Duct tape works in many capacities, both at home and out in nature. A roll of duct tape requires only a small amount of space and doesn't add a lot of weight, but it may save you in various camping situations. Keep a roll of duct tape in your camper, with your camping supplies or in your backpack to ensure it is always handy.
Patching & Repairs
Duct tape's waterproof nature makes it an option for quick fixes around the campsite. A torn tent, sleeping bag, coat or other fabric items get a waterproof seal when a strip of duct tape is applied over the tear. Tent poles or other objects that crack or break get reinforcements from a layer of duct tape applied over the broken area. Even a cracked water bottle or bag gets a temporary fix with duct tape, according to the Boondockers Used Sports website.
Bandages & Splints
When hiking or spending time in a remote area, duct tape provides a backup as a medical supply for certain injuries. A regular bandage covered with duct tape is less likely to get wet and dirty due to the camping environment. A makeshift splint is possible in an emergency situation by bracing the appendage with pieces of wood and holding them in place with the duct tape. Duct tape can also help a sprained ankle: leave your sock on and use the duct tape to wrap the ankle as you would normally.
Closing Pant Legs
When camping and hiking, you'll encounter various insects and other creatures. Ticks, in particular, present health risks. Wearing long sleeves and pants reduces the chances of the bugs getting onto your body. "Reader's Digest" advices using duct tape along the bottom of your pant legs to make it more difficult for bugs to get to you.
Reusable Water Bottle
A regular, disposable water bottle becomes more durable with a layer of duct tape, according to the Boondockers Used Sports website. Wrap the bottle completely with duct tape to provide more stability and prevent cracking or denting. Reuse the bottle multiple times while you're camping. If you have different colors of duct tape on the trip, use a different color for each water bottle so they're easy to identify.
Clothesline
A clothesline while camping makes it easier to dry towels, clothes and other items. "Reader's Digest" suggests using duct tape as the material for a makeshift clothesline at the campground. Tear off the length of duct tape to reach the desired clothesline length. Twist the tape into a rope-like structure. Secure the duct tape clothesline to two trees or posts.
Shoes
The waterproof factor of duct tape also makes it come in handy with shoes. Wrapping your entire shoe with duct tape makes it waterproof for a wet camping trip. If you're hard on your shoes and they start tearing, use duct tape to keep the shoes together. The tape should last long enough to make it home in the shoes.
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