It doesn't get much better than a night under the stars. It's a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, connect with nature, and relax amidst some beautiful scenery. Making sure you're well-prepared ahead of time will make your next camping trip hassle-free and enjoyable.
Here's a roundup of the best camping hacks we've found to be useful during our time in the great outdoors.
Making Camping Trips Easier and More Fun
There's no doubt that camping can be a fun and enjoyable experience, and it's a favorite pastime for many. Knowing a few tricks of the trade can help even the most experienced campers relax a little more on their next trip.
1. Prep Your Food Ahead of Time for Easy Cooking
Even without all the amenities of your home kitchen, you can still have some incredibly delicious meals around the campfire. The key is prepping your food ahead of time. This not only makes mealtime easier, but it cuts down on the amount of kitchen items you'll need to bring along, clean, and store.
Here are some tips for easy meal prep so you can still have delicious food while camping:
- Crack Eggs into a Bottle: Crack eggs ahead of time into a Nalgene bottle or mason jar. This saves space and prevents the risk of breaking eggs in transit.
- Pre-Chop Vegetables: Chop all your vegetables before you leave for your camping trip and store them in zip-lock bags or airtight containers.
- Marinate Meats Ahead of Time: Marinade your meats inside zip-lock bags and freeze them. They'll keep your cooler cold and will be ready to cook once thawed.
- Prepare Overnight Oats: Overnight oats are a quick, easy, and nutritious camping breakfast. Mix oats, milk, and your favorite toppings in individual containers. They’ll be ready for a quick breakfast each morning.
- Make Sandwiches Ahead of Time: Prepare and wrap sandwiches for easy grab-and-go meals. Avoid soggy bread by using a cooler with a snack divider to keep your dry food separate from ice.
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Pre-Make Snack Bags: Portion out trail mix, granola bars, and other snacks into individual servings. This makes it easy to grab a quick bite without rummaging through the whole bag.
2. Create a Hand Washing Station
Campsites don't always have easy access to a hand washing station, and washing your hands after using the restroom and before cooking can go a long way toward preventing illness. Luckily, it's super easy to make your own.
Here's what you'll need:
- Large water container with a spigot (empty laundry detergent containers are great for this!)
- Biodegradable soap
- Paper towels or reusable towels
- Basin or bucket for wastewater
Choose a flat area near your cooking space but away from your tent. Place the water container on a stand or hang it from a tree at a convenient height. Position a basin or bucket below the spigot to catch wastewater. Place soap, hand sanitizer, and towels nearby. Set up a plastic bag or a garbage bag for used towels, and voila! You have an easy and convenient place to wash your hands.
3. Use Foam Floor Tiles Under Your Sleeping Bag for Comfort
Let's be honest—sleeping on the ground isn't the most comfortable. But if you're a tent camper, your only other option is a bulky air mattress or a heavy tent cot, which can take up precious space. Using foam floor tiles under your sleeping bag is one of our favorite camping hacks for getting a good night's sleep.
Foam floor tiles are lightweight, easily stackable, and provide added cushion under your sleeping bag. Plus, they're relatively low-cost and versatile, so you can use them around the house, too. Look for tiles that are 3/4" thick for the best padding.
4. Bring Solar-Powered Chargers
Even if you plan to be off the grid for a few days, it's a good idea to have access to a cell phone in case of an emergency. A solar-powered charger keeps your phone powered without needing a traditional power source. This way, you can enjoy the great outdoors knowing you have a reliable way to call for help if needed.
5. Bring a Headlamp for After Dark
If you've ever tried going to the bathroom in the pitch dark, you'll understand the value of a headlamp. Sometimes you need to be hands-free, so carrying a flashlight isn't always convenient. A headlamp is an easy way to navigate in the dark, whether you're setting up your tent, cooking dinner, or finding your way to the bathroom. Headlamps are also lightweight, compact, and efficient; all great features for camping gear. (here’s a good headlamp photo)
6. Use Sage to Repel Mosquitoes
Sage can be a better alternative to DEET bug spray for mosquito repellent. It's a natural herb with insect-repelling properties, making it a safer option for those who prefer to avoid chemical repellents. It’s less likely to cause skin irritation or adverse reactions compared to DEET.
7. Keep Duct Tape for Quick Repairs
"Most things can be fixed with duct tape and extension cords." - Jase Robertson
If Jase Robertson said it, it must be true. There's a reason duct tape is so popular—it has endless uses, which makes it a great addition to your camping must-haves.. From mending torn gear and patching up tents to creating temporary repairs for just about anything, it's a camper's best friend.
Here are some common uses for duct tape on a camping trip:
- Repairing Tent Rips or Sleeping Bags: Patch up small tears and holes in your tent to keep out rain and bugs.
- Fixing Broken Gear: Temporarily mend broken poles, straps, and other camping equipment.
- Creating a Bandage: Use it with a piece of cloth or gauze to make a sturdy bandage in case of minor injuries.
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Crafting a Fly Trap: Hang strips of duct tape around your campsite to catch flies and other insects.
8. Use a Shoe Organizer for Storage
For the ultra-prepared camper, a hanging shoe organizer with clear pockets is a handy and portable way to keep all your camping essentials organized. It's a great way to keep personal items like toiletries, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, and hand sanitizer organized and within reach. You can pack it ahead of time and it will fold up nicely for the car ride. Then, hang it from a tree or inside your tent for easy access to everything you need.
9. Pack Microfiber Towels for Quick Drying
Microfiber towels are pretty much the greatest invention since sliced bread, and non-negotiable on our camping trips.. They're incredibly lightweight and compact, making them easy to pack and carry without taking up much space in your backpack. They are also highly absorbent and can soak up large amounts of water quickly, and they dry much faster than traditional cotton towels, meaning they won't get that musty, old towel smell that's impossible to get rid of.
10. Use a Hot Water Bottle for Warmth
This is a tip you probably won't need for your summer camping trips but can be a game-changer during those chilly spring or fall evenings. Before bed, fill a durable, leak-proof water bottle with hot water and place it inside your sleeping bag. It creates a concentrated source of heat that can help you stay warm throughout the night.
11. Clean Your Gear Before Putting it Away
This requires a little bit of work on the front end, but future you will be happy you put in the extra effort. If you take the time to clean your gear before heading home, you'll prevent mold, mildew, and unpleasant smells. Plus, it extends the lifespan of your camping gear.
A clean tent, cooler, sleeping bag, and cookware will be much more pleasant to unpack and use next time, saving you the hassle of dealing with dirty, grimy gear.
Bonus Tips and Tricks for Camping
- Bring a cheap plastic tablecloth to cover the picnic table at your campsite. It makes cleaning up easier and creates a nicer surface for meals and activities.
- Use a separate, collapsible laundry bag for dirty clothes to keep them separated from clean items.
- Repurpose a fishing tackle box to store small camping essentials like matches, first aid supplies, and cooking utensils.
- Use dryer lint and candle wax as fire starters.
- Paint your tent stakes with bright colors or wrap them with reflective tape to make them easily visible.
- Repurpose parts of your fishing gear for other camping needs. For example, fishing line can be used for repairing gear or hanging items.
- Line the area under your camp stove with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Experience Your Best Camping Trip Yet!
Packing smart and being well-prepared can help you make the most of the great outdoors. Use these clever camping hacks to streamline your packing process and make your next camping trip fun and enjoyable.
Most of all, remember to leave no trace. As we embrace the beauty of the great outdoors, it's vital to remember our responsibility to preserve it for future generations. Each of us has a responsibility to minimize our impact on the environment, ensuring that natural landscapes remain pristine and enjoyable for all. Whether it's packing out all trash, respecting wildlife, or staying on designated trails, every small effort counts. Let's commit to being stewards of nature, leaving behind only footprints and taking away unforgettable memories.
