In this episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast, Chris shares a real story of getting turned around in the woods after losing his map five miles from the truck, and how nothing but a single compass bearing brought him home. After the story he walks through practical, beginner friendly navigation skills anyone can use with a simple baseplate compass and a topographic map.

Resources Mentioned:

• USGS Topographic Map Downloads
https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/topoview/viewer/

• Outdoors Generations Article by Ethan Shaw
“How to Use a Compass: The Ultimate Guide to Navigation”
https://outdoorgenerations.com/

• Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Book
https://www.primitive-camping.com/product-page/primitive-camping-bushcraft

• Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Website
https://www.primitive-camping.com

Topics Covered:
– The day Chris lost his map in the timber
– How one compass bearing kept him on course
– What a baseplate compass really needs
– Why topographic maps aren’t as intimidating as they look
– How to set a bearing, walk it, and avoid drifting
– Why beginners should practice simple navigation before long trips

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check out the new Primitive Camping & Bushcraft App on mobile www.primitive-camping.com here is the link to the app: https://www.mobileapp.app/to/lHKdPm1?ref=mam

In this episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast, Chris takes you from the smell of fair food and shaking hands with listeners to the quiet focus of bow-drill firecraft.

He opens the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft book to page 150 and walks through starting a friction fire, step by step, breaking down what it takes to nurture a single ember until it becomes a blaze. Along the way, he shares a listener story about family, faith, and finding purpose in the outdoors, showing that tending your fire is a lot like tending your soul.

Inside this episode:

Street Fair reflections, lessons, and community shout-outs

Reading and teaching from Primitive Camping and Bushcraft page 150

Step-by-step look at the bow drill — from ember to full flame

Why patience and practice matter more than shortcuts

How building fire mirrors our walk through hardship

A listener story that reignited the flame to keep going

Practical tips for feeding the fire — both in camp and in life

Primitive Camping and Bushcraft (page 150, “The Bow Drill”)

Primitive Camping Rations – freeze-dried meals, coffee, and fire kits

The Friday Blog Post – “Starting Fire the Old Way”

Community group on primitive-camping.com

Every fire begins with patience, not force.

Practice friction fire to build skill and discipline.

Faith and focus fade the same way coals do, you have to tend them.

Keep the right people around you; warmth spreads both ways.

The fire you build today might light someone else’s tomorrow.

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Welcome back to Fundamental Fridays here on the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast!
Today, we’re breaking down the Primitive Camping Fire Starter Kit — everything that’s packed inside, how it works, and why it belongs in every outdoor pack. From fatwood and ferro rods to char cloth and fire plugs, this kit is built to help you start a fire anywhere, anytime.

Chris walks through each piece of gear, demonstrates how to make shavings, explains the purpose of the ferro rod and striker, and even lights a few fires along the way. You’ll see how to use the tin itself to make fresh char cloth, and why these little fire kits make great gifts for anyone who loves the outdoors.

Whether you’re camping, hunting, or just getting started with bushcraft, this episode will help you understand not only how to build a fire—but how to be prepared when it matters most.

Check out the Primitive Camping Fire Kits and more gear at:
👉 https://www.primitive-camping.com

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In this episode we are sitting under the tarp at Camp What The Heck with the fire working in the background and talking about something small that becomes a big deal fast in the woods your light
Chris tells the story of a bow hunt in the Mississippi Delta where it got dark fast the mosquitoes were thick the woods went dead quiet and something in the water let out a roar so deep it made every hair stand up
For a minute it felt like hog trouble or worse and he had no sidearm and no flashlight just a bow and a bad decision
You will hear what that sound really was why the dark in the woods can flip peaceful to unsettling in seconds and how sound travels in flooded timber and canals
Then we go into the real point what light does for you mentally out there
Practical talk from the book Primitive Camping and Bushcraft on the gear you should actually carry not just what looks cool online
Why a cheap Energizer headlamp can save you more than a high dollar toy light
Why you should always keep more than one light source on you pocket pack and vehicle and check batteries before every trip
How fast you lose confidence when you cannot see your next step
We also talk about that moment every hunter and camper knows when the sun is gone and now suddenly you feel watched and you feel very small
From there we shift into John 8 verse 12 where Jesus says I am the light of the world and what that means when you are in real darkness with real fear and you cannot see what is in front of you
It is not just outdoor prep It is heart prep
You are going to get
The alligator story from the Delta
The coyote walkout with nothing but a cell phone light
The gear tip that most beginners ignore and regret
The simple checklist to keep you from getting caught blind in the woods
A reminder that physical light and spiritual light both matter when things go dark
Plus a quick update on primitive-camping.com the new store, blog, freeze dried meals, and plans for recording future episodes live from camp and even from the upcoming street fair

If this episode helps you slow down sharpen up or just breathe a little deeper share it with somebody who needs it

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Today’s focus: Backcountry calories, simple meal planning, and faith for “daily bread.”

From the book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft, p.182 (dehydrated/freeze-dried options, flavor add-ons).

Why calories matter: Field burn ≈ 3,500–5,000/day vs ~2,000 at home; shivering, climbs, paddling all spike needs.

Pack by calories, not meals: Target ~120 cal/oz (peanut butter, nuts, olive oil, granola, jerky, calorie-dense rations).

4 rules for the field:

Eat by the clock (adrenaline hides hunger)

Fat is your friend (dense fuel in cold/long treks)

Rotate meals (morale > monotony)

Carry one emergency meal (MRE-level calories)

Freeze-dried “Primitive Camping Rations”: lightweight, calorie-dense, small-batch options; custom runs available.

Faith segment: Matthew 6:11 (“Give us this day our daily bread”), Joseph’s planning, manna trust, Elijah fed by ravens—prepare wisely, trust completely.

Resources mentioned:

Primitive Camping & Bushcraft (Book) – Page 182 on food planning

PrimitiveCamping.com (coming online) – rations, coffee, fire kits

Contact for custom meals [email protected]

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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.

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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.

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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)

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☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast

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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 lifespan

Use what you have — handkerchiefs, coffee filters, even a K-cup work in a pinch

Clear water doesn’t always mean safe water — boil or filter before drinking

Improvisation in the field matters more than perfect gear

Whether 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

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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 Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
www.primitive-camping.com

Stay Connected

📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft

☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast

🎙️ Podcast Episodes

🎥 YouTube Channel

🧭 Socials, Blog, and More

Follow my Speir Outdoors Channels:
Youtube - www.youtube.com/@speiroutdoors
Facebook - www.facebook.com/primitivecamping

Have questions or want to connect?
📩 Email: [email protected]