#AskPaulKirtley 91 – Top Knots, Good Companions, Fire Dogs & Teaching in the USA

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I start with a big-picture question: is there such a thing as a bushcraft mindset, distinct from survival mindset? From there we move our thinking to the winter woods and look at how to move from guided courses to planning your own unsupported journeys in the boreal forest. I also answer a practical paddling question about additional buoyancy in open canoes, including when you might reasonably leave the buoyancy bags out. Finally, I tackle a short but frequent question: how do you get hold of one of “my” knives; I also use this as an opportunity to revisit the discussion about what place do premium tools really have in a world where a simple Mora still does the job.

In this episode, I answer a series of practical questions covering gear care, camp comfort, and tool use. I start with how to keep your waterproof jackets and trousers performing properly, then move on to choosing and adapting sleep systems for different conditions—from hammocks in the tropics to bivvy bags in the snow. I also explain how to tell when your knife needs sharpening, why stropping isn’t always enough, and the reasoning behind smaller bushcraft knives such as the PK2. Finally, I address the idea of wearing waterproofs to bed—does it really help, or just leave you damp and cold? As always, my aim is to share what works in the field, not just in theory.

In this episode I share my top five knots for bushcraft and outdoor life, then answer what really makes a good travelling companion on wilderness trips. I also discuss what it would take for me to teach courses in the USA, offer advice on lighting fire dogs from previous campfires, and reflect on how students today compare with those of 15–20 years ago.

In Episode 90 of #AskPaulKirtley, I answer listener questions on where I would go for a leisure canoe trip, how I balance compass use with natural navigation cues, and practical ways to improve weather forecasting skills without technology. I also reflect on some of my most beautiful moments in nature, from mountain sunsets to close wildlife encounters, and finish with some practical tips on making feather sticks.

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I respond to a range of listener questions, from comparing rations with bush cooking, to sharing memorable wildlife encounters, including some close-range moments with deer, badgers, and otters. I also explore how to adapt bushcraft skills to unfamiliar environments, such as moving from the northern temperate, or boreal forest, to tropical climes, plus I offer suggestions on primitive projectile weapons worth trying, and share my thoughts on knife danglers versus other carry methods.

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley, I respond to five new questions from the community. I explore the potential use of the adze in bushcraft, how long a bow drill hearth board will last, and the best wood conditions for creating fire by friction. I also discuss how to physically prepare for a Canadian canoe expedition, and finally, I reflect on some of the wilderness skills I’m currently pursuing more deeply, including basketry and lithic technology.

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer questions about why my podcasts play too fast, some thread for fixing gear and for use as fishing line, the expected lifespan of a Bahco Laplander saw and when to upgrade from a Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe?

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer your questions about collaborations with other bushcrafters, the place for larger knives, machetes and parangs, alternative knots to square lashings and what are the best materials to look for in a firesteel or ferro rod?

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer questions about water purification for self-propelled journeys such as back-packing and bike-packing. I also answer a question about an often misunderstood or ignored area of navigation related to magnetic variation and the necessary compass adjustments...

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer questions about forest access and fire rules, how to deal with the issue of kit and clothing getting wet, and suggestions for setting up tarp lines at head height, along with some thoughts on knot repertoire....