Paul Kirtley - Wilderness Bushcraft. Survival Skills. Outdoor Life.

#AskPaulKirtley 88 – Adze Use in Bushcraft, Bow Drill Hearth Lifespan, Friction Firewood Seasoning, Canoe Trip Fitness, and Skills I’m Learning

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In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley, I respond to five new questions from the community. I explore the potential use of the adze in bushcraft, how long a bow drill hearth board will last, and the best wood conditions for creating fire by friction. I also discuss how to physically prepare for a Canadian canoe expedition, and finally, I reflect on some of the wilderness skills I’m currently pursuing more deeply, including basketry and lithic technology.

Man in checked shirt standing in front of a presentation slide titled "The Influence of The Nordic Way - Some Personal Reflections"

Reflections on the Nordic Way – My GBS 2025 Keynote Presentation

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The organisers of the 2025 Global Bushcraft Symposium in Sweden invited me to deliver a keynote presentation. The theme of the symposium was The Nordic Way. My talk explored how Nordic influences have shaped not only my bushcraft journey but also the broader international bushcraft community. In this post, I share the full recording of that presentation along with some context for those who couldn’t attend in person.

Man sitting on rock, holding lightweight travel 12 gauge shot gun in polar bear country

PK Podcast 59: Stephan Kesting on Life and Death in the Subarctic

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Stephan Kesting, author of Perseverance: Life and Death in the Subarctic, joins me to discuss a long-planned solo canoe journey through remote northern Canada, which took on extra significance following a life-threatening illness. In this episode, he shares the story behind the trip, the challenges he faced, and the motivations that led him to undertake such an ambitious expedition. We also discuss how his background in biology, firefighting, and martial arts all played a role in shaping both the journey and the lessons that came from it.

Pinyon pine cones atop a small pinyon pine tree.

Wild Plant Usage Across Cultures: Is Four Hundred Species The Benchmark?

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Traditional cultures across the world, and through time, have held remarkable ethnobotanical knowledge. If you aim to excel in bushcraft, long-term survival, or traditional living skills, having a high degree of plant knowledge is essential. In this article, I explore how various traditional cultures, past and present, lived from the land – examining the number of plants they relied on for food, medicine, and materials to sustain their lives and culture.

Les Stroud, Survivorman, sitting in the middle of a tree

PK Podcast 58: Les Stroud On The Question Of Bigfoot

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Known to millions around the world as Survivorman, Les is a pioneer of survival television and an icon in the outdoor and survival communities. With his groundbreaking series Survivorman, Les redefined the genre by filming and surviving entirely on his own in remote locations and harsh environments. In 2014 Les began recording a 10-part series on Bigfoot. He says it took him places he did not expect to go and gave him perspectives he did not expect to have. And now he’s coming back for more. It’s an area of backwoods lore and legend he can’t leave alone. He joins me on this podcast to talk about why this is such an area of fascination for him and what questions he hopes to answer in his latest film project…

Glimpse of a Scottish mountain loch, surrounded by native pine trees

Wild Wanderings 12 – Loch Morlich: A Gem Of The Cairngorms National Park

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Loch Morlich is a relatively small but scenic freshwater lake in the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland. I’ve visited this area many times and always enjoy a walk around the loch. In this edition of Wild Wanderings, I’d like to share some of the nature and significance of Loch Morlich with you…

Closeup of outdoor trouser pocket with item being placed into it.

My Essential Pocket Gear for Bushcraft and Wilderness Trips

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When it comes to bushcraft and wilderness trips, having the right gear in your pockets can make all the difference. In this article, I share the essential pocket gear that I carry with me on every outdoor adventure – whether I’m teaching bushcraft, leading a canoe trip, or exploring remote trails. It’s not about carrying a survival kit crammed into every pocket, but rather a thoughtful selection of items that it’s about strike a balance between practicality, preparedness, and convenience. Discover what I carry and why, and get some ideas for your own outdoor pocket setup….

Swedish man in the forest by a small fire

PK Podcast 57: Mattias Norberg On The Art Of Fire

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Discover the fascinating journey of Mattias Norberg, a leading Swedish expert in fire-making and wilderness survival, as he shares insights from over 25 years of teaching experience. Author of Konsten att Elda (“The Art of Fire”), Mattias has taught survival and firecraft techniques throughout Sweden, from advanced courses in the far north to plant courses in the south. In this podcast episode, we discuss Sweden’s outdoor culture, traditional and modern fire skills, and unique techniques influenced by the Scandinavian environment. Don’t miss this deep dive into the art of fire!

Paracord lanyard fixed loop containing ferro rod, striker, whistle and microlight

How I Optimise My Ferro Rod Pocket Carry

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Carrying a ferro rod securely while keeping it easily accessible is crucial in the field. In this article, I share my optimized ferro rod pocket-carry setup using paracord, a mini carabiner, with the option of adding other essentials like a whistle and a light. This streamlined system ensures quick deployment of the ferro rod and minimizes the risk of losing vital gear during wilderness trips. Whether you’re on a bushcraft course or a solo expedition, this setup will keep your pocket kit safe and ready when you need it most.

Happy , bearded American man in the woods, leaning against a tree, wearing camouflage pattern jacket and red cap.

PK Podcast 56: Craig Caudill on Nature Reliance, Good Woodsmanship and Traditional Bushcraft

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Craig Caudill is Director and Lead Instructor of Nature Reliance School, based in Kentucky, USA. Craig has taught backcountry skills for many years. He’s also a seasoned writer, to date being the author of eight books on backcountry skills and knowledge. It was great to finally record an episode of my podcast with Craig as guest, to learn more about his background and teachings. Craig and I actually share some similar philosophies and it was great to riff on these a bit in this episode too…