Budget-Friendly Bushcraft Gear: Must-Haves for Newcomers
Posted by Heinnie Haynes on 25th Jun 2025
What Is Bushcraft?
Bushcraft involves skills that allow you to live comfortably in natural environments using minimal gear. You learn to work with nature rather than against it. Starting bushcraft requires basic gear that won't break the bank. This guide helps you build an affordable bushcraft kit with quality items that last.
Essential Budget Bushcraft Gear
The Bushcraft Knife
Your knife is the most important tool in bushcraft. A good fixed-blade knife handles wood carving, food preparation and shelter building.
For beginners, the Mora Companion offers excellent value at under £15. For those wanting something more versatile, the EKA Hatchblade W1 combines knife and small axe functions in one tool.
Fire Starting Equipment
Fire gives warmth, light and means to cook food. Your kit should include:
- A reliable ferro rod (fire steel)
- Natural tinder or commercial fire starters
- A small pocket knife for creating kindling
The Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel 2.0 costs around £15 and provides thousands of strikes.
Shelter Solutions
While advanced bushcraft involves natural shelter building, beginners benefit from bringing:
- A lightweight tarp (3m x 3m)
- Paracord (at least 10m)
- A few tent pegs
Many affordable tarps are available for under £25. The Helikon-Tex Essential Kit Bag, which makes storage easy, costs around £30.
Water Management
You must safely collect and purify water. Budget options include:
- Stainless steel water bottle (doubles as a cooking pot)
- Water purification tablets
- Simple cotton bandana for basic filtering
Navigation Tools
Even when exploring familiar areas, navigation tools are vital:
- Basic compass
- Local area map
- Small notebook and pencil
Backpack
You need something to carry your gear. Don't get caught up in buying the biggest pack - start small and focused.
Why Beginners Choose Heinnie Haynes
Heinnie Haynes offers numerous advantages for bushcraft beginners:
- Curated selection - We focus on practical, proven tools rather than gimmicks
- Price ranges - Options for every budget level
- Quality standards - Even budget items meet minimum performance requirements
- Knowledge base - Staff understand bushcraft needs
- Regular sales - Our clearance section features quality items at reduced prices
Our regular discounts on products make building a starter kit much more affordable.
Building Your Skills With Budget Gear
Your skills matter more than expensive gear. Many experienced bushcrafters still use budget tools they purchased years ago. Focus on learning proper techniques rather than collecting equipment.
Start with the essentials mentioned above. Add items only when you identify a specific need through practice.
Remember that bushcraft emphasises simplicity and working with nature. The best practitioners carry minimal gear and rely on knowledge instead.
Why not check out our other great blogs For Gear Recommendations And Outdoor Survival Tips
