camping Archives * The Hunter Gatherer Society

Forest hammock camping setup beside a river during golden hour with tarp shelter and backpack

Why I Switched to Hammock Camping After Years of Tent Camping

May 28, 2026 rpolipnick Primitive Camping and Hammock Camping

There’s a moment almost every hammock camper experiences for the first time. You wake up in the woods feeling surprisingly rested, no pressure points, rocks under your back, or sliding downhill all night inside a tent. Just fresh air, gentle movement, and the sound of the outdoors around you. That moment completely changed how I camp. I still use tents occasionally, especially in alpine terrain or areas without trees, but for most wooded camping trips, hammock camping has become my preferred setup by far. What surprised me most is that hammock camping isn’t just about sleeping differently. It changes the entire feel of camp itself. You spend more time outside.You notice your surroundings more.And camp somehow feels calmer and more[…]

Hikers relaxing beside the Dungeness River on the Upper Dungeness Trail in Olympic National Forest Washington

Upper Dungeness Trail: One of Washington’s Most Peaceful River Hikes

May 21, 2026 rpolipnick Hiking

There are some hikes that challenge you.Others simply remind you to slow down. The Upper Dungeness Trail on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula feels like the second kind. Instead of a brutal summit grind or exhausting backpacking trip, this trail offers something calmer. Along the way, you find yourself stopping every few minutes just to listen to the river, look up at the old-growth trees, and remember why getting outside matters in the first place. During our trip, we hiked about 3.4 miles into Camp Handy and back out for just under 7 miles total. Because the elevation gain is minimal and the trail conditions are excellent, the hike feels approachable and relaxing almost the entire way. Even better, the scenery never[…]

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[…]