Defining bushcraft

[Dark Horse Dave]

Yes I'm well aware that this is a topic that has been almost done to death over the years (and the answer seems to boil down to it's whatever you want it to be!) I thought some people might be interested in this nevertheless. I came across this short Youtube video the other day which gives a simple take on it. I think they make a very reasonable stab at capturing the various strands and presenting them in a succinct and straightforward way.

People may be interested that Stuart Goring contributes to the video (and doesn't the presenter remind you of some fella who runs a UK bushcraft forum.....

[video=youtube;VxvVfgx9PBU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxvVfgx9PBU[/video]

 

[John Fenna]

I very nearly passed this by with a weary sigh of "not again!"...
I am glad I took a look as it is probably the best summation of "What is Bushcrafdt?" that I have come across.
Not perfect ... but close

 

[boatman]

Couldn't disagree with the diagram and its exposition, always thought this. He could have included studies such as Experimental Archaeology and Physiology that create theories tested by these pursuits and whose conclusions can be fed back to improve the experience in specific areas such as authenticity or materials used.

 

[crosslandkelly]

A very good and concise explanation.

 

[MikeLA]

Still not sure, why we have to define it

 

[Big Stu 12]

I agree very good, not to clutter and explains it simply to those that don't have the knowledgeable. As we already know K.I.S.S

Oh Should of said thank you for posting

 

[Big Stu 12]

Still not sure, why we have to define it

I am always being asked...what is bushcraft, some just take the do you know Uncle Ray tack , but others want more and seeing this give a really simple way of putting it, in a way its show we are a very interesting bunch with interests in nature, the world past, present and future.. sounds good to me .

 

[Outdoordude]

That was very good. I wasn't really sure up until now.
Thanks.

 

[crosslandkelly]

Still not sure, why we have to define it

We don't, but some people still need to be able pidgeon hole things.

 

[demographic]

Bit like Survival but less black gear and more wooden spoonmaking.

 

[Elen Sentier]

Good video, diagram works ... love the end

 

[drewdunnrespect]

I very nearly passed this by with a weary sigh of "not again!"...
I am glad I took a look as it is probably the best summation of "What is Bushcrafdt?" that I have come across.
Not perfect ... but close

this is also my opinion

 

[Wayland]

Bushcraft = Living - Survival = Not Dying

Now we have the best two definitions I have seen in just one thread.

 

[Elen Sentier]

Bushcraft = Living - Survival = Not Dying

Now we have the best two definitions I have seen in just one thread.

Nice one Gary

 

[wicca]

Interesting how the same short video can be interpreted by different people, or at least people who look at a subject from different angles. I'm not a Bushcrafter, I merely camp in the woods or isolated places so my view will be different to the ...wait for it...Bushcraft Community.

I thought that short video by people involved in the commercial side of Bushcraft was excellent. In a few minutes he expanded his potential customer base to include people who may have felt "Left out" in the past.
I was expecting the video to end with...

"We actually have some primitive flint and steel fire lighting sets in our shop and we also stock Tomahawks, just like the Frontiersmen carried if you're a re-enactor. Ah! yes that canvas backpack is just like the originals. Survivalist? yep we have a range of kits or individual items to make your own, it's all in our Bushcraft shop. The 'Bushcraft' course we're running in Namibia where you learn to suck moisture from a Toad may interest you...Yes I know you live in Coventry but you never know when such knowledge will be handy for a Bushcrafter"..

But does it really matter? One life, a limited time to really do what appeals to the individual, so why not? Each to their own and as long as it causes no harm, and if detractors don't like it...tough..

 

[crosslandkelly]

Do wot you do do da best.

 

[HillBill]

Another definition i like is "a practical working knowledge of the natural world"

 

[mountainm]

Pro camping.

 

[jackcbr]

Just one thing missing off that diagramme as to what makes a bushcrafter, and that's the size of his kettle.

 

[armie]

I think that the intersection of the "Natural materials" set and the "Nylon" set should be empty.