There's some things we take camping that are necessary, toilet paper comes to mind. We also bring along new techie-type gear, GPS fer instance. Here are some other things that are nice to have along.
Powdered water - Now, this is an old idea, not new here. But, it's a handy item. L.L. Bean has it.
Post holes - Buy these at your local hardware. They come three to a package. Take one out and unfold it on the ground. These are an easy way to get either a cat hole to use as a latrine, or a fire pit (lay them down sideways instead of straight down for this type application).
PSI - This is Pounds per Square Inch. When you want to compress a load so it will fit into one end of your boat, just add a layer of PSI.
Loon Song Dust - On long nights, there is nothing nicer to listen to than a loon, yodeling out on the water. Sprinkle some of this dust around camp, and enjoy it all night long.
Wood Dryer Powder - Wet fire wood is a real PITA. A couple handfuls of this will dry out a face cord of even the soggiest firewood in a half hour. Be sure to spread it on evenly.
Up Gravity - Most gravity makes things heavy; this makes them lighter. I use it to only about 90% so things don't get blown away n the wind.
Tightener/Loosener - Trying to cinch up the tie downs on tents, rain flies, loads in a boat, etc. can be a real chore. This comes in a spray can, and will snug up any rope in any situation. When you need to loosen a rope, untangle a pesky knot, or get rid of backlash on a fishing reel, - just turn the can over, and spray.
Moonlight - Most of us like to camp when the moon is full in an evening. Sure makes a campsite look friendly. Sprinkle this around your site, and you'll have gentle moonlight for 4-5 hours.
Downwind - Last spring, we had to paddle upwind across reservoirs all day long. Open up a can of Downwind, and make it easy on yourself.
Non-Wave - Similar to Downwind, a can of this will ease off whitecaps and other heavy water situations that threaten your boat.
Shade - Some campsites are shaded and cool, others aren't. If your site is hot and way too sunny, unfold a patch of shade and sit down in comfort. (Like post holes, these come three to a pack.)
Darkness - When you want to take an afternoon nap, and the pesky, old sun is shining into your eyes, lay out two - or even all three - patches of shade, and you have darkness. Snooze away!
River Rounder - We've all had to deal with vehicle shuttle. Getting someone to drive our cars down stream to the planned takeout can be a real bother. Sprinkle some River Rounder in the water, and the river will bring you around in a circle, right back to your car! Use about 2 oz per mile of river.
Downhiller - Have you ever noticed that when you pull your canoe or pirogue or kayak up onto land, it's always uphill to the camp site? Carrying all that gear can be a pain! Unwind a track of Downhiller, and now it's easy to carry gear. (This stuff works in only one direction, so walk beside the downhill path back to the boat.)
Saturday Dust - Waiting for a weekend to roll around can take forever - or at least all week. Spread around some Saturday Dust at any time, and VOILA! It's Saturday all around you - no matter where you are.
Powdered water - Now, this is an old idea, not new here. But, it's a handy item. L.L. Bean has it.
Post holes - Buy these at your local hardware. They come three to a package. Take one out and unfold it on the ground. These are an easy way to get either a cat hole to use as a latrine, or a fire pit (lay them down sideways instead of straight down for this type application).
PSI - This is Pounds per Square Inch. When you want to compress a load so it will fit into one end of your boat, just add a layer of PSI.
Loon Song Dust - On long nights, there is nothing nicer to listen to than a loon, yodeling out on the water. Sprinkle some of this dust around camp, and enjoy it all night long.
Wood Dryer Powder - Wet fire wood is a real PITA. A couple handfuls of this will dry out a face cord of even the soggiest firewood in a half hour. Be sure to spread it on evenly.
Up Gravity - Most gravity makes things heavy; this makes them lighter. I use it to only about 90% so things don't get blown away n the wind.
Tightener/Loosener - Trying to cinch up the tie downs on tents, rain flies, loads in a boat, etc. can be a real chore. This comes in a spray can, and will snug up any rope in any situation. When you need to loosen a rope, untangle a pesky knot, or get rid of backlash on a fishing reel, - just turn the can over, and spray.
Moonlight - Most of us like to camp when the moon is full in an evening. Sure makes a campsite look friendly. Sprinkle this around your site, and you'll have gentle moonlight for 4-5 hours.
Downwind - Last spring, we had to paddle upwind across reservoirs all day long. Open up a can of Downwind, and make it easy on yourself.
Non-Wave - Similar to Downwind, a can of this will ease off whitecaps and other heavy water situations that threaten your boat.
Shade - Some campsites are shaded and cool, others aren't. If your site is hot and way too sunny, unfold a patch of shade and sit down in comfort. (Like post holes, these come three to a pack.)
Darkness - When you want to take an afternoon nap, and the pesky, old sun is shining into your eyes, lay out two - or even all three - patches of shade, and you have darkness. Snooze away!
River Rounder - We've all had to deal with vehicle shuttle. Getting someone to drive our cars down stream to the planned takeout can be a real bother. Sprinkle some River Rounder in the water, and the river will bring you around in a circle, right back to your car! Use about 2 oz per mile of river.
Downhiller - Have you ever noticed that when you pull your canoe or pirogue or kayak up onto land, it's always uphill to the camp site? Carrying all that gear can be a pain! Unwind a track of Downhiller, and now it's easy to carry gear. (This stuff works in only one direction, so walk beside the downhill path back to the boat.)
Saturday Dust - Waiting for a weekend to roll around can take forever - or at least all week. Spread around some Saturday Dust at any time, and VOILA! It's Saturday all around you - no matter where you are.