In recent years, humans have developed several activities and hobbies aimed at fulfilling their need for a deeper communion with nature. One of these disciplines, called bushcraft, is already unanimously accepted in some human societies. It consists of learning and practicing the art of living in harmony with wild nature, while having minimal negative impact on it. Far from being an activity to be taken lightly, bushcraft is an art that, to be mastered, requires diligent learning of various techniques, know-how, and equipment needed to live comfortably in the wilderness. Are you interested in this activity? Discover with Kodiak Store everything there is to know about it.
Definition, etymology, and origins of bushcraft
The word bushcraft is the result of combining two English words: "bush" which means thicket or wilderness, and "craft" translated as "art" or "craftsmanship". Bushcraft therefore literally means "wilderness craftsmanship" or "nature craftsmanship". Some specialists in this discipline also claim that this word comes from the expression "the craft in the bush" translated into French as "l'artisanat dans la brousse".
Regardless of its attributed etymology, bushcraft is an outdoor practice that originated in the 19th century in Australia and South Africa. It was later developed by several pioneers to become a full-fledged activity accessible to the wider public. According to some indications, the principles of "bush craftsmanship" are inspired by the way of life of indigenous peoples who have always lived and thrived in perfect harmony with nature. Several bushcraft techniques are incorporated into other leisure activities such as bivouacking, hiking, trekking, and many other so-called outdoor sports.
Practices related to bushcraft
The various bushcraft techniques converge towards a single objective: being able to meet all of one's physiological needs using traditional techniques. More specifically, it's about knowing how to use primitive strategies for various purposes.
Drinking water
It involves knowing how to identify a water source in nature, as well as filtering and purifying it to make it drinkable. Bushcraft also teaches you how to recycle rainwater and store it to cope with periods of drought and heatwaves.
Eating
Bushcraft teaches you important hunting and gathering techniques to master for feeding yourself in the wild. Thanks to this discipline, you will know how to distinguish edible plants from those that should not be consumed. You will also learn how to track game, how to set an effective trap, and how to cook far from the comfort of contemporary society. To be able to hunt, come and get your equipment at Kodiak Store. We offer a wide range of useful accessories for bushcraft.
Sleep
If you need to spend several days in the wilderness, it's in your best interest to know how to create a resting place to protect yourself from weather hazards. Bushcraft therefore also teaches you how to build a safe shelter and comfortable bedding where you can sleep to regain strength. You will learn how to use materials at your disposal, such as wood or stone, to build a hut, a cabin, or even a complete bivouac to store your food and water.
In addition to these basic bushcraft skills, there are also:
- techniques to master for warming up (knowing where to find wood, lighting a fire, etc.),
- mastery of first aid gestures for self-treatment (knowledge of medicinal plants and their various properties),
- important reflexes for securing oneself in case of danger,
- orientation and navigation methods for moving around.
Regardless of the type of bushcraft (traditional or modern) you practice, all these skills are important to master, even if the tools and equipment involved may vary.
Difference between bushcraft and Survival
The main difference between bushcraft and survival lies in how these two practices are initiated. Bushcraft is a completely voluntary activity that can include some preparation and comfort. This discipline also has an ideological and philosophical dimension that advocates a return to a simpler lifestyle that respects nature.
Survival, on the other hand, is a way of life that becomes necessary when faced with danger or following an accident (such as a boat failure on an uninhabited island). It therefore requires a greater capacity for adaptation because it is adopted in the face of a fait accompli.
Essential equipment in bushcraft
Bushcraft equipment should consist of compact tools designed to meet your primary needs:
- health,
- safety,
- rest,
- water and food,
- communication and orientation,
- the manufacturing of essential objects.
Here are some tools you'll need to effectively start your bushcraft adventure. You'll find everything you need on Kodiak Store to practice this activity.
The knife
The knife is an essential that every bushcraft practitioner must have on them for a stay in nature. The majority of bushcrafters unanimously recognize that if they had to bring only one tool with them, it would be the knife. For your bushcraft adventure, we offer different types of knives that are easy to carry and handle. Discover our wide range of folding knives, fixed blade knives, or multi-tools from different brands. You will undoubtedly find in our catalog the one that best meets your requirements.
Fire-making equipment
We offer various useful tools for use in the wilderness to warm up or to light a cooking fire. Discover in our catalog different brands of fire stones and fire starters to use during your bushcraft hikes.
First aid kit
Successfully completing your bushcraft trip also involves bringing your first aid kit to effectively provide initial care in case of injury or bite. In our catalog, you'll find first aid kits containing essential medical supplies to meet your various health needs.
Equipment for making a shelter
This equipment is also one of the essentials for a successful bushcraft trip. Building a shelter is crucial for protection from the elements and sometimes from wild animals. In our store, we offer complete kits for constructing different types of shelters, depending on your needs and preferences.
Also discover in our catalog backpacks from different brands, folding saws, axes, and all other equipment to absolutely keep on you for bushcraft.
