Some neighbors of mine ran into a VERY old bedroll when dis-assembling a hazardous, falling down barn here locally a couple of years ago. The bedroll consisted of wool blankets (2), an oiled canvas tarp, several pairs of hand knitted socks (wool), 2 wide (10"-12") loosely crochet scarves, two sack cloth shirts (hand sewn), and canvas pants (hand sewn). There were also 5 or 6 hanks of twine and a piece of cattle horn that had been cut and flattened into a rectangular card (it was so dried out and crumbly it was hard to tell what it was.) It was all held together with leather straps which broke as we undid the buckles and yes, a tumpline similar to your hand made one braided from what looked like sisal twine. Unfortunately, everything was so buggy and moth riddled and rotted and disgusting that I don't think anyone thought to take any pictures or anything and all of it but the buckles and about 6 D-rings (that were threaded on the leather straps) ended up in the dumpster. I think the barn was initially built in the 1870's to give a rough time frame. One of the people there thought that the bedroll could have been from civil war era.
Excellent history lesson. This method of carrying a heavy load has been shown in use all over the world and throughout time. Bringing into the modern world is just another way of learning from the past while moving in to the future. Great job, sir.
I have fibromyalgia, and as I get older, it gets easier and easier for me to strain out my muscles. I definitely appreciate tips that make it easier for me to carry my gear with less injuries.
Thanks for the great video Dave. The traditional ways of doing things should always be kept in mind. The ways you demonstrated are the same ways my ancestors (native peoples), would have carried many loads. I always enjoy your videos, especially when you cover old traditional ways. Thanks again for the great video. Take care, and God bless.
This is one thing I've always been curious about. How to carry a bedroll. I see a lot of them carry it over the shoulder diagonal. Across the chest with a wide strap looks more comfortable. Thank you for the information, Dave.
As a youngster(TV was in black and white), I remember and old timer(probably late 20's early 30's) that had a cool backpack that used a tumpline as well as the shoulder straps, so he could haul heavier loads. Never saw anything use a tumpline until today, thanks!!
Dave, you’re right on with the tumpline! In my deer hunting kill kit I carry a simple webbing strap with about 6’ of rope attached that rolls up smaller than my clenched fist. The strap fits across my chest and shoulders. The rope attached to the deer rack or neck and I can drag out the biggest deer using 90% leg strength! Thanks for ALL of your content now for all these years 👍🙏👍
Definitely trying this. In spring and fall I cut out my ECW military sleeping bag and go to two wool blankets and a hammock system rolled up in a bedroll with my haversack. I keep all three on an old aluminum pack frame I found for 4 dollars 😂 whole kit probably cost 200 dollars total and will do everything I need.
Thank you for the info Dave. I carry trapped beaver across my shoulders the same way and around here they can be pushing 60 pounds. So tump line set up will take some weight.
Went to Guatemala a few years ago and our guides would regularly carry loads across their forehead like this. Still frequently used. I think you probably need to get your neck used to it with progressively heavier loads, and even though this method is old I imagine it still could cause injuries or overuse, like arthritis, in the neck joints, so I wouldn’t abuse this method.
Tumpline for grocery shopping in the city. When going around by bus I carry a smaller City backpack with a cloth grocery bag by stuck inside. That grocery bag has both short and long handles. The long handles make it possible to wear the grocery bag like a top line with the bag itself sitting on top of the backpack which can also hold grocer. This means I can walk in with the empty backpack with the grocery bag and leave with two full bags of groceries with my hand still free for possibly three and four
Good video as always David. Now let me propose a topic for next video : "Pros and cons of fabric hammocks and military net sort of". Differences between them, how to deal with confort and cold weather with both, your picking, etc. Cheers David, Martin from Argentina 🇦🇷 by the way. GOD bless...
I carry the romainan bread bag and canvas cape/tarp. With the swedish m40 because cold war army surplus is my thing for hunting. And it is heavy after a few hours. Swapping shoulder to shoulder can be awkward with a rifle bag too. Thanks chief looks like a better option for heavier carries during long distances
Thanks Dave for your efforts. I've seen pic's/ illustrations where civil war soldiers had their bedroll slung tight against their body. Which is preferred?
Hey Dave! Thanks for this informative video on Bedrolls, good info. I would like to know more about your wool coat. Who makes it and where can I get one like yours ? Please Reply, Thanks!
Really like this traditional old school, thanks for showing this method. Love that Jacket you are wearing, would you give me the name of it ? Thanks Dave, really appreciate your videos
I first read about tumplines being used by native Americans in an old issue of the backwoodsman about 20 years ago. Unfortunately, I find that they put way too much stress on my neck muscles very quickly.
First the tumpline must be put on top of the head and not on the forehead (around the hairline for me) for more efficiency. Science says that it reduce the effort of carrying weight by 30%. I use it on my portage bag, my wannigan and on my wood and canvas canoe. At first, neck muscles must be trained to be confortable on the long distance. Ancient Innu were known to carry a few hundred pounds on portages when they were traveling on their land.
It looks cool and all, but why not just use a decent pack frame and lash the bedroll and bag to that? It accomplishes the same thing and will probably be hella more comfortable if you have good straps and a hip belt. What am I missing here?
Sounds weird slinging a bed roll across your forehead ,but I've seen women in Peru,sling really heave loads like that. So a bed roll should be a breeze
I couldn't put that on my forehead. That would kill me, I broke my neck and just about pass out from just looking up. I got rear-ended while turning onto my street. He hit me running 80mph, totaling both my Trailblazer and his vehicles. My wife neck was broke also.
Thank you for your views and support, many comments asking about the wool coat! This is a Lester River Bushcraft item
Some neighbors of mine ran into a VERY old bedroll when dis-assembling a hazardous, falling down barn here locally a couple of years ago. The bedroll consisted of wool blankets (2), an oiled canvas tarp, several pairs of hand knitted socks (wool), 2 wide (10"-12") loosely crochet scarves, two sack cloth shirts (hand sewn), and canvas pants (hand sewn). There were also 5 or 6 hanks of twine and a piece of cattle horn that had been cut and flattened into a rectangular card (it was so dried out and crumbly it was hard to tell what it was.) It was all held together with leather straps which broke as we undid the buckles and yes, a tumpline similar to your hand made one braided from what looked like sisal twine. Unfortunately, everything was so buggy and moth riddled and rotted and disgusting that I don't think anyone thought to take any pictures or anything and all of it but the buckles and about 6 D-rings (that were threaded on the leather straps) ended up in the dumpster. I think the barn was initially built in the 1870's to give a rough time frame. One of the people there thought that the bedroll could have been from civil war era.
I absolutely love the traditional ways that you teach. They are my favorite videos for sure. Thanks for sharing.
I pray that everyone who is watching this video gets the best sleep they ever had in the woods on their future adventures.
Excellent history lesson. This method of carrying a heavy load has been shown in use all over the world and throughout time.
Bringing into the modern world is just another way of learning from the past while moving in to the future. Great job, sir.
You address points no one else does and that's why I'm keeping an eye on all your videos.
I have fibromyalgia, and as I get older, it gets easier and easier for me to strain out my muscles. I definitely appreciate tips that make it easier for me to carry my gear with less injuries.
Thank you for all your hard work.
You have taken napping while hunting to a new level.
Thanks for the great video Dave. The traditional ways of doing things should always be kept in mind. The ways you demonstrated are the same ways my ancestors (native peoples), would have carried many loads. I always enjoy your videos, especially when you cover old traditional ways. Thanks again for the great video. Take care, and God bless.
Sure would like to know more about those gloves!!!
This is one thing I've always been curious about. How to carry a bedroll. I see a lot of them carry it over the shoulder diagonal. Across the chest with a wide strap looks more comfortable. Thank you for the information, Dave.
As a youngster(TV was in black and white), I remember and old timer(probably late 20's early 30's) that had a cool backpack that used a tumpline as well as the shoulder straps, so he could haul heavier loads. Never saw anything use a tumpline until today, thanks!!
Dave,You should do a video on making the strap.
Dave, you’re right on with the tumpline! In my deer hunting kill kit I carry a simple webbing strap with about 6’ of rope attached that rolls up smaller than my clenched fist. The strap fits across my chest and shoulders. The rope attached to the deer rack or neck and I can drag out the biggest deer using 90% leg strength! Thanks for ALL of your content now for all these years 👍🙏👍
Nice video. I will try this
Great video Dave!... Old school tools and knowledge= common Sense for today!
Definitely trying this. In spring and fall I cut out my ECW military sleeping bag and go to two wool blankets and a hammock system rolled up in a bedroll with my haversack. I keep all three on an old aluminum pack frame I found for 4 dollars 😂 whole kit probably cost 200 dollars total and will do everything I need.
Love what you do Dave. I just carry a backpack with my own made bedroll
Awesome Dave, this is the way my bedroll is set up to carry. 👍 Good Vid on transport and comfort while doing it.
Thank you for the info Dave. I carry trapped beaver across my shoulders the same way and around here they can be pushing 60 pounds. So tump line set up will take some weight.
Thank you brother
Went to Guatemala a few years ago and our guides would regularly carry loads across their forehead like this. Still frequently used. I think you probably need to get your neck used to it with progressively heavier loads, and even though this method is old I imagine it still could cause injuries or overuse, like arthritis, in the neck joints, so I wouldn’t abuse this method.
Only having one arm. This would take the wait off either shoulder and make it more comfortable and more movement. Good deal brother
Thanks David
A wealth of knowledge . Stay strong big dog
Perfect timing for me! Planning on doing some bedroll camping soon. 👍
Tumpline for grocery shopping in the city. When going around by bus I carry a smaller City backpack with a cloth grocery bag by stuck inside. That grocery bag has both short and long handles. The long handles make it possible to wear the grocery bag like a top line with the bag itself sitting on top of the backpack which can also hold grocer. This means I can walk in with the empty backpack with the grocery bag and leave with two full bags of groceries with my hand still free for possibly three and four
Cool, I never would have thought to do it that way.
Thanks Dave ... that's awesome to learn for sure ! ❤
Thank you
Love those gloves! Gotta find those! 😍🤩
Very interesting. I don't have or need a bedroll but that may change
Good video as always David. Now let me propose a topic for next video : "Pros and cons of fabric hammocks and military net sort of". Differences between them, how to deal with confort and cold weather with both, your picking, etc.
Cheers David, Martin from Argentina 🇦🇷 by the way. GOD bless...
I carry the romainan bread bag and canvas cape/tarp. With the swedish m40 because cold war army surplus is my thing for hunting. And it is heavy after a few hours. Swapping shoulder to shoulder can be awkward with a rifle bag too. Thanks chief looks like a better option for heavier carries during long distances
Handy tip
Love the history Dave. Keep it up. My next project is the pack frame from your book Bushcraft 101. Great book.
Great video, love it.
Thanks Dave
I did not known this Dave.Very interesting indeed.
To balance out my backpack, I like to add a small frontpack. It hurts my back less than being bent over.
Love it 👍
Stay warm- and no hunting porquepines!!🎄😂😂😂 Happy Holidays to you and yours! Northern WI. -9 😨😵
Just set it up on a pack frame, easy, fast, simple ham sandwich.....ATB
THANKS DAVID
Thanks Dave for your efforts.
I've seen pic's/ illustrations where civil war soldiers had their bedroll slung tight against their body. Which is preferred?
Hey Dave! Thanks for this informative video on Bedrolls, good info. I would like to know more about your wool coat. Who makes it and where can I get one like yours ? Please Reply, Thanks!
Great video but man I love that coat!!!!
Really like this traditional old school, thanks for showing this method. Love that Jacket you are wearing, would you give me the name of it ? Thanks Dave, really appreciate your videos
Lester River Bushcraft
What type / model of canteen pouch are you wearing in that video? Thanks!
Duluth Pathfinder Model
Good video on the bed eoll.and the different ways to distribute weight. And where did you find that coat? Thanks for your time.
Makes total sense.
Love the information🤜
Mediaeval travellers would carry their rolls like this. Our ancestors understood things we have had the luxury of forgetting.
I'm ready for spring Dave I'm ready for the morel mushrooms do you hunt morels David
i wonder how well this setup works with trekking poles or a walking stick
Dave what gloves are you wearing in this video? They look very warm. I like how they come off and on so easy.
Good stuff, cheers 👍👍
Old school. Still works.
I might of missed it but is there a video on bed roll load out?
Sherpas on Everest use a tump line to carry loads I doubt I can even lift.
looks like The Revenant.
What is your bedroll made up of
Ty Dave, Any info on those gloves, they look robust for the cold..
Good stuff, i just have one question David, who makes the jacket and do you know of a place i can get one? God bless from ole Carolina.
Lester River Bushcraft
Where can i get one if thise trapper hats? Is it genuine fur/pelt?
Nice
👍👍 It seems like having two straps might be better
I first read about tumplines being used by native Americans in an old issue of the backwoodsman about 20 years ago. Unfortunately, I find that they put way too much stress on my neck muscles very quickly.
First the tumpline must be put on top of the head and not on the forehead (around the hairline for me) for more efficiency. Science says that it reduce the effort of carrying weight by 30%. I use it on my portage bag, my wannigan and on my wood and canvas canoe. At first, neck muscles must be trained to be confortable on the long distance. Ancient Innu were known to carry a few hundred pounds on portages when they were traveling on their land.
THANKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have better carry system .. my mule .. sorry when I seen the title I had to .. I do really enjoy your channel
I hate winter I have cabin fever David
My mule carries my stuff!’ Thx though.
I've seen sherpas carrying heavy packs like that. I don't think my neck muscles are strong enough 😋
❤😊
After the kid in sweden this is kinda huge. I feel your channel will blow up because of this kids mishap.
Dave, that's a really nice furry hat. Wow, what brand is it???
It looks cool and all, but why not just use a decent pack frame and lash the bedroll and bag to that? It accomplishes the same thing and will probably be hella more comfortable if you have good straps and a hip belt. What am I missing here?
Sounds weird slinging a bed roll across your forehead ,but I've seen women in Peru,sling really heave loads like that. So a bed roll should be a breeze
No bad weather only bad clothes old Indian proverb
It looks very uncomfortable
🤜🏻⛈️🤛🏻🫡
Dave is the king
I couldn't put that on my forehead. That would kill me, I broke my neck and just about pass out from just looking up.
I got rear-ended while turning onto my street. He hit me running 80mph, totaling both my Trailblazer and his vehicles. My wife neck was broke also.