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Home > Blog > Bushcraft Basics: 7 Core Skills Every Beginner Should Master

Bushcraft Basics: 7 Core Skills Every Beginner Should Master

Bushcraft Basics: 7 Core Skills Every Beginner Should Master
by A collection of survivalist
March 6th, 2025

Bushcraft is more than just camping — it's the art of thriving in the wild using skills, tools, and natural resources. Whether you're bugging out, exploring deep woods, or just sharpening your self-reliance, bushcraft is the foundation of long-term survival.

At Five Star Survival, we believe every outdoor enthusiast and prepper should know these 7 essential bushcraft skills:


πŸ”₯ 1. Fire Starting Without Matches

Knowing how to start a fire without a lighter or matches is key. Use a ferro rod, fatwood fire starter, or even a magnifying lens.

βœ… Recommended Gear:

  • Fatwood Fire Starter Sticks – 100% natural pine

  • Magnesium fire starter or ferro rod

πŸ“ Tip: Practice in dry and wet conditions to gain confidence.


πŸ•οΈ 2. Shelter Building

Even if you don’t have a tent, you can survive with the right shelter skills. Learn how to build a lean-to, A-frame, or tarp shelter using natural materials and paracord.

βœ… Recommended Gear:

  • Tube tent or emergency Life Tent

  • Tarp + 20pcs Bungee Cord Set

  • Paracord sling (for shelter tying)


πŸ’§ 3. Finding & Purifying Water

Water is life. Learn to locate streams, collect rainwater, and purify with filter straws or tablets.

βœ… Beginner Tip:
Always boil or filter unknown water sources, even if they look clean.


πŸ”ͺ 4. Knife Skills

Your knife is your #1 bushcraft tool. Use it to carve, baton wood, skin game, or create traps.

βœ… Best Knives for Bushcraft:

  • The Slither – Fixed Blade D2 Steel Knife

  • Full-Tang Fixed Blade with Wood Handle & Leather Sheath

πŸ“ Learn: Feathersticking, notching, and fire prep techniques.


🌾 5. Food Sourcing & Traps

Learn to set simple traps, identify wild edibles, or fish with compact tackle kits and a bit of patience.

βœ… Suggested Tools:

  • Portable Fishing Accessory Kit

  • 22-in-1 survival card (includes fishing hooks, saw, more)


🧰 6. Knot Tying

From shelter building to climbing, knot skills are critical. Learn a few core knots: bowline, trucker’s hitch, clove hitch, and square knot.

βœ… Helpful Tool:

  • Knot Tying Tool for Fishing & Bushcraft


πŸ—ΊοΈ 7. Navigation Without GPS

Knowing how to read the land, follow the sun, or use a basic compass can help you stay oriented — even if your phone dies.

πŸ“ Bush Tip: Moss grows on the north side of trees in the Northern Hemisphere — but don’t rely on just one sign.


πŸ”š Final Thoughts: Start Small, Practice Often

Bushcraft isn't about gear — it's about self-reliance. Start with the basics, practice often, and gradually introduce tools to make your setup smarter, not heavier.

πŸ›’ Ready to begin your bushcraft journey? Explore beginner-friendly gear and survival tools at FiveStarSurvival.com — built for the woods, made for real life.

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