Bushcraft gear can be the difference between living or dying in the wilderness. If you are lost and need to survive, it is important that your gear is reliable so you can get back home safely. If you’re new to bushcraft, finding the best bushcraft gear can be difficult because there are many different types of bushcraft and survival products on the market. In this Beginner’s Guide to Bushcraft Gear, we’ll cover everything you need to know about picking the best bushcraft gear.
Bushcraft Gear You Need in 2023
When preparing for a bushcraft trip, you’ll need the perfect bushcraft gear in order to survive. If you want to be prepared for anything, then you must have essential bushcraft tools that can help with survival, such as fire-making and building shelter. Here is the best bushcraft gear that every beginner should have:
Fire Starter Kit
A fire starter kit is an important piece of bushcraft gear and can help you start a campfire easily. You can buy a complete bushcraft fire starter kit or make your own. A basic fire starter kit should include some matches, waterproof tinder, and a tin case for them.
Knife
A bushcraft knife is more than just a blade and handle. It has many uses such as preparing food, carving wood to make fishing hooks, stakes, protection and even starting fires. To choose the best bushcraft knife you should consider its qualities like the hardness of the metal, and length of the blade. Read our guide to Choosing the Best Bushcraft Knife – 5 Tips for Buying Bushcraft Knives for more information.
Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife
Starting at $22.49
Tarp
A bushcraft tarp is an essential item for any bushcraft and survivalist gear. It can be used to create shelter, offer sun protection, and it can be used in other ways like as a stretcher or to collect water. The best bushcraft tarp will be durable, waterproof, compact, and lightweight. Make sure the tarp is made of a durable material that holds up well against rain, strong winds.
Compass
A compass will help you navigate in case you lose your direction and lead back to safety, which makes it another piece of essential bushcraft gear for beginners. Along with a compass, it’s always a good idea to bring a physical map of the area in which you’ll be camping or hiking.
Silva 2.0 Guide Waterproof Compass
Starting at $26.99
Survival Hatchet or Axe
A quality survival hatchet or axe can be used for many different tasks and is a must-have in the bushcraft gear arsenal. Bushcraft and Survival Hatchets are great examples of how versatile and useful bushcraft gear can be; they will help you build shelters, cut wood, shape branches into arrows or bows, and more.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is a must for any bushcraft trip. A basic first aid kit containing painkillers, bandages, and antibiotic ointment should cover most minor injuries.
What are the essential tools for Bushcrafting?
While there are a lot of different tools you can pack, there are some essential bushcraft tools you should pack every time. The essential tools for bushcrafting include a knife, a shelter, and a fire-starter.
Luxury Bushcraft Gear
Now that we’ve covered some of the best bushcraft gear you should have, it’s time to share a few luxury bushcraft gear products. These are “nice to have” bushcraft items that make certain aspects of bushcraft a little easier. They should not be considered as essentials if you’re trying to minimize your gear and weight.
Hammock
A hammock is one of the best pieces of equipment for any camper or hiker because it’s lightweight, compact, and easy to find a place to hang one. Usually made from nylon, cotton, or canvas, a camping hammock can be hung up across trees or pools so you can sleep off the ground or use it as a seat.
Portable Cookware
Portable cookware is a very practical bushcraft item to have. You can cook anything from stew to rice. While a camping stove requires preparation to use, portable cookware can be used over an open flame for boiling water, making tea, and more. You’ll ant durable cookware that is lightweight, compact, and easy to carry with you on your next hike.
Water Purifier
While many people who bushcraft find that boiling water is sufficient, some people may appreciate the benefits of a water purifier or water filter.
Spice Kit
A spice kit is a luxury bushcraft gear that won’t take up much backpack space. A spice kit usually includes basic seasonings, such as salt, pepper, thyme, and chili powder. When catching your own food or cooking outdoors, the spice kit is perfect for enhancing your bushcraft food experience.
Final Thoughts about Bushcraft Gear for Beginners
Having the right bushcraft and survival gear can be the difference between a great wilderness experience or a hard survival journal. We hope this guide to the best bushcraft gear for beginners has provided you with the information you need to make the best choice for your bushcraft needs.
