Camping hacks to get you through your next mountain adventure.

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 has is perks as well as its own challenges. One specific challenge is controlling the temperature.

The heating across the bottom of your cookware can be inconsistent and the overall temperature can fluctuate drastically. This can lead to burnt spots on the food and your cookware. Without all the same tools you have in your home kitchen it can be hard to clean this up.

Since you normally don’t have steel wool or any type of dish scrubber your stuck brining it home to clean or using what you have around. Bringing some water to a boil can help clean the easier spots. If there is some really tough to remove food add cool water and a little bit of fine dirt.

Then use your hand or rag to wipe what you can out. The added grit should make the much easier. However, always remember to store your cookware properly to avoid damage and rust.

Rust-free cookware

Even if you store your cookware properly, the elements can be hard to control. These next tip is not in the manufactures recommendations for storing but will certainly help reduce the moisture your gear is exposed to.

The silica gel packs can be bought online or you can just save them from the products you buy. Sealed foods and some clothing items use these, save them when you find them.

Simply stick one or two of these between your stacked pot/pans or in the container they are stored in. These are not built forever, so try to change these out when they start looking a little worn or you will end up with little silica beads everywhere.

Warm cloths in the morning

The birds are chirping, the leaves are blowing, but its damn cold. A pretty common morning when camping, but if the chill in the air is slowing your morning down there are things you can do to heat things up.

One of the easiest things to do is take your clothes for the next day and put them at the bottom of your sleeping bag. Your body heat through the night is sure to make these much warmer than they would be in your pack next to you.

Also, think about your tent placement. If you expect it to be cold in the morning, try to find a spot where you can get the early sun from the east. While this wont warm your cloths, it can go a long way in staying warm.

Makeshift Lantern

Instead of blasting your friends with an ultra-bright headlamp beam every time you look at them, strap that thing to a clear jug of water and light up the campsite with a makeshift portable lantern.

Duct tape to-go

Is there a more universal tool than duct tape? Probably, but that doesn’t mean its not a great addition to your gear. Instead of bringing the whole roll, save space and wrap your tape around and old plastic card or business card.

Continue to wrap around until you feel you have a comfortable amount. If you even need it, just unwrap as you go and store in your pack or pocket.

Line your pack with a heavy-duty garbage bag.

S*!t happens. Like falling into the stream you’re crossing or getting stuck in an unexpected down pour. Don’t get caught with soaked gear and continue to enjoy the rest of your adventure but just lining your pack with a heavy-duty garbage bag.

You can find these at most any home store but they are often much larger and tougher plastic. Make sure you have a big enough bag and stuff it into your pack. Then just fill the bag like you would normally stuff your pack.

Instant Fire Starter

If you need to get a fire going but have enough tinder or quick burning material, there’s a chance you just brought it with you or its near by.

Check your pockets, do you have an odd amount of pocket lint. Roll it up and use that as the starter for you fire.

If your pockets are clean, did you bring any hand sanitizer? In the current world, this stuff is everywhere.

Doritos anyone? This oily chip holds a flame well once its lit. Start this with a lighter or match and it will stay burning until your fire is lit.

Finally, and arguably the easiest & best solution can be found at most campsites in Colorado. Look around for a pine or spruce tree and inspect the bark. What your are looking for is areas is the sap is seeping out of the bark. If you pull a chunk of this zap soaked bark off its even better than a Dorito at holding a flame. This bark will act like a candle wick and the zap is the wax that will keep it burning long after your fire is roaring.

Candle wax makes great zipper lubricant.

An old tent can be quickly revitalized with with a few do it yourself fixes. One easy fix is to add some wax to and zippers that feel like they are starting to grind or stick. This can help prevent further damage and limit rust, but also make minor damage less annoying.

Candle wax is easy is you have an old candle that’s wick is too low, but there are other options you can find at most outdoor retailers Gear Aid Zipper Cleaner + Lubricant. WD-40 is not a recommended solutions as you will stain your tent and can create a build up of grease.

More Tips?

Check out or blog post 5 Camping Mistakes to Avoid to ensure your campsite is unbeatable.

Share a tip of your own in the comments below.