A camping hat is a must, and so are savory treats, if you want to survive in the woods. However, I'm the type of camper who likes to stay indoors. My idea of "roughing it" is staying in a budget motel with basic cable and a leaky shower. Preferably, if I'm forced to into the great outdoors, I much prefer to use an RV. Call it "glamping" if you want, but why would you torture yourself on vacation when there are perfectly reasonable Airbnb houses for rent?

It goes without saying I don't like to be uncomfortable. The second it rains I dive for shelter, or if the sun is too hot you'll find me scouring the best shady spots. And don't get me started on mosquitoes.

With that in mind, I've compiled a list of the best camping hats. Take it from me, when the weather is less than ideal (75 degrees, sunny, with a light breeze) you'll want one of these great camping hats to protect you from whatever lurks in the woods.

Best Camping Hat

When it comes to the best camping hat, certain styles work better than others. We recommend going with an outback hat or a safari hat. These types of hats were created for the outdoors. They can take lots of abuse, punishment from the sun and rain, and will continue to hold their shape.

What we like most about safari hats are the super wide brims. This makes for tremendous shade covering, if you're down by the lake, or needing the perfect hiking hat, there's a lot to like about this style.

Many of these hats have grommets built into the crown too, which allows for heat to escape. Others are made of a mesh lining, which is a great hat for when it's hot outside.

If you want to get into the theme of camping, we also picked out a Boy Scout style hat, which lots of park rangers still use. It's more a formal type hat, but that massive brim still provides plenty of shade.

Like the Outdoors? Find your New Hat Today!

Why Are They Called S'mores?

However you decide to camp, whether as a solo backpacker or doing it like me and renting a cabin, no camping trip is complete without s'mores.

Most people guess the name "s'mores" is a contraction of, "I want some more." And you'd be right. There isn't solid historical data to prove who invented the first s'mores recipe, but the first official publication was seen by the Girl Scouts in 1927. They named the campfire treat "some mores."

The Girl Scouts continued referring to the dessert as "some mores" until 1971, so no one knows who eventually shortened the name to "s'mores." Lazy people probably.

Our guess is that campers loved jamming the sticky treat in their faces. When they asked for a second round of the delicacy, the mouth full of marshmallows caused them to mumble sounding like a cow, "Smmmm... mooore." Or something like that.

How to Make S'mores

There are a million awful concoctions claiming to be s'mores. S'mores cupcakes, s'mores sushi, the list is endless and horribly disgusting. Although, I had s'mores Ben and Jerry's the other day and that was actually amazing.

The idea of s'mores seems simple. It consists of three ingredients: graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate. How could you possibly mess that up? But if you're camping there's only one way to make s'mores, every other way is wrong:

1. S'mores must be made over a campfire. You can't use an oven or a stove. It must be over an open flame with a stick. It's preferable the stick comes from the forest floor, it adds a great natural taste to the treat.
2. You must have Hershey's chocolate. No other chocolate bar comes close to tasting like the American dream as Hershey's, so do it right.
3. You need to use normal variety graham crackers. Don't be going out to buy none of those cinnamon or chocolate grahams, which are just nasty. You'll totally ruin the rustic texture and epicurean balance of the refined dessert by adding unnecessary flavors.
4. You must roast the marshmallow evenly over the flame, lightly toasting each side a crisp golden brown. DO NOT burn the marshmallow. There are no shortcuts. Instant gratification marshmallow burners will be banned from the campsite.

S'mores is about patience. Thankfully that patience will be rewarded a thousand-fold when you eat the most amazing dessert you've ever stuck in your mouth. And you managed to cook it all by yourself.

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How do you enjoy a camping trip? Let us know in the comments below.

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