Bushcraft Gear List – Essential Items You Need for Survival

Imagine finding yourself deep within a dense forest, surrounded by towering trees and the chorus of nature. It’s in moments like these that you realize the importance of being well-equipped with the right gear. In this guide, I’ll take you through my personal bushcraft gear list that I have developed through training under famous survivalist Dave Canterbury and the Pathfinder Survival School.

When you’re faced with unexpected situations in the great outdoors, having the proper gear can make all the difference. There’s no feeling quite as unsettling as rummaging through your bag, desperately hoping you packed the essentials to survive the night.

This guide will arm you with the knowledge and recommendations you need to ensure you’re prepared for the challenges nature throws your way.

As we delve into this bushcraft gear list, I’ll also share my personal anecdotes and experiences, offering insights that go beyond regular recommendations.

From the indispensable knife to reliable shelter options, fire-starting tools, and navigation aids, we’ll cover it all. So, let’s get started with the list!

The Ultimate Bushcraft Gear List.

Through many, many survival and bushcraft courses, this is what I have learned to carry on my wilderness treks. With this bushcraft kit, I can do everything from making a bow drill fire, cut down small trees, and a whole range of other things.

1. Cutting Tools

As we all knot, a bushcraft knife is easily one of the most essential bushcraft gear items on any list. Why? Well, this is the tool that allows you to truly live and thrive in the wilderness.

Bushcraft Knife

A bushcraft knife is the number one cutting tool in my arsenal. There are a few main things to look for when searching for the best bushcraft knife.

• Full-Teng Blade Design
• 90-degree Blade Spine (Processing Tinder Or Using Ferro Rod)
• High Carbon Steel
• About 4 Inches
• Sharp As Hell!

It’s an essential tool for activities such as carving wood, making a makeshift shelter, creating tools, processing firewood or game, and preparing food. Check out my article on the best bushcraft knives.

Bushcraft Multi-Tool

“2 is 1 and 1 is none“, is a famous quote in the survival industry. A multi tool is a bare essential bushcraft tool because it gives you a spare set of blades that range from a saw to multiple small knife blades.

Bushcraft Axe Or Hatchet

A bushcraft axe is a great tool to have in the wild, mainly for chopping and splitting wood. It’s much more efficient than a regular knife at getting the job done quickly and with less effort.

Look for an axe that has a long straight handle made of hickory or ash wood, as they are extremely durable, lightweight, and replaceable if broken. The head should be made of hardened steel with a nice, sharp edge for maximum efficiency.

Carving Axe

A carving axe is similar to a bushcraft axe, but it’s designed for finer work like carving and sculpting wood. It has a much shorter handle with a very sharp edge at the end.

This type of axe is perfect for smaller tasks such as whittling or making tools out of wood.

Folding Saw

A folding saw is a great tool for cutting logs and branches. It’s compact enough to fit in your pocket and can be opened up with one hand. These are far more efficient and safer to use to take trees down and process wood.

Bushcraft Carving Tools

If you are wanting to create a wooden handle spoon or other fine carving tasks, then using carving tools can help the finer work where a knife blade would be a bit much.

These kits are inexpensive and fun for craft projects!

Knife Sharpener

For a knife sharpener on 99% of bushcraft trips, I just bring a simple leather strop as this is typically all you ever need. In fact, there is a famous saying that is “Sharpen your knife once, hone it forever”.

This is implying that stropping your blade after use is the best way to maintain a sharp edge, and using a stone is overkill most of the time.

Sharpening Stone

If I were out on one of my longer trips, I would bring a small sharpening stone just in case my knife got a chip in the blade.

2. Shelter And Sleeping Kit

Bushcrafting is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. But, in order to stay safe while out in the wilderness, you need the right shelter, and there are many different options.

Let’s go into what a typical bushcraft gear shelter kit looks like.

Bushcraft Tarp Or Tent

When you think of bushcraft, you probably think of building shelters, but that isn’t always something that we want to spend time on. So, I bring either a tarp or a tent.

A good bushcraft tarp is lightweight, waterproof, and made of strong material that will stand up to the elements. It can be used to create an impromptu shelter or a makeshift lean-to if you don’t have time to build one from scratch.

It also goes without saying that you should bring some good-quality rope and stakes to secure the tarp. (Ditch the cheap paracord).

Sleeping Bag Or Wool Blanket

I love my wool blanket, don’t get me wrong. I love the cozy, classic feel of wool against my skin while snuggled up by the fire. However, I always (99% of the time) bring a sleeping bag with me because they are much more practical.

Sleeping Pad

Sure, you can make your own bedding, but many times I bring a closed cell-foam sleeping pad to sleep on instead. These weigh nothing and are part of my bushcraft gear list for comfort.

3. Fire Starter Kit

Alright now… the fire-starting kit can look vastly different as there are many ways to start a primitive fire. However, my go-to is usually the ones listed below.

Lighter

Some people may think that a lighter is cheating, and it is important to know all options, and how to use them well. However, going into the wilderness without a lighter is not a smart move! It is a must-have in any bushcraft gear list and first aid kit.

Primitive fire-starting methods, such as the bow drill or hand drill, can take a lot of time to master and are not always reliable in an emergency situation regardless of how much practice you have.

Ferrocerium Rod

The Ferro rod (or FireSteel) is one of the best bushcraft gear items that money can buy (and it’s something I always bring with me on trips).

It consists of a metal rod that can be used to create sparks onto tinder.

4. Bushcraft Backpack

For me, I carry multiple different kinds of backpacks that really range depending on the type of trip I am going on. For solo day trips, I carry a small daypack that I can easily get into and attach extra gear to.

During a long trip, my pack will vary immensely. I wrote an entire article on some of the best bushcraft backpacks that go into more detail than what I can put on here!

5. Navigation

I get it, many people think that navigation is old school and that you should just use a GPS device. But, I firmly believe that having the basics of navigation down is one of my most important bushcraft skills to have in my back pocket.

So, I always carry a basic compass and map with me when out in the wild. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also learn how to create a PAUL map. Not sure what that is? It basically allows you to create a bare minimum map using a simple compass and pace beads. (It is really cool).

Compass and Map

A basic compass and map are all you need when it comes to navigation. This will help you orient yourself in unknown terrain and locate points of interest such as water sources, trails, or the closest town.

6. First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen anywhere, especially in the wilderness. It is always important to come prepared and have a first aid kit on hand just in case. However, banda aids aren’t going to do much in a real emergency.

Many accidents can happen when you are swinging around an axe while felling small trees, and these items below are really the bare essentials in a bushcraft gear kit.

Tourniquet

A tourniquet is an essential item to bring with you on a bushcraft trip. It can be used to prevent excessive bleeding in the event of an accident or injury. The tourniquet applies direct blood circulation cutoff and prevents further blood loss, which could otherwise lead to severe complications such as hypovolemic shock.

This first aid kit item is far more important than those damn bandaids every pre-made kit comes with!

Personal Medication

No first aid kit is finished without personal meds. This could include anything from ibuprofen to an allergy medication. It is important to assess any allergies or medical conditions you may have and make sure that your first aid kit contains the right medications for them.

Always bring enough of your prescriptions with you, just in case!

Wash Kit

A wash kit is basically any item you need to take care of yourself. For me, this basically means a toothbrush and tweezers (that are on my multi-tool). Some people bring baby wipes and all that fun stuff.

Personal Locator Beacon

If you are. ever out in the wilderness, I would always recommend carrying a satellite emergency device. I carry the Garmin Inreach Explorer.

7. Cordage

I’m a big fan of having cordage with me when I am out in the bush and for good reason. This stuff is obviously extremely useful and can be used to fashion all sorts of things from shelter repair kits to lashing poles together.

Bankline

Bankline is a type of tarred twine that is religiously included in many people’s bushcraft gear list. It is extremely strong and resistant to water, making it ideal for bushcraft applications such as lashing poles together or tying items to your pack.

Paracord

We all know that there are a million and one uses for paracord, but it is especially useful in a bushcraft setting. It is lightweight, strong, and comes in a variety of colors and sizes making it perfect for all sorts of tasks.

8. Containers And Food

I could have the best bushcraft gear in the world, but without a container, my life would become far more challenging. I always bring one stainless steel water bottle and a nesting cup with me that are lightweight and easy to pack.

Cooking Pot

Typically, when I am cooking in the bush, I just use my stainless steel resting cup that came with my water bottle. It works well and is really durable and compact for packing away into my kit.

If you are looking for something a bit more rugged, there are plenty of good options out there like cast iron pots. These are a ton heavier but are bulletproof. Having this cooking equipment makes life in the bush much more fun.

Fishing Line and Hooks

Fishing can be a great way to get food in a pinch. All you need are some simple hooks and lines, which are bushcraft gear list items that can be easily stored away.

Just make sure that you have the correct local regulations for fishing wherever you may go.

Small Camping Stove

Depending on the different tasks that I am doing, I might choose to use a small camping stove to have the convenience of boiling water quickly.

9. Bushcraft Essentials List – Clothing

Clothing is arguably one of the most essential parts of any bushcraft gear list. Not only does it keep you warm and dry, but the right clothes can also protect you from insects, UV rays, and other hazards.

For bushcraft, the priority is high on durability and function. So here is my personal preference for badass, durable clothing.

Waterproof Clothing

I always, always bring a waterproof upper shell. Whether it’s a lightweight rain jacket or a heavy-duty expedition anorak, having something to keep the wet stuff off of you is essential.

I don’t care as much about having waterproof trousers as it is not near as important as having a waterproof upper shell.

Heavy Warm Layer

In the bushcraft scene, heavy wool jackets are the popular option to stay warm. Why? Wool is natural, stays warm even if wet, and is fire resistant whereas synthetic materials would just melt.

Look for heavy wool sweaters, jackets, and even one-piece suits. They can be a bit pricey but so worth it if you plan to spend time in the cold outdoors.

Outdoor Footwear

Having good feet protection is essential for a bushcraft trip that avoids man-made trails. I recommend any boot that is made of durable materials and fits your feet well.

I don’t like a waterproof shoe, as if it gets wet, it takes forever to dry. However, some people only wear waterproof shoes so it is really a personal preference.

Warm Hat And Sun Hat

A warm beanie is like underwear. I never leave for the wilderness without it. Make sure the beanie is made of a warm material such as wool and covers your ears. If I am doing a winter trip in the Boreal forest of Canada, then my bushcraft headwear switches to a rabbit fur-lined bomber hat.

Anyways, regardless of whether there are cold conditions or not, I don’t leave my house without this essential item. A sun hat is typically always on my head as well.

Leather Gloves

Leather gloves are always a must in every backcountry adventure for me. These gloves are an essential part of any bushcraft gear list since they provide much-needed protection from the elements and hazards of woodland use.

Leather gloves are durable and provide a superior grip when handling tools outdoors, allowing for greater dexterity and precision when completing tasks. Furthermore, leather gloves can protect your hands from cuts, scrapes, and burns which leads me to the main reason I bring them.

The main reason I carry leather gloves is simply to be able to grab my cooking pot that is in the fire without burning myself!

Wool Socks

Never do I go out in the wilderness without wool socks as these are a staple in both the hiking and camping as well as bushcraft industry.

My favorite? Darn Tough socks.

Conclusion: Master Bushcraft With The Right Tools

As the sun sets on our exploration of the best bushcraft gear, it’s clear that having the right tools can make all the difference between a successful outdoor adventure and a comedy of errors.

Believe me, I’ve had my fair share of blunders out in the wilderness. From attempting (but failing) to start a fire in a primitive way, to realizing I left one of my trusty tools behind, I’ve learned the hard way that proper gear is the ultimate survival companion.

Gear is very important, but remember that the soul of bushcraft lies not only in the gear but in the skills you develop. Don’t just rely on your gadgets; hone your fire-starting techniques, practice building sturdy shelters, and master the art of navigation.

Trust me, after working in search and rescue for a couple of years, I certainly have grown a great appreciation of navigation.

So, as you embark on your next wilderness expedition, take a moment to evaluate your gear list. Ensure you have a bushcraft knife by your side, a shelter to call your home, and the means to start a fire that even a damp forest won’t dampen.

Bushcraft Gear FAQ

What equipment is needed for bushcraft?

As mentioned earlier, this bushcraft gear list is a general introduction to what I carry. This can change depending on a million factors, but this should give you a good basis to go by.

What is the best survival tool?

The best tool would have to be either a knife or a metal water bottle container. The knife is essential for bushcraft, as it can be used for numerous tasks such as cutting wood, food preparation, or even self-defense.

The metal water bottle container is extremely useful to have on hand when you need to boil water or cook a meal over a fire. A container is typically very challenging to re-create from the land and requires serious work to get anything, so it is pretty important!

What is bushcraft living?

Bushcraft is a style of living off the land, which relies on using natural resources to survive in the wilderness. This could include foraging for food, collecting water, building shelters and fires, and practicing general outdoor survival skills. Bushcraft is a way to learn how to use nature’s gifts and develop your own self-sufficiency.

It’s also an incredibly rewarding experience as you discover a newfound appreciation for the outdoors and all that nature has to offer. Bushcraft is more than just a hobby; it’s an adventure!

How do I start practicing bushcraft?

Start by using the gear that you have, and getting out in the woods! It doesn’t matter if you have an average backpack or a cheap knife. Sure expensive, durable materials make a big difference, but nothing beats getting out and actually practicing skills.

If you want to learn more skills, take a survival or bushcraft course. These are invaluable experiences that you will never regret and you will learn how to use all of these different tools in a bushcraft skills setting.

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