9/15

Lint Fire-Starter Log

To properly build a fire, you need to have tinder (easy-lighting material), kindling (finger-size sticks) and fuel (logs). We all have a readily available supply of tinder: dryer lint! To make fire starters, I stuff empty toilet paper tubes with dryer lint. My dryer lint “logs” light quickly and easily burn long enough to light up the kindling. And I don’t have to resort to lighter fluid. — Reese Felton.

10/15

Backwoods Repair Gear

I spend a lot of time outdoors: canoeing, backpacking, fishing, camping, you name it. And as a DIYer, I feel compelled to carry a repair kit wherever I go. Of course, the kit varies depending on the trip, but here are a few items I often carry.

Some are pretty obvious, like duct tape, paracord, zip ties and a multi-tool. But the others aren’t: A piece of aluminum tube that can slide over a broken tent pole can be a trip-saver. A lightweight magnifier will actually allow you to see what you’re doing when you make small repairs.

And thin wire is one of the most useful items you can carry. Wrap it, twist it, “sew” with it …. It’s strong, heatproof and doesn’t stretch. I’ve used it dozens of times, for fixing everything from my boot to a canoe. — Ken Collier.

11/15

Reusable Icy Drinks

The next time you go camping or do yard work on a sweltering hot day, make the day a little more bearable by having icy water bottles at the ready.

Fill your water bottles a quarter of the way so that when they are on their sides the water settles just below the bottle’s neck. Then stick them in the freezer. An ice block on the side of the bottle puts more liquid in contact with the ice, cooling it faster.