Most of us will probably never find ourselves in a situation when we’ll be forced to survive in the outdoors, and even fewer of us would know what to do if thrust into one in the first place. That’s definitely not good. The fact of the matter is that we escape into the weird and wild outdoors to tune out for a bit, and having something that is as weighty as the idea of survival on our minds kind of defeats the purpose. So, let me let you in on a little secret: in order to survive in the outdoors, you first need to know how to live in the outdoors. Chances are, if you’re already out there; you’re also already halfway to the goal. Let’s begin.
Bushcraft is loosely defined as a set of skills that allow you to adapt to the outdoor environment around you. Also known as “wilderness skills,” they do teach you about survival, but they also teach you how to comfortably exist in a foreign environment. I can promise you that there will be blood, sweat, and tears, and you’ll need to put in a little effort to adopt some of these approaches and habits, but in the end, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a rainstorm building an emergency shelter without panic.
For some of us, we’re already in that mindset. Whether it’s been from reading up on the subject or through real world experience, we feel completely unencumbered by the outdoors. For others, the idea of being able to passively exist out there, and know how to react to unknown and unplanned situations, is a bit unnerving.
For both types of people – and for those who fall somewhere in between – there is a supply kit coming this June. It is a collaboration from some real powerhouse players in the outdoor world that is something of a crash course into the ideals of Bushcraft life and outdoor survival. The kit includes all the core products you need to thrive in the outdoors, as put together by some folks who truly understand those needs.
Dubbed the “Bushcraft Survive & Thrive Kit: Dave Canterbury Collection,” this kit is a gathering of the minds within Morakniv, UCO Gear, and Canterbury’s own Pathfinder School via Self Reliance Outfitters. It will include a copy of Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury himself, as well as the following items:
Morakniv Kansbol Stainless Steel Fixed Blade Knife
Pathfinder Stainless Steel, 32oz. Bottle
Pathfinder Stainless Steel, 750ml Pot w. Lid
UCO Sweetfire Strikeable Fire Starter
UCO Stormproof Match Kit
UCO Candle Lantern w. 9 Hour Candle
I’ve been spending as much time as possible in the outdoors since I was a kid and I am always learning something new. For me, a person who has been through some strange scenarios and has a lot of vivid memories of challenging situations, this collection is pretty enticing. There aren’t many people out there that have been as influential– in regards to survival, wilderness skills, and outdoor craftwork – as Dave Canterbury. The included book, Bushcraft 101, is one of those manuals that you read through, make notes in the margin and highlight, and then throw in your pack when you head out on an adventure. It’s a reference guide for damn near everything you might encounter out there. I’ve read it cover to cover multiple times and just recently referred to it out on a short trip that could have been made a lot longer – and more uncomfortable – without it.
Do yourselves a favor – whatever your outdoor skill level is – pick up the “Bushcraft Survive & Thrive Kit: Dave Canterbury Collection” from Morakniv, UCO, and The Pathfinder School. At $100 it’s not only a steal, but it’ll serve its purpose for years to come. If you feel you’re already outfitted, be sure to pick up Canterbury’s Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival. Someone is likely to find this book on me after I die of natural causes doing what I do best – living and thriving in the outdoor world.