Whether you call it “Fieldcraft”, “Woodsmanship”, “Camping Skills” or “Bushcraft”, it all falls under the same group – Having fun and adventure in the great outdoors!
Bushcrafting & Survival Skills go hand in hand with each other, enjoy your journey!
Your “Bushcraft Adventure” might be as short as an afternoon hike or much much longer. Prepare accordingly and you’ll have a much better time.
Bushcrafting is a huge topic, I am putting the basics here under one heading and as the section grows I will branch out to special dedicated pages for more detailed information.
- Carrying Gear, Packs etc.
- Comms – Whistles, Lights & Radios
- Cookware, Cooking & Meals
- Fire & Fire Making
- First-Aid Supplies
- Flashlights & Headlights
- Knots & Ropework – See the main page link below
- Orienteering & Navigation
- Shelter – Hammocks, Tarps & Tents – See the main page link below
- Tools for Bushcrafting
Carrying Gear, Packs etc.
Bushcrafting for the day or going on a longer trip, you’re going to have to carry a few things!
- Hang Your Pack Like a Pro
- Day Packs
- Framed or Frameless Rucksacks & Backpacks
- Haversacks
- Utility Pouches
Learn how to hang your pack like a pro! Here’s 2 short videos that will help you do this!
First up, installing a quick release, “Siberian Hitch” on the tree.
Secondly, installing a toggle with a “Marlinspike Hitch” to actually hang your pack from.
Day Packs
Who doesn’t have a “Day Pack”? Even little kids have one for their lunch! Get a good “Day Pack”!
One of the best features about a “Day Pack” is the ease with which you can remove a few exterior items and you have a “Stealth Pack”, you can roam around in an urban area and it just looks like a normal pack that everyone has! Combine this with a small grocery bag and it just looks like you have some groceries!
On the opposite end of the spectrum have you ever seen a “Rucksack” or a “Backpack” that didn’t scream “I Have Gear in Here” ?
Framed of Frameless Rucksacks & Backpacks
For the more serious bushcrafter, something to carry a bit more gear than a hiker needs.
This my first trip out with this pack. It will change considerably in the coming weeks.
I switched out to the Rucksack so I could prep it accordingly, here’s the video where I briefly touch on the topic of switching over to the Ruck.
Haversacks
Once you’ve built your camp or established a base, you may not need to take all your gear to explore your world. A haversack allows you to carry a few items you might need.
Utility Pouches
Always handy, ready to be transferred from your pack to your belt as needed.
The whole “Survival Gear Industry” is littered with choices or pouches. I suggest that you just get something then upgrade from that point when you find a problem with what you have!
This surplus U.S. Army butt pack is a great size for me! Uses Alice clips to hold it onto anything you want!
Put it in your pack when you think about it, along with a list of what you have!
Mike
Comms
Comms or Communications if you prefer are the combined ability to signal or communicate with others what you want! Make your own signals if you prefer. One whistle might mean “Here I am”, Two light flashes might mean “OK to proceed”, A radio transmission might say, “The water is cold” which means, “I’m at the river crossing”. Coded or encoded comms are essential to learn.
- Whistle Comms
- Light Comms
- Radio Comms
Whistle Comms
Whistle comms can work when noise isn’t a problem!
Light Comms
Light signals can work great when noise is a problem. Also used to attract attention when rescue is needed.
Radio Comms
My preferred method of comms by far! Further range than whistles or lights in a lot of areas and much easier to use. Could include any of the following:
- FRS/GMRS
- MURS
- CB
- Ham Radio
- HF Radio
- Commercial Marine Radio
- Commercial Aviation Radio
- Commercial Land Radio
I use Baofeng VHF/UHF Radios, fully programmed and simple.
These radios are cheap and easy to use.
FRS Radios & Frequencies work well over short distances, what more do you need?
Mayday, mayday, mayday, I’m lost and I’m hungry!
Mike
Cookware & Cooking
Let’s face it! You must eat & drink! You need a few simple tools to get this done. Add tools and the possibilities expand!
- Cookware
- Stoves
- Utensils & Cutlery
- Water & Water Filtration
- Recipes & Food Ideas
Cookware
It’s all fine & dandy to think that you’ll just roast everything on a stick over an open fire, until you need to boil something! Get yourself a good cook set, maybe consider adding a canteen cup and a couple stainless steel water bottles and you’re all set!
Cast iron is nice but it’s not the best choice for bushcrafting!
Stoves
There are many different stoves on the market. Alcohol, tablet, pressurized gas, liquid fuel or twig stoves! Depending on the “Fire Regulations in your area you may or may not have a choice of what to use.
I have an MSR “Multi-Fuel” liquid fuel stove as well as a twig stove but may have to add a small propane stove to the mix! For “Car Camping” I have an older “Coleman” Camp Stove!
The Canteen Stove might just be all you need?
This was my first “Test Burn” on my twig stove! Works great!
Less than 3 minutes to boil water! WooHoo! Excellent!
Don’t forget about “Coleman” camp stoves, they’re not really for “Bushcrafting” but for camping in general they work great! Here’s one of mine I tested recently!
Utensils & Cutlery
You don’t need much! Just something to stir, turn & eat with!
Water & Water Filtration
An ability to filter & purify water so that it is safe to drink is critical! There are good filters on the market or you may like to use chemical methods. Easiest method is boiling! Best of all you also have containers to carry the water in after you have boiled it.
Learn how to filter & purify the water you drink! Water is a priority! Get some good water containers! These 2 Liter water bottles are great for your clean water!
Recipes & Food Ideas
I like to “Pre-Cook” & Freeze as much as possible so I can eat well when I’m out! The length of your trip and the method of travel may determine what you can take & how much! Consider the following:
- Just add water mixes, like pancakes or biscuits
- Canned & Fresh Fruit & Vegetables
- Dried Foods
- Powdered Drink Mixes
- Easy Meals like soups or noodles
- Easy snack foods like Nuts & Bars
- Foraging, Fishing & Hunting are on the menu as well
2 Cans of Fruit Cocktail, half a loaf of Banana Bread & a bag of Cheetos will get me through most of the first day!
A Good Meal Can Make All The Difference!
Mike
Fire & Fire Making
It will keep you warm, boil your water, cook your meals, signal your friends & keep you company! What more do you want?
- Fire Methods
- Fire Tools & Gear
- Misc. Info
Fire Methods
Fire can be started by many methods but some of them are not that easy and you may need many hours of practice! Fire by friction, Char-Cloth & Fire Steel, Magnifying Glass or chemical reaction are just a few methods. Find ones that work for you and practice!
Fire Tools & Gear
Have multiple methods of making a fire, it’s more important than you might think!
My primary fire method is a “Bic Lighter”, my secondary method is my “Ferro Rod with Magnesium Bar”.
I keep these few things rolled up in a hanky at the bottom of my pack where I know they will always be safe! Spares go in the pockets in case the pack goes missing!
Misc. Info
Carry some tinder to get yourself going in an emergency!
Learn to make Char-Cloth and add some to your kit now!
Here’s a short video on my attempt at “Char-Cloth”
You can use your ferro rod to ignite the char-cloth which in turn can be used to ignite your tinder bundle!
The Test!
You can watch me ramble on for about 23 Minutes here in a Youtube Video that’s on my Alternate “Hobbies Hobo 2” channel, where more of my “Bushcrafting” stuff is also found! haha
I recently found the perfect fire kit container at a local thrift store! A metal pencil box, just big enough for the fire kit and good for making Char-Cloth if needed!
If You Don’t Have Fire, It’s Probably Because You’re Dead!
Mike
First Aid Supplies
You need a first aid kit, you’re going to get injured! Start putting a first aid kit together right now!
- Bandages
- Compresses
- Slings
- Tourniquets
Your first aid kit doesn’t need to be big, make sure you have one!
You’re going to need a first aid kit, I guarantee it!
Mike
Flashlights & Headlights
Having a good Flashlight or Headlight can make your life in the bush much easier, it get really dark out there!
- Flashlights
- Headlights
- Weapon Lights
- Signal Lights
- Chargers
Who knows, you just might need a light to look around the back of your vehicle for something!
I have Flashlights stashed all over the place but my “Go To” is my Headlight as shown below!
Get yourself a good charger so you can keep these tools charged up and ready to serve!
If You Don’t Have Fire, then all you have is moonlight!
Mike
Knots
Jump to the main page for “Knots & Ropework” right here ….. more
Knots & Ropework are a huge part of Bushcraft, I’m making it a “Sub-Page” of the whole Bushcraft topic! You can go directly to the full page of “Knots & Ropework” clicking the link right here ….. more
To “Know the ropes” still means you know what to do! It’s a sign of skill and experience! Learn the basics and the rest will come easy!
- Basics & Terminology
- Knot Tools & Jigs
- Stopper Knots
- Bends
- Hitches
- Friction Hitches
- Loops
- Specialty
- Fishing Knots
- Webbing
Jump to the main page for “Knots & Ropework” right here ….. more
Jump to the main page for “Knots & Ropework” right here ….. more
You Don’t Need to Know That Many! Just Pick The Ones That You Need!
Mike
Orienteering & Navigation
- Maps
- Compasses
- Pace Counting
- Tools for Nav
- GPS
- Software
Maps
Maps are best consulted before your adventure. You don’t need any special expensive maps just find some that cover the basic info you need and have them with you.
Maps can and often do include the following:
- Topographic Maps
- Marine Charts
- Aerial Photos
- Google Maps
- Handmade Maps
Compasses
There are many good orienteering compasses available today. Pick one you like and practice using it!
This is a “Silva Ranger”, no longer offered however it works fine and I know how to use it well!
I also have a small button compass installed on my watchband, more for “Urban” navigation in cities I am unfamiliar with, it will help in the bush if needed as well.
I also keep a couple spare compasses in other kits because they are cheap and valuable to have!
Sometimes it’s as simple as knowing “If I walk in this direction for a given distance, I’ll find the road”!
Pace Counting
Pace counting is an important part of orienteering & navigation in general. You can build or buy a dedicated “Pace Counter” or you can easily use field expedient methods as shown below.
My current pace count is 72 paces per 100 meters on flat ground with a small pack. I use 2 strings to keep track of my pace count. One side is for 100 meters, the other side is for Kilometers. I use knots to keep track. As long as I keep count of my paces I should have a good idea of how far I have travelled.
Pace Counting is more commonly used to tell where you are in relation to where you were. This way you can always return to your starting point if needed.
Tools for Nav
Pens, pencils, rulers etc.
Coming Soon!
GPS
Don’t underestimate the value of a good hiking model of GPS receiver. Keeps track of most info you will ever need, waypoints, routes, tracks, distances etc.
Software
Trip “Pre-Planning” is part of bushcraft! The more you do ahead of time the less you’ll have to worry about once you’re in the bush! I use an old software program called “Ozi-Explorer” for my trip planning but there are many others available to you.
Check out Ozi Explorer, it’s fun to use! – Opens in a New Tab! – “Click Here for More“
I am not affiliated in any manner with Ozi Explorer, I just like using it!
Good Old Map & Compass Stuff!
Mike
Shelters, Hammocks, Tarps, Tents & More.
- Hammocks
- Tarps
- Tents
- Improvised Shelters
- Pegs & Stakes
- Ridgelines
It’s all here folks, have a look on the main page for “Shelters“, right here ….. more
Hammocks are another option to consider depending on where you need them.
Tarps are my preferred shelter method, I have 2 nice tarps, One 9.5′ X 12.5′ Guide tarp & One 9.5′ X 9.5′ Aquaquest Defender! Not to mention a various selection of small cheap tarps!
See the main page for a detailed look at “Shelters” right here ….. more
Tents are pretty good too! Don’t forget to look into tents too!
See the main page for a detailed look at “Shelters” right here …… more
Now it’s time for me to “Tune Up” my tents, I have 2, they haven’t been used in many years and they do need a bit of love right now! New Stakes, Guy-Lines, Footprints etc.
See the main page for a detailed look at “Shelters” right here …… more
Warning! You Are Going to Freeze Your Fucking Ass Off.
Mike
Tools for Bushcrafting
- Knives
- Multi-Tools
- Saws
- Machetes
- Hatchets & Axes
- Shovels & Trowels
- Hammers
Knives
This Grohman Belt Knife is my favourite general purpose camp knife.
The Buck #103 Skinner is a great knife for hunters that is heavy enough for “Batoning Firewood”.
Bonus Info! Bonus Info! Bonus Info!
A more detailed look at the Grohmann/DH Russell Belt Knife and it’s recent clone made by Cold Steel!
This video is “Unlisted” on the Hobbies Hobo 2, YouTube Channel.
YOU CAN ONLY WATCH IT HERE FOR NOW!
This video is a little bit longer and I mention some unpublished information about it’s Canadian Military Usage! Enjoy!
Video #3, from September of 2024
And following this is the Second video I made for the main Hobbies Hobo, YouTube Channel without all the extra information. NO Music! Enjoy!
Video #2, from September of 2024
In case you missed it here is the FIRST video I made for this knife, complete with all the crappy background music! Haha. It’s on the main YouTube Channel! Enjoy!
Video #1, from April of 2021
Here’s a Grohmann Belt Knife on display in the “Search & Rescue” section of the Comox, BC Air Force Museum, shown below!
Note: Leather thong I mention in my detailed video above has been removed from the sheath and reinstalled on the knife!
See the Grohmann Knives website right here – more
See the Cold Steel website right here – more
The Buck #103 Skinner is also a great knife for hunters that is heavy enough for “Batoning Firewood”.
Multi-Tools
No matter your choice, a multi-tool is a valuable piece of fieldcraft equipment! I have many and they are all good. Here’s a look at a couple in my kits.
Either one is a great choice, find one you like and add it to your kit!
Saws
Small saws found on multi-tools and folding knives are handy but you may want to add a bigger one which will be handy for camp making and firewood!
Check with your local hardware stores to see what they have for small camp saws or better yet “Pruning Saws”, find one you like and you’ll be glad you have it one day!
Machetes
Machetes are best used on soft wood but there are places where this is a “Best Choice”! Do some research and find one you like, they are cheap!
This “Ontario Knives” machete is like a hybrid of a full machete and a hatchet, it’s heavy but great for many jobs you might run into while in the woods!
Hatchets & Axes
Hatchets & Axes have there place, you should add one to your kit for heavy work. Get yourself a good Axe File & Stone as well.
Shovels & Trowels
Shovels seem to have lost favour with many bushcrafters but there are many good choices. For digging fire pits, water drainage around the camp, clearing debris, there are many uses.
This is my “Glock” shovel, it works and it has a root saw built into the handle!
Hammers
Safer than an Axe or a Hatchet by far! Too heavy for hiking but as part of the vehicle kit consider these. Camp building and shelter construction just got a little bit easier!
Happy Bushcrafting!
Mike