Paul Kirtley

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I start with a big-picture question: is there such a thing as a bushcraft mindset, distinct from survival mindset? From there we move our thinking to the winter woods and look at how to move from guided courses to planning your own unsupported journeys in the boreal forest. I also answer a practical paddling question about additional buoyancy in open canoes, including when you might reasonably leave the buoyancy bags out. Finally, I tackle a short but frequent question: how do you get hold of one of “my” knives; I also use this as an opportunity to revisit the discussion about what place do premium tools really have in a world where a simple Mora still does the job.

In this episode, I answer a series of practical questions covering gear care, camp comfort, and tool use. I start with how to keep your waterproof jackets and trousers performing properly, then move on to choosing and adapting sleep systems for different conditions—from hammocks in the tropics to bivvy bags in the snow. I also explain how to tell when your knife needs sharpening, why stropping isn’t always enough, and the reasoning behind smaller bushcraft knives such as the PK2. Finally, I address the idea of wearing waterproofs to bed—does it really help, or just leave you damp and cold? As always, my aim is to share what works in the field, not just in theory.

In this episode I share my top five knots for bushcraft and outdoor life, then answer what really makes a good travelling companion on wilderness trips. I also discuss what it would take for me to teach courses in the USA, offer advice on lighting fire dogs from previous campfires, and reflect on how students today compare with those of 15–20 years ago.

In Episode 90 of #AskPaulKirtley, I answer listener questions on where I would go for a leisure canoe trip, how I balance compass use with natural navigation cues, and practical ways to improve weather forecasting skills without technology. I also reflect on some of my most beautiful moments in nature, from mountain sunsets to close wildlife encounters, and finish with some practical tips on making feather sticks.