Creating a bushcraft toolkit from scratch
Creating a bushcraft toolkit from scratch is often essential for providing the best and safest experience in the wild. Each kit should include a set of basic tools and equipment that will be useful everywhere, but also some tailored pieces of equipment specific to where you are going.
1. Understanding the Purpose of Your Toolkit
A bushcraft toolkit is more than a collection of tools—it’s an extension of your knowledge and skills. Before building your kit, think about your bushcraft priorities and the environment you’ll be in. Are you in a forested region where cutting tools are essential, or an area with water sources that may require purification? The answers to these questions will guide your choices.
Essential Components of a Bushcraft Toolkit
A solid bushcraft toolkit generally includes tools for shelter building, fire starting, food preparation, and navigation. Here’s a breakdown of the core items for each function.
2. Cutting Tools: The Backbone of Your Toolkit
Knife
A high-quality bushcraft knife is one of the most important items in your toolkit. Choose a fixed-blade knife with a full tang (the metal extends through the handle), which adds durability. Knives with a drop-point blade and a sharp, easily maintained edge are great for tasks like carving and food preparation.
Axe or Hatchet
For larger wood processing tasks, such as cutting down small trees for shelter or splitting wood for fires, an axe or hatchet is essential. Choose a lightweight model with a strong handle, ideally made of hickory or another durable wood, to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Be careful not to go too small and light, as the weight of the axe head will determine its hitting power.
Folding Saw
A folding saw is invaluable for cutting through branches quickly and efficiently. Saws are especially useful in areas where you need to clear brush, cut branches for shelter, or harvest wood for fires without needing the power of an axe.
3. Fire Starting Tools
Ferrocerium Rod (Ferro Rod)
A Ferro rod is a reliable fire-starting tool that produces sparks even in wet conditions. Strike it with the back of your knife or a dedicated striker to create sparks and ignite your tinder.
Waterproof Matches or Lighter
While traditional bushcraft emphasizes primitive skills, having waterproof matches or a lighter as a backup is a wise choice. These tools can make fire-starting easier in challenging conditions, such as in wet or windy weather.
Tinder Box
Creating fire requires good tinder, which isn’t always easy to find in the wild. A small, waterproof container with prepared tinder, like cotton balls coated in petroleum jelly, birch bark, or char cloth, ensures you always have dry tinder on hand.
4. Shelter Building Tools
Tarp or Emergency Blanket
A tarp is one of the most versatile shelter materials in bushcraft. It can be used to create a variety of shelter types, from simple lean-tos to more complex structures like an A-frame. Choose a lightweight, durable tarp that’s easy to pack.
Cordage
Cordage, such as paracord or natural fiber ropes, is essential for setting up shelters, securing gear, and crafting tools. Aim to carry at least 50 feet of paracord, which is strong, durable, and versatile.
Tent Pegs
Lightweight tent pegs are helpful for setting up tarps and other shelters. They’re particularly useful when the ground is too hard or rocky to improvise with sticks. Aluminum or titanium pegs are both strong and light to carry.
5. Water Purification and Storage
Water Filters or Purification Tablets
Safe drinking water is a priority in bushcraft. A compact water filter, like a straw-style filter or a portable pump filter, is useful for most environments. Alternatively, water purification tablets can effectively eliminate bacteria and viruses, making natural water sources safe to drink.
Metal Container for Boiling Water
A standard metal pot is always useful, but metal flasks that you can put on a fire and boil the water inside are much more convenient.
(Sometimes you might only need a few things depending on where you’re going)
6. Navigation Tools
Compass
A quality compass is essential for finding your way in the wild. Choose a durable compass with clear markings and a sighting mirror, which can also be used for signaling. Learning how to read a compass is a valuable skill that will increase your confidence in navigation.
Map
Always carry a detailed map of the area you’re exploring. Laminated or waterproof maps are best as they can withstand tough outdoor conditions. Make sure you know how to read the map and use it in combination with your compass.
7. Food Gathering Tools
Fishing Kit
A compact fishing kit with hooks, lines, and lures is a great addition to your toolkit. Even if you don’t plan on fishing, having the option to catch fish is going to be useful in a survival situation.
Snare Wire
Snare wire is useful for trapping small animals if you have the knowledge and skills for this type of food gathering. Look for lightweight, flexible wire that’s easy to work with and strong enough to hold small game. To save space you could skip this one and just take extra paracord.
Field Knife or Small Game Processing Knife
A smaller knife dedicated to food preparation and game processing is always useful. Look for a knife with a thin, sharp blade for detailed work.
8. Additional Essentials
First Aid Kit
A basic first aid kit tailored for bushcraft includes items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and pain relievers. Consider adding items specific to the environment, like insect bite cream if you’re in an area with high numbers of insects.
Multi-tool
A multi-tool with pliers, scissors, and screwdrivers can be invaluable for gear repair, crafting, and handling delicate tasks. Look for a sturdy, compact option with minimal weight.
Headlamp or Flashlight
A headlamp is ideal for hands-free work after dark, whether you’re setting up camp or reading a map. Choose a headlamp or flashlight with a red light mode to maintain night vision, and carry extra batteries, or choose a solar-powered option.
(It’s important to have the essentials in a quick access position)
9. Packing and Organizing Your Toolkit
Now that you have your tools, it’s time to pack them effectively. Organizing your toolkit for easy access to the field is essential. Here are some tips:
Pouches and Compartments: Use small pouches to separate different categories of tools. For instance, keep fire-starting tools in one pouch, cutting tools in another, and first aid supplies in their own kit.
Easy-Access Items: Place the most commonly used items, like your knife, ferro rod, and map, in easy-to-reach locations.
Tool Maintenance: Maintain your tools regularly. Clean your knife and cutting tools after each use, sharpen blades as needed, and check that your fire-starting tools are functional.
10. Bushcraft Skills to Complement Your Toolkit
Having a well-stocked toolkit is only part of the bushcraft equation. Bushcraft is a skill set that requires hands-on experience. Here are a few essential skills to practice regularly:
Firecraft: Practice starting fires with different types of tinder and fire-starting methods.
Shelter Building: Experiment with various tarp shelters and natural shelters like lean-tos and debris huts.
Water Purification: Practice filtering and boiling water in your metal container.
Navigation: Learn to navigate using only a compass and map, and try to find your way back to known points without GPS.
Food Gathering: Practice fishing with your kit and learn how to identify the most common edible plants.
11. Safety Considerations and Leave No Trace
When building and using a bushcraft toolkit, safety should always be your top priority. Cutting tools can cause serious injury if not used carefully. Always cut away from yourself, wear gloves when needed, and keep first aid supplies within reach. Don’t place large bladed items anywhere they can swing, such as dangling an axe from its handle off your backpack, and make sure all blades have covers or sheaths.
Additionally, bushcraft is about living in harmony with nature. Follow Leave No Trace principles, which encourage respect for natural habitats and careful use of resources. Avoid damaging plants unnecessarily, pack out all waste, and respect local wildlife.
