For many, bushcraft is a challenge, not about how much gear you pack, but about how little gear you can carry and still survive in the woods
It is a pursuit of minimalism, hingeing more on the skills of the bearer than his or her gear. With that said, here is a list of some of the most basic bushcraft gear you should carry.
Knife
While there’s a lot of bushcraft gear you could get away without, a knife is not one of those things. You will want a stout fixed blade, something like a camp knife, with a thick, comfortable handle, a full tang, thick blade stock and a blade between 4 and 6 inches long.
With this tool you will be able to construct shelters, clean game and fish, prepare food, start fires, and much more. It is far and away the single most piece of bushcraft gear on this or any list.
Folding Saw
Some minimalist bushcraft fanatics will pass on the saw, but at the same time, a saw is much more efficient at cutting across grain than a knife, which makes a saw useful for making tools and structures.
Hatchet (Optional)
You can do with a good, stout fixed blade what you can do with a hatchet, up to and including splitting small rounds and taking down small trees. That is why some bushcraft extremists forgo the hatchet. But if it was vital enough for George Washington Sears, AKA Nessmuk, to carry, you should at least consider it.
Bandana or Shemagh
A bandana or shemagh has a whole lot more uses than would appear at first. You can craft bundles, pillows, blankets and more from a bandana or shemagh, and they can be used for gathering as well, among 101 other uses.
Protective Clothing
While most lists of bushcraft gear would omit these because they are obvious, it’s critical that you don’t go into the field without appropriate, protective gear. This includes sturdy boots along with clothing that is appropriate for the conditions you expect. Textiles are one thing that would be pretty hard to make in the field.
Fire Starter (Optional)
Many who practice bushcraft for fun will carry a fire starter of some sort, such as a ferrocerium rod, waterproof matches, or a lighter, but others will rely on primitive methods of making fire, such as friction methods. With that said, it’s beneficial to be prepared with some backup fire starters.
Paracord (Optional)
Purists will omit paracord, because they will make their own cordage in the field from plant fibers or whatever else they can scavenge. However, paracord has lots of uses in the field, such as constructing tools and shelter. The inner fibers can also be used as floss, stitching thread to make repairs, fishing line, and more.
A Small Aluminum Pot or Pan
Hardcore bushcrafters can make their own vessels from clay, but for most of us, carrying a small aluminum pot or pan is a lifesaver because it not only enables you to cook, but to boil water, rendering it safe for consumption.
Compass
Lastly, you’ll want to carry a compass, if not some other tools for navigation and orienteering. A compass can help you figure out where you are on the map.
Where to Get This and Other Bushcraft Gear
Here for basic bushcraft gear? Visit CH KADELS. They carry the basics, covered here, along with a whole lot of other specialized and unique equipment and tools. Check out their website and bookmark their page. You’ll want them in rotation when you need to prepare for a trip afield or need to stock up.
For more information about Survival Manuals and Water Filtration Systems Please visit: CK KADELS
