Alone adviser’s tips for bush survival
TV’s Alone Australia contestants may be surviving solo, but behind them is Gordon Dedman.
This survival specialist is Alone Australia’s bushcraft consultant, and founder of training company Bushcraft Survival Australia.
Following the recent NSW Snowy Mountains incident in which a hiker survived 13 days in demanding conditions, he has stepped forward to offer us all more expert survival advice.
It is particularly pertinent to us in WA, with our vast, remote landscapes — and with those considering remote travel in our State’s interior starting to plan in anticipation of the cooler weather. And it comes as Gordon announces that 3-day fundamental bushcraft survival training course will be held in the Nannup from October 4 to 7, 2025.
Gordon emphasises the need to understand survival priorities and have the right gear. Along with that goes the knowledge to use that equipment effectively.
So adventurers are prepared and stay safe, he has generously compiled and shares, in his own words, this list of his top 14 essentials for outdoor survival.
Camera IconClothing. Credit: Supplied1 Clothing
“Being appropriately dressed for the environment you are in is the first line of defence against the elements. Adequate clothing protects you from extremes in temperature, wind, rain and injury prevention. Things like sunburn, insect bites, cuts and scratches, which normally might not be a problem, can become life-threatening in a survival situation by becoming infected or simply by preventing you from carrying out essential tasks. You also need to constantly manage your clothing to avoid sweating.”
Camera IconCutting tool. Credit: Supplied2 Cutting tool
“Having some kind of cutting tool, either a fixed-blade knife, a Swiss Army knife, a multitool and a saw is one of the most important items you can have. You need something that allows you to cut and carve wood, make fire, strip bark, and is easy to re-sharpen in the field. With knowledge and skills you can accomplish many things with a good reliable cutting tool.”
Camera IconCombustion device. Credit: Supplied3 Combustion device
“One of the most essential items to bring on any hiking trip is a reliable combustion device. Ideally, this could be a lighter or matches, which are simple to use and highly effective. Alternatively, you might consider carrying a sparking tool like a Ferro Rod, also known as a metal match or fire flash. This tool is made from a blend of magnesium and other alloys, and generates a shower of hot sparks when struck with an object that has a sharp 90-degree edge. You need a thorough knowledge of how to collect and process tinder for it to be able to take a spark, as well as how to make fire and manage it correctly and safely under all conditions.”
Camera IconCovering. Credit: Supplied4 Covering
“This could include a military-style poncho, which can serve as a shelter, raincoat, or even be inverted to collect water. Other versatile options include an all-weather emergency blanket, a bivvy bag-style space blanket, or a large heavy-duty garbage bag. These items can be used as a raincoat, moisture barrier, ground sheet, water carrier, or even filled with leaves for insulation. A garbage bag can also be cut open and tied to create a makeshift shelter. Building a shelter from natural materials like a lean-to, wickiup, or A-frame is extremely time-consuming and resource-intensive, making multi-purpose gear invaluable in survival situations.”
Camera IconMetal container. Credit: Supplied5 Metal container
“As well as a good knowledge of how to find and source water and make it safe to drink, a metal container is an essential item for any hiking trip, as it allows you to carry and heat water. Boiling water is the most effective way to make it safe to drink, so ideally you should pack both a metal container and a nesting cup. If you can’t bring both, a metal nesting cup is a great alternative for boiling water directly over a fire.”
Camera IconCordage. Credit: Supplied6 Cordage
“Fifteen metres of parachute cord, or paracord, is an excellent choice for your hiking gear due to its versatility. It contains seven inner strands, each of which can be further separated into two smaller fibres. These finer strands can be used for various tasks such as lashings, fishing line, trap making, or repair work.”
Camera IconCloth bandana. Credit: Supplied7 Cloth bandana
“A cloth bandana is a versatile and invaluable item to bring on any hike. It can serve as a head or neck scarf, a filtering device, a triangular bandage, a sling, cordage, an improvised bag, and can be used to collect water. If made from 100 per cent cotton, it can also be used to create char cloth for fire-starting. Additionally, a brightly coloured bandana, such as orange, can double as an effective signalling device in emergencies. Compact and lightweight, this simple item has countless practical applications in the outdoors.”
Camera IconCompass and whistle. Credit: Supplied8 Compass
“Good map and compass skills are a necessity when travelling in the back country. Many survival incidents begin as a result of navigational errors. A compass is an indispensable tool for staying on course and determining direction when travelling from point A to point B. A sighting compass, in particular, is highly versatile as it includes a mirror that can be used as a heliograph for signalling or for first aid purposes. Having an accurate, up-to-date map of the correct scale is also a must. A knowledge of natural navigation techniques, such as using the sun, stars, or environmental cues for direction, is something that we should all practice.”
Camera IconCloth tape. Credit: Supplied9 Cloth tape
“This versatile essential is a must-have for any outdoor adventure. It’s perfect for repairing gear, waterproofing, creating cordage, and even serving first aid purposes, like securing splints or bandages. In a pinch, it can also be shaped into an improvised waterproof cup. A small roll of high-strength cloth tape, such as Gorilla Tape, is compact, reliable, and a smart addition to your hiking kit.”
Camera IconHead torch. Credit: Supplied10 Head torch
“A head torch is an essential item for any hike, providing hands-free illumination in low-light conditions. Beyond its primary use as a light source, it can also be used to start a fire by combining its batteries with a piece of steel wool — a handy survival trick in emergencies. Brands like Ledlenser are known for producing high-quality head torches and portable lights, offering durability and reliability for outdoor adventures.”
Camera IconDry bag. Credit: Supplied11 Dry bag
“A versatile (five-litre or 10-litre) dry bag is perfect for keeping your items dry, doubling as an extra water container, a carry bag, or a flotation device.”
Camera IconFirst aid kit. Credit: Supplied12 First aid
“Comprehensive and reliable first aid training is crucial for anyone venturing into the outdoors. Equally important is carrying a well-equipped trauma kit, including essentials like a tourniquet, emergency bandages, and a snake bite bandage. In addition, pack any prescribed medications and supplies for treating minor injuries, such as cuts, scratches, bites, and stings. Key items to include are iodine and alcohol prep pads, antiseptic ointment, and a small vial of Condy’s crystals (potassium permanganate), which can be used for wound cleaning or water purification. Don’t forget an assortment of needles, such as a heavy-duty sail needle, which can also double as a tool for repairing gear.”
Camera IconPersonal locator beacon. Credit: Supplied13 Personal Locator Beacon
“Having a reliable personal location device is an essential item for those venturing into the bush. There are many kinds on the market. A good option are the Garmin In-reach devices that give you an accurate GPS position, an SOS function that allows you to send for help, and the ability to text and communicate with friends and rescue agencies.”
Camera IconEmergency food ration. Credit: Supplied14 Small emergency food ration
“Although food is the lowest priority in short-term survival situations, carrying a few compact, long-lasting, high-calorie emergency food bars can be invaluable.”
LOWDOWN ON GORDON
Gordon Dedman will appear as the survival bushcraft consultant on the next series of Alone Australia, airing on SBS in March. He was also the survival bushcraft consultant for episode five of the 2022 National Geographic documentary Limitless With Chris Hemsworth.
Gordon is a military survival instructor and bushcraft teacher. The foundation of his knowledge came from growing up in the small NSW country town of Moree, when he spent a lot of time camping, building shelters, making fires, fishing, and going on long bush walks.
He developed a passion for nature and bushcraft.
He finished high school in Moree, moved to Newcastle and went to the University of Newcastle, then moved to Sydney to study at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music and an Associate Diploma in Jazz Studies. Gordon then brought music to Sydney for years as a professional trumpet player and music teacher.
It was also during this period he enlisted in the Australian Army Reserve, completing commando selection and training, and paraded with 1 Company 1st Commando Regiment for a number of years.
Camera IconGordo Dedman showing an emergency shelter. Credit: Supplied
He is currently a survival instructor in Norforce, an army reserve Regional Force Surveillance Unit. It conducts long-range patrols and border protection operations in the wilderness areas of remote northern Australia. Norforce patrols may be in the field unsupplied for considerable lengths of time, so there is a strong emphasis placed on survival skills.
Norforce also works with Aboriginal communities to provide the army with information through reconnaissance, surveillance and community engagement.
Gordon is also a combat survival SERE instructor (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) and regularly instructs on RAAF Combat Survival Training School courses in North Queensland.
In 2017, he founded Bushcraft Survival Australia, an outdoor bushcraft survival school for which he is a senior instructor. Bushcraft Survival Australia is dedicated to teaching genuine and authentic modern and traditional skills. It has well-designed educational courses.
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+ The three day, three night fundament course is $855 for an adult, $427.50 for a child (aged 12 to 18).
+ In 2025, there is a fundamentals course in Nannup, starting on October 4. It starts at 5pm on October 4 and finishes at 5pm on October 7. The price includes three full days and nights of instruction from fully qualified instructors, all food and beverages, land use fees, insurance and your own Morakniv bushcraft knife to keep. It is limited to 15 places.
+ The course covers survival priorities and psychology, essential equipment, safe use of cutting tools, simple knots and man-made cordage, emergency man-made shelters, fire lighting using modern methods (ferrocerium rod, solar etc), responsible fire management and leave no trace, water (collecting, filtering and purifying), plant identification (edible and useful plants of the local area), emergency signaling and rescue techniques (active and passive methods), introduction to natural navigation (solar and celestial), camp cooking with and without pots, campcraft and camp hygiene, and living in an expedition field camp.
+ There are also still also spots available on fundamentals course that start on both April 7 and October 18 in Wangaratta, Victoria; and November 15 in Coffs Coast, NWS.
+ bushcraftsurvivalaustralia.com.au
GORDON ON THE WATER
Over the last decade, Gordon has travelled extensively, working overseas for Princess Cruises and Cunard Line as a musician on board their ships.
In his free time on these voyages, he’s used the opportunity to hike, camp, and practise bushcraft and survival skills in many different countries, from Norway to Sweden, Canada to Alaska in the US, in Mexico and the Caribbean, the UK and Mediterranean, and in South America.
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