Making homemade ice packs for coolers is easy, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. By learning how to make ice packs for coolers at home, you can save money and reduce waste.

Not only will these DIY ice pack solutions save you money, but they’re also perfect for keeping your cooler cold or your lunch box fresh during your favorite outdoor activities. Some of these methods can also be used as a cold press ice pack substitute in a pinch.

Here are six easy methods to make your own ice pack alternatives at home.

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1. Sponge Ice Pack

Materials needed:

• Large, clean sponges
• Resealable plastic bags (e.g., Ziploc bags)
• Water

Instructions on how to make ice packs for coolers from a sponge:

1. Fully saturate the sponges with water.
2. Place each wet sponge into a resealable plastic bag.
3. Squeeze out any excess air and seal the bags.
4. Place the sealed bags in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
5. Once frozen, add the sponge ice packs to your cooler or as a DIY ice pack for lunch boxes.

Tip: Two standard sized kitchen sponges fit almost perfectly in a sandwich sized resealable bag. You’ll definitely want two inside a quart sized bag and either of these options is almost a perfect size for a kid’s lunch box.

2. Saltwater Ice Pack

Materials needed:

• 2 cups of water
• 1/3 cup of table salt
• Resealable plastic bags

Instructions on how to make this ice pack substitute that stays cold for a long time:

1. Mix the water and table salt until the salt is dissolved.
2. Pour the saltwater mixture into a resealable plastic bag.
3. Squeeze out any excess air and seal the bag.
4. Place the sealed bag in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
5. Once frozen, add the homemade saltwater ice packs to your cooler.

Tip: The more salt you add, the lower the freezing point and, therefore, the colder your freezer needs to get. It can also take longer to freeze. So if you find ⅓ cup of salt to 2 cups of water is too much, use less salt. You can even start with just a couple tablespoons and add more too it if that works fine for you.

3. Dish Soap Ice Pack

Materials needed:

• Liquid dish soap
• Resealable plastic bags

Instructions on how to make homemade ice packs for your cooler that last a long time:

1. Fill a resealable plastic bag with dish soap (about 3/4 full).
2. Squeeze out any excess air and seal the bag.
3. Place the sealed bag in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
4. Once frozen, add the dish soap ice packs to your cooler or lunch box.

Tip: You can also use dishwasher detergent for this. Be sure and double bag it so it doesn’t make a mess.

4. Corn Syrup Ice Pack

Materials needed:

• Corn syrup
• Resealable plastic bags

Instructions on making DIY ice pack alternatives for coolers using stuff from your kitchen:

1. Fill a resealable plastic bag with corn syrup (about 3/4 full).
2. Squeeze out any excess air and seal the bag.
3. Place the sealed bag in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
4. Once frozen, add the homemade corn syrup ice packs to your cooler or lunch box.

Tip: Remember to double-bag or use heavy-duty plastic bags on this one to avoid sticky leaks that could attract bears or bugs.

5. Rice or Dried Beans Ice Pack

Materials needed:

• Uncooked rice or dried beans
• Cloth or fabric (e.g., a clean sock or a small pillowcase)
• Needle and thread (optional, may just tie knot to seal a sock)

Instructions on how to make ice packs for coolers that are dry, but not as cold as alternatives:

1. Fill a cloth or fabric pouch with uncooked rice or dried beans.
2. If using a sock, tie a knot at the open end. If using a pillowcase or fabric, fold and sew the open end shut.
3. Place the rice or bean-filled pouch in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
4. Once frozen, add the rice or bean ice packs to your cooler.

Tip: This ice pack option works well for keeping food items cold without making them wet, as the cloth absorbs condensation.

6. Gel Ice Pack

Materials needed:

• 1 cup of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
• 2 cups of water
• Resealable plastic bags

Instructions on making a soft ice pack that doesn’t freeze solid:

1. Mix the rubbing alcohol and water together.
2. Pour the mixture into a resealable plastic bag.
3. Squeeze out any excess air and seal the bag.
4. Place the sealed bag in the freezer for several hours or overnight.
5. Once frozen, add the gel ice packs to your cooler or lunch box.

Tip: The alcohol prevents the mixture from freezing solid, resulting in a flexible, slushy consistency that can be molded around items in the cooler. If you’re looking for an ice pack substitute that doesn’t freeze solid, this is an excellent choice. It can take longer, or a colder freezer, to gel up nicely though. You can add less alcohol if that’s a problem for you.

Tips and Tricks for Using Homemade Ice Packs

1. Pre-chill or freeze items before placing them in the cooler. This will help reduce the amount of work the ice packs need to do to keep everything cold.

2. Layer the ice packs in your cooler. Place a layer at the bottom, then add items, followed by another layer of ice packs on top. This will help distribute the cold evenly and keep everything cool longer.

3. Fill empty spaces with extra ice packs or crumpled newspaper to minimize air circulation, which can cause your cooler to lose its chill faster.

4. Keep your cooler out of direct sunlight and limit the number of times you open it. Both of these factors can cause the internal temperature to rise more quickly.

5. Use larger ice packs for longer trips, as they will retain their coldness longer than smaller ones.

6. When making homemade ice packs, double-bag them or use heavy-duty plastic bags to avoid leaks. You can also wrap them in a cloth or towel to help absorb any condensation.

7. Label your homemade ice packs with their contents (e.g., dish soap, saltwater) to avoid confusion and ensure they are not accidentally used for other purposes.

8. If you need to keep items extra cold, consider combining different types of homemade ice packs in your cooler. For example, you could use saltwater ice packs to lower the overall temperature, and then supplement with gel ice packs that can be molded around specific items.

Why Make Your Own Ice Packs at Home

By following these instructions and tips, you’ll be able to create effective and reusable homemade ice packs that will keep your cooler contents cold and fresh for an extended period.

These homemade ice pack alternatives are not only perfect for everyday use but are also great for various outdoor activities. Whether you’re going camping, hunting, spending a day at the beach, enjoying a BBQ, fishing, boating, or simply exploring the great outdoors, these DIY ice packs will keep your food and drinks cold and fresh.

These six easy ice pack substitutes are perfect for creating cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally friendly ice packs for coolers and lunch boxes. Try one or a combination of these homemade ice pack options to keep your food and drinks cold during your favorite outdoor activities.

The post 6 Easy DIY Ways to Make Ice Packs for Coolers appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

One was waking up at 3 in the morning to see a gorgeous, perpetual sunset. The other was waking up at 3 in the morning, sweating profusely in the tent because, well, the sun wouldn’t go down.

Tents getting too hot in the summer is an all-too-common problem many experienced campers can sympathize with. During the day, everything left inside the tent roasts as the sun beats down and the heat gets trapped inside. This is sort of like the greenhouse effect, only without the dangerous atmospheric gases.

At night, the heat retreats, but the tent can still feel like an oven once you’re inside. Your body also produces heat that will also be trapped, and combining this with little airflow leads to a tent too hot to sleep in comfortably.

Knowing how to keep a tent cool is an invaluable, but sometime elusive, skill. Luckily, there are a lot of secrets to help cool down a tent in the heat. There are plenty of solutions, from setting the tent up strategically in the shade, buying the right tent, setting up a reflective sun cover above the tent, or being bold and removing the rain fly.

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How to Keep a Tent Cool While Camping

After a night spent in a tent that’s too hot, you’ll likely want to give up and never go camping again. With all the trouble sleeping, you need to start looking for solutions and learning how to keep the tent cool to get back out in the woods happier than ever.

You can make your entire summer camping experience drastically better and keep the tent cool by:

• Camping near water
• Setting up in the shade
• Buying the right tent
• Bringing a battery-powered fan
• Opening the tent doors and vents
• Removing the rainfly
• Using a tarp or a reflective sunshade

1. Camp Near the Water

Following Leave No Trace Principles, you should never camp closer than 200 feet from any water source. That being said, even a campsite 200 feet from a river can greatly affect the air temperature.

Rivers and water sources tend to bring a lot of cool air as the water absorbs the heat from the air around it. If you camp near a water source, you can benefit from these effects and sleep better with the sound of water in the background.

2. Set up Camp in the Shade or the Dark

When you arrive at your campsite, selecting the ideal location to set up your tent is a crucial moment. It can make a significant difference in your level of comfort when it’s time to rest after a long day.

One of the most effective ways to prevent discomfort is to pitch your tent in a shaded area. This will reduce the amount of sunlight that heats up the tent as you complete other camp tasks. Consequently, you’ll be able to sleep in a tent that hasn’t been sweltering in the sun all day.

However, shaded areas are not always readily available. For instance, the only available spot might be under a large dead tree, which can pose a few safety issues. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to set up camp in the absence of shade.

If you opt to wait until after sunset, you’ll avoid the greenhouse effect that can occur inside a tent that’s been exposed to the sun all day. Although pitching a tent in the dark can be challenging, with practice, it will become second nature.

3. Buy the Right Tent

To keep your tent cool, it’s important to consider its design and purpose, which should be taken into account even before purchasing it.

There are two main types of tents: single-walled and double-walled. Single-walled tents consist of only one layer between you and the outside. In contrast, double-walled tents have a mesh body that’s covered with a rainfly. The latter is considered more appropriate for summer camping.

Single-wall tents are designed for winter camping, where they are intended to trap heat. Consequently, they are not suitable for summer camping. When choosing a tent, look for one with ample mesh to provide adequate ventilation.

Recently, I purchased a new tent, and I noticed that the mesh on this model didn’t extend as far on the doors as my old tent. As a result, there was less airflow, and I felt hotter as I slept.

Small differences in design, such as reducing the amount of mesh, can significantly impact the tent’s overall performance in keeping you cool.

Consider a large, breathable canvas tent made of light-colored fabric with many windows. Even if you are only one or two people, the large size and windows will allow more airflow. Light color materials will not absorb as much daytime heat. And canvas breathes so well that it doesn’t heat up as fast as synthetic tents.

4. Bring a Battery-Powered Fan

If you’re car camping, a battery-powered fan is a great way to increase airflow throughout the tent at night. Many different models are available that don’t make much noise and are impressively powerful.

Positioning the fan near an open door is an effective way to swiftly alter the temperature inside your tent by drawing in the refreshing outdoor breeze.

5. Level Up and Bring a Mini Evaporative Cooler

Using an evaporative cooler to cool down your tent is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to beat the heat during hot weather camping trips. By simply filling the cooler’s water reservoir and turning it on, the fan will pull in warm air and pass it through a moistened pad, resulting in a cooling effect as the air is released.

With the convenience of a battery-operated mini swamp cooler, you can glamp up your camping experience and enjoy a comfortable and refreshing night’s sleep while surrounded by nature.

Mini Air Conditioner

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Add a couple of handfuls of ice from the ice chest and some water, and you have a personal AC. This one is small and compact enough for camping and is USB rechargeable. There are larger options that could run off a generator or external battery for larger tents.

These are always helpful but not as effective in humid areas like the Southern US. They work incredibly well in arid environments like out West.

How to Keep a Tent Cool Without Electricity

Most of the methods we recommend in this list for how to keep a tent cool don’t require power, but here are a few more ideas of how to keep a tent cool without electricity.

6. Open the Tent Doors and Vents

Most tents are designed to allow for a certain amount of airflow to help you out when the tent is too hot. These vents are often small but can be incredibly effective in the summer. Unzipping the doors and rolling them back to keep them open when the weather is right can help dramatically. Opening both doors allows air to flow through the tent and keeps air from getting trapped inside and heating up quickly.

This applies only to double-walled tents with a mesh layer and a waterproof rain fly that can be taken off separately. You want to keep the mesh layer fully secured, without gaps that could let the summer bugs in, but the rainfly is where you can create spaces for ventilation.

7. Remove the Rain Fly

When the weather is on your side, you can remove the entire rain fly. This requires checking the forecast or observing the weather conditions around you before deciding to take the rain protection away.

Whenever I take the rain fly off, I often leave one corner connected to the tent poles and fold it neatly underneath that corner of the tent, weighted with some gear or a rock to keep it in place. This allows me to get the rain fly thrown over the tent and put up quickly in case some unexpected rainstorms come through at night. There’s nothing much worse than waking up to a storm coming down inside your tent.

8. Cuddle Frozen Water Bottles

This is the opposite of the classic winter camping hack of putting a hot rock or water bottle in your sleeping bag at night to stay warm. If your tent’s too hot and you’re trying to keep cool without electricity, use a frozen water bottle instead.

Day or night, carry this thing around like a newborn baby, and it’ll take the edge off. You can hold it to your head or neck, or wrap it in a t-shirt and snuggle it at night to stay cool.

Cooler ice packs, a bag of ice, or even a wet towel could also be used in this way. It may not cool the whole tent, but it can help individuals feel cooler.

Staying Cool in Your Tent at Night

Nighttime can be one of the most critical times to keep the tent cool. With a tent that’s too hot, you’ll end up tossing and turning the entire night, losing every bit of energy that you may need for a big hike or adventure the next day. Therefore, these extra tips to stay cool at night in your tent are incredibly important to note.

9. Bring an Extra Cooler of Ice and a Fan

Put the previously listed suggestion on steroids and bring an extra cooler full of ice with you in addition to an electric or battery-powered fan.

Open the cooler lid inside your tent at night and set up the fan to blow over the top of the ice and toward you. It’s like a DIY air conditioner that will take the edge off the heat and allow you to fall asleep.

10. Sleep Alone

Sleeping in a tent with fewer people can significantly aid in keeping the tent cooler at night. The human body naturally generates heat, and with multiple people occupying a small tent, the temperature inside can quickly rise.

By reducing the number of individuals in the tent, you decrease the amount of body heat and breathing that contributes to the heat buildup. This simple adjustment can make a big difference in ensuring a comfortable and cooler camping experience.

No one likes sleeping next to another sweaty body. Sometimes it’s well worth bringing the extra tent just to avoid the discomfort and potential bitterness between tent mates.

11. Sleep on Top of the Sleeping Bag and Use a Sheet Instead

For many, myself included, sleeping inside a sleeping bag can help you fall asleep. While it can be a weird shift, sleeping on top of your sleeping bag rather than inside it will help keep you cool while sleeping.

Instead of a sleeping bag, you can pack a thin sheet to sleep under during the hot summer. This has always helped me still sleep comfortably without overheating.

Keeping Your Tent Cool During the Day and Without Shade

If you’re backpacking and have a layover day, managing the tent throughout the day is essential to keep the temperature down. Often, this is easily solved by setting the tent up in the shade, but many areas are without shade. There are two effective ways to keep your tent cool during the day when shade isn’t available.

12. Take the tent down during the day

It might be obvious, but taking the tent down when the sun comes up is probably the most effective way to avoid the tent getting too hot. Depending on your tent, the take-down time can be incredibly brief, causing only a minor nuisance. Simply wait until the temperature drops at night and set the tent back up.

A tent that isn’t set up won’t get everything inside it to a boiling temperature. However, some tents have a more involved process with setup and take-down. In that case, you need to look for other solutions.

13. Use a Tarp or Reflective Sun Shade

A tarp or a reflective sun shade are great ways to build your own shade when natural shade isn’t around. This can be trickier, but with the right materials, you can create a highly effective shade shelter that can actually be more useful than natural shade.

Reflective sun shades are designed to bounce the sun away, meaning the shelter isn’t absorbing much heat. This allows the breeze to take away any heat in the tent without combatting the sun constantly adding heat to the system.

If it fits, one of those pop-up canopies over top of your tent would allow for plenty of airflow and do a lot to keep the direct sunlight off your tent.

Tent Considerations for Staying Cool

Selecting the right tent is crucial to staying cool while camping in warm weather. You’ll need to take into consideration factors such as ventilation, size, and color to ensure a comfortable camping experience.

As mentioned before, buying the right tent can dramatically affect your ability to keep your tent from getting too hot. The best backpacking tent will have a balance of features that fits your needs exactly. The design of each tent comes from long planning with intentional uses, so it’s necessary to understand the differences between each tent you choose from.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is one of the best ways to help cool down your tent when the temperature rises. Many tents utilize small air vents that can be propped open or velcroed shut when not in use.

These are often located on the top of the tent, allowing the hot air to rise and escape when it reaches the vents. The difficulty here is designing the vents to allow air to escape without allowing rain to enter.

Another feature to look for is a door that can be rolled back and pinned open. This can be used as a massive vent for when you have great weather but don’t want to risk taking the rainfly off completely.

Some tents won’t have any ventilation designed into the system, which should be a total red flag if you plan to do any summer camping. These are for winter, intentionally designed to trap as much heat as possible.

Tent Material

Some tents are made up of different materials that want to breathe and allow airflow to happen naturally, while others will trap heat and have very little movement of air.

Canvas, nylon, and polyester are the three most commonly used materials in building tents. Each material has its pros and cons, but when you’re focused on not allowing your tent to get too hot, it comes down to breathability.

Canvas can be a great choice when you want to stay cool. Cotton duck canvas is more breathable than synthetic materials like nylon and polyester, so canvas tents tend to heat up more slowly. But they also take longer to cool down.

They still get hot, so make sure you choose one with plenty of windows for good ventilation. Some, like the Kodiak Flex-Bow Deluxe, even have vents near the roof to help release rising hot air.

Mesh

The amount of mesh used on a tent depends on how much ventilation you want and how lightweight the tent aims to be. Extremely lightweight tents incorporate more mesh, which packs down small and weighs practically nothing.

With a lot of mesh, you’ll feel every breeze that makes its way to the tent. This can be great for the summer months since it is significantly more breathable than any other material.

What color tent is best to stay cool?

While many people don’t put a lot of thought into the color of their tent, it can be essential for staying cool. Tan or other lighter-colored tents can help to keep the sun from being entirely soaked up. Darker colors absorb the sun and heat everything much quicker than their lighter counterparts.

What can I put on my tent to keep it cool?

Some tents can be covered in a reflective material that will bounce the sun away. These tent covers are great for super sunny days but won’t do much more than help trap the heat when night falls. For that reason, these are great during the day but can be a hindrance in the nighttime.

The post Tent Too Hot? 13 Proven Ways to Keep a Tent Cool appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Now picture the same lake, but add thousands of mosquitoes swarming your vision, buzzing in your ears, and biting every bit of exposed skin they can get. Less tranquil, right?

Insect-borne diseases like West Nile, Zika virus, Lyme disease, malaria, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever pose a threat to your health. Bug deterrence plays a vital role in keeping you safe from annoyance and potentially life-threatening injuries and diseases. No matter where you go, bugs will be a part of your journey.

There are a few ways that tend to work the best for managing outdoor pests. While many people will have their own small tips and tricks, we find that using repellent, dressing appropriately, and sleeping smart are efficient and effective ways to deal with bugs outside.

Use Insect Repellents

Bug spray is one of the easiest and most effective methods of keeping bugs away while you spend time outside.

DEET has been a popular ingredient in bug spray for years and years. The reason that it works so incredibly well is by disguising your natural scent.

DEET is considered safe for use by most people when used as directed, but there are potential risks to be aware of. These include skin irritation, toxicity if ingested, greater environmental impact due to lack of biodegradability, and potentially increased risk for children and pregnant women.

To minimize the risks, it’s important to use products containing DEET as directed, avoid excessive use, and consider alternative insect repellents like picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that products containing DEET should not be used on infants younger than 2 months old. Additionally, pregnant and nursing women should talk to their healthcare providers before using DEET-containing products.

There are plenty of other options when it comes to bug repellents that still keep bugs away without harsh chemicals.

Environmentally Friendly Bug Repellents

Many plants are natural bug repellents, the most well-known being citronella. The oil from these grasses is extracted and made into bug spray, candles, bracelets, and almost anything you can think of to wear to keep bugs away.

Lemon eucalyptus is another popular plant to help keep bugs away. While it won’t work as well as DEET, it still repels bugs for a long time. Like DEET, different plant oils work to keep bugs from being able to smell us, thus preventing them from eventually biting us.

Look for candles, bracelets, and bug sprays made from citronella, peppermint, lemongrass, soybean oil, or neem oil. These are all gentler on both your body and the environment.

That being said, not all smells are going to keep bugs away. Some will attract them, leading to a worse-off camping trip. So avoid perfumes and other sweet-smelling, fruity fragrances.

Pet and Kid-friendly Repellents

Don’t forget about the kids and pets! While it can be easy to forget them (especially pets), the younger, fluffier, and smaller ones of us are at just as high of a risk for getting insect-borne diseases.

However, pets and children have much more sensitive skin than grown adults. The insect repellents recommended for pets and kids are easy on your skin while still being effective at keeping bugs away.

Kid and pet-friendly repellents utilize oils from castor plants, geraniums, soybeans, citronella grasses, and cedarwood to create a toxin-free formula. Getting the right insect repellent for each person is incredibly important to avoid uncomfortable rashes that might arise from a harsher chemical, like DEET.

Dress Appropriately

Mosquito shirts and bug nets are extreme examples of dressing appropriately to avoid getting bitten while outside. Simple modifications to your clothes and gear can be enough to keep bugs away.

Clothing

For starters, wear long pants and then tuck them into your socks. This might look a bit nerdy, but it prevents ticks from crawling up your pant leg and finding a nice home nestled into your skin. On top of your long pants, wear a long sleeve shirt, and yes, tuck it in.

Any little bit of space that exposes the skin is a target for insects. They’ll flock right to the small gap between your shirt and pants when you bend over to tie your shoe. This leaves you with an unpleasant lower back bite that’s hard to reach and harder to ask for help with scratching.

When hiking, always wear a hat to prevent ticks that can fall from above and land on your head before making themselves comfortable on your scalp.

Gear

Your gear also affects how much exposure you have to bugs. A backpack like the Gossamer Gear Gorilla uses tough fabric and minimal ventilation, making it an impenetrable fortress for bugs.

When you get to the tent at night, you don’t want to toss your bag in and bring thousands of tiny critters along with it. Zip everything up tight in order to stay bug-free.

Bug nets, bug gloves, and bug shirts work well for environments that have low visibility due to mosquito clouds. With a head net, you can still exist outside without needing to constantly battle the buzzing insects around your head.

The main idea is to leave the least amount of skin exposed as possible. This might mean you’re a bit warmer than you’d like during the day, but it’s easier to cool off at the end of the day than to pick ticks out of your hair or cover your legs in anti-itch lotion. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Sleep Smart

Sleep is when many people get bit when they don’t have the right gear. Bugs are far more active at night when the temperature drops, making it a dangerous time to be out. With the right camping gear, you can prevent bugs from sharing the bed with you, making you wake up feeling miserable.

For starters, choose the right tent material that’s less likely to get holes, such as canvas. If it’s too late for that, fix all of the holes in your tent. This will keep your tent more like a formidable fortress and less like a vulnerable villa.

If you’re sharing the tent, make it the Golden Rule to always close zippers as soon as you are in or out of the door. Mosquitoes will sit and wait for that door to open, then hop inside as soon as given the chance.

Learn When Common Pests Are Active

By knowing when bugs are the most active, you can prepare accordingly. You don’t need to bring a load of bug spray when you head on a winter camping trip in Alaska, but if you’re heading up in the summer, you better bring the entire arsenal.

Active pests will change depending on where you’re at. There are plenty of places you can go and avoid mosquitoes but find ticks, and vice versa. Do your research and know what to expect before going out and facing the bugs head-on.

Spring

In the springtime, pests are just starting to become active again. While it’s not the biggest time for them, it’s important to be aware and start going outside with the right preparations.

Look out for:

• Mosquitoes
• Ants
• Flies
• Stinging insects (bees and wasps)

Summer

Summer is the season in which insects thrive. It’s hard to go out and not encounter loads of bugs in the summer, but maybe you’re lucky to live in one of the few places where there aren’t that many of them.

This is the time to bring everything. Get all the best insect repellent and come dressed for the task at hand.

Summer is prime time for:

• Mosquitoes
• Sand flies
• Noseeums
• Ticks
• Spiders
• Ants
• Stinging insects (bees and wasps)

Fall

Fall tends to provide some relief with the cooler temperatures as bugs start to hole up for the winter. While you’re not entirely in the clear, it can be a much more enjoyable time than the summer (when talking about bug encounters).

Two of the biggest insect issues in the fall are related to:

• Stink Bugs
• Ladybugs

While they aren’t technically harmful, they can still be tough to deal with and a nuisance.

Winter

Ah, the season of sweet relief from insects. While it would seem like you’ll never encounter any insects in the winter, it can be surprisingly possible as they seek out warm places to try and survive the winter. As it turns out, your tent and sleeping bag make a great spot to try and warm up.

A good cold-weather camping tent can help keep insects out when you decide to brave the cold and sleep outside. Just know that you still can’t leave the zippers completely open and expect freedom from insects all winter long.

The post How to Deal with Bugs and Enjoy Your Time Outdoors appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

A camping trip is one of the best ways to take the company retreat, give it a total makeover, and bring excitement to employees and leadership staff alike. Not only does a company camping trip help make things more fun, but it can also be one of the best venues for leadership and team development.

Done well, a company retreat at a campground can dramatically boost morale and help everyone increase work performance in the long run. This article will help get the first or fifth company camping trip up and running for a successful retreat!

How Camping Functions as a Team-Building Exercise

Team building is a classic part of camping trips. Organizations and schools send students and employees through team-building development workshops at outdoor centers all the time. This is because the outdoors is the best possible venue for team building and group development.

For starters, the outdoors has proven to bring about a more positive mindset, which expands awareness and opens us up to new ideas. The nature of camping also leads to a lot of group work that doesn’t feel like work. Even without specific team-building exercises, plenty of it will happen naturally.

Setup

Setting up camp can take a long time when doing it alone. Framing the setup of camp as a group effort can push people to work together in ways that they haven’t before. If anyone has tried to set a tent up alone, they know the helpfulness of many hands.

Even more expensive camping tents can be a hassle, which is where the team comes into play.

Everyone will work together to help set up tents, group shelters, a camp kitchen, and collect firewood to get a campfire going. These roles and responsibilities can be split and shared, teaching effective delegation and teamwork tactics.

Every activity that the group will do while camping will require some level of setup, providing ample opportunities for everyone to take on leadership roles and practice completing shared tasks.

Communal Cooking

Cooking big dinners while on a company camping retreat is the perfect example of natural teamwork in the outdoors.

Cooking outside isn’t as simple as cranking the stove and throwing a few steaks on. The process is much more involved, especially when cooking for a large group. Everyone will need to come together and split tasks up. A few people are slicing vegetables while others collect water to boil over the fire that another group is starting.

We can’t forget the dishes. Cleaning dishes while camping is more complicated than tossing things into the dishwasher. With all the dishes, a large group of people will still take a fair amount of time to tackle the task collectively.

All of this working together for a common goal is what team building at a company retreat is all about!

Gathering and Maintaining Supplies

Campfires aren’t just enjoyable to look at, they can be helpful to manage the bugs and make everything better. Keeping a fire going for hours at a time requires a lot of firewood. Everyone must work together to collect enough wood, break it down, and keep the fire stoked.

While fire tending is often everyone’s favorite job, there are plenty of other group tasks to take care of. Water collection can be big, especially if the site is situated farther from a water source.

Gathering and maintaining supplies can help everyone work together. From planning and collecting all of the food before the trip to putting it all away neatly at the end, this is a team-building opportunity that happens throughout the entire experience.

How to Organize a Safe Camping Experience for a Group

In a perfect world, everyone comes away from group camping trips with closer relationships and plenty of lessons learned. An unsafe camping trip can lead to the complete opposite. Human resources sit at the core of this, as HR is the key factor in organizational success, including on retreats like camping.

A company camping trip will likely require filling out the right HR paperwork, explaining the rules and expectations, and briefing everyone on the requirements for a safe experience. Those in charge of the trip need to have the right working knowledge of basic survival skills in case of an emergency.

Each company will handle the HR sector differently than others. What they all share is paperwork. Talk to your HR director (who is hopefully joining on the camping retreat anyways!) to ensure you have all your bases covered. Write a detailed waiver, check it with administration, and ensure everyone has signed it before heading out.

In addition to having the paperwork, do all the work necessary not to need it! That means training any leadership in wilderness first aid, group leadership, and bringing other professionals in if necessary. There are many outdoor facilitators that specialize in group camping retreats, and they can add a lot to the trip if given a chance.

Do’s and Don’ts of Group Camping

Do: Have Enough Space

Make sure you have a campground large enough for your entire company. Not only do you need the space in the campground, you need the space for every individual to feel comfortable. That means bringing enough tents and bedding and ensuring you have the right campsite reservations with enough area to spend time in.

Camping tents can cost a lot, but they don’t have to. If you buy the right tent, each person can feel comfortable. This significantly influences how much they enjoy the experience and how much they take away from it.

Don’t: Expect People to Entirely Fend for Themselves

Many employees will have never gone camping before, and not everyone is naturally fit for life outdoors. Don’t expect everyone to show up with the right gear and knowledge for the trip.

You can work to find interest areas for everyone individually but also provide enough training and information beforehand that will help everyone prepare and know what to expect.

One of the most essential things on any camping trip is the food. Make sure there’s more than enough. People need to eat, and they may not expect how much more they need to eat when working outside.

Second to food is physical comfort. Bugs are one of the harshest factors when camping, and you need to know how to deal with bugs to have a good time. This can turn any camping trip completely around.

You may also try scheduling activities for everyone. This way, people aren’t sitting around trying to find things to do and being bored throughout the day. Plan engaging activities and create a playful and diverse environment that has something for everyone.

Do: Provide a Packing List

Again, don’t expect everyone to know what to bring. A packing list before the trip is the best way to ensure people show up with the right equipment, making them capable of enjoying the time rather than being uncomfortable.

A sample packing list would include the following:

Extra clothes – Having extra clothes will help everyone stay warm when the temperature inevitably drops at night.

Rain gear – Hopefully the rain stays away, but rain gear helps everyone stay comfortable even when it doesn’t.

Snacks – Some people are picky about their food, and it’s nice to have special snacks for yourself when sharing food with a group.

Sleeping bag – A comfortable sleeping bag can make all the difference at night.

Sleeping pad – As people age, a more comfortable sleeping pad becomes more important.

Water bottle – Hydration is even more important when camping, so a personal water bottle or hydration pack can help everyone remember to drink plenty of water.

Hydration additions – Many people won’t like the taste of water outside, so extra packets of flavoring with electrolytes can help everyone stay hydrated.

Medications – While everyone should be on top of this, it’s good to include them on the packing list to ensure there aren’t any medical emergencies that could have been easily prevented.

Reading material – For downtime on a camping trip, encourage employees to bring books along rather than trying to check their phones.

Don’t: Schedule Activities That Require Prior Training

A lot of outdoor activities require training before heading out. For example, a hunting trip would require weapons safety training, making it a dangerous activity to have for a group of people without that training.

Scheduling activities that anyone can do will help keep the trip as inclusive as possible. Hiking, fishing, birdwatching, group games, and basic survival courses are all great examples of activities that people without any experience can try out or be easily taught.

The post Why a Camping Trip Can Be the Perfect Company Retreat appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

That’s where nature therapy comes in – by reconnecting with nature, we can reduce stress and improve our overall well-being.

The practice of “forest bathing” in Japan, also known as shin-rin yoku, is often credited as the inspiration for modern nature therapy, but the roots of this approach go back thousands of years.

Nature therapy uses the healing power of nature to improve mental and physical well-being. Activities like hiking and gardening can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while improving mood, concentration, and overall health. Reconnecting with nature provides a break from the stresses of modern life.

What is Nature Therapy For?

The goal of nature therapy is to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also improving mood, concentration, and overall health.

The benefits of reconnecting with nature are numerous and scientifically proven, and it only takes a few minutes of outdoor time to start feeling the effects. Whether you’re dealing with mental health issues or simply looking for a way to unwind and recharge, nature therapy offers a powerful and natural solution.

Types of Nature Therapy

Over the years, several forms of nature therapy have been developed to target different audiences. A lot of these therapies can be pursued alone, but many benefit from operating in conjunction with the assistance of a mental health professional.

Anyone can enjoy the peaceful elements of nature without needing to seek out a clinic or doctor. It’s important to note that if you’re seeking additional help through nature therapy, it’s always a good idea to contact a professional first. It’s possible to have miseducative experiences and do more harm than good.

Adventure Therapy

Adventure therapy is based on participating in outdoor recreational adventure activities ranging from rock climbing and mountain biking to whitewater rafting or long-distance backpacking.

Many treatment programs will utilize camping as one of their main methods of adventure therapy, providing the opportunity to be outdoors for longer.

If you want to try it out on your own, gather some basic supplies and find a quiet spot. Tents don’t cost a fortune (at least not all of them), and you can make it easier on yourself with an ultralight backpack.

We have a great article with tips and tricks on how to sleep better while camping so that you can get the full benefits from your time in nature.

Adventure therapy is often done with others, both for companionship and safety purposes. This might be a good option for those seeking stronger relationships and who feel happier when they’re with others.

Dark Therapy

Dark nature therapy can refer to a type of nature therapy that takes place outdoors at night, such as stargazing or moonlit walks.

This approach aims to help people connect with nature in a different way and can be particularly helpful for those who may have limited time during the day to spend outdoors or who live in urban areas with a lot of light pollution.

Spending time in nature at night or stargazing can be beneficial for individuals dealing with various mental health challenges. It can be particularly helpful for those experiencing stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

The quiet and peaceful atmosphere of the night can also provide a sense of calmness and help individuals to relax and unwind.

Moreover, exposure to natural darkness at night can help regulate the body’s natural circadian rhythm and improve sleep quality, which can have a positive impact on mental health.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that outdoor activities at night can also pose certain risks, such as tripping or encountering wild animals, so it’s essential to take proper safety precautions.

Conservation Therapy

This approach combines elements of nature therapy and conservation education, and often involves activities such as hiking, wildlife observation, and participation in conservation projects.

The goals of conservation therapy include reducing stress and promoting relaxation, improving mood and self-esteem, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world, and promoting environmental awareness and stewardship.

Research has shown that engaging with nature in this way can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being, as well as lead to greater pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors.

Conservation therapy can be particularly helpful for individuals who feel disconnected from nature or who are struggling with stress or anxiety related to environmental issues. It is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapy.

Therapeutic Horticulture

Getting your hands dirty can actually make your brain release more serotonin, making you instantly happier. The bacteria found in soil activates your brain cells, just like antidepressant medication.

This is only one of the several reasons why therapeutic horticulture is one of the more popular methods of nature therapy. You get to go outside, plant a garden or flowers, and in the process, make something beautiful. This can be incredibly powerful for naturally creative people who want a place to channel that energy.

Therapeutic Farming

Farming can be an entire process in which you get to create something that gives back in the form of food. You get all the benefits of traditional nature therapy, with the responsibility of caring for and maintaining a farm.

These “care farms” are abundant in Europe and are now making their way toward the United States. As more and more of them pop up, therapeutic farming will continue to grow and help many people feel better through agricultural practices.

How to Get Started With Nature Therapy

Nature therapy can be as simple as setting aside some time to get outside and soak up the sunshine. You can find a local trail to hike with a friend or just sit in your backyard and spend some time in the fresh air.

Find ways to learn more about nature therapy, whether reading up on the topic or going out and looking locally for any practices that may promote it. These are often individual life coaches, mentors, or groups that get out with the goal of healing time in nature.

Not all nature therapy needs to be performed by a clinician, so find a resource you feel comfortable with and try it out.

The post What Is Nature Therapy and Who Can Benefit From It? appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Many emergencies like natural disasters or being lost outdoors can cause issues that aren’t handled easily by the social systems and tools or gadgets we often rely upon. In these scenarios, basic survival skills can play an essential role in keeping yourself safe as you weather the storm.

Basic survival skills such as first aid, risk assessment, and outdoor and weapon safety, can all come in handy when you are faced with actual emergencies. All of these skills can provide practical assistance as well as a sense of calm and security, which can be crucial for survival in difficult situations.

What Are “Basic” Survival Skills?

Learning a few basic survival skills can help you feel significantly more confident in an emergency. While it can often seem that you need to be an expert in all of these areas, the basics are what end up being used and relied upon the most.

Starting at the basic, beginner levels of knowledge in these areas will provide a solid foundation to build upon or rely upon in an emergency. These skills are only considered “basic” because of their importance and the need for them in all situations, making them an essential set of skills to have in your arsenal.

First Aid

Debatably one of the most basic skills out there, first aid is also one of the most important. It can make the difference between treating a small wound properly and losing a limb because of infection.

Basic first aid skills include learning proper wound care, CPR, assessment and documentation for first responders, and maintaining patient comfort.

These skills can be acquired through short first aid courses, and you can build upon your skills at home or through more advanced courses. The wilderness first aid (WFA) courses offer skills that help you treat patients with few resources on hand.

You’ll also learn how to prepare an emergency first aid kit that you can have on hand in case of disaster. Keeping yourself informed and prepared can keep you safe in a survival scenario, and basic first aid is a great place to start.

Risk Assessment

In an emergency, you can face a wide array of threats. These range from environmental threats such as storms and wild animals to human threats, disease, or the threat of limited resources. ‘

Regardless of the threat you face, there will always be risks that should be closely assessed and planned for. Risk assessment is a huge part of survival and can be considered one of the best basic skills.

Risk assessment involves identifying, planning for, and avoiding specific threats. This comes in handy when you’re facing any level of risk in a survival scenario, but it also comes into play throughout your day-to-day life.

You can practice risk assessment simply by choosing certain routes to drive to work or making certain choices on a short hike.

Outdoor Safety

Outdoor safety is a survival skill that encompasses a variety of techniques and practices to keep individuals safe and prepared when exploring and enjoying the outdoors. This includes knowledge of weather patterns, first aid skills, navigation skills, campsite selection, food and water safety, and awareness of potential environmental hazards such as wildlife or dangerous terrain.

Outdoor safety skills are important because they can prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses that could become life-threatening in remote areas without immediate access to medical care or emergency services.

By understanding and practicing outdoor safety skills, individuals can make informed decisions about where and how to travel, what gear to bring, and how to respond to emergencies.

Some basic outdoor safety skills include packing appropriate gear, dressing in layers for changing weather conditions, staying hydrated, and avoiding dangerous wildlife. These skills can be learned through courses, practice, and experience, and can help ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.

Weapon Safety

Weapon safety is an essential survival skill that involves understanding how to safely handle, store, and use firearms, knives, and other weapons.

Whether it’s for hunting, self-defense, or survival situations, improper handling of a weapon can result in serious injury or death.

Weapon safety includes knowledge of firearm mechanics, proper grip and stance, safe loading and unloading procedures, and awareness of the surroundings before and during use. It also involves responsible storage and transportation of weapons to prevent unauthorized access or accidents.

By practicing weapon safety, individuals can protect themselves and others from harm and increase their chances of survival in dangerous situations.

Where Can You Learn Basic Survival Skills?

Online

There are a variety of online resources available to learn basic survival skills, including websites, blogs, and YouTube channels. These can be a great low-cost/free option if you do well on your own and are self-motivated.

Online courses such as those offered by NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) and Udemy also provide comprehensive instruction on topics such as wilderness first aid, navigation, and survival mindset.

Additionally, many survival experts and instructors offer online coaching and consulting services for personalized guidance and support.

Courses

Taking in-person courses is an excellent way to receive hands-on instruction and training in survival skills. Many organizations offer survival courses, such as the Boy Scouts of America, REI, and various wilderness schools.

In-person courses allow for direct interaction with experienced instructors who can provide personalized guidance and feedback. Additionally, they often include practical scenarios and simulations that allow students to apply their skills in a realistic setting.

By taking in-person courses, individuals can gain the confidence and skills necessary to handle unexpected situations and increase their chances of survival in the outdoors.

Bootcamps

If you’re short on time, a boot camp will drill the most information into you in the shortest period. These tend to be a higher cost but can be effective to take on a ton of new learning without much time commitment.

Benefits of Learning Basic Survival Skills

Learning basic survival techniques can provide numerous benefits, including increased confidence and self-reliance in outdoor or emergency situations, potentially life-saving knowledge of first aid, navigation, shelter building, and food and water procurement.

Additionally, learning survival techniques can be a fun and rewarding experience that can lead to personal growth and new hobbies. You can find ways to go out and try nature therapy, longer survival trips, and even create a long-term survival camp that you can revisit.

Finally, it can foster a deeper appreciation of the natural world and promote a sense of environmental responsibility.

The post The Benefits of Learning Basic Survival Skills and How to Start appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

There are numerous small steps that we can take to make a difference. For instance, finding ways to make vacations more eco-friendly is one such step.

Following the pandemic, people realized the importance of taking breaks from work and spending time outside. While this is vital, it is equally important to do so in a sustainable manner.

If you’re looking to make your next vacation more environmentally friendly, there are plenty of simple steps you can take. You could consider a staycation or camping trip, opt for the more eco-friendly flight itinerary, cook your own food, and use public transportation to get around town. With these easy tips, you can enjoy your vacation while making a positive impact on the planet.

Types of Environmentally Conscious Vacations

Sometimes the biggest shift you can make starts with choosing the type of vacation that you’ll go on. While many people think of vacation as a long plane ride to a tropical beach, it doesn’t always have to be that way.

Many other vacation styles can help you get away from home without going too far. It’s amazing how far from home you can feel when you put some thought and effort into exploring the places that are all around you.

Staycations

A staycation is a great alternative to traveling far from home as it can be a fun and eco-friendly way to enjoy time off. With a staycation, you can explore your local area, try new activities, and support local businesses.

This might include a hotel stay downtown, a night out at a new restaurant, and catching a performance by a local band. Or find the museums you’ve overlooked by doing a walking tour of your own city or town.

Not only does this reduce your carbon footprint, but it also allows you to appreciate the beauty and culture of your own community. Plus, with less travel, you can save money and reduce the stress of packing and navigating unfamiliar places.

Overall, a staycation can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to recharge while minimizing your impact on the environment.

Camping

Camping is a unique and environmentally conscious way to travel. By spending time in nature and leaving technology behind, you can reconnect with the natural world and appreciate its beauty.

Camping also allows you to reduce your environmental impact by using fewer resources and producing less waste. You can cook your own food over a campfire, use a reusable water bottle, and pack out all your trash.

Additionally, camping provides an opportunity to learn about conservation and how to leave the environment in better condition than you found it. By choosing to camp, you can have a memorable trip while taking steps to preserve the environment for future generations.

Local Vacations

If you still want to get farther away from home, try looking for local vacations. When I was growing up, we often got on the train and took it two hours north to Chicago, where we would visit art museums, parks, and countless restaurants.

These mini-vacations were still exciting to my entire family. We would ride the train and watch the cornfields of Illinois pass by to end up in a massive city filled with entertainment. We got a vacation that was just like traveling hundreds of miles to New York, but with a short and fun train ride.

By reducing the distance you need to travel, you are reducing the amount of transportation-related carbon emissions that are released into the atmosphere. A short drive or train ride can take you to nearby destinations for hiking, sightseeing, or relaxing in a new environment.

Try looking closer to home for a trip that can still be fun for everyone!

How To Make Long-Distance Vacations More Eco-friendly

Sometimes there’s a vacation destination that you just have to go to. Those places can often be far away, but you can still find ways to make those trips more eco-friendly.

Choose the Most Direct Flight

Taking a flight can have a significant impact on carbon emissions, but there are several ways to reduce your impact when traveling by air. One option is to choose flights with fewer stopovers, as takeoff and landing contribute significantly to emissions.

Additionally, you can offset your carbon emissions by donating to a carbon offset program, which invests in renewable energy projects or carbon reduction initiatives to balance out the emissions from your flight.

By taking these steps, you can help reduce the environmental impact of your air travel.

Cook Your Food

Cooking your own food while on vacation can be a more environmentally friendly (and more pocketbook-friendly) option compared to eating out for every meal. When you eat out, you are likely to consume more processed and packaged foods, which generate more waste and require more resources to produce.

Cooking your own meals allows you to control the ingredients, reduce waste, and support local food systems by shopping at local markets.

Additionally, cooking with locally sourced ingredients can reduce the carbon emissions associated with transporting food long distances. By preparing your own meals, you can also save money and reduce the number of single-use items, such as plastic utensils and containers.

Overall, cooking your own food while on vacation can be a sustainable and enjoyable way to experience new flavors and support the environment.

Makeover Your Gear

Replacing your travel gear with more environmentally friendly items can be a simple but impactful way to reduce your carbon footprint when traveling. Choosing items made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo or recycled plastic, can help reduce waste and prevent the use of virgin resources.

For example, replacing disposable water bottles with a reusable one, and single-use plastic bags with reusable shopping bags, can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste generated during your trip.

Additionally, investing in durable gear that lasts longer can reduce the frequency of replacements, saving money in the long run. Ultralight backpacks for longer, more difficult backpacking trips are a great example of this. Ultralight backpacking gear makes good-quality gear out of less material, meaning more can be made with less material being produced.

By choosing more sustainable travel gear, you can travel with a clearer conscience and help protect the environment for future generations.

Use Public Transportation

Public transportation, such as buses, trains, and subways, is a more environmentally friendly option than driving a car. They can move many people at once, reducing the number of individual cars on the road and thereby lowering carbon emissions.

Additionally, they often use cleaner fuel sources and are more energy-efficient. By using public transportation, you can save money on fuel and parking costs while also reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.

Moreover, public transportation promotes social interaction and reduces social isolation by connecting people from different communities. Ultimately, choosing to use public transportation can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and improve your quality of life.

The post How To Make Your Next Vacation More Eco-friendly appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Even with this as a primary goal, getting outside and learning about nature will foster essential life skills such as patience, responsibility, and so much more. Time spent outdoors improves academic achievement, strengthens communities, and deepens personal development and well-being.

With all the benefits laid out by countless research studies, the hardest part ends up being the first step of just getting kids outside and having fun. Luckily, there are thousands of engaging and creative ways to get kids out and learning about nature, such as hiking, camping, fishing, stargazing, outdoor crafts, gardening, and so much more.

Outdoor Activities To Do With Your Kids

Here are just a few examples of outdoor activities that you can do with your kids. Each activity offers unique and exciting experiences that can ignite a sense of adventure and wonder in most children.

Hiking

One of the easiest things to do on our list is to simply get up and go hiking. Hiking often sounds intimidating to many young kids, but it can be anything from a short walk around the local trails to a long-distance trek that takes several days.

Depending on the kid you take out, you can make a short hike longer and a long hike shorter, making it incredibly accommodating.

Kids can start hiking at almost any age. From the moment they walk, you can bring them along and let them move at their own pace. Even before they’re walking, it’s a good idea to introduce them to the concept by carrying them along on shorter hikes.

To make hiking more enjoyable, it’s important to make sure you have all the right gear. Hiking boots that fit properly can make all the difference when walking around on uneven terrain.

For longer treks, you can also bring along ultralight backpacks that make the load you carry significantly easier to bear. These make an excellent choice for kids learning how to hike with backpacks without making it too challenging from the start.

Camping

Camping with kids is a wonderful way to create special memories while teaching them about the natural world. Exploring the outdoors, observing plants and animals in their natural habitats, and learning basic survival skills all contribute to a better understanding and appreciation of nature.

Camping can help children develop a deeper connection with the environment and cultivate a love for the great outdoors. They can learn about the importance of conservation, environmental stewardship, and sustainability by practicing Leave No Trace principles while camping.

Moreover, camping provides a unique opportunity for families to unplug from technology and experience the beauty and tranquility of nature. Overall, camping with kids not only creates special memories but also helps them foster a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

Camping can be an excellent opportunity for parents to bond with their children in nature, particularly when equipped with a variety of activities to keep kids engaged. Establishing camping as a family tradition and gifting camping-related items to children can also enhance their enthusiasm for future trips.

Fishing

Making plans to go out and spend time next to the water can be a significant experience for kids. When they start fishing from a young age, there will be a massive learning curve until they finally catch their first fish. Once that first fish is caught, there will be a huge desire to get out and try again.

Fishing is also great because you can switch things up and try out fly fishing, deep sea fishing, or stick to your local ponds and lakes. It’s a versatile activity that can get you and your kids outside almost anywhere in the world.

Stargazing

Take the time to learn some stories of the constellations and your kids will instantly be enthralled by the stars above their heads. Push back the bedtime and stay up late enough for the night sky to dance for all to observe.

Many people don’t get the chance to see the night sky in its full glory. Taking your kids far enough outside of the city to see the stars without light pollution can be a formative experience filled with fun.

Outdoor Crafts

Crafting with nature encourages children to think creatively and problem-solve, as they figure out how to use and combine different materials. By connecting with nature in this way, children can develop a deeper appreciation for the environment and a greater sense of responsibility toward preserving it for future generations.

Here are five ideas for nature crafts to do with kids:

1. Leaf Rubbings: Take a nature walk and collect leaves of different shapes and sizes. Place the leaves under a piece of paper and rub a crayon or pencil over them to create a leaf impression on the paper.
2. Rock Painting: Collect smooth rocks and paint them with different colors and designs. Children can also use the rocks to make a nature sculpture or to create a rock garden.
3. Nature Collages: Collect a variety of natural materials such as leaves, flowers, feathers, and sticks. Have children arrange and glue them onto a piece of paper to create a nature collage.
4. Bird Feeders: Make a simple bird feeder using a pinecone, peanut butter, and birdseed. Hang the bird feeder outside and observe the birds that come to eat.
5. Nature Weaving: Create a loom using sticks and yarn. Collect natural materials such as leaves, grasses, and twigs to weave into the yarn to create a nature weaving.

Gardening

Building or tending to a garden can be a valuable learning experience for children, as they get to interact with the soil and plants they cultivate. Gardening provides a tangible and edible outcome, which can be one of the best parts of the experience. It can also teach children of all ages about the origins of food and the responsibility of caring for a garden throughout the season.

Keeping Your Kids Safe Outdoors

Teaching your kids how to stay safe when spending time outdoors is a crucial lesson that can benefit them for a lifetime. By respecting habitats and learning about animal behaviors, they can share outdoor spaces with wild animals while making responsible decisions for both themselves and the animals.

To become lifelong outdoorsmen, it is important for children to learn how to identify hazards, such as large deadfalls overhead, while setting up camp or hiking. Staying alert and aware is a valuable skill both in the outdoors and back at home!

One effective way to keep kids safe outdoors is to use the buddy system, following the rule of three. This rule allows for one person to seek help without leaving another person alone in case of an accident when venturing farther away.

By acquiring these skills, kids can learn about responsibility and decision-making, empowering them to explore and enjoy the great outdoors safely and confidently.

Teaching Your Kids To Respect Nature

Teaching kids to respect nature is essential for fostering a lifelong appreciation and care for the environment.

One of the most important principles to introduce to children is Leave No Trace, which emphasizes the importance of leaving natural areas the way they were found, without leaving behind any trash or causing any damage.

By following this principle, kids learn to take responsibility for their impact on the environment and develop a sense of ownership and respect for natural spaces.

Additionally, teaching kids about preservation and the importance of protecting natural habitats and wildlife is crucial for creating a generation that values and cares for the environment.

By instilling these values in children, we can help ensure a sustainable and healthy planet for future generations to come.

The post Fun Ways To Get Kids Outside and Learning About Nature appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Fixing a hole or tear in your tent requires a few materials. There are inexpensive patch kits on the market that make repairs easy. Most repairs will be able to be fixed by adhesive patches or gear tape. Otherwise, basic sewing will do the trick.

How to Patch a Hole in a Tent

An easy and effective way to patch a hole in a synthetic tent is by using patch kits or gear repair tape. Both can be purchased at any outdoor retailer. These kits have a peel-and-stick technology that is very user-friendly.

Canvas tents can be patched similarly, and canvas patch kits are also on the market. The difference with a canvas tent is that canvas can and should be sewn together.

Nylon Tents

The process of fixing a hole in a nylon tent using tape or patches is pretty straightforward.

1. Clean the area that needs to be patched. Remove any dirt and debris before starting the repair. Rubbing alcohol works well for this.
2. Choose either your gear tape or your patch kit. For gear tape, cut to size and round the edges so they won’t peel off in the future.
3. Remove the backing on the tape or patch to expose the adhesive.
4. Press the patch down firmly on the hole. Make sure it is smooth.
5. Repeat on the other side.
6. You can also use a tent seam sealant to add an extra layer of protection and adhesive to the patch. Cure for 24 hours.

Recommended: Best Backpacking Tents Reviewed

Polyester Tents

How to patch a polyester tent will be the same as a nylon tent. Gear repair tape or tent patches will work on polyester, as well. Any nylon tent repair kit would also be able to repair a polyester tent.

Canvas Tents

Canvas tents are patched a little differently. You will want a needle and thread as well as a piece of canvas to cover the hole.

1. Clean any dirt and debris away from the tear.
2. Sew the hole together using a simple stitch.
3. Grab a piece of canvas or canvas patch and sew the patch over the hole.
4. Repeat on the inside of the tent.
5. Just like with a synthetic tent, you can use tent seam sealant to increase the durability of your patch job. Cover your patch, and let it dry for 24 hours.

Recommended: Best Canvas Tents Reviewed

It’s also a good idea to check the warranty for your tent. Reputable manufacturers like Springbar may repair your canvas tent for free or at a reasonable price. Contact customer service to see if that’s an option for you.

How to Fix a Hole in Tent Mesh or Netting

The easiest way to fix a hole in the mesh or netting of your tent is by using a mesh patch. These patches are also peel-and-stick and don’t require any sewing or sealant. They will come pre-cut in small circles that will be sufficient for most rips in the mesh of your tent.

Here’s how to use them. It’s nearly the same process as patching any other hole in your tent.

1. Peel off the backing from the patch to expose the adhesive.
2. Put the patch on the rip in your tent mesh.
3. Press the patch down, making sure it’s smooth and fully adhered.
4. Repeat on the other side.
5. From there, you’re good to go.

How to Repair a Tear in a Tent

If you have a long tear in your tent that is too big for a patch kit, you can still repair it. The process will be mostly the same, with just slightly different supplies.

Instead of patches, you can buy rolls of gear repair tape and cut them to whatever size you need. If your canvas tent tears, you can purchase canvas fabric and cut it to shape. Then you would adhere or sew on using the same steps as above.

How to Patch a Hole in a Tent Floor

In most tents, you can use the same patch kit or gear repair tape you would for a hole in the wall. The process to repair it will be the same.

For other tents with vinyl flooring or different floor material, you can buy specific patch kits designed for tent floors. They will be the same adhesive design as any other patch kit.

If you know, you’ll be camping on rocky ground or on a surface that might poke through your tent floor, it’s a good idea to use a ground sheet to help prevent damage in the first place so you don’t have to fix holes in your tent later.

What to Use to Patch a Hole in a Tent

There are several options on the market for what to use to patch a hole in your tent. You can buy a repair kit with a needle and thread or patch tape that either comes in a roll or pre-cut.

For synthetic tents:

• Gear Aid Tenacious Tape
• Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Hex Patches
• Noso Patchdazzle Gear Repair Kit
• Coghlan’s Nylon Tent Repair Kit

For canvas tents:

• Coghlan’s Canvas Tent Repair Kit
• Kodiak Canvas Patch Kit

Seam sealer to seal your patch:

• Gear Aid Seam Grip Seam Sealer

For mesh or netting:

• Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Mesh Patches

Can you fix a tent with duct tape?

Duct tape can be used in a pinch to fix a tent. It is an easy but temporary fix. It could be a good thing to carry in your car on a camping trip for emergencies, but it should be replaced with a better solution when you get home.

If your tent poles snapped during an adventure, you could use duct tape to hold them together. You could also use it to patch a tent in an emergency, but I don’t recommend it as a patching material unless you absolutely have to.

Duct tape leaves a sticky residue that is difficult to remove, especially from a delicate surface like the wall of a tent.

The older the tape is, the harder it is to clean off. It will hold up well in the short term but eventually break down with time and exposure and must be replaced. Therefore, it’s best to wait to use tent patching kits and materials to fix a rip in your tent.

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• Fresh air and sunlight promote an overall sense of well-being.
• Getting away from the hustle and bustle of modern society provides mental health benefits, lowers stress, and can combat anxiety and depression.
• It’s educational. There is plenty to learn about and from the natural world, whether that’s a new skill or scientific knowledge.
• You’ll find a strong sense of community – I’ve met all my closest friends through outdoor activities.

Getting outdoors may seem a bit daunting. I was intimidated when I was first starting, too. However, nature is accessible to everyone no matter where you are! There are plenty of easy and fun ways to incorporate nature into your life at any experience level.

Gardening or Landscaping

You can bring nature to your home by taking up gardening or landscaping. Caring for plants is a mindful and rewarding routine. You’ll also benefit the ecosystem.

• Look into planting native species in your yard. Landscaping with these species creates a positive ripple effect in the ecosystem, as they support pollinators, wildlife, and other plants. They will also be hardier, resisting disease and requiring fewer resources to grow.
• Starting a garden can provide food for you and your family, whether this is greens, vegetables, or herbs. Research what grows best in your climate and when to plant each seed. Some plants are easier than others to grow successfully, but with a bit of time and dedication, anybody can have their fresh produce.
• Don’t have space for a garden outside? I always keep house plants when I’m living in an apartment. There are plenty of low-maintenance beginner plants. I’ve even grown an entire herb garden inside! You can purchase complete indoor growing kits.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching is something enjoyable you can add to your daily routine. It allows you to tune into nature anywhere you go. Birds remind us that nature and wildlife still exist around us, even in the city’s densest areas. They can teach us to slow down and appreciate small things in life.

Here are a few easy steps to get started birdwatching.

• Pick up some binoculars. You don’t have to have anything expensive or complicated. When I first got into birdwatching, I used a pair of binoculars found at a yard sale for a few dollars.
• Get an identification guide. I recommend the Sibley guides, as they’re easy to use and informative. Most will be organized by color and type, making them user-friendly.
• Go on a walk! Explore trails, parks, rivers, or marinas; these are all birding hotspots.
• Setting up a bird feeder can attract a diverse range of birds to your home.

Identifying Wild Plants

Seeking out wildflowers is one of my favorite ways to ring in the springtime. Learning to identify wild plants is not only fun, but it’s also a pretty practical skill to have. You may be surprised to know there are many useful plants growing wild where you live – some are even edible.

• The easiest way to learn plant identification is by using a field guide. Field guides can be broad or focus on a specific type of plant.
• See a plant on a hike that you don’t recognize? Take a picture of it and look it up when you get home. Next time you see it, you’ll know what it is!
• Go on a naturalist walk. These programs may be put together by parks or environmental organizations. A naturalist guide will point out plants on an easy hike and answer any questions you might have about what grows in your area.

Hiking and Camping

There are a lot of health benefits from hiking and camping. Getting out into the woods has always been my meditation. It allows me to work out my thoughts in a calm setting. It’s great for just being present.

Hiking and camping also promote physical health. I love a good hike to get in my exercise and build strength and endurance.

Here’s how to get started.

• Outdoor websites, forums, or guidebooks will all be able to direct you where to go. Some hiking websites will list trails by difficulty or mileage so you can find something to fit your skills.
• Even if you are in the city, most urban areas will have some green space! Look up your local parks and see what your city has to offer. Nature might be easier to access than you think.
• You don’t need elaborate or expensive gear to start. You can pick up affordable camping equipment in any store with an outdoors section. If you’re open to buying used to stay sustainable and low-cost, check online marketplaces or second-hand stores.

Fishing or Hunting

Both hunting and fishing will afford you a greater respect for the natural world. This is an ancestral activity that will get you closer to both your roots and the earth. It’s something that has been passed down for generations.

Fishing or hunting might seem a bit more complicated to get into than some other hobbies on this list. Here are some pointers to help you get started.

Getting Started Fishing

It’s actually relatively simple to get started fishing.

• You need a few pieces of equipment to get started: a rod, a reel, a fishing line, and lures. These are all easily purchased in many places.
• Make sure you have a fishing license. This is your annual permit to fish in public waterways. It can be purchased at outdoor retailers or possibly through your city itself.
• Get out there! Fishing is good for you. It is a peaceful and meditative hobby that can even burn a few calories. Plus, fish is a food that is nutritional and high in protein.

Getting Started Hunting

You will learn a lot about conservation through hunting. Hunters adhere to a set of responsibilities and ethics for the sake of wildlife, the forest, and hunter safety.

• Read up and follow the laws in your state. This includes getting a license and following age requirements if you’re bringing the kiddos along.
• Make sure you’re educated on what wildlife you can hunt in your chosen location. Deer are the most popular animal to hunt in the United States. Fowl, rabbits, and squirrels are some other frequently hunted species.
• Start getting your equipment. What you need may vary depending on whether you want to use a firearm or a bow, the range at which you’ll be from your target and the type of wildlife you’re hunting.
• It’s easiest to start out using a rifle. Hunting bows are also quite popular but require a close range to the target and a different skill set.

Community Conservation Projects

Our wild spaces need advocates and people looking out for them. See how you can get involved in your community by caring for your local environment.

• Pick up garbage and join in on cleanups. Your community may have clean up days where groups of people will get together to clear trash from trails, parks, or roads.
• Environmental non-profits near you may have restoration projects you can volunteer for. Restoring habitat is labor intensive, and each pair of hands (or gardening gloves!) helps out. I’ve pulled invasive plants, cleaned up rivers, and planted trees in my area.
• Public land requires maintenance to keep its trails accessible and open. Help keep your favorite trails in good shape by joining a trail crew.

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