Tag: Lantern

Camping Trip Hacks

None of us would ever think about going camping without food. It’s an essential part of the experience. We pack the food we’re planning to eat on the trip, as well as the pots, pans, plates and cups we’ll need to consume that food. We bring all the utensils we’ll need, including serving utensils plus forks, spoons and knives for eating Not to mention the various dishwashing liquids, cloths, towels and other things we’ll require to keep those items clean and dry.

Campsite hacks

The more times we go camping, the more we understand exactly what we need to pack and in what quantities. But even if you’ve been camping many times, there may still be a few “hacks” you could learn that will make your next trip even better. Here are some camping tips you may not have thought of before. If you can incorporate any of them into your next camping venture, I’ve done my job. Let’s first take a look at a few general camping hacks, then focus on the important stuff – food. Makeshift lantern. If somehow you forgot to pack a lantern, or it breaks, you can make one yourself. Just attach a headlamp to a gallon water bottle and you’ve got a glowing lantern. Duct tape. The uses for duct tape are pretty much endless. But just to name a few… repair a rip in your tent or clothing, ankle wrap for a sprain, close up your tent, make a rope and fix a leaky water bottle. Mosquito repellant. Once you get your campfire going, add sage to it. Mosquitos hate it. They’ll find someone else’s blood to suck, and you’ll have a nice aroma coming from your fire. Tick repellant. Ticks love the woods. They hang out on the tips of grass blades and leaves, waiting for unsuspecting humans and animals to walk by. Bring a spray bottle containing two parts water and one part tea tree oil, and spray it on your pants, shoes and socks. That should keep them away from you. Makeshift pillow. Campers want to travel light. One way to do that is to use your clothes bag for a pillow. Depending on whether you prefer a thick or thin pillow, remove whatever clothes you want to make it suit you. Bivy shelter. Some folks love tents. Others don’t think they’re worth the trouble of hauling around and setting up. For a more compact, lightweight sleeping structure, use a bivy shelter. It’s waterproof and it will fit over your sleeping bag.

Tasty campfire ideas

OK, now for the crucial elements – food. Let’s take a look at some things you can do in advance to improve your meals. Remember to keep everything in a cooler until you’re ready to eat it. Pre-scramble your eggs. Do you really want to be cracking open eggs and getting your hands all sticky when you just want to eat breakfast? Instead, crack them open before you leave home and pour them into a portable bottle to bring with you. Pancake preparation. Most people love pancakes, but many consider them too much trouble to make during camping trips. Prepare your batter in advance and bring it with you in a plastic bag. Then cut a hole in the corner of the bag and pipe your pancakes into the cooking device at your campfire. Toasted cinnamon buns. Use your skewers to spear cinnamon buns and hold them over the fire. A toasted cinnamon bun is the only thing that tastes better than a non-toasted cinnamon bun. Campfire French toast. French toast is another thing you can prepare prior to leaving for your camping trip. Make an entire loaf, wrap it in aluminum foil, and bake it over the campfire. Then add powdered sugar, fruit and syrup. Grilled pizza bread. There’s never a bad time to eat pizza, but most campsites don’t get delivery. Make or buy pizza bread in advance, put whatever toppings you like on it, pack it in aluminum foil and stuff it in the cooler. You’ll be glad you did.

29 Camping Hacks From REI Experts

Camping is a lot of fun until you realize it actually also involves a lot of work. Make your camping trip a little easier with this list of REI camping hacks every camper should know. RELATED: Camping Safety: How To Avoid Wild Animal Encounters REI Camping | 20 Genius Camping Hacks for Every Camper 1. […]

11 Tips to Help You Camp in the Rain

A downpour can be a bummer during a camping trip. However, with these informed tips on camping in the rain, you will not have to pack up and leave yet. RELATED: Camping Essentials For A Fun And Safe Camping Trip  11 Sure-Fire Tips for Camping in the Rain 1. Layer Up A well-layered system of the […]

7 Camping Light Ideas For Your Next Trip

If you’re going on a camping trip, one of the most important things to bring is your camping light. While flashlights do just fine, there are other, more creative camping light ideas you can try for your next trip. RELATED: Survival Life’s Camping Checklist for 2021 Camping Light Ideas | Unleash Your Creativity in the Dark […]

26 Badass Camping Hacks For Your Next Trip

Ever had to deal with a terrible camping experience because of a single item that you forgot? I know the feeling. That’s why I created this list of badass camping hacks to make every camping experience as memorable and as convenient as possible.

Survival Life’s Camping Checklist for 2021

Having a camping checklist allows you to cross-check and ensure you have everything you need to make your camping experience fun. Here is a detailed roundup of everything you need to ensure you enjoy your stay outdoors. RELATED: Camping Essentials For A Fun And Safe Camping Trip The Only Camping Checklist You Will Ever Need for […]

How to Have a Bug-Free Backyard

In most areas of the country, there are a limited number of days when you can truly enjoy your backyard. 

I’m talking about lying in a hammock or playing a bean bag game with the kids. Or eating a family meal at a table in the backyard or tossing the football around.

For one-half of the year in many places, it’s too cold to engage in those activities. And during the other half, you probably have to spend one weekend day mowing, weed whacking and trimming.

That leaves one weekend day free, but invariably other plans take precedence or it rains. In other words, there never seems to be enough days to enjoy the backyard.

Show ‘em they’re not welcome

So, when those rare days come along when you and the family can finally relax in what was meant to be a playground behind your house, you don’t want the day spoiled by annoying pests. Especially if you’re entertaining neighbors or friends.

But that’s exactly what a wide variety of bugs can do. Including mosquitos. It’s pretty much what they live for. They want to feast on you just as much as you want to feast on whatever you’ve got going on the grill.

Today I want to talk about some things you can do to help ensure that you will enjoy the backyard you’ve purchased more than the unwanted guests that buzz in for a visit. 

And I’ll conclude with my recommendation for the best product you can acquire to support your other tactics.

Don’t let standing water sit

There’s nothing more beautiful than a body of water. Unless it’s standing water in which mosquitos breed. 

This can occur in a number of places in and around your backyard. Including clogged gutters and sunken areas. Even pools and birdbaths.

It’s bad enough to have backyard bugs flying around looking to wreak havoc. You don’t want to provide them with an opportunity to multiply.

So, unclog your gutters, fill in sunken areas and regularly change pool and birdbath water. If mosquitos don’t see a good area to breed on your property, they’re likely to try next door instead.

Cover your garbage… and your food

Another thing that’s attractive to bugs – especially flies and ants – is garbage. If you keep your garbage and recycle cans outdoors, there are a few ways to avoid this.

First, always keep lids on those cans. Otherwise they are an open invitation to bugs. Second, keep cans away from areas where you want to spend time and entertain. Third, clean them inside and out after pickup day with soap and warm water.

Outside eating can be a lot of fun. But not just for humans. A wide assortment of bugs love it when you bring food into their habitat.

It’s essential to keep all your food covered when it’s not being accessed. And not just with paper towels, which can blow away or be crawled under. It’s worth investing in a few solid lids.

Plants and Trimming

Here are two other things you can do to help keep your backyard as bug-free as possible. One is to plant the types of flowers bugs don’t care for. Mainly due to their scents.

Among them are lavender (gnats, mosquitos), marigold (mosquitos, lice), chrysanthemum (ants, roaches, ticks) and lemongrass (mosquitos, aphids).

Others include mint (spiders, ants), basil (mosquitos, house flies) and petunias (beetles, leafhoppers).

Two, keep your landscaping tidy. Keep your lawn mowed, kill weeds and trim brush around your property. Overgrown grass, brush and weeds are a haven for a variety of bugs.

Bats and birds     

Many people consider bats creepy. They’d much rather pretend these denizens of the dark don’t exist than give them a place to hang out.

But those who have constructed a bat house on their property swear by bats’ ability to gobble up thousands of bugs. And because bats are nocturnal, you don’t even have to witness their food flights.

Another option is making your backyard bird-friendly. Feeders and birdbaths are a good start. Shrubs and small trees give them the cover they like.

With a variety of these feathered friends visiting your backyard often, you’ve got instant pest control.

Bug repellants

Most bug repellants work pretty well. But if you’re concerned about the chemicals they contain or the smell, you can formulate your own using natural ingredients. Use the substance on any exposed skin. Especially feet, ankles, lower legs and wrists.

Bug zappers can also be effective. Most use fluorescent light bulbs that emit ultraviolet light to attract insects into a high voltage electrical wire mesh, where they are electrocuted.

Another option is the citronella candle. It masks scents that are attractive to mosquitos. Because the oil evaporates quickly, these candles are usually only effective for a couple hours.

They may not have a lot of range (six to seven feet), but tiki torches also contain citronella oil that can confuse mosquitos. It’s a popular party decoration that can create a tropical island aesthetic.  

Miscellaneous strategies

Here are a few other tips and tricks…

• Patio fans are good for chasing annoying bugs like flies and mosquitos away. They also serve to cool you off on a warm day.
• Wear light-colored clothing when outdoors. Bugs see dark and bright colors more easily than white or beige.
• Give your dogs and cats flea and tick meds. This should keep your pets from transporting bugs from them to you or your guests.
• Keep your patio and deck clean. Even a few food crumbs left out can be a calling card for ants and other pests.
• Some folks like to spray their outdoor furniture with mint-flavored mouthwash. They like the scent but bugs don’t.

My recommendation

As promised, here’s my recommendation for the best way to keep your backyard bug-free.

It’s the BugOUT Solar Lantern from 4Patriots. We like to call it the king of bug-zappers. It only weighs a pound, but it packs a punch.

The BugOUT Solar Lantern charges endlessly in the sun with its solar panel, attracts and kills bugs, and cleans itself every 72 hours. It has three different light settings and a convenient handle so you can hang it anywhere.

In addition to being annoying pests, mosquitos can carry diseases. Protect yourself and your backyard guests with the BugOUT Solar Lantern.

Your Comprehensive Camping Checklist

If camping is a regular routine for you and your family or friends, you already know what you need to pack for each trip.

But suppose you saw a list that included a few items you might not have previously thought of? Or perhaps you’re just getting into camping and would like some advice along those lines.

That’s what I’d like to discuss today. Due to restrictions involving indoor events, more people are getting out and enjoying nature these days.

There will probably be a lot of camping going on over the next six months or so. I hope this “camping checklist” helps you include all the items you might need for your next excursion. Whether it’s at a state park, a private campground or your backyard.

Don’t pack too much… or too little

A family member of mine says, “If you’ve got it, pack it.” That might be fine for a long vacation. But it’s not what you want to do for camping.

One of the most enjoyable things about camping is getting away from it all. And that means a change of pace from many of the things you see or use or wear or eat or drink everyday. 

Making do with less will enhance your camping experience. And will probably lead to deeper and more meaningful conversations with loved ones. On the other hand, you don’t want to get stuck miles away from home without something you really need.

So, let’s take a look at this camping checklist. How much you pack will depend on a couple of things. One, whether you’re roughing it or going to a campground where a number of amenities are provided. Two, how long you’ll be away from home.

Either way, you won’t need everything on the list. But hopefully it will help you avoid forgetting something important.

Here it is…

• Tent, with footprints, stakes and mallet/hammer
• Ground cloth/tarp
• Sleeping bags
• Sleeping pads
• Blankets and pillows
• Headlamps, flashlights and extra batteries
• Camp table and chairs (if the site doesn’t have them)
• Lantern
• Clothesline with clips
• Toiletries
• First-aid kit
• Prescription meds
• Sunscreen and protective hats
• Insect repellant
• Lip balm
• Rain gear
• Extra clothing, including several pairs of socks and underwear
• Hiking boots
• Bandanas
• Survival knife
• Multi-tool
• Duct tape
• Paracord or rope
• Saw or ax for cutting firewood (if needed)
• Compass
• Binoculars
• Field guides for flowers and insects
• Whistle
• Walkie-talkies
• Emergency radio
• Backpack
• Disinfectant wipes

Cooking without electrical power

I purposely left off food and food-related items from the list above. We’ll get to them in a moment.

In most camping situations, there are few if any eating establishments nearby. That’s OK. Food tastes better while you’re camping if you cook it yourself. And no matter what else you do or don’t do while camping, you have to eat.

The issue then becomes, how will you cook your food without electricity? Here are three ways to do that.

• Grills and open-fire cooking. Grills use gas or charcoal. They have an advantage over open-fire cooking because their lids trap more heat. Open-fire cooking is a simple outdoor solution. Set a barbeque grill plate over an open fire and cook.
• Solar oven cooking. The trapped heat is used to cook food. You can bake, boil, steam, stew and even dehydrate food. This is a safe option without flames. No fossil fuels are required and no air pollution is produced.
• Portable gas stoves. The two best options are butane and propane. Butane stoves are portable and can generate enough heat to do most cooking. Propane is a highly dependable fuel at freezing temperatures and high altitudes.

Don’t forget the food

Now for those promised food-related items: 

• Perishable food packed in a cooler or ice chest
• Non-perishable food for snacking
• Plenty of bottled water and other beverages
• Personal water purifier
• Fire starters
• Cooking, serving and eating utensils
• Cooking pots, pans, plates and cups
• Tongs and skewers
• Oven mitts
• Cutting board
• Tablecloth with clips or tape
• Canteen/thermos
• Coffee pot
• Can opener
• Heavy duty aluminum foil
• Dishwashing liquid and sponges
• Paper towels and napkins
• Zip-top bags
• Trash and recycle bags

Camping trips may be the most enjoyable times of your year. Getting away from it all and getting back to nature at the same time can do wonders for your mental and emotional state during a trying time. 

Just don’t forget to pack anything before you leave.

Building a Power Outage/Blackout Kit

A power outage kit is a survival kit that every prepper should invest in. Power outages are relatively common, and some may take longer than expected. RELATED: Emergency Preparedness for Blackout Threats How to Build a Power Outage Kit in Three Simple Steps What Is a Power Outage Kit It is a box or kit […]

How To Turn Your Bug Out Bag Into A Minimalist Backpack

Have a minimalist backpack you can carry in a jiffy. You can’t always take a heavy bug-out bag wherever you go, especially if you’re in a hurry. Here’s how to prep that! RELATED: Your First Bug Out Bag – 50 Essentials For Your Kit Minimalist Backpack | Everything You Need to Know Become a Minimalist In […]