camping out

On occasion while on my travels across the world, I have visited locations that warranted longer stays, and not wanting to miss sunsets and other visual delights, I would choose to camp out overnight.

It is hard to beat seeing an epic sunset before settling down to a campfire, under a blanket of twinkling stars. I’ve learned however, that there are some things you can do to make the overnight adventure a bit easier.

Hopefully these will be of some help to you too.

Pack a LifeStraw:

There is only so much water one can bring on a trip, and if you run out, you are in for some bad times! And if your camping decision is an impromptu one, then it is easy to get caught short.

It is for this reason that I always pack a LifeStraw in my backpack. Inexpensive and compact, a LifeStraw (or any other brand of similar device) will allow you to get a nice drink of water from sources that you may not be sure of, quality wise.

While LifeStraw will remove impurities and bacteria, keep in mind, you still will be unable to drink salt water through this – an easy mistake to make!

Create Ambient Light Easy:

Lights from torches can be sufficient, but these are designed to be directed beams of light, and sometimes, you need a more ambient source of light.

All you need is a clear water jug and a light source (even the camera flash on your mobile device will suffice). Attach the light source to the side of the water jug and voila! You now have ambient light!

Keeping Bugs Away:

Bug repellent can be very effective to keep unwanted nasties away from your camp area, but often times, these sprays are far from ideal to carry about with you.

The solution? Carry a little Sage with you. Toss this into your campfire, and bugs will stay away!

Coffee Drinker? Here’s how you can Enjoy Coffee Easily!

If you are like me, a nice hot coffee at the end of a long day is the perfect way to relax. But brewing coffee at a campfire is not very easily done.

Luckily, there is a way! Simply take enough grounds to make a single cup, and place them into a coffee filter. Tie the top of with some unflavoured dental floss.

Now all you have to do is place the filter into a cup, as you would with a teabag, and leave to brew to your desired strength.

Use Cotton Pads As Fire Starters:

Nothing can be as frustrating while out camping, then trying to get a fire going. Especially as the light starts to dwindle, and your tummy begins to rumble.

However, soak cotton pads in a little wax, and these will burn for ages, enabling you to get your fire started with ease.

Armed with these ideas, you will be able to just get on with enjoying that sunset!