Menu
bushcraftexplorer.com
  • Home
  • Bushcraft Knives
  • Bushcraft Backpacks
  • Guides
  • About
bushcraftexplorer.com

10 Essential Bushcraft Skills Every Survivalist Should Know

Posted on March 17, 2023March 17, 2023 by Martin

When you’re out in the wilderness, there’s nothing more important than having the skills to survive. Whether you’re planning a camping trip, a backpacking adventure, or you’re simply interested in learning some new skills, knowing the essentials of bushcraft and survival can be the difference between life and death. In this article, we’ll cover ten essential bushcraft skills that every survivalist should know.

In this guide:

  • Shelter Building
  • Fire Starting
  • Water Sourcing and Purification
  • Foraging and Wild Edibles
  • Navigation and Orienteering
  • Knot Tying
  • Tool Making
  • Hunting and Trapping
  • First Aid
  • Conclusion

Shelter Building

Your first priority in a survival situation should be to build a shelter to protect yourself from the elements. In extreme weather conditions, exposure can lead to hypothermia, which can be fatal. Knowing how to build a shelter using natural materials can be a lifesaver.

One of the simplest and most effective shelter designs is the debris shelter. To build one, find a sturdy branch or tree trunk and lean it against a large tree at a steep angle. Use smaller branches and sticks to form a frame, and then cover the frame with leaves, grass, and other debris to insulate the shelter.

Fire Starting

Fire is essential for warmth, cooking food, and purifying water. Knowing how to start a fire using primitive methods can be a valuable skill in a survival situation.

One of the most popular methods of starting a fire is the bow drill method. To start a fire using this method, you’ll need a bow, a spindle, a fireboard, and a socket. First, make a small hole in the center of the fireboard, and then place the spindle in the hole. Use the bow to spin the spindle rapidly, which will create friction and generate heat. Use the socket to apply downward pressure on the spindle, which will create an ember that can be used to start a fire.

Water Sourcing and Purification

Water is essential for survival, but finding clean water in the wilderness can be a challenge. Knowing how to source and purify water can be a lifesaving skill.

One way to purify water is to make a water filter using natural materials. To make a water filter, fill a container with layers of sand, gravel, and charcoal. Pour water through the filter, and the layers will remove impurities and sediment from the water.

Water Filtration MethodEffectivenessProsCons
BoilingVery effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and parasitesEasy to do with basic equipmentTime-consuming and requires fuel
Chemical TreatmentVery effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and parasitesLightweight and easy to carryCan leave an aftertaste and may not be effective against all types of contaminants
Mechanical FiltrationEffective at removing sediment and some bacteria and parasitesLightweight and easy to carryMay not be effective against viruses and smaller contaminants
Ceramic FiltrationEffective at removing bacteria and parasitesDurable and long-lastingMay not be effective against viruses and some other contaminants
Reverse OsmosisVery effective at removing bacteria, viruses, and parasitesCan remove salt from seawaterRequires electricity and specialized equipment

Foraging and Wild Edibles

Knowing how to identify and gather wild edibles can be a valuable skill in a survival situation. Many plants and berries are edible and can provide important nutrients.

However, it’s important to be cautious when foraging, as some plants can be poisonous. Always do your research and make sure you know what you’re looking for before eating any wild edibles.

Wild EdibleNutritional ValueHow to Identify
Berries (e.g. blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)High in vitamin C and antioxidantsLook for bushes with clusters of small, round, colorful berries
Nuts (e.g. acorns, chestnuts, walnuts)High in protein and healthy fatsLook for trees with large, hard-shelled nuts
Wild Greens (e.g. dandelion, chicory, lambsquarters)High in vitamins and mineralsLook for plants with leaves that resemble common garden greens
Mushrooms (e.g. morels, chanterelles, oyster mushrooms)High in protein and vitaminsBe cautious and only eat mushrooms that have been positively identified by an expert
Wild Roots (e.g. cattail, burdock, wild carrot)High in fiber and vitaminsLook for plants with long, slender roots

Navigation and Orienteering

Knowing how to navigate in the wilderness can be the difference between getting lost and finding your way to safety. Orienteering is the skill of using a map and compass to navigate in the wilderness.

To use a map and compass, first orient the map to match the terrain around you. Then, use the compass to orient yourself and determine the direction you need to travel. Use the map to guide you to your destination.

When foraging for wild edibles, it’s important to be cautious and only eat plants that have been positively identified as safe to consume. Consult a field guide or an expert to help with identification. Additionally, be aware of any potential toxins or contaminants in the area, such as pesticides or pollution.

Knot Tying

Knot tying is an essential skill in bushcraft and survival. Knowing how to tie different types of knots can be useful for shelter building, tool making, and other survival tasks.

One of the most useful knots is the bowline knot, which can be used to tie a loop at the end of a rope. To tie a bowline knot, form a loop in the rope and pass the end of the rope through the loop. Then, pass the end of the rope around the standing part of the rope, and then back through the loop. Tighten the knot by pulling on the standing part of the rope.

KnotUseHow to Tie
BowlineForming a fixed loop at the end of a ropeMake a small loop in the rope. Pass the end of the rope through the loop, then around the standing part of the rope, and back through the loop. Tighten the knot by pulling on the standing part of the rope.
Clove HitchAttaching a rope to a pole or postWrap the rope around the pole or post. Cross the end of the rope over the standing part, then wrap it around the pole or post again. Cross the end of the rope over the standing part again, then tuck it under the last wrap.
Square KnotJoining two ropes of equal thicknessTie an overhand knot in one rope. Tie another overhand knot in the second rope, but pass the end of the second rope over the first rope. Pull both knots tight.
Taut-line HitchAdjusting the tension of a ropeTie a half hitch around the standing part of the rope. Bring the end of the rope around the standing part again, then pass it through the first half hitch. Bring the end of the rope around the standing part again, then pass it through the second half hitch in the opposite direction.
Sheet BendJoining two ropes of different thicknessForm a bight in the thicker rope. Pass the end of the thinner rope through the bight and around the thicker rope. Then, pass the end of the thinner rope back through the bight and around itself. Tighten the knot by pulling on the standing parts of both ropes.

These knots are just a few examples of the many useful knots that can be used in bushcraft and survival situations. It’s important to practice tying knots until you can tie them quickly and easily, even in difficult conditions.

Tool Making

Tools are essential for survival in the

wilderness. Knowing how to make simple tools using natural materials can be a valuable skill.

One of the simplest tools to make is a primitive knife. To make a knife, find a sharp rock or piece of flint and use it to shape a piece of wood into a handle. Then, attach the handle to the rock using cordage or natural fibers, like sinew or plant fibers.

Hunting and Trapping

Hunting and trapping can provide an important source of food in a survival situation. Knowing how to make simple traps using natural materials can be a useful skill.

One of the simplest traps to make is the deadfall trap. To make a deadfall trap, find a large rock or heavy object and use sticks and cordage to create a trigger mechanism. When an animal disturbs the trigger, the rock falls and crushes the animal.

First Aid

In a survival situation, injuries are common. Knowing how to treat common injuries using basic first aid can be a lifesaving skill.

Some common injuries in the wilderness include cuts, burns, and insect bites. To treat a cut, clean the wound and apply pressure to stop the bleeding. To treat a burn, cool the burn with water and cover it with a sterile bandage. To treat an insect bite, remove the stinger (if present) and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.

Conclusion

These ten essential bushcraft skills are just the beginning of what you need to know to survive in the wilderness. While they may seem basic, mastering these skills can make a significant difference in a survival situation.

Remember, the key to survival is preparation. Practice these skills before you find yourself in a survival situation, and you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever challenges come your way.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Martin the Bushcraft Explorer

Martin the Bushcraft Explorer

I am Martin. I love to be outdoors and explore new places. I have a passion for survival and bushcraft, which is why I started Bushcraft Explorer: so that others can learn these skills as well!

©2012-2022 Bushcraft Explorer