Even if it’s just the tip, sex in the outdoors can be daunting. Imagine this: the air is warm, the breeze is perfect, and the warm weather just makes everything bigger. You check your phone, and Bigdaddy888 wants to meet you at the local park for some fun. Gulp. What do you do? You go, of course, but make sure to read the following guide to help you navigate the wild.

VERIFY, VERIFY, VERIFY

While the exhilaration of meeting someone you don’t know in a mysterious location is high, so is the danger. We love our gays and want you to be safe out there. So, before going to a pinned location in the middle of the woods, make sure you see their social pages, and at least their face. After you check that the person you are meeting is who they say they are, please tell a loved one where you are going. Turn your location on, and provide updates. If you do all of this, you increase the chance of your safety if the guy turns out to be “the killer” that Wendy Williams is afraid of. 

BRING A SUPPLY BAG

1. Towel / Blanket

Whether you are in the forest or on the beach, you need to be prepared. I always recommend bringing a towel or a blanket to lie on. This will help you make sure you aren’t covered in dirt, bugs, or sand. Trust me, you don’t want any of those things in your way when you are deep in it (or someone is deep in you).

2. Wipes

Sometimes there’s a little… leftover "material" after the fun,  if you catch the drift. It’s common to need a quick and convenient way to clean up. Our Travel Wipes quickly clean up residue, control odor, and keep things fresh wherever you are.

3. LUBE

We don’t care what anyone says, spit is not the same. Bring some lube in your supply bag. Whether it’s just a hand-job or full-blown intercourse, lube is so important to make sure everything goes and feels smooth. We suggest bringing our silicone lube. It has a silky formula and, most importantly, doesn’t dry out. Perfect for any breeze you may be fighting against.

4. Sunscreen / Water

Sorry to sound like a mom, but anytime you are going outside, you need to wear sunscreen. Nothing is unsexy like first-degree burns. Regarding heat, make sure you bring some water, too. We underestimate the amount we sweat on hikes. Take a big bottle with you with plenty of ice in it, you’ll thank me later.

CHARGE YOUR PHONE

Speaking from personal experience, getting stranded in the middle of nowhere is the absolute worst, and unless you were in Boy Scouts, it sucks not knowing where to go. So do us a favor and charge your phone so you have a compass and a way to call someone for help.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

This goes on the same note as verifying, but it’s important to be vigilant of your surroundings so you remain safe. Whether that’s from wild animals or people who don’t appreciate seeing you get it on, it’s important to know what and who is around you. We are down for some risky fun, but we aren’t cool with getting a public indecency charge or a bear attack. If you think there is a risk of getting caught or hurt, find a safer place, sister.

Written by Cartie Whitelaw, Staff Writer @ Pure for Men

Cartie writes about queer wellness, identity, and finding confidence through community and self-care.