Bushcraft kit

Everyone that is into bushcraft and survival are just like me, we obsess over kits! And for good reason, because a well constructed kit made out from quality gear can make your life a whole lot easier for both when you are out practicing bushcraft and for when you are lost and have to survive. In this article I will show you my kit and what the different items are used for. For the most part i like items that can be used for multiple uses as this reduces weight on your back and gives you more options.

So here are my items:

Backpack: A good and versatile pack is what makes you able to carry all your life giving equipment. It should be just big enough for your equipment because if it is too big it will rattle around and wear you out much faster than necessary.

Axe and saw: Out here in the Norwegian woods especially during winter the axe is one of the most important pieces of kit that you can carry. This will enable you to get into the dry wood inside the stems of dead standing trees, lets you cut wood that is large enough to keep you warm all night even during sub-zero temperatures and it also enables you to build strong and sturdy lean-to shelters. The axe should be super-sharp and kept like this. During the warmer, but still wet months a folding saw will suffice as you can cut wood of a smaller diameter and use your knife and a baton to split it.

Knife: I already wrote an article about the importance of a good knife here. This piece of kit should never be undervalued and should be on your hip or around your neck at all times as long as you are out in the wild.

Cordage: With cordage and a knife you can make just about anything you will need to live comfortably out in the wilderness. 550 paracord is my personal favourite, but any cord is way better than no cord. With this you have bowstring for fire and hunting, you can make nets, shelter and much much more.

Billy Can: This is THE bushcraft cooking pot! It is a simple tin with a lid and a handle made out of metal and can be used for transporting and boiling water to make it safe, you can make dinner, transport fire and use it when gathering. A truly versatile piece of kit. In the billy can I keep my firesteel, instant coffee, a spork and also collect tinder in it sometimes.

Hammock: As long as you have trees nearby, the most comfortable way to sleep out in the wild is by sleeping in a hammock. It gets you of the ground, can be used for collecting, fish traps and the cordage on it can be used for other things as well.

Tarp: There are as many ways on setting up a tarp as there is people, it can be a roof over your hammock, reflect heat, serve as a groundsheet, collect water and so on. It does not take a lot of space so always try to have one with you in your backpack.

Hat: You loose a lot of heat from you head when it is cold outside so then you need a warm hat, during summer you need something to protect your head and eyes from the sun and rain. It can also be used to collect things in.

Ferrocerium rod: The firesteel is a brilliant piece of kit and one of few that only has one function, it helps you make fire and will throw sparks no matter how the weather is like. It is good to have matches and knowledge of what rocks you can use and how to make friction fire but when the weather is against you this little piece of kit still work. I carry one on my body and one in my pack so that I am never without it when in in then woods.

Small first aid kit: In this I have equipment that can be used for small cuts, bleeds, strains and sprains, scalpel and painkillers to help the head to work properly when migrenes sets in.

Waterbottle: I use a camelback waterbottle made out of plastic. It has a wide top so that it can be used for gathering and since I have the billy can and the knowledge to stoneboil water it does not have to be fireproof.

Parts of my bushcraft kit

Pen and paper: This is brilliant for taking down all sorts of notes as you try new things or observe something. You can write down new local woods that works for friction fire, take notes on how a footprint changes during different weather and over time and so on.

Binoculars: Great for studying nature and wildlife, like sitting for a couple of hours regularly scanning your surroundings and the lens can be used for starting a fire in an emergency.


I probably forgot something while writing this list. I did not include special equipment like hunting weapons, fishing equipment and things like this since this is something I put in my pack when I'm going places where this will be used. A map and compass are a necessity if you are in a new place and belongs in your pack then.

I also carry a cup and some snare wire in my pockets.

If there is something I forgot or should add, please comment :)

See you soon!