Bushcraft Tools and Gear for Camping and Survival

Are you ready to embark on an immersive bushcraft camping adventure, living off the land and relying on your skills and equipment?

Having the right bushcraft camping gear is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience in the wilderness.

This guide will walk you through the essential bushcraft tools and gear you’ll need for camping or living in the woods, from durable cutting tools to reliable shelter systems.

Key Takeaways

• Invest in high-quality, durable bushcraft equipment that can withstand continuous use in harsh conditions.
• Choose versatile, multi-purpose tools to minimize pack weight and maximize efficiency.
• Prioritize essential gear categories like cutting tools, fire starting, shelter, water purification, and cooking.
• Practice using your equipment before heading out to ensure proficiency and identify any needed adjustments

Cutting Tools: The Foundation of Bushcraft

Reliable cutting tools are at the heart of any bushcraft camping kit. These versatile implements are essential for various tasks, such as processing firewood, building shelters, preparing food, and crafting other tools.

1. Bushcraft Knife

A high-quality, full-tang bushcraft knife is the most important tool in your kit. Look for a knife with a comfortable handle, a blade length between 4-6 inches, and made from durable steel like 1095, O1, or D2. Some top choices include:

• Morakniv Garberg
• Fallkniven F1
• ESEE 4
• Benchmade Bushcrafter 162

Tip: Check out our list of the best bushcraft knives.

2. Folding Saw

A folding saw is an efficient tool for cutting larger pieces of wood that a knife can’t handle. Choose a saw with a blade length between 8-12 inches and made from high-quality steel. Recommended options:

• Corona Tools 10-Inch RazorTOOTH – I own two of the Corona RazorTOOTH saws. Highly recommended.
• Silky Gomboy 240mm
• Bahco Laplander
• Agawa Canyon Boreal 21

3. Hatchet or Small Axe

A hatchet or small axe is invaluable for processing larger logs and splitting firewood. Look for a tool with a head weight between 1-2 pounds and a handle length around 15-19 inches. Quality brands include:

• Fiskars X7 Hatchet – I own two of the Fiskars X7 Hatchets. Great for firepits and campfires.
• Gransfors Bruk Wildlife Hatchet – The Bruks is on my wishlist.
• SOG Tactical Survival Hatchet – I own a SOG hatchet and love it.
• Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe – I own two X27’s as well.
• Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe

Fire Starting: Stay Warm, Cook Food, Purify Water

Fire is essential for staying warm, cooking food, purifying water, and providing light and comfort in the wilderness. Your bushcraft camping gear should include multiple fire-starting methods to ensure you can start a fire in any condition.

1. Ferrocerium Rod

I have personally tested some of the Best Ferro Rods available today.

Here are my top recommendations:

• Best Overall Ferro Rod – Uberleben Zunden
• Best Combination Fire Starter – Fire-Fast Trekker
• Best Ferro Rod For The Money – Bayite Ferro Rods
• Best Ferro Rod Brand – Uberleben (Zunden, Hexa, Kraftig)
• Biggest Ferro Rod – Arcadia Gear Fat Boy or Uberleben Kraftig
• Best All-in-One Fire Starter – PREPARED4X
• Best Free Ferro Rod – Everstryke Match

Tip: Check out my list of the 15 Best Ferro Rods.

2. Survival Lighter

A simple Bic lighter is a compact and convenient backup fire-starting option. Store it in a waterproof container or a ziplock bag to keep it dry.

However, while a regular Bic lighter is a convenient and widely used tool for lighting fires, a survival lighter offers distinct advantages for bushcraft survival.

Unlike the Bic lighter, which can struggle in wet or windy conditions, survival lighters are designed to be waterproof and windproof, ensuring you can start a fire in almost any weather.

Survival lighters are also more durable. Their rugged construction withstands drops and rough handling, which are common in outdoor adventures.

Many survival lighters also have extra features like a longer-lasting fuel supply, integrated emergency tools, or even rechargeable batteries, making them a more versatile and reliable choice for anyone serious about bushcraft and outdoor preparedness.

3. Tinder

Pack some ready-made tinder to help start fires quickly, especially in damp conditions. Options include:

• Vaseline-soaked cotton balls – (Watch this cotton ball fire starter video).
• TinderQuik Firestarting Tabs
• Fatwood sticks: I have purchased several 35-lb boxes of Plow & Hearth Fatwood.
• Char cloth
• Magnesium shavings

4. Magnesium Fire Starter

Shelter: Protection from the Elements

A reliable shelter system is crucial for staying warm, dry, and protected from the elements during your bushcraft camping adventures.

1. Tarp

A versatile tarp can be set up in various configurations to create a shelter, protect gear, or serve as a ground cloth. Choose a tarp made from durable, waterproof materials like silnylon or polyethylene, and opt for a size around 10×10 feet for ample coverage. Some popular options:

• Aqua Quest Defender Tarp
• MSR Thru-Hiker 100 Wing
• Bushmen Bushcraft Tarp

2. Sleeping Bag

A warm, compressible sleeping bag is essential for a comfortable night’s sleep in the woods. Choose a sleeping bag rated for the coldest temperatures you expect to encounter and opt for a mummy-style sleeping bag for maximum warmth and minimum weight. Down-filled bags offer the best warmth-to-weight ratio, while synthetic bags perform better in damp conditions. Recommended options:

• Marmot Ironwood 20-degree – A great choice for camping in colder seasons. Here’s a list of the best marmot sleeping bags.
• North Face Dolomite – The Dolomite has been my family’s go-to 3-season sleeping bag for the last 15 – 20 years. Here’s a list of the best North Face sleeping bags.
• Coleman Sleeping Bags – Coleman sleeping bags are known for their quality value. Here’s a list of the best Coleman Sleeping bags.

3. Sleeping Pad

A sleeping pad provides insulation from the cold, hard ground and added comfort. Choose a pad with an R-value appropriate for the conditions, and consider factors like weight, packability, and durability. Some top picks:

• Big Agnes Rapide SL
• Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap
• Trail Pro Self-Inflating

Water Purification: Stay Hydrated and Healthy

Access to clean drinking water is absolutely vital during bushcraft camping trips. Include a reliable water purification system to make sure you can safely drink from natural water sources.

1. Water Filter

A compact, lightweight water filter efficiently removes bacteria, protozoa, and sediment from water. Look for a filter with a high flow rate and long-lasting cartridges. Popular options include:

• Lifestraw Personal Water Filter– I keep several Lifestraws in the house for emergencies and one on the boat for a quick drink out of the lake.
• Brita Water Filter Bottle
• Waterdrop Gravity Water Filtration System – Provides enough water for the entire campsite.

2. Water Purification Tablets

Water purification tablets, like Aquamira or Potable Aqua, are lightweight backup methods for treating water. They are effective against bacteria and viruses but require a longer treatment time than filters.

3. Metal Water Bottle

A single-wall metal container, like a stainless steel water bottle or pot, allows you to boil water for purification and cooking. Choose a container with a capacity of at least 32 ounces for versatility.

• Triple Tree 34oz
• Pathfinder Bottle and Nesting Cups
• Hydro Flask 40oz – My daughter has been using the same Hydro Flask for years and carries it everywhere.

Cooking: Prepare Meals in the Wild

Having the right cooking equipment makes it easier to prepare hot meals and enjoy your time in the wilderness.

1. Camping Cooking Pot

A lightweight, durable cooking pot is essential for boiling water, cooking meals, and more. Look for a pot made from materials like titanium or stainless steel, with a capacity of around 1-2 liters. Some recommended options:

• Toaks Titanium 1600ml Pot
• MSR Stainless Steel Alpine 2 Pot Set
• Snow Peak Trek 1400 Titanium Cookset

2. Camping Stove

A compact, efficient stove lets you quickly boil water and cook meals without relying on a campfire. Choose a stove based on fuel type, weight, and simmer control. Popular options include:

• MSR PocketRocket 2
• Jetboil Flash
• Trangia Spirit Burner

3. Eating Utensils

Pack a lightweight, durable spork or a set of meal utensils. Options like the Light My Fire Titanium Spork or the Sea to Summit Alpha Light Cutlery Set are compact and long-lasting.

Conclusion

Investing in high-quality, reliable bushcraft camping equipment is essential for a successful and enjoyable woods experience.

Focus on key gear categories like cutting tools, fire starting, shelter, water purification, and cooking, and you’ll be well-prepared for your wilderness adventures.

Remember to practice using your equipment before heading out to ensure proficiency and identify any needed adjustments.

FAQ

What is the most important piece of bushcraft camping equipment?

A high-quality, full-tang bushcraft knife is the most important tool in your kit, as it serves a wide range of purposes, from processing firewood to preparing food.

How do I choose the right sleeping bag for bushcraft camping?

Choose a sleeping bag rated for the coldest temperatures you expect to encounter. Consider factors like insulation type (down or synthetic), weight, and packability.

What’s the best way to purify water during bushcraft camping trips?

A compact, lightweight water filter like a Lifestraw efficiently removes bacteria, protozoa, and sediment from water. Boiling water or using purification tablets are also effective methods. Read our article about how to purify water in the wild to learn more.

Do I need a stove for bushcraft camping, or can I rely on a campfire?

While a campfire can be used for cooking, a compact stove offers a quick and efficient way to boil water and prepare meals, especially when fires are restricted or during wet conditions.

What should I look for in a tarp?

Choose a tarp made from durable, waterproof materials like silnylon or polyethylene. It should be around 10×10 feet for versatility in shelter configurations. Look for features like reinforced tie-out points and included guylines.

By following this guide and investing in quality bushcraft camping equipment, you’ll be well-prepared for living in the woods and enjoying wilderness adventures’ challenges and rewards.

Remember to practice your skills, maintain your gear, and prioritize safety outdoors.