Experienced campers have learned many tricks along the way. The simple things that make camping so much more enjoyable, but you don’t ever think of until it’s too late. Here are some camping hacks that every camper should know.

So what makes the difference between a good idea and a great one? We say if you can replace a single-purpose items with multi-purpose items and reduce the impact on the environment, you have a great camping hack.

Sleeping socks

Spoil your feet and keep a pair of socks in your sleeping bag and use them just for sleeping. When you get out of your sleeping bag, leave them  in ready for the next time.

Dry it out

If you have steel cookware, make sure you dry them before storing to prevent rust. You can also put some silica packs inside to absorb the moisture.

Fire starters

• Hand sanitizer fire starter
• Cotton balls and vaseline fire starter. Store in an empty aspirin container.
• Lint in a toilet roll core fire starter

Keep you food outside

Don’t store food in your tent as wild animals will stop at nothing to get to it. If you are camping where there are bears roaming free, consider a bear canister for your food hung from a tree branch away from your tent.

Clot a bleeding wound

Use a tampon, especially for a puncture wound or bloody nose Cayenne pepper or corn starch is good for fast clotting and sugar is a pretty good antiseptic.

Dig deep

If you are eating bagged meals a long handled spoon or fork will make for a less messy meal. We like the ‘Kung Foon’ as an All-in-one eating utensil.

Water proof your matches

Create waterproof matches by dipping strike matches’ head in nail polish and let them dry. Store them in a waterproof match box and you’re all set.

DIY tinder box

Use a pencil sharpener with it’s own container to create tinder fast. A more deluxe example of a nice tinder box is the Grylls Tinderbox.

Breakfast in a flash

Scramble your eggs at home and put it in a water bottle. No more broken eggs or eggshells to worry about. Another variation is to place your scrambled eggs in a ziplock bag. To cook, simply boil your ziplock bag until the eggs are cooked. Perfect for a quick breakfast while backpacking.

Use your neck not your head

Stop blinding your camp mates every time you look at them by placeing your headlamp around you neck instead of on your head.

Spoil your future self

When hiking, leave some clean clothes in the car. Your future self will thank you for clean, dry clothes after spending some time outdoors.