Be enchanted by communing with nature
You'll find practical tips and encouragement regarding bushcraft clothing and quotes from classics in the genre: Nessmuck, Mors Kochanski, and Ray Mears, lovers and experts in camping secrets.
Experts and designers of the Helikon-Tex brand also draw upon their knowledge, putting into your hands clothing and accessories born from the fusion of knowledge and passion.
Knowledge, the most important luggage
"You won't need anything overly complicated, sophisticated, or delicate. The contents of your luggage should be appropriate to the climate and nature of the trip you plan to take."
Ray Mears (ur. 1964) – „Essential bushcraft”
Bushcraft clothing should meet several requirements to ensure proper safety and comfort while camping:
Durability
Vegetation and terrain in the forest require wearing solid clothing. Tree branches and shrubs quickly wear out delicate shirt material, and sharp stones protruding from the ground can damage pant legs.
These are well-known problems solved by Duracanvas material:
- composition: 65% polyester, 33% cotton, 2% elastane
- increased abrasion resistance
- resistant to campfire sparks
- suitable for waxing
Practicality
Anyone can lose gloves or a knife. At Helikon-Tex, we create bushcraft clothing to be solid and practical:
- many pockets, often with organizers
- loops to attach accessories so they are at hand and not lost
- Canadian buttons on the belt that are easy to fasten with gloves
- wide sleeves easy to roll up, even in jackets
- earth-toned colors that blend with forest hues
- ventilation, adjustments, etc.
Bushcraft clothing, what to wear in the woods
"Choose clothing you feel best and which will serve you long, without considering others' opinions. Camping, you have the right to feel as free as possible."
John Mead Gould (1839-1930) – „How to Camp Out”
Armed with knowledge about what features your bushcraft clothing should have, you can choose your wardrobe according to your preferences.
Anoraks
Inuit-style jackets worn over the head. They have gained popularity since the late 19th century due to their comfortable design and practical use. Often, they have a large front pocket for small items and/or a pass-through pocket for hands.
Two excellent jackets for bushcraft activities are the Anorak Pilgrim, made from Duracanvas, and the Anorak Woodsman, with a softshell insert on the back. Our blog has an article about these jackets.
Shirts
Comfortable, loose, classic shirts have long been associated with spending time on a campsite. You can choose the Duracanvas version, the Woodsman shirt, or several variants of the Winter Warden shirt with light synthetic insulation. Why synthetic? Because it dries much faster after getting wet.
Military jacket
The preference for simple, solid, and practical solutions applies to both the military and bushcraft. Since Helikon-Tex originates from both environments, it offers a jacket that combines both worlds: the SAS Smock.
Pants
A key element of bushcraft attire. They must be durable, so we recommend versions made from Duracanvas. Since campsite activities often involve working on the ground (e.g., starting a fire), knee protectors could be installed.
With bushcraft activities in mind, the Pilgrim pants were created. You can learn more about these pants in an article.
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Bushcraft backpack, bag, and first aid kit
"A man of the woods must consider not only what and how he will cook, but also how many days he will spend in the woods."
Elmer Harry Kreps (1880-1957) – „Woodcraft”
How long you camp in the woods depends on the size of your luggage. Therefore, it's good to plan packing and, above all, transport your gear to be as easy as possible. Today, there are many possibilities:
Backpack
Ideally, it should have a main compartment and side pockets for smaller items. It is useful to be able to attach a sleeping bag or jacket underneath. Welcome features include pass-through pockets, trekking poles, shock cords, and MOLLE/PALS tapes.
The bushcraft Bergen backpack meets all these requirements.
Bag
In addition to a backpack, take a small bag, such as the Bushcraft Satchel, as a handy source of useful items. It can easily hold a compass, survival can, bottle, knife, small axe, etc.
Belt
A convenient solution instead of carrying a heavy backpack/bag. Even weight distribution doesn't burden the spine, and all essential items are at hand. The best belt is one that can be worn both under and over a jacket. For this purpose, the Forester bushcraft belt was created.
First Aid Kit
A mandatory element of every trip. Everyone should tailor the contents of their first aid kit to their needs and planned activities. Currently, many first aid kits are available so everyone can find one suitable for their needs. In the woods, the Bushcraft First Aid Kit works best.
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Bushcraft accessories and additional gear
"The ability to start a fire is the most useful and important element in bushcraft, especially when it's cold. Fire warms, dries, purifies water, and makes food safe. Fire turns a random spot in the woods into a home."
Mors Kochanski (1940-2019) – „Bushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival”
Over the years, the list of items that enthusiasts of spending time outdoors in nature have taken with them has changed.
For example, John Mead Gould recommended packing a songbook and half a barrel, while Nessmuck took a dozen buttons and a very small file for sharpening fish hooks.
Here, too, everything depends on planned activities and the terrain you'll be in, but certain items are almost always useful:
- Scout Mk2 Firesteel
- Ranger Mk2 Lighted Compass
- Supertarp
- Mosquito Net
- Steel Pathfinder Stove with Bottle
- Swagman Roll Poncho
