Backpack Hunting And Hiking Gamechanger | [The What, Why and How of MOLLE Webbing]

Perhaps you’ve hear the term “MOLLE webbing” and wondered, “what in the world is that?”

What does MOLLE stand for?

Before we look at what MOLLE webbing actually is, let’s first cover what the acronym itself stands for.

MOLLE stands for (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment).

Kifaru Shape Charge inner MOLLE webbing

MOLLE webbing is a widely used system that is designed for modular gear attachment. It typically consists of heavy-duty nylon or polyester straps that are stitched in a grid-like pattern onto backpacks, vests, and other tactical or outdoor gear.

The MOLLE webbing system allows users to attach compatible pouches, holsters, and other accessories in a secure and customizable way.

For the backpack hunter, MOLLE webbing offers a significant advantage over regular packs by enabling the hunter to organize and carry essential gear such as ammo, rangefinders, knives, and first-aid kits without cluttering the pack’s main compartments. The webbing enhances both accessibility and weight distribution of the pack, making long treks through rough terrain more manageable for the user.

The Origins of MOLLE Webbing

The MOLLE system was developed by the United States military in the late 1990s as an upgrade to the older ALICE (All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment) and ILBE (Improved Load Bearing Equipment) systems.

Kifru Shape Charge Backpack with lock on and steps

The key feature of MOLLE is the PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System), which consists of horizontal rows of webbing stitched at regular intervals. These rows of webbing allow gear to be woven and secured using straps, creating a stable and reliable attachment system.

Designed to improve modularity and adaptability in the field, MOLLE was officially introduced in 1997 and it rapidly became the standard for military load-carrying gear.

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How MOLLE Webbing Works

MOLLE webbing functions by way of a simple, yet effective, interwoven strap system. When attaching pouches or accessories, the user threads straps through both the MOLLE webbing on the backpack and the attachment points on the accessory itself. This weaving pattern ensures that gear remains secure, preventing excessive movement or detachment during strenuous activity.

Kifaru Shape Charge MOLLE webbing on waist straps

MOLLE-compatible pouches and gear often include reinforced straps, as well as snap closures to further secure the attachments. The result is a load-bearing system that offers hunters, military personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts the flexibility to configure their pack to suit different hunts, missions, or hikes/treks.

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Why MOLLE Webbing Is Useful for Backpack Hunters

For backpack hunters specifically, weight distribution and gear accessibility are critical.

MOLLE webbing provides the ability for the user to carry extra gear externally, keeping essential items within reach without overloading the interior of the backpack.

Some key benefits of MOLLE webbing include:

  • Customization: Hunters can attach only the gear they need for a specific hunt, reducing unnecessary weight.
  • Efficiency: Quick access to essential items like a knife, GPS, or survival/first-aid kit without digging through the main compartment.
  • Durability: Made from heavy-duty materials, MOLLE webbing is built to withstand harsh environments and tough conditions.
  • Versatility: Can be used to carry everything from extra ammunition to survival gear, making it adaptable for various hunting scenarios.

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The MOLLE Revolution

MOLLE webbing has changed the game for how hunters, military personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts carry their gear.

Originally developed for the military, MOLLE webbing has reach the masses, largely by way of the outdoor industry and has since become a staple in outdoor and tactical gear, offering superior customization, organization, and durability.

For backpack hunters, integrating MOLLE-compatible equipment into their setup can mean the difference between a well-prepared, efficient hunt and a frustrating, disorganized experience in the field. MOLLE webbing provides a way to secure all types of outdoor gear such as pouches, portable stoves, first aid kits, and more.

So, whether you’re heading into the backcountry for days on a hunt or a hike, or just needing quick access to essential gear and accessories, MOLLE webbing is a game-changer for sure.

 

bushcraft survival skills header

Learn 7 Essential Bushcraft & Survival Skills For Beginners

Bushcraft and survival skills are important for thriving inside and outside, offering you the equipment to be self-reliant, adaptable, and creative.

In this article we’ll cover beginner bushcraft and survival skills you’ll need to know to help you gain self-confidence, so that you can feel prepared in a wide variety of unforeseen circumstances.

snowy river

You never know when you’ll need them! Being proficient in bushcraft survival skills can be very worthwhile, whether you’re an avid camper, an outdoors enthusiast, or just someone who’s on the lookout for being prepared for emergencies.

What Is Bushcraft?

Bushcraft refers to dwelling sustainably within the wild, using herbal assets and traditional skills to fulfill simple needs like shelter, food, and water.

man starting fire

While bushcraft and survival skills may overlap, bushcraft leans more toward long-term residing, while survival is a more oriented towards disaster.

Bushcraft emphasizes a deep bond with nature and the expertise to work with the surroundings.

Survival skills are centered on overcoming short-time emergencies and situations in which instantaneous action is needed to ensure safety and well-being.

Why Learn Bushcraft and Survival Skills?

Learning these skills offers several benefits:

  1. Self-reliance. You’ll know how to handle emergencies independently.
  2. Adventure. Skills like fireplace-making and foraging increase outdoor adventure possibilities.
  3. Emergency preparedness. You’ll be more prepared to deal with unexpected conditions, from getting lost to natural disasters.
  4. Mental well-being. Bushcraft can reduce stess and improve intellectual abilities.

Beginner Bushcraft & Survival Skills

1. Fire-Making: The Foundation of Survival

public land hunting fire starter

Mastering the skill of fire making is a cornerstone of bushcraft. Fire presents warmth, allows for cooked meals, purifies water and provides safety.

Bushcraft techniques to start a fire you should learn:

  • Ferro rod. A ferro rod (also referred to as a spark rod or ferrocerium rod) is a fire-starting tool that produces sparks when scraped against a hard surface, such as iron, steel, or certain types of rock, even in damp conditions. It is beginner friendly.
  • Flint and steel. Flint and Steel is a traditional way of fire starting. You start by striking the flint stone off of a steel striker. The sparks that this produces will ignite a flammable material that you can then use to ignite other small particles (twigs, leaves, etc.) to start a fire.  
  • Bow drill. A primitive method of fire making that requires skill and patience, but that can be very rewarding to the fire starter. This method uses fireboard (typically woods like cottonwood, cedar, sycamore, poplar and aspen), a spindle (either the same type of wood as the fireboard or harder) and a cord or string to create friction that eventually gets so hot that it creates an ember that can be used to start a fire.

Fire making tips for beginners:

  • Gather dry grass, bark shavings, or cotton that you can use as your “fuel.”
  • Build your fire in layers: tinder, kindling, and larger logs.
  • Practice in various weather conditions to build confidence.
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2. Shelter Building: Protection from the Elements

shelter inside tree

Shelters are crucial for staying safe and comfortable while in the wild. They can help protect you from rain, wind, and cold temperatures.

Below are some simple shelter types for beginners:

  • Debris hut. Build a frame from sturdy branches and cover it with leaves and moss.
  • Lean-to shelter. Use a fallen tree or a pole as the primary support, leaning branches against it and covering them with debris.
  • Tarp shelter. A versatile option if you carry a tarp. Learn knots like the taut-line hitch to secure it.

Shelter-building tips for success:

  • When building a shelter, choose a location away from hazards like falling branches or rising water.
  • Insulate the ground with leaves or grass to retain body heat.
  • Building a shelter can be very taxing, so be sure to pace yourself and conserve your much-needed energy.

Note: A reliable axe bushcraft device is also an extremely helpful tool for constructing shelters, as well as gathering firewood. See more helpful tools in the table at the end of this article.

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3. Finding and Purifying Water

boiling water over campfire

Staying hydrated is crucial in a survival situation. While rivers and streams might look clean, they often contain harmful bacteria.

How to find water in nature:

  • Look for animal tracks, green vegetation, or low-lying areas. The lowest lying areas will often contain/hold water or moisture.
  • Collect rainwater or morning dew using tarps or leaves.

Water purification methods:

Method                      ProsCons
Boiling            Kills all pathogensRequires fire and container
Water Filter    Easy and portable      Limited lifespan
Purification TabletsLightweight and effectiveMay leave a chemical taste

4. Navigation Skills

compass and map

Getting lost in the wilderness can be life-threatening. Learn basic navigation skills to stay oriented.

Things to help you to navigate in the wilderness:

  • Compass: Understand how to use it with a map to set bearings.
  • Landmarks: Make note of natural features like mountains, rivers, or rock formations.
  • The sun and stars: Learn to find cardinal directions (i.e. North, South, East, West) based on the sun’s movement, or by constellations like the North Star.
  • Pro tip: If possible, carry a detailed map of the area you are exploring and practice navigation before heading into unfamiliar terrain.
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5. Foraging for Food

mushrooms foraging

Nature provides plenty of edible plants, nuts, berries, and fungi. However, proper identification is critical.

Rules for safe foraging:

  • Learn first: When foraging for food, use a reliable field guide or attend a foraging workshop prior to your first attempt.
  • The universal edibility test: Test for unknown plants by checking for adverse reactions (only as a last resort). This involves a series of steps that gradually expose your body to the plant over the course of a day. The test includes smelling the plant, (avoding plants with almond, acidic, or bitter smells), making contact with your inner elbow or wrist for 8 hours to test for contact poisoning/adverse skin reactions), and a 15-minute taste test, where you would chew it and hold in your mouth for 15 minutes before ingesting. If you have determined you can ingest the food, you would swallow and wait 8 hours to find if there are any adverse reactions. You would also drink plenty of filtered water during the 8-hour period.
  • Avoid lookalikes: Many edible plants have poisonous doppelgangers, so always be wary of poisonous imposters.

Beginner-friendly foraging foods:

  • Dandelion leaves and roots.
  • Wild berries like blackberries and raspberries.
  • Acorns (after leaching tannins with water).
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6. Basic First Aid                                      

first aid kit for survival kit

Injuries can happen, even during simple outdoor activities. Knowing basic first aid is essential.

Key first-aid skills:

  • Wound care: Clean cuts with water, apply antiseptic and cover them with a bandage.
  • Splinting: Use sticks and cloth to stabilize broken bones or sprains.
  • CPR: Become certified in CPR and learn how to revive someone who has stopped breathing.
  • Pro tip: Carry a first-aid kit tailored for outdoor activities, including bandages, antiseptics, and tools like tweezers.

7. Knots and Ropes

bowline knot

Knots (like this blowline knot) are versatile tools in bushcraft, essential for shelter building, climbing, or securing items.

Top knots to learn:

  • Square knot: For securing two ropes together.
  • Bowline: Creates a secure loop that won’t tighten.
  • Clove hitch: A quick way to secure a rope to a post or tree.
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How to Practice Bushcraft Safely

  1. Start small: Practice basic skills like fire-making or shelter-building in your backyard or a nearby park.
  2. Respect nature: Leave no trace, ensuring you don’t harm the environment.
  3. Join a group: Learning bushcraft with others accelerates progress and provides safety.
  4. Take a course: Many organizations offer bushcraft courses tailored for beginners.

Essential Gear for Beginners

Investing in the right gear can make learning bushcraft and survival easier and safer.

Item                PurposeRecommended Features
Knife   Cutting, carving, and food prep    Full tang, durable steel
Fire Starter     Creating fire easily     Waterproof
Tarp                Shelter buildingLightweight, durable
Water Bottle/Filter      Hydration       BPA-free, portable filter
Compass                    NavigationHigh-quality, liquid-filled
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Final Thoughts On Bushcraft Survival Skills

Learning bushcraft and survival abilities is an enriching journey that connects you with nature and equips you for challenges. Start with basic skills like fire-making, shelter-building, and navigation, and build your confidence little by little. Remember, learning bushcraft survival skills takes time to master, so get started soon!

types of knives

Knife Knowledge | A Detailed Guide To The Types of Knives

Knives are essential tools that cater to various needs, from everyday kitchen tasks to demanding survival scenarios.

Types of Knives

Each type of knife has specific features and purposes, ensuring optimal performance in its intended use. so, let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of knives.

Tactical Knives

CRKT M16 tactical knife

Most tactical knives are compact and foldable, allowing for easy carry. The most common types of tactical knives include folding, fixed-blade, combat, and karambit knives, to mention a few. 

Tactical knives are versatile tools designed for demanding scenarios and emergencies. They are typically made of high-quality materials like stainless and carbon steel for longevity. Tactical knives also have features like serrated edges, and some have capabilities as glass beakers and seatbelt cutters.

Below are some key features of tactical knives:

  • Blade types: Tactical knives’ blades are often straight-edge, serrated, or a combination of both for cutting through materials
  • Compact designs: Many tactical knives are foldable for portability, while fixed blades provide extra strength.
  • Emergency tools. Some tactical knives are equipped with features like glass breakers, seatbelt cutters, and thumb grips for easy handling 

Tactical knives are popular among military personnel, law enforcement, and outdoor enthusiasts. There are many manufacturers of high-quality tactical knives tailored to an individuals needs, including companies like CRKT .

Here are the common uses of tactical knives:

  • Self-defense, especially in close combat
  • Utility tasks, such as opening boxes, cutting ropes, and breaking glass in emergencies 
  • Emergency rescue, mainly those with seatbelt cutters and glass breakers

Survival Knives

survival knife

Survival knives can feature fire-starting tools, pommels, and saw back edges for hammering. Pocket knives (folding knives), fixed-blade knives, and machete knives are all excellent examples of survival knives.

A survival knife is perfect for wilderness adventure and emergency preparedness. Survival knives are designed for utility and durability and typically feature full-tang blades (blades that are a single piece of metal and extend through the handle for toughness and strength.)

You can use a survival knife for:

  • Building shelter: Survival knives can cut wood, carve notches, or trim branches
  • Fire starting: Often paired with a Ferro rod, a survival knife’s blade can create sparks to ignite a fire.
  • Food preparation: Effective for skinning animals, fileting fish, and chopping vegetables.

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Hunting Knives

hunting knife example

Hunting knives feature sharp, durable blades that make skinning, gutting, and butchering easy. They are also made of high-quality steel to withstand rugged outdoor conditions. Skinning knives, boning knives, camp knives, and gut hook knives are perfect examples of hunting knives.

Hunting knives are designed for processing game animals. A hunting knife is a must-have if you are a hunter or an outdoor enthusiast.

Below are some of the uses of hunting knives:

  • Skinning
  • Butchering 
  • Field dressing, which involves gutting and cleaning animals after a hunt
  • Utility tasks like cutting ropes, preparing kindling, and performing campsite chores

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Utility Knives

utility knife example

Utility knives are some of the most versatile cutting tools for various tasks, including construction, crafting, and everyday projects. Their blades are made of durable materials like stainless steel or high-carbon steel.

Some key features of utility knives:

  • Adjustable lengths to allow precision for cutting materials of different thickness
  • Compact design. Many utility knives feature foldable or retractable blades for portability
  • Their blades are made of durable materials like stainless steel or high-carbon steel

Some utility knives also feature replaceable blades or adjustable blade lengths, making them perfect for DIY enthusiasts and professionals. You can use utility knives for:

  • Everyday household tasks: Opening packages, trimming tape, or slicing through rigid plastic packaging.
  • Construction and renovation: Cutting drywall, insulation, or carpet with precision 
  • Crafting and art projects: Excellent for cutting paper, cardboard, or delicate material

Here are some examples of utility knives:

  • Fixed-blade utility knives 
  • Retractable-blade utility knives
  • Folding utility knives
  • Snap-off blade knives
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Pocket Knives

swiss army knife

Pocket knives are compact, foldable cutting tools designed for convenience and everyday use. They are highly versatile, thanks to additional tools like bottle openers and screwdrivers. Pocket knives have folding blades that ensure portability and safety when not in use.

Models like the Swiss Army knives (example picture above) have additional features that increase versatility.

Below are some common uses of pocket knives:

  • Camping: Cutting ropes, opening cans, and preparing meals.
  • Everyday carry: You can use a pocket knife to handle everyday tasks like opening mail or trimming loose threads.
  • Emergency use: A pocket knife can come in handy during an unexpected situation.

Machetes

machete

Machetes are long-bladed tools primarily used for heavy-duty cutting and chopping tasks, especially in agricultural or outdoor settings.

Machete features:

  • A blade length of 12 to 24 inches 
  • A heavy tip for effective chopping

You can use a machete for:

  • Clearing bushes: A machete is ideal for creating trails or managing overgrown vegetation 
  • Harvesting crops: Frequently used for cutting sugarcane, bananas, or other crops
  • Outdoor survival: Splitting wood or preparing food in the wild.
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Final Thoughts On Types Of Knives

Knives are versatile tools designed to meet various needs, from daily tasks to specialized applications. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the different types of knives, their uses, and how to safely use them, so that you can choose the right cutting tool for the job, whether for cooking, outdoor adventures, or professional tasks.