Shelter, water, fire, and food.
Basic human needs we usually have access to modern urban society. Most of these components can be created in the wilderness with minimum tools, as long as you have the knowledge and skills how to do so. The tools and gear below will allow you to create comfort and safety in the wilderness.
They are carefully picked and I use most of these tools myself when I’m on expedition.
Tough. Reliable. Sustainable. The highest quality there is.
Percussion (striking) fire-starting was widespread in Europe during ancient times, the Middle Ages and the Viking Age. From the Iron Age forward, until the invention of the friction match in the early 1800s, the use of flint and steel was a common method of fire lighting.
The high-carbon steel is struck along the sharp edge of the piece of flint (which is a hard rock). As the hardness of the flint is harder than the hardness of the steel, it removes small pieces from the steel. These tiny pieces - due to the striking - become hot and glow for a short moment of time. These hot sparks can ignite highly flammable material (tinder).
When flint and steel were used, the fire steel was often kept in a metal tinderbox together with flint and tinder. In Tibet and Mongolia, they were instead carried in a leather pouch (called a chuckmuck).
This is a complete kit and a fun way to start a fire. Also a great way to demonstrate your survival skills to your friends and colleagues.
Starting a fire with a lighter is easy. Yet, not always reliable. A lighter often doesn’t work in subzero temperatures, it can break, you can lose it, and it runs out of fuel quickly.
A firesteel - also known as a ferrocerium rod - is one of the most durable, sustainable, and versatile fire-making tools you can bring in the wilderness. When struck with a harder material (e.g. the striker which is included), it produces hot sparks that can reach temperatures up to 3300 degrees Celcius. It works in strong winds, in the rain, in both extreme hot and cold weather conditions, and it can lasts for many years.
There are many different types and dimensions of firesteels on the market. I’ve tried many brands, but unfortunately, many of them aren’t durable (they break), reliable (the compound is inadequate), or they corrode quickly.
The composition of Berqana firesteels is unique and I can guarantee you that these firesteels won’t let you down. Handmade in the Swedish wilderness. These will make sure you have warm fire.
Originally, kuksa were used by the Sami as a personal cup to help them eat or to gather berries. This multifunctional cup had to be durable and strong.
Wooden mugs are safe to drink from. Wooden mugs feature a clear resin lining inside out that protects the wood from interacting with whatever you are drinking. This coating makes the mugs safe and helps in maintaining hygiene.