Explore nature with Bushcraft - A guide to basic skills

Spending time in nature has a unique ability to refresh the soul and provide a break from the busy everyday life and blue screens. Bushcraft, an art that combines survival skills, natural crafts, and a deep connection with nature, is a perfect way to connect with nature on a deeper level. But what exactly is bushcraft?

What is Bushcraft? A Definition

Bushcraft is a collection of skills and knowledge that focuses on surviving and thriving in the wild by using what nature has to offer. It's more than just survival; it's about thriving and flourishing by developing an understanding of nature, utilizing resources in a sustainable way, and creating a deep connection with the surroundings. 

Basic bushcraft skills

1. Fire/flames:
   • Fire is the heart of bushcraft. It provides warmth, protection, and the ability to cook food.Explore different techniques for starting a fire, including using sparks from flint and steel, bow drill, sunlight, and matches. Understand material selection, ignition processes, and maintaining the fire through wind and rain.

    

2. Shelter:
   • Creating shelter from natural materials is not just practical, it's an art. Learn to build sturdy shelters and lean-tos by utilizing trees, leaves, and branches. Discover how to place them to avoid wind and moisture, and achieve comfort in the embrace of nature.

    

3. Food and Water:
   • Bushcraft involves understanding the edible gifts nature provides us. Learn to identify edible plants, mushrooms, and insects, as well as techniques for hunting and fishing. Explore ways to prepare and preserve food, and discover how to find and purify safe drinking water.

    

4. Tools and Equipment:
   • Modern tools are not always available in nature. Therefore, it's important to master the art of making your own tools. Learn to make knives from stone or flint, bows and arrows for hunting, and fishing hooks from natural materials. This not only gives you practical skills but also a deeper understanding of materials and their applications.

    

5. Navigation and Orientation:
   • Navigating in nature without GPS is an art that can give you a deeper understanding of your surroundings. Learn to read nature's signs, including the movement of the sun, the stars, terrain, and markers. This will help you find your way and feel more connected to the natural world.

    

Benefits of Bushcraft

Bushcraft not only equips you with the skills to thrive in nature but also teaches you to respect nature and gives you a deeper connection to it. The experience of setting up camp, preparing food from nature, and navigating without modern aids, provides a sense of independence and confidence in your abilities.

Sustainability and Respect for the Environment

A core value in bushcraft is sustainability. Learn to utilize nature's resources in a way that does not harm the ecosystem. Respect for nature is a focus. 

Bushcraft Equipment

However, you can still purchase equipment that simplifies and improves life in nature. Such equipment takes up little space in the backpack and usually does not weigh much, making it easy to carry on a trip.

Below you see recommended bushcraft gear with us and all bushcraft gear can be found here.