Great info. Here's a small tip on packaged hand wipes and alcohol wipes. There is a shelf life on those little suckers. They have a tendency to dry out. You can't just store them and forget about them. It all depends on how they are packaged and stored. I live in southern Arizona and keeping it in your car will dry everything out. The temperature in the car is higher than the outside temperature and worse in the trunk. The heat also does a number on those sanitary gloves. It may not be as bad in cooler climates but you have to be viligant on inspecting/replacing the items in the kit. Batteries can also corrode and trash your flash light. New sealed bottles of iodine and other consumables will dry out, leak or go stale. This is all from personal experience. LOL Be viligant on your kits. Inspect them weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
I love watching videos like this. You can tell people's knowledge levels in certain areas. It certainly illustrates" the saying the more you know the less you need." The best part of this video is that you don't have 15 knives in your kit. Nothing shows a novice like carrying to many knives. Good job!
AWESOME video! And I don't say this lightly. Your closing statement is probably the best advice ever for people in general; applies to life in general. I teach classes for decades.
I am retired Army SF and the concept of "train to your gear" is absolutely correct. Having the right equipment is one thing... knowing how to properly use it is entirely different. I've spent a great deal of time rock climbing, white water kayaking, mountaineering and the bottom line is field test, field test, field test. Knowing your gear will instill confidence to survive! It will actually make a survival situation fun, and something to talk about around a campfire years from now.
Waiting for someone to start preaching. I know it's coming. Any (and every) time a video showing one example out of thousands of a way to make a kit, someone will be along shortly to educate everyone on the RIGHT way to do it. Remember that the right way can only be determined by YOU: Your skill level, physical fitness level, environmental risk factors, location, intended use of kit (in pack/on body/in car/etc), ALL make a difference.
Dunno why you pay any attention to those people. Opinions, Its like a belly-button; everyone has one. Look, you do great video reviews and you know your stuff within your area of expertise. Although I think you get too distracted with your surroundings and all of their noise, LOL Keep bringing in these videos you make, I've learned plenty from watching your reviews. I happen to like this bag review and how you chose the items that are in it. I didn't see any way to attach this bag to anything; does it have any attachment points? Thanks again for your reviews
Really liked the modularity of this kit. But what i loved more is the way you planned how to pack all the stuff. Being a newbie, watching this kind of set is very important for me. Thnx for this. The only thing to do now is to save money and buy all the gear.
Chris, I have learned so much from the varied content videos on RUclips. Equipment, medical, knifes, etc. Having purchased, packed, practiced, modified and hybridized. My entire EDC, BOB and INCH gear. Based largely in part, based upon these videos. Such as this one. Please, continue these type of videos. They're more valuable than many people, give you and your collective cohorts credit for. Kudos to you, the prepper, survival and hacker community. With that said. One must research and vet any information, gleaned from any video source. Again, keep up the good work. Jack
..this is the first video of this kind I've watched (perhaps because i live in the UK & we are not so minded in prepping/ survival?!) but just wanted to say, thanks for the good advice )) ..I admire your humility and honesty ..I definitely feel more encouraged after watching this ..your a top bloke! )) ..once again, many thanks ))
love this...im looking at getting one for my outdoor cooking....great for popping it in the car or motorcycle pack for a trip...put in in the backpack for a hike...fishing...what have you. the key to this is kit is "whatever i want for where i want and when i want it." i wont be building anything for others but for me. cooking kit, medical kit, motorcycle repair kit...the uses are endless.
That ronson lighter is the best torch I ever used. Ive had one for 3 years now, just quit smoking a month or so ago but its been used heavily and its still going. Most torch lighters either the piezzo stops making sparks or they start leaking but this one is going strong. I bought 3 more a while ago since I liked it so much but im still using the first one. Best part is its under 5 bucks and I got them at walgreens and most of them have it so anyone can get one. Great video chris.
G'day from Sydney, Australia. You repeat the word "ACCESS" often & you are spot on the mark as all the kit to have is great until you cannot access it when you need it. I have now purchased the 2018 nylon version of the old USA Vietnam War medics pack. This opens up to a foldout pack - easy to see access to long range medical needs. I can clearly see the contents & could additional items as tropical or cold weather items, Access to your kit is priority one to survive !!!
I totally agree with you about knowing your gear and just going out and learning it, even short bursts (ie: an overnight[s], etc...) will build your skill set that can be expanded beyond your kit. My friends and I take a day using what we already know and trying out new skills while learning from each other. Our kits are very similar, but not exactly the same because we have some skills the other one may not have. Nice load-out btw Chris!
I ended up purchasing the condor va7 after watching this video, which I found this set up very helpful for my pack. The pack I use is the MAR.PAT. ASSAULT PACK. Because it has no pockets and I got tired of carrying a box for this and a box for that.. so after seeing how you set this product up I had to go and purchase this item so I could do the same. It was helpful and works quite. Well! Thanx!
Chris - you just changed my whole approach to assembling my kit. I'm going to have to pick up one of these and can easily throw it in a non-descript backpack in my car allowing me be highly organized with my kit while not coming across as tactical. Thank you. Great vid.
Something else to consider for new people learning is just go out and take a hike on an established trail in the forest and take your gear with you. Open the bag or whatever you carry and look at everything you have. Will it work if you were to fall and brake your leg? or something like that where you are not getting back out very quickly? Also, we all started somewhere. Even the most experienced prepper/survivalists had no idea until they put their gear in a bag and carried it with them. Thanks for sharing, I like your kit design.
I love it. You can see everything you need without looking for it. 5c or 10c and then some. Good to go. Outstanding kit that also leaves room in your pack for food and clothing and shelter.
The tarp clips are neat and small, but I always did the poor man's tarp trick. Take a rock or piece of stick (walnuts work the best if you can find them), place it in the tarp where you want to hold it down, then wrap your cord around the rock and tie it wherever.
I like the organization of that pack insert, beats the "everything in one pocket" method, i always have to pull a couple of things out of the way to get to what I am needing. I love it when you are done with a video on the content described, and you get on your "soap box" and preach to us for 6 mins at the end of the video!! :) you made some good points, Good video as always.
Cool thing about having everything all neat and compartmentalized like that is the psychological aspect; if you're under pressure in a survival situation, it seems like it would minimize stress/mental strain to have everything laid out and organized that way.
Great kit, and as others have said - great comments at the end. I am a trained Medic and carry an extensive medical kit but I have also learned how to use (correctly) everything else I have. Do the best you can to be the best you can be. Thanks for another excellent video Chris :)
Thank you Chris for the encouragment. I am just starting out. I've watched hundreds, maybe even a thousand + videos, read many forums and threads. But sometimes it gets frustrating since I am on a very small budget.
Thanks Chris for this video. I'm an organize freak and this organizer makes so much sense to me. I feel if you have something like this. All your pertinent stuff is all in one place. Plus easy access. Thanks again my friend. Kevin
Had one of these for awhile now they are very versatile! I am glad to see a video with someone else using it! Now I see where some changes can be made in mine! Thanks for the great video!
I have watched your videos many times, but it was the last part of this video that moved me to subscribe. I agree with you 100% on the learning to use the kit mentality. I get tired of so many saying that you have to go to this school or that school. They act like this is rocket science. As a retired civil engineer, I think it is more difficult on how to build a ten story building that does not fall down and kill someone than how to pitch a tent or tarp or for that matter start a fire. In my opinion, we have it built in our ancestry that survival skills can be learned a hell of a lot faster than the theory of relativity. Now do I think Dave Canterbury, and Rob with sigma three are smart, you damn right I do. They are who I would want to be with in a crises.
I loved the gear but I loved what you talked about toward the end. I was really overwhelmed by how much there is to this prepping and survival stuff because I was watching a lot of "James Yeager" kind of stuff. I'm turning 50 next week and I have a bad back and a big belly, I can't go through boot camp....again.
Well said man, and thank u for ur service to our country. I was raised by a marine, (i was stupid enough to drop outa highschool, get married, and for a while became an outlaw, which prevented me from being the marine i wanted to be), but before that,i told granpa how bad i wanted to join, and started training as a kid, which is the training that based alot of the few skills i have now, also, im now a christian family man, but before, when i hadd legal trouble and was a fugitive for 5 years, i spent 7-8 months a year in the appalacian mtns, id get dropped off with my tent, "survival pack",and my black german shepherd, we had some times up there. Point being, ive always been low income, im that guy, the one that has to buy one thing at a time, usually what ever i deem to be the most important at the time compared to where i want to be, but ive had life lessons in the feild that have inspired me to buy this or that for my bag configuration over the years, liked the video, im gonna invest in this myself, tired of digging when i go out now and tthen to keep myself fresh on know how
Great video man! You are absolutely right too, kit building is all about the individual needs of the person using them. There IS no right way, only YOUR way. I like your way since this kit looks a lot like the one I keep on my backpack.
That is one great safety backpack I have one similar to yours for emergencies and one thing that really works for me is I made a waterproof paper that has a list of everything I keep in it because we carry so much stuff in that backpack that we kind of forget what we have so it's an idea for you
Great advise. I have a Pilot friend who asked me to build him a survival kit for his light sport airplane. he was overwhelmed by all the information out there about what you have to have to survive. The first think I asked him where and when he planned to fly. Second, after we put the kit together learn how to use each item. If you fly in the mountains, you may not need equipment designed for swamp survival. I did make sure he had the 5 c's covered and have since taught him how to make a variety of shelters with whats in his kit. He now understands that he doesn't need a huge expedition kit to fly to Maine in the winter, but kids kit with additional cold weather gear is a good option. I appreciate your opinions because they make sense especially as too the changing needs and demands as newer mor compact items become available.
Thanks for the message. Moving to a rural area from Commiefornia. Looking forward to getting outdoors and building some kits. Fellow Navy veteran here!
My Friend had no Training, I have had Training, my Friend and I love training. I too never go anywhere without Ms.J. It is not easy, but it can be made easier. When people refer to us as experts in the field, we reply Yes and it's because we learn new things almost every time we are in the field , we consider it the highest honor to have such skills and abilities, and it takes a lot longer than a few Courses although that also is a good idea. RUclips and the suggestions made in this video presentation are excellent and a good example of how to put an upgrade or two to the good ol survival kit. Always acknowledge when I learn something new, or I am reminded of something, Yeah, have to check the batteries Thanks.
I so agree with you some people might say crap, but like you said not everyone thinks the same. Know your gear is essential in my opinion also. Using your gear readily is very important. Thanks Chris.
Thank you for an excellent video and also addressing the fact that everyone isn't a pro and may not be able to afford special training. It is very intimidating when you are just starting out. Much respect and thank you :)
I do a lot of dual sport exploring and this is the perfect size for my bag and I have always carried a little survival kit but I always felt like i needed something else but just couldn't find the right set up and this is perfect..... what i did for training for survival or bushcrafting was i just got some dirt time i went from barely able to start a fire with a bic to making a fire with a bow drill set in about 3 months I learned everything from youtube and went and practiced it until it was perfect dirt time is the best way to advance your survival/bushcraft/camping training
Watch that lighter brother. I bought on a while back while at the wally world, she worked great for a while and now wont light to save my life. I enjoy cigars, and know what kind of fuel to use and it simply burns itself out... Just my .02. Nice videos, great ideas!
Hey brother, i highly enjoyed your vid. I love packs that allow customization through organization. Condor and maxpedition seem to keep that in mind when engineering their packs. I have a buddy who is just "coming around" to the idea of preparedness and the other day he asked me, " ok bro i have the bag, now what do i need to put in it?" I informed him of the 5 essentials but had a really hard time specifying exactly what to get. Even after going to the surplus with him i still felt a little lost instructing him what to get. Your video is the perfect solution boss. Thankyou for posting this, a great help. I really like how humble you are about this issue as well. Keep it up.
Dude that was awsome! I took it to heart, my dad was also in the navy had me in boy scouts took me camping, hunting, fishing, so i don't tell anyone that they have to do something but, just do the best you can with what you have and with your current budget.. Just remember no one person is perfect and everyone even the guy that thinks he is best prepared will miss something! A+ Video
Nice kit. Good organization. Might want to switch out the silk for nylon or monofilament of some sort. Less tissue reactivity, less chance of infection. Plus will last a lot longer both in use and in package. Thanks for sharing.
Chris - thanks for sharing this - this will work great for moving a go-kit from my truck, to my backpack, to my saddle bag on the ATV - instead of replicating kits on all....
That solar phone charger is damn handy! First thing I bought after hurricane Irma and it's what I keep on myself or my service dog at all times! I now have 5 battery banks but that one is always on me or my service dog at all times. Now, going to look for that water proof case!
Love your work buddy. Been following you for a while now and love my watch which I took your lead on and I see you are still wearing. Just ordered this Condor VA7 pack as it is so versatile and really tidies up my pack. Many thanks and keep on posting videos. Cheers from New Zealand!
Very nice kit well thought out and layed out logically, When saw the legstrap securing Jessica 1, my first thought was why not 2" webbing with quick release buckles and ladder sliders would allow you to make a belt to carry your knives or a shoulder strap to carry the kit easier, at a push a tourniquet. Instead of the scalpel blades have you considered a pack of 9mm snap off blades ? I have a 10pk of blades and a handle for them in my kit. Thank you for all your hard work thake care God Bless.
Hey Chris, this is like the fourth or fifth time I've watched this video over the years. For me it holds up. My issue has always been the organization of stuff. I'm thinking of getting one of these now that I have a backpack (Karrimor SF Predator 80-120). Thanks for the video and keeping it on YT. Jim
The Condor VA7 ($40-45) is a great budget option in comparison to Chinook's Medical Panel Insert Bag ($130) but not as customizable. Wish the Condor VA7 could also be carried horizontally and not just vertically like the Chinook insert but I guess that can be remedied with some MacGyver skills.
Great points. I help a few friends to start out on basic set up that does not cost an arm and leg. And dirt time can start in your back yard or on your back porch of your apartment. Just do it.
I like that.. would be great for the back of the drivers seat of my vehicle. Very cool. May have to pick one up next gun show, we have a huge condor distributor here at the shows. Thanks for the vid and the news about this!
this is fairly large, but it also gives several ways for each need to achieve the goal. fire, food, shelter ect ect. my personal add would be orange, red or pink paracord instead of dark colors. also the cord that has fishing line in it. a few fish hooks. the pink cordage can be used as a lure. overall I would be super happy with this. I would know I'm set. thank you!
If you think it's too big then just lose the stuff you don't think you need. It's just an example. But keep in mind that there less you have the more skill you'll need to get by with those fewer items
You have a good grasp of survival. with one exception, dont count on your cell phone working in a real wilderness area. Even in a park like Rocky Mountain National Park, in Colorado, which is close to a town. Sometimes your phone will work, sometimes it wont, so be ready for that. Other then that one thing. I truely enjoyed this video.
Should still be good for gps etc... barring an EMP scenario which is possible nowadays... apps such as maps.me allow you to download offline maps you can use with gps without cell signal...
Great kit I need to get one for myself because since I started making my kit this last year I found that it has allready grown so big that I sometimes take it out of the car because I need the space. We all know that a kit at home is no kit at all.
Nice idea and great setup. Yes, there are a gazillion ways to build a kit, but it's awesome seeing other ideas and broadening the mind. Keep up the good work brother. Bu the way, you got me hooked on those LA Police gear cargo pants. I ordered on pair and then ordered four more pairs.
Chris - love your videos - don't worry about preachers. Each of us has a quirk we focus on due to experience - I have a couple - the fireproof matches they gave us in the C-Rats were worthless and finding zippo lighter fluid in the zone was impossible - lighting a cigarette with MOGAS or diesel sucked, so kind of like you - I carry more than extra fire starting (3 bics in my pocket right now). My other quirk is having humped 25 miles a day, and having had to suffer with combat boot blisters, I have extra socks and foot care (powder, antifungal, and moleskins). But, that's just me. Loved this one so much that I bought the Voodoo pack insert and aligned it pretty close to what you have shown.
Nice setup. The VA7 will be one of the next things on my to buy list. By the way the dry bag is made by SealLine in case any of your viewers were wondering.
Great pack, that last pouch you left part filled i would put those small compact tissues for toilet , some energy bars and a few of those 125ml emergency water satchet's. Anyway pack it the way you want it hey. Saves lugging around a large 65 lt back pack.
Great Vid. Just wanted to add one thing. You guys, when you have bought your pack and put your own choice of items into it, do NOT tuck it away and expect to be able to use everything efficiently in an emergency. Take the pack out on a dry run, and give yourself the training that will allow you to use every item. Do you know how to use that water filter? Start a fire with firerod and tinder? Can you do basic processing of wood with knife, axe or saw? Do you really know how to use a tarp to build a minimalist shelter? All of these questions should be answered in practice. If you find that you don't know how, then learn! The best pack in the world is just dead weight if you don't familiarize yourself with what you have and how to use it.
I love looking at diffrent builds guys have for these survival kits and i think ive see over 100 or so builds and have made 3 kits myself and the one you have here is at the top of the list i think. You made me have to go back and rework mine. Nice job. I would add some bear str pepper spay thoe but thats me little extra protection from wild beasts or man couldnt hurt.
I made the mistake of leaving my Levin solar unit on the dash on my Truck for a month. When I went into the truck the other day I found the battery had puffed up so much inside the unit that it was destroyed.
Hi , this bag looks great but I think is a little big, Do you know if is there a smaller bag of this kind?... Regards from Mexico, Your videos are really good!!
Bro screw the haters. When they start talking I instantly go la la la la la not listening. Your concept about gear and training is exactly what should be preached. Shalom.
I really like this. I would add a needle driver (or even the pliers on a multitool) for sutures/repairs. I'd personally opt for a lifeproof phone case instead of the waterproof sleeve. Either way, awesome kit!
you know in all these survival videos i never see people pack a tool i have that. its a fenceing tool. it has a hammer, wire fence cutter, staple puller, it has a area to hold nails in place or remove small bolts, it can retighten weak areas. i used this alot and it never fails.
Great Video Chris. Really Appreciated what you said at the end of the video. The Organizational capabilities of that insert, I think would Make it just about Indispensable for keeping your gear neat and Organized. I might just have to pick one of these bad boys up.
Was just watching this video again, got to where you said you had your Galaxy S4, quite funny for me because I got the Galaxy Note 4 around the same time, and it's been going strong right up to today, 9 years later. I'm only now upgrading to the S24 Ultra since the Note is too old for some of the new apps etc, and it's time to get a better camera anyway. I've put together a basic get home bag to leave in the car, using an old UK military issue duffel bag and if I go on any longer journeys I'll bring an Osprey day pack if I ever had to take some gear from the duffel bag. One bonus of living in a small country is you're only ever a day or two away from home. Complete loss of communication and public transport would be the only thing that could change that.
Idea/thought... Please let me know if this is not such a good idea since I am still new to kits and prepping. Leave the kit in the dry sack all the time. Reasons: it would leave another spot in the organizer for something else (such as a multi tool or what ever is good for the person carrying it) and with the orange sack if it is left in a trunk or behind the seat of a truck it would be easier to find.
one of the best kits I've seen in a while, I'd change a little and be less spendy on cutlery lol. but seriously well done, that'd beba comfortable week in the woods, with little on body gear
First time I've seen this product. I have to get one now. Thanks Chris. Great ideas here. Love your videos, both the content and the attitude in the presentation.
awesome kit love the choice of knives, I really would love a BK16, I think your survival pouch system and items chosen are great. I am not preaching but would like to make 3 suggestions 1/a large piece of HD aluminum foil 2/one or two slingshot rubbers 3/BCB/highlander aluminum tin, these tins are a good size look like they could fit into one of those pouches are watertight with removable seal and you can boil water and cook in them......love the advice at the end great stuff thanks for sharing
Great info.
Here's a small tip on packaged hand wipes and alcohol wipes. There is a shelf life on those little suckers. They have a tendency to dry out. You can't just store them and forget about them. It all depends on how they are packaged and stored. I live in southern Arizona and keeping it in your car will dry everything out. The temperature in the car is higher than the outside temperature and worse in the trunk. The heat also does a number on those sanitary gloves. It may not be as bad in cooler climates but you have to be viligant on inspecting/replacing the items in the kit. Batteries can also corrode and trash your flash light. New sealed bottles of iodine and other consumables will dry out, leak or go stale. This is all from personal experience. LOL
Be viligant on your kits. Inspect them weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
I love watching videos like this. You can tell people's knowledge levels in certain areas. It certainly illustrates" the saying the more you know the less you need."
The best part of this video is that you don't have 15 knives in your kit. Nothing shows a novice like carrying to many knives. Good job!
AWESOME video! And I don't say this lightly. Your closing statement is probably the best advice ever for people in general; applies to life in general. I teach classes for decades.
Four and a half years later and this is still relevant. Awesome!
I am retired Army SF and the concept of "train to your gear" is absolutely correct. Having the right equipment is one thing... knowing how to properly use it is entirely different. I've spent a great deal of time rock climbing, white water kayaking, mountaineering and the bottom line is field test, field test, field test. Knowing your gear will instill confidence to survive! It will actually make a survival situation fun, and something to talk about around a campfire years from now.
That lay out is gorgeous. Something about survival gear well organized makes me happy
Fully agreed. I might change some of the contents based on my specific skillset/desires, but a well organized system is a happy system!
Waiting for someone to start preaching. I know it's coming. Any (and every) time a video showing one example out of thousands of a way to make a kit, someone will be along shortly to educate everyone on the RIGHT way to do it. Remember that the right way can only be determined by YOU: Your skill level, physical fitness level, environmental risk factors, location, intended use of kit (in pack/on body/in car/etc), ALL make a difference.
Dunno why you pay any attention to those people. Opinions, Its like a belly-button; everyone has one.
Look, you do great video reviews and you know your stuff within your area of expertise. Although I think you get too distracted with your surroundings and all of their noise, LOL
Keep bringing in these videos you make, I've learned plenty from watching your reviews.
I happen to like this bag review and how you chose the items that are in it.
I didn't see any way to attach this bag to anything; does it have any attachment points?
Thanks again for your reviews
Does it fit in the haversack? Just wondering if that would be a good pairing?
Artie Rodriguez that's not just me. It's any survival kit video regardless if who made the video.
Andy Lundberg too tall for the Hidden Woodsmen Haversack
Your presentation was just fine Chris. Please enjoy relaxing when it comes to comments that bug you. It's no big deal and all in fun. Goosfraba!
Really liked the modularity of this kit. But what i loved more is the way you planned how to pack all the stuff.
Being a newbie, watching this kind of set is very important for me.
Thnx for this. The only thing to do now is to save money and buy all the gear.
Chris, I have learned so much from the varied content videos on RUclips.
Equipment, medical, knifes, etc. Having purchased, packed, practiced, modified and hybridized. My entire EDC, BOB and INCH gear. Based largely in part, based upon these videos. Such as this one. Please, continue these type of videos.
They're more valuable than many people, give you and your collective cohorts credit for. Kudos to you, the prepper, survival and hacker community. With that said. One must research and vet any information, gleaned from any video source. Again, keep up the good work.
Jack
..this is the first video of this kind I've watched (perhaps because i live in the UK & we are not so minded in prepping/ survival?!) but just wanted to say, thanks for the good advice )) ..I admire your humility and honesty ..I definitely feel more encouraged after watching this ..your a top bloke! )) ..once again, many thanks ))
shower curtain liner is thicker and only $1 at dollar tree.Great back up tarp and or floor for tarp.
love this...im looking at getting one for my outdoor cooking....great for popping it in the car or motorcycle pack for a trip...put in in the backpack for a hike...fishing...what have you. the key to this is kit is "whatever i want for where i want and when i want it." i wont be building anything for others but for me. cooking kit, medical kit, motorcycle repair kit...the uses are endless.
That ronson lighter is the best torch I ever used. Ive had one for 3 years now, just quit smoking a month or so ago but its been used heavily and its still going. Most torch lighters either the piezzo stops making sparks or they start leaking but this one is going strong. I bought 3 more a while ago since I liked it so much but im still using the first one. Best part is its under 5 bucks and I got them at walgreens and most of them have it so anyone can get one. Great video chris.
G'day from Sydney, Australia.
You repeat the word "ACCESS" often & you are spot on the mark as all the kit to have is great until you cannot access it when you need it.
I have now purchased the 2018 nylon version of the old USA Vietnam War medics pack. This opens up to a foldout pack - easy to see access to long range medical needs. I can clearly see the contents & could additional items as tropical or cold weather items,
Access to your kit is priority one to survive !!!
I totally agree with you about knowing your gear and just going out and learning it, even short bursts (ie: an overnight[s], etc...) will build your skill set that can be expanded beyond your kit. My friends and I take a day using what we already know and trying out new skills while learning from each other. Our kits are very similar, but not exactly the same because we have some skills the other one may not have. Nice load-out btw Chris!
I ended up purchasing the condor va7 after watching this video, which I found this set up very helpful for my pack. The pack I use is the MAR.PAT. ASSAULT PACK. Because it has no pockets and I got tired of carrying a box for this and a box for that.. so after seeing how you set this product up I had to go and purchase this item so I could do the same. It was helpful and works quite. Well! Thanx!
Chris - you just changed my whole approach to assembling my kit. I'm going to have to pick up one of these and can easily throw it in a non-descript backpack in my car allowing me be highly organized with my kit while not coming across as tactical. Thank you. Great vid.
Something else to consider for new people learning is just go out and take a hike on an established trail in the forest and take your gear with you. Open the bag or whatever you carry and look at everything you have. Will it work if you were to fall and brake your leg? or something like that where you are not getting back out very quickly? Also, we all started somewhere. Even the most experienced prepper/survivalists had no idea until they put their gear in a bag and carried it with them. Thanks for sharing, I like your kit design.
Nice video. Very informative. It was made almost ten yrs ago as today is 22 June 2024. Would be great to see a ten year follow-up!!!
I love it. You can see everything you need without looking for it. 5c or 10c and then some. Good to go. Outstanding kit that also leaves room in your pack for food and clothing and shelter.
The tarp clips are neat and small, but I always did the poor man's tarp trick. Take a rock or piece of stick (walnuts work the best if you can find them), place it in the tarp where you want to hold it down, then wrap your cord around the rock and tie it wherever.
*hickory maybe? Round and green, then black. And they split in half, so you get 2 for 1.
I like the organization of that pack insert, beats the "everything in one pocket" method, i always have to pull a couple of things out of the way to get to what I am needing. I love it when you are done with a video on the content described, and you get on your "soap box" and preach to us for 6 mins at the end of the video!! :) you made some good points, Good video as always.
Cool thing about having everything all neat and compartmentalized like that is the psychological aspect; if you're under pressure in a survival situation, it seems like it would minimize stress/mental strain to have everything laid out and organized that way.
From a Combat Veteran, I must say, you are spot on and I that!
Great kit, and as others have said - great comments at the end. I am a trained Medic and carry an extensive medical kit but I have also learned how to use (correctly) everything else I have. Do the best you can to be the best you can be. Thanks for another excellent video Chris :)
Thank you Chris for the encouragment. I am just starting out. I've watched hundreds, maybe even a thousand + videos, read many forums and threads. But sometimes it gets frustrating since I am on a very small budget.
I must be really sleepy right now because I am hypnotized by your mirrored sunglasses.
I can barely stop looking at them.
Thanks Chris for this video. I'm an organize freak and this organizer makes so much sense to me. I feel if you have something like this. All your pertinent stuff is all in one place. Plus easy access. Thanks again my friend. Kevin
Had one of these for awhile now they are very versatile! I am glad to see a video with someone else using it! Now I see where some changes can be made in mine! Thanks for the great video!
I have watched your videos many times, but it was the last part of this video that moved me to subscribe. I agree with you 100% on the learning to use the kit mentality. I get tired of so many saying that you have to go to this school or that school. They act like this is rocket science. As a retired civil engineer, I think it is more difficult on how to build a ten story building that does not fall down and kill someone than how to pitch a tent or tarp or for that matter start a fire. In my opinion, we have it built in our ancestry that survival skills can be learned a hell of a lot faster than the theory of relativity. Now do I think Dave Canterbury, and Rob with sigma three are smart, you damn right I do. They are who I would want to be with in a crises.
I like how everything is so accessible instead of digging around in a pack.
I loved the gear but I loved what you talked about toward the end. I was really overwhelmed by how much there is to this prepping and survival stuff because I was watching a lot of "James Yeager" kind of stuff. I'm turning 50 next week and I have a bad back and a big belly, I can't go through boot camp....again.
Well said man, and thank u for ur service to our country. I was raised by a marine, (i was stupid enough to drop outa highschool, get married, and for a while became an outlaw, which prevented me from being the marine i wanted to be), but before that,i told granpa how bad i wanted to join, and started training as a kid, which is the training that based alot of the few skills i have now, also, im now a christian family man, but before, when i hadd legal trouble and was a fugitive for 5 years, i spent 7-8 months a year in the appalacian mtns, id get dropped off with my tent, "survival pack",and my black german shepherd, we had some times up there. Point being, ive always been low income, im that guy, the one that has to buy one thing at a time, usually what ever i deem to be the most important at the time compared to where i want to be, but ive had life lessons in the feild that have inspired me to buy this or that for my bag configuration over the years, liked the video, im gonna invest in this myself, tired of digging when i go out now and tthen to keep myself fresh on know how
Packing Those Multivitamins is genius! Compact, light and hardly takes up any room. definitely going to pack some in my kit. thanks for the Tip.
First of all nice pack and excellent pack. Secondly, thank you for giving viewers those encouraging words at the end, your channel ROCKS!
Great video man! You are absolutely right too, kit building is all about the individual needs of the person using them. There IS no right way, only YOUR way. I like your way since this kit looks a lot like the one I keep on my backpack.
That is one great safety backpack I have one similar to yours for emergencies and one thing that really works for me is I made a waterproof paper that has a list of everything I keep in it because we carry so much stuff in that backpack that we kind of forget what we have so it's an idea for you
Great advise. I have a Pilot friend who asked me to build him a survival kit for his light sport airplane. he was overwhelmed by all the information out there about what you have to have to survive. The first think I asked him where and when he planned to fly. Second, after we put the kit together learn how to use each item. If you fly in the mountains, you may not need equipment designed for swamp survival. I did make sure he had the 5 c's covered and have since taught him how to make a variety of shelters with whats in his kit. He now understands that he doesn't need a huge expedition kit to fly to Maine in the winter, but kids kit with additional cold weather gear is a good option. I appreciate your opinions because they make sense especially as too the changing needs and demands as newer mor compact items become available.
Thanks for the message. Moving to a rural area from Commiefornia. Looking forward to getting outdoors and building some kits. Fellow Navy veteran here!
My Friend had no Training, I have had Training, my Friend and I love training.
I too never go anywhere without Ms.J.
It is not easy, but it can be made easier.
When people refer to us as experts in the field, we reply Yes and it's because we learn new things almost every time we are in the field , we consider it the highest honor to have such skills and abilities, and it takes a lot longer than a few Courses although that also is a good idea. RUclips and the suggestions made in this video presentation are excellent and a good example of how to put an upgrade or two to the good ol survival kit. Always acknowledge when I learn something new, or I am reminded of something, Yeah, have to check the batteries
Thanks.
I so agree with you some people might say crap, but like you said not everyone thinks the same. Know your gear is essential in my opinion also. Using your gear readily is very important. Thanks Chris.
Thank you for an excellent video and also addressing the fact that everyone isn't a pro and may not be able to afford special training. It is very intimidating when you are just starting out. Much respect and thank you :)
I do a lot of dual sport exploring and this is the perfect size for my bag and I have always carried a little survival kit but I always felt like i needed something else but just couldn't find the right set up and this is perfect..... what i did for training for survival or bushcrafting was i just got some dirt time i went from barely able to start a fire with a bic to making a fire with a bow drill set in about 3 months I learned everything from youtube and went and practiced it until it was perfect dirt time is the best way to advance your survival/bushcraft/camping training
Watch that lighter brother. I bought on a while back while at the wally world, she worked great for a while and now wont light to save my life. I enjoy cigars, and know what kind of fuel to use and it simply burns itself out... Just my .02. Nice videos, great ideas!
Hey brother, i highly enjoyed your vid. I love packs that allow customization through organization. Condor and maxpedition seem to keep that in mind when engineering their packs. I have a buddy who is just "coming around" to the idea of preparedness and the other day he asked me, " ok bro i have the bag, now what do i need to put in it?" I informed him of the 5 essentials but had a really hard time specifying exactly what to get. Even after going to the surplus with him i still felt a little lost instructing him what to get. Your video is the perfect solution boss. Thankyou for posting this, a great help. I really like how humble you are about this issue as well. Keep it up.
Dude that was awsome! I took it to heart, my dad was also in the navy had me in boy scouts took me camping, hunting, fishing, so i don't tell anyone that they have to do something but, just do the best you can with what you have and with your current budget.. Just remember no one person is perfect and everyone even the guy that thinks he is best prepared will miss something!
A+ Video
Nice kit. Good organization. Might want to switch out the silk for nylon or monofilament of some sort. Less tissue reactivity, less chance of infection. Plus will last a lot longer both in use and in package. Thanks for sharing.
Chris - thanks for sharing this - this will work great for moving a go-kit from my truck, to my backpack, to my saddle bag on the ATV - instead of replicating kits on all....
That solar phone charger is damn handy! First thing I bought after hurricane Irma and it's what I keep on myself or my service dog at all times! I now have 5 battery banks but that one is always on me or my service dog at all times. Now, going to look for that water proof case!
Loved seeing this kit. Would love to see how your RapDom T3111 turns out after you lighten and where it settles after revised.
Love your work buddy. Been following you for a while now and love my watch which I took your lead on and I see you are still wearing. Just ordered this Condor VA7 pack as it is so versatile and really tidies up my pack. Many thanks and keep on posting videos. Cheers from New Zealand!
Very nice kit well thought out and layed out logically, When saw the legstrap securing Jessica 1, my first thought was why not 2" webbing with quick release buckles and ladder sliders would allow you to make a belt to carry your knives or a shoulder strap to carry the kit easier, at a push a tourniquet. Instead of the scalpel blades have you considered a pack of 9mm snap off blades ? I have a 10pk of blades and a handle for them in my kit. Thank you for all your hard work thake care God Bless.
Hey Chris, this is like the fourth or fifth time I've watched this video over the years. For me it holds up. My issue has always been the organization of stuff. I'm thinking of getting one of these now that I have a backpack (Karrimor SF Predator 80-120). Thanks for the video and keeping it on YT. Jim
I really like what you had to say at the end of this video about beginners and knowing your gear. Spot on in my opinion... The kit was great too!
The Condor VA7 ($40-45) is a great budget option in comparison to Chinook's Medical Panel Insert Bag ($130) but not as customizable. Wish the Condor VA7 could also be carried horizontally and not just vertically like the Chinook insert but I guess that can be remedied with some MacGyver skills.
Great points. I help a few friends to start out on basic set up that does not cost an arm and leg. And dirt time can start in your back yard or on your back porch of your apartment. Just do it.
I like that.. would be great for the back of the drivers seat of my vehicle. Very cool. May have to pick one up next gun show, we have a huge condor distributor here at the shows. Thanks for the vid and the news about this!
this is fairly large, but it also gives several ways for each need to achieve the goal. fire, food, shelter ect ect. my personal add would be orange, red or pink paracord instead of dark colors. also the cord that has fishing line in it. a few fish hooks. the pink cordage can be used as a lure. overall I would be super happy with this. I would know I'm set. thank you!
The tent clips can also be used to improvise a tourniquet.
As far as water crossing, looks like you have some room in the dry bag for any clothing you want to keep dry too.
I like the dry bag, multi use and something I haven't thought of. I'd like to make a similar kit! Thanks for the ideas.
If you think it's too big then just lose the stuff you don't think you need. It's just an example. But keep in mind that there less you have the more skill you'll need to get by with those fewer items
You have a good grasp of survival. with one exception, dont count on your cell phone working in a real wilderness area. Even in a park like Rocky Mountain National Park, in Colorado, which is close to a town. Sometimes your phone will work, sometimes it wont, so be ready for that. Other then that one thing. I truely enjoyed this video.
James Ha
Should still be good for gps etc... barring an EMP scenario which is possible nowadays... apps such as maps.me allow you to download offline maps you can use with gps without cell signal...
A modular insert is a novel idea. Thanks, Chris.
Great kit I need to get one for myself because since I started making my kit this last year I found that it has allready grown so big that I sometimes take it out of the car because I need the space. We all know that a kit at home is no kit at all.
Nice idea and great setup. Yes, there are a gazillion ways to build a kit, but it's awesome seeing other ideas and broadening the mind. Keep up the good work brother. Bu the way, you got me hooked on those LA Police gear cargo pants. I ordered on pair and then ordered four more pairs.
Chris - love your videos - don't worry about preachers. Each of us has a quirk we focus on due to experience - I have a couple - the fireproof matches they gave us in the C-Rats were worthless and finding zippo lighter fluid in the zone was impossible - lighting a cigarette with MOGAS or diesel sucked, so kind of like you - I carry more than extra fire starting (3 bics in my pocket right now). My other quirk is having humped 25 miles a day, and having had to suffer with combat boot blisters, I have extra socks and foot care (powder, antifungal, and moleskins). But, that's just me. Loved this one so much that I bought the Voodoo pack insert and aligned it pretty close to what you have shown.
LeRoy Engle Whats the model of the Voodoo pack insert you have i can not seem to find it anywhere thank you.
Nice setup. The VA7 will be one of the next things on my to buy list. By the way the dry bag is made by SealLine in case any of your viewers were wondering.
It's not Sealline.
Is it frog? The company that makes the ponchos and what not?
Great pack, that last pouch you left part filled i would put those small compact tissues for toilet , some energy bars and a few of those 125ml emergency water satchet's. Anyway pack it the way you want it hey. Saves lugging around a large 65 lt back pack.
Great Vid. Just wanted to add one thing. You guys, when you have bought your pack and put your own choice of items into it, do NOT tuck it away and expect to be able to use everything efficiently in an emergency. Take the pack out on a dry run, and give yourself the training that will allow you to use every item. Do you know how to use that water filter? Start a fire with firerod and tinder? Can you do basic processing of wood with knife, axe or saw? Do you really know how to use a tarp to build a minimalist shelter? All of these questions should be answered in practice. If you find that you don't know how, then learn! The best pack in the world is just dead weight if you don't familiarize yourself with what you have and how to use it.
You could add the Firebox Nano stove and the Bear Bowl pot.
Great kit Chris!
One criticism though is that velcro is terrible for noise concealment, if you're in a situation where you're worried about that.
I love looking at diffrent builds guys have for these survival kits and i think ive see over 100 or so builds and have made 3 kits myself and the one you have here is at the top of the list i think. You made me have to go back and rework mine. Nice job. I would add some bear str pepper spay thoe but thats me little extra protection from wild beasts or man couldnt hurt.
i've found that you can stick a few safety pins in between bigger sections of velcro.
Looks good. I see it doesn't come in black though. I only use black as my Jeep interior is black and it hides my stuff. Nice kit
I made the mistake of leaving my Levin solar unit on the dash on my Truck for a month. When I went into the truck the other day I found the battery had puffed up so much inside the unit that it was destroyed.
Hi , this bag looks great but I think is a little big, Do you know if is there a smaller bag of this kind?...
Regards from Mexico, Your videos are really good!!
i found your little speech at the end very inspiering and u made me understand that money dosnt buy the best kit
There are some good ideas in here, but I'd just stick with the BK7 and one backup to lower the weight some.
Bro screw the haters. When they start talking I instantly go la la la la la not listening. Your concept about gear and training is exactly what should be preached. Shalom.
I really like this. I would add a needle driver (or even the pliers on a multitool) for sutures/repairs. I'd personally opt for a lifeproof phone case instead of the waterproof sleeve. Either way, awesome kit!
I'm not sure I missed it, but don't forget your topographical map, and check your updated magnetic north.
you know in all these survival videos i never see people pack a tool i have that. its a fenceing tool. it has a hammer, wire fence cutter, staple puller, it has a area to hold nails in place or remove small bolts, it can retighten weak areas. i used this alot and it never fails.
Great Video Chris. Really Appreciated what you said at the end of the video. The Organizational capabilities of that insert, I think would Make it just about Indispensable for keeping your gear neat and Organized. I might just have to pick one of these bad boys up.
I recommend a wrist rocket style sling shot. should fit nicely . Or at least a old style rock sling
Was just watching this video again, got to where you said you had your Galaxy S4, quite funny for me because I got the Galaxy Note 4 around the same time, and it's been going strong right up to today, 9 years later. I'm only now upgrading to the S24 Ultra since the Note is too old for some of the new apps etc, and it's time to get a better camera anyway.
I've put together a basic get home bag to leave in the car, using an old UK military issue duffel bag and if I go on any longer journeys I'll bring an Osprey day pack if I ever had to take some gear from the duffel bag. One bonus of living in a small country is you're only ever a day or two away from home. Complete loss of communication and public transport would be the only thing that could change that.
Idea/thought... Please let me know if this is not such a good idea since I am still new to kits and prepping.
Leave the kit in the dry sack all the time. Reasons: it would leave another spot in the organizer for something else (such as a multi tool or what ever is good for the person carrying it) and with the orange sack if it is left in a trunk or behind the seat of a truck it would be easier to find.
one of the best kits I've seen in a while, I'd change a little and be less spendy on cutlery lol. but seriously well done, that'd beba comfortable week in the woods, with little on body gear
First time I've seen this product. I have to get one now. Thanks Chris. Great ideas here. Love your videos, both the content and the attitude in the presentation.
I love the baby triffids on his head adding to his camo ...
This a very cool concept, would love it for a wall organizer
Chris! You need some heavy duty foil! You can put together some sort of cup to boil water in. Mega light weight! Multi purpose.
But the pack it amazingly put together ! Hats off my friend!
I been looking at using a gear roll but this makes things more organized in a pack! Sweet!
The dry back is Gecko Brand Chris, good stuff i own a bunch of them...
This is by far, the best survival kit I have seen on RUclips so far, you should pack dryfood though👍
Great video and kit might want to add a small hand held ham radio
awesome kit love the choice of knives, I really would love a BK16, I think your survival pouch system and items chosen are great. I am not preaching but would like to make 3 suggestions 1/a large piece of HD aluminum foil 2/one or two slingshot rubbers 3/BCB/highlander aluminum tin, these tins are a good size look like they could fit into one of those pouches are watertight with removable seal and you can boil water and cook in them......love the advice at the end great stuff thanks for sharing
Brilliant summary at the end!. Peace from the UK.
Looks like a great container for a large first aid kit
this is the best survival kit i have seen, i have only one suggestion a Samsung Galaxy s4 spare battery