Mr. W's Gear Guide - More Camping and Backpacking Tips
1).
My first tip I actually learned from Mr. Nielson on the nine peaks hike.
If your water tastes a little funny after filtering, drop a couple of
‘jolly ranchers’ in your water bottle, these dissolve as you are hiking
& flavor the water. Small
chunks of orange peel also works especially if iodine tablets were used for
purification.
2).
This is for external framers, to conveniently carry water bottles while
backpacking, attach bicycle water bottle cages to your frame.
Two ˝” hose clamps will securely hold the cage & water bottle to
your frame. Attach one cage
on either side for balance.
3).
Inexpensive shower curtain rings or large diaper pins with plastic safety
heads are great for zipper pulls or for hanging sandals, cup, or wet objects on
your pack. The safety pins can also
come in handy for emergency repairs.
4).
Ask mom to save prescription medicine containers with the childproof cap.
These are watertight, & make a great containers for matches,
concentrated soap, salt, pepper, soy sauce, first aid disinfectant, etc., etc.
Eye drop containers are made out of ‘Nalgene’ & can also be used
for carrying liquids.
5).
An effective bug repellent resides in the laundry, use fabric softener
sheets, & place them amongst your clothes, & hat while in your backpack.
Place one inside your sleeping bag, it keeps it smelling fresh & thus
reduces the wear & tear of frequent washing/dry cleaning.
6).
Here’s one grandma told me. Pack
some Baking Soda in a 35mm film canister or one of those prescription
medicine canisters (ref: tip # 4). You
can mix it with a little water into a paste to soothe insect bites, bee stings,
or my favorite, poison ivy. Sprinkle
it into your backpack, sleeping bag, or boots to get rid of odors.
You can even use it as toothpaste, deodorant, & to prevent chafing,
if you get my drift.
7).
Pack along a travel pack of ‘baby wipes’ they are easy to use in the
privacy of your tent as an alternative when a bath or shower is impossible, they
clean, deodorize, & moisturize.
See
you on the trail,
Mr.
W.