Camping

My dad taught me some few camping tips and hacks that made our lives easier back then, and to this day, I apply what I learned in my hunting excursions and camping trips with my family.

Now, I know there are a lot of modern equipment and camping gear that already make our camping trips a lot easier, but they can never make it easier compared to these hacks.

For example, what happens when I forget my matches? What happens when I forget to bring anti-itch creams?

I used to think of other ways to create fire, or how to keep away pesky mosquitoes. These camping tips, as primitive as they may be, still work and I am glad I learned them from my father.

Camping Tip #1: Burn Sage to Keep Mosquitoes Away

Sage herbs | Top Camping Tips I Learned From My Old Man

You don't want to have the company of mosquitoes on your camping trip. The best way to keep them away is by burning sages in your campsite because it is a natural mosquito repellent.

What is sage? It is an evergreen perennial shrub that belongs to the mint family. Besides being a mosquito repellant, sage has many other uses such as creating savory dishes and improving oral health.

Avoid pesky bites and annoying buzzes but more so, avoid them so you can't have possible diseases.

Camping Tip #2: Learn to Distinguish Poisonous Plants

Learn to tell which plants are poisonous in order to avoid getting in contact with them. One common example of poisonous plants often encountered when camping is the poison ivy.

Poison ivy can cause bad itching, irritation, and sometimes even painful rashes.

Camping Tip #3: Use Doritos as Tinder for Your Fire

Ready for an interesting camping checklist? A bag of Doritos can really keep your fire going and strong because this snack pack is flammable.

Read the label at the back because it might just reveal its secret to you. It's such a waste to just use Doritos for fire, and I'm not advocating the burning of plastic, but when SHTF, this might come in handy.

Camping Tip #4: Or if You Don't Want to Sacrifice Your Snacks, Use Cotton Pads Dipped in Wax

A more practical approach to camping tip #4 is cotton dipped in wax. Much like a candle wick, they're quick to start a fire and keep it going.

Camping Tip #5: Have your Paper Egg Tray as the Ultimate Fire Starter

Paper egg tray | Top Camping Tips I Learned From My Old Man

That, and match light charcoal. What you do is fill the paper egg tray with the match light charcoal and light the whole thing up!

The Doritos and the cotton pads can serve you well, but this is for when you need a faster and bigger fire for a bigger bunch of people when camping.

Camping Tip #6: Use a Vegetable Peeler for Hygienic Purposes

You don't peel dirt, that's not how it works. When camping, your hygienic routine may not be like it was at home, with all the items you conveniently use.

Your bar of soap can be maximized by a vegetable peeler. How? Peel a portion of your soap when you need it.

This will prevent you from losing the entire bar but still having enough to yourself.

Camping Tip #7: Hide Your Money in a Soap Bar

It's one of those old boy scout tricks that just doesn't fail. It's one of the most unsuspecting areas to stash a valuable.

Who would ever find the time robbing a place and examine every bit of item, including soap? That's why it works.

Your soap bar isn't just for washing alone, then.

Camping Tip #8: Always Have Aluminum Foil Handy

Aluminum foil barbecue in Grill | Top Camping Tips I Learned From My Old Man

As food preparation is an inseparable part of every camping trip, the aluminum foil should be found in every camper's pack. Wrap your meat and other food items and place them over a fire.

It will come out nice, soft, and juicy. It will also help you create and maintain portions of food for cooking, eating, and storing.

Camping Tip #9: Try Roasting Starbursts

I love roasting marshmallows on an open fire, and back then, we used sticks! Now my nephews and nieces discovered something else: Starbursts.

Have you ever thought of roasting Starbursts over the campfire? It's as good as it could get, really.

Flavors playing in your mouth is something marshmallows can do, but Starbursts is on a different level.

Camping Tip #10: Roast Hotdogs on a . . . Rake

If you ever need to grill those tasty hotdogs all at once, a rake can do that for you. Utilize the several stands on the rake and save time in cooking.

Just make sure somebody's holding the rake well and looking into what you are grilling in there.

Camping Tip #11: Have Aromatic Herbs with You

Forego bottled marinades because it's just added baggage. Instead, use aromatic herbs.

Have aromatic herbs such as rosemary burned directly into the fire to easily smoke your steaks or other dishes in flavor. Go natural while camping, and have fun while you're at it too.

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25 Top Camping Tips I Learned From My Old Man

This summer, don't forget these tips on your camping trip whether you're camping alone, with your friends, or your family. These are easy to remember and is perfect for outdoor warriors with all kinds of experience.

Got more camping tips to share? Don't forget to comment and share your experiences and tips.

Do you have more camping tips to add to this post? Share your camping knowledge with us in the comments section below!

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