Helping campers since 2011

Camping Hacks Part8


Testing these camping hacks was fun! Some of the ideas were more helpful than others, though. Read on to find out which were which.

Camping hack #36

Use a bucket and a milk crate as an emergency toilet

In an emergency, why not just go behind a tree?

If you've never acquired that very practical skill, you should really read this book.

If that doesn’t appeal to you, I’m guessing that you won’t enjoy using a bucket either.

If you prefer not to use the woods, and you find yourself somewhere without a bathroom and you are organized enough to bring along a bucket and a milk crate - why not invest in a portable toilet? It will be more comfortable, and will feel more like the real thing.

The bucket and milk crate set-up is awfully bulky for an “emergency” system. When my kids were small and hadn’t yet mastered their “behind the tree” skills, we brought along a little portable potty seat. It didn’t take much room to pack. We lined a basin with a couple of plastic bags and set the seat on top.  That made a perfectly usable portable kid toilet.

The verdict: I didn't try this. It seems impractical for its intended audience.

Camping Hacks Part8



KingCamp Camping Equipment
BIG SALE!

Check out the current sale at KingCamp! Up to 40% off high-quality camping gear, tents, chairs, sleeping equipment, camping kitchens and more....all your outdoor essentials!

Click here to find your bargains!

KingCamp banner



Camping hack #37

Cotton pads dipped in wax are a crazy easy way to make portable fire starters.

Stay tuned! I am going to try this any day now, as soon as I figure out how to melt the wax without wrecking my pans!


Camping hack #38

Bring microfiber towels — they’re super absorbent and lightweight.

We have a couple of these, and they are great! I wish that I’d remembered to bring these along on our cross-country camping trip.

microfiber towel 2025

They pack very small, they absorb a lot of water, and they dry much faster than a regular towel.

I’d much rather use one of these than use a damp bath towel.

Colored microfiber towels

The verdict: These are great! we highly recommend them and there are MANY different options on Amazon!


Camping hack #39

Freeze gallon jugs of water and place them in your cooler.

I’ve done this for years - but I use tetrapacks of juice instead of gallon jugs of water.

tetra juice container in soft cooler

Since tetrapacks are rectangular, they don’t waste space in the cooler.

When the frozen container has thawed, you have nice cold juice to drink!

The verdict: A great idea!


Camping hack #40

Make emergency light sources out of an Altoids tin, cardboard, and wax.

I'll try this on the same day I try #37. It should be an interesting day!


Camping hack #41

Make sandwiches with a campfire panini press.

I would love to try this but I don't have a panini press. Maybe for my birthday......?

Here's the one I'd like! You can purchase it HERE on Amazon.

We hope you enjoyed camping hacks part8!


Did you miss the first part of the series? Click here to begin at the beginning.


Be sure to visit The Camping Family home page for help in planning your next camping trip.



Geyoto Camping Electricity Solutions
Halloween Sale!

Check out the many products at Geyoto Technology Ltd for your camping electricity solutions

Save up to 52% on select GEYOTO N300 and N1000 power stations and solar generator kits. Oct 15-Nov 5

Click here to read more and get the best price!




Most Popular

Camping Lists

Food Ideas

Camping Gadgets

Screen Tents

Tin Foil Dinners

Planning your Trip


KingCamp Khan Bell Tents
12% discount!

 Upgrade your glamping experience with the KingCamp Khan Bell Tent Collection!

Click here to get 12% OFF with code AFFKHAN12


Recent Articles

  1. Best Campsites in the Dordogne, France

    Oct 30, 26 04:59 AM

    Find the best campsites in the Dordogne in France! Discover the 5 best family campsites from luxury to budget in this stunning area of France.

    Read More

  2. The Best Tree Tents For Camping - Which Is Best For YOU?

    Oct 27, 26 07:17 AM

    Tree Tent 1 under 1st Para
    The Best Tree Tents for Camping -Your Complete Guide to Sleeping Off the Ground. Find out why a Suspended Tree Tent Setup Can Work Better Than Ground Camping

    Read More

  3. Backpacking Food Ideas for Your Family; The Best Foods For A Trip!

    Oct 20, 26 03:30 AM

    another bowl of oatmeal
    The best backpacking food ideas are light to carry, easy to prepare, delicious, and filling. Here are my favorites!

    Read More

Find Us on FB 2025

Like and Follow Us HERE