Welcome to the first of many What I’m Carrying segments here on the Adventure Blog. These articles will serve as a quick breakdown to go along with what I’m posting over on Instagram, so you all can know a bit more about the gear I’m using. So, without further ado, let’s jump into my Bushcraft EDC Gear for this frigid Winter Season!
Shown Above: Opinel No8 Trekking (Slate), Überleben Zünden Pro and Dursten Kuksa
Winter Bushcraft Gear
Here in the Appalachian Mountains, it is already starting to get frigid cold. So, carrying a solid pocket kit, geared towards bushcraft, survival, or whatever you’d like to call it is a must. After all, having a large bag or pouch with you at all times isn’t always an option. So, you better have the right gear on your person for moments when you might need it the most.
Forewarning, I am not going to break down every little detail of my EDC kit (everyday carry). Rather, I’m going to showcase the main 3 items.
Bushcraft EDC Kit
Learn more about Opinel and their history here
Opinel No 8 Trekking
I’m a huge fan of Opinel’s, as you can read in my previous Opinel No.6 Review. They have a sharp 90º spine for striking a ferrocerium rod, they hold an insanely sharp (and near surgical) edge and this model is an Inox Stainless Version so it won’t rust in the wet conditions of Winter. I really love the looks of the crisp stainless blade and slate wood handle as well.
Überleben Zünden Pro Ferro Rod
The Zünden Pro has taken over as my EDC Ferro Rod this Winter. It is a bit bulkier than the ExoTac Nanostriker XL that I typically carry. But, the added size of the handle and surface area of the rod lend it to be better with gloved hands.
Olight S2R Baton II
No, a flashlight isn’t necessarily traditional “bushcraft” as this article’s title suggests. But you better believe I’m not getting caught out in the dark without one. And the Olight S2R Baton II that I reviewed yesterday is now my go-to on these long Winter days.
Browse EDC Lights at OlightStore.com
Shown Above: Olight S2R Baton II and Rite In The Rain Pocket Organizer
Misc Gear I Carry
In my pockets, I also keep a simple BIC lighter, some chapstick, some form of dry tinder, an IFAK (individual first aid kit) with quick-clot, a large adhesive gauze pad and a bandana. I also keep a well-stocked emergency bag in my car (more about that kit on another day though).
Worksharp Field Sharpener
It’s been a while since I’ve bought a brand new Opinel so I had forgotten that the blades don’t come exactly perfect out of the box. The No8 Trekking you’re seeing photos of here had a bit of an uneven grind and a pretty visible burr halfway down the blade. But I can absolutely forgive this, considering the modest price point ($15-20) and how easy they are to sharpen. Plus, it gave me a fun Saturday project.
With that said, I have been using the Worksharp Field Sharpener for the past few months and I absolutely love this little thing. (I’m tempted to believe you could give me a plastic knife and I could put an edge on it) It has removable diamond plates so you can avoid the “guided” angles and sharpen Convex or Scandi Grinds. And the ceramic rods, plus strop do a fantastic job of giving your knife a nice finished edge. It made this new Opinel No 8 Trekking wicked sharp.
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Read Next: Olight S2R Baton II Review | Opinel No.6 Review | All Bushcraft Gear Reviews
Ethics Statement: I have personally purchased all of my Opinel Knives and Worksharp sharpeners. Olight and Überleben have sent products for the purpose of unbiased reviews & content. None of the companies herein have previously proof-read or influenced this article in any way. All opinions, statements, and content are my own.
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