Do It Yourself Camping Gear

Getting out into the wild doesn’t require a fortune spent at the outdoor store. With a little creativity and some basic materials, you can make your own reliable equipment. This guide is all about do it yourself camping gear, offering practical projects to enhance your next adventure without breaking the bank. You’ll save money, reduce waste, and gain the deep satisfaction of using gear you built yourself.

Making your own stuff means you can customize it to fit your exact needs. Whether you need a ultralight stove or a durable stuff sack, you can build it. Let’s look at some essential projects to get you started.

Building your own gear starts with understanding a few core principles. Durability, weight, and safety are key. Always test your DIY creations in a controlled environment before relying on them in the backcountry. The following projects range from super simple to moderately skilled, so there’s something for every level.

The Classic Tin Can Alcohol Stove

This is a rite of passage for DIY campers. It’s lightweight, quiet, and boils water fast. You’ll need two aluminum cans, a push pin, some fiberglass insulation, and sharp scissors.

Carefully cut the bottom off both cans, about 1 inch tall for the base and 2 inches for the top.
Nest the smaller base inside the top piece. Use the push pin to poke a ring of small jet holes around the top rim.
Pack a small amount of fiberglass insulation between the two walls of the stove. This helps with fuel efficiency.
Create a simple pot stand from a wire coat hanger to sit above the stove. Pour a little denatured alcohol into the center, light it, and you’re ready to cook.

DIY Camping Pillow from a Stuff Sack

Why carry a bulky pillow? Make one that doubles as a stuff sack. You’ll need a lightweight stuff sack and some spare clothing.

Choose a stuff sack with a soft lining, like fleece or nylon.
At camp, simply stuff it with your extra puffy jacket, fleece, or other soft garments.
Adjust the loft to your liking. This gives you a comfy pillow and ensures your warm layers are handy at night.

Homemade Trekking Pole Tent Stake

Forgot or broke a stake? If you have trekking poles, you’re in luck. This is a great backup method.

Find a sturdy stick, about 6-8 inches long.
Use a tent guyline to tie a clove hitch around the middle of the stick.
Jam the stick into the ground at a 45-degree angle away from the tent.
Loop the guyline over the tip of your trekking pole and push the pole into the ground next to the stick, using it as a deadman anchor.

Waterproofing Your DIY Gear

For any fabric projects, waterproofing is crucial. You can make a simple wax blend for cotton or canvas.

Mix beeswax and paraffin in a 2:1 ratio in a old can.
Gently heat the can in a pot of boiling water until the waxes melt together.
Using a paintbrush, apply the thin, even coat to your clean, dry gear.
Use a hairdryer to melt the wax into the fabric for a durable, water-resistant finish.

Repair Kit in a Film Canister

Every DIY camper needs a tiny repair kit. An old 35mm film canister is perfect.

Wind duct tape around the outside of the canister.
Inside, pack a few safety pins, a needle and thread, a small length of cord, and a couple of zip ties.
Include a patch of tenacious tape for quick tent or pack repairs. This little kit can fix a suprising amount of gear.

Advanced Projects for the Experienced Maker

Once you’ve mastered the basics, these projects offer bigger rewards. They require more time and tools but result in professional-grade gear you’ll be proud of.

Sew Your Own Silnylon Tarp

A tarp is incredibly versatile. Sewing one from silnylon (silicone-impregnated nylon) is a fantastic project.

Purchase your silnylon, nylon thread, and grosgrain ribbon for reinforcements.
Cut your panels to the desired size, remembering you’ll need a ridgeline seam.
Sew the panels together with a flat-felled seam for strength and waterproofing.
Reinforce all tie-out points with extra layers of fabric and grosgrain loops. Seal all seams with silicone sealant.

Choosing the Right Stitch

For gear that bears weight, a straight stitch isn’t enough. Use a zigzag stitch or a triple straight stitch on your sewing machine. This allows the thread to stretch with the fabric without breaking. Always backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam.

Building a Wood-Burning Camp Stove

For a fuel-free cooking option, a wood-burning stove is great. You can make one from a large tin can or a small stainless steel bucket.

Cut a large door near the bottom for feeding fuel and a series of small holes around the top for airflow.
Create a internal grate from wire mesh to hold the burning wood and allow ash to fall through.
Add a few holes in the sides near the top to support a pot. This design creates a hot, efficient burn that minimizes smoke.

DIY Underquilt for Hammock Camping

Staying warm in a hammock requires insulation underneath. An underquilt hangs below your hammock, trapping warm air.

Get a cost-effective down blanket or synthetic batting and some breathable fabric.
Cut the insulation and shell fabric to a shape that matches your hammock’s curve.
Sew channels along the long sides to run shock cord through.
Attach the shock cord to each end of the hammock suspension, allowing you to adjust the fit and loft easily.

Safety and Testing Your Creations

Never skip this step. Your safety depends on your gear’s reliability. A failure miles from the trailhead can be more then just a inconvenience.

The Backyard Shakedown

Always test new DIY gear at home first. Set up your new tarp in the yard during a rainstorm. Use your alcohol stove to boil water several times. Spend an afternoon in your hammock with the underquilt. Look for any stress points, leaks, or weaknesses. It’s much easier to fix problems here than on the trail.

Fire Safety with DIY Stoves

Homemade stoves need extra caution. Always use them on a stable, non-flammable surface like a flat rock or a piece of aluminum foil. Keep water or dirt nearby to extinguish the flame. Never leave a burning stove unattended, and make sure it’s fully cool before packing it away.

FAQs About DIY Camping Gear

Is DIY camping gear actually reliable?

Yes, if built correctly with the right materials and thoroughly tested. Many DIY designs are based on proven commercial products. Your attention to detail is what makes it reliable.

How much money can I save making my own gear?

It varies. A tin can stove costs almost nothing, while a silnylon tarp might save you 30-50% off a retail version. The savings are significant, especially for high-end items like quilts or tarps.

What’s the easiest piece of DIY camping equipment to start with?

The stuff sack pillow or the tin can alcohol stove are the best beginner projects. They require minimal tools, cost almost nothing, and teach you fundamental concepts.

Where can I find materials for DIY camping projects?

Hardware stores, thrift shops, and online fabric retailers specializing in outdoor materials are great sources. Old gear can also be cannibalized for parts like buckles and cord.

Do I need to be good at sewing to make my own gear?

Not for all projects. Many require no sewing at all. For those that do, you only need to master a couple basic stitches. A simple sewing machine is sufficient for most tasks.

Final Thoughts on Making Your Own Kit

Embracing do it yourself camping gear changes your relationship with the outdoors. You become more self-sufficient and gain a deeper understanding of how your equipment functions. Every piece you make carries a story. Start with a small project, learn from it, and gradually tackle more complex builds. The sense of accomplishment when you use a piece of gear you crafted with your own hands is a reward in itself. Remember to prioritize safety, test everything, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating as much as the adventure it enables.