#AskPaulKirtley

Answers to your questions on wilderness bushcraft, survival skills and outdoor life

Episodes

#AskPaulKirtley 94 – Seasonal Kit Tweaks, Woodcraft Pioneers, Woodland Access and Some Career Advice

April 8, 2026 • 49 mins

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I begin with a practical question about how to adapt a bushcraft camping outfit for different seasons, and what really needs to change as conditions shift. From there, I take a step back and look at what we can learn from the early woodcraft pioneers, particularly their emphasis on skills and knowledge of nature over equipment. I also answer a question about travelling with knives and axes, before...

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#AskPaulKirtley 93 – Bushcraft Mindset, Boreal Winter Trips, Canoe Buoyancy and PK Knives

November 28, 2025 • 52 mins

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 lea...

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#AskPaulKirtley 92 – Sharpening, Sleep Systems, Smaller Bushcraft Knives & Wearing Waterproofs To Bed

October 16, 2025 • 56 mins

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...

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

September 2, 2025 • 69 mins

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.

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#AskPaulKirtley 90 – Canoe Trips, Natural Navigation, Weather Skills, Beautiful Moments in Nature, Feather Sticks

August 19, 2025 • 59 mins

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.

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#AskPaulKirtley 89 – Ration Packs vs Bush Cooking, Wildlife Encounters, Adapting to New Environments, Primitive Weapons, Knife Danglers

July 11, 2025 • 37 mins

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 w...

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#AskPaulKirtley 88 – Adze Use in Bushcraft, Bow Drill Hearth Lifespan, Friction Firewood Seasoning, Canoe Trip Fitness, and Skills I’m Learning

June 28, 2025 • 30 mins

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...

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#AskPaulKirtley 87 – Upgrading from Small Forest Axes, Lifespan of Bahco Laplanders and Dual-use Line for Repairs and Fishing

November 30, 2023 • 35 mins

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?

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#AskPaulKirtley 86 – The Place For Machetes, Parangs and Larger Knives, Ferro Rod Material Choices, Alternative Knots to Square Lashings

November 18, 2023 • 49 mins

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?

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#AskPaulKirtley 85 – Water Purification Systems for Journeys; Magnetic Declination and Compass Choice

November 25, 2021 • 44 mins

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...

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#AskPaulKirtley 84 – Forest Access, Wet Clothing and Kit, Tarps Lines At Head Height

November 12, 2021 • 49 mins

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....

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#AskPaulKirtley 83 – My Go-To Bivvy Bag, How To Gain Backpacking Fitness, Caring For Leather Boots

September 19, 2021 • 31 mins

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer questions on getting fit for backpacking, keeping leather boots in good condition when out for a while, and which is my go-to bivvy bag.

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#AskPaulKirtley 82 – The Changes In My Bushcraft Philosophy, Rubbish Firesteels, and Book Writing

August 5, 2021 • 49 mins

Answers to questions about whether I will ever write a book, why some ferro rods or firesteels don't work very well, and whether my bushcraft philosophy has changed over the years...

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#AskPaulKirtley 81 – Covid Effects On Bushcraft, Dealing With Increased Littering, Office To Outdoors Career Transitions, Bushcraft Memory

October 21, 2020 • 60 mins

Answers to questions about the effects of Covid/lockdowns on the bushcraft industry, office to outdoor career transitions, how to remember bushcraft and survival uses of plants, and how to promote good outdoor ethics, including leave-no-trace, to people outside of the usual outdoor community.

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#AskPaulKirtley 80 – Inspiration In Wild Places, Carrying A Lock Knife, Canoeing Bags, Wild Berry ID

January 2, 2019 • 47 mins

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley, I answer questions on what’s inspirational about wild places, carrying a lock knife for bushcraft, why use two bags for canoeing and a bit of tree and plant ID on some berries in Quebec.

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#AskPaulKirtley 79 – Sharpening Stones, Boreal Cutting Tools, Quilts vs Bags, A Small Rant Plus An Important Announcement

November 12, 2018 • 61 mins

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer questions about axe stones and keeping them in shape, using a parang in the boreal, quilts vs sleeping bags. demographics of bushcraft course participants, when to use the finer side of a sharpening stone, visiting North American bushcraft festivals and shows. At the beginning of the show there is an important announcement and part way through I also have a bit of a rant….

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#AskPaulKirtley 78 – Fire Safety, Use Of Cottongrass, Shoe Placement While Bivvying

September 30, 2018 • 33 mins

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer questions about campfire safety risk assessment, use of cottongrass and what to do with your shoes while bivvying...

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#AskPaulKirtley 77 – Moving From Survival To Bushcraft; Liner Entanglement; Fishing Kit

August 5, 2018 • 33 mins

In this episode of #AskPaulKirtley I answer your questions about expanding from survival skills to broader bushcraft skills, sleeping bag liners and entanglement, fishing as part of a bushcraft repertoire...

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#AskPaulKirtley 76 – Inner Bark Tinder Bundles; Reducing Campfire Smoke; First Aid Training For Kids

July 20, 2018 • 26 mins

I answer questions about how to use the inner bark of sweet chestnut, Castanea sativa, for tinder bundles, ideas for minimising smoke from fires, first aid for young people, and some thoughts on every day carry (EDC) items…

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#AskPaulKirtley 75 – When To Start Teaching Bushcraft; Washing Pots With Very Limited Water; Testing Water Filters

July 15, 2018 • 37 mins

In this episode I answer questions about how you know when it’s the right time to start teaching bushcraft, considerations for washing up after cooking when you only have limited drinking water and how to test how clean and pure the water is coming out of a water filter is…

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#AskPaulKirtley

Episodes

.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}#AskPaulKirtley 94 – Seasonal Kit Tweaks, Woodcraft Pioneers, Woodland Access and Some Career Advice

.css-r6mb8g{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:1;overflow:hidden;}#AskPaulKirtley 93 – Bushcraft Mindset, Boreal Winter Trips, Canoe Buoyancy and PK Knives

#AskPaulKirtley 92 – Sharpening, Sleep Systems, Smaller Bushcraft Knives & Wearing Waterproofs To Bed

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

#AskPaulKirtley 90 – Canoe Trips, Natural Navigation, Weather Skills, Beautiful Moments in Nature, Feather Sticks

#AskPaulKirtley 89 – Ration Packs vs Bush Cooking, Wildlife Encounters, Adapting to New Environments, Primitive Weapons, Knife Danglers

#AskPaulKirtley 88 – Adze Use in Bushcraft, Bow Drill Hearth Lifespan, Friction Firewood Seasoning, Canoe Trip Fitness, and Skills I’m Learning

#AskPaulKirtley 87 – Upgrading from Small Forest Axes, Lifespan of Bahco Laplanders and Dual-use Line for Repairs and Fishing

#AskPaulKirtley 86 – The Place For Machetes, Parangs and Larger Knives, Ferro Rod Material Choices, Alternative Knots to Square Lashings

#AskPaulKirtley 85 – Water Purification Systems for Journeys; Magnetic Declination and Compass Choice

#AskPaulKirtley 84 – Forest Access, Wet Clothing and Kit, Tarps Lines At Head Height

#AskPaulKirtley 83 – My Go-To Bivvy Bag, How To Gain Backpacking Fitness, Caring For Leather Boots

#AskPaulKirtley 82 – The Changes In My Bushcraft Philosophy, Rubbish Firesteels, and Book Writing

#AskPaulKirtley 81 – Covid Effects On Bushcraft, Dealing With Increased Littering, Office To Outdoors Career Transitions, Bushcraft Memory

#AskPaulKirtley 80 – Inspiration In Wild Places, Carrying A Lock Knife, Canoeing Bags, Wild Berry ID

#AskPaulKirtley 79 – Sharpening Stones, Boreal Cutting Tools, Quilts vs Bags, A Small Rant Plus An Important Announcement

#AskPaulKirtley 78 – Fire Safety, Use Of Cottongrass, Shoe Placement While Bivvying

#AskPaulKirtley 77 – Moving From Survival To Bushcraft; Liner Entanglement; Fishing Kit

#AskPaulKirtley 76 – Inner Bark Tinder Bundles; Reducing Campfire Smoke; First Aid Training For Kids

#AskPaulKirtley 75 – When To Start Teaching Bushcraft; Washing Pots With Very Limited Water; Testing Water Filters

Popular Podcasts

#AskPaulKirtley 94 – Seasonal Kit Tweaks, Woodcraft Pioneers, Woodland Access and Some Career Advice

#AskPaulKirtley 93 – Bushcraft Mindset, Boreal Winter Trips, Canoe Buoyancy and PK Knives