Favourite Films: Waterwalker by Bill Mason
From the moment this film starts rolling and you hear birdsong, you know Waterwalker is not a film just about canoeing. This is confirmed by the first line spoken by Bill Mason in the film…
How To Make Garlic Pan Bread On A Campfire
Pan breads are quick and easy to make, adding a great element to your camping menus. The are delicious, punching above their weight in terms of flavour. They are also both filling and calorific, providing not just…
PK Podcast 011: Andy Chadderton On Life As A Professional Deer Stalker
Professional deer stalker and firearms instructor Andy Chadderton joins me to talk about his work in deer stalking, deer management and education about deer…
#AskPaulKirtley Episode 14: Toxic Firewood, Down Bags, What To Do If Lost, Minimum Bushcrafter Knowledge and Rewilding Britain
In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer questions on toxic firewood, down sleeping bag cost vs weight, what to do if lost in the woods, what knife to carry, sharpening knives on coffee mugs, using contact lenses outdoors for extended periods, the minimum knowledge to be a bushcrafter and rewilding Britain…
European Alternatives To Balsam Fir For Medicinal Purposes
In an article published here on my blog, I outlined the medicinal use of balsam fir, Abies balsamea, for cuts, grazes and sores. I then went on to describe how I had made use of the sap in helping a wound heal while I was on a wilderness canoe trip. The article generated a…
Medicinal Use Of Balsam Fir For Cuts, Grazes & Sores
On a Bloodvein River canoe trip, Amanda and I capsized our canoe on a little rock shelf drop-off. The bow of the boat went a little too far left, into slower water, turning the boat. Consequently we ended somewhat side-on to the flow in a small recirculation. This was enough to turn the boat over…
Why I Stopped Using Petzl Headlamps
The quick answer is that I started using a Surefire Minimus. The long answer is why. Generally, I look after my belongings, outdoor kit or otherwise. My critics might say not to be so precious, “it’s only stuff”. But I’ve always been careful to look after things. Fundamentally, I hate breaking things. I hate waste. I like material possessions to last as long as possible. It is less about frugality and more about…
#AskPaulKirtley Episode 13: Boots, EDC Kit, Bow-Drill Positions, Tracking, Bushcraft During Hunting Season, Powerless Refrigeration
In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer questions about boots, EDC kit, preparing your equipment for outings, getting started with animal tracking, bushcraft during the hunting season, alternative bow-drill positions and ways of managing without refrigeration while camping.
#AskPaulKirtley Episode 12: Starting A Bushcraft School, Storing Bushcraft Knives, Burning Rubbish & Cooking Foraged Starches
In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley, I answer questions on bushcraft qualifications and what you need to do to start a bushcraft company, where to store your bushcraft knife and firesteel so that they don’t corrode, burning rubbish in the campfire and cooking starches found in tuberous roots when foraging.
#AskPaulKirtley Episode 11: Multi-tools vs Bushcraft Knives, Bug Nets, Kit Storage & Worldwide Bushcraft Freedom
In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer questions about multi-tools vs knives, bug nets, am I ever going to run courses “up north”, how and where to store outdoor equipment when you are not using it and where in the world can we go to practice all aspects of bushcraft.