Innovation in Bushcraft

[Chance]

I'm only an occasional visitor to BCUK, and worried that I'm missing out on the best top tips. Inspired by a question asked of a famous TV bushcrafter at one of his recent talks, I'd like to ask the community:

What are the recent innovations (if any) in Bushcraft ?

This could be anything from the leaf-roll-up-tinder idea to the re-discovery of the Evenk hitch; from the folding spork to the perfect hammock design; from a new bannock recipe to a perfected tracking technique. What's made you think "Cool idea!" ?

 

[scanker]

I think the whole hobo stove thread and everyone's different take on the idea and personal innovations are all cool ideas.

It's certainly not new, but I've recently noticed some preference for natural materials over their man-made equivalents, especially ventile and wool.

That's all that jumps to mind for now.

 

[Chance]

Good answer: merino's certainly had an impact recently.

[edit: recent is a subjective measure]

 

[LazySod]

I think the internet is the biggest recent (relative) bushcraft innovation, having said that it was Ray on the box that sparked my interest.

 

[spiritofold]

I think the internet is the biggest recent (relative) bushcraft innovation, having said that it was Ray on the box that sparked my interest.

It was Lofty Wiseman for me, through his books, as well as survival weapony and techniques magazine when i was a kid. I guess that make Lofty an innovation in bushcraft.

I suppose youtube and the net are the most recent innovations, the fact you can get the info so easily, day or night.

 

[John Fenna]

The Internet for sure!
After all - some folks bushcraft never gets furthur than the keyboard/screen





PS - that is meant to be amusing, it is not a dig at anyone, just a wry look at a socio/bushcraft phenomena.
I fully apreciate that for some psycho/social/physical restrictions may prevent them from actually getting outside to enjoy bushcraft yet does not impair their enjoyment of the ethos of bushcraft at a distance.

If I have offended anyone, I sincerely apologise as this was not my intention, and I would hate it if my humour caused any upsets on this forum.


Hows that moon looking?.......

 

[Tadpole]

Not sucking up to Tone in any way, but I’d say if not an “innovation” then something that has contributed massively to the “distribution of knowledge”, would have to be this site. Without it, I’d say half of us would still be stumbling about in the dark. Reliant on reading books and re-watching reruns from the big four experts.
The concept of a bushcrafting moot, comes pretty close second, again it is one thing reading about it, and a whole different world being shown it or watching it ‘live’
I learnt more about making something as simple as a feather stick from watching Mors for half an hour than I have from reading/a re-reading, the books and threads on the subject.

 

[Wallenstein]

I'd say the ferro rod is a pretty good innovation... not sure how long it's been around, but the ability to reliably generate a large shower of hot sparks in any weather in a cigarette-size unit is pretty handy.

I know many people prefer flint 'n' steel, but in terms of ease-of-use and reliability, the ferro rod counts as a decent Bushcraft innovation IMO.

I'd also say some of the water-purification equipment now available is very innovative... the ability to have potable water from almost any source extends the opportunities for wilderness living considerably.

GPS also falls into this category... as an addition to traditional navigation skills, the ability to know your position to within 6ft anywhere in the world is something I imagine many of the Mountain Men of yesteryear would have given their right arm for.

 

[Andy2112]

The Internet for sure!
After all - some folks bushcraft never gets furthur than the keyboard/screen





PS - that is meant to be amusing, it is not a dig at anyone, just a wry look at a socio/bushcraft phenomena.
I fully apreciate that for some psycho/social/physical restrictions may prevent them from actually getting outside to enjoy bushcraft yet does not impair their enjoyment of the ethos of bushcraft at a distance.

If I have offended anyone, I sincerely apologise as this was not my intention, and I would hate it if my humour caused any upsets on this forum.


Hows that moon looking?.......

Careful John, you'll be sitting next to Mr Garland soon

 

[Toddy]

Oh I doubt that

cheers,
Toddy

 

[rik_uk3]

Firesteel is good, I would add the humble mobile phone (for safety) and the throw away lighter, got my first on a School trip to Belgium @ 1967, I was fascinated that you could see the gas in the lighter, then came the clipper lighter, you could refill and re-flint and use over and over; no more worries about damp matches when winter camping in Snowdonia

 

[Shambling Shaman]

I think the whole hobo stove thread and everyone's different take on the idea and personal innovations are all cool ideas.

It's certainly not new, but I've recently noticed some preference for natural materials over their man-made equivalents, especially ventile and wool.

That's all that jumps to mind for now.

I do like the diversity of peoples ideas on the same theme. So internet as a simple idea can be cast over a massive area.

 

[Karl5]

For me I think it must be the big amount of bushcraft schools and media that have sprung to life the last years.
They're all such great sources to learn from.

/ Karl

 

[Tengu]

Kelly kettles
lighters (and lifeboat matches)
lightweight tentage
camping stores
Badon Powell
Tried and tested gear (notice Nessuk had a lot of his custom made)
maps

 

[Chance]

Can anyone add any techniques ?
For instance, was there a Hoodoo hone before mousemats; and have fancy sandpapers made it easier to make a cheap whetstone ?
Are we lighting fires any differently ? Do we know any more about plants ?

 

[Graham_S]

There are a couple of "tricks" I've picked up that I like.
The blow poker, and the "Wayland chain"
Credit has to go to Wayland for bringing these things to my attention.
I find with the practical aspects of bushcraft, it's the little tricks and tips that make all the difference.
It's the reason I love the meets that go on.
The little things people do around camp that they never think to show on the site.
Almost every time I go away with other people I have a "why didn't I think of that" moment.

 

[firecrest]

The Lifesaver bottle - absolute filtering system which can be used on stagnant, even sewage filled water.

 

[Sleepy Weasel]

Dunno about innovations but the exchange of information is much more widespread these days, just look and the hints and tips you get just from this website. In years gone by you would have had to travel extensively to get hold of information which nowadays is available by turning on your computer and accessing the internet.

So, I guess the biggest innovation(IMHO) is the Intraweb thingy, it's not just for porn and downloading mp3's




off now to look at ladieswithnoclotheson.com, and fill me ipod............

 

[Chance]

There are a couple of "tricks" I've picked up that I like.
The blow poker, and the "Wayland chain".

As support to the suggestions of the Internet as innovation #1, on a whim I sacrified a broken arrow to a blow poker this weekend. Although I'm not sure whether it would survive a trip in my own backpack, there was certainly less coughing from the young assistants firing the hobo shield to brew some mint tea.

It's these top tips that I'm worried about missing, the Moot being an impractical journey.

 

[Wayland]

I'd have to sat this site has had a huge effect on my "bushcraft".

I've seen so many cool ideas and found out about kit I never even knew existed.

The meet ups that are run off the back of this site are a must for anyone interested in picking up new ideas and making good contacts too.