Heading out for a summer camping trip? There are a few simple hacks for camping newbies, courtesy of Kim Wonderely in this week's Road Report.
If you're a seasoned camper, you already have these trips to the great outdoors dialed in. But for the mildly adventurous, here are a few quick tips.
One of the worst things about camping are mosquitoes. Besides keeping them away with spray on stuff and citronella candles, did you know that burning sage is a natural mosquito repellent too? Throw it on the campfire or let it smolder off to the side for a longer lasting effect.
Since mosquitoes can be very active at dusk, this is an easy way to keep them away from your evening fire.
Ants can be another uninvited guest at your campsite. Sprinkling cinnamon or spraying with a diluted peppermint oil around your perimeter can help deter them.
If you're having trouble getting that campfire going, Doritos and corn chips can serve as kindling. They help get the flames going thanks to the starches and oils in the chips.
If you're planning to pack in some food, this is a good time to invest in a a vacuum sealer. It's a space saver and keeps food fresh.
Another way to save space in your cooking supplies is pack herbs and spices in an empty container, like a Tic Tac package, rather than lugging a bunch of glass jars. The candy packages are small and light and have a tight seal.
For cleaning up, people have long gravitated to Dr Bronner's Liquid Soap. Go with the unscented version and use it for all manner of cleaning. It's body wash, a shampoo, mouthwash, and a shave cream. It's even suitable for washing dishes or laundry. And it's nice that it's all natural and biodegradable.
Pack along some microfiber towels too. They're lightweight, absorbent and best of all, quick drying. They eliminate the need for wasteful paper towels.
