Bushcraft – What is it and how to start?

In an environment saturated with technology, sometimes we have the feeling that we must return to our origins. We want to get away from the computer, put the phone in a drawer, isolate ourselves from the sources of news and start enjoying the virgin nature. Without facilitating our lives with applications, Internet or even small electronic devices. This is the vision offered by Bushcraft. What is it. How does Bushcraft go and what will you need to do it? We answer these questions in the next article.

Bushcraft is a name composed of two words: Bush (Bush, Wild) and Craft (Craft). It refers to the art of living in nature. However, there is a slightly deeper philosophy sewn in Bushcraft. It is not just about treating without some of the successes of civilization, the experience of a problem and to quickly return to daily life. It is a specific, long -term relationship between man and wild nature. A real profession will spend every free moment in the woods, perfecting its tools and expanding its catalog of personal skills. It is a constant learning of something that may seem useless and inappropriate for the modern world, but which, in fact, allows survival in places completely without today.

Bushcraft means living in full harmony with nature, both using it in various fields, but also out of respect, characteristics of ecological currents. Here there are characteristics cultivated as self -sufficiency and minimalism, sustainable use of natural goods and experiential learning on the surrounding world. The set of ethical values ​​of the bush coincides in many points with the catalog of leaving any trace.

It is interesting to note that the name of Bushcraft, who has already prevailed in the minds of outdoor activities, is not the only one used to describe this activity. A little earlier, there was the word Woodcraft, which, however, could not impose too much time in the dictionaries.

Bushcraft’s creator is considered the Canadian of the Polish Kocanski origins. From an early age, spent on a farm in Saskatchewan, he was fascinated by nature. Being the son of a carpenter, he also had the opportunity to look at a real craftsman at work. In adulthood, he combined these two disciplines with skill.

The young people died (this unusual name was the result of an error in his birth certificate) initially followed his passion through scout activities, but was soon discouraged by this institution. His naturalistic interests were not completely understood there. Kochaitski began to expand them alone. First he obtained his qualifications as a sailor, then he chose the path of academic development, taking courses of anthropology, psychology, geology and writing. He took on a wide range of jobs: he was a technician in the production of cement, designer and social worker. He also got a pilot license.

In 1968, Mors Kocanski began organizing courses to teach Canadian Wild survival techniques. In this sense, he often rely on methods taken from indigenous populations. Progress in the perception of this field took place two decades later, when his book Northern Bushcraft arrived in bookstores. The publication became a bestseller and started a way for this form of activity.

The 90s were witnesses of a real explosion of Bushcraft’s popularity. It was powered by a television program, broadcast by the BBC and presented by another pioneer of Bushcraft, Reymond Paul Mears. Today it is an excellent break from everyday life. A form of pause towards the city and omnipresent technology.

There are currently four types of Bushcraft:

• Philosophical bushcraft – This is the term used to describe recreational activities for leisure. It is oriented towards spiritual experiences and focuses on the contemplation of nature;
• Bushcraft Pracv – Activities that focuses more on achieving the survival objective in the forest. This involves the use of all available means, methods and tools. In fact, this trend is very similar to another field – survival;
• Bushcraft primitive – It is a form of activity in which only the use of the most primitive tools and the most primitive survival techniques is allowed;
• Bushcraft reconstructive – The milder version of primitive bushcraft. Professionals of this form of activity can also use contemporary survival equipment if necessary.

Bushcraft is not the only form of activity carried out outdoors, surrounded by a wild nature. Survival is of similar nature. Words have been used for a while interchangeable, although they are certainly not synonymous. What is the difference? Bushcraft is an incompotent philosophy and the life of those who support it revolve around wild nature. I am constantly looking for opportunities to enter communion with nature and improve their ability to live in a provocative environment.

Survival also offers useful skills when you have to survive away from civilization. However, they only represent a way for a precise defined purpose, not a value in itself. Survival enthusiasts want to be prepared for the most difficult scenarios. They want to be able to cope with an extreme situation and return to their old life as soon as possible. They do not assume that this can be a permanent state and the result of a conscious choice. Everything is subject to the efficient result of tasks and resources are a secondary aspect.

Bushcraft also places greater emphasis on ecological principles. There are also differences in the quantity of equipment. Survivors are generally minimalists. They limit their equipment to the objects they need most. Bushcraft enthusiasts try, in a certain sense, to organize themselves in the wild, so they allow themselves to have more tools.

Bushcraft is not an activity that can be started from blue. Specific skills must be acquired and collect the necessary equipment before facing this type of challenge. Where do you start? The best place to start is to read the guides and watch training videos made by YouTuber experts.

For a first trip by Bushcraft, it is better to go to a larger group and under the supervision of professional instructors. It is still time for adventures independent of this nature.

For this type of activity, the well -known external principle is applied to dress in the «onion». The first level must be

Licen thermoactive
which removes humidity from the skin. Later – depending on your needs – you can dress with a
Trekking blouse
(for example: batteries) and pants. The last layer has the role of guaranteeing direct protection against time. If you are exposed only to the wind, sophisticated clothing are sufficient (
jacket
AND
pants
I). However, when the rains occur, it is a good idea to have clothes with a rain -resistant membrane.

What distinguishes Bushcraft clothing from tourism? Such a distinctive sign is the combination of colors. The predominant colors here are those associated with the army or forestry services: various shades of green to be mixed in the background. It also opts for articles made with durable and quick drying materials.

Faced with an excursion in nature, it invests in good boots, e.g. From

trekking
. Choose a model with a tight sole and a robust top. Remember that, in bushcraft conditions, your feet are exposed to rain not only, but also to dew. If you want to increase the level of protection against humidity, choose membrane footwear (for example Gore-Tex®).

Why could you need if you want to start a Bushcraft adventure? You should absolutely look for practical and durable equipment possible. It is positive if you also notice that it is easy. Each trip is different and the equipment should be the response to individual needs and abilities. Therefore, I have not prepared a complete list from A A Z, but some practical suggestions.

No shipping Bushcraft is complete without a backpack. Suitable for this they will both be models inspired by the military e

Trekking backpacks
. Above all, it is good to choose the right ability not to have to cultivate important accessories, but do not transport «air» inside. Make sure the backpack has a comfortable transport system, strong hinges and the possibility of carrying some things outside. Rain coverage will be a useful complement. It should not be forgotten that manufacturers are increasingly differentiating their products
Men’s backpacks
AND
Female backpacks
.

During Bushcraft activities you will need a refuge. If you are not yet in the initiation phase to build a safe field of materials you can find in the woods, they pack in the backpack

Trekking tent
Or bring a minimalist tarpaulin with you. Therefore, you will ensure that you have a roof over your head.

If you have decided to

Cort
Your salvation can be
the carpet, mattress or inflatable mattress.
When you have a tarpaulin with you, you can sleep
Hama
C. of your thermal comfort will take care
sleeping bag
. The fluff models are light and offer excellent isolation, but they are not good in wetlands, because, when exposed to water, they lose resistance. So, if you go where a heavy rain is expected, consider taking a sleeping bag with synthetic filling.

It is an essential tool used by Bushcraft enthusiasts. A good knife in the woods will have many uses: from culinary to constructions. Instead choose a knife,

Multitus
You will get some additional tools.

The fire of the field not only allows you to warm you and eat something to warm up, but also discourages wild animals. If you have not yet mastered the most advanced fire ignition techniques, bring a reliable cream with you.

As much as you want to break with the conquests of civilization, it is worth having at least one modest

vas
where you boil the water or prepare a meal. And don’t forget the travel cutlery.

Bushcraft experiments avoid electronics but for

The front lantern
It is worth making an exception. An independent light source is simply a guarantee of safety. If you decide to take a front torch with you, do not forget to bring reserve batteries or an electric bank with you.

A real craftsman Bushcraft will take care to leave like few traces after him. With a shovel (eg.

Easy folding altarpiece of field
), some of them bury them.

Although Bushcraft’s expert fans can be missing, there is no doubt that it relieves life to the wild. With this equipment, you will be able to prepare a «contribution» to a faster bonfire.

There is nothing worse than the vision of not finding anything dry to change after an intense torrential rain. Perhaps waterproof bags are a useless luxury for an expert passion for forestry activities, but at the beginning of your Bushcraft adventure, it is worth having such accessories..

Bushcraft practitioners have their methods for the treatment of different conditions, however it is worth having a

First au
R Classic R, equipped according to mountain rescue standards.

Bushcraft is a young area that grows rapidly in popularity. If you want to try such a business, look for the equipment that gives you adequate, but above all security comforts. You can buy clothing, footwear and equipment designed for Bushcraft from Sportano.ro. Here are the best outdoor brands, including: Salewa, Columbia, Jack Wolfskin, Black Diamond, The North Face, Deuter, Gregory, Campingaz, Easy Camp șii Lifesystems.