SKILL OVER EQUIPMENT
Bushcraft is about knowledge, not a shopping list.
The best trip begins with permission, a realistic skill level, suitable clothing and a low-impact plan. Equipment should support those skills, not replace them.
Choose a suitable location and have permission
Check countryside access rights, landowner permission, local fire restrictions and any camping or habitat protections before travelling. Public access and permitted activities differ across the UK: permission to walk does not necessarily permit camping, cutting vegetation or lighting a fire.
Core preparation for a day out
- Suitable layered clothing, weatherproof jacket, spare socks and safe footwear.
- Drinking water, practical food and a way to bring all waste home.
- Map and navigation tools appropriate to the route, charged phone, emergency contacts and a plan shared with someone.
- Working lighting, basic first-aid supplies and knowledge of how to use them.
- A suitable seat or ground protection if needed; simple ordinary equipment is often enough.
For an overnight trip
Add a permission-compliant shelter, suitable sleeping mat and bag, extra insulation, realistic water provision, hygiene and a route out if conditions deteriorate. Check local forecasts carefully, including overnight temperatures and wind.
Skills worth practising before the trip
Navigation, weather judgement, knot tying, basic shelter setup, safe water management, food hygiene, communication and leave-no-trace practice. Learn about plants and fungi from qualified local sources; never rely on guessed wild-food identification.
Fire and sharp-tool safety
Don’t assume campfires are permitted. Follow local fire bans and land-management rules; choose safe alternatives when allowed and appropriate. If carrying any cutting tool, understand relevant UK/NI laws, site policies and safe handling. Go Prepare should never promote carrying a knife without a lawful purpose.
What should you buy?
Reuse an existing coat, map, water bottle or torch if suitable. Supermarket food often wins on cost. Spend on fit-for-purpose waterproofing, a safe sleep system and verified equipment only after you’ve identified a gap. Avoid expensive “survival kits” that encourage false confidence.
Official guidance: Review the countryside access rules applicable to your destination and the Met Office UK weather warnings before setting off.
Related guides: Trip Planning Hub · Car Emergency Kit · Driving for Work · Road Trips · Camping · Bushcraft
Our approach: Check what you already own and buy ordinary supplies locally where practical. Specialist equipment should solve a genuine problem and be backed by specifications, not marketing.