Camping Basics

cAmping 101

You don’t need to be Bear Grylls to survive the weekend — just smart, prepared, and a little gritty.

Moisture is the enemy of comfort. Read that again. What gets wet, stays wet. And wet gets cold fast. There are no dryers. No cozy cabins. Just consequences.

Wear good, waterproof boots. Bring wool socks — they stay warm even when soaked. And bring an extra pair, because cold feet make for weak men.

STAY WARM LIKE A PRO

If the temps drop, grab a Nalgene bottle, fill it with hot water (heated over the fire or Jetboil), seal it tight, and toss it in your sleeping bag before bed. That little trick will turn your bag into a furnace. Just make sure it’s sealed — one leak and you’ll be marinating in misery all night.

Bonus move: toss a couple Hot Hands warmers in there too.
Before you crash, throw tomorrow’s clothes in your bag with you. They’ll help hold the heat — and you’ll wake up to toasty gear instead of ice-cold pants.

WHEN IT RAINS OR SNOWS

Cotton is the enemy. It soaks up water, traps cold, and turns men into popsicles. Denim isn’t much better. Stick with synthetics or wool if you want to stay warm and dry.

If you don’t have solid rain gear, Frogg Toggs are your best friend.

TENT WISDOM

Fire and nylon don’t mix. Keep your tent away from the flames — sparks will ruin it faster than sin ruins a Sunday morning. Always stake it down, even if it’s calm. Always secure your rain fly, even if it’s clear. Always zip your doors — critters love uninvited sleepovers.

Find the most level ground you can. Put your head on the high side; gravity still works in the woods.

And before it gets dark, find your headlamp and keep it on you. You’ll thank yourself when nature calls at 2 a.m.

PACK LIKE A MAN ON A MISSION

Bring less, but make it count. Five solid items beat twenty-five useless ones every time. Versatility is king. If it can’t serve more than one purpose, it’s probably just taking up space.

KEEP IT CLEAN

Trash spreads faster than gossip. Bag it immediately. Keep the camp tight.
If you’re the first one to hit the sack, bring earplugs. Tents don’t block sound, and the rest of the guys aren’t gonna whisper while you dream about breakfast.

FOOD AT CAMP

You’ll eat like men — together, around the fire, shoulder to shoulder. Lunch on Saturday is on us. The rest is on you and your crew.

Here’s the plan: You’ll handle Friday and Saturday dinner, Saturday and Sunday breakfast. How you eat depends on your tribe.

Some guys fend for themselves (less fun). Others go all in — plan meals, cook together, laugh loud (way more fun). That’s where the magic happens.

Everything’s cooked over the fire — but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with Beanie Weenies and burnt marshmallows. Find the guy who knows his way around a skillet and let him lead the charge.
You can bring coolers — just remember, no ice provided. So plan ahead, pack smart, and eat well.
Because nothing bonds brothers like good food, smoke in the air, and a little grease on your hands.