My passion lies in wilderness skills and inspiring others to venture into the woods, in order to embrace the wonders of nature by exploring bushcraft techniques.
If people are put off from experiencing nature in this way, I sometimes fear that it would be a great shame because bushcraft is highly beneficial and enriching.
The impression some people have of bushcraft is that it involves going into the woods with only a knife, sleeping in a makeshift shelter, and finding food. While these activities can be done with the necessary bushcraft skills, it can be overwhelming for someone with little to no camping experience.
Furthermore, I have noticed a significant increase in the popularity of specific clothing and gear related to bushcraft within certain communities. This also seems to discourage certain individuals who are interested in acquiring the skills of sourcing natural resources and minimizing their belongings through knowledge. Instead, they are being led to believe that they need to possess various leather pouches, a variety of costly personalized belt knives, along with a neck knife featuring an antler handle and an old-fashioned tinder box.
You can explore the world of bushcraft and make better use of natural resources with minimal equipment. Additionally, you can have a comfortable experience while immersing yourself in the natural world.
The purpose of this explanation is to outline the essential items and provide some reasoning behind them needed to start your bushcraft journey.
Leave no trace
The central principle of both bushcraft and the outdoors is to minimize environmental impact and ensure that no trace of your presence is left behind. It is important to be considerate of the environment and not disrupt the scenery for others, both during your stay and after you leave. Initially, beginners may make errors and need to discard initial attempts at creating items, so it is advised to use rational judgment in handling this situation.
Safety first
Before going into the forest, it is essential to have a good understanding of safe knife usage and other tools, as these play a crucial role in bushcraft. Taking courses on knife handling, tool usage, and fire-making would be beneficial, providing you with the necessary skills before embarking on outdoor expeditions.
Get permission
If you want to use land that is not open to the public, especially for camping, you must obtain permission. Not obtaining permission can lead to landowners taking measures, such as erecting unsightly signs and fences or even destroying trees, in order to prevent unauthorized camping. Additionally, misuse of access rights by a few individuals may result in the withdrawal of these rights for everyone.
Remember your hierarchy of needs
When embarking on your first self-sufficient adventure in the forest, it is important to prioritize your needs in the following order: shelter, warmth, rest, water, and food. Depending on your level of experience, you may have a variety of equipment, such as a cozy sleeping bag and a sturdy tent, to assist you in meeting these requirements. It’s important to remember that this adventure is intended for enjoyment rather than survival, so be sure to bring all the necessary items to ensure a comfortable experience as you develop your skills.
Observe your surroundings
The most enjoyable aspect of any adventure is the opportunity to engage with the natural environment, and this experience becomes even more fulfilling when you actively use nature to create a sustainable and self-reliant journey. Dedicate sufficient time to acquire and refine your skills, transforming the challenge of taking care of yourself in the outdoors into an exhilarating rather than burdensome endeavor. Keep in mind the importance of being attentive and taking moments to establish a connection with your surroundings.
General Purpose Cutting Tools
To undertake various skills, it is crucial to obtain cutting tools. However, you don’t have to spend a lot of money as there are affordable basic cutting tools available. For bushcraft, you will require a knife suitable for carving and crafts. A fixed-blade knife with a comfortable handle and a simple blade with a fine flat bevel is sufficient. In terms of size, a blade length approximately the width of your palm will suffice. The Morakniv 840 Companion is widely regarded as the standard entry-level knife for bushcraft and is known for its durability and reliability, offering great value for the money.
It is advisable to have a folding saw in addition to a knife as it is efficient at cutting across wood grain, which is helpful for tasks that a knife may not be suitable for. Saws are also generally safer to use than knives, minimizing the risk involved in certain tasks. The Bahco Laplander, which functions as a pruning saw, is highly suitable for smaller woodcraft jobs and firewood processing. This saw model is preferred because its blade is difficult to break compared to similar models, and the blade locks in both open and closed positions, reducing the chances of unintentional cuts. It can handle tasks of a similar size as your bushcraft knife, making the two tools a powerful combination that is lightweight and cost-effective.
Pocket Sharpening Stone
When you plan to go to the woods, consider bringing a small sharpening stone that can fit in your pocket. Bench stones are too heavy to carry, unless you enjoy carrying something as heavy as a brick. Although it is not essential for a single day trip since you can sharpen your knife at home on a bench stone, it is a good idea to have the ability to sharpen your knife while you are outside. If you dull your knife while outdoors, you will require a small whetstone. If you are going for an overnight stay or longer, it is advisable to have a small pocket whetstone with you on the trail. Remember the old saying, your knife’s sharpness determines your own sharpness.
Pocket First Aid Kit
When you pack your knife, another item you should make sure to have is a cuts kit. This is a small first aid kit that includes everything necessary for treating cuts that may occur while using your knife. It’s important to always follow all the basic safety rules when handling a knife, but accidents can still happen. Additionally, working with rough and abrasive natural materials, sharp plant fibers, thorns, and the possibility of minor burns from campfires make it wise to have a small first aid kit available. I suggest creating your own kit with items that you prefer and in the appropriate quantities. You can purchase these items from a local pharmacy or online. By doing so, you will have a well-stocked kit with higher quality items compared to most pre-made kits.
Firecraft
The deft use of fire is a distinguishing factor of bushcraft individuals compared to the general outdoor population. Fire is a crucial skill in bushcraft and serves as one of the most vital survival skills in various environments. While our ability to ignite and control fire sets us apart as a species, starting a fire in the wilderness can be challenging due to factors such as temperature, humidity, moisture levels in the ground, and even rainfall.
Sleeping Out In The Woods
You have the freedom to choose how you want to camp, including sleeping in a tent. Just because you sleep in a tent doesn’t mean you are not practicing bushcraft. In fact, in certain areas, even in the wilderness, sleeping in a tent is the preferred option. However, one popular method of bushcraft camping is sleeping beneath a tarp. Regardless of whether you sleep on the ground or in a hammock, a tarp is a reliable shelter that offers sufficient ground coverage for its weight in your backpack.
