Being an outdoor junkie is incredibly common; having nature hacks up your sleeve in the event of an emergency or random badassery is another. Knowing which spiders don’t bite so you can pick them up and hand over to your friends as a party trick is just the beginning. Below are ten hardcore nature hacks—starting with good ol’ fire.
FIRE
Often the difference between life and death, it’s also a great way to unite campers.
Lint inside a toilet paper roll kindling: Finally, a purpose for all of that grimy lint that you incessantly pull out of your dryer. Save it up with your cardboard toilet paper roll trash. Simply fill the middle section with lint and voila—you have a match ready light fire starter!
Doritos or Cheetos as kindling: Not just the flaming hot flavor either. The fat content in both of these chips makes them very flammable. It’s probably better on your waistline this way, too.
Alcohol swabs as fire starters: You’ll find these in your handy first aid kit. In a pinch rip one open and light. You’ll have a high flame for about 30 seconds–1 minute.
A Crayola crayon as a fire starter: Not only is it a great fire starter, it will burn for up to 30 minutes!
SAFETY
Superglue stitches: Super glue is small, light, and easy to carry. It can “fix” all sorts of things, including your lacerations. If you slice your finger with a knife or other object, the most important thing to do before closing is clean it out thoroughly. Irrigate with clean water. Once you’re certain it’s clean, pinch almost all of the way closed, apply glue along the “seam”, then fully close and hold until the glue sets. You’ll feel pressure and a throb, but this is normal.
Mapping your route with arrows from rocks/sticks: When your hiking path forces you to choose a way look around for sticks and rocks and create an arrow on the ground pointing you towards your way back.
Figure out how much time is left in the day: Judging the sunlight left to hike in the afternoon can be tricky sometimes. You don’t want the night to fall and get lost getting back to your campsite or car. Don’t worry, there is a hack for that too. Put your hand up in the sky and place it right below the sun. Count the number of fingers it takes to reach the horizon from the bottom of the sun and multiply that by 15. Each finger counts for 15 minutes of light left from where you’re standing.
FUN
Beer/Can popcorn: Pour some popcorn kernels into an empty beer can about ¼ of the way full. Then add some popcorn/olive oil, and place the can on the edge of the fire. Allow the kernels to do their thing until the pops slow down to more than a couple of seconds apart. Cut the can in half and chow down.
Coffee tea bags: Pour coffee grounds into a coffee filter and then tie it off with dental floss. That’s it! A portable coffee bag that can be used just like a teabag
Natural mosquito repellent: Throw some sage in the campfire. Now you have a wonderfully smelling campfire that will repel insects! It’s that easy.
You are now equipped to the next level of outdoor badassery that you can showcase to your friend the next time you seek and find adventures together.
