Bushcraft Perfect

Why You Need the Right Bushcraft Tools

Bushcraft isn’t about carrying every tool under the sun. It’s about knowing which gear is worth the weight and what’s just taking up space in your pack.

The right tools make your life easier when you’re out in the wild, helping you with everything from building a fire to setting up shelter. You don’t need a lot, but the tools you do bring should be reliable and versatile.

When you’re out there, you don’t get a second chance to realize you packed the wrong gear.

Most of the work you’ll do in the wild comes down to a few basic tasks—cutting, splitting, starting a fire, and building shelter.

If your tools can handle those, you’re in good shape. But remember, you’re looking for durability and simplicity. The tools you choose should be easy to use and maintain without a lot of fuss.

Let’s break down what should be in your kit and why.

The Multi-Purpose Knife: Your Number One Tool

If there’s one tool you should never leave behind, it’s a good knife. A knife is your most versatile piece of gear and probably the one you’ll use the most. From carving to cutting rope, to processing firewood, a knife does a little bit of everything.

But not all knives are created equal, and some are much better suited to bushcraft than others.

A bushcraft knife should have a fixed blade, full tang (meaning the metal runs the full length of the handle), and be made from high-quality steel.

A blade between 4 to 6 inches long is ideal—it’s big enough to handle tough jobs but small enough for finer work.

Also, you need a blade that’s sharp but also tough, and capable of being easily sharpened in the field. Stainless steel resists rust, but carbon steel tends to hold a better edge, so choose based on your needs.

Some people like to carry a smaller knife or multi-tool for fine work, but a solid fixed-blade knife will do almost everything you need when it comes to bushcraft. The important thing is to make sure it’s durable and dependable. If your knife fails, you’re going to have a rough time.

Hatchet or Axe: Which One Should You Carry?

When it comes to chopping wood or splitting larger logs, you’re going to want either a hatchet or an axe. Both have their place in bushcraft, but which one is better depends on the type of trip you’re taking and the kind of work you’ll be doing.

A hatchet is smaller and more portable. It’s easier to carry on your belt or in your pack, and it handles smaller chopping jobs just fine.

If you’re processing kindling or making small cuts, a hatchet is more than enough. It’s also great for carving or more detailed woodwork since you can control it with one hand.

For shorter trips where you don’t expect to be cutting a ton of wood, a hatchet is usually the better choice.

An axe, on the other hand, is heavier but more powerful. If you’re going to be out in the wild for an extended period or need to process a lot of firewood, an axe is more efficient. It splits larger logs easily and makes heavy chopping faster.

The downside is the added weight and bulk, which can be a pain on longer hikes.

For most bushcrafters, a hatchet offers enough cutting power without the added weight of an axe. But if you’re planning to do more extensive work, especially in colder climates where you need a lot of firewood, an axe might be worth the extra carry.

Folding Saw: Why It’s Better for Clean Cuts

Sometimes a saw beats both a hatchet and an axe, especially when you need clean, precise cuts with less effort. A folding saw is one of those tools that doesn’t get enough attention but is a game-changer when you need it.

Whether you’re cutting through small logs, trimming branches, or making precise cuts for shelter-building, a saw is faster and more efficient than hacking away with an axe or hatchet.

Folding saws are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry. They also don’t require the same force as chopping tools, which means you save energy. This can be a big advantage if you’re processing a lot of wood for fire or shelter.

Look for a saw with a sturdy, sharp blade and a comfortable handle that’s easy to grip, even in cold or wet conditions. The blade length should be around 7 to 10 inches for bushcraft use.

For me, a saw is the perfect companion to a knife and hatchet. It gives you precision where chopping might be overkill, and it’s a lot safer for cutting through branches or small logs.

You’ll thank yourself for packing one when you need to cut clean lines for shelter-building or firewood prep.

Fire Starters That Work When You Need Them

When it comes to starting a fire, having reliable tools is non-negotiable. In wet or windy conditions, trying to get a fire going with matches can be a nightmare. That’s why it’s important to have multiple ways to start a fire, and they need to work no matter the weather.

A ferro rod is one of the most reliable fire-starting tools you can have. It’s simple, durable, and works in any condition. Striking a ferro rod with the back of your knife throws off sparks hot enough to ignite dry tinder, and unlike matches, it won’t run out or get ruined if it gets wet.

It takes a little practice to get the technique down, but once you do, it’s a dependable tool you can count on.

Some people also like to carry lighters, which can work well as long as they’re kept dry and in good condition. The advantage of a lighter is its ease of use, but the downside is that it can run out of fuel or break.

For redundancy, I always pack both a ferro rod and a lighter—just in case.

Fire starters are small but essential. You can’t take chances when it comes to fire in the wild. A backup fire-starting method should always be in your kit, even if it’s as simple as waterproof matches or some waxed cotton balls for tinder.

Shelter and Cordage: The Gear That Keeps You Covered

When it comes to setting up shelter, a tarp is one of the most versatile pieces of gear you can have. It’s lightweight, easy to pack, and gives you multiple options for creating shelter depending on the conditions.

Whether it’s rigged as a simple lean-to or strung up for shade, a tarp offers quick protection without the hassle of setting up a tent. Combined with a good length of paracord, you can create shelters in a variety of configurations to suit your needs.

Paracord, specifically 550 paracord, is strong, flexible, and compact.

It’s useful for everything from tying down tarps to building shelters to making snares or traps. It’s also something you’ll use more often than you might think, so having a good amount of it in your kit is smart.

Tarps and paracord are two pieces of gear that give you a lot of bang for your buck in terms of versatility. Together, they make setting up camp faster and easier while keeping your pack light.