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26 camping tips and hacks to make your next trip a breeze
Camping is an excellent way to connect with nature, spend time with loved ones, and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But it can also be challenging and stressful, especially if unprepared. We have collected 26 tips and hacks to make your camping experience more comfortable and fun. No matter how experienced a camper you are, you can benefit from these on your next adventure.
Are you going camping for the first time? Read our Camping for Beginners Guide!
Preparations
Create your own "manual" by setting up your tent at home and documenting the process with photos. This will be helpful and convenient for future use, ensuring everything is in the correct place when unpacking the tent.
Instead of throwing away bread clips when you buy bread, collect them and use them as clothespins. They are just as effective and take up less space.
Use candle wax on zippers to lubricate them and prevent them from getting stuck or snagged. Zippers on outdoor gear are exposed to dirt, dust, and moisture, which can cause them to become stiff or difficult to use. Applying wax to the zippers can also help protect them from corrosion, ensuring they last longer and function properly.
Save silica gel (the small bags with beads that come with various purchases and are often discarded) and use it for its moisture-absorbing properties when camping. They help prevent rust on items like frying pans and pots.
Attach a cork to your keychain! This is especially useful if you frequently spend time near bodies of water. If your keys accidentally fall into the water, the cork will keep them afloat instead of allowing them to sink to the bottom.
Packing
Roll your clothes when packing to save space.
To have smart storage in your tent, bring a hanging shoe rack and hang it up. This will allow you to store small items such as a flashlight, sunscreen, books, and other necessities you want within reach.
Place hygiene items in plastic bags to prevent them from leaking into the bag. Additionally, it is advisable to keep toilet paper in a separate plastic bag to ensure it stays dry.
Take the roll out of the toilet paper roll to save space and make packing easier.
Ensure your matches are safe from getting wet by storing them in a waterproof package. This way, you'll always have a way to start a fire when needed. Or use flint and steel to start a fire. It works in any weather, so it's a reliable method.
Remember to pack some slippers! Tying your shoes when you have to use the bathroom at night is a hassle.
Use multifunctional tools to save space, like a folding knife with a knife, corkscrew, and can opener. Another helpful tool is the spork, which combines a spoon and fork in one utensil and eliminates the need to carry a complete cutlery set.
If you are not fussy about the type of pillow you use, pack a pillowcase and stuff it with clothes instead of bringing a bulky pillow that takes up a lot of room in your backpack.
Cooking
Cook your food in aluminium foil over the campfire to avoid using multiple utensils and creating dishes to wash. Pack up used foil and dispose of it in a recycling bin.
Instead of carrying freezer packs in your cooler, freeze bags of water and use them for cooling your food as well as for drinking or washing up. Alternatively, pack frozen food that will thaw along the way and be ready to cook.
Store spices in sealed straws to reduce packaging waste. Melt one end of a straw, fill it with spices, and seal the other end by melting it. Cut off the sealed end to use the spices, then reseal the straw.
To bring eggs on your trip, pre-crack them at home and transfer them to a plastic bottle. This way, you can easily make breakfast without worrying about broken eggs in your backpack.
In the camp
Burning sage while grilling or having a campfire can protect you from mosquitoes. Using eucalyptus, lavender, and citronella can also help keep insects away.
Mix tea tree oil with water and spray it on your shoes to keep ticks away when you're in nature.
Tighten a belt around a tree and use hooks to attach gear such as frying pans or clothing.
You can use tortilla chips as a fuel source for your fire because the oil and starch in corn make them flammable. However, if you prefer to snack on the chips, you can use cotton balls dipped in Vaseline to light the fire, particularly in windy or damp weather.
Make a lantern by using a water jug and a flashlight.
Solar lamps, which are charged by the sun, are available in various styles. Some can be inserted into the ground and placed outside your tent's entrance, while others are string lights that create a more comfortable ambience in your campsite.
Don’t sleep with your face inside the sleeping bag. Even though it may seem like a good idea to cover your head and warm up when it's cold, this can cause moisture to build up inside the sleeping bag. This moisture can actually make you feel colder. Instead, wear a beanie to keep warm.
When dressing in layers, it's essential to avoid wearing too tight clothing. While layers are great for keeping warm, tight clothing can actually hinder circulation and make you feel colder. Opt for layers that fit comfortably, neither too tight nor too loose. For more information on layering this spring, check out our Layering Guide.
To dry wet shoes, remove the soles and stuff the shoes with dirty clothes. Let them sit overnight, and your shoes will be dry for tomorrow.
Of course, you will come up with the best hacks when you are out there. Just experiment to see what works best for you. You might surprise yourself!