Have you ever experienced the sensation of sitting alone, in complete solitude, in front of a fire beneath the stars? This experience evokes a certain feeling within us. In fact, it creates a connection. It is a connection that each and every one of us can establish with the more untamed aspect of our human nature.
Despite the fact that we have the ability to control the climate within our homes and have access to delivery services for virtually everything, we have only recently distanced ourselves from the challenges of everyday life on Earth. Nevertheless, when we gather around a fire, spend the night in a modest outdoor shelter, or explore unfamiliar untamed locations, we can reconnect with a sense of our shared humanity that many of us have forgone.
Bushcraft is the skill and belief system that allows individuals to reconnect with nature, making the wilderness a more welcoming environment. It should be noted that many individuals experience fear when it comes to being in the woods, both during the day and at night.
According to Ray Mears, who is considered one of the most influential figures in contemporary bushcraft, the essence of bushcraft can be summed up as the knowledge and physical capabilities that one possesses.
I believe that’s pretty accurate. The focus is less on equipment and more on the abilities you possess to endure and flourish regardless of what resources you have available.
WHAT IS BUSHCRAFT? AND WHAT’S SURVIVAL?
To me, bushcraft is the skill of being able to safely and independently spend time outdoors, utilizing the resources that nature provides. Although we may initially rely on man-made tools like a bushcraft knife, for me, the essence of bushcraft lies in minimizing our equipment. By intentionally simplifying our gear, we are able to fully connect with nature as our attention is solely directed towards the immediate surroundings.
If we were to consider it step by step, we could explain that bushcraft can be likened to camping, although it is not as comfortable. Furthermore, as our skills in bushcraft improve through activities such as foraging for food, we become less reliant on man-made tools.
Bushcrafting involves the deliberate choice to engage in outdoor activities and derive pleasure from them, distinguishing it from survival which solely focuses on staying alive. Survival skills become essential when faced with scenarios such as being stranded outside after an accident, as they teach me how to exist in outdoor environments without jeopardizing my life. Nevertheless, my primary objective during such situations is to return to civilization as swiftly as I can.
WHAT BUSHCRAFT GEAR DO I NEED?
Here are a few crucial items that make up an essential bushcraft kit:
- A bushcraft knife, but more about that in a minute.
- Protection from the rain, such as a tarpaulin.
- Thin cord such as paracord.
- A compass to help you navigate.
- A bottle for drinking water. One litre is the minimum. If it’s hot, or there’s nowhere to refill it, you’ll need more.
- A water-repellent, robust backpack that’s big enough.
- A first-aid kit (and you need to know how to use it).
- Hard-wearing outdoor clothing. Hiking clothing is fine for your first bushcraft trips, as long as it provides enough protection from the weather and cold.
- Waterproof hiking or trekking boots.
If you are not an absolute beginner, spending the night outdoors requires the following items in addition to basic bushcraft gear, provided you are experienced and knowledgeable.
- A tarpaulin that’s big enough to cover where you sleep. And a tent if the weather’s bad. And anyone seeking more comfort and who doesn’t like insects, could take a hammock.
- A sleeping mat (a foam version is more robust than inflatable ones) and a sleeping bag (one with man-made fibres is more practical than one filled with down).
- An electric lamp.
- A folding saw for timber.
WHAT’S THE BEST BUSHCRAFT KNIFE?
The knife is an essential tool for bushcrafting as it serves multiple purposes. It is not only utilized for cooking but also for activities like carving, sharpening pegs, and starting fires. It is crucial for a bushcraft knife to possess a fixed blade as folding knives may lack durability and could potentially cause harm if the blade were to unexpectedly retract.
For those who are new to bushcraft, I suggest starting with a Menoceras knife, which has a total length of 15 centimeters. The knife’s blade should either have a flat grind or a Scandi grind, and its shape should enable you to cut various objects efficiently.
When beginning your bushcraft journey, there is no need to spend a large amount on a bushcraft knife, as they can be quite expensive. However, it is important to select a beginner-friendly knife that is of good quality. These types of knives usually cost approximately 150 euros.
Making fires in the wild is prohibited in most countries for a valid reason. If you plan to have campfires or use camping stoves on private property, you should obtain permission from the landowner beforehand. Additionally, it is crucial to be extremely careful when dealing with outdoor fires. It is important to refrain from making fires during extended dry periods as the risk of wildfires significantly rises.
BASIC BUSHCRAFT SKILLS
The heart of the practice truly lies in bushcraft skills. The core skills listed below will serve as the foundation on which your bushcraft experience will be developed.
Knife Skills
There are multiple ways in which a quality survival knife can be used. Primarily, it serves as a cutting tool. Nevertheless, it can also function as an excellent carving tool, and the pommel can be utilized for material smashing or processing.
In order to ensure your survival, it is crucial for your knife to possess a spine that forms a 90-degree angle, as this feature enables it to effectively strike a Ferro rod.
If you don’t have an ax or any other cutting tool for firewood, your knife can also serve as a batoning blade to process firewood.
