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Transportation
On BushcraftUK I was just thinking about which transportation would be sustainable.
It's clear that walking is included, but there are probably some more. I tried to make a list:
1) on Foot
This is probably the most sustainable and popular form of travel in the world for humans. It's perfectly suited to our bodies and is thus also definately a healthy form of traveling. It's easy to maneuver and stop, and you can go on lots of different kinds of terrain.
It's possible to walk bearfooted, but shoes/sandals/snowshoes are a nice addon which don't need too much extra work/resources.
Some links:
Hollowtop.com/sandals
Wikipedia/walking as transportation
2) Kayak / Canoe (other small boats)
Great way to travel over rivers. You can even carry a bike with you to use on land.
Some links:
Song of the paddle.co.uk
Canoe Sailing
Fittings on sailing canoes
Folding kayaks.org
pakboats.org
wikipedia/Canoes
wikipedia/Kayak
The Birch bark canoe:
Birchbark canoes, howto build
Traditional Birch Bark Canoes
3) Riding on animals like horse, donkey, camel (any others?)
ludlowsurvivors said: "The problem with some of these is that they need a lot of caring for, especially in the foot/hoof department, also if riding long distances the rider has to be competent in horseman/womanship."
Redflex said: "My thoughts on horses. My horse is no longer shoed so no metal is used there, only need shoeing if doing lots of road work, so you can guess what I think of roads. You can use a bit less bridles so no metal there either.
If you double up with 2 horses you can use them to carry large loads which is not possible with bikes or on foot.
I also work my horse in the forest low impact compared to other equipment."
Toddy said: " Historically few could afford to ride."
4) (cross-country) Skiing
Only in areas with snow, and very good at it.
Links:
wikipedia/Ski
wikipedia/Telemark ski
wikipedia/Cross-country_skiing
5) Sled / Cart
A sled is best in snow (possible in sand/grass), while a cart (wheels) is best on flat land.
A sled with (un)mountable wheels would be nice.
It can be pulled by dogs, but Torjusg pointed out that it would be better to let women (or reindeer, moose or other ungulates) pull the sleds. Because dogs get very hungry and should better be kept in small numbers (1 or 2) for warning and hunting .
Links:
wikipedia/Sled
wikipedia/Carts
6) Bicycle
Probably the most difficult to make from this list.
You need roads, but earth roads should be good enough.
Use of metal can be minimized by using bamboo/wood as much as possible. Bamboo frames can actually be as light and stronger then aluminium frames.
Tires made of rubber should be made strong (quite thick) and durable to prevent puncturing on less then ideal roads.
Links:
Bamboo bicycle
Bamboo trailer, also see links to other trailers on this page
wikipedia/Bicycle
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