Backpack around Oz

Bushcraft survival, or the creative use of things in nature for survival, is more than just a hobby.Many see it as entertaining, particularly as we think of media survivalists like Ray Mears or Les Hiddins. But why would it be so useful for the average person to know how to build natural shelters, carve with bushcraft knives, make natural cordage and start a fire with sticks? Wasn’t that just something early American mountain men or the ancient Indians needed to know but not those of us living in modern society?

But is there a practical use for these skills today? It turns out that interest is growing in bushcraft survival especially among outdoor enthusiasts such as backpackers, climbers and hunters. A variety of situations can arise in which it could mean the difference between life and death to know some basic wilderness survival skills.

But what about the rest of us? Unfortunately, everyone now faces the very real possibility of disaster scenarios in this new terrorism age when the actions of a few people can put hundreds of thousands or even millions in peril if they don’t know how to survive. A mastery of these skills can actually mean the difference between life and death for you and your family.

While these skills can be learned through books or videos, the internet offers a rich sources of information on the subject as well. However, the bottom line for bushcraft survival is actually mastering the skills for yourself. This means you have to practice the various arts until you can perform them with predictability and with various resources. This is where the men are separated from the boys, as they say.

Bushcraft survival offers a great sense of satisfaction to children as they learn to be creative in problem solving using natural things which are available. It’s also a terrific family activity in that it’s fun and productive and gets everybody out in nature all at the same time. In the future, we’ll take a closer look at specific skills like natural fire starting and water procurement. Hope you can join us!

Read more articles by Griz Garzo about Bushcraft Survival by visiting http://www.bushcraftsurvival.net. Check here for free reprint licence: Bushcraft Survival – Entertainment Or Essential?.