If you’re new to bushcraft, you may feel a bit lost as to which pieces of kit to invest in. We’ve taken the guesswork out of this process and have amassed a list of 20 of the best (and most essential) bushcraft tools and gear pieces for you to stock up on.
You may not need all of these, depending on the type of bushcraft you’re interested in, but you should be able to assemble a great kit with the suggestions mentioned below.
Here’s the list that we’ll discuss:
Essential Tools
Let’s start with one of the most essential tools: a knife.
1. A Good Knife
This is at the top of the list because it’s the number one, most important piece you’ll need. All other bushcraft tools are “nice to have, “but a good knife is absolutely invaluable.
The type of knife to choose will depend on the type(s) of bushcraft you plan on pursuing, and you can absolutely carry more than one!
The key here is to invest in a knife (or knives) that are durable and reliable. My bushcraft kit includes three knives:
- An all-purpose knife that can cut through foliage as well as cordage. If you get a solid, versatile blade, you can also use it for skinning and dressing.
- The Swiss Army knife I’ve been carrying for 25 years has several tools that often come in handy. The Leatherman Wave is a great alternative if you can afford one.
- A mushroom-harvesting knife: This mushroom knife by Opinel is ideal, as the curved blade makes it easy to cut through mushroom stems without damaging them, while the attached brush allows you to remove detritus in situ.
2. Sharpening Tool
There’s little point in carrying a blunt knife or hatchet with you, as it’ll be rather useless. As such, keep a portable sharpening stone on you and ensure that all of your bushcraft tools are honed on a regular basis.
If you’ve cut a bunch of wood for a toasty cooking fire, hone your blades while you’re waiting for your food to cook, etc.
3. A Backpack or Day Pack
If the type of bushcraft you’re getting involved with requires you to go hiking through the woods or on overnight sojourns, then a backpack is going to be your best friend. Aim for one that’s as lightweight as possible, while also being immensely durable.
This may involve a bit of an investment if you don’t already have one.
It’s best to pick up a backpack in person at an outdoor supply store so you can ensure that it actually fits you properly. Ideally, it should fit you so that the weight-supporting belt sits securely around your hips.
Alternatively, if your bushcraft endeavors will last only a few hours in local surroundings, then a daypack is really all you need. It just needs to be large enough to fit your water bottle, knife, and some snacks.
The Venture Pal is foldable and super lightweight, but it can still hold everything you need for a day trip.
4. Bushcraft Clothes
These fall under the “gear” category as far as bushcraft tools go and are almost as important as a sharp knife. Contrary to what some people may believe, not all clothes are created equal when it comes to tromping about in the wild.
When I first started camping and doing bushcraft, I made the mistake of wearing leggings and cotton shirts.
As much as I hate wearing pants, I recommend getting a good pair of water-resistant trousers that have reinforced knees and lots of pockets. Although pricey, the Fjallraven Vidda Pro pants come in men’s and women’s styles, and can last for several years if taken care of properly.
As far as tops go, aim for moisture-wicking layers with thick wool on top, such as an Icelandic wool lopapeysa sweater. Whichever jacket you choose should depend on your local environment, but it’s a good idea to have both summer and winter options.
For example, a lightweight, waterproof shell will keep you dry and unbitten in the warmer months, while a down-insulated parka should keep you warm and comfortable in colder weather.
5. An Axe or Hatchet
These bushcraft tools are invaluable if you’re going to be camping out in the wild for a few days, as they’ll allow you to cut small- to medium-sized pieces of wood for your campfire or shelter.
Axes can also be used as impromptu defense weapons should you come across a large predator unexpectedly, provided that you learn how to use them in that manner.
I’m fond of the Hultafors hatchet, but if you’re looking for a small, lightweight, multi-purpose piece, then consider the Ågelsjön mini axe as well.
6. Folding Saw
Some people see folding saws as superfluous if you’re carrying an axe, while others consider both of these bushcraft tools to be rather invaluable. They have different uses, so it’s up to you to decide whether your endeavors require one or just both.
Saws are handy for both smaller branches and green wood, and are less likely to maim you if you’re cutting wood while exhausted. Grab one by Corona Tools at Amazon.
7. Cordage
Cordage is one of the bushcraft tools that’s absolutely vital if you plan to spend real time and effort outdoors.
You can use it to rig up tarps for shelter if inclement weather hits, to secure fishing traps, to hang food in trees so predators don’t get to it, and for countless other applications.
All-purpose paracord is one of the best options here, as it won’t stretch if it absorbs water and is incredibly durable.
If you’re setting snares to catch game, however, you’ll need to use a thinner cord or wire.
8. Water Bottle and Filter Combo
Whether you’re going on a small hike to gather medicinal plants, or heading into the wild for a week, you’re going to need water to drink.
Aim to drink half to a full liter of water for every hour of activity, but you may need to double this in hot weather or if you’re doing a lot of physical labor. As such, having a water filtration system with you may be far more efficient than carrying several liters of water in your backpack.
We carry three different types of water bottles and filters with us, depending on where we’re going and how long we’ll be away.
One is a standard stainless steel bottle, as this can be heated over a fire as an impromptu cooking vessel or to sterilize the contents if need be. The other is a LifeStraw, which can be used to filter water directly from rivers, lakes, or streams.
For longer camping trips, we have a ceramic water filter that fits securely onto Nalgene BPA-free water bottles.
9. Portable Stove (Optional)
I’ve cooked over many open fires when camping or on bushcraft outings, but I’ve become fonder of small portable stoves over the years. My go-to is the BioLite, as it runs on twigs and bark, creates smokeless flame, and creates enough power to charge devices if needed.
Other people prefer small gas-powered stoves but those require propane and that’s just one more thing to carry on your back.
Again, portable stoves are bushcraft tools that make life just a bit easier and more comfortable when you’re out in the wild. It’s up to you whether you’d like a more hardcore, DIY experience, or creature comforts.
10. Food
While food items aren’t bushcraft tools per se, they definitely need to be included in your gear.
You may have every intention of being self-sufficient and foraging for all of your food out in the wild, but availability will depend on the season and how lucky you are. Your DIY fish traps may be the best in the world, but they aren’t going to feed you if fish don’t find them.
As such, you’ll need to take enough food with you to keep you alive, fuelled, and comfortable. What you take with you, however, will depend on your personal preferences, as well as how much time and equipment you have to prepare it.
Some good options include (but are not limited to):
- Protein and energy bars
- High-calorie survival tabs
- Jerky
- Nuts and dried fruit
- Lightweight cans and packets (such as tuna)
- Instant camping meals (many simply require boiling water)
11. Cooking Pot or Kettle
As with everything else on this list, the more lightweight a piece is, the better (and easier) it is to carry. Stainless steel is the gold standard in this regard as it’s both reliable and easy to clean: although titanium and aluminum are lighter, they aren’t terribly durable.
In fact, you’re more likely to end up with burnt food from the hot spots they can develop when cooking over a flame.
If you use a BioLite stove, you can also pick up the kettle accessory as that can be used to either cook in directly, or to boil water to add to instant rations.
12. Eating Utensils
When we go into the bush, we take our kuksas with us because they’re versatile, can be used as either cups or bowls, and can be attached to our backpacks with carabiners. That said, you can also carry lightweight melamine or aluminum items instead.
A spork is also helpful as one of those clever two-in-one bushcraft tools that humans have come up with, though my favorite is a bamboo travel set comprised of a spoon, fork, and chopsticks that I take everywhere with me.
If you’re interested in learning how to carve your own kuksa drinking bowl, read our DIY guide for step-by-step instructions!
13. Firestarting Materials
Always bring at least two different methods of starting a fire. We carry Zippo lighters in our zippered pockets, but we also have matches in our backpacks and ferro rods/firestarters on our keychains.
Other bushcraft tools, such as portable stoves and cooking utensils, won’t do much good if you can’t even start a fire.
14. Sleeping Bag
Invest in the best sleeping bag you can possibly afford, and make sure you purchase one that’s ideally suited to your environment.
A sleeping bag ideal for a dry desert environment won’t help you if your bushcraft adventures are in the boreal forest or high mountain altitudes. Honestly, if you’re going to invest real money into your bushcraft tools, make your sleeping bag the top priority.
15. Sleeping Pad (Optional)
Some people like to take sleeping pads with them because they’re a lot more comfortable to sleep on than the bare ground, but this really depends on the individual, as well as just how many bushcraft tools and accessories you feel like carrying into the wild with you.
My partner is fond of carrying a rolled sheepskin to use as a sleeping pad, but I prefer to make a “bed” of soft, squishy green pine needles and place my sleeping bag on top of that.
16. Tarp and/or Shelter
If you’re packing light, then you really can’t go wrong with a couple of waterproof tarps.
These can be suspended between trees as makeshift tents, and put down on the ground to create a waterproof layer between you and whatever muck you may need to bed down onto.
In a pinch, you can also use them as personal protection against the elements, or to wrap things up up to carry them home with you.
Basic, all-purpose tarps are great bushcraft tools, but if you have the budget for it, you can also invest in fancier shelters. The Haven, for example, is part tent and part hammock. It lets you rock comfortably to sleep in a secure shelter that’s elevated off the ground and protected from insects or rodents.
17. Map and Compass
If you only plan on wandering in a little forested area nearby that you know like the back of your own hand, these aren’t must-have bushcraft tools for your kit.
In contrast, if you’re heading out for a week or more in relatively unknown territory, then a map and compass are absolutely vital. Just make sure you actually know how to read and follow them ahead of time: this isn’t something you’ll want to learn on the go.
18. A Light Source
Some bushcrafters swear by headlamps for hands-free work while others prefer hand-held flashlights. If you’re only wandering around during the day, then these bushcraft tools may be superfluous for you.
That said, if the days are short or if you’re checking snares and traps after dark (or before dawn), having some extra light is a good idea. This is especially true if there are venomous critters around that you’d rather avoid.
19. A First Aid Kit
Although this is last on the list of essential bushcraft tools, it’s not the least important by any stretch of the imagination.
Know that if you’re delving into bushcraft and woodland survival or self-sufficiency, you’re going to get hurt. This is a given, so you might as well brace yourself for it.
You may be lucky enough to get away with a few splinters, rashes, and insect bites/stings, or you may tear a ligament, get a bad cut, or even break a bone.
As such, a well-stocked first aid kit is an absolute must to carry with you. Skill herbalists can get away with eliminating certain unguents and such if enough healing plants are in season.
But everyone should carry bandages, plasters, gauze, tweezers, topical antibiotics, alcohol swabs, and pain medication. Trust me when I say it’s better to have it and not need it than the other way around.
Read our article on homestead first aid kits for ideas about what to add into your own.
20. Notebook with Pens and Pencils
One of the most important aspects of bushcraft is how much you learn when you’re out in the field. As such, having a notebook and a couple of pens and pencils can be absolutely invaluable as part of your bushcraft tools set for making all manner of notes and sketches.
For example, if you’re exploring a new area and you’ve found a perfect fishing spot, you can write down the GPS coordinates (if you have them), or write down a description of the area so you’ll be able to find it again.
Similarly, you can write down your observations or thoughts on various edible plants you’ve foraged or simply jot down profound thoughts you’ve had while staring out over a misty lake at dawn.
We love Moleskine journals, and if you pop yours into a water-resistant zipper cover like the Hide and Drink, it’ll keep your notes safe and dry, as well as your writing implements close at hand.
Notes on Which Bushcraft Tools to Carry With You
One of the best quotes about bushcraft (and by extension, bushcraft tools) that I’ve ever heard came from Bjorn Andreas Bull-Hansen, a Norwegian outdoorsman and novelist who said, “The more you know about bushcraft, the less you carry.”
This is absolutely true and cannot be stressed enough.
Every item you carry with you is an added weight on your body. The tools you have may not weigh all that much individually, but 1.9 pounds here and 500g there will add up to significant weight. Carry the absolute minimum required for your bushcraft endeavors.
For example, if you’re heading out into a small forested area nearby for a few hours to harvest mushrooms, chaga, or reishi, you only need to carry a small daypack with water and snacks, and an all-purpose knife.
In contrast, if you’ll be spending several days living out in the wild, where you’ll be living off the land by setting snares and cooking outdoors, you’ll need to pack accordingly.