OUR JOURNAL
Survival is a Sequence, Not a Panic
Emergencies don’t wait, and panic won’t help. The Field Fix Survival Kit puts a clear plan in your pocket, with hand-picked tools for shelter, fire, water, and food. Compact, ready-to-go, and purpose-built, it gives you what you need to think clearly, act fast, and stay alive—no fluff, no guesswork.
What’s Growing Under Your Boots? 5 Wild Edibles to Look For Right Now
Spring in Pennsylvania brings more than just warmer weather—it's the perfect time to discover wild edibles growing all around you. From onion grass and chickweed to dandelions and stinging nettle, this post highlights five common plants you can forage right now, along with tips to harvest safely and responsibly. You might be surprised what’s growing under your boots.
Rewilding Your Life: Finding Balance Through Bushcraft in a Tech-Driven World
Feeling burnt out by the constant buzz of modern life? Rewilding through bushcraft is about unplugging, slowing down, and reconnecting with what really matters. Stay in the Woods isn’t just our motto—it’s a mindset for finding balance in the chaos.
How Do You Like Your Bacon? A Sizzling Debate in the Woods with Coalcracker Bushcraft
At Coalcracker Bushcraft, bacon is a campfire essential, but everyone’s got their own style. Dan loves his at Level 1—barely cooked—while Mike, Sergio, and Dave go for Level 2, and Marc craves the Level 4 crunch. Chuck, though? He’s infamous for Level 6, setting his bacon on fire every time, which always gets a laugh around the fire at the Appalachian Bushman School!
Not Just a Bearded Man's Game: A Woman's Take on Bushcraft
Brooke Wowak sets the record straight—bushcraft isn’t just for the bearded. With humor and real talk, she shows why women belong in the woods, too.
Cooking with Carbon Steel
Discover the benefits of cooking with carbon steel—lightweight, durable, and perfect for campfire or kitchen use. Learn how to properly season, clean, and care for your pan to ensure a lifetime of reliable cooking. From pro tips to expert seasoning techniques, this guide will help you master carbon steel and elevate your outdoor cooking game.
A Guide to Customizing Your Topographic Map
First Time Training? Not Sure if its for You?
So You Signed Up For A Coalcracker Class…Now What?
Wildcrafting and Foraging
Nature's Lemonade
Three Classic Bushcraft Skill Books You Should Read
Gear Bloat, Three Ways to Declutter Your Equipment
Dan's Why Behind Bushcraft
I’ve sat around a lot of campfires with a lot of people over the years, and one thing I often get asked is, why do you do this?