In order to survive in the woods for an extended period of time, possibly weeks, in challenging conditions, it is necessary to learn a few crucial bushcraft skills. It is certain that unexpected obstacles will arise, and in the worst-case scenarios, even death may be a possibility. Thus, it becomes crucial to have the appropriate skills. Assuming that everything will turn out fine is not a viable solution as the nature of the situation cannot be predicted. To effectively handle survival challenges in the wilderness, it is advisable to acquire and practice these bushcraft skills.
What Is Bushcraft and How Will It Help You Survive
With a step-by-step approach, you can discover that all your needs are provided by Mother Nature. You just need to determine the locations of these resources and gain the knowledge of how to utilize them.
Bushcraft, also known as “wilderness skills,” is centered on utilizing resources found in the natural environment in order to survive. This set of skills encompasses activities such as creating fire, searching for food, following tracks, setting traps, hunting animals, and constructing shelters using basic bushcraft equipment.
When SHTF, learning and mastering bushcraft skills will inevitably be beneficial.
In the event of a major disaster, it should be considered that numerous modern conveniences will no longer be available. The absence of essential services such as electricity, food supply, access to clean water, functioning sewage, and internet connectivity will result in a significant breakdown of the current society, leading to a state of chaos.
If individuals want to survive, they will need to either acquire knowledge of traditional methods or face death. As a prepper, it will be necessary for you to acquire skills such as fire-making, food scavenging, water purification, shelter construction, and tool creation using whatever limited resources you can find.
By acquiring a strong set of bushcraft skills, you can acquire the knowledge to endure in a temporary emergency situation and also become self-reliant in prolonged circumstances. After becoming proficient in these skills, you will be capable of instructing others.
Essential Bushcraft Tools
In order to engage in bushcraft, it is essential to possess the appropriate bushcraft tools. Here are a few fundamental items that should be included in your inventory:
Knife
Without a sharp and sturdy knife, it would be impossible to engage in various bushcraft activities such as making fire, setting up shelter, hunting and preparing food, carving other tools, and completing numerous other small tasks.
One often uses a bushcraft knife that is both durable and has a fixed blade. When a knife has a full tang, it means that its steel extends completely through the handle, which reduces the likelihood of it breaking or getting damaged.
When considering the safety and reliability of knives for tasks like woodworking, folding knives, although portable and useful for everyday carry, may not be the most suitable option. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for a fixed-blade knife. Additionally, for various bushcraft tasks, a knife with a drop point and either a flat or Scandi grind is highly recommended.
Bushcraft Axe
Coming up next in our lineup of essential bushcraft tools is the inclusion of an axe.
This item has the ability to perform tasks that your knife is unable or should not perform, such as chopping down and removing branches from trees, cutting and dividing large pieces of firewood, and constructing a permanent shelter.
Similar to a knife, an axe blade can be crafted from high carbon steel or stainless steel. Additionally, it is not necessary for a bushcraft axe to be the largest or longest.
Most bushcrafters prefer using smaller, lighter axes that can be easily stored in a backpack due to their convenience and ease of carrying. These axes can also be operated using just one hand. However, it should be noted that larger axes with heavier bits have better wood penetration capabilities albeit requiring more energy to swing.
When choosing this bushcraft gear, it is important to consider sharpness as another significant factor. An axe that is considered ideal should be able to maintain its sharp edge even after being used and subjected to rough treatment.
An essential element for ensuring a solid grip and effective chopping is a hardwood handle that is ergonomically designed.
Bushcraft Saw
Not all bushcrafters choose to carry axes, as some enthusiasts opt for a folding saw for woodworking due to its lighter weight and easier portability. Moreover, this tool allows for precise and straight cuts in the wood, making it advantageous for constructing durable shelters that can endure various weather conditions.
Saws are more efficient because they require less energy to cut through wood and provide higher output within the same timeframe. Requiring less effort allows for additional time and energy to be allocated to other essential survival tasks.
Firestriker
A firestriker is the final item that we consider essential for bushcraft.
Fire strikers, also known as ferro rods, have the capability to ignite fire by means of friction. In contrast to lighters or matches, fire strikers remain functional even when wet, and are efficient at any altitude without requiring fuel. Furthermore, fire strikers are simpler to use in comparison to flint-and-steel fire-starting devices.
Essential Bushcraft Skills
Build a Shelter
Exposure to specific elements in the wilderness can harm your health. Heat strokes and hypothermia can result from rain and wind. Constructing a shelter based on your surroundings and available materials is important. In the scenario of being stranded in an uninhabited location without any resources, gathering dried leaves and a few wooden sticks can be used to create a spider shelter. Utilizing natural resources for shelter is a more environmentally friendly choice.
Start a Fire
Starting a fire in wet or rainy conditions can be quite challenging. Use friction to generate heat and ignite the fire. If you lack the necessary materials to initiate a fire, acquire the skill of creating a bow drill from sticks. Nevertheless, mastering this technique requires extensive practice.
Navigation
When you are lost in the wild, finding your way out is one of the most important survival skills. Nowadays, GPS and maps are easily accessible due to technological advancements. However, the real challenge arises when you do not have these options available. In such situations, being in the woods and having lost your way, it is crucial to utilize alternative navigation tools. By observing the natural phenomena like the north star and the sun, you can determine your direction accurately. If you remain uncertain, continue moving downhill until you come across a creek or a river. Once you find one, begin following its path.
Look for edible plants
When it comes to surviving in the wild, food is not a top priority for most people. While individuals can go without food for a couple of weeks, the lack of water poses a greater challenge, particularly in harsh conditions. Nonetheless, food remains vital for providing the energy needed to survive. Going without food for several days can weaken your ability to carry out necessary survival tasks. Therefore, it is important to start identifying edible plants. It is equally crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of plants, as some can be poisonous.
Fishing
In addition to seeking out edible plants, having the ability to fish is also crucial for survival. Hunting, on the other hand, can be challenging without a proper weapon. Fishing, however, offers more convenience as there are various techniques to capture fish without requiring any equipment. For instance, if there is a plentiful supply of fish but the water is shallow, spearfishing with a stick is a viable option. Using a fabric, creating a makeshift tool with a piece of bone, or using a hook are all suitable methods for fishing.
Finding water
As previously mentioned, it is impossible to survive without water for an extended period of time. If you happen to be in an abandoned location, locating water might be challenging, but there are solutions. When you manage to find water, make sure to purify it prior to drinking. Utilize a metal container and fire to boil the water. Additional methods for purifying water include sedimentation, distillation, and others.
