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The Perfect Bushcraft Kit

The Perfect Bushcraft Kit

Bushcraft is, in fact, all about crafting what you need, and while there is plenty of overlap with survival and other schools of thought within the wilderness skills realm, at its core, bushcraft is about the mental tool kit that you bring with you versus the gear. Of course, it can be argued that the ultimate bushcraft kit is the primitive skills people around the world use to survive. While far from comprehensive, this list would include knapped stone blades, various friction fire methods, foraging, and shelter building. However, for the purposes of this post, we're going to explore the "Perfect Bushcraft Kit" through the lens of modern equipment with plenty of references to respected authors and practitioners.

Cutting

Let's start with the obvious. Most bushcrafters, or those interested in bushcraft, list a knife as essential equipment, and we couldn't agree more. While the particulars might come down to personal preference, we think the "ideal" bushcraft should be able to meet a couple of requirements. For starters, the knife should include a comfortable handle that's effective in multiple grips for different cuts. The grind and blade geometry should lend itself to detailed and clean cuts. That's why we suggest a small to midsize knife with a neutral handle paired with a blade that includes a thin edge and steel that's easy to sharpen to a keen edge. The Scandinavian grind is arguably the most popular in the world of bushcraft, but flat, saber, and others also work as long as they're easily sharpened.

The Mora line includes a wide variety of bushcraft knives, and the company can trace its roots back over 400 years. Many of their knives feature oval wooden handles that are great for carving, crafting, and even culinary tasks. Of course, there are countless great companies making custom knives out there. Here are some of our favorites from Blade Show.

Beyond a knife, a saw or ax is a great addition to your bushcraft kit. Not only will it help you preserve the edge of your knife for more detail-oriented cutting tasks, but it will also allow you to process larger pieces of wood for fires and projects. The Silky Line of saws fold, and the company offers replacement blades with various teeth to meet your cutting needs. If you opt for an ax, you find a vintage one to restore or pick up one from a reputable brand. A good ax is truly a heirloom item that will last for generations if it's properly cared for.

Water

Water is a must-have, and if it's for drinking, that water should be clean. Your bushcraft kit should include some sort of water container, plus a way to boil it for purification and cooking purposes. A stainless bottle is a great start. You can carry water in it, use it to boil over a fire, and use it to brew medicinal and warming teas. You can add an additional pot or kettle to your kit to expand your capabilities.

Another common choice is a canteen and cup. These fit nicely into a bag or can be worn on the hip, and this makes for a great combo for bushcrafters covering miles in the wilderness.

Cordage

Knots and lashing are an essential part of bushcraft. From rigging tarps and hammocks to lashing pack frames and shelters, a solid knowledge base of knot-tying skills serves you well. Speaking of a bushcrafters mental toolkit, knowing how to supplement your stash of man-made cordage, but it's still worth carrying some high-quality options.

Paracord can be broken down into the inner strands, and the exterior sheathing is still plenty strong. You can also use the smaller Micro Cord options if you feel they're rated to handle the task you have in mind. Of course, we can't forget Tarred Bankline. This old stand-by is strong, holds knots well, and you can carry hundreds of feet wrapping up in a hank that will fit in your pocket.

Shelter

Even if you only plan to start with short outings, some sort of shelter should be included in your kit. A poncho is a great option that can be worn as rain gear and pitched as an overhead shelter in a variety of ways. If you're venturing out with friends and family, a larger tarp can provide head coverage for a group.

Along with your poncho or tarp, a quality space blanket or a heavier-duty reflective blanket will provide comfort and keep you safe in emergency situations. The regular space blanket packs down small, fits in a pocket, and can be used to wrap up in or as a heat reflector to get the most out of your fire.

The heavier-duty versions don't pack down as small, but they're more durable and easier to reuse. They can serve as a ground cloth to keep you dry when you're sitting or sleeping on the ground, and for overnight trips, you can wrap one over your sleeping bag or blanket to reflect more heat as a rudimentary bivy.

Fire

Last but certainly not least, fire is a huge part of bushcraft. Beyond the atmosphere, it provides warmth, a way to heat food and water, and you can even incorporate it into projects if you're bending or hardening wood. Fire-starting methods vary widely, but the ferro rod seems to be the most popular these days. Ferrocerium rods can be struck with the back of a knife or a dedicated striker to create a shower of sparks that ignite natural tinder or a premade firestarter.

Another option with a bit more historical context is the flint and steel kit. This method requires you to keep some char material on hand to catch the initial spark from striking the flint with the steel. The most common is char cloth, which is exactly what it sounds like: a charred piece of cloth. However, charred natural materials, like cattail fluff and punk wood, work exceptionally well. This method requires some planning and prep, but often times, the ember on char cloth will be hot enough to light feather sticks and other prepared materials when a ferro rod struggles.

Of course, the classic bow and hand drill methods are the most primitive ways to start a fire. With experience and knowledge, you can gather your materials from the land, but having a dedicated set is common practice.

So with that, we've covered almost everything you need for bushcraft: a knife and maybe a saw or ax, something to carry and preferably purify water in, some cordage for projects and shelter, some overhead coverage, and a fire-starting method. However, there are two more things that are very important. One we've already mentioned is a skillset of how to use these tools in conjunction with the materials in your environment to not only survive but thrive and make other items that increase your comfort in the wilderness. Your mental toolkit can also explore more specific skill sets like foraging, trapping, and carving. The other is just as important, and that's some inspiration on what to craft and build. You can start small with a carved toggle that can be used in conjunction with some cordage to hang your pack. From there, you can craft a pack frame, fire reflectors, benches for camp, spoons to use or gift, and countless other items. The world of bushcraft is rewarding and expansive, so don't get paralyzed by the decisions on what you really need. Gather a few basic tools, get out there, and start enjoying the wilderness while expanding your capability and skills.

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