Primitive Camping & Bushcraft

Chris Speir
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The Primitive Camping & Bushcraft podcast, hosted by Chris Speir from Speiroutdoors, offers practical tips and insights to help outdoor enthusiasts enhance their wilderness skills. Each episode dives deep into topics from Chris's book, "Primitive Camping & Bushcraft," covering everything from essential gear and survival techniques to building a community of like-minded adventurers. Perfect for both seasoned pros and beginners, this podcast equips listeners with the knowledge they need to thrive in the great outdoors.

  1. Shelter Done Right

    12/05/2025 · BONUS

    Shelter Done Right

    In this Fundamental Friday lesson we break down shelter from the inside out. Chris starts with clothing as your first layer of protection and how fabrics behave in heat, cold, and wet conditions. From there we move into shelter site selection using U.S. Army standards: finding level ground, spotting widow makers, judging water levels, avoiding rockslide or avalanche zones, and positioning yourself near resources without exposing yourself to predators or biting insects. Next we move into the hands-on builds. Lean To Attach the tarp to the ridgeline using two prusik loops and toggles. Stake the back corners tight to the ground to form a sloped wall. Angle the wall into or away from the wind depending on the weather. Simple, fast, and sheds rain well when tightened correctly. A Frame Lay the tarp lengthwise over the ridgeline so both sides hang evenly. Attach the center tie-out on each side with prusik loops and toggles. Stake down all four corners to create a triangular shelter with better wind and rain protection than a lean to. Diamond Fly Turn the tarp diagonally and drape one corner over the ridgeline. Fasten that corner using a prusik and toggle. Pull the opposite two wings down and stake them to the ground. This creates a tight diamond shape that works well over hammocks or on the ground, giving more coverage and airflow. Adirondack Lay one corner of the tarp over the ridgeline and attach it with a prusik and toggle. Go behind the tarp and stake out the tie outs directly opposite the toggle points to form the back wall. Fold the far corner inward for a small groundsheet. Stake the front corners to create angled side walls. Flip the top panel over the front and tie it off to a tree to add headroom. This setup reflects heat from a fire straight into the shelter and is excellent for cold weather. Plow Point No ridgeline needed. Take one corner of the tarp and tie it up to a tree about seven feet high. Stretch the opposite corner out behind you and stake it tight. Stake the remaining two corners to the ground to form a low sweeping triangle that sheds wind and water and sets up in under a minute. Great for fast shelter or sudden weather. Explore More from Primitive Camping & BushcraftAll 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/@speiroutdoorsFacebook - www.facebook.com/primitivecamping Have questions or want to connect?📩 Email: info@primitive-camping.com

    20 min
  2. Cold Nights Don’t Lie

    12/01/2025

    Cold Nights Don’t Lie

    This episode digs into a cold night that didn’t go the way it should have gone. A simple overnight trip with Dave turned into a long reminder that winter camping will expose every weak spot in your gear and your planning. I took my military issue extreme cold weather sleeping bag, my Helinox ultralight cot, my wool blanket, and my down puffy blanket from East Hills Outdoors. On paper, everything looked solid. In reality, the setup had one flaw that turned the night miserable. We walk through exactly what went wrong and why I froze in a bag rated for forty below. We break down how sleeping bags actually work, why compressed insulation fails under your back, and how convective cooling pulls heat out of you faster than you expect. We also get into the difference between top insulation and bottom insulation, why a cot lifts you but never warms you, and how wool blankets and puffy blankets fill the gaps that modern synthetics don’t always cover. You’ll hear the honest field lessons learned that night, including what I should have done differently, how I now build my cold-weather sleep system, and why even seasoned campers get humbled when they overlook the basics. If you’ve ever slept cold, fought drafts, or misjudged a winter night, this one hits close to home. Gear and topics discussed Extreme Cold Weather Military Sleeping Bag Intermediate Cold Weather Bag Helinox Ultralight Cot: https://amzn.to/3XuLun8 Get out the Gear Down Puffy Blanket: https://amzn.to/4osn48K Military Wool Blanket: https://amzn.to/44Dtr1S Convective Cooling Insulation R-Value Cot vs Ground Setup Winter Sleep System Layering Primitive Camping Rations: All Products | Primitive Camping Watch the camping video on Speir Outdoors https://youtu.be/l0O36IDCvRY Grab the book and meals at Primitive-Camping.com Explore More from Primitive Camping & BushcraftAll 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/@speiroutdoorsFacebook - www.facebook.com/primitivecamping Have questions or want to connect?📩 Email: info@primitive-camping.com

    35 min
  3. Fundamental Friday: Camp Lighting Systems

    11/28/2025

    Fundamental Friday: Camp Lighting Systems

    SHOW NOTES • This Fundamental Friday expands on Monday’s podcast and breaks down each lantern demonstrated on-camera. • Gear covered: Luci / BioLite solar lantern, LuminAID Titan, the unnamed crank lantern, and the Blavor power station lantern. • I show how each device works, how bright it is, what it weighs, how long it runs, and where it belongs in a primitive camping setup. • These are the exact lanterns I use at Camp Wut Da Heck for night work, safety, and comfort. • If you want to support the channel, grab them through my links below. YOU NEED TO ADD THESE LINKS TO THE SHOW NOTES • Amazon link for Luci / BioLite lantern • Amazon link for LuminAID Titan • Amazon link for LuminAID standard model • Amazon link for Blavor power station • Amazon affiliate storefront link Explore More from Primitive Camping & BushcraftAll 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/@speiroutdoorsFacebook - www.facebook.com/primitivecamping Have questions or want to connect?📩 Email: info@primitive-camping.com

    14 min
  4. Solar, Inflatable, Rechargeable. The Camp Lights That Never Quit

    11/24/2025

    Solar, Inflatable, Rechargeable. The Camp Lights That Never Quit

    Today’s conversation is all about practical lighting in camp. I walk through the lanterns I actually use, why each one has a job, and how they’ve held up in real weather, river nights, and deep woods trips. From ultralight inflatable solar lanterns to heavy basecamp chargers, I break down what each one is for and why I keep them in my kit. Gear Mentioned (Remember to add affiliate links): • LuminAID Lantern – your main work light • LuminAID Titan – heavier, brighter, doubles as a battery bank • Luci (BioLite rebrand) inflatable solar lantern • Blavor Power Station Lantern • Unbranded solar USB crank lantern  • Tea light can DIY example • Headlamp and small LED flashlight • Page references in your book (Page 70–73 sections)   Explore More from Primitive Camping & BushcraftAll 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/@speiroutdoorsFacebook - www.facebook.com/primitivecamping Have questions or want to connect?📩 Email: info@primitive-camping.com

    40 min
  5. Trusting the Compass When the Woods Get Thick

    11/21/2025 · BONUS

    Trusting the Compass When the Woods Get Thick

    In this Fundamental Friday, Chris takes a baseplate compass and a USGS topo map into the Mississippi woods and walks a full mile to test how accurate a simple bearing can be in real terrain. You’ll hear how the compass works, how contour lines tell the truth about the land, how to judge distance, and why old tools still matter when batteries fail. Referenced links USGS Topo Maps https://www.usgs.gov/products/maps/topographic-maps Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Book https://www.primitive-camping.com/product-page/primitive-camping-bushcraft how to use a compass article: How to Use a Compass: The Ultimate Guide to Navigation Explore More from Primitive Camping & BushcraftAll 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/@speiroutdoorsFacebook - www.facebook.com/primitivecamping Have questions or want to connect?📩 Email: info@primitive-camping.com

    10 min
  6. Topographic Maps and Compass Skills Most Campers Overlook

    11/17/2025

    Topographic Maps and Compass Skills Most Campers Overlook

    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 Explore More from Primitive Camping & BushcraftAll 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/@speiroutdoorsFacebook - www.facebook.com/primitivecamping Have questions or want to connect?📩 Email: info@primitive-camping.com

    35 min
  7. From Ember to Blaze: Lessons from the Bow Drill

    11/10/2025

    From Ember to Blaze: Lessons from the Bow Drill

    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 Mentions: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 Takeaways: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. Explore More from Primitive Camping & BushcraftAll 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/@speiroutdoorsFacebook - www.facebook.com/primitivecamping Have questions or want to connect?📩 Email: info@primitive-camping.com

    28 min
  8. Is Your Fire Kit Missing These 5 Essential Bushcraft Tools?

    11/07/2025 · BONUS

    Is Your Fire Kit Missing These 5 Essential Bushcraft Tools?

    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 Explore More from Primitive Camping & BushcraftAll 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/@speiroutdoorsFacebook - www.facebook.com/primitivecamping Have questions or want to connect?📩 Email: info@primitive-camping.com

    14 min
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4.8
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The Primitive Camping & Bushcraft podcast, hosted by Chris Speir from Speiroutdoors, offers practical tips and insights to help outdoor enthusiasts enhance their wilderness skills. Each episode dives deep into topics from Chris's book, "Primitive Camping & Bushcraft," covering everything from essential gear and survival techniques to building a community of like-minded adventurers. Perfect for both seasoned pros and beginners, this podcast equips listeners with the knowledge they need to thrive in the great outdoors.

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