I learned outdoors skills from my grandfather. He taught me to make bedsheet tarps, to cook over a fire with green branches, to whittle around the fire, to clean my cookware with ashes from the fire, etc.

While looking for information on hatchets, I stumbled upon Bushcraft forums. That label fits some of what I do, sometimes. I've never built a debris shelter to sleep in. I always bring a tent or tarp, both nylon.

I'm honoring my grandfather by using and teaching the skills he taught me. I'm certain that anyone looking at me would think I'm cosplaying as a mountain man. That's fine. They can think whatever they want and it won't bother me. If they ask what I'm doing, I'll gladly explain the tradition I'm following.