There are many products out there that promote making camping or being outdoors more enjoyable. I have been caught buying something from social media ads many times, and they may or may not have worked as advertised. In my many years of camping, I have learned that quite a few things seem too good to be true, but they truly do work. I have compiled a list of some of my most commonly used and favorite βhacksβ to help your camping and adventure trips be a little more enjoyable without breaking the bank.
1. Bottle and water storage cleaning.
Bottles and water bags are always a pain to clean, and you never seem to have a brush or tool to clean them. Quite a few products on the market promote easy cleaning and killing built-up bacteria. These products can be purchased at local big-box outdoor/camping stores. These products work and will clean your bottles and water bags. However, head to your local pharmacy aisle and purchase denture cleaner tabs instead to save money. Yes, you read that correctly, denture cleaner tabs. The ingredients are the same in both types of products. Drop those into your reusable bottles and water storage bags and follow the directions, and you are ready to go.
Pto Tip: I highly recommend not using scented dish soaps on flexible water storage containers like camelbacks or similar water bags. I have learned that the plastic and silicone they are made from can inherit the smell and taste, and it does not go away.
2. Chips can be used to start fires.
When you go shopping for your camping trip, you most likely will have gotten a couple of bags of chips. When you are selecting your chips, the two kinds that are the most flammable are Fritos and Corn Chips. Any chip can be set on fire to help get your fire blazing, but Fritos and Nacho Cheese Doritos seem to work best. I am no scientist, but it has something to do with the amount of grease and the density of the chips. If you do not trust me, here is a video from my friend Dan, a Search and rescue (SAR) Expert and Scouter.
3. Camp Toilets
Not every place you camp will have a toilet, or maybe those that do are closed for the season. Also, if you have kids, you know that they will not want to set foot anywhere near the stinky pit toilets. If this is the case, you can take several budget-friendly things with you that take up little to no space in your vehicle. Not everyone enjoys wandering the woods, digging a cat hole, and squatting. Here are a few ideas to help make things more comfortable.
Product Options
- A privacy tent – easily found on Amazon. These are great and can be used for showers, changing, and going to the bathroom.
- Bucket toilet seats – These are seats that fit on top of a 5-gallon bucket. I suggest using a standard trash bag or biodegradable toilet bag to line the bucket to keep things clean for your travel home.
- Folding and collapsible toilets. Just as their name says, they make several different types of toilets that fold up or collapse down after use, allowing you to have a comfortable place to sit and utilize toilet bags.
DIY Options
- Bucket with a pool noodle for the seat. – How To Video
- DIY folding chair or plastic chair toilets. – How to Video
- Build your own privacy tent using tarps and PVC pipes etc.
Pro Tip: Bring some cheap kitty litter to dump into the bags to reduce the smell.
4. Zippered storage bags can be used for everything.
- They can keep electronics and valuables like keys and wallets dry.
- Store individual Ziploc bags full of food inside your cooler to keep the food from getting soggy from the melting ice, and you can keep leftovers, as well.
- Help keep things organized inside your vehicle, from snacks to gear.
- Use them to make omelets in a bag.
5. Pre Cook Your Meals
While cooking at a camp can be fun and relaxing, some food can make large messes and require cleanup you are just not wanting to take the time to do. One option to help cut back on meal prep and cleanup is to pre-cook your food at home, and then when you get to camp, all you have to do is warm up, assemble, and enjoy. This will also help with concerns about raw meats and eggs going bad or not getting cooked well enough during the camping trip.
Pro Tip: Freeze your pre-cooked meals before your trip and let them thaw in your cooler to help keep them cold and require you to carry less ice for the trip.
6. Egg Transportation
Eggs are one of the hardest things to keep cold and safe while traveling. Here are a couple of ways to help you keep them safe for your camp meals.
- Egg holders keep them safe while camping
- Crack your eggs and store them in plastic to-go containers or even ziploc bags. You can also crack the eggs into plastic reusable bottles or even regular disposable water bottles.
- You can freeze them after cracking them open and place them in your containers. Make sure to leave room for expansion so they do not explode when frozen.
7. Freeze Water
This seems like a silly item to discuss, but these tips can come in handy in many ways.
- Freezing Tupperware full of water – If you freeze water in Tupperware containers, you can use the ice and container as a homemade cooler pack. Then you can use the water for drinking once it melts and use the Tupperware for storage.
- Freezing water bottles – Buy bottles of water from the store and freeze them. Toss them in the cooler to be used as cooler packs and then drink them later.
Pro Tip: Ensure the bottles and Tupperware are not full to the brim to allow the ice to expand to ensure they do not explode when freezing. Additionally, make sure to use still water and not fizzy water.
How many of these βhacksβ did you know about our use during your travels? Did I leave out any that you have learned that you find helpful? If so, I would love to have you leave them in the comments for everyone to learn about.
As always, happy trails and stay adventurous, my friends.
Hahahaaaβ¦. I am totally going to try using chips on my next camp out!
Your family-friendly travel tips are a game-changer for parents like me. Planning trips with kids can be challenging, but your blog has given me fantastic ideas and practical advice for creating unforgettable memories with my family. Grateful for your insights!