Backpacking Gear You Can Make at Home!

*This video is sponsored by LMNT! Try LMNT (it's my favorite) by clicking here: drinklmnt.com/mirandagoesoutside
Save money and make your own backpacking gear at home! In this video I’ll show you 7 pieces of backpacking gear that are super easy to make yourself. Even if you don't see yourself using any of this DIY backpacking gear, I still think each of these seven craft projects are super fun to try by yourself, with friends, or with family! If you want to see more backpacking and camping gear you can make yourself, comment below! And subscribe if you want to see how I use this DIY backpacking gear on upcoming trips 😉.
Intro: 00:00
Wag bags and poop tube: 00:28
No dehydrator toothpaste tabs: 3:18
Electrolyte gummies: 5:50
Why I love LMNT electrolytes (sponsor): 9:14
Insulated food pouch: 9:51
Pillow pocket with strap: 13:08
No sew convertible neck gaiter: 15:36
Nalgene lantern: 18:40
Outro: 22:08
Gear in this video -
MGO Hike Your Own Hike Tee: www.mirandagoesoutside.com/pr...
MGO Hike Your Own Hike Tee (Youth): www.mirandagoesoutside.com/pr...
T-shirt designed by Celia Binder! Find Celia on IG: / celiafromwork
Check out the Pillow Strap if you don't want to make your own backpacking pillow case: www.pillowstrap.com/
My current full backpacking kit -
Black Diamond Z-Poles: alnk.to/60YFPlN
REI Flash 55 Pack: alnk.to/3ya45Px
Six Moon Designs Pack Liner: alnk.to/58oSViR
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt 20: alnk.to/5Q3UQzM
NEMO Tensor Sleeping Pad: alnk.to/3TZA3ta
BV450 Bear Can:
Big Agnes String Lights: alnk.to/hstVAiM
Hartford Gear Co. Small Bag:
ECOTOOLS Face Cloth: amzn.to/40a4JD8
Mini Toothbrush: alnk.to/hstVAr3
LightLoad Towel: amzn.to/3tHGBLT
NatureBuff Soap: www.naturebuffsoap.com/
Snow Peak Titanium Pot:
Soto Windmaster Stove: alnk.to/gzU8GeY
Enlightened Equipment Torrid APEX Jacket: alnk.to/cHLt6qv
SkyGOAT Hoodie: skygoatusa.com
Durston X-Mid 2 Tent: durstongear.com/products/x-mi...
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L:
REI Liner Gloves: alnk.to/1XVfgxw
BUFF Wool Neck Gaiter: alnk.to/devK2L6
CNOC 2L Bag: alnk.to/9bsju7p
Sawyer Squeeze Filter: alnk.to/6mObMWQ
CNOC 1L Bottle:
Happy Bottom Bidet: alnk.to/1N0uhKf
BoglerCo Trowel: alnk.to/e75wWYD
Freshette Pee Funnel: alnk.to/e75wWRk
Kula Cloth: alnk.to/cHLt6l7
NiteCore Headlamp: alnk.to/1C5Jj3K
Gossamer Gear Thin Pad: alnk.to/7X30Cr2
Garmin InReach Mini: alnk.to/esV2UwM
Want to check out our camera gear? Click here to see everything we use:
amzn.to/3QBptjN
The above links are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to purchase something from these links I may earn a small commission. This money goes straight back into making content, and allows me to keep making videos for all of you!
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me on Patreon! 💚 If you'd like to become a Patron and support my channel, click here: / mirandagoesoutside
Miranda Goes Outside stickers, shirts and hats are now for sale! Get yours here: www.mirandagoesoutside.com/
LMNT is the biggest supporter of my channel and I am thrilled to get to continue to partner with them to spread the love for my favorite electrolyte drink mix! To find out more about LMNT, click here: drinklmnt.com/
The Miranda Goes Outside crew:
Director and Producer: Rainer Golden
Sr. Editor and Videographer: Abby Hagan
Videographer and Editor: Chelsea Newton
Videographer and Editor: Kyle Roof
Editor: Katie Van Fleet
Editor: Doug Linstedt
Dog: Tucker
This video was filmed by Rainer Golden and edited by Doug Linstedt!
Follow me on IG @MirandaGoesOutside: / mirandagoesoutside
Find past Miranda in the Wild videos on REI Co-op's KZbin channel here: / @rei
Like, Subscribe, Comment, and tune in (almost) weekly for more Miranda Goes Outside!
Backpacking and Camping Gear You Can Make at Home!
#diy #backpacking #hiking #camping #backpackinggear #2023 #fall #autumn #outdoors #travel #adventure #mirandagoesoutside #mirandainthewild

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

In the toothpaste tabs section I listed tape and scissors as materials you need for the DIY, but never showed using those in the video. Those were used just for cutting the small ziploc bag in half and taping the cut edge closed to make an even smaller ziploc bag!

[@RCshowmen]

So instead of just tying a shock cord to the tab and tag on the back of the Nemo Fillo you made a pillowcase. 🤦🏻‍♂️ well I guess this works for the Sea to Summit pillows without tie points.

[@randybass8842]

There are snack-size ziploc bags available, or you could use small travel-size pill containers.

[@zakafx]

Have you tried to melt the cut edge instead? One day I was making a bathroom kit, I didn't have any small kitchen bags, only regular ziplocks. I measured what I needed and left extra length-wise. I put the cut side on a table and used a hard surface and pressed it down where I actually needed it sized to. I used a lighter to melt the plastic together and it has held up pretty good. So I just make custom bags now. Try it!

[@Swimdeep]

Instead of tape, you can use a hot knife or iron with parchment paper to seal the sides of the ziplock bag.

[@skittlemenow]

Might sew a pouch on the side of the lantern sleeve to hold the battery pack.

[@thedownwardmachine]

Props for not breaking this down into a ton videos and instead just giving it all to us all at once. May your positive, genuine energy light the way! Probably with a DIY lantern

[@LizzyNerd]

DIY tutorials are a breath of fresh air when so many hiking KZbinrs are trying to sell $100+ products. Videos like this make hiking more accessible for the everyday person which is great!

[@user-kx9mt1kb5k]

I think the DIY toothpaste tabs are something that I would prepare and use , especially in winter when regular toothpaste would freeze in the tube , thanks Miranda !

[@HostileTakeover2]

Have you ever tried toothpaste powder?

[@paulhorn24]

Denttabs or Dentural.

[@cindyjohnston3134]

I do wag bags for our bucket toilet and then put the used ones into a coffee container with a little bit of coffee grounds for the smell :)

[@swimteamlifestyle7337]

I'm trying to think of a container the size of a Pringles can that can be used to contain wag bags???

[@meganjackson2304]

This was like craft class with Miranda! That pillow strap trick is GENIUS. Added to the project list.

[@hansakermann]

Another way of attaching your pillow to your slepping pad is to "thread it through" a Buff and use an elastic strap to secure it to the pad. I use a Poloar Buff (because I like the way the fleece feels 😊) and an old quilt-strap with clips. That way, the strap Isn't sitting attached to the Buff all the time. Using a Buff cuts a little weight from your gear (no extra pillowcase) while still having your pillow sitting nice and secure on your pad. I'm absolutely NOT mocking your video, just adding some info

[@davidkinninger0164]

I'm a 59 year old man with Parkinson's I used to love to hike and run now I enjoy it with you and people like you and teradrift I think that's the name of her site anyways thank you

[@merindahthornton5080]

In the ‘90s I read an awesome book called “How to sh** in the Woods” it had great ideas for dealing with tampons and pads while hiking/camping. Your 💩 canister idea reminded me of that. I used my tampon canister for sooo many years!

[@David-eg4bx]

This video is both great and fun! Toothpaste tabs will definitely save weight and bulk in the backpack. On the electrolyte gummies, i would recommend you dust them with corn starch to keep them from sticking together. On your version of the diaper genie for backpacking, perhaps line the inside of the canister with a dryer sheet for odor mitigation and some baking soda to the bags to help dessicate the contents and absorb the odor. Thanks so much for all you and your team do!

[@lisaphares2286]

Most cat litter comes scented and with “odor control” but do agree with adding baking soda or corn starch to desiccate the contents.

[@sjferguson]

I love these ideas! I'm not a distance hiker, I do mostly car camping and day hikes. I think the things I'm most interested in making are the wag bags and the fairy lights. I actually think that idea is really good. Fairy lights are fun and practical but Lord do they get all tangled up and if you string them up in a traditional manner then you've got to take them down, roll them up, find a place for them and hope they don't get tangled up again. I really like that they are basically ready to go with little effort, give a fun vibe to camp, and you can basically forget about having to untangle them. 😊

[@jeffreycarman2185]

1:11 thanks for your frankness about poop. Wag bags are most especially important for winter backpacking or high elevation activities where the ground is too frozen or too rocky to dig.

[@kimberlyevans7853]

The lantern looks so cool. You could tell everyone it's a jar of fireflies / lightning bugs. Well that's what it reminded me of.

[@anninwhack1998]

If you don’t want to hem the pillow case you can use a pair of pinking shears. Everyone knows someone w a pair of pinking shears if you know an older woman who sews or someone into quilting or crafting. A little less tidy but sweet edge.

[@thisbeem2714]

That was going to be my comment!

[@maureenobryan6141]

Nice tips. I found another hack for a pillow case for backpacking. Just use an old buff (love that it's small and stretchy and fits right over my inflatable pillow), add your elastic (like you did on your pillow case), and wah lah - you've got an ultra light pillowcase!

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

..Followed link from the future DIY ... How did I miss this ??? ... Arts and Crafts with Miranda .... Improved my boring afternoon .... Thank You Miranda ...

[@pyronymph-868]

I want to thank you Miranda for introducing me to LMNT! Day 4 of morning salty coffee and I no longer feel like I am going to pass out standing up!😊

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

YAY!!! I love hearing that!! LMNT is so, so fantastic 💚

[@andrewb9595]

As someone who doesn't use premade backpacking meals, I recently made a pot cozy with lid, for a trip I took last week. It's a similar idea to the food bag in the video but it's designed to be just a bit bigger than whatever cooking pot you use. It worked amazingly well at keeping my food warm. I also made one for my non-insulated camp cup. It's crazy how long it kept my cocoa hot. I'll definitely be making the toothpaste tabs! I've wanted to have them for trips before but they just aren't very economical to buy. I'll most likely be making the pillow strap as well because that's one of my wife's biggest complaints when we go backpacking.

[@MariePascaleGirard]

For poop bags in my last trip, I just used regular dog poop bags and it worked quite well. Didn't have a special container to keep them though but since it was a bike trip, I wasn't necessarily on trails and I didn't need to carry them for days. I just dropped them into wildlife proof trash cans I found along the road.

[@juliammcgee]

Good idea about dog poop bags but it seems like the bigger bags would be easier to use

[@vjackiw]

I love the neck gaiter/beanie! I'm going to make one and wear through the winter, even though I won't be backpacking.

[@riptide8350]

I like to use a squeeze bottle for gummies less refilling and faster then the dropper and just as controllable. It just a general condiment bottle i got from Walmart.

[@christimartin8512]

Just what I was going to suggest! Also, if you use another packet (or half-pack) of gelatin, the gummies are firmer.

[@karenbencke8407]

I was wondering if something like a turkey baster would speed it up as well.

[@riptide8350]

@@karenbencke8407 never tried one before but not a bad idea

[@sherilgreen7495]

An empty water bottle would work too.

[@cfk8593]

With the neck fair, twisting the tube with also seal enough to work as a beanie without requiring the extra piece to tie it off. Love the tips! Keep up the shenanigans!

[@drunkdogartwork4016]

when caving i used a 4in 2ft long pvc pipe with glued on bottom cap and a screw on top with silicone to make it air tight. added kitty litter. use, cap, shake

[@kristamun8614]

I’ve always made my insulated bags from Amazon bubble shipping envelopes that we get free. I also make mini bags to protect medications (esp. Epi pens) from to much heat or cold. Both heat and cold can ruin an epi pen and lead to my death before I get help! Loved all your ideas. Never thought to make my own toothpaste tabs, even though I use that oven trick to create all sorts camping snacks.

[@HostileTakeover2]

For the electrolyte gummies, you can toss them in a little corn starch to keep them from sticking, same as the baking powder used with the toothpaste.

[@cvweekendercvweekender4005]

The food rehydrating/warming pouches are so great! I love them!

[@ruthycranford8742]

I love the toothpaste idea! Then you can use YOUR regular toothpaste, which contributes to comfort and normalcy on the trail!

[@LizzyNerd]

Exactly what I was thinking. Now I can have bubblegum toothpaste tabs if I want 😂

[@antonypaquette3092]

Hands down, you are the best I've seen on KZbin. Friendly, happy, and just fun. Thank you.

[@88WhiteRhino]

Thankyou for showing people they can make gear rather than buy costly stuff, just get outside yall!

[@88WhiteRhino]

If yer not doing it on some funky fabric what are you doing with yer life? Lifes short, live it!

[@LupisJBM13]

I find Miranda just so amazing. I tried to watch every video from early REI and watching her evolve to become herself is amazing. Thankfully she has amazing people around her in support. I still think Ranier should be alongside Miranda because it seems they work so well together and would allow more direct banter. However, Ranier is absolutely the subject matter expert. Thank you all for such amazing videos. :)

[@Mujirama]

For me its super important, that the buff can be tightend. You can sow in a string, like the ones to tighten your hood on a jacket

[@leahkronick1646]

I have really not loved store bought toothpaste tabs. I find that they don’t really make a paste, just grit, and my teeth don’t feel as clean, so I’m super stoked to try homemade ones!

[@tanvach]

Ultralight lift hacks is going to be the new hot KZbin genre! Thanks for the DIY ideas!

[@rachelk3965]

When you smacked the pouch off the table I belly laughed. Hysterical!!!!!! :)

[@countrygirl63baker64]

❤😂🎉🎉🎉 thank you Miranda!!! 🎉 Great job!! I just made my titanium cup a cozy for tea!! Love the bottle light the best!!!😅

[@moinab]

I made my insulated pouch from a dollar store windshield sunscreen. Had enough leftover to make a pint-size mason jar cozy for my lunches at work.

[@MeanderingSnail]

I loved all of them, but I'm definitely doing the toothpaste tab one!

[@ulibredulli]

This was exactly the type of content I need, today

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

I’m so glad 😁

[@carolwalker9769]

My sister and I made the reflectix bags and just had an opportunity to use them on a section hike of the Foothills Trail. They worked great . Temperatures were in the low 40's in the morning and they bags kept our meals hot while rehydrating.

[@LMay64]

I've been backpacking for years and rarely see something totally new. I absolutely love that you made your own wag bag, but I really love the PB plastic jar to carry them out in. I just never thought of that. I do use very small empty/used foil like coffee bags to seal in the smell better, but the jar will be amazing. Second, I love using toothpaste tabs but never considered making my own. How cool! I will be trying this in the future. My question is regarding the electrolyte gummies. Why only use half of the LMNT package? Seems like you'd want to get the biggest bang for your buck when you need electrolytes and eat a few gummies. Is there a reason you chose to only use half the packet?

[@LizzyNerd]

I've tried LMNT and I usually can't stand a whole packet in a normal glass of water 😅 too salty for my taste, but it might work for someone else! Also one link I found online says salt makes gelatin not set as firm, and sugar makes it set more firm. Something to consider when tweaking recipes.

[@iamamanduh]

One of my fav episodes Miranda! I love the gaiter and toothpaste DIY :) will definitely try!

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

Thank you so much!! Definitely give it a try!!

[@TieWolf]

You videos bring me life! Also, just throwing it out there, your poop tube thing is making its rounds in the dog mushing community. Thanks! haha

[@rodoutdoors]

Got it. Banana peel in a poop tube. 😄That Nalgene lantern hack is pretty awesome. I use those same string lights in my hammock.

[@hopegerber4790]

The lantern was my favorite!! But speaking practically for backpacking trips, I think I'm most likely to make the toothpaste tabs, insulated pouch, and wag bags for when those might be needed. Love your videos so much Miranda (and Rainer)! They fill my need for the outdoors when its too cold to get out there...can't wait for springtime to come around

[@user-tc1lt9eu8x]

Im 93 years old and wish I could have met you or someone like you 70 years ago

[@IntenseAngler]

Great vid 👍 There's definitely nothing quite as satisfying as making your own gear 👍

[@marlynhoksbergen3274]

Definitely loved the tooth paste tabs. Very neat idea!

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

They work SO well!!

[@amypatterson-bocchi2514]

These are literally the best tips ever! Thank you, Miranda

[@stephanielasnoski606]

The lamp is AWESOME! So is everything else. Thank you!

[@TimeToStartOver]

You would be a great kindergarten teacher! 😄 Much love from the Bavarian alps! ✌😊❤

[@JG-uo3fq]

Love the toothpaste tabs idea! Am gonna try it out to save space on packing liquids for air travel. Cool hack! Thanks Miranda!

[@VincentMurphy000]

We have the same oven! Awesome! Induction for the win!

[@juniper1girl]

Very creative. I love it!

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

Thank you!!

[@russelljackman1413]

WAY cool projects! Thanks, Miranda and Rainer!!!!!

[@jjq9th]

My favorite was the pillowcase and I'll probably make the food warmer at home but the knowledge and bottle is pretty cool 😍

[@shawnedens9415]

They're all pretty neat thank you

[@sherrycook7043]

My favorite is the toothpaste tabs and running second it the wag bags. I'll make both, they will be handy in my camp kit. Thank you for sharing.

[@slowerpicker]

Instant classic. Must make: toothpaste tabs, insulated bag. That lantern! Wow!!

[@dsa5394]

Loved the ideas. I'm definitely doing the toothpaste tabs and pillow case. You could also recommend iron on fusible webbing for those who don't sew. FYI, use a cotton cloth over any delicate fabric, like fleece, when ironing.

[@nicolefindley4778]

Great video! Will definitely be making the toothpaste tabs! Thank you 😊

[@moinab]

Definitely making the pillow case and toothpaste tabs!

[@heatherjones6287]

Awesome DIYs! 😃 Definitely going to try the gaiter/beanie and food pouch

[@bertkelly7650]

When I was a scout, the sleeping bag I was using was only good for maybe 50 degrees. Mom made a blanket/ sheet combo w/ a slit to make like a liner for the bag to keep us warm. Worked like a champ. Maybe make one of them?

[@merindahthornton5080]

We used to use knitted “liners” that we called “jelly bags” in Girl Guides (Girl Scouts) in the ‘80s.

[@maureen7653]

Super clear instructions. Thank you!

[@fleetfeet9]

ohhh I love the toothpaste tabs! Need to try that!

[@shawnago]

Loved this video! I've got spare reflectix lying around so I'd probably make the meal cozy first but I was amazed how well the lantern worked!

[@the_peefster]

I made a pillow case for my gear this summer, I added a lair of padding by using the insulation from a ripped sleeping bag its super comfortable with my inflatable pillow

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

That’s awesome!!

[@the_peefster]

Gosh darn! This will be a good one

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

Woohoo I hope you like it!!

[@hannahheather2004]

I love all these! The toothpaste tabs seem super helpful

[@autumnwishes8364]

This was awesome! I felt like I was back in my home economics class in high school 😆

[@lisaphares2286]

Definitely going to make the toothpaste tabs for travel this year, saves space in the liquids bag and handy to keep in a purse or pack on the go. Think the gummies could be made drier by dehydrating or by adding more gelatin and dusting in corn starch or tapioca flour .

[@amydelpiere9315]

I don’t think you can dehydrate gummies but you could use a little more gelatin.

[@pascaline646]

Love this video! Thank you so much for sharing all this wisdom!

[@ProductsChannel]

Thanks so much for this video. It was great fun. This is the second video of yours I just watched. I am gonna show this video and others to my students. I know they will love making these crafty crafts. I also love the Sawyer video you did in Honduras (first of your videos I watched). I just subscribed. Blessings!

[@jimmeek8621]

Interesting ideas. Thanks. My insulated “bag” isn’t foil, but poly bubble envelopes come in various sizes and are sold individually at Walmart footprint a couple of bucks. An 8.5x11 bubble envelope provides some insulation and fits the dehydrated meals I buy. I peeled off the paper that protects the adhesive strip, covered that strip with a piece of duct tape, added a couple of Velcro dots, and was done. I know you dearly love your pillow, but your viewers should be aware that some pillows now come with straps already attached. I’ve been really happy with my inflatable Aluft pillow from Trekology and the newer 2.0 version comes with a strap attached for only $19.

[@sherilgreen7495]

Loved this video Miranda! Am going to try all of them. Especially the toothpaste tabs and the wag bag. May only be camping in my backyard but everything you showed us is useful even there. 😊

[@oldminer5387]

Good video Miranda, thank you.

[@ItsAStephanieB]

I'll try the toothpaste drops! Great idea and I have a Dehydrator!

[@juliammcgee]

Love the toothpaste tabs! Lantern is so neat. And 9 1/2 inches 🤣

[@RobertMcSherry]

Your enthusiasm is infectious

[@phyllismulkey3778]

great ideas

[@readergonerogue]

I tried a sample pack of LMNT when recovering from covid and it helped SO much. I immediatly bought more for future hikes!

[@Alexmontis3843]

coolest video ever!!!. i loved the toothpaste hack

[@Swimdeep]

Great episode-very useful tips. 🌿

[@rivereee]

The toothpaste tabs would really be handy for some of the rafting trips I do

[@SecretCollage]

LOVE this video! More craft videos plz.

[@1littlehelper]

you have no idea how much I love your channel..! will definitely try toothpaste DIY :)

[@mojobartle817]

The home made light would be good for camping. Put it on the table while sitting there playing cards.

[@evercuriousmichelle]

Thank you for speaking frankly about the poop process!

[@jameshiggins-thomas9617]

Have done the reflectix cozy .. slightly different bottom design. It's lasted for many years, though probably due for replacement now. The pillow strap is interesting; I don't generally have an issue with my pillow slipping (I usually have it wrapped in my fleece sweater which adds a bit of thickness and a better surface, imo); I suppose I *could* wrap the sleeves under the mattress instead of tucking then inside... 🤔 Thanks, as always, for the presentation!

[@cherylharmon9311]

Pillow case! Brilliant! That’s probably the first thing I’ll make, but toothpaste and heating pouch are also on my list. Thanks for the fun video and inspiration!

[@zakafx]

miranda, as soon as you start to talk about how to make your own toothpaste tabs I got super excited!!! thanks for this!

[@zakafx]

Electrolyes too?! you're rad!

[@zakafx]

your best video. I really like DIY!

[@capricreech9562]

The toothpaste tabs is awesome!

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

They are so so cool!! Been loving using them now when I travel and hike!

[@tiggerny68]

Omg I will make them all, except the lantern. I think my favorite is the beanie/gaiter.Thank you.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

Thanks for the video.

[@sherrierifenberg2199]

The pot holder is very cool!

[@peggyconway2900]

Great ideas!! This was wonderful

[@kate-ne]

Miranda, I feel like your reasoning for switching to a hard container poop tube is indicating a past mishap 😂 Okay but in all seriousness, that actually is really helpful info!

[@denellebalach1200]

I really liked the electrolyte gummy one. I may make those for my friends for Christmas!

[@ashtonwitham5185]

Put the string lights in a plastic bag and just shove it in the nalgene, the nalgene should diffuse the light and you should get a brighter bottle without the fabric

[@christimartin8512]

I think the point was to be able to drink the water inside as well.

[@ashtonwitham5185]

@@christimartin8512 now I'm trying to think of how to design an after market nalgene cap that runs off a large button cell battery that has a LED inside the cap to provide a perfect seamless experience. Water proofing could be challenging but I don't think that's a terrible idea at least

[@cynthiagoldstein6715]

Going to try the toothpaste tabs for sure! They may work as a non liquid for flying on a plane, too. Thank you, great video, love diy! :)

[@caseybrewer8950]

The lantern is cool for when/if the power goes out. Last power outage we did the headlamp Nalgene combo.

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

It’s great!! I used it in a big tent this weekend, and it really added some ambient bright light!