During my ‘First Look’ at the Crud Gjora Gloves, I mentioned going more minimal in my life. This change has also directly affected my outdoor lifestyle, as you’ll see throughout my Hidden Woodsmen Haversack here.
My mindset on Minimalism is this: When you begin to live minimally you carry less, use your gear more, make sustainable purchases and focus on skills versus having “more stuff”.
Minimal Haversack Kit
There are many reasons why I have decided to go minimal with my outdoor lifestyle. Yes, I love gear, of course. Afterall, that’s part of the reason why I am a field tester. But, that doesn’t mean that I want to pack 20lbs of extra gear either.
In fact, I have personally dialed back on how much gear I am testing right now and I’m focusing more on specialized kits. It goes back to quality over quantity for me. I want to ensure that I’m bringing you all quality things that make sense to purchase with your hard earned money. And hopefully, with the purchases that you all make, you find yourself with a fully assembled kit that makes perfect sense together.
Update: See my 2021 Bushcraft Haversack Kit here
Why Go Minimalist?
This is a great question and one that I honestly asked when we first made this change in our day-to-day lives. Here are some reasons why going more minimal with your outdoor lifestyle is a good choice…
- Weight:
This is most peoples reasoning for going minimal. A lightweight haversack kit really saves your back during long days outdoors. But, don’t confuse this kit with an “ultralight” one…I don’t have the lightest gear, nor do I plan on it. - Value:
When you’re carrying less gear you put more value into each item that you pick for your adventures. You choose high-quality things that suit the work you’re intending to do. - Skill Building:
With a minimal haversack kit, you don’t have room for extras. So you learn to maximize each piece of kit to its fullest potential. Which, in the end, makes you a more skilled woodsman. - Less Hassle:
The kit that you’re seeing pictures of took me all of 5 minutes to pack up when I broke my camp down. With large 50L Backpack load-outs, it can take upwards of an hour to pack up. To me, I prefer less hassle and stress when I’m outdoors. - You Move Faster:
When carrying a lightweight kit such as this, you’re free to move and you can cover ground much more quickly. - Focus:
Even if you do have a luxury item or two in your kit, you’re no longer in the “glamping” status. Your focus is more traditional and in-touch with nature. And that to me is one of the most freeing parts of the outdoor lifestyle. - Contentment:
I cannot describe the feeling of contentment that minimalism brings. Whenever you are not burdened down my “stuff” you feel a million times better…It’s hard to describe until you do it for yourself.
Shown Above: Hidden Woodsmen Haversack and Condor Gadget Pouch (used as a first aid kit)
The Hidden Woodsmen Haversack
I chose to utilize the Hidden Woodsmen Haversack for this kit because of its overall design & layout. I like the nylon choices The Hidden Woodsmen made (not too light, not too heavy), it has an excellent amount of size adjustments in the carry strap, it features an axe sleeve, plenty of pockets and molle webbing on the sides for additional pouches.
One small adjustment to the Haversack that I would love to see would be for the front pockets to be gusseted, so they could expand if needed. I have found that they’re pretty tight and hard to get into with a full load in the main compartment. So, I have opted for carrying flatter items in them for now (stove lid, notebook, batteries for my camera, etc).
Pathfinder Canteen Cookset
The Pathfinder Canteen Set is at the heart of my haversack kit and it’s the set that I would recommend for these small loadouts. It is very well built, shaped perfectly to maximize space and quickly brings my water + food to a boil over a fire.
I carry the canteen in my hand while hiking. And stow the cup, stove, and lid in my pack (placing other necessities inside of the cup).
* a full review of the Pathfinder Canteen Cookset is in the works
CRKT Pack Axe
For this kit, I’m carrying the incredibly portable CRKT Pack Axe. I’ve not had a ton of field time with this little guy yet, but it fits perfectly on the back side of the Hidden Woodsmen Haversack. And so far, it has been a great performer for small chopping and carving tasks.
Due to its size, it’s obviously not going to be your preferred splitting axe/hatchet. But, with proper technique it does just fine for 2″ or so pieces of wood, so you’re not forced to baton with your knife.
* a full review of the CRKT Pack Axe is in the works
Crud Gjora Gloves
Attached to either my belt or haversack are my Crud Gjora Gloves. I do not go anywhere in the outdoors without a solid pair of leather gloves and these are simply fantastic.
Read my “First Look” at the Crud Gjora Gloves.
Tops Tanimboca Puukko
On my belt, I always keep a fixed blade knife. Leading into the Fall Season I will be thoroughly field-testing the Tops Tanimboca Puukko knife. I have been having a ton of fun with this knife so far and I cannot wait to keep using it + share more of my thoughts with you all.
* a full review of the Tops Tanimboca Puukko is in the works
Other Gear I Carry
The pieces of gear mentioned above are the main ones that ride on the outside of my pack, but I have managed to fit a well rounded amount of items on the inside as well.
- Fire Making Kit:
Fatwood, Firesteel, Vaseline Soaked Cotton Balls, Jute Twine, ExoTac TitanLIGHT, UCO Sweet Fire. - Possibles Pouch:
Spare Batteries, Compass, An additional fire steel, Worksharp Field Sharpener, Cotton Bandana and Toilet Paper/Dude Wipes. - Cordage:
100ft or so of Paracord with misc carabiners attached to it. - Shelter:
Paria Sanctuary SilTarp, Kammok Wallaby Hammock (it’s very uncomfortable and I’m looking for something new that’s still lightweight), Grand Trunk Tree Slings (love these). - Additional Cutting Tools:
Silky Gomboy (love it) and Tops Tanimboca Puukko (currently being field tested). - Food:
Mountain House Meal(s) and Beef Jerky. - Misc:
Recycled Firefighter Truckie Pouch, YNot Packing Pouch, Rite In The Rain Notepad.
Shown Above: Crud Gjora Gloves, Uberleben Kraftig 8″ Firesteel and Tops Tanimboca Puukko
More To Come…
As you can see above, a lot of the gear I mentioned is in the process of being thoroughly field tested. So, check back and follow me on Instagram if you’re not already to keep up with what’s going on.
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Read Next: Crud Gjora Gloves First Look • My Bushcraft Possibles Pouch
* Ethics Statement: The Hidden Woodsmen did not send me their haversack or have any influence over this article. All opinions, statements, and content are my own.
Shown Above: Hidden Woodsmen Haversack and Condor Roll-Up Dump Pouch
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Q&A: If you have any questions about the Hidden Woodsmen Haversack or anything else in this article drop me a comment below – I’d be more than happy to help!
Comments: What would you put in your haversack? Do you already own a Hidden Woodsmen bag? Let me know about it in the comments below!
