Sometimes, there is nothing more appealing than leaving the hustle of day-to-day life behind and venturing out into nature with some of your closest friends. A camping trip with the guys is so much more than just pitching a tent — it’s a time to bond, a time for memorable adventures, and a time to give one another a much-needed break from the everyday grind.
Whether you are outdoor legends or just weekend warriors, the ultimate outing takes a bit of consideration. And here are a handful of key suggestions to ensure the next guys’ camping trip you organize is one that you — and your crew — will gush about for years to come, complete with the right combination of nature, fun, and a few small, indulgent treats, like rare and limited addition cigars, along the way.
Pick the Right Location
Location is everything. Figure out what kind of experience your group is looking for — lakeside laziness, mountain treks, remote wilderness retreat. Drive time, activities offered, and whether showers or firewood are available may also factor into the decision. If you want to bring gear such as kayaks, fishing poles, or even a smoker for cooking food, make sure the campsite allows that.
Well-maintained sites can be found at state and national parks, while dispersed camping is perfect for having your own space and a little more adventure.
Plan the Food Like a Feast
Something great about camping with the guys? The food. Ditch dull canned goods and cook out for big, hearty can-grill fare instead. Picture all those steaks, burgers, bacon-and-egg breakfasts, and fire-roasted veggies. Pack a portable grill or cook directly over the fire with cast-iron pans.
Meal prep, before the meal even begins, to save time and rein in the mess. You could even put each guy in charge of one meal, making food prep a collaborative venture and allowing everybody a turn to shine.
Don’t Skimp on the Gear
The right gear can make or break a camping trip. Essentials include all-weather tents, warm sleeping bags, headlamps, first-aid kits, and chairs for everyone to sit around the fire in comfort. And don’t overlook tools — for example, a hatchet, multi-tool, and extra batteries and backup chargers for devices if you’re not going off-grid.
A good quality cooler, water-resistant gear bags, and bug spray are tiny things that will improve your experience tenfold.
Plan Some Group Activities
Lounging around the fire is a given, but throwing a little structure into the mix can take the trip to the next level. Think fishing tournaments, hiking challenges, target practice with slingshots or air rifles (where permitted), card games, or storytelling contests. Night-time activities such as trivia or “Would You Rather?” can equal some side-splitting memories.
If your crew appreciates a little luxury, consider packing camping-safe speakers for some music or a projector for an outdoor movie night under the stars.
Add A Touch of Class
For the ideal wind-down activity at the end of a day of hiking or grilling, when you’re feeling like splurging, pack some indulgent stuff to enhance the trip. One of people’s favorite–and most appreciated–add-ins? Exclusive cigars and limited editions. Oh, what a difference it makes to sit around that crackling fire, drink in hand, and pass around a few cigars that are quintessential and make the cool evening a true event!
Pair them with a bottle of top-end whiskey or bourbon, and you’ve made a memory your posse won’t soon forget. Of course, be sure to check local fire safety regulations and always throw away cigar remains responsibly.
Make It Comfortable — Not Complicated
Roughing it is optional for camping. Buy portable luxury items like a pop-up canopy for shade, a couple of hammocks, a good sleeping pad, and Bluetooth speakers. If you’re staying more than one night, separate your coolers by meal type and bring a foldable table for food prep and games.
Tidying up the site, packing extra trash bags, and even bringing a little ambient lighting can take your site from basic to brilliant.
Final Thoughts
On a guy’s camping trip, the point is camaraderie, relaxation, and getting reacquainted with both nature and each other. With a little planning, great food, lots of laughs, and the rarest of the limited edition cigars to enjoy by the outdoor fire, you’ll have all you need for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. At some point, consider setting out even further, to the back country, to reconnect with the great outdoors, the good company, and the conversation, and forging some memories that’ll endure long after the last ember dims.