#AskPaulKirtley

By Paul KirtleySports Leisure Wilderness

#AskPaulKirtley episodes

April 09 #AskPaulKirtley 94 – Seasonal Kit Tweaks, Woodcraft Pioneers, Woodland Access and Some Career Advice
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 moving on to gaining access to woodland and, finally, offering some grounded advice for those considering bushcraft as a career.
50 min
April 09 #AskPaulKirtley Episode 94
Answers questions on seasonal bushcraft kit tweaks, lessons from Woodcraft pioneers, travelling with expensive gear, gaining access to private woodland, and up-to-date bushcraft career advice.
50 min
November 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.
53 min
November 28, 2025 #AskPaulKirtley Episode 93
In Episode 93 I answer questions about bushcraft mindset, planning independent winter journeys in the boreal forest, when to use extra canoe buoyancy, and how to get a PK knife.
53 min
October 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
October 16, 2025 #AskPaulKirtley Episode 92
In this episode, I answer your questions on keeping waterproofs working well, adapting sleep systems for different climates, how to tell when your knife really needs sharpening, and whether wearing waterproofs to bed helps or hurts.
57 min
September 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.
1 hr 10 min
September 02, 2025 #AskPaulKirtley Episode 91
In this episode I share my top five knots, discuss what makes a good travelling companion, consider teaching in the USA, explain how to relight fire dogs, and reflect on how students have changed over the past 20 years.
1 hr 10 min
August 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
August 19, 2025 #AskPaulKirtley Episode 90
In this episode I share where I'd go for a personal canoe trip, compare compass use with natural navigation cues, give advice on reading the weather without tech, reflect on my most beautiful moments in nature, and explain feather stick hand technique.
1 hr