The Top 10 Bushcraft Tools You Will Need on Your Outdoor Adventures

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Who doesn’t love the feel of nature all around them? Even if you can only get out into the woods or a remote location once in a while, that feeling is still there.

You feel it every time you see trees and greenery, especially if it’s something you don’t get to see every day. For some people, this means being able to explore places that they might not have been able to access before.

For others, it’s simply about taking advantage of what nature has to offer. If you want to take your love of nature even further, then why not check out these top 10 bushcraft tools that will help on your outdoor adventures?

1. Fixed Blade Knife

A fixed blade knife is the most basic piece of equipment you will need. It’s great for everything from chopping wood to preparing food, and you can really do way more with it than you would expect. A fixed blade knife is different from a folding knife.

A fixed blade knife is much more resilient and less likely to break than a folding knife, and therefore is a much better choice for bushcrafting. There are many different brands, designs, and materials to choose from when it comes to a bushcraft knife.

You can choose a big one or a small one, but you will want to make sure you have a sharp edge on it. A dull edge is nothing but trouble, and it won’t help you with your bushcraft adventures. For a detailed article on choosing a bushcraft knife check out this article.

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2. Cooking Pot

If you are planning on going out into the wilderness, you might want to bring a cooking pot with you. You can use the pot to prepare food, boil water, or even collect rainwater for drinking.

When it comes to choosing a cooking pot for bushcraft, you will want to make sure that you get something that is durable. Stainless steel is probably the most affordable, but there are lighter options available too like titanium cook pots. A cooking pot can be a very useful bushcraft tool, so make sure you have one on hand before you head out on an adventure.

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3. Lightweight Tarp

The first benefit of using a lightweight tarp is its ability to keep you dry in the rain. This can be especially helpful when out bushcrafting as it will help protect against any kind of inclement weather conditions that may occur during the duration such as thunderstorms or heavy rainfall.

It is also handy if you’re building a shelter, as making something completely rainproof takes a high level of experience and skill. They can also be used to create shade on a hot day or collect rainwater in tandem with a cooking pot.

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4. Cordage

Cordage can be used in so many different ways while you are out on your adventures. You can use it to tie things together, or you can use it to build a shelter.

When it comes to finding the right cordage for the job, probably the most popular is 550 paracord. It is extremely tough and can carry a lot of weight. Depending on the type of cordage you choose, you can also use it for things like setting traps and snaring.

Cordage is a very useful bushcraft tool, so make sure you have some on hand at all times.

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5. Headlamp or Flashlight

You will do much better with a headlamp or flashlight than you will with a candle or lantern. You can easily use it to find your way around in the dark and it’s great for tasks like reading or writing, or when you get caught out by fading daylight.

When it comes to choosing a headlamp, you will want to look for one that has a strong beam. You will also want to make sure that it’s water resistant so it can stand up to the elements. You can also find flashlights that are rechargeable, making them even better for outdoor adventures.

When it comes to lanterns, you will want to make sure that they are portable. You don’t want to be stuck with a large and heavy lantern that will be hard to move around with you.

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6. Firestarter / Ferro Rod

You can never have too many fire starters in your backpack when you’re out on a bushcraft adventure. You can choose a fire starter like a ferro rod or magnesium fire starter that will last you for a long time.

You can use a fire starter to easily start a fire with just a few sparks. Firestarters are great for when you are in a survival situation and you need fire but have no other way to start it.

You can also use firestarters to light other things like incense, candles, or even to light gas stoves. Firestarters are super cheap and very easy to carry with you wherever you go, so don’t leave them out! For more information on different types of fire starting gear see this article.

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7. Folding Saw

If you love the outdoors, you probably know that you will run into some things that need to be cut. A folding saw can be really helpful in these cases. A folding saw is a great thing to have on hand if you are out on an adventure.

You can use it to cut down small bushes or even larger trees. A folding saw is a great addition to a bushcraft knife. When it comes to choosing a folding saw, you will want to consider the material it’s made from. You will want to find one that is made from high-quality materials so it lasts you a long time.

We really love the Silky saws as they come in a variety of sizes and are extremely durable. If you want to learn more about bushcraft saws see this article.

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8. Axe or Hatchet

Bushcraft axes and hatchets are some of the most versatile tools in your arsenal. They’re heavy enough to split logs, but not too heavy to carry with you on long hikes. They have a wide, sharp blade that can be used for chopping and cutting; and the handle is sturdy enough to allow you to stand on it if you need more leverage when splitting wood.

Bushcraft axes and hatchets are used for many different purposes in bushcraft:

  • Splitting wood: A bushcraft axe or hatchet can split logs into pieces small enough for kindling or firewood.
  • Cutting branches: You can use a bushcraft axe or hatchet to cut branches into smaller pieces so they’re easier to carry home or use as tinder.
  • Digging holes: A sharp blade will make short work of digging holes in the ground for shelter, or even just for cooking over an open flame.
  • Preparing food: Yes, in a pinch we have used an axe or hatchet to prepare our dinner. It doesn’t have the same control as a knife, but it will get the job done.

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9. Personal Water Filter

Similar to the water bottles with in-built filters, these life straws take lightweight and portable to the next level, giving you the ability to directly drink from water sources found while out hiking.

They make great gifts and can be an excellent item to keep in your vehicle or pack in case of emergencies.

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10. First Aid Kit

When you are out on an adventure, it’s important to be prepared for anything. One way to do this is by having a first aid kit with you at all times. A first aid kit can have all sorts of things like bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, scissors, and much more.

When you are choosing a first aid kit, you will want to make sure that you get one that is suitable for the types of adventures you go on. A first aid kit can be helpful in all kinds of different situations, so it is a great tool to have on hand. When it comes to safety, it’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

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Conclusion

Bushcraft is all about getting back to basics and relying on yourself and the things around you. These ten tools will help you get started with bushcrafting, but they are the bare basics for a successful and comfortable bushcraft experience.

For a full list of all the bushcraft gear we recommend, check out our full bushcraft gear list.

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Matt

Matt

Creative Director and Editor at Walk Wild.

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