Primitive Camping & Bushcraft

I’m sitting under the tarp at Camp What The Heck with the fire going and the smell of fall drifting through the woods. This season isn’t just about cooler nights and deer tracks in the mud—it’s about seeing months of work finally come to life. What started in early spring as an idea to create something real for campers and outdoorsmen is now a full line of freeze-dried meals, fresh-roasted coffee, books, and handmade fire kits launching in just two short weeks.In this episode, I talk about how those ideas took shape through long nights, prayer, and plenty of trial and error. The freeze dryers are running non-stop as we prep meals like Red Beans and Rice, Chicken Stew, Shepherd’s Pie, and a Breakfast Skillet—all made from the same recipes we’ve served for years in the restaurant. My wife’s freeze-dried candy is joining the lineup too, adding a sweet side to the outdoor mix.The website, primitive-camping.com, will serve as the new central hub for everything: the store, blog, podcast links, and future updates. I also share how these changes aren’t just about business—they’re about getting back to simplicity, faith, and purpose. This episode ties it all together with a reminder from Ecclesiastes 3: there’s a time and a season for everything. And this, right here, is the season to move forward and trust what God’s been building behind the scenes. Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

Welcome back to the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Podcast and another Fundamental Friday around the fire. Today Chris shares how he’s been creating his own freeze-dried meals at home for camping — specifically a homemade beef stroganoff that rivals anything you can buy in a pouch. He walks through every step of the recipe using Thrive Life freeze-dried beef, mushrooms, sour cream powder, and brown gravy mix, all packed into vacuum-sealed bags for the next outdoor trip.The real twist comes when Chris discovers a game-changing ingredient: ready-to-eat pasta that completely removes the need to cook noodles over the fire. He tests the meal on an overnight river trip, showing how simple it can be to eat well while staying primitive.As the meal thickens over the fire and camp conversation begins to fade into the crackle of wood, Chris reminds us that time outdoors is more than a break from life — it’s a moment to recharge, reconnect, and acknowledge God in every path we take. Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

When most folks picture campfire cooking, they think of flames licking the pan and sparks flying into the night sky. Looks good, doesn’t it? Problem is, flames lie to you. They burn hot, fast, and uneven. You end up with food that’s black on the outside and raw in the middle. I’ve been there—trust me, I’ve ruined enough meals to learn the hard way.In this episode, I talk about learning to cook over coals instead of chasing flames. It’s slower, steadier, and a whole lot better once you figure it out. Coals hold their heat, they cook evenly, and they give you control. That means you can fry your eggs without burning them, slow-cook your beans, or even throw a fish right on the embers without worrying about it turning into charcoal.I’ll walk you through how I build a two-part fire: one for flames and one for cooking. I talk about using cast iron, Dutch ovens, and the old “scales down” trick for fish. I even get into why I don’t like the so-called “dirty steak” method—it’s not about being picky; I just can’t stand grit between my teeth.We’ll also open up John 21, where Jesus cooked breakfast for His disciples after the resurrection—on a fire of coals. He didn’t rush. He didn’t bark orders. He met them with patience, warmth, and steady heat. That’s the picture I keep in mind every time I cook outdoors. It’s not just about the meal—it’s about slowing down enough to let the fire, and the moment, do what it’s supposed to.By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to manage your heat, build a coal bed that works like a stove, and cook a solid meal without the frustration. More than that, you’ll walk away remembering that steady coals, like steady faith, always bring the best results. Flames flash, but coals endure—and so should we.So pull up a chair, pour a cup of coffee, and let’s talk about how to cook without burning everything you love.Grab the book, Primitive Camping & Bushcraft, and the Primitive Camping Rations and coffee.If this helped, share it with someone who keeps burning dinner at camp.“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6) Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

Clean water is one of the most important needs in the outdoors — but not every source is safe to drink straight from. In this episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast, Chris takes you step by step through pre-filtering methods that remove grit, grime, and debris before you boil or use a commercial filter.You’ll see how a Campcraft Outdoors filter bag works, why a handkerchief or even a cheap coffee filter can extend the life of your gear, and how a simple K-cup can double as a quick bushcraft water filter. Each method buys you more time, saves money, and keeps your main filter from clogging too soon.Key takeaways:Always pre-filter to save your commercial filter’s lifespanUse what you have — handkerchiefs, coffee filters, even a K-cup work in a pinchClear water doesn’t always mean safe water — boil or filter before drinkingImprovisation in the field matters more than perfect gearWhether you’re new to bushcraft or brushing up on survival skills, this episode will help you stay prepared when water is scarce and the source is nasty.Water Filter Bag | Pre-Filter System Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

On this episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast, Chris shares a story about camping with his sons when a brand-new stove broke on day one. What started as frustration turned into a lesson in improvisation, open-fire cooking, and teaching his boys to adapt.Chris also reads from his book Primitive Camping and Bushcraft about “Thinking Outside the Box” and dives into Philippians 4:11–13 to remind us that true strength and contentment don’t come from gear — they come from Christ.You’ll hear practical tips on redundancy, improvising in the woods, and why practice matters more than perfect gear. Plus, a quick look at upcoming freeze-dried meals, coffee, and fire kits available soon at PrimitiveCamping.com.Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting out, this episode will help you prepare, adapt, and keep your faith strong when things don’t go as planned. Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

in the final episode of this series, after a full day of primitive camping setup, it’s time for food, fire, and light. In this episode, I’ll show you how I:Slice and fry Spam for a hearty, easy camp meal.Clean cookware the simple way with hot water while it’s still on the fire.Use compact solar lanterns for red light, strobe signaling, and camp illumination.Improvise a pillow using a tarp bag and extra clothes.Wrap up camp life with gratitude and the reminder to always leave no trace.Camping is about more than just surviving—it’s about enjoying the little routines that make the outdoors feel like home.below is a list of gear used in this series:Fire redundancy: Ferro rod, Bic lighter, char cloth, and even a pencil sharpener for tinder.Cutting tools: Belt knife (Mora Garberg), backup knife, multi-tool, and folding saw.Cooking gear: Bush pot, skillet, wood burning grill, cutting board, and seasoning containers.Food & drink: Freeze-dried meals, tortillas, powdered milk, trail mix, and drink mixes. (if you are interested in my new homemade freeze-dried meals email me at chris@speiroutdoors.com I will be offering: Breakfast, (Southern) Red Beans & Rice, Chicken Stew and Shepherd's Pie)Water systems: GRAYL filter, 6L gravity bag, and backup metal bottle for boiling.Shelter: DD 3x3 tarp, wool blanket, hammock, and a blow-up mattress for flexibility.Comfort & safety: First aid kit, solar lanterns, gloves, shemagh, change of clothes, and even a folding camp chair.If you’ve ever wondered how to put together a primitive camping kit that covers every base without overpacking, this video lays out the blueprint. Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

At Camp Wut Da Heck, with smoke drifting from the fire and Mississippi kites overhead, Chris dives into a lesson every hammock camper eventually learns. He recalls his first cold night in a hammock when comfort quickly turned to misery and explains the science behind convective cooling how moving air under a hammock strips away body heat once insulation is compressed.From there, Chris unpacks real-world solutions. Under quilts that hang beneath the hammock to trap warmth, three-season quilts for versatility, and budget options like closed-cell foam pads, inflatable pads, reflective pads, even cheap pool floats for short trips. He explores why tarp pitch and wind direction make or break a night’s sleep, how wool blankets can stand in for under quilts, and why testing setups at home is vital before heading into the backcountry.This episode also includes practical wrap-up points: always plan for the underside of the hammock, remember that convective cooling is the main enemy, and know that gear like quilts and pads are worth their weight when the temperatures drop. Chris ties it together with Psalm 4:8, reminding listeners that peace isn’t found in a perfect setup but in trusting the One who holds them steady through the night.To wrap things up, Chris challenges listeners to hang their hammock in the backyard or on the porch, experiment with pads or blankets if they don’t have an under quilt, and pay attention to what works. The Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast is about lessons that keep you ready in the woods while strengthening your faith. Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

In Part 3 of our Fundamental Friday series, This episode of Fundamental Friday takes you deeper into the camp setup process—moving from survival basics into evening comfort and cooking. You’ll see step-by-step how I:Use a gravity-fed water filtration system to purify a gallon of water.Test out a self-inflating sleeping pad with a wool blanket.Assemble a portable wood-burning stove for safe camp cooking.Gather kindling, manage fire safety, and light a controlled blaze with a Bic lighter.Cook one of my favorite camp meals—Spam in a skillet—simple, hearty, and perfect after a long day in the woods.This episode shows how even a primitive camp can feel like home when you know how to make water safe, keep warm, and enjoy a solid meal at the end of the day.below is a list of gear used in this series:Fire redundancy: Ferro rod, Bic lighter, char cloth, and even a pencil sharpener for tinder.Cutting tools: Belt knife (Mora Garberg), backup knife, multi-tool, and folding saw.Cooking gear: Bush pot, skillet, wood burning grill, cutting board, and seasoning containers.Food & drink: Freeze-dried meals, tortillas, powdered milk, trail mix, and drink mixes. (if you are interested in my new homemade freeze-dried meals email me at chris@speiroutdoors.com I will be offering: Breakfast, (Southern) Red Beans & Rice, Chicken Stew and Shepherd's Pie)Water systems: GRAYL filter, 6L gravity bag, and backup metal bottle for boiling.Shelter: DD 3x3 tarp, wool blanket, hammock, and a blow-up mattress for flexibility.Comfort & safety: First aid kit, solar lanterns, gloves, shemagh, change of clothes, and even a folding camp chair.If you’ve ever wondered how to put together a primitive camping kit that covers every base without overpacking, this video lays out the blueprint. Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

on: John 4 — Jesus offers living water that never runs dryAction step: practice filtering and boiling water, then reflect on what truly quenches your thirstResources MentionedBook: Primitive Camping and BushcraftFacebook Group: Primitive Camping and BushcraftCall to ActionPractice filtering and purifying your own water this weekShare your experience in the Facebook groupReflect on whether you’re drinking from “wells that run dry” or from the source of living water Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

In Part 2 of our Fundamental Friday series, we move from pack talk to practical fieldcraft. You’ll see how I:Use American beautyberry as a natural bug repellent and grab elevated pine straw for dry tinder after rain.Collect creek water, then pre-boil or filter it (quick demo with a GRAYL) for safe drinking.Evaluate a campsite: distance between trees (12–14 ft), proximity to water, ground conditions, and scanning for widow-makers.Rig a clean ridgeline using bank line with an overhand loop + toggle (marlinspike hitch), tighten it with a trucker’s hitch, and add three prusik loops with toggles to anchor the tarp.Stake out a simple, stormworthy lean-to tarp and stage the area for sleeping, cooking, and lighting.If this helped, drop a comment with your favorite knot—or the next shelter you want to see!below is a list of gear used in this series:Fire redundancy: Ferro rod, Bic lighter, char cloth, and even a pencil sharpener for tinder.Cutting tools: Belt knife (Mora Garberg), backup knife, multi-tool, and folding saw.Cooking gear: Bush pot, skillet, wood burning grill, cutting board, and seasoning containers.Food & drink: Freeze-dried meals, tortillas, powdered milk, trail mix, and drink mixes. (if you are interested in my new homemade freeze-dried meals email me at chris@speiroutdoors.com I will be offering: Breakfast, (Southern) Red Beans & Rice, Chicken Stew and Shepherd's Pie)Water systems: GRAYL filter, 6L gravity bag, and backup metal bottle for boiling.Shelter: DD 3x3 tarp, wool blanket, hammock, and a blow-up mattress for flexibility.Comfort & safety: First aid kit, solar lanterns, gloves, shemagh, change of clothes, and even a folding camp chair.If you’ve ever wondered how to put together a primitive camping kit that covers every base without overpacking, this video lays out the blueprint. Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

Episode HighlightsHot day under the tarp at Camp Wut-Da-Heck and the focus on knivesChildhood memories with a Swiss Army knife and homemade haversacksKnife evolution: homemade bed-rail knife, Mora Garberg, BPS Bushcraft II, Mora Companion, Bobcat by Dirt Bound SurvivalField stories: batoning wood, six days of rain, and skinning hogsKnife accident lesson: respect your blade and carry first aidKnife maintenance: stones, belts, improvised sharpeners, and stropsDevotion: Hebrews 4:12 — the Word of God is sharper than any two-edged swordAction step: sharpen both your knife and your faith this weekResources MentionedBook: Primitive Camping and BushcraftFacebook Group: Primitive Camping and BushcraftCall to ActionSharpen your knife and spend time sharpening your spirit in the WordShare this episode with a friend who loves the outdoors and faith conversationsJoin the community and keep learning bushcraft and survival skills Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

This episode kicks off a 4 week Fundamental Friday series by diving deep into my complete primitive camping loadout. You’ll see exactly what I pack, how I organize it, and the reasoning behind every item, including:Fire redundancy: Ferro rod, Bic lighter, char cloth, and even a pencil sharpener for tinder.Cutting tools: Belt knife (Mora Garberg), backup knife, multi-tool, and folding saw.Cooking gear: Bush pot, skillet, wood burning grill, cutting board, and seasoning containers.Food & drink: Freeze-dried meals, tortillas, powdered milk, trail mix, and drink mixes. (if you are interested in my new homemade freeze-dried meals email me at chris@speiroutdoors.com I will be offering: Breakfast, (Southern) Red Beans & Rice, Chicken Stew and Shepherd's Pie)Water systems: GRAYL filter, 6L gravity bag, and backup metal bottle for boiling.Shelter: DD 3x3 tarp, wool blanket, hammock, and a blow-up mattress for flexibility.Comfort & safety: First aid kit, solar lanterns, gloves, shemagh, change of clothes, and even a folding camp chair.If you’ve ever wondered how to put together a primitive camping kit that covers every base without overpacking, this video lays out the blueprint. Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

The sky was heavy with rain clouds as I sat by the fire at camp, listening to the treetops groan in the wind. That sound carried me back to a night on the river when I built a simple lean to shelter from natural materials, never expecting to face a storm. A survival instructor later scoffed online, saying my shelter would never hold water. What he did not see was the storm that raged all night while I stayed warm and dry beneath the leaves.This episode digs into what that night taught me. Real skill comes from doing, not from sitting on the sidelines criticizing. We talk about what makes a lean to work, including roof pitch, coverage, wind block, and heat reflection. You only learn these lessons in the field, not from a comment thread.Then we turn to Matthew chapter 7 verses 24 through 25, where Jesus says the wise man builds his house on the rock. Just as I had to prepare my shelter before the rain came, our faith needs a strong foundation long before life’s storms arrive.You will walk away with practical shelter building advice, encouragement to practice your skills for real, and a reminder that criticism will always come but the real test is whether you are ready when the rain falls.Action of the Week:Build a natural shelter. It can be in your backyard, at a campsite, or even as a practice exercise with a tarp. Test it with a garden hose, a bucket of water, or wait for the next storm. Learn where it leaks, patch it, and build it better next time. Then reflect on your faith. Are you preparing now, or waiting for the storm to hit? Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

This week on Fundamental Friday, we’re doing a hands-on comparison of two survival kits—the Entropy Survival Bag and the ESEE Survival Tin kit. From tourniquets and ferro rods to whistles, filters, and emergency blankets, Chris reviews the strengths and weaknesses of each kit to show what’s worth carrying when it counts.Whether you’re new to bushcraft or refining your emergency loadout, this episode will give you real-world insights on survival gear.this is the best article on how to use a compass I have seenCompass Link:  How to Use a Compass: The Ultimate Guide to Navigation Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

Show Notes:Sometimes it only takes one comment to spark deep reflection. A listener recently told me, “You lost me when you got all preachy. That’s not what I signed up for.” I get it. Some folks want nothing but gear talk and survival skills, and believe me, I love that too. But for me, faith isn’t separate from the outdoors. It’s the lens I see it all through.In this episode, I share two powerful memories from camping along the river: one morning when I realized I wasn’t out there to find God but was already standing in what He made, and another when the verse “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) came alive in the sound of the water. Those quiet moments shaped the way I camp, the way I see creation, and the way I live.You’ll also hear one of my favorite fire tips: how to prepare your fire the night before so it’s ready to spring back to life in the morning. Just like faith, sometimes all it takes is tending the coals, a little preparation, and a spark to get the flame going again.If you’re here for the gear, you’ll get it. If you’re here for the grit, you’ll get that too. But you’ll also hear the faith that fuels everything I do. And maybe the one thing you didn’t sign up for will end up being the thing you need most.Action of the Week:Start a fire this week in your backyard, a fire pit, or even a pizza pan for practice. Prepare your tinder, kindling, and fuel ahead of time so it’s ready to go. As the flames catch, put your phone away and sit in the stillness. Notice the details. If you believe, look for God’s fingerprints. If you don’t, let the outdoors teach you something anyway. Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

In this episode, I take you out to Camp Wut Da Heck for a hands-on skill session using the All Weather Fire Starter. You’ll see how this tool works, how to use it properly, and why it should be a staple in your outdoor kit. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned camper, this fire starter will help you build a reliable flame in almost any condition.Check out the All Weather Fire Starter here: https://allweatherfirestarters.com/Use code speiroutdoors for 10% off your order! Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

In this campfire conversation, I take you through my in-depth review of the Mitzli hammock — a design that eliminates the claustrophobic feel, net-in-your-face annoyance, and cramped sleeping space that turn so many people away from hammock camping. I share how it compares to other hammocks I’ve tried, including $200–$300 models that didn’t deliver, and why the Mitzli’s spacious tent-like interior, quality build, and lifetime warranty won me over. You’ll get all the details on setup, weight, materials, and the rainfly that comes with it.I also dive into a devotional moment from Psalm 4:8, reminding us that real peace and safety don’t just come from good gear — they come from trusting God, even in life’s most difficult seasons. Whether you’re an experienced camper or just getting started, this episode offers a mix of practical gear advice, personal stories, and encouragement to keep your faith strong in and out of the woods.hammock with rain fly: https://amzn.to/4fEwpHShammock itself: https://amzn.to/45y2XhV Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

In this heartfelt episode, I open up about why I stepped away from the podcast for a few weeks and how personal challenges have shaped my outlook. We dive into a topic I’ve never covered before — comfort in camp. Are you the type who wants to rough it, or do you bring along creature comforts? I compare backpacking cots like the $50 NatureHike versus the $299 Helinox, break down their pros and cons, and talk about my military cot for ATV or boat-accessible trips. We also explore camp chair options, from budget Walmart models to lightweight high-back chairs, and even dollar store chairs for quick trips.Comfort in camp isn’t just about luxury — it’s about energy, morale, and being able to recharge in the outdoors. I share stories from the field, practical tips on what to pack, and tie it all into life’s seasons. James 1:2–4 reminds us to “consider it pure joy” when facing trials, knowing these moments produce perseverance. Whether you’re sleeping on the hard ground or enjoying a comfortable cot, God can use both to shape you and prepare you for what’s next. Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

Last week, I wasn’t behind the mic—not because I was tired or lazy, but because I was out in the hills of North Georgia with a group of young men who needed more than content… they needed direction. I was serving with Truth in Nature, a ministry that mentors fatherless boys through outdoor experiences. We built birdhouses, swam in creeks, shot skeet and rifles, and I watched several of those boys give their life to Jesus and get baptized.That kind of camp—that kind of real—is why I started all of this.But while I was sleeping in a bunkhouse up there, something stirred in me. I realized I’d been chasing the wrong things: algorithms, TikTok trends, follower counts. Somewhere along the line, I forgot what this was about. So now I’m shifting gears.In this episode, I talk about why I’m freeze drying my own camping meals. Not because it’s trendy, but because I got tired of overpriced, over-salted, chemical-loaded pouches that aren’t worth handing to a kid, let alone trusting in the woods.I walk you through:Why I bought a Harvest Right freeze dryer with my own cashWhat led me to launch a new YouTube channel: The Watchful PrepperWhy I’m documenting every batch I make (and not posting until I have 20 videos filmed)How I’ll be legally selling my meals through my restaurant, under the name Primitive Camping RationsWhat it takes to prep, vacuum seal, and store real food that actually lastsAnd how I’m tying it all into a bigger mission that includes my book, my coffee, fire kits, and now, rations.This isn’t about emergency stockpiles or fear-based prepping.It’s about faith.It’s about being ready—for a camping trip, a discipleship moment, or a hard week at home.So if you’re tired of freeze-dried food that just "makes a turd"...This one’s for you. Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com

In this episode, Chris pulls straight from the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Facebook group to reflect on the posts, questions, and tips shared by its members. From tarp shelter setups and gear hacks to battling Mississippi mosquitoes and testing DIY fish hooks, it's a gritty mix of story, survival, and spiritual insight. You’ll hear about Rhett’s summer tarp camp, the underrated genius of 10x10 tarps, bush pots and bedrolls, and even freeze-dried meals cooked in a state-licensed restaurant. The episode wraps with a heartfelt devotional from Psalm 51 on repentance, restoration, and the kind of real transformation that only God can bring.What You'll LearnThe pros and cons of different tarp sizes (8x8 vs 10x10 vs 12x12)Why low-budget gear might outperform high-end brandsHow to use dog fennel as a natural mosquito repellentTips for summer camping in high heat and humidityBehind the scenes of launching freeze-dried camping mealsHow Psalm 51 speaks to personal repentance and community encouragementMentioned in This EpisodePrimitive Camping and Bushcraft Facebook group→ Join hereCold Cracker Bushpot & Self Reliance Outfitters BedrollDD 3x3 tarp and the new DD 4x4 tarpTony Powers’ custom “Bobcat” knife (Dirtbound Survival)Thermacell & Tiny Repel mosquito solutionsFreeze-dried meal experiments: Stroganoff, Chili Mac, Breakfast SkilletFaith ReflectionPsalm 51:15 — “O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth your praise.”Chris reflects on David’s brokenness and how the words we speak reflect our heart, especially in a group where encouragement and honesty go hand in hand. Explore More from Speir OutdoorsAll my links, gear, community, and content in one spot: links.speiroutdoors.comStay Connected📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast🎙️ Podcast Episodes🎥 YouTube Channel🧭 Socials, Blog, and MoreHave questions or want to connect?📩 Email: Admin@speiroutdoors.com