How to Make Camping Gear

There are many types of camping gear that one can purchase. Buying everything can be expensive. Most camping stores charge a premium for basic items. Camping stoves, waterproof matches, first aid kits and other items can be made at home and require little money. Make a list of what you want and need for your trip. See how these easy-to-make items can save you money on your next camping trip.

Things You'll Need

• Metal can, No.10-size
• Can opener (preferably a type that leaves no sharp edges)
• Bottle opener
• Metal snips
• Hardware cloth, 2-feet by 2-feet
• Awl
• 12-inch piece of wire
• Needle-nose pliers
• Work gloves (preferably leather)
• Small plastic container, ( 36mm film container, prescription or vitamin container)
• Wooden kitchen matchsticks
• Metal nail file
• Clear nail polish
• Plastic cup
• Package of assorted adhesive bandages
• Tube of antibacterial ointment
• Coach tape
• Tweezers
• Alcohol wipes
• Sewing needle
• Four snack-size plastic bags
• Individual packets of acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Small tackle box or craft box
• Permanent marker

Instructions

Make a Camping Stove

1. 

   Put on work gloves. Using the can opener, remove the top and bottom of the No. 10 metal can. Make a series of holes around one edge of the can using the bottle opener.

2. Using metal snips, cut a piece of hardware cloth that is 1/2-inch larger than the top of the metal can. Edges should be smooth without small pieces sticking out of the hardware cloth. Bend hardware cloth to fit over the edge of the can without holes.

3. Punch two holes in the sides of the can where the hardware cloth sits. The holes should be opposite each other. Take the wire and feed through the holes to make a handle. Twist ends of wire to secure using the needle nosed pliers. Place over a Sterno canister, or use wood or charcoal as a flame source. The open side of the stove should go over the flame source.

Make Waterproof Matches

1. Set up a work area that is well-ventilated. Assemble the wooden kitchen matches, nail polish and paper cup.

2. Take kitchen matches; dip one at a time into nail polish. Place red side up in the paper cup to dry. Be sure that the matches do not touch one another.

3. When matches are dry, place them into a small plastic container along with a metal nail file. You will use the metal nail file to strike the match against.

Make a First Aid Kit

1. 

   Assemble the kit ingredients. These should include assorted adhesive bandages, tweezers, coach tape, antiobiotic ointment, pain reliever/fever reducer (ibuprofen and acetaminophen), alcohol wipes, a sewing needle and plastic snack bags. Get the plastic craft box.

2. Put the bandages into one plastic bag. Wrap the sewing needle in a piece of paper, and place it with the tweezers into the second bag. The pain reliever should go into the third bag. The alcohol wipes and antibiotic ointment should go into the last bag.

3. Place the coach tape and all the bags into the craft box. Make sure all of the items fit easily into the box. Check to see that the box opens and closes without difficulty. Label the box "First Aid Kit" with the permanent marker.