Low-Budget Vacation? Try Camping

• Use silicone or wax for sticky zippers.

• Set out your lantern while it’s still light so you won’t have to search for it after dark.

• If your boots or shoes get wet, heat some sand over the stove or fire and pour it onto the sides of your footwear. Doing this several times helps dry them.

• Put an old piece of carpet in front of your tent door to wipe shoes and bags.

• To make your sleeping pad less slippery, apply drops of glue or seam seal to the surface to give it more friction.

• Put fresh eggs, veggies and fruits in an ice chest with a few ice blocks or freezer gels. Food should keep for at least three days. Or opt for freeze-dried and dehydrated meals.

• Roll fragile items in your sleeping bag.

• Cardboard tubes from paper towels and toilet paper make great fire starters.

• Air your tent out indoors after your trip to prevent mold.

• Make blue-tip wooden matches waterproof by dipping them in candle wax.

For an extensive list of tips, visit Camping Tips from Boy Scout Troop 886

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On This Topic

• Introduction • Camping Styles • Reasons to Camp • Camping With Children • Packing List • Sleeping Bags • Backpacks • First Aid Kit • Safety Precautions • Handy Tips • Tent Setup • Choosing a Summer Camp