Primitive Camping & Bushcraft

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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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.

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📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft

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Have questions or want to connect?
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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 [email protected] 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.

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All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
www.speiroutdoors.com

Stay Connected:

Join Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Facebook group: www.facebook.com

📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft

☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast

🎙️ Podcast Episodes

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Youtube - www.youtube.com/@speiroutdoors
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Have questions or want to connect?
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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 Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
www.speiroutdoors.com

Stay Connected:

Join Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Facebook group: www.facebook.com

📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft

☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast

🎙️ Podcast Episodes

🎥 YouTube Channel

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

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

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 [email protected] 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 Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
www.speiroutdoors.com

Stay Connected:

Join Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Facebook group: www.facebook.com

📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft

☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast

🎙️ Podcast Episodes

🎥 YouTube Channel

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

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

Sometimes the best outdoor lessons come from the worst mistakes.

In this episode, I share one of my earliest survival trips with my brother when everything went wrong. Our water filters clogged, we had no backup plan, dehydration set in quickly, and a midnight rainstorm became the answer to a problem we couldn't solve ourselves.

We talk about practical water collection, pre-filtering, boiling, commercial filters, rainwater, and the importance of always having multiple ways to make water safe in the field.

More importantly, that experience reminds us of an even greater truth found in John 4. Physical water satisfies us for a little while, but Jesus offers living water that never runs dry.

In This Episode

This Week's Challenge

Go outside and practice making water safe.

Collect water from a natural source, pre-filter it, boil or purify it properly, and think about the difference between satisfying physical thirst and the Living Water that only Christ can provide.

Resources

Primitive Camping & Bushcraft

Join the Community

Thanks for Listening

If this episode helped you become more prepared or encouraged your faith, consider sharing it with someone who enjoys camping, bushcraft, or learning practical outdoor skills.

Remember:

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." – Proverbs 3:6

Explore More from Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
www.speiroutdoors.com

Stay Connected:

Join Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Facebook group: www.facebook.com

📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft

☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast

🎙️ Podcast Episodes

🎥 YouTube Channel

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

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

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 [email protected] 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 Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
www.speiroutdoors.com

Stay Connected:

Join Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Facebook group: www.facebook.com

📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft

☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast

🎙️ Podcast Episodes

🎥 YouTube Channel

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

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

Episode Highlights

Hot day under the tarp at Camp Wut-Da-Heck and the focus on knives

Childhood memories with a Swiss Army knife and homemade haversacks

Knife evolution: homemade bed-rail knife, Mora Garberg, BPS Bushcraft II, Mora Companion, Bobcat by Dirt Bound Survival

Field stories: batoning wood, six days of rain, and skinning hogs

Knife accident lesson: respect your blade and carry first aid

Knife maintenance: stones, belts, improvised sharpeners, and strops

Devotion: Hebrews 4:12 — the Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword

Action step: sharpen both your knife and your faith this week

Resources Mentioned

Book: Primitive Camping and Bushcraft

Facebook Group: Primitive Camping and Bushcraft

Call to Action

Sharpen your knife and spend time sharpening your spirit in the Word

Share this episode with a friend who loves the outdoors and faith conversations

Join the community and keep learning bushcraft and survival skills

Explore More from Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
www.speiroutdoors.com

Stay Connected:

Join Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Facebook group: www.facebook.com

📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft

☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast

🎙️ Podcast Episodes

🎥 YouTube Channel

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

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