Guides & How-To

There is a distinct satisfaction in carrying less and creating more. When you’re setting up a long-term camp, processing firewood for a tarp shelter heating fire, or tackling advanced camp projects, a bucksaw is indispensable. However, packing a full-sized saw frame into the backcountry adds unnecessary bulk. Here at Bushcraft Hobbyist, we believe in relying on traditional wilderness skills and knowledge rather than heavy gear. By packing just a coiled 21-inch or 24-inch buck

If there is one natural material every outdoorsman should know how to identify and use, it is fatwood. Whether you are practicing traditional fire-building techniques or need a fail-proof way to get a fire going in a downpour, fatwood is nature’s ultimate waterproof fire starter. Here is a breakdown of what it is, how to harvest it, and how to use it to guarantee a fire every time. What is Fatwood and How is it Formed? Fatwood (also known as lighter pine, pine knot, or heart

1. The Philosophy: Why Every Woodsman Needs a Hobo Reel In the realm of traditional bushcraft and haversack foraging, simplicity, redundancy, and packability dictate which tools earn a permanent spot in your kit. While modern spin-cast setups are convenient, they are fragile, bulky, and prone to mechanical breakdowns—bent bail wires, snapped rod tips, and grit-fouled drag washers can quickly derail a backcountry outing. The Hobo Fishing Reel (handline pocket reel) strips angl

A tarp is arguably the single most versatile piece of gear in a bushcrafter's pack. Unlike a rigid freestanding tent, a simple flat tarp (whether 10x10 oilskin, silnylon, or heavy-duty ripstop) adapts to shifting weather, variable terrain, and changing shelter needs. Essential Knots & Hardware Before You Pitch Before setting up any configuration, master these basic ties: Evenk (Siberian) Hitch: For anchoring your ridgeline to the first tree quickly—even while wearing gloves.

Whether heading out on a planned multi-day backcountry excursion or taking a quick day hike, packing the right gear makes all the difference. Pioneered by survival expert Dave Canterbury of The Pathfinder School, the 10 Cs of Survivability framework focuses on carrying items that are extremely difficult to replicate in nature, saving time, energy, and body heat during an emergency. The framework breaks down into two categories: The First 5 Cs (core temperature control and

A three-legged camp stool is one of the most rewarding greenwood carpentry projects you can tackle around camp. Three-legged designs are self-leveling on uneven terrain, rock-solid, and require no glue or nails when built using tapered mortise-and-tenon joints. Essential Tools & Materials Scotch Eye Wood Auger (typically 1-inch diameter) Folding Saw or Bow Saw Bushcraft / Belt Knife Wooden Mallet or Baton (carved on-site) Hardwood Round (Seat): 10–14 inches in diameter, 3–4 i

When you’re out in the woods and the weather turns south, getting a fire lit quickly isn't just about comfort—it can be a matter of survival. While store-bought fire starters work, experienced bushcrafters know that one of the most reliable, light-weight, and budget-friendly fire starters can be made at home in under five minutes: Cotton balls saturated with Vaseline (petroleum jelly). A dry cotton ball will catch a spark instantly, but it flashes hot and burns out in about 1

When you’re out in the woods, staying dry is the difference between a great night under the stars and an uncomfortable, potentially dangerous situation. While commercial tarps and waterproof canvas gear get the job done, making your own waterproof weather-shield out of an inexpensive bed sheet is one of the most rewarding bushcraft DIY projects you can tackle. By treating lightweight cotton or poly-cotton bed sheets with a custom mix of 100% silicone and mineral spirits, you