Are you headed to the great outdoors for a camping trip to explore the beauty of the wilderness? While packing for your sleepover in the wild, you might find that there are a few unconventional items that could seem out of the ordinary compared to the rest of your camping gear. It’s great to pack your flashlight, sleeping bag, hiking boots, and compass, but ordinary things around your house might also be more useful than you think. These items will make packing and your camping trip a breeze.
Whether you are a seasoned camper and know exactly what you’re doing when it comes to packing gear, or you’re just camping for the first time, here are a few camping hacks that you might not have thought about for your next camping trip.
A Used Coffee Can
The first of our camping hacks is a plain ol’ used coffee can. These circular cans are perfect for storing toilet paper when you are headed out into the woods and away from the luxury of a bathroom and toilet paper. Simply clean out the used coffee can of any grounds, stick a roll of toilet paper inside, and cover with the lid. It might be beneficial to label this one. The coffee can keeps your toilet paper dry and protected in the woods.
Used Tic Tac Containers
Now that your breath is fresh, clean out these containers with a little soap and water, peel off the brand sticker, and now you have compact travel-sized spice jars. Use these as part of a personal hygiene kit for things like bobby pins or hair ties.
A Small Tupperware Container
This is great for storing matches during travel. Glue a small piece of sandpaper to the lid of the container to help with lighting the match when making. These are easy for on-the-go and aid in the fire-starting process if you are new to camping.
Cotton Balls Soaked in Soap
Another one of our great camping hacks is also a great and cheap tick remover remedy. Grab some regular-sized cotton balls and drizzle them with soap. Place them in a container to bring with you on your journey. To use, place the soap-soaked cotton ball over the tick for 20 – 30 seconds or until the pesky tick lets go.
A Used Altoids Tin
First, clean out the tin with a little soap and water before packing things inside. These are a great pocket-sized first aid kit or tool kit. Carry a variety of bandages, antibiotics, and antiseptics in the tin for a compact first aid kit, or a pocket knife, some rope, and a lighter for a small tool kit.
A Bag of Grits
You can even put some of these in your tic tac container for convenience. Grits help with an ant infestation. Sprinkle on the entrances of your tent and around places where you commonly eat or keep food to repel ants. This natural solution is more environmentally friendly than chemical repellants.
Used Water Bottles
Crack up to 10 eggs in a clean, plastic water bottle to store easily in a cooler for scrambled eggs in the morning. Storing them in the bottle will avoid having to pack them in a cooler with the risk of the eggs cracking during travel.
Shower Caps
If you have an old shower cap lying around, give it a good rinse and it can now be used to transport dirty hiking boots or shoes in your bag. Place the bottom of the shoes into the shower cap before putting them back in your bag to ensure they don’t get dirt or mud on your other items.
A Roll of Tin Foil
If you need a quick and easy meal out in the woods, grab some tin foil and use it as a bowl to put things such as frozen meat, potatoes, veggies, etc. And cover it with more tin foil. Then, simply place it into the fire to cook. No need for excess pots and pans lying around and taking up space when you have some tin foil.
A Plastic Sled
You might have already put your snow sleds away for the season, but a sled is a great way to easily transport a large cooler, backpack, and rolled up tents from your car to a campsite. Also, make sure that way to your campsite does not have rough terrain. Place a few large items on the sled and pull it along for an easy transition to your new home.
Dish Towels
If you are bringing knives for cutting meat, fruits, or other food, you need a safe way to store them in your pack. Wrap the sharp side in a clean dish towel and secure with some rubber bands. Be sure to label the towel with a piece of tape or note that says “knives.”
With these basic camping hacks, packing for a camping trip doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. All you need is a few household items and a bit of creativity to prepare for a great trip to the outdoors. Have more questions about your adventure? Whether you are hiking, biking, or more during your next camping trip, come see us at your local Sun & Ski Sports for more tips on your next adventure.