What is Bushcraft Camping?

A bush is required for describing an area of wild country. It is a completely remote area with little or no habitation. Bushcraft is the use and thorough practice of skills wherein you can acquire knowledge for learning how to survive and thrive in a natural habitat.

Some famous bushcraft skills are tracking, hunting, purification, firecraft, and water sourcing. It also involves the knowledge of handling tools such as axes and knives.

One should also know to tie different knots for different purposes. Some famous types of knots are improved clinch knot, clove hitch, snare noose, and reef knot.

What is the main difference between Bushcraft and survival?

Survival and Bushcraft are very distinct from each other. If you look at these two from a technical standpoint, they have much in common. However, in a broader sense, both are different.

Survival is when you make ends meet or struggle to survive. On the other hand, Bushcraft is when you enjoy in a remote location.

What are the tools required for Bushcraft?

Bushcraft is all about living simply yet comfortably and to achieve this, one will need some bushcraft tools. The list of tools that every beginner should use is many.

One should always remember that there is nothing wrong with bringing high-tech items as a backup, as they will help you stay comfortable. You can rely more on bushcraft tools as you gain skills and become even more experienced.

Following are some bushcraft tools:

Blade

You should have a knife or a blade when you explore the wilderness, as it is the ultimate survival tool. Many people who Bushcraft will even say that you do not need anything but a knife. You can also use a knife to make many of your bushcraft tools using a knife.

Blades are not only useful for survival, but they are also crucial for Bushcraft. Thus, a huge part of your bushcraft tool budget will also go towards it.

Bushcraft axe or Hatchet

Starting a fire and building a shelter are two main needs of a bushcraft axe. The ergonomic design of the axe reduces its weight and improves its grip for long-haul use. The material of the axe is also hard, making it excellent for heavy-duty work.

This axe will be useful for building shelters, shaping logs and chopping firewood. A splitting maul is the type of tool that has been specifically designed for downward-swinging chops, and it is rendered useless for any side-swinging movements.

Saw

A saw is used for clearing brush, cutting branches for a shelter, cutting firewood, and much more. Many people who regularly use Bushcraft prefer saws over axes, as a saw tends to be much lighter and easier to carry.

One is less likely to damage the surroundings when you use a saw instead of an axe. The folding saw is one of the most practical multipurpose tools in the bush.

They are lightweight, and they do a better job than knives. Also, they are compact and easier to carry in your backpack.

Firestarter

Whenever you go for a fire starter, it is recommended to go for a Flint-based fire starter as it is the one that makes intense sparks with minimal effort. There are different ways of starting fire without a lighter. You can also make a fire plow or a bow drill.

Flint and steel are the standard bushcraft fire tools. You should take some precautionary measures before starting a fire. It is good to have a dry tinder as a backup in case the situation worsens.

Canteen and pot

A canteen and a pot is very important for your survival as purifying water becomes mandatory. It literally means boiling water in a pot, and after you have purified water, you should be able to transport it.

You can transport this water using a canteen which is durable. A bushcraft is also better suited for cooking meals.

Clothing

The backpacking clothes are usually made from high-tech synthetics. On the other hand, bushcraft clothing makes use of natural fibers. You should also use fur-lined clothing just in case the weather turns cold.

Many backpackers also include bushcraft pants in their clothing necessities as they are durable and comfortable and can help you survive in the most challenging weather conditions.

Compass

A compass is the most important item in the survival gear list. You can simply lay your compass on the map and line up its edge with a landmark that is known to you.

There are different types of compass available in the market, and you should lay your hand on the best and the most reliable one.

One thing to be mindful of while you buy a compass is adjusting it for accounting the difference between true north and magnetic north, as, by default, the needle in your compass is pointing to magnetic north!

Shovel

Having a shovel is important as it can prove to be a great addition to the adventure camp. It is used for cutting away the vines and digging the land for recreational purposes! It is also used for burying waste as it keeps the animals away!

It is something one needs during winter for building shelters or making drainage ditches near your shelter.

Knife sharpener

It is very important to sharpen your bushcraft knife. You should sharpen the knife on a sharpening stone, thus, the bevel is lying flat against the stone.

After ensuring that it is lying on the stone, you should move it in small circular motions on the blade. It is your job to make sure that both sides of the knife are sharpened equally.

Final words

Camping in the hills completely surrounded by nature, far away from the chaos of the world, can be one of the greatest experiences in life.

While you pick a site and start pitching tent, you needed to learn the skills which are related to camping/bushcrafting such as planning and organizing thing for creating the best camping experience.

Preparation is everything when it comes to setting foot and exploring the outdoors!