One place to find tips and plans to make gear is old scouting manuals. The older the better. Mine is from 1967. They had projects to make most of your gear, for kids who couldn’t get into town to go shopping very often. And making the gear was often part of the process.

We can't all afford the cool expensive stuff, but we can improvise and the more you do for yourself the better you get at doing it. Great video as usual, keep them coming please.

I love your homemade kit videos. There are so many reasons why it is such a good idea. Price and the right design but also the feeling you get from using something you've made yourself. It is also useful self-reliance. The skills can't be taken away from you. Please keep them coming.

Well said Neil. We need to get back to the basics and making as much of our own gear as possible.

"But how can it be the same bloody broom then"!!!🤣🤣🤣. Good video.

It's easy to get hooked from all this beautiful and super expensive gear you can buy when you start bushcraft. So was I. Some time later, i realized that it is not satisfying over time. But selfmade gear is the spirit of bushcraft. And it is such fun to explore materials like leather, wood or stone. Even just upcycling stuff leads to an idea, leads to more ideas. Thank you Neil to encourage people to make their own, very personal stuff, and thank you for your videos.

Great conversation about things that do make us more self relevant.The more we can do for ourselves, the more sustainable we can be.

Hello from Oklahoma! Good Video. 👍👍 I've said for years, the more popular something becomes the more expensive and clickish it becomes. Back when I started my outdoor endeavors, I'm 63, we had to make our whimsical gear. It just wasn't out there. Example, I've made several haversacks from the fabric of left over jeans pant legs. Thanks for all you! God Bless!

I have made, repurchased or adapted nearly my gear, I have made knives using a cobbled together forge (an old roof ridge tile to hold some coal and a hairdryer for the bellows, an old sledge hammer became my anvil and some high tension rebar became my first knife, found some old broken leaf springs which have become other knives. I learnt to sew and have made everything from underwear to tents, I've turned Ash tool handles in the bows. When the materials are free or nearly free all it takes is the will and a bit of time, nothing is perfect at the start but good enough and each time you try, you learn and you improve. Unfortunately I had a stroke the end of last year so I'm not as able as I was but I'm still trying to do things and get out there.

Excellent video, excellent advice , totally agree nothing beats the personal touch or the pride from doing it yourself , being bushcrafters, preppers, outdoor types the skills are invaluable

Excellent video, as ever, and perfect for the times we live in (and all times, for that matter). I started making my own kit a long time ago, when I was around eleven years old. I wasn't allowed a knife, but happened to find an old Sheffield steel butter knife with a bone handle my Granny had used for weeding between cracks. It had been lost in her garden, so I kept it, then sharpened and reshaped it, rather laboriously, on some Orcadian sandstone. I then cut a strip from an old pair of leather moccasins and worked out how to wrap the handle. Still have that knife somewhere, 30+ years later, and it still keeps a fantastic edge. Keep up the excellent work, always watch, but don't always comment.

Really good advice and I fully agree, the trouble is a lot of people are addicted to logo's and brand names, I'm not saying I don't have a bit of that myself but some people treat outdoor activities like a "Milan catwalk", I've made several items of kit over the years and they're still going strong.👍🇬🇧🇩🇪 Best regards from Deutschland.

as a blacksmith/welder I have made very large part of my own equipment (knives, axes, flintstrikers, awls...), that my grandfather was a fisherman gave me rope and netmaking, mother did some backpacks, bags... grandmother did leather work (traditional saami style), kuusa cups and axe handles... was more or less made by everyone with a knife and chissel, same with birchbark containers... Oh, i live in Northern Sweden, so bushcraft is everywhere. Almost everyone here knows the basics.

When I watch a camping or bushcraft video and someone is wearing some clothing or using gear I'd like to try, I'm always so shocked at at how much this stuff sells for when I look it up. People need to realize that you don't have to be a master craftsman to make your own gear, especially now when you can look it up on KZfaq. When I make my own gear, it turns out (usually) as good as store-bought, or even better, because I can add details and modifications along the way. I bought a canvas messenger bag off eBay about 15 years ago. Just recently, I've waterproofed it with a wax paste that I made, added waxed canvas pockets, clips, leather straps...... and all for a fraction of what I would've paid for it on-line. The satisfaction of making something and then using it is beyond comparison. Great video!

I used a leather motorcycle pannier I got second hand. Cleaned it up, added parts from a saddlery shop and attached it to an old army surplus alice frame. Great piece of kit.

So cool too see all these naturally made equipment and tools

You're the UK's equivalent master crafter as the US's "ReallyBigMonkey1". Huge respect.

You convinced me with your vids to make my own gear like few months ago, i made you special stove and this summer i created my knives set - 1 small knife for cooking made from old technical knife (easy to sharpen), middle one made from old stainless steel knife and i made machete-like, 40 cm blade for cutting wood or branches. all was tested, remodelled etc. I made custom handles made from leather scraps and rope. Very good for me to handle in gloves (i protect hands always). You are great inspiration for me Neil, thank you!

Couldn't agree more. 👍🏻. Years ago as kids (quite a few years ago) we used to make or repurpose nearly everything, for our camping trips to the woods. Great vid 👍🏻😁

Always feels good making and using your own kit.

Great video,Neil. Really inspiring. I love going Old School,and most of my kit is hand made,repurposed or Army surplus. It’s the way to go,in times like these,I feel. Everything is possible,and nothing is un achievable. Like you quite rightly say, it’s all about getting back to basics and starting from scratch,pretty much. From my early days in the ‘70’s, in the cubs and Scouts, we were taught to ‘fend for ourselves’, to a certain extent. We were even awarded with proficiency badges, when we excelled in the craft we were taught. And the lessons are seldom forgotten, throughout the rest of our lives. Out ancestors never had fancy plastic woven sleeping bags,and synthetic fibres. Wool,canvas and Cotten are the way to go with a lot of things,nowadays. Hemp and bamboo clothing, are great, too. All the best,and have a great Christmas out in the woods. 👍🏾🇬🇧.

You are a blimmin great inspiration, Neil. 🙏

God bless you thank you for sharing your time 🙏

Thanks for the ideas and the inspiration. The satisfaction gained from being able to make your own kit goes far beyond avoiding the pricey outfitters shops. .. Cheers.

Great video I am currently preparing for a bike packing adventure for spring I hope to be cycling from derby to bewick upon Tweed. I can't afford hotels so I will be wild camping I have bought a 2 man tent from decathlon and a self inflating mat that is it the rest of the kit is being made. My Mrs has made me an awesome sleeping bag from an old quilt liner and a few old gortex rain jackets she was given. It's very patchwork quilt but nicely done and very snuggly and warm plus water proof to a degree she even put vent holes in it and it cost her a few hrs that's it. She has also knitted me a 100% wool blanket incase it gets nippy.i am making my light weight trailor which is basically a flat bed with a plastic storage bin bolted to it very light weight cost me less than 80 quid when a Topeak one costs 500. All my kit fits in it and still is light but strong enough to use as a seat and a table loving it.my tent is is quite bulky but you pull just 2 cords and it's up,quite allot of people have scoffed at the thought of pulling a trailer they can fit all there gear a afraid bag super lightweight and stupid expensive. I sat to them you are young with no ailments I am fit very fit 52 years old but I suffer with rhumertoid arthritis so I wont be rushing but I need to be comfortable at rest plus its a goal I want to achieve even if it takes me 2 weeks.so your video proves that no matter what bushcraft or camping you do it doesn't need to cost the earth because these activities should be for every one including the poor and disabled not just the wealthy.

I bought a sewing machine with the express intent of modifying my gear. I have done a few projects, not too many. I also enjoy using old school gear when overlanding-I restored an old Coleman white gas stove (425E) I found on ebay, guy said it didnt work. Was as simple as replacing the leather pump cup that was dried out. I much prefer restoring old stuff, and using that, than new stuff. Keeps it out of the landfills!!

Like your view on things. Nice craft!

Good on you for making all this stuff! It has to be very rewarding to go out into the forest using things you've created. I know the few things I've made and use give me considerable satisfaction.

Thank you for the video. Making your own gear is so much fun because you'll end up with something that you want and will actually use. Best part is, no brand names. Thank you my friend 👌

Great video mate Yes there’s lots of items I’ve made what great satisfaction it is Thanks for sharing nice Mora sheath 👌

Hi, spot on mate, making your own gear can be frustrating, but at the same time so rewarding, and the pleasure we get from using it can be priceless, too many bushcraft chanels push the viewer towards expensive outdoor gear , and talk as if going to the wood's is not possible whithout all this stuff, which is simply not true, your videos show how easy ,and cheaply it can be done, and I commend you for that, the old war time motto of ( make do and mend ) comes to mind. Keep up the good work, stay safe mate, best wishe's to you and your's, Stuart UK.

Love a good old school bushcraft video. Expensive gear is cool but crafting your own can be even better. Great video!

Hi, Nice Vid enjoyed this . I remember the ventile Craze! 😊🤝

Well said. There's a bit of the gearhead in most of us, and the big companies know that. There's nothing to compare to the satisfaction of something you've made yourself though. The first go may be shoddy, but keep at it and the skills come. Think I caught a glimpse of you at Belmont yesterday? Didn't get chance to wander over as I was just heading out. Hope you enjoyed the day there though.

Love your videos. I made my own Kuksa, cat-can stove, Ikea utensil holder hobo stove and a hobo reel (like yours), and I felt a great sense of pride... Love it. Maybe I'll haul my wife's old Singer sewing machine out...

Nice just finished off a 50l rucksack I'm very happy with it it's true everyone should have a go .....

Nice Project’s. Sometimes we learn the hard way that things can have a preferred order of cutting & assembly.

Thanks for the encouragement!

Absolutely Neil - seeing your Ventile smock was the inspiration to make my own - it may not meet with your full approval, but its mine - I can repair it and remake it - in the knowledge that it and I - will get better at every attempt. Excellent video - thank you!

I like the end where you drink air Good video 👌

Cracking video Neil. Living in Australia, everything is super expensive and doing it yourself just makes good financial sense. It's also important to realise that you don't need much stuff over here. It's hot most of the time and the less I carry, the better.

Good morning from Syracuse NY USA brother thank you for sharing your thoughts and facts and truth

As you know, I love making my own gear. I need to do more DIY gear vids soon. Great video as always mate, I will never forget when you helped me carve my second spoon :)

Loving your videos more and more. I've got a shed full of kit, like lots of other people, who have paid lots of money for, Trangia bottles, a prime example. No more silly money for me ! I'm going your way ! Thanks very much Neil.

Excellent video! By far my favorite videos to watch and learn. DIY projects. Personalized by and for the user. Keep up the great work. Very valuable information. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

Neal. You and Corporals Corner. Are my instructors and inspiration. I like making tin can stoves. Have made meant spirit burners, lately trecking staffs. Mine ness shelack , next. 2 are for the Vicker and Rector. My CoMe condolences i pray his Magisty maintains the nature of Great Britain,. Paul

Highly inspirational Neil 👍such that I’ve ‘borrowed’ several of your ideas over a period of time and taken great satisfaction from the self discovery which followed 🍻..huge thanks 🙏

Excellent content!! Thanks.

I've only just started watching your videos am from North UK I am 60 in my head am 45 body tells me am 70 😆 when you stop for a brew not seen you have a good old oxo cube full of flavour and picks you right up what do you think keep the good videos coming 😀

Another one In the excellent video box, Neil!

Wonderful and inspiring video. An even easier fishing kit build for people who live close to the shore (that is also a fun activity): Searching and using large broken reeds and two wine corks. I often find 7" long reed sections and longer at the beach. Build: Find a reed with an appropriately thick unbroken section. Let it air dry if it is wet. Take your trusty knife (e.g. I use a #6opinel) and cut out the extra sections and hollow it out. (you can even hollow only one side and leave the other one).To make it fancier use duct tape to form the groove to store the line. You can use the cork for a bobber too if you cut the proper length bamboo skewer ! It just occurred to me that a two compartment one can be made from thick reeds with short sections (less common to find). It's amazing what one can make from driftwood and broken reeds. To cut down on the expense use the "backing" fishing line (that is usually thrown away) when you service reels.

Great video!

Awesome. Excellent advice . Sadly I'm not to hot at some of those skills . Can do functional ( sometimes🤔) definitely struggle with aesthically pleasing . Practice makes perfect I suppose. Atb 👍

Another good video!

Excellent video

Yes you got right plate on your knife!! Yrjö puronvari makes that plate! that is real blacksmithing plate! That old man starts blacksmithing year,1939!

Great video, and ethics.

outstretched video👍🏼

Great channel Neil, drawing from inspiration from your channel I've made several of my own items, wool smock included .👍

Neil You are a Natural Communicator and You say You Nick Ideas from wherever You See Them and All Well and Good But the Chinese are Probably Knocking out Your Very Nice Logo Patch for about 50 pence ! Talk to some TV Programme Makers Mate and I am Sure You Would Be a Worldwide Hit even Better than Those Two and I Will Not Mention There Names Who are Rolling around In Notes Rather than the Muck They started in lol Anyway Keep Up the Great Work Sir !

Great video as always , I agree with the DIY and also go into stores and check out how things are made. It's sometimes quite unfortunate to see high prices but low quality build on kit with big tag brands here in Norway. If you have time please do feature your hammock build and your leather pouch in a video by themselves please. I can't seem to find them on your catalog. Have a great week ahead and Greetings from Norway

Couldn't resist

Second! I've only discovered the channel! Greetings from New Zealand!

Just found your channel and love the Minecraft videos you do. Do you give private tuition for those who want to learn the skills?

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When I was a child I never wanted store bought things . If I didn't make it my mom did or my granddaddy.

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I wish you wouldn't keep leaving your camera behind. Hahaha

How does that puronvarsi blade compare to a mora, or other knives, is it worth the cost over a lauri blade? Kinda want a puronvarsi tommi. Good topic, thanks

crazy little tip emergency thread already mounted on a spool....dental floss completely rot proof and unbreakable it has to be cut

Old schoolers made their own gear because there wasn't a decent available alternative. Now there is and its affordable, so why muck about living in the past - Im sure your tea caddy works but I doubt as well as my Pathfinder pot. But each to their own and if thats where you get your pleasure from then go for it.

First

Another great item to carry your meth's in are the large 100ml Vape liquid bottles. They have child proof lid and are leak free.

Right so. I make all my stuff myself. Aside of learning a lot I hate plastics in the woods. All these " hyped " crap is made of plastic and will end in microplastics killing all the nature. Keep your woods green and your oceans b!ue. Do not destrtoy what you love!