Really great videos! So happy to see an Australian making videos like this. You present really well and I’d love to see you doing a television series like Les Hiddins did back in the day. Would be fantastic.
Thank you so much for the very kind words. That is something i would like to do…a cross between ray meats and Les Hiddens. The aim would be to have an educational program to help people reconnect with nature again rather than the sensationalistic reality based rubbish we are constantly bombarded with! Please feel free to share and help spread the word.
I was so excited to find an Aussie person teaching such useful things. I am more excited now as I realise you explain everything very well and know what you are talking about. Thanks mate 👍
I appreciate the positive feedback. It's my aim to be as accurate and factual as possible, with knowledge, skills and experience to back it up. Thanks for watching
I've just discovered your channel . I'm in South Carolina in the southeastern United States . I was in the US Navy for ten years . I was deployed twice to the Persian Gulf . I've been blessed to visit your beautiful country five times during those deployments . Sydney , Adelaide , Melbourne, Brisbane , and Esperance . Esperance was my favorite port visit , closer to the bush than the others . The best steak I've ever tucked into was at a mom and pop restaurant in Esperance and my ships crew was invited to the front seats at a game of Aussie Rules Football . In Adelaide I met a sailor from England who had married a local lass . Their son had served as a digger for a few years . He told me that he had been on joint training with US Army Rangers. His opinion was that the Diggers had better bush skills but the Rangers had better kit and funding . As for comparing the RAN to the USN , I'd say that the RAN had very skilled and capable sailors , some of the best I've sailed with . I'm subscribing now . Australia and US , best mates .
Glad you like the Channel Victor. I get to work with US troops quite often. There are often US Marines on our Norforce survival courses in Darwin. I'm actually in the US at the moment. Thank you for your feedback
For shelter, I've found that the most reliable & useful covering is the simple hootchie. Personally, I carry a cut down 8'/6' version of the standard hootchie which I've removed the press buttons & replaced them with more conventional & practical eyelets since this is intended to be a single-person shelter. The extra flexibility of additional eyelets often proves its value in SEQ and northern NSW. Just about anything waterproof with stitched edges will work, but it's nice to have something I know I can rely on to keep me dry and warm. I'm actually not that fond of Para 550. Sure, it's useful, but 3mm hootchie cord is nearly twice as strong at half the diametre. The inner strands are nice to have if you need a lot of cordage quickly to secure lightweight structures. Still, I prefer the rugged reliability of hootchie cord. It is slightly less versatile, but the redundancy of its strength more than makes u for this. Besides, carrying 50m of it in a third of the volume for the same length of Para 550 gives you a lot of useful cordage in a very small package. The most important factor about any simple variation of the Five Cees is that the kit can fit onto a regular belt within common hiking or webbing pouches without compromising your prospects of survival if you have even the most rudimentary understand of survival priorities and techniques. I carry mine in an old canteen pouch & rear pouch on an oiled canvas belt. Lightweight, comfortable and unobtrusive to wear. It's enough to stay overnight in relative safety if you find yourself lost or away from a more permanent shelter. I've had to use this kit quite often when conducting overnight stays in national parks while called out to attend wildlife incidents around SEQ. It's always tucked away in my ute. Everybody should at least put together a simple kit like this as a contingency. It isn't as if they are significantly cost prohibitive and they may well save a life.
You can't beat the army hootchie, I've slept under those countless times in my army career and still do. I've never tried removing the press studs though…an interesting idea. I usually use the A-frame set up with a thicker ridge line running through the centre with prussic knots keeping the ends taut. A few simple knots such as the siberian hitch, tarp taut hitch and adjustable knots are easy and fast to tie and undo.
Any sharp 90 degree edge no matter what it is made from and as long as it is harder than the Ferro rod material will create sparks. It's been a while since I have seen this video but there were a few editing mistakes in this episode due to the editor at the time using the wrong takes and myself not checking it before it went to air. Lessons learnt. Thanks for watching and noticing that.
Thank you. The kit is only a guide and open to substitution depending on individual needs. I always have a pair of sunnies on my head so didn’t include them as they are virtually a part of my clothing.
Gordon, This is now my go to Australian Bushcraft channel . . . it’s good to be able to see bushcraft with Australian specials so we can learn more about the Australian Bush . . . I’d say most people in Australia don’t have enough information about the bush to respect and understand how it can be used. If more people understand the bush then maybe they will stop replacing it with turf grass and work with nature instead of against it. Cheers and thanks again! P.S. I would like to see a few videos about gear comparisons.
Thank you for the feedback. I agree, bushcraft is not as popular in Australia as it is in Europe and north America. People generally seem to be more "wowed" by the survival side of things. Survival is only a small part of bushcraft which is far more encompassing. I think it has a lot to do with the Australian attitude of "everyone thinks they are an expert" but in fact know very little. Generally i find that most Australians are blaze about the bush and take it for granted! Not the case overseas where i find generally people have a deeper understanding and greater respect. Its only through education that this can be changed. Please feel free to share, like, follow etc to spread the word about this worthwhile subject.
I'm glad you got to mentioning bank line. I also studied under Dave when I lived in the states and have found that paracords tendency to stretch and slip is less than perfect in some applications. I haven't seen an easy source of tarred and twined bank line in Australia that isn't prohibitively expensive, but am going to try some hoochie cord on my next outing and see what I think. Thanks for the great videos.
Your welcome and thanks for watching. Bank line is hard to get in Australia and everything that is hard to get is overly expensive. The cost of living and the price of things is quite ridiculous in this country generally. Hootchie cord I use often but not so good for bow drill as it also slips and melts through. You need to turn it into thicker cordage for it to work better.
Trying to get all of the Aussie info I can. Really like your channel. Can't beat Canterbury, been a fan for years. Daughter moved to Sidney, planning to visit next year. Would like to meet you. One thing everyone misses seems to be a simple pair of finger nail clippers.
Thanks for the positive feedback. Dave is a good man. He is coming out to Australia in August and will be guest instructor at one of my courses. Please feel free to contact me when you come to Oz. Thanks for watching.
Love the gear, a couple other good ones to have in a kit are salt (preserving food) and coconut oil (antibacterial properties, cooking, making poultices, and oil extractions)
I have a few things like that in my small med kit which i take in place of the sail needle (needle in med kit). The 10 piece kit is only a suggested starting point and is personal choice. The first 5 items are however essential. Thanks for the feedback.
I love your videos i also carry a bush hat or bucket hat all the time is great for sun protection, picking up your metal container off of a fire or stove and if the hat has a chin strap you can use that as emergency cordage.
I know this is about the bare bones of a kit but a hand axe is a great addition to your knife and is better for the more rugged uses. You can use one as a knife if needed.
You need to be very careful with any axes as injuries sustained even from a small hatchet can be far worse than a knife or a saw. Many people do not know how to use an axe properly and hence the chance of injury is much higher. Personally I find I can do everything just as fast with a knife and a folding saw and is much safer, especially if you are out in a remote area on your own. I generally use a small forest axe for larger tasks though that require an axe. Cheers for watching.
I really enjoy your vids Gordon , they're very thorough and informative, Ive learned a stack, I hike a lot alot here in the Blue Mountains. I find the terrain pretty rough most of the time, i don't think there has been a day when I'm not as sore as buggery the next day or two, you step off the plateau of what is town into any valley and sooner or later you gotta come out or should I say up. The point is I suppose that a lot of the trails are not marked that well in some areas of walk in walk out camping and I run into people regularly on day walks from the smoke, asking for directions with little or no kit. after watching your informative videos I have made some adjustments to my own gear and all things willing will get permission from the boss to splurge on a course or two with BSA.
Thanks for your positive feedback Joseph. These 10 items are only a starting point and maybe substituted with other items depending on the individuals needs. For example instead of the sail needle i will often take a small first aid kit that had a couple of needles in it. A lot of it is personal choice, however the first 5 items are a must. Please feel fee to spread the word, share, like etc. Hope to see you on a course one day.
A also carry some cheap crepe party steamer in a bright colour to mark my trail, which also decomposes over time if I miss recovering any. They are light weight.
the problem with the 10C's is it's lack of first aid and especially from an Australian perspective a snake bite kit. While I love Dave Canterbury's 5C's and 10C's philosophy it needs to be adopted to Aussie conditions.
I could not agree more Gordon....i was a proponent of the five C's or rather five similar items many years before Dave coined the term...he was spot on..the additional five are a bit more flexible...atb...David
These 10 items are only a guide line and everyone will have their own personal preference. The first five however are pretty standard and well known. Thanks again for your comments.
I carry a stainless steel Mora bahco. Granted, it's not a low carbon stainless like 304L or 316L but it's fairly corrosion resistant and if you sharpen up the spine it throws sparks like any other knife. Plus, they're only worth 15 bucks in Australia. And yes, it's only a 3/4 tang but some full tangs will break just as easily or even easier due to the weak spots created by the scale pins
I have used Mora knives for years and have never had one break, even a 3/4 tang knife such as the Companion knife when battonning. We issue The Mora HD Companion knife on our courses as do many other bushcraft survival schools around the world. The new Mora Garberg is their first full tang knife and its great…..little bit more expensive than $15 though.
Thanks for the feedback. A lot of the kit is personal choice….the first 5 are essential though. I often sub a small first aid kit instead of the sail needle (there is a needle in this anyway).
Thanks for the compliment. I'm a believer in sensible emergency preparedness, but the paranoid doomsday, zombie apocalyptic prepping mentality that is out there is ridiculous! It's rooted in fear, stupidity and paranoia!
Very interesting. Always enjoy your videos. I would like to look up your family travels on facebook. All the best and thanks for taking the time to share knowledge
Thanks Daniel for the nice comments. Please feel free to share, like etc to spread the word and hopefully get more people switched on to bushcraft in Australia.
sir, just found your channel, subbed immediately, I'm a yank, but liked the vid, but I might add bug netting but that's about the only thing, you really covered the true basics, I look forward to seeing more of your stuff, atb, john.
Thanks for your feedback and greetings from Australia. There are many items you could supplement and change with this kit idea…its all down to personal choice and the environment you are in. I do have a small mosquito head net i cary in my pack at all times.
I also carry a clear plastic bag to be used as a transpiration bag (black bags won't work for this). Transpiration bags on a suitable tree are much less work and the yield in my experience is far, far greater. In my experience i have always found that i use up more water than i get back from using a solar still….particularly digging the hole if you done have a shovel and the ground is hard.
Love your series and thanks so much....have you done one on just compass use and how to use in conjunction with a map ...especially about true north and magnetic north thanks.....:)
Hi Gordon, I am really enjoying your videos. It is great to have an australian perspective on bushcraft. As someone with fair skin and who recently had skin cancers removed, I am attracted to your broad brimmed hat. Can you please tell me what sort of hat it is. It looks like an akubra that you have reshaped. Good luck with your channel and please keep the videos coming, they are really helpful.
That method works ok, however the closer you get to the equator the less accurate it is. The NT also has this weird half hour time zone which is almost 50 minutes off from true solar noon so the watch method therefore is also out. You also need to know what time of year it is as around late October the sun moves south of Darwin, effectively turning Darwin into the “solar northern hemisphere”. Thanks for watching.
Hey Gordo, I'm sure there's more than one way to skin a cat but in general, using the mylar blanket and plastic bag, what the configuration you most often use or teach if heat loss is the concern? I know you've shown in another video with the bag as the shelter and a thin blanket attached, but if you have the bag plus the reusable blanket, how would you set it up? With the mylar blanket shiny side down as a lean to with the bags as a simple ground sheet or bivy, maybe packed with leaves?
Their are many combinations you could use depending on the environment, your needs, temperature etc. if heat loss is concerned then I would want to use something that will take less to heat (especially if you don't have a fire). A triangular plough shelter using the re-useable blanket works well as it has an enclosed space that you can fill with leaves and then lie on in your emergency Mylar Bivvi, or fill that with leaves as well to reduce heat loss through conduction. Either way, you want an smaller enclosed space that keeps you off the ground.thanks for the question and thanks for watching
That unfortunately was a incorrect take where the editing guy used the wrong take (a mistake) instead of the correct one and being overseas i didn't get a chance to proof it. You can use any kind of knife (carbon or stainless) with a ferro rod as long as it has a 90 degree angle to produce a good amount of sparks. However you won't be able to produce sparks from a piece of flint with a stainless blade. Sorry for the confusion.
Brilliant video, just a couple of things, the company that makes the Swiss army knife, is called Victorinox, not victorianox, and the tape is called duct tape not duck tape. I'm not trying to be a smart arse, as you clearly know way more than me about survival type things, I was just pointing those things out, in case anyone was trying to search for the items and maybe encountered difficulty, and also so you had accurate info. Great work, I've only just started watching your videos and I'm already hooked.
Thanks for the feedback. I don't do all the editing on my videos because i simply don't have the time so occaisionally some typo's and errors slip through the cracks that i don't notice, or when i do its too late as its already been posted as was the case here. Glad you like the videos…please feel free to share them.
can someone please tell me the "so many uses" for pliers in the bush (besides the single obvious use of fishing). im not trying to argue, im honestly interested in the answer because i cant think of a single crucial use for pliers besides fishing and have heard many bushman say pliers (if you're not fishing) are of little use in the bush and just add needed weight to your pack.
Yes, Kleen Kanteen are still available. I have a few different sizes. You can get them through Zen Imports in Australia. I also have an old Nalgene Guyot design bottle….hard to get these days.
To be honest, i never really worry about it. i have found from experience that most interactions occur when you surprise them and that they "generally" keep away when there is a fire…however i have had a brown snake slide right by me while i was waiting in an ambush position while on an army exercise….had to check my undies after that one! If you know what snakes are dangerous, you know which ones to worry about and which ones are not an issue….local knowledge! There are only two really dangerous spiders in Australia, the Sydney Funnelweb which is only found in the Sydney area (the male wanders out of its burrow/web in mating season) and the Redback which is primarily a web based spider. Wolf spiders and Huntsman (big hairy harmless), may wander into your area but are no problem. Learn about them and respect them and you will know what to expect.
Thanks, I'm glad you are enjoying them. There are many packs on the market out there. It depends on how long you are going for? One day…a week? For a day hike you would want something around the the 30-35 Litre capacity….needs to be able to hold two litters of water (minimum) and essential emergency kit...remembering that the category of people who get into the most trouble in the bush and wild places are the casual day hiker who goes unprepared. Snugpak make a good 35L "Saber" day pack. For longer hikes over a few days you would want something a little bigger, remembering that you have to carry it. The more you know…the less you need!
The metal flask I'm using here is the 40 ounce Kleen Kanteen stainless steel water bottle (available in Australia from Zen Imports) with MSR SS Glacier Mug (not available). Another good SS flask, even though difficult to obtain now is the Nalgene Guyote design SS water bottle.
If it is double walled a hole will be burnt into the bottom as there is an air gap between the two layers. Water needs to be touching the bottom and sides of the container. You can actually put a plastic bottle full of water over a fire and it will boil without burning through because water is touching the plastic and there is no air gap. Hope that is of help.
Yes that is a nice addition, particularly up north. The kit is a starting point and you can add what you feel is important to you, as long as you are addressing the priorities of survival (shelter, fire water, signalling etc). Thanks for watching.
The army is phasing these out so it’s hard to get them, plus anything that is not used the army sadly destroys and doesn’t allow to be re-sold...very wasteful practise! There is a guy in the UK who has made good copies of this bag which can be bought. His name is Rupert Brown and the product is the “Brown Bag”.
? Not an issue of being strong...just totally impractical and useless for woodcraft and survival type activities. It's good for cutting rope and that's it! I appreciate the feedback and thanks for watching.
It is hard to obtain those space blankets in Australia. I am in the process of getting one designed here in Australia. The Pathfinder School in the USA also produces these type of re- useable space blankets, but like the “Grabba” brand....they are hard to obtain. Your best bet is to approach Survival Supples Australia, they stock both the Grabba brand and the Pathfinder model. Thanks for watching.
This slip and other minor mistakes by the video editor at the time who did this episode back then has come to haunt me! Once again, some incorrect takes were used and spelling mistakes made in the text. I did not get to check this episode before it was posted as I was away with the army. I'm sure it will not be the last time I have to explain this. I appreciate your concern.
Thanks for the helpful video. Regarding the Mora HD Companion knife, does it come standard with a 90 degree spine? I am asking because i have seen comments that it is not factory standard 90 degree and needs to be manually filed. Thankyou.
No the HD Companion does not come with a 90 degree spine. You have to put one on with a file, scraping in the one direction so that it forms a burr on the spine of the knife up near the handle. It’s an easy job, all you need is a vice and a flat file. You think they would make a version with a 90 degree spine but sadly they don’t. Thanks for watching
Sorry, mate, you do need carbon steel for creating sparks with flint/steel method, but you don't need it to create sparks with a ferro rod, just a sharp edge harder than the rod, sharp glass, piece of flint, ANY kind of steel..., check into it yourself. G'day!
Thats what it says in the text on the video. You need carbon steel to get sparks from a piece of flint. Any sharp 90 degree angle will work with a ferro rod. When i had this video edited which was done by someone else while i was away, they used the wrong takes with errors and not the corrected takes with this information in. There were some text edits that also didn't make it in. Unfortunately thats what happens when you film with limited time and someone else does the editing and you don't get to check it. I've being paying for this small error ever since.
Every one of those in my bag already! This is my normal bag. I live in a TINY town in woods, and even when going to a friends in town, it goesvwith me. It is my fire bag/ bugout plus a few changes of city clothes. Its a 60liter so I also have a full winter outfit... If you get burned out, a tee shirt can be found anywhere cheap, but good woolens are harder to replace. If I only have a few outfits, one will be all wools. The sailcloth needle/ stitch awl fits perfect inside the handle of a pen vise with a scratch awl, micro drill and 2 tiny screwdrivers for glasses. I can repair my canvas bedroll, backpack, sheath, or anything with it. My bag may be loaded, but I can live out of it and turn a camp into home.
Cool, sounds like some good additions. There are so many variations on this theme. It's personal choice combined with sensible practicality. Mine is only a guide to get people to start thinking for themselves, however certain key areas still need to be covered. Thanks for watching.
lol the irony...... Dedman Survival. So sorry but i cracked up laughing so hard in the first few seconds... watching now lol.......... Ok, done.... Nice vid but i am very frustrated i can not buy one of the 3ml weight bin liners in australia at all and the space blanket nothing under about 50 bucks by the time u consider crazy shipping prices gst and money conversion rates. Cant find where to buy in australia for 15 bucks sorry lol. Other than that great vid. It is driving me nuts tho i cant find the bankline i want the garbage bag i want or the space blanket i want or the rain poncho/ shelter i want in australia without paying about 30 times or more what they are worth. I do with somebody would put together a starter kit of bankline, two bin liners and the reusable space blanket with hood and set a decent price instead of trying to bleed the aussies dry. Subbed anyway:)
It’s not the first to be I have heard this...lol. At least there is no “A” after the E, not yet anyway! I agree with all you say. I travel overseas regularly and I must say that Australia is ridiculously expensive...it never used to be this bad. It’s a joke amount my overseas friends! The cost of living, wages...everything...is all so out of proportion and exaggerated and it all stems from greed, be it individual or political. Quality thick garbage bags without pleats, both black and clear are almost impossible to find, the Grabber space blankets should be half the price that they are...it really is ridiculous but it’s not just Bushcraft supplies....it all things. I wish I had an alternative but it’s either cough up or travel and purchase things overseas.
You do not need a carbon steel knife to scrape a ferro rod. Any sharp object including glass will work. I'm not going to beat the hell out of the blade of my knife that I need.
As stated in an earlier comment, the editor used the incorrect take with the fopar in it and i didn't pick it up in time. I later added some text in the video that clearly explains this.
I would disagree with that. I've used the inner fibres for fishing line, trap material and sewing up packs many times, including on operational patrols with Norforce in northern Australia..Sure it's better to have other cordage for those purposes but you have redundancy by having cordage that has the ability to be broken down and and used for other things if need be. May I ask what you are basing your comment on?
Ok...this is still coming back to haunt me! I don’t edit my videos myself as I simply don’t have the time. The person that did this particular edit mis-spelt some of the text I gave him as well as used a couple of incorrect takes. I was away with the army at the time and didn’t get to check the edit before it was finally uploaded so unfortunately it’s there to stay and there is nothing I can do about it. Appreciate the feedback though.
It's so good to have an Australian bushcraft/survival channel, keep up the great work.
Thanks for the nice comments. Please feel free to share, like etc to help spread the word.
Really great videos! So happy to see an Australian making videos like this. You present really well and I’d love to see you doing a television series like Les Hiddins did back in the day. Would be fantastic.
Thank you so much for the very kind words. That is something i would like to do…a cross between ray meats and Les Hiddens. The aim would be to have an educational program to help people reconnect with nature again rather than the sensationalistic reality based rubbish we are constantly bombarded with! Please feel free to share and help spread the word.
I was so excited to find an Aussie person teaching such useful things. I am more excited now as I realise you explain everything very well and know what you are talking about. Thanks mate 👍
I appreciate the positive feedback. It's my aim to be as accurate and factual as possible, with knowledge, skills and experience to back it up.
Thanks for watching
I've just discovered your channel . I'm in South Carolina in the southeastern United States . I was in the US Navy for ten years . I was deployed twice to the Persian Gulf . I've been blessed to visit your beautiful country five times during those deployments . Sydney , Adelaide , Melbourne, Brisbane , and Esperance . Esperance was my favorite port visit , closer to the bush than the others . The best steak I've ever tucked into was at a mom and pop restaurant in Esperance and my ships crew was invited to the front seats at a game of Aussie Rules Football . In Adelaide I met a sailor from England who had married a local lass . Their son had served as a digger for a few years . He told me that he had been on joint training with US Army Rangers. His opinion was that the Diggers had better bush skills but the Rangers had better kit and funding . As for comparing the RAN to the USN , I'd say that the RAN had very skilled and capable sailors , some of the best I've sailed with . I'm subscribing now . Australia and US , best mates .
Glad you like the Channel Victor. I get to work with US troops quite often. There are often US Marines on our Norforce survival courses in Darwin. I'm actually in the US at the moment.
Thank you for your feedback
For shelter, I've found that the most reliable & useful covering is the simple hootchie. Personally, I carry a cut down 8'/6' version of the standard hootchie which I've removed the press buttons & replaced them with more conventional & practical eyelets since this is intended to be a single-person shelter. The extra flexibility of additional eyelets often proves its value in SEQ and northern NSW.
Just about anything waterproof with stitched edges will work, but it's nice to have something I know I can rely on to keep me dry and warm.
I'm actually not that fond of Para 550. Sure, it's useful, but 3mm hootchie cord is nearly twice as strong at half the diametre. The inner strands are nice to have if you need a lot of cordage quickly to secure lightweight structures. Still, I prefer the rugged reliability of hootchie cord. It is slightly less versatile, but the redundancy of its strength more than makes u for this. Besides, carrying 50m of it in a third of the volume for the same length of Para 550 gives you a lot of useful cordage in a very small package.
The most important factor about any simple variation of the Five Cees is that the kit can fit onto a regular belt within common hiking or webbing pouches without compromising your prospects of survival if you have even the most rudimentary understand of survival priorities and techniques. I carry mine in an old canteen pouch & rear pouch on an oiled canvas belt. Lightweight, comfortable and unobtrusive to wear. It's enough to stay overnight in relative safety if you find yourself lost or away from a more permanent shelter.
I've had to use this kit quite often when conducting overnight stays in national parks while called out to attend wildlife incidents around SEQ. It's always tucked away in my ute. Everybody should at least put together a simple kit like this as a contingency. It isn't as if they are significantly cost prohibitive and they may well save a life.
You can't beat the army hootchie, I've slept under those countless times in my army career and still do. I've never tried removing the press studs though…an interesting idea. I usually use the A-frame set up with a thicker ridge line running through the centre with prussic knots keeping the ends taut. A few simple knots such as the siberian hitch, tarp taut hitch and adjustable knots are easy and fast to tie and undo.
You can use stainless steel or other materials like glass on a ferro rod, it'll throw sparks just fine.
Any sharp 90 degree edge no matter what it is made from and as long as it is harder than the Ferro rod material will create sparks. It's been a while since I have seen this video but there were a few editing mistakes in this episode due to the editor at the time using the wrong takes and myself not checking it before it went to air. Lessons learnt. Thanks for watching and noticing that.
Great video Gordon. I also carry a set of safety glasses a friend gave me this idea. Thanks.
Thank you. The kit is only a guide and open to substitution depending on individual needs. I always have a pair of sunnies on my head so didn’t include them as they are virtually a part of my clothing.
Gordon,
This is now my go to Australian Bushcraft channel . . . it’s good to be able to see bushcraft with Australian specials so we can learn more about the Australian Bush . . . I’d say most people in Australia don’t have enough information about the bush to respect and understand how it can be used. If more people understand the bush then maybe they will stop replacing it with turf grass and work with nature instead of against it.
Cheers and thanks again!
P.S. I would like to see a few videos about gear comparisons.
Thank you for the feedback. I agree, bushcraft is not as popular in Australia as it is in Europe and north America. People generally seem to be more "wowed" by the survival side of things. Survival is only a small part of bushcraft which is far more encompassing. I think it has a lot to do with the Australian attitude of "everyone thinks they are an expert" but in fact know very little. Generally i find that most Australians are blaze about the bush and take it for granted! Not the case overseas where i find generally people have a deeper understanding and greater respect.
Its only through education that this can be changed. Please feel free to share, like, follow etc to spread the word about this worthwhile subject.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge about surviving in the bush. It is greatly appreciated.👍
Great vid, Gordon. Just an FYI, you don't need a carbon blade to strike sparks from a ferro rod, stainless works perfectly.
I'm glad you got to mentioning bank line. I also studied under Dave when I lived in the states and have found that paracords tendency to stretch and slip is less than perfect in some applications. I haven't seen an easy source of tarred and twined bank line in Australia that isn't prohibitively expensive, but am going to try some hoochie cord on my next outing and see what I think. Thanks for the great videos.
Your welcome and thanks for watching. Bank line is hard to get in Australia and everything that is hard to get is overly expensive. The cost of living and the price of things is quite ridiculous in this country generally. Hootchie cord I use often but not so good for bow drill as it also slips and melts through. You need to turn it into thicker cordage for it to work better.
Trying to get all of the Aussie info I can. Really like your channel. Can't beat Canterbury, been a fan for years. Daughter moved to Sidney, planning to visit next year. Would like to meet you. One thing everyone misses seems to be a simple pair of finger nail clippers.
Thanks for the positive feedback. Dave is a good man. He is coming out to Australia in August and will be guest instructor at one of my courses.
Please feel free to contact me when you come to Oz.
Thanks for watching.
Love the gear, a couple other good ones to have in a kit are salt (preserving food) and coconut oil (antibacterial properties, cooking, making poultices, and oil extractions)
I have a few things like that in my small med kit which i take in place of the sail needle (needle in med kit). The 10 piece kit is only a suggested starting point and is personal choice. The first 5 items are however essential. Thanks for the feedback.
I love your videos i also carry a bush hat or bucket hat all the time is great for sun protection, picking up your metal container off of a fire or stove and if the hat has a chin strap you can use that as emergency cordage.
very good video.Thank you.Not too many Australian Bushcraft videos out there in TH-cam land.Keep up the good work
Thanks for watching and supporting the channel. I try to be as accurate, informative and authentic as possible.
Thank you for the excellent advice. Easy to digest, but so informative. Great also that this is tailored for the Australian bush.
Thanks for the positive feedback and thanks for watching.
I know this is about the bare bones of a kit but a hand axe is a great addition to your knife and is better for the more rugged uses. You can use one as a knife if needed.
You need to be very careful with any axes as injuries sustained even from a small hatchet can be far worse than a knife or a saw. Many people do not know how to use an axe properly and hence the chance of injury is much higher. Personally I find I can do everything just as fast with a knife and a folding saw and is much safer, especially if you are out in a remote area on your own. I generally use a small forest axe for larger tasks though that require an axe. Cheers for watching.
I really enjoy your vids Gordon , they're very thorough and informative, Ive learned a stack, I hike a lot alot here in the Blue Mountains. I find the terrain pretty rough most of the time, i don't think there has been a day when I'm not as sore as buggery the next day or two, you step off the plateau of what is town into any valley and sooner or later you gotta come out or should I say up. The point is I suppose that a lot of the trails are not marked that well in some areas of walk in walk out camping and I run into people regularly on day walks from the smoke, asking for directions with little or no kit. after watching your informative videos I have made some adjustments to my own gear and all things willing will get permission from the boss to splurge on a course or two with BSA.
Thanks for your positive feedback Joseph. These 10 items are only a starting point and maybe substituted with other items depending on the individuals needs. For example instead of the sail needle i will often take a small first aid kit that had a couple of needles in it. A lot of it is personal choice, however the first 5 items are a must.
Please feel fee to spread the word, share, like etc. Hope to see you on a course one day.
A also carry some cheap crepe party steamer in a bright colour to mark my trail, which also decomposes over time if I miss recovering any. They are light weight.
the problem with the 10C's is it's lack of first aid and especially from an Australian perspective a snake bite kit. While I love Dave Canterbury's 5C's and 10C's philosophy it needs to be adopted to Aussie conditions.
I could not agree more Gordon....i was a proponent of the five C's or rather five similar items many years before Dave coined the term...he was spot on..the additional five are a bit more flexible...atb...David
These 10 items are only a guide line and everyone will have their own personal preference. The first five however are pretty standard and well known. Thanks again for your comments.
Mate i love your work big bushcraft fan so to find an aussie bushcraft youtuber absolutely fantastic!
Thanks for the comments,, they're very much appreciated. Please feel free to share as others may also be interested . Thanks for watching
I carry a stainless steel Mora bahco. Granted, it's not a low carbon stainless like 304L or 316L but it's fairly corrosion resistant and if you sharpen up the spine it throws sparks like any other knife. Plus, they're only worth 15 bucks in Australia. And yes, it's only a 3/4 tang but some full tangs will break just as easily or even easier due to the weak spots created by the scale pins
I have used Mora knives for years and have never had one break, even a 3/4 tang knife such as the Companion knife when battonning. We issue The Mora HD Companion knife on our courses as do many other bushcraft survival schools around the world. The new Mora Garberg is their first full tang knife and its great…..little bit more expensive than $15 though.
Very clean and clear, I'd maybe swap the needle for a sleeping bag but it's a lot colder here in Scotland lol. Subscribed 🤠
Thanks for the feedback. A lot of the kit is personal choice….the first 5 are essential though. I often sub a small first aid kit instead of the sail needle (there is a needle in this anyway).
Great video. Full of really good info without the prepper nonsense.
Thanks for the compliment. I'm a believer in sensible emergency preparedness, but the paranoid doomsday, zombie apocalyptic prepping mentality that is out there is ridiculous! It's rooted in fear, stupidity and paranoia!
Very interesting. Always enjoy your videos. I would like to look up your family travels on facebook. All the best and thanks for taking the time to share knowledge
Thanks Daniel for the nice comments. Please feel free to share, like etc to spread the word and hopefully get more people switched on to bushcraft in Australia.
Fantastic info, great work.
Thank you for the positive feedback.
sir, just found your channel, subbed immediately, I'm a yank, but liked the vid, but I might add bug netting but that's about the only thing, you really covered the true basics, I look forward to seeing more of your stuff, atb, john.
Thanks for your feedback and greetings from Australia. There are many items you could supplement and change with this kit idea…its all down to personal choice and the environment you are in. I do have a small mosquito head net i cary in my pack at all times.
Also, instead of the bin liner I'd take a large clear thick plastic bag so I can see how much waters in my solar still 😁
I also carry a clear plastic bag to be used as a transpiration bag (black bags won't work for this). Transpiration bags on a suitable tree are much less work and the yield in my experience is far, far greater. In my experience i have always found that i use up more water than i get back from using a solar still….particularly digging the hole if you done have a shovel and the ground is hard.
Love your KFF! Reminds me of Les Hiddins!
My first army issued slouch hat which I didn't where as we had a beret. I have a good one for parades, barracks when required. thanks for watching.
Excellent video as always. Do you run bushcraft lessons and which state are you based if I may ask?
We run courses in NSW, VIC, NQLD and the NT. Checkout the Bushcraft Survival Australia website for full details.. thanks for watching.
Must of missed this one Gordon....Well said...
Thanks again Kim, hope to see you on a course one day.
Good stuff mate cheers!
My pleasure. Thanks for watching
Thank you for your explication , your country is awesome ! Your friend from belgium 🇧🇪
Belgium is a beautiful place, I’ve been there a few times. Thanks for your support and thanks for watching.
The first 5 are the most important because they are critical for maintaining your core body temperature and helping you to secure safe drinking water.
Yes, exactly.
very practical.
Very informative, thank you.
Thank you, i appreciate the feedback.
Love your series and thanks so much....have you done one on just compass use and how to use in conjunction with a map ...especially about true north and magnetic north thanks.....:)
It’s on the to do list! Thanks for watching and sharing.
You had me at "G'day"
Cheers mate 👍
Another top video mate. Just subbed. Cheers
Thanks for watching and for the nice feedback...much appreciated.
I found 'Asbestos removal bags' from the Safety/hardware shop are very good if you can't find a thick garbage bag.
I will make a note of that...thank you. Thank you also for watching.
Hi Gordon,
I am really enjoying your videos. It is great to have an australian perspective on bushcraft.
As someone with fair skin and who recently had skin cancers removed, I am attracted to your broad brimmed hat. Can you please tell me what sort of hat it is. It looks like an akubra that you have reshaped.
Good luck with your channel and please keep the videos coming, they are really helpful.
Hello and thank you for the positive feedback. The Akubra hat i am wearing is my old army issue slouch hat, its lost its "bash" over time.
Thanks very much for your reply Gordon. Cheers
I tend to use My Watch as a Compass. Whilst not great for Fine Navigation I often find it sufficient for My Need.
That method works ok, however the closer you get to the equator the less accurate it is. The NT also has this weird half hour time zone which is almost 50 minutes off from true solar noon so the watch method therefore is also out. You also need to know what time of year it is as around late October the sun moves south of Darwin, effectively turning Darwin into the “solar northern hemisphere”. Thanks for watching.
Hey Gordo, I'm sure there's more than one way to skin a cat but in general, using the mylar blanket and plastic bag, what the configuration you most often use or teach if heat loss is the concern? I know you've shown in another video with the bag as the shelter and a thin blanket attached, but if you have the bag plus the reusable blanket, how would you set it up? With the mylar blanket shiny side down as a lean to with the bags as a simple ground sheet or bivy, maybe packed with leaves?
Their are many combinations you could use depending on the environment, your needs, temperature etc. if heat loss is concerned then I would want to use something that will take less to heat (especially if you don't have a fire). A triangular plough shelter using the re-useable blanket works well as it has an enclosed space that you can fill with leaves and then lie on in your emergency Mylar Bivvi, or fill that with leaves as well to reduce heat loss through conduction. Either way, you want an smaller enclosed space that keeps you off the ground.thanks for the question and thanks for watching
Good video and well done
Thanks for the nice feedback. I appreciate it.
Don't for get to magnetize your sail needle so that it can be used to make a compass
Gordon,
Are you saying that a Carbon Steel knife will produce greater, hotter sparks from a ferrocerium rod than a stainless steel knife?
That unfortunately was a incorrect take where the editing guy used the wrong take (a mistake) instead of the correct one and being overseas i didn't get a chance to proof it.
You can use any kind of knife (carbon or stainless) with a ferro rod as long as it has a 90 degree angle to produce a good amount of sparks. However you won't be able to produce sparks from a piece of flint with a stainless blade. Sorry for the confusion.
G'day Les... Where have I seen that Sombrero before?!?....
In my introduction I credit Dave Canterbury for this. It’s a great concept, so if it ain’t broke... don’t fix it... however please adapt it to suit!
Brilliant video, just a couple of things, the company that makes the Swiss army knife, is called Victorinox, not victorianox, and the tape is called duct tape not duck tape. I'm not trying to be a smart arse, as you clearly know way more than me about survival type things, I was just pointing those things out, in case anyone was trying to search for the items and maybe encountered difficulty, and also so you had accurate info. Great work, I've only just started watching your videos and I'm already hooked.
Thanks for the feedback. I don't do all the editing on my videos because i simply don't have the time so occaisionally some typo's and errors slip through the cracks that i don't notice, or when i do its too late as its already been posted as was the case here. Glad you like the videos…please feel free to share them.
can someone please tell me the "so many uses" for pliers in the bush (besides the single obvious use of fishing). im not trying to argue, im honestly interested in the answer because i cant think of a single crucial use for pliers besides fishing and have heard many bushman say pliers (if you're not fishing) are of little use in the bush and just add needed weight to your pack.
Thanks
Finally found a Aussie
Well I hope you liked the episode. Thanks for tuning in.
Do you know if the kleen kanteen still available or an older model looks similar to the guyot desin bottle? 🇬🇧
Yes, Kleen Kanteen are still available. I have a few different sizes. You can get them through Zen Imports in Australia. I also have an old Nalgene Guyot design bottle….hard to get these days.
Please go on the show Alone, I'd love to see an aussie there
👍
hi there just wondering how do you deal with snakes and spiders OZ? how do you prevent them from joining you when you are sleeping on the ground?
To be honest, i never really worry about it. i have found from experience that most interactions occur when you surprise them and that they "generally" keep away when there is a fire…however i have had a brown snake slide right by me while i was waiting in an ambush position while on an army exercise….had to check my undies after that one! If you know what snakes are dangerous, you know which ones to worry about and which ones are not an issue….local knowledge! There are only two really dangerous spiders in Australia, the Sydney Funnelweb which is only found in the Sydney area (the male wanders out of its burrow/web in mating season) and the Redback which is primarily a web based spider. Wolf spiders and Huntsman (big hairy harmless), may wander into your area but are no problem. Learn about them and respect them and you will know what to expect.
Hello enjoying your videos. Just a quick question, what’s the best bush walking back pack you would recommend. Thanks. :)
Thanks, I'm glad you are enjoying them. There are many packs on the market out there. It depends on how long you are going for? One day…a week? For a day hike you would want something around the the 30-35 Litre capacity….needs to be able to hold two litters of water (minimum) and essential emergency kit...remembering that the category of people who get into the most trouble in the bush and wild places are the casual day hiker who goes unprepared.
Snugpak make a good 35L "Saber" day pack. For longer hikes over a few days you would want something a little bigger, remembering that you have to carry it. The more you know…the less you need!
Hey, what water bottle are you using its hard to find an all steel thats safe to boil in
The Bush Messiah
I don't think so.. I'm an enthusiast still learning. Thanks for watching.
Also what is the drinking flask you use that you can put in the fire? Thank you.
The metal flask I'm using here is the 40 ounce Kleen Kanteen stainless steel water bottle (available in Australia from Zen Imports) with MSR SS Glacier Mug (not available). Another good SS flask, even though difficult to obtain now is the Nalgene Guyote design SS water bottle.
In regards to the Klean canteen if it's a double wall construction will it warp when boiling water?
If it is double walled a hole will be burnt into the bottom as there is an air gap between the two layers. Water needs to be touching the bottom and sides of the container. You can actually put a plastic bottle full of water over a fire and it will boil without burning through because water is touching the plastic and there is no air gap. Hope that is of help.
A cooler, six pack, bottle opener, sunglasses, and hat.
I have #11 for my C list: Critter repellent. Mozzies, sand flies, etc, love me but I hate them.
Yes that is a nice addition, particularly up north. The kit is a starting point and you can add what you feel is important to you, as long as you are addressing the priorities of survival (shelter, fire water, signalling etc). Thanks for watching.
where can i buy a millbank water filter from in Australia ?
The army is phasing these out so it’s hard to get them, plus anything that is not used the army sadly destroys and doesn’t allow to be re-sold...very wasteful practise! There is a guy in the UK who has made good copies of this bag which can be bought. His name is Rupert Brown and the product is the “Brown Bag”.
the serated back edge knifes maybe not be as strong
? Not an issue of being strong...just totally impractical and useless for woodcraft and survival type activities. It's good for cutting rope and that's it! I appreciate the feedback and thanks for watching.
I wonder of anyone could direct me to a site where i could pick up one of those very space blankets shown on this video?
It is hard to obtain those space blankets in Australia. I am in the process of getting one designed here in Australia. The Pathfinder School in the USA also produces these type of re- useable space blankets, but like the “Grabba” brand....they are hard to obtain. Your best bet is to approach Survival Supples Australia, they stock both the Grabba brand and the Pathfinder model. Thanks for watching.
On ya Gordo!
Thanks again for watching and your continued support.
Memo from the ducks: It's duct tape mate! (Think of air con ducting) 🙂
This slip and other minor mistakes by the video editor at the time who did this episode back then has come to haunt me! Once again, some incorrect takes were used and spelling mistakes made in the text. I did not get to check this episode before it was posted as I was away with the army. I'm sure it will not be the last time I have to explain this. I appreciate your concern.
Thanks for the helpful video. Regarding the Mora HD Companion knife, does it come standard with a 90 degree spine? I am asking because i have seen comments that it is not factory standard 90 degree and needs to be manually filed. Thankyou.
No the HD Companion does not come with a 90 degree spine. You have to put one on with a file, scraping in the one direction so that it forms a burr on the spine of the knife up near the handle. It’s an easy job, all you need is a vice and a flat file. You think they would make a version with a 90 degree spine but sadly they don’t. Thanks for watching
Sorry, mate, you do need carbon steel for creating sparks with flint/steel method, but you don't need it to create sparks with a ferro rod, just a sharp edge harder than the rod, sharp glass, piece of flint, ANY kind of steel..., check into it yourself. G'day!
Thats what it says in the text on the video. You need carbon steel to get sparks from a piece of flint. Any sharp 90 degree angle will work with a ferro rod.
When i had this video edited which was done by someone else while i was away, they used the wrong takes with errors and not the corrected takes with this information in. There were some text edits that also didn't make it in. Unfortunately thats what happens when you film with limited time and someone else does the editing and you don't get to check it. I've being paying for this small error ever since.
we might drop in on our way through we are on Facebook TH-cam and instagram if u like to follow family living on the road
No worries…will do.
Every one of those in my bag already! This is my normal bag. I live in a TINY town in woods, and even when going to a friends in town, it goesvwith me. It is my fire bag/ bugout plus a few changes of city clothes. Its a 60liter so I also have a full winter outfit... If you get burned out, a tee shirt can be found anywhere cheap, but good woolens are harder to replace. If I only have a few outfits, one will be all wools.
The sailcloth needle/ stitch awl fits perfect inside the handle of a pen vise with a scratch awl, micro drill and 2 tiny screwdrivers for glasses. I can repair my canvas bedroll, backpack, sheath, or anything with it.
My bag may be loaded, but I can live out of it and turn a camp into home.
Cool, sounds like some good additions. There are so many variations on this theme. It's personal choice combined with sensible practicality. Mine is only a guide to get people to start thinking for themselves, however certain key areas still need to be covered.
Thanks for watching.
Haha @ 1:32 - Its Duct tape, not Duck tape
lol the irony...... Dedman Survival. So sorry but i cracked up laughing so hard in the first few seconds... watching now lol.......... Ok, done.... Nice vid but i am very frustrated i can not buy one of the 3ml weight bin liners in australia at all and the space blanket nothing under about 50 bucks by the time u consider crazy shipping prices gst and money conversion rates. Cant find where to buy in australia for 15 bucks sorry lol. Other than that great vid. It is driving me nuts tho i cant find the bankline i want the garbage bag i want or the space blanket i want or the rain poncho/ shelter i want in australia without paying about 30 times or more what they are worth. I do with somebody would put together a starter kit of bankline, two bin liners and the reusable space blanket with hood and set a decent price instead of trying to bleed the aussies dry. Subbed anyway:)
It’s not the first to be I have heard this...lol. At least there is no “A” after the E, not yet anyway!
I agree with all you say. I travel overseas regularly and I must say that Australia is ridiculously expensive...it never used to be this bad. It’s a joke amount my overseas friends!
The cost of living, wages...everything...is all so out of proportion and exaggerated and it all stems from greed, be it individual or political.
Quality thick garbage bags without pleats, both black and clear are almost impossible to find, the Grabber space blankets should be half the price that they are...it really is ridiculous but it’s not just Bushcraft supplies....it all things.
I wish I had an alternative but it’s either cough up or travel and purchase things overseas.
You do not need a carbon steel knife to scrape a ferro rod. Any sharp object including glass will work. I'm not going to beat the hell out of the blade of my knife that I need.
As stated in an earlier comment, the editor used the incorrect take with the fopar in it and i didn't pick it up in time. I later added some text in the video that clearly explains this.
breaking down paracord is totally impractical
I would disagree with that. I've used the inner fibres for fishing line, trap material and sewing up packs many times, including on operational patrols with Norforce in northern Australia..Sure it's better to have other cordage for those purposes but you have redundancy by having cordage that has the ability to be broken down and and used for other things if need be. May I ask what you are basing your comment on?
Sorry, or have a Donk! a what? A Donk! 🤜
👍 Blloody brilliant. Top movie and one of my favourite scenes.....so Aussie. Thanks for watching.
Good channel. Great video. Did a lot of work. Strong result. Travel with me without leaving your home.I subscribed like 719 Natalya
Thanks for watching.
Tell me your awake to what’s happening here in Australia, fuel and food shortages coming and possible martial law stage 5 lockdowns on august
*duct tape
Ok...this is still coming back to haunt me! I don’t edit my videos myself as I simply don’t have the time. The person that did this particular edit mis-spelt some of the text I gave him as well as used a couple of incorrect takes. I was away with the army at the time and didn’t get to check the edit before it was finally uploaded so unfortunately it’s there to stay and there is nothing I can do about it. Appreciate the feedback though.
Excellent video. Thank you.
Very informative. Thank you.
My pleasure, I’m glad you enjoyed it and got something out of it. Thanks for watching.