WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO A BUSHCRAFT COURSE?

What Should I Bring to a Bushcraft Course?

One of the most common questions we receive from people booking their first bushcraft course is:

"What do I need to bring?"

The good news is that you don't need hundreds of pounds worth of specialist outdoor equipment to enjoy a bushcraft weekend. In fact, most of the items you'll need are probably already in your home.

At Polaris Bushcraft, our courses are designed to be accessible to complete beginners as well as experienced outdoor enthusiasts. We provide the specialist teaching equipment, tools and expertise—you simply need to bring the essentials to stay comfortable throughout the weekend.

In this guide, we'll explain exactly what to bring to a bushcraft weekend course and why each item is important.

The Most Important Rule: Dress for the Weather

Bushcraft is an outdoor activity, and our courses take place in the woods throughout the year.

The British weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to come prepared for changing conditions. Layering your clothing is one of the best ways to stay comfortable, allowing you to add or remove layers as temperatures change.

We always recommend:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers

• Warm mid-layers such as fleece or wool

• Hat and gloves during colder months

• Spare clothing in case you get wet

  
  

Being warm and dry means you can focus on learning new skills rather than battling the elements.

Shelter and Sleeping Equipment

For our weekend bushcraft courses, you'll need your own sleeping setup.

Essential items include:

• Tent or tarp

• Sleeping bag suitable for the season

• Sleeping mat

  
  

You don't need an expedition-grade setup. A reliable tent, a warm sleeping bag and a decent sleeping mat will provide everything most people need for a comfortable night's sleep.

Remember that the ground can feel surprisingly cold even in summer, so a good sleeping mat makes a huge difference, and for more comfort or warmth, you can bring a camp bed if you wish.

On the Saturday evening on our Bushcraft & Survival weekends, you can sleep in the natural survival shelter you will have built that day or try out a hammock and tarp system if you wish – we have enough for all course participants.

Footwear Matters

You'll spend a lot of time on your feet throughout the weekend.

A sturdy pair of walking boots is ideal, especially if conditions are wet or muddy. During particularly wet periods, wellington boots can also be useful.

Comfortable footwear will help you enjoy woodland walks, practical exercises and time around camp without discomfort.

Food and Cooking Equipment

Our weekend courses operate on a self-catering basis, so you'll need to bring your own food.

You'll also need:

• Stove or burner and fuel

• Mess tins or cooking pot

• Plate, bowl, mug and cutlery

• Tea towel

• Any cooking utensils you may require

  
  

There is also a constant campfire at base camp with tea, coffee and squash available throughout the weekend in the kitchen area, helping to keep everyone warm and hydrated.

If you wish to cook your meals over a fire, we ask that people don't cook on the main kettle campfire under the parachute as that is for hot water, and there is a bigger cook fire area next to the covered kitchen area for customers to use for cooking.

You are also welcome to cook on a fire by your camp area as long as you follow strict leave no trace practice.

Don't worry about carrying large amounts of water. Water carriers are provided at base camp during the weekend, although you'll be responsible for refilling your personal water bottle during the course.

Here are some of our suggestions to help anyone who has never camped before and is uncertain what to bring to self-cater over the weekend.

Your Day Pack

Many people find it useful to bring both a main rucksack and a smaller day pack.

During the weekend we often head out into the woodland for various activities, and a smaller bag makes it easy to carry:

• Waterproof clothing

• Snacks

• Water bottle

• Notebook

• Personal items

  
  

A simple day pack is usually more than sufficient.

Personal Items and Comfort

A few small items can make your weekend considerably more enjoyable.

We recommend bringing:

• Torch or headlamp

• Spare batteries

• Personal medication

• Basic first aid kit

• Insect repellent

• Personal hygiene kit

• Towel

• Notebook and pen

• Folding chair or stool

  
  

Many students also enjoy keeping notes throughout the weekend to help remember skills they learn and techniques they want to practise later.

We have plenty of tree stumps around the camp fire, but bringing your own chair or a seat pad can make things even more comfortable.

Do I Need My Own Bushcraft Knife?

No.

One of the biggest misconceptions about bushcraft courses is that you need to arrive with lots of specialist equipment.

At Polaris Bushcraft, all specialist teaching tools are provided. This includes bushcraft knives, saws, axes and other equipment required for practical activities.

If you already own a bushcraft knife or axe and would like to use it, you're welcome to bring it along. One of our instructors will simply check that it is safe, suitable and properly maintained before use during the course.

Facilities at Base Camp

While our courses take place in a woodland environment, there are basic facilities available to help keep everyone comfortable.

These include:

• Composting toilet facilities with sanitary bin

• Hand washing stations

• Soap and sanitiser

• Washing-up facilities

• Covered teaching area with log burning stove

• Communal campfire area under a parachute shelter

  
  

The aim is to create an authentic outdoor experience while ensuring students have access to the essentials needed for a safe and enjoyable weekend.

What Not to Bring

Many first-time attendees overpack.

You generally don't need:

• Multiple knives

• Large survival kits

• Excessive clothing

• Specialist bushcraft equipment

• Large axes or saws

  
  

Remember, you're attending a course to learn. We provide the knowledge, tools and instruction you need.

Ready for Your First Bushcraft Weekend?

If you've been thinking about booking a bushcraft course but weren't sure what equipment you'd need, hopefully this guide has put your mind at ease.

A bushcraft weekend isn't about having the latest gear. It's about learning practical outdoor skills, building confidence in the natural world and enjoying time spent in the woods with like-minded people.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to develop your existing outdoor skills, we'll help you get the most from your time in the woods.

Browse our upcoming bushcraft courses and start your next adventure.