My Five Favourite Bushcraft Items

I have been tagged by Steve at the KZbin channel "So Steve" to share what my five favourite bushcraft items are.
The channels I am tagging are:
Laurence Comeau at Nova Scotia Bushcraft / @laursoutdoors
Sam Wentzell at Sam's Woodland Tours / @samwentzell1604
Randal Graham at Vinland Buhscraft / @randal1470

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

I too thought that your Aeropress would have been in your list. lol

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Have you tried one yet Lonnie?

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

No I haven't tried an aeropress yet but I do have an interesting story for you. I had recently broke my GSI mini espresso camp coffee maker and needed a replacement. I felt like God told me that he was going to bless me with a replacement. I cannot afford to buy a new replacement as they are just too expensive. My wife and I stopped in a thrift store and there on the shelf was a titanium cook kit, titanium double wall mug and a titanium french press. They were all made by "Snow Peak" and they all looked new. They are priced around 180 US Dollars all together new, and I bought them all for 8 dollars and 50 cents. It took me awhile before it dawned on me that this titanium french press that i bought for 4 US dollars was the replacement that God had impressed on me that he was going to supply. After trying it a few times at home, I am more than pleased to use it as my new camping coffee maker. It makes some great coffee. I can't help talking about a God that cares so much for me that he would bless me with something so trivial as a coffee maker.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Lonnie, that is the best thrift store find I have heard of yet. To say the Lord works in mysterious ways or that the Lord will provide does not begin to cover how perfect this worked out for you. Thank you for sharing

[@sosteve9113]

Far North Bushcraft And Survival great story Lonnie,the French press are relativity easy to use. Good to hear you had this find,its a really good deal imo. Mysterious ways how everything works sometimes Atb Steve

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Thanks So Steve for the kind words my friend

[@raymondstonkus913]

one essential item you always seem to bring: an infectious positive attitude.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am glad that comes across in my video. Thanks for your support

[@georgethomson8595]

I had one of those wool shirts a few years ago and agree it is a great piece of kit. I think I'll have to keep my eyes open for another one. Thanks for the fun video.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

You should have a few contacts that may be able to help you locate one😉. Thanks for commenting George

[@wheelsgonewild1286]

I agree with your choice of the hiking stick. I make custom sticks for many people. A tool often overlooked.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree Dave. It is especially useful in the areas I hike which are very rough. Thanks for commenting

[@MrWmburr7]

Well Mark, the warm weather is slowly working its way in our direction. Supposed to be in the mid 70's by the middle of next week here in Michigan. I'm as happy as a pig in slop! Great video.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am glad you enjoyed the video. I think we are finally getting a break here in Nova Scotia as well. Only issue is that the dry winter has left the woods tinder dry. Very scary right now. Had a big rain yesterday that should help a bit. Thanks for commenting

[@Myn6211]

Great choices. I really appreciated your tip about the wire on your Zebra handle to make it stay upright. I am going to try and do that on my billy can.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed. Hope the tip helps. Thanks for commenting

[@buzzandselunsupervised649]

Good to hear other people's views on this stuff. You are looking well fella. All the best from the UK. Cheers Sel

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video. I am not feeling too bad. Still get tired easy and few other side-effects but nearing the end of the chemo. Thanks for your support

[@LaurentGouzouAKALynx]

Really enjoy the thinking behind your 5 items picks. It's Very interesting to see what people select as their most favorite and use items, some are surprising, others are just linked to the environment, weather conditions, skills set or intended purpose of the outing but sel coing only 5 Is certainly not an easy task. Glad you mentionned the fire ban issues because springtime is a Very critical period as everything is dead and dry and propagate fire easly. Take care 👍✌️

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hey Laurent. Glad you enjoyed my picks. It was a challenge to decide what to include. You are right, very important to understand the fire risk this time of year. Does not bode well for summer either. As always thanks for commenting

[@pacediver2594]

Interesting choices.hard to separate favourites, like your thoughts on your choices ,agree with the Tilley and wool jacket idea

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

It actually was quite difficult to decide. Thanks for commenting

[@AB-ok4en]

'Find a new path less travelled'. That's what is called 'life'.👍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Unfortunately for some it isn't but it is my hope to inspire others to embrace and enjoy life. Thanks for commenting

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Nice picks for ur 5 fav's! I'd choose a canteen, stove/grill, cooking pot, Mora knife & Ferro rod.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great choices as well. Fun to think about this question and can take time to answer. Thanks for commenting

[@northwoodsrat6686]

Good choice of 5 items , Mark . You have finally sold me on those Tilley hats ! I learned about them many years ago in a magazine article about well known Canadian canoe super-trippers Gary and Joanie McGuffin , who used Tilley hats on their epic marathon Trans-Canada canoe odyssey . Glad you included a knife in that list - I almost stopped breathing while waiting and hoping that you would include it ! lol . Best wishes to you from your distant neighbor in the States . Glenn

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked the video. Tilley hats are the best, even at the high cost. I think I would have been thrown out of the bushcraft community of I didn't include a knife in my top five😅. Thanks for commenting

[@keithcronk7980]

ITS NOT DEAD BROTHER YOU GAVE IT A NEW LIFE WITH YOU.GREAT VIDEO. PEACE&SAFE JOURNEYS BROTHER WE SEND SMOKE TO YALL THANK YOU. HAVE PEACEFUL TRAVELS WITH YOU'RE WALKING STICK.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hey Keith. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for your kind words of support

[@MichaelR58]

Mark, thanks for sharing your top five 👍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

You are most welcome. Thanks for commenting

[@EatCarbs]

Good pics. It's hard to beat a comfortable hat. Thanks for the video

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. I do love my Tilley hats. Thanks for commenting

[@markabell3917]

Nice choices Mark! I am on the hunt for a good walking stick. They are really handy in winter.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hey Mark..once you start using a walking stick you will likely find you want to take it with you year round...especially as the knees get older😬...Thanks for commenting

[@garyirwin5502]

I just ordered a Tilley hat last week and I'm patently waiting for delivery soon. I work outside all summer so it seems like it will work well. Thanks for the tip for the top.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have more Tilley hats than I want to admit. Love them all. I am sure you will too

[@highlandtrekker]

Good choices Mark !...thanks for sharing ( :

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hey Wayne. Good to hear from you. Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for commenting

[@oldredcoonhound2182]

Hey Mark enjoy the 6 -8 inches of snow coming your way . I thought it was looking pretty good there without snow there. Winter just won't let go here in Alberta either.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

and that is just about what we got overnight...might get a chance to try my new snowshoes and pulk

[@yveskc1]

Good choice Mark. My 1st favourite bushcraft item is a maple walking stick as well. ATB -Yves

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Easy to take for granted but the single most important item I carry. Thanks Yves

[@samwentzell1604]

Hi Mark, The video looks great and those are some great choices. I'll have to pick my five favourite items and do a video soon.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks Sam. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with

[@AvoidingChores]

great list. I certainly look for more wool products for the colder months and of course the right hat makes it worth it ;)

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree Jim, its all about the hat😉. I have come to appreciate wool clothing more and more. Especially with the type of hiking, camping and bushcraft activities I do. Thanks for commenting

[@TheRichtaber]

Don’t know if it counts as bushcraft but I always have a decent quality compass and topo map in my possession. Doesn’t have to be high end, but Silva/Brunson/Suunto all make decent and affordable ones.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I don't know if a compass is bushcraft but it is a first priority for anyone going into the woods. I have a Silva I have been carrying for more than 40 years. Thanks for commenting

[@russel2352]

Here in S Africa, add a 9 mm Parabellum Pistol with 17 round magazine plus a spare mag. Never look for trouble but ready for it. Hiked many trails here, including in the Kruger Park. Enjoyed your video.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The rules on firearms are very strict in Canada so a handgun is out of the question. Fortunately, the coyotes and bears that are present are not much of an issue. For them I would carry the spray. Threats from other people are also not an issue her. Thanks for commenting

[@1eyedjacksRwild]

Good morning Mark it was nice to visit with you by KZbin this fine morning.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you very kindly. Glad you enjoyed the visit

[@sosteve9113]

Awesome items Mark, I know it is difficult to choose out all your gear,but you take so good items And hey,why not a comfort item,we all have them Thank you for doing this tag I going to check your tagged channels out Btw good thinking about the clip you made on your billy can Atb Steve

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks Steve. When this tag starting going around I was hoping it wouldn't reach me as I could not think of what I would choose. Now I want to thank you for tagging me as it turned out to be fun to come up with the five items. I think only one of the channels has completed a video yet but the others will get to it I am sure

[@davidoickle1778]

I love my Tilley hats, all three of them. I actually wore one out and Tilley replaced it. I'm set for life now.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

My very first Tilley, one of the original all white T3s started fraying. Tilley exchanged no questions asked. In hind-sight I kind of wished I kept that hat. Thanks for commenting.

[@wiseraven2000]

I want to thank you for opening my horizons on bushcrafting I recently purchased a small stick stove a small coffee grinder I've had a Coleman pot and a lot of basic stuff but thanks to your suggestions I recently added to that the hammock chair by the way can you show a video on how you made yours but I just wanted to thank you

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am glad you are finding value in my videos. It is what I hoped to achieve in starting my YT channel. I ca certainly make a video on making the hammock chair. You may want to check out the YT channel "EconoChallenge". Jeep makes and markets very nice small compact hammock chairs and has a number of videos on using them. Thanks for commenting

[@shovelhead8]

We are under an open fire ban from April 1 to November 1 every year. . Great choices, Mark

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am heading to the woods today with an alcohol stove. No rain, high winds and 20% humidity...recipe for a forest fire. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for commenting

[@thomasnugent7602]

Mark, Thank you very much, very good. I thought I was the only one who carried a rather substantial full pack for a day hike. Well, my gear is my survival kit and I am ready just in case. Obviously, you are too.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

You are most welcome. I get some weird looks from people because of the size of my pack but I will be a lot more comfortable if I have to spend an unplanned night in the woods then they will. Thanks for commenting.

[@bushcraftnorthof6012]

I KNEW the Tilley would be in this list! LOL. Good call on the wool shirt/jacket. I have the same on, and it's my best friend. It gets a lot of use, even in the -30's and -40's. I just add a milsurp sweater and merino wool base layer underneath. Interesting that, essentially a stick, made the list over any ax, hatchet, saw, etc. Historically, man made good use of sticks. My dad always used one while walking as far back as I can remember, going up abandoned railways, etc. He always told us it was, "fer the coy-oats!" Ha ha. I should check out your friend's channels, as well. Well, already know about Vineland. Sad that ol' Nova Scotia is already under a fireban, but glad it's not a travel ban. I sure don't miss that up here! Take care, stay safe, and keep exploring!

[@bushcraftnorthof6012]

Also, I thought I stole MY wool surplus shirt at $18. You scored an even better deal on an heirloom garment!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

that's Value Village for you...when you get lucky, you get real lucky...yeah the Tilley was pretty much a given. Thanks commenting Aaron

[@terryw.milburn6414]

'mornin, Mark; Great items you picked for the Tag from Steve He's quite the fella, Glad you came across a New path to explore Taks us there sometime ? ATB Ter God Bless

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hey Terry. As the weather improves and my health returns I hope to travel down a lot of new paths...taking my friends along with me. Thanks for commenting

[@hsaurid]

Hi Mark, thank you for an enjoyable video. I look forward to new videos with eager anticipation. Would it be possible to do a short video on what things one should consider in making a walking staff and personalizing it for the way one hikes, please? Thank you.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am glad you enjoyed the video. I have been thinking for some time about a video on hiking sticks. Your comment is a good reminder to work on it sooner. Thanks for commenting

[@kachiri]

I don't bother counting clothing when pointing out my favorite bushcraft items... With that, when I'm in the woods (including my camp in the backyard woods), I always have my _Silky F180_ folding saw (fits in my pocket), my _Morakniv Companion_ knife and one of my bigger knives (7" blade or 10" blade). In the back yard woods I use my 10" blade so I can chop wood more easily for the fire pit. I also bring a _"fire starter"_ like a lighter, ferrocerium rod, etc. Fifth item my metal cup. I can drink from it and it's made to put over the fire to heat up my drink. That's my top 5 choices. After that, I don't usually bother with too much more. A water filter of some kind is good to have. Food and my camping pot, clothing, sleep gear if going somewhere I will need it. But 2 or 3 KM on an official trail where people go all day, I don't feel like bringing sleep gear.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@steamboatmodel]

One of my Tilley hats would defiantly be on my list, I have a shooting stick seat that would also be on the list, My Boat knife by Russell, one of my compact cooking stove set (which one depends on when where and with whom , and lastly because of health problems someone or some how to get help if needed. One question about your walking stick, what is the small cross spike for?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great choices. I should have thought about the emergency notification idea as well. I should probably explain the stick on video some day. I usually carry two camera tripods. The larger one is strapped to my backpack and the smaller one, a Joby Gorilliapod gets wrapped around the walking stick. The tiny cross stick keeps it from sliding down or off the stick while walking. Thanks for being observant and for commenting

[@oo7naughtyusmaximus933]

Hi there.....i'm from England. A few years ago I was lucky enough to travel around the world. While i was in New Zealand, on the east coast of the north island i found a piece of driftwood. I decided that this would make a great walking stick, whilst on my travels i managed to clean it up. I also managed to get it through the customs checkpoints in Samoa....America and lastly England.......I've had it now for 14 years........It's the first thing i grab when i go out for a walk.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I can certainly understand how you can become attached to a hiking pole. I know I am. Yours has a lot of great stories to go with it. Thanks for commenting

[@redoak3809]

My (5) favorite items: 1. Condor Bushlore w/ Micarta handles (although my Condor Terrasaur is gaining ground but no leather or Micarta) 2. Stanley Adventure Cook Set Kit w/ nesting cup and Ikea Hobo Stove (wish I could find the mini one like you have that my Stanley set could nest in) 3. Wool Anorak from Fjallraven 4. Swedish LK 35 external backpack...Still looking for a lighter aluminum replacement frame. Maybe the Helikon Satchel will replace it. I am also a big fan of my LL Bean Continental pack. 5. Any of my pairs of Broken-in Boots that are comfortable

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great choices. I found an old CampTrails pack with the perfect frame for the LK35. Now I just need to find one of those packs. Thanks for commenting

[@redoak3809]

Military Mart in the UK had used ones in stock.

[@redoak3809]

Military Mart in the UK had some in stock. I bought mine from Sportsman's Guide a few years back. Wish I could find an unissued, like-new one.

[@kachiri]

My camping pot doesn't have the bail. Mine had the handles on the side that fold out together and they have they silicone or whatever on the handles. It also has a pan which works as the top to the pot and that has a single handle against the bottom that folds out to the side (with coating on handle). I do just fine with that. I don't have to hang it over the fire. If I don't have a grill to place above the fire, I could make a setup to sit the pot up above, as I don't walk away when I'm cooking, so I can make sure things don't go wrong with whatever I make for it. I just make sure to place the pot at the edge of fire to keep the handles out away from the heat. Either way, my pot/pan works for me. I even use it at home, as I don't too often make meals that require huge pot and pans or an oven. I cook on my butane camp stove. Save on the power bill, even though I'm not the one paying it. Respect I don't use the light too much either and have the PC off when I go out. Saving on the power bill that I don't even pay.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@Woodswalker1965]

Good choices Mark! 🖒

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks Wade

[@randal1470]

Great vid Mark

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed my friend

[@baldpipesmoker1780]

Great video! New subscriber here from Ontario. I think I'm going to make my own walking stick. Take care!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for subscribing to my channel. I still take my staff on all my hikes. It really is one of my most valued outdoor items. I am planning a video on how to select and make a staff

[@nmr6988]

I'm nothing of an outdoors girl, but my first item would be my sunhat, and second would be a walking stick. I was chuffed to have the same first two items, although in reversed order.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Funny how many people take a hat and a stick for granted. I have found them both to be very valuable and something I always take with me. Thanks for commenting

[@ForgottenMan1]

I wondered about that shirt/jac, over the years I snagged a couple of the U.S. Korean War era ones that are nearly identical (even to the cut of the material over the shoulders). When I saw the newer style buttons on yours my hopes rose that somebody had brought an updated version to market, no such luck. My problem with the U.S. ones was the length. Too short! I never knew if those 1950's high-rise field pants were the reason for the abbreviation, or if all the long sizes were just long gone. Oh well, such are the vagaries of army surplus, heck, the moths got to both of mine during a season of inattention anyway. The price of wool clothing is eternal vigilance.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have not been able to find another shirt/jacket like this one and I doubt I will find one for $5.00 like this one. I actually prefer this to one of the anorak styles. Easier to get on and off and vent excess heat. Thanks for commenting

[@jamesfishfish9099]

My favorite 5 is.my genuine Moreland hatchet wnt is my, Home made fire starter 3rd Is my Mora knife 4 is my Small gasification Stove And 5 is my cook set

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good choices Jim

[@dansmith6508]

Mark, that wool jacket was a real shnurr, you stole it at 5 bucks ! There are some great deals to be had on used equipment and clothing. Cheers !

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree. I would love to have a wool anorak but find it hard to justify the price when I have this great wool shirt. Thanks for commenting

[@dansmith6508]

I hear ya. They can be very expensive. I saw a beautiful one on kijiji some time back. It was white with beautiful contrasting bright colored native american symbols on it. Good price, kicking myself now for not going after it. Picked up a synthetic "hoody" style shirt in mexico that is fairly warm and surprisingly functional with hood and "kangaroo" style front pocket. Very comfortable. Dirt cheap lol.

[@kachiri]

I know this video is old now, but I did check those links of the three people you mentioned at the end and Randal Graham's channel _"doesn't have any content"_ now, in Jan 2022.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Randal has stopped making videos. Thanks for commenting

[@canadafree2087]

Those wool shirts vary, older ones are 90/10 wool/nylon while newer ones are 80/20; I have not noticed any real difference in use. What size do you wear? I had a lot of Mediums but switched to Large for more room under it. Have you looked into Tilley winter wool hat?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, I have had an old version of the Tilley wool hat for about 20 years. It is a bit dressy for the woods and very warm when hiking. I am considering a new Tilley Tec-Wool hat...if I can convince my wife I need another. Thanks for commenting

[@MTwoodsrunner]

Difficult to choose i know,...that shirt n hat are definitely you Mark...atb...woods

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Pretty hard to leave them out of the list for sure...Thanks for commenting

[@docink6175]

What is the stick through the top of your stave for? Is it removable?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I should probably explain the stick on video some day. I usually carry two camera tripods. The larger one is strapped to my backpack and the smaller one, a Joby Gorilliapod gets wrapped around the walking stick. The tiny cross stick keeps it from sliding down or off the stick while walking. The hole had been for the wrist strap but I changed the position of it.I usually loose the stick at some point and just pick up another tiny one that fits the hole.Thanks for being observant and for commenting

[@docink6175]

thanks for the indepth reply I understand now. As a recent subscriber. I did go back to see if you had done a video on your staff. I use a walking aid on the daily so I'm always interested in how others adapt theirs

[@jerrybobteasdale]

Hah. I guessed 4 of 5. I missed the wool shirt. I thought you'd say boots.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Boots are oh so important but I am about to change up for a new pair. I did not think I could afford a good wool outer layer so when I found this one for $5.00 at the thrift store I was elated. Wool is truly a great material to wear in the woods. Thanks for commenting

[@William42214]

Hi Mark Just wondering if the wool jack shirt has a label or manufacturer tag trying to find one like it but so far luck is not on my side.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

There is a label on the inside with the following stock numbers (8415-21-905-7509) (7048) (7080-1525) (W8486-7-JM1M). Each series of numbers is set one on top of the other. I assumed it was Canadian but have not seen another one like it. The closest is WW2 US wool shirt. Hope this helps

[@William42214]

Thanks @@MarkYoungBushcraft for the info and your videos I love it when you can watch a video and feel as though you are right there with the commentator.

[@William42214]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft the info helped me find a store in Edmonton where I was able to find one similar to yours ...Thanks again!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

@@William42214 glad I was able to be of assistance

[@jeffreyvolk7140]

mark great video, can you give us the name and web address for that great mat so I can protect my old worn out knees. keep up the great work.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Send a PM to my friend Rob Young (no relation). He may look a bit crazy (and is a bit crazy :) but Rob and his wife are making a waxed canvass, reflectix and wool blanket version of this mat. Hope this helps

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

guess it would help if I have you his FB page facebook.com/rob.young.146069

[@jeffreyvolk7140]

thanks Mark , unfortunately or not I don't have a facebook account . I'm a old guy, if you would be so kind to forward my e- mail to them and ask them to contact me .and congratulations on the check up. every day is a good day when two feet hit the ground. thanks again ! [e-mail]

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have passed you name and email on to Rob

[@KalashniKEV762]

Which Tilley Hat are you wearing in this video?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The Outback. I have video on my Tilley hats of interested. Thanks for commenting

[@Logcly]

Hey I’m debating what king of stove to buy, are Alcohol stoves allowed during a fire ban here in Nova Scotia? I am leaning towards one but want to be able to use during a ban.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I recall reading the regulations that state stoves similar to Coleman in nature and stoves that burn charcoal are permitted when open fires are not. I interpreted that to include isobutane, white gas and alcohol stoves as well. Now I can't find the regulation that stated this. The link was on the "Check Before You Burn" page which is now dormant as the fire season is closed. I will continue to look for this information. Thanks for commenting

[@Logcly]

Mark Young right on thanks Mark

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

@@Logcly check this link out novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/burnsafe/Q-As.asp BTW...where are you located?

[@fromtheflightdeck252]

Zebra pots are great...Thai quality manufacturer

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Best pot of its type I have found. Thanks for commenting

[@JohnTarbox]

Knew the Aeropress had to be in there ;-)

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I was thinking of you when I packed it. Thanks for commenting John

[@redoak3809]

What are the 5 now?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good question. I can say my staff and hat remain but I need to think a bit about the others. I can see an update video coming. Thanks for commenting