Beginner's Bushcraft Kit, under $20 !

Many of you have been asking me how to get into bushcraft & what you should buy. So I put together a real bushcraft kit for under 20 bucks. By "real" I mean no gimmicks, but the kind of tools and equipment I use every day in the woods. I want to prove to you that you don't have to spend a lot of money. I'm calling it a beginner's kit, but I could take it and live in the woods for days, or for as long as i want. I show budget options, and even how to get most of your gear for free. So you can decide to upgrade certain items later if you want. Or not. It's up to you. I start with a Mora (Morakniv) model 511, and an Elk Ridge ferro rod. I recommend buying a cheap compass (showing you how to buy a good one inexpensively). I also recommend buying jute twine for a dollar or two. The rest of your gear is "free" because you already have these items in your home.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Tools and Equipment in the video- Mora 511 - Available on Ebay www.ebay.com for around $10. Ferro rod and Compass - I bought at Smokey Mountain Knife Works www.smkw.com Though it was some time ago, and the models available now vary. They are similar, but not exactly the same.

[@m0dp1g21]

> Low video resolution > Low audio resolution > Straight to the point > No ads at the start > Good for beginners > Guy is named Doug This is unironically the absolute peak of bushcraft

[@jamessimmons4808]

This is Exactly what bushcraft is about...Its about learning to use the Natural resources to make the things that you need...Not about the items that you buy...That would be Kitcraft...Which is where so many videos are going...Finally someone has it right...Great content Doug! This will inspire more people into trying bushcraft than any Gear reviews.

[@ericcook8422]

I dig it. Ain't no one gonna be in the woods looking at or making fun of your gear. As long as it works and makes you happy.

[@Tracy81258]

Basically the exact same sort of things we used to carry into the woods when I was a kid. Of course back then we didn’t call it Bushcraft or have any silly rules about what that meant. We just called it having fun, and did it with everything from a scout knife or an old Barlow knife, because it was what we had and we made do.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Amen. That's how I grew up, too

[@michaelnasser8697]

Excellent and realistic kit, no need for all the fancy expensive stuff. Very refreshing to see this kind of content, thank you.

[@Dan-rm3um]

I love the pride you take in frugality. Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil.

[@jaymclean2604]

Dude, that is a great kit. Don't worry about what others say. We are not all on the same level financially. Love it.

[@sheldonberg125]

I like this video. It is nice to see the simplicity and practicality of the kit and how you don’t need to spend a lot of money on the basics.

[@hotshot791]

You are one humble, down-to-earth dude! Glad I found your channel! No B.S.!

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Thank you so much. That's one of the big reasons that I started my own bushcraft channel. I had enjoyed a lot of content here for years. But it seemed to me most of the people were using expensive gear. I grew up doing things in the woods with cheap gear, and things we improvised or made. I thought there might be an audience who would appreciate it.

[@florenzoflunder2168]

The forest isn’t expensive. People just have to go out to enjoy the nature and spend as much as possible there. 90% all the things you have to do in the woods are durable with a cheap knife and some other gear. Great video. May good bless you.

[@jamesdude4220]

like the simplicity of how you work. good job

[@user-hx9tp9cn2h]

Pastor Doug, I did not see any new videos from you this week, so I am re-visiting some of your older ones. I always enjoy them whether they are new or old. God bless you & have a great day at your church tomorrow. Pastor George

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Thank you. It's taking some time to edit the video footage of a recent camping trip in the White Mts. That's why there's no recent videos. God bless you, too

[@frankyturrizo4240]

I love this video ... please consider making another .. maybe a 40 dollar one . What was 20 is now 30 or 40. At any rate I love this channel

[@ahrendt80]

You are absolutely right.. Finally a Bush crafting beginners gear video that makes sense. All you need is a few things, and some skills.. The gear hype is so anoying. Just get out there. Thank you for this video.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Thanks for posting the comment. It's valuable feedback. I started the channel to fill the need- the kind of thing you're talking about.

[@Sirillius]

Such a kind man.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Thank you. That is nice to say...

[@spencerbrummett6712]

This is a great video, and you brought up a lot of good points. I'm pretty young, and my family has never had much money. I've been interested in bushcraft for a while and finally started putting together a kit. A big problem for me was cookware to boil water. I've always looked for stuff at thrift stores, etc, but never found anything with a collapsible handle to fit better in my pack. I don't know why I never thought to just add a handle myself, but now I will. One thing I don't think is overly necessary, but that is free and worth mentioning is fire tinder. With experience, it's relatively easy to find tinder as long as conditions aren't bad, but beginners may not know how. I like to pack an old pill bottle with any kind of junk tinder I can in case of emergencies. Something like dryer lint even. Great video though. Definitely worthy of a like and subscription.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

I'm glad you liked the video and got ideas from it. Yes prescription pill bottles are great for tinder and other fire kit items. They are often better than many waterproof containers marketed as survival gear. I've been planning a video on that topic.

[@ecospider5]

One of the cheapest water carriers that you can boil in is an oven roasting bag. They can handle 400 degrees and we know they are food safe. 20 bags 10”x15” is $9

[@vinnyoutside8936]

Makes me want to start over with the simple things again! Great video!

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Thank you for watching and leaving such a nice comment. That sounds like a great idea!

[@Witness4Jesus59]

I’m really learning a lot in your teaching

[@jamescarry4733]

Doug that's a great video, very informative. I would add one thing, a tin pie plate, easy to carry and keep clean. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Thank you. Great idea. Yes, I agree

[@jons2447]

Thank you, Mr. Shoe; That's the way to do it, just find stuff you've got or salvage it. I have been told I'm 'cheap' but I don't think so. I think I'm frugal or thrifty. Also, in the old days people didn't have access to all the fancy-shmancy stuff. I appreciate your kit is lightweight w/out being the high-dollar ultra-light high-tech stuff. BTW, don't buy the cheap HF paracord, it ain't the real thing it does not have 7 strands. It has many fibers but no actual "strands". Have a GREAT day, Neighbor! PS I appreciate you read the Scriptures, it shows you want to do what is right.

[@ThePreparedNorseman]

Great video for the beginning bushcrafter! Playing in the woods dont need to be expensive. Take care!

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Thank you. I am a norseman also. My great grandparents Richard Carlson and Gurli Hasselblad came to the US from Sweden around the turn of the century.

[@George-bx1to]

Great video very informative,no need to spend a ton of money to get started

[@mrwdpkr5851]

You might have a cotton pillowcase that you can use untill you get a back pack . God Bless You .

[@jito7377]

Wow, trash survival! I don't mean this disrespectful. You are very creative with what one can do with little financial investments. That is totally opposite to most KZbinrs, who have tons of (expensive) gear. I enjoy watching more limited bushcrafters, but there are also equiped ones I watch happily. Thank for sharing your take on a budget setup. I haven't seen someone finacial hacking bushcradt before. I saw only knifeonly in urban poluted inviroment, but your approchach is different.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

No offense taken. I know what you mean. Thanks for the kind words & taking the time to leave a detailed comment. A lot of my videos are budget - friendly options or making gear out of trash.

[@KuroiWinter95]

Thanks a lot, I'm interested in bushcraft, but I don't have any idea, so your video was really helpful

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

That warms my heart. Thanks for posting the comment and letting me know. I made the video in the hopes that it would help people get started in bushcraft. I try to read and respond to comments. I think I've been pretty good at it. So if you have questions, let me know. I might even make a video on that topic.....

[@joeyt684]

Loved the video! You got me thinking/ brainstorming(scary thought) ....Couple of (cheap :-) things i might add... pair of leather or work gloves ( 0- $5), wool blanket from thrift store ($10) candle for light & stubborn fire making ($0), tyvec ground sheet free @ any construction site, Hobo stove from a tin can, etc., etc.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

I like the way you think. Thanks for watching & leaving a comment.

[@christopherhall406]

Great video brother now this is more realistic

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Thank you

[@stevechandler3097]

I always learn new stuff from you thanks

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Thank you. I'm glad to hear that.

[@ianwilkinson2744]

Well done for what you intend. Good man

[@huntsail3727]

Great video, useful and to the point, beautiful prayer. Peace

[@johnherpel2974]

Great job

[@peymany.a5071]

Thank you for this amazing information that helped me a lot

[@ecospider5]

Like you I have found the dollar options for a survival kit. So what I’m always fighting with is weight. I found a great 4”x6” cast iron fajita skillet at the dollar store. I could do a million things with that but 1 1/2 lbs is just to heavy for a kit I would carry.

[@Generosity21]

Thank you, helpful and insightful.

[@stevendockery2888]

Great points. You didn't include a bag. Goodwin has backpacks very cheap. Also always a good idea to throw is a lighter.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Thank you. I agree

[@wbsims2996]

I would also add a hatchet like a fiskars 14". Very light and a good chopper. I also always have a sharp pocket knife. SAK tinker is what I carry everyday in my watch pocket. Good video

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

good idea

[@BeercanBushcraft]

Very interesting Doug. I found your channel a short while ago and I have been enjoying your videos very much. Just thought I would comment and say: if you're a beginner and go out into the woods with a knife to practice bushcraft, *always make sure you have a first aid kit with you*. Great video, all the best to you and yours 👍 👍 👍 🍻

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Thank you. Yes, you bring up a very important point. I try to do one topic (or maybe a few) at a time in a methodical manner. I've been meaning to get to the importance of first aid skills and a first aid kit. If people have sharp blades in the woods then eventually they get cut. No one's perfect. We all make mistakes. With blades that can mean injury. One issue is that I'm not a medical professional of any kind. Much of what I do is unconventional (by western medical standards). I've actually talked to doctors and nurses about wound care, for example. Traditional, back-woods "medicine" is different, to say the least.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

You have a nice channel. I will have to check it out when I have more time.

[@BeercanBushcraft]

@@DougShoeBushcraft Thank you very much Doug :-) So pleased you used the term 'back-woods', we're obviously about the same age! I learned most of my first aid from my dad when I was a boy, cutting myself, things weren't quite as, er, hygienic in those days, but look how we survived :-) All the best to you 👍 🍻

[@lew9223]

Enjoying your videos, and your ethos too. I'll be getting out more this year. Thanks 👍

[@davidleasure9138]

Great video Doug. It surely is inspiring. Thank you for sharing the message

[@garyjohnson9383]

Good information Doug. Common sense is always best! Thanks. Gary

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Thank you for watching & taking the time to leave a positive comment. I appreciate the support.

[@onmyway7363]

Great video. Thank You

[@jacksonteller1337]

I don't know if you have a Decathlon in the US. But i bought a metal camping cup with foldable handles that fits perfectly underneath a one liter water bottle. I think it was two or three Euro a few years ago and it served me very well. Mostly use stuff laying around the house or shed augmenting it with military surplus, thrift store and special offers on cheap camping gear. My alcohol stove is two tin cans, tuna fish and tomato puree, and some dumpster fibre glass insulation jammed between them. My bushpot used to be a high stainless steel cookie tin (thrift store) and coat hanger from the dry cleaners.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Nice. That's what I'm all about

[@dusty59smith]

Thanks Alot...Great Tips...Enjoy...

[@PlayaSinNombre]

For $3 - $5 bucks you can buy a welding striker that includes a mini ferro rod and steel striker with a cup to capture the sparks. For a beginner it might be easier to control the spark, and all you need to do is give it a squeeze to get a spark.😮

[@davesprague2445]

Nice video very informative thank you

[@marcushibdon2415]

Hi Doug great vidio

[@blindowl-bushcraft-survival]

this will help a lot of people

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

thank you

[@anthonymorelli67]

Thanks,that was an inspiring moment.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Thank you. I'm glad you liked it.

[@pascalmarti4403]

love your style. thank you.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Thank you.

[@tomcatt998]

The 1/2 gallon log cabin syrup jugs R tuff,, just replace the flip up cap with a solid one

[@tomritter493]

Great choices Amen .

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

thank you. God bless.

[@williesauls7817]

way to to go. great.

[@tomcatt998]

One thing i did splurge on was a long handle titanium poon 😉

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Nice. It's good to splurge every once in a while.

[@tomcatt998]

And a 12" tramontina bush machete 👍

[@sisepuedechicas8807]

Thank you!

[@cb3391]

Love these vids lets see you overnite with a bargain ki

[@patricegarnierlobo25111967]

i build an entire kit for 103 dollars in a charity sale light knives axe saw and all for sleeping an eating ............not in one time but for an inexpansive set it s really ok and complete

[@A_Meek_lake_Dweller]

Good stuff!

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Thank you

[@casualcamping3776]

New sub here. This is an excellent video.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Thank you. Nice to meet you.

[@nomad753]

Great video my friend. Subbed

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Thank you so much. I'm glad you liked it.

[@winstonbelisle3560]

Good choice there. I'd taken some extra smaller bags to make a pillow with. Contractor bag good to make a sm debri bed with.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Awesome! Great ideas! Thank you

[@rafterL78]

I like your perspective and calm demeanor, your bush pot not so much, haha. Seems hard to get clean with all the wrinkles. Really appreciate the Bible verse at the end. You've gained a sub.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

LOL! I know, right? Clean it? You lose half the flavor right there. It's nice to meet you. That's great that you subbed. God bless you.

[@charleslewis7119]

You did just fine I'm leaving proof myself you don't have to have a lot of money to enjoy yourself anywhere you go and I was thinking the same way about the same items you had there so I'll say good job

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Thank you! Spread the word that you can have fun in the woods without spending loads of money.

[@Andrew-td6hi]

Amen brother

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

God bless

[@tomcatt998]

But a 64oz kleen kanteen is really nice. 👍⛺👍

[@jyksedcandknives9666]

I'm reassembling my bushcraft kit but just this no extra stuff

[@ecospider5]

To keep a bit of calories on you would you go for fats with almonds or carbohydrates with sugar cubes? I’m just thinking about 200 calories of something.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Both carbs and fats are good IMO. Fats have more calories for the same weight. Fat is 9 calories per gram while carbs are 4 calories per gram. Fat is good to eat before bed because traditionally it's believed to keep you warmer in cold weather (during the digestion process). Carbs are good for quick energy.

[@marcushibdon2415]

Hi jonh

[@Dudndbdjdn]

What is the compass for?

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

A person should learn to navigate in the woods. A compass is the easiest way to maintain a sense of direction. A compass can be used to follow a map. Or a person can make his own map to trace his movements. I advise that someone go out with a guide or an experienced friend, until they are able to keep themselves safe. Every year there are fatalities where the person got lost and died of exposure. Great question. Thanks for asking.

[@jyksedcandknives9666]

What is in the ziplock bag?

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

I believe that was the jute twine

[@jyksedcandknives9666]

@@DougShoeBushcraft you inspired me to build the kit

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

@@jyksedcandknives9666 That's nice. I just discovered your channel. Good work. Thanks for the shout out.

[@jyksedcandknives9666]

@@DougShoeBushcraft Your welcome I'm looking at Bushcraft from a new perspective because of you

[@EntreePotato]

Thanks for the video dude. Hope you're doing well

[@markholbrook3949]

Be careful when using a cheap compass.. can be trouble!!!

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

very true. But if that's all you have or can afford, then I recommend testing it like I did in this video.