Bushcraft: getting back to your roots
Ruedi Thomi
Spending time far away from civilisation and enjoying nature. That’s the concept behind bushcraft. But what exactly does this term mean? And what’s the philosophy underlying it? We ask our expert Richu and join him, Thom and Noe in the forest.
A small, secluded camp in a Bernese forest. The sun flashes through the leaf canopy, a tarp has been stretched out and three men are getting themselves cosy, sitting on logs around a roaring fire. On this Thursday afternoon, they’re enjoying the simplicity and joy of nature. There are basically different definitions of bushcrafting – something you notice immediately when you talk to the three men. ‘For us, it’s about spending time together, and that can be fun!’ says Richu. In their eyes, it’s about getting outdoors and spending time in nature. Others define the term with a greater emphasis on survival and the ability to get yourself out of an emergency situation and back home safely. Both disciplines share topics such as making fires, preparing food and setting up a camp for the night.
Bushcraft stimulates awareness and creativity and is garnering increasing interest in our current age shaped by excess stimulation. Richu explains the equipment you need for bushcraft and shows us a couple of ways to get a fire going.
Pine chips
Pine chips are pieces of wood containing lots of resin. They work very well, even in windy, miserable weather. Use a knife to shave small chunks onto a base piece, then direct the spark directly onto the pile, which should catch fire relatively quickly. This type of tinder burns well, due to the resin, and can be positioned very easily.
Birch bark
This soft, natural material can be found wherever birch trees are. Its essential oils mean that it burns well even when damp. It’s important to use lots of fine birch bark strips and to arrange them in the shape of a small nest. If you take the bark straight from the tree, make sure to only use the outer layer so you don’t hurt the tree. Grab the fine bark with your thumb and a knife and pull it off.
Fat rope
Cut a piece off this paraffin-infused rope and you’ve instantly got the ideal tinder to fuel your fire.
Feather sticks
You can use a knife to cut ‘feathers’, as they’re known, out of very dry wood. They’re also very good at catching light.
As a back-up plan, Richu sometimes brings wax-soaked cleaning cloths to the wood, which he’s made from burned-out candles or uses tumble-dryer lint, which works very well as kindling. Cotton wool soaked in Vaseline also burns well and can be ignited easily with a fire steel. There are no limits to your creativity in bushcraft!
Making a fire in the wood – what you need to be aware of
Be conscious of the risk of forest fires. In summer, especially, you need to be careful. Make sure the fire is totally extinguished before you leave the site.
This report was filmed on private land. Before you head into the forest, ask the municipal authorities whether you’re permitted to make a fire on this land.
Never chop down green, healthy trees in the forest. Instead, use dead wood or wood lying on the ground.
If you’re using sharp tools, you should always have a first aid kit with you.
How to light a fire
Create a nest from dry grasses or branches.
Photo © Ruedi ThomiAs soon as the tinder is burning, carefully put the grasses on top.
Photo © Ruedi Thomi- Photo © Ruedi Thomi
Equipment for use in the forest
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