8 Camping Hacks
We organized 8 of the most effective camping hacks that we use on a regular basis. These few tips can help you in a crunch or even save your entire trip.
Need to wash dishes? Use dirt or boil water
Cooking on an open fire offers a unique and rewarding experience, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is mastering temperature control.
Unlike your stovetop at home, an open fire provides uneven heat. This can lead to hot spots, making it easy to burn your food or scorch your cookware. And cleaning up those burnt messes in the great outdoors? That’s a whole other adventure.
Without your usual cleaning supplies, removing stubborn food residue can be tricky. Here are a few tips to make it easier:
- Boiling water: Start by bringing some water to a boil in your pot or pan. This will help loosen any lightly burnt food.
- Natural abrasive: For those extra tough spots, add cool water and a small amount of fine dirt or sand to your cookware. The grit will act as a natural abrasive.
- Gentle scrubbing: Use your hand, a rag, or a bundle of grass to scrub away the loosened food particles.
Remember, prevention is key! To avoid a scrubbing marathon in the first place:
- Move your cookware around: Constantly adjust the position of your pot or pan over the fire to ensure even heating.
- Control the flames: Add or remove wood to regulate the intensity of the fire.
- Use sturdy cookware: Cast iron is a great choice for campfire cooking because it distributes heat well and can withstand high temperatures.
Finally, always store your cookware properly after cleaning to prevent rust and damage. A little extra care will keep your gear in top shape for your next outdoor culinary adventure.
Rust-free cookware
You meticulously clean your cookware and store it carefully, but did you know that humidity can still wreak havoc on your precious pots and pans?
Excess moisture can lead to rust, corrosion, and even mold growth, especially in areas with high humidity or fluctuating temperatures.
Here’s a pro tip to combat moisture and keep your cookware looking its best: silica gel packets. These small, unassuming packets are often found in food packaging, electronics boxes, and even shoe boxes. They contain silica gel beads that act like tiny sponges, absorbing moisture from the surrounding air.
Simply tuck a couple of silica gel packets into your cookware storage container or between stacked pots and pans. They’ll work tirelessly to keep the environment dry and protect your investment. Remember to replace them every few months, or when they start to look worn, to ensure optimal performance.
Warm cloths in the morning
The birds are singing their cheerful morning chorus, leaves dance in the crisp breeze, but brrr… that air has a bite! Sound familiar?
Waking up to a chilly morning is a common experience when you’re camping, but don’t let the cold slow you down. Here are a few simple tricks to warm up your morning routine:
Keep Your Clothes Warm: Before you heading into your sleeping bag for the night, toss your clothes for the next day down at the foot. Your body heat will work its magic overnight, transforming those chilly clothes into warm, toasty comfort come morning.
Catch the Early Rays: When choosing your campsite, consider where the sun will rise. If you’re expecting a frosty morning, try to position your tent to catch those first golden rays of sunshine. While it won’t warm your clothes, basking in that early morning sunlight can make a world of difference in shaking off the chill.
Makeshift Lantern
Transform your headlamp into a campsite lantern with this easy hack! Simply strap your headlamp to a clear water jug. The water will diffuse the light, creating a softer, more widespread glow that’s perfect for illuminating your tent or campsite. Say goodbye to harsh headlamp glare and hello to comfortable campsite lighting!
Duct tape to-go
Duct tape: the ultimate fix-it solution for outdoor adventurers. But let’s face it, lugging around a whole roll can be a pain. Here’s a pro tip to lighten your load and keep this essential tool always at the ready.
Instead of packing the entire roll, grab an old plastic card (a credit card, gift card, or even a sturdy business card will do) and start wrapping your duct tape around it. Keep wrapping until you have a decent amount—enough to handle minor gear repairs, first-aid needs, or any unexpected situations that might arise on the trail.
This simple trick saves space and weight in your pack, and it keeps your duct tape neat and organized. Plus, it’s super easy to access. Just unwrap as much as you need, use it, and then tuck the card back into your pocket or pack. You’ll be prepared for anything, without the bulk!
Option 2 (Emphasis on versatility and problem-solving):
Line your pack with a heavy-duty garbage bag.
Don’t let a little rain (or an accidental dip in a river!) dampen your spirits. Keep your gear dry and your adventure on track with a surprisingly simple hack: line your backpack with a heavy-duty trash bag.
It’s a trick used by seasoned hikers and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere, and it’s incredibly effective. The thick plastic acts as a barrier against moisture, preventing water from seeping into your pack and soaking your belongings.
Why this works so well:
- Affordable: Heavy-duty trash bags are inexpensive and readily available.
- Lightweight: They add virtually no weight to your pack.
- Effective: Provides a reliable waterproof barrier.
- Versatile: Can be used in any type of backpack.
So next time you’re heading out on an adventure, remember this simple tip. It could make all the difference between a memorable experience and a soggy disaster.
Fire Starting Hacks: When Tinder is Scarce
So you’re ready to build a campfire, but you’re fresh out of tinder? Don’t panic! You might be surprised by the everyday items that can help you ignite a flame. Here are a few unconventional fire starters you might have on hand (or nearby) when traditional tinder is scarce:
1. Pocket Lint: Nature’s Dryer Sheet
Believe it or not, that fluff hiding in your pockets is surprisingly flammable! Gather up all that lint, give it a good roll to create a denser mass, and use it as the base for your fire. It might sound odd, but it works!
2. Hand Sanitizer: The Modern-Day Fire Starter
In today’s world, hand sanitizer has become an essential item. Most hand sanitizers are alcohol-based, making them highly flammable. Squirt a small amount onto a safe, fire-resistant surface, and carefully ignite it with a match or lighter. The flame will burn long enough to get your kindling going.
3. Doritos: The Unexpected Firestarter
Yes, you read that right! Those cheesy, oily Doritos chips can actually help you start a fire. The high oil content in Doritos makes them surprisingly effective at sustaining a flame. Light a corner of a Dorito with a match or lighter, and it will burn steadily, giving you ample time to ignite your tinder and kindling.
4. Nature’s Candle: Resin-Soaked Bark
This is a classic technique used by outdoor enthusiasts for centuries. In Colorado (and many other coniferous forests), pine and spruce trees are abundant. Look for areas where sap is oozing out of the bark. Peel off a chunk of this resin-soaked bark, and you’ve got yourself a natural fire starter. The resin acts like wax, providing a long-lasting flame that will easily ignite your kindling.
Candle wax makes great zipper lubricant.
Don’t ditch that old tent just yet! With a few simple DIY fixes, you can breathe new life into your trusty shelter and keep it performing at its best. One common issue with older tents is sticky or stubborn zippers. Over time, dirt, debris, and moisture can cause zippers to bind, making it a real struggle to get in and out of your tent.
But fear not, there’s an easy solution! A little bit of lubrication can work wonders for those finicky zippers. Here are a few options:
- Candle wax: If you have an old candle lying around, simply rub the wax along the zipper teeth. This creates a smooth, water-resistant barrier that helps the zipper glide effortlessly.
- Specialized zipper lubricant: Outdoor retailers offer dedicated zipper cleaners and lubricants like Gear Aid Zipper Cleaner + Lubricant. These products are specifically formulated to clean and lubricate zippers without damaging the fabric or causing staining.
Important note: Avoid using WD-40 or other petroleum-based lubricants on your tent zippers. These products can stain the fabric and attract dirt and grime, potentially making the problem worse in the long run.
More Tips?
Check out The Biggest Mistakes I See People Make When Camping in Colorado to ensure your campsite is unbeatable.
Share a tip of your own in the comments below.