Backpacking in Ancient Rome: Old School, Minimalist

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Backpacking in Ancient Rome: Old School, Minimalist

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Күн бұрын

I adapted techniques from the ancient Roman army to modern ultralight backpacking. This video shows what I learned. The techniques used by the Roman army were simpler and better than the bindles that hobos used to carry their possessions during the Depression era of 1930s. Roman soldiers lashed several bags and tools together onto T-shaped poles, known as furcas. This stabilized the load, making it easy to carry.
Link to my video: "Hobo Hiking with a Bindle: Old School, Minimalist" • Hobo Hiking with a Bin...
Videography by Ken Kramm, July 30,2020; Filmed at W.G. Jones State Forest, Conroe, Texas. Medieval Combat, YAP Audio Production, Freesound.org Wexford, Kevin MacLeod, Free Public Domain; "The wild and reckless hobo" Cowen Powers Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution-NonCommercial 2.5 Generic cylinders.libra.... Issue Number/Label: 5131: Edison Blue Amberol Issue Number/Label: 10624: Edison Record Year of Release: [1926]

Пікірлер: 209

@armorvestrus4119 4 жыл бұрын

The standard Roman had to be able to hike 20 miles a day with full gear and than build a camp. Today the pole load is not so practical but the Yukon trail pack is. The shield is a load all by itself but a good Roman soldier would not go any place without it. Note this, the Romans made the best hiking boots in the world for over a 1000 years. Cheers mate.

@edgarbleikur1929 4 жыл бұрын

Sandals?

@joshuacollins8013 2 жыл бұрын

@@edgarbleikur1929 with cleats

@edgarbleikur1929 2 жыл бұрын

@@joshuacollins8013 sandals

@3bears 4 жыл бұрын

Seriously Ken should be registered as a national treasure, and I'm not even American!

@kmonnier 4 жыл бұрын

I appreciate you always bringing up unique content

@michaelkinstler1755 4 жыл бұрын

My Newfoundland is named Marius after the Consul who reformed the legions. I made him a furca a few years ago and he chewed it up and reminded me he was a Patrician and he has servants and slaves to carry his gear. I do carry his bowl, water, treats, poo bags etc when we go to the woods.

@prasaite 4 жыл бұрын

You lucky that you dont name him Spartakus.

@dylanthomas3140 Жыл бұрын

I love this guy. He has such a kind soul

@jimstanton4715 4 жыл бұрын

My father was a hobo in the 1930s. He gave me some interesting stories. I wish he told me more.

@mwillblade 4 жыл бұрын

My father and uncles also rode the rails.

@lindabarrett6471 4 жыл бұрын

Your comment brought a tear to my eye. How often we wish we knew more. A wind of change is blowing. Peace be with you.

@onceANexile 4 жыл бұрын

@@mwillblade all the stories are basically the same.

@unnamedchannel1237 4 жыл бұрын

I also miss my father. Some times want to talk to him for advice even though I know the answers he would have given me.

@redsorgum 4 жыл бұрын

Ken, I love when you talk about these old school methods. Peace, brother.....👏👏👏👏

@MarcMallary 4 жыл бұрын

My grandmother was a widow, during the depression, raising 4 children. She would feed hobos, in exchange for some chore. They had a hobo village, by the railroad tracks. When they left, they would say God bless you and they would mark an X on her gatepost. My great uncle, looked like a hobo and lived in a tar paper shack, but was immensely wealthy.

@seamus-xi7hz 4 жыл бұрын

My mother was also a kind soul who would feed anyone who came to our door, and was hungry. She would always give them a meal, and some of my Dad's old clothes; sad that human kindness has become a thing of the past .... :-( :-(

@wookie-zh7go 4 жыл бұрын

That's a really heart warming story but your uncle sounds kinda like a Scrooge (glad I thought of a better term than dick, comments cam be taken so badly XD) but day how the rich stay rich

@lindabarrett6471 4 жыл бұрын

I love, love, love your videos, my fellow Texan. I love your peaceful nature and how you get the most out of a drop of serenity. Peace be with you. Shared on FaceBook, and waiting for your next. I also go back and enjoy your old videos too. I enjoyed your anniversary trip and just how lovely you see the world. Love you.

@historicaltrekking 4 жыл бұрын

Good one Kenneth. Love to see experimental archaeology in practice. Regards, Keith.

@henryshaffer5811 4 жыл бұрын

good to see you are doing well. I always enjoy your videos and the history lessons. thank you and peace be with you

@barnastil591 4 жыл бұрын

With all those spikes under him, I feel like that was the the most adrenaline filled place to sleep he could have picked.

@mwillblade 4 жыл бұрын

Since I read your comment I keep picturing him going to the emergency room with one of those cypress knees up his ass and trying to explain to the Doctor what happened.

@barnastil591 4 жыл бұрын

@@mwillblade I'm glad the straps on his hammock held. That would be an ugly and uncomfortable experience.

@davidkruger5590 4 жыл бұрын

It would have removed that permanent smile from his face..that's for sure..

@unnamedchannel1237 4 жыл бұрын

David Kruger I feel this guy would get on well with that mr Ed bee keeper guy that has the KZfaq channel

@KennethKramm 4 жыл бұрын

Barna Stil I’m smiling guys, the spikes are actually behind my hammock and in front of it. If the hammock slipped and I hit the ground, I be still smiling. The camera angle makes it appear the spikes are directly under me.

@nielsenrobert 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kenneth, I have enjoyed the way you share your outdoor knowledge, experience and history lessons for many years. Peace be with you always.

@jjvelvetackbar6430 4 жыл бұрын

So nice to see you back, Kenneth!

@miken7629 4 жыл бұрын

I like how you used that stick on the head end of the hammock. Do you know the difference between a Hobo, a Tramp, and a Bum. A Hobo is a transient worker. A Tramp is a transient non worker. A Bum in a non transient non worker.

@ObamaoZedong 4 жыл бұрын

And a Schmuck is a nontransient worker ;)

@maitlandmoore6426 4 жыл бұрын

This makes sense , is it fact or fiction ?

@TheRealJaded 4 жыл бұрын

Maitland Moore fact, stop living under a rock

@nickloch7483 4 жыл бұрын

A tramp is a dreamer

@wildbillsadventuresoutdoor9276 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you for the history! That's neat way to carry light, in the woods! I always enjoy your videos, I learn so much from you! God Bless you!!!

@Aussie_Witchy_Woman71 4 жыл бұрын

I absolutely love your videos, sir. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of camping and the outdoors with us.

@andi2234 4 жыл бұрын

I saw you had posted a new video and was super annoyed I couldn't watch it right away. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it tremendously and even entertained the idea of giving that who idea a try myself!! You always make it look so fun and special. Thanks Ken!

@alexpaulk9364 4 жыл бұрын

You're a wonderful outdoor professor and demonstrator. 🤟

@sosteve9113 4 жыл бұрын

Another great video,I looked into this last year when I saw a Furca in a English museum,totally packed with all the items they needed Stay safe

@kimnenninger7226 4 жыл бұрын

I love your videos and I truly appreciate that you test different equipment out. I am going to try that configuration out for myself. I must say that I was a little shocked that you chose to endure the yellow goop from that bag rather than open the door to the possibilities of what was in that pond. Anyway, keep up the great work. I very much enjoy and appreciate what you are doing.

@KennethKramm 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@francescomagistrali4690 4 жыл бұрын

Great video! Cheers from Italy!

@billyblastoff7027 4 жыл бұрын

What’s up Ken glad To see another video from you my friend. Your videos put me always in a relaxing state of mind thanks.

@05generic 4 жыл бұрын

I've noticed how pointed the cypress knees are. It wouldn't do to fall on one. Enjoyed the video and the furca concept.

@alphapatriot8405 3 жыл бұрын

Always enjoyable !! and history lesson too. Thnxs 4 uploading and sharing

@KennethKramm 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@isk3804 4 жыл бұрын

Wish you were my grandpa... :) Such an amazing soul, hiking in the bush.

@davidnagore725 4 жыл бұрын

I've often wondered how a furca setup would work in a modern context. Now I know! 👍

@RealBoiJare Жыл бұрын

I love your videos, they’re great!

@Dantick09 4 жыл бұрын

The bundle stick from some of those pictures looks like and ideal weapon for defense in a pinch, the furca was made for confort

@prasaite 4 жыл бұрын

True roman army have better toys for killing than stick.

@cmanofthewoodscentralus3217 4 жыл бұрын

Simple things in life are always more enjoyable. Thanks for sharing your video with us.

@bobbimichelle1 4 жыл бұрын

So peaceful to watch. Thank you for your videos.

@seamus-xi7hz 4 жыл бұрын

I'll bet that mosquito net, covering your hammock was a godsend, considering you were camped next to what appeared to be a swamp... stay safe

@DannyRiskit 4 жыл бұрын

I love seeing new way to do old school stuff. Only issue I see with doing this is you don't have both hands free, but ultralight is great!

@DrDennis 4 жыл бұрын

Howdy again Ken. You always find the most desolate spots(lack of people) which is my way to camp! Enjoyed your history lesson as always. Cheers 🍻

@blankspaceadventures 4 жыл бұрын

Next time bring the mule too!

@TheMendipman 4 жыл бұрын

Good system Ken. Peace be with you always Noel

@robertzachow 4 жыл бұрын

Good to see you again Ken! Cool topic thank you for sharing.

@andrej_h 4 жыл бұрын

Nice video, thanks for sharing. I enjoyed watching.

@KennethKramm 4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@kayakcobber524 4 жыл бұрын

Only the Roman sandals are lacking...nice video again

@jjdogbutte 4 жыл бұрын

We can always count on you to bring “new” and useful gear reviews to us! Yours is one of the most thoughtful and humble outdoor channels I subscribe to...it’s refreshing compared to some testosterone laden channels.

@stephaniegrace8623 4 жыл бұрын

So nice to see you enjoying the outdoors. I’ll have to try the Roman method

@b1laxson 4 жыл бұрын

Notice how @03:36 the Furca has that cross bar making a T. It creates a vertical blocking point for tying off. When Good Ole' Kramm shows us the other straight Bindle @05:08 notice how the bags slide down the shaft. In hiking the sliding would lead to a bouncy load taking extra muscle energy to control. Its also been commented that with a furca you can lean forward to drop the bottom end to support the weight. On a bindle the bags could slide down but the furca cross bar keeps them in position.

@bbsnowman1026 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks .. I use white wax wood bo staff to hike or as a furca.. You can put all of your body's weight on the staff...it can be used as a self defense staff. I have in 6 and 4 foot lengths. Wrapped with paracord, 1/4 x 20 insert on the end to add eyelets, or spear for fishing

@pareidoliarocks 4 жыл бұрын

Interesting and unique twist in familiar territory. You have a lot of dead air during cooking etc. I'd like to hear more contrast about how a Roman soldier's dinner activities compare. Tell stories, talk about Hanibal and elephants and junk?

@neilcastell6951 4 жыл бұрын

i remember reading your average roman legionnaire carried 50lbs to 60lbs in weight, and would march about 8 hours a day before striking camp.

@prasaite 4 жыл бұрын

Average roman legionnaire was 25 - 30 years old, meybe younger. KennethKramm didnt play in reconstruction group of Roman Legion. He just use and adapt furca i think it's not illegal.

@nmarbletoe8210 4 жыл бұрын

they had to carry those darn golden eagles, plus the honor of Rome itself was no light matter.

@josephjohnson6849 7 ай бұрын

Those shields looked heavy.

@karlo8093 4 жыл бұрын

Good one Ken. I really enjoyed! I didn't know either facts about the America Beauty Berry either. Thanks!

@CarolinaChrisOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Looked like a fun experiment. I like your hammock modification..... I bet it takes away the “shoulder squeeze”. 👍🏻

@r3x2b0 4 жыл бұрын

Welcome back. You have been missed

@lukar8154 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you ken.

@David_636 4 жыл бұрын

I have always been keenly interested in the subject of experimental archaeology and living history, and this seems like an interesting exercise in both of those fields. Of all the methods of lightweight camping you tried, what was the most enjoyable/practical?

@opalprestonshirley1700 4 жыл бұрын

Peace and beauty. I watched many on the Roman army and they are fascinating. Safe journeys.

@JunkyardFox 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video!

@frogmorepipester7490 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome

@DrMerriwether 4 жыл бұрын

And with you, Ken. :)

@m.hernandez1404 4 жыл бұрын

Nice tip with the beautyberry. I'll have to try.

@KennethKramm 4 жыл бұрын

You should!

@unnamedchannel1237 4 жыл бұрын

Man that’s a nice hammock

@BeowulfandCoffee 4 жыл бұрын

This is 100% my jam.

@ShadowScoutSwede 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing great video and that is an interesting way to carry your gear.

@barrycarlisle765 4 жыл бұрын

Piece be with you Brother

@BrosephRussell 4 жыл бұрын

Some great hammock camping right there

@thatchanguy 4 жыл бұрын

Just discovered your channel and instantly subscribed. Thanks for sharing such a fascinating experiment!

@KennethKramm 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

@ponch0partout 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, thanks ! I have been looking for this info. Love your work.

@pepelemoko01 4 жыл бұрын

And also with you.

@N530SYF 4 жыл бұрын

Great !

@TheOtherShoreOutdoors 4 жыл бұрын

Nice video! Thanks Kenneth. Greetings from Patagonia!

@marcel_2cv 4 жыл бұрын

Always worth a watch. :-) Looking forward to your next time travel, when we will see how Ötzi the Iceman travelled! :-)

@justice111203 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Ken but I'm not sure I would've set my hammock up over those "daggers". You have a strap break and you're going to the hospital buddy!! Just lookin out for ya! May peace be with you!

@KennethKramm 4 жыл бұрын

Mike Cinq hi mike. Thanks for mentioning safety issues. The spikes are actually behind and in front of the hammock, so I would be sore from hitting the ground, but would be ok.

@RobertsBulgaria 4 жыл бұрын

Interesting video. I wasn't aware as to how the Roman Centurion carried his gear. I wonder what his sleep gear consisted of - just a blanket I guess.

@christopherellis2663 4 жыл бұрын

The cloak doubled as a blanket

@RobertsBulgaria 4 жыл бұрын

@@christopherellis2663 Do you know what the cloak was made from?

@prasaite 4 жыл бұрын

@@RobertsBulgaria wool.

@Blankstieg 4 жыл бұрын

They had 8 man tents carried on a donkey for each group of soliders (name for the group: contubernium, meaning tent-sharers)

@Phourtwenny 4 жыл бұрын

Great video sir

@KennethKramm 4 жыл бұрын

So nice of you

@Frederic_S 4 жыл бұрын

I will try this out - thank you for sharing :)

@davegoodridge8352 4 жыл бұрын

Great idea, thank you

@prasaite 4 жыл бұрын

7:55 you Kenneth have roots in Poland, only we wear sockets in sandals.

@oldigger7060 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. Looks like a comfortable and convenient way to carry lightweight kit. Might have been hard to keep stuff dry if it had rained though?

@marc-andrechevrette3420 3 ай бұрын

To cross rivers and plant the pole on the ground so your stuff don't get wet being on the ground.....this is genius

@FRCVIDS 4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant! I've got to try this now.

@AMERICANPRIDE1100 4 жыл бұрын

Only problem is 1 arm always occupied I’ll sacrifice the extra pound or 2 to have free hands

@prasaite 4 жыл бұрын

For roman army more important was simply technic.Can you imagine costs and time for making one milion backpakcs for legionists? That stick every soldier can make himself in 10 minuts. And you need both free hands? You just simply throw down furca. Dont forget that during marching legionists needs only free 2 legs not hands. When they camp, or fight they leave that furca logistic system (FLS) in their camp. If there was ambush during marching simply drop FLS on ground and you ready for fight without heavy backpack on your back.

@prasaite 4 жыл бұрын

@Paladin Contra "when climbing, running, ducking" and other bad things roman legionaries propably left their sarcinas (whole cargo on furca) in camp. Dont forgot that legions was marching only on roads, when they moved for example from Egipt to Spain. When they patrolled hostile land most of their personal items was left in camp (legionaries ALWAYS make camp at end of day). Scouts was travell very light without luggage. I have no idea what KennethKramm willbe do with his staff, ask him.

@willgrant719 4 жыл бұрын

The length of the furca was not standardized but individual based on height. Your furca needs to be long enough to place the but onto the ground and lean forward so the weight may be taken off your shoulder and supported by your furca. You should carry your furca tighter to your back so the load won't swing and it will allow you to use the fulcrum built into the systems by the romans. The same goes for your bindle stick in ways of comfort not history.

@drewfoster2375 4 жыл бұрын

Just what i was looking for

@l.v.i.bushcraftandsurvival6692 4 жыл бұрын

Hey old buddy, I don't know if you saw it, but Mykel Hawke did a program on this old Roman method you might check out :-)

@unnamedchannel1237 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for not putting music over your video

@caseyoutdoors3897 4 жыл бұрын

Great job brother God-bless sure was beautiful out there

@johnholliday13 4 жыл бұрын

Great video as usual!

@jaffcat 4 жыл бұрын

Nice video Ken 👍

@GPointExtreme 4 жыл бұрын

Love it! :)

@alzathoth 4 жыл бұрын

i bet you could reduce the weight even more if the furcas was made of aluminum or fiberglass.

@segaprophet 4 жыл бұрын

the furca is probably more comfortable to carry than a simple bindle stick because the weight is not all swinging around on one point, that would give you a sore shoulder I imagine

@gandiborneo 4 жыл бұрын

Greetings one hobby I like the content of friends 👍.Thank you for sharing experiences Good luck and success always 🙏 greetings 🙋

@richardwallace6026 4 жыл бұрын

well good thanking

@arthurrealingo9113 4 жыл бұрын

Now I know we're they got the idea of the crucifixion,

@LouisianaBlackwaterFlyFishing 4 жыл бұрын

lord I am ready for the fall to get my outside on!

@LEARSIKCIGAM 4 жыл бұрын

1 knife 2 tarp 3 fire steel Or/and lighter 4 cordage (string, rope, etc) 5 metal container that is the minimal 5 piece survival kit

@kanukkarhu 4 жыл бұрын

So cool! I love the experimentation! One question - was your hammock set up directly over those pointy looking stumps, or was it just the camera angle? Good stuff! 👍

@KennethKramm 4 жыл бұрын

Great question. The hammock was directly over two of the stumps; the others were just beyond. No problem; this is safer than the cliffs that I often hang over

@owlenfamily 4 жыл бұрын

hmm...i've always thought about waltzing matilda sometime instead of using a backpack, but i think i'll try the furca instead...especially when i saw you use it with your hammock. did you just lash the cross-piece on, or did you notch it also?

@nilsschenkel7149 4 жыл бұрын

Bet the Furca would be more comfortable to carry when made of split, or otherwise flattened, staves. A bamboo one might possibly nice, too

@Driftwoodgeorge 4 жыл бұрын

That looks like something II want to try.

@unnamedchannel1237 4 жыл бұрын

A lot of those plants to help stop insects need to be burnt and you stand in the smoke to get the “smell” on you. Not the case with the one you used ?