Never tried a bushman. My own personal " pack knife" is an Incolma machete with the blade cut down to 12". Doesn't weigh much and it stays strapped to the side of whatever pack I'm carrying. Being a light, thin blade means it cuts like crazy, but is no " chopper" on the thick, hard stuff. Ontario makes a 12" machete that most people seem to like for exactly that use. Then again, the bushman may accomplish the same thing. I've no idea which is heavier or cuts better.