DIY Reflectix Projects For Backpacking

[@AlekaMayr]

I saved the reflectix from when I was getting Amazon Fresh frozen deliveries, and my kids and I will will be sleeping on it this summer out in the desert! Its so awesome that you posted this and you are so right - I don't have the budget for fancy gear, but I do have to know-how to not let it be a barrier for getting out and doing what I love.

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Aleka Mayr thank you so much. You would be surprised what you can make out of nothing.

[@markmccann8356]

I know this is an old video, but I had to comment. These ideas are super clever! My feet are always cold on my late fall and early spring hikes (and I'd like to do a winter overnight at some point), and when I saw these ideas I was thinking, "This is the fulfillment of some great prophecy - He will come into the earth and speak of the reflective things!" Seriously, I've heard of this stuff before, but the slipper inserts and the foot box - mind blown! Great video. Love the cat too! Peace!

[@pilarboutte392]

Brilliant ideas with Reflectix! Going to try them all❤

[@tomcatt998]

i was bumming around back in 77, was out in Texas one cold night and came across a building project, walked inside and lo & behold rolls & rolls of pink fiberglass insulation, says me to myself,, Tom Catt,, we gonna sleep warm tonight that was 40 sum year's ago,,, i finally quit itching yesterday 🤪

[@kengarland2181]

Just a quick note ! I made a cozy for the bladder on my Camelback, keeps my water cooler much longer. Love you Video, keep up the good work my friend.

[@DrCh0ngo]

I’m only 30 seconds into the video and I already love it. You’re speaking to me: DIY backpacking family guy on a budget.

[@Richard-Seekingwulf]

I discovered a way to use reflectix back in the mid-90s. I worked 50 miles away from my home and on the way home I'd like to pick up a pizza but it was always cold by time I got home so I had to greet my wife with a cold pizza. So I got creative and made a envelope of reflectix and never had cold pizza again. Far out man I'm getting into Hammock Camping I really don't want to have to buy a 2 or $300 underquilt so I'm trying to be creative. Thanks for all of the cool ideas.

[@adastra5346]

Awesome man. Thanks. Experience over gear is an excellent thought process.

[@DoseofDirt]

Cool ideas! Thanks for sharing, man!

[@shannonjensen3855]

Great ideas!! Baby Bear is blessed to have such an imaginative thoughtful dad!

[@genemichael2359]

Loved your pad ideas!!!!

[@channeldosti]

I really liked your video and especially the honesty about getting things done cheaper. It helps us get started otherwise all other videos are about how you need to hit $1000 for your adventures.

[@gungrabber970]

I really admire The innovation, instant like and subscribe!

[@PhilCherry3]

Two years ago I made a full-length hammock underquilt insert out of Reflectix. It worked wonders with my cold weather hammock camping setup. I recently deployed it as extra insulation under my wife's air mattress during a cold night campout. She said it helped her stay warm and toasty all night.

[@nooloo3000]

Finally a black outdoors man! Not to make it a race thing but I felt left out your great! I subscribed

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

nooloo3000: Thank you for subscribing. You are correct there is a void within the African American community for KZbin regarding backpacking, hiking, and etc. I don't have tons of experience developed from childhood. I am a late bloomer that playing catch-up. However, It's not going to stop me expand our culture. I hope my videos will inspire you and others to experience outdoors. Nature is for all of humanity. Stay tuned to this channel and please watch, like, share, and comment on the other videos.

[@nooloo3000]

@@3picAdventuresLLC will do brother I'm a late bloomer too ! Keep up the great content

[@troubadouroutdoors2126]

Excellent. Boy are we in the same boat. I am 100% with you on the gear situation. And I recently discovered reflectix, and holy cow is it a game changer! All of my gear is low to middle price range and it’s been working for me for three years and 273 miles of backpacking! Here’s to more backpacking vloggers like us who help people realize that they can comfortably enjoy many great backpacking trips without spending thousands on fancy and ultralight gear! You can even keep your baseweight reasonable and make really big miles with some quality and affordable, non-ultralight gear! Cheers! Also, Subscribed!!!

[@luc1ferblack]

in the summer i hang this in my windows to reflect heat out. it also works great to line motorbike muffs and make them warmer

[@walkerone9833]

Hello from Upstate NY. I purchased a 4ft wide x 25 feet long roll of Reflectix for $1. at a garage sale 3 yrs ago. Been using it for all sorts of hiking things among others. When I saw your slipper hack it was amazing. Turned my feet from frozen to golden!!! Thank you so much for the tip!! Subbed and get all notifications. Will go through all your vids over time. Love your ideas and looking frwd to seeing all your vids/family outings. ATB

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Thank you for watching our videos. I plan on doing my DIY topics. These adventures can get expensive!!!

[@mowater1]

Outstanding Video- Your new name is Professor Common Sense. Saw this product/tool on several other post. You Sir, Took it to another level. This is coming from an Army Vet. trained in Survival . Appreciate your clear and concise delivery. Thank You for great much needed video.

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

mowater1: Thank you for the comment. We don’t have to but expensive gear to camp. Before the ultralight community, people used common sense. Your brain keeps you alive, not gear.

[@keisha717]

Reflextix can be cut to fit between the fly and tent body of a 4-season tent. You need some kind of spacers to keep the reflectix pressed tightly against the outside of the tent body (but this addition is very easy). You'll be amazed at how warm the inside of the tent will be compared to the outside ambient air temperature. Just your body heat alone will keep stuff from freezing inside the tent that would otherwise freeze without the reflectix heat shield. A small candle also can be used to provide some heat (just be extremely careful to avoid carbon monoxide building up as this can be deadly).

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Keisha K.: Thank You For Your Comment. I thought about doing the same thing with my reflective blanket it and space-age blanket. I will try experimenting with your idea next winter.

[@eprince6477]

Some of the best hiking/reflectex hacks I’ve seen. Thanks for sharing.

[@OP-fd4lh]

Hot summer car shade- I use a long piece on top of my car and one ontop (not inside) of my windshield to help the car from getting scorching hot. I don't use it on the inside of the wind shield because I still had a hot piece of glass when I got in the car. My car temperature is about 15° degrees less hot with thr 2 pieces. Thank you for sharing your great ideas with us.

[@cliffspicer6555]

Great video and I was wondering how it would work under a pad to increase the R Value. Guess I know now. I also have no idea how I missed the insert for yours shoes idea you mentioned you got from Shug. He's a goldmine of good ideas. Hope you and your family are well. Haven't seen any new videos for some time.

[@riccouchman5604]

Terrific idea regarding the footbox. My son and I were on backpacking trip in Harriman State Park, NY over the Thanksgiving weekend and we both struggled with cold feet while sleeping. The other innovations were also great. Thanks much.

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

The four box works so well that my feet were sweating. Thank you for watching.

[@Menelaos_Nanas]

Cool stuff man! I really like the way you present things. I made a pouch for my water blader so that i can keep my water cool in the summer and not freezing in the winter . . .

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

That is a brilliant idea. I should have thought of that. Thank you. By the way, your idea is patient pending. Enjoy!

[@davidnorris8724]

The slipper hack is dope bro 👍🏻

[@JSWilliamssr]

The foot box is BRILLIANT!

[@CarlGeers]

The sleeping bag foot box is genius man! I've been collecting some reflectix pieces from the restaurant next door when they get their deliveries and I will definitely use some of your ideas! Thanks!

[@toadevergreen2561]

Love your video! Great content and great philosophy. I'm not a father or a mother but I've experienced poverty throughout my entire 20s and when I started backpacking 10 years ago I took canned food, a Walmart backpack and slept on the ground with no pad. Eventually I graduated to a big ol yoga mat and I hiked like that for 4 years. Even though I am grateful to have nicer gear now after thru hiking the PCT, I know we don't need Z packs to enjoy the outdoors :). I'm looking for added warmth options for my sleep system for this winter and into the early shoulder season. Love your advice. I tried reflectix bubble wrap under my air pad last January backpacking in the Seven Devils area in the Hells Canyon of Idaho but I just used a car windshield cover. No way I'm paying $50 each for the Nemo switchback for my partner and I! Now I'm going to try making your lighter and more compact option. Thanks for the awesome tip!

[@jpbowhunter4307]

We are much alike working class fathers - it’s about the experience. I think most of these ultralight guys are more about projecting their prosperity on the trail. I have a Big Angus ATX with an R value of 3, and what I like to do is put the Reflectix under my pad. This does two things adds warmth, and protects the pad from puncture damage. I think that helps my 35 degree down bag go a little below its rating with a liner. I also made a lid for my camp pot. I think I stole that from Shug Marry too. That bearbox cooler was a good idea. Just freeze the hotdogs and put them in the box and eat them the first night. Great idea.

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Thanks for commenting. I got a trip coming up this weekend. I am watching the weather to determine if I need my reflectix. Keep commenting and watching.

[@kennethstarr5545]

I love the ideas! When you can use one item for multiple things, excellent!!!!

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Thank You. Do you have any ideas I may expand upon?

[@kellybiele9647]

Genius! I’m grateful for you and this video. I’m heading out this weekend for my first cold weather backpacking trip in Catskills. I’m always cold, so I’m terrified of freezing. Due to Covid and NYC shutdowns haven’t been able to work since March so no money to make a budget for winter gear for this trip. Using what I got, I only have summer gear. Gonna use most of these ideas. Thank you! God Bless!

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Please let me know how your trip goes. I glad this video could be helpful.

[@remminimidget2739]

THE MIND IS MASTER IN CREATIVITY- THANKS - BE SAFE -

[@cleener]

I use mylar blanket to reflect sun on my tarp, I just bring some small magnets with me and when it gets too hot just throw up the mylar, also put one on the bottom of my underquilt makes it windproof and increased temperature dramatically, great video, you are a genius.

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

cleener100 Brilliant!!!!!!

[@ricdonato4328]

Excellent tips and techniques. Thank you for sharing.

[@junogym]

Cool ideas, or warm depending on you needs, nice video

[@robmarquis7532]

Great ideas! I'm going to Lowe's today and get a roll. Thanks for the info!

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Rob Marquis: Let me know how it goes. I am glad this video helped.

[@maxm3515]

Really great tips! You probably just saved me 50 or more dollars assembling my first backpacking gear. Thank you!

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Saving money and cutting weight is a true challenge. Be sure to share any trips you discovered in the comments sections.

[@MoeketsiThebe-fe2bh]

Just what I was looking for with the footbox rig , i camped 2 days ago and woke up at 5am with cold feet . I was using a bivy bag

[@cruisepaige]

OMG orange kitty!!!!!!!!! Edit: Gray kitty and purple haired lady!

[@armedgunman8988]

Whoa..I've got to make one of those feet boxes. I'm so done with cold feet. Very good idea!

[@radonnawisdom6723]

Great ideas, especially the sleeping pad and pouch cozies!

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

No problem. I used this method for my son. He never complained about being cold.

[@hervana22]

*heart* you, your ingenuity & your kitties. great tips, thanks

[@notquiteultralight1701]

Hey sir!! This was really cool!! I really appreciated this! I like your style! Take care!

[@sarahgosa8175]

These are some very useful ideas. Thanks so much!

[@FitzInTheVan]

Awesome. I came here to learn how to make a food coozie for my ziplok bags and now can’t wait to get a roll so I can also make sit pads. Brilliant!

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

You are welcome. Please be sure to join the channel's new Facebook forum. Go to the main channel page and click on the Facebook icon.

[@markevans506]

I often wondered about Reflectix, you have me sold. Great ideas. 👍🏻

[@stevesummersell_K4WXX]

Love the footbox 👍🏼

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Thank You.

[@Greg_M1]

Good ideas man. Thanks. Have been enjoying your videos.

[@jacintoalmager8778]

Nice. I used it to make some window blackouts for my jeep

[@outdooradventureswithshane3319]

Just came across this video somehow and nice use of reflection. I don't know where you are located but up here in Iowa it gets way cold in the winter time, today high of 8°. I use it and made some koo,it's for my where bottles, and cans of adult beverages so they won't freeze. Will check out your other videos. Happy trails

[@outdoorwally8430]

Thanks for the tips, Buddy👍

[@kevinstouffer9978]

Awesome ideas

[@fredflintstone1547]

a thin layer of material between skin and the mylar is important to prevent sweating all over the reflectix all night

[@peterpurshouse4469]

I have only just discovered your channel. You have got brilliant idea's. I to suffer with cold feet. Also your tips for cooking. Many thanks for sharing ideas. I will be using your tips over here in England. Pete.

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Hey Peter, Thank you for watching. Its nice hearing from our neighbor across the pond. I hope these ideas work out for you.

[@jimstewart5739]

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing...

[@noneyerbusiness203]

Awesome! Liked the vid & subscribed.

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

RvI: Thank you!! Be sure to take a look at the other videos.

[@migueldeluis5507]

Very ingenious, you had a very nice channel while it lasted 👍

[@jeffmcrobbie5015]

Brilliant! I enjoyed your creativity!

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Thank you for watching.

[@timdula9674]

Great ideas!! Gonna have to try that on my air mattress. Great way to save $$! Thanks for sharing friend!

[@Tipster49]

👍🏼👏🏼 reflectix rocks! I can’t wait to buy some and start making stuff 😊 (backpacking gear is expensive 😳) so fun to find cheap alternatives we can make ourselves!

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

You are welcome!!!

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

That footbox idea is brilliant! Thanks for sharing these tips. :-D

[@Plain-Ole-Chuck]

Great stuff.. I just made a cooking bag earlier today to try a new meal I saw on You Tube.. I had a bunch left over from when I did the window and roof vents on my camper last fall..lol thinking about putting the window shades back on for summer to beat the sun a bit

[@glennbarfield8421]

Your work is brilliant! I'm in the same situation as you, kids, wife, work, who's got the money for that expensive stuff when you've got brains and materials? MYOG. I especially like the bear can idea.

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Glenn Barfield: Thank you!!! Do you have any ideas that you are willing to share. I believe in passing along information. Again, thank you for watching. Be sure to watch the other videos, share, and comment.

[@amputeeoutdoors]

@@3picAdventuresLLC I've got a video on Amputee Outdoors (kzbin.info/www/bejne/rovQdYWsq8iXb6M) where I demonstrate the use of my Reflectix freeze dried food cozy and another (kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqWUY5iEg9-GZq8) where I demonstrate my Reflectix pad to keep me warm in my hammock in the winter time.

[@intothefoxhole7985]

We did the bear can liner a couple weeks before I saw this video. Great minds think alike. We used it as a sit pad later at camp. A little slippery.

[@cliffspicer6555]

Good advice and I have seen many people who put it under their pad to stop the cold air from coming up from the ground through to your pad and you. What you are doing makes more common sense to me, but I would think it would turn my nice and quiet insulated Klymit Static V sleeping pad into one of those pads that sounds like your sleeping on a bag of chips every time you move.

[@tom_olofsson]

Great ideas

[@josephjamison5007]

Great Video, I like your ingenuity, I have only made pot/cup coozies and pouch coozies.

[@SaffyFoo]

Love you wisdom 👍😁🇬🇧

[@williammaurer9450]

Excellent!

[@BitsandWood]

Great ideas!

[@gary1094]

Just came across your video, pretty cool inexpensive ideas. Thanks.

[@cleener]

OMG, you are doing fantastic, you don't have the money so life is forcing you to improvise. Just subscribed, love it.

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Thank you for watching. I've learned that expensive gear doesn't enhance your enhance experiences in the backcountry. It's your perspective on life. Why spend half your mortgage on gear that you'll use periodically.

[@thomasnugent7602]

Very good ideas, Thank you very much

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Thomas Nugent: You are welcome. Thank you for watching our channel.

[@sailor-rick]

So cool. Thanks.

[@laremyzaring8568]

Cool vid! I didn't see this in the comments, so here's a suggestion. The sit pad could be put on 2 vertical sticks to reflect fire heat to your shelter and your footbox could be used for a soler oven. It might melt if you get it too close to a fire or you maybe could use it near a fire as a warming box/oven. I get cold feet too. I use thick fluffy socks that are LOOSE fitting. A size or 2 too big for sleeping in. (Or Mittens in a pinch.)

[@foggs]

If the reflectix is too slippery you can thin silicone with mineral spirits and paint on stripes or dots

[@reggivv9826]

i use relectix around and under a pet folding pool (make sure its the 30 cm high and you get it on Amazon) and use it as a bath tub in a zip up tent, inside your van or tiny house . Keeps the water warmer longer. i have a coleman stove or a heat wand to heat up water on the go. i use about 3 to 5 gallons of water. its not deep but it gets you clean and its stays warm. i paid 15.oo for the pet pool and 22 dollars for the privacy tent. I also use it in the summer as a small soak pool for those really hot days, when you just need to cool off. you can also use pet pool as your shower base so you dont have to freeze out side in cold temperature.

[@RandyFrench]

Wow, this was pretty awesome. Thanks for making this video!

[@yearofthegarden]

definatly used these back in the day, they work pretty good to 30degrees if you combine them with another foam pad. There are military thermarest pads for $10 that go great under these reflectix pads to get below freezing. otherwise it's good to have a lot of leaves and debris under your reflectix to get off the ground more.

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Are you able to buy this at the surplus store?

[@brianmorrison9168]

A very well presented video with some great tips. Have subscribed to your channel. Regards from the UK

[@daniellemalan8832]

Fantastic hacks! Thank you!!

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Danielle Malan: Thank you. I am working on more hacks and tips for another video. Be sure you subscribe and click the notification button so you can be in the know when I drop it.

[@kennethcarter5720]

Thanks good ideas

[@charismabanks1830]

You did such a great job keep up the good work!

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Thank you. I will. I enjoy reading comments from the channels number one fan.

[@neiloppa2620]

Good message with a good video. Thanks : )

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Neil oppa: Thank you! I hope this video was helpful for you.

[@cissyreese9779]

i'm crying right now b/c i've thrown away so many of those insulation things in the boxes of my food delivery services. My nephew used to own a construction business so he has a bunch of this. can't wait to make these for my backpacking trip.

[@jamesreck8476]

good ideas, thanks for posting.

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

No problem. Please keep watching and sharing.

[@donyafrontauria9235]

thanks for such neat ideas! I'm just getting into backpacking and survival type stuff, but hubby's been into it for longer than I've known him, since he was a kid. :) We're going to get a roll of this and make some cozies and pads for each of our packs. Great ideas! I just found you, but I can't wait to see what else you come up with.

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Thank you for watching. More videos and adventures are to come.

[@chrgore]

Love this

[@piewisznia9704]

Great ideas! Thank you for making and sharing these videos...this type of creativity can really make a difference out in the backcountry!

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

You are so welcome! I enjoy making these videos. Thank you for watching.

[@beejoy6153]

Nice video...thank you!:-)

[@NateMaris]

Epic vid bro

[@petergloria5247]

Great video. I was looking for ideas, and you had many!!

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

You are welcome. I hope this was helpful.

[@coaroas9243]

Lightbulb went on with the pad! I go out with my dogs and that may be the trick in the winter. I think I'll epoxy it to a pad.

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

I am glad this video was able to help. Please be sure to take a look at our other videos for additional ideas and tips. Enjoy!!!

[@RedWhineman]

Thank you for a great vid! Noob question - if I'm sleeping on snow, where is the optimal spot for the reflectix with relationship to my sleeping bag, bivy sack, and ridgerest pad? Thanks again!

[@markallen6119]

For cold feet, take a hot water bottle and fill it before you sleep. Cut a piece of Reflectix about 6" longer than you. Buy some cheap fleece and sew it about an inch bigger than the Reflectix, leaving one end to add a zipper so you can remove the Reflectix and wash the fleece cover. You can also add a pack of HOT HANDS to the feet area, but wear socks and keep them away from bare skin. Enjoy!

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Thank you, Aleka. I am glad you enjoyed our video. I love working on DIY projects. It challenges the mind and gives you confidence upon completion. In today society, too many people are willing to spend their money on expensive items that cost 1/4 of the fabrication cost. As this channel grow, the ideology of saving money, encouraging other to hike their own hike, and exploring different and new adventures will not change. The family and I are working on new, exciting, different, and AFFORDABLE trips. With a big emphasis on AFFORDABLE. As we learn new tricks and tips we will be sure to pass them along. Again, thank you for watching. Be sure watch our other videos and leave comments on what you like and how we can provide our content. Also, don't forget to share and recommend others to our channel. We Will See You Outdoors.

[@kate_roaming]

Such good ideas! Whats the weight of the footbox? And do you have a video showing how you made it? My feet are always my weak link in the cold!

[@nicoleandjoshbaldwin4228]

I’m planning on using this and a tarp for winter camping but I’m also using a Mylar blanket on the inside of the tarp so it reflects the heat back. Glad to see guys doing the family thing. Keep those good videos coming

[@tnguyen2822]

I cut plastic bags out to make them all flat and single layer, then tape all of these bags onto a mylar emergency blanket, and use it as a ground sheet / tarp. When I use it as a groundsheet, I put the plastic bag side down and mylar side up. When I use it as tent tarp, plastic side up, mylar side down. It has served me well and proves to be impressively sturdy.

[@rhettoracle9679]

Nice diy! Hot dogs, reflectix, flat plastic fresnel lens, solar cooker?????

[@3picAdventuresLLC]

Scott Mannear thanks a bunch. I also Pinterest but I try.