Bushcraft for beginners

In this post we will talk about starters gear and low budget solutions. Also the biggest mistake we all made in the beginning is carrying to much gear so this will be a guide to keep it simple, fun and challenging.

The 5 C ‘ s:

If you do some research then you will often read about the 5 c ‘s, this is a good Base to start from when going on an overnighter or just to carry in a day pack when out on hikes. That way you are always prepared.
The 5 c ‘s you need are very simple.
Memorise: container, cutting tool, cordage, Combustion device and cover. We will go over it together.
We start with the most important tool for crafting

1. Cutting tool :

Probably the most recommend knife in this case is the Mora (light my fire).
This inexpensive knife is a legend in the bushcraft community. It is a full tang knife so you can use it for batoning and splitting wood, it has a perfect scandi grind so that means that it is very easy to sharpen and learn to sharpen. Even if you would damage the blade really bad, there is no reason for tears because it is affordable to buy a new one. Don’t start with folding knives or rambo knives. These will limit your ability to do various tasks, there are lots of risk of getting injuries or simple destroy the knife.

2. Cover :

Something to sleep under, protection against the sometimes harsh elements. Being able to sit out of wind and rain will increase your pleasure out there. You can start with a very simple plastic cover. Go for something durable. Wind or sticks can damage thin plastic covers. I started with a green cover that normally is used in the garden. It didn’t cost me a thing. For those with some more budget, the DD Tarp is one of the favorites. They have multiple lashings so you could setup your tarp in many different ways.

Cover also means something to sleep under. I’m a big fan of wool blankets. Very affordable, flame resistant and a very good insulator even when wet. Ofcourse more heavy then a conventional sleeping bag.

3. Container :

You will need something to cary purified water in and something to cook in. I carry a clean canteen for water and I’ve been cooking for years on zebra Billy cans. I prefer a drink canteen that I can put in the fire. That way I can use both my containers at the same time for different tasks.

4. Combustion device :

Well if you go for the Mora knife then you might be interested in the bushcrafter model. This is equipped with a fire steel. In my experience the fire steels from light my fire are far out the best. It’s a great way to start fires in the woods. It asks some training but is very reliable and 1 steel can count for thousands of fires. If you never used it before, then take a lighter with you, preferably a Bic lighter ,these lighters are without a doubt the most reliable.

5. Cordage :

Cordage, because of cordage you can hang your tarp, hang cooking gear,  your backpack against a tree and so on. As you investigate more into bushcraft, you will quickly learn that cordage can be made out of diverse natural resources such as willow bark, nettles and my personal favourite, roots from spruce trees. Regardless the fact that you can find it in the wild, always bring cordage with you. Paracord is the most versatile in my opinion. It has multiple strings inside the actual robe. The strength of it is unbelievable. But if you are just starting out, just take something that is not to heavy. You are not going mountain climbing with it but just hanging your tarp and binding constructions together.  Always take back the cordage with you when you break up camp.

If you have these items, then you are set for adventure..

Some additional advice:

• Take in consideration that you always have a way to clean your water, I always carry some chlorine but my prefered way is cooking water. If you can provide yourself with water while camping out, then you will save lots of weight that you don’t have to carry in. Always prioritise water. It’s more important then food.
•  If you never made fires before. Don’t expect it to be easy. Bring a candle or some coton balls dipped in vaseline.
• Knife choice between carbon or stainless knives: carbon is more sensitive to rust and patina but is still a favorite amongst bushcrafters. Because with the right stone, you can trow of a spark from your knife and create fire. Stainless means stain less, it can rust but at a more slower rate. So less maintenance.
• Maintenance is very important in bushcraft. Take care of your gear so it can take care of you.
• Food will probably be a weight issue you have to consider. My first out, we took lots of canned food. Big mistake as it weights alot. Check for high calorie food preferably dried food that you have to mix with hot water. Also pancake mix, oatmeal and some tasty meat to put on the fire. My favorite is bacon and it doesn’t weigh a lot.

So, you have your 5 c ‘ s checked and you have some nice treats to start cooking. Go out and have fun. Be safe and respect nature.

If there are any questions or you want me to go into detail about something, just comment below.

Do what you like and do it often.
yours sincerely
Angelo Valkenborgh
http://instagram.com/becomingwildman