If you love to participate in camping activities, you must be knowledgeable with creating do-it-yourself projects (DIY). These projects may involve creating camping gears that may help you survive in the wilderness.
Compared with buying ready-made items in your local market place, making your own camping gear presents benefits. You can save money while training yourself to become prepared on emergency situations.
In this article we shall be discussing camping gear items that you can DIY in your own home. With a few materials and tools, you can make one that fits your requirements.
Backpack
Have you ever experienced a time when you do not have enough storage during camping?
Do you wish you have another bag to carry your valuables?
If your answer on both questions is yes, this DIY project is for you.
A backpack can help you carry pertinent tools and equipment for your camping activity. Moreover, it is a lifesaver should you encounter damaged or lost backpack.
When creating a DIY backpack, you will need a wood or card stock, cotton cloth, cabs, screws, adhesive, padding, nylon cord and other accessories. The size of the cloth you need to get depends on the size of the backpack you want.
You can start by creating the frame of your backpack. You can make it as big or as small as you want. Use your glue or adhesive to keep the joints in place. For more secured joints, you may use screws.
Next, you can create the straps using nylon webbing. You may opt to attach buckles and adjustment accessories depending on your preference. For a more comfortable feel, do not forget to add padding around the straps.
Lastly, cover the frame with your cotton cloth or canvas. Make sure to leave at least an inch of seam allowance. To prevent fraying, hem the sides before stitching the edges together. You can use nylon cords as your enclosure as zippers may be hard to install.
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag is an essential part of your camping gear. It allows you to sleep comfortably in the night. It keeps your body away the ground rubble and dirt. Moreover, it helps you stay warm on chilly night.
Aside from these benefits, you can also use it as a dog shelter for your furry pet. Also, it is an excellent way to prevent your water on becoming frozen as the night goes.
To create a DIY sleeping bag, you only need a few things. You need at least two blankets, cotton sheets, Velcro tape and sewing materials.
First, attach the Velcro tape on the sides of the blanket. Make sure that you can loop them both. As you work on the bottom edges up to the sides, it will create an envelope.
Next, stitch two of your cotton sheets up to a chest height. This will create a liner which prevents potential itching.
We recommend you pack the DIY sleeping bag in a waterproof bag. Place the lining inside and situate a rope in the middle. Tie the back properly by rolling the rope up and bending it over top. Lastly, secure it in your backpack.
Battery Pack
In case of emergency, you must be equipped with a battery for your vehicle or tools. Should you find yourself lacking a battery supply, there is no need to fret. You can create a DIY battery pack which you can use on flashlights and bicycle.
You will need a lemon juice or vinegar, tape, paper towel, aluminum foil and copper coins. You also need a spoon or spatula as well as a bowl for mixing.
Initially, you need to roll up a paper where coins may fit in. On one of the sides, tape a piece of aluminum foil securely. Next, create aluminum chucks having the same size and number as the coins. Repeat this step with pieces of paper towel which shall absorb the vinegar or lemon juice.
Then, you can fill up the tube of paper with alternating paper towel, coin and aluminum. Repeat the process until the entire tube is completely filled. Place a coin on the end and start using this DIY battery pack.
Water Purifier
When you are in the wilderness, it is important to keep yourself hydrated. With this, you must always bring along tons of drinking water on your trip. However, it is difficult to find a good water supply when camping.
Most camping enthusiasts utilize water purifiers to treat water without leaving chemical residue in it. If you need one in an emergency, you can easily create a DIY version of it. You can use it to disrupt micro-organisms and their reproduction. It also does not provide a bad smell and taste.
You will need a couple of things – ultraviolet LEDs, resistors, electrical tape, switch, wire and battery. You must also equip yourself with a few tools such as wire strippers, cutters, hot glue and scissors.
You can start by soldering the resistors and LEDs. It is pertinent to secure any exposed wire with electrical tape. Make sure that that the anodes and cathodes are respectively connected.
The next step requires you to connect a switch between the circuit we just created. You can then place the LED in a small container, leaving its switch outside. You may spread the light evenly by bending the LED heads.
Lastly, seal the container using hot glue and tape, allowing no water to spill inside. You can use it by submerging it on water for at least 30 seconds.
Final Thoughts
Making DIY camping gear may be challenging. Aside from the fact that you need basic supplies to create one, it can take a lot of time. In addition to this, the quality may not be as great as the ones available in the market.
Despite the challenges it may present, it can come in useful in times of emergency. Participating on activities that allow you to create camping gear is educational and fun. Furthermore, it may help you save money. Most camping gear runs on an expensive price.
