The difference between bushcraft and camping

What is the difference between bushcraft and camping?

The differences between the two are not as great as you might originally think. There are very strong similarities between the two activities. Both activities require you to think about the same things, such as food, fire, shelter and so on. 

Bushcraft is the more difficult of the two and requires more survival skills than camping. Camping is more of a "luxury activity," while bushcraft mimics survival situations and tests your survival skills. Your camping gear and bushcraft gear look a little different. For camping you pack heavier, while for bushcraft you always pack lighter.

Comparison between Bushcraft and camping equipment

When looking for the differences between Bushcraft and camping, equipment is the first thing that comes to mind.

Equipment for both camping and bushcraft can have many similarities. Since both are outdoor activities, you will need the basic outdoor supplies. However, there will also be differences in the equipment you pack for both camping and bushcraft. We have compiled both a list of camping supplies and a list of bushcraft essentials. So that you know exactly what supplies you need for each activity.

Camping

Camping is a relaxing recreational activity that involves spending a night or even a few weeks at designated campsites. People often go camping with their friends and family to get away from the noise of the city and breathe in the fresh natural air. At least if you are not assigned a spot next to the toilets 😉 .

Many people go camping and forget that they live in the wild, home to wildlife. It is important to keep track of what your food is and where you keep it. Otherwise, you might be bothered by unwanted visitors. 

Bushcraft

Simply put, bushcraft is learning and demonstrating survival skills in the wilderness. Where camping is more of a leisure activity, bushcraft is more serious. Bushcraft is about being in nature and not only being able to survive in the wild. But also thriving in the wild with nothing but the gear you carry on your back.

You never stop learning in the world of bushcraft, that's the fun part. There is always something you could do more or even better. The excitement of the unknown and endless possibilities when you are alone in the bush is what draws many people to it.

Some people even choose to live the bushcraft lifestyle permanently, this means completely off-grid, disconnected from society. They often build log cabins with no running water, no supermarkets nearby and no electricity. And live as people have lived for thousands of years. They go out and hunt and process their own food and often grow their own fruits and vegetables. 

Bushcraft skills vary, some of the key skills you need to succeed in bushcraft include the ability to build a fire with nothing but a Ferro rod, build a shelter that can withstand the elements, hunt and prepare food and make wood to make things. Like chairs for comfort or bowls to eat out of. All of these skills take time and practice to master. While camping, anyone can set up a tent with instructions and cook the food they bring.

Conclusion

Both activities have striking similarities in that they are done both outdoors and in (often) remote areas. However, this is where the similarities end. Camping is an activity that anyone, regardless of their knowledge of survival skills, can participate in. Whereas bushcraft requires a specific set of skills and an amount of experience to be successful.