10 Best Apps for Bushcraft: Enhance Your Wilderness Skills

August 15, 2024 11 min read

If you're passionate about bushcraft, equipping yourself with the right tools can make a significant difference in your outdoor experience. Modern technology offers countless applications designed to enhance your skills and ensure your safety while exploring nature.

A forest clearing with a variety of survival tools and equipment laid out, surrounded by trees and wildlife

This article highlights the 10 best apps for bushcraft, chosen specifically to aid your wilderness adventures. From navigation aids to survival guides, these apps serve as indispensable companions for both novice enthusiasts and seasoned experts.

1) Pocket Bushman

A rugged bushman's pocket holds a smartphone with 10 essential bushcraft apps displayed on the screen. Surrounding the phone are various tools and gear for outdoor survival

Pocket Bushman is a versatile app designed for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists. It offers instructional videos that teach various bushcraft skills. From building shelters to starting fires, you’ll find comprehensive guides to enhance your outdoor experience.

You can also access checklists to ensure you have all necessary equipment for your adventures. This feature is particularly useful for beginners who might not know what to bring.

Another strong point of Pocket Bushman is its offline capabilities. You don’t need an internet connection to access the content once it’s downloaded. This makes it ideal for wilderness areas with limited connectivity.

The app includes a section dedicated to plant identification. Knowing which plants are edible and which are not can be a lifesaver. Each plant is described in detail, with images to help you recognize them in the wild.

Pocket Bushman provides weather updates tailored to your location. This helps you prepare for changing conditions, ensuring your safety and comfort in the wilderness. You can also set weather alerts for real-time updates.

For those who enjoy tracking their progress, the app offers a journal feature. You can log your activities, observations, and notes, creating a record of your bushcraft journey. This can be a valuable resource for future trips.

Pocket Bushman is user-friendly, with a simple interface that makes navigation easy. Whether you’re a seasoned bushcrafter or a newcomer, the app is designed to be intuitive. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for all skill levels.

2) Survival App

Survival App is a versatile tool designed for anyone venturing into the wilderness. It offers a range of features that can be essential during outdoor emergencies and everyday bushcraft activities.

One key feature is the extensive database of survival tips. These tips cover various scenarios, such as building a shelter, finding water, and starting a fire. The step-by-step guides are easy to follow, making it useful for both beginners and experienced users.

The app also includes an offline mode. This ensures that you can access all the information without needing an internet connection, which is crucial when you're in remote areas with no service.

In addition, Survival App has GPS functionality. You can mark your location, track your route, and find your way back to base camp. This feature is invaluable for navigation and planning your path in unfamiliar terrain.

Another beneficial feature is the SOS alert system. If you find yourself in an emergency, you can send out a distress signal with your location details to pre-set contacts. This can be a lifesaver in critical situations.

The app also contains a weather forecast section. Staying updated on the weather helps you prepare better for your outdoor activities and avoid dangerous conditions.

With intuitive interface design, Survival App makes complex information easily accessible. Whether you are a seasoned bushcrafter or just starting, this app provides practical tools to enhance your safety and efficiency in the wild.

3) Bushcraft Buddy

Bushcraft Buddy is a versatile app designed to assist you in various bushcraft activities. Whether you're an experienced bushcrafter or just starting, this app offers practical tools and resources.

The app features a wide range of guides on skills like fire-making, shelter-building, and foraging. Each guide includes step-by-step instructions and visuals to help you master these essential skills.

You can access a comprehensive database of edible plants and wildlife. This feature is particularly useful for foraging and identifying safe-to-eat plants in the wild.

Bushcraft Buddy also includes a built-in GPS and mapping functionality. This helps you navigate unfamiliar terrain and mark important locations, such as campsites and water sources.

Interactive checklists ensure you are well-prepared for your trips. You can customize these lists based on your specific needs and the duration of your adventure.

The app’s weather forecasting feature keeps you informed about upcoming weather conditions. This allows you to plan your activities and ensure your safety in the wilderness.

Access to a community forum lets you connect with other bushcrafters, share tips, and seek advice. Engaging with this community can enhance your knowledge and experiences.

Bushcraft Buddy offers all these features in an intuitive and user-friendly interface. The design ensures you can quickly find the information you need when you need it.

With its comprehensive set of tools, Bushcraft Buddy is a reliable companion for any bushcraft enthusiast.

4) Offline Survival Manual

Offline Survival Manual is an indispensable app for bushcraft enthusiasts. It houses a wealth of information on skills, techniques, and best practices required to survive in the wild.

The app does not require an internet connection. This ensures that all essential data remains accessible, even when you are deep in the wilderness with no signal.

The content covers a wide array of topics. These include fire-making, shelter-building, water purification, and plant identification. Each section is detailed with step-by-step guides and clear illustrations.

The user interface is straightforward and easy to navigate. You can quickly find necessary information without hassle. This feature makes the app efficient and user-friendly, especially in urgent situations.

There's a first aid section that outlines crucial medical procedures. From treating minor injuries to managing more severe situations, it offers clear instructions to follow in case of an emergency.

The app is available for both Android and iOS devices. This wide compatibility ensures that more users can benefit from its resources.

Offline Survival Manual is continuously updated by experts. This helps ensure that the information remains current and reliable, making it a trusted companion for your outdoor adventures.

5) Wild Edibles

A forest clearing with a variety of wild edible plants and herbs growing, surrounded by tall trees and dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves

Wild Edibles is an essential app for those interested in foraging and identifying edible plants in the wild.

The app offers detailed information on a wide array of edible plants, including descriptions, habitat details, and nutritional profiles. High-quality images accompany each entry, making it easier to correctly identify plants.

You can also find information about toxic plants to avoid, which is crucial for safety. The app includes seasonal data, helping you know what’s available during different times of the year.

Interactive maps feature locations of commonly found plants, making your foraging more efficient. Additionally, the app provides tips on sustainable foraging practices to ensure the preservation of natural habitats.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced forager, Wild Edibles equips you with the knowledge you need to safely and effectively gather food from nature.

6) First Aid - IFRC

First Aid - IFRC is an app by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The app offers comprehensive first aid tips. It equips you with essential life-saving skills for outdoor emergencies.

User-friendly features guide you through step-by-step procedures. You'll find instructions for treating cuts, burns, fractures, and more. The app also includes interactive quizzes to test your knowledge.

Interactive videos and animations make complex procedures easier to understand. The app covers CPR, wound care, and handling allergic reactions. You can access offline content, handy in remote areas without an internet connection.

Emergency contact information is easily accessible within the app. You can directly call emergency services if needed. GPS functionality can help you provide your exact location to responders.

Regular updates ensure the information remains current and accurate. This app is available for both iOS and Android devices. The IFRC collaborates with medical experts to keep content reliable.

First Aid - IFRC offers multilingual support, appealing to a global audience. This makes it beneficial for international travelers and multicultural groups. The app's intuitive layout and design enhance usability for all age groups.

Download First Aid - IFRC before your next bushcraft adventure to stay prepared. Knowing you have vital information at your fingertips can provide peace of mind. Make this app a key part of your bushcraft toolkit.

7) Prepper's Toolbox

Prepper's Toolbox is a comprehensive app designed for bushcraft enthusiasts. It provides a wide array of survival skills and tips to help you navigate the wilderness.

The app features detailed guides on fire-starting, shelter-building, and foraging. These guides are easy to follow and include images and videos for better clarity.

You can access an offline library of survival manuals. This ensures you’ve got essential information even when you’re off the grid.

Prepper's Toolbox also includes a customizable packing list. This helps ensure you have all necessary gear before heading out.

Additionally, the app provides weather forecasts tailored to your location. This feature helps you plan your excursions more effectively.

Emergency communication tools are integrated into the app. They allow you to send distress signals and your GPS location to predefined contacts in case of an emergency.

Users can also track their hikes and mark important locations on an interactive map. This makes navigation simpler and more precise.

In-App tutorials and quizzes help reinforce your bushcraft skills. Engaging with these resources can help maintain and improve your knowledge over time.

If you’re looking to connect with others, the app offers a community forum. Here, you can share tips, ask questions, and learn from fellow enthusiasts.

Prepper's Toolbox's user-friendly interface ensures you won’t get frustrated while finding the information you need. Download it and enhance your bushcrafting experience.

8) Knots 3D

A hand holding a smartphone with "Knots 3D" app open, surrounded by bushcraft tools and nature elements

Knots 3D is an essential app for anyone interested in bushcraft. This app lets you explore a wide variety of knots and their uses.

You can view each knot in 3D, allowing you to rotate and zoom for better understanding.

The app provides step-by-step instructions on how to tie each knot.

Whether you need knots for setting up a tarp, fishing, or climbing, Knots 3D has you covered.

It includes knots for different purposes, such as survival, camping, and sailing.

The interface is user-friendly, making it accessible even if you're new to knot tying.

No internet connection is required, so you can use it off-grid.

Knots 3D is a reliable and informative companion for your bushcraft adventures.

9) My Wild Plant Guide

My Wild Plant Guide is an essential app for anyone interested in bushcraft. It helps you identify various wild plants and provides detailed information about their uses.

With its comprehensive database, you can search for plants by common or scientific names. Each entry includes photos, descriptions, and details on edibility and medicinal properties.

The app also features offline access, making it perfect for remote locations without internet connectivity. You can download your guides and refer to them whenever needed.

Whether you are a seasoned bushcrafter or a beginner, My Wild Plant Guide is a valuable tool. It ensures you have the knowledge to safely identify and use wild plants in nature.

10) SAS Survival Guide

The SAS Survival Guide app is an indispensable tool for bushcraft enthusiasts. Developed by a former SAS soldier, it offers a wealth of survival knowledge.

You get detailed instructions on various survival skills, from building shelters to finding food. The app includes videos, images, and texts that make learning these skills accessible.

There's also an essential survival checklist and an interactive guide to wildlife and plant identification. These features can help you prepare for any wilderness situation.

The app also includes Morse code and signaling guides, crucial for emergency communication. Even if you're new to bushcraft, this app can enhance your skills.

Weather forecasting and navigation tips are also covered, ensuring you're ready for various scenarios. The offline access makes it reliable, even when you're off the grid.

Its user-friendly interface helps you find the information you need quickly. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, this app offers something valuable for everyone.

Features to Look for in Bushcraft Apps

Effective bushcraft apps need offline functionality, reliable GPS and navigation tools, and comprehensive survival guides and tips. These features ensure you're prepared for any situation in the wilderness.

Offline Functionality

Offline capabilities are crucial for bushcraft apps.

Without a reliable internet connection in remote areas, your app must store maps, guides, and other important data offline. Look for apps with downloadable content including topographic maps and resource guides.

Ensure the app updates offline content regularly so that information remains current. This feature allows you to navigate and access essential information regardless of connectivity.

GPS and Navigation Tools

Accurate GPS and navigation tools are vital for finding your way in the wilderness.

A high-quality bushcraft app will offer real-time GPS tracking and detailed topographic maps. Features such as compass integration and route planning ensure you stay on course.

Some apps provide waypoint setting and breadcrumb tracking, allowing you to mark important spots and trace your path back. The reliability of these tools can be life-saving.

Survival Guides and Tips

An extensive library of survival guides and tips enhances your bushcraft experience.

Look for apps that cover a wide range of topics, from fire-making techniques to food foraging and shelter building. Ensuring the guides are well-organized and easy to navigate is important for quick reference.

The inclusion of video tutorials and illustrations can enhance your comprehension of complex survival skills. Accurate and practical information makes a significant difference in critical situations.

User Reviews and Ratings

A table with a laptop displaying 10 app icons for bushcraft. A hand reaching for a phone with a 5-star rating. A journal with written reviews

User reviews and ratings provide insights into app performance and usability. They help you understand how each app works in real-world situations and what users think about their experiences.

Understanding App Ratings

App ratings typically range from 1 to 5 stars. A higher rating often indicates better user satisfaction. Look at both the average rating and the number of reviews. For example:

App Average Rating Number of Reviews
Bushcraft 4.7 2,000
Survivalist 4.4 1,500

A high rating with many reviews typically suggests consistency. Low-rated apps with a few reviews might still be worth trying, but check recent ratings for trends. Pay attention to updates that could address past issues.

Reading User Feedback

User feedback gives a qualitative view. Look for reviews describing specific features, like GPS accuracy, offline maps, or emergency tools. This helps you gauge functionality and usability.

Positive reviews often highlight reliable performance, ease of use, and valuable features. For example, users might praise an app for its intuitive design.

Critical reviews can reveal potential issues. Look for consistent complaints about bugs, crashes, or poor support. Balancing both positive and negative feedback ensures a well-rounded view of each app.

Checking feedback from users with similar needs can provide the most relevant insights for your bushcraft activities. Focus on comments related to the app's primary functions that matter most to you.

Integrating Apps with Other Bushcraft Tools

Various bushcraft tools and a smartphone with app icons displayed, surrounded by nature. The tools include a knife, compass, rope, and fire starter, highlighting the integration of technology with traditional skills

Combining apps with traditional bushcraft tools can enhance your outdoor experience. Your smartphone, equipped with the right apps, can serve as a modern multi-tool when paired correctly with your existing gear.

Many apps provide GPS navigation, but using your phone alongside a compass and map ensures you have both digital and analog navigation options. This dual approach increases reliability, especially when battery life or signal is a concern.

Weather forecasting apps give advance warnings of changes in weather. Use these apps with your windproof matches or fire starters to adapt your fire-making plans according to weather conditions, ensuring a safe and efficient fire setup.

Certain apps offer plant and animal identification. When combined with a hand lens or a field guide, you can quickly and accurately identify flora and fauna in your surroundings. This integration broadens your understanding and ensures safer foraging.

Note-taking apps help document your experiences, observations, and lessons learned. Combine this digital resource with a traditional waterproof notebook to maintain a log, even when your phone isn't accessible.

Applications that feature SOS signaling and emergency communication tools can be lifesavers. Incorporate these with a physical whistle or signal mirror. This redundancy increases your safety by offering multiple ways to alert rescuers.

Cooking apps with recipes and guidelines can be beneficial. Use these in conjunction with your portable stove and cooking gear to prepare diverse meals. The combination enhances both your culinary skills and your bushcraft experience.

By integrating these apps with your bushcraft tools, you create a more versatile and prepared toolkit for your outdoor adventures.