Have you ever experienced the sensation of sitting alone in front of a blazing fire, surrounded by twinkling stars? Such an experience creates a unique feeling – a connection. This connection is accessible to each and every one of us, inviting us to embrace our untamed essence.
Even though we have control over our home’s climate and the convenience of home delivery, our detachment from the challenges of real life on Earth is a recent development. Nevertheless, by gathering around a fire, sleeping in basic outdoor shelters, or exploring untamed locations, we can reconnect with the essence of humanity that many of us have lost.
Bushcraft is the skill of reconnecting with the natural world, comprising a set of beliefs and abilities that enhance the appeal of the wilderness. The majority of individuals harbor fear towards venturing into the woods during nighttime, and some even experience fear during daylight.
According to Ray Mears, a highly influential figure in modern bushcraft, bushcraft comprises of the knowledge and physical abilities that one possesses.
If you are not a survival expert, you can still try bushcraft. Starting with small tasks is the most effective way to understand the fundamental principles and build confidence, while ensuring your basic needs are met. Here are some tips for beginners in bushcraft:
What is The Definition of Bushcraft?
Bushcraft is the learning and practice of wilderness survival skills, as emphasized by Ray Mears’ quote. It involves self-reliance within the wilderness and is characterized by a profound respect for the natural world.
It’s worth mentioning that bushcraft, as an activity, necessitates venturing out into the wilderness, which is not stated in the definition.
Leave no trace
The main principle of bushcraft and the outdoors is to do no harm to the environment and leave no trace. It is important to be considerate of others and preserve the scenery. It is essential that there are no indications that you have been present. In the beginning, mistakes may be made while attempting to create things, so it is advisable to exercise common sense in the process.
Safety first
To ensure your safety in the forest, it is crucial to have a good understanding of using tools, especially knives, as bushcraft heavily relies on them. Therefore, it is advisable to acquire proper knowledge of handling knives, carrying them, using other tools, and creating fires through specialized courses before embarking on any activities in the wilderness.
Get permission
If you plan on utilizing land that is not open to the public, it is crucial to obtain permission, particularly for camping. Numerous instances exist where land has been excessively used without authorization, resulting in landowners erecting unsightly signs and fences, or even destroying trees to deter camping. In severe cases, a few individuals abusing access rights could lead to the revocation of those rights for everyone.
Remember your hierarchy of needs
When embarking on your initial self-sufficient expedition in the forest, it is essential to prioritize your needs in the following order: shelter, warmth, rest, water, and food. Depending on your level of experience, it is likely that you will have ample equipment to assist you in fulfilling these requirements, such as a cozy sleeping bag and a durable tent. Keep in mind that this is intended for recreational purposes rather than a survival scenario, so ensure that you bring all necessary items to ensure a comfortable adventure and the opportunity to enhance your abilities.
Observe your surroundings
When it comes to adventures, the most enjoyable aspect is the connection with the outdoors. This feeling becomes even stronger when you not only immerse yourself in nature but also engage in sustainable practices to create a self-sufficient adventure. It is important to dedicate time to learn and improve your skills, ensuring that being on your own in the wilderness is thrilling rather than overwhelming. Remember to stay present and establish a connection with the environment around you.
Beginner’s Bushcraft Gear
According to Mors Kochanski, the Godfather of bushcraft, an individual with sufficient training can survive solely with the use of a knife.
In the beginner’s guide to bushcraft, it is crucial to consider certain essential gear. This gear serves two purposes – it allows you to practice and acquire new skills while ensuring your comfort and safety. As a result, it becomes a valuable metric to assess your progress in the future.
Survival Knife
If you have knowledge about the specific survival knife to bring and how to utilize it, the survival knife can be incredibly versatile and essentially fulfill all your needs in bushcraft.
In its right hands, a wide range of bushcraft skills can be practiced and survived with the help of this tool, but it should not be relied upon to do everything for you.
MORA, Habilis Tools, Pathfinder, and ESEE are among the top-notch bushcraft knife brands.
Folding Saw
In my opinion, a folding saw is an essential addition to your bushcraft survival kit. While some may argue that only a knife is necessary, I personally feel the need for a folding saw. When it comes to wood processing for splitting, I believe there is no tool better than a saw blade.
Woodsman’s Ax
The shorter woodsman’s ax is an incredibly useful tool, particularly when weather conditions are challenging and you require a large amount of firewood for sizable fires. It will serve as the foundation for your firewood processing.
Cordage
In order to successfully perform Bushcraft knots, it is crucial to possess some type of cordage for securing the knots. The top choices for cordage suitable for Bushcraft purposes are paracord and bankline.
Ferrocerium Rod
If you lack experience in starting a fire, make it easier by bringing a lighter in the beginning. However, if you wish to learn how to start a fire without a lighter or matches, also bring a Ferro rod along.
Small Water Filter
Before heading to the woods, make sure you are properly hydrated and carry water with you. Additionally, it is essential to come prepared with a small and uncomplicated water filter. Sawyer produces excellent filters specifically designed for this purpose, as they offer remarkable effectiveness.
My preference is to bring along a handpump filter, but the ultimate objective is to ensure access to fresh and clean drinking water.
Lightweight Sleep System
Carrying a camping hammock setup is preferred by me because the most effective bushcraft instructors comprehend the significance of sleep, valuing it over knife usage, fire building, or knot tying.
If your bushcraft shelter is exceptionally uncomfortable, make sure to have a hammock to retreat to, as they are incredibly lightweight and simple to assemble.
Mess Kit
At some stage during your bushcraft adventure, the necessity to consume food will arise. A basic mess kit containing a bush pot, a metal cup, and potentially a steel water bottle would suffice. Utensils also contribute to convenience.
