Bushcraft Amp Amp Survival Skills - February 2016 VK Com Stopthepress PDF

A New Year, a New Beginning...
Its the start of a new year, a new beginning and there is change at Bushcraft & Survival Skills HQ. Simon Ellar has
moved on to new ventures and we would like to thank him for his work on the magazine over the last ten years.
So we are recruiting a new editor to take the magazine into the next decade. We are looking for someone who
would like to fulfill this exciting role involving travel, adventure and other perks! For more information see p28.
This issue celebrates 10 years of Bushcraft & Survival Skills Magazine and we would like to commence these
celebrations with a huge Thank You, our thanks extend far and wide. First, thank you to all our writers and
contributors who have been dedicated to providing informative and instructional articles to guide your bushcraft
journey and adventures. Secondly, we thank you our readers and subscribers for supporting Bushcraft & Survival
Skills Magazine throughout the last ten years. Finally and not least, the magazine would not come together
without our graphic designer Andy Childs, sub-editor Elaine Gilboy, our printers and distributor Comag
Distribution. We thank you and look forward to your continued support throughout the next ten years.
We have a feast of articles for you, especially written for this anniversary issue. Award winning knifemakers show
you how to put the finishing touches to your bushcraft knife. Learn how-to attach the scales and shape the
handle to complete the knife (p8). Paul Donovan teaches you how-to tune in to all your senses for safety in the
bush (p16). Lofty Wiseman takes you from head to toe looking at the essentials to care for your body (p24). Grant
Neale reviews and advises you on the best upper body clothing on the market to keep you warm this winter
(p30).
To celebrate 10 years of Bushcraft & Survival Skills Magazine, Jason Ingamells shares 10 concepts for advancing
your own bushcraft skills (p42). The magazine has grown from strength-to-strength and you can read about this
on page 52. Tim Gent takes you through basic sailing techniques with your open canoe (p58). Following on from
our International Bushcraft Series we have a great article on bushcraft in Bosnia (p66). Our Bushcraft on a Budget
expert shows you how to do budget forging with a homemade forge (p72). I take you through the process of
building a Native American Indian sweat lodge and their rituals (p92) and of course there is much more
Blue skies,
Olivia Beardsmore
Editor-in-Chief
WIN! A Bushcraft Branded knife to celebrate 10 years of Bushcraft & Survival Skills
Magazine. Tell us 10 things you love about Bushcraft & Survival Skills Magazine.
Send in your answers to competitions@bushcraftmagazine.com (See T&Cs p4).
BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL SKILLS MAGAZINE 3

14
CONTENTS...
REGULARxxxxx
3 Editorial
6 Letters to the Editor
28 In the News
63 Subscription Offer
65 Next Issue
FEATURES 58
8 How to Make a Full Tang Knife Part 3
14 Hiking in the Bush
24 Care of the Body
42 10 Concepts to Advance Your Skills
52 10 Years of Bushcraft & Survival Skills Magazine
58 Basic Canoe Sailing Skills
66 Bushcraft in Bosnia
72 Bushcraft on a Budget Forging
78 Wilderness Weekend
83 The Importance of Making Bushcraft Fun!
86
92
Preparing Your Home for Disaster
Native American Sweat Lodge 83
REVIEWS
30 Winter Warmers - Upper Body Clothing
41 The Hunter-Gatherer Way Book
77 The Man Who Made Things From Trees Book
COMPETITIONS
6 Send in your Readers Letters
28 WIN: Helikon Patriot Fleece military
92
Snugpak 2nd Skinz Coolmax Long Sleeve Top
Keela Pulse
41 WIN The Hunter-Gatherer Way Book
77 WIN The Man Who Made Things From Trees Book

LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR!
In this celebratory issue of Bushcraft & Survival Skills Magazine we
wanted to share some of our star letters from over the years with
you
FIRESTARTER?
Dear Bushcraft & Survival Skills Magazine,
Please find enclosed a CD with video footage of our

troops attempt at the bamboo fire saw. I subscribe to
the magazine and my wife sent my copies to Afghanistan
for me to help keep morale. So, to help keep the lads
entertained, I thought I would impress them with my
knowledge of Bushcraft and try to pass some on to them.
We are 3 troop, 8 men Armoured Engineer Squadron, 26

Engineer Regiment, and we have just returned from a six
months deployment to Helmand province, Afghanistan,
with 1 Royal Anglian Battle Group.
The footage was filmed in Sangin District Centre, where we

were based for the last two and a half months of the tour.
I think the camera work by LCpl (John Boy) Astbury shows
great potential and is worth a mention. We hope you enjoy
the clips and our feeble attempts at making fire. So have
a laugh on us and keep the great work in your fantastic
magazine.
Yours, SSgt John Francis, Wiltshire
To watch the footage, visit http://ow.ly/VQrcy
ONE LOVE SPOON &

LOTS OF LATE NIGHTS
Hi Bushcraft Magazine, I began. After some very late nights, having convinced
everyone all the effort was for a boat, I finished. To add a
First thing to say is love the magazine. I have bought/ little extra I decided to also make a small leather pouch.
subscribed from day one, soaking up every tip, trick and Here is the spoon for all to see.
skill I can!
Keep the ideas coming!
While reading your last magazine, I came across the article
by Jason Ingamells, carving a beautiful Welsh Love Spoon Dave Peters, Doncaster
for his wife. This inspired me as my wifes 40th
birthday was only a couple of weeks away. Being
a sentimental soul I wanted to create something
special. With my SWC, Mora 120 and crook knife
Send in your Letter to the Editor to letters@
bushcraftmagazine.com. Every letter published will
6 BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL SKILLS receive a gift and the Star Letter a special prize.
A BUSHCRAFT on a bushcraft journey, to learn new skills to pass on to my
son and be an inspiration to him. I can now light a fire with
JOURNEY flint and steel, carve spoons, stitch leather and refurbish
old axes, all to the wonder of my son.
Dear Editor, We have already taken our

first overnighter and it was
This is only the third issue of thoroughly enjoyed. I was
Bushcraft & Survival Skills Magazine able to spend the whole day
that I have picked up and what a outside with my son learning
difference it has made to my life. about flora and fauna and each
other. We had a fabulous time
I have a young son who is nearly at The Bushcraft Show by the
three and I am worried about the way, big thumbs up to all those
impact of our digital age upon his involved.
life. When I grew up, much of my
spare time was spent outdoors, Thank you for the ticket for this
exploring and generally getting journey, you sparked
into mischief. It would appear that a fire within that has given
those days are slipping into the more than I imagined.
past. When I see young children
occupied with technology at every Kind regards
opportunity, I worry my son will not
have to think for himself or use his James Crofton
own initiative and resources to deal aka Wild Jim Original -
with a problem. youtube/google
And so it was I decided to embark
DOWN ON MY upper, as the backing to the sheath. To this, I stitched two belt
loops, to support the weight the sheath would hold.

'UPPERS'! With a bradawl, I pierced the original stitch holes to remove
any remaining cotton, and to make it easier to sew the upper
to the backing.
Hows this for the ultimate in

re-cycling?
Finally, I chose the single stitch
method to sew the two halves

The picture shows a before and
together, using a sewing awl
after shot of how I have made a
to pierce the backing leather,
knife and survival sheath from the
prior to stitching. It probably
upper of an old shoe.
took me around four hours to
complete the knife sheath.

After separating the uppers from

their soles, which were discarded,
I think it was worth it. Its
I then sewed a mini sheath holder
unique!
for a firesteel. I embellished the

front with some stitch patterns for
Yours faithfully
decoration.

PJ Bott, West Midlands

Next I cut a piece of leather, slightly
smaller than the shape of the

KNIVES & AXES
HOWTOMAKEAFULLTANGKNIFE
PART 3
AUTHOR PROFILE:
Ben & Lois Orford
Ben and Lois Orford live and work from
their home in Herefordshire. With their
backgrounds in green woodwork and
traditional woodland crafts they make
a range of handmade woodcraft tools,
bushcraft knives and leatherwork for
the discerning outdoors enthusiast. Their combined experience and passion
for their craft makes them keen to pass on their knowledge and skills.
In the last issue we got the

heat treatment sorted on the
bushcraft knife we have been
working on.
T
his issue we are going to
show you how to attach
the scales and shape the
handle to complete the knife.
Dont worry if you havent made the blade yourself you can still follow
these steps for putting a handle on a full tang blade blank that you may
have purchased, the techniques will be the same. This is sometimes the first
step people take when getting into knife making and is often the most fun, not
only allowing you to make a handle that is totally suited to your hand size but also
very personal to you.
There is an ever growing range of materials to choose from - natural materials like wood, horn,
antler and bone, as well as a plethora of manmade materials from Micarta, G10, Diamond wood, to
wood with colourful resins filling any cavities or gaps in the timber.
Whatever material you decide on the method will be the same, but often the more expensive the material the
more mistakes will happen. We would advise starting with a wooden handle as it is the easiest to work, not
difficult to source and also if you make a mistake it wont be too expensive.
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Choosing a block of wood
big enough for the handle,
we are using Elm
The most important thing if you are using wood or any other natural material
for the handle scales for a full tang knife is that they are totally dry. If they
arent then when you attach the scales to the steel blade they will dry out
and either shrink, warp or crack, or even all three. Even if you buy a seasoned
piece of timber from a wood supply shop it still may not be dry enough to use
straight away. Often if the timber is stored in a damp environment so it will
absorb moisture and will need to be dried before you start using it.
The easiest way to make sure it is dry and suitable to use is to weigh the
piece on a set of scales and make a note of the weight, it can then be placed
somewhere warm and dry like an airing cupboard or above a radiator etc.,
even a steel cabinet with a light bulb in it will create enough heat to dry out
the wood.
Here at the Craft Lab we have a steel cupboard with a small heater which has
a thermostat set on low that keeps all the natural handle materials totally dry
and ready to be used. Sawing the block
in half on the
Once the piece has been drying for a few days take it out and weigh it, if it bandsaw
had any moisture in the piece it will have lost weight, if it has make a note of
the weight and then put it back in the warm place, do this until it doesnt lose
any more weight, this way you know it is totally dry and will not shrink when
you use it.
Often when you buy materials for knife making you can either buy the handle
material as a block or as scales (these are often sold in booked matched pairs).
If you have a block of wood the first thing to do is to cut them into scales, Starting to
we tend to start with a block of wood that is slightly wider and longer than flatten the
the size we need for the handle. Use your blade blank to determine this, but scales on the
at least 5mm spare on the width and length will be fine. Each scale needs to sandpaper
be at least (6.5mm) thick. We like to use scales that are (12.5mm) thick
either side of the tang allowing us to shape the handles heavily. The best
way to cut the wood is with a bandsaw, but it can be done using a handsaw.
Ideally cut it as straight and as accurately as possible, this is where the
bandsaw is perfect for the job.
Be very careful and use a guide fence to control the thickness and also use a
push stick to feed the timber into the blade to avoid any accidents. Push the
wood nice and slowly and try to get the saw to cut the wood accurately in
half. With this done, mark the wood so that you can remember how the block
was cut. It is really nice to realign the wood so all the grain lines back up on
either side of the knife blank.
Next, flatten the inside of the scales removing any saw marks and ensuring Perfectly flat matching
they are totally flat. This is best done slowly by hand, using a sheet of scales
P60 sandpaper on a flat surface like a granite surface plate or a piece of
toughened glass. Hold each scale with your finger tips and sand the scales on
the wood applying even pressure and move the scale in a figure of eight on
the paper, if you have trouble seeing where you are removing the material
you can use a pencil to lightly shade in the surface, keep going until you
have removed all the pencil. Do this on both scales and check to see if they
are fitting well by holding them both together. Lift them up to the light and
see if you can see any gaps, if you can then go back to the sanding. If you
have done a good job when you put them together they will almost stick

KNIVES & AXES
together and there will be no unsightly gaps. This is worth taking your
time over this as it will ensure a good fit on your knife blade. With this
done hold the scales together with some masking tape to stop them
moving and start drilling some holes, use the blade blank itself as a
drilling guide. If you havent already taped up the blade and cutting
edge do it so you dont cut yourself or scratch the blade. Dont tape
over the tang as we need to see all the holes.
You really need to use a pillar drill as before to ensure all the holes are
square to the blade, but if you only have a hand drill then extreme
care must be taken to drill accurately.
Making sure to mask the Lay the blade on the scales and orientate the grain to how you want
blade with tape
it. It is then worth clamping the blade to the block to stop it moving,
either a pair of vice grips or a small G clamp will work, you dont want
the scales to shift or move as they are being drilled. Take this to the
pillar drill and using the same size drills as you used for the blade (or
Clamping the blade onto measure the holes that are in your blank) you can drill through the
the handle to drill the holes holes in the tang and all the way through the scales, make sure you
accurately dont burst through and tear out the grain on the back side of the
wood. Use nice sharp drill bits and dont push down too hard.
Drill all the holes you want for the pins or bolt holes and then the
thong tube hole before removing the clamps. With this done, use
a pencil to mark all the way around the tang. You can remove the
clamps and you should be able to see the profile we need to cut. You
will also need to remove some wood from the front of the handle
scales where you want them to come to on the blade, this is best
drawn on now and some of the excess material removed. Make sure
that the handle scales dont run too far over the tang and onto the
blade, especially over where the bevels are as it will leave an ugly gap.
You will need to

place some trial Cutting
pins into some the handle
of the holes to profile to
prevent the scales shape
from moving
when you cut
the profile. Use
a bandsaw to
Making the
remove the excess
profile and
front of the
material, cut as
handle close to the drawn
line as possible,
but make sure you
dont cut through
the lines and
into your handle
shape.
The next step is to concentrate on the front of the scales and get
them cleaned up, using a sander get the profile right and also to add
a leading angle to make the front of the handle more comfortable.
Sand it to shape and check the fit a few times to make sure you are
happy with the look. Then set the tool rest to an angle and grind the
front of the scales, work through the grits. Next finish them with some
hand sanding to about P400/P600. It is important to get these finished
to a high level as you will not be able to get to these easily without
scratching the blade once they are fitted.
Then have a dry fit and make sure you are happy with the look, if you
are then you are ready to fit the handle. If you decide to just use pins
to hold the scales on then you are pretty much done, but if you are
Starting to grind the front using Loveless bolts or Corby bolts then you need to counter bore the
edge of the handle scales holes to allow them to fit. We really like using this method of fitting
as it adds a mechanical fit to the whole knife and makes a very strong
handle.
The finished, sanded, To counter bore the holes you need to find the drill size that is the
angled front on the scales same diameter as the head of the Loveless/Corby bolt, most common
are 5/16 which is 8mm. You need to be able to set the depth of your
drill press so that it leaves a shelf of wood about 4mm at the bottom
of each pin hole, we have modified our drills so they are guided into
the pin hole, but you can carefully line them up making sure that the
bigger hole is central to the original hole. This is very important or it
just wont fit together.
Now this is done it is a good idea to add a few extra blind holes on the
inside of the handle scales to add a better surface area for the glue.
These dont have to be deep, about 2mm will be fine and make sure
they are within the handle profile. You may need to lightly sand the
scales flat again to remove any burrs from the holes, you can do this on
the sandpaper on the surface plate as before.
Just before gluing it all together it is worth having a dry run to make
sure it all fits well. If
some of the holes
arent quite lined up it Drilling the epoxy holes
is possible to carefully on the inside of the handle
ream them with the drill scales
to get them to work. It is
also good to check there
are no gaps and also
familiarise yourself with
how it all goes together
as it is surprising when
Dry fitting before counter
you are covered in glue
boring the bolt holes
how tricky it can be!
When you are happy

with the fit you can
now epoxy the handle
scales on. The epoxy not only helps hold the handle on, but also creates
a waterproof seal between the handle tang and the scales. We use G/
flex Epoxy, which is a slow cure high quality epoxy and perfect for knife
making. Avoid quick setting epoxys as they arent as strong and also
wont give you enough time to get the handle on.
Make sure all your parts are cleaned well with Acetone to remove any oil or grease, and key the bolts and tube with
some sandpaper to help the glue bond. It is well worth holding the blade in a vice to give you both hands free and also

KNIVES & AXES
Cleaning it all with Acetone wear some gloves as its going to get messy! Mix the epoxy
before gluing up with epoxy
as the manufacturers instructions and apply a coating to the
tang and both insides of the scales, and also add some to
all the holes and the bolts. Start with one side of the handle
and then add the other, you can use some small clamps to
hold them in place while you get the bolts in. Tighten up the
bolts with a screwdriver, but dont over tighten them as they
may snap (Corby bolts have much smaller threads). Also you
dont want to squeeze all the glue out as that will defeat the
purpose.
Once it is all together you will need to wipe off some of the
excess glue that has squeezed out along the profile and also,
really importantly, clean up the front of the scales. You can
use some paper towels and some Isopropyl alcohol.
Make sure you do this really well as any excess glue
on the front will be really difficult to remove when
set.
You then need to let it cure well, G/flex takes at least

24 hours. Once it is cured you can start to clean up
the knife handle and start the fun bit of shaping.
Firstly it is worth removing any excess pin material,

bolts and thong tube with a saw and then use a
Applying some
grinder or sander to clean up the profile. Use a
epoxy to the tang
fresh P60 belt and slowly work around the profile
removing any excess handle material and glue. You
will know when you get down to the profile and
tang as you will see sparks. Clean up all the way
around making sure you keep the handle square to
the belt. You can then use finer belts to remove any
deep scratches. It is also important not to let it get
too hot so use fresh belts and if you can, slow down
the speed of the sander. If you havent got a belt
sander, then sanding drums that can be used in the
pillar drill or hand drill work really well.
The handle all

glued and screwed
together
Make sure you clean up the

front of the scales well
Cleaning up the profile on

the belt grinder
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When the profile is cleaned up it is worth drawing on the shape you want the handle to be. A very good shape for
most knives is an elongated oval or tear drop shape. For larger handles on knives you will want a very positive grip - a
distinct palm swell and pommel is very good, and looks like a Coke bottle shape. Draw whatever shape you think will
work for you with a pencil and start to remove anything outside of those lines. We use various grinders and sanders
to rough shape the knives here, but you can use hand files and rasps, but of course it will take longer. If using a sander
make sure you dont get the metal bolts or pins too hot as it can burn the wood of the scales. Always make sure you
take a little material off at a time and then hold it in your hand and feel where it needs more removed. Be careful as
it very easy to go too far and remove too much material. On your first knives you may be tempted to leave the knife
handle quite square in section, but if you remove more off the corners you will have a more rounded and much more
comfortable grip. Remember this is your knife so it has to fit your hand, so what better way to test it than to hold it in
your grasp.
Starting to
remove the
Grind back to the tang all corners
the way around the profile
The different handle shape Finished rough shaping on

patterns we use the grinder
Hand sanding
the handle using
a shoe shine
motion
Grinding back to the

shape we have drawn
on the handle

KNIVES & AXES
After lots of grades

Keep going with the shaping until you are happy and of sandpaper the
then start to remove the scratches working through the handle is shaped and
grades of sandpaper, taking it to around P400 will give a sanded smooth
very smooth finish.
You can even give it a polish with a buffer or even just a

clean soft towel to help buff the surface.
Check for any scratches from the previous grits and if

you see any just re-sand it. Take your time as this cant be
rushed and will make the knife come to life.
When you are happy with the finish and the feel you
can apply some oil. Boiled linseed oil works well, but any
wood oil to seal the grain will be fine and then you will
see the wood come to life, this is the best bit and all the
effort will have been worth it. Give it a few coats of oil -
hang it up and let it dry between coats.
When it is dry you can carefully remove the tape from

the blade and clean up any oil or glue residue with some
Acetone or careful sanding. You can then give it a coat
of wax and even give it a final hone to get it razor sharp.
Applying the first
It is now complete and you should have a great big coat of oil
grin on your face as well as a great looking knife. It is a
fantastic feeling to make your own knife and it should
be a perfect fit in your hand as you have created all of it
to suit your needs. Give it a test and see how it performs,
you may find you will want to make more! Well done
and we really hope you have enjoyed the process.
The totally finished

knife, sharpened and
ready for use
From pattern to
finished knife
EXPEDITION TRAVEL
SAFETYINTHEBUSH
If my experiences are anything to
go by, most people when they go AUTHOR PROFILE:
Paul Donovan
bushwalking only use their eyes,
and even then they have a very
restricted range of sight - usually
directly in front of them at eye level.
Paul Donovan is a biologist with over 30 years
My job entails me spending a great
experience working with snakes in captivity and
deal of time in the bush, and I have in the wild. He currently lives in Botswana where
come to realise that hearing and he runs a snakebite education programme for
smell play as important a role in schools, hospitals and government departments.
allowing me to understand whats
going on around me as my eyes do.
As we say out here, every smell, and

W
every rustle can tell a story.
ith time you wont need your eyes to tell you
theres a particular animal about, you can smell
it. For example some snakes, such as pythons,
give off very pungent aromas. Once you are aware of this
you can detect that snake is in the vicinity simply by its
smell, without even having to see it.
Its surprising how a big animal
can appear invisible in the right And you dont need your eyes or nose to tell you zebras
environment are nearby, as you can hear their distinctive calls. The
more we learn to merge these three senses while in
any type of bio-habitat, they will not only add to our
enjoyment of the environment, but also make it safer
when we are navigating through.
LOOK THROUGH THE BUSH

Always be observant of your surroundings. Learn to look
through the bush, rather than just a few metres ahead.
This can save you from potentially dangerous situations.
Several years ago on one particular bushwalk, I was busy
ambling along and I almost ran into a buffalo. I just didnt
see it. Its true what they say, its surprising how a big
animal can appear invisible in the right environment.
And spooking an animal weighing several tons can have
dire consequences.
I think that my job working with reptiles and insects has

given me a different perspective as to how I approach
the bush. My eyes are constantly drawn to even the
subtlest of movements, and now I have now developed a
technique where I can look on the ground, and through
the bush at the same time. My hearing has become
much more in tune with my surroundings as well.
USE YOUR EARS

If walking through the bush where visibility is limited,
use your other senses. Hearing can become as important
You may hear water
long before you see it
as vision. For example, you may hear water long before you see it.
You may also be able to use animals if you find yourself lost. Almost
without exception (there are obviously some, of course) local
people keep chickens. Chickens can be pretty noisy, so by following
their calls you have a very good chance of finding habitation. And
trust me, people live in some very remote places; so remote you
wouldnt think anybody would live there.

Something else we should listen out for is the jingling of bells. Herd
boys and girls locate their cattle, and occasionally goats, by the
bells they hang around their animals necks.
Listening for animals can also determine your route through the
bush. For example, if you hear lions roaring, you dont want to be
heading anywhere in that direction, so plan what deviations you
can make.
WHATS THAT WHIFF?

Why do we leave our sense of smell at home when we go into the
woods, or wilderness? Smell can play a major role in helping to
keep us safe. With time we can learn to develop a wilderness nose.
The fresh fragrance of flowers is familiar to us, but learn to identify
Listen out for
other smells, just as you would learn to track an animal from the
the jingling
spoor it leaves.
of bells
Animal dung and some animals have characteristic smells. A good

example is the giraffe. These wonderful, endearing creatures
actually smell quite bad, as the natural insect repellent their skins
produce is not the best.
BE WARY OF GAME TRAILS

A word of caution. Game trails can be a two edged sword. On one
hand they could lead you to water/game, but on the other they
can lead you on a merry-go-round. You could spend days following
a criss-cross network of trails, and end up being no better off than
if you were to just blindingly hack your way through the bush.
The greatest danger of game trails which many people tend to

Animal dung and some animals, can
forget, or are not even aware of, is they are perfect ambush sites
have characteristic smells
for predators who hang around for the next meal to pass by.
Sometime back I learned a very valuable lesson while following

a game trail on my motorbike. In the distance I could see what
I thought were two termite mounds. As I got a bit closer, these
Predators can lay in
termite mounds moved.
wait at game trails
Mmmmm, termite mounds dont move, I thought. Unless Id
stumbled across a new species which moved their house. So I
stopped and took a better look.
It turned out these mounds were actually the heads of two

lionesses staking out an ambush attack on the very track I was
following. Fortunately I was able to veer off in another direction.
Had I have been walking, the outcome could have taken another
very different course. Fortunately, because my field of visibility was

EXPEDITION TRAVEL
a bit sharper, because Im so used to being in that sort of stooping to negotiate thick bush, uneven ground, or
environment, I was able to avert a potentially dangerous steep ground, most of us instinctively grab hold of
situation. Never take anything at face value. If it doesnt branches to steady our balance without looking at the
look right, avoid it at all costs. branch first.
WATCH WHAT YOU GRAB Branches may appear solid and firm, but can be dead and
brittle, so you could end up stumbling when it breaks.
Be extremely careful where you put your hands. While
They can also be nice resting spots for snakes and other
stinging/biting insects. Or, as I have found to my costs
on more than one occasion, covered in small, almost
Branches can be resting spots
invisible thorns. Just about every darn plant I have any
for snakes
dealings with here in Botswana, is protected by a coat
of flesh cringingly painful thorns. The only ones which
arent are the poisonous ones!
Following the rains when the bush is lush green, watch

out for hidden strangler plants which straddle the bush
like snares; many resemble medieval torture instruments.
Many-a-time Ive been caught out by these.
The same goes for some grasses. I have a habit of

pulling up a piece of tall grass and chewing it. When I
instinctively did that the first time I went hiking in the
bush here in Botswana, the grass was covered in tiny,
razor-like hairs which ripped my hands to shreds.
WATCH FOR SNAKES

Take care when walking through the bush during the
Be careful when stepping rainy season when the trees have plenty of foliage.
over logs or rocks. A Animals and dangers become ten times more difficult to
snake may be hiding see. I know of a field guide who was bitten on the cheek
beneath it by a small bush viper when he brushed past a branch
on which the snake was resting. While this may have
been a freak accident, it does go to show unpredictable
accidents can be around every corner.
Avoid stepping over logs and rocks where you cannot

see what is on the other side. There could be a snake
sheltering beneath it. Instead, step on the rock/log, and
then take a big step forward or, go around it. We have a
saying in the snake world; if travelling in a group, its not
the first person who gets bitten, but the second or third
person. The first alerts the snake, while the second or
third receives its wrath.
Chit chatting, takes away your SINGLE FILE

powers of awareness
There is a piece of etiquette field guides will tell you
during the briefing before a walk, and that is walk in
single file. This approach gives you the best opportunity
of spotting game (for viewing and avoidance reasons),
but if you are out for a stroll, or have set up camp and
want to explore the surroundings, walking in single file
can also help prevent members of the party getting lost.
It is surprisingly easy to become separated from other
You don't have to wander
far to lose sight of camp
members of the group if you walk to the left or right of
someone. Visual contact can be lost in no time at all. At
least in single file order, if you lose visual contact, you
should be able to see the route other members of the
party have taken through foot prints on the ground, or
disturbed vegetation.
Something else walking in single file does is to limit the

amount of chatting you do. Continual chatting in areas
known to be frequented by dangerous animals takes
away your powers of observation, concentration and
hearing.
Keep walking parties small, four or five is a good number.

A small group is easier to manage and keep track of.
Walking in single file is a
MAKE A LOT OF NOISE safety consideration
I am going to contradict myself a bit now. I have just
mentioned how we should avoid talking, so as to
enhance our perception of hearing. In the bush, forest
or jungle environment, making a noise can work to our
advantage. It can work to scare off bears, and other
animals. Also, when approaching water, it can be helpful
to make a lot of noise to scare off the many predators
which hangout there.
WHY DO ANIMALS ATTACK?

An encounter with some animals can be very dangerous.
In issue 52, I talked about what to do if confronted by a
wild animal. Lets briefly look at why an animal attacks.
Stumbling across and spooking them is one good reason; Learn to interpret what you
the animal may retaliate through fear/self-preservation. see as a way of keeping you
Approaching too close, or getting too near a carcass is safe
another good one. Hiking at night also has its dangers;
nocturnal predators are even harder to spot that diurnal
ones. Night-time is when ones hearing is fully in tune
with the surroundings.
Wild animals are unpredictable, but with common

sense, and by making a lot of noise if you know they are
around, you then turn the tables and become scary to
them too.
The presence of some animals can warn
INTERPRET WHAT YOU SEE you of potentially dangerous situations
Survival/bushcraft is about enjoying all that is around

us, and its always nice to see wildlife. However, learn to
interpret what you see as a way of keeping you safe. For
example, ox-peckers flying around could indicate cattle
are in the area. There again, they could also be showing
buffalo are about as well, and you dont want to be
bumping into one of those. Likewise, vultures circling
overhead is a sure sign that a kill is nearby. But predators
will also make use of a free meal. Where these signs or
others indicate are about, it is probably a wise idea to

EXPEDITION TRAVEL
Dress appropriately for a

hike in the bush - NOT like adjust ones course, to avoid stumbling across something
this you dont want to.
To be bush savvy, you should know how to interpret

spoor. That way you will get to know what animals
are about, how recently they were there, and in which
direction the animal was moving.
WHAT TO WEAR
What you wear while in the bush can have a huge
bearing on your level of comfort and safety. In a hot
country, you want to be wearing lightweight clothing
which doesnt feel clammy to the skin as you begin to
sweat. It should have good wicking properties. Ideally it
should also be light in colour (khaki, browns and greens).
Avoid dark colours as they attract all manner of nasty,
painful, irritating, biting insects. Do NOT be tempted
to walk around shirtless, you are asking to get serious
sunburn.
Camouflaged clothing may blend you into the

environment more, but could get you into a lot of
trouble. For example, never wear anything resembling
military uniform in an African country. It could get you
shot as a terrorist or poacher. It may even be illegal to
wear it.
While on the subject of what to wear, always wear sun

block and lip salve. In the heat of the day you will burn
Do NOT, be tempted to walk like a roast chicken. And dry, cracked lips are unbearable.
around shirtless, you are Oh, and dont forget the bug repellent.
asking to get serious sunburn
NAVIGATION
Irrespective of what environment you are travelling
A GPS is not Infallible. It will through, navigation is a fundamental skill anyone
only take you to somewhere venturing into a remote region, or an environment where
someone has already been visibility is restricted, should be proficient in.
Some of us are naturally born with the ability to

determine direction. Others couldnt navigate their
way out of their garage. Being able to navigate without
maps in thick undergrowth to a designated point takes
confidence in ones ability which is built on experience,
and to some extent, gut instinct.
While on the subject, GPS is a widely used means of

navigation. Although it has its place, it should not replace
a map and compass. We have a navigation programme
called Track4Africa. While it works well, once you get off
the beaten track it can be completely useless; you can
be following a dirt road, which then comes to a point
where there are tracks, this way and that way, but the
GPS doesnt show where they go. Ive encountered a
Learn borders- on the left is
Botswana, right Zimbabwe
good many people in some very remote places who have
gotten lost trying to rely on GPS.
The biggest downside to GPS is battery life. Maps never

run out of batteries. And if you are walking in mapless
terrain, instinct doesnt either.
Even in quite thick bush, one can use hills, rivers and
other features to navigate by. Being observant and
knowing how to use these features is the key to reducing
the chances of getting lost.
If you feel you are getting out of your depth, dont be

afraid to turn back. Pushing beyond your comfort zone is
not sensible. And if you are the leader of a group, dont
be embarrassed to tell them you are not sure where you
are. Better to be safe and turn back, than to put the group
at risk.
WATCH OUT FOR BORDER CROSSINGS

A safety consideration one often does not take into
account is inadvertently straying into a bordering
country. Only last year, here in Botswana, a group of
wildlife rangers were tracking a gang of poachers. They
strayed into neighbouring Zimbabwe and were promptly
arrested and thrown in jail for illegally entering a
foreign country without a passport. After months
of diplomatic to-ing and fro-ing, the Botswanan
government eventually secured their release, but can
Any wilderness area can be a
you imagine had that have happened to a foreigner
harsh and unforgiving place
on holiday? Borders are sometimes marked by natural
features such as rivers or cut lines, but this is not
usually the case. It is always good practice to know
where international borders are; the jails of most of
these countries are less than salubrious places to be
languishing in.
CONCLUSION

Any wilderness area can be a harsh and unforgiving
place. Mistakes made out there can cost you dearly;
just look at the number of dead animals you stumble
across in the bush. People die all the time for various
reasons, and the most common in the bush are
overestimating ones ability, being ignorant of the
surroundings, and being ill prepared. You need to have Learn to read animal tracks
an entirely different mind-set when in the bush. Put aside
fears and become bush savvy. Respond to challenges as
they arrive, but try and limit them from happening. Never
let natural instinct drop. If something doesnt feel or look
right, trust your gut feelings.

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LOFTY'S LIFE STORIES
CARE OF THE BODY

Its important to remain healthy
regardless of the conditions in AUTHOR PROFILE:
which we might find ourselves.
John 'L O F T Y ' Wiseman
O
bviously its harder when Lofty Wiseman served with 22 SAS for over 26 years,
in remote areas where you rising to the rank of Sergeant-Major. He ran the SAS
cannot just pop round the selection course and the Survival School, ensuring
shops for a bar of soap. Simple that the standards for the SAS remained high. After
things like blisters can turn into he retired, he wrote The SAS Survival Handbook, first
a major medical calamity if not published in 1986. Selling over 2 million copies, it has been translated
treated earlier enough. into 19 different languages and adapted for the Collins Pocket Guide and
iPhone App selling hundreds of thousands each year.
In this article we will start with the
head and work down the body
to avoid or treat ailments that can
jeopardise an adventure.

Head lice are blood sucking insects about 3mm long
which lay eggs (nits) in the hair. They hatch after a
week and the bites are very irritating which causes
scratching. These scratches in turn become infected
which can lead to Impetigo. Lice are spread by skin
contact and clothing borrowed from an infected
person, especially head gear. Keep the hair short and
be especially careful if living with indigenous people.
There are products that can be used to cleanse
the hair of eggs and lice, but the best method is
combing with a fine toothed comb after washing
the hair.

The eyes are vulnerable to dust, and bright light and
special care is needed in these conditions. In the
desert trying to guide a helicopter to land is like being Sunglasses will protect the eyes from bright sunlight
in a sand blasting machine. Close fitting goggles are in hot countries, and also from the glare of snow in the
essential to keep the eyes free of sand and grit. A reflex mountains. On Mount McKinley I couldnt get used to
action tries to rid the eye of any foreign body by vigorous my snow goggles and kept removing them. After a
movements of the upper lid and a stream of tears which few days a brown halo surrounded my sight, this is the
try to wash the particle away. The eye must not be
rubbed, let nature take its course. If the particle is
stuck it will need removing. Examine the lower lid
first by pulling gently down and remove any grit with
the corner of a wet clean handkerchief. Examine the
top lid by sitting the patient down with their head
tilted back. The lid needs to be turned inside out for a
thorough examination, this may sound drastic but its
a simple thing to do. Grasp the eye lashes between
thumb and fore finger and pull out and up. Use a
matchstick to press down on the lid and roll it over
the matchstick. Now a thorough examination of the
eye can be carried out.
early warning of snow the resin and mix in a small
blindness. The eyes amount of cotton wool and
are protected by a pack it into the cavity. This
layer of aqueous fluid. will cover the nerve greatly
Bright light from the reducing the pain. We used
sun, the glare off snow, to carry zinc oxide and oil
or a welders torch, all of cloves in the medical
break down this layer pack which we used for
leaving the eyes feeling fillings. Again add a little
as though they are cotton wool to the mix
full of grit. Its easily and pack in tightly. I know
avoided by reducing someone who had one of
the amount of light these temporary fillings
falling on the eye. If for months. He had to be
you lose your goggles reminded to get it sorted
you can improvise out professionally.
by blackening under
the eye with soot or Gums are the common
charcoal. Covering the cause of toothache.
eyes with mosquito Massaging them lightly
netting, or cutting with salt will help keep
narrow horizontal slits them healthy.
in cloth are other useful
tips. The ears are a perfect
shape for an insect trap. It
The lips are particularly was a full time job in the
vulnerable to cracking jungle removing creatures
in extreme heat/cold from ears. The worse thing
conditions. Keep them to do is to poke or prod
covered in the cold, and which will push the insect
out of the sun in the deeper into the ear. Warm
tropics. A lip balm is a oil will help get rid of the
good thing to carry, and unwanted guest. Keep
any ointment, grease the affected ear facing
or oil will help prevent Temporary fillings downwards allowing
cracking. Certain oils can be made from gravity to help.
will attract flies which pine resin
was the case when I In Belize I had a mate
used margarine in the who became increasingly
Middle East. But no clumsy and complained of
matter what I used, my giddiness. He tripped over
lips always seemed to every vine and fell off the
crack a week before I was due home. Every time I smiled largest of logs that bridged the many streams that criss-
the lips split which is not a very romantic sight when crossed the area. At first it was a source of amusement
returning from a four month stint. to watch him sprawling every few minutes, but as the
injuries mounted up something had to be done. I used
Before going on a long trip visit the dentist, especially if a torch to look into his ear and he thought I was trying
going to a cold climate or climbing. Clean the teeth at to attract an insect out like a moth to a flame. I used a
least twice a day and after each meal if possible. In the cotton bud to remove the heavy discharge of wax and
jungle we couldnt use toothpaste, but took care of our found a seed the size of a grain of rice wedged firmly
teeth by flossing with the inside of para cord or using a deep in the ear canal. This what was causing his loss
tooth pick fashioned from a thorn. of balance. I used a syringe and forceps to remove the
obstruction, thus ending the source of entertainment
Temporary fillings can be made from pine resin. Collect that he had supplied.

LOFTY'S LIFE STORIES
Its important to keep the skin clean, bathing occasionally

in clean water will do this. No soaps or shampoos are
needed, just a good soaking. Pay special attention to
armpits and crotch, and make sure you dry between the
toes.

Take good care of your feet. Keep them clean, have good
quality boots and socks, and ensure they fit correctly.
Blisters can be avoided if friction between skin and socks
is eliminated. One way of achieving this is by applying an
oil that is specifically made to do this. A product called
Stride Out has glowing reports and is well worth trying.
The largest organ of the body is the skin, and special care
is required to keep it healthy. Personal and camp hygiene
must always be practiced even in the most difficult of
situations. Areas most at risk are the crotch and armpits,
areas of heat and damp, which are prime breeding
places for bacteria and fungi infections. Tinea and ring
worm are fungi complaints that attack the outer layer of
the skin, hair and nails, causing them to become brittle.
It is highly contagious and will spread to others in the
group if not confined. In the military we used Whitfields
ointment which should be listed under weapons of mass
destruction. The burning application was worse than the
effects we were trying to heal, but it was very effective.
Tinea is spread directly from
infected clothes, towels, and
lavatory seats, and indirectly
via the feet from wet floors
and matting. Skin complaints
were very common amongst
the locals in the jungle, and we
used a variety of ointments to
treat them. They adored being
coated in Castellanis Paint
which is a rich purple colour.
Cetramide was yellow, and
calamine lotion, which is pink,
were also used to treat skin
complaints, and artistic licence
used in their application!
Botfly or Oestridae, showing adult female,
In Belize the jungle was alive with bugs, flies, and insects vintage engraved illustration. Dictionary
that all wanted to use your body to lays eggs in. The of Words and Things - Larive and Fleury
Botfly favoured the scalp to lay its egg, which started as 1895
a spot but grew as the larvae developed. The look on increasingly difficult to keep warm, recover from hard
the barbers face was priceless as he was cutting my hair
when a maggot emerged from a spot that he had nicked.
It actually stopped him talking for at least five minutes.
We must keep the body well nourished, and try to eat

a balanced diet. The body needs food to supply heat,
energy, and tissue regrowth. Lack of food makes it
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REVIEW
WINTERWARMERS
Upper body clothing for the cold season
During the last eight years that
I have been the Kit Reviewer
for Bushcraft & Survival Skills AUTHOR PROFILE:
Grant Neale
Magazine I have featured
clothing on several occasions.
T
Born and bred in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Grant
hese articles include: Socks
recently retired from serving as a British Police Officer
(issue 13), Merino Wool and
for over 20 years, with duties that included being
Ventile Jackets (issue 23), Bush
an authorised firearms officer on Armed Response
Shirts (issue 32), Trousers (issue
Vehicles, and a National Rifle Officer (Sniper). Grant
40), Warm Down Coats (issue 41). more than enjoys the outdoors and is very interested in emergency
With winter upon us once again, its preparednessand living life to the full. His motto is its better to have it and
fortuitous that I get to review some not need it, than need it and not have it.
clothing to keep warm, although
living in the UK they will be useful
all year round! For outdoors people,
including Bushcrafters, the right clothing is an important Natural materials such as merino wool and indeed tweed
consideration and in bad weather it can save your life. In are excellent due to their self-cleaning and insulating as
this review I am going to feature a few products for the well as wicking properties as well as being naturally fire
upper body that I would recommend in order to keep resistant. For purists in Bushcraft and outdoor enthusiasts
warm in winter. these natural materials particularly are the most desirable
with Swanndris Wool Bushshirt being a favourite. Keela,
As far as outdoor clothing is concerned, the layering in partnership with the very reputable Woodland Ways,
principle is important to understand, particularly when have a new Bushcraft range of clothing coming out in
it comes to insulation and maintaining body warmth 2016, of note is the Harris Tweed Bush Smock.
in the cold. The idea of layering is essentially to wear a
couple of thin layers instead of a single item, thereby Where layering is considered the desirable principle
trapping essentially dead air as a barrier to heat loss. of dressing for outdoor activities and is my preferred
The thin layers ideally need to be made from materials option, the Snugpak Softie and Buffalo DP system
that do not hold moisture, like cotton. Moisture trapped both recommend wearing their kit direct to the skin
against the skin particularly in cold conditions will to be most effective. This is a tried and tested method
conduct heat away from the body, and may actually particularly for active wearers such as climbers, but
freeze against it causing skin tissue injuries like frost bite. for more sedentary outdoors people I would stick
The ideal fabric against the skin is one, which can wick with layering up. This is also less embarrassing when
away this moisture from the skin. Wicking by definition removing wet gear to go in the car or indoors to find
is to actively move moisture by capillary action from the you're wanting in cover.
inside to the surface; it is this ability that makes synthetic
materials trump most others (apart from merino wool This review is going to feature some upper body clothing
which I find itchy). on the market designed to keep one warm and dry. I will
feature some kit referred to as base layer, which goes
There are many synthetic materials, technology and close to the skin. There is the option of including a mid-
garments specifically designed with this principle in layer depending on the requirements of your activity
mind. Brands such as COOLMAX, Pertex, AirXtream, or environment. The mid layer can easily achieved by
Paratex lead the way. Before this review I didn't really combining two base layers. The outer shell is for wind
understand the science of how Buffalo clothing produce and water resistance as well as protecting the wearer
DP system range, for example. It is worth googling this to from decreasing the effectiveness of the base layer.
see just how clever it is as an illustration of the ingenuity Depending on the environment/weather, the option
that has gone into the kit we take for granted. remains for a secondary outer shell or Top Layer to be
added, which would normally be totally weatherproof wind and water-resistant outer/mid layer is sufficient for
and waterproof for maximum protection. Generally a most people to wear for their outdoor activities.
TOP ALL-IN-ONE BASE/OUTER LAYERS

BUFFALO SYSTEMS LTD Review Comments:
MOUNTAIN SHIRT (OLIVE) The Buffalo Mountain Shirt is a unique fleece-lined
garment, designed as an all-in-one base-layer and outer
Available from: www.buffalosystems.co.uk jacket. It's perfect for various cold-weather activities, such
www.raymears.com Price: 120 as hill walking, fishing, climbing, and trekking, as
well as for general outdoor use.
FEATURES
Windproof to 50 mph Highly Buffalo originated this one-layer system in
breathable Neck zip with storm the late 1970's, to replace the numerous
baffles Two-way side zips for layers often worn by climbers, fell runners
access and ventilation, with and hill walkers in winter conditions. It
storm baffles Zipped map comprises a lining of insulating pile fleece,
pocket with weather flap Aqua with a functional and water-resistant
Therm pile-lined hand-warmer Pertex 5 shell outer, producing a garment
pocket Tape and buckle waist that is completely windproof, lightweight
adjuster (inside hand warmer and amazingly warm. It is also highly
pocket) Eight ventilation breathable and extremely efficient at
controls Rucksack hip belt transmitting moisture vapour. The Buffalo
can be fastened through hand Mountain Shirt is an award winning design
warmer pocket Scooped back classic and it is probably one of the most
(10cm longer than front) Touch copied outdoor garments.
and Close strip around collar for
attachment of hood Touch and The main difference between the Buffalo
Close cuff and hem adjusters Sup 6 Shirt & the Mountain Shirt is that it is
Colours Available: Royal Blue, Olive Green, Charcoal made from Pertex grade 5 instead of 6, and it is 10cm
Sizes Available: 36 / 38 / 40 / 42 / 44 / 46 / 48 / 50 shorter in the front than the back. This length difference
Weight: size 50 = 770g Machine washable and for life is meant to be ideal for mountain climbing/harnesses etc.
outdoors/camping. All DP system Buffalo tops can be fitted with the Buffalo
DP hood in the size suitable for the size of shirt, this
MATERIALS hood really makes a difference and a mountain climber I
Shell: Pertex 5 (100% Polyamide) Pertex is a versatile, have spoken to insists it is an essential accessory to have
wind resistant, durable wicking fabric with more permanently attached.
breathing ability than waterproof membranes.
Brilliant design, probably one of the most
Lining: AquaTherm Pile (100% polyester)
copied outdoor garments
BUFFALO SYSTEMS LTD close velcro hip adjusters Handwarmer pocket Rucsac
SPECIAL 6 SHIRT (BLACK) hip belt can be fastened through hand warmer pocket
Rear elasticated hem Tape and buckle waist adjuster
Available from: www.buffalosystems.co.uk Eight ventilation controls on each shirt including two
Price: 110 - 145 way side zips Colours available:Black, Nato Green, Red
Sizes: 36 / 38 / 40 / 42 / 44 / 46 / 48 / 50 Weight: Size 50
FEATURES = 810g Machine washable
Windproof to 50mph Cut 5cm longer than Mountain
Shirt to allow rain run off Windproof to 60 mph Highly MATERIALS
breathable Spacious zipped front map / kangaroo Shell: Pertex 6 (100% Polyamide) Pertex is a versatile,
pocket Storm baffles on neck and side zips Touch-and- wind resistant, durable wicking fabric with more
close cuff adjustment tabs Touch-and-close attachment breathing ability than waterproof membranes.
on collar for DP System hood (separate) Touch-and- Lining: AquaTherm Pile (100% polyester)

REVIEW
Review Comments:
A design classic, developed with Although the Buffalo Super 6 can get
the Special Forces. Tested for toasty/warm, the venting zippers soon
over 30 years in the most hostile allow almost immediate stabilisation
conditions. Used by Military, Police of body temperature. The Pertex 6
and Mountain Rescue Teams. outer fabric is abrasion resistant and
wipes clean really easily. Wearing
I was first introduced to Buffalo the Super 6 it feels surprisingly light
kit in the mid-90s, when a Buffalo and even invisible on, due to the pile
Superbag (Sleeping Bag) was issued acting as a cushion to disperse the
to me and I really liked it and I was weight. Although the Mountain Shirt
really impressed with this new and Super 6 are very similar, for the
pertex/pile technology, referred to extra 10cm on the front of the Super
a the Double P (DP). I then soon 6 and it having slightly higher grade
after got my first Buffalo Super 6 Pertex, I would still opt for the Super
shirt second hand from a mate in 6. My reason for this is that like most
the Royal Marines who told me how bushcrafters we don't generally climb,
sought after this kit had become in which is why the Mountain Shirt has a
the military. The Pertex/Pile is what makes this kit great, lower front and the Pertex 6 is better in the woods etc.
providing a superb barrier, and the design is effective
to give protection and security when wearing it. I have There is often debate on forums about Buffalo Mountain
only ever had over the head types, which I like due to and Super 6 versus Snugpak Softie. From having owned
their fit and venting side zippers. Even though they are all three I would say choose a Super 6 over the Mountain
designed and intended to be worn close to the skin, this Shirt and the Snugpak is more of an over-shirt in
just hasn't been my style and I have often chosen to wear comparison to Buffalos DP system. Both are great, the
it over uniform. Despite this I have always found Buffalo Snugpak Softie is about the same price but less toasty/
kit to be just great. The kangaroo or chest zipped pocket lightweight in feel although it still offers the same type
is really handy and roomy as is the stomach pouch which of protection. The Buffalo Super 6 is awarded my Best
can be accessed from both left and right zipped pocket in test winner accolade, as it is in my opinion the best
openings. The hip belt fastening is useful particularly overall winter warmer for the upper body.
to relax it when sitting to be more comfortable. The
venting zips when opened also allow for ease of pulling An exceptional all-in-one winter warmer
it over your head, and when closed they ensure secure
coverage.
SNUGPAK - SOFTIE SHIRT (BLACK) MATERIALS

Shell: Paratex Light (100% Nylon) Lining: TS1 (100%
Available from: www.snugpak. Polyester) Filling: Softie
com Price: 134.95 Premier (100% Polyester)
FEATURES
JOINT Review Comments:
Temperature rating:
Comfort: -5C, Extreme:
BEST IN I reviewed the Snugpak Softie
-10C. (Autumn / Winter) TEST in my Bushshirt review in issue

32 of BSSM (2011) where it
Lightweight, windproof, was awarded my Best in Test
water-repellent Insulated winner accolade and it comes
with our TS1 lining for recommended once again. I
warmth and comfort Neck baffle Zipped had to include it as I have had
map pocket on chest 2 zipped side pockets a lot of wear out of it since and
side Ventilation zips Breathable with I still regard it very highly. The
moisture wicking properties. Neck draw cord fit and style are timeless and
Thumb loops Supplied with its own stuff the design/fabric cant really
sack Colours available: Olive, Black, A-TACS, be improved on. Here is what I
Multicam Weight: S - 660g, M - 730g, L - 750g wrote then and I still hold this
XL - 810g, XXL - 840g to be the case. I really like the
Machine washable Softie Shirt; it can compress into a much smaller size and
is very lightweight. It also looks good and is extremely winner. Plus the sleeve fit is longer and I like the snugness
comfortable to wear. The thumbhole feature I particularly of it. Once again this Softie Shirt is supposed to be worn
like for keeping the wind out of the sleeve. The baffle against the skin, hence being both a base and mid
around the neck means it doesn't have to be zipped right layer. In the four years I have used it, I have only used it
to the top to gain the benefit of the insulation, its also as a mid/outer layer and it has seen me through some
very cozy around the neck. The map pocket is generous cold times. One word of advice is, don't just rip out the
and convenient to access and the two side pockets join in annoying labels/care instruction in the side pocket as it
the middle so they are generous in size, allowing for more also takes out the thread on the pocket cover flap too.
storage, albeit making you look like you have a belly. The Once again the Softie Shirt is strongly recommended as a
shirt is also the right length, just to the thigh. winter warmer.
If I had to choose between the Softie Shirt and the SJ6
later in this review, I would go for the Softie Shirt as it is Soft, warm and a great winter warmer
less puffy and fits closer and the neck baffle is always a
BASE LAYERS moisture management system. The system can move

perspiration away from the body and through the fabric,
SNUGPAK 2ND SKINZ COOLMAX where it can evaporate quickly, allowing the wearer to
LONG SLEEVE TOP (BLACK) feel cooler and more comfortable.
Available from: www.snugpak.com Price: 19.95 This Snugpak 2nd Skinz top is aptly named for being just
that, a second skin. It is lightweight, non-restrictive and
FEATURES not clingy, neither is it irritating to the skin. It feels almost
4 seasons suitability invisible and an effective barrier under a second
COOLMAX fabrics for superior base layer or outer top. The 2nd Skinz range
comfort High performance includes Long Johns and together they give an
Moisture Management all-over body protective covering and insulation.
wicking action Crew neckline For the price they are both very reasonable and
Relaxed fit Reusable zipped from experience with COOLMAX fabric, will
packaging (size: 20cm(H) x last years without deteriorating in effectiveness
12cm(W) x 7cm(D)) and performance and so are an investment
Colours available: Black, Olive for now and the future. Next to the Under
Weight: XXL = 232g Machine Armour Coldgear range, this is just as good, but
washable unlike the Coldgear kit, its not really an overt
outerwear type of top.
MATERIALS
94% Polyester 6% Elastane Some equally impressive, lightweight and very
comfortable Coolmax Long Johns (RRP 19.95)
Review Comments: are also available in Snugpaks 2nd Skinz base
In the past I have had layer range.
sports tops made from COOLMAX fabric, which is the
performance fabric that includes an effective fibre-based COOLMAX at its best
UNDER ARMOUR COLDGEAR allows greater mobility and maintains shape Coldgear
TACTICAL INFRARED CREW (OLIVE) Infrared uses a soft, thermo-conductive inner coating
to absorb and retain your own body heat Moisture
Available from: www.top-of-the-range.co.uk Transport System wicks sweat away from the body
Price: 49.99 Quick-dry fabrication keeps you light and comfortable
Anti-Odour technology prevents the growth of odour
WARNING! This product will melt when exposed to causing microbes Smooth, chafe-free flat-lock seam
extreme heat or open flames, posing a risk of serious construction Weight: XXL = 323g Machine Washable
injury where melted product comes into contact with
skin! MATERIALS
87% Polyester 13% Elastane
FEATURES
Dual-layer fabric gives you a soft, warm interior and a Review Comments:
smooth, fast-drying exterior 4-Way Stretch fabrication Under Armour are a world leader in sport/athletic and

REVIEW
active clothing and are held in under another mid layer or singly even
high esteem by users for their under a top layer. It is a snug fit, but not
innovations and technological like the compression gear, which can
advanced fabrics/styes and ranges almost feel suffocatingly tight. Their
of kit. The Coldgear range for base vulnerability around fire to melt and
layers are no exception to this and potentially cause serious injury is a real
are also suitable for wear as an consideration particularly for bushcrafters
outer layer even in cold weather who enjoy a fire, although this is less
due the insulating/conductive of an issue if used as a base or mid
features. They do however layer. The price tag isn't cheap, but the
require the wearer to have a good promises from its features warrant it as an
physique to get away with this investment and this is a recommended
look as personally when wearing winter warmer.
it as an outer layer; I look a bit like
Dafydd off Little Britain! Lives up to its name and feels like
Under Armour
I have found it ideal for wearing
KEELA COUNTRY SHIRT also being suitable in an urban,

(CHECK) smart environment that makes
me fond of it. It doesn't look
Available from: www.keela.co.uk like a sports top and it is really
Price: 39.95 comfortable to wear and has
quick drying features, which
FEATURES makes this Shirt stand out as a
Classic cut base layer.
Quick dry Easy care UV Protection
Lightweight & comfortable Patch The stitching/design are top
pocket Roll-up sleeve tabs Weight: rate and a reasonable price. I
XXL = 268g Machine washable cant rave too much about a
check shirt other than to say
MATERIALS it is lightweight, comfortable
100% Polyester and soft. Worth considering if
you don't want to always wear
Review Comments: sportswear looking base layers.
This Keela Country shirt is different
from all the other base layers featured
Suitable for Urban and
in this review as it is basically a high
quality check buttoned shirt, the type youd wear on a
Rural wear
night out. It is the versatility of having a country look, but
KEELA MEN'S MICRO Works well as mid or base layer Flat lock
PULSE FLEECE TOP seams - improves comfort and fit when
worn as part of layering system Warm
(OLIVE) high warmth to weight ratio Lightweight
Available from: www.keela.co.uk soft and compressible for easy packing
Price: 29.95 Colours available: Red/Black, Orange/Grey,
Blue/Grey, Black, Olive Weight: XXL =
FEATURES 279g Machine washable (Cool)
non-pill, easy-care, high wicking and
quick drying Ideal as a mid layer or a MATERIALS
thermal base layer worn next to the 100% polyester
skin Breathable and wickable 1/4 zip
at collar for ventilation Slight scoop Review Comments:
at back Quick dry Easy care The most noticeable feature of the
Keela Micro Pulse Fleece top is how soft to the feel and high neck and has a comfortable chin guard flap on the
lightweight it is. This is well designed with effective zip ensuring no irritation when done up. The fleece is
wicking technology and quality stitching on the flat flexible and due to its design it maintains shape really well
seams. These flat seams are great for wearing against without becoming saggy. A great base layer particularly if
the skin, causing NO irritation and great comfort. The you like a velvety fleece feel against the skin.
1/4 zip allows for ease of fitting and both venting as well
as improving insulation on doing it up. This features a Its like wearing a fleecy pyjama top
KEELA MEN'S ADS 100 T PLAIN clothing for active and outdoors wearers and this T-shirt
(OLIVE) is as good if not better than some other sports tops I have
had. It is well made and designed to not
Available from: www.keela.co.uk look saggy after a few wears. Keela's
Price: 19.95 Active Dispersal System (ADS) allows for
effective wicking performance helping
FEATURES skin to not feel damp even when the
Technical active fit High wicking shirt is wet through with sweat. ADS
UV protection Climate control wicking properties are inherent to the
Easy care Quick dry Colours yarn, so are not lost through washing,
available: Burnt Orange, Navy, Black, meaning your base layer will keep
White, Denim, Olive, Dark Grey performing for as long as you do.
Weight: XXL = 188g Machine This is a good, versatile base layer that
washable can look good for going out as well as a
base layer vest. Reasonably priced this
MATERIALS can be screwed up small for carriage
100% Polyester ADS Active making it great for travelling.
Review Comments: A top suitable for bushcrafting

Keela are great at producing and the gym
EDZ MERINO 200G ZIP NECK TOP of a millimetre), whereas the itchy ones are coarser fibres
(OLIVE) in excess of 28 microns. I cant find what this EDZ tops
exact fibre status is, but I would say it is closer to 28
Available from: www.edzlayering.com Price: 60 microns as it is slightly itchy against my skin. My skin is
sensitive however and I don't like any irritation against
FEATURES it, I even had a mild rash come up from
1/3 length central zip with zip wearing this. That said, this EDZ top is
guard Thumb holes very well made and designed with the
Base layer fit Flat seams 1/3 length neck zip having a chin guard
Colours available: Graphite, and the neck is quite high adding to its
Claret, Olive Weight: XXL = effectiveness as a base layer. It works
309g Machine washable well as an insulator and is relatively
lightweight and can compact down
MATERIALS without looking like a rag afterwards. The
100% Superfine Merino wool thumb holes are a considerate feature
(200gsm) bringing the sleeve down to the knuckles
to stop that sleeve draught effect. If you
Review Comments: get on alright with Merino wool and want
In issue 23 of BSSM (2009) something that is lightweight, thin and
I featured the impressive well made, then this ones for you.
properties of Merino Wool
clothing as well as some kit If you get on with Merino Wool,
made from it (Woolpower and Howies). What I learned is then this one is for you
that fine quality wool that doesn't itch, is between 17-23
microns (measurement of the wool fibre in thousandths

REVIEW
MID/OUTER LAYERS
SNUGPAK SJ6 (OLIVE) the added features of thumb
holes on the cuffs and roll away
Available from: www.snugpak. hood. This jacket is marketed
com Price: 119.95 as Snugpaks autumn range
JOINT but it is ideal all year round,
FEATURES
BEST IN particularly in the UK. The
Temperature rating: Comfort: -5C, TEST stuff sack is really handy
Extreme: -10C (Autumn / Winter) for stowage and can be
Water-resistant main zip for greater compressed to be the size of
insulation and dryness Featuring a a small pillow, so this is great
roll-away hood 2 concealed outer for the boot or pack. The neck of the
zip side pockets 1 inner breast zip jacket has a handy elasticated shock
pocket Lightweight 30 cm long cord with quick release sprung lock to
diameter 16cm Stuff sack included tighten for keeping the cold out and
Velcro patches on arm for military warmth in. The water resistant main
use Colours available: blue, red, zip works well to provide a barrier
silver plus our traditional Olive, Military Black, Multicam from moisture seep and the zip itself is user friendly
camouflage and A-TACS camouflage colours Weight: XS allowing two way opening for access/ventilation.
- 690g, S - 720g, M - 760g, L - 810g, XL - 870g, XXL - 930g This jackets velcro patches are supposed to be for
Machine washable military use but on advice this is an unnecessary addition
as in the British Military these would not be used.
MATERIALS The side pockets are discreetly positioned with zipped
Shell: Paratex Micro (100%Nylon) Lining: Paratex Light access. However the left one was bigger than the right
(100% Nylon) Filling: Softie Premier (100% Polyester) and my hands just about fit in, but if I wanted to remove
my phone I couldn't physically withdraw both at the
Review Comments: same time. The sleeves are one size and due to having
I like Snugpak kit and in issue 32 of BSSM, I reviewed their long arms I found they came up a bit short.
Sleeka reversible jacket, which is very similar to the SJ6. Overall this is an impressive jacket, an ideal mid or outer
The SJ6 looks less grandad in style in comparison to the layer that will last years.
Sleeka and it is still as comfy and warm. The Softie filling
is what makes this and any product with this filling a It has Softie Premier filling and it really
success, it really is like taking your duvet with you. impresses me
The box construction/stitching and quality is great as are
ARKTIS B310 WATERPROOF SMOCK

(VISTA) MATERIALS
Shell: Arkiss own 50/50 Polycotton Lining: Synthetic
Available from: www.arktisoutdoor.co.uk waterproof/breathable fabric
Price: 240
Review Comments:
FEATURES When I was a serving police officer in specialist firearms
Fully articulated Ripstop outer construction roles, I was issued Arktis jackets and kit, all of which was
waterproofed Large boxed pockets Wire in hood for great. My ex-colleague who is still serving has just been
shaping Twin needled underarm seam for strength issued a new Arktis jacket for his role as a Specialist
Storm flap Adjustable drawcord waist, base and hood Search Officer. Arktis are not well known outside of the
Double ended zip, with webbing insert for ease of military/police procurers but I would recommend them
opening Large slide buttons bound in Patch Notebook to outdoors people and bushcrafters, as the brand is
pocket with 3cm stitch from edge for pen loop Cord quality and suitable for particularly bad weather and
channel in hood for adjustment Waterproof / breathable rough terrain.
dropliner Smaller zipped entry document pouch Cuff
adjustment Central rank tab with small slide button to The ripstop 50/50 polycotton outer combined with
secure Colours Available: 14 colour options Weight: XL the special waterproof breathable membrane has kept
= 1.3kg Machine washable me dry and warm on many occasions. The design is
practical with great pockets and and bottom
their positioning is ergonomic and drawcords. This
WILD
aplenty. There are 14 colours to has an easy CARD
choose from and several designs two way zip
which can be made to order if not opening with
in stock. velcro/button
The B310 that I reviewed is protective/
essentially a military smock with concealing flap. It is long enough in
rank/insignia chest epaulette and the body to allow water run off to clear
silent release button fasteners. the groin and rear which is important.
The material itself is also quiet to Overall an impressive bit of kit, which
prevent rustle compared to most although pricey I would definitely
other waterproof jackets. The recommend.
velcro neck and wrist fasteners are
effective and add to its effectiveness Arktis is a name that is
against the elements as does the associated high-end outdoor
drawstring/toggle hood, waist
gear
HELIKON PATRIOT FLEECE and base add to this protection. I am a fan of reinforced
(SHADOW GREY) elbows and this fleece has CORDURA on the back of the
sleeves which is long lasting and tough. The main YKK
Available from: www.Military1st.co.uk Price: zipper is easy to operate and effective. The Velcro hook
49.30 and loop cuffs wrist fasteners are effective, the positioning
of a zip pocket on the left wrist looks good but loading it
FEATURES isnt comfortable..
Double Superfine Fleece 390g/m High collar with hood
YKK zippers and the main zipper has a wind flap and a I found the positioning of the 2 side zipped pockets
chin guard 2 chest pockets 3 sleeve pockets 1 large to be awkward due to being so high up almost to the
pocket on the lower back breast. They are intended not as hand warmers
Velcro panels on each arm but for storage and both have wiring eyelets
Ventilated sleeves with to pass headphones through. The rear large
underarm pit zipper Velcro zipped pocket is really useful and easy to access
cuffs Reinforced elbows from either side, good for maps. The Velcro
Drawstring waistband with patches for badges on the upper arm pockets
cord lock seem to be popular and could be useful for
Colours available: Shadow users with their own logo etc. The pockets
Grey, Olive, Black, Jungle themselves on the arms are very useful and
Green, Foliage, Coyote, MTP, great for putting things you want to get hold
Camogreen, Fleck Weight: of easily. The long ventilator zip in the armpit
XXL = 1.24kg Machine and underarm is effective for ventilation, but
Washable I found their positioning to be uncomfortable
and an irritation to my skin especially if wearing
MATERIALS a thin base layer. It also has an elastic cord with
100% Polyester quick-locks in the hem for individual fit, which
is ideal for keeping in the warmth and adjusting
Review Comments: depending on the base layers thickness etc.
The Patriot Fleece is more than just another run of the
mill fleece jacket, its packed with zipped pockets and The Patriot is reasonably priced and for what you get it is
extras that make it stand out. The double thickness of really good value. Aesthetically it is suitable as both urban
the fleece material is most noticeable not only by the and rural attire and my wife prefers it above all the kit in
weight but by the protective feel of it on. It has 25cm of this review for its looks alone.
zipped ventilation under each armpit, which is effective.
The scooped back is longer than the front for greater Loads of features and a great fleece jacket, my
protection when bending over and the elasticated hood wifes favourite looking winter warmer

REVIEW
5.11 TACTICAL 1/4 ZIP SWEATER I was issued with several varieties of their trousers
(REGATTA) and tops plus other ancillary kit. This tactical sweater
particularly in blue is a departure from being
Available from: www. military looking, which appeals to both the
Military1st.co.uk civilian market as well as covert wearers; with
Price: 72 the advantages of the rear covert lumber
pocket.
FEATURES
Casual, covert design The build quality is excellent and the welded
Secure zip chest pocket patches at the elbows and shoulders give
Covert lumbar pocket at it a countryside feel. I even wore it to a
rear Double layer collar posh restaurant and felt as comfortable in
with fleece Welded those settings as I did out and about. It is
reinforcements at shoulders certainly warm and the elasticised piping
and elbows Elastic hem on the sleeves and waist adds to its charm
and sleeve cuffs Integrated and protects it against the sagging effect
zipper garages and chin common with these types of tops. The 1/4
guard at front collar YKK zipper hardware Bartacking zip is convenient and the zip near the neck fits into a
at all major stress points Maximum thermal protection comfortable chin guard allowing it to be zipped right up
Colours available: Regatta, Gun powder, Field Green without causing irritation. Overall a very versatile mid
Weight: XXL = 604g Machine Washable layer, which I will comfortably use for my town visits due
to its covertness, compared to most of the other mid
MATERIALS layers featured in this review.
Shell: 100% Polyester Pocketing: 100% Polyester
Review Comments: Suitable for Bushcrafting as well as dining out
I am a fan of all things that 5.11 produce and in service
KEELA HARRIS TWEED BUSH people from Woodland Ways who are friends of Bushcraft
SMOCK (OLIVE/RUST) and Survival Skills Magazine, to design thisHarris Tweed
Available from: www.keela. smock as part of their 2016 Bushcraft
co.uk Price: 134.94 Range. For purists out there who like
natural fibres and the country look,
FEATURES then this smock is for you. My wife
Harris Tweed British Millerain thought I looked like an extra off of the
Stay Wax Cotton panels Stand Braveheart when I wore it. Tweed isn't
collar Button closure Side everyones cup of tea and neither is the
vents Fire steel loop in chest Swanndri style of clothing.
pocket Chest pockets and pen
pocket Scoop back and button The team who came up with this shirts
cuff Harris Tweed is sustainable design thoughtfully included easy access
and naturally fire resistant button chest pockets and a loop in the
Signed and numbered certificate left breast pocket for a firesteel. There is
of Authenticity Heritage also a 13cm deep little pouch on the left
Style cotton material reusable arm/shoulder. The waxed cotton panels
presentation bag with carry on the shoulders will aid its weather &
handle and double button fastening Colour Available: abrasion resistance, I would also have liked them on the
Olive/Rust Weight: XXL = 862g Cold hand wash / airing elbows too, for reinforcement. The waxed stand up collar
outside is the preferred method of cleaning (Hand and cotton liner in the cuffs go some way to keep the itch
woven in Scotland) of tweed from where skin is generally uncovered. The itch
and irritation of tweed is a personal matter of choice and
MATERIALS suitability, unfortunately my skin doesn't get on that well
Tweed (Rough Woollen fabric) / Cotton with it. Having said that, wearing a sturdy base layer I got
on well with it and I enjoyed the sensation and nostalgia
Review Comments: of wearing tweed. I did have one observation/concern
I am so pleased that Keela has teamed up with the good with regards the shape of it due to the back panel being
scooped and so longer than the front. On a wearer who
has a slightly rounded stomach this design starts to look For Bushcraft Purist and lovers of tweed, this is
a bit wrong and unfortunately it really isn't flattering. The a must have
price is quite steep but it is hand woven Harris Tweed
after all.
KEELA FUSION SOFTSHELL JACKET fact virtually waterproof. Reasonably lightweight and
(BLACK) Available from: www.keela.co.uk Price: compacts down easily for carriage and when then worn,
84.95 does so without looking too creased. Movement is not
inhibited either by the cut or material and is actually
FEATURES supportive of movement due to its elasticity. I thought
AirXtream Fusion fabric /Spandex 100% windproof at first it was a bit short in the body, but for climbing and
with a water resistant finish Breathable Condensation active sports this is an advantage. The two zipped side
Control Two zipped outer side pockets vertical zipped pockets are both ergonomic and big enough for a map/
inner pocket Velcro adjustable cuffs Pit zip ventilation phone, 7 tablet and obviously to put your hands in for
system Full length front zip with internal storm-flap warmth/comfort.
Shock-cord at collar and hem Colours available: Black
Weight: XXL = 802g Machine washable The main zip is a one-way opening/
closing and if I could improve on it,
MATERIALS I would add a chin guard flap. The
Tweed (Rough Woollen fabric) / Cotton elasticated shock cords at the neck
and base are effective, but due to
Review Comments: the snugness of fit, I doubt I would
As mentioned before, I am a fan of utilise them. Used in conjunction
Keela and I have practically worn with Keelas base layers, this
out the excellent Keela Falkland and combination would easily see one
Quantum jackets that I already own. The through autumn and even winter
Softshell Fusion is equally impressive depending on the level of exertion.
both on first glance as well as due I would recommend this especially
to its wearability. The technology of for the sportier outdoorsman yet it
incorporating the fabric properties of would also serve the sedentary one
the TPU is particular innovative. The just as well, who just want to be
Fusion has a nice feel and matt look to it and the design is warm.
as good if not better than the Quantums.
Note: This Jacket can be found cheaper by shopping
The windproof quality of this jacket is superb, combined about online.
with its water resistance being greater than most clothing
which makes that claim as the Fusion Softshell is in Really fashionable and a great Winter Warmer
CONCLUSION: The Buffalo Super 6 was my choice as its a bit of kit I have
used and trust, as have so many others and I am confident
The kit reviewed in this article is readily available and to recommend it. The Snugpak Softie and SJ6 are my
names like Buffalo, Keela, Snugpak and Under Armour are runners up. I cant forget to mention my WILD CARD entry
mostly already known and used amongst outdoors people by Arktis who really do make some great outdoor kit, but
and bushcrafters alike. EDZ and Dexshell were new to me are better known by police and military procurers than
and I am particularly impressed with DexShell products Bushcrafters. I would like to see that change and hope
and will be keeping an eye out for more of their kit. many will try their kit out as it really does work particularly
against the weather and for pockets etc. there are few
Buffalo and Snugpak are very much on par with each better out there. Budget is always a deciding factor when
other for build quality and making great kit. I have both building up your outdoor wardrobe and some clever
Snugpak and Buffalo clothing and sleeping bags and shopping about will often turn up good bargains. Good
love them both. Snugpak have a slight advantage of luck and keep warm.
having a wider range and more recent innovations,
WIN!
whereas Buffalo have simply found a winning formula and To win some Upper Body Clothing
seemingly just stuck with it. see p29

40 BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL SKILLS MAGAZINE
Book Review BY ELAINE GILBOY
THE HUNTER- AUTHOR PROFILE:

GATHERER WAY
by Ffyona Campbell - 7.60 Elaine Gilboy
Kindle edition (2012)
Elaine Gilboy is the magazines sub-editor and
book reviewer. Never happier than when shes
Ffyona Campbell is best known for
walking over 20,000 miles around reading, Elaine is also a researcher in the field
the world in the late 1980s and of Book History, with contributions to academic
1990s. She is the best-selling author publications in the UK and in France. While the library may be her
of the books Feet of Clay (about favourite place, she enjoys the outdoors, spending a number of years in
walking Australia), On Foot Through the Territorial Army. She likes growing veg and bird-watching and insists
Africa, and The Whole Story. Campbell on dragging her children on long walks, where they regularly complain
says the happiest, healthiest about her somewhat rusty navigation skills.
people she met on her travels were
hunter-gatherers so she decided to
revisit Australia to see what living gatherer in the UK and to understand and fit into
with the Aborigines could teach her. Her the cycle of nature. Campbell has taught foraging
experiences, some of which are brilliantly for years through Wild Food Walks in Devon, and
depicted in the book, led her to identify this experience shows. She describes nature as a
with people who lived thousands of years housekeeper who keeps things together so they
ago, to vividly concentrate on her senses, are easier to be found, and that 'what precedes
on how she was feeling and interacting finding something, is a picture you get in your
with nature, in order to shrink the distance mind about what you want and then you find it'.
to the past.
The book is slightly alternative, so some parts will
When Campbell returned to the UK be debatable, but I found Campbell's insights so
she began to explore how we became interesting - she says that every time we are sold
separated from nature. Her reflections something a distinct process occurs. First the
are varied and thought-provoking, there advertiser sows a seed of doubt about what we
is a lot about Stonehenge, that it was an early example of are using now. Second there is a solution presented to the
the white collar/blue collar divide, designed by men with problem the advertiser has created. Third there is a time
brains, who used men with brawn to actually move and limit to taking the offer. The Avon lady is going up the
assemble the stones, for instance. The process of thinking Amazon selling lipstick by telling the women they work so
deeply and looking through the library of your mind for hard they should treat themselves. They begin to feel hard
connections might be familiar to viewers of Sherlock and done by. 'Soon the saleswoman will have moved on and
Campbell describes it very well. She applies these insights she leaves behind her a trail of discontented women. And
to how to once the women are discontent, everyone in the family will
become be too. Welcome to the modern world'. If this rings a bell,
a hunter-
May Rears buy this book. Or choose not to :)
WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK!

Email competitions@bushcraftmagazine.com or post in
your details for a chance to win. (See T&Cs p4)
WIN!
ADVANCED SKILLS
10 CONCEPTSTOADVANCEYOURSKILLS
So to celebrate 10 years of Bushcraft AUTHOR PROFILE:

& Survival Skills Magazine, I thought
we would explore 10 ideas for you Jason Ingamells
to take with you in 2016 to improve
Jason Ingamells is the owner and lead
your Bushcraft Skills.
instructor at Woodland Ways, the UK's largest
T
provider of bushcraft courses. He also runs
here is no question about it, the the Woodland Ways Bushcraft Foundation,
breadth and depth of Bushcraft a charity supporting tribal peoples. He takes pride in learning the skills of
knowledge in this country is our ancestors and leads a large team of instructors teaching to the highest
growing at an incredible pace. Many standards, both here in the UK and overseas. Jason is a highly skilled
thousands of people are learning in a woodsman and overseas adventurer, these skills have been gleaned and
variety of ways. The information we now honed through extensive personal experience in real circumstances.
have, quite literally at our fingertips,
used to be the preserve of a much
reduced pool of people, but is now very
widely available.
It is a grid like table, on the left are areas covered within
This can be a double edged sword as you learn the subject, and across the top a scoring mechanism. I
techniques from others. Some sources of information then benchmark myself against where I see I am now by
may come from a place of resounding knowledge and blocking out each cube in black. It then highlights areas
sound research, while some may have more dubious that I can improve on and I block out the next steps in
origins. I always encourage my students and staff to red for where I would like to be at the end of the year.
personally get out there to challenge and build on
existing knowledge. You should have your own personal For me, I marked them from Chinese Water Deer (1)
learning journey by putting in the dirt time. Learning through to Red Stag (6). It is always my intention to
from different skilled professionals is the highest order of ease my skill set closer to the Stag. Personally I dont
many different learning approaches, but this instruction think I would ever get to Red Stag, but if I reached Sika/
still can only go so far. You then need to consolidate for Fallow from Muntjac then this would be improving. Do
yourself. not worry about naming the animals, by no means am
I implying that a Muntjac is any less intelligent than a
There are not enough lifetimes on the planet to truly Red its just my personal obsession, you can easily
master the range of skills that can present themselves to mark them from 1 to 6. So take for example Foraging,
us. Its not all about fire steels and cotton wool, but also if I am marking myself as a Roe for knowledge of
it is not just about flint and bone work. To overcome the Identification, but a Chinese Water Deer for history and
possibility of becoming stuck in a rut and complacent folklore then it gives me something to aim to improve
with your skills, or to expand your knowledge to other on, and I may set myself a target of researching one plant
areas, we can use a tool to guide us through. every two weeks to get to the next level.
So lets take a few examples from some possibilities that

1. Start with your own Skills Matrix you could employ to create your own matrix.
This was a concept that one of my instructors, Adam

Logan, initially introduced to me. I took this concept 2. The Bow Drill with only primitive
on for myself and increased and adapted it to my own technology
personal and professional development. The form can
take the format as you wish, as indeed can the content, I Fire. That absolutely primeval chemical reaction that has
have included a blank copy of mine here which you are the amazing ability to unite human beings around the
free to use and develop for yourself. world, to laugh, share and love. In the UK its almost as if
42 BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL SKILLS MAGAZINE

ADVANCED SKILLS
the bow drill has become the national flag of Bushcraft. Lets say then that you have identified Fire Craft as an
Something that people seem to benchmark themselves area that you would like to improve your skill on. You are
as to whether they have the right, or not, to traverse our happy with basic bow drill, you can identify the correct
woodlands in confidence, being able to bring together materials to use so your tree ID is sound, and have
natural elements in order to produce fire. utilised a range of different woods to achieve embers in
different weather conditions. You are familiar with the
more advanced safe knife grips to fashion your sets, and the cord is produced evenly with few lumps and bumps.
you are comfortable with Para cord or starter cord to Variations in thickness of the cord, or fibres protruding,
absorb the abrasive interaction between the drill and the can create pull spots from the drill and the cord may
cord. For example, that would place your learning as a unravel or break. So it is key to ensure your cord is
Roe Deer (or number 3). You want to get to Sika (4). trimmed off upon completion.
The beauty of the fire bow is that your journey can b) When your cord is completed you will want to double
be never ending with it. Your matrix can focus you to up the bow string so that your drill is wrapped by two
identify that you lengths of cord, this
have room to push reduces the abrasion
yourself onwards. on just one piece and
Lets remove that so provides more time
cord for a moment, for you to get your
and that lovely shiny ember.
sharp knife, and
replace them with c) To replace the
natural alternatives. knife, you will be
Then, once your set looking for a sharp
has created fire, burn edged stone. This
it. Give it back to the can be manufactured
earth from whence from stones that you
it came. can easily split, the
obvious choice would
Now do this be flint or one of the
consistently for a other cherts. Thin
year, each time you slithers of wood can
achieve an ember be shaved off to shape
you will not have the drills business
approached the end, and indeed to
creation of that form the notch in the
ember with the full hearth board. Prior to
confidence your set the shaping a lot of
is ready, but rather the work can be done
you will have to by hand, for example
go through the full snapping a dead, dry
approach again. I standing piece of
promise you will material from a stool.
learn another lesson, This can be further
and another, and reduced in size by
another as you rosetting your cut or
repeat this process. using a sturdier piece
of flint and a mallet.
So here are just a
few tips to help you d) For your bow,
on that journey. finding Ash (Fraxinus
Excelsior) saplings will
a) Some cordage ensure you only need
works better than others. A trusty source that is widely a notch at one end as you can incorporate a side branch
available would be the stinging nettle. Prepare your to form a loop around at the other.
nettles as normal, splitting them, drying them out and
re-soaking. Then produce a 2 ply cord using around 4-6 e) My last recommendation would be to practice slow
fibres in each twist. It is vital, as always to stagger the techniques. For fire by friction you do not need masses of
introduction of new materials to produce a very strong speed or pressure for the whole duration, practice slow,
cord, particular care should also be taken to ensure that steady and consistent rotations of the drill for increased

ADVANCED SKILLS
success whilst managing genus of Aesculus (13-19

your resources. species worldwide) contain the
Chickweed same saponin.
For more information on the
bow drill with only primitive Now to further our knowledge
tools you can see a write up on other plants that contain
here www.woodland- saponin to a useable level. A
ways.co.uk/blog/primitive- common species, Chickweed
crafts/the-bow-drill-with-no- Stellaria media can be picked
tools/ and simply crushed in the
hands to release the soap. It
3. Expanding your is not as effective as Horse
plant lore Chestnut, and this may be
reflected in the fact that the
When foraging there is
plant is classed as an edible
a tendency to focus on
also and can be incorporated
edibles, whereas broadening
into salads, soups, and stews.
your scope of useful plants
Once you delve into the plant
and trees may move you up
a little deeper on your research
from a 4 to 5 on your matrix Red Champion you will see that it also
when you consider other
contains vitamins A, B6, B12, D
uses. One idea would be to
and the mineral phosphorous
pick a theme and heres a
and so complements nettles
brief example.
well.
Health and cleanliness in
Your investigation into
the field is often overlooked
saponin continues as you learn
on short duration
that Red Campion Silene dioica
excursions. Even during
can also be used as a soap, by
small trips there are plants
slicing and boiling the roots in
and trees out there that
water. Historically you can find
we can utilise. However,
out that it was used as a mild
for longer durations the
soap for linen. You may then
health implications of poor
wish to try White Campion
hygiene in camp should not
Silene latifolia to see if it has
be ignored. I am sure the
the same properties.
Horse Chestnut, Aesculus
Horse Chestnut
hippocastanum is familiar to
Delving deeper you can see
most people venturing into
that the genus Saponaria
the countryside. Within this
derives from the Latin for
tree the chemical aesculin is
Soap, Saponis. The Common
present, which is a saponin.
Soapwort S. officinalis, which
If you take the fruits of the
will grow on sandy, chalky
tree and slice/mash them
or clay soils, has a very high
up and immerse them in
concentration of saponin.
hot water, then the cleaning
Again the roots can be boiled
power is very surprising.
up but also crushing up the
They are also present in
leaves in warm water releases
other areas of the tree,
a lather.
including the leaves and the
bark. We have tested this
For further reading; when you
on skin and material and
read both Flora Britannica
the cleaning power is very
by Richard Mabey and The
impressive. This knowledge
Forager Handbook by Miles Irving your learning matrix
can help you as you venture further afield as the whole
will certainly improve.
I am hoping you are now building up a picture of how gently tapping loose bark on the stem of the tree in
your skills matrix can help you on your journey to order to investigate with its tongue the insects that may
improve your Bushcraft Knowledge. So from here I will be hidden underneath. Your skills matrix will be gently
briefly list another 6 suggestions for you, with a little increasing the deeper your understanding of individual
outline of some ideas to kick start your journey. But creatures grows.
remember its your journey not mine.
There is an excellent video from Hart Wildlife Rescue of a
Green Woodpeckers Tongue here https://www.youtube.
4. Study nature- choose an animal com/watch?v=MGNliAwUQKs
One of the best ways to improve your knowledge of the
countryside is to just sit and observe it. So you may have
5. Natural Navigation
reached a really good all round knowledge of the Fauna
you are likely to witness in the UK, from the Robin to the You may decide that you are a confident navigator
Raft Spider. Now delve into a few of the species in more with map and compass, and it is time to up your skill
detail. Take a few individuals and set to take in the natural
really get down into the deeper indicators around you
research on them. Did you know that may provide clues
that the Green Woodpeckers to direction. If you are at
tongue is around 10 cm long the start of your learning
and it has a curving complex journey, then reflect back
of cartilage and bone leading to school days where we
round the base and rear of the learnt that the sun rises
skull up to the top, this enables in the east and sets in the
it to be stored and projected west. This gives us a pretty
out? Towards the tip it also has rough estimate of direction
backwards facing barbs. Your of travel. However, the
best opportunity for seeing sun only rises exactly due
this incredible tongue is when east and sets exactly due
it is feeding on an ant nest, west on the equinoxes,
(and indeed did you know the March 20th and September
Green Woodpecker is a ground 22nd. So if we halve the
feeder?) But not all woodpecker time between these, at the
tongues are so long. Summer Solstice on June
21st it rises almost north-
The Greater Spotted east and sets north-west.
Woodpecker has a shorter Conversely, at the Winter
tongue, more designed Solstice, Dec 21st, it rises
for probing the crevices it creates when feeding up roughly south-east and sets south-west.
against the trunk of the tree. We are all familiar with the
drumming noise of the woodpecker, but this is territorial This is important for when you are working with the
rather than feeding. If you sit and observe you will notice Shadow Stick method of direction finding. The shadow of
that the male has a red spot on the back of the head a straight upright stick will point in a westerly direction in
whereas the female does not. the morning, swinging round to easterly in the afternoon.
This shadow will get shorter the closer to noon it is. It
Although territorial both the male and the female will will always make an arc except at the equinoxes where
drum (in songbirds it is usually only the male that will it will be virtually a straight line. Simply marking the
sing to defend his territory). The impact of this drumming end of the shadow twice over a period of time will give
is severe. So they have adapted to have thick strong an approximate east-west line, however depending on
muscles on the back of the neck, as well as thick skulls the time of year it may send you off at quite an alarming
and other adaptions. But as you stroll through the difference. If you did it between 09:30 and 10:00 in the
woods you may hear a gentle tapping sometimes one, morning you may be heading off north-east. Marking
sometimes two, but gentle almost in the background. the shadow an equal amount of time before and after
noon (by GMT) will be much more accurate. Marking out
This is the sound of the Greater Spotted woodpecker several points over a period of time and taking a tangent

to the curve is also accurate. Marking the shadow www.thebushcraftshow.co.uk
through the day and determining the shortest shadow
will give exact north and is the most accurate.
You can also use the below 6. Take a journey into Hide
information, if you ignore the Work
hour added for daylight saving in
Humans have been using animal
summer and always work to GMT,
by-products for literally thousands of years.
to calculate a rough estimation of
In fact, one of the discussion points put
where the sun is.
forward in the TV series The Incredible
Human Journey (2009) was the relationship
NE at 3am
between us being able to fashion needles
E at 6am
from bone, and being able to make
SE at 9am
clothing to equip us for living in places that
S at Noon
would otherwise have been impossible.
SW at 3pm
So you can see how intertwined the
W at 6pm
relationship between Fauna and humans
NW at 9pm
can be.
N at Midnight
Rawhide is one of those by-products that
For a much more in-depth look at
is relatively simple to produce, and is an
Natural Navigation Tristan Gooley
exceptionally strong material for binding items together
has produced a series of books following years of study
just as it is, and when combined with a resin or tar
of the subject, check out The Natural Navigator, The
glue it is incredibly strong. The beauty of it is that its a
Walkers Guide to Outdoor Clues & Signs, and The Natural
relatively straight forward process. Small thin hides, such
Explorer. You can meet Tristan at The Bushcraft Show
as squirrel, can be made and then twinned together as in
2016
normal cordage to make them very strong. Once made
the hide can be stored dry indefinitely, and when it comes to using it all
you need to do is soak it overnight and then use it as a binding. As the
rawhide dries it will contract and bind tighter.
You can see from the picture bottom left where we have fashioned
a flint adze woodworking tool and hafted it onto a handle, bound
securely with rawhide. Here are a couple of helpful hints to start you on
your journey. When cutting rawhide for bindings circle your cut in ever
decreasing circles to get the longest lengths. Please dont be tempted
to use dog chews for bindings! For some reason they will not contract
and bind when moistened, I think this may be due to the fact that the
rawhide is boiled to soften and shape, however that is only a guess! It
is far more valuable learning to produce your own. For a detailed look
at the production of rawhide and buckskin I recommend Deerskins into
Buckskins, How to Tan with Brains, Soap or Eggs by Matt Richards (2004).
7. Cord Management
You are happy with your tarp set up, maybe using the factory tensioners
that came with it. In order to move along in your matrix it may be worth
considering a system of knots and storage that would shave time off
your set up, and might even save your life, (you wouldnt want to be
untangling knots in a blizzard) Lets consider the entanglement. A
nice little system for ensuring your tarp guys stay knot free and can be
deployed in one little flick of the hand is as follows. Starting at the tarp
end of the line spread your thumb and little finger out as wide as they will
go, and then begin to wrap the cord from the fixed end towards the loose
end in a series of figure of eights around your thumb and figure. Once
you reach a hands length from the end then wrap round and around
your bundle until on the last section where you will take a bight through
and under the wrap. Now next time you come to erect your tarp you can
simply throw the line out and it will unravel knot free.
A list of other very useful knots for tarp set up include the Evenk or
Siberian Knot/Hitch for initially securing a ridge line. A Taut Tarp Line
Hitch for tensioning your ridgeline, or maybe a Wagoners Hitch which
is useful for tensioning any
line. A Slippery Adjustable
Loop is useful for guy lines
and the faithful Clove
Hitch is a simple knot for
attaching to any spar. There
is a plethora of information
out there freely available on
the internet. One wonderful
little app you can download
onto your phone is Animated
Knots by Grog.
8. Flint Knapping
This is a skill that takes years
to master, however with
the right instructor there are a number of tips and tricks that will ensure
your initial learning curve will be steep. Within a few days you will be
able to fashion utility tools, hunting tips, wood working tools and more.
Our early ancestor Handy Man, or normally called Homo habilis is often
found in association with flint tools, and although the classification of

ADVANCED SKILLS
species is constantly, excuse the pun, evolving, there is 10. Clay Containers
no doubt that this species was producing tools 2.8-1.5 Ill finish with one final idea for you to move your matrix
million years ago. If this member of your family was on. As with animal by-products mentioned above, our
producing tools that long ago, there is no reason that ancestors have been working with clay containers for
you cannot do it yourself. Flint knapping is a skill, but
it is one that everyone can do with the right approach
to the subject. It is far better to learn from an instructor
who knows their craft already. They will be able to
guide you through the subtleties of angles, impact and
pressure. I have picked up this subject in my own matrix
for improvement this year, having started with basic hide
scrapers and blade core technology I am practicing these
skills whilst going on to arrow head making next. There
are very few real masters of the subject in the UK, I can
personally recommend John W. Lord, the grandfather
of flint knapping in the UK, his son Will Lord at Beyond
2000 BC, a giant of a man in stature, skill and warmth, thousands of years. The earliest finds so far date to
and not forgetting also an instructor who works with us around 20,000 years ago. Making simple clay containers
over at Woodland Ways, Karl Lee, a wonderfully engaging can have a number of uses around camp, everything
instructor who runs www.primitive-technology.co.uk. I from holding fats/oils and wicks for candles, through to
would also recommend John Lords book The Nature and moulds for soap. The process is actually very easy, but it
Subsequent Uses of Flint (1993). is also very easy for things to go wrong. As I have found
out before.
9. Different tarp configurations
With the basics right of where to erect a tarp, maybe its You may find clay in association with ponds or wet
time to evolve your experience here. You are already ground, but it can appear to have many different forms.
taking into account pitching on flat ground, avoiding The chances are if you are digging it from beneath the
dead branches, animal trails and insect lairs. Your knot ground it will have a number of impurities (small stones,
work above ensures your tarp is taut. Youve also got the grass etc.) and these need to be removed. You can test if
basics of configuration. Most people will erect a personal it is clay by taking a small amount and drying it out, then
favourite and stick with that. More often than not I see crumbling it into water, it should not dissolve. Dig your
the A-Frame version being used however your tarp is clay from the ground and spread it thinly out in camp to
a wonderfully versatile piece of equipment that can do let it dry. Once dry smash it up and sift through it with
more. your fingers to remove those impurities. The next stage
is to re-wet it. Generally speaking, you are looking at the
To see some of the versatility try changing the same volume of water to what you have clay, and also
configuration a little, sometimes a larger tarp is handy add a binding agent such as sand or crushed shells to
for this. it. Once mixed together you should be able to mould it
to your desired shape, I would avoid edges and make it
rounded. Your vessel is useable in this form however it
can also be rudimentally fired. When firing it is better to
make a number as there are always casualties. The trick
here is to build a fire underneath, around and on top of
your vessel, using only small pieces of fuel. This is quite
labour intensive as you will want to let the fire burn for at
least a couple of hours.
The two configurations above are useful for when using
a tarp with an open fire, although a canvas version will The above ideas are only designed to spark your
prevent fire holes forming from sparks. They also allow imagination. Remember that first excitement you had
for a wind break when not in use with a fire. Moving on the bow drill, or building your shelter, and never lose
beyond this you can fashion your tarp into a fully this thrill of learning. Make yourself a promise to try and
enclosed space like a T-Pee. improve your skills piece by piece each year and I am
sure you will be surprised.
10 YEARS
10 YEARSOFBUSHCRAFT&
SURVIVALSKILLSMAGAZINE
It is hard to believe that 60 issues of Bushcraft & the newsstand. Unfortunately Borders went into
Survival Skills Magazine have been published over liquidation taking the magazines and their profit
the last 10 years. with them. However, this did not stop the magazine
and it went into WH Smith and hundreds of other
In 2004, Olivia Beardsmore and Simon Ellar created independent retailers.
the concept of Bushcraft & Survival Skills Magazine
and the first issue was launched at The Outdoors The magazine market is down -7.5% up to
Show 2005. Initially operating from a spare room, September 15, however Bushcraft & Survival Skills
they manually bagged thousands of magazines to Magazine sales are an amazing 20% up year-on-
subscribers from around the world. year. Thank you for supporting Bushcraft & Survival
Skills Magazine.
Initially the magazine was subscription based
only, however they were approached by Borders We are proud that the price of Bushcraft & Survival
60
to sell their publication and the magazine hit Skills Magazine has remained at 4.95 for 10 years!
A Special Thanks to all of our Contributors over
the years
Dave Watson, Roger Harrington, Marcus Harrison, Jeremy Hastings, Patrick McGlinchey, Anthonio
Akkermans, Chris Holland, Karl Lee, Simon Ellar, Thomas Schorr-Kon, Trevor Funnell, Andrew Price, Olivia
Beardsmore, Tony Collins, Bob Jenkins, Hannah Nicholls, Lindsey Burns, Glyn David, Graham Rideal,
Claire Knifton, Joe OLeary, Mike Armstrong, Paul OConner, James Fox, Jonathan Simons, Jack Burgess,
Lisa Fenton, John Rhyder, Grant Neale, Steve Yates, Mike Lummio, Claire Morris, Chris Salisbury, Annette
Stickler, Becci Coombes, Daniel Grainger, Fiona Bird, Neil Cowley, Ian Maxwell, Ben McNutt, Chris James,
Patrick H. Lindsay, James Watson, George Thompson, Dave Budd, Ian Nairn, Sally Pointer, Fraser Christian,
Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks, Patrick Fulton, Fergus Drennan, Clair Hobson, Luca Parrella, Lindsey
Dearnley, Beau Beakhouse, Tristan Gooley, Perry McGee, Rawdon OConner, Nic Westermann, Pablo,
Jason Ingamells, Ian Cresswell, David Fairclough, James Cale, Ben and Lois Orford, Dan Carpenter, Dustin
James, David Craze, Mike Aston, Anne Young, Mark Clark, Kari Poppis Suomela, Russell S. Bowles, Emma
Hampton, Dale Collett, Zoe Todd, Cath Harris, Harry Hazeldean, Duncan Clark, Lofty Wiseman, Richard
Lees, Scott Griffiths, Nick Winder, Kevan Palmer, Paul Wolferstein, Mark Hordon, Austin Lill, Jonathan
Ridgeon, Paul Kirtley, Clarissa Dickson and Johnny Scott, Dan Puplett, Andy Childs, Tim Gent, Paul
Donovan, Wendy Fox, Geoff Allen, Dave Delaney, Bear Grylls, Lewis Herridge, Dave Watson, Ian Storer,
Nick Allen, Geoffrey Guy, Asa Hardy-Brownlie, Mark Williams, Joppe Rante, Adam Logan, Judith Wright,
Elaine Gilboy, Marco Priori, Steve Hart, Navid Bulbulija, Gary Croad, James Moore, John Francis, Emma
Neale, Amanda Burnham and anyone we may have missed out!

10 YEARS
A LOYAL SUBSCRIBER'S
JOURNEY by Ian Nairn
I was very pleased when I was asked to contribute to this special edition of the magazine, by sharing
my bushcraft journey with you the readers. Well it has been a very special journey with some great ups
and a few downs too, but the ups far outweigh the downs thats for sure.
So where did it all start for me? Well going way back it started for me through my fathers upbringing in the
outdoors and being raised in the Lake District. Bushcraft wasnt even named so back then, it was just us going
basic camping. My love of the outdoors grew and flourished, I would spend days on end in the woods building
dens and watching wildlife. The gift of the Lofty Wiseman SAS Survival handbook (the original first edition)
opened many more avenues and adventures and joined my growing collection of books on the great outdoors
and nature.
Fast forward through years of growing, learning, school, college work and a brief spell working with Her Majesty's
Armed Forces and my lust for more knowledge and skills was still as strong. Watching a young lad called Ray
Mears doing a bit spot on a program called Trax and some Australian guy called 'The Bushtucker Man' was about
as cutting edge as it was then, but where to go from here. Well fortune smiled on me some years later and
whilst in an outdoors shop in Haslingden I found a flyer for Bushcraft & Survival Skills Magazine. On
returning home I subscribed and joined at issue 4, quickly requesting the back issues 1,2
& 3. By issue 5 I had a readers letter published and I was hooked. I won some
prizes, which is always nice and I asked if I could help out in any way.

10 YEARS
Well that was it; I was invited to be an extra pair of hands

at the Outdoors Show at the NEC, as well as helping at
other shows with the magazine. It was great to see so
much of the industry and I started to meet and work with
the people I was reading about such as Dave Watson, Ian
Cresswell, Ian Maxwell, Andrew Price, Perry McGee and
Jason and Joanne Ingamells to name but a few.
I was offered and took a fulltime position working for the

magazine some time later. This was amazing, opening
up such a huge world to me, sending me on courses to
do reviews, going abroad to visit outdoor exhibitions. I
wrote articles on a regular basis, also compiling the news
feature and doing book reviews along with marketing
and advertising, which enabled me to contact and
speak to many of the amazing folk in this industry. But
circumstances changed and I had to leave the fulltime
position with the magazine. Around this time I also went
through a divorce and the thing that amazed me was
the help and support I received from my new family of
bushcrafters. Although not employed by the magazine I
carried on writing for them and ran my regular Bushcraft
on a Budget article. It is humbling to think that I am the
longest running writer for the magazine. But the most
humbling is the fact that readers come up to me at shows
and contact me on Facebook to tell me how much my
articles have inspired them and helped them.
All through this journey I have met and worked with

some fantastic people and it has opened some amazing
doors for me, allowing me to be where I am today, a
bushcraft instructor with the UKs leading bushcraft
company Woodland Ways. It has taken me from
Lancashire woodlands to Wiltshire, Derbyshire, the Sahara
desert, Lanzarote teaching film stars and many other
wonderful places. I have met and worked with stars
such as Ray Mears, Bear Grylls, Lofty Wiseman, Cody
Lundin, Myke Hawk and even had Les Stroud sing happy
birthday to me. The most rewarding thing I have ever
come across is the look on a student's face when they
succeed doing fire by friction for the first time under your
tuition, its priceless.
Would I be where I am today if it wasnt for Bushcraft &

Survival Skills magazine? I dont know, but I know that
I wouldnt have had such an amazing journey along
the way and met all these fantastic people. So I want
to thank everyone involved with the magazine, writers
past and present, and especially the readers who buy the
magazine, allowing me and all the other contributors to
share our knowledge and passion for the subject. Thank
you.
Heres to the next ten years!
CANOEING
'BASIC' CANOE SAILING

As with so many things, a lot
here depends on definitions. AUTHOR PROFILE:
Tim Gent
If your idea of canoe sailing
involves well sailing kit,
then it has to be admitted I
have little to offer. None of our Happiest living in a tent somewhere close
canoes have even glimpsed a to both sea and mountains, Tim paddles
dedicated sailing rig up close. and clambers in search of our remaining
On the other hand, picturing wild and inspiring places, documenting
the many times a convenient these experiences so that others might be
breeze has been borrowed to encouraged to follow. A very enjoyable role
help move a canoe from one of course, but one also undertaken in the
place to another, its clear that belief that a better understanding of these
we actually engage in quite a bit fragile landscapes might offer the best chance for their survival, and ours.
of sailing - its just a very basic
version.
About as 'basic' as canoe sailing gets. The

limits to this method, used here on Loch
Hourn, should be obvious
Photographs by Tim and Susannah Gent
So here it is, not my guide to a seat or thwart end. With
Hayley and
canoe sailing (Ill leave that to one hand for the paddle/
Steve in full
someone with a genuine mast mast and the other for the
competetive
and sail), but my introduction to mode off Skye
remaining bottom coat
basic canoe sailing. corner, holding it all in place
isnt too bad (for shortish
And what sets the two distances at least).
categories apart? Well, I suspect
youve guessed already. While Things become a lot easier
the former comes with a whole though if a small tarp,
array of purpose-built and fitted groundsheet or tent footprint
kit (mast steps, sheet pulleys, can be pulled from a rucksack
bottle-screw stay tensioners, or bag (its certainly much
dagger boards, etc.), the better for the coat)! Id
second basic canoeing imagine that in almost all
doesnt. Put another way, when outdoor situations, most
Susannah and I set out bushcraft enthusiasts will
in a canoe we dont Groundsheet sail on Loch Maree. Note carry a lightweight tarp.
carry anything intended the tied attachment (bottom right) and These sheets make excellent
specifically for sailing the sheet (held by me; bottom left) basic sails, the only drawback
at all. being their size. Most are far
too big for hand-held use.
Not, and I think this Folding them to reduce the
is important to stress, area might work, but this is
that this ever seems much easier said than done,
to stop us. At its core especially with larger sheets.
this simple approach We prefer to use just one
is about exploiting the corner, stuffing the rest in
wind to help propel a the bow.
canoe using only what
you are likely to have Along with being light
with you, or that can be and windproof, tarps and
obtained easily from the groundsheets have the major
immediate environment. benefit of strong tying in
There have been times, points located in convenient
many in fact, when the places to take the strain.
only piece of kit put into Methods of attachment can
use has been a waterproof coat. Held up aloft at the bow vary of course, but our approach is to take a corner and
to billow and catch the breeze, a Rab or Fjallraven sail, lash this to the top end of a paddle (see photo left). On
filled with a good breeze, can shove a canoe along at a most tarps a grommet will be found some 1.2 1.5m
quite respectable pace. (4 -5 feet) along any one edge. A short line can be tied
from here to something suitable in the canoe. Shoving
Good as it is, there are obvious restrictions to this the unwanted part of the tarp down into the bow, its
method. While steering, a stern paddler can soon judge soon obvious where the other edge of the tarp should be
these limits by the amount of discomfort visible on the grabbed (probably where you find the next grommet).
bow paddlers face. Before long, some sort of rigging Held here, your tarp should produce a good triangular
development will be needed. sail.
If a quick glance over the scant contents of your canoe To make life even easier for the bow paddler, a second,
fails to spot a replacement, the coat-sail system can still slightly longer, line can be tied to the grab area grommet.
be improved. A paddle shoved into a hood, or even a This line can be held by the bow paddler, or even run
knotted sleeve, will remove a lot of arm strain, especially back to the stern, passing around something like the bow
if the lower end is propped on a thigh or seat. The seat or a thwart on the way to help hold the sail in place.
burden can be reduced yet further by tying a short length As the stern person has only to hold a paddle steady in
of twine or cord between a lower corner of the coat and order to steer, this isnt as difficult as it might sound.

CANOEING
Mind you, it is vital, that this line from the corner of the paddling into the wind to a distant beach. Then, often
sail (whoever has it) is hand-held, and not tied in place. after a satisfying picnic lunch, everyone goes in search
of rigging. The rules are pretty simple. All components
One of the biggest risks in canoe sailing lies in sudden thats sails, masts, stays, indeed anything hoisted aloft,
and unexpected increases in wind speed. These must come from the beach (or at least near it). Then,
gusts are far from rare out on open water, and while while laughing a lot at the oppositions concoction (this
you can often spot them coming by watching out for is obligatory), we all race back to where we launched.
approaching areas of dark, often flattened, water, they Many basic bushcraft and survival skills are put into
can still catch you unawares. A sail hit by such a gust, practice.
can exert a powerful destabilising force on your canoe (in
other words it could capsize you). What this family digression illustrates, apart from the fun
of canoe sailing, is that if a useable rig can be produced
Using a hand held rig, it should be easy for the bow pretty easily from scratch, then finding a mast shouldnt
person to drop the paddle fast if the wind should be a problem.
suddenly gust to worrying levels, but it can still help
enormously if the line from one bottom corner of the sail The first thing to stress is that for basic sailing purposes,
can be let loose too, allowing the wind to spill, removing this doesnt need to be very long. In fact much of the
that force. focus in producing a simple and safe rig should be on
keeping the sail as low as possible. This ensures that
Weve used this simple sail setup often, sometimes to any driving force experienced by your canoe is also low
cover quite a distance. Almost the full length of Loch down, providing the least chance of tipping (capsizing)
Maree was put astern recently like this, in a remarkably your craft.
short and exhilarating time.
Unless the breeze is very light, your sail height once filled
In the end though, even with these tweaks, if you intend (or billowing) neednt be more than about 1.4-1.5m (4-5
to prolong your sailing feet). The mast therefore
exploits, now is probably rarely needs to be more than
the time to make life a Something to form a basic mast can about 1.8m (6 feet) long.
little easier for those up usually be found ashore Some of you will carry a
front. Besides, setting up a length of tubing for poling in
proper (and I use the term shallow water, split in two for
cautiously) sailing rig can easy stowage. These tubes
be great fun. It also allows make excellent, if slightly
the solo paddler to join in. slippery, masts. For the rest
of us, it is now time to make
However, we still dont that visit to the shore.
need much kit.
Bankside or beach edge Here, at least in wilder parts,
sailing rigs can be almost it shouldnt be difficult to
as varied as the canoes put your hand on something
they are attached to, but useful. Where a suitable spar
Im going to describe a (branch) isnt found lying
very simple yet safe setup that should be easy to create on the beach, perhaps slightly sun-bleached, you may
with the kit you have, with a few additions that should be have to search the woodland for something long, thin,
easy to find. This setup will involve a sail held by either and preferably already dead (but not rotten). If nothing
a single mast, or a basic A-frame. For either method, the can be found thats quite long enough, simply lash two
requirements are no more than some sort of stick(s) or shorter pieces together.
pole(s) to take over those demanding sail holding duty,
and ropes to cope with everything else. With a wind from the stern, or thereabouts, your mast
wants to be stepped (put up) somewhere towards the
At this point I will mention a family competition, partly bow (certainly at or in front of the centre thwart, and a
because its well worth trying in its own right, but also more forward position leaves much more room for the
to show just how easy it usually is to find the required crew anyway).
rigging for basic sailing.
The bow seat makes a very useful lashing point. One
In brief, this game involves teams in two or more canoes, useful addition is something sat under the base of
whatever pole or poles
you are using, to stop this 2. A karabiner used as a
lower end rubbing a hole 1. Basic sailing rig. friction-free halliard pulley
through the canoes hull. The breeze was very
A short length of plank light, so the sail
(often found on a beach will be hauled high.
or shoreline), particularly In stronger winds,
with a slight socket set in the halliard would
for the mast end is ideal, probably be clipped
but even an old hat is to the lower fork
better than nothing.
A single mast can be

lashed to the middle
of the seat (see photo
1). Those opting for
an A-frame tie the two
together at the top, and
then tuck the lower ends (or yard), hauled up to
to either side of the seat, lashing them there. Sails can the mast head can be
be tied to the top, but a much better idea from a safety used to spread a square
perspective is to set up something through which a or rectangular sail. Even
halliard (a line for hauling up a sail) can be run. If you if the wind is weak, maximum sail dimensions probably
have one, a climbing karabiner is ideal (see photo 2) but shouldnt be more than about 1.5m. Lines from each end
anything strong, roughly this size and slippery will do. of the yard, leading back to the centre or rear thwart, will
help hold it in position.
When it comes to what are called stays (the ropes that
help the mast stay in place), most of us will carry all the For all sort of reasons I still prefer the simplicity of the
line that is needed already (I could go so far as to suggest triangular sail though, one reason being the ease with
that if you dont have enough suitable line on board, then which it can be dropped if the wind strength should
some thought should possibly be given to your standard suddenly increase.
outdoor kit).
A karabiner is also quite handy to attach your halliard to
The first thing to stress here though is that the rope your tarp, but isnt vital. You can just tie this line straight
doesnt actually need to be that strong. In fact, anything to the sail. Whatever the method, I just link all the
that fits easily into the rope bracket is almost certainly too grommets at one end of the improvised sail together, and
heavy. Modern guy rope type material would probably run the halliard through that mast-top attachment.
do (if its windy enough to break this easily, you probably
shouldnt be sailing in it anyway). Paracord is ideal. And When it comes to attaching the lines from the bottom
of course, you can improvise but more of that later. edge of the sail to the canoe, the simple message once
again, and for reasons already mentioned, make it only
Of all stay options, one at the front (a forestay) is the least one. Kept hand-held, the other line (slightly confusingly
important (although it certainly wont hurt if you have called a sheet) ensures that any worrying wind can be
enough line). Conversely, backstays to cope with the spilled easily by letting it go. It also means that the sail
wind pressure from astern, will be vital, and much the can be adjusted to most effectively use (or grab) the
best setup will be two lines, extending back from near the wind. As the bow paddler normally now has no other
top of your mast to each side of the canoe. These can be duties to perform, they can hold both sheet and halliard.
tied at the ends of either the centre or stern thwart (see
photo 1). Much has been made of stability concerns, and there is of
course another way to avoid, or at least remove, much of
For the sake of canoe stability, I much prefer to stick to that tipping risk by building a catamaran.
the triangular sail setup already described. This format
keeps the widest wind-catching part of the sail right Two canoes, lashed tight together with poles laid along
down low. Where you are absolutely confident that only the matching thwarts, provide a huge amount of stability.
the lightest of breezes will be encountered, a cross piece For best performance the canoes should be tied together

CANOEING
Using painters to tie in the bow crosspieces. Two
pieces are used here, but only because each one
seemed a little flimsy on its own
with a slight toe-in, or
in another words, the
bows a touch closer
together than the sterns.
An A-frame mast is
best, created by leaning
a pole in from the
bow seat of each hull,
holding the two in place
A tarp sail, filled nicely with a good selection of stays. In the accompanying photos you can see
that we used the cam-straps that held the canoes on the van (in fact, all
materials in the photos came either from the beach or a standard in-bag kit
selection. It has to be admitted though that the long straight pole - almost
certainly a lost mast - was a bit of a star find). Mast lengths over 2m (6
feet) are now useable, and with any capsizing risk reduced enormously (but
not, I stress, removed altogether) even sizeable tarps can be hoisted in light
winds (and as quickly dropped again if they should grow).
For those who havent seen it, I recommend the last few minutes of Bill
Masons film Song of the Paddle available online at the Canadian Film
Board website (actually Id recommend it all). This contains some truly
wonderful light wind catamaran sailing footage.
Even in a light breeze, this setup
keeps the sail low And so, as space runs out, I have one final comment. Dont be afraid to
experiment. One of the great joys of canoe sailing, at least the basic sort,
is that you arent bound by any rules. A sail doesnt even need to be fabric.
Weve used large sheets of Formica, pulled from the beach before now, and
Catamaran under one of the best competition sails to date was an old plastic fish crate, held
tarp sail in a very on end at the bow.
light breeze. Note
the hand-held As for catamarans, very simple sailing set ups can be employed using the
halliard and sheet hand held tarp/sail rig. Weve often covered quite considerable distances in
two canoes, with the bow paddlers holding up a large area of groundsheet.
Sometimes, when the breeze is light, we dont even bother to lash the
canoes, and while one stern paddler steers, the other simply sits amidships
and holds the two gunwales together.
Whether for practical need, or just for fun, the only thing limiting your basic
canoe sailing possibilities is your creativity.
A catamaran setup, with all materials from the

beach or a standard kitbag. Note the cam-strap
backstays Very basic catamaran
sailing in Padstow
Bay. The canoes are
held together by
hand
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In the
next issue
RAY MEARS - An exclusive interview with bushcraft and
survival expert, Ray Mears
BEING THE CHILD OF AN SAS SURVIVAL LEGEND!
PETROMAX - The story behind the inventor, the quality of the

products and the reason behind the design features
FIRE WALKING - The history, the ritual, the power and the
physics behind it!
FORAGING FOR WILD FOOD - Tips and advice to prepare

you for 2016
RAW HIDES - Jason Ingamells shows you how-to make and

use various raw hides
BUSHCRAFT ON A BUDGET
Pimp up Your Tomahawk
KYDEX SHEATH - Ben and Lois Orford take you step-by-step

through the process of making a Kydex sheath for your knife
And much more
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INTERNATIONAL BUSHCRAFT
AUTHOR PROFILE:
Navid Bulbulija
As a professional artist, with MA in sculpture Navid
Bulbulija has a keen interest in primitive crafts.
You make things with tools, but how do you make
tools? Growing up, he spent his summers in a
summerhouse near the swamp, looking for birds,
turtles and snakes. Trying to combine art and love
for nature he practiced primitive arts and skills.
Then he discovered Kochanski and Mears and
learned that his passion had a name.
Skakavac- waterfall near Sarajevo
As you get off the
plane you shouldnt autumn shelter under construction You can spend weeks
get intimidated by exploring the mountains
the frowning faces on just around Sarajevo,
the streets. Bosnian theyre all connected
people are helpful, with hiking trails that are
but the frown is marked, although these
just a default facial marks can be at times
expression in the confusing. You will rarely
eastern European see the name of the trail
countries. The good or destination, but it
thing though is that will eventually get you
the higher you get somewhere. The Knafelc
into the mountains blaze (used all over
the wider the smiles the former Yugoslavia)
get. is probably the most
confusing trail mark for
M
ost towns in foreigners. It is a red circle
Bosnia and Cord making workshop with a white dot inside.
Herzegovina Although some hikers
are surrounded by are starting to mark trails
mountains. In Sarajevo, with stripes in different
the countrys capital, colours, these are not that
it takes half an hours common yet.
brisk walk from the
town centre to get The abundance of
you into the mountain drinking water springs
forests where you can allows you to get on the
practice some light trail with just a small
bushcraft skills. It will, canteen, which is great
however take you for light-packers. You can
another hours walk to even drink out of creeks
get to isolated spots and streams at higher
where you can set up altitudes. Locals never
your bushcraft camp. purify it, and it would be
Making fire in the a shame to lose the great
woods is illegal, but taste of the ice cold water
no one takes notice of directly out of the earths
it, the same for most belly, but if youre used to
other illegal activities tap water, you might think
happening in this part twice.
of the world. Even if
someone happens A few years ago I took two
to walk by, they will American geologists, who
pretend they dont were both experienced
see your fire, and just hikers on a bushcraft tour.
ignore it. This, of course We had a great time and
is the cause of most of village road through the beech woods
they were impressed with
the forest fires in the my skills in the bush. What
country, as Ive never impressed them most was
seen any camper who that I was able to sniff-out
handles his fire properly. Even some of my friends who a stinkhorn mushroom, but after just one presentation
go with me on bushcraft tours think Im mad for soaking of the mushroom they were both detecting it along the
those embers and for feeling the ground with my hand path, and my authority was slightly diminished! When it
after the fire is extinguished. came to drinking the water they had reservations, asking

INTERNATIONAL BUSHCRAFT
about livestock uphill stepping onto unbeaten

and similar questions. Horned viper forest road. If you decide
Needless to say, one to go bushcrafting in BiH,
of them had stomach it would most certainly
cramps all the way be a smart choice to go
down. So, if youre not out there with a local who
sure, purify it, even knows the terrain. Though
though locals dont. most of the minefields
are marked with either a
One of the locations sign with skulls, or yellow
you have to visit in tape with mine written
BiH is of course the on it, these signs need to
mountain Magli and be maintained and are
the forest Peruica. often removed by careless
It is one of the last trophy hunters and
remaining primeval loggers. I was horrified
forests in Europe. when once, after years
The forest, however of foraging mushrooms
can only be explored Autumn foraging in a beautiful clearing in
accompanied by a the woods, they suddenly
ranger. This is due, not decided to place these
only to the protection signs there. I guess this
of the national fact makes bushcraft in
park, but also to the Bosnia and Herzegovina
presence of numerous an extreme sport!
minefields, remnants
of the war that ended Throughout the country
twenty years ago. you can find the Alpine,
Sub-alpine, Mediterranean
Yes. If all of the above and Continental areas.
sounded wonderful, There are swamps,
the fact that Bosnia temporary ponds,
and Herzegovina has mountain lakes and
one of the most severe turloughs. I believe that
land mine problems any UK survivalist would
in the world should need no adaptation at all
Constructing the autumn shelter
get you back to earth. to the conditions here.
While hikers, bikers
and rock climbers are There is a good elk
able to live with this population, but no deer.
problem, taking the There are black bears, wild
beaten forest paths cats, wolves and badgers.
and wide country One interesting thing
roads, bushcraft about snakes though,
practitioners have it is that the venom of a
rough. Bushcraft in its horned viper that lives in
essence avoids beaten our hills and mountains
paths. Ill have to quote is way stronger than
myself here: In Bosnia, anywhere else. Theres a
the greatest danger rumour that this was the
that lies in nature is reason for a number of
not of freezing and deaths worldwide. The
hypothermia. Getting poisoned by the deadly Amanita anti-venom serum for use by people bitten by other
phalloides is not nearly as dangerous as carelessly snakes which they used to make few decades ago, was
made with horned
viper venom from the Mountain views Bosnians traditionally use
Balkans, and when the a lot of medicinal herbs,
war started and the and villagers will be happy
production stopped the to tell you about their use
venom collected from and where to find them.
snakes elsewhere was When it comes to wild
just not strong enough edibles Bosnians are not
for this use. Im not that enthusiastic about
sure if there is truth in them. During the last war
this, but its similar for some twenty years ago, in
the Fly agaric (Amanita times of famine everyone
muscaria) mushroom. used to prepare stinging
The poison from this nettles, dandelion and
mushroom in the wild garlic. In peace time it
Balkans is considerably seems they have struggled
stronger than in the to forget about it. This
rest of the world. is convenient for the
bushcraft practitioners,
On your ascent from Morning because, although
the river valleys, with mushroom foraging
their willows and is relatively popular
birches, first youll meet amongst mountaineers,
oak and hornbeam. wild edibles remain
As you continue uphill unused by the larger
youll enter beech population.
woods, and above
this the forest consists To my knowledge,
of beech, spruce and organised bushcraft in
fir, continuing into Bosnia and Herzegovina
pines, and above the does not exist, but there
forest zone you can are enthusiasts who
still find some juniper, work on their survival
and loads and loads of skills as members of
blueberries. outdoor adventure teams,
Its almost impossible to Knafelc blaze mountaineer societies,
get lost in the outdoors the military, and of
in Bosnia because of course Boy-Scouts and
the numerous paths Pathfinders. We have been
and mountain villages, trying to gather a core of
but you should still get these enthusiasts around
a good map, and not the website bushcraft.ba
rely on your GPS too for a few years, arranging
much. The Balkans (by small workshops, but
this I mean primarily it remained in the
former Yugoslavia experimental phase.
countries) are famous Nevertheless I believe
for inaccurate satellite that, with some good will,
navigation. With a bit of the future of bushcraft in
a search online you can BiH is bright, due to our
find great hiking maps. natural resources and
Americans mapped the nations proverbial
the area during the adaptability and ingenuity.
wartime 1992-1995 and their military maps are available
on local blogs. For more information visit: www.bushcraft.ba

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BUDGETFORGING
Hello and welcome to this special AUTHOR PROFILE:
60th edition of the magazine,
I wanted to do something a bit Ian Nairn
special for this edition so I went to
'Make do and Mend' is Ian's Philosophy. He is a dab
work with a good friend of mine, hand at all things creative, and would be a match
Carl Hamer, at his house. Carl is a for any skilled seamstress! His innovative ideas can
very hands-on bushcrafter and he save you pounds, showing you how to make kit
does some excellent leather and from things that you might find lying around. He
metal work from his house. also has a long-standing interest in and extensive
knowledge of woodcraft and green woodworking,
which, combined with his other skills, makes for
some great money-saving tips!
C
arl has made and set up his own
forge in his back garden using
the ethos of Bushcraft on a Budget. He has put
together a really good back yard forge just using stuff Everything has been cleaned up and where required
other folk have thrown painted to make what
away or no longer want. I think looks like a very
So I went along to see professional set up. I asked
his set up and have Carl how much he estimates
a lesson in back yard the whole lot cost and he
budget forging. said that with everything
including tools he probably
First of all let me try to paid less than 50. Now
explain how Carl has thats a budget set up. So
built his forge. The one does it all work?
we used is his second
set up - the first he was Well to have a go I had
using had a big brake brought along an old
drum as the forge bed, ball peen axe head that I
but this was heavy to wanted to turn into a spike
build up and take down hawk style tomahawk. Why
to put away. The new a spike hawk? Well they
frame is made from are handy for the zombie
tubing and joints that apocalypse ;) Carl had never
are used for safety done one of these so it was
hand rails, the bed is a a good learning session for
stainless steel catering us both. Carl got the forge
tray with a hole cut out fired up using some wood
and covered over with chip pellets, anthracite coal
an air grill to allow the All set up and a bit of paraffin to light
air from an old bouncy it all up. With the flames
castle blower to blow going and the blower on
up through the base. low we quickly had a good
His anvil is a chunk of bed of glowing coals to start
RSJ (rolled steel joint) fastened to a couple of bits of old working with. Safety kit was issued, including goggles
metal cast pipe from a scrap metal pile. The tools and and gloves and there were buckets of water nearby just
hammers Carl has picked up at car boot sales and flea in case. As he put down some metal sheets on the floor,
markets. Carl joked that if he burned his new decking his wife
Forge bed
Home made anvil
Blower in place
Carl getting started
A good bed of coals

would kill him. But joking aside it was good to

see that even in his own back yard Carl took
safety seriously.
We briefly discussed my idea of how I wanted

the axe to look and we got on with it. Heating
up the metal was quicker than I had expected,
testament to how well the forge was working.
The first task Carl said was to flatten the blade
more and grow the beard of the axe. This was
done by repeatedly heating and hammering the
blade. Carl explained the use of different tools he
was using, that to spread the metal you had to
Flattening out the blade use shaped hammers rather than just flat so you
can guide the metal the way you want it to go.
Again the results came faster than I had thought
they would and Carl displayed his skills very well.
Carl explained too that it is not about brute force
and strength, but skill and a good aim. I recalled
watching Julia and Ulrika from Gransfors when
they were axe forging at the Outdoors Show in
2009. Neither of those ladies is of big build, but
they put all the big blokes to shame when it came
to their forging skills.
Once we were happy with the blade shape we

had to work on the ball peen head to form the
spike. It was my turn to get involved. This is
where I found out that it was not as easy as Carl
made it look. Carl would lift the head from the
forge and place it on the anvil for me to work.
Learning with each strike I started to make good
progress and the shape soon transformed from
a ball to a spike type end. As with wood carving
Working on the spike which I am very comfortable with, I learned that
a lot was about the feel and sound. The ring of
the hammer changes as the metal being worked
changes and cools and this is something that
Shaping with the grinder you have to listen for. We carried on working the
axe head until we were both happy with where
it was.
Carl explained that we would achieve the final

shape by using a grinder with a combination
of cutting and shaping discs to create a more
finished shape. To achieve the tomahawk style
head we cut off the top part of the blade to
leave a flat head across the eye. The spike was
shaped more as well and the general shape of the
axe was transformed. Once all this cutting and
shaping was done we had to return the metal to
the forge to carry out the heat treating process.
The heat treating process is vital as during the

forging we have softened the metal and
Quenching in oil
Ready for heat treating
therefore we need to harden it back up again so that it will

hold a good edge and not bend. Carl explained the process Polishing and sharpening
and utilised a magnet to check the point when the metal
loses its magnetism. Once Carl was happy with everything
he carried out a quenching process using oil to cool the
metal down.
When it was quenched the tomahawk head had a lovely

blued colour to it and looked quite old and antiquated. But
we had to clean it up and put a finished edge to both the
blade and the spike. For this Carl used a belt sander device,
he explained that this type of device keeps heat build-up
down, as you dont want the fine edge of the blade to heat
up again as it will again lose its temper.
Whilst finishing off the head he would occasionally put it

in water to make sure it stayed cold. Once this was all done
Carl used a buffer to polish up the whole head and give it a
final finish so it looked brand new and shiny. The only task
left is for me to put a final razor sharp edge to the blade and
make and fit a handle.
I had a great day with Carl and I learned a lot. For me the
best thing was that even if you are on a budget you can
still set up your own forge in your back yard just as Carl has
done. I hope you enjoyed me sharing this experience with
you and I hope it has given you some hope if you were
thinking forging would be out of your grasp.
So a massive thank you to Carl (Wolfs Paw Bushcraft) look

him up on Facebook to see some of his work. A massive
well done and Happy 60th Edition Birthday to Bushcraft & All done
Survival Skills Magazine.
So until next time keep your bushcraft on a budget and I

hope you forge ahead with your plans.

Book Review BY ELAINE GILBOY
THE MAN WHO MADE been used from prehistoric times through the centuries to
THINGS OUT OF TREES the present day. It is poignant that so many skills that were
once an important part of life are on the verge of being
BY ROBERT PENN 11.89 ON AMAZON (OCTOBER 2015) lost. Penn combines this historical reflection with scientific
details, shared with the engaging enthusiasm of a real geek
This is a love letter to the ash in their subject. How do you measure a
tree, the Venus of the woods wood's density? Its elasticity? Its bending
and once you have read it you strength? It turns out each object (of the
will not look at an ash tree the 44 uses Penn made of his tree) showcases
same way again. The author a different talent ash possesses.
sets out to find the perfect
ash tree from which to make In this vein there are also chapters on
useful, beautiful objects for making Irish hurley sticks in Dublin, and
his home and family, but the baseball bats in Pennsylvania, which are
process is in some ways more featured despite Penn's wood not being
important than the outcome. suitable to use. This feels a little like
While a very over-used word cheating, although I enjoyed the extended
this book takes the reader homage to the versatility of ash. The purist
on a journey, following Penn in me has issues with the title as Penn
as he fells and seasons his is 'the man who has things made out of
tree and takes the wood to trees', not as catchy I grant you.
craftsmen around the country
who transform it. Each chapter No matter as Penn is a charming
follows the fashioning of a companion and I anticipate this book
different item; tool handles; will become a TV series (on Sunday
cart wheel rims (called felloes evening perhaps). It is no surprise to find
although pronounced fellies); he has written several other books, with
bowls; arrows and a toboggan. associated TV series, the most recent
being about his search to find the perfect
Equally fascinating however, custom bike. Whereas that would have
is the journey back in time bored me, this is a delightful read and
woven effortlessly into the I cannot imagine anyone not enjoying it. The book ends
book, exploring how ash has on a bittersweet note, as ash is under real threat from the
disease ash dieback, affecting ash trees across Europe and
the emerald ash borer beetle, decimating trees across the
U.S. It made me want to go and hug a tree...make that an
ash tree.
WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK!

Email competition@bushcraftmagazine.com or post in
your details for a chance to win. (See T&Cs p4)
WIN!
WILDERNESS WEEKEND
SMOOTHINGITATTHE WILDERNESS
WEEKEND AUTHOR PROFILE:
CHALLENGE Mickey Kulp

Mickey Kulp, Chief Guide at Wehali Bushcraft in Georgia, is the father of
two mostly grown children who have successfully survived his shenanigans
My guest asked, Should I eat this through smarts they inherited from their mother. Mickey is an Eagle
worm? I said, Sure, if you want. Scout, writer, and passionate outdoorsman who collects tattoos, indulges
She thought about it, popped the in fine Viking mead, and enjoys long walks on the beach. Contact him at
white, wiggling mass into her mouth, WehaliBushcraft@gmail.com.
and then repented. She smiled
happily at her daring. And she made
a memory that will last forever. skills. I teach the skills using the EDGE method to explain,
demonstrate, guide, and enable. Most importantly, I also
I am a Boy Scout leader, and I wanted to find a way to let wanted the experience to be relaxing, leaving the deadlines
regular folks learn some of the skills found in the outdoors and pressure in the city. Like Nessmuk said, we get it
merit badges. So, I started a charitable-giving enterprise rough enough at home. I wanted to craft an experience
called Wehali Bushcraft. The main ideas for Wehali that would smooth it.
Bushcraft are twofold: introduce primitive outdoors skills
to anyone AND use some of the earnings to help support a And so, the Wilderness Weekend Challenge was born. June
local food bank. 2015 was the first test drive.
I have had modest success introducing skills with magazine

articles, blog articles, podcasts, videos, photos, tweets, and
pins. I haven't tried carrier pigeons yet, but I might. But
PARTICIPANTS
nothing beats hands-on experience. I see scouts learn way I was the Chief Guide, and my friend Andrew, another wily
better about shelters and fires when they are a little chilly woodsman with scouting connections, was the other guide.
and hungry. The guests, my focus group, were two enthusiastic, mildly
insane backpackers who wanted to add some new skills to
I decided to create a weekend experience that gives my their inventory.
guests a sampler platter of several different primitive
Guests in front, guides in back. Dense, dripping foliage at Every time a Wehali guest smiles,
Lush beauty all around Swallow Creek WMA an angel gets his Bowie knife
DESTINATION enough for us to grab exposed gear, food, and firewood
and get under our shelters. But, the canopy also held
I lugged my victims out to Swallow Creek Wildlife onto that rain long after the shower ended, and every
Management Area in a rugged section of the north little breeze sent cold drops all over everything.
Georgia mountains.
The day was pleasantly cool, and the night was unusually
We drove the southern portion of the WMA along chilly, dropping into the 50s fahrenheit with a relentless
Indian Grave Gap Road, a tortuous strip of gravel with breeze. Luckily, we packed some extra layers to protect
an alarming drop on one side. Since this trip was about us. This is good advice for everyone: pack a layer even
introducing several different topics, I was hauling extra in warm weather! When conditions are right (like when
gear and food, and we needed to camp near the vehicles. youre wet, dehydrated, or just sickly) you can begin to
As we bumped down the road, we found a good area for get hypothermia in temperatures as high as 60 degrees.
car camping, so we grabbed it. Later, we learned that a
second decent spot was a little further south. But that So, we were in that danger zone of cool and wet
was about all. Sure, we might have found a spot after conditions. Did I mention it was June in Georgia?
scrambling up a 40 degree slope or tumbling down a 60
degree slope through dense mountain laurel, but that
was not my plan. Maybe another time.
SHELTER
Sometimes, the Leave No Trace ethic collides with some
WEATHER aspects of bushcraft, so we did not build a debris shelter.
Instead, I provided an 8x10 foot section of 4-mil plastic
It was June in Georgia. That says a lot. June in Georgia from the hardware store and a few yards of nylon cord.
can feel like April or August. Earlier in the week it was I built my shelter and the guests helped me. Then they
August: humid and hot, with feels like temperatures built their own shelters with a little help from us guides.
over 100 degrees fahrenheit. Then everything went
sideways. One guest brought her own hammock and suspension.
And one brought a tent.
April-like storms rolled in on Friday and Saturday, and
we arrived to a cool, misty, setting. It was like a Costa Since I insisted on a relaxing experience, guests already
Rican cloud forest with dense, dripping vegetation and knew that they could bring as much of their own gear as
brooding shadows. they wanted. They could construct a shelter, then decide
later to sleep in a tent. Fine with me. Learning, fun, and
The thick canopy was a mixed blessing. Whenever a minimal stress was our three-legged stool.
shower rolled in, the canopy blocked some rain long
Morning sun through the Andrew tried out a new silnylon The view from my hammock
breakfast fire smoke tarp for his improvised shelter showed lots of opportunities to
collect runoff

WILDERNESS WEEKEND
In the photo (p78), my improvised shelter is in the Unfortunately, we also had access to plenty of rainwater.
foreground. It consisted of 4-mil plastic sheeting, a I left a cook pot out in the rain to partly fill up. And, after
hammock, and a tarp floor. I used an ancient wool shaping the topography of my shelter a little, about a
blanket and a rain jacket to (barely) stay warm. One half liter of runoff ran into my steel bottle. I could have
guests tent is peeking out behind me, and another gotten much more if it had been necessary.
guests shelter (using a rig like mine) is in the
background.
FOOD
Had we been using commercially available tarps, we
When I teach the Seven Priorities to scouts, food is dead
would have tied off at each corners metal grommets.
last. But not at the Wilderness Weekend Challenge. I
But, the plastic sheeting had none of that. So we found
brought way more food than we consumed. We were
smooth stones about as big as a bears eyeball and,
having fun and snacking on jerky and banana chips (and,
wrapping the plastic around them, created attach points
almost, a juicy grub), so lunch time simply came and
wherever we needed them.
went.
We had metal stakes, but we also crafted some wooden
When suppertime rolled around, we decided to save our
stakes and used them quite effectively all weekend.
tiny bit of dry firewood for nighttime and use backpacker
stoves for cooking. Supper was a mixture of rice, tuna,
Here, the discussion really became productive, roaming
and dry vegetable soup mix. But the highlight was the
from the taut line hitch to the blood circle. The guests
camp made butter we churned right there.
were quick studies, and embraced the concepts easily.
Thats right. The guests were amazed that we could
make our own butter. The process is simple:
WATER
My biggest concern was water. Streams covered 1. Fill a sealable container halfway with heavy whipping
the rugged terrain, but were any close enough to be cream. I used a glass jar.
practical? Luckily, we found a lovely stream cascading
abundantly over mossy rocks about fifty yards from the 2. Add spices if desired. Ours was plain.
camp.
3. Seal the container and begin shaking.
A huge part of bushcraft involves water purification. We
were able to practice that crucial skill using different 4. In 20 minutes or so, a mass of butter will form. The
kinds of filters and boiling. leftover liquid is buttermilk. All of it is heavenly.
No grubs were harmed during Chef Andrews epicurean delights Julie the spammer
mealtime. However, one might
need therapy now
We spooned butter onto flour tortillas and ate it straight.
Then we added the remainder to the dinner rice. Alas, no
ash cakes or bannock this trip. The amount and quality of
our wood simply could not provide the necessary coals.
I awoke on Sunday morning feeling some culinary

incompleteness. Then Andrew took over breakfast. keep
While we gnawed on cowboy coffee, Andrew fried some the
pre-cooked bacon, browned a tortilla in the grease, smoky
added shredded cheese, then dropped on the bacon. little blaze
This simple quesadilla was filling and delicious. But wait! alive. As
There was more! the steam
cooked off, and Andrew
Months ago, a retired Hormel salesman had given me a oxygenated the coals, the
can of Spam with Bacon to try. I had never used it, so fire became a cheerful orange
I brought it along just in case. The group was willing, so dot in the dark night.
into the pan it went. I didnt hear a single complaint.
The next day, I started the morning
fire before everyone got up. It was
FIRE very chilly, and the activity warmed
me up nicely.
The available wood was mostly pine and mostly wet.
Even the upright deadwood was soft and spongy. The
deadwood on the ground was positively dripping. But, CONCLUSION
Andrew found some decent sticks that we feathered and
batoned. And our guests participated fully in all aspects It wasnt a fair fight. I stacked the deck with
of this activity. a competent fellow guide and two uproariously
pleasant guests who were ready for every challenge.
We discussed the fire triangle and how to build, start, and Future events are very likely to throw me some serious
maintain a campfire. In fact, our guests actually started trials far beyond a little cold and rain.
the evening fire. We set up an unorthodox nest of dryer
lint, magnesium shavings, and backpacker solid fuel, and Still, I believe that the Wilderness Weekend Challenge
a guest used a ferro rod to get the whole thing going. accomplished some of the goals I set for it. And this
toddler of a new enterprise will keep on stumbling up
Then it was up to the guides, valiantly restraining the that next mountain.
non-church language appropriate to the occasion, to
The fire enjoyed Andrews Certificates of excellence. And

oxygen more than anyone's more angels got their Bowies

BUSHCRAFT WITH CHILDREN
THE IMPORTANCE OF FUN

Ultimately we are all involved in
bushcraft because it is fun, we
enjoy spending time out of doors, AUTHOR PROFILE:
whittling, tracking, learning wild
food and practicing ancient and Geoffrey Guy
traditional skills. Children can
Geoffrey Guy is the founder and Director of
enjoy and benefit from bushcraft
Education at Bushcraft Education Ltd. He has a
too but sometimes their idea of background in game, wildlife and countryside
fun is a little different to ours, not management and has worked in New Zealand
only should we make bushcraft and Sweden, as well as in the UK. He is
fun for children, but we should particularly interested in giving bushcraft real
allow them to play at it. world applications in the fields of environmental
education, countryside management and traditional skills.
I have had cause for disappointment
a few times of over the last few He is also a Lecturer and Course Manager at Reaseheath College in Cheshire,
years by some opinions I've heard, teaching at further education and higher education level.
particularly some responses to a
survey I carried out a while ago, that
described programmes of nature
carve massive symbolic 'totems' before they have the
engagement, such as Forest Schools, as 'namby pamby'.
strength, skill or knowledge of their symbolism.
Perhaps because it's not 'hard core' enough, or because
the skills taught aren't advanced enough, but where do
you start with children? My daughter Lillie clumsily trying to split a
piece of wood to make the kazoo from issue
Even real hunter gatherer societies and First Nation 58, compared to an adult carefully shaping the
peoples, who still practice primitive or traditional skills handle of a catapult. We need to understand
have to start somewhere with their children and that isn't that children can't do everything we adults can
by expecting them to bring down large or dangerous do and adjust our expectations and approach
game before they are able, or expecting them to to teaching them accordingly
most Scandinavians have
a much closer relationship
with the outdoors than
we do in the UK and are
probably as a result of this
much more practised in
the skills of outdoor living
than most people in the UK,
the idea of the Friluftsliv
culture and philosophy is
not one of technical skill,
expertise or mastery, but one
of a relationship with nature
and positive experiences in
natural environments. This is
what we can provide for our
children through bushcraft.
This carving is being worked on by a student
at Te Puia a school in Rotorua, New Zealand I feel particularly strongly about this at the moment
which specialises in teaching the traditional craft because I think I have put my son Michael off bushcraft a
skills of the Maori peoples. You wouldnt expect a bit recently by making it too much about getting things
child to produce work like this would you? done rather than having fun. I work a lot out of doors and
am currently working on a project to improve a piece
Think of the bushmen whose children start making bows of ancient woodland, and make it available as a site for
at a very young age or the Yanomamo Indians of South environmental education (www.riddywood.co.uk) so a
America whose children make tiny bows with sharpened lot of my opportunities to practice bushcraft with the
slivers of bamboo as arrows. They are not expected to children recently have been when they accompany me
feed the entire village, they are expected to play and to Riddy Wood while I get some coppicing done, mill ash
learn, perhaps quicker than in a westernised society, but planks, burn charcoal, split firewood or build outdoor
they are not expected to function as an adult straight classrooms. So Michael, who is five, has spent a lot of
away. time stacking, bagging and sorting firewood, making
We need to be careful that we are teaching

our children bushcraft and allowing them to
experience nature and giving them chances
to play at bushcraft and develop a healthy
relationship with the natural environment. We
should not be training them for an impending
apocalypse, attack by zombies or SAS selection.
I'm not criticising those whose practice of
bushcraft has a 'survival' orientation at all - what
I'm suggesting is that when dealing with young
children we should be 'playing' bushcraft rather
than 'training' bushcraft, and children don't have
to be good at bushcraft to be able to play at it.
Making 'saw dust angels' at camp in

Riddy Wood, this is the kind of bushcraft
associated play that even very young
children will benefit from dead wood habitat piles and feeding the fire. This isn't
necessarily a bad thing but when we spoke about going
Bushcraft doesn't just have to be about the acquisition to the woods during half term the other day he wasn't as
of skills and the ability to survival in any situation, the keen as he normally would be and said he didnt want to
Scandinavian philosophy of 'Friluftsliv' typifies this: While stack wood, he wanted to play.

BUSHCRAFT WITH CHILDREN
Don't make bushcraft hard work for children,

here Michael is helping to feed the pheasants,
this might be fun as a one off or as a brief
regular task but children wont appreciate
doing things like this all the time until they are
a little older
So what can we do with children out of doors that

enhances that nature experience without it being
too much like hard work? son to spend too much time working outdoors, neither
should I ask him to spend all his time sitting silently
LESSON IDEA either! Everything in moderation and noisy games should
be as much a part of a childs experience of bushcraft as
SILENT SIT the quiet and the hard work.
Children often miss out on the sounds of the woods,

purely because being in nature is such an exciting LESSON IDEA
experience to begin with that it's not uncommon for
them to run around and make so much noise that they Tracking Caterpillar
either can't hear, or scare off whatever normally makes
sounds in the woods. So try this, help your child find a This activity works best with larger groups of children
quiet place, this works as well in a garden as anywhere and is similar to hide and seek, one child is it while the
else and reassure them you wont be far away and others go and hide, to make the tracking element of
encourage them to sit and listen. It wont take long once this activity easier for young children they will need to
they fall silent for them to start hearing all sorts of bird be told to drag their feet or leave other obvious clues
calls, leaves rustling in the wind, branches creaking, so that the person who is it can follow their trail. Once
insects buzzing and whirring. You can also encourage it has counted, opened their eyes, and starts looking
them to 'draw' the sounds for those who are hiding they should be
they hear, either on the able to track the other children by the sign
ground with a stick or on a they leave and hopefully find them. Once
piece of paper. they have found the first person they form
a chain or caterpillar by linking hands
I've seen children as young and continuing their search for the others
as six or seven come back who are hiding. You can make this game
from their silent sit with as challenging as you like by not allowing
complex maps covered in them to move until they spot a track or
squiggles, swirls, triangles sign, giving them pieces of string or rope
and dots to represent all so that to form their caterpillar of seekers
sorts of different sounds they have to tie themselves together and
they have heard, or even practice some simple knots, or by allowing
with drawings of what they the hiders to move as they hear the
imagine the sounds were tracking caterpillar coming.
made by.
This activity very quickly loses all pretence
Sitting by a tree and at teaching tracking and becomes a mad
listening can be a great dash through the woods to find everyone
opportunity for children who is hiding but it is great fun and allows
to learn to appreciate a children to play noisily in a natural
their surroundings but environment.
they will only last so
long before the tree just has to be climbed Bushcraft isn't all about skills it's about playing in the
woods, being bad at things and getting better, learning
These chances to sit and just listen to nature can be very and enjoying nature, and every child should have a
beneficial for children. Yes just as I shouldnt ask my chance at it.
PREPPING
PREPARINGYOUR HOME FOR DISASTER

BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE
Thinking back over the years
there have been many times
AUTHOR PROFILE:
Steve Hart
certain foods have run out due
to the good old British tradition
of panic buying
Im Steve Hart, a normal bloke with a passion
E
ven the most basic of foods for survival. I have concerns with our fragile
are whisked off the shelves world, the way its being abused and the way its
within hours of a potential managed. For that reason I am prepping for the
shortage. Then, as the shops and potential breakdown of society as we know it. I
supermarkets run out of essential have been a prepper for years and have a normal
food and supplies, and the queues average lifestyle, but am quietly building up my
get longer, we see people fighting equipment, stores and knowledge for when the
over the last bottles/packets on SHTF.
the shelves. You only have to look
at the shops at Christmas to see
people squabbling and fighting over
the last turkey.
London, UK - March 26, 2011:

Protesters and riot police clash
during a large austerity rally in
central London
In recent years its been shown that the slightest

thing can spark a shortage. As we saw in 2000, a
protest by truckers over the tax on fuel caused fuel
shortages, leading to massive queues of cars lined
up for their rationed 5 gallons of fuel to top the
tank up, just in case.
Or what about the riots in London in 2011? What

happened then was shop and home owners were
at the mercy of looters who simply smashed their
way in and took anything they fancied.
Well, brace yourself, but that would be the very thin

edge of the wedge if we ever found ourselves in
a disaster situation where the rules of law and order had attacker hell bent on getting any food or supplies in your
broken down. home.
Everything you own and everything you thought was No matter how much stored provisions you have, they will
exclusively yours, now becomes sought after by just about be gone in seconds if you dont take a serious look at how
any low life. to defend them.
But as the situation increases, and if things were to get Heres some of the basic prepping precautions you must
worse, it would not only be gangs of looters, but your have to give yourself a chance.
neighbours or the nice family down the road who are
now becoming desperate enough to act very irrationally Doors:
indeed. At the very minimum, install decent doors with multi-
point locking. But thats not enough to prevent a looter
You have to give yourself a chance to survive and this from entering. Additional bars, wooden or metal, placed
means acting now and preparing your home before the across the door opening and anchored firmly into the
SHTF (Sh*t Hits The Fan) if the power goes down do brickwork will help prevent a door from being caved in.
you have torches and spare batteries? Does everyone In foreign countries where violent crime is rife, you often
know where to find them in the dark? Even these very find a secure front door with a heavy duty metal door/
simple, small precautions can make a huge difference in cage behind it that not only resists entry, but gives you
an emergency. the ability to see the criminal and act appropriately.
Acting appropriately in a SHTF situation would mean
If youve been sensible and stocked up on the necessary doing just about whatever you thought would stop that
basic food and supplies, if you have survival equipment person from getting to you or your family.
that allows you to prepare and cook your food, and if you
have taken time to learn and practice your bushcraft and Windows:
survival skills, then youre halfway there already. These are the weakest link in your homes defences. So
So kitting out your home for survival and being able to be prepared to board them up from the inside. Its not
ride out that first essential month of a disaster situation a difficult task to clad the windows with plywood
will give you a real fighting chance to being able to keep that will resist entry for enough time for you to take
going. appropriate action.
But what is actually needed to give you that edge over There are firms that specialise in door and window
anyone else? barriers, these show actual videos of people using sledge
hammers and door entry batons on the barriers and still
Your last resort is to actually pack up all your essential being unable to gain entry. They are worth looking into.
survival gear, and head out to a safer area, maintaining as Remember, thieves and looters will always look for
little human contact as possible. This bugging out would the weakest link, and if your home presents them with
mean effectively running away to pastures new, of course problems, then 9 out of 10 will walk away and look for
this could make you just one of many potential homeless easier pickings.
refugees. Something you really dont want. So, to prepare
to ride out the storm at home you must put a few very These are basic precautions but they cost money. Thats
essential precautions in place right from the start. the downside right now. But if you spent money on
your other essential prepping supplies, then this really is
Dont go thinking that your home is fully defendable, its necessary.
not. In the UK we have thousands of homes where you
can simply walk up to the front door. With a decent length So what is your plan?
of scaffold pole and one forceful hit, your so called UPVC If your survival plan is to hunker down and ride out those
safety door is lying half way down your entrance hall! first few weeks and months, then your home needs to be
Shops and offices have toughened safety glass designed fully self-sufficient. Now were not talking all lovey-dovey
to resist entry, do you? No of course you dont. One house off-grid, look at me, Im saving the earth, sunshine and
brick and your windows are in pieces. roses type of off-grid.
Even those two simple things should illustrate how More like we have two months supply of everything and
painfully unsecure our homes are against a would-be we need to go completely un-noticed and keep our heads

PREPPING
very firmly down. Not drawing any attention to yourself Keep your personal medication separate from your
and surviving on your preps only. supply of first aid and emergency equipment.
In fact, keep personal medication very safe indeed. Your
To get a grip on what you should and shouldnt be doing kit of general medicines needs to be as comprehensive
to prepare your home for a disaster situation its worth as possible and include everything from simple cough
breaking down your home preps into sensible areas. medicine to blood clotting pads.
Think bushcraft, On the point of personal

think survival. How medication, it is definitely
do you approach well worth keeping all
that? You look at your medication safe and
what you need: secure within your bug
food, water, out bag. Your survival
sleeping, lighting, bug out bag can take
cooking etc. the form of just about
Then, based on anything from a simple
this, you get your sports bag stuffed with
kit together and a few essentials to get
venture out. by, (although I highly
recommend something
Prepping at home a bit better than that!)
is pretty much the to a well thought out
same, except you and equipped, high
dont venture out! quality survival rucksack
system with all other
Food supplies shouldnt survival equipment essentials.
be too much of a This is your back up means
problem, you have of surviving a disaster and
enough stashed yes? must be stored away and fully
Of course you have a ready for that real evacuation
couple of decent water emergency. So store your
filter bottles as well, medication supplies in there
should the tap water - the last thing you want is to
go a funny colour. bug out and have no meds
So you are covered with you.
there daily meals and
rationing will kick in and Now what are you going to do
considering your forced about cooking? Well, as I have
inactivity levels, you can said before in previous articles,
now consider smaller you do nothing Dont risk
portions to maintain body weight. cooking food. If you risk cooking foods over a fire and
allowing the smells to waft about that would bring every
Water is still your most essential item and levels need to hungry, unsavoury person right to your doorstep. At
be maintained for clear thinking and good health. Even if least by concealing the fact that you actually have food
the water supply is compromised and stops flowing, you to cook, you are ensuring far less attention from the bad
should still have your back up supply of collected rain guys.
water to fall back on. If that fails your stored bottled
water supply comes into play. There are so many good, nutritious foods available that
do not require cooking. Dried and dehydrated foods only
On the health issue all your personal medication require the addition of boiling water to re-hydrate them
should be stashed well in advance. It is possible to get back to their former self. Many tinned foods can be eaten
a minimum of 6 months supplies from your doctor, just straight from the can and those that cant only need to
ask. be warmed in boiling water.
In fact, boiling water is just about all you need to do in
order to have hot food and drinks. No open fires in the So now you have some sense of security knowing its
garden though this is a dead giveaway and will attract going to be quite hard for the opportunist looter to
attention. I have touched on water purification and break in. You have sufficient food and water to last and
boiling in previous articles but remember, this time you the knowledge to cook it without drawing attention to
will be inside your home so you need to find a specific yourself.
area where this can be done safely and away from any
prying eyes. The kitchen is the obvious choice here, but Medication and sleeping are taken care of now so you
what about if its overlooked by others? Make it safe and can just sit back, relax and go under the radar until
out of view. everything calms down and you can safely venture out.
Well not quite. Its going to get a tad smelly for you
With the very real possibility of having no gas or electric now! Just as well you have remembered to stock up on
we only have one sensible, safe way to boil up water personal and household sanitation items.
in this off grid situation and thats with a bottled or
canned gas powered camping stove. Although these are Things are going to get rather rough around the nether
not designed to be used indoors as such, providing you regions if you run out of toilet roll. So, please remember
ensure some ventilation to keep a good flame and the to store lots. Problem here is they are quite bulky and
burnt gasses can escape, youre pretty safe. their storage is one of the biggest problems. But this item
These camping stoves are very efficient and the gas is very necessary to maintain some sort of comfort and
canisters will last ages. normality.
Even the smallest On a good note, personal

100gram canisters will cleanliness and sanitation
give 20+ boils. are relatively easier to
Preparing your home control. In fact you dont
for SHTF is going to really need too much water
mean radical changes to keep yourself clean. I
within the home. think every bushcrafter has
Especially if its winter had the famous wet wipe
and its cold outside. In wash! These are perfect
a prolonged disaster prepping items in every
the chances of the way. Cheap, light, small and
electricity going down compact. Even by using
are very high. This a dozen a day, youll only
means no heating to need a few big packets.
your home. Even if you
have an open fire you The other absolute must
risk drawing unwanted when prepping you home
attention by sending is disinfectant and anti-
smoke signals up out bacterial spray. Your home
of the chimney. conditions will deteriorate. If the water supply stops, how
do you flush the toilet? Using the grey water from your
Your sleeping arrangements will need to be modified. rain water supply is the obvious choice, but disinfecting is
This is where those fold up emergency camp beds and a must to control any germs.
low temperature sleeping bags you bought come in
very handy. You have got one of those for each member If you get ill through unhygienic conditions, you put
of the family, right? Everyone needs to be in one room, yourself into a downward spiral that will only get worse.
to both generate and preserve the heat that room You need to dispose of food cans or packets in order to
becomes a warm room and will require the minimum of keep your conditions as hygienic as possible. This could
emergency heating. Even without electricity its possible now expose you to potential dangers as you need to
to heat a room with just a couple of 24 hr survival candles get rid of that rubbish. If society in general has begun
providing you do something about keeping that heat to break down, theres a good chance that the trusty
in. Simple blankets over doorways and windows make a rubbish collection has not happened either. So what do
huge difference. you do? Burning your rubbish could be one answer, but

PREPPING
its not going to have any effect on the piles of rubbish in able to come to your aid, there are all manner of hunting
the streets, as well as, again sending up unwanted smoke weapons that could be used to stop a looter from
signals. Therefore, the best way to deal with your own stealing your preps and harming your family.
rubbish is to bury it if you can.
As bushcrafters, we all have a good supply of knives.
Along with everything weve gone through, there is one From a simple 2 neck knife, right up to a full on survival
particular area that you simply must consider in order to machete. Wield one of them in an aggressive manner
protect your supplies and in front of someone and
family within your home. they soon think twice about
getting involved with you.
This is home defence, and
is going to be paramount. We have axes, catapults,
As a relatively gun hunting bows and
free nation, most of us crossbows at our disposal
wouldnt have a clue how which would certainly be
to get hold of a weapon effective as a deterrent.
like a firearm for defence,
let alone know how to Air rifles and pistols are
handle and fire one. But legal in the UK, and a half
they will be there and decent, off the shelf air rifle
there will be people who has enough power to sink a
have them. So this in pellet deep enough in the
itself could very easily skin to make someone think
become a problem. In twice, and it allows you to
this scenario we have a put distance between you
dog eat dog situation and the biggest dog normally wins, and the perpetrator.
so facing someone with a firearm whilst you simply have
a stick can only have one outcome! Just how far you are prepared to go is your choice.
Finally, the ultimate test of your home preparedness is to
In this WROL (Without Rule Of Law) situation you are do a full test run.
bound by the more forceful and powerful people, and if
they have firearms and you dont you risk your life even Shut off the gas, electric and water for one week do not
more by trying to fight back. use your car to go anywhere and just hunker down for a
week. No phones, no internet, just a radio to listen to the
So what would you do if they are hell bent on entering outside world and get information on whats going on.
your home? I can guarantee you, there are precious few people who
will try that.
Negotiation is your biggest weapon here. If someone
is after food and water (which will be their main Why? Because its a mad idea isnt it?
requirement) then you have a choice, fight back and
probably lose, along with having all your supplies taken, Well, is it?
or offer some of your supplies.
Im sure youve practised fire-starting at home with a
In a civilised disaster situation, where the laws are still Ferro rod and set up a bivvy in the garden, or set out all
in place, it should only be the police and military who your gear before going off for a weeks wild camp.
will be carrying firearms so you have a more equal fight Yes, of course you have, so have I.
against someone unarmed trying to get into your home.
However, defending your home and all your stores is a So whats the difference? Its the ultimate bushcraft test
matter of personal choice. As is the choice of whether at home!
you are actually prepared and willing to defend your
home. Happy prepping folks
If law and order have broken down and the police are not Steve
FEATURE
BUILD AND EXPERIENCE A

NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN
SWEAT LODGE
My love of the Native American
Indian culture began in my early AUTHOR PROFILE:
Olivia Beardsmore
teens when I visited the U.S. and
travelled with lifelong friends and
two dogs in a campervan around Ever since Olivia discovered she could walk,
their homeland. the outdoors beckoned her and became her
T
playground. Her pioneer spirit took her to Caithness in the Scottish
his summer I was invited on Highlands, referred to as the UK's last wilderness. Daily life consisted of using
a retreat with 15 remarkable bushcraft and survival skills including heating and cooking with a solid wood
women, where part of the burning stove. Rearing their own livestock and growing and foraging for
experience involved building and food was an essential mode of living and in some instances an adventure.
experiencing a Native American Olivia has travelled to many countries, living amongst different nationalities
Indian sweat lodge hosted by a and cultures such as Native Americans and the Massai of Southern Kenya.
guide aptly named Bear. She is the co-founder of Bushcraft & Survival Skills Magazine and is
passionate about keeping these survival skills alive.
The retreat was set amongst the
beautiful mountains in the wilds of
Southern Idaho. Urban lifestyle was out of

sight and the air was filled with the scent of
sage brush, with soaring hawks and buzzing
dragonflies overhead.
Bear locates and marks the cardinal directions
WHAT IS A SWEAT LODGE?

Traditionally Native American Sweat Lodges were built and used for a specific ceremony, however they could also be
used to prepare for other ceremonies such as a sun dance, vision quests and sacred bundle ceremonies. The ritual is
also used to mark significant life events such as preparation for a hunt or a battle, to protect the tribe from disease,
child birth and predicting future events. There are even stories of reviving of the dead being attributed to the power
of the ceremony. Traditionally, Cherokee and Chickasaw Indians used permanent, dome-shaped log houses with
subterranean floors.
SYMBOLISM OF THE NATIVE AMERICAN

SWEAT LODGE
The structure of the sweat lodge and the elements required for the sacred ritual each have their own symbolic
meaning. The lodge itself is a dome shape placed on earth and looks like a pregnant belly, representing the womb of
Mother Earth and the process of the ritual represents being reborn as a new being.
HOW-TO BUILD THE SWEAT LODGE:

The direction of the lodge, fire and altar is important and the facilitator will mark out the cardinal directions prior
to commencing the lodge structure. First, four de-barked willow poles of the sweat lodge are erected, located at North,
South, East and West with the entrance of the lodge facing East.
Beautiful location

FEATURE
Placing the blankets on the

sweat lodge
Tying up the dream catchers
Tying the willow

branches together using
the bark strips
Skull
The fire pit is then dug out in the centre of the lodge Altar:
before the structure is complete. Other poles are then A few paces from the entrance, an altar is built. This is
added vertically and bent to create the structure and constructed by using the soil to create a rectangular
then horizontal willow poles are woven between them to shaped mound of dirt. Each participant is invited to place
create the support. something special such as an item of jewellery, a stone, a
photograph or a list of names of people to be prayed for.
The bark that was removed from the willow poles is then It is believed that the energy created in the sweat lodge
used to tie the structure together. Once the structure becomes infused into what is placed upon the altar.
is complete, a canvas or tarp is thrown over it and then You will find an eagle skull or buffalo skull at the door
one or two blankets are loaded on top, which belong to of the sweat lodge, bringing protective power into the
each person participating in the ritual. This symbolizes lodge. A buffalo symbolizes a creature to emulate as they
that each person is a part of the lodge. Traditionally, skins are known to sacrifice themselves for their family.
would have been used to cover the lodge.
Fire Pit:
We decorated the inside of the sweat lodge with A few paces east of the altar is the fire pit, which holds the
individual dream catchers we had made from spare volcanic lava rocks that will be placed inside the sweat
willow branches. lodge. Once the fire pit is dug out, 14 long branches
are laid across. 7 branches run from east to west and 7

FEATURE
branches are placed on top, running north to south. The stone is referenced as ancient, four areas of direction are
branches represent the seven directions which are; North, honoured and the rocks are referred to grandfathers and
South, East, West, Down to Mother Earth, Up to Father are welcomed in to the lodge. The hot stones are moved
Sky and the Creator/You as the Centre. from the shovel into the fire pit using antlers. Water is
poured over them to produce the steam and the ash
Spirit Line: generated from this is wafted out of the entrance before
There is an imaginary line called a sprit line that starts it is sealed with blankets.
from the fire pit inside the sweat lodge, goes through the
door and across the altar to the large fire pit. The sweat At this point, the temperature was bearable, but once the
lodge is dedicated by a prayer and from that moment, entrance was sealed the heat intensified. With around
the spirit line cannot be crossed due to its sacredness, twenty bodies inside the lodge and the heat of the
which represents an umbilical cord, connecting a child to hot rocks, combined with almost total darkness, it very
the womb of Mother Earth. quickly became a challenge to remain calm and as cool
as possible so that each round can be completed and
Smudging: the pressure is on as no one wants to be responsible for
Before you enter the lodge, shoes are removed and ending the round early.
everyone participates in a powerful cleansing Native
American ceremony commonly called smudging. The A few tips that helped me to keep calm in the hot
smoke from burning herbs is said to heal and clear and claustrophobic environment was firstly to stroke
negative energy around you or in the area. The apparent sagebrush gently over my face. If you have ever smelt
benefits are steeped in sciencewhen burned, sage sage brush, you will know it has a wonderful aromatic
and other herbs release negative ions. The smoke from smell which is marginally menthol. The gentle texture
the burning herb is wafted up and down your body in of the foliage provide a calming, self-soothing effect,
preparation to enter the sweat lodge. We were permitted breathing in the scent itself also helped to diffuse the
to take in a towel to sit on, a towel to use to wipe heat around my face. Secondly, I used my water bottle to
ourselves with and two water bottles. hydrate, but also to put the water in my mouth and then
allow it to dribble out so it ran down my neck and down
Intention: my body, which provided a mini shower, which was
There should be a purpose to each experience in the refreshingly cooling in the intense heat. Some people
sweat lodge. Have an intention before entering the found it helpful to kneel and place their heads as close to
lodge. For example, it may be that you want to gain the ground as possible and breathe sideways so that they
increased personal strength and growth, or to pray for were inhaling air from the ground, which was cooler.
someone in need.
Wear loose clothing with minimal underwear to keep
The Ceremony: your body as free as possible. There is very little space in
The ceremony can vary depending on the historic era, the sweat lodge and if you want to use the space wisely
cultural group or specific ritual leader. and remain comfortable throughout the duration it helps
to get friendly with your neighbours! After discomfort
Prior to the ceremony, there is a special moment of set in, a lady who I did not know very well at the time
lighting the fire. The fire is lit from each cardinal direction decided that we could cross our legs over each others
by a different person and a sacred prayer is offered over and thus extend our legs sideways without them being
the fire. in the fire pit. This cozy arrangement helped to make
the experience a lot more comfortable. Its a case of
After the smudging experience, we entered the lodge embracing new experiences and pushing yourself to new
and said mataqueeawson meaning all my relations limits.
I honour, then we crawled on our hands and knees in
a clockwise direction until the fire-pit was encircled by Whilst within the lodge, the facilitator who in our case
participants. The act of crawling represents a humble was Bear offers a prayer and invites participants to pray
and submissive state. vocally or silently, alternatively you can speak from your
heart, sing or stay quiet. After each prayer, participants
Once everyone was seated on the ground, a number of say Aho, which means Amen with gratitude. After
hot stones were brought into the lodge, the volcanic a certain period of time as decided by the facilitator,
A sacred prayer is
offered over the fire
Lighting the fire
Smudging

FEATURE
the door is opened, water bottles can be passed out in and women and content of the ceremonies varies from
a clockwise direction and refilled. More hot rocks are tribe to tribe.
brought into the lodge and the same process of adding
water, sending out the ash and the entrance being The sweat lodge ceremony has increased in practice
closed is repeated. since the beginning of the twentieth century, not only
by Native Americans, but also in urban areas; including
Some tribes may communicate with the spirit realm, retreat centres, correctional facilities, veteran groups and
focus on moral and physical purification, healing or even substance abuse treatment facilities. Some retreats in the
voluntary suffering to UK are also offering the
achieve a specific purpose sweat lodge experience.
or fulfill a pledge. The fire pit inside the sweat lodge after the I can testify that the
ceremony spiritual growth and social
There are four rounds bonding, along with the
in total, each honouring physical cleansing serve
a direction of North, to unite members of the
South, East and West and lodge. The inner strength
there is even a warrior you develop to cope with
round if the facilitator the intense environment
feels it appropriate. within the lodge also
Each direction also carries with you back into
represents a different daily life.
earth element, season
in life and emotion. At The symbolism and
the end of our sweat meaning of the sweat
lodge experience we had lodge were passed on
about 20 volcanic rocks to me by two Native
in the fire pit and it was Americans, Bear and
The morning after
extremely hot! Lakota, to whom I am very
grateful. I would also like
If you have to leave to thank Marnae Hobson,
the sweat lodge, exit Canah Tedjamulia and
in clockwise manner, Andrea Golding.
the round ends and the
facilitator will often not For more information visit:
let you return. Women mountainairretreats.com
who are on their moon
(menstrual cycle) are not On a practical note, please
allowed to be inside the ensure you only participate
sweat lodge, however in such a ceremony where
their participation outside a specialist is present. In
the sweat lodge is just October 2009 three people
as important. Their assistance with drumming, dancing, died and 18 were injured in a sweat lodge in Arizona. 15
holding the space through meditation and filling the people were also injured at the five-day 'Spiritual Warrior'
water bottles during rounds is just as important and event where James Arthur Ray raised the temperature in
women inside the lodge can offer prayers on their behalf. the sweat lodge too high and discouraged participants
from leaving, even as they fell unconscious.
Finally, you emerge from the lodge a renewed person
filled with a new strength at completing the experience. Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2361872/
You will find your skin feels very gritty, this is the body Sweat-lodge-leader-led-retreat-died-freed-prison-today.
releasing toxins from the intense sweating combined html#ixzz3uOX1qe1A
with residual ash within the environment.
Among some tribes, men and women participate in the
sweat lodge together while other tribes segregate men
Images by: www.carliandbeau.com

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A New Year, a New Beginning...

BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL SKILLS MAGAZINE 3

BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL SKILLS MAGAZINE 5

Please find enclosed a CD with video footage of our

We are 3 troop, 8 men Armoured Engineer Squadron, 26

The footage was filmed in Sangin District Centre, where we

Yours, SSgt John Francis, Wiltshire

To watch the footage, visit http://ow.ly/VQrcy

ONE LOVE SPOON &

Dear Editor, We have already taken our

And so it was I decided to embark

method to sew the two halves

complete the knife sheath.

PJ Bott, West Midlands

BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL SKILLS MAGAZINE 7

In the last issue we got the

BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL SKILLS MAGAZINE 9

You will need to

When you are happy

BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL SKILLS MAGAZINE 11

You then need to let it cure well, G/flex takes at least

Firstly it is worth removing any excess pin material,

The handle all

Make sure you clean up the

Cleaning up the profile on

The different handle shape Finished rough shaping on

Grinding back to the

BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL SKILLS MAGAZINE 13

After lots of grades

You can even give it a polish with a buffer or even just a

Check for any scratches from the previous grits and if

When it is dry you can carefully remove the tape from

The totally finished

LOOK THROUGH THE BUSH

I think that my job working with reptiles and insects has

USE YOUR EARS

WHATS THAT WHIFF?

Animal dung and some animals have characteristic smells. A good

BE WARY OF GAME TRAILS

The greatest danger of game trails which many people tend to

Sometime back I learned a very valuable lesson while following

It turned out these mounds were actually the heads of two

BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL SKILLS MAGAZINE 17

Following the rains when the bush is lush green, watch

The same goes for some grasses. I have a habit of

WATCH FOR SNAKES

Avoid stepping over logs and rocks where you cannot

Chit chatting, takes away your SINGLE FILE

Something else walking in single file does is to limit the

Keep walking parties small, four or five is a good number.

WHY DO ANIMALS ATTACK?

Wild animals are unpredictable, but with common

Survival/bushcraft is about enjoying all that is around

BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL SKILLS MAGAZINE 19

Dress appropriately for a

To be bush savvy, you should know how to interpret

Camouflaged clothing may blend you into the

While on the subject of what to wear, always wear sun

Some of us are naturally born with the ability to

While on the subject, GPS is a widely used means of

The biggest downside to GPS is battery life. Maps never

If you feel you are getting out of your depth, dont be

WATCH OUT FOR BORDER CROSSINGS