Camping trips are a brilliant way to spend time outdoors and connect with the guys. There's a sense of freedom and positive masculinity when you are out there in the elements. Not only are you close to nature but there is also a protective barrier of distance from your group and civilization in general that provides comfort and comradery. Aside from this though, simply being in a different environment opens up plenty of new possibilities for adventure beyond what you can do in your own backyard. This is especially true for city-dwellers where nature is limited to rodents and cockroaches and lights obscure the sun and the moon. These are just some of the reasons why I love getting out of the city and going camping. Let's take a look at some of the other awesome stuff you can do on a camping trip with the guys beyond just sitting around the fire telling stories and drinking cans of beer. 

You've finally found a weekend when you and all of your buddies can get away to the lake for some R & R, away from the endless honey-do lists and invitations to brunch. The cooler’s stocked, there’s gas in the truck, and the boat’s ready to go. It should be an amazing week, with nothing to do but land that large mouth that you just know is lurking somewhere out in the lake. Except that the trip is a disaster and you come home more stressed than when you left — and bummed that it didn’t even come close to meeting your expectations.

There's a classic romance associated with sleeping under the stars with only a thin layer of fabric offering you a bit of privacy and protection from the environement that surrounds you. Frankly, though, after a certain age - for many of us, the practical realities of camping begin to exceed the call of the wild, as it were. That's one reason why we've become supporters of glamping and cottage rentals as an alternative. However, there's a middle ground for avid sportsmen who still want that back-to-nature feeling and the freedom to set up wherever they want to go. An Outfitter Tent is exactly what it sounds like - it's the type of tent that a professional outfitter might set up for you on a safari trip to provide maximum comfort and enjoyment, especially when you'll be in the same spot for more than a couple days.

I think most guys have thought about taking a trip to the Smokies at some point - whether it is that epic motorcycle trip or chasing rainbow trout, this is a destination that guys are instinctively drawn to. While there are a wide variety of accommodations that you can stay at in the area - from luxury hotels to rustic camping spots - our pick would be to find a glamping spot where you can have modern amenities but enjoy the back to nature experience too.

Imagine you're nestled in the heart of the majestic Smoky Mountains, swapping stories around a roaring fire.  Picture luxurious yurts, hearty meals, and a cold regional beer in hand. It's not just camping, it's glamping, and it's about to become your favorite way to bond with the boys.

Summer camp is a fun and exciting experience for kids. It's an opportunity to make new friends, explore the outdoors, and try lots of cool activities. But with all that excitement comes responsibility - parents need to share helpful advice on having a safe and enjoyable time at summer camp to make the experience a positive one. From packing wisely to looking out for fellow campers, here are some vital tips every parent should pass along before their child heads off to camp this summer.

If you're like me, the idea of roughing it in the great outdoors doesn't appeal to you. I'd much rather enjoy a camping trip with some of the creature comforts of home. If that's your style too, then you'll love glamping! Glamping is short for "glamorous camping," and it's just what it sounds like: camping with all the amenities. In this blog post, we'll discuss five ways to turn your next camping trip into a glamping adventure!

If you are looking for a badass off-road camper trailer, you can't get much better than this. While we suppose that "any camper" can be an off road camper if you go slow enough and avoid anything challenging, these bad boys are designed to literally go anywhere.  Plus they are designed to still carry all your gear - including firewood storage, bike racks, even a hot outdoor shower.

When most people think of visiting Santa Barbara, the image of a resort on the beach or something downtown within walking distance to the "Urban Wine Trail" comes to mind. We did things a bit different though and spent some time getting back to nature and relaxing in style at the El Capitan Canyon located about 20 minutes west of Santa Barbara and directly across the highway from el Capitan State Beach Park.

Camping essentials like a sleeping bag, tent, and a cooler with drinks and food, are usually on top of a camping checklist and aren't easy to forget. However, there are other camping essentials that are easy to forget but could make your camping more enjoyable.

Camping is a wonderful way to spend your vacation and connect with nature. On the surface, simply the act of heading outdoors seems like it would be good for the environment. However, all too often I see people simply treat camping as an outdoor party and it is anything but an ecologically sound alternative to heading to a fancy resort. When done properly though, this family-friendly style of vacation can easily be a great way to spend time exploring a new area and connecting with nature as well as your companions in meaningful ways.

Going camping can be a daunting prospect for first-timers, especially if you are worried about the lack of creature comforts that this type of outdoor activity usually involves.

Thankfully with the right preparation and a few well-chosen purchases, you can enjoy camping trips in comfort. Here are a few tips to help you thoroughly embrace camping, even if you are a newbie.

When most people think of Catalina Island, the bustling village of Avalon first comes to mind. That’s the Mediterranean-style “city” (by Catalina standards) with shops, restaurants, boutique hotels and funky bars such as Luau Larry’s with its Wiki Wacker cocktail, all of which make it a very popular tourist spot for people throughout Southern California. Well, gentlemen, there is another part of this island 26 miles across the Pacific Ocean from Los Angeles that is ideal for a men’s getaway for a weekend or mid-week escape. It’s Two Harbors.

So you've thought about getting a recreational vehicle but are confused by the different types out there. To help simplify things, I'm going to divide them into two different categories - self-contained RV classes and trailers such as popup campers and fifth-wheel units. Thinking of things on the most basic level, RV classes are as simple as A, B, or C. Let's take a look at the differences in those classes what which one might be right for your lifestyle.

It's pretty exciting to visit factories and see how things are built. Today, industrial-tourism is a big business and that ranges from visiting auto manufacturing plants to breweries. However, what about visiting an RV or Campervan factory? That might be a perfect twist on your same ol' vacation that could turn it into a memorable experience where you might even learn something!

Ever dream of sleeping under the Northern Lights? Unfortunately that will never be a possibility for most of us since it is DAMN COLD. Even with someone to snuggle up with, it's something that hasn't been a reality until recently because it requires organization and planning. We love what Off the Map Travel is offering now with their Aurora Bubble Sleds!

When you travel in the US, there are typically two options - hotels and camping. In other parts of the world, campervans are a popular option but until recently they haven't really been embraced in the United States. Luckily, that's changing as it offers a very cool alternative for those looking for a "back to nature" experience but still want to retain the warmth of comfort of a nice soft bed.

Grab your buddies, some grub, and your camping gear. It’s time to take a mancation. Leave the posh hotels and beach bathing to the ladies, because the rugged wild is beckoning. Every man welcomes the sight of mountains and rivers over the surf shop-lined boardwalks of the coast. The acres of wooded lands and miles of flowing streams provide a much more relaxing setting for any angler, hunter, or outdoorsman.

When you think about camping, you probably think about fresh air, campfires, and music but my guess is that you also are thinking about those tasty treats that you only get every so often. That's right, I'm talking about camping recipes and fire-cooked canned foods like Dinty Moore Beef Stew and Hormel Chili. On our recent trip to Joshua Tree National Park, we expanded on our favorites by adding a couple new ones...

Yellowstone National Park has some of the most awe-inspiring landscape in the entire world. From geysers that shoot water hundreds of feet into the air as well as rainbow hued pools of boiling water and even cold mountain streams that run through lush grasslands where elk, bison, and other animals feed. While there are plenty of lodges such as the grand Yellowstone lodge, to get the full back to nature experience we recommend checking into one of the park's 12 campgrounds. 

Be aware though, we aren't the only ones that think this is a great summer camping idea, so make sure to make reservations early. This is especially true if you are looking to make reservations during the summer.

Of the 12 campgrounds in Yellowstone, 5 are operated by Xanterra Parks and REsorts with 1,700+ sites and take reservations. However the National Park Service operates 7 that are first-come, first-served basis those spots are often filled by 11 a.m., so plan to arrive early to get a good spot!

If lodges are more your style, there are more than 2,000 rooms available in the park as well.

We don't always think about what might happen if something goes wrong on that back-woods hunting or fishing trip, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared.While 9 times out of 10 you will return from your adventure safe sound and with a belly full of the "Three B's" (Beer, Beef, and Bourbon), you never know what might happen when camping and that's where these items can come in handy.

The following items aren't just smart, they are also a manly way to stay alive in a pinch!