Campfire smoke is one of those smells that feels nostalgic when you’re sitting beside the fire — and absolutely disgusting when it’s still clinging to your clothes three days later. Smoke sticks to fabric because it’s full of microscopic soot and resin particles that burrow into fibers. Toss smoky clothes straight into the laundry and … Read more
Camping with a toddler is a special kind of adventure. Half wholesome memory-making, half trying to keep a tiny human alive in the wilderness while they lick rocks and wander off like they’re auditioning for a missing-person poster. With the right prep and mindset, camping with a toddler can actually be fun — and even … Read more
The best time to go camping isn’t the same for everyone. Some people want warm nights and easy comfort. Others want crisp air, quiet campgrounds, and zero neighbors blasting Bluetooth speakers at 11 p.m. The “right” season depends on weather, crowds, bugs, daylight, gear, and what kind of trip you actually want. The truth is, … Read more
Water is the No. 1 survival priority. You can last weeks without food, but only a few days without water — and even less if you’re sweating, stressed, or dealing with heat. Finding water in the wild isn’t about luck; it’s about knowing where it hides and how to collect it without poisoning yourself. Here’s … Read more
Knives can cut through bone — but not the way most people imagine. A knife can slice through small, soft, or thin bones, but bigger, denser bones will stop a blade cold or destroy the edge. Whether you’re hunting, field dressing, or in a survival situation, knowing what a knife can and cannot cut is … Read more
Believe it or not, you can survive on insects for weeks — maybe even months — if you absolutely have to. Bugs aren’t just last-resort Bear Grylls snacks. They’re packed with protein, fat, and micronutrients. That said, they’re not a perfect long-term food source, and some survival realities catch up fast. Here’s the real breakdown … Read more
If your matches get soaked, lost, or sacrificed to the gear gods, you’re not out of luck. Humans were lighting fires long before Bic lighters existed. These are the most reliable — and realistic — ways to start a fire without matches. No Hollywood caveman nonsense. 1. Ferro Rod (Ferrocerium Rod) A ferro rod is … Read more
Short answer: No — not unless you want to make a bad situation worse. Movies love showing desperate survivors sipping their own pee like it’s primal Gatorade. In reality, drinking urine accelerates dehydration, causes nausea, and makes your kidneys file a formal complaint. Here’s what actually happens, and why survival experts universally say: don’t do … Read more