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…
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…
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…
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.
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.
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.
Every year Ray Goodwin and I lead canoe-camping trips on the River Spey in the Scottish Highlands. It’s a lovely river to paddle in an open boat and the surrounding scenery is beautiful. Travelling in such a fantastic natural environment, there are many highlights. Amongst the highlights of a watery nature are several rapids…
In Episode 10 of #AskPaulKirtley, I answer questions about knife lanyard holes, dromedary bags for water storage, my preferred method of sleeping – hammock or tarp, making tinder boxes for Explorer Scouts and discuss if there should be an NGB award for bushcraft…
In this episode I answer questions about useful bushcraft knife techniques, wool blankets, hammocks and poncho liners as well as revisiting medicinal herbs and book recommendations. In addition, I discuss outdoor first aid, in particular first aid for wilderness journeys. I also give some advice on where to find or source materials such as hides, antlers and the like for practising primitive skills…
In Episode 8 of #AskPaulKirtley, I offer some thoughts on preppers and prepping, make some suggestions for helping kids who get frustrated with learning bushcraft skills, suggest some quiet places to camp and forage in the UK, give some specific advice on aspects of firelighting, fires and leave no trace as well as provide some book recommendations for bushcraft and wider campfire reading.