4 Tips For Summer Camping

 

4 Tips to Making the Most Out of Camping This Summer

 

Newsflash: if the fact you can fry and egg on the sidewalk didn’t make it clear enough, summer is here, which means camping season is well underway. Heck, you may already have a couple excursions under your belt already, but if not, it’s not too late to put a trip or two on the books and get out there.

 

The outdoors is not only where we go to apply what we know, but also it’s a chance to spend time with the friends and family we care about. Not to mention, there’s something about the quality of the time when no one has cell reception. Take the next opportunity you have and get out there with the intent to make the most of your time.

 

Now, when you head out, you’ve likely already got a plan, know exactly where you’re going, and gone through your equipment checklist with a fine-tooth comb, but you’re headed out to enjoy yourself and you’re likely not alone. So, while you’re in your element this summer, here are a few tips for survival-minded campers to make their time in the wilderness even better:

 

Share what you know

 

What good is survival if you’re the only one left? Whether you’re backpacking in with a buddy for few days or you have the whole family in tow and headed to a local campground, share what you know.

 

At this point, many of your skills may have become second nature, but people you care about are likely lost when it comes to something as simple as starting and maintaining a fire, or they’ve missed out of tips like remembering to freeze your water bottles before you leave the house.

 

You don’t have to be obnoxious “survival guy” and try to avoid mocking missteps. Just do what you do and take others along for the ride. Make the things in survival that come natural to you (i.e. identifying foliage, navigation techniques, and brewing a great cup of coffee) a subtle teaching opportunity each time you encounter it.

 

 

Have a plan to learn something new

 

Survivalists and preppers come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are veterans and have made a lifetime of preparedness. Others are green and are just now figuring how critical these skills are and how soon we may need to apply what we know. Regardless of where you land on the spectrum, you know you have a lot to learn still. So, as you hit the campground this season, right down two to three goals of things you want to accomplish while you’re you there.

 

Haven’t started a fire with sticks before? Read up on it and try it out.

 

Identifying vegetation not your strong suit? Make a goal of learning a half dozen species in your area.

 

Improve your knot skills. Learn and cook a new recipe that will make a great camping dish. Whatever it is, challenge yourself to use your time in the wilderness to learn something new and expand your skills.

 

 

Game aren’t just for kids

 

Survival is no joke and it’s definitely not fun and games, but camping is a nice little hybrid of applying what you know for when crap hits the fan and having a great time doing it. While you’re out there this summer, take what you know and make it fun by coming up with a few games and encouraging a little competition.

 

Funny thing about competition, it creates a nice little incentive to improve on the task at hand. So, while you have everyone distracted playing a game, you’re improving your craft, and having a blast at the same time. Here are a couple ideas to get you started:

 

Navigation games – bring out a compass or two and create a challenge that requires individuals or teams to hit checkpoints within a certain amount of time.

 

Tree bingo – cheesy I know, but challenge the people you’re with to see who can identify the most species of trees.

 

Euchre – not necessarily a game with a survival theme, but highlights the mandatory nature of having a deck of cards on hand. Plus, Euchre is a simple strategy game that can be taught quickly to just about all ages and skill levels.

 

These are just a few ideas, but when you take a look around the campground, there is a laundry list of games that are going to make for a great time, good conversation, and oh by the way, you’ll likely be accomplishing the preceding two tips at the same time.

 

 

Bring good whiskey

 

Probably my most obvious tip and perhaps the most important; bring good whiskey. Your stories around the campfire and masterful working on the camp grill may already make you a legend, but the whiskey helps cement it your status. When you pull the delicious brown water out is a time of your choosing. Around the campfire is a no-brainer, but it’s also a nice way to finish the latter part of a good hike.

 

And here’s the good news, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to put something great in the flask and try something new. Here are a few of my favorite cost-effective and delicious options to grab before you head out:

 

1. Wild Turkey Rare Breed – For around $40, this isn’t your grandpa’s Wild Turkey. This Kentucky straight bourbon give you the most bang for your buck and has an unbelievable finish.
2. Elijah Craig Small Batch – For $25 and under, there simple is no better whiskey on the shelves. Drink it neat or throw it in your own camping cocktail recipe.
3. Sazerac Rye – This six-year rye starts smooth, finishes smoother, and will only set you back about 28 bucks.

 

 

Please drink responsibly,  so everyone can enjoy our great outdoors.

Have a great time this summer, be safe, and godspeed!

 

What are some of your tips to keep in mind for survival-minded campers?

Newsflash: if the fact you can fry and egg on the sidewalk didn’t make it clear enough, summer is here, which means camping season is well underway. Heck, you may already have a couple excursions under your belt already, but if not, it’s not too late to put a trip or two on the books and get out there.

• August 30, 2017
• by App Developer
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