Andrew P. and Ian S. were experienced 25-year-old hunters from North Carolina and Utah.
In September 2025, they drove to the Rio Grande National Forest in southern Colorado for an elk hunt.
They parked at the Los Pinos trailhead and headed into the San Juan Wilderness.
The men never returned.
Their camping gear and backpacks were still in their truck.
Six days after they disappeared, search teams found both men dead, close together deep in the wilderness.
A coroner later confirmed they were struck by lightning – as if Zeus himself had sniped the men with his thunderbolts.
Andrew and Ian had been dressed in camouflage clothing described as “not the warmest.”
Their satellite communication device was malfunctioning and could not be used.
The gear they needed to protect themselves was locked in their vehicle six miles away.
They had the right equipment, but it wasn’t with them when it mattered.
That lesson is simple:
A proper base camp is not optional on a hunt — it is required.
It is the foundation that gives you a fighting shot when conditions shift quickly.
Andrew and Ian’s story show why every hunter and outdoorsman needs to know how to set up a solid survival camp before going anywhere.
What is a survival or hunting camp?
A survival or hunting camp is a base of operations in the field.
It’s the place where you sleep, eat, repair gear, plan your movements, and shelter from the elements.
A well built base camp isn’t just about comfort.
It’s the foundation that keeps you functional, warm, dry, and mentally sharp so you can operate safely and effectively when conditions turn bad.
These are the most important elements of a proper camp setup.
Shelter and sleep:
Without quality sleep, judgment falls apart.
You need a tent or a sleeping system rated for the temperatures you expect — plus at least ten to fifteen degrees colder than what the forecast says.
Set up shelter before you go anywhere.
Warmth and fire capability:
A base camp gives you a dedicated place to build and tend a fire.
A controlled fire lets you dry wet gear, cook food, boil water, and stay warm after a hard day in the field.
Carry fire starters and a small packable stove. These are non-negotiable on extended trips into the backcountry.
Food and water:
Your camp is where you refuel physically.
Carry shelf-stable food for at least two additional days beyond your planned trip.
Pack a water filter or purification tablets.
These weigh little and can be the difference between continuing a trip and ending it early — or worse.
Communication with redundancy:
Andrew and Ian carried a satellite device, but it wasn’t working.
That is why redundancy matters.
Always carry a backup.
A whistle can be heard from a quarter mile away.
A signal mirror works in direct sunlight up to ten miles.
A backup radio or a second communication device adds a layer of security your primary device can’t do alone.
At minimum, leave a detailed trip plan with someone who will raise the alarm if you do not return at the expected time.
Gear maintenance:
A base camp gives you a spot to sharpen knives, inspect weapons, patch clothing, and assess your kit before heading back out.
A hunting trip that starts each morning with checked gear is a safer trip.
Drawbacks to a base camp setup:
Time and weight:
Setting up a proper camp takes time and adds weight to your load.
When you are eager to head into the field, it is tempting to skip the setup and head straight for the hunt.
That temptation is the most dangerous moment of any trip.
Establish camp first.
Location selection:
A poorly chosen campsite can be as dangerous as having no camp whatsoever.
Stay away from ground where water pools and drains toward you.
Steer clear of exposed ridges where lightning is a direct threat.
Skip areas with dead or damaged trees that could fall in a storm.
High ground, dry terrain, and natural wind shelter — that is a good spot to set up.
Weather limits:
A base camp has limits against a severe storm.
Confirm the forecast before you head in.
Carry gear rated for conditions worse than what is expected.
In the mountains weather can shift in hours.
Andrew and Ian may not have known the storm was coming.
But a camp already established, with warm clothing and shelter ready, could have changed the outcome of that story.
Top priorities before any hunting or camping trip:
Priority 1: Set up camp before you go anywhere.
Shelter, fire kit, sleeping system — establish your base first.
Priority 2: Leave a trip plan with someone you trust.
Date, location, expected return time, and what to do if you are not back.
It takes five minutes and could send rescuers to the right area.
Priority 3: Carry redundant communication.
A working satellite device is excellent. A whistle that requires no battery is essential. Carry both.
Remember: the gear locked in the truck does nothing when you’re stuck six miles deep in a sudden storm.
