Doing bushcraft without a tractor and trailer

[mikeybear]

I'd be interested in seeing the list of weights , I'm sure I'll be playing the same game shortly.
I think it may be a good Idea to pack your bag, then put in, say, an extra 4 litres of water and then go on a "test walk" of a couple of miles , you may then decide your pack needs to be even lighter.

 

[strideredc]

someone said they never used there leatherman? i use nothing but!
serrated blade for bread, pliers for moving hot grills, ect plain bade for food prep. can opener? diamond file for taking a nick out an axe?

to be honest all i realy need is my cold steel kukri and leatherman charge everything else(sharp) is for fun!

 

[springer5]

Well, I'm back rather earlier than expected. Sorry to say the weather was mostly horrendous. The first night (Monday) was great; stars and moon out no wind, beautifully peaceful everywhere. Put the hammock up in some woodland on the NW bank of Burrator and had a lovely night.
Next day the rain came in around 10am and got gradually worse until, by 2pm, I was soaked and feezing, and my dog was close to mutiny (should have put the tarp up sooner in hindsight). I eventually put up the tarp in a nearby copse to wait it out for a bit; dried off a bit and had a hot meal. Morale boosted, I decided to spend the afternoon and night there and see what the morning brought. Next morning it was still hammering down so spent all day in camp, either reading in my hammock or cooking and trying to persuade my dog that there really was some point to this.
However, it rained on through into the that night as well, so by this morning I'd had enough. Even if it had stopped, by this time the moor iteslf would be flooded out, I thought, and perhaps too dangerous for someone relatively inexperienced like myself. So I called it a day and walked the few hours back to the car. Got home a few hours ago.

Despite being a bit unlucky with the weather, I can't wait to go again now. The first night really was excellent, and even when it was bucketing down, there was something special about just being out there. It also had the coincidental advantage of sending all the burrator joggers (I didn't know Burrator - or anywhere for that matter - had so many joggers everwhere !!) scurrying for cover leaving the whole place to me and my dog to enjoy alone.

Just logged on now and read all your kind messages wishing me luck. THANK YOU SO MUCH for your best wishes. Rather embarrasingly (considering how "basic" my needs actually where when the time came) I have just looked at my original kit list. I am almost too embarrased to do it, but I appreciate people's interests in trying to advise me, so as a couple of you have asked for a full kit list to try to see where I have been going wrong here it is (bear in mind that this is the original list weighing in at 28kg).....

Column 1 = Item
Column 2 = Weight per item Weight (g)
Column 3 = Quantity Packed
Column 4 = Final weight being carried (g)

Batchelor's Cup-a-Soup 35 7 245
Batchelor's Super Noodles 110 3 330
Book 310 1 310
DD Travel Hammock 1310 1 1310
Drinking Pipe 70 1 70
Dromedary bag empty (6Ltr) 220 1 220
FireSteel 50 1 50
Fruit Bar 40 9 360
Germaline 35 1 35
Gloves 145 1 145
Go-Ahead Biscuits 45 4 180
Good Morning Porridge Oats Sachets 40 6 240
GPSr (Garmin GPS Map 76 CSx) 360 1 360
Groundsheet 115 1 115
Hard Soap (Mini Bar) 25 1 25
Hat 75 1 75
Head Torch 80 1 80
Highlander 1 Cook Set 305 1 305
Inhalor (Salamol) 65 1 65
Camera + Case 130 1 130
Knorr Veg. Stock Cubes (Box of 8) 90 1 90
Leatherman Surge Multi-tool 405 1 405
Liquid Soap 85 1 85
W'proof Map Case 55 1 55
Compass,Roamer,Distance Measurer 145 1 145
Map of Dartmoor 130 1 130
Millbank Bag 80 1 80
Bag of mini "Outback Animal" Biscuits 30 2 60
Mobile Phone 125 1 125
Non-scratch Scouring Pad 5 1 5
Notebook/Pencil 50 1 50
Para-Cord (per 10 metre length) 70 2 140
Plasters (misc.) 10 1 10
Pocket Torch 250 1 250
Primus Omnifuel
+ Full 600ml fuel Bottle + Windshields 1295 1 1295
Rennie (part strip - 6 tabs) 10 1 10
Rohan Coat 885 1 885
Rohan Fleece 750 1 750
Rucksack
(Karrimor Sabre 75 incl internal bag) 2760 1 2760
Salt and Pepper 65 1 65
Shaving
(Brush/Soap/Razor/ Pocket Mirror) 120 1 120
Sinutab (part strip - 6 tabs) 5 1 5
Woodlore Osprey Sleeping Bag 1980 1 1980
Instant Potato 185 1 185
Spare Thermal Socks (1 pair) 55 1 55
Folding Spork 25 1 25
St. James' Balm (1/2 tube) 25 1 25
Steripen 240 1 240
Tarp (incl. guys/pegs/ extra clips) 905 1 905
Thermal Mug 160 1 160
Thermarest (Trail Pro) 905 1 905
Thermarest Towel 50 1 50
Toilet Roll 150 1 150
Trebor Extra Strong Mints 40 1 40
Trowel 65 1 65
Uncle Ben's Express Mixed Rice 255 5 1275
Vegetable Hot Drink 150 1 150
Vinegar Sachet (each) 6 2 12
Vita Soup 40 3 120
Water (1 Litres) 1000 2 2000
Waterproof Stuffsack 115 1 115
Whistle 25 1 25
W'Proof Trousers 330 1 330
2 Rucksack Pockets (incl internal bags) 550 1 550
Axe File 75 1 75
150cm Zebra Billy Can 890 1 890
Binoculars 815 1 815
Boots (pair) 1005 1 1005
Brown Jumper 585 1 585
Folding Saw 185 1 185
Lap Puukko Knife 125 1 125
LongJohns 215 1 215
Long-sleeve Sweatshirt 430 1 430
PacerPoles (incl net bag) 685 1 685
PacerPole Spare Parts 115 1 115
Pack of Co-op Digestive Biscuits 410 1 410
Pot Grabber 60 1 60
Primus Service Kit 70 1 70
Axe/Knife 2-sided Sharpening Stone 190 1 190
Small Forest Axe 875 1 875
Solar Battery Charger 110 1 110
Spare Underpants 80 1 80
Spigot Cap for Dromedary 35 1 35
Small Talc. Powder bottle 105 1 105
Tooth Brush 10 1 10
Tooth Paste 30 1 30
Kestrel Weather Meter 305 1 305


A hearty 28.567 kg !!!

Try not to laugh, although looking at it now I'm finding it difficult myself !!

I'm sure you can get some idea of where the savings were made once I started going through this item by item.

The only thing I would say, is that in terms of my original question "Is it possible to do 'Bushcraft' without a tractor and trailor", I still not so sure it is. As a novice my definitions of Bushcraft could very easily be all wrong, but what I have just come back from felt very much more like "camping" to me rather than "Bushcraft" (is there a difference ?). The stuff I've seen on the telly is more about using the natural resources around you to survive and even live beyond a basic survival level, when you get really good at it. Perhaps there is no real opportunity for out-and-out bushcraft in the UK anyway, but I couldn't have done it on this trip with the gear I had (no knife, no axe, no stone to keep them sharp etc, etc.) even if I'd known how. I didn't even have any weight allowance left over for the book I would have taken the techniques I would need to learn. I may have this all mixed up, so the above is more a statement of confusion about what bushcraft is (compared to what felt like camping) more than anything else, and I'd really appreciate the thoughts of anyone who really does know what they're talking about, because I'm not sure that I understand how that was bushcraft in any way, as much fun as it was.

Anyway, thanks again to everyone who has posted helpful comments on this thread. My kit is drying off now, but when it's finished drying tomorrow I will make my 3 piles of "used all the time", "used occasionally" and "didn't use at all", then I can refine my kit list down even further for my next trip, which can't come soon enough.

 

[Shewie]

Glad you had a good time mate despite the weather.

From your list what things didn't you use ? I have a sneaky feeling that it will probably be nearly half of it ?

 

[Trunks]

Well done for having a go Springer - shame about the weather though.

I know what you are saying about the bushcraft/camping thing, in the beginning i took the kitchen sink too. But over time, you figure out what you never use and scrap it.

As your bushcraft skills develop and your confidence in YOUR abilities grows you will leave the backup and travel even lighter. My next step is to ditch the trangia and just rely on cooking on the camp fire, if it's too wet i can eat the wayfairers emergancy ration cold and take less water and use a small filter.

Thanks for a great thread all, some good tips :You_Rock_

 

[Tengu]

Yes, it helps to have two lists, the stuff you took and the stuff you used.

(and maybe even a third? Stuff it would have been helpful to have?)

Also, leave any uncooperative family members at home. (I long ago gave up on mine)

I too, have never found any difference between bushcraft and camping.

(though bushcraft to me, involves more showing off of kit)

What is a kestrel weather meter and can you convince us ts something we all need badly?

 

[The Joker]

I've enjoyed reading this thread and I like Springer5's honesty on the hole bushcraft and kit thing.

Springer5, go on more trips so I can read more its been fun

 

[rik_uk3]

Basic bushcraft and camping are fundamentally one and the same, both provide you with shelter, heat and comfort. A tarp is only an 'off the shelf' lean to shelter, a tent is just a faster way of providing better shelter than a tarp or lean to; hammocks? not UK traditional and limit you to woodlands.

For me, and this is only my opinion, the term 'Bushcraft' is not a great term to use, Woodmanship, camp craft would perhaps sum up the basics of what the majority here do. Things like plant I.D., wild food foraging, trapping, carving etc are additional skills you can learn if you have the urge.

Look at the old camping books and they are full of 'Bushcraft' but the term was not used back then, it was just camping same as when I was in the Boy Scouts back in the early 60's.

Bushcraft has become a term that is used as an umbrella to cover more and more stuff to the point where its now loosing focus perhaps?

 

[The Joker]

Basic bushcraft and camping are fundamentally one and the same, both provide you with shelter, heat and comfort. A tarp is only an 'off the shelf' lean to shelter, a tent is just a faster way of providing better shelter than a tarp or lean to; hammocks? not UK traditional and limit you to woodlands.

For me, and this is only my opinion, the term 'Bushcraft' is not a great term to use, Woodmanship, camp craft would perhaps sum up the basics of what the majority here do. Things like plant I.D., wild food foraging, trapping, carving etc are additional skills you can learn if you have the urge.

Look at the old camping books and they are full of 'Bushcraft' but the term was not used back then, it was just camping same as when I was in the Boy Scouts back in the early 60's.

Bushcraft has become a term that is used as an umbrella to cover more and more stuff to the point where its now loosing focus perhaps?

Reckon your right there Rik.

 

[calibanzwei]

Two pertinent quotes from the man himself;
"Bushcraft is what you carry in your mind and your muscles."
"Knowledge is the key to survival and the best thing about that is; it doesn't weigh anything."

 

[ocean1975]

I have enjoyed this thread also Where did your dog sleep when you was in your hammock as my mutt likes to be in the hammock with me But i would say it would be alot more comfortable on my own,but i just cant leave him at home when i am out walking in the woods it don't seem right as he loves it

 

[andythecelt]

Backpacking, survivalism, bushcraft, camping, thru-hiking, primitive wilderness skills, hiking, campcraft, woodsmanship, they all have slightly differing definitions but there's a massive overlap in terms of core skills. Why get bogged down in semantics? Just go enjoy the outdoors whatever tribe you subscribe to.

 

[rik_uk3]

I have enjoyed this thread also Where did your dog sleep when you was in your hammock as my mutt likes to be in the hammock with me But i would say it would be alot more comfortable on my own,but i just cant leave him at home when i am out walking in the woods it don't seem right as he loves it

In my experience, the dogs of hammock loving owners often end up getting into a nice warm tent with another camper

 

[bushcraftbob]

I sympathise springer5, I was in exactly the same positiona as you a few years ago, I went on my first hill walking / bushcrafting trip to the Brecons, fully laiden with Millets cheapest (and heaviest!) gear.

Some great advice has been given above, but the best thing to do is just get out there and experience the outdoors and you'll soon realise what is needed and whats not.

PS enjoy Dartmoor its a wicked place!

 

[johnboy]

Hi Springer,

Hey I'm glad you had a good time. It's nice to get out and about and Dartmoor is a perfect spot for that. Your trip will have given you an insight and you will have learnt a few things along the way which is what it's all about really and you got some time in your hammock which IIRC was something you really wanted to do... great stuff..

Cheers

John

 

[johnboy]

The only thing I would say, is that in terms of my original question "Is it possible to do 'Bushcraft' without a tractor and trailor", I still not so sure it is. As a novice my definitions of Bushcraft could very easily be all wrong, but what I have just come back from felt very much more like "camping" to me rather than "Bushcraft" (is there a difference ?). The stuff I've seen on the telly is more about using the natural resources around you to survive and even live beyond a basic survival level, when you get really good at it. Perhaps there is no real opportunity for out-and-out bushcraft in the UK anyway, but I couldn't have done it on this trip with the gear I had (no knife, no axe, no stone to keep them sharp etc, etc.) even if I'd known how. I didn't even have any weight allowance left over for the book I would have taken the techniques I would need to learn. I may have this all mixed up, so the above is more a statement of confusion about what bushcraft is (compared to what felt like camping) more than anything else, and I'd really appreciate the thoughts of anyone who really does know what they're talking about, because I'm not sure that I understand how that was bushcraft in any way, as much fun as it was.

Here in NZ doing what you just did getting out into a wild environment for some backpacking and acting in a self sufficent manner would be called bushcraft. When I did the same thing in the UK 6 years ago I probably would have thought it was backpacking and camping... I don't think it really matters what you call it as long as you have a good time doing it.. That's all that really matters in the end...

 

[springer5]

What is a kestrel weather meter and can you convince us ts something we all need badly?

It's a small device (about the size of a mobile phone) which monitors the weather conditions and can be used (with a bit of practice) to forecast future weather changes. It monitors and automatically records pressure, temperature, humidity, wind direction/speed etc. and can be used, especially in camp, to build up a picture of the overall weather pattern over time.

I do have some basic met skills and have found the device useful in the past when sailing on long trips, but whether it's worth the weight in a rucksack, I don't know.

Chris Townsend swears by something similar in his Backpacking Manual, although I already had mine before from my sailing days.

 

[springer5]

Where did your dog sleep when you was in your hammock

She slept on a groundsheet underneath me (made out of a survival blanket - about 15g). She has her own backpack (small saddle-bags) in which she carries her food, her groundsheet, a coat and a folding food bowl.

 

[springer5]

Springer5, go on more trips so I can read more its been fun

Thanks Joker.

I have set up a small offshore account in Jersey for anyone who wants to sponser any future trips. The account numbers for paying in will be available on request (only kidding of course).

 

[springer5]

I didn't expect my original post to get anything like the response it did, and I'm grateful fir everyone's interest and help.

I guess the thread has pretty much run its course, but thanks again and perhaps I'll get to meet up with some of you on an outing someday.

I'll certainly look forward to more chatter with you in the meantime.

Regards

Springer.