
Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
Chris Speir
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Top 10 Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Primitive Camping & Bushcraft episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Primitive Camping & Bushcraft for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Primitive Camping & Bushcraft episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

The Concept of Primitive Camping
Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
06/03/24 • 27 min
Episode #2: The Concept of Primitive Camping
In this episode of Primitive Camping & Bushcraft, host Chris Speir explores the concept of primitive camping, highlighting its essence, benefits, and challenges. Chris shares personal stories and practical tips to help both beginners and seasoned campers connect with nature and thrive in the wilderness.
Topics Covered:
- Definition of Primitive Camping
- Benefits of Primitive Camping
- Challenges and Planning
- Importance of Self-Reliance and Resourcefulness
- Practical Tips for Beginners
- Personal Camping Experiences
Community Engagement: Join the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Facebook group to share your experiences, ask questions, and connect with over 6,000 like-minded adventurers. Participate in discussions and get inspired by others' stories and tips.
Next Episode: Tune in next time as we dive into the essential gear and tools needed for primitive camping. We’ll break down each item and provide insights on how to choose and use them effectively.
Book Mention: For a more comprehensive understanding, pick up a copy of Chris Speir’s book, "Primitive Camping & Bushcraft," available at major online retailers.
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☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast
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Cutting Tools
Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
08/05/24 • 24 min
- Introduction: Chris welcomes listeners and introduces the topic of essential cutting tools for camping.
- Discussion Points:
- Importance of Cutting Tools: Overview of why cutting tools are crucial in camping and bushcraft.
- Axes:
- Types of Axes: Campers axe, boys' axe, felling axes, hatchets.
- Personal Preferences: Chris shares his experience with different axes, including the utility axe and the Eastwing camper's axe.
- Uses of Axes: Chopping trees, splitting firewood, carving, and more.
- Axe Maintenance: Importance of keeping axes sharp and tips for sharpening.
- Saws:
- Types of Saws: Buck saws, bow saws, folding saws.
- Personal Preferences: Chris discusses his preference for the Baco Laplander folding saw.
- Uses of Saws: Cutting small and large diameter logs, making notches, and primitive cooking tools.
- Multi-Tools:
- Versatility: Multi-tools as backup cutting tools and their various uses around the campsite.
- Modifying Multi-Tools: Customizing multi-tool components for specific tasks.
- Gear Selection:
- Budget-Friendly Options: Emphasizing the importance of practicality over brand names and expensive gear.
- Avoiding Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS): Encouraging listeners to focus on essential items and enjoy their time in the woods.
- Conclusion:
- Teaser for Next Episode: Chris previews the next episode on different types of cordage for camping.
- Call to Action: Encouraging listeners to like, follow, and subscribe on their preferred platforms.
🔥 Explore More from Speir Outdoors
All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
👉 links.speiroutdoors.com
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📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast
🎙️ Podcast Episodes
🎥 YouTube Channel
🧭 Socials, Blog, and More
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📩 Email: [email protected]

Cooking: Essential Gear
Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
09/02/24 • 29 min
Show Notes:
- Introduction: Chris welcomes listeners back and introduces the topic of outdoor cooking gear.
- Main Discussion:
- Importance of killing harmful biological pathogens when cooking outdoors.
- Overview of essential cooking tools and devices including grills, stoves, and solar ovens.
- Step-by-step guidance on turning natural resources into reliable cooking setups.
- Tips for selecting the right cooking gear based on different outdoor scenarios.
- Book Reference: Listeners are encouraged to follow along with the discussion on page 63 of the "Primitive Camping & Bushcraft" book.
- Bonus Tip: At the end of the episode, Chris shares a special tip or hack for outdoor cooking that can make a difference in your wilderness adventures.
- Closing Remarks: Encouragement to practice the discussed techniques and become proficient in outdoor cooking.
🔥 Explore More from Speir Outdoors
All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
👉 links.speiroutdoors.com
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📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast
🎙️ Podcast Episodes
🎥 YouTube Channel
🧭 Socials, Blog, and More
Have questions or want to connect?
📩 Email: [email protected]

Tents or Hammocks? Pros, Cons, and Practical Tips for Outdoor Shelter
Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
10/21/24 • 25 min
Episode Overview: In this episode, Chris Speir dives into one of the most crucial decisions for any camping trip—whether to use a tent or a hammock. He explores the advantages and disadvantages of both, from the traditional and highly customizable tent options to the simplicity and comfort of hammocks. Chris shares personal experiences, discusses different types of tents (including military canvas tents and tunnel tents), and explains the importance of weight and practicality, particularly in primitive camping scenarios.
Key Discussion Points:
- The timeless appeal of tents: various types and their pros/cons.
- Why tents are still the go-to shelter for many campers.
- Exploring different tent options like bivvy tents, family tents, and specialized camping tents.
- Hammocks: The simplicity of setup, comfort benefits, and limitations in cold weather.
- Practical insights into using tarps and bug nets with hammocks.
- Importance of under quilts for cold-weather hammock camping.
- How personal preferences, camping conditions, and gear load affect the choice between tents and hammocks.
Featured Equipment:
- Night Cat Lay Flat Hammock (Chris's review is available on his YouTube channel)
- Tunnel Tent
- Wool Blankets and Under Quilts for hammock camping
Upcoming Episodes: Chris teases future episodes focusing on advanced camping shelters and knot-tying techniques for tarp setups. He’ll dive into the specifics of knots like the Prussic Knot, trucker’s hitch, and setting up ridge lines for optimal shelter configurations.
Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your podcast platform, give it a thumbs-up, and check out Chris's book, Primitive Camping & Bushcraft, for more in-depth knowledge and practical tips.
Resources:
Connect with Chris:
- Join the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Facebook Group
- Follow Chris on YouTube
- Follow Chris on Instagram
Subscribe & Share: Don’t forget to subscribe to the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft podcast for more outdoor survival tips, gear reviews, and bushcraft techniques!
🔥 Explore More from Speir Outdoors
All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
👉 links.speiroutdoors.com
Stay Connected
📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast
🎙️ Podcast Episodes
🎥 YouTube Channel
🧭 Socials, Blog, and More
Have questions or want to connect?
📩 Email: [email protected]

Bushcraft Basics: Why a Reliable Tarp is Your Best Outdoor Ally
Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
10/28/24 • 25 min
Episode Highlights:
- Introduction to the DD 3x3 tarp and its versatile uses.
- Brief history of tarps from oilcloths to modern waterproof materials.
- Chris's personal experiences with various tarp brands, including DD and East Ridge.
- DIY waterproofing using silicone and naptha, inspired by Nighthawk in Light.
- Tips for setting up tarps with different shelter configurations.
- Discussion of the importance of toggles, knots (like prusik knots), and guy lines.
- Why Chris always carries a tarp on his outdoor adventures, even when using tents or hammocks.
- Sneak peek at upcoming episodes focusing on shelter configurations and outdoor demonstrations.
Links:
- Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Book (Amazon link)
- Nighthawk in Light's Waterproofing Video (YouTube link)
- Chris's YouTube Channel: Speir Outdoors
- Previous Podcast Episode
- Join the discussion on the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Facebook Group.
Gear Mentioned:
- DD 3x3 Tarp
- East Ridge Tarps
- Naptha and Silicone for DIY projects
🔥 Explore More from Speir Outdoors
All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
👉 links.speiroutdoors.com
Stay Connected
📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast
🎙️ Podcast Episodes
🎥 YouTube Channel
🧭 Socials, Blog, and More
Have questions or want to connect?
📩 Email: [email protected]

From Ridge Line to Plow Point: Complete Guide to Tarp Shelters
Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
11/04/24 • 16 min
Show Notes:
Introduction
Welcome and overview of tarp shelter configurations.
Mention of previous episode on basic tarp use.
Segment 1: Ridge Line and Prusik Knot Basics
Explanation of setting up a ridge line between two trees.
Detailed instructions on tying a Prusik knot.
Importance of using toggles for secure setups.
Segment 2: Lean-To Shelter Setup
Step-by-step process for building a lean-to.
Benefits of this simple and effective shelter type.
Segment 3: A-Frame Shelter Configuration
How to lay the tarp lengthwise over the ridge line.
Staking techniques for increased protection against wind and rain.
Variations, such as the flying A-frame.
Segment 4: Diamond Fly Shelter
Explanation of the diamond fly shape and setup.
Advantages for hammock camping.
Segment 5: Adirondack Shelter Setup
Description of creating a three-sided structure.
Detailed instructions for forming walls and adding depth.
Segment 6: Plow Point Shelter Overview
Fast and simple setup ideal for emergency situations.
Guide on securing the tarp at an angle for effective coverage.
Practical Insights:
Tips on using natural materials for stakes and additional support.
Mention of using reflective materials for heat retention in colder climates.
Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode
Recap of tarp configurations covered.
Preview of the next episode focusing on water collection and purification.
🔥 Explore More from Speir Outdoors
All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
👉 links.speiroutdoors.com
Stay Connected
📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast
🎙️ Podcast Episodes
🎥 YouTube Channel
🧭 Socials, Blog, and More
Have questions or want to connect?
📩 Email: [email protected]

How to Build a Bow Drill: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
02/03/25 • 34 min
Episode Highlights:
- Introduction to the Bow Drill: Understanding what it is and how it works
- Debunking Myths: Fire doesn’t come from rubbing sticks together—it comes from friction and heat
- Breaking Down the Components
- Hearth Board: Choosing the right softwood for success
- Spindle: Selecting the ideal length and diameter
- Bearing Block: Why fatwood and resinous materials are game-changers
- Bow: Finding the right curve and choosing the best cordage
- How to Assemble Your Bow Drill Set: Step-by-step instructions for each component
- Burning In Your Spindle: The first step to ensuring proper friction
- The Notch Trick: How to carve the perfect V-notch for dust collection
- The Ember Creation Process: How long it takes, what to expect, and common mistakes
- Tinder Bundles and Ignition: How to properly transfer your ember and ignite your fire
- Challenges of Bow Drill Fire Starting: How humidity, wood choice, and conditions affect success
- Real-Life Experience: The time it took three hours to start a fire in high humidity
- Fire-Making Confidence: Why learning this skill boosts survival preparedness
- Final Thoughts & Takeaways: Encouragement to practice and refine your fire-starting skills
- Bonus: Discussion on modern fire-starting hacks like shotgun shell bow drills and wire ignitions
Listener Call to Action:
- Join the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Facebook Group to share your bow drill fire-starting experiences
- Pick up a copy of the book for more in-depth fire-making knowledge
- Grab a bag of Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Coffee and fuel your outdoor adventures
🔥 Explore More from Speir Outdoors
All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
👉 links.speiroutdoors.com
Stay Connected
📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast
🎙️ Podcast Episodes
🎥 YouTube Channel
🧭 Socials, Blog, and More
Have questions or want to connect?
📩 Email: [email protected]

Camp Cooking Made Easy: Dehydrating Food for the Woods
Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
03/03/25 • 35 min
Topics Covered in This Episode:
- Beef Jerky: The ultimate protein source for the outdoors—how to slice, season, and dry it to perfection.
- Dehydrated Eggs: Scramble and dry your eggs for easy, lightweight breakfast options.
- Tomato Chips: Bold, flavorful, and perfect as a snack or cooking ingredient.
- Squash & Zucchini Chips: A crunchy alternative to store-bought chips, made from fresh produce.
- Onions & Mushrooms: Lightweight, nutrient-dense additions to soups, stews, and sauces.
- Bell Peppers & Other Veggies: How to dehydrate and store them for maximum shelf life.
- Rehydration Tips: The best way to bring dehydrated food back to life for a hearty meal.
- Choosing the Right Dehydrator: From budget-friendly options to commercial-grade machines.
- Storage & Packing Strategies: How to keep your dehydrated meals fresh and ready for the wild.
Why Dehydration Matters for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Dehydrated foods weigh less, take up less space, and last longer than fresh alternatives. Whether you're heading out for a week in the mountains or just want to keep a reliable food stash at home, knowing how to dehydrate your own meals can be a game-changer.
Get More Hands-On Outdoor Knowledge
If you're serious about mastering outdoor skills like food preservation, fire-starting, shelter-building, and wilderness survival, check out my book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft. It’s packed with real-world skills and techniques to help you thrive in the wild.
🔥 Explore More from Speir Outdoors
All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
👉 links.speiroutdoors.com
Stay Connected
📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast
🎙️ Podcast Episodes
🎥 YouTube Channel
🧭 Socials, Blog, and More
Have questions or want to connect?
📩 Email: [email protected]

Primitive Camping Meal Prep: How to Save Money and Eat Better in the Wild
Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
03/10/25 • 38 min
Introduction
- Chris shares updates on his book Primitive Camping & Bushcraft, its rising Amazon rankings, and current discounts.
- Encourages listeners to check out the Primitive Camping and Bushcraft Coffee Blend.
Freeze-Dried Foods
- Overview of freeze-dried food options like beef stroganoff, scrambled eggs, and beef stew.
- Discussing the cost-effectiveness of purchasing bulk freeze-dried ingredients vs. store-bought camping meals.
- Benefits of making homemade freeze-dried meals with personal seasoning and ingredient control.
- Experimenting with sour cream powder, shredded beef, dehydrated onions, and pre-cooked pasta for a DIY meal.
- Insights into the long rehydration time required for freeze-dried meats like beef and chicken.
- Cost breakdown and meal planning for long-term camping trips.
Just-Add-Water Foods
- Lightweight and convenient food options such as mashed potatoes, hash browns, instant oatmeal, and flavored rice.
- Affordable and widely available at most grocery stores.
- How to stretch meals by adding freeze-dried meats or summer sausage for protein.
- Demonstrating the use of hash browns for multiple meals, including soups and stews.
- Maximizing nutrition and caloric intake with simple, shelf-stable foods.
Prepackaged Foods
- Discussion on the pros and cons of taking prepackaged foods like Vienna sausages, Spam, smoked fish, and summer sausage.
- Benefits of summer sausage as a no-refrigeration protein source.
- Using tortillas for versatile camping meals and prepackaging them in vacuum-sealed portions.
- Peanut butter as a high-calorie, energy-dense food for backpacking.
Edible Essentials: Beans & Rice
- Cooking dry beans in the wilderness and soaking techniques for faster preparation.
- Strategies for long-term meal planning with beans and rice.
- Using peanut butter powder as a lightweight alternative to traditional peanut butter.
- Importance of drink packets, green tea, and instant coffee for hydration and energy in the wild.
Cooking Staples & Oils
- Shortening (Crisco, lard, tallow) as an essential fat source for frying and cooking.
- Benefits of bringing powdered milk for baking and cooking in the woods.
- Pine needle tea and its health benefits, including immune support and vitamin C content.
Foraging & Procuring Food
- Catching and cooking fish, frogs, snakes, and small game.
- Safe foraging techniques for edible mushrooms with a focus on using guides like How to Forage for Mushrooms Without Dying.
- How to repurpose animal parts for bait and sustainable trapping.
🔥 Explore More from Speir Outdoors
All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
👉 links.speiroutdoors.com
Stay Connected
📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast
🎙️ Podcast Episodes
🎥 YouTube Channel
🧭 Socials, Blog, and More
Have questions or want to connect?
📩 Email: [email protected]

Fire Essentials
Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
06/25/24 • 21 min
- Introduction to the episode and personal experience with needing a fire to prevent hypothermia.
- Explanation of the fire triangle: heat, fuel, and oxygen.
- Importance of tinder, kindling, and fuel in building a fire.
- Tips on gathering and preparing tinder and kindling, including using natural materials like goldenrod and dog fennel.
- Recommended fire-starting tools: Bic lighter and ferro rod.
- Benefits of having a fire kit with multiple fire-starting methods.
- Discussion on the various benefits of fire in survival situations: warmth, cooking, purifying water, signaling for help, and boosting morale.
- Encouragement to practice fire-starting techniques and use different types of tinder and kindling.
- Reminder to pick up a copy of "Primitive Camping & Bushcraft" for more detailed information and to join the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Facebook group.
🔥 Explore More from Speir Outdoors
All my links, gear, community, and content in one spot:
👉 links.speiroutdoors.com
Stay Connected
📖 Book: Primitive Camping & Bushcraft
☕ Coffee: Primitive Camping Roast
🎙️ Podcast Episodes
🎥 YouTube Channel
🧭 Socials, Blog, and More
Have questions or want to connect?
📩 Email: [email protected]
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FAQ
How many episodes does Primitive Camping & Bushcraft have?
Primitive Camping & Bushcraft currently has 40 episodes available.
What topics does Primitive Camping & Bushcraft cover?
The podcast is about Backpacking, Camping, How To, Survival, Podcasts, Hiking, Education, Sports, Wilderness and Bushcraft.
What is the most popular episode on Primitive Camping & Bushcraft?
The episode title 'Cooking' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Primitive Camping & Bushcraft?
The average episode length on Primitive Camping & Bushcraft is 27 minutes.
How often are episodes of Primitive Camping & Bushcraft released?
Episodes of Primitive Camping & Bushcraft are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Primitive Camping & Bushcraft?
The first episode of Primitive Camping & Bushcraft was released on May 31, 2024.
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