The most important equipment for bushcraft beginners

More and more people feel the need to withdraw from the hectic, stressful and fast-paced world every now and then in order to be able to focus on the basic things in life again. Far away from the noise of cars and overcrowded trams, people want to be more in tune with themselves and the environment and to pause for a moment. In times when you always have to be on call, social media and mobile phones are always at hand and the daily schedule seems ever tighter, many people almost feel as if the air they can breathe is gradually being cut off.

The way out of this scenario does not always have to involve high costs, enormous effort or a strenuous long-distance journey. It is more about concentrating on the basics in life and consciously slowing everything down. The way out is within reach, even if most people would not expect it. However, those who dare to look beyond the daily grind can clearly see that nature is not far away and offers a first-class solution to the dreariness. Bushcraft is on the rise!

The word bushcraft is a combination of the words " bush " and " craft " and means something like " wilderness " and " craft " - in other words, it is about the art or craft of surviving in nature. In comparison to the similarly themed survival, however, the use of tools and equipment is expressly desired here. In survival, on the other hand, you are usually in a "bare survival situation" without any aids.

Equipment for Bushcraft Beginners

If you are thinking about taking the step towards nature soon and can somehow identify with the situations described above, you, like many other outdoor enthusiasts, will certainly face a hurdle that needs to be overcome at the beginning. We will help you to cross this wall skillfully and purposefully:

The jungle of outdoor items that you need to get an overview of at the beginning is at least as dense as the forest in which you will tackle your future bushcraft adventures. One item follows the next. One membrane follows the next and as a newbie you often have the feeling that you are somehow overwhelmed by the range. What is particularly important when making a selection? Which items should definitely not be missing in order to be able to survive without any problems in later use? Unfortunately, in the jungle of outdoor items, a machete is no help in cutting through this dense branching. The only thing that counts here is experience and extensive prior advice.

So that you can approach your first bushcraft experience safely and with the certainty of being well prepared, we have put together the most important equipment for bushcraft beginners. This compilation offers you everything you need to survive in nature. It also provides a perfect basic framework of items that you can later expand and customize as you wish.

Sure-footedness - the right footwear

Especially if you are primarily used to the surface of the city, you will quickly notice during your first outdoor trip that the terrain and the associated grip are very different. Where you can enjoy surefootedness on asphalt, cobbled or gravel roads even with the cheapest €10 shoes, the limits of what is possible are quickly shown to you in the field. And not only that - from a safety perspective, such shoe categories are extremely negligent and should never be considered. The many muddy, steep, rooty and slippery passages in nature should always be tackled with the right and specially made footwear so that your trip can be remembered positively.

When choosing the right shoe, it is clear that no two feet are the same and that no one shoe model can be generalized. Shoe advice is one of the most time-consuming and important steps when putting together outdoor equipment , as this is where safety and comfort are decided. What good is the best shoe with the highest quality membrane if after 10 km your heels are so damaged that continuing to walk becomes torture? This can be a major risk, especially in situations where you are several days away from a city. Take your time in the specialist shop of your choice and test out a few models before you decide to buy one.

Regardless of whether the shoe fits your foot, you will quickly notice that the shoes have a lot of different properties. For example, a full-leather shoe is very suitable if you are going to be out and about for a long time in terrain where high levels of humidity are not expected. Because full-leather breathes better and is also very comfortable on the foot, you usually have an advantage with this type of shoe in such terrain. Sweat can easily penetrate to the outside and therefore does not remain inside the shoe for long. Full-leather also shines with its high durability. The leather part of the shoe is almost impossible to kill. If the sole is already worn out and needs to be replaced, the leather usually still looks like new and has adapted perfectly to the shape of your foot.

If, however, rain could play a decisive role, you should opt for a waterproof version with a membrane. This gives you the certainty that no water can penetrate into the shoe, even in constant rain, puddles or high, wet grass. The breathability of this type of shoe is not quite as great as that of the leather version, but it is still good and sufficient. If you are not entirely sure about the weather, it could be advantageous to opt for a waterproof shoe version so that you are prepared for anything. Both types are around the same price range.

Braving the rain - the right wet weather protection

It's not just your footwear that can play a decisive role in whether your trip "falls through" or not. The rest of your clothing should also always meet the high demands of the terrain and be able to cover all eventualities. So get extensive advice from your specialist shop of choice on hardshell/rain jackets and trousers/rain trousers. Nothing is more unpleasant than heading to camp in the evening with dripping and soaking wet clothes, and your health can also suffer from a cold and wet night. Adequate and good rain protection is therefore essential and is an important cornerstone in terms of equipment for bushcraft beginners.

The water-resistant versions of outerwear and trousers are divided into membrane and PU-coated models . To choose the right type, you should first ask yourself how much rain you will be exposed to and how heavy your luggage will be. These two factors are very important when choosing a jacket and should always be taken into account when making your purchase decision.

PU-coated jackets and trousers provide water protection through a chemically applied protective layer. This ensures that the water beads off the surface and cannot penetrate inside. This type of design is one of the cheaper versions on the market and usually comes with a 10,000 water column. However, there are also models that have a higher water column, usually ending at 20,000. In addition, the PU jackets are usually designed for lighter backpacks, up to a maximum of 6 kg, as the resistance of the material would otherwise give way. This is also a reason why you can find good models for well under 100€. This category is therefore quite suitable for beginners who want to get a taste of it. However, if you are already looking further afield and are planning to tackle more demanding bushcraft tours soon, you should start with the membrane clothing. This way you can avoid buying twice and opt for the versions with more options right from the start.

Membrane jackets and trousers offer greater abrasion resistance and better resistance to water influences. The water columns usually start at 20,000 and end at around 30,000 for the top models. This ensures that you can spend the whole day in the pouring rain without any problems and can also handle a backpack load of over 12 kg without the jacket showing signs of disintegration in the shoulder area. These models are clearly of higher quality and offer more options in the long term. Trousers made in this way are also more resistant and often come onto the market with additional seat reinforcement.

By the way - When measuring the water column, a column is placed on the garment during production in the laboratory and then filled with water. Measurement values ​​are indicated on the column, like on a folding rule. As soon as the water runs through the material of the jacket above a certain filling level, the value is read at the respective point and the water column has thus been determined. With a water column of 10,000 mm, this means that the water penetrates the material for the first time under a pressure of 10,000 mm per m².

For those who are just looking for something to throw on, a poncho can also be useful. Ponchos usually only have a water column of around 5000, but they are good for shorter trips and are also very light and pack well. For more demanding tours, however, the options mentioned above are always preferable.

Warm outerwear for cool temperatures

Even if technical aids can be used to predict weather conditions very well, you should be prepared for any changes when doing bushcraft. The weather can change quickly, especially in mountainous regions, and a forecast should be viewed with caution. If you get up in the morning and enjoy your coffee in camp in the bright sun, the weather can give off a rougher impression just an hour later. To have suitable and warm outerwear ready, you should look for the following categories in the shop, all of which have various advantages:

Down jacket : This is by far the lightest and easiest to pack type of jacket. This is often reflected in the price. Down jackets are usually sold in specialist shops in duck or goose down versions, with the latter offering even greater warmth. The exact down jacket you choose should depend on the temperature ranges you can expect. As a rough rule of thumb, you can keep in mind that the amount of fill weight, the mix ratio, the type of down and the fill power all work together to determine how warm a jacket really is. The fill power is often shown in cuin on the jacket labels and stands for cubic inches. This value shows how quickly the down can expand again when compressed.

Synthetic jackets : Synthetic jackets are perfect for regions where temperatures are not too cold. Most synthetic fillings are designed to imitate the properties of down - but the whole thing is artificially produced. The jackets are generally cheaper than down jackets and are often worn during high physical exertion, as the synthetic construction continues to generate heat even when wet and sweaty. Down jacket fillings clump very quickly when wet and sweaty. They are therefore used more for warmth when standing still and not during physical activity.

Merino : Made from the wool of Merino sheep, Merino is becoming a favorite item for many bushcrafters. The material offers good warmth, which can be placed in the region of synthetic jackets. Here, too, however, it always depends on the filling quantity. The big advantage of Merino is its high breathability and, above all, its odor neutrality. Even with intensive use, most Merino products do not have an unpleasant odor, even after days without washing. Wet clothing dries extremely quickly.

Equipment for Bushcraft Beginners - Sleeping in the Field

As with the categories listed above, there is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing a place to sleep. It's up to you to decide which way you think is right and try to think long and hard about the individual advantages and disadvantages beforehand.

Here too, good information gathering and advice are very important:

In the tent you have by far the most privacy and the completely closed structure also offers good protection from rodents. In windy and rainy conditions you are on the safe side with most models, so nothing can happen to you or your luggage. Compared to other sleeping options, however, you should pay attention to the suitable surface here. Is the ground too hard for the pegs that came with the tent? Is the ground flat enough to enable a good sleeping position? We can assure you that a sharp stone or root under the tent floor is not exactly flattering for your back. So - keep your eyes open before setting up the tent!

At least in terms of the ground conditions, those who like a hammock have it much easier. The pack size and weight are often much smaller. All you need to set up the sleeping area are two tree trunks facing each other, which give a stable and safe impression. You can then use the hammock without any problems and you don't even need a mattress with this option. This creates additional space in your backpack. But what if the terrain has no trees or only very questionable ones? Try to find out about the area you want to go to beforehand. No matter how advantageous the hammock may be, it loses points when it comes to flexibility.

Other options for sleeping outdoors are tarps or bivouac sacks. If you sleep under a protective tarpaulin with the first option, you will be at home under the open starry sky with the second approach. Both options offer a high degree of flexibility and can be used well and efficiently almost anywhere in nature, regardless of the terrain you are on. Bivouacking is also expressly permitted in many countries, including Germany, as long as it is not on private property. This legal freedom is also a big plus point. The "setup" is also extremely simple - lie down, look at the stars - done!

The "blanket to go" - choosing the right sleeping bag

Before you set off on your bushcraft tour , make sure you start your adventure with a good sleeping bag that suits your destination and the time of year you are travelling. There is nothing more unpleasant than spending the whole night half awake in a kind of freezer because you have chosen a sleeping bag with the wrong temperature range. The results can vary greatly. It can range from hypothermia to severe frostbite. But one thing is usually always guaranteed - an unrefreshing night and deep, pitch-black rings under your eyes that could almost be described as bags under your eyes. If you want to avoid this experience and start your next morning with energy and enthusiasm, then try to take your time choosing your sleeping bag.

As with jackets, the sleeping bag market is also divided into synthetic fiber and down variants .

The down sleeping bags in this category also have significantly higher thermal properties and this is reflected in the price. If something is small and easy to store in the outdoor world, but still has the same properties or even exceeds them, then this will be clearly evident in the price. These sleeping bags are particularly popular with people who travel to very cold regions. Even in the ultralight equipment scene, there is almost no way around these powerful flyweights.

If your next trip is to a region that is not too cold and you are not necessarily focused on having the best pack size on earth, then you can safely choose a synthetic model. Here too, however, you should make sure that the temperature/comfort ranges match your destination. Synthetic sleeping bags, like synthetic jackets, are not sensitive to moisture and continue to keep you warm even when wet. Drying them also takes far less time than a wet down sleeping bag.

Swinging the wooden spoon even in the field

To ensure that you can prepare or cook food well in the field, you should make sure that you take an easy-to-use cooker with you and avoid any big bells and whistles. This is not about preparing an exquisite multi-course meal for the entire camp, but rather about choosing a harmonious combination of utility, weight, pack size and stability.

Most outdoor cookers are designed and sized so that they can easily be stowed in a jacket pocket, but still achieve good cooking results. This means that pasta, rice, couscous, soups, teas and even meat dishes can be prepared effortlessly. And of course, you don't have to go without your morning coffee either.

This type of outdoor cooking is also very popular when hiking and can be found in almost every backpack on a multi-day hiking tour. Most models are operated with a plug-in or screw-on cartridge and are therefore quickly ready for use. Other variants are spirit, petrol and multi-fuel devices. The stability can vary from model to model and should be tested in advance.

Using a so-called HoBo stove is definitely more close to nature. The wood stove is operated according to the principle of a fireplace and is therefore very environmentally friendly and original. Everything you need to use and fire up the HoBo stove can be found in the terrain you are currently on. A few dry, small pieces of wood or branches are enough to feed the HoBo stove with enough fuel.

The heat development and cooking quality may not quite match that of a gas or petrol stove, but you are equipped with a good portion of flexibility and can continue to cook first-class food even in remote regions where a new supply of fuel is impossible. In terms of autonomy, you are certainly not making a mistake with this purchase. However, note that the weight and pack size are larger compared to the previously listed variants. The HoBo stove is also not quite as well equipped against strong winds, so the heat development could be significantly reduced in windy regions. However, a windscreen could help here.

Oh yes! Don't forget your lighter and cutlery and otherwise - enjoy your meal!

Water filtration on the go - effectively remove pollutants

The cool water trickles down the mountain, tranquil, crystal clear and ice cold, and you'd love to just pour this refreshing-looking water down your throat, especially after a long and strenuous day of bushcraft. You can do it, but you should avoid it in most outdoor areas if you want to avoid stomach upsets and other health problems.

Appearances are deceptive, as many public waters are full of suspended matter, heavy metals, chemicals, microorganisms, parasites, bacteria and even viruses , even if the external, very inviting appearance of the water source tells a different story. In order to combat these unpleasant components and not suffer from thirst, you should use various water filtration methods and protect yourself.

Water filters are primarily designed to remove impurities, microorganisms and bacteria from the water. They are an integral part of any packing list for outdoor and hiking trips of any kind and enable you to have an adequate supply of water even in the field. Most water filter models are so small that they easily fit in the palm of your hand. You should make sure that the filter inside your new water filter device has a maximum size of 0.2 microns, or even better, 0.1 microns. Since bacteria settle somewhere in this size range, this purchase decision ensures that no unwanted mini-guests get into your drinking cup.

The situation is different with viruses. With a size of just 0.02 microns, they can whizz through almost any filter without even having to make an effort. Here too, there are more expensive models on the market that allow filtering, but this is accompanied by a very slow filtering speed, so it doesn't really seem worthwhile. The size and weight are also comparatively disadvantageous.

To protect yourself against viruses, you should use a UV lamp or simply boil the water the old-school way. The environment also often provides information about whether a water source is suitable or not. Stay away from sources that are too close to civilization and generally trust your intuition. Chemical tablets or so-called "drops" also successfully kill bacteria after an exposure time of 30 - 60 minutes and can be found in any outdoor store.

The backpack - safe storage of your bushcraft equipment

What use is the best equipment if you have no way of transporting it safely and securely when bushcrafting? The backpack is one of the biggest cornerstones of the outdoor basic structure. It is responsible for ensuring that you can access all of your contents quickly, in an orderly and safe manner, and ideally in a way that is easy on your back.

Here, too, you should seek extensive advice from a specialist retailer of your choice and test out a few models. The size of the backpack, padding, how comfortable it is to wear in general and the structure of the compartments vary so much between the models on the market that it is impossible to give a blanket answer as to which model is the best. It depends on which backpack feels good to you personally. It is recommended that you test the backpack for at least 20 minutes when it is loaded in order to get a realistic feeling when carrying it. You should also make sure that you pack it correctly. Test weights are usually available in every specialist retailer, so take your time so that you don't experience any unpleasant and painful surprises on your bushcraft trip later on.

Also check whether the backpack has a so-called rain cover integrated. This can be easily put over the backpack in case of rain, making it almost waterproof. If there is no cover integrated, you can also buy one separately in the size of the corresponding backpack.

There is no rule of thumb when it comes to choosing the size of your backpack. It is important that the backpack fits your planned trips and that you can easily store all the necessary items. Work with a detailed packing list and, if possible, try to pack the equipment beforehand. Do not buy a backpack that is too big, as you run the risk of packing unnecessary stuff that will only add unnecessary weight to your shoulders.

Just in case - the first aid kit

Be prepared for all eventualities, including possible injuries. Sometimes all it takes is one wrong step on rough, slippery ground and it's happened. Injuries are unforgiving and if you are not prepared for such events when doing bushcraft, it can have painful and damaging consequences.

For this reason, always carry a first aid kit with you. Make sure that you always have enough plasters, bandages and disinfectants so that you can react if the worst happens. Pain-relieving tablets are also recommended. All of these precautionary measures give you a feeling of being well prepared and take up almost no space in your backpack.

In times of ultra-light thinking, you shouldn't cut corners when it comes to bushcraft equipment. An absolute must-have in your backpack.