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Bushcraft is all about working with nature, not against it. It’s a valuable set of practical skills that can make adventures out in the wilderness even more enjoyable. If you love camping, hiking, or an off-grid getaway, these 10 survival skills can help you work smarter in the bush.
1. Know how to start a campfire, rain or shine
Knowing how to start a fire is common knowledge, knowing how to build a fire in damp and wet conditions is not.
In these conditions, one must turn to the trees – the bark of a birch tree and the resin of a pine tree are both materials that burn hotter and longer than dry grass or leaves.
How to collect and use birch bark for starting a fire:
1.Peel thin strips from dead birch trees (avoid damaging live trees).
2.Shred into fluffy fibres with your knife or hands.
3.Place under kindling and strike sparks onto it with a ferro rod.
How to collect and use pine resin for starting a fire:
1. Scrape hardened resin from pine trunks into a tin.
2. Melt it over low heat to create a sticky ‘glue’
3. Dab onto twigs or bark to boost flammability.
ALSO SEE: Learning bushcraft and how to survive an apocalypse
Image: Pexels
2. Never use a wet stone in a campfire
Never use river rocks or stones from damp areas in campfires— it is incredibly dangerous. Trapped moisture within the stone can cause it to explode when heated. Instead, stick to dry, solid rocks from upland areas. A good rule of thumb is to tap rocks before using them – a hollow sound could indicate hidden cracks or moisture.
3. Know how to carry heavier loads more effectively
A ‘tumpline’—a strap worn across your forehead—can help distribute weight when you are carrying heavy loads, especially when you’re lugging around gear. Most modern backpacks have padded straps, but a makeshift tumpline is an ancient DIY trick for hauling up to 45+ kilograms.
4. Know your blood circle
Before using a knife, imagine a 360-degree safety circle around you, as wide as your arm’s reach. In Scouting this is known as the ‘blood circle’. No one should step inside while you’re cutting, carving, or splitting wood. Teaching this rule to kids or group members prevents accidents.
5. Don’t memorise every edible plant
When foraging, you don’t need to memorise every edible plant off the bat—just focus on a few easy-to-identify species like dandelions, cattails, or wild garlic. Avoid risky shortcuts: 99% of white berries are toxic, so steer clear. Bring a regional foraging guide or app to confirm plant identities.
6. Don’t sharpen your knife unnecessarily
Over-sharpening wears down blades. Only use coarse stones for fixing big nicks and maintain the knife’s edge with a fine stone or leather strop. A well-maintained knife should only require light honing to stay sharp. Remember to store knives properly to prevent rust.
7. Master the basic knots
Knowing a few solid knots can make all the difference when building shelters, securing gear, or setting traps. Start with these three basics:
- Square lashing (for binding poles)
- Bowline (a secure, non-slipping loop)
- Taut-line hitch (adjustable tension for tarps)
8. Be prepared for the terrain
The bush craft skills you bust out will depend on where you find yourself. In forests, fire-building should be a top focus. In a desert, you will need to know about water conservation and filtering as well as shade-building. In the mountains, one would focus on weather-readiness and rock shelters.
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