Up your camping game with our favorite 10 camping hacks. These will help you light up your nights, save your gear, keep the bugs at bay and more.
1. JUG OF WATER + HEADLAMP= LANTERN
Need some ambient light in the tent at night? Beaming LED powered lanterns or headlamps alone can be harsh when all you need is a glow. If you have a filled bottle of water (bigger works better), strap the headlamp to the side facing inwards. This creates a cool glowing orb that will put out light in all directions.
2. SILICA GEL PACKETS TO KEEP YOUR GEAR RUST AND MOLD-FREE BETWEEN USES
Silica gel packets are those little moisture trapping sachets that come in so many products. You can repurpose them for keeping moisture out of your gear to prevent rust (and mold). You should always plan to properly dry your gear – but life happens. Toss a few of these in your gear storage containers to dehumidify. Don’t have time to save them from random products you buy? No worries, you can purchase them in bulk online for little cost. https://www.amazon.com/Dry-Premium-Packets-Desiccant-Dehumidifiers/dp/B00DYKTS9C/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=SILICA+GEL+PACKETS&qid=1600800723&sr=8-3
3. USE GALLON JUGS OF WATER AS ICE PACKS IN YOUR COOLER
Ice for your cooler can be difficult and messy to pack and replenish. Instead, freeze gallon jugs of water in advance and use in place of loose ice. Less mess and will hold the temperature longer than with traditional ice bags.
4. SAGE – NATURE’S MOSQUITOE REPELLENT
Mosquitoes can run a great camping experience and keep you up at night itching bites even after the trip. One way to help repel them is to bring some sage bundles with you. When you gather around the fire (mosquitoes often get thick in the evenings), let a bundle smolder at the edge of the fire. The smoke from the sage should naturally keep the mosquitoes at bay.
If the sage route doesn’t work for you, we also recommend this portable Thermacell Repeller.
5. DESIGNATE A PAIR OF TENT ONLY SOCKS
Trying to sleep in damp, dirty, or sand filled socks is a drag. Designate a pair that you’ll only use in the tent. This is a small way to pamper yourself when you’re camping that we guarantee you’ll appreciate.
6. LOOP A BELT AROUND A TREE FOR COOKWARE STORATE
Cramped camp kitchen areas can quickly become cluttered with cookware. Bring along an old belt and some S hooks. You can tie the belt around a tree, and use the S hooks to hang your cookware so it’s out of the way until you need it.
7. SLEEPING BAG FOR TWO
Camping with your sweetheart? Invest in a queen-size sleeping bag so you can snuggle the night away. This Sleepingo double sleeping bag will keep you both warm and comfortable through the night.
For added comfort, pair it with a double air pad. Like this one from KLYMIT.
8. POOL NOODLE PROTECTORS
You can save the kids (and yourself) from unwanted trip by cutting a pool noodle or two into short strips, then running your tent lines through them before staking down. The lines will then be easier to see and feel.
9. USE COMPACT MICROFIBER TOWELS
Traditional, plush beach towels are great at first, but tend to dry out slowly. Avoid bringing home a soggy pile of towels by switching to quick-dry microfiber. We like these BOGI sports towels because they come in multiple colors and sizes. This makes it easy to designate and keep track of one per family member.
10. KEEP YOUR CAMPING TOILETRIES HANDY
Avoid lost soap or shampoo by keeping your toiletries on a handy lanyard. Travel size bottles like these can clip to a lanyard (or just together) to keep you organized. Fill with shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, then clip on a lanyard along with your traveling toothbrush and travelling wash cloth.
We hope you learned something from our 10 camping hacks. Like the ideas? Share on Facebook! Need more help planning for your camping trip? Check out our Camping Checklist.
