It isn’t long after setting up camp that people start asking “has anyone seen….?”
Things are misplaced quickly at a campsite, especially at a large site, so I totally understand the need to get organized. Who wants to spend their camping trip wandering around looking for a pot or a water filter? However, we are always amazed that so many campers put nails in the trees so they can hang things.
Do people really portage a hammer and nails? Do they use an axe or rock as a hammer? Do they know that a nail can harm the tree or the unsuspecting camper who hits their head on the nail?
My brother-in-law came up with a great solution for keeping our campsite organized – the versatile bungee.
Wrap a bungee cord around a tree, add some plastic hooks (we use Nite Ize Gear Ties, available at Canadian Tire & Home Depot) and voila you have a system for keeping all your things in one place. This system also keeps your stuff off the ground where it can get damaged – like the time someone stepped on our campstove – but that is another story.
Two Rangers stopped at our site last year and raved about our bungee system (a proud moment for my brother-in-law). They were concerned about the nails left behind by other campers and said they loved our solution.
Tips
Pack bungees and gear ties. They are small and light to pack and they protect the trees. They are also safer for campers.
Check for sap before hanging your stuff – this was one of our early lessons.
Keep a little container of vegetable oil handy – it will remove sap from your hands, clothes and gear.