Trusted Tools, Books, and Brands to Support Your Nature-Connected Journey
Whether you are just beginning your outdoor or herbal journey, or deepening your relationship with the natural worlds - there are tools, books and small businesses that can enrich your experience and journey. Every item or business here has supported me on my own path as a nature-based practitioner.
You absolutely don’t need to buy anything new to begin or deepen your connection with nature. The most important tools are curiosity, presence, and a willingness to learn from the land.
Many of the books and tools I mention here can often be found secondhand—through local shops, online marketplaces, or your community. I encourage that whenever possible.
But if you do choose to purchase something new, I hope you’ll consider supporting small businesses, independent makers, and local or indie bookshops. Every choice helps creating a more connected, regenerative world.
Reliable gear makes all the difference on your walks, wildcrafting adventures and camping trips. These are my favourite small or sustainable businesses.
Quality wearable gear, that looks good and might save your ass one day. Dustin and Nick are amazing guys, who not only make amazing gear, but also lift up the outdoor community.
My favourite products: Viking Spark, Spark Necklace & Foraging Bandana.
Canvas packs and pouches with an insane attention to detail. Guy's gear doesn't only look good, but will last you a lifetime.
My favourite products: River Pack & Possibles Pouch (all in sage tan + chestnut colours)
Malcolm creates and improves his gear until it is perfect for the outdoors. Additional straps, hooks, you name it - he's got it.
My favourite gear: The Day Ruck (in earth brown)
If I only could pick one survival item it would be a knife. David handforges the most amazing knives in the Spanish mountains.
Favourite product: His custom made Otzi knife.
Handcrafted in Alaska these stoves and pots are made to last. I've had mine for over 5 years and they're still going strong.
Favourite products: Bushbuddy Stove & Pot
I had the opportunity to watch from close by how Vivobarefoot is improving their products and production to become more sustainable. Plus your feet will love the barefoot-feel!
Favourite product: Tracker Forest Esc
Finish made, trusted knives. Their grandmother knife is my most used knife, where ever you find, I probably have this knife with me.
Favourite products: Grandmothers knife & axe.
Grim's Survival Cards are a favourite in this household. EDC stuff that is actually made to be used and last!
As a herbalist I love finding my herbs in the wild and in the garden, and my gear second hand. When I do shop it is usually through the following shops:
Mountain Rose Herbs (US based) - herbs & products
Het Blauwe Huis Kruiden (NL) - herbs
Pit & Pit (NL) - herbs & ladrome products
Mirabella's Botanicals (BE) - tinctures & products
Foodsporen (NL) - mushroom tinctures
Books are where so many of us begin. Here are some of the titles that shaped my path.
Braiding Sweetgrass - Kimmerer
Sand Talk - Yunkaporta
What the Robin Knows - Young
Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature - Young, Haas & McGown
The Secret Life of Trees - Wohlleben
The Heartbeat of Trees - Wohlleben
Why we Need to be Wild - Carew Kraft
Herbal Formularies for Health Professionals vol. 1-5 - Stansbury
Groot Handboek Geneeskrachtige Kruiden (Dutch) - Verhelst
Eetbare Wilde Planten (Dutch) - Fleischhauer, Guthmann & Spiegelberger
The Earthwise Herbal Repertory - Wood
Medical Herbalism - Hoffman
Holistic Herbal - Hoffman
Plants have so much to give us, all we have to do is ask - Geniusz
The Healing Garden - Blankespoor
Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health - Gladstar
Alchemy of Herbs - de la Forêt
Regenerative Leadership - Storm & Hutchins
People & Permaculture - Macnamara
Coming Back to Life - Macy & Brown
Natuur Werk! (Dutch) - Zadoks
Dutchies: Order your books through Libris. It works just like Bol/Amazon - except your local bookstore will deliver the books!
I hope these recommendations help you discover gear, books, and tools that you’ll truly love—and wear in, wear out, and cherish over time.
Long before the word “influencer” existed, I had the privilege of working with some incredible outdoor brands. Over time, though, I made the conscious choice to stop accepting free products. I believe deeply that overconsumption harms not only our planet, but also our personal well-being.
That’s why every brand or item featured here is thoughtfully chosen. I focus exclusively on small businesses, ethical makers, and companies working to create meaningful, positive change in the industry.
This list may grow—but only with integrity. I’m always open to discovering new businesses that align with these values, and I welcome thoughtful suggestions from the community.