Bushcraft Perfect

Why Your Bushcraft Gear List Matters

When it comes to bushcraft, the gear you bring matters just as much as the skills you develop. It’s tempting to overload your pack with every tool imaginable, but overpacking will only weigh you down.

A well-thought-out gear list should be simple, effective, and versatile. I’ve been refining my kit for years, figuring out what works and what’s just dead weight.

The gear I take into the woods now is based on practicality—stuff I actually use, not just things that sound cool.

The Foundation: Shelter and Sleeping

The first priority in the wild is shelter, and I don’t mess around with that. I always carry a tarp. It’s lightweight and packs down small, but it provides solid coverage from rain and wind.

Whether I’m rigging it up between trees or using it to supplement a natural shelter, it’s my go-to. A bivy sack or compact sleeping bag rounds out the sleep system.

I opt for something that’s warm enough to handle the nights but not so bulky that it takes up too much space.

Sleeping directly on the ground is uncomfortable, and you lose body heat fast that way. I pack a closed-cell foam pad, which isn’t the most comfortable thing in the world, but it’s durable, and I don’t have to worry about punctures like with inflatable pads. Plus, it doubles as something to sit on during the day, so it’s multifunctional.

Fire-Making: Keep It Simple

Fire is non-negotiable. I don’t rely on just one method for starting a fire, but I also don’t carry a bunch of redundant gear.

A lighter is always in my kit because it’s fast and reliable. But if that fails, I’ve got a ferrocerium rod. A couple of strikes from a ferro rod, and I’ve got sparks even if things are damp.

I used to make the mistake of forgetting to prep good tinder in the past, so now I always carry some with me. It’s easy enough to make feather sticks or scrape bark in the field, but having dry tinder on hand can be a lifesaver when conditions aren’t ideal.

Cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly work great, and they weigh next to nothing.

Cutting Tools: Choose Wisely

A good knife is at the heart of any bushcraft kit. I carry a fixed-blade knife with a full tang. It’s strong enough to handle batoning through wood but also fine enough for carving tasks.

The blade doesn’t need to be huge, but it does need to be reliable. I’ve found a 4- to 5-inch blade to be the sweet spot for most tasks.

I also carry a folding saw, which I’ve talked about before as a crucial tool for processing wood. It’s lighter and safer than swinging an axe when I’m working with smaller branches.

I don’t always bring an axe unless I’m expecting to process larger logs. In most situations, the saw and knife are enough to get the job done without extra bulk.

Water: Stay Hydrated, Stay Mobile

Water is probably the heaviest thing you’ll carry, but you can’t go without it. I usually take a stainless steel bottle because I can boil water in it if needed.

For purifying water on the go, I carry a simple water filter. I’ve tried a few different ones, and the key is finding one that’s compact but doesn’t clog up after a few uses.

Chemical purification tablets are a backup, but they’re not something I rely on unless I have no other option.

If I’m setting up a base camp, I’ll also carry a collapsible water bag for gathering larger amounts of water. It’s useful for cooking or just having extra water on hand so I don’t have to keep trekking back and forth to the water source.

Navigation and Tools for the Unexpected

A map and compass are non-negotiable, especially if I’m heading into unfamiliar territory. Even if I’ve been to an area before, I don’t trust my memory alone.

A good compass is compact and easy to carry, and it’s a skill that’s worth learning. GPS is fine, but batteries die, and signals drop.

In terms of unexpected situations, I always pack some cordage. Paracord is strong, lightweight, and can be used for shelter-building, gear repair, or even making a snare if needed.

Duct tape also finds its way into my pack, but I usually wrap a few feet around a water bottle or something I’m already carrying to save space. It’s good for quick fixes, whether that’s repairing a tear in gear or holding together a broken boot.

Food and Cooking: Keep It Basic

When it comes to food, I keep things simple. A small pot or metal cup is all I need for cooking over a fire.

Dehydrated meals or rice and beans are easy to pack and cook, but I also bring some trail mix or jerky for quick snacks. The goal is to carry food that’s calorie-dense but doesn’t take up too much room.

A small stove isn’t something I always carry, but if I know firewood will be scarce or it’s going to be wet, a compact alcohol stove or solid fuel stove can be handy.

It’s good for making coffee or boiling water without having to set up a full fire every time.

Clothing: Layer Smart

I don’t bring a ton of extra clothing, but what I do carry is layered. A moisture-wicking base layer is essential because staying dry is half the battle.

A fleece or wool mid-layer adds warmth, and I always have a waterproof shell in case the weather turns.

A hat and gloves don’t take up much space but make a big difference when temperatures drop. Footwear is key—good, broken-in boots will save you from a lot of pain.

First Aid: Be Ready for Cuts and Scrapes

My first aid kit is small but covers the basics. Bandages, antiseptic wipes, and a few painkillers are standard.

I also throw in a roll of gauze, some medical tape, and a couple of butterfly closures in case of deeper cuts. It doesn’t need to be a full hospital in your pack, but having the essentials for treating common injuries is important.

I pack a small tube of antibiotic ointment, too, just in case I get a scrape or cut that might get infected.

Why I Stick With This Gear List

Over the years, I’ve found that less is more when it comes to bushcraft gear. Every piece of equipment I carry has earned its place in my pack by being useful.

There’s no room for gimmicks or gear that looks good but doesn’t perform. The goal is to have gear that I can rely on in any situation without being weighed down by unnecessary stuff.

This kit has been tried and tested in the field, and it’s what I’ve found works best for me.

Final Thoughts

The bushcraft gear list I carry is designed for practicality. It’s focused on tools that serve multiple purposes and gear that I’ve come to trust.

When you’re out in the wilderness, you want to carry only what you need and what will help you survive and thrive. A well-thought-out kit means you’re prepared for whatever comes your way without being bogged down by excess gear.

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