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My grandparents hired a hobo every fall for harvest in North Dakota! They spoke highly of this Hobo who came every year for seven years!

My uncle did time as a hobo after he got back from WWII. He was a mechanic and traveled from coast to coast. He became a wonderful role model for me and he became a great husband and father. His tales of traveling the rails never cease to amaze me. 😃👍

Our house backed on to tracks of a freight yard in the early 50s and hobos still occasionally stopped by our back door looking for chores that could earn them a meal. The ones I remember were fairly young. The one thing you didn't mention were the "bulls" or railroad security who tried to keep the box cars clear of trespassers. The original hobos in the thirties used the trains to ride from town to town looking for work. After WW 2 the hobos died out, because there actually was plenty of work and cops were not very sympathetic to unemployed vagrants. In the sixties a new kind of "hobo" appeared. With a duffle bag and guitar, I lived on the road for two years, hitch-hiking from coast to coast. Adults branded us "hippies". There were dozens of us on the highways and it was a golden time that I'm glad to have experienced. Hitching a ride was fairly easy in those times, so we seldom used trains. In larger communities the YMCA was about $3.00 a night for a bed, so whenever I landed a job that's where I stayed. I usually worked long enough to get a paycheck and then moved on. Sometimes I could earn enough by just playing my guitar on the street. Eventually I settled down and went to college, earning a BA. I was 25 before I married and started having kids. A family will tend to domesticate a person. I've been married 49 years and now retired in southern Arizona. Living on road is one of the fondest memories of my youth, but sleeping in a highway underpass in the rain is not something I would want to experience at my age. It was a different world then.

I remember, at age 14 I had a friend who was 16. As King of the Road was playing on the radio in his trailer, I asked him what he was going to do after High School? He said; I'm going to be a Hobo. I've never quit thinking about him.

Most people think a Hobo was a homeless bum, but I believe they were actually survivalists, especially during the Depression. I appreciate you bringing the true hobo to the forefront and showing what it took to survive on the road during hard times. I wish someone would make a movie about the life and times of hobos. You would be perfect for one of the roles by far! Thanks for sharing the knowledge you have obtained about the hobo lifestyle. Look forward to more of your videos.

The way things are looking now, hobos may be making a comeback.

I would highly recommend carrying a large tin cup or an Army canteen cup that the canteen would slip into for making and drinking coffee or at least a peach can modified with a wire bail. One of the handiest thing I carried in my knapsack was a simple pillowcase. It has little weight and helps keep clean shirts and socks clean, you can use the case and clothing as a pillow and feels much nicer on a wind or sunburned face while sleeping. You can use it as a poke for carrying anything you pick up along to tote back to camp. You can also use it as a towel if you bathe in a pond or creek. I got that hint from the diary written by a Federal Civil War solider. I found he was correct from my experience during very long fast marching on week long, hardcore campaign marches years ago.

My Grandpa was a hobo after WWII. I always loved to hear his stories. I’ve worked on the railroad for 32 years. Use to see hobos quite a bit in the mid to late 90’s not so much now. I always tried to help them out with crewpacks(a little pack that had toilet paper, some hand cleaners, paper towels, and a bandaid) some bottles of water and maybe some info on what train was going where. Most of them were cool but some were a holes!

We called them Swagmen or Swaggies here in Australia. Their canvas bedroll was called a Swag - length of canvas, blanket or 2, soft items, length of rope to carry - the song Waltzing Matilda tells the story of a Swaggie carrying his Matilda (the swag) as he walks from town to town.

Never really road the rails. But hitchhiked all over the US. Been to 48 states. Sometimes I worked, sometimes I didn't, it was all about the freedom. Did this in 1999 to 2019. Now I live in a house with my girlfriend where we have a garden and thankfully live in the mountains. Awesome video my friend

I bet a lot of people don't realize how organized Hobo Gear was.

Interesting video 👍😊 I am from Sweden, my great grandfather was forced to leave home when he was 14 because his parents could not afford to feed him and other things. He went on the roads and lived like a hobo. In Sweden they are called ”Luffare”. He worked mainly as a lumberjack in different places. I could listen to his storys for hours and hours. Thank you for a great channel 👍😊💯

Finally someone explained the word to me [German], thank you! We still have Hobos, they're young, travelling craftspeople who just finished their professional training as carpenters and such. To send them on 3 years of "Walz", as it's often referred to, ensured new blood in far away villages - and skilled workers of course. So the concept still very much exists and I think today you could call them work&travel folks! Anyway, thanks a ton, your videos rock!

As always, great video James. The saying “Jack of all trades, master of none”, has a very important ending that is for some reason always left out. Maybe because truth hurts? “A jack of all trades is a master of none but oftentimes better than a master of one.” Keep up the good message James. Godspeed.

I remember my grandmother telling me bout feeding Hobo’s off her back porch, excellent video, thanks James

I used to travel a lot while I was in the military and later. You need to carry everything you will need to survive, but not enough to be a target. There is a fine line there I know, but it's important. Never flaunt what you have, but try to be generous when you can.

Another Blogger stated: "the more you know, the less you need"! Seems the Hobo's knew what they were doing. One of my men was getting out of the army, I ask him what his plans for the future were. He told me he was going to be a hobo and not worry about anything. Then he said: "have you ever seen a hobo that did not have a smile on his face". I wished him the best of luck and have thought about him often. I have to agree with him, because giving away my last possession was the most liberating feeling I ever had. Yes, I drive a car and live in a house, but I own nothing, am free to walk-away anytime I please, with zero emotional, financial obligation or grief.

Nice! Puts me in mind of something I saw a ways back. It was an article on hobo signs and symbols. These would be left in innocuous spots to tell others what they might expect in the town or village just up ahead, Friendly folks who gave handouts, and jobs and the other end of things mean dogs, railway yard men, and tough cops. There was an alphabet too, as I recall. These might make a good video too.

That was an interesting video.

James, your videos of "Life on the Tracks" (aka Hobo Life) refresh memories of my early childhood. As a youngster during & after WWII, our family often lived close to railroad tracks & for several years near a big railroad switching yard. As part of a Hobo's Tool Kit, I do not recall your mention of FRICTION TAPE. That was the black, sticky, cloth-backed tape used for repairs before the days of plastic electrical tape & Duct Tape. That would be a useful addition to anyone's kit in those days. You always do a SUPER job in your presentations, allowing us to step right into whatever period of history you are portraying. As an 82 year old youngster who still considers himself an "Old Schooler," I see the Hobo Pack as more than a survival kit, Bug-Out-Bag; the Hobo Pack is really more of a "Mobile Daily Living Kit." Thanks, and may God bless you!

I'd think a hair comb would be another item that you might find in a hobo's pack. Another great look back into our history. Thanks for sharing.

I have been minamilizing my life for the last 5yrs. Traveled and worked out of a subaru and then a truck. Lived on a boat for a while. I Have been trying the hobo life this summer in Washington. I have learned alot from you videos dude,thanks for the knowledge my friend ✌💚

This may sound macabre to some, but the first dead person I ever saw was a HoBo who had tried crossing the rr tracks ahead of a train in Sheffield, AL and didnt make it! I was 9yrs old and witnessed it with my school friends! First & only time I had seen a person explode from such an impact! We used to see Hobo's all the time up there, getting on and off trains near the Nabisco plant. TV always portrays the Hobo as a bum and filthy, these Men were more like what you are referencing in your video Jim! Thank you for another interesting video!

Loved this! So many things in that small bag - it was like watching Mary Poppins unpacking that carpet bag! 🥰. God bless the world’s hobos - not an easy life 🙏

Awesome video!!! I've worked for a class 1 railroad for nearly 30 years and was never introduced to this historical knowledge. What a shame! I HAVE, however, bumped into a modern day hobo on rare occasion, always at night and it was clear that I scared them as much as they scared me. They were always polite and simply asked if I knew which way that train would go. Unfortunately, I was never much help in that regard - but I also never turned them in.

Giving the people what they want and need. A simple life in complex times. Can't wait for more.

I'm from Germany, so I wasn't really familiar with Hobo culture (I don't think we had Hobos, I only heard about them from the US). In fact I didn't even know what a Hobo was exactly. Thank you for educating me about this fascinating piece of history.

Oh, what a nice video. My dad was born in the 40's, and he always considered himself a bit of a hobo. He actually was for a while, even thought it was after the main period. Even in later years, he always had a bag of things, as if he were ready, and probably longed, to hit the road. Your harmonica rendition of Swanee River was just lovely. Brings back a lot of memories.

My Grandfather was a 'Bo for a few years in the 30s. He later served in the CCC as a cook. Because of this experience, when WW2 came around, he became a cook in the Army. Needless to say, he had some amazing stories to tell!

I find the similarities between modern "bug out bags" typical military personal loadouts, and what a Hobo would carry remarkably similar. This Hobo life skillset is something I never thought to look into while setting up and/ or preparing for when SHTF

I remember seeing hobos when I was a kid. Love the series

Would love to see a series, similar to your 1700s story series. Traveling from town to town using this gear and showing the way of life for a hobo. Thank you for the fantastic content and historical knowledge behind it.

In the early and mid-80s when I started avidly thrift shopping in very low priced non-profit shops, I would find shoe shine boxes, rolled up leather bags and other things that had these exact items in them. And maybe a little bit more sometimes, as if someone had this kind of set up in a humble home or cabin. But yes I found a lot of sets that were just like this. I'm 61 years old and grew up in a town that was behind times, around many old timers, in the mountains of Western North Carolina, so I was skeptical when I clicked on your video but I vouch that it's very legit! I wished I had had a home where I could, as some people I know of have, keep kits like to hold onto history & people's lives and stories... like a small museum in my home!

Another fascinating history lesson regarding hobo’s, thank you. I worked at the RR in the 2000’s as a conductor/engineer and I don’t ever remember seeing any hobo’s. However, we would see quite a few young people who would “appear” after we yarded our trains.

The cooking pot with rice and beans in paper bags is a good shout that I wouldn't have thought of for a pack. Thanks 🙂

I'm surprised they didn't carry some kind of tarp to use as ground cover or for rainy nights. I REALLY love learning more about time when life was different, and adventure was everywhere! Thanks James!

I used that model pack for my entire boy scout career 1968-80, had a nice aluminum frame. Held bunches or gear. Loved it

Recently someone online said hobos, bums, tramps, and drunks were the same thing. After watching these videos i was able to educate him on the topic in detail. This is the channel that i get most of the items for my bug out bag from. I'm excited as today is my birthday and i get to do exactly as i want and watching this is one of them, this channel is great for history nerds for myself and brings me a lot of joy.

there is still an active hobo culture around the world and around especially in the us, they are mostly anarchists, do street music, or use their skills to work wherever their path or rather the last freight train takes them. I follow and met quite a few of them and really admire the amount of freedom their lifestyle provides.

Thank you James for a reminder of a simpler way of looking at life and survival. I always appreciate your videos. Please continue them.

Great information. My grand father hopped a train in Texas and worked in California in the early 40's. Thank you for giving me a glimpse at some of the things he might have carried back then.

Great gear! My dad rode the rails for a while, around 1930. Must have been rough.

My pre-Depression great-uncle played the harmonica in a small band of friends after his retirement from teaching. He carried his harmonicas in every key in a big bag and people would take turns giving them rides to their gigs. My grandfather and his brothers helped build the railroad locally. I'm not a hobo, but being from Hurricane Country, I'm very interested in minimalist backpack gear that still leaves you ready for anything. And I respect the wisdom of history. So thank you for this.

My grandfather (probably in the late '50s) moved the family to large developing centers and worked there for years before moving again for another developing city. Came a point where he couldn't find a steady place to move to, so he "Hoboed" it his way: weeks at work and weekends at home, he did some train riding, hitch-hiked for a while and finally ended up hiring someone close by as an assistant foreman so he could get a lift. He liked fishing, but not sleeping outdoors...

The vintage camping/hobo videos are my favorites! Thanks for making these.

Thank you dear brother ❤ I have to tell you that when my son who is now 21, once told me that he wanted to be a hobo ❤ I thought that was pretty cool!! 👍 He was pretty young when he told me this! Guessing he was watching videos like yours ❤ Also, my father who was born in 1916, rode the rails to go west during the Great Depression. Not sure if he was a hobo or not. I do know that he could do anything and everything and he was very intelligent and such a hard working man!! I remember his stories he told about how my grandma and grandpa could not afford their 4 kids. He was told either to get a job or leave. Of course there weren’t any jobs then. I sure miss my dad 😞 I do thank you so very much for all of your hard work and knowledge that you pass along to all of us ❤ God bless you my fellow Buckeye!

Man I love UKposts. The stuff you can just randomly learn is amazing. Thanks from 🇬🇧

Shared this on my FB friend's news feed which will attract many of his hobo friends to the channel. I hope it helps and leads to many more people supporting the channel

Thank you for your clear and honest (and truthful) definition of "hobo." Anybody that gets it right is good in my book.

Internet is amazing, I woke up today knowing absolutely nothing about the hobo culture and history

This is fascinating. Keeping some of the history alive, which otherwise would have been lost. Well done.

I'm not looking to become a habitual hobo, but I've been fascinated with their way of life also. Honestly, hopping just one ride is on my bucket list. Where it takes me might make a long walk home.

I grew up one block away from the tracks. My mom fed Hobos or let them shower for chores done or repairs to the house back in the 50's in Oakland and us kids always jumped on empty box cars moving out. It's too dangerous to trust anybody now these days.

We are all Hobo's life is a journey some of us are tied down to homes but... Life is still a journey.Happy Trails...

My second time recommending an episode about the hobo symbols, my grandad, retired Southern Pacific Railroad, said they had a whole system of communication.

Louis L’amour’s book, “The Education of a Wandering Man” talks about his time as a hobo and a merchant seaman. Long before he wrote his first novels.

What a simple life to have James. However, I am sure it wasn't all that easy. I appreciate that you do your homework on the hobo life. Impressive harmonica talent as well...is there anything you can't do! Take care!!! : )

Thank you for another amazing video James, always a pleasure to watch the content you put out.

Your content is really really unique and I enjoy it very much. A lot of channels do hiking, outdoors survival, primitive survival, but none really do anything on hobos. I really enjoy your content.

Nice tribute to the lifestyle that taught us the beauty of simplicity on the road. Beautifully done!

Cool video, always cool to see the gear and complete the mental picture of what it would have been like. This reminded me of when I used to watch Stobe the Hobo's videos. RIP Stobe.

As a trades man and a long distance walker, I can relate to this very much, I feel like I might of enjoyed the great depression, as the speed of life intensifies. Love the video very interesting 👌

Been watching mr hobo shoestring ever since I found him on mr jawtooth’s channel. He is expert modern hobo. My father in law came to America from Italy in the Gr depression and I imagine he had his times. Drove trucks, dug the midtown tunnel. Amazing how men in those times roamed around and a lot just stay put today. Love your videos, especially since I love history and old antique things.

Once again, another great and informative video! It's nice to see some history as well as survival tips that are still useable today. Thanks again!

The coffee bean can and the belt strap for the cook pot are great ideas.

Outstanding video! Great education! I was just back in southwest Virginia, and was reminiscing my teenage adventures with my wife. I used to jump trains coming out of the depot and ride them several miles up the track before jumping off in a cow pasture. Always wanted to take a hobo style trip, but never got beyond that short adventure. God bless you man!

Oh yeah! A great way of life! Id love to see this come back again.

What a fun video to watch. If I had a choice between that set up and a modern one, I would definitely want that hobo gear. Thanks for putting this together!

Many Thanks Jim !!!

Really enjoy these vids. Thanks for sharing James

You show a lovely dedication for documenting this gear. That make this stuff not only historic but poetic. Great work.

James, you’ve put together another amazing video. You’ve managed to take us back in time when life for many in this country was hard. Some men found themselves drifting from place to place, making do with what they had or could scavenge. Many migrant workers traveled as hobos. Some hobos were just wanders. Willing to work or not, these people found themselves adapting to their situation and surroundings. Here in your video, you’ve covered the most basic items a man might gather if he found himself homeless and wandering as a hobo. How interesting it would be to learn more about the minimalist lifestyle of these men. A step back in history, presented in a very authentic way. Thank you for your commitment to keeping your videos as real and informative as possible. God bless. - Tennessee Smoky

God Bless You James, have you ever attended the National Hobo Convention in Brit, Iowa if You haven't, please go some year. You'll have a great time there. Really enjoy all Your videos. 🕊🙏🐟🎣

I remember my grandfather telling stories of hoping trains looking for work during the depression. He said at some towns people would meet the trains and tell the men to go away because there wasn’t any work. And sometimes paid them a little to leave on the next train.

I love this French army canteen set! It has been my go-to canteen set for years!

I actually have experience in this fascinating culture. His name was Jack Fry and he taught me how to thrive as a hobo. I was just on my way to pick apples in Washington state where we met near a railway station. Got to learn how to travel the railways and make hobo stew- from garbage. In reality he was only interested in getting drunk, but actually came up with a meal that I did not partake of. He traveled light. I did not. Was he a bum? Probably. But still, I learned a few things. To be clear I do not recommend learning in this manner.

Very Informative…thanks

My grand father was a hobo. Thank you for the information and inspiration 🍀🍀🍀

Thank you so much for this. I'm preparing a modern version PAC for when things get bad, I'm packed up and ready to go.

Excellent. Couple more thoughts: smoking pipe, Bible, letters/correspondence“secretary” a small revolver. You did mention a tarp. Often hobos had 2 pair of shoes. Walking stick. Eye glasses. Work gloves. Baling/longshoremen hook. Thermos. Overcoat. Sweater. Haversack exclusively for food. Whiskey flask. Deck of cards. Jaw harp. Pocket watch. Fingernails brush & scissors. Tooth powder. Shoe polish/rag. TP. Witch hazel. Casual reading book. Folding, brass, Civil War era lantern.

Awesome vid!

Jack of all trades, master of none, but still better than a master of one... Great content, Thanks for sharing.

Fantastic kit! thank you for showing your marvellous pack.

Supposably the word hobo came from the term 'homeward bound' after the Civil War when soldiers were traveling to get all the way home from the battlefields. So it's funny that now it means not having a home?

Pretty freaking kool.

Thanks for the videos and sharing your knowledge and experience. I get a lot of enjoyment from your work. Keep up the great work.

I think I'll look up more of this Hobo history. Thank you.

I love your hobo videos. Let us know if you ever have a hobo course at your school.

Interesting history distinguishing the hobos from the tramps & bums. I've watched all your hobo videos and am curious how many people today are by definition, hobos

Going through that tool bag brought me back to playing with my grandpas tools as a kid, it’s great how simple and rugged tools were

Great video, James. Again, with many ideas that I can implement into mine and my wife's bags. Thank you and God bless.

Good evening from Syracuse NY brother

I was homeless for 2 yrs . I had alot of similar gear

I found it interesting about wanting to look presentable for jobs; shave kit, toothbrush, etc.. I know people today who are well off and we refer to them as hobos because they look scraggly and unkept. It goes without saying, if you take care of yourself and look 'presentable', you'll go further. Whether that means getting a job or simply getting some food. People treat people differently if they are 'kept'.

Hobos are still the lifeblood of a lot of countries. Always respect them

How about a deck of cards for when they were settling in the evening at the hobo jungle

Nice

This reminds me a lot of what I call my go-bag. The idea is a bag that has most everything I need to grab it and go and be away from home for a long weekend. Either to visit friends/family or to take an impromptu fishing trip or just to hit the road and explore. There's little if any food that I carry, though, since there are convenience stores and grocery stores readily available everywhere I go and I'm not living rough. Mine also includes modern items like a charging cable, plug and power cell for my cell phone.

Fascinating. Another piece of history brought to life.