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Best Haversacks for Minimalist Bushcrafters

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When venturing into the wild, a lightweight haversack is key, but first, let’s discuss the materials they are made from. While high-quality leather looks and feels great, it’s generally too heavy for a lightweight haversack. Polyester is light and affordable but often lacks the robustness needed for bushcraft. The top materials for lightweight bushcraft haversacks are:
1. Waxed Canvas
  • Pros: Extremely durable, develops a rugged patina over time, and is highly water-resistant. It’s tough enough for the most challenging conditions.
  • Cons: The heaviest of the three materials and not very breathable.
2. Oilcloth
  • Pros: Lightweight, excellent water resistance, and easy to clean. Perfect for keeping your gear dry.
  • Cons: Slightly less durable than waxed canvas and potentially flammable.
3. Nylon
  • Pros: Lightweight, strong, and flame-resistant. Cordura 500D is a heavier-duty variant that’s exceptionally durable and water-resistant.
  • Cons: Less water-resistant than waxed canvas or oilcloth unless treated. Can melt and drip under high heat, posing burn risks.
For minimalist bushcraft haversack, consider these lightweight options:
  1. Helikon-Tex Bushcraft Satchel
    • Material: Cordura 500D (heavy-duty nylon)
    • Weight: 1.06 lb (500g)
    • Features: Multiple pockets and compartments, large main pocket with a heavy-duty zipper, side attachments for tools, and a solid shoulder strap with quick-release buckles.
    • Price: $59 – $73
  2. Campcraft Outdoors XL Haversack
    • Material: Waxed canvas
    • Weight: 0.85 lb (390g)
    • Features: Adjustable shoulder strap, extra-large single pouch, heavy-duty stitching, hand waxed for water resistance.
    • Price: Around $45
  3. FJÄLLRÄVEN Greenland Shoulder Bag
    • Material: G-1000 (poly-cotton, waterproof, and weather-resistant)
    • Weight: 0.64 lb (290g)
    • Features: Large main compartment, smaller sub-compartments for organization. Wax supplied by the company for added waterproofing.
    • Price: Around $135
 
For oilcloth haversacks, visit Etsy. The main advantage of oilcloth haversacks is how lightweight they are. Some are in the range of 6-12 ounces! Happy hunting. For classes on survival and bushcraft, go to my shop tab, click on the class you want to attend, pick the date that works for you and go to the checkout. “I’ll see you in the wild!”
 

Battling the Freeze: Essential Tips for the Prevention and Treatment of Frostbite

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Frostbite is nature’s brutal way of reminding you who’s boss. When temperatures plummet and you’re exposed to the biting cold for too long, your skin and the tissues beneath can literally freeze solid. It’s the extremities—fingers, toes, ears, and nose—that take the worst hit. Initially, your skin turns ice-cold and red, then goes numb, hard, and pale as it progresses. The more severe the frostbite, the deeper it bites, tearing through muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, sometimes leading to permanent damage or even amputation. From a mild stinging sensation to skin turning a sinister shade of purple or black, frostbite is relentless. Dressing in layers, covering every inch of skin, and seeking warmth as quickly as possible are essential to stave off this icy menace. Once frostbite sets in, immediate medical help is your only lifeline.

Remember the colors red, white, and blue? They’re not just about patriotism—they’re your body waving the white flag to the cold.

Red: The early stage, known as frostnip, where your skin turns red and cold. You’ll feel pain, numbness, and that dreaded pins and needles sensation, especially in your hands and feet. Time to escape the cold, find heat, and seek shelter.

White (and early blue): This is superficial or second stage frostbite. Your skin turns white and stiff, like wax, with the tissue freezing underneath. Strangely, your skin might feel hot at this point. Your body’s sending out distress signals—get warm now!

Blue: Deep frostbite is the real deal. Both superficial and deep tissues are frozen. Your skin turns blue and splotchy, circulation is clogged up, and you’ll start getting blisters. Ignore it, and your skin will turn black and die, leading to potential amputation.

Immersion foot (trench foot): Think WWI. When feet are stuck in water below 60°F for too long, it wrecks the nerves, leaving lasting damage.

So how do you stave off these icy attacks? Get out of the cold, find shelter, find heat, and strip off those wet clothes and shoes. Start rewarming—slowly. It’s gonna hurt, but it’s necessary. Too fast, and you risk stopping your heart. For frostbite, soak the affected area in warm water (not above 103°F) for 30 minutes, replacing the water as needed. Skin should turn red again. Give Ibuprofen for pain and to help blood flow. Whatever you do, don’t let the tissue refreeze—that’s a one-way ticket to more damage. And no rubbing frozen skin!

Remember, it’s a cold, cruel world out there. Stay warm, stay vigilant.

 

The Healing Walk of the Forest: Discover the Power of Phytoncides and Forest Bathing

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Have you ever spent time in a forest and later noticed how at peace you felt? Did you notice how well you slept that night? Did you feel better physically? The trees and green plants of the forest emit invisible biochemicals called phytoncides that create a shield of protection around them to ward off harmful microbes, insects, bacteria, and fungal infections. When you are in a forest, you inhale these phytoncides and benefit from their medicinal qualities, such as a reduction in stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and a boost to your immune system. These phytoncides cause your body to increase white blood cells which fight off viruses and other microbes. The phytoncides are also beneficial in that they have anticancer properties, improve your respiratory and cardiovascular health, and even elevate your mood. The air of the forest can relax you and helps to calm nervous energy. It helps with insomnia. A two hour walk in the forest can produce enough white blood cell activity and a health boost that can last for days. In Japan they practice Shinrin-yoku, which according to my research translates as “forest bathing.” Could the Japanese, who have the highest life expectancy globally, be on to something? These phytoncides are part of what gives essential oils there powerful medicinal properties. There are thousands of phytoncides, but the most common forest-related compounds are listed as follows: camphene, pinene, limonene, myrcene, and sabinene. Forest bathing, hiking and camping are great ways to get a dose of these healing phytoncides, which aid in our physical and mental well-being. Depressed? Stressed? Feeling tired or worn out? Time to get out into the wild for a recharge! Getting outside, getting sunlight and breathing in that fresh medicinal air is an exceptional way to promote your health.

 

First Aid Kit for Camping or Road Trip

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We live in an era marked by danger and conflict. Every day brings new reports of horrific car wrecks, accidents, assaults, crime, war, and other misfortunes. In such an increasingly dangerous world, what can the common man do to protect his family’s health and wellbeing?

Building First Aid Kits of varying sizes is a practical step. Start with an IFAK or a small kit for your hiking, survival, or bugout pack. Then, create a medium-sized kit for your truck or SUV. Finally, assemble a large First Aid Kit, often referred to as a “jump bag,” which typically involves a duffel bag that can be slung over your shoulder. Below is an alphabetical list for a Camping or Road Trip (a larger kit):

Abdominal Pads

Ace Bandages

Adhesive bandages (different sizes)

Adhesive tape

Ammonia Inhalants

Antibiotic Ointment

Antibiotics (bacterial infections) and Miconazole (fungal or yeast infections)

Antihistamines (Claritin D, Benadryl)

Antiseptic wipes

Antiseptics

Blister Pads

Burn Cream or Gel

Butterfly Bandages

Cell Phone-Have it fully charged before you leave and have a charger in your vehicle

Cold packs

Contractor Garbage Bags-Place contaminated clothing inside these rugged bags or use the bags for a make-shift shelter

Cotton Balls

Cotton Bandanas

CPR Mask

Dramamine

Drawing Salve (stings, insect bites, splinters, etc)

Duct Tape

Electrolyte Tablets

Emergency blanket

Epipen

Eye Wash

Finger Splint

Fire Starter (minimum 3 ways to start a fire)

Flashlight-Have extra batteries, I swear by Surefire flashlights

Hand Sanitizer

Hemostatic Gauze and Powder

Hydrocortisone Cream

Hyfin Chest Seal or Vented Chest Seal

IFAK

Imodium

Insect Sting Relief Wipes.

Laxatives

Latex or vinyl gloves

Liquid Bandage

Moleskins

Multitool-endless uses

N95 Mask (if more dire of a situation switch to a gas mask)

Narcan

Nasopharyngeal airway – 28 FR

Needle and Thread stored in Isopropyl Alcohol

Non-stick Pads

Notebook/Pens

Pain-reliever (Aleve, Tylenol, Acetaminophen, etc)

Paracord

Poison Ivy Rinse

Portable Radio-Find out what is going on in the rest of the world

Potassium Iodate (KI) Tablets-This will protect your thyroid if there is a radiological emergency

Powdered Gatorade

Prescription Medications

Prilosec

Quikclot or Celox

Rolled Gauze

Safety Pins

Saline Eye Drops

SAM Splint

Shears (like what EMTs and Fire Fighters use to remove clothing)

Shoe covers

Silk Medical Tape Roll

Snake Bite Kit

Splints

Sterile gauze pads

Sunscreen

Superglue

Thermometer

Tick Removal Tool

Tourniquet

Triangular Bandages

Tweezers

Vaseline

Water Purification Tablets

Whistle/Signaling

Wool Blankets (minimum two)

Wound Irrigation Syringes

 

Is there anything you would add to this list? For more content and training that could save your life, check out survivalschoolmichigan.com

 

 

Hardtack: The Timeless Survival Biscuit

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Hardtack

Hardtack is more than just a simple biscuit—it’s a steadfast companion that has traveled through the annals of history alongside humanity’s bravest explorers, seafarers, and soldiers. From the days of ancient Egypt, where it sustained sailors on the Nile, to the ranks of the Roman legions marching across vast empires, hardtack has been a reliable source of sustenance.

During the tumultuous Middle Ages, soldiers in battle relied on these resilient crackers, known by various names such as sea biscuit or ship’s biscuit, as their unyielding ally in the face of hunger. Hardtack’s legacy continued to expand, becoming a staple aboard naval vessels across the globe, ensuring that seafarers had a durable food supply on long voyages.

In the American Civil War, hardtack was indispensable for soldiers on both sides, often softened in coffee or soup to make it more palatable. Fast forward to the 20th and 21st centuries, this hardy bread earned the moniker “pilot bread” as it was carried by aviators, proving its worth in the skies.

In a world where modern conveniences might fail, hardtack shines as a beacon of survival. Its incredible durability allows it to last for years when kept dry, outlasting the need for electricity or refrigeration. With just a few simple ingredients—flour, water, and a pinch of salt—anyone can whip up this life-sustaining biscuit.

When you need to bug out, hardtack’s lightweight and compact nature makes it an ideal companion. You can carry enough to sustain yourself without being weighed down, and its versatility in use means you can turn it into a variety of meals.

This recipe makes approximately nine squares, each about 3″x3″. On average, one or two squares would be served per person, making this batch capable of feeding 4 to 9 people.

Recipe for nine squares:

  • 2 cups of flour (use white or whole wheat)
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
  • ½ to ¾ cup of water

Instructions:

  • Preheat your oven to 375 degrees
  • Mix the flour and the salt up in a bowl or container
  • Mix water into the flour and salt until you make dough
  • Roll your dough onto a hard surface that has been pre-floured
  • Get the dough good and floury to where it won’t stick
  • Cut this dough into squares about 3”x3”
  • Use a chopstick or other similar object to poke holes in each of the nine squares
  • Poke anywhere from 9-15 holes in each 3”x3” square
  • Place the squares on a baking sheet, ungreased
  • Bake for a half hour at 375 degrees, turn it over and bake on the other side for a half hour
  • If it is not completely dry or hard, keep baking each side

Once your hardtack emerges from the oven, let it cool completely. If you store it in an airtight container, it can last for many months, even years, preserving its legacy as an enduring survival food. Transform your Hardtack into a culinary delight:

  • Soak and Savor: To enjoy hardtack without risking your dental health, soak it in water, coffee, broth, or soup until it softens up. This simple trick makes it much more palatable.
  • Fry for Flavor: For a delicious twist, pan fry your hardtack. Many people love frying it in bacon grease, adding a rich, savory taste.
  • Perfect Pairing: Hardtack pairs wonderfully with soups and stews, complementing the hearty flavors and providing a satisfying crunch.

When times are tough or you’re in an emergency or survival situation, hardtack stands as a reliable ration. While it may not earn a Michelin star, this humble bread will keep you alive and well when you need it most. Bon appétit, adventurer!

Cutting Edge: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Bushcraft Blade

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knife, hunting knife, hand

Embarking on an adventure in the wilderness requires the right tools, and the most important one is a good knife. When deciding on a bushcraft knife, you want to look at the following qualities: full-tang, preferably no coating, no serration (no saw teeth on the spine), 90-degree spine, 4.5-6” blade length, high-carbon steel, and a good Scandinavian or flat grind.
In the wild, a good knife becomes your best friend and sidekick, useful for numerous tasks that you will encounter. In my experience, the problem of knowing which bushcraft knife to buy always surfaces. There are endless options, and choosing the right bushcraft cutting tool can become daunting. In this article, we will cover some of the prominent knives out there and weigh their strengths and weaknesses. Whether you are a beginner or on par with Mors Kochanski himself, we’ve got the insights you need to make a wise decision when purchasing a blade and will have you wilderness-ready for your next adventure.
I will describe 10 knives that are among the best in the bushcraft world. As a survival instructor, I have noticed that, on numerous occasions, new students arrive at my school with a Gerber knife, either the Bear Grylls knife or the Ultimate Survivor knife. Sometimes students will spend another $40 and get the Gerber Gear Strongarm knife. Every time I cringe. These knives would be good if they were the ONLY thing I had in the wild, but apart from that, they are little more than a paperweight. I own the Bear Grylls knife, given to me one Christmas by a well-meaning in-law. The Bear Grylls and Ultimate Survivor are serrated knives that cannot throw a spark when partnered with a ferro rod (or at least not very well). The spine is next to useless, and I dislike the coating on the blades. I found carving to be difficult when using this blade. If I had another pair of hands, I would give Gerber knives four thumbs down, Dave Chappelle style when impersonating Rick James. I have now gotten in the habit of telling prospective students to not buy a Gerber knife! Save your money and buy one of the following. You are welcome!
I have found that some of the best things come from Sweden. Sweden has the best heavy metal music and some of the prettiest women on Earth. Not only that, but Sweden also makes some of the best knives, such as the Fallkniven F1. The F1 is the official survival knife of the Swedish Air Force, and for good reason. The knife is 8.3 inches long, and the blade length is 3.8 inches. My only complaint is that the blade is a little short, making batoning wood difficult. The knife is made of VG-10 stainless steel. It is a drop-point knife with a convex grind, making it good for splitting and easy to maintain. However, I prefer a Scandinavian or flat grind for finer cutting and carving. The knife is full tang and comes coated in a satin finish or black CeraKote if you request it. You can purchase an F1 on Amazon for around $171. The other Swedish knife on my list is the Mora Pathfinder. The Pathfinder is extremely durable with a practical design. I attended several survival schools with a Pathfinder on my hip. The overall length of the Pathfinder is a whopping 11.6 inches, and the blade length is 6.75 inches. I find this knife to be more useful than the shorter Mora knives, although they are good too. The Pathfinder is made of high-carbon steel, maintaining a sharp edge that has been easy to sharpen. It has one of the best 90-degree spines I have seen and shoots sparks from a ferro rod like it’s the Fourth of July. The blade is full tang and has a Scandinavian grind, making it an ideal carver and excellent for batoning. My only complaint with the Pathfinder is the black DLC coating. Even with the coating, if you neglect the knife (which I have been guilty of doing), it will rust. When you try to remove this rust, the black coating gets everywhere and makes a fine mess. Apart from that, I do recommend the Pathfinder. The Pathfinder is probably the best “bang for your buck”. You get upper level knife quality at more than half the price of the more high-end or custom knives. Amazon seems to have the best price for a Pathfinder at $68.99. I have also seen these knives in the $90-$120 range. 
The next knife is one I have played around with whenever it has been brought out to my primitive skills institute. The knife is the White River Ursus 45, and it’s a beauty. Surprisingly, I have yet to own one, considering how close the company is to my home. It is so close that my wife works in the same city, Fremont, Michigan, where the company is based. The company is White River Knives, most likely named after the nearby White River that weaves its way through West Michigan. This knife is currently priced at $249.95. Although it is a little pricey, it seems to be worth every penny. The overall length of the knife is 9.5 inches, and the blade itself is 4.5 inches and full tang. This puts it neatly in the 4.5-6 inch threshold and checks the boxes, making it an ideal bushcraft knife. The blade is made from CPM S35VN or CPM Magnacut steel, giving it excellent edge retention and resistance to corrosion. The knife is a drop-point style blade with a flat grind, making it ideal for all tasks around your campsite. This type of grind also makes it easy to sharpen in the wild.
The next great knife company that comes to mind is L.T. Wright. I have had the opportunity to try out their Genesis Scandi knife, and I must say I was impressed. My only critique was that I thought the blade was a touch too short. After trying out the Genesis Scandi, I accessed the L.T. Wright website and discovered their Larry Roberts Signature Edition Gen 6. The knife is full tang, made of A2 steel, and comes in at a whopping 11 inches. The blade itself is 6.125 inches and has a Scandinavian grind. While I have not gotten my hands on this knife yet, I already know I want one! The price tag for this fine knife is $269.95 but varies depending on where you are shopping. Although it is not cheap, I will say buying a bushcraft knife is a time when you do not want to cheap out.
The next company to discuss is the TOPS Knives Company, located in Ucon, Idaho. Their knives have been extensively tested and are able to take on the toughest tasks in the wild. TOPS knives are also used extensively by law enforcement agencies and the military. The TOPS knife that caught my eye was the B.O.B. or Brothers of Bushcraft knife. The blade of the knife is made from 1095 high carbon steel, is full tang, and is 4.75 inches long. It has a Scandinavian grind, which makes it good for cutting, carving, and sharpening. The knife also has an exposed tang at the pommel and is designed for striking ferro rods and other scraping tasks. This knife checks all the boxes for a good bushcraft knife. The B.O.B. can be found on Amazon at around $161.
Next is the Ontario Knife Company. This company was originally founded in Naples, New York, in 1889. For many years after, their manufacturing base was in Franklinville, New York. In modern times, the company was purchased and relocated to Marion, Virginia. The knife I own is the RAT-7. This knife is a popular choice among those in the bushcraft community. The RAT-7 has a whopping 7-inch blade made from 1095 carbon steel. It’s a beast! The knife is full tang and has a flat grind. I don’t care much for the black powder-coated finish, but such coatings are easy to remove. The RAT-7 reminds me of the Becker BK7, which is also extremely tough and rugged. I own the BK7 and a BK9; the BK9 reminds me of a small sword! I have two critiques that are similar for both the RAT-7 and BK7. First, I don’t care for fancy coatings; I would rather simply have the steel with a nice patina on it. Second, for cutting, carving, and finer knife work around the camp, I have found that when using these two knives, my hand gets fatigued very quickly. But if you need a knife that will pry open a door, these knives might be your best bet. Or if you need a Roman gladius, get the BK9! The RAT-7 is priced around $104-$135. The Becker BK7 is around $115 and the hefty BK9 is priced at about $127.99.
The next company is ESEE Knives, which is located in Gallant, Alabama. The company is known for making very tough and robust knives that can take all kinds of abuse in the wild. I also own some ESEEs and can honestly say I like them. However, I find myself returning to my Mora Pathfinder rather than using an ESEE knife. The knife in mind is the ESEE 6. The knife blade is 6.5 inches long, made from 1095 high carbon steel, full tang, has a flat grind and a drop point design. The two things I don’t like are the coating and the fact it is serrated along the spine. I will never understand why some companies love serrated blades, but they do! I suspect it is the Rambo movies of the 80s. There is nothing truly wrong with serration on the spine of a knife, it’s just not my preference. ESEE Knives is a great company, and you can’t go wrong with their products. The ESEE 6 ranges around $132-$146.
The next company is Cold Steel, Inc., founded in Ventura, California, in 1980. The company has since relocated to Irving, Texas, after being bought by GSM Outdoors in 2020. Cold Steel is known for producing a wide range of knives and other edged tools. The Cold Steel SRK (Survival Rescue Knife) is a tough and rugged blade. It is designed with survival and rescue operations in mind. The SRK is issued to SEAL candidates during BUD/S training. The blade is 6 inches long and made from SK-5 high carbon steel. The blade has a clip point design and a black Tuff-Ex finish. While this knife may be a good overall knife, there are other knives I prefer for survival. It is good, but not my first choice. If your budget is extremely low however, this may be the best one to buy while still getting a decent knife. They range in price from $53.99-69.99. At the time of this writing I found them on Amazon for $29.15, a price you can’t beat.
The next two are knives for a bargain. The first that caught my interest was the BeaverCraft BSH2 Glacier. BeaverCraft is a company located in Kyiv, Ukraine. The Glacier is full tang and made of 1066 carbon steel. The total length of the knife is 9.45 inches, and the blade is 4.13 inches long. While I prefer my Mora Pathfinder or the feel of the Ursus 45, I will say the Glacier is an awesome deal at only $45. If you can only spend $45, spend it on this knife and not on a Gerber!
The final company on this list is Condor Tool & Knife, Inc. and is located in Santa Ana, El Salvador. The company has been crafting high-quality knives and other tools since 1964. The knife I have in mind from the company is the Condor Bushlore Survival Knife. This knife is a popular choice among those in the world of bushcraft. The overall length of the knife is 9.3 inches, and the blade is 4.3 inches long. This full tang knife is made of 1075 high carbon steel with a Scandi grind. For around $85 it is a solid choice, without breaking the bank.
I will quickly add 5 custom made knife brands that are high-quality, but not cheap. Stephenson Knives are very fine blades that range in price around $300-400. Fiddleback Forge Knives are in the same price range, but also very nice. White River Knives are fine blades (previously mentioned) made locally in my area. These knives range in price around $250. Knives made by Adventure Sworn Bushcraft Co are very nice and range in price from around $250-300. Remember, very fine things come from Scandinavia (remember I mentioned Sweden earlier?). Another fine series of knives that come from the land of the ancient Vikings are the Helle Knives from Norway. This company makes knives that are very robust, beautiful, and highly customizable. They range in price from $159.50-$275.

What is your favorite go-to bushcraft knife? Is there a blade you would add to this list? Happy hunting!

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