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Paul Kirtley

Wilderness Bushcraft. Survival Skills. Outdoor Life.

Bloodvein River trip 2014 participants
Canoeing The Bloodvein River: Six Men and Three Boats in the Wilderness

Canoeing The Bloodvein River: Six Men and Three Boats in the Wilderness

Paul Kirtley Comments 84 comments

Join me on an unforgettable journey down the remote Bloodvein River. Six of us, in three canoes, ventured into one of Canada’s most pristine wilderness areas. In this article, I share the highs and lows of navigating this wild river, from tackling roaring rapids to serene moments surrounded by untouched nature. The Bloodvein tested our skills, strengthened our bonds, and reminded us of the beauty and power of the natural world. We faced some challenges on this trip, but we also experienced incredible experiences that made it memorable. Dive into the full story…

Bushcraft enthusiast with camp set up in the woods
How To Find A Place To Practice Bushcraft Skills In The UK

How To Find A Place To Practice Bushcraft Skills In The UK

Paul Kirtley Comments 74 comments

At some stage, we all want to find somewhere we can go to practice our bushcraft skills. Yet land ownership, laws, bylaws, regulations and access codes limit us in what can be done where. This article shares ideas, considerations and case studies on accessing land in the UK for bushcraft…

Nutritional Breakdown of the PLCE Side Pocket Menu

Nutritional Breakdown of the PLCE Side Pocket Menu

Paul Kirtley Comments 74 comments

I thought it would be useful to have a further look at the macro nutritional balance of the PLCE side pocket menu outlined in a previous article and video. In particular I thought it worthwhile to lay out an analysis of the amounts of carbohydrate, fat and protein in this diet – both proportionate and absolute – as well as the amounts of dietary fibre and sodium it contains…

Bushcraft man with PLCE pouch full of food
How To Pack Enough Food For A Week In A PLCE Side Pocket

How To Pack Enough Food For A Week In A PLCE Side Pocket

Paul Kirtley Comments 169 comments

In a previous video I packed up all of the kit that I take when I working on UK bushcraft courses or camping in that way. It’s my typical baseline northern temperate kit. It all fits easily into a Karrimor Sabre 45 with side pockets, with room to spare. At the end of the…

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Wilderness camp in Canada. An image used in the presentation Integrating Bushcraft with Modern Outdoor life, which explores the topic of using bushcraft skills for modern outdoor life.
Integrating Bushcraft With Modern Outdoor Life

Integrating Bushcraft With Modern Outdoor Life

Paul Kirtley Comments 47 comments

In this presentation, I explore how traditional wilderness skills can—and should—be part of a modern outdoor life, not set apart from it. Drawing on personal experience, real-world examples, and a few honest observations about the state of bushcraft today, I challenge the idea that these skills are only for specialists. Instead, I offer a perspective on how we can integrate them more fully into everyday outdoor activities—whether hiking, paddling, or simply spending more time in nature.

Berghaus Munro daypack leaning against a birch tree with a backdrop of bluebells and woodland
What Gear To Pack For A Day Hike In The Woods

What Gear To Pack For A Day Hike In The Woods

Paul Kirtley Comments 74 comments

When we head out for multi-day hikes, we’re usually quite considered in our choice of equipment. As soon as a trip involves spending at least one night out, we’re usually found reaching for appropriate sleeping equipment, a cooking pot, a means of lighting a fire or a stove, a head-torch, and toilet paper amongst…

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Snugpak Travelpak 3 Sleeping Bag Review

Snugpak Travelpak 3 Sleeping Bag Review

Paul Kirtley Comments 50 comments

People seem to visibly cringe when they ask me about sleeping bags. The conversation goes something along the lines of “Paul, I’d like to buy a new sleeping bag, what do you recommend? What do you actually use yourself?” “Well, I have half a dozen sleeping bags” “What?!” “Well it depends on where I’m…

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Bellroy Very Protective: An Adventure-Tough Wallet?

Bellroy Very Protective: An Adventure-Tough Wallet?

Paul Kirtley Comments 10 comments

Little things can make a big difference. I certainly find this is the case when I’m travelling. I like to have a place for everything and everything in its place. The danger is, of course, that you end up adding bulk and weight to your kit by using organisational items. If you’re not careful,…

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Wilderness woods and lakes
A Framework For Preparing Yourself For A Survival Situation

A Framework For Preparing Yourself For A Survival Situation

Paul Kirtley Comments 69 comments

How do you prepare yourself — truly prepare — for the unexpected in the outdoors? This article outlines a clear and practical framework for developing the mindset, skills, and judgement that underpin real-world survival. Drawing on experience, not just theory, it explores how to assess risk realistically, build relevant competence, and avoid the pitfalls that catch out even experienced outdoorspeople.

a variety of sharpening stones options
Portable Sharpening Stones: Keeping Your Edge On The Trail

Portable Sharpening Stones: Keeping Your Edge On The Trail

Paul Kirtley Comments 116 comments

When we are at home, in a cabin or a fixed camp, we can use full-sized bench stones to sharpen our cutting tools. When we are on the move, however, we do not want to be carrying full-sized stones. They have a similar density to bricks. Even a full-sized combination stone, which would provide…

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