May the forest be with you.
1. Make pizza in your pie iron with biscuit dough.
Get the complete recipe here. You can also just use sliced bread and a little butter.
2. Line your pie iron with foil for easy clean up.
You can go from grilled cheese to apple pie pocket with practically no clean up.
3. Wrapping your meat in cabbage leaves will keep it from getting burnt to a crisp.
The cabbage is dense and moist enough to create the perfect nonstick barrier. No more accidental charred-to-a-crisp meals!
6. Kids can make an adorable and easy keepsake bracelet out of duct tape.
They can stick things on, like tiny pebbles, flowers, or leaves, and create a souvenir from their nature walk. Just make sure the sticky side is on the outside.
8. Stovetop popcorn (like Jiffy Pop) can be made over a campfire.
They’re so easy to transport, and kids will be amazed when the foil begins to expand. Just be careful, as the handle will become very hot.
You can also make your own out of popcorn kernels and aluminum foil. Directionshere.
10. Make eggs and bacon in a paper bag.
It’s an easy way to make multiple breakfasts at once. Get the recipe/directions here.
11. Use an acorn cap to loudly whistle for help if you’re lost in the woods.
Get the step-by-step instructions here.
12. These compact towels can dry off two people after swimming and are dry to the touch within an hour of use.
Purchase here.
13. Bailey’s dipped toasted marshmallows are a must for camping.
Toast a marshmallow over hot coals, and then dip the warm marshmallow into a cup of Bailey’s. They’re so delicious and addictive, you’ll want to make them even when you’re NOT camping.
14. Make flaming Jell-O marshmallow shots.
HOW COOL IS THIS. Fill the marshmallows with a Jell-o mixture and dip into rum. Get the full recipe/directions here.
16. Fill a gallon milk jug with water and 1/4 cup salt to use as a salt block for your cooler.
The jugs mean that you won’t get water all over your food when the ice melts. The salt will make the cold last longer — however, it also means that the water in the jugs won’t double as emergency drinking water.
Read more about it here.
18. You can also keep seasonings, toppings, and condiments separate but organized in stackable pill containers.
Label with a Sharpie.
19. Blue cheese filled bacon-wrapped mushrooms are the savory version of a campfire s’more.
Get the full directions here.
20. This is the coolest tarp trick:
Use a small stick to help secure the main center line. When pressure is put on one end, the line will tighten evenly, keeping the grommets from being torn out.
21. Pre-make your food and vacuum seal it.
It will stay fresh longer and will be easier to pack.
22. Keep your toiletries hooked onto a shower caddy.
You can buy one here for $9.95 or make your own.
23. Slit foam swim noodles lengthwise and slip over each awning strut.
Not only are you less likely to bump into them in the dark, but they’ll be padded!
You can also use a pool noodle to cushion a canoe before strapping it to your car to protect from scratching.
24. Carry some emergency TP in an Altoids container.
Especially if you’re going to be venturing off on a hike or nature walk.
25. A 16-ounce water bottle will hold 8–9 large eggs.
Pre-scrambling your eggs will save you the trouble of having to figure out a way of transporting them. It also eliminates the need for a separate bowl and whisk.
26. This collapsible silicone coffee dripper takes up almost no space.
And it has a super high Amazon.com rating. Get it here for $10.99.
27. For fewer burrs, rub the laces of your hiking boots with paraffin before hitting the trail.
28. Corn chips (like Fritos or Doritos) make a great substitute kindling when starting a fire.
Rusty Shackleford
29. Make an inexpensive candle lantern out of a used tuna can and a candle.
The foil will reflect the light and create more glow. It could potentially block some wind, as well.
31. Make toothpaste dots.
Spread them out on a plate, let them dry for 2–3 days, and then sprinkle baking soda over them. Once they dry, just pop them into a resealable plastic bag.
32. Keep your TP dry in a CD spindle.
If you’re trying to save space because you’re backpacking, take the tube out and flatten the toilet paper. Keep it in a plastic bag instead.
33. Instant grits will keep ants away from your campsite.
Just sprinkle wherever you see the ants.
[source]
35. Safely remove a tick with a cotton ball soaked in liquid hand soap.
Keep it on the tick for at least 20 seconds. The tick will cease biting, back out, and will remain stuck to the cotton ball when it’s pulled away. If the tick has been embedded for awhile, keep it in a jar so you can test it for Lyme disease.
[source: Budget101]
Note that there is debate on whether this actually works. Here’s a testimonial that says it does, but there’s no scientific evidence to back it up, so try at your own risk and keep a pair of tweezers in your first aid kit.
38. Johnson’s Baby Creamy Oil doubles as a super effective mosquito repellent.
Peggy Wang/BuzzFeed
And you won’t smell like bug repellent.
39. Glue sandpaper to the top of your match holder.
Keeping your matches in a tupperware or stainless container will ensure they don’t get wet.
40. Cobble together a makeshift shower using a large water jug and a watering can head.
Get the full directions here.
41. Make camping sangria concentrate using a mason jar.
No, you don’t have to go camping to try this delicious sangria. Get the full recipehere.
