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?

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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 seen
Compass Link:  How to Use a Compass: The Ultimate Guide to Navigation

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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.

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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!

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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/4fEwpHS
hammock itself: https://amzn.to/45y2XhV

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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.

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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 cash

What led me to launch a new YouTube channel: The Watchful Prepper

Why 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 Rations

What it takes to prep, vacuum seal, and store real food that actually lasts

And 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.

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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 Learn

The pros and cons of different tarp sizes (8x8 vs 10x10 vs 12x12)

Why low-budget gear might outperform high-end brands

How to use dog fennel as a natural mosquito repellent

Tips for summer camping in high heat and humidity

Behind the scenes of launching freeze-dried camping meals

How Psalm 51 speaks to personal repentance and community encouragement

Mentioned in This Episode

Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Facebook group
→ Join here

Cold Cracker Bushpot & Self Reliance Outfitters Bedroll

DD 3x3 tarp and the new DD 4x4 tarp

Tony Powers’ custom “Bobcat” knife (Dirtbound Survival)

Thermacell & Tiny Repel mosquito solutions

Freeze-dried meal experiments: Stroganoff, Chili Mac, Breakfast Skillet

Faith Reflection
Psalm 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.

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When you're deep in the woods and gear breaks down, do you have what you need to patch it up and keep going? In this episode, Chris answers a listener question from the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Facebook Group about field repair kits. From duct tape on a Bic lighter to sail needles and floral wire, he walks through real tools, real fixes, and why preparation isn't just about survival—it's about staying in the game when things go sideways. Plus, a quick look at the Entropy Survival Go Bag and why it's a solid pick for unexpected situations.

Topics Covered:

What should be in every bushcraft repair kit

Creative uses for duct tape, zip ties, and tie wire

How floral wire earns a permanent spot in your gear

First aid crossovers: super glue, needles, dental floss

Real stories of gear failure and on-the-spot repairs

Using the Entropy Survival Go Bag as a foundation

Why spiritual and gear readiness go hand in hand

survival bag https://youtu.be/k7bmtYVoCyY

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What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Step-by-step method for smoking fish in the field without fancy gear

What types of wood are safe for smoking (and what to avoid)

Why Magnolia wood might be one of the most underrated smoking woods for fish

How to build a simple smoking tripod using green saplings and floral wire

The difference between grilling, roasting, and real smoking in a bushcraft setup

Why floral wire is one of the most versatile tools you can pack in your kit

How to preserve fish while still getting bold flavor at camp

Real-world examples from Mississippi river trips, including stories of pike, bass, and catfish

Field hacks for getting steady smoke without catching your gear on fire

Simple tricks to build a smoke tent for long smoking sessions

Tools and Tips Mentioned:

Magnolia, oak, hickory, pecan, mesquite woods

Avoiding resinous woods like pine and cedar

Building a cooking tripod

Using mechanics or floral wire to hang fish

Scoring fish to cook it evenly

Using sheets to trap smoke without flame-up

Key Takeaway:
Smoking meat in the wild isn’t about perfection — it’s about patience, method, and knowing your materials. When you understand how smoke works, you can preserve and flavor your catch right where you caught it.

Extras:

Grab the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft book on Amazon for full setups and photos

Join the Facebook group and share your favorite smoking wood

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