SAS Belt Kit & Bergen

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  • Опубликовано: 27 сен 2024
  • A description of the personal kit used by UK Special Forces soldiers in the 1970-80's era. This video is a follow up to my last video (Lofty Wiseman SAS Survival Pouch), to show where it fits in with the rest of the soldier's gear.
    All of the kit shown in this video is genuine issued kit, as used by UKSF.
    Thumbnail painting by Peter Archer of Sgt G Mather MM in the Falklands War.

Комментарии • 306

  • @pierevojzola9737
    @pierevojzola9737 11 месяцев назад +39

    Hi, it’s interesting to listen (read) to you youngsters! I was a soldier for 20 years, starting in Africa in 56 and ending in NZ in 77. I started with 37 webbing, then 44 webbing in Malaya & Hong Kong, then 58 webbing in 3 Para and finished of with a mix of gear in Nam. You could pick some good kit out of each pattern and I held on to the best of mine to this day. Luckily for me I was a lucky grunt and survived to fish and hunt in the South Pacific paradise. What a lot of present day soldiers forget that as a Para you pack what you will need with everything you can get hold of, and then you strip and re pack again and again. I have done 10 day patrols in Muscat with only one air re supply. We got 10 men ration packs for each soldier and they were all “ liver & Bacon” ! In Greece the re supply was a heavy drop and one of the chutes opened before the other, water bladder burst. We were drinking out of puddles for the next 24 hours! On advance to contact we all carried extra ammo, batteries, mortars and water. In the Radfan one company turned into sherpas caring jerry cans of water plus their musketry order. No such thing as sleeping bags. We used “acquired” gear that Norwegian and other foreign troops left behind on European exercises. Always we felt that we were the best with the worst gear. Now if you wanted to hear someone winge, you should have heard the American Airborne or Rangers complain about lack of vehicles and proper food. All good Brit squaddies learn to borrow or steal, sorry , acquired the gear we needed. The Kiwis were the best at acquiring gear, the Gunners came back from Nam with brand new guns! Anyways, cheers mate. Harera

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  11 месяцев назад +4

      Cheers mate, what an interesting and varied career you had, respect. 👍

    • @josephmaguire5048
      @josephmaguire5048 Месяц назад

      You should write a book, I'd love to hear more of your experiences

  • @Ivarr.Bergmann.Alaska
    @Ivarr.Bergmann.Alaska 2 года назад +52

    I used Pattern 58 webbing in Alaska for years. Up until it rotted and I upped to PLCE.. P58 was amazing for a survival rig, IMO. Best I ever had.

    • @OldNavajoTricks
      @OldNavajoTricks Год назад +4

      First kit I had as a youngster in 84ish, belt, ammo/utility pouch and a double (Kidney?) Pouch, no yoke,
      As a kid I read Loftys book to death and still mourn its loss :-) can't bring myself to buy the collins version haha!

    • @mysticjedi6730
      @mysticjedi6730 Год назад

      I am happy with the British tactical 18 molle across web belt. Fireforce 6 molle butt pack, and British tactical side pouches. High high quality. 5.11 H harness holding it up. With this set up there is attachments molle places all over the harness and pouches..
      Think Bravo two zero guys.... (s.a.s. mission that went to hell..) water, water reservoirs, and thermal layers.. poncho/ rain jacket.. the basics of survival get you a lot of the time..
      Don't forget sat phone, GPS locator beacon, ham radio with full transmit unlocked, etc..

    • @stevelumby8260
      @stevelumby8260 6 месяцев назад

      2 right it the best

  • @samspade7522
    @samspade7522 2 года назад +13

    I carried the ammo pouches you show during guard duty in 1973; our basic load was three mags per pouch plus one in the weapon so you had 140 rounds for each man.
    Thanks for the memory.

  • @overlandvoyager2780
    @overlandvoyager2780 2 года назад +9

    In my days in SBS we had the old 50s sack.Was glad to get the Bergen sack.Cheers for the memories.

  • @jamesr792
    @jamesr792 2 года назад +16

    Not a soldier, but I definitely am going to shamelessly plagairise from this video for my hunting kit.
    I’ve been banging my head against the wall trying to figure out how to carry what I need or might need without getting too over the top or missing out anything important, and this gives me a ton of ideas. Thank you.

  • @Asgardsteve1
    @Asgardsteve1 2 года назад +14

    Brings back memories but it was always 2 water bottles we carried on the belt kit. The survival tin was carried in your smock, rarely in a pouch. The med kit was a lot smaller and also we carried emergency rats on the belt, which were only used if you had lost your bergen, so you knew you always had some food available if you were on the run. In the bergen the patrol also carried spare batteries for the radio split down amongst them. We used to pad out the frame with foam and duct tape, and also on the underside of the straps to reduce it cutting in on the shoulders when you were carrying a full combat load.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +3

      I mentioned that the survival kit may be carried in the smock, l put it in the belt kit to show it. I showed the emergency rations and mentioned spare radio batteries in the bergen too.

    • @Eric-kn4yn
      @Eric-kn4yn 8 месяцев назад

      Weight of kit

  • @arctodussimus6198
    @arctodussimus6198 2 года назад +4

    Glad this one came into my feed again. I don’t get notified if someone replies to my comment (no computer, just a cellphone), so it was nice to read your reply.
    I carried my A.L.I.C.E. pack (is an acronym) for ten years after I got out of the Corps. Some disloyal bugtit broke into my house and stole it, with all my gear inside. That was 1993.
    I have lots of packs and bags now. Still plan to get another, but just never seem to have the time and money at the same time.

  • @wrxs1781
    @wrxs1781 2 года назад +15

    Good video, so long ago 70's, brings back memories, not in SAS, but some of the gear rings a bell. Most of the Canadian kit was US, helmet, water bottle and some pouches. We were using the 7.62 and two pouches plus rifle so five mags, spare ammo for 240 rounds. Still have the survival kit less cigarettes'.

  • @WyeExplorer
    @WyeExplorer 2 года назад +22

    Fantastic video. I was intrigued by the title. My father Terry (Jickells) was 22 years in the regiment much of that with Lofty in A Sq and our shed was full of this kit once. Wished we'd kept it all - got some left but not much. Good to listen to your experience there - hats off you know your subject and I learned a few things. If dad were here I'd ask him but he's not. I still see Lofty and he's still full on - always got the brews on. Well, thanks for that. I was inspired. All the best. Mark P.S I did Junior Para in 84/85 and passed out. It was a weird twist of fate that saw me get out after that. Peace.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +3

      Wow, your Dad must have seen some stuff hey? Awesome to have served with Lofty, what a bloke. I was JPC too, three years after you. Sorry to hear you had to leave.

    • @WyeExplorer
      @WyeExplorer 2 года назад +3

      @@PreparedPathfinder Yeah, Imagine he did although he never said a lot. I agree Lofty's a goodun. Yes, I heard that about JPC it's why I mentioned it. I must say I missed the unit and forces most my life. Some things can't be helped. Peace.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      @@WyeExplorer absolutely, some things happen for a reason. I’m sure you’ve had an interesting life in whatever path you followed.

    • @HistoryWithBishop
      @HistoryWithBishop 2 года назад

      Do you think he knew someone called Terry Mathias? That was my great uncle

    • @davidelms4165
      @davidelms4165 2 месяца назад +1

      @@WyeExplorer Lofty was our PSI in 21 many years ago, saw him 3 yrs ago approx. Not changed

  • @jovenalasis4468
    @jovenalasis4468 2 года назад +35

    You confirmed what I have always suspected: the survival tin is meant to augment whatever gear that a person has on oneself. I am glad that you mentioned that in your video. A lot of people have shown their survival tins in countless RUclips videos, but I doubt if most of them know that, especially those who have never been in the military, much less SERE school.

    • @gordonlawrence1448
      @gordonlawrence1448 2 года назад +10

      You would be surprised how many civie jobs require survival training. Wildlife cameraman, remote rigger, any kind of naturalist, archaeologist (EG the pyramids that keep being found in South American jungles), and many others. Some people are just not suited to it though as they completely fail to understand you can be lost just 3 meters from camp in some situations.

    • @johncrouch8988
      @johncrouch8988 2 года назад

      Hi 👋🏻.
      It also depends greatly on your situation. No one would want to have to rely up the few essentials that you have in the tin. But if the Bergen was dumped first and then you were forced to run for your life and dump your webbing then you will only have your tin and a few odds and ends in your pockets. You have to adapt to the situation and use whatever you have, can get or make to help you overcome. Or you die. 🤷‍♂️

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  Год назад +4

      Bang on in regards to survival tins, most people showing them off wouldn't have the skills or experience to put the kit to use. I mention that in my survival tin video.

  • @guylefebvre8321
    @guylefebvre8321 Год назад +3

    I go way back to the 1974 pattern webbing that we used in the canadian forces. Our next issue web kit was the 1982 pattern gear including the 82 pattern rucksack wich was a pile of garbage and never meant for long patrols. We much preferred the 62 pattern ruck for that. Dependiong on your unit, soldiers were allowed much lattitude in modifying or adding, deleating items from our webbing in the field. I'm 66 now and often reminice about my time on the pointy end of the stick. I miss those days...

  • @moorshound3243
    @moorshound3243 2 года назад +3

    The 58 pattern kit was the best kit ever, I had a 32 piece kit list years ago & I was happy to hike many miles carrying that gear, also if packed right when you sat down you had a very comfortable arm chair.
    58 cold weather smock is amazing, if you want a good hard wearing apocalypse jacket then it's for you, with a hood like a tent.

    • @casinodelonge
      @casinodelonge 2 года назад

      I loved 58 pattern but when you had the large pack on, the hooks sat right on your shoulder where your rifle butt would go, which always annoyed me when patrolling..

  • @FlankerJackChannel
    @FlankerJackChannel 2 года назад +7

    Another excellent and well thought out video. I've always appreciated how the Royal Army focuses on carrying bullets food and water first over fancy gear.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      Cheers mate 👍

    • @chrisholland7367
      @chrisholland7367 2 года назад +3

      It's known as the British Army. Is a collective of different regiments and corps.

    • @mwnciboo
      @mwnciboo 2 года назад +2

      Not Royal...Parliamentarians Won. It is the modern New Model Army, from then English Civil war which was disbanded after we kicked Cromwell into Touch and the monarchy was restored. It is a Regimental system, and very much formed from treaties and agreements from the 1600's to the 1700's and then to the period of Empire.

  • @mikel6517
    @mikel6517 2 года назад +8

    Still own my SAS/para Bergen more for memories than anything else. Did pad the shoulders strap a little when I was in and once I left and used it once or twice for hillwalking bought a waist belt from silvermans. Glad I still have it though.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад

      They’re a great bit of kit, especially when modified. I used one up until lraq in 2003, where it got wrecked.

  • @dankingjr.2088
    @dankingjr.2088 2 года назад +4

    Always interesting to get a completely different perspective on gear. Thanks from across the pond.

  • @091_kushagramisra5
    @091_kushagramisra5 2 года назад +3

    I'm always waiting for his videos...
    He is a great source of valuable information.
    ❤️This channel

  • @fanman8102
    @fanman8102 2 года назад +8

    Excellent! I’m glad you mentioned the squad gear, ie extra ammo, more food, extra batteries, etc. Seems today most are caught up in the spec ops in and out mission that might last a day but not much on the sustainability of being in the field for a several days. One of my pet peeves so again, well done!

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      Thanks Kev, yeah reality is a lot more boring than what people see on TV etc. Walking for days on end in crappy weather carrying 100lbs+ on your back is less exciting than what most people expect soldiering to consist of.

  • @simonward4520
    @simonward4520 2 года назад +2

    Working my way through your videos, really interesting. Well presented, not been in the service but a avid interest in military history and kit that was used.

  • @davidelms4165
    @davidelms4165 2 месяца назад +1

    In the earlyish 80's we did a patrol bergan packing exercise just to see what we could get in based on being out in the field for 2 weeks. First we laid out what we thought we needed. 200 rounds each, radio and associated kit 2 spare batteries. Hand crank battery charger. Rations for 4 guys for 2 weeks. Sleeping bags, waterproofs. Trimmed carremats, ponchos for bashers. Mess tins etc dry kit etc. And then we tried to load up the bergans and it was impossible to get everything in, so we started pareing things down, taking 2 sleeping bags, and 2 ponchos etc

  • @flatmoon6359
    @flatmoon6359 2 года назад +3

    We used to wax our 58 pattern webbing,used to help stop it soaking too much water.Big candle and a hot air gun.

  • @barrycartner3855
    @barrycartner3855 2 года назад +3

    Thank you. I appreciate the description of how kits are combined to build up one's resources.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад

      Cheers, yep it’s a team effort, as always in the military.

  • @jamesrichardwhitehouse5653
    @jamesrichardwhitehouse5653 2 года назад +7

    Brings back memories. But we always carried two water bottles:
    1 x 58 pattern bottle and 44 pattern mug for brewing up.
    1 x 58 pattern and plastic mug.
    These were both carried in 44 pattern carriers.
    The 44 pattern water bottles were terrible and leaked so I got a legion 1 litre metal version when we exercised with them (The Legion are not half so good as they are cracked up to be).
    Our personal med packs were much smaller, we carried morphine in small green toothpaste type sureties on our I/d discs and shell dressings and not much more. So room on the belt for the extra w/bottle carrier.
    JRW 348

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      Roger that mate, l’ve always carried two waterbottles too. I was just working with the kit l was borrowing off a mate.
      Totally in agreement with you ref the FFL. We went on exercise against them in Corsica in 1993. Good at marching and singing though! 😂

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      Hi James, do you have a son that is serving by chance?

    • @johnwiddowson7152
      @johnwiddowson7152 2 года назад +1

      Sounds like the paras. We also carried a toggle rope. I’m beggered if I know how I got everything on my 58 patt belt. I could probably got all my sections kit on one now, if I could find one to go round me. Lol

  • @GruntLife-yi6xv
    @GruntLife-yi6xv Год назад +2

    Excellent content Mate!!! Prior service 82nd Airborne Trooper here!! Thanks for your service Sir!!!

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  Год назад +1

      Cheers mate, appreciate it! 🇺🇸🇬🇧👍

    • @GruntLife-yi6xv
      @GruntLife-yi6xv Год назад

      @@PreparedPathfinder yes sir!!! Airborne all The Way!!!!! Did time in Tarin Kowt, Ghazni, and Kabul Asscrackistan 04-05 and Baquba Iraq 06-07!!! GET SOME!!!

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  Год назад +1

      @@GruntLife-yi6xv ha ha, awesome! I was part of the invasion of Iraq in 2003, and did two tours of Afghan, 06 and 2010-11. My first trip to the USA was actually with the 82nd Airborne (3/504) in 1990, I had a great time. Airborne!

    • @GruntLife-yi6xv
      @GruntLife-yi6xv Год назад +1

      @@PreparedPathfinder badass mate!! Ah the devil's in baggy pants!!! I was in 3-505th and 5-73 Cavalry. I was in Hawaii in the 25th Infantry division (Light) for Asscrackistan. Paras worldwide are another brotherhood!!!

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  Год назад

      @@GruntLife-yi6xv absolutely mate! 🆎👍

  • @GMU8
    @GMU8 2 года назад +1

    Great interest video. Thanks for upload.

  • @rickydepledge3245
    @rickydepledge3245 2 года назад +1

    I used an A frame in cadets! Then butyle in R UKSF in the 80,s not sure which but ended up with a fractured spine in 4 places L4/L5!!
    We did not have the kit. Of the last decade or so just got on with it and tabbed.
    I never understood why soldier 95 bergan only came in long or short back. No middle size option.
    Happy memories head down arse up.

  • @billsowers8859
    @billsowers8859 2 года назад +2

    Merry Christmas

  • @RobertsBulgaria
    @RobertsBulgaria 2 года назад +3

    The 44 Pattern Water Bottle was/is Aluminium with an Aluminium Mug and came with the Millbank Bag as standard issue for use in the Jungle as far as I recall, (I still have mine albeit the pouch is shredding and the bottle is well battered).
    Everything else on your belt looks very much 58 Pattern and we never had anything resembling 'Boil in the Bag', all our rations came in tins or packets and could be eaten cold. Hence the Aluminium Mess Tins. Those who think they can survive from an ALTOIDS tin, think again. Lofty's kit was more or less spot on for his time as there weren't any Survival Space Blankets and the suchlike during those times. Those Machetes/Parangs were usually and probably still are bashed out by local Brunei/Malay Blacksmiths from old car springs and placed in a Bamboo sheath. How the time flies.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад

      Roger all mate. I don't have access to the older style tinned rations, the boil in the bag rations came in in the late Eighties, so it's not innaccurate. Boil in the bag rations can be eaten cold too btw. Yeah my parang started life as a car leaf spring, still going strong after 25 years.

  • @armyrepelentcz4090
    @armyrepelentcz4090 Год назад +2

    Very good video, thanks 🙂

  • @shughes4113
    @shughes4113 2 года назад +6

    Great video, can't wait to see your break down of the survival tin. Keep it up.

  • @HAMASSPIGS
    @HAMASSPIGS Год назад +1

    Nothing beats our SADF kit issued to us in the 80s

  • @shaunbrown3010
    @shaunbrown3010 Год назад +2

    Whats not been mentioned is until the late 80s are ration packs where all tins until the boil in the bag rations came about, i took part in the trials when posted to the falklands in 85, the difference in weight and choice of menu made a big difference.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  Год назад

      Yeah I used the old tinned rations for a while, pain in the arse carrying all that extra weight.

  • @ianknight70
    @ianknight70 2 года назад +2

    Love that main picture of G Squadrons Gordon mather . My troop OC is basic training in Catterick. Awesome on exercise wearing his blue cap comforter , a lot of 16 and 17 year olds with wide eyes knowing his background !

  • @SlackingSince1969
    @SlackingSince1969 2 года назад +6

    I have never seen your channel until a couple of days ago when the video on Lofty's survival pouch came up in my feed. I have had his SAS Survival book for years. Fullsize and compact like the one you showed in your video. Nice to see one from someone with experience put that together. You Brits have never gotten much detailed exposure here beyond books like Immediate Action and Portrait of a Rebel and movies/docs. Then I ran into a copy of Combat and Survival in Chapters back in 1999 I think it was. Bought a heap of those until they were discontinued in 2018. Great magazine. Looking forward to your video on the survival tin. Merry Christmas from Toronto Canada.🎄 Subscribed.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      Cheers mate, Merry Christmas from the UK! BTW I had an old SAS friend who lived near Toronto, I visited him there a few years back and jumped at his local skydiving centre. Unfortunately he's no longer with us.

    • @SlackingSince1969
      @SlackingSince1969 2 года назад +1

      @@PreparedPathfinder I'm sorry you lost your friend.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      @@SlackingSince1969 he got to a decent age mate, unlike many other friends, cheers 👍

  • @DirtyDjs1
    @DirtyDjs1 6 месяцев назад +1

    Another excellent and knowledgable video, delivered in our wonderful British military "EDIP" style, perfect and ready for us to practice. I recommend to our army cadets to follow your videos also. Many thanks to you and please keep them coming. #AspireToAchieve

  • @helvetiabushcraft
    @helvetiabushcraft 2 года назад +2

    I've always like this belt set up.

  • @p.d1036
    @p.d1036 2 года назад +2

    Just found your Chanel, great instruction and advice. Thank you. Keep them coming!

  • @jondavey8054
    @jondavey8054 2 года назад +2

    Equipment layering works from personal equipment through to personal weapon systems, section equipment & scales.
    Enjoying the videos and can smell the 58 pattern canvas 🤣

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад

      Cheers Jon. Yeah it certainly has a distinctive smell hey?

  • @davidelms4165
    @davidelms4165 2 месяца назад +1

    To continue. When every corner of the bergan was stuffed full. They weighed about 85lbs each not the 100lbs that everyone talks about. And we found that to last 2 weeks was not actually practical unsupported. Just thought you might be interested

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 месяца назад

      @@davidelms4165 l’ve carried in the region of a hundred pounds quite often tbh. Yep with you on the two weeks if dismounted.

    • @davidelms4165
      @davidelms4165 2 месяца назад +1

      @PreparedPathfinder The thing was. That didn't include any pyro, dems, LTD, LAWS. Link etc. So easily could get up to 100lbs but not unsupported.

  • @penman8985
    @penman8985 5 месяцев назад +1

    Thanks for a really informative video, really good to watch. Brings back memories of my time as a Reservist. ATB - Simon

  • @muskett4108
    @muskett4108 2 года назад +4

    Most been said, two water bottles. Rations came in tins, and then there was Biscuit Brown and the Swatted Fly biscuits. Grenade aluminium screw lid tin could be made into a pressure cooker for the tins, only needed an inch of water.
    Survival tin was home built or sewn into your smock and trousers, but there was also an issue drug/suncream issue tin with enough potions to blow your mind. Only the Medic carried a decent med kit, everyone else just some field dressings and personal admin blister stuff.
    Bergen built to take mortar bombs, ammo, and the stupid sized radio. Invariably everyone got one of those three to be carry. Nearly everyone got a spare battery too. Not much room for your own stuff.
    No chest clip or waist belt on the bergen because it was taken off and on so often; to get behind/stay low.
    Issue Clasp knife or Normad Swede folder, and issue Gollock.
    Anyone in a Recce Pln would have done something similar, just no drop down pouches just water bottle pouches; and an NBC bum-roll was carried too.
    Blast from the past..

  • @timothybarker3589
    @timothybarker3589 2 года назад +2

    Well done sir. I do appreciate the layman's terms.

  • @calmolly1
    @calmolly1 2 года назад +2

    Great video

  • @mountaineer5596
    @mountaineer5596 2 года назад +2

    Good stuff. Thanks.

  • @torsten4757
    @torsten4757 2 года назад +1

    Thank´s for your Information! Merry Christmas from Germany!

  • @trikyy7238
    @trikyy7238 8 дней назад +1

    A "kit pest"
    I felt that...

  • @ianmurray4081
    @ianmurray4081 2 года назад +2

    Awesome video and content. I am new to your channel, quality content and very informative. I'm currently going through your video library. Cheers 🍻 from East Coast Canada. Take care and stay frosty and happy holidays.🌲🇨🇦🎄🇬🇧🌲

  • @pnyarrow
    @pnyarrow 2 года назад +2

    58 Patt might have been not that good but it was better than the 37 Patt but time moves on and so does kit. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe. ATB. Nigel.

  • @dukeeod1650
    @dukeeod1650 2 года назад +1

    Have a very merry Christmas.

  • @rikutaskinen5432
    @rikutaskinen5432 Год назад +2

    Yes, old but works.

  • @discipleaj
    @discipleaj 2 года назад +5

    Thanks Tom! I think in one of your videos you said you were in Northamptonshire. If you ever decided to run a weekend course to train people in land nav and everything else you cover; I'd definitely pay to attend and learn from your real world experience.
    Thanks for the videos! Stay safe and God bless. 👍🏻

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      Cheers, yes that’s right. Possibly one for the future 👍

    • @discipleaj
      @discipleaj 2 года назад +1

      @@PreparedPathfinder Happy days! Cheers, have a great Christmas.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад

      @@discipleaj cheers, you too!

  • @ubique505
    @ubique505 2 года назад +1

    Nice Loadout

  • @scottyc1540
    @scottyc1540 2 года назад +5

    great video, really inspiring
    And just for clarification, SAS stands for Special Air Sevice and NOT the Saturdays And Sundays ;)

    • @gordonlawrence1448
      @gordonlawrence1448 2 года назад

      Not "shot another subversive" then? They got that after the Iranian Embassy Siege.

  • @snakeplissken571
    @snakeplissken571 2 года назад +4

    Good info,I also seen a type of Black assault vest the SAS used,I guess what you call a waist coat not a T shirt.even mI6 had an all black nylon suspender like vest that carried nothing but AR mags under the arm pits.The Brits have always been pretty creative or inovative with gear design but the US made the gear better.Although I still love my 82 pattern Canadian combats,webbing and winter kit I do like Brit para and SAS smocks.Would love to see wh at current SAS men carry in their webbing now.

    • @gordonlawrence1448
      @gordonlawrence1448 2 года назад +2

      It works both ways. There are plenty of things invented in the US military that the UK made better too. Sherman Firefly, Skyflash (derived from the Aim-7), and of course Brimstone derived from the AGM-114.

    • @snakeplissken571
      @snakeplissken571 2 года назад +1

      @@gordonlawrence1448 no argument there Gord the Sherman tank was a peice of crap.The Brits have always been smart people you just gotta do something about your food.lol

  • @Retired-Tom
    @Retired-Tom 2 года назад +2

    Poncho folded over top rail of bergan gave protection to the back and when the bergans were first issued had an extra strap higher up. Before then we used 58 pattern large packs in Bn but mostly 44 pattern packs in depot and training. Bergens came in around 78/79 I think along with the new smock. A frame bergans were only used by radio operators or on special ops depending on task.

    • @simonsignolet5632
      @simonsignolet5632 2 года назад

      You're not Para Regt or SAS. What regt is this?

    • @Retired-Tom
      @Retired-Tom 2 года назад

      Prepared Pathfinder is ex Para then Pathfinder platoon, which is a stand alone Airborne unit. If thats what you mean, if you mean me? Ex 3 Para.

  • @Funkteon
    @Funkteon 2 года назад +2

    The UK and Australian SAS/SASR now have a good bit of freedom to choose their own rucksacks these days, and due to the fact 'most' of their operations don't exceed 72 hours in recent years, many of the lads are choosing packs from companies like Tasmanian Tiger, Eberlestock and Crossfire, rather than standard issue rucksacks - Crossfire is a particular favourite with the Australian SASR and Commandos...

    • @neoaliphant
      @neoaliphant 2 года назад +1

      One of my clients is one of the founders of the SAS, interesting stories on how they aquired the kit in the beginnings....

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад

      I have a Crossfire DG3, nice bit of kit.

  • @sappersteve1443
    @sappersteve1443 2 года назад +2

    Really enjoyable video that brought back some fond memories for me? My roll pin was riveted with copper rivets onto a 58 Pattern belt instead of stitched like yours, and I carried my 'Old Holborn' survival tin in my smock in case I got separated from the rest of my kit.
    The only thing I have left now is the survival tin that seems to fascinate my Grandchildren?

  • @brianvannorman1465
    @brianvannorman1465 Год назад +2

    I've been thinking about turning two Alice packs into paniers for a long bicycle tour. I guess I'll see what kind of deals I can get for British gear.
    Hello from San Diego California.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  Год назад

      Hi Brian, I have been to San Diego many times, I love it there.

  • @theodorossarafis7370
    @theodorossarafis7370 9 месяцев назад

    retro always works :) very nice video.

  • @cirocundin
    @cirocundin 2 года назад +2

    Bergen, ALICE... whatever... forced marches and on the double stretches as a straight leg is a whole bucket of work - serious work indeed. So despite the lack of sophistication the men carried on still. As I recall in the bad bush of Jahor “perlahan dan perlahan”. Roughly translated slow and slowly or drive on with a... Best. FC

  • @garyjohnson4608
    @garyjohnson4608 2 года назад +2

    Yes, this Bergen does remind me a lot of our Alice pack ! It would be interesting to add a waist belt and sternum ( chest ) straps to this system.

    • @zaynevanday142
      @zaynevanday142 2 года назад +1

      Chest straps are more trouble than they are worth we used Alice Packs never used chest straps with it

    • @zaynevanday142
      @zaynevanday142 2 года назад +1

      Parang/Golock/machete 😂

    • @gordonlawrence1448
      @gordonlawrence1448 2 года назад +1

      @@zaynevanday142 Depends on your build. If you are wide across the shoulders and have a lot of back muscle you need them to stop the straps pulling your shoulders back as well as down.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      Yeah I'd say that chest/sternum straps are definitely worth using if possible.

  • @andrewclark891
    @andrewclark891 2 года назад +2

    The newer water bottles are of a thinner material than the older issue

  • @camronbay1
    @camronbay1 2 года назад +3

    I have the pocket SAS Survival Manual excellent to have.

  • @shastaham7630
    @shastaham7630 2 года назад +12

    Good video. Interesting comparison to the belt/harness my son carried as a combat MP in Iraq. He always had two canteens, an IFAK with tourniquet and combat dressing, and two large pouches for ammunition (he carried a Mossberg shotgun and a.45 ACP sidearm). Everything else he and his fire team needed was carried in their vehicle, a HumVee with a .50 Ma Duece on top).

    • @davidleonard1813
      @davidleonard1813 Месяц назад

      Australians in Vietnam used to carry 4 bottles on a Alice rig patrol fighting order. The extra 2 bottles by choice. Into the 80s and 90s in peacetime that continued as well. On average a third up to half a platoon did that. Now it's similar to SADF bottles or bladders.

  • @behindthespotlight7983
    @behindthespotlight7983 2 года назад +3

    The deeper one dives into survival gear the more a cross-loading approach makes sense. I often think of a “dumping in white water” shake out. The kit I still have once out of the “washington machine” is the kit that will go to work on shore. Thus redundancy and planting eggs in many secured baskets. Great talk-through. Have a merry Christmas.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      Good points there mate, cheers. Merry Christmas to you too.

  • @paulschofield985
    @paulschofield985 2 года назад +1

    That’s something I’ve not heard in a while Mucka G 😂😂..

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад

      I realised after watching it, that may confuse some people! 😂

  • @arctodussimus6198
    @arctodussimus6198 2 года назад +4

    I have an official B.A.S.H.A. and a similar type machete (looks more like a bolo).
    Military surplus is almost always better quality and more useful than civilian gear. And I like the surplus from the 1960’s - 1970’s the best.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +4

      Roger that mate. Basha is a word taken from the Chindits in Burma by the way, it’s not an acronym.

    • @stalwart263
      @stalwart263 2 года назад +2

      @@PreparedPathfinder Everyone knows it stands for British Army Standard Hotel Accomodation! 😂

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      @@stalwart263 😂 fair one!

    • @gordonlawrence1448
      @gordonlawrence1448 2 года назад +1

      Try getting army surplus these days though. Where I live the nearest shop is 20 miles away and almost permanently out of stock. I would love to know who is buying it. They had near 400 pairs of boots in a while back and they were gone apparently in hours. I was certainly too late to see if they had any desert boots just 2 days after they got the stock. The only thing they have all the time is reels of 1000m of para cord. Plus they have had to resort to MRE's from commercial sources. I have ended up putting my own together. Once you know how to make hard tack it's pretty easy. That stuff stores for decades too.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      @@gordonlawrence1448 there’s plenty of online stores, plus Ebay where you can get army surplus.

  • @benarcher8397
    @benarcher8397 2 года назад +4

    The thumbnail image you're using for this video is a painting by my late father Peter Archer. It was commissioned by the Royal Signals in 1984 and is titled 'Contact; Wait Out'. I don't mind you using it without permission, because it's relevant to the content of your video, but you should credit this one and the other illustrations you're using in the video description.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      Hi Ben, sorry for your loss, I lost my father a couple of years back myself. l’m aware of the title of the painting and of the subject matter. It’s Sgt Graham Mather MM. I’ll add the credit in the description.

    • @bernarddeboeck8405
      @bernarddeboeck8405 2 года назад +1

      Well, i saw the connection to Bolt thrower's cd. Awesome cd by the way and one hell of a painting!!

  • @marksadventures3889
    @marksadventures3889 2 года назад +1

    Top banana. As you were sir, carry on.

  • @stepevin923
    @stepevin923 2 года назад +1

    I had to subscribe, great channel.

  • @raimondasmazulis1341
    @raimondasmazulis1341 Год назад +1

    Thanks!

  • @Bikeadelic
    @Bikeadelic Год назад +1

    We take a lot of modern tech for granted. What was a roll mat like 40 years ago I dread to think! The kit was so much heavi to, did that cause any restrictions in the past compared to now on how much you could take? Surely it did, like a radio op then vs now must have had to sacrifice weight elsewhere?

  • @J0MBi
    @J0MBi Год назад +1

    What is the hand drawn image used for the title image of this video? Love it.
    Have you tried the RM Arctic bergen from the same era as this bag? It has that same nylon for the rucksack but it's based around an existing Karrimor external frame, and I believe they were manufactured Karrimor too. From what I heard, the belt from one of them often ended up on these SAS/GS bergen frames, and it made a big improvement.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  Год назад

      The info for the painting is in the description.
      I haven’t tried one of those bergens, l’d be interested to have a look at one.

  • @robmcbride1664
    @robmcbride1664 2 года назад

    Brew kit and snack always carried in the smock top left hand pocket

  • @richardgroves5559
    @richardgroves5559 2 года назад +2

    Awesome video and thanks for posting. What poncho liner is in the background?

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      Cheers mate. It’s Zero Foxtrot Raider Woobie in Frogskin camo.

  • @Quaker521
    @Quaker521 2 года назад +2

    Interesting that you carry your survival tin in your belt kit. Always carried mine in my smock for the same reason that you mentioned as to why you carried your parang on your person at all times. Like the thumbnail for your video!

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +2

      I always carried mine in my smock too, for the reasons you've said there. I mentioned in the video that it could be carried in your pocket as opposed to the belt. It was just in there to show the kit. Cheers mate.

    • @Quaker521
      @Quaker521 2 года назад +2

      @@PreparedPathfinder Sorry, I should listen more closely!🙄😁

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      @@Quaker521 no worries mate! 👍

  • @henryvikingr
    @henryvikingr 2 года назад +2

    I cant seem to find a good tin can for the survival kit, any tips? Or should i buy a survival kit tin and then drop a few items and replace them

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад

      The BCB ones aren't bad, you could swap/add some items as you mentioned. They make empty tins too.

    • @jeremyholt4740
      @jeremyholt4740 Год назад

      I alway use an old tobacco tin. They are pretty sturdy and you can use the inside of the lid as a mirror for signalling

  • @seankeller7
    @seankeller7 2 года назад +2

    Loved it! Will you explain more about where the actual tin is sourced?

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад

      Hi Sean, it was an issued tin than came with grip switches we used for dems.

  • @kentuckyburbon1777
    @kentuckyburbon1777 Год назад +1

    Does the bergen press or rest against the middle of your back? I’m assuming because you would be wearing webbing etc

  • @OldNavajoTricks
    @OldNavajoTricks Год назад +2

    Not sure if it's been mentioned but wasn't each trooper trained in all four roles and rotated?
    Each could stand in for any other trooper if necessity dictated, another small detail that made the unit what it was/is.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  Год назад +1

      Yep, each man specialises in a role but everyone cross trains in each others.

    • @OldNavajoTricks
      @OldNavajoTricks Год назад +1

      @@PreparedPathfinder Thought so, thank you for a swift response 👍

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  Год назад +1

      @@OldNavajoTricks no worries. Was the same in the Pathfinders too. Each soldier has a patrol skill plus attends annual cadres such as mobility, air, medical, comms etc.

  • @redjacc7581
    @redjacc7581 2 года назад +1

    nice one.

  • @skylongskylong1982
    @skylongskylong1982 2 года назад +1

    Survival AIDS catalog of the eighties, the last time I saw most of these pouches.
    Where are they now ?

  • @ElijahReturns
    @ElijahReturns 2 года назад +1

    Where can I get the lofty Wiseman pouch

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад

      They're getting quite hard to get hold of nowadays, you can sometimes find them on Ebay. There are more modern versions available like this Helikon version; www.helikon-tex.us/e-e-pouch-u-03.html

  • @bob_the_bomb4508
    @bob_the_bomb4508 2 года назад +3

    Of course the original 44 pattern tin mug didn’t fit the 58 pattern bottle, so one had to find an alternative bottle if you wanted a tin mug - until the famed Crusader Mug!
    Great to see the dems grip switch case make an appearance :)

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      Cheers mate!

    • @michaelwhittaker5432
      @michaelwhittaker5432 2 года назад +1

      HI Bob , you could get a metal 44patt mug on to the base of a 58 black plastic bottle , seen it done several times , you had to get a very sharp stanlet knife and scrape away the black plastic ` scarps` for want of a better word that ran rand the middle of the bottle these wee moldered in and designed to stop the issue plastic mug rattling

    • @bob_the_bomb4508
      @bob_the_bomb4508 2 года назад

      @@michaelwhittaker5432 IIRC you still had to deform the mug quite a lot. I just found it easier to use an American water bottle…

    • @simonsignolet5632
      @simonsignolet5632 2 года назад

      I used a genuine, issue '44 Mug with my issue '58 Waterbottle in it (both issued to me from Para stores) for ALL of my time in Para Regt. No problem at all, fits in the issue '44 Waterbottle Pouch even with the Millbank Bag. The '58 Waterbottle was intended as a plastic version of the '44, hence the compatibility, but with the Mug plonked on the top of it.
      There were 2x slightly different versions of the '44 mug - BOTH fit the '58 waterbottle. One has NO markings. A lot of shops can't tell the difference between a genuine '44 Mug and an imitation or foreign similar - I'm sure that that's the cause of the myth that the '44 Mug isn't compatible to the '58 Waterbottle.
      The Crusader Mug ('95 Pattern?) is the bees knees. Since I was issued that, I demoted my '44 to being part of my van "survival" kit.

  • @jorgebuzzi940
    @jorgebuzzi940 2 года назад +1

    The knife or machete you show in this video (8:15), is it what you call a Gollok knife?

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      It’s a Parang mate, from Brunei.

    • @jorgebuzzi940
      @jorgebuzzi940 2 года назад +2

      @@PreparedPathfinder Thanks for your answer.

    • @xxxxxx5868
      @xxxxxx5868 2 года назад +2

      Indonesian here, golok and parang are pretty interchangeable, basically they both just mean "machete". There are different kinds of goloks and parangs. The parangs that the SAS usually carry are called "parang chandong", from Sarawak Borneo.

    • @xxxxxx5868
      @xxxxxx5868 2 года назад

      @@PreparedPathfinder Oh also what is the blade length of your parang? Thanks

  • @markf5661
    @markf5661 2 года назад +2

    Great Vid. Question for you, as an Aussie, what do you think of of the “NAM Pack” that the Aussie’s used from 67-70….? Superior the Alice I believe and maybe even the Bergen….over to you…..

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад

      I haven’t used one tbh mate. My Dad served in Vietnam 65-66, he was issued a WW2 37 large pack!

    • @eofolk7754
      @eofolk7754 2 года назад

      Worst pack ever made anywhere in the world. Ever.

    • @eofolk7754
      @eofolk7754 2 года назад

      The nam pack, that is.

  • @cristianalejandrobotozis5351
    @cristianalejandrobotozis5351 11 месяцев назад

    I don't understand_ what's the point of putting the tobacco can kit on your belt, if its main purpose is to serve when the equipment has been lost? It makes no sense, given that if we lose the belt we lose everything we had to survive. It is supposed to be carried in some pocket of your clothing...AN excellent video, by other hand. Thanks for sharing!

  • @TheGroundedAviator
    @TheGroundedAviator 2 года назад +1

    You get these from military surplus stores and from "souvenirs" of you're service? And I'd saw this, the burns would be my last concern when it too what injuries that pack could do to ones back! Ever had a physio make your spine sound like a roll of bubble wrap being twisted?

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      No, this kit belongs to a friend who collects it. Yes l’ve certainly needed physio help during my service!

    • @TheGroundedAviator
      @TheGroundedAviator 2 года назад +1

      @@PreparedPathfinder Cool. Although modern packs are probably more ergonomic I'm sure back issues are a real risk.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      @@TheGroundedAviator definitely, carrying weight is still carrying weight hey? We were routinely carrying 100lbs plus in Afghanistan every day. Caused several non combat injuries (dislocations, broken bones, hernias etc)

    • @TheGroundedAviator
      @TheGroundedAviator 2 года назад +1

      @@PreparedPathfinder Yeah, as a teen I threw my back out embarrassingly by sneezing on a gym machine! Not the health issue (mental illness) that prevented me from serving in the military that was a plan at the time, but still slowed me down.
      The subtle soft tissue injuries like those between vertebra, ligaments, tendons, nerves and muscles can be from one bad move or an X amount of moves in a bad way can do some debilitating stuff.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      @@TheGroundedAviator speed marching every other day with weight at 16 has an effect too! 😂

  • @patrickmedarac7253
    @patrickmedarac7253 2 года назад +1

    Just curious what unit were you with?

  • @grahamfisher5436
    @grahamfisher5436 2 года назад

    58 pattern 👍
    17/21st ☠ Death or Glory boys
    D Squadron.

  • @brucemercer8441
    @brucemercer8441 2 года назад +1

    . Just as aside (and no offence).... But what's your background???... We all need to know this...

  • @zaynevanday142
    @zaynevanday142 2 года назад +1

    58 Pattern webbing heavy when wet the open/closing tabs swell when wet

    • @zaynevanday142
      @zaynevanday142 2 года назад +1

      Loved the 58 pattern I heavily modified mine when I signed up in 92

    • @zaynevanday142
      @zaynevanday142 2 года назад +1

      Belt loops covered in DPM material fastex clips added

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      @@zaynevanday142 roger, it was ok when modified hey? I joined up in 1988, l used 58 until we were issued PLCE in 1990.

    • @zaynevanday142
      @zaynevanday142 2 года назад +1

      @@PreparedPathfinder I was in the NZ Army our issued webbing was absolute garbage those Alice clips were the worst

    • @zaynevanday142
      @zaynevanday142 2 года назад +1

      @@PreparedPathfinder PLCE was actually pretty decent without mods

  • @barriereid9244
    @barriereid9244 2 года назад +2

    Utrinque Paratus.

  • @jamesrafael6794
    @jamesrafael6794 2 года назад +1

    Did the unit use the Owen?

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад

      As in the Owen Machine Carbine?

    • @jamesrafael6794
      @jamesrafael6794 2 года назад

      @@PreparedPathfinder Yup.

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад

      @@jamesrafael6794 they may have used it when working with ANZAC SF, but l doubt it was used much.

  • @Fighting_Fatigue_117
    @Fighting_Fatigue_117 2 года назад +1

    This is Joe Rogans British twin brother.

  • @jeremystill5442
    @jeremystill5442 2 года назад +2

    👍👍👍👍👍✌️

  • @SteveM1969
    @SteveM1969 2 года назад +1

    ⚔️🇬🇧stag on 👍🏻 24 airmobile

  • @MintySanya
    @MintySanya 11 месяцев назад

    3:24 woah bouh

  • @golila4650
    @golila4650 2 года назад +1

    Parang look from borneo

  • @bigtrev761
    @bigtrev761 2 года назад +2

    👍🇦🇺

  • @klausbrinck2137
    @klausbrinck2137 2 года назад +1

    Your thumbnail looks very, very similar to this album-cover en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercenary_(album)
    "Mercenary" is the sixth album by the *British* death metal band Bolt Thrower. It was recorded/released on Metal Blade Records in 1998.
    The cover painting is titled "Contact - Wait Out", which is also the first track on the next album, "Honour - Valour - Pride".

    • @PreparedPathfinder
      @PreparedPathfinder  2 года назад +1

      It’s a painting of Sgt Mather MM from the Falklands War.