camping Archives * The Hunter Gatherer Society

best portable power station for camping setup with solar panel in forest

The Best Portable Power Station for Camping, Foraging, and Off Grid Living

April 30, 2026 rpolipnick Primitive Camping and Hammock Camping

Why a Portable Power Station Changes Everything There is a moment that happens on almost every trip. Your phone drops below twenty percent. Your headlamp fades. You start thinking about what you should turn off instead of what you want to do next. That is when the experience changes. Power is not just about keeping devices running. It is about freedom. It is about staying out longer, exploring farther, and enjoying the moment without constantly managing limits. The first time you bring a portable power station into the woods, something shifts. You relax., stay and stop counting battery percentages and start paying attention to everything around you. That is why finding the best portable power station for camping is one[…]

Rustic winter camping gift set displayed on a wooden table with a tent, sleeping bag, camp stove, warm mug, headlamp, blanket, and outdoor essentials arranged for a holiday gift guide.

The Ultimate Camper’s Holiday Gift Set: 12 Essentials for Anyone Building an Outdoor Kit

December 12, 2025 rpolipnick Primitive Camping and Hammock Camping

If you have someone in your life who dreams more about trailheads than traffic lights, this list is for you. New campers love guidance. Experienced campers love upgrades. And everyone who spends time in the forest appreciates the comfort and calm that good gear brings. This holiday season, you can build a thoughtful, meaningful “starter kit” that encourages someone to step outside more often, breathe deeper, and rediscover a little of the peace we all lose in everyday life. These twelve items come together to create a complete outdoor setup that feels warm, capable, and ready for adventure. Affiliate Disclosure This article contains affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links[…]

A rustic bowl of red lentil stew with wild foraged greens and mushrooms on a wooden table in a forest setting

Lentils: My Go-To Foraged Food Base for Hikers, Campers, and Anyone Living Simply

December 11, 2025 rpolipnick Foraging Wild Edible Plants and Mushrooms, Primitive Camping and Hammock Camping

When you spend enough time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, bikepacking, or just trying to make it through a tough stretch, you start to realize that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.For me, one food has proven itself again and again: lentils. They’re lightweight, packed with nutrients, and they mix perfectly with wild greens and mushrooms you can find almost anywhere. Over the years, I’ve learned that lentils aren’t just “trail food”, they’re one of the most practical, inexpensive, and nourishing staples you can carry, especially when you combine them with foraged foods. Why Lentils Are My Go-To Wild Food Base I’ve tried a lot of staples over the years, rice, oats, beans, but lentils win every time.Here’s why. They’re[…]

Cozy winter camping scene with warm lantern light, insulated slippers, wool socks, blanket, and a steaming mug arranged on a rustic table for a holiday camping gift guide.

10 Cozy Camping Gifts for People Who Prefer the Forest Over the Fireplace

December 10, 2025 rpolipnick Foraging Wild Edible Plants and Mushrooms, Primitive Camping and Hammock Camping, Wild Edible Mushrooms Foraging Guides

re people like us. The ones who step outside on a cold morning, breathe in that crisp winter air, and think, “Wow… I should really camp in this.” If that sounds familiar, you are in the right place.And if you are shopping for someone who feels more at home under the trees than on the couch, then this list will make your holiday shopping feel effortless. These ten cozy camping gifts are practical, comforting, and full of that warm woodland energy we all love. Affiliate Disclosure This article contains affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links cost nothing extra and help support The Hunter Gatherer Society. Insulated Camp Slippers Check[…]

Foraging and Outdoor Living: From the Boardroom to the Backwoods

July 31, 2025 rpolipnick Foraging Wild Edible Plants and Mushrooms

Some people spend their lives chasing balance. I live mine transitioning between two very different worlds—one defined by professionalism and purpose, the other by pine needles, riverbanks, and the wild freedom of the outdoors. By day, I’m a credit union branch manager. It’s a role I take pride in—coaching teams, mentoring others, and helping people take confident steps toward financial freedom. But once the tie comes off and the office door closes, I step into a completely different rhythm—one shaped by foraging and outdoor living. That’s when the real adventure begins. You’ll often find me riding the backroads of Washington on my motorcycle or ebike, following the call of the forest, the pull of a mountain trail, or the peace[…]