Let's Talk Outdoor Camping Tips, Tricks, Hacks

[suparee]

Hey everyone,

Why did I want to discuss this? It's been raining a lot lately in our area, and this bad weather has inevitably caused some trouble for our outdoor explorations and photography. They're really unpredictably, making it impossible to predict when the downpours will arrive or when they'll stop. I think others might be experiencing the same thing outdoors. So, I'm sharing a personal experience I had recently on a rainy day.

Just wanted to share whenever I travel, I always bring one pair of flat sandals. Nothing fancy — just simple, sturdy ones. They're double as shower shoes when I’m staying somewhere on the road (keeps things clean). Driving such a pair of shoes when I’m behind the wheel for long hours. They don’t slip off like flip-flops, and they’re super comfy. Also, camp shoes when I want to let my feet breathe after hiking or setting up camp.
Well, small things that make a big difference — saves space, saves money, and makes life on the road way easier.

So, what are your favorite “low-cost, high-impact” outdoor hacks?
Maybe a piece of gear you repurposed, or a clever trick you discovered on the trail or at the campsite?

Let’s swap ideas — I’d love to learn some new ones before my next trip! New outdoor enthusiasts can also use them as a reference.

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[broadicustomworks]

Not so much a hack or trick, although there are probably a few of those if I wanted to think back about how I've amended the camping experience over time.
"Amended" is a good choice vs. "improved" or "better".
There is a nostalgia from my childhood about basic no-frills camping under the stars from Boy Scout times. No camping LED area lights, no propane stuff, no fancy camping chairs or 12V refrigeration. No Jackeries or Starlink to connect you back to the digital world you are trying to get away from for a bit.
I think "Improvement" or "progress" does not always mean "better". It might mean easier, faster, less work. Or maybe more work?!
But I digress.
From the top of my head, my favorite camping upgrade/hack seems to be going with a Gazelle tent vs your standard Coleman variety with all of the extension poles and such.
Granted it does take up a larger footprint to store and transport. And it is a little heavier.
But set up and take down time spent is a premium thing for me.
I like to set up camp and get to relaxing and reflecting on my adventures in as little time as possible.
It really comes in handy in those situations where you arrive at camp after dark and don't want to fumble around too long. Or it's raining/snowing.

 

[TLO]

Here's a simple one that I do every night before bed...
I keep my next-day clothes in a small, compression dry-sack.
When the temps drop over night, and you get to that dew point, or any dampness inside the tent from the temp differential, waking up to put on cold, damp feeling clothes first thing in the morning is a real drag.

 

[JDinNC]

Here's a simple one that I do every night before bed...
I keep my next-day clothes in a small, compression dry-sack.
When the temps drop over night, and you get to that dew point, or any dampness inside the tent from the temp differential, waking up to put on cold, damp feeling clothes first thing in the morning is a real drag.

In Boy Scouts we'd throw the next day's clothes in our sleeping bags so they'd stay warm. I still do that and it's better than pulling on air temp clothes once I crawl out of the bag.

 

[EasternSierra]

Great idea for a thread!

I use a sleeping bag liner to keep the sleeping bag (relatively) clean. You can make one from a folded-over sheet sewn together, or else buy one if you don't sew (like me). The liner picks up your sweat, skin grease, and shed skin cells while you're sleeping. When the trip's over the liner goes in the wash. The sleeping bag just gets wiped down inside and out with a damp cloth to pick up any dust and dirt. Then it can also air out in the sun if you want.

 

[NC_Oak]

from tailgating but same difference. a bottle of soapy water and some clean water. For washing hands and what not.

I know there are plenty of onboard fresh water solutions but the stackable 2.5 gallon jugs with the spout are handy.

 

[SierraBronco]

Just wanted to start by saying I appreciate this not not having a reference to “overlanding.”

As to car camping, specifically doing it while wheeling like on the Rubicon, we removed the back seats. Saves a lot of weight and opens up room for storage. With a station wagon the storage isn’t as important, but that weight savings is nice when running a trail with all your camping gear with you. We also like to use water filtration systems like what is offered by Katadyn, assuming you will be near water while on the trail. Carrying around 20 gallons of water (2 adults and 2 dogs) adds up, and those that are only relying on what they pack in seem to be more reluctant to share with wary travelers for fear of running out. Bonus points for being able to drink absolutely delightful water on your trip. (At least in the mountains. Your results may vary)

 

[ChrisCozart]

Save your dryer lint in a Ziplock as easy fire starter 'kindling'. Spritz in some Tiki oil for a guaranteed fire starer that is as good as gasoline, burns longer, and usually smells way better.

 

[TPadden72]

Save your dryer lint in a Ziplock as easy fire starter 'kindling'. Spritz in some Tiki oil for a guaranteed fire starer that is as good as gasoline, burns longer, and usually smells way better.

or just grab some Frito's.... they burn like a candle.

Tom

 

[crawl_soever]

What a timely post! I've been sleeping in my truck the past week in some parks and I found a setup to fit diagonally in the back of the truck while it was raining! I push the passenger seat all the way up and chuck my duffel bags in the floor cavity. This fills in the space so I can position my sleeping bag and pillow over diagonally and fit inside!

 

[AJKitebrder40]

Not so much a hack or trick, although there are probably a few of those if I wanted to think back about how I've amended the camping experience over time.
"Amended" is a good choice vs. "improved" or "better".
There is a nostalgia from my childhood about basic no-frills camping under the stars from Boy Scout times. No camping LED area lights, no propane stuff, no fancy camping chairs or 12V refrigeration. No Jackeries or Starlink to connect you back to the digital world you are trying to get away from for a bit.
I think "Improvement" or "progress" does not always mean "better". It might mean easier, faster, less work. Or maybe more work?!
But I digress.
From the top of my head, my favorite camping upgrade/hack seems to be going with a Gazelle tent vs your standard Coleman variety with all of the extension poles and such.
Granted it does take up a larger footprint to store and transport. And it is a little heavier.
But set up and take down time spent is a premium thing for me.
I like to set up camp and get to relaxing and reflecting on my adventures in as little time as possible.
It really comes in handy in those situations where you arrive at camp after dark and don't want to fumble around too long. Or it's raining/snowing.

100% - I'm kinda with you, I have a 2 door, no back seats. Basically just pack up a cooler, the Gazelle T3x and mtb gear typically. Ozark Trail 2 burner fold up camp stove, a cast iron pan, and a percolator for coffee.

One other thing I have added (although I already owned it) is a RinseKit, it works for a makeshift shower after a bike or surf day. Hooks up to standard hoses.

 

[4door4family]

A regular full size pillow. I'll sacrifice space any day to avoid a "packable" pillow or rolled up sweatshirt.

 

[EasternSierra]

If they grow where you're camping, dry juniper and manzanita burn really hot. Great kindling!

 

[tobyw]

We also like to use water filtration systems like what is offered by Katadyn, assuming you will be near water while on the trail. Carrying around 20 gallons of water (2 adults and 2 dogs) adds up, and those that are only relying on what they pack in seem to be more reluctant to share with wary travelers for fear of running out. Bonus points for being able to drink absolutely delightful water on your trip. (At least in the mountains. Your results may vary)

I'll second that idea wholeheartedly... Our last "family" wheeling trip, to the Rubicon as it turns out, had us on the very ragged edge for water rations after 3 full days on the trail in very warm temps (early July) having suffered major mechanical damage that slowed our progress significantly and added to the need for hydration. If we'd had a good water filtration setup we would have been in a much, much better place...

 

[Rspayde]

Battery powered job site fan and / or a little buddy heater

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