Here’s a big list of gear that I recommend. I own and use everything on this list, so you can be sure that I have found real value in having it with me in the backcountry.

Knives

As far as I know, you cannot go wrong with any knife by Mora. Here is a list of choices that I think are among the best:

I run a separate website featureing a product called LIGHTER·KNIFE, which is a metal sleeve that slips onto a full-size Bic lighter. Built into the sleeve is a small stainless steel liner lock knife!

I always say that you should never go into the wild without a knife and a means to make fire. This little tool has your covered!

It comes in Classic Black, Safety Orange, and Forest Green. You can get the black model with or without the pocket clip. Note: because of shipping hassles, it does NOT ship with a lighter.

Sharpeners

Here are three sharpeners I use. Both have diamond and ceramic stones which are effective and easy to care for:

Folding Saws

I recommend any saw made by Silky. You will just need to decide on the saw length and tooth size that is best for you.

Choosing blade length: take the saw’s blade length and divide it by 3. The resulting number tells you which saw is ideal for cutting wood with a diameter of the resulting number (or smaller). Example: a 9 inch blade is suitable for cutting logs 3 inches in diameter or smaller.

Choosing tooth size: large teeth are best for softwoods such as pine, spruce, fir and other conifers. Small teeth are good for hardwoods such as maple and oak. Medium teeth are a compromise that work OK for both hard and soft woods.

Here is a link to a selection of Silky Saws.

For most bushcrafting activities consider the Pocketboy, Gomboy, or Bigboy models

Here are various fire-related products that I use. You can’t have too many ways to create fire.

FIre

Here are the water purification items that I use:

Water Purification

Axes & Hatchets

I haven’t owned many axes and I went straight for top-of-the-line when I finally bought one. I am sure there are good quality axes that cost less than these, I just don’t know much about them. If you can get over the cost, you won’t regret purchasing anything made by Granfors Bruks.

books

I have a lot of books. These are among my favorites:

Here are some of the shelter items that I own and use:

Shelter

This list is potentially huge, so I have only listed some of my absolute favorite clothing items here:

Clothing

Here is an assortment of safety-related gear I have:

Safety

Here are some specialty cords that could come in handy:

cordage

A few bags I use. There are many other options, but these have served me well.

Bags and Pouches

Other tools and helpful items I use:

Miscellaneous Gear