When you’re out camping, some of the best solutions are also the most simple because you aren’t equipped with many things. Here are some brilliant ideas using simple household items that are worth a try on your next trip:
1. A reliable way to store toilet paper is in a recycled coffee can.
10. Use a prescription bottle or Altoids tin as a mini first aid container to store items like Bandaids, cotton swabs, antiseptic pads, or a few Ibuprofen pills.
11. To keep wasps and bees from buzzing in your area, try putting about 10 cloves in half of a lemon and leave it sitting out. The bees don’t like the scent, so they should leave you alone.
14. Crack open a dozen eggs into a mason jar. The jar will easily fit in the cooler (with no risk of egg breakage) and you’ll be guaranteed to have an appetizing breakfast every morning.
19. If you’re only planning on being out for one or two nights, put some toothpaste on your brush and cover it with plastic wrap before you leave so you won’t have to take the whole tube with you.
21. According to WIRED, you can use your wristwatch as a compass by holding your watch with 12 o’clock to left and the hour hand pointing at the sun. The spot that’s halfway between the hour hand and the 12 should be south. Keep in mind that if it’s Daylight Savings Time you’ll need to subtract an hour from the hour hand’s position.
22. Cut a small slot on the bottom of a potluck-sized plastic container. Place a Kleenex box upside down in it to keep the box from getting wet or smashed.
24. Collect a few condiment packets from restaurants. Not only does it save money, but it will save you loads of space rather than storing entire containers of things (don’t be too greedy though!).
25. Pour some popcorn kernels into an empty beer or soda can until it’s about 1/4 of the way full, then add popcorn oil and place the can on the edge of your campfire. Once you hear the pops slow down to a few seconds apart, it should be all ready. Cut the can in half and enjoy your salty snack!
27. Duct tape comes in handy in so many ways – but those huge rolls can be bulky to bring along. Instead, wrap some around your lighter and you’ll have it whenever or wherever you may need!
28. A small plastic or glass container (like a recycled one from baby food) with some soft grit sandpaper glued to the outside of the lid or bottom can make a perfect waterproof place for storing matches.
29. Place solar-powered garden lights near your tent stakes so you won’t trip over the lines in the dark, like these raved about on Amazon. You can also put glow in the dark strips of tape on your RV steps to see where you’re going.
30. A bucket, plastic bag, and pool noodle can create a makeshift toilet if you aren’t able to access a restroom. Don’t forget your TP stored in that convenient coffee can!
33. Fill jugs of water and store them in your cooler. Not only will it keep your other foods cold, but you’ll be all stocked when you get thirsty later on!
35. Simply fill a mason jar with water and break open a full size glow stick in it to create an awesome DIY lantern. Kids will absolutely love this one!
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