Basic Campcraft any ideas

[moved on agiles10]

Hi there,

What would you say basic campcraft is?

I believe it is baisc knots, fire lighting, what do you think or believe campcraft to be?

cheers

Adam

 

[scanker]

Whatever is involved in being comfortable in camp.

 

[SimonM]

Whatever it takes to stay safe, comfortable and well fed IMHO. This varies from season to season, location to location and person to person, but I believe the basics would have to include:-

• Cooking skills - whatever method you use, you must be competant with your equipment.
• Hygiene - Food handling, toileting, laundry, cooking pots - nothing worse than "the runs" with no proper facilities.
• Site selection & layout - nothing beats experience when it comes to choosing a good camp site.
• Kit choice - must be suitable for the task in hand.

That will do for now...

Simon

 

[moved on agiles10]

Thanks guys it much appreciated

cheers

Adam

 

[Jedadiah]

Whatever it takes to stay safe, comfortable and well fed IMHO. This varies from season to season, location to location and person to person, but I believe the basics would have to include:-

• Cooking skills - whatever method you use, you must be competant with your equipment.
• Hygiene - Food handling, toileting, laundry, cooking pots - nothing worse than "the runs" with no proper facilities.
• Site selection & layout - nothing beats experience when it comes to choosing a good camp site.
• Kit choice - must be suitable for the task in hand.

That will do for now...

Simon

Got to agree with Simon there, with only one or two additions. I think consideration for others if you are sharing the camp with others and/or consideration for the environment. As little disruption in the surrounding areas as possible. The old 'leave no trace' has got to be in there as breaking camp is as important, if not more so than setting camp.

Making sure you have enough wood for the night while you still have the light. It always seems to spoil the atmos when people are wanderingaround the woods with headtorches blazing, trying to locate more wood then breaking it over their knees. Of course, using tools at night may be a neccesity, but not if you have prepared your wood during the day.

On the subject of torches, it is sometimes frowned upon to shine your torch in the direction of the occupants when approaching a camp, nevermind around the fire, it does spoil night vision. But hey, this is just consideration again.

I think Campcraft could also be called camp discipline (sorry, spelling monster has got out!) If you are disciplined about yourself, conduct and equipment, there should be no problems.

 

[Scots_Charles_River]

Being able to setup and live in a 'camp' safely with adequate basics - food, shelter, water and ablutions with the associated hygiene.

Nick

 

[Scots_Charles_River]

Being able to setup and live in a 'camp' safely with adequate basics - food, shelter, water and ablutions with the associated hygiene.

Nick

 

[SimonM]

I think Campcraft could also be called camp discipline (sorry, spelling monster has got out!) If you are disciplined about yourself, conduct and equipment, there should be no problems.

Well put!

Simon

 

[john scrivy]

Good Camp craft aways leave with what you take in -- Zero impact zero litter on your temporary home This home is not yours it belongs to the Creatures Insects Birds Trees and plants treat with utmost respect

 

[drewdunnrespect]

the above advice is all brill but i think the best way to sum it up is besafe and secure in camp but only leave foot prints and memorys when you leave

 

[crazydave]

selecting your kit and planning your menu
selecting a site
laying out your site for minimum impact and maximum efficiency
pitching - tents/hammocks/tarps so knots, cords and bungees
laying out fire hearth and wood store
selecting wood and chopping so knife, axe and saw as well
firelighting or stoves
cooking with stoves, fires, dutch and ground ovens
hygiene, water useage and disposal

 

[spamel]

I would read a few books that go into campcraft, as you put it, in a very detailed and precise manner. First off, Mors Kochanski (great guy!) wrote a book, Northern Bushcraft, that has many tips and tricks for life in camp. Some of his rules are very important. Get the book and have a good read, if you don't learn something then you already know it all!

Two other books, written a long time ago, talk of camps in the wilderness. Kephart and Nessmuks' offerings are excellent books to read about life in the deep woods. All of it is still valuable information for the bushcrafter, some of it may have gone out of date with the advent of modern synthetic materials and new waterproofing methods, but the basic information is still as relevant today.

Camping and Woodcraft by Horace Kephart
Woodcraft by Nessmuk

 

[crazydave]

the scout guides are probably better suited to this country though

 

[spamel]

Basic campcraft is basic campcraft, doesn't matter what country you are in. If you want to investigate living in the deep backwoods or up a mountain, then it is no longer a basic skill set IMO.

 

[spamel]

Damn your eyes, forum software!

 

[Gray]

Dont forget the country code

 

[Chips]

Good Camp craft aways leave with what you take in -- Zero impact zero litter on your temporary home This home is not yours it belongs to the Creatures Insects Birds Trees and plants treat with utmost respect

I feel it belongs to people in addition to the things you mention.

I don't follow the "take nothing but photos" school of thought. Nature has things we can use, and I do use, without causing massive harm. For example, I will pick mushrooms, berries, plants, fish, animals, firewood, and other things if I can use them. Of course though, I never leave litter and always minimise my impact. The one thing I can't stand is people wasting things.

 

[CRAZY FROG]

just keep your camp simple and tidy along with your kit.

 

[Northern Giant UK]

All great advice . .but. . IMHO missing the best and often (when beginning to venture into the woods) the hardest to fully accomplish piece of campcraft. . .
putting time aside from all other activities and learning to sit quietly, observe & enjoy your surroundings.

Kev

 

[Gray]

All great advice . .but. . IMHO missing the best and often (when beginning to venture into the woods) the hardest to fully accomplish piece of campcraft. . .
putting time aside from all other activities and learning to sit quietly, observe & enjoy your surroundings.

Kev

Awwww I really struggle with that bit cos I'll sit and observe, and sit and observe and before I know it, its time to bloody go home lol

Shelter, fire, water, food, location and warmth. Not in that order

Oh yeah, make sure you have a bloody good time