7 Camp Gadgets that SHOULD be Expensive, but COST Very Little

[@MidnightMaker]

Hey, I was just watching the video and checked out the flat-pack table links and my Instructable was the first to pop up! How cool! I won the Flat-Pack contest and got a very nice Dewalt router set.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

No way! I am pinning this comment. Small world. I absolutely love your table and instructions. I had to share it with the community.

[@karenthaler7741]

So cool. That was aa practical idea. Very creative.

[@ivang18]

😊

[@robertdillon9989]

@@PlayingwithSticksuuuuuypupupuuupuuuuuu

[@abnnomad]

❤😅

[@CarolHewett-ug2cw]

I was quarantined and hospitalized for 12 days in the 1950s.There were no private bathrooms or private rooms in hospitals in the 50s, or 60s. In fact showers were not always present in houses; bathtubs ruled the day. So bedside sponge baths or "bird baths" were quite commonplace in hospital settings. At home we washed our hair separately in the kitchen sink. Consequently when I started camping in the 70s I felt no need for showers. I even found them miserably uncomfortable if no hot water was available. Thus I relied on sponge baths.The advantage was only one portion of the body at a time was exposed to overcome cold temperatures or to deal with modesty in a public setting. I mention this in case someone wants to avoid shower contraptions while camping. Also there are small portable fold up Japanese bathtubs available on line that can be used in a public park wearing a swimsuit or nude in the privacy of your tent or trailer. Just saying ...

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Great suggestions. The last few years our family has been doing more and more sponge baths. They reallly are hard to beat from an efficiency standpoint.

[@Adam-ox6zy]

So true! How many Millenia have humans survived without showers for washing and every day.

[@cherylsibson2529]

Yes, that's all true.

[@josephjuno9555]

The No Rinse Shampoo and body wash work very well! A camp pot w warm water and a few cupful of it and u can wash hair or body and no need to rinse it off. Wash designed for NASA to save water in space shuttle and ISS . NO Need for shower.

[@brtecson]

Im a truck driver and an occasional camper.. i find that sponge baths are great. I usually shower at the truck stop every 3rd day or so, and any other day i'd spongebathe with a microfiber 12x12 cloth. Honestly I think the microfiber helps because im oily as heck and thats the only thing that cuts through the oil besides showering. And when Im done with the microfiber I throw it in the dirty clothes and wash it.

[@bonnieviolette3766]

Wow, I'm super impressed with the foldable chair Paul built, 25 years ago, and it still looks brand new. It is a wonderful design!

[@felishagathright4013]

Mad woodworking & metal skills!!!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Agreed!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

So true

[@karinhart489]

Would love to have that folding into self wooden camp chair for my minivan camper.

[@leonoragayle6783]

That wooden chair tho. Would love to have one!

[@tomaram6938]

The man in the red hoodie is a true engineer! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 His inventions are incredible! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Agreed! and Tim is a joy to be around. That’s a rare combination 😂

[@century2298]

Good Riddance to "cigarette lighter" plugs !

[@cherylpemberton1676]

@@PlayingwithSticks, Hello! First, I'm old now but have been camping, hiking and hiking nearly 70 years! My Darling Granddaughter and her fiance take me camping w/them at least 15 times every summer; they like to tent camp, I sleep in my old Yukon XL. We got back from camping on the Stanislaus River 2 weeks ago, leave in 1 week for SE Sierra Madres in mid-eastern California for a week!! Second, I couldn't find a link for that coffee maker. Would you please list the link for it?

[@op3129]

@@cherylpemberton1676 "at least 15 times every summer" so ... every week?

[@jimzondlak5383]

Is there a list of supplies that he could put on this post that so I could go and purchase it?

[@nancyst.john-smith3891]

I reused a laundry detergent jug with a push button dispenser for hand washing. I painted it black and can set it in the sun. I have them under my bathroom sinks for access to handwashing water during power outages.

[@danm9006]

I have a recycled laundry jug with push button set aside for the same reason. It came in handy (June 2024) when the city was working on the water service. I added a few drops of bleach since the water was going to be stored. Also mark the container that it's not for drinking.

[@q-_-p.d-_-b]

I used a spray bottle filled with tap water. It takes up less space and is highly efficient.

[@ArtCFartC]

Not sure if it's been mentioned yet, but a pump sprayer for the garden with a veggie sprayer nozzle for a kitchen sink makes a great shower for little money. I've used one for several years.

[@belindacarr488]

I have a one gallon sprayer and I have a bag. I carried into the stall with me. I can wash the whole bottom half of me. Spray a little under my boobs, dry off. Awa sit on the pot. I actually if I wanted to I could put my head over the over the toilet and wash it but I wash my hair no matter where I am outside with the sprayer. But we do have a larger sprayer that stays in the car. There's time as you can. You can just use a shower curtain when you're Is far enough out. I love the bathroom stalls like it. McDonald's or Bucky's or somewhere where the saldor goes. You have your own stall and that 1 really works. Good. I just set my bag in front of the part down at the bottom. Nobody's seeing me in there not even my feet. I have a one gallon and a 1/2 gallon Arctic growler. And when I get the opportunity and I can fill those up with hot water. I do it, then. We can either put it in the sprayer. Or we can just spit bath with the hot water at night. But usually if I can wash my bottom half and under my arms. I'm good for a day or two.

[@amylaws]

@@belindacarr488how do you bring it in discreetly?

[@MattDoyleMusicOhio]

I love my pump sprayer shower!

[@dquangt]

The last guy that built the table and THAT CHAIR! Awesome.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I agree!

[@cgillit]

The collective ingenuity of the teardrop community never ceases to amaze and I'm always thankful for the opportunity to tap into it.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I second that!

[@justjoanish]

Geez When I was a kid in Girl Scouts we would take an empty milk jug, tie a piece of women's hose to it with a small/piece of bar of soap inside it, poke a hole in the jug near the bottom, but then put a golf tee in it to plug it back up. Then if you want to wash your hands you remove the golf tee, it sprinkled out water to wet your hands, you rubbed your hands on the nylon stocking to get soapy, then rinsed them again under the small sprinkle of water. Whole thing probably costs 5 cents of discarded items. I am def behind the times. 😅

[@Wifey424-pt5fo]

I remember using that at Girl Scout camp in the late 80s, early 90s. Worked great.

[@justjoanish]

They were awesome. It's why I always remembered them. ​@@Wifey424-pt5fo

[@mondavou9408]

Nice! Sounds like a perfect solution - no batteries, no switches, no hassle.

[@Twin1Kay]

Smart! Thanks.

[@smiller6925]

That is awesome!!!

[@anny31]

Neat stuff thank you.. any instructions on the tool box lithium battery? That would be a great plus! Also wish y'all showed the table collapsed flat..

[@craigchatterton4164]

I thought the same thing! All that info and links about everything except what I really wanted to know: How to build that 100ah Battery power station! I found a bunch of videos by searching KZbin with this: "lithium 100ah battery diy power station".

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

I love seeing all the options here (and some of them are so CLEVER!!) for smaller campers. There are _heaps_ of videos around that cover items for giant caravans and RVs, so it’s great to see smaller items for people camping in smaller vehicles. 😊

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Good point. It does seem that most videos revolve around larger campers.

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

@@PlayingwithSticks​​⁠The smaller/more compact items are right up my alley with my relatively small converted Hiace. 😊

[@garychandler4296]

Especially for us motocampers - pulling a small trailer with a motorcycle, or sans trailer. Everything has to be compact, light, and reasonably durable, like penny stoves, camp chairs (Coleman is mine), and self-inflating Matt pads. Sleeping bag on ground doesn't work well at 71...

[@alnerinranfam]

I love the DIY hand washing container. If you use foam soap it doesn’t take as much water since you don’t need to wet the soap to foam and a lot less water to rinse.

[@richavic4520]

Genius idea, interviewing campers, while camping, about how they've improved their camping experience. Lots of cool stuff from the mothers of invention.

[@coalsparks]

I’m not a camper but the ingenuity of these folks is so awesome. “I had this problem and here’s how I solved it.”

[@jennstuart2031]

Thank you Drew! I just grinned through that whole video. Resourcefulness is the quality that rose to the top . I think the metal fire pit is going on my list. And the inside fire place...wow!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You are most welcome. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Those were the two items that stuck out to May as well.

[@sailorgirl2017]

Paul's table and slatted chair are amazing!!

[@jayburke1601]

I don't have a teardrop I camp out of my minivan with a no build concept I definitely feel like I'm part of this community though because there's so much overlap with the type of camping I am doing using hasika awnings and clam quickset pop shelters and got all the same gadgets you all got

[@timeforchange3786]

I agree, there is definitely an overlapping of camping and vanlife. There is an overlapping with tiny homes as well.

[@GunNut37086]

The table was brilliant! I loved that chair that slides inside itself best of all.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I'm right with you there. Take a look at those table links in the description. What is neat about them is that they are the same concept as his, but a bit different in design and shape. Neat to know there are a few options out there.

[@kathleenhudson8429]

My camping buddy and I are both senior women, and we have found it harder to carry the 5-gallon collapsible jug to our campsite, lift it to the table, and turn it on its side so the spigot is facing down. I bought a battery-operated pump that fits on a bottle, replaced the tubing with a longer one, and built a holder for the pump from scrap wood. At camp, we put the filled water jug on my collapsible dolly and wheel it to our site. The jug stays on the ground, and I thread the hosing through to the bottom of the jug. For water, I only have to press the button on the pump.

[@marysuzyperla6740]

Thanks!

[@Eekamouse01]

Used my Biolite CampStove @Death Valley rest area, using hickory smoking chips as fuel & vaseline/cotton for initial startup. Electropiezo generated power from the heat recharges the onboard battery sys which uses a tornado blast to make fire smokefree. Cleanup is a breeze. Use the coals to clean the cookware. Elevated/self-contained so USFS apv'd. Their coffee pot is similar to a Jetboil & is an outer armor for my stove packed within. 52oz w/stove+KettlePot+CoffeePress (French). Provides USB power/Light/smokefree environ using biodegradeables or hardwoods so fuel is readily available in most loc's, hence my woodchips & vaseline/cotton igniter (fits in a medicine bottle for less mess) mix in the scarce desert. The Park Rangers ordered themselves nearly a dozen after observing me charge my phone & BTSpeaker, then boil water & make coffee while cooking marinated diced beef w/mushrooms served over scrambled eggs and clean up with the ashes, ensuring all embers are out while providing enough grit to scour cast iron. Neat channel. Just sub'd

[@annwhale4418]

I enjoyed listening to all the innovative ideas you shared from the teardrop jamboree. Four weeks ago I had total knee replacement surgery, so I’ve had LOTS of time to watch all kinds of camping videos. My favorites are the videos like this one. ❤

[@user-ni9ny6ei6w]

I USE A TANK SPRAYER FOR LAWNS TO MAKE IT A SELF PUMPING SHOWER !, JUST ADD WARM WATER AND PUMP YOU HAVE A RELIABLE SHOWER NO POWER NEEDED !!. 25 BUCKS AND GOOD TO GO !!!.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love it! Thank you for sharing.

[@carvertmmy]

Share a link for the one you use?

[@sparklecreations]

Where can I purchase one please?

[@timcomer262]

Drew, you said you'd make us look like pros and that you did. When we finished up with this last year I was a bit nervous about fumbling through the demonstration. Great job editing out the bloopers. I just hope you dont do a bloopers video someday! Hey Paul, met you in Sept at CampInn CampOutt. I was the guy in the new foamie.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Hi Tim! Great to see you. Wait, you built a foamie? I would love to see that. I hide bloopers and communication struggles with cuts and b-roll. If you watch your segment you won't see many cuts. Meaning, there reallly wasn't anything to hide. That is truly how you come across in person. May and I were just talking about that a few days ago. You looked so comfortable in front of the camera. To be honest, more comfortable than me. Thanks again Tim for taking the time to share with everyone. Hoping to run into you again sooner than later.

[@erincomer8577]

@timcomer262 Drew is right - you did way better than you made us think. Drew - he really doesn't enjoy speaking in front of people (doesn't stop me from asking for volunteer help at the school programs I run at the museum I work for 😏 ) but maybe camera work is better since it was almost like a 1:1 with you! You do a good job making people feel comfortable. Thanks for sharing!

[@Traveling_Tree_Dr]

I loved seeing their creativity and excitement when you ask them about what they’ve done.

[@unhygienix1970]

"Roll that beautiful bean footage".....lmao. Such a good commercial. My buddies and I love that saying. Especially around a campfire

[@PlayingwithSticks]

The saying is becoming one of my boys' favorites as well.

[@bigdaddysshop8180]

I like 30 minutes away from Chestnut Hill where Bush's Beans are.

[@annseabolt6645]

We used to camp on my dad’s land in deep east Texas & I would heat up a pan of water and stand in a tub like you bus tables with and just have a bath with soap & a wash cloth. I would kneel down and wash my hair over the tub & then wash my body with the warm soapy water and rinse off with clear water. It always felt so good to get clean. In warmer weather we would hang up a solar shower.

[@Adam.A.Higgins]

Drew, I love your content and it took me two years to finally find and RV or teardrop that would work for me. I ended up unwilling to buy an RV that would fit my family of 5 due to poor build quality and poor customer service i have heard about. I always wanted a teardrop but they have always just been too small for families, especially more than 4 people. I am ordering a teardrop from a company that you previously featured on your channel and they are making some minor customizations for me and it is going to comfortably sleep 6 and have a galley kitchen. I am having them start the build in February so i can pick it up in early spring. It should be really neat and something that i dont think has ever been done before or covered on youtube because i have been searching for a family teardrop for years without any luck. Let me know if you are interested or want to know more. Not sure if there was another way i was supposed to contact you instead of here in the comments.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

This is a great place to reach out to me. And yes, I would love to know more. You can contact me at [e-mail]. That way in the future you can share photos of the build. Do you have really piqued my interest with this comment.

[@kristataylor6225]

17:02 😢

[@0HARE]

Wow, what a great episode! I’m sure that I’ll be referring back to it often. These folks are camping innovators of the highest order. Good Vibrations!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it! Our family will be coming back to this video as well. Looks like I’m adding a few more projects to my list.

[@bucktalesoutdoors7566]

Necessity is the Mother of invention. Love some of the creative ideas. Thanks Drew !

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Great quote there. So true! Good to see you my friend.

[@danm9006]

The Father of invention is laziness. 😂

[@maricotodiz4475]

Love the guy in red, he seems to be very smart and humble! My admiration!❤

[@meschneb]

Yes--Midwest nice, though I'm sure there's a version of that wherever you go.

[@oxygencrossroads]

@5:11 This is great for me, because my sister gave me this pump for Christmas shortly after I got my van, and my cats give me a free litter jug once a month! I was able to put my handwashing station together in less than 5 minutes. I haven’t been camping yet, but enjoying building the insides and working on van mechanics.

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

As far as the electric cooler shower, we've found a small pump up garden sprayer to be a whole less complicated. 0ne unique item we always carry when camping is a collapsible shrub rake from the $-store for about $7.oo. Its great for clearing a tent site or clearing messes on the ground or around the fire ring, they're metal. They work great cleaning up after slobs that left just before you got there. Useful on beer cans, paper debris or corn husks etc. .

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I like the garden sprayer tip. I just googled a shrub rake. How many inches would you say the handle/shaft is on yours?

[@annwhale4418]

I really like your rake idea… I did the same. ( clean up the site before setting up camp).

[@Katy809RD]

I also saw someone made a video about a Portable Outdoor Shower, Battery Powered. The guy did great for not knowing what else was out there

[@Nomad_gps]

Thanks, I saw the water pump and immediately knew why I'd been saving that katlitter jug. Went to Amazon and ordered my new pump. Will make my van life much better. Thanks

[@mollydcanada7276]

The navy used to have 2gal. showers: my husband and I would hang a 2gal. bucket from a hook in the ceiling to shower in our Cape Breton cabin - used a laundry tub for the base! We got so one bucket did the both of us! Love camping - love this video!!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love hearing this. Do you just slightly tip the bucket for water?

[@mollydcanada7276]

Actually, he drilled a hole near the bottom, &attached a garden hose with a pistol style nozzle.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks for clarifying.

[@j.u.m.e.8537]

That chair is awesome. Talented man

[@pegatheetoo1437]

You can buy a solar shower which isn't very expensive and is much more convenient. I love mine! You can hang it up before you go to bed, facing east and it will catch the morning sun and be ready when you are, for a nice hot shower. 😁

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Great suggestion. I don’t know if you missed it, but Tim uses the solar shower and then dumps it into the insulated container to keep it hot or longer. So essentially, he uses the solar shower when the need is immediate. But, if he doesn’t have time to take a shower, when the water is hot, he just throws it in the insulated container for later. It’s a pretty neat system he created.

[@Marsha-yl8wl]

During the winter time, water never got hot. I really don't like cold baths. Been having them for over two years now. Thank you. Thank you.

[@PeaceJourney...]

Thank you so much for this valuable gear share, Drew! I loved the hand washing jug, table and chair constructs, and the shower idea was a game changer for sure! Condolences for the loss of Charles, you gave him so much to look forward to each day, and made a profound contribution to the richness of his last year. Keep those videos coming and I will be looking forward to each one. Have safe and happy holidays 💙

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you so much for the kind words. May and I were just talking about how all of this with Charles is starting to settle in. You can never predict how you are going to react to this sort of thing. There were health complications we didn't share with the community, but we weren't expecting this outcome. Thanks again for the encouraging words.

[@PeaceJourney...]

@@PlayingwithSticks I understand, my mother died a few weeks ago, and I am about to go camping in the skoolie to process my grief. You can delay grieving, but you have to go through the entire process eventually to heal from the loss and the trauma of being there through the horrors of the illness of someone you care about. Seems the stronger we are for them during that time, the stronger the trauma is when it finally surfaces. Find your safe place and get centered again ✨️ 🙏🏼 ❤️

[@averyhorton3614]

Some of the laundry detergent bottles work great for hand washing stations. They come with a nice spiket. Repurpose, recycle.

[@PeaceJourney...]

@@averyhorton3614 I ordered the spigot and it is perfect. The laundry detergent bottles have to be manually operated, making the spigot dirty,and thus necessarily using more water. I need to conserve my limited water. For 12 bucks this is worth buying new. In the last 3 years I have repurchased and recycled more items than most ppl do in a lifetime. Gotta draw a line somewhere...

[@paulyosef7550]

Great show. I love real campers with tents and small campers, this is what is fun about camping.

[@jeffreyricciardi7455]

We use a solo stove campfire. We think it’s the perfect size for traveling/ packing. As well as a good size flame to watch.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I was curious to see how many people in the community own one of these. Thank you for sharing.

[@raymondclark1785]

Ditto on the Solo

[@TheHyena-ru8bz]

Amazing video. So inspiring to see the ingenuity of these people.

[@ApocalypseofMichael]

You know something is good when the owner loves it so! That fire oit was sold to me by this lady! Added to my list! ❤

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love it! I was never really interested in them until I saw her enthusiasm. I also didn’t realize they had so many accessories.

[@CraftHarlot]

I use the same faucet / pump in my van, and recycle kitty litter jugs for washing up water. I dont trust the recycled jugs for drinking water, but the 2½ gallon jugs are perfect for van use. Easy to refill and carry.

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Rather than a 5 gallon bucket you should have a huge cooler like the kind on the sidelines of ball games. I don't recommend retail for this I find them in the trash. Once I got 2 from LSU they threw them away used once. Gift from Gatorade or something like that. It's not state of the art but you serious then you can add more insulation to the outside.

[@daleinarizona1561]

I really love this kind of content. I will someday get a teardrop. Just sold my 28’ travel trailer and truck. Whittling down my stuff for retirement. Keep these things going!!!!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

So cool to hear this. You would be surprised how many people in the community have been on your same path. A lot of downsizing in retirement. And most often not due to finances, but for ease, practicality, and enjoyment.

[@alvarovaltierra5381]

I love seeing video like this one to get ideas from other campers. Love seeing other setups and others creativity! Great video!!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you for the positive feedback!

[@davesanders9203]

Definitely something different! Thanks a bunch Seems to me the Shower Jug AND the Faucet could be one and the same?

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Great idea. It truly could be. And makes sense because you’re rarely if ever using both of them at the same time

[@davidmanen5495]

Great video with a ton of fun ideas! Thank you Cheers and safe travels

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it! This was a fun one to make

[@WhiteDwarfVR4]

I made a small water heater to compliment my bag style gravity camp shower. Currently, the heater consists of a Lowe's bucket, about 15 ft of copper tube, about 10 ft of silicone tube and a fluid transfer pump from Harbor Freight which takes D batteries. I may have to look into using a cooler like the one shown, but higher capacity so as to retain heat for longer. Edit, I actually really like the bag style shower, because I can hoist it up in a tree about 20 ft in the with a pulley, extended tube and remove valve at the shower head of course. And the pressure I get from it is comparable to my shower at home.

[@emtiv334]

I don't often comment on videos, but that last guy has some genius ideas! Well done!

[@_GntlStone_]

My stepdad's father built a 2 bench plywood picnic table in a similar fashion in the late 1960s. We still used it to camp with into the 1990s. I believe he got the plans from an old Popular Mechanics. Love the hot shower and the sink setups.

[@Sgettieddi]

We both can not be wrong- I believe I saw the plywood picnic table plans there also.

[@kimberlyarmstrong4641]

Love the table and chairs and chair at end. Brilliant!!

[@oakmaiden2133]

I added a catch basin for my water jug/pump station. I can use a minimal amount of water to wash my hands by dipping then run rinse water. Same for dishes.

[@TayeIm]

Another great video! I always enjoy watching you explain new products. Don’t stop making these videos!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

This is why we make these videos. Comments like this help May and I know which direction to head. Thank you!

[@pattycake8272]

I poked a hole in a gallon jug once and used the top to stop and start the water flow. I found it was not a new concept nor fancy by any means but I thought it and I was pretty cool at the time.

[@petercannova5026]

that wooden chair that guy built is

[@MaryOKC]

The lady with the teardrop and candle fireplace…get battery operated candles which glow and also.. flicker… can buy in different sizes as well.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks for sharing Mary. Great idea.

[@BirdPhish]

picture making mini smores with the little table top bonfire lol.....thanks for sharing all this great stuff Drew! Hey...tonight we're at a campground I was last at during my mountain bike tour in Utah 30 some years ago! memories....

[@PlayingwithSticks]

The boys saw that video of the s’mores and instantly wanted a table top bonfire. 😆 I must say I’m a little jealous of all of your adventures. I can’t imagine what it feels like to come back 30 years later.

[@lynnef3297]

Oh, I enjoyed this video very much and all the very clever gadgets and ideas. Thanks so much for sharing these folks and their ideas and some very cool gadgets. 😀👍

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love hearing this! So glad it was enjoyable.

[@doghairdontcarelindaniel7531]

I loved camping an meeting people like these folks who are so interesting. Great memories.

[@daafy6390]

I love the shower idea with the drink container. I made an evap cooler with the same container. I drilled holes in the top half of the container, put in a pump, pad, tubing and a fan on top that fits into an 8 inch elbow used for HVAC ducts. Both the fan and pump are 12 volt.

[@theresagerman3717]

Love ALL of these items. I presently own a hurricane 2020 mh, but although it’s very functional, there is nothing like these great basics. It makes you appreciate life more. Great job everyone . And your repairs are limited. Mine, much more expensive. Thanks

[@bikesbeersbeats]

I had a dometic water faucet that had exactly the same on/off issue from brand new. My wife ordered a $17 water faucet from temu and worked better and could be folded away unlike the $80 dometic.

[@NurseyPooh59]

I used a 3 gallon water bottle with a rechargeable spout like that to shower with off grid. If it sits in the sun it will be warm. You need a low chair or stool! 😊

[@docedemayo]

I'd just like to say how impressed I am with the Dometic corporate marketing team's ability to get people to spend $200 on a high-tech electric touch sensor device for getting water out of a water bottle. It makes me feel like a poor loser for just tipping my old fashioned water bottle to pour the water out. 😂

[@gordonreeder3451]

@6:00: When I saw this I wanted it!. Just got my Cozy Blue water spout delivered, Kitty litter jug from my sister in law. I'm all set to go.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

So cool! We are doing the same thing. But I’m on the search to find a good collapsible jug that fits the cozy blue water spout. I currently have a bit of an obsession with flatpack items.

[@gordonreeder3451]

@@PlayingwithSticks Don't forget that suitable adapters can be cobbled up using jars or jar lids, or 3D printing.

[@ralph1881]

I love the low cost engineered methods. I also love the comparisons to their "pro" counterparts. Very cool vid!

[@williaty]

Do you have a link for the stomp switch to turn on the shower? That's actually the most important component of the whole thing!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Sorry about that. I found a handful of them on Amazon, but struggled to ensure I found the right one. It was that line from Tim about it being waterproof. I didn't feel comfortable posting link unless I knew it was the waterproof version Tim had. In the end I never found one that specifically said anything related to that. If someone finds it let me know and I will post the link.

[@raymondclark1785]

My father had a similar setup but used a marine foot pump so you didn't need the battery either. Using it at the sink to shave while pumping could be interesting:)

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@raymondclark1785 I like it! Thanks for sharing.

[@suspiciousninja1220]

its awesome to see what people are using that have been doing this for years

[@jeanmorris6744]

I was wondering if Paul had ever thought about putting the plans on Etsy to purchase for the folding table and chairs. I for one would love to make this.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I think that would be great! I forgot to get Paul’s contact information and I don’t even know if he’s ever even seen this video

[@mobiltec]

I have my Dico which is my equivalent to the standard Tear Drop. I've only camped in it a few times and it does the job but dang. It's just too small. Ok for sleep but that's it. But I love all the gadgets that the space impaired come up with to make camp life more comfy. I can see all of these things being used by folks with all sizes of trailers.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We like to call it space deprived 😂 just kidding. But you’re absolutely right when you are confined to a very small space you’re almost forced to get creative.

[@sandragrissom4802]

I've always used insulated water containers during emergency times. No running water, no hot water, no problem, and lasts a very long time. Wash hands through regular spigot. Now I've got plans for showers too. Thanks!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Great suggestion on using these for multipled scenarios.

[@MrOffshore]

This is an awesome video. My favorite thing on small adventure campers is seeing the owner modifications… they’re very ingenious!

[@dlight2669]

The chair,table and cat litter water pump rig all ingenious . love how recycle-able savy these campers are

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I couldn’t agree more

[@2-old-Forthischet]

I usually camp solo for two days, so, I keep things to a minimum. I carry a simple 5 gallon jug of water with a spigot and a one gallon used juice container of water for 6 total gallons. It's easier to use the gallon container and just refill it from the 5 gallon jug. Showers? I use wipes. Maybe that's why I solo camp? I also have a stainless steel fire pit and use wood pellets. Much easier to carry pellets and when the fire is done, the residue is just powder. Lately, I've just been using my 50 caliber ammo box propane fire pit. No wood mess to deal with.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We are just starting to understand the value of multiple smaller water jugs. Like I mentioned in the video the larger ones just get a little unruly. But, with a $15 pump and a smaller jug to pump into it really gets quite simple. I'm going to try the pump method more this year. I have spent way too much time hand pouring. I like the challenge, but I know it probably isn't the best for the lower back. And like your solo trips our family primarily relies on wipes as well now. We wipe for a few days and then take a shower and then back to the wipes again. We find it has reallly made camping easier. It also eliminates our need for an instant shower. Showering every two or three days it actually is fun again to just boil the water the old fashion way. And even then we find ourselves using a sponge bath over a shower more often than not. Love hearing how others camp. Keep sharing the little tips my friend. I love it!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We have never tried the pellets. You have me curious to try it out this year.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

@@PlayingwithSticks I use a propane torch to start my camp fires. I have no patience.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I just watched watched a video this week of Elon Musk's limited release flame thrower. I was chuckling thinking of one of us using it to light our campfire 😂@@2-old-Forthischet

[@JackFalltrades]

Good see you again, Drew! 😊 I almost missed you. Just about to start getting ready for bed! 😀

[@PlayingwithSticks]

It is kind of fun living at opposite ends of the day spectrum with everyone. You are saying goodnight and I am saying good morning.

[@JackFalltrades]

@@PlayingwithSticks I have friends and in-laws in Asia, so I'm used to the idea. 😊 Of course, it wasn't pleasant when former US-based employer had "lunch" meetings for the global team! 😀

[@paulsylvester1394]

Some great gadgets and ideas. I like the hand washing station as that pump could be connected to a home made Berkee filter to eliminate using the little spigot inconveniently located on the bottom. Even better for use in a cargo trailer conversion! Great video!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Great suggestion with the Berkee. You reminded me that I still need to consider completing my cargo trailer conversion.

[@stewmiller778]

I use a desktop version of the faucet/pump in the kitchen at the rear of my mini van, with a hose running stationary 3g bottle. It's handily accessible from inside or out but not portable like a jug. The wash station is a 2qt adjustable pump-up sprayer which is great for hands and dishes but not a shower. It's sponge baths and wipes at my camp. Thank for the hints.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We are fans of the sponge baths and wipes as well. Thanks for sharing what you’re using.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Can you describe the adjustable pump up sprayer a little more? I’m not quite sure what that is.

[@super8forever]

cool ideas. My only (hot weather) camping hack is to freeze one or two 1 gallon jugs of water and put that inside my 5 gallon insulated water container and then fill up the rest with water. This way we have cold water to drink until the frozen gallons melt and then you can just drink from those. Also just bolted a heavy duty food grade 5 gallon bucket with screw top lid to the outside utility platform of my T@g teardrop near the hitch for extra storage. Thanks for the tips and the videos!

[@Sgettieddi]

Food grade 5 gal buckets & lids are available at Firehouse Subs shops for $3. They ship pickles in them. When they resell them, the proceeds go to equipping Fire and Police Departments across the nation. Walmart Delis sometimes have buckets available also, I have been told.

[@Oldsparkey]

The stool at the 11:28 mark she is calling a Coleman is actually a Brigade Folding Camp Stool. Solo Stove makes great stoves , I have had the Solo Stove lite ever since then came on the market. I use it when backpacking. My Son in Law liked it but wanted a bigger one. When the campfire came out I got one for him before they were made public. Sometimes I use a Trangia alcohol burner in Solo Stove lite when all I want is a quick cup of a hot beverage.

[@WildcatPhoto]

Clever things. I have a SoloStove, I think the Campfire size, and I cut some little wood pieces to take along for it. It burns up rather quickly, but good for marshmallows or biscuit dough on a stick. I'm trying to find an excuse to buy a little stool, but probably could live without it. I may spring for a Kelty chair for a regular chair.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

This is the second time I have heard of biscuit dough on a stick. We have to try that. I know the kids will love it. One thing we have been doing that has been a big hit for the family is donuts made from biscuits.

[@WildcatPhoto]

Haven't tried donuts. My mom was a 4-H leader back in the 50s and 60s and did camp cookery, and I've always liked cooking on the stick. If you can keep the dough firm enough not to fall off the stick, put in some butter and jam when it's done. I purchased a fake stick a while back; it isnt as big around as I'd like, and even more difficult than a stick, but one can't go around cutting sticks just anywhere. I'll see if I can find a link to one.

[@judyross182]

You know those big laundry soap jugs with the spigot? One of those also makes a great handwashing station.

[@Michelle-n7f]

That Paul with the incredible table -- WOW !🎉

[@larryparson9609]

All great Stuff thanks for sharing Happy Trails All😊

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You are most welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ericcontreras901]

The custom built table and chair are awesome !

[@garretlewis4103]

It was good seeing all of the gear and hacks. I really liked the table. Christine liked the warm water shower hack. I am currently working on a hack to put a rechargeable water pump/spigot on a Relience water jug. Liked the Bean reference at the beginning. 👍👍

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Hi Garret! Good seeing you. What I thought was really neat was that there are numerous different styles and designs of the 1 piece plywood table. The more I looked online, theh more I found. And I love that it can tuck neatly under the teardrop mattress. I had to throw that Bean comment in. My boys were introduced to throwing cans of beans on the fire this year. The beautiful bean footage line has now been adopted by the boys. It seems to work for both beans and bean trailers. Haha.

[@christybradfield7812]

I am not quite retirement age, but once I can retire, I hope to travel lots.@@PlayingwithSticks

[@rowanmulvey8632]

Is there a design or plans for the flatpack table in this video? When I clicked on the ones in the description, they all seemed to be different designs, but not that one? Am I missing something?

[@n8rlvr876]

7:52 I have that exact usb powered faucet as the gentleman you’re interviewing... bought it end of August to hit the road first week of September, paid 15 bucks I think. Amazon. It works perfectly. In fact the manual boasted the charge lasts 40 days.... it’s lasted me longer than that. Great product, great price.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love hearing feedback from people in the field. Thank you!

[@kaitlintaves6279]

What's it called?

[@ProductivitySoftwareResearch]

Favorite camping hack. SoCal camping sometimes and at the campground for 2x the cost of tent site you can have a cabin instead. Creature comforts are fun to have at times. Great video thank you.

[@speedfreak8200]

Great video, here's my comment : I've been making/using Hobo Stoves outta old metal coffee cans. With a reflector it puts out some heat while cooking. For coffee i use a #2 pour through cone single cup, my grinder works via my inverter. I use the same setup at home for fresh coffee

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing.

[@karinhart489]

Nice video. A few years ago I scored from the recycling bin 2 of those kitty litter 4 gallon containers in green colored plastic instead of his clear one. After verifying no leaks & because they previously held 38 lbs of litter, I use them at home to fill up with water to leave 1 in each bathroom in case of a scheduled power outage for utility to avoid wildfire danger. However, putting a power faucet on top of one is a great idea for camping. The currency cheapest price on Amz for a USB rechargeable Water Dispenser Pump currently $7. I may have to experiment…

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks for sharing this. $7, I like that price!

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

7:28 I have one of those Dometic taps, and in the two years I’ve had it, it’s very rarely had issues turning off or on when my hands are wet or soapy. Maybe only three or four occasions in total.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I've heard this from other people. I think because we got them when they first came out they must have changed the design. Dometic told me to just reach out to them and get a new one. After hearing your comment here, that's definitely what I'm going to do.

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

@ that’s great. This is why I choose, when I can, to get something from a reputable company so I know the customer support will be there.

[@brianmccarty3615]

Where was this? Since the folks you talked to were from Wisconsin I'm guessing there or nearby. Power Pole connectors are popular with amateur radio folks

[@PlayingwithSticks]

My family and I met these incredible folks at the Camp-Inn Camp-Outt. It is a great event put on each fall by Camp-Inn Trailers.

[@dontask7898]

The water pump he has on the jug is for 5 gallon jugs that you would typically see upside down at the office. Have had one for years now.

[@theresa337]

When I travel I find being a carnivore has helped with convenience, I can dehydrate ahead of time, and I don’t worry about anything going bad and I have minimal trash. With that said I am just learning and will be following. TY

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks for sharing. Much appreciated.

[@richardhenry1969]

Great video hope you can make a lot more. I really love ingenuity and hacks to save money. This is so much better then all the videos pushing expensive gear . Especially the stuff nobody need but because they got a free one they pretend it’s a game changer. ( to a game nobody plays) 😊 Just my sense of humor with a 😉

[@PlayingwithSticks]

😂 Love it!

[@tcar02d]

A large empty laundry soap bottle makes a great hand wash station. Even better if you have a fellow camper to hold the button down. Now you are green too

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks for sharing this.

[@jimb1312]

Scepter water cans work great with the inexpensive electric pumps

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That is funny that you mention this. That is exactly the brand I was considering for using with my $15 version this year.

[@mcgong]

One thing to note, I have the same two water faucets. I used to use the cheaper one in the same manner and switched to the Dometic because the flow rate is slightly less. I was burning through a lot of water with the cheaper one.

[@djo9941]

I'd take the solar water output right into the cooler. A pool noodle around the cat litter water pump would cut down a lot of the noise. Great video!