Bushcraft Impedimenta A.K.A. Does anyone really buy this crap?

     It seems in reading many of the works of the Bushcrafters, and woodcrafters of old, That the discussion of gear, or kit, has been nearly inseparable for well over 100 years now. Nessmuk discussed his basic kit (which is still being argued over to this day), Kephart discussed at length different kits for different camps, and purposes, even the less widely ready Old Woodsmen, seem to discuss that more than actual Bush/Woodcraft. 

       I have often wondered why this is, and the only answer I can come to is that each woodsman is nearly as different as the environment they decide choose to take their outings in. Each one of us has specific skills, and specific needs, and this makes our gear vary wildly. This is in turned confounded by the myriad different companies pushing the next “can’t live without” piece of kit. Most of which are as useless as a house key for a tent. 

     In looking realistically at most modern “bushcrafters”, we by and large spend a few days to a week at a time in the bush. Most of us do not go for months long treks, that require us to carry gear to fit multiple weather conditions, or even more than one environment. 

    Sadly, gone are the days of Nessmuk, and Kephart, where one could wander the wilderness for a month at a time, taking what game was needed to live. For the most part gone are the endless wildernesses of the 1800’s. There are not nearly enough places left for one to escape the confines, and roughness of “civilization” for long periods of time. 

     Most of us will go on weekend trips, perhaps take our vacation from work to spend a week or two at a relatively familiar campsite not very far from out vehicles. This is the reality of Bushcraft today. Still it is better than not spending any time at all in the wilds.

     Why then as a whole do we feel the need to carry every imaginable trinket into the wilderness with us? We carry packs that would have served our elders months in the wilderness, for a simple 2 day camp. 

     Yet at every turn I see one popular bushcrafter after another (with very few exceptions) selling the next indispensable bauble to take up room in our packs. Everything from keychain “survival” tools, to aluminum wedges said to be able to replace the axe altogether. A million different styles of knives costing everywhere from a few dollars to a weeks salary, or better. 

     I admit, I am guilty of this fascination with trinkets as well. I’ve spent my hard earned money on “must have Bushcraft gear” that either sits idly in a drawer, or has been long since discarded. I wouldn’t want to guess at the dollars I’ve spent finding “the perfect pack”, or various shelter systems, sleep systems, and even clothing. As Nessmuk once said “with my hand in my mouth, and my mouth in the dirt” I admit it was too much. 

    I firmly believe that no number of trinkets, or baubles, can replace skill. Knowledge weighs nothing, and so we must endeavor into the bush armed with as much knowledge as we can carry. Every time we venture into the wilderness we should test a new skill, or refine an old one. We can easily test new ideas close to home, and weed out bad ideas before we ever get to camp.