1. Silica Gel Packets – what are they good for?
You know those weird little packets full of mini beads you get when you buy most products? Well, they are actually meant to absorb moisture allowing the products to keep dry and fresh. These little guys suck up a lot more moisture than you would expect and are technically free. Using these during camping trips was never something I would have though of, however, while driving through Canmore Alberta some camping guru informed me that he uses them to keep his cooking ware stored with a few of these inside. Doing so managed to keep his expensive camping-cook ware nice and rust free for weeks of use.
Most campers know that being on the go does not necessarily allow for the nicest whether or the most relaxed pack-up situations. If you’re on the go, in a rush, or a little wet from a rainy start-up, these Silica packets are a great free hack to keeping gear dry and safe.
2. Makeshift Camping Pillow
Backpackers know how soar necks might get from lack of support while sleeping or from trekking all day. Well, one thing I've been able to use to help is stuffing my sleeping bag case with clothing.
People have all sorts of pillow preference; lumpy, soft, flat, puffy, etc. with this little trick you can stuff your own pillow with whatever you have laying around as soft materials, allowing you to get a better, comfy, satisfying sleep. From what I’ve used, the best thing is usually a small packable down jacket or even a hoody.
Sleep is something we all need to continue our adventures day after day, so make sure you’re comfortable and get some rest for whatever the next day brings!
3. Bring Bread tags
Anyone else hate those little clips that seal our sliced bread bags? Me too. I always found it was a waste of plastic after the first open of the bag, I simply just perform a quick “twist-and-fold” or the bag post unclipping. However, I discovered a better way to put those things to use other than simply tossing them.
These tags are basically free and take up minimal amounts of room. They are great to use as a clothespin replacement. Although I love dry clothes, I never think of bringing clothespins camping. These bread tags can easily be used for keeping your clothes on the line instead of flying around aimlessly throughout the forest or hill tops. Keep your clothes dry, thank me later.
4. Makeshift Grommets
Don’t you hate it when your tent or tarp rips at the most important point? These tarp grommets cant always be relied on, especially with the amount of strain is usually placed on them. You can replace these with a simple small rock, pebble, or anything of the kind that’s a bit bigger than a Toonie (or ping pong ball if you dot know what a Toonie is).
Once you have found the perfect, we’ll call it “Grommet Rock”, take it and place it where you need to replace the grommet. Under the tarp, make an “O” shape with you’re finger and thumb (yes, if you’re friends look you have my permission to give em’ a good old wack) and push the rock so that it and the tarp pass through the “O”, then simply pinch off the tarp and tie a line or put an elastic tightly around the pinched tarp. And there ya have it, a much sturdier replacement for a grommet.
5. Keep your Food Cold and Save Space!
There are a few way to pack smart on the go. If you plan on bringing any food that needs to stay cold but you want to save as much space as possible, I've got you covered
The best ways I have found is to freeze any meat you are planning on bringing. This allows all the food inside to stay cold without the hassle of bringing icepacks. Not to mention, frozen meet stays cold longer than most icepacks do.
If you don’t eat meat, you can use water bottles instead. Simply freeze them a night or two before you pack everything up and you can save space and have extra water on the go. Furthermore, water is always needed so having extra on hand is a plus.
If you’ve happened to use up all the meat and water bottles you had, you can simply head over to the nearest grocery store to replenish you’re food and further buy frozen food to keep it going.
In terms of ice, BUY BLOCKS. Buying blocks of ice last 4x longer at least. I can throw in a block of ice (which is the same price) in my Yeti cooler and it’ll stay there for days, keeping all of my food nice and cold and fresh.
6. Burn sage to repel mosquitos
What’s more frustrating than having to swat mosquitos al night long? You can keep those bloodsuckers at bay by throwing some sage in your campfire. Not only does it smell absolutely amazing, but it also allows you to put less, if any, bug spray on. Bug spray is bad for your skin and can make you quite uncomfortable, so instead of lathering that toxic stuff on ya, burn some bush instead.
For a longer lasting effect and a lot less buzzing and ear slapping, let the sage smolder and smoke by placing a bundle by the edge of the fire.
7. Use Doritos as Firestarter
Yes, these delicious chips are a great road trip snack, but not just for eating. Kindling isn’t always the easiest thing to come upon, especially if it has been damp or raining outside. I actually figured this out by throwing some stale ones into a fire only to find that they performed excellently as fuel to the flame.
So if you’re in a pinch, the careful combination of starches, oils chemicals and “real cheese” of Doritos chips could save you a cold night and provide you with the Firestarter abilities you needed.
8. Use Grits to repel Ants
Every once and a while you set up your camping spot in a somewhat un-ideal area. By that I mean I have put my tent on a giant ant’s nest without knowing, until the following morning. To avoid these little super insects from getting into every corner of your camp site and food, you can take Gritts and sprinkle them around your site or on an ant hill, providing a natural way to repel ants and still provide you with a delicious healthy breakfast.
9. Use Dirty Clothes to Dry Your Shoes
One of the things I hate the most is having constantly wet feet. Drying your shoes isn’t always the easiest thing to do either. So next time you have wet shoes try removing your insoles and stuffing some dry, used clothes into your shoes. This will allow the to soak up the majority of the moisture in your shoes overnight and then hang your clothes to dry in the morning. This will allow you to have nice dry feet in the morning without using any extra paper towel or fresh clothes.
10. Use Dryer Sheets to Keep clothes fresh
Every camper knows that sometimes clothes can get wet, dirty, staticky, and smelly. The best way to keep them smelling fresh and
clean and not smelling like an old dish cloth is to throw a bounce sheet or two in with your clothes or shoes when packing.
It also helps the sportier adventurers keep their car, tent or camper smelling way better than a smelly pair of socks. Not everyone enjoys the stank, so use this tip to please your company.
These are just a few tips I’ve discovered along the way. There are many more ways to help you on your adventures and simply make everything easier. From beginner to expert campers, everyone has their own knacks and tricks, so be willing to both share and be open minded to fellow explorers, it may help you more than you would expect and make you friends in the process. I know it did for me! #exploreourbackyard
Comments