a point to be made

[sasquatch]

Sometimes I go minimal sometimes I fancy a comfortable one and go over the top. I do what I feel like doing when the time comes. No need to subscribe to any one approach, just do what makes you happy and don't worry too much about what others are doing in my opinion...

 

[Paul_B]

Please also remember that opinions are ten a penny and worth as much [including mine of course]!

Oh so true Humpback so true. In fact I wish they still had ha'pennies as that is probably the worth of my advice.

That guy got me annoyed as its free will afterall. Most people get on well here and accept others' views. I appreciate the carry everything into the camp people as much as the 20 litre sack with all your gear for 2 weeks in it kinds. I know for my style of being in the outdoors the second is closer to ideal than the first option but each has its place. I take the kitchen sink with me when car camping. Even when going backpacking I carry all my kit in the car and decide when I get to the start what to take. That can mean more than I need or it can be less items. Its how I feel on the day. My kit weighs from about 6 kg up to probably a heavy 18kg (think I did Knoydart with the 25kg or more pack I used to carry despite carrying UL gear).

The one thing I believe in and that is you must enjoy what you are doing. I will carry an extra couple of kilos if it meant I wasn't too uncomfortable. That is why I am considering regressing back to a two skinned tent from my tarp and bivvy kit. I was thinking of taking that further to a lighter cuben one but I'm thinking the other way is better after some wet nights under tarps.

 

[darrenleroy]

Are you trying to say a cooler box full of ice and beer isn't a necessity on a trip to the woods?

 

[Elines]

............ You are barmy, hanging around with this lot.

Thinking about it, that explains a lot - I AM barmy

 

[drewdunnrespect]

Not at all darren cos I take a whole bottle of whiskey

 

[woof]

Here's mine:
Good grief. Its a hobby not a b****y religion!
Do what you want (as long as its legal - but that is another tyre kicking session) and enjoy it. Please also remember that opinions are ten a penny and worth as much [including mine of course]!

Right there with you on that one. Someone once described bushcraft as "finding the most uncomfortable way possible to go camping". My pennies worth, any fool can be uncomfortable. Carry what you want, wear what you want.

Rob

 

[rik_uk3]

The forum has changed over the years as has bushcraft. It was a lot simpler in terms of kit a few years ago and now seems (or could appear to a casual viewer/new member) very much a kit led hobby/forum, just look at the threads. Often you will see someone one say "I'm on a budget and need xyz" and along come the £50-£200 replies which is not what the poster wanted to hear. The guy who threw his toys out the pram and left had perhaps seen one of these posts too many, perhaps he would like the kit and can't afford it, shame he went though. Is it a middle class hobby????? Yes, overall I would say it is although there are some working class oiks here I suppose. Of course the true 'Harry and Josinda' brigade all rent Yurts and would not dream of using a tent or tarp.


My idea of perfect camping would be a 1920's style Safari camp complete with someone to make the G&T's at the end of a long day counting sheep and with a nice three course meal waiting.

Its a hobby, simple as that and with any hobby the costs involved are what you can afford (unless peer pressure hits and you overspend to 'fit in' and I assure you that has happened).

 

[Shewie]

I'll have your tarp and kelly kettle then please Drew

Don't forget it's all just grown up folk playing about in the woods, a thousand years ago it might have been useful to know how to live off the land but there's not much call for it in 21st century Britain. We have a bit of fun playing with knives and new toys and then go home on Sunday night and jump in the shower/ order a take away/ watch the tele and retire to bed.

I could go out with just a few essentials but I wouldn't enjoy it, I've done it on a course just to prove a point but for regular trips it's not for me.

Bushcraft and this forum is just a big umbrella for the skills and interests we mess about with

 

[Retired Member southey]

I cant wait to get a canoe, This isn't even a joke, you will see my kit list explode into a comfy set of kit!

 

[3bears]

I'll be honest as much of a kit monster as I am, the more I've learnt the less I carry if I'm honest..

 

[Toddy]

I sometimes think folks go out just to play with the new toys

Maybe not quite that, but there's certainly an enjoyment in trying new stuff as well as the comfort of tried and trusted favourites.

I hate carrying weight; but often folks take kit because to use the natural resources all the time would greatly deplete them in an area that's used frequently.

I like people; class is a totally misleading nomenclature for an outdated social system. Be yourself, treat others as you'd like to be treated, and let folks with attitude stew themselves into ulcers and dementia. Life's short enough, why make it a hassle ?

cheers,
M

 

[mountainm]

accoding to HRH Ray Mears is all about knowing more so carrying less

Tell that to the porters who lug his dutch ovens about

 

[Andy BB]

Humpback said it best, I think. It's a hobby, not a religion - well said that man! I actually prefer camping in the snow to the summer sun, others can't stand the idea, but each to his own. I don't get much chance to get out because of work commitments and she Who Must Be Obeyed, so "overloaded" to me is often what I can't fit into the Ssangyong! On one of the meets over last winter I took along about 6 stoves to have a play with, and thoroughly enjoyed myself, but was it bushcrafting? Dunno - probably not according to some - but I couldn't care less! Sure, if I had to I could make some rope out of nettles and cobble together a debris shelter (and have in the past just for the fun of it), but it isn't mandatory (at least not to me).

I'm not preparing for TEOTWAWKI, I'm relaxing (mentally if not physically...). This winter I might try a bivi and tarp in the snow, because I haven't done that for a while. Or I might bring a big tipi and spend the weekend in sybaritic comfort. Does either of them put me beyond the pale to certain elements in the bushcrafting community? I don't care. I shouldn't have gone on a 500 mile round-trip on a big bike to a rally 18 months ago in a 20 Euro pop-up tent, 5 weeks after having my hip replaced, but it was wonderful after all the aggro of the surgery and recovery - did me a world of good!

So - in short - lets not be bigoted about other's interpretations of bushcrafting - they all have their place.

 

[Silverhill]

Everyone is subject to their own personal and material evolution. Many start with little, and gradually build up kit over time based upon their experience, whereas others start with everything and end up minimalist.
In my experience going into the woods or undertaking other activities affiliated with, but not exclusive to, Bushcraft means that you've already chosen a hobby/lifestyle that sets you apart from many others. If your chosen 'path' leads you to carrying more kit.....so be it, if it leads you to carrying less.......so be it. Don't be hung-up on what the big names like Mears, Grylls, Kochanski etc say and teach because they've each taken their own route to get to where they are, and everyone here will do likewise.

 

[ThreeFires]

The whole purpose of bushcraft to me is, as Mears and others have said, to do more with less. Although, I still like me a good firesteel, high carbon knife, sawblade of some sorts, and a pot to cook in.

 

[pauljm116]

I usually need 2 trips from my car to carry all my gear in, I probably dont even use a quarter of it. But I like to have it all with me and dont feel guilty at all. We all go out there for the same reasons and all use the same skills no matter how much kit we have. Lets all get on and enjoy nature whether we go minimalisr or take the kitchen sink.

 

[JonathanD]

The forum has changed over the years as has bushcraft. It was a lot simpler in terms of kit a few years ago and now seems (or could appear to a casual viewer/new member) very much a kit led hobby/forum, just look at the threads. Often you will see someone one say "I'm on a budget and need xyz" and along come the £50-£200 replies which is not what the poster wanted to hear... Is it a middle class hobby????? Yes, overall I would say it is although there are some working class oiks here I suppose.....

No, it was exactly the same in 2004 as it is now. Everyone talked about kit to the same degree back then too. Inflation has just driven prices up at a rapid pace since then.

As for it being a middle class hobby. Seriously?!! That really is the daftest thing.

 

[Silverhill]

Middle class?

My butler disagrees.

 

[Eragon21]

I read all the posts from the rant and thought that if he thinks he can go into the in the winter with jeans a couple of jumpers etc let him try he might survive he might not but he certainly won't be comfortable. Regardless of how much kit you have you will always want more but could live with less, comfort is the way forward then it will be enjoyable. How could you possibly enjoy being cold, wet and hungry.

 

[The Big Lebowski]

Tell that to the porters who lug his dutch ovens about

LoL... I was just going to say the same.

Half a dozen D.O's, Bedrolls, huge tarp, grills. No disrespect to the fella, but even uncle ray is dripping in goretex. We all like nice toys!

al.