Our Essential Guide to Bushcraft Equipment
Bushcraft is defined as ‘skills gained by, or necessary for, living in the bush.’ For many people across the UK and beyond, bushcraft offers a chance to return to the simple things in life and head out into the wilderness with minimal supplies and a sense of adventure.
This practice provides a huge sense of achievement and can be incredibly fun. However, you need to make sure you’re fully prepared. While bushcraft is about facing extreme challenges, being safe and prepared is crucial.
In this guide, we will recommend suitable products for bushcraft expeditions and top tips to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience.
Recommended Products
Here are our recommended products for your next bushcraft adventure. While the specifics of your camp setup and supplies are up to you, we suggest focusing on the essentials to begin with - shelter, sleeping arrangements, appropriate clothing and a sturdy rucksack.
Shelter & Sleeping
Your setup will depend entirely on your preferences. You can choose between a tent/bivvy bag with a sleeping bag or a tarp and hammock. Note that using a sleeping bag inside a hammock is generally not recommended because the weight compresses the fibres, reducing insulation.
Here are some options:
The Snugpak® Ionosphere IX™ WGTE 1-Person Tent
The Snugpak® Ionosphere IX™ WGTE is the ideal tent for bushcraft enthusiasts. It’s compact, easy to pitch, and weighs just 1200g. The Ionosphere IX™ WGTE features a 500m hydrostatic PU-coated fly sheet for superior weather protection and a built-in mosquito net to keep insects at bay. With ample floor space for one person plus gear or two in a pinch, it’s perfect for any bushcraft adventure.
Find out more about the Ionosphere™ IX WGTE.
Softie 9 WGTE Sleeping Bag
The Softie 9 WGTE is a versatile, three-season sleeping bag suitable for temperatures as low as -10°C. Despite its impressive insulation, it remains lightweight and compact, compressing to just 21cm x 19cm. This makes it the perfect choice for those who prioritise both functionality and portability in their bushcraft gear.
Experience unparalleled warmth and comfort with the Softie 9 WGTE Sleeping Bag.
Travelite Sleeping Mat Full WGTE
A sleeping mat enhances comfort, ensuring you wake up well-rested and refreshed for the next day’s exploring. Our self-inflating, non-slip sleeping mat is lightweight and compact, making it the practical choice for a good night’s sleep on the go. Don’t sacrifice comfort - find camping solutions that support your active lifestyle.
Check out the Travelite Sleeping Mat Full WGTE today.
Paratex Liner WGTE
If you’re heading out into nature, it’s important to keep your sleeping bag clean and yourself warm and dry. The Paratex sleeping bag liner efficiently draws moisture away from your body, ensuring a dry and comfortable sleeping environment. Whether deep in the wilderness or just exploring your local woodlands, this liner will protect your sleeping bag and keep you comfortable throughout the night.
Discover the ultimate in sleeping bag liners with the Paratex Liner WGTE.
All Weather Shelter G2 WGTE
If you prefer using a tarp and hammock over a tent, the Snugpak All Weather Shelter G2 WGTE is a great choice. This 9.3m² rhombus-shaped tarp handles any weather - sun, wind, rain, or snow. It’s super easy to set up, and its earthy colour blends right into the British countryside. Pair it with a Snugpak hammock for the ultimate bushcraft camp setup.
Shield yourself from the elements with the All Weather Shelter G2 WGTE now!
Tropical Hammock WGTE
The Tropical Hammock WGTE is robust and lightweight, perfect for a night among the trees.
Made from parachute nylon with triple-stitched seams, this hammock is built to last. Combine it with an underblanket and tarp for a cosy set-up, whatever the weather. After a day of exploring and honing your survival skills, unwind and enjoy a restful sleep with a quality hammock from Snugpak.
Ready for your next adventure? Check out the Tropical Hammock WGTE now!
Bivvy Bag WGTE / Stratosphere WGTE
Another excellent sleeping option is a bivvy bag, such as the Bivvi Bag WGTE or the more advanced Stratosphere WGTE. Compact and easy to pack, bivvy bags are a dependable addition to any bushcraft kit and can be used with or without a sleeping bag.
With summer upon us, now is the time to try out bivvying. While tents are great for winter, nothing compares to sleeping under the stars in a bivvy bag during warmer months. Bivvy bags let you camp in spots where tents can’t go, like near rocks or on mountain summits. They provide a true bushcraft experience, keeping you warm and dry while allowing you to sleep close to the ground and fully immerse yourself in nature.
Clothing
Having a quality jacket to protect you against the elements is crucial for any successful bushcraft experience. We have a range of fantastic insulated and waterproof jackets; here are some of our top picks.
Enhanced Patrol Poncho WGTE
For bushcraft aficionados, the Enhanced Patrol Poncho WGTE is an obvious choice. It offers 100% waterproof protection for you and your backpack while being super lightweight at less than 450g. Its smock design also doubles as an emergency bivvy, providing essential shelter when you need to spend an unexpected night outdoors.
Be ready for whatever nature has to throw at you with the Enhanced Patrol Poncho WGTE.
Sleeka Elite WGTE
For a super cosy, quick-drying, and lightweight jacket, try the Sleeka Elite WGTE. Reinforced patches provide durability, while its breathable design allows for full mobility for foraging, building fires, or setting up shelter. Adjustable drawstrings keep warmth in and cold out, and it even compresses into a handy stuff sack for added convenience on the go.
Find out more about the Sleeka Elite WGTE
Softie Jacket Range
Engineered for the most resilient adventurers, the SJ Range is our latest innovation in bushcraft outerwear. These jackets are windproof, breathable, water-repellant, and feature Softie Premier insulation for maximum comfort. The Softie Jacket 6 offers midweight warmth, while the Softie Jacket 9 is built to withstand the harshest conditions.
Experience the ultimate in outdoor comfort with the SJ6 and SJ9.
Rucksack
With your shelter, sleeping arrangements, and an insulated jacket sorted, the next step is to consider how you’ll transport your gear. A quality rucksack is crucial for carrying all your bushcraft essentials. Look for a rucksack that is spacious enough to accommodate your equipment while remaining lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear.
XOCET WGTE
For bushcraft fans, the Xocet WGTE is a solid pick for a daypack. This durable 35-litre rucksack has padded shoulder straps for comfort and MOLLE webbing for attaching extra gear. It is spacious and built to last, making it a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a reliable and well-organised pack for their outdoor expeditions.
Check out the Xocet WGTE today.
Rocketpack WGTE
Need a little more space for your bushcraft gear? The Rocketpak WGTE is designed for serious hikers, trekkers, and explorers. It has a 70-litre capacity, which can be reduced to 40 litres by removing the side compartments. It also has padded chest straps and a breathable back system, making it perfect for spending long days outdoors.
Pack like a pro with the Rocketpack WGTE!
Additional Items
For a successful bushcraft experience, consider packing some of the following items to ensure you stay clean, safe and warm. While bushcraft is meant to challenge you, it shouldn’t be an unbearable endurance test. Be sure to pack equipment that will enhance your trip by improving your comfort and safety in the wild.
- Dri Sak
- Emergency Blanket
- Wash Bag
- Towel
- Fire Starting Kit
- Multi-Tool
- Water Filter
- Compass & Map
- First Aid Kit
Mastering bushcraft is not just about surviving in the wild; it’s about thriving and embracing the challenge with the right equipment and the right mindset. Set yourself up for success with expertly designed bushcraft gear from Snugpak. Preparation is key, so gear up, stay safe, and have fun!
Uncover the best in Bushcraft & Survival Equipment with Snugpak - gear up for your next adventure today!