What is male bonding?

Just having fun together in whatever form is considered fun by the males in question.
For me its having a drink, playing sport, watching sport, and talking (mostly about girls and sport) haha

It seems to me finding another male or group of males around whom I can be myself, express "unacceptable" thoughts, explore new ideas, try different things, and so on is where and when male bonding occurs, particularly if there is a kind rivalry rather than a strife filled competition. Having men who encourage and challenge me encourages me to bond.

If find fewer and fewer opportunities in the United States with our male=female approach to so many things. I actually join a fraternity only to learn we were co-ed...talk about a damper. Co-ed sports are killing the spirit of the games: no matter who 'good' a girl is defeating her just never feels the same; what man is willing to admit a woman was better than him?

I think men bond best in a stressful, difficult, even dire situation like a war or catastrophe. It is good to know whom we can trust and be trusted by. I served on a coed ship in the USN...there was no way to bond with women around, especially when they were on the look out for 'discriminatory' behavior. Treating women like one of the guy's was a short walk to Captain's Mast or a Court's Martial; even males who are mortal enemies do not regard one another with that kind of contempt.

For me, the ultimate male bonding experience is to be together for a weekend with "no holds barred" in some sort of outdoor situation. In my case, a buddy and I went camping and explored every imaginable topic together, cooked meals, laughed, joked around, got sweaty, and yes, had some new adventures in our tent.

I concur with PiercedAndFit that encouragement and challenge are the kickstarting points to a real male bonding experience.