Your next field trip starts here.

I have become a big believer in a camping capsule wardrobe: fewer pieces, better pieces, and almost everything I pack needs to do at least two jobs. Hike in it. Sleep in it. Wear it into town. Throw it over a swimsuit. Sit around the campfire in it. Rinse it out and wear it again.

The Field Trip Camping Quest: one printable, 24 little reasons to pay closer attention to what’s happening around you.

Dear Field Trip, Every time I sit around a campfire, the smoke follows me. I move chairs. It follows. I switch sides. It follows. Is this physics, bad luck, or is the smoke stalking me? —Smoked Out and Suspicious

These days, I’m seeing more people build a campfire drink lineup that actually matches how they want to feel — not just that night, but the next morning too. That means non-alcoholic beer that still scratches the classic beer itch, canned mocktails that feel festive, THC and CBD options for people who want a different lane entirely, good old water, and healthier add-ins that make the morning-after version of you more ready to hit that hike.

There’s a reason campers tend to be a little less rattled when the power goes out. Nobody wants an emergency, obviously. But if you’re used to spending time outdoors, you probably already own gear that helps you cook, see, eat, and function without relying on the usual systems.

For us, boondocking is setting up camp in a safe space on public lands. A place that doesn’t require a reservation system dictating where we land or how long we stay.

If you’ve ever dreamed about being part of a real-life treasure hunt, geocaching might just be your new favorite outdoor adventure. All you need is a phone, a sense of curiosity, and maybe a snack for the trail—because you never know where the hunt will take you.

The Case for Chunking a Disc Through the Woods (With Purpose) When’s the last time you chased a frisbee through the woods and called it cardio? That’s disc golf in a nutshell—except the discs are purpose-built and the walk is half the fun. We got hooked because disc golf meshes everything we love: free or low-cost access, a “show up and throw” vibe, real-deal time outside, and a community that cheers for your birdie and helps you find your lost midrange.

When I first heard about people bringing cats along on camping trips, I’ll admit I pictured chaos: tangled leashes, yowling at midnight, and a litter box in a two-person tent. No thanks. But then I heard about Bagheera—a sleek black cat who was practicing for his first camping trip like a furry little Boy Scout—and I realized, yup, it’s totally possible. And with the right prep (and the right gear), it can even be fun.

Packing for a camping trip with your pet is a little like prepping for a toddler on a sugar high: you need snacks, naps, safety gear, and a plan for messes. The good news? With the right mix of essentials and a few smart habits, hitting the trail with your furry co-pilot can be smooth sailing. Here’s a blend of gear we love and practical tips that don’t cost a dime.

There’s nothing like hitting the trail with a four-legged sidekick. Their tails wag at the same switchbacks that make us huff and puff, and let’s be real: snacks taste better shared with a dog. But while we pack first aid kits and extra layers for ourselves, our pets need a little outdoor preparedness too. A scraped paw, a surprise tick, or an anxious pup in a new setting can turn an adventure into an ordeal if you’re not ready.

I’ll be honest — the first time I brought my dog on a camping trip, I thought “training” meant packing extra treats and hoping for the best. I was wrong. Between tangled leashes, unfamiliar noises, and one very determined attempt to share my sleeping bag, I learned that outdoor skills for pets are a real thing.

You’ve got your camp kitchen, your trail snacks packed, and your coffee ritual locked in. But what about your four-legged adventure buddy? Yup — Fido and Fluffy deserve camping snacks, too. Trail-ready pet meals and treats aren’t just about spoiling them — they’re about keeping your animals fueled, healthy, and happy when you’re miles from the nearest pet store.

The Field Trip Outfitters shop is open!

Can’t swing a camping trip soon, but are itching to get out in the wilderness? No worries—July is National Picnic Month, and that means you’ve got the perfect excuse to pack up your cooler and head for the nearest patch of nature.

Let's dig into what actually works to keep those bloodsuckers off your campsite, backyard, or balcony. No chemicals, no gimmicks—just stuff that actually does the job.

The sun’s out, the trailheads are packed, and you’ve finally remembered where your hiking boots are. Welcome to peak season — aka the time of year when the trails are busy, the wildflowers are blooming, and the potential for awkward encounters with other hikers is… high.

We get it — there’s nothing like gathering around a campfire. The crackle, the glow, the marshmallow math of just one more. But with wildfire risk climbing and campfire bans in effect across many public lands, it’s time for a new kind of nighttime magic.

We love a good campfire. Stargazing, s’mores, long chats with friends—it’s the soul of any campsite. But nothing kills the vibe faster than a faceful of smoke and a wardrobe that smells like Eau de Burnt Log.

Spring’s calling and your gear’s been in hibernation. Whether you’re dusting off your tent for the first time this year or finally making...