#AskPaulKirtley

Paul Kirtley: Professional Outdoorsman
  • 5.0 (38)
  • WILDERNESS

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

  1. 11/28/2025

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

    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.

    52 min

  2. 10/16/2025

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

    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.

    57 min

  3. 09/02/2025

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

    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.

    1h 10m

  4. 08/19/2025

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

    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.

    1 hr

  5. 07/11/2025

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

    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.

    37 min

  6. 06/28/2025

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

    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.

    31 min

  7. 11/30/2023

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

    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?

    36 min

  8. 11/18/2023

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

    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?

    49 min
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Kirtley: Professional Outdoorsman
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2025
  • Episodes
    93
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2014-2021 Paul Kirtley: Wilderness Bushcraft | Survival Skills | Outdoor Life
  • Show Website
    #AskPaulKirtley