Embracing the Core Philosophies of Prepping and Bushcraft

At UKSN, we stand for more than just camping trips and outdoor fun—we are a growing, supportive community of over 3,000 members passionate about adventure, resilience, self-sufficiency, and mutual aid. Through our events, camps, and local Charters, we bring together families, explorers, and practical minds to share knowledge, hone survival skills, and strengthen our readiness for whatever life may bring.

In this article, we explore the foundational philosophies that guide our members’ approach to prepping and bushcraft. From redundancy and risk awareness to sustainability and skill-building, these mindsets help us thrive in both the wilderness and our everyday lives.

“One is None, Two is One”: Redundancy Saves the Day

One of the most well-known prepper philosophies, “One is none, two is one,” highlights the importance of backup systems. If you only bring one knife, one torch, or one lighter, and it breaks or fails—you could be stuck. But carrying a second gives you options and peace of mind.

How to apply this in the UK wild:

• Have multiple ways to start a fire (lighter, ferro rod, matches).

• Carry a backup torch or headlamp, with extra batteries.

• Use layered navigation: compass, printed map, and a digital GPS (with offline maps).

It’s not about carrying excessive gear, but about planning smart and protecting your capabilities.

The Rule of 3: Prioritise Your Needs

The Rule of 3 is a simple yet powerful framework to help prioritise actions in an emergency or survival situation:

• 3 minutes without air – Always consider personal safety, choking hazards, and smoke/fire threats first.

• 3 hours without shelter – Exposure can be deadly in the UK’s damp and cold conditions. Always pack a tarp or emergency bivvy.

• 3 days without water – Always know where your nearest clean water source is and carry a reliable water filter.

• 3 weeks without food – Less urgent, but energy matters. Learn what you can forage safely in British woodlands.

This rule helps structure your thinking in a crisis and reminds you that not all survival threats are equally urgent.

Leave No Trace: Respecting Nature

Leave No Trace is more than a guideline—it’s a responsibility. At UKSN, we encourage all members to respect and protect nature while using it as our classroom and refuge.

Core principles include:

• Stick to durable surfaces for walking and camping.

• Pack out all waste, including biodegradable items like orange peels.

• Keep noise to a minimum—let nature’s sounds prevail.

• Minimise fire use, and never leave one unattended.

• Don’t pick wildflowers, damage trees, or disrupt habitats.

It’s our duty to pass on clean, unspoiled wild spaces to the next generation.

The Rule of 7: Layers of Protection

Often used in risk management and personal security, the Rule of 7 speaks to layering—an important idea in bushcraft and prepping.

You should have:

1. Redundant gear (see “Two is one…”),

2. Layers of clothing suitable for unpredictable weather,

3. Layered food and water plans (short-term snacks, long-term supplies),

4. Multiple communication methods (phone, whistle, signal mirror),

5. Backup shelter options (tarp, natural shelter, bivvy bag),

6. A multi-layered approach to defence (legal and passive options like situational awareness, escape routes, and protective dogs),

7. Mental resilience—the ultimate layer.

The more layers you have, the more protected and prepared you are.

“Skills Over Stuff”: The True Survival Asset

In prepping, it’s easy to get caught up in gear. But a knife is just a tool. The real asset? Knowing how to use it.

Here’s why UKSN champions a skill-first mindset:

• Knowledge doesn’t weigh anything in your pack.

• Skills don’t break, run out of battery, or get lost.

• Training can adapt to many situations; a gadget usually can’t.

Whether it’s knot tying, fire lighting, shelter building, or navigation, focus on doing, not just owning. Join a local UKSN Charter or camp and put theory into practice.

The 5 Cs of Survivability

Popularised by Dave Canterbury, the “5 Cs” are essential tools for outdoor survival. They’re particularly relevant in the UK where wet, windy, and cold conditions are common.

The 5 Cs:

1. Cutting tool – Knife or multitool for everything from feather sticks to food prep.

2. Combustion device – Lighter, ferro rod, stormproof matches.

3. Cover – Tarp, poncho, bivvy for shelter from the rain and wind.

4. Container – Metal water bottle or pot for carrying and boiling water.

5. Cordage – Paracord for tying, hanging, fixing, and building.

Every UKSN member should be familiar with these and carry them as part of their core kit.

OODA Loop: Observe, Orient, Decide, Act

Originally a military decision-making model, the OODA Loop helps you stay ahead of changing situations—a mindset just as useful in the woods as it is during power cuts or civil disruptions.

How it works:

1. Observe – What’s happening around you? What’s changing?

2. Orient – Understand your position in the situation.

3. Decide – Choose the best course of action based on the facts.

4. Act – Carry out your plan quickly and confidently.

This loop isn’t just for combat—use it when weather changes, gear fails, or you need to make quick safety decisions.

“Mindset, Skills, Tactics, Gear” – In That Order

This modern bushcraft and survival philosophy reminds us of the true priority list when planning or training:

1. Mindset – Stay calm, adaptable, and focused.

2. Skills – Know how to apply practical knowledge.

3. Tactics – Think strategically—where to camp, how to approach problems.

4. Gear – Supports the above, not replaces them.

A calm and confident mindset will help you light a fire with damp wood far more effectively than the fanciest lighter in a panic.

Prepared, Not Paranoid

At UKSN, we don’t believe in fear-mongering or expecting disaster around every corner. Instead, we promote a calm, practical attitude: be ready for what’s likely - power cuts, storms, job loss, injury—and develop resilience without panic.

What this looks like in practice:

• Keeping a stocked first-aid kit and knowing how to use it.

• Having food and water stored for at least a week.

• Maintaining regular contact with your local Charter group.

• Making sure kids know basic safety, not scaring them.

We believe in preparedness with purpose, not fear.

Community as a Force Multiplier

Finally, one of the most powerful yet overlooked philosophies in bushcraft and prepping is community.

The lone-wolf approach is cinematic—but unrealistic. UKSN thrives because of its mutual support networks:

• Charters act as regional resilience hubs.

• Events and camps allow skill-sharing, bonding, and testing gear in a safe space.

• Online discussions mean no one has to figure it out alone.

Being part of a like-minded, proactive community like UKSN increases your odds in any situation—while making life more enjoyable along the way.

Final Thoughts: Live the Philosophy

Bushcraft and prepping aren’t weekend hobbies or doom-laden obsessions—they’re ways of thinking, living, and interacting with the world. They foster responsibility, resilience, respect, and readiness.

By embracing these core philosophies—“Two is One,” Rule of 3, Leave No Trace, and others—you step into a way of life that’s grounded, capable, and deeply fulfilling. And with UKSN by your side, you’re never walking the path alone.

Ready to Get Involved?

• Join UKSN

• Make contact with your nearest UKSN Charter (or start your own)

• Attend an upcoming event or camp

• Start a new skill challenge with your family

• Explore our member resources for bushcraft, prepping, and resilience

Let’s build a more prepared, skilled, and connected country—one campfire, one conversation, one Charter at a time.