twice a day) will take the every day dust and knots out. Washing your hair with warm water will take most regular dirt out. Finishing that wash with cold water will help closing the ends. How often you need to wash depends on how dirty you get it. I personally wash it once a week. I also wash my brush at the same time, because if your brush is dirty, it won't clean your hair as well. I do use soap on the brush. It is important to use soap on your hair aswell when it is very dirty or when there might be chemicals in your hair (when you have been swimming in a pool with chlorine for example). There are plants that create soap, so you could try to find those in the wild as well.
Welp hair care just the same as body is something so special and individual, I can‘t give any broad tips on that but I would like to throw in to the people thinking about washing themself in a river or a lake: Please you bio degradeable soaps,… I would hate if you, the reader, would accidently destroy the nature we all deeply care about v.v
If someone ruins an event place they ruin it for all of us, so please stay safe and be wary of the things you do! (Same goes for taking a piss outside, it kills the soils and if you do it too often at the same place a plant won‘t be able to grow there)
I recommended checking out Bernadette Banner or Abby Cox from the costube community here on RUclips. They will sometimes discuss hygiene from different eras. The takeaway for your concerns are:
Wear linen or cotton undershirts and change them daily (like you do your socks). Avoid wearing polyester (and it’s derivatives, Olefin (Tyvek), Nylon, Acrylic (Orlon), Dacron,
Trevira) against your skin like it’s poison.
Like the other commenter said, brushing/combing your hair is more important than washing it. Dry shampoos can be a good field option because they are lighter to carry and avoid having to have a wet head in cold weather. They can also be made from ingredients in your kitchen.
@@nightfall3605awesome tips! I do love Ms. Cox and Banner. I do have a wonder though, how did people with curly hair (2C and up perhaps?) keep their hair clean since regular brushing (unless wet) is not good for the hair and can mess up the curls. Mediterrranean to Levantine to African etc hair types have various thickness of curls. But resources on historic hair care for those types seem sparse
I like it. Thank you for the video, brother
Bushcrafter here. This looks perfect for an overnight camp bag. I have a haversack I made with canvas that holds my cook kit etc. I also take a polish lavu that I hang over the top. This looks perfect to fit my lavu and a wool blanket in and keep it nice and strapped down! Great piece of kit!
Nice. I use a haversack now and a belt kit for all my hiking and bushcraft outings. You can do so much more sometimes with less.
I included a loop hanger for a tomahawk on my bag and the inside covers a bit of food water and shelter.
The shoulder strap could easily stow a blanket or cloak, and I wear it with my middle earth quiver when go scouting for deer season
Side-bags are often condemned by chiropractors for distributing weight unevenly, but you touched on an important point: it needn't be one's only bag. Postmen today still use a double haversack (one on each hip) for carrying the not-insignificant weight of their deliveries over multiple miles. I've also heard it said that the Canadian voyageurs used this sort of "double-side carry" arrangement for moving bales of furs from one lake to another. They were expected to carry two bales, at 80-90 pounds (40 kg) each in addition to their canoe and personal goods. Some carried four or five.
I won't be trading my knapsack for haversacks for long hikes anytime soon (coats make backpacks far more practical in our day) - but they definitely have their merit, and I love them for fantasy gear!
PS: Tumplines are great carry-options too!
Good episode. This channel is a bit inconsistent, but when its good, its really good. More episodes like this. and yes I know you have been busy with your wedding. Congratulations. Here is to more consistency and more great episodes like this one in 2024. Cheers.
This video is the kind of early christmas present i really wanted. Hope everyone will have a happy holiday 🎄
Merry Christmas!
Also for practicality the haversack is for ease of access things you need or Want to get to with having to dig in a large back bag, or even have to remove your back bag. You can also swing it away and behind and drip it very quickly for breaks or camp.
Interesting bit of kit. Fits the ranger motif. 😎
Ah, very nice tool! That's exactly the sort of thing I'm likely to use. I like that. Good video!
Does the crafter of your bag have an etsy or some other platform where those ones are made and sold? 👀
Yes please! I would pay good money for this!
Thank you, Jennifer
So cool! Thanks again for bringing something like this to my attention!
Cool haversak, loved to see @skilltree make a fantasy version.
@skilltree made a frame backpack which could be used as a shelter. If you haven't seen that video, definitely check it out
Maybe if your comment gets enough likes we can summon him!
Long strap on the flap to hold a blanket/cloak is how I wanted my leather messenger bag to work, but I only put one strap on, so a blanket or whatever tends to try to escape and I just don't bother now.
I've seen the basic need wallet thing before, but I never considered making a bag from it. Guess who's making another bag at some point.
When I was a young man the Mrs. and I did civil war reenacting, one of the pieces we used was a haversack. It wasn't like the one you have but more basic. As for carrying a blanket, one could roll the blanket up and with some extra pants and socks in it and then sling it over one shoulder. (It would have been the left shoulder due to shooting the musket) and once tossed over take some twine and tie off the end together. I must say, yours is much better of an idea. Love these vids, they make me want to get out and do some larping.
Love the concept and execution but I'll stick to my great kilt with buckled messenger bag over my garb
That's my personal opinion but I recommend that people make their own decisions
Love your videos as always Kramer and will share it around the group as always
That's an awesome looking bag! The construction and functionality of it seems to be very good!
I'm currently outlining a new story, and this was super helpful in figuring out some of the logistics, thanks!
I love the style of this sack
Right! Looks like it would go well with the Great Kilt. Thanks!
My favorite alternative to a hiking pack is a version of the Roman furka, where the pole can be rested on the ground when stopped and just lifted slightly to balance the load while walking. I usually carry it on the opposite shoulder from my bedroll strap.
An idea for a more anachronistic modification (no clue if it has any historical basis whatsoever pre 1900, but a few packs during and after ww2 have a similar system), would be making either beltloops to attach each half of the shoulder strap (when unbuckled) onto a separate waistbelt, or tabs on the haversack itself to loop the straps back, making it convertible into a pack. That way, it can be worn as a sling-bag when less loaded for convenience, or as a pack when loaded heavier for more symmetrical strain on the back.
I love this channel, love you seeing you at Shads and skilltree as well!!!!!
I hope you and your wife have a happy holiday on Monday, Kramer.
Thank you Aaron, Merry Christmas to you and yours
A bit outside of the theme, but I use a modern rope bag for rock climbing that is designed very similarly. One of the things I like about it is that I can wear it along with a traditional pack; it sit nicely below the pack if adjusted correctly. Thanks for sharing!
I have a laptop bag that's actually really similar in that the flap is the entire width and closes with adjustable buckles. I have never considered putting my jackets in there though. I really should. (it is, however, entirely polyester. at least there's no fake leather!)
I want to build something like this, but based more off of a martebo sack (equal-sized pockets on both sides with a central access slit) to double capacity
My goodness, that camera is making the video look siiickkkk... 😁
I'm so excited to be using this new camera!
This looks like my bike saddle bags I had back in the 90s when I was in college, and my only way of getting around a transit-poor city was my bike. I fitted my entire book kit (no ebooks for us back then, and the laptops that would have supported them were just as burdensome as the paper) on the bike rack, and once indoors in winter, I'd roll my outer gear and nylon rain shells between them, buckle the bottom bike frame straps together, and knotted my shell sleeves to make my shoulder strap. In more clement weather, I'd just sling the bags over my shoulder. I knew it couldn't have been a new idea.
PHENOMENAL content as always - really enjoyed it! I know it's extra gear, but if you were to do a video showing some footage of you camping, those are always great!
love the idea of the different kits
Great job on the presentation, and quite informative.
How cool! I love all the honest wear you've put on it!
Once upon a time Wilde Weavers made a nice one. These days I'd try Bethlehem Trading Post, Longhunter Leather, or Hoffman Reproductions - in each case you may wish to send them a link to Kramer's video and talk about how you might wish to make it more fantasy-adventure instead of 18th c. colonial in feel: different buckles, different finish, etc. Off the shelf reproductions like those from Avalon Forge or C&D Jarnigan will likely be painted, which might not fit your mental image.
I’ve been looking for one since this video came out. C&D Jarnigans is an exact replica so the flap is either red or blue, the straps and flap aren’t as long so I don’t think you could fit a blanket in there and it doesn’t look like it has leather backed stitching. This one seems much higher quality. Wish the person who made it had a shop to buy one.
Beautifully crafted video Kramer! Love the new camera quality. I like the versatility of the 18th century bag.
I’ve had one for years from doing 18th century reenacting, but it never occurred to me to use it for rangering. I really like the idea of hanging the hawk from the strap in that position, too. Thank you for new ideas.
Thank you for this video. Fascinating piece of kit! Subscribed.
Obligatory first, also is this using your new camera the quality looks INCREDIBLE!
I really like this breakdown. Thanks man
Great piece of kit Kramer and yes it looks easy enough to make. Might have to give it a go. I do like the extra long straps and buckles. Also you can increase the length of the shoulders strap and transform it into a backpack for a different carry option.
Merry Christmas to you and yours
Nate
I could totally see putting some sort of beeswax or other to waterproof it too! What a handy design! I might want to make this eventually...
I thought it was romantic to secretly swap my girlfriend's backpack for a bag of roses.
Her skydiving instructor didn't.
Hello, just a little sidenode to the word Haver, the german word for Oats is Hafer, the dutch word for oats is Haver. Another comment already mentioned the similarity to the danish word for oats. So it could be that the oat cake (Havercake) originates from Danish, German or Dutch emigrants who may have sold this cake frequently or used it as a travelling snack. I always find it fascinating how different words from other languages have found their way into American life
The haversack really makes a great impression, thanks for sharing, I think I will really try to make a haversack
I'm definitely going to look into making one of these. The one here seems to be made of linen, I'd assume a cotton canvas would work as well?
I live in a rainy place. I'd like to try making one with Dyneema.
burgschneider i saw around for about 2 years or so. the bags are excellent. never bought the backpacks but this is the first time i have seen it being used.
Lots of bushcrafters use haversacks still. I do as a supplementary bag, or standalone (for a shorter journey). Coalcracker comes to mind.
If that shoulder strap was long enough, that haver sack could also be used like a trump line portage pack... where the guy had the load on his back and strap across forhead and walked leaned forward. you can see images of this in old canoeing art. often used for carrying sacks of flour etc.
And Trump lines were made with a forhead pad and long tails for generalized uses. i.e. to carry anything, from a sailors trunk, to a cask etc.
I don’t have any gear or any cool clothes, but I love bushcraft and changing my vocabulary to that of a wizard when I’m talking with my friends 😂
i see a project coming up. was given a damaged old canvas tent, been trying think of worthy use for the material. won't be first thing i have made after watching your vids.
very interesting, i think medieval backpacks would be mroe like frame packs, or basket backpacks, Otzi had one.....this looks like the knapsack that nathaniel had in last of the mohaicans. Also in europe we tend to refer to haversacks as the triangular shaped swiss/austrian alpine hiking canvas types of backpack...or in modern times what was used beforre people came up with daypack