Primitive Camping & Bushcraft

This unfiltered fireside conversation was recorded the morning after a real kayak-and-camp trip down Black Creek with Chris and Dave. From midnight owl encounters and campfire steak to gear reviews and gut-level reflections on faith, it’s a raw look at the kind of talk you only get outdoors.

In this Memorial Day episode, Chris breaks down three field-tested tinders—arrowwood, mimosa, and tongue nut—and how even soaking wet woods can spark a fire when prepped right. He ties it all back to faith, asking: are you ready to catch the fire God is trying to ignite in your life?

In this episode, Chris Speir walks through his journey of downsizing from a 75-liter overpacked setup to a streamlined 32-liter Rothco rucksack, breaking down what gear truly earns its weight. Along the way, he reflects on Jesus’ words from Matthew 6, challenging listeners to trim the fat not just from their packs—but from their hearts.

In this episode, Chris breaks down what it really means to trust the knife you carry—and why your skills matter more than your gear. From field-tested blades to biblical truths that cut deeper than steel, this is a raw, faith-grounded talk around the fire at Camp Wut-Da-Heck.

Chris and Dave sit down around the campfire during an overnight kayak trip to talk about camping, faith, and real life experiences. They share laughs, answer surprise questions, and reflect on how time outdoors shapes both their thinking and their Faith Walk.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Podcast, Chris tackles one of the ultimate outdoor challenges: starting a fire with wet wood using only one match. Broadcasting straight from under the tarp at Camp Wut-Da-Heck in the middle of a thunderstorm, he shares practical fire-starting advice and a faith lesson about rekindling your spirit when life gets soaked.

In this raw and reflective episode, Chris Speir relaunches the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Podcast from Camp Wut-Da-Heck—a tribute to his late friend Scooter and the roots of outdoor authenticity. He shares why he's stepping back from chasing algorithms to build a meaningful community through purpose-driven content, faith, and real skills by the fire.

In this episode of Primitive Camping & Bushcraft, Chris breaks down his personal camp cooking gear—from titanium pots and antique store finds to trusty Dutch ovens and survival kits. It’s a fast-paced, hands-on walkthrough of the cook systems he's tested in the woods and why each one earns its place in his pack.

In this episode, Chris Speir dives into practical and affordable campfire cooking—sharing his go-to meals, essential cookware, and recent antique finds that still hold their weight in the woods. From skillet meals to percolator coffee, it's all about enjoying the simple pleasures of primitive camping without overcomplicating the gear.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast, Chris Speir shares an intense personal experience involving a grease fire while cooking outdoors, highlighting the importance of fire safety. He then transitions into a deep dive on outdoor cooking methods, discussing essential gear, cooking techniques, and how to prepare delicious meals while camping with minimal equipment.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast, Chris Speir dives deep into freeze-dried and just-add-water foods, breaking down their convenience, cost-effectiveness, and practical use in the outdoors. He shares personal experiences with making his own freeze-dried meals, tips for food storage, and insight into how to maximize nutrition while minimizing pack weight on camping trips.

In this episode, Chris Speir explores the power of dehydration for outdoor meals. From making protein-packed beef jerky to creating lightweight, flavorful vegetables, learn how to turn fresh ingredients into long-lasting food perfect for camping, backpacking, and survival.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Podcast, Chris Speir transitions from fire-making to the crucial topic of food in the wilderness. He discusses the importance of nutrition, different food preparation methods like dehydrating and freeze-drying, and strategies for packing and procuring food in the wild. He also shares insights on calorie management, survival food choices, and his personal experiences with food on long camping trips.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Podcast, Chris Speir shares practical fire-starting hacks for quick and efficient fires in the wilderness. Covering everything from fatwood and ferro rods to unconventional methods like using a Fresnel lens or a water bottle, Chris walks listeners through reliable techniques to ensure they can always get a fire going, no matter the conditions.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Podcast, Chris Speir breaks down the essentials of building a fire kit, emphasizing why multiple fire-starting methods are crucial for any outdoor adventure. He shares practical advice on selecting and using various fire-starting tools, including BIC lighters, ferro rods, char cloth, and more, ensuring you're always prepared, no matter the conditions.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the ancient art of starting fire with a bow drill, covering every detail from selecting the right wood to achieving a successful ember. Whether you're new to friction fire or looking to refine your skills, this guide walks you through the process, troubleshooting, and techniques for mastering primitive fire-making.

This episode of the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Podcast explores essential fire-starting techniques, focusing on various tools like ferro rods, arc lighters, and magnesium fire starters. Host Chris Speir shares practical insights, product reviews, and personal stories to help outdoor enthusiasts master fire-building under challenging conditions.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Podcast, host Chris Speir explores the art and science of fire-building, from selecting tinder and kindling to mastering feather sticks and unique techniques like using arrowwood. He also shares stories from recent camping adventures and highlights the practical and psychological importance of fire in the great outdoors.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast, Chris Speir discusses commercial water filtration systems, including popular options like squeeze filters, gravity filters, and the Grail GeoPress, highlighting their practicality and effectiveness for outdoor survival. Chris also reflects on the success of the Primitive Camping Coffee Blend and shares exciting plans for the upcoming season, featuring fire-starting techniques and more outdoor wisdom.

In this episode of Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Podcast, Chris Speir shares the joy of welcoming his first grandchild, Hudson, and the incredible experience of dedicating him to the Lord. Transitioning to practical survival skills, Chris discusses essential natural water filtration methods, including tripod water filters, Gypsy wells, and bottle filters. Drawing from years of hands-on experience and survival guides, he provides step-by-step instructions and personal insights to help you stay hydrated in the great outdoors. Don’t miss his thoughts on the new Primitive Camping & Bushcraft coffee blend and exciting plans for the podcast in the new year.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Podcast, I dive into the topic of chemical water disinfection, discussing the pros, cons, and step-by-step methods for using iodine and bleach to purify water in the wilderness. I also share personal experiences with water filtration systems, touch on pre-filtering techniques, and give a sneak peek at upcoming episodes on natural filtration systems and my new Primitive Campin' Blend Coffee.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Podcast, host Chris Speir delves into pre-filtering water while exploring the practical use of tools like handkerchiefs, Millbank bags, and commercial filters. Alongside sharing personal stories and tips from his book, Chris emphasizes the importance of preparing for clean water in the outdoors, making it an essential listen for camping enthusiasts.

Talk about the essentials of water purification in the wild, from methods like boiling and filtering to real-life examples of common risks. This episode equips listeners with practical techniques to ensure safe, drinkable water on every camping or bushcraft adventure.

Join Chris Speir in the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Podcast as he guides you through essential tarp shelter setups, from the lean-to and A-frame to more advanced configurations like the diamond fly and Adirondack shelter. Gain practical, step-by-step techniques to enhance your outdoor experience and build confidence in your wilderness survival skills.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Podcast, Chris Speir dives into the history, versatility, and practicality of using tarps in the outdoors, sharing personal experiences with different brands and DIY waterproofing methods. He highlights the essential role of tarps for shelter building, water collection, and durable outdoor protection, while promising a deep dive into tarp configurations in upcoming episodes.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft podcast, host Chris Speir breaks down the pros and cons of two popular camping shelter options: tents and hammocks. Chris discusses various tent types and hammock configurations and provides practical tips for choosing the best shelter based on your camping needs, location, and weather conditions.

This episode dives into the role of clothing as the first layer of shelter in outdoor survival, focusing on its ability to protect against the elements, insects, and temperature changes. Chris discusses the importance of choosing the right materials like wool, synthetics, and avoiding cotton in cold weather, emphasizing the significance of layering and maintaining a personal microclimate while out in the wilderness.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast, host Chris Speir dives deep into the essential topic of shelter. Chris explains the importance of shelter in outdoor survival, comparing it to the comfort and safety of a home, and covers key concepts like campsite selection, building shelters using natural materials, and the importance of tools like tarps. The episode also teases upcoming discussions about layering clothing for survival and shelter.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast, host Chris Speir sits down with Woodsbound Outdoors to discuss the challenges and rewards of creating outdoor content on social media. They explore everything from their passion for the outdoors to the hardships of content piracy, how they handle negative comments, and their go-to survival gear for wilderness adventures.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Podcast, Chris Speir wraps up the gear section, highlighting all the essentials from cookware to miscellaneous must-haves like solar lanterns and headlamps. He shares personal stories and valuable insights on packing light while ensuring you have everything you need for a successful outdoor adventure.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast, Chris Speir discusses the essential role food plays in outdoor survival, sharing practical tips on meal planning and energy maintenance during camping trips. From canned meats to freeze-dried meals, Chris provides insights on balancing weight, calories, and nutrition for successful wilderness adventures.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast, Chris Speir dives into the essentials of water filtration and purification for safe outdoor survival. Learn about various gear options, from gravity-fed systems to personal filters, and discover how to ensure your water is always clean and drinkable during your outdoor adventures.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft podcast, host Chris Speir dives deep into the essentials of outdoor cooking gear. From simple natural resources like leaves and twigs to advanced tools like grills and solar ovens, this episode guides listeners on how to prepare meals safely and efficiently in the wilderness.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast, Chris Speir emphasizes the critical importance of carrying a single-wall metal container while exploring the outdoors. He discusses how metal containers are essential for boiling water, cooking food, and even digging, offering practical advice on what types of metal containers work best and what to avoid, such as double-walled insulated bottles that can explode when exposed to high heat.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast, host Chris Speir dives deep into the importance of shelter while in the wild, emphasizing the versatility of tarps and hammocks in creating effective microclimates. Chris shares personal experiences and practical tips on using various tarp configurations, hammock setups, and shelter considerations for different weather conditions, particularly in South Mississippi's unpredictable climate.

n this episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast, Chris Speir delves into the importance and uses of cordage in outdoor settings. He discusses the benefits and applications of various types of cordage, including paracord and bank line, and shares insights on making natural cordage from plant fibers.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast, Chris Speir explores the essential cutting tools for camping, focusing on the differences and uses of axes, saws, and multi-tools. He shares practical tips on selecting the right tool for various tasks and highlights the importance of keeping them sharp for safe and effective use.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast, Chris Speir delves into the essentials of selecting the perfect knife for outdoor adventures, discussing the types of steel, knife tangs, grinds, and sharpening techniques, ensuring you're well-equipped for any bushcraft task.

Welcome back to the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast! Join Chris Speir as he delves into various cooking methods for camping, from simple freeze-dried meals to elaborate open-fire cooking techniques. Discover how to cook safely and efficiently in the great outdoors to maintain your health and energy.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast, Chris Speir dives into the essentials of food preparation and management for primitive camping. Learn about various methods such as dehydrating, freeze-drying, and procuring food in the wild, alongside handy recipes and tips to enhance your outdoor culinary experience.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast, Dive into the essentials of water management in the wilderness, from finding and pre-filtering to boiling and purifying, using practical methods and tools for ensuring safe drinking water, emphasizing the critical role of a metal container and the importance of pre-filtering to extend the life of commercial water filters.

In this episode of the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Podcast, Chris Speir shares essential fire-starting techniques to keep you warm and safe in the wilderness. Learn about the fire triangle, the importance of tinder, kindling, and fuel, and the benefits of using a ferro rod and a Bic lighter.

In this episode of the "Primitive Camping & Bushcraft" podcast, Chris Speir discusses essential shelter building techniques to keep you dry, warm, and safe in the wilderness. Learn about various tarp shelters and the importance of proper clothing and site selection.

In this episode of "Primitive Camping & Bushcraft," we dive into essential gear for a successful primitive camping trip, covering cutting tools, cordage, shelters, metal containers, and fire-starting devices. Learn how to choose and use the right equipment to enhance your outdoor experience and ensure safety and comfort.

In this episode, Chris Speir delves into the essence of primitive camping, discussing its benefits, challenges, and the importance of self-reliance. He shares practical tips and personal stories to help listeners enhance their outdoor experiences. Join the Facebook community for more insights and discussions.

Welcome to the first episode of the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Podcast. Host Chris Speir introduces the podcast's purpose: to provide practical tips and insights into primitive camping, bushcraft, and survival skills, all derived from his book, "Primitive Camping and Bushcraft." Chris shares his background, the importance of building a community through their Facebook group, and what listeners can expect in future episodes, including deep dives into various outdoor survival topics.